King County’s online ‘EcoCribz’ videos show local homeowners how to remodel green

County hosting ‘Blog-a-Thon’ to help promote new show

In these tough economic times, some folks might be considering a remodel of their current home, rather than buying a new place.

King County has plenty of sound home remodeling advice that is easy on your wallet – and good for the environment. The County has launched a new online show, “EcoCribz,” highlighting area families who are remodeling their homes using green products and practices.

“We know remodeling choices can be overwhelming, and EcoCribz is about helping people make smart decisions and showing them the best resources to get the job done,” said Patti Southard, project manager for King County’s GreenTools Program and host of EcoCribz.

Coinciding with National Remodeling Month, EcoCribz’ premiere episode, “‘Practical Green,”’ follows one Issaquah family’s choices to make their home more energy efficient, improve its air quality and provide a more practical use of space.

“We want to show people that green home remodeling creates healthy, comfortable spaces that can save you money, increase your home's value and help protect the environment,” Southard said. “We also created helpful remodel tips for renters who are looking at paint and interior options such as area rugs and eco-friendly bedding.”

In addition to highlighting local green remodeling projects, EcoCribz also illustrates how homeowners can use King County’s online Eco-Cool Remodel Tool to find the best green remodeling products, practices and resources.

Watch the trailer for the first EcoCribz episode at http://winmedia.kingcounty.gov/dnr/dnrp/Ecocribzpromo.wmv. To check out the Eco-Cool Remodel Tool, visit www.ecocoolremodel.com.

The tool allows users to take a tour through a virtual house and find tips ranging selecting healthy paint products, to what should be considered when replacing a furnace, upgrading a kitchen or landscaping the yard.

King County is also taking an innovative approach to getting the word out about EcoCribz and the Eco-Cool Remodel Tool by hosting a “blog-a-thon.” Green building and energy efficiency experts and others in the environmental community will volunteer in 15-minute shifts to promote the show and the tool into the blogosphere.

Additionally, many experts from around the country will be joining in from remote locations as well to help get the word out.

Related information

Eco-Cool Remodel Tool

Sustainable building

King County Solid Waste