Green primer

This article from the Chicago Tribune H & G to do list
— Beth Botts introduces many green building practices.

The Smart Home is ready for visitors at the Museum of Science and Industry, 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, in all its sustainable and technological glory. See the green roofs (all three)! See the recycled wood staircase and the bathroom tiles made from Chardonnay bottles! Tour the organic potager, with its compost-enriched lettuces and sweet alyssum and its rainwater-collecting cistern! Gawk at the combined garage and movie theater! Marvel at the elegant furniture designed from recycled materials and the whiz-bang home-automation technology that controls skylights, sound system and LED lighting! There's a point to it all: The fully-functioning 2,500-square-foot house, built in modules, was designed by architect Michelle Kaufmann Designs to be as environmentally friendly as possible, with reclaimed or sustainable materials, a design that encourages energy conservation through natural ventilation and lighting, ample outdoor living space and careful control of all power-using devices. It's co-sponsored by Wired Magazine with an outdoor landscape by Jacobs/Ryan Associates tucked between century-old oaks. Go on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9: 30 to 3 p.m. and University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener volunteers will explain composting and organic gardening techniques. Through Jan. 4.