Sustainable living

The Sierra Club has launched www.sierraclubgreenhome.com, designed to provide a better understanding of how -- and why -- a greener home might translate into financial savings, a healthier environment and a sustainable future. The main page includes a rotation of lengthy articles about issues of the day, such as “Home Health Hazards” and “Besting Solar Myths.” But the site’s real value is in its interactive functions, which offer step-by-step instructions. A calculator will estimate the cost of adding a solar power system, and a video section offers documentaries on composting and lowering energy usage, among other topics. Much of the material is not as detailed or deep as it could be, and some “helpful hints” border on the obvious. Nevertheless, it’s a welcome resource.

-- Paul Young