I will spare you the entire thought and building processes and show you what we finally decided on.

Since this is southwest orientation, my main concern was getting extra light and heat, since the winter sun does not come around to that side until late morning. I put three fixed skylights along the lowest part of the ceiling, which has worked well. The sun comes through them a few hours before it gets to the front.

In the New Hampshire house, the south facing windows were floor-to-ceiling. I wanted as much sun coming in as possible for daytime heating. Here in Taos, I wanted a planting bed close to the windows for maximum light, so the windows are in the 5′ space above the 3′ deep planting bed. In both instances there is a 1′ spacer between them for support.

Ventilation is as important as heating. Plants and people don’t like temperatures that are too hot, as much as they don’t like them cold. To keep everyone and everything comfortable, I installed:

• A glass door flanked by two double-hung windows. This allows more sun in winter and serves double duty to ventilate in summer.
• Two double-hung windows in the end wall
• Two VeluxR operable skylights in the upper part of the ceiling. This is where heat will rise, which made it the most logical place for a moveable vent. Air moves in through the windows carrying the heat out of the top vents. Moving air is cool air, so opening the windows and the vents cools off the greenhouse, even if it is hot outside.

The soil in the bed is to be part of the thermal mass. It will absorb the sun’s heat to keep the temperature levels even and keep the plants warm. The concrete floor and an adobe-lined wall on the northern side are also mass that will absorb sun and ambient heat to radiate back out at night.?

The ceiling is super insulated, and exterior doors lead into the four rooms of the house. There is no supplemental heat in the greenhouse. In the event there are many cloudy days in a row or old-timey winter temperatures of 40 below, I will sacrifice the plants as the greenhouse gets cold, but the heat in the other rooms will not be lost. The girls have small gas heaters in their rooms for the coldest days and nights.

The work was done enough by Thanksgiving to start seeing the benefits. My fuel bills that following winter were half of what I’d been used to paying. I cut my wood consumption by half with the new ceiling insulation and double pane windows, and my natural gas bill was about $40 a month at it’s peak with the girls using their heaters.

Come spring, I got an energy audit and a surprisingly good HERS (Home Energy Rating System) score.?

When researching companies and products to use in this blog, I’ve noticed that most of the sites I visit are specifically directed towards green-minded women. The “eco-list” I maintain is filled with companies that make lingerie, swimsuits, dresses, t-shirts, jewelry and handbags for women, and the products and companies focused on the needs of men are few and far between.

In an effort to appeal to all (or at least more) of my readers, I’m decided to dedicate this, and the next few posts, to great green goods for sustainably-minded men. So if you’re looking for clothes, shoes, outwear or accessories for yourself or your favorite guy, you’ve come to the right place. Today’s post… sustainable and green garmets for eco-minded men!

EDUN – EDUN is not your average sustainable clothing company by a long shot. Founded in 2005 by Ali Hewson and Bono (yes, that Bono), EDUN’s mission is to drive sustainable employment in developing economies by producing organic and eco-friendly clothing. EDUN clothes are currently produced using sustainable practices in India, Peru, Tunisia, Kenya, Uganda, Lesotho, Mauritius and Madagascar.

If you’re looking for a crisp dress shirt, you might check out this short-sleeved Tropic Woven – Sandstone Khaki shirt. Made with 100% organic cotton in Uganda, this button-down shirt is finished with epaulette sleeve detailing and can be purchased for $95. EDUN also makes jeans, and is currently offering thee Galaxy Denim Pants in black. Constructed with 98% organic cotton denim (the other 2% is stretch), these slim-legged jeans can be picked up for $145.

Loomstate – Launched by designers Rogan Gregory and Scott Mackinlay Hahn in 2004, Loomstate is dedicated to creating certified organic clothing using socially and environmentally responsible methods of production. Loomstate clothes are inspired by the balance of shape and color that’s found in nature, and are designed with an eye towards comfort, fit, and durability. f you’re interested in casual clothing that are 100% organic, you might find what you’re looking for at Loomstate.

I like these 100% organic Crafton Cargo Shorts, and know someone who would look great wearing these on weekend hikes or visits to the Farmer’s Market. These heavy weight cargo shorts come in Olive Green and can be purchased for about $100 on the Loomstate website. If you need a shirt to pair with your new cargo shorts, consider the “Peace Signs” SS Crew Tee for $38. Available in blue, beige, or black, this 100% organic shirt sends a message that connects peace with alternative energy. Loomstate also offers denim, dress shirts, jackets and hoodies for men, and has a collection for women as well.

Boll Organic was created when founders Kent and Kevin Russell couldn’t find any organic dress shirts. The company prides itself on creating superior organic dress clothes at prices comparable to their non-organic competitors. And even though it costs Boll Organic 30% more to create organic shirts, they still manage to donate 1% of their profits to organizations that are working towards a cleaner environment. Buy Boll Organic shirts if you’re looking to impress others and feel good about yourself. The company’s shirts come in 2 styles – button down and spread collars, and are made from 100% US Supima cotton. The shirts come in classic white and can be purchased on the company’s website for $35 each.

Other eco-friendly retailers who make men’s clothing include:

`e ko logic – Organic and recycled polos and t-shirts.

Spun Bamboo – Organic bamboo t-shirts, boxers and sweaters.

Ecolution – Hemp clothing, accessories and shoes.

HT Naturals – Hemp, cotton and eco-fiber casual clothing.

Join me next time to find out where you can get eco-shoes, accessories and other guy-centered sustainable goods!

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With more and more people turning to environmentally-friendly products these days, finding vendors who sell all you need is key to successful green shopping. While it may seem romantic to visit 15 different merchants when shopping, most of us don’t have the time, the energy or the inclination to do so. Plus, driving around the suburbs to buy all you need from a variety of stores isn’t really eco-friendly!

To help you out I’ve compiled a list of eco-friendly online marketplaces where you can find all kinds of home-goods in one location. These marketplaces act as the “middle-men” for eco-friendly vendors, and ship the goods right to your doorstep – thereby saving you the trouble of driving around and wasting fuel. So sit back, click some links and get your eco-shopping done from the comfort of your home – it’ll save you time and resources, and may just help save the planet!

Gaiam – If you’ve been reading this site for any length of time, you’re probably already familiar with Gaiam – I write about it all the time! And while I’m not always thrilled with some of Gaiam’s methods (most of what they sell is not made in the USA), they do offer a tremendous selection of furniture, home furnishings, clothing, accessories and gift items that are sourced and manufactured with green processes. Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, the company strives to offer “Conscious Commerce,” and is “a provider of information, goods and services to customers who value the environment, a sustainable economy, healthy lifestyles, alternative healthcare and personal development.” Look to Gaiam if you want eco-friendly yoga clothes and tools, outdoor furniture, or light fixtures.

3R Living – Billed as “Future Friendly Products,” the goods sold on the 3RLiving website have been “carefully selected with the principles of reducing waste, reusing unwanted or discarded materials, and recycling in mind.” Founded by Samantha Delman-Caserta and Mark Caserta in 2004, this Brooklyn-based business offers a selection of home goods, accessories and gifts to enhance the most eco-friendly of homes. The budget-conscious can find inexpensive goods to meet their needs on the 3RLiving site too – there’s a section for goods under $10, $20 and $50.

Organic Bug – Organic Bug is a funky online gift store that offers a decent selection of Organic, Hand-Made, Sustainable, Fair Trade, Made in the USA, and All Natural clothing, accessories, cosmetics, personal care products and outdoor goods. The company’s mission is to help people use their purchasing power as a vote for social and environmental change – i.e. – put their money where their mouth is! The company has all kinds of green initiatives that they have incorporated into their operating principles, and is obviously putting their green philosophies into action in how they run their business. Check out Organic Bug if you’re looking for bamboo clothing, unique home decor, or eco-friendly garden products.

Adili – When Adam Smith founded Adili, he did so with the thought of opening a department store filled with eco-goods. Stocked with goods from over 80 eco-designers from around the world, Adili sells clothing, accessories, shoes, home goods, and beauty products to suit your every eco-need. You can also purchase goods from Adili’s line – Own-Label – which have been sourced and manufactured with Fair Trade, organic, and ethical practices. Committed to the principles of ethical eco-chic fashion, Adili’s website includes a section dedicated to their philosophies and practices. Shop here if you’re looking for fun, fashionable and somewhat funky clothes, shoes and jewerly for the whole family.

EcoMall – While the EcoMall website isn’t as flashy or stylish as some of the other online eco-marketplaces, it’s jam-packed with practical information about all kinds of eco-products and companies. More a directory of green goods and websites than an online marketplace, EcoMall has pages upon pages of green, organic, Fair Trade and eco-friendly vendors and merchants who sell everything from magazines to furniture, aromotherapy products to alternative energy, appliances to clothing. So while EcoMall may not exactly fall into the “One-Stop Shopping” category, it can point you in the direction of almost anything you need that’s green.

Feel free to write in and let me know if you have a favorite online marketplace where you buy your everyday green goods. Finding great sites like this is an ongoing challenge, and I would love to offer your suggestions to my readers!

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When you live in New England, winter starts once Halloween ends, and you have to be prepared for snow, sleet, ice or rain until you think that it will never be warm again (a time most commonly referred to as “May”). And since you’ll be wearing it for so very long, it’s critical to outfit yourself with winter gear that’s warm, well-made and hip enough to wear ALL the time.? With such long winters it’s easy to get sick of your boots – so I’ve compiled a list of companies that are designing eco-friendly boots that will keep your toes toasty and look cool as you slog through the snow.

Beyond Skin is a British shoe company that hand-makes shoes using ethical labor and trade practices,? eco-friendly synthetic materials (non of the company’s products are made with animal products), and sustainable manufacturing processes. Beyond Skin products are are crafted out synthetic fabrics (thereby reducing the waste generated by the overall production of the products), and are suitable for vegetarians and vegans who are looking for cruelty-free footwear.? Beyond Skin boots are made with Polyurethane (PU) – a synthetic material that looks like PVC leatherette, but doesn’t contain dioxin – an environmentally damaging chemical.

While Beyond Skin doesn’t offer a huge selection of boots, their slouchy Celeste boots (shown above) are stylish and ethical. Made from faux suede, these mid-calf boots come in brown or black, and will set you back a few bucks (about $374). If you’re looking for ankle boots, Beyond Skin also makes funky black hemp Nadia boots which retail for about $690.

If you want eco-boots and don’t mind wearing leather, you might like the boots offered by California designer Calleen Cordero. Hand-made in a small California factory, these boots are crafted out of beautiful Italian leathers, hand-sculpted wood bottoms, and molded orthopedic foam insoles. Quantities of each product are limited (as each boot is hand produced by artisans), and expensive – though it looks like each pair is well worth its price. If you have the budget to splurge this season, consider outfitting yourself with a pair of Calleen Cordero’s truly unique boots.

If I could pick just one pair of Calleen Cordero boots for my feet, I think I’d go for these sexy Topa Boots (above & to the right).? Hand-stitching on the boot uppers adds a flirty finish that would look great over jeans, and the funky heel makes the boots all the hipper. The $670 Topa Boot is only made in limited sizes – 8 and 8.5 (which just happens to be my size!), and can be purchased online or from boutiques in North America, Europe and Japan. Calleen Cordero offers ankle boots too, including the Adrianna Half Boot (to the left). With 4 1/2 inch heels, these short boots will help you stand out in a crowd and feel confident that your $620 was well spent on eco-friendly footwear.? For further insight into the production of these boots, make sure you check out the company’s online Factory Tour.

Founded in 2005 out of the idea to create a “luxurious, socially-conscious fashion label,” Charmone incorporates the founders’ eco-ideas into the design and production of their high-end shoes and boots. By using microfibers (instead of leather) in their footwear, Charmone products are crafted with the philosophy of “compassionate design,” and product less waste than do leather boots.? In an effort to bring compassion to every part of their business, Charmone shoes and boots are manufactured in sweat-shop free factories where quality craftmanship is encouraged.

If you want something really different this winter, consider Charmone’s moss green Darjeeling ankle boots. Crafted out of microfiber faux suede and faux leather, these $250 vegan boots will look cool peeping out from under your jeans. Darjeeling boots also come in black, but I think the mossy color is what really makes these boots! Charmone also makes a knee-high boot called the Dragonwell – I like the how they look,? but the boot heels don’t really suite my pragmatic winter needs.

Form & Fauna is another eco-shoe company that makes hip and funky footwear using sustainable materials and practices. Using non-traditional and renewable materials to manufacture their boots, Flora & Fauna is committed to reducing their environmental impact on the Earth. Fabrics and materials included in the production process include Italian synthetics, organic hemp, bamboo and regenerative wood (for the heels), rubber outsoles, recycled fibers and breathable eco-liners for inside the shoes. These Cocca Hot Rod thigh-high boots (to the left) have Anil Kid uppers and rubber outsoles that keep the eco-conscious in stylish attire.

Terra Planet makes sustainable footwear that fits into three primary categories: 21st century artisan (shoes made using classical designs with modern technologies), Recycled (shoes made from recycled materials), and Barefoot (shoes that are as close to the principle of going barefoot as possible). While Terra Planet does manufacture their shoes in China, they work hard to develop life cycle metrics for all of their products and to minimize their negative environmental impacts through better sourcing, the use of sustainable and recyclable materials, and a professional code of conduct for all of their factories.

The Terra Planet Janis boot (shown at right) is made from vegetable tanned leather and is adorned? with a recycled quilt panel (made from recycled Pakistani and Bangladeshi quilts) in the shape of a flower on the boot’s back. These $295 boots eco-boots are held together with minimal glues (to reduce their environmental impact), and built with recycled materials when possible. Finally, if you’re looking for some really different boots this winter, make sure you check out these quilted ankle Lauren boots. These high-heeled short boots are also made from recycled quilts, are vegetable tanned and locally sourced.

The boots and companies listed here are just a sampling of the eco-comitted businesses out there who are dedicated to designing, crating and selling environmentally friendly goods. If you have an eco-business, or know of eco-companies that you’d like to see promoted, let me know! I am always looking for new sites to visit and new products to share with the eco-aware.

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