DIDJA KNOW?
Wrapping your water heater with an insulation jacket can reduce your water heater’s energy use by 10 to 12 percent.
—Arizona Public Service Co.


WOOD WISE
Both earth- and decor-friendly, wood flooring from EcoTimber comes in a wide range of offerings, from hardwoods to rapidly replenishable bamboo.

The company obtains its hardwood from Forest Stewardship Council-certified sources, and notes that responsible forestry can conserve forests “for future generations.” Additionally, products carry the FSC logo and are made with non-formaldehyde adhesives. They also are free of added urea formaldehyde.

Among wood flooring choices are birch, hickory, maple, pecan, poplar, walnut and various reclaimed wood varieties.

Pictured is a bathroom with an EcoReserve Walnut Gala floor. EcoTimber flooring selections are available through Arizona Hardwood Floor Supply Inc. in Phoenix, (602) 273-1634, and Scottsdale (480) 607-1919; Natural Territory in Scottsdale, (480) 998-2700; and Sierra Hardwood Floors in Phoenix, (602) 271-9081. For more buying options and information, check ecotimber.com.

LIGHT FANTASTIC
Measuring 15.75"H by 42"W by 20"D, this six-light Havana fixture from Corbett Lighting boasts a hand-woven shade made from sustainable abaca fibers. A two-light matching sconce also is available. Find the lighting at Valley Light Gallery in Scottsdale, (480) 948-5030. To learn of other retailers, visit corbettlighting.com.










ECO-ARTISTRY
Reminiscent of a still-life painting, these niceties from VivaTerra are eco-conscious. The Pieced Teak Branch Mirror’s frame is made of parts of tree branches salvaged from a furniture factory. The Recycled Jewel-Tone Bottle Vases are just that—frosted-glass vessels in vivid hues created from recycled bottle glass. The gold vase is 7"H; brown is 14.5"H; and red is 18"H. Available separately or in sets of three from vivaterra.com. 








WORDS OF WISDOM

Clarke Snell poses the philosophical question “What is a good house?” in The Good House Book: A Common-Sense Guide to Alternative Homebuilding (Lark Books/A Natural Home Book).

Snell explores the house-and-human relationship by pointing out that while housing is vital to one’s existence, our modern-day construction has lost a connection to nature.
 
In this highly readable do-it-yourself handbook, Snell guides his audience through a detailed explanation of alternative materials and structures. Some of the latest trends are in straw-bale insulation, cordwood construction and recycled plastics. He dissects these complex subjects through a variety of diagrams and photographs, and also historical insights.

The book is peppered with helpful tips and innovations, such as post-industrial recycled denim, which can now be utilized for insulation in place of the traditional Fiberglas. 
Snell also believes that “There’s simply no excuse for not orienting a building to make the best possible use of the sun.” He advises homeowners in desert climates to build houses that face north. 

The book includes a detailed resource guide with Internet and other references broken down by each chapter’s subject.
—Lindsay Norman