BuildDirect Green Blog

What gave Hurricane Katrina its extra-special punch?  Was it global warming, a crumbling infrastructure, official bungling, something else or some combination of it all? These questions might sound like fodder for grad students or pundits, but they could soon be explored in a court of law, thanks to a class action lawsuit filed by a group of Mississippi residents victimized by Hurricane Katrina. They’re going after the big guns, too, seeking compensation and punitive damages from the likes … [Read more...]

Humanity's relationship with bamboo is extensive, stretching across a myriad of cultures and spanning thousands of years. Its uses have evolved over time, and even in the 21st century this grass—considered a symbol of fertility in Chinese culture and a symbol of friendship in India—has been utilized in a multitude of ways that might seem a tad eccentric, especially by North American standards. These 19 uses of this sustainable plant highlight not just its versatility, but the ingenuity of … [Read more...]

The sun may shine and the wind might blow without government support, but some green industry advocates say long- term policy initiatives are necessary to boost the fledgling wind power industry. In an effort to encourage Congressional support for passage of a strong national Renewable Energy Standard (RES), and to show that politicians aren’t the only ones who can move a lot of air around, 120 wind energy representatives traveled to Washington, D.C. for a March 10 event dubbed “Wind Power … [Read more...]

Going green doesn’t have to mean making huge changes to the way you live your life. Even making a few small changes in your shopping habits can benefit the environment. By simply replacing the products you usually buy with a similar alternative, you can feel better about yourself and your impact on the world around you. And if you happen to be planning a big ticket purchase in the future, there are green options to consider there as well. 1. Snacks Instead of purchasing your usual bag of potato … [Read more...]

In a story line that seems plucked from the pages of a hard-boiled detective novel, a massive oil spill is coursing through northern Italy. Except, unlike a detective thriller, it's real-life vegetation, water  and bird species taking the hit. Hundreds of birds have already died as a result of the spill, which started Tuesday, sending thousands and thousands of liters of primarily diesel fuel coursing down the Lambro River on their way towards the heart of Italy's agricultural production. And … [Read more...]