Project in progress!

Eric S. Brown earned the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP) designation today by passing the USGBC LEED AP exam. LEED APs must demonstrate a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and the LEED Rating System. Special areas of focus within LEED are Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Innovation & Design Processes. LEED Accredited Professionals possess the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully steward the LEED certification process.

Two months since my last post, it is time to clean mental clutter out of the crib and put some polish on the good stuff. A lot has been observed and pondered including (but not limited to): compost, urban chickens, construction recycling, household recycling, biomimicry, home-grown tomatoes, Cool Home Tour, Zero Waste, LEED and Net Zero Homes. I will expand on each of these in the near future.

In the spirit of Spring Cleaning, here are some timely, useful, wacky and entertaining tips and information:

http://www.austingoodwill.org/media/events/09/weigh_good.html (note the dates)

http://www.marthastewart.com/article/spring-cleaning-checklist

http://housekeeping.about.com/cs/cleaning101/a/springclnngguid.htm

Rain has never been as satisfying as it was this morning. It has been a long time since a significant precipitation event occurred. Since it is fresh on my mind, I thought I would provide some sources for rainwater collecting and rebate programs from the City of Austin.

The City has a Rainbarrel Sales Program – check out:  http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/watercon/rbsales.htm . Another local source is Innovative Water Solutions: http://www.watercache.com – their barrel is a reconstituted food supply barrel. For rainbarrels purchased from sources other than the City there is a Rainbarrel Rebate Program: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/watercon/rbrebates.htm

For larger rainwater harvesting systems, there are many local designers and providers – check out this link from the City of Austin’s website: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/watercon/downloads/rwsuppliers.pdf . If you decide to do a larger system, you may be eligible for a rebate: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/watercon/rwrebates.htm

Happy harvesting!

The MILHouse (guest house) is part of a property featured in the Statesman’s Homes section this weekend. Check it out here: 

http://www.statesman.com/business/content/business/stories/statesmanhomes/01/18/0118spotlight.html

You can also go directly to a slideshow here: http://www.statesman.com/news/mediahub/media/slideshow/index.jsp?tId=141112

Enjoy!

In case you made a Resolution to get your (stored) household and clothing items in order, the Container Store is holding its annual Elfa Sale through February 9. 

To get started check out: http://www.containerstore.com/elfa/getstarted/index.jhtml

This product may be more expensive than others, even if you buy during this sale, but the value is in the great design. Best wishes on fulfilling all of your New Year’s Resolutions!

Here’s wishing you all a peace filled 2009!

This Sunday, December 14th, there will be a home tour of modern homes in Austin. You can find more information on their website: http://www.modernhometouraustin.com/

Just a few days left until the 2nd Annual Thoughtcrib Holiday Bash. If you have not already RSVPed, please take a moment to do so.

Here is an updated photo by Trey Hunter of the MILHouse, this year’s Party location.