Recognizing the rising demand for green homes, The Home Depot and The US Green Building Council have recently launched a database for affordable LEED eligible products. Even if you're not working on a LEED project, the database serves as easy to use guide for finding over 2500 eco-friendly building goods — from adhesives and appliances to toilets and trim. More

As a renter and someone who loves building home goods, I have struggled with a desire to buy wood working tools while dreading the thought of moving them. Here are five tools to have on hand for a compact, renter's wood shop needs. More

When it comes to power tools, new ones are released each year and the product cycle of power tools is very similar to tech and rightly so. Improved technology contributes to major changes in tool design. The number one consideration in a power tool (cordless) is the battery. Lithium-ion batteries have revolutionized power tools and as they continue to get smaller and lighter the tools begin to evolve into extensions of your hand instead of brutish instruments. More

This past October Re-Nest was all about green building materials, renovations, and retrofits, and our archives from the month are a great resource for anyone looking to get more information for a building or renovation project. Here are 15 posts to get started:

TOP ROW
• 1 Sustainable Financing For Your Green Renovation
• 2 Virtual Reality: Customizable Pre-Fab from Blu Homes
• 3 Convection vs. Radiant Heaters: What's the Difference?
• 4 5 Green Building Tips for the Budget Conscious
• 5 Top 10 Green Building Products for 2012 More

Last month we wrote about our favorite gifts for home renovators and fix-it-uppers and just this past week the folks at Young House Love put together a comprehensive collection of their favorite DIY tools. More

Perhaps Dr. Evil saw the future full of lasers and was right, although not mounted on sharks but rather in home-bound tech. Hand-held building and home improvement tools are all over the place and extremely handy. We highlight some great laser levels and other tools to help you get started on that project you've been putting off all summer. More

Etsy recently made an inspiring video about Liberty Tool Company, a shop located in a small town in Maine. Founded by H.G. "Skip" Brack in 1976, the first floor is dedicated to used tools that Brack salvages and resells at affordable prices. He hopes that by offering artists & craftsmen the tools they need, he will help to support a sustainable local economy. Check out the video: More

Home renovation gifts probably seem a little dull, but trust me - the person on the receiving end will thank you! Tackling a project with sustainability in mind is easier when you have the right tools and gear for the job - check out our list of tried and true gift options after the jump! More

FIRST ROW

• Renovation Education: A School Turned Apartment
• 10 Non-Renovation Renovation Ideas for Renters
• Renovation for Renters: 10 Ideas for the Bathroom
• Modern Cabana: Prefab for the Rest of the Family
• Our Favorite Tantalizing Tips on Tools

SECOND ROW

• 9 Visual Feedback Energy Management Products
• Reduce, Reuse, Remodel: Home Upgrades That Pay You Back
• Reclaimed Wood Bathroom Renovation
• Sustainable Financing For Your Green Renovation
• When Reclaimed Works: The Backyard House More

Specialty: Smart building products based on health, performance and sustainability.

Price Range: ($$) Mid-Range

Austin residents now have an alternative to the larger, more well-known hardware stores: TreeHouse. Built on the principles of providing healthy, sustainable, affordable and long-lasting products for the home, residents with all sorts of projects will be able to find what they need here. More