It's been very well documented that visual feedback is enough to help consumers decrease their energy use by as much as 15%. By understanding their own energy use, people can make better decisions regarding consumption, saving money and reducing demands on the energy grid during peak periods. So wouldn't it be great if we could control and view our resource consumption, anywhere at anytime, even with our smart phones? More

I just spent the last ten days in El Salvador, Central America where it has been raining almost non stop since Monday, October 10th. The region is experiencing a state of emergency that rainwater catchment could not have prevented, but it could have helped reduce the severity of flooding. Capturing rainwater in your home reduces the quantity of water that hits the storm sewers in your city. Here are ten posts to help you get started. More

Collecting rainwater in large cisterns is one way to conserve precious resources but let's face it, not everyone has the space or funds for such a project. That's why I love these horizontal bladder systems that can go in underutilized areas like crawl spaces and below decks and porches. More

Q: I've recently had some construction work done in my rental apartment and the workers have really damaged the hardwood floors! The flooring is already very old (it's a pre-war building in downtown Manhattan) and it had a lot of existing scratches, gouges, and general wear. Now the wear and tear has drained the flooring of its color and looks perpetually dirty. Can you recommend a product or process for bringing the wood back to life?

Sent by Abbey More

Using water wisely is one of the most sustainable choices you can make. A trend in landscaping is xeriscaping your yard with plants that need very little water to conserve resources and create beautiful look. This cottage was transformed with a new landscape. Check it out after the jump. More

One of the primary tenets of Slow Home living is that a home should have good natural daylight. Regardless of where you are in your home, the living spaces should be day-lit and have access to natural ventilation and outdoor views. Any of these attributes would make a home better, slow or not, and while we don't always have control over this, there are ways to make the most of the daylight you do have — read on to find out how. More

Some of you may be living through the hottest, driest summer you've been through yet (like I am). In severe droughts, it's especially important to use water efficiently and according to the city's guidelines. While it's no secret that you need water to keep your garden alive, here are a few more tips to help you prioritize when water is scarce. More

The Seed Pod, designed by Bristol-based student Aaron Colfer, allows anyone to save and store seeds they collect from the plants they grow. The product is based on the industrial-level technology used at The Millenium Seed Bank, but here it's been simplified for consumer use... More

Efficiency is a huge part of what makes a slow home; namely, "reducing unnecessary or wasteful energy or water usage." Conserving water is one of the most efficient ways we as people can conserve resources—here are a few of our best tips for doing just that. More

The concept of good lighting can apply to different things in the Slow Home, from determining your solar orientation to what types of fixtures are the most efficient. As part of this month's theme, we're going to break down the basics of effective and comfortable lighting and offer tips and strategies to help get you there! More