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Woman selecting exterior paint

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Green Up Your Exterior Paint Job

A “green” exterior paint job costs more than a conventional job, but many conscientious painting contractors already build these practices into their estimates. Read More

Progress E K
Effort Low 3 hours (research)
Investment Low $250-$1,000 (materials/labor)
Added to Binder
Man working in home workshop

Your Guide to VOCs

Understand which volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are lurking in your house so you can reduce your exposure to these harmful chemicals. Read More

Progress E K
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Too much ventilation can introduce pollutants from outdoors

6 Tips for Reducing Your VOC Exposure

Simple, habit-forming strategies reduce your exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in your home. Read More

Progress E K
Effort Low 1-2 hrs (buy low-VOC)
Investment Low $20-$400+ (various fans)
Added to Binder
Small wind turbine in California

Is a Wind Turbine Right for You?

A wind turbine can generate clean electricity and substantial savings if you’re in the right spot and plan to stay for the long term. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money High $1,540/yr (70% electric cost/yr)
Effort High 2 mos (plan and install)
Investment High $28,000 (cost minus tax credit)
Added to Binder
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10 Ways to Help Your Watershed

A clean and well-managed watershed doesn’t just mean clean drinking water. Do your part to keep land and water clean and you could reap financial benefits too. Read More

Progress C E K
Effort Med 1 wknd
Investment Low $350 (100 sq ft rain garden)
Added to Binder
Rain barrel in front of house

Water-Saving Irrigation Strategies

Simple, low-cost watering systems help you save water and money but still have a great-looking yard. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Low $70/yr off water bill
Effort Med 1-4 hrs to install drip system
Investment Low $125 for drip system
Added to Binder
Man tending to urban garden

5 Tips to Create a Green Neighborhood

Once you’ve made your home more environmentally friendly, it’s time to extend your mission of sustainable development to the rest of your community. Read More

Progress $ C E K
Save Money High $4,000 (sharing car)
Effort Med 2-5 hrs/wk (gardening)
Investment Low $60 (canning supplies)
Added to Binder
Portland streetcar

Smart Growth: A Key to Sustainable Development

Here’s why sustainable development could mean more cash in your pocket, not less. Read More

Progress C E K
Added to Binder
Reduce standby power consumption

Saving Electricity: Reduce Standby Power Consumption

It doesn’t take much effort to reduce standby power consumption; and you could save the equivalent of a few tanks of gas a year. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Low Up to $100/yr
Effort Low 30 min-1 hr (set up)
Investment Low $20-$140 (power strip, meter)
Added to Binder
Home Security Check

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