AnV Design

Hot Reclaimed and Recycled Materials!

2010-02-02T16:37:00.004-05:00

If you have a weak spot for reused, reclaimed, and recycled in architecture and interior design, you have to check these out!

The M + E Collection from EcoDomo is made entirely with recycled materials, blending stones, glass and recycled leather - the Recycled Leather is made from leather scraps taken from tanneries which produce leather for car seats and others.

The free form, organic design of each Bear Creek Glass handcrafted ocean bowl makes it a spectacular focal point for any bath. 100% recycled glass.

A warm, rustic and very hip way to serve up a compact fluorescent (or incandescent, your choice). Laser cut steel over mica. Made by Eleek from recycled steel square bar stem and 100% recycled cast aluminum canopy, shade rings.

Mirai collection was designed by Matteo Leoni for Warisan. Fully built in Recycled Teak wood, derived from demolished old houses, bridges, phone posts, etc. The line features 2 beds, nighstands, drawer's chest, as well as desks, bookshelf, sofas , coffee tables & outdoor items.

These Asian Art Imports palm lamps are made from recycled palmwood. The heights range from 4' to 7' tall. Each piece possesses an individual character.

The Debris Series Recycled Ceramic Tile features over 112 glaze colors, contains over 60% recycled materials, and is made by Fireclay in their U.S. Northern California sustainable factory, creating one of the most beautiful, sustainable ceramic products on the market.

Custom made lighting by Function + Art - variable options: size, finish, glass drop length, ceiling or wall mount. Made from recycled steel and glass.

DIY Eco Storage Ideas

2009-12-30T23:36:00.010-05:00

You might have scoured the internet for Eco-friendly storage options only to find that they are scarce and often pricey. Fear not, if you are handy you can reuse some common 'useless' items to make your own storage containers. Of course, these are just a few ideas - use your imagination and your local salvage yard to come up with even more creative options!

Large Capacity Recycling: Are your recycling containers so small you have to empty them nearly every day? If you have the space, make a container out of some used burlap bags. You can get some free or at very low cost from your local coffee roaster. Just make a frame out of 2x4s and place the bag in the middle, roll the edges over the frame and secure them with large tacks.

Under Bed Storage: I have come across many old dressers that are just too ugly to be placed in a visible space in the house. Often though, they are very well made. Sometimes out of sturdy and high quality hardwood. Find a new use for old dresser drawers by attaching some casters to the bottom and "voila!" - you've got yourself plenty of under bed storage. Great for dorm rooms by the way!

Bedding Storage: Use an old wine barrel with lots of character to create a unique storage space for extra pillows, comforters, and bedding. Just make sure it is clean and use an old sheet to make a liner bag. Easy as that!

General Organization: Give new life to old wooden crates by creating a fabric liner that will prevent things from falling out. A myriad of things can be stored in these. Organize your craft room, your kids' art supplies, or the glass jar collection (you know, the ones you don't want to recycle just yet because you keep thinking you'll find a use for them).

Storage for the Small Things: You know what I am talking about. The small things you find all over your house that do not have a place of their own. The greeting cards from friends, the tape and scissors, pens and pencils... Just use some old shoe boxes and cover them in fabric, there is no end to the possibilities!

Germ Guardian UV-C Room Air Sanitizer Review

2009-12-11T00:15:00.000-05:00

Just in time for flu season! No, I don't have germaphobia, you would know that if you came to my house. It isn't exactly sparkling clean. I was looking for a way to clean the air though now that winter is here and I can't air out the house everyday with a baby at home. Never mind that it is below zero most nights and even during the day. There are many air cleaning gadgets out there but how many can claim that they kill 99% of viruses and airborne bacteria? How many use technology that hospitals rely on to sanitize their air? The Germ Guardian Air Sanitizer uses UV-C light to do just that. Thanks to Germ Guardian we were able to test their product and write this review.

DESIGN: The Germ Guardian UV-C Room Air Sanitizer has a modern, futuristic design. The stainless steel construction is both durable and will look good in any interior environment. It really looks great in any room in my house, be it the bathroom or the bedroom. There are also other colors on the market if you want a different look (red, blue, orange, black). It has two openings, one that takes air in and one that disperses clean air. It emits some light and can double as a night light. My only complaint is that the operation is louder than I expected. Though to put it in perspective, yesterday my daughter and I fell asleep with it on! So I guess you can call it white noise if you will.

EFFICACY: There are many gadgets on the market that claim to do something but have nothing to show for it. This Room Air Sanitizer has been tested by the Harvard School of Public Health and by independent third party laboratories. So you can rest assured you are paying for something that actually works and can live up to its claims.

In terms of our experience with Germ Guardian UV-C Room Air Sanitizer, it also lives up to its claims in my unscientific way. So what does it do? In our experience the air in the room where it has been on for a minimum of 24 hours has more resemblance to fresh outdoor air. It does kill odors as well, but you have to have it continuously running. My real hope for it was our moldy bathroom. Unfortunately I did not have the time to leave it on in that room for more than 12 hours. Even in that amount of time the air changed for the better. But the mold needs some major remedy that an air sanitizer can't offer. I am also looking forward to seeing what it can do for us this season in terms of getting sick less or shortening the duration of sickness (our friends that used it had a great experience with it in that aspect).

VALUE: The Germ Guardian UV-C Room Air Sanitizer costs anywhere from $100 to $200 depending on where you buy it and what model you choose. A refurbished one costs $70. If you think about it in terms of health, it is a great investment. It can possibly help you avoid or minimize time off from work due to colds, flu, and other viruses.

If you are looking to sanitize surfaces (such as door knobs, cutting boards, toys, toilets, countertops, etc), Germ Guardian has you covered as well with UV-C light wands. Take a look at their website for more information.

PERFECT FOR:

Baby Nursery
Daycare
Homes with children (especially those in public schools and daycare)
Home or business office
Libraries, museums, and archives
Elderly homes
Classrooms
Public places such as banks, post offices, and stores

VISIT THE GERM GUARDIAN WEBSITE

Disclaimer: I did not receive payment for this review. I did receive a sample of the product or service for testing and review purposes. This will in no way sway my opinion of the product or service. The review is in my own words and is my own opinion. Your results and opinion may differ.

Last Day for Build Boston 2009!

2009-11-19T21:44:00.003-05:00

Friday November 20th is the last day to sprint to Build Boston and not miss a thing. I'll have to admit that last year Greenbuild was the talk of the town, but now that they are in Phoenix - Build Boston is the place to be if you are local. The exhibit hall is open from 9 am to 1 pm tomorrow and you shouldn't miss over 250 booths if you have been putting it off. With long waiting lists for Greenbuild, many green companies are flocking to other industry tradeshows such as Build Boston. Regardless, now that 'green' is heading in the mainstream direction, sustainability is a priority for nearly all exhibitors. Here are some Build Boston highlights for Friday, November 20th:

Inventor and innovator Dean Kamen, keynote speech. He’s creative, he’s fearless and his passion for “fixing things” is infectious. Yes, design, science and technology can unite us and inspire us to change the world we live in. How to start? Find out at Dean Kamen’s keynote address, 8:30–10:00 am.

Sustainability case studies. Find out why the challenge for us in New England is not to design new sustainable buildings, but to work with the old, historic ones we’ve already got! Hear how energy tax credits (and historic rehabilitation tax credits and new market tax credits) are helping to fund real projects. Learn how (and why) green building is done differently in Europe – using modular construction.

Economic stimulus through public art. Leading architecture, landscape architecture and public art professionals from New England and beyond gather for a one-day symposium on design excellence in public places.

How to design and build a perfect career... in a single afternoon! Launching a career is tough – roadblocks and pitfalls abound. This four-hour conference session offers fresh insights and practical advice from industry leaders tailored to young architects and others looking for their next opportunity. Writers with an interest in the economic realities designers are facing right now: this is a must-attend for you, too!

Yes, recycling has tangible benefits! Just ask the founders of Containers2Clinics. This Dover, MA company retrofits unused shipping containers and transforms them into health clinics for the developing world. Stop by this remarkable prototype at booth 1035 on the tradeshow floor.

Photo by John De Boer

Day-Timer Review

2009-10-30T22:04:00.002-04:00

In the age of iPhones, Blackberries, and Palm Pres, it is odd to be excited about a pen and paper planner. I am one of those people though that likes to see my whole week and month planned out right in front of me without having to turn on an electronic device. Among other things, I also get migraines from wireless devices - so no iPhone for me. I even find that I'm not comfortable with a calendar displayed on a computer screen, I just need it all on paper. It is because of people like me (well, and teachers, lawyers, professionals, etc...) that Day-Timer is still in business. Sometimes you just need something bigger than a 2 x 4 inch screen to envision your plans for the month or week.

Day-Timer was generous enough to send me a Schedule Master Monthly/Weekly Wall Calendar and the Biscayne Bonded Leather Zippered Journal Cover with a 2-page-per-week refill. These are for 2010, but I played around with it to get a feel for how I will use it. I also read all the reference pages in the zippered planner ;)Schedule Master Monthly/Weekly Wall Calendar: This is a neat calendar for keeping your household organized. It can be either hung on the wall with the metal grommet or on the fridge since it has a magnetic back. Since I am at the fridge twenty times a day anyway - that works perfectly! The neat thing is that you can track multiple schedules for each person in the household. While we only have three people (plus an occasional kitchen centipede), this can be very helpful for households with multiple school age children. That way you can see all the appointments, practices, and sleepovers in one place. Everything is color coded, so each person gets one color, you can even give one to your dog. It has sticky notes of the same color that you can put on the calendar to designate chores. It also has two loops for pens and pencils so you would not have to go hunting for one like I always do. The big board is 16 x 16.5 inches and the calendar itself is about 7 x 12, the detailed weekly calendar is 4 x 12. It sells for $29.99.

Constructive criticism: The board broke at one corner. I am not sure if it cracked in transit or when I was exploring it. But in any case, maybe it wouldn't hurt to have cardboard corner protectors to keep it from cracking in shipping. Even better, perhaps some permanent metal corners, like the grommet.

Biscayne Bonded Leather Zippered Journal Cover: This is not your average journal cover. What is bonded leather? It is composed of 75% recycled leather fibers and is mixed with a natural latex bonding agent. So why does that matter? Because otherwise these leather scraps would end up in a landfill, that's why. Latex comes from the rubber tree, so that is a great way to bond the scraps without using some toxic gluing agent. The bonded leather is actually made in a tannery in Spain, it really does look and smell like real leather.

This Journal Cover makes me look very professional. Moms take note - it is not purse or diaper bag size, but Day-Timer does carry a lot of smaller organizers. I like that it is zippered, so it can keep my organized mess in. There is also a 'leather' pocket inside as well as some nylon ones for loose papers and concept sketches on napkins, great for interior designers and architects! It is 1" thick and 7.5 x 10 inches big. The Biscayne Bonded Leather Cover in journal size is $39.99.

The Journal Refill I chose is the two-page-per-week format. It reminds me of school agendas and for me personally is the easiest way to keep track of things. It has a whole month page as well so you can see the big picture. My favorite feature, though very simple, is the perforated corners that you rip off so you always know exactly where you are in the year. There are also pages for taking notes and keeping numbered lists within each month. There are three separate booklets as well for addresses and phones, a monthly advance planning calendar through the year 2016, and a memo work organizer for more lists. This particular set costs $23.99. They do have the same thing in recycled paper that is only $2 more, next time I would opt for that.

The Verdict: If it wasn't for three part time jobs, I would do fine without this. But I need to keep track of my interior design job, Lunch.com to do list, and blogging ventures (oh the reviews to write and the giveaways to host!). If you are a busy mom or just busy, these Day-Timer products are great for keeping you sane and putting all your plans on paper. It is really relieving to see everything written out in front of you and not have to keep it all in your head. These are high quality products and a very good investment for a smooth year ahead. Great gift as well!

Check out the Day-Timer Website
Day-Timer BLOG
Twitter Page
Facebook Page

Disclaimer:

I did not receive payment in any form for this review.

I did receive a sample of the product or service for testing and review purposes. This will in no way sway my opinion of the product or service. The review is in my own words and is my own opinion. Your results and opinion may differ.

Mythic Paint Review

2009-10-14T19:18:00.005-04:00

My affair with Mythic Paint goes back about a year and a half ago. I was pregnant with our first child and browsing through a pregnancy magazine I spotted an eye catching advertisement. Naturally I went online to find out more about them. I was excited to find non-toxic paint to say the least. In January of 2009, being nine months pregnant, I invited Mythic to host a Lunch 'n Learn in our office at Rob Bramhall Architects. I was more than impressed and decided that I will never paint with anything else in my life, period.

After our daughter was born we put off painting our living room for a long time because of finances. This past August though Mythic was kind enough to send us some paint to try and I present to you my account of the truly legendary Mythic Paint.

After

Before

The Buzz: So what makes Mythic so special and how come it stands apart from other paints? If you are new to the 'indoor air quality' scene, I'll fill you in. Your average paint contains a multitude of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). Yes, they also contain known carcinogens. Why would anyone make paint that causes cancer you ask? I honestly don't know - but the same question can be applied to everything these days. Like why do they use pesticides on our food if it causes cancer? Or why are most cleaning supplies cancerous as well?

Anyhow, VOCs off-gas for years after you paint your walls. I am sure you are all familiar with that 'new paint' smell as well. It can be a trigger for asthma and other ailments. With Mythic you don't need to worry about any of that. My daughter was contently watching daddy paint in her highchair. I was nearby working on my laptop, no headaches involved. Safe for pets, save for babies, and good for the Earth as a bonus. It is a major step toward better indoor air quality - which at the moment the EPA labels as one of the top five health risks in the US.

Before and After

Performance: If you don't believe me that it performs better than SW and BM paint, you can try it yourself! They now sell 4 oz sample jars to feed your curiosity. I wasn't the one painting, my husband was, but he said that it is better than other paint he used before and has much better coverage. For me though, I was sold at the non-toxic part and would have used it even if the performance was average. Not sure if you want to commit? Two words for you: sample jar.

You see, Mythic Paint doesn't just take out the toxic stuff out of regular paint, which is what other 'green paint' manufacturers do. It is the result of over six years of intensive polymer research conducted by the University of Southern Mississippi. It is completely redesigned in its makeup from the ground up, resulting in something you will not find on the market.

As a latex paint it is very easy to deal with. It washes off tools nicely (if you don't let it dry of course!). We had a drop or two on our laminate flooring, it just peeled off with no issues. Third party performance testing? Sure:
"In 2007 an industry leading independent consulting and testing laboratory service, performed side-by-side comparative tests between Mythic Paint and all other leading paint brands – both their Eco-friendly and premium lines. Tests focused on subjective performance including thickness, sheen, sag resistance, flow and leveling and gloss. Mythic Paint proved to be equal if not better than all competitors. Resistance and durability was analyzed through the industry‟s gold standard in paint performance testing – the „scrub test‟. Mythic Paint substantially outperformed by 1.5 to 8 times the durability of their competitors."

Value: I know what you are thinking, if this paint is so great, am I going to pay more for it too? Yes, it does cost more than your average toxic paint (about $50 a gallon for interior paint). Here is the deal though, in my experience and that of other people who have used it, the coverage of Mythic is superior to that of other paints. This means that you will need less to cover more. For most colors, even one coat is sufficient. You can't put a price on your health though, so this beats the value of all other paints in that aspect. They also have exterior paint. In which case you will be doing the Earth a favor by having one less house painted with toxic exterior paint.

Love their commercials, take a look!

Disclaimer:

I did not receive payment in any form for this review.

I did receive a sample of the product or service for testing and review purposes. This will in no way sway my opinion of the product or service. The review is in my own words and is my own opinion. Your results and opinion may differ.

Emerson Creek Pottery Review

2009-10-07T18:14:00.000-04:00

What do you bake with? Let me guess... It has a non-stick coating? If you are familiar with how 'responsible' the FDA and EPA are with consumer safety, you have every reason to be concerned about your non-stick cookware and bakeware. PFOA is a chemical used to manufacture non-stick coatings and its fumes, emitted at high temperatures, are actually toxic to living organisms. Studies show that an estimated 95% of the population have PFOA in their blood. In rat studies it was shown to cause cancer with high exposure. Don't take my word for it, do your own research :)

With that being said, one of the alternatives to non-stick bakeware is ceramic pottery. It has been used in baking for centuries and is naturally non-toxic. It has great thermal properties and helps in even baking. Emerson Creek Pottery was kind enough to send me the Go Green Loaf Pan to test.

My Homemade Bread in an Emerson Creek Go Green Large Loaf Pan

Emerson Creek Pottery is located in Virginia and all their pieces are U.S. made. You are also guaranteed that the products are lead-free, non-toxic, made by humans - not machines, packed in Eco-friendly corn starch peanuts and recycled fiber boxes, their catalogs are never mass mailed, and your piece of pottery will last you a lifetime with good care. I made bread in this beautiful loaf pan about 10 times already, comes out perfect every time. Cleaning is a breeze, I just rinse it in warm soapy water. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for healthier baking alternatives for their home and family!

VISIT EMERSON CREEK ONLINE
COME BACK TO THIS POST SOON FOR A 15% DISCOUNT CODE!

Below is a short video of their Virginia store.

H2O Chlorine Filtering Shower Head Review

2009-09-14T01:30:00.002-04:00

For a long time I was aware that chlorinated water is not good for your health. Never mind drinking it, but even just showering in it isn't healthy. I just never realized just how bad it is until my daughters pediatrician recommended bathing her in non-chlorinated water to help clear up a skin condition. So I looked deeper into the subject of chlorinated municipal water while painstakingly using my Nikken Aqua Pour to make enough clean water to bathe my daughter.

You can research it yourself, but I have learned that chlorine in combination with dairy consumption causes clogged arteries in testing on rats. It is also not news that it makes skin dry and hair brittle. I'll just quote from Dr. Mercola's website: "Long-term risks of consuming chlorinated water include excessive free radical formation, which accelerates aging, increases vulnerability to genetic mutation and cancer development, causes difficulty metabolizing cholesterol, and promotes hardening of arteries. Excess free radicals created by chlorinated water also create dangerous toxins in the body. These have been directly linked to liver malfunction, weakening of the immune system and pre-arteriosclerotic changes in arteries."

H₂O International were kind enough to send me one of their chlorine filtering shower heads to try. I've been taking chlorinated showers for years and as well have been suffering from dandruff ever since I can remember. I failed to link the two together though until now. Even with just two weeks of using this chlorine filtering shower head I have seen an improvement. Of course it will take longer than that, but I can feel that even my skin is not as dry as it used to be. This will be especially important in the dry New England winters! It is especially enjoyable not to smell the chlorine anymore while showering. My baby loves taking her baths in this chlorine free water and I have the peace of mind knowing I made the best choice for her health. At the pediatricians recommendation, the combination of Fuzzi Bunz and the H₂O Chlorine Filtering Shower Head made her rash disappear.

It was pretty simple to install, you just need a wrench. It comes with the filter already in it and it will last you about 6-9 months. I enjoy the five different massage settings, you can get a glimpse of them in this video as well as how easy it is to change the filter cartridge. The shower water pressure droped a little once we installed it, I suspect that is because of the filter action. It isn't anything drastic, just a slight change. Overall I highly recommend this product for making a healthy choice for your body and avoiding all the perils of chlorinated water, especially if you have children or heart health issues.

My readers on EcoBabyz, AnV Design, and Lunch.com get a special 20% discount code for H2O International products, just click the graphic below!

Former Vice President Al Gore to Keynote Greenbuild Phoenix

2009-08-26T13:33:00.003-04:00

The USGBC announced that the Greenbuild 2009 keynote speaker will indeed be Al Gore:

"Nobel Laureate, best-selling author, and the subject of an Oscar-winning documentary – the Honorable Al Gore will address thousands of Greenbuild attendees at Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. as part of the Greenbuild Opening Keynote & Celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Featuring an opening plenary address by USGBC President, CEO and Founding Chair Rick Fedrizzi and a closing concert with nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow, the event promises to deliver inspiration, excitement, and the unique opportunity to listen in person as Former Vice President Al Gore continues to bring climate change to the forefront of international consciousness.

Along with four terms in Congress, two terms in the Senate, and two terms as Vice President, Gore has written the bestsellers Earth in the Balance, An Inconvenient Truth and the just-released Our Choice. The first 5,000 full-conference attendee registrants will receive a complimentary copy of Gore's latest book and all other attendees will be able to purchase the book on site."

Register for Greenbuild 2009 here!

Text from USGBC newsletter

Ditch Your Plastic and Go Stainless

2009-08-19T20:59:00.003-04:00

In the world of reusable water bottles most are familiar with big names like Sigg and Kleen Kanteen. But there are many companies out there that offer similar, if not identical, alternatives that will not break the bank. New Wave Enviro has quite a few products on the market and thanks to their generosity I gave the 1 liter stainless steel water bottle a test drive.

Read full review at EcoBabyz

Solar Revolutionizes the Camping Experience

2009-07-21T17:14:00.007-04:00

If you went camping lately you might have some inconveniences of the trip still lingering in your mind. Sure, a lot of us love camping for that experience - cooking on an open fire, reading in your tent after dark with a flashlight, and other pleasant oddities. Design has its ways of affecting all areas of life, camping included. Great design has been reshaping camping as we know it and inspiring city dwellers to get out and play without leaving all the conveniences of home.

The new Orange Solar Concept Tent will someday make your camping trip a lot more comfortable. Although the unknown price tag might make it inaccessible to the average camper, it is a great idea nonetheless. By weaving solar threads into conventional fabric, the solar tent will gather energy throughout the day and provide a variety of ways to use that energy. How about some heat from the tent's groundsheet? A charging pouch for mobile phones and other devices? Care for some light in the evening hours of camping? A modern camping experience to say the least.

Another camping convenience that is already available on the market is the Hot Pot Simple Solar Cooker. With some help from the sun, cook or heat your favorite meals without the need for electricity. All you need to do is set it up in full sunlight and within an hour you'll have an oven to use for up to 6 hours. Hey, who needs to go camping, you can do this right in your backyard! It comes with a 5.3 quart enameled steel pot for all your cooking needs. At a temperature of 350 - 400 degrees you can make stews, bake anything to your liking, or heat up previously cooked food. Great news for those of you living off grid - such a handy invention!

On a side note, if you are going camping, I highly recommend investing a few bucks in Bug Bam, read my full review of it here!

Ergonomics at Your Desk

2009-06-10T22:56:00.003-04:00

We all know that feeling - when you sit at your work desk all day and then by evening you feel so sore like you've been loading coal onto a truck with a shovel. Ergonomics at your home or work office are very important, not just for your physical health but emotional well being. There are many solutions out there to fight back ache and muscle fatigue, many companies design ergonomic chairs that cost a fortune, some more than others.

One of these devices stands apart from the rest, it is not really a chair, the BalanceBall chair is a revolution in office and home furniture. The patented design combines fitness with comfort and ergonomic back support, all at an affordable price. With chiropractic pioneer Dr. Randy Weinzoff, Gaiam developed the BalanceBall Chair as an effective tool for strengthening core muscles and improving spinal alignment - both at home and at the office. Removable 52 centimeter BalanceBall can be used for exercises on or off the chair. The BalanceBall Chair is on sale at Gaiam at the price of $79.98, plus get free shipping on orders of $49 or more - just use code AFSHP6 (expires 6.30.09)!

If you are looking for some back support in your well loved office chair, this vibrating back support might be just the thing you are looking for:

House OKs 6.4 Billion to Make Schools Greener

2009-05-27T17:31:00.004-04:00

Here is an article that was reprinted by USGBC about the greening of public schools (originally published on May 14, 2009, CNNPolitics.com, Ed Hornick author). Finally, something good for the schools:

Rachel Gutter, of the U.S. Green Building Council, says the benefits of an eco-friendly school will pay off economically.

"The typical green school saves $100,000 a year on direct operating expenses. In school terms, that's enough to hire two new teachers, purchase 200 new computers or 5,000 textbooks," Gutter said.

"So these are major savings. And that's just one year. The typical school lasts 40 years. And when you do the math, it starts to become some serious savings. ... It pays for itself after a few years of operation."

The council, on its Web site, lists several benefits of green buildings, such as improving air and water quality, conserving natural resources, reducing operating costs and improving employee productivity.

But Gutter says that part of the concern over green schools is the fear over construction costs.

"The research shows the greatest barrier to getting more green schools built is the perception that they cost more up front to build," she said. "The fact of the matter is that they don't. ... Building green doesn't have to cost more, and then everything else, all the savings over the lifetime, are just savings you get to put back in your community's pocket."

The legislation, if signed into law, would also help to create new jobs -- around 136,000 positions, according to calculations by the Economic Policy Institute.

But much more is at stake, Gutter says.

"It's about raising a new generation of leaders who inevitably are going to inherit the problems we will leave behind," she said. "So when you're actually able to use the school itself as a teaching tool, as an opportunity for learning, that's when the connections with curriculum really start to happen."

Read entire article here.

Pompanoosuc Mills 2009 Tent Sale

2009-05-19T00:00:00.002-04:00

Don't miss this years Pompanoosuc Mills Tent Sale on May 23, 24, and 25 in East Thetford, Vermont! This is a great opportunity to acquire heirloom quality wood furniture at unbeatable prices. All floor samples and new design prototypes will be at savings from 35 to 50%.

Check out the Schedule of Events!

Babcock Ranch: Solar and Green Design of the Future

2009-04-16T19:54:00.004-04:00

If everything goes according to plan, soon Babcock Ranch in Florida will be the archetype for solar and green design of the present. In essence it will incorporate everything I write about on this blog in regard to sustainability, including photovoltaics, water conservation, daylighting, and energy savings. It sets a precedent for Eco-friendly urban design, one that will not be easy to live up to. It will take about 25 years to complete and will probably be the greenest city around - literally, over half of the 17,608 acre city is alotted to greenspace such as parks, trails, and nature preserves. Even city rooftops will be 'green roofs' with vegetation to minimize cooling costs.

The city will be powered entirely by renewable solar energy. It will have the largest on-site solar plant in the world that will cost over $300 million. Electric vehicles will be charged at stations powered by the sun, and traffic will be eliminated thanks to the extensive system of pathways for alternative transportation, i.e. walking, biking, rollerblading, etc. No existing city would ever be able to retrofit to such high standards because the design is completed from the ground up taking into consideration all minute details before the site plan is even done.

While in my opinion 'green' and 'city' is an oxymoron, I've got to give them some credit for making a city - the epitome of consumerism and over spending, more sustainable. I still think it is 'greener' to live off-grid (solar and/or wind) in a rural area, raise and grow your own food, and collect rain water. Babcock Ranch is just a great attempt at taking the comfortable consumerism lifestyle and subtracting the guilt that some don't even feel while living like billions of others in the average city. It will be a great place for those who like city life but want to go 'green', which is impossible in any of today's cities.

To appreciate everything this city will have to offer you have to visit their outstanding website, the in-depth interactive presentation will answer all your questions and will leave just one - how can I get a place there?

The Age of Stupid Premier

2009-03-20T16:54:00.002-04:00

The Age of Stupid opens in theaters in the UK today. If you haven't heard of it yet, here is what it is:

"The Age of Stupid is a 90-minute film about climate change, set in the future, which will have its world premiere in London on March 15th 2009 and then be released in UK cinemas on March 20th 2009, followed by other countries.

Oscar-nominated Pete Postlethwaite (In The Name of the Father, Brassed Off) stars as a man living alone in the devasted world of 2055, looking back at “archive” footage from 2007 and asking: why didn’t we stop climate change when we had the chance?"

The movie premiers in the US in April if it does well in its initial weeks in the UK. It is shot on site in America, UK, India, Nigeria, Iraq, Jordan, and The Alps. The whole movie was funded by selling shares to individuals and groups, therefore being completely independent.Here are some quotes from the movie:

“How the heck are we meant to persuade people in India and China to develop in a more sustainable way when we’re not even prepared to accept the odd windfarm in the landscape?”

“Throughout our history, the deal was we left the world in a slightly better place than we found it. That was progress. The wheel, the rule of law, penicillin. It was our covenant with our children and grandchildren.”

“It’s strange, watching these film fragments [looking at 2007 footage in 2055]. It’s like looking through binoculars observing people on a far off beach. Running around in circles, fixated on the small area of sand beneath their feet, as a tsunami races towards them."

Since it is dubbed as "The first successful dramatization of climate change to reach the big screen," it should be on every Eco-conscious individual's 'to watch' list.

The Age of Stupid: final trailer Feb 2009, (bleeped) from Age of Stupid on Vimeo.

source

BDC: Luxury Sample Sale

2009-03-19T20:03:00.002-04:00

The Boston Design Center is having a luxury sample sale on Saturday April 4th and Sunday April 5th! It is the only planned public sample sale for 2009. You will find great deals of up to 75% off on furniture, antiques, rugs, art, and accessories. The admission to the exclusive event is $10.

Saturday, April 4 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Sunday, April 5 • Noon–5 p.m.

Earth Hour March 28th!

2009-03-16T13:40:00.004-04:00

More than 1,000 cities in 80 countries are expected to participate in Earth Hour on March 28, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Boston will shut off the lights of the Citgo sign, Zakim Bridge, Prudential Center, John Hancock Tower, and other local landmarks will "go dark" for one hour as the city joins others across the world in a climate-change campaign.

That's a great idea and everything, kudos to all those cities. But give me a break, what is one hour a year going to do?! Stop global warming, save the wales, etc...? People are finally grasping the concept but unfortunately with a 'greenwash' approach. What happens the other 364 days a year? Those city lights are on 24/7. For this to have any significant impact the lights should be off one hour every day.

Would be fun though to see that satellite image of earth at night to see how much dimmer the cities actually get in that hour, one time zone at a time.

source

Caveland USA: Not Your Average Dwelling

2009-02-23T18:25:00.005-05:00

Anyone interested in a cave home? It is up for sale on eBay. This amazing dwelling was built by an entire family as a primary residence and took five years! This 15,000 square foot cave jewel in Festus, Missouri, is a passive house that requires no heating or cooling and stays at a comfortable 67 to 75 degrees year round, with utility bills equal to an average 800 sq. foot home. The cave was a concert venue between 1960 and 1985. Ted Nugent, Bob Segar and Tina Turner are just a few of the groups that have performed there. Talk about unique!

See the eBay listing here

Boston Interiors Closeout Sale

2009-02-12T08:50:00.000-05:00

Don't miss the Boston Interiors Closeout sale this President's Day weekend, Friday through Monday, February 13th-16th. Get up to 70% off on great quality furniture. The sale will take place at the Stoughton warehouse and all purchases must be taken home same day. Click on logo for more info.

Click here for a sampling of what you can get.

Nesting on a Budget

2009-02-09T16:46:00.004-05:00

In this economy, many are spending more time at home and less time out in restaurants, shopping, and engaging in leisure activities (although by the looks of mall parking lots that does not seem to be the case). But who wants to be stuck in a home that is not welcoming and makes you take every opportunity to leave? An attractive interior environment can change your mood and make for some quality family time. When your own dining room is a restaurant, the bedroom - a quaint inn, the family room - a movie theater, and the kids room like the science museum, who needs to go out?

Starting with the basics, a cluttered home is never an attractive home. The first step is to get rid of all things seldom used or just taking up space (sell on craigslist perhaps). Try to look at your home as a potential buyer would. If you do have a lot of 'stuff' that you think you need to keep, organize some adequate storage whether it is a built-in or bins in the basement - everything has to have its own place. Once you have that squared away decide what you want each room to be or feel like. You don't have to take on the whole house at once, take your time.

Once you have the 'mood' established for each room, start with color - what color facilitates that mood in your mind? If you don't want to or don't have the budget to repaint every room - work with what you have and instead use wall art and textiles (pillows, curtains, upholstery covers) to change the decor. Lighting can be an inexpensive way to completely change the mood of a room.

Here are some fun products that can help you with your interior redecorating:

blik surface graphics

PerlaAnne - hand block printed designs

reclaimed t-shirt spaghetti rug
George Kovacs Counter Weight Chandelier
Design Public window film
Windrush wall sconce

Some unique wall art suggestions:

Eco Friendly Radiant Heating

2009-01-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Many of us have forced hot air heating systems in our homes. It might have crossed your mind in the winter just how inefficient this method of heating is. Forced 'hot' air they call it? More like barely lukewarm, not to mention that the registers are often placed in the ceiling plane or high on a wall, resulting in cold drafty floors and all your heat escaping through the ceiling before it heats the room. Whoever came up with this system should be ashamed. It does not even follow any basic common sense laws of physics. Should we take into account the poor quality of indoor air that this system creates?

Fortunately there are much better alternatives, radiant heating has been a growing trend. While installation can be costly, it will pay for itself with the money you will save on heating. Radiant floor heat creates a very comfortable indoor environment, it also makes complete sense by all laws of physics. Since hot air rises, a heated floor will distribute it evenly in the entire space and you can say good bye to drafts! Moreover, this kind of heating is great for homes with kids, pets, and people with allergies as it does not create airborne pollutants.

Log Homes: Sustainable Living

2009-01-25T08:03:00.001-05:00

Log homes have been around for centuries and have regained popularity in recent years. Until not long ago though, the energy efficiency of log homes was in question, but recent tests confirm that well built log homes have a superior 'thermal mass effect' and can outperform stick-framed buildings. Timber is a naturally renewable resource that requires less energy to produce than all other building materials. Log components, in particular, consume less energy and labor between harvest and placement on the housing site, while log walls provide 'surface as finish', saving material and labor costs since other building material layers are not required. Provided that a log home has high performance doors and windows that are well installed and an insulated roof membrane, it can provide enormous energy savings, not to mention it is very comfortable to live in concerning many aspects. While I believe the sheer size of modern log homes is often very unsustainable, if you keep with reasonable square footage - it can be a very ec0-friendly housing option. As with any wood used, you should always seek FSC certified wood, most log home companies and builders adhere to that as a given.

Country Log Cabins

European Log Homes

Green Log Home

Coyote Log Homes

Russian Log Homes Site

Northern Log (russian)

Archangel Log Homes

Watch this interesting video about Eco Log in Ontario, Canada.

Landry & Arcari Clearance and Carpet Benefits

2009-01-23T08:00:00.001-05:00

Another winterizing tip: carpet your floors. While carpet may not always be the best option for homes with pets, young kids, and people with environmental allergies, it is great if your household does not fit into any of the above categories. Good quality carpeting can last a long time and provide significant thermal benefits in cold New England winters. There are also many sustainable options available on the market today if you are concerned about formaldehyde or other off gassing substances. Wool, though more expensive, is one of the best carpeting materials simply because it has unparalleled thermal properties, is naturally water repellent, and is a natural material. By their very nature, wool carpets and rugs are good for the indoor environment. That's because wool, unlike synthetic fibers, rapidly absorbs common contaminants in indoor air like formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide. Not only does wool keep the air free of many harmful pollutants, it will not re-emit them, even when heated. In fact, it has been estimated that wool carpets can continually purify indoor air for up to 30 years!

There is actually evidence that wool carpeting might help with allergies. It is not immediately apparent, but hard flooring lets the dust freely and constantly move around, which might trigger allergy attacks unless kept absolutely dustless everyday. Carpeting on the other hand can trap allergens and not let them escape, prohibiting the movement of particles in the air, and when regularly cleaned with a HEPA and CRI Green Label vacuum that does not release allergens back into the air it can create a more controlled environment for people with allergies.

CHECK OUT THE LANDRY & ARCARI WINTER CLEARANCE: JANUARY 23 - FEBRUARY 1st in Boston and Salem, MA

Upgrading Laundry: Energy Efficient Washers

2009-01-22T10:03:00.000-05:00

Your old washing machine may be sending a good chunk of your wallet down the drain. While the approach of 'if it ain't broken, don't fix it' might work in some cases, in this case you might save more in both energy and water costs (not to mention clothing) by investing in an efficient washing machine. Energy-efficient washers can use up to 50 percent less energy and 60 percent less water than standard machines. As a general rule, front loading machines are more efficient when it comes to water. Some local utilities even offer rebates for front-loaders.

You might have not thought of this, but you will also benefit from the new washers that have more than just three basic cycle options like small, medium, or large load. They offer features like the delicate cycle and the steam cycle, which in turn can save you money by giving longer life to your clothing and as an alternative to dry cleaning (we all know how wallet draining that can be). From my personal experience, my clothing suffered significantly when we had to use an apartment complex community washing machine. The clothing that I wore for several years that still looked great after being washed hundreds of times in a European front-loader now all of the sudden looked like it was fifteen years old, the fabric started really showing the wear.

The National Geographic Green Guide offers a buying guide for washing machines where they rate them on several factors. Their top pics include the Kenmore HE2 Plus Super Capacity, the Samsung WF218ANW, and the LG Electronics WM3001HWA.

New President: Green Economy

2009-01-21T10:08:00.003-05:00

With Barack Obama in office, as Van Jones put "the first 'green' president", the window of opportunity for renewable energy can finally be opened more than just an inch. The highlight and focus of Greenbuild 2008 in Boston was the Green Economy, now it can become reality. With the current economy crisis, energy is one of the spring points that can create jobs and jump start this country if it is executed in a wise and thought out manner.

California is already at the forefront of this solution with companies researching and producing renewable energy technology that demonstrates performance surpassing what was previously thought possible. New jobs are created and workers are trained in things such as solar panel or wind turbine installation. The task ahead is not easy, it requires determination and perseverance, but no longer can the US rely on other countries for its energy needs. The payback on the investment in renewable energy will not be seen in an instant - that would be too easy. It will take a few years, years that many small businesses do not have, yet it seems to be the only solution that can address several problems at once.

The Art of Biomimicry

2009-01-20T09:50:00.001-05:00

Biomimicry is an art. The art of learning the intricacies and ways of nature and using them in the design of today's new technologies and products. Nature is overflowing with examples of complexity, efficiency, and sometimes outright mind-boggling design. Today architects, engineers, and designers can all draw on the inspiration provided by nature to design more efficient buildings, more adaptive transportation, and more innovative products.

The Biomimicry Institute is a non-profit organization that is at the forefront of this design movement. They have really great tools that a designer in any industry can use to learn more from nature and perhaps find ingenious solutions to problems that they face. Their portal, Ask Nature, is a free on-line database that is searchable by design challenge. It is also a great tool for students and children to learn more about the intricate designs found in nature.

Biomimicry has helped design a myriad of products and objects including cars, boats, airplanes, paints and coatings, high performance fabrics, solar panels, roofing material, and buildings.

The List: Creating a Healthy Home

2009-01-19T17:17:00.000-05:00

I often come across questions from people who are new to sustainable living and they often ask for the 'easy list' on what they can do to make their homes and lives more healthy. Recently I came across an interesting list that I thought was worth it, I attribute the credits to Seventh Generation, you can also view it here.

Light Green Steps to a Healthy Home

1. Use cleaning products made from natural and not-toxic ingredients; avoid cleaners that contain synthetic chemicals.
2. Dust with a damp cloth to ensure that household dust, the final resting place of many toxins that enter our homes, is removed and not stirred back into the air.
3. Open windows and doors occasionally (even in winter!) to bring in fresh air and rinse out pollutants that have accumulated inside.
4. Avoid aerosol products. They fill your home with microscopic droplets of the synthetic chemicals that are often in these sprays.
5. Same for deodorizers or other air “freshening” products, which are frequently made from unhealthy chemicals that coat surfaces and pollute the air your family breathes.
6. Opt for natural pest control methods instead of pesticide products.
7. Keep conventional cleaners and other chemical products out of kids’ bedrooms and playrooms. Click here to learn why children need special protection.
8. Use chlorine-free products to wash dishes. The chlorine in conventional detergents evaporates in hot water and is released into the air in your home.
9. Conduct a radon test. Radon is an odorless natural radioactive gas that seeps into homes from surrounding soil. A simple test can tell you if your home needs abatement measures.
10. Replace synthetic personal care and make-up products with natural alternatives that don’t contain toxins. To learn more about the hazards in personal care products, click here.

Medium Green Steps to a Healthy Home

1. Eat organic food. It’s grown without chemical pesticides and fertilizers, drug and hormone treatments, and genetic alterations. That makes it healthier for you and the earth.
2. Ask guests to remove their shoes upon entering your home. From pesticides to pollutants, shoes can track unwanted visitors into your home.
3. Clean and inspect combustion devices like furnaces, stoves, and hot water heaters to make sure they’re functioning properly and not venting hazardous gases into your home.
4. Have your water tested for chemicals pollutants like pesticides and chlorine. Install a filter on drinking water taps if pollution is found.
5. Buy a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter. These special filters trap particles that regular vacuums can’t catch.
6. Don’t buy soft vinyl products, including toys and shower curtains. These items likely contain phthalates (“thal-ates”), toxic chemicals that easily leach.
7. If your home has a chlorinated water supply, install a filtering showerhead to prevent chlorine from vaporizing in hot shower water.
8. Remove any permanent press, easy-care, wrinkle-free, and/or flame-resistant linens and fabrics that are less than one year old and don’t buy new ones. They are most likely treated with the chemical formaldehyde, which slowly escapes during the first year of use.
9. If your home was built before 1978, test painted surfaces for the presence of lead. Conduct the same tests on your child’s toys.
10. Conduct an indoor air quality test to see if any toxic gases, including formaldehyde or vapors from VOCs, are being emitted by your home furnishings.

Dark Green Steps to a Healthy Home

1. Don’t buy home furnishings or fixtures made from particleboard or other pressed wood products. These can emit dangerous fumes over time. Choose solid wood instead.
2. Choose naturally- or low-impact dyed natural fiber carpets and textile products, and use natural flooring for your home. These products won’t introduce any chemical additives to your environment.
3. Become a "localvore" by eating foods grown within 100 miles of your home. Organic or not, such foods have the lowest overall impact on the environment.
4. Clear out the clutter. Crowded, exposed shelves are dust magnets that collect a disproportionate share of the toxins present in your home. Display your favorite items behind glass instead. To find out more about dust and dusting, click here.
5. Replace synthetic foam mattresses with beds made from untreated cotton, wool, and other natural fibers, and glue-free solid woods.
6. Take the same step with other home furnishings. Synthetic foams and treated textiles are one of the chief sources of toxic flame retardants.
7. Replace your lawn with natural landscaping that provides valuable habitat for your local flora and fauna.
8. Wear naturally-dyed natural fiber clothing and keep synthetic materials, colors, and treatments away from your family’s skin.
9. Swap all your non-stick cookware for cast iron. Properly seasoned cast iron will provide much the same results and won’t leach perfluorochemicals or toxic fumes.
10. Express yourself. Let public officials, corporate leaders, and other decision-makers know how you feel about local, national, and global issues.

Eco Friendly Cellulose Insulation

2009-01-17T14:11:00.000-05:00

Most US homes are insulated with fiberglass. What’s the problem with fiberglass insulation? Fiberglass can escape from the insulation, filling the air with the equivalent of microscopic shards of glass. If inhaled, these tiny particles of glass can inflict damage to the lungs. What’s more, fiberglass is considered to be a probable carcinogen by National Institutes of Health. Children are at greater risk than adults when exposed, because they breathe more air – and whatever it contains.

Until recently, the other insulation options consisted of cotton, wool, and petroleum based cellulose insulation. Now you can have the same benefits of cellulose insulation - at the same cost, but without the unfavorable petroleum aspect. Soy-based blow-in insulation is made from a byproduct - oil left over after the beans are crushed to make foodstuff, cosmetics, and other products, that until now was waste. Unlike fiberglass, soybean insulation is non-carcinogenic, has no off-gassing (VOCs, CFCs, HCFCs, or formaldehyde). It eliminates mold and allergens, and is rodent and insect resistant. It also boasts very high sound attenuation properties. Soy based blow-in insulation will make your house stand out from the crowd both in energy savings (50-70% more than fiberglass) and the health of your indoor air. There are also tax credits and rebate programs from energy providers that can help you offset the costs of the investment in soy-based insulation (for the year 2009).

The leading company for soy-based insulation in the Northeast is The Green Cocoon, contact them for more information if you are interested in this insulation for your home or business. You can also visit BioBased, the manufacturer, to find a dealer near you or to find more answers to your questions.

Can Coal Be Clean?

2009-01-16T15:00:00.000-05:00

The new 'clean' coal ad campaign hauntingly resembles Joe Camel that was used to promote cigarettes more than 15 year ago. This Is Reality is a tool to educate people about the realities of coal power and to serve as an activist for change.

So how can you call something obviously dirty - clean? Moreover, get away with it and have the public believe it? Here are some facts from This Is Reality:

New coal industry ad: "Part One of clean coal has taken place in recent years, as billions of dollars in new technologies scrub away emissions."

The Reality: Burning coal is the dirtiest way we generate electricity. While federal regulations have required coal plants to reduce some pollutants, the industry has not prevented a single pound of CO₂ emissions from entering the atmosphere.

New coal industry ad: "America has more coal than any nation...The more we use it, the less we need to rely on foreign energy."

The Reality: America's most abundant energy resources are the sun and wind, which are limitless and free. The more we use those, the less we need to rely on foreign energy, carbon-polluting energy, or costly fuels.

New coal industry ad: "Eventually, carbon capture and storage will allow plants to recycle the CO₂ back underground in deep storage or even oil fields, increasing US oil production..."

The Reality: Eventually perhaps. But there are roughly 600 coal plants producing electricity in the U.S. and not one of them captures and stores its global warming pollution.

Oddly enough, there are no homes in America powered by 'clean' coal. The EPA says CO₂ emissions from U.S. coal-based electricity are greater than emissions from all the cars and trucks in America. Virtually all the new coal plants that have been proposed will, just like their predecessors, release 100 percent of the CO₂ they produce into the atmosphere, where it will linger—and contribute to global warming.

Here is some food for thought: "An investment in wind power produces almost three times as many jobs as the same investment in coal power. And an investment in solar power produces almost four times as many jobs, and energy efficiency, almost thirty times as many jobs as coal power." Earth Policy Institute, November 2008

Stickley Furniture Sale: 4 Days Only

2009-01-15T18:42:00.000-05:00

Stickley Audi & Co. in Natick is having the truckload and rug sale this Friday through Monday. Save 42-60% on quality furniture! Click on the image link for an additional savings of 5% off on Friday from Boston Shops.

Slow Water Current for Renewable Energy?

2009-01-15T12:07:00.000-05:00

New technology developed by a University of Michigan engineer can turn vibrations in water into clean, renewable energy. This machine is named VIVACE ( Vortex Induced Vibrations for Aquatic Clean Energy). It is the first known device that is capable of drawing energy from most water currents around the world, according to a statement from the University of Michigan. “There won’t be one solution for the world’s energy needs,” VIVACE developer Michael Bernitsas, a professor at the U-M department of naval architecture and marine engineering, said in the statement. “But if we could harness 0.1 percent of the energy in the ocean, we could support the energy needs of 15 billion people.”

Biomimicry played a role in the design of this system, Bernitsas and his team have tried to duplicate the roughness of fish scales on their cylinders because a rough cylinder surface could increase the power output by 40 to 70 percent compared to a smooth surface. Bernitsas is also impressed with fish tails. His team has begun to experiment with passive tails that could keep vortexes from interfering with each other.

Currently Bernitsas’ group is working with the U.S. Navy to install two VIVACE systems in the next year: one in the Detroit River and another in an ocean environment somewhere.

Although the production of VIVACE systems in commercial plants is still a future dream, the cost of electricity from a mature VIVACE installation would be roughly 5.5 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is similar to the current price of wind generation. Roger Bedard, EPRI’s ocean energy leader is of the opinion that with the passage of time, slower tidal passages will become economical.

source

Dell Children's is First LEED Platinum Hospital

2009-01-14T13:00:00.000-05:00

Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas has become the first hospital in the world to receive the LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Platinum designation, given by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Many consider building to LEED standards a waste of money and just a reason to brag, but it is clear that LEED buildings are actually money-saving, not to mention healthier to occupy. The poor building standards that have governed for such a long time result in the occupants developing chronic conditions such as asthma. We spend most of our time indoors in schools, office buildings, and hospitals, the air we breathe there has an absolute direct impact on our health. Here are some reasons why Dell Children's is superior to other hospital buildings:

"Dell Children's, which occupies nearly one-half million square feet on 32 acres that were once part of Austin's old Mueller Airport, opened in June 2007. Its environmentally-sensitive design not only conserves water and electricity, but positively impacts the hospital's clinical environment by improving air quality, making natural sunlight more readily available, and reducing a wide range of pollutants.

Inside the facility, sunlight reaches 80 percent of the available space. Outside, sustainable and indigenous building materials were used throughout the façade. A 4.3 megawatt natural gas-fired power plant produces 100 percent of the hospital's electricity, heating and cooling."

Read the full article here.

Window Coverings for Energy Savings

2009-01-13T15:00:00.000-05:00

For more energy savings this winter consider thick panel window coverings or insulated drapes for the coldest rooms in your home. Designer Linens Outlet offers many options to choose from that can be used with an additional lining. Here are a couple of them:

For insulated drapes try the selections at the Bed Bath Store, Boscov's, and Amazon. To save money you can also just buy some inexpensive material and line your existing curtains for insulation. Just be sure to keep those curtains open on southern facing windows when the sun is shining to take advantage of the free heat.

Going Green: Middlebury College

2009-01-12T21:50:00.000-05:00

Most colleges have both the power and resources when it comes to 'going green'. Even with economy struggles, the promise for savings in the long run, not to mention appealing to the market, makes it worth the trip. Middlebury College in Vermont has committed to becoming carbon neutral by the year 2016. The college plans to achieve carbon neutrality through a combination of efforts, including the 2008 completion of a biomass plant powered by wood chips; operational adjustments such as energy efficient lighting and facility upgrades; and — after all other economically feasible efforts to reduce carbon have been exhausted — the purchase of carbon offsets.

January 15 through 17 Middlebury will be hosting a series of events showcasing the FirefFy wind inventions of Jito Coleman. Jito is an engineer and artist who has been in the wind energy business for many years. The FireFly is "a small wind turbine that powers an LED light; it is mounted on top of a ski pole driven into the ground. When windy, the light glows with an intensity proportional to the speed of the turning blades. When a lot of them are placed on a landscape, they make the wind visible in the dark."

Vermont has been known for many Eco initiatives in everything from farming to architecture and recycling. Middlebury College is following the lead and hopefully will be attracting many environmentally conscious students in the coming generations.

Water Conservation and Safety Tips

2009-01-11T12:30:00.000-05:00

If your New Year's sustainability resolution includes using less water in your household, now is a good time to invest in a shower head that does not waste the increasingly precious resource. There are many options out there but some deliver truly superior results and many also offer the benefits of taking chlorine out of your water (which may help with that 'eliminate dry skin' resolution). Of course by using less you not only save on water bills but also energy bills for heating that water for showering. While shorter showers are common sense for conservation, it will not make a big difference if you have an old water guzzler shower head, the same applies to your toilet - new technology can take even less than 1.6 gallons per flush.

Try the Oxynator for a luxurious chlorine-free shower. It is very nicely styled, comes in a chrome finish, and delivers a 99% chlorine free shower infused with oxygen. It will do wonders to your skin and hair:

If you prefer a hand held shower that is convenient with kids, pets, and the elderly, try the Ultra Oxygenics. You get both the benefits of more oxygen in your water and the impressive 2 gpm consumption:

For conserving water without replacing your existing toilet, try the Controllable Flush. Convert your standard toilet into a low-flow toilet -without tools or a plumber- and save up to 35,000 gallons of water a year. Because not all flushes need to be the same, the dual-action Controllable Flush controls the amount of water you use to flush waste matter:

A kitchen faucet aerator will conserve even more during dish washing and food prep. This 1.5 gpm Touch Flow Swivel Spray Aerator makes your faucet more versatile:

If you are at all concerned with the quality of your tap water you can also invest $60 in a home water test kit that will determine the levels for bacteria, lead, pesticides, arsenic, nitrates, nitrites, chlorine, iron, pH, copper, alkalinity and hardness:

Eco Friendly Landscape Lighting

2009-01-10T19:45:00.000-05:00

Landscape lighting can add significant curb appeal whether you are looking to keep or sell your home. When you are aware of rising energy costs though, the last thing you want is to add more items to plug into your outlets and drain your bank account. The solution is to use solar powered landscape lighting that makes your place glow after the sun goes down. While we have all seen the cheap solutions that you can get at Home Depot that give off the soft blue glow, there are other options that will look more 'designer' and professional yet still affordable The Missions Solar Light pictured below requires 3 hours of direct sunlight to charge, these lights dispense light more brightly and evenly than most other solar products. It can also be removed from the post and used as a table lantern. With LED technology this light will last you a long time:

Check out these very eccentric solar slate stepping stones that you can use to light pathways on your grounds. They are powered by an integral solar panel and after being auto-charged can provide up to eight hours of LED light:

These incredibly stylish Solar Shoji Lanterns can be hung anywhere in your garden or near your patio to give off a soft glow and moon like radiance. Yellow LED lights are encased in paper-like, weatherproofed nylon and automatically switch on at night:

Also appealing for a garden setting is the Shepherd's Hook Lantern . They are crafted from copper plated stainless steel for rust resistance and long time outdoor use. They are somewhat reminiscent of the Arts & Crafts movement and add a lot of charm to an outdoor space whether it is by a cottage, mansion, or a simple cape:

Simple Steps to a Greener Home

2009-01-08T20:17:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for ideas for a more sustainable lifestyle for you and your family, check out the DVD Simple Steps to a Greener Home by Danny Seo.

This presentation will show you simple steps that will help you turn your home into an Earth-friendly oasis. Learn more about implementing recycling, decorating, and remodeling that is Eco-friendly.

The book Plug-in-Hybrids by Sherry Boschert is an interesting read. Plug-in hybrids are a part of the environmental solution, and the technology to put them into mass production is already existent. Demand for plug-ins is nearly at a fever pitch already, and this book examines how you can get one, along with just what they are and why you want one.

For further home and lifestyle greening check out this book Solar Electric System Design and Installation:

Ecotourism: Vermont Green Hotel

2009-01-07T17:21:00.000-05:00

Park Light Inn located in Chester, VT offers Ecotourism packages and also has great winter specials. This green inn adheres to socially and ecologically responsible practices. Here is a list of some of their environmentally friendly commitments:

Carbon free reservations:	Carbon free reservation system conserves energy and dramatically reduces paper consumption and waste.
Organic Amenity Products:	Guests are pampered with quality organic/vegan amenity productions including those from Vermont Soapworks.
Towel/Linen Care Program:	Voluntary participation by guests reduces water waste and unnecessary detergent use.
Cleaning Supplies:	Facilities are cleaned utilizing environmentally friendly, biodegradable cleaning products and sanitizing processes.
Recycled Paper:	Where ever possible we utilize and provide for our guests recycled paper products.
Reduce, Recycle, Reuse Policy:	Active recycling programs address glass, bottles, newspaper, cardboard, and paper products, etc. Cloth napkins, glasses, real china and silver service are readily available to guests 24 hours – even for picnic baskets, eliminating the need for “disposables.”
Plastic reduction / elimination	As opposed to bottled water, personal bedside pitchers and tumblers are provided for each guest, for use with finest Vermont water. You will find only real silver, no plastic utensils.
Energy Conservation:	In addition to low-flow toilets and faucets, over 100 Compact Florescent Lamps CFL's are presently in use at the Park Light Inn. 1.6 GPM shower heads provide exhilarating shower experience while saving water.
In-room recycling bins:	Guests are encouraged to participate by utilizing the convenient recycling containers placed in each room/suite. A full sized recycling sort station is also conveniently located and accessible to all guests/visitors. A full sized recycling station is located off the stone patio.
Local/Organic Refreshments:	Our coffees are locally roasted, decaf is chemical free water processed. We are actively working with our service providers to increase organic and fair trade selections of beverages and snacks.
Donation programs:	Magazines and items/furnishings no longer needed ( but in good condition ), are donated to local charities.
Energy Star:	Energy Star appliances are found throughout including LCD flat-screen TVs in guest suites.
Automobile Free Travel:	Shuttle and guided tour service year round.
Renewable Energy	A collaboration wth CVPS allows the inn to provide a portion of it's energy using COW POWER – which is not only a sustainable energy source, the program supports Vermont Farmers.

Their Winter Wonderland Romance Package includes: thee days/two nights lodging (minimum), refreshments upon arrival, a three course gourmet breakfast, one candlelight dinner served prepared by your own personal chef, snowshoeing at the ponds, and a private horse drawn sleigh ride (holiday blackouts apply) starting at $289 per person.

Best of Boston Interior Designers

2009-01-05T23:08:00.000-05:00

Looking to redecorate or remodel the interior of your home? Perhaps you are desperate to sell it and need some home staging help? Try these local Interior Designers and Home Staging companies for outstanding results:

THEREdesign

POMPEII DESIGN GROUP

DUNCAN HUGHES INTERIORS

BJTO DESIGNS HOME STAGING

SETTING THE SPACE

NANCY STRACKA INTERIORS

MOLLY FREY DESIGN

Passive Houses: no heating bills!

2009-01-04T00:41:00.000-05:00

Did you ever dream of not having a heating or cooling bill for your home? Are you tired of cold drafts, leaky doors and windows, and the unknown of energy costs? You can get quick fixes like replacement windows, radiant heat perhaps - but how about a house that does not need a heating/cooling system to keep warm, even in a cold climate? Sounds enticing?

Passive house is a concept more familiar to the people of Europe (they always seem to be a few steps ahead), and the Passivhaus Institut in Germany is the pioneer of the engineering concepts for this energy efficient way of living. A passive house is a "very well-insulated, virtually air-tight building that is primarily heated by passive solar gain and by internal gains from people, electrical equipment, etc. Energy losses are minimized. Any remaining heat demand is provided by an extremely small source. Avoidance of heat gain through shading and window orientation also helps to limit any cooling load, which is similarly minimized. An energy recovery ventilator provides a constant, balanced fresh air supply."

To learn more about Passive Houses (not to be confused with a solar passive house), take a look at the links below:

PASSIVE HOUSE INSTITUTE US

PASSIVE HOUSE INTO AT PASSIVHAUS INSTITUT

NY TIMES PASSIVE HOUSE ARTICLE

SCANDINAVIAN HOMES LTD

EXAMPLES OF PASSIVE HOUSES

CFL Lightbulbs: Mercury Content Concerns

2009-01-02T22:47:00.001-05:00

While the recent trend to change light bulbs to CFLs is a step toward energy efficiency, it is also a step toward indoor toxicity and pollution considering the unhealthy amounts of mercury they contain. A CFL bulb uses a whopping 75% less energy than its incandescent brother, it truly is an easy decision. But there are concerns over the amount of mercury that is currently capped at 5 mg by Energy Star. Some Energy Star light bulbs would not be able to be legally sold in Europe because their cap for mercury content is lower than the US.

Under the Bush administration, Energy Star has become a passive backseat passenger and a partner to the electrical industry, hopefully things will change in the coming year. For now, to take the guesswork out of which bulbs are safest to buy, refer to the Environmental Working Group's guide for the CFLs with lowest mercury content and highest lifespan hours. Be sure to avoid using CFLs in rooms and locations where they can pose a hazard to children. For more in-depth information on this topic visit EWG.

Privacy Policy

2009-01-01T13:31:00.000-05:00

At Blogspot.AnVDesign.com, the privacy of our visitors is of extreme importance. This document outlines disclosure about sponsorship and the types of personal information received and collected by Blogspot.AnVDesign.com and how it is used.

Privacy Policy

Log Files

Like many other Web sites, Blogspot.AnVDesign.com makes use of log files. The information inside the log files includes internet protocol (IP) addresses, type of browser, Internet Service Provider (ISP), date/time stamp, referring/exit pages, and number of clicks to analyze trends, administer the site, track user’s movement around the site and geographic location. IP addresses, and other such information are not linked to any information that is personally identifiable.

Cookies and Web Beacons

Blogspot.AnVDesign.com uses cookies to store information about visitors preferences, record user-specific information about the pages visited, and customize Web page content based on visitor's browser type or other information that the visitor sends via their browser.

DoubleClick DART Cookie

Google, as a third party vendor, uses cookies to serve ads on Blogspot.AnVDesign.com.
Google's use of the DART cookie enables it to serve ads to visitors based on content viewed on AnV Design and other sites on the Internet.
Users may opt out of the use of the DART cookie by visiting the Google ad and content network privacy policy at the following URL - http://www.google.com/privacy_ads.html

Some of our advertising partners may use cookies and web beacons on our site. Our advertising partners may include:

Google Adsense
Linkshare

These third-party ad servers or ad networks track clicks on advertisements and links that appear on Blogspot.AnVDesign.com. They automatically receive your IP address when their link is clicked. Various technologies, such as cookies, JavaScript, or Web Beacons may be used by third-party ad networks to measure the effectiveness of their advertisements and/or to personalize the advertising content that you see.

You should consult the respective privacy policies of these third-party ad servers for more detailed information on their practices as well as for instructions about how to opt-out of certain practices. Blogspot.AnVDesign.com's privacy policy does not apply to, and we cannot control the activities of, such other advertisers or web sites.

If you wish to disable cookies, you may do so through your individual browser options. More detailed information about cookie management with specific web browsers can be found at the browsers' respective websites.

Sponsorship Disclosure

Blogspot.AnVDesign.com is a personal blog written and edited by Anastasia Borisyuk. This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship and other forms of compensation.

The compensation received will never influence the content, topics or posts made in this blog. All advertisements are generated by a third party ad network. Those advertisements will be identified as 'Sponsored Links'.

The owner of this blog may be compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The owner always gives honest opinion, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.

This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.

If you require any more information or have any questions about the privacy policy, please feel free to contact the editor, Anastasia Borisyuk, by email at kisunya322@hotmail.com.

USGBC: 15 Year Anniversary

2008-12-31T14:47:00.000-05:00

The USGBC (US Green Building Council) is celebrating 15 productive years! On their website you can view a great presentation highlighting the 15 individuals who have been involved in the making of the USGBC organization and shaping it to what it is today. Read about and watch video clips featuring Rick Fedrizzi, David Gottfried, John Picard, Bob Berkebile, Pliny Fisk, Susan Maxman, Mark Ginsberg, Alex Wilson, Auden Schendler, Bill Walsh, Peter Templeton, Scot Horst, Linda Cato, Martha Jane Murray, and Danniel Wallach.

One interviewer quoted Churchill whose words mark this point in time so well "You can always count on Americans to do the right thing after they have tried everything else and failed." The incredible thing about this 'green' movement is that it is not just about architecture or culture, it is a social movement. Likewise, the USGBC is not just about buildings, it is about people and lifestyle. Going forward, the organization hopes to continue their mission and avoid misrepresenting the current need for sustainable building, to avoid calling it mainstream when only 2-10% of homes can actually be called 'green'. This also involves exposing corporations that claim to be green without ever complying with LEED, they do not deserve a free ride just by masking themselves as environmentally friendly recyclers. The challenge ahead involves a lot of work on both new and existing buildings in America.

USGBC 15 YEARS PRESENTATION LINK

Downsizing America: Small and Tiny Homes

2008-12-29T22:57:00.000-05:00

Europe has always been known for tight boarding quarters, small cozy homes, and tiny flats. The United States on the other hand is the epitome of 'bigger is better' (I am generalizing here, bear with me). But there were always a handful of people who realized that bigger is often cumbersome, wasteful, and hideous; that handful has grown significantly over the past two decades. Today you will find many publications on small homes and designing for small spaces. I want to emphasize that I am referring to those who choose to build/buy smaller even though they can afford bigger, not those forced by circumstances and budget to live in a small home. This group of people makes a conscious decision to make their carbon footprint smaller - literally. There are also those who decided to ditch the 9-5 merry-go-round by selling their home and buying one small enough to pay for it cash and live a mortgage free life. Can you imagine how liberating that is? I admire people like that.

Truly though, considering the amount of time we spend outside of our homes, do we really need 4,000 square feet for a family of three? I don't think there should be any question. I always remind myself of a family I met in a foreign country who lived in a run-down shack of about 250 square feet, with 11 children. That puts things in perspective. Of course that is not something they chose, those are their unfortunate circumstances, but it is convicting when a thought like 'I wish I just had one more closet for all my things' comes to my mind. This American obsession with possessions is just one of the reasons for the economy bubble that recently burst and is quickly deflating.

If you want to find out more about tiny and small home living or if you are seriously considering this might be the right move for you and perhaps your family, take a look at my choice of websites below.

TUMBLEWEED TINY HOUSE COMPANY

HOME FRONT SIP SYSTEMS

LODGE ON WHEELS

CABIN FEVER

weeHOUSES

miniHOME

SUNLIGHT HOMES

SMALL HOME OREGON

CLASSIC CABIN & COTTAGE DESIGNS

Post Holiday Furniture Sale

2008-12-27T21:26:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for quality designer furniture, check out the latest post holiday sales. Crate and Barrel showcases a lot of furniture currently at 10-50% off. My personal pick from Design Within Reach is the Bauhaus design Paulistano Armchair.

The links below will take you to the corresponding websites for some of the upscale furniture:

CIRCLE FURNITURE SALE

CRATE AND BARREL FURNITURE SALE

DESIGN WITHIN REACH CLEARANCE

POMPANOOSUC MILLS SAMPLE SALE

For those on a tighter budget, look at IKEA winter sale or the Overstock.com furniture clearance. You could also try the Home Decorators Collection where the current special is $30 off a purchase of $150 or more (until 12/31/08).

Boston Real Estate: the time to buy

2008-12-24T14:57:00.001-05:00

Photo courtesy SXC

While most of us in the current economy will stay put in our dwellings, all around us we can see the great opportunities to invest in real estate with the prices still tumbling. If you were lucky on the timing, you are renting right now and on the look out for the best place to call home (or maybe you are that 2% of the population who can just keep on buying as many homes as you like).

Here are some of my top picks for luxury living in the Boston area, click on the links for more info:

Hammondswood: Chestnut Hill

Lexington Place: Lexington*

Macallen Building Condominiums Boston*

Northpoint Cambridge

One First: Cambridge

The Bryant: South End

The Durant: Wellesley

99 Winchester: Brookline*

*LEED building

PLUSH: Boston Design Center

2008-12-23T22:59:00.000-05:00

The Boston Design Center is a great resource for all your home/office furnishing and decorating needs. This is the place for luxury furniture, fabrics, kitchens and baths. But how can you take advantage of 'to the trade' specials and discounts? If you become a Plush network member, you get all that + some. With an annual membership of $275 you can expect:

The freedom to access everything for your home and office in one location
Four hours of design consultation included, followed by an hourly design fee of $125/hour
Ability to work with your designer at home and at the Boston Design Center
Freedom to browse and VIP reception in participating Plush showrooms
Special Plush pricing
Invitations to Member-Only events
Notification of new collection arrivals and sample sales

What is great is that you can work with a designer to help you create the space you envision, or you can give your own style flair a try. Of course this is not for someone with a tight budget, but rather enticing if the current economy has not affected you and you have a comfortable income.

Click here for details

Snowy New England: winterizing your home

2008-12-21T19:59:00.000-05:00

It is the end of December in New England and suddenly those energy bills don't look so harmless. Before you get upset at the record snowfall though, consider the benefits of the white flakes. If your roof is in good condition and well insulated, snow will only act as another layer of effective insulation. The air spaces between the snow crystals in a blanket of loosely packed snow serve as insulation - a deep-freeze duvet - for your home.

We all know about the obvious weatherproofing techniques and products: double pane windows, insulation, a caulk gun, weatherstripping. What about some things that can help but are less obvious? Whether your house has a basement or you are situated on a slab, consider an area rug for the tiled bathrooms and/or kitchen, even if it is there only for the winter. Check power outlets and recessed lights as those can often leak air. Keep your blinds open on sunny days to take advantage of solar gain. For your heating system to run efficiently be sure to replace the filter regularly. Consider investing in a high quality storm door that does not leak air when you are bringing in groceries and have the entry door open.

Depending on the electricity costs in your area you may also look into an electric fireplace for certain rooms in the house. It enables you to lower the overall heat in the home while maintaining a comfortable temperature in rooms you occupy most. Of course this would likely not be efficient in a small apartment, but can have a significant impact in a large home, especially if you have kids away at college and many unused rooms.

Whimzy Interior Design: North Conway Lodging

2008-12-19T20:44:00.001-05:00

Are you are tired of the same old hotel room, typical decor, boring accommodations? Check out Adventure Suites in North Conway, NH. Very conveniently located near all the winter activities in the area. You will be excited and intrigued by their 16 suites that are all completely unique!

VISIT BYE BOSTON FOR A MORE IN-DEPTH ARTICLE

VISIT ADVENTURE SUITES WEBSITE

Solaleya: A Dwelling Connecting to Nature

2008-12-15T23:23:00.001-05:00

In my earlier Greenbuild reflection I promised to elaborate on what it is that intrigued me so much about Solaleya. I think the image above is enough to intrigue anyone and wonder what is that, what is it made of, and who is the architect? Solaleya homes were first designed by Patrick Marsilli and the first one was built in 1988 in France. Today there are over 130 such homes worldwide. What makes these homes so special?

"The rotation system allows your home to turn towards or away from the sun to balance inside temperature and reduce energy consumption while allowing you to have a change of scenery from your windows any time you wish.

Proven to resist against extreme high winds and earthquakes in many occurrences, our dome shaped homes provide you with the comfort and safety of an outstanding and luxurious habitat all at once." (Solaleya)

Contrary to what you may think, the total cost of a Solaleya home is not more than a typical cookie cutter McMansion in Massachusetts. If you are really looking for minimal space (retiring with no kids, singles) you can expect a range of $180,00-$230,000 for under 1,000 square feet, including construction costs. At the lower part of the range is a non-rotating home. Affordable luxury shall we name it? Of course if you want top of the line finishes, cabinets, and solar panels, expect to pay extra. From an eco-dwelling point of view there are pros and cons for Solaleya. While FCS certified wood is used, there is a lot of material involved, but at the same time it isn't a lot more than a regular house. There is very little contact with the ground, so there will never be any moisture and humidity issues. All the windows are oriented toward the sky, so natural light is utilized to the maximum. There are no awkward corners that create space that isn't usable like in a regular home. It is also very thermally efficient due to the better flow of air throughout its dome shape.

Visit Solaleya for more information.

Certainly Carbon Zero: Ice Hotel

2008-12-11T18:09:00.002-05:00

While we can't all be Eco-friendly by building ourselves an ice house to dwell in, we can make our vacation a carbon neutral endeavor by staying at the Ice Hotel in Quebec. Yes, you would need to get there somehow (ski?), it would most likely involve the use of gasoline. But staying at a hotel made entirely of water is rather Earth friendly! Break free from reliance on foreign oil (wink)

Visit our friends at Bye Boston for the full article!

Green Education: College of the Atlantic

2008-12-09T20:43:00.000-05:00

Higher education in the United States today is not only unsustainable because of the price tag, but also because dorm life often involves lights on all day, peers too lazy to walk an extra ten feet to the recycle bin, and half full laundry loads in electricity guzzling washing machines. Many colleges taunt a 'green' wrapper but are really nowhere near that on the inside.

I would like to showcase a college that truly breaks the mold. One that dared to go carbon-neutral. College of the Atlantic in Maine is like a small community with common goals. With an enrollment of 321 students, embracing sustainability is easier achieved than at large universities. It is powered by low-flow renewable hydropower, uses FSC certified woods, and feeds its students local organic foods and free range meats (which they often help raise and grow themselves).

You can watch a video here about the focus and vision of College of the Atlantic. You can also check out this video for an overview of the carbon neutrality of the college.

New England: Green Hotel Getaway

2008-12-05T22:17:00.002-05:00

Are you looking to get away from the hectic city life and relax this winter season? I have just the green spot for you, the Eco-conscious traveler. Whether you would travel by plane or take a short two hour drive from Boston, this Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, is an emerging jewel. Recently renovated and ranked as one of the Top Ten Green Hotels in the U.S. by Forbes Traveler, this unique spot is affordable this season thanks to their great special going on now if you book by December 15th (check it out here at Travelzoo).

Their website boasts about the green design and service features of this cozy hot spot:

The first and only Hotel in Maine to heat with Biofuel
The first hotel in Maine to be Carbon Neutral
The first in Maine to offer carbon offsets to guests for travel with Carbonfreemeetings™ and Carbonfreevacations™
5 acres of indigenous gardens certified as a Wildlife Habitat
Air to air heat exchangers added with our 2008 renovation
First hotel in New England to have dual flush toilets
Solar heating and salt/chlorine system for the pool
Recycled rubber floors in the cardio room
Working with LEED consultant on spa addition
Low VOC paints, wall covering and sealants in spa
Recycled sheetrock and metal studs in spa
22 nesting boxes and 6 bird feeders
Recycling bins in rooms & function spaces
Sheet and towel programs
CFL’s and LED light, lights on timers
Green Seal cleaning products for a healthy environment

Greenbuild 2008 Highlights

2008-11-30T23:17:00.002-05:00

Greenbuild 2008 was phenomenal. It exceeded my expectations. It gave me a new sense of direction in architecture and design. I wish it was in Boston every year! Unfortunately it is highly unlikely I will go to the one in Phoenix in 2009. This post is a little late to be labeled as 'news', but that is because I was busy writing this article after my first Greenbuild impressions, and then Thanksgiving weekend dropped from the sky on me. I was wiped after the expo, writing the article, and working another job on Saturday - being seven months pregnant I deserved some rest.

So on to the exclusive highlights, at least those that sparkled in my eyes. First, everyone has to hear the Van Jones speech, you can do so here. If you want to know what it is about and if it is worth your time, click on the article link I mentioned above, I elaborate on his ideas. There are other speeches and lectures worth listening to of course, like the one by Desmond Tutu that you will soon be able to view.

There were hundreds of products and innovations that impressed me at Greenbuild, I will mention a few. I was in awe of the Solaleya dwelling and completely fell in love with it. It deserves its own blog post. That drove me to further research Eco-friendly affordable prefab housing options - I'll go off on that tangent later. BioBased, a soy based spray-foam insulation, was quite interesting too. Finally insulation that is non-toxic. Equally impressive is Energy Peak building integrated photovoltaics that are installed with standing seam roofing to blend in and provide on or off-grid clean power. I personally really enjoyed the Yolo Colorhouse booth of environmentally responsible paint. Out of all the non-profit organizations, one that is definitely worth supporting and exploring is the Biomimicry Institute. Their mission of educating about design inspired by nature has limitless possibilities. At Greenbuild they launched their new website portal - Ask Nature, a fun tool for architects, designers, and kids to investigate the design genius that nature demonstrates.

Visit Greenbuild 2009 in Phoenix, AZ for more sustainable inspiration, training, and hands on investigation.

Green Design: recycled homes

2008-11-18T17:39:00.002-05:00

One of the ways to be more environmentally sensitive is to recycle what you would normally throw out or what someone else does not need into a new functional object. We do it all the time anyway, but perhaps not on a grand scale. For example, you might reuse a paper bag to cover a textbook or the glass jam jar to make pickled cucumbers. But some people spend all their time and energy just coming up with new ways to use something that would otherwise go to waste.

You might have noticed some Ikea products that are made from 'waste' materials, like the rocking chair out of banana peels for example. How about a whole house made from reused and recycled materials? Pictured above is a house that is made from disposed materials of Boston's Big Dig (yeah, your tax dollars at work). While 4,300 square feet can hardly be considered sustainable, it does demonstrate the possibility of luxury, comfort, and spaciousness, even from reused waste materials. I prefer a more modest approach that creates a living space sized to live modestly but comfortably. An example would be the Eco Label House, made from waste rice husk and recycled polymer. At a modest 500 square feet it is still bigger than a very comfortable one bedroom apartment that I lived in for a year. Great for newlyweds, bachelors, and retires. They also have a 1, 000 square foot design for those of us with kids. This one, unfortunately, is only suitable for warm climates, and they would never ship it outside of southeast Asia.

I am personally a fan of shipping container homes springing up all over Europe, and recently migrating here to the US. These homes can range from very modest prefab to luxury with the involvement of an architect. Just a little creativity and you can design it in a way that nobody would know it is a shipping container, or you can make it evident like in the photo above.

A Must Read Book

2008-11-13T13:58:00.001-05:00

Have you recently had a conversation with an average twelve or fifteen year old who spends a good part of his day in a public school? Even better, have you heard the conversations of children that age talking to each other? What I have heard from school age children is proof that the public school system is doing what it was designed to do - even if it was not deliberately planned by someone.

I do not usually write book reviews as I spend more time writing than reading. But then I came across this masterpiece type of book that would be wrong not to share. It gave me clear insight into why my years in the American public school were spent educating the teachers instead of getting an education. They were great at giving assignments but most (not all) of them never taught their pupils to think on their own, and when someone dared to have their own ideas and opinions they were caught off guard. I don't mean to blame the teachers, I have had many that are great people but they were just as much victims of a failed education system.

This book is a must read for anyone who has any connection to the public school system (that would be everyone). It is not an expose of some conspiracy theory, neither is it an attempt for education reform. Suddenly things will make a lot of sense, things like why the literacy rate in this country was higher in 1840 than it is now. As John Gatto would say "what is wrong from a human perspective is right from a system perspective". We would not have the workforce this nation needs if children were raised individually (not as a herd) and inspired to think, to invent, to dream. They are now taught to think and be like everyone else, to be productive, and to conform to the image of this decrepit society. I am not surprised that homeschooling is growing at a fast rate in this country, and those who home school are usually adults with higher education who at one point decided to think for themselves. The uneducated don't question the status quo.

Here are a few quotes that might compel you to pick up this book: "The great destructive myth of the twentieth century was the aggressive contention that a child could not grow up correctly in the unique circumstances of his own family. Forced schooling was the principal agency broadcasting this attitude."(chapter 10 summary)

"Spare yourself the anxiety of thinking of this school thing as a conspiracy, even though the project is indeed riddled with petty conspirators. It was and is a fully rational transaction in which all of us play a part. We trade the liberty of our kids and our free will for a secure social order and a very prosperous economy. It’s a bargain in which most of us agree to become as children ourselves, under the same tutelage which holds the young, in exchange for food, entertainment, and safety. The difficulty is that the contract fixes the goal of human life so low that students go mad trying to escape it." (chapter 16 summary)

You can actually read the book online (http://www.johntaylorgatto.com/chapters/index.htm), but I recommend sparing your eyesight and getting it at the local library.

If you are interested in how this relates to a design blog, I'll give you a hint. The public school system is a threat to sustainability... in other words - if this continues, the sustainability of human intelligence is in great jeopardy.

New LEED worthy materials

2008-11-06T21:02:00.001-05:00

If you have worked with the USGBC (US Green Building Council) LEED certification program, you are always subconsciously on the lookout for exterior and interior materials that can get you LEED points. Today I will highlight three interior products that are LEED worthy:

1. SILK DYNASTY WALL COVERING: "Because of this cotton-and-abaca textile's durability, flexibility, and resistance to water damage, it's versatile enough to be used in more than just sunny climes. The pattern is GreenSpec-certified; contributes to LEED credits for its rapidly-renewable, raw, low-emitting, regional material; and comes in six colorways."

Check out www.silkdynasty.com for more info.

2. UNICORK FLOORING (pictured above): This great alternative flooring material can score up to 3 LEED points. A blurb about it..."Unicork has exceptional physical properties including acoustical and thermal insulation, durability, resistance to mold and mildew, naturally hypo-allergenic, and easy to clean. Unicork is suitable for use in homes, offices, institutional,
healthcare, and retail environments, including stores, restaurants, and any other
commercial installation." Some of the environmental benefits of using cork are that it is a renewable natural resource, it is a natural thermal insulator, it resists mold and mildew, and is naturally hypoallergenic. What's not to love?

Look at http://tomkt.com/main.html for information.

3. ENVIROSLAB COUNTERTOP (pictured above): These affordable and unique countertop slabs are hand made with 100% recycled glass and porcelain and color-customizable resin in Texas and can be shipped to all fifty states and internationally.

www.enviroglasproducts.com

Two Weeks until Build Boston

2008-11-03T16:31:00.001-05:00

If you are in any profession related to building, construction, and architecture and you live in the Northeast, attending Build Boston November 18-22 is a must. This event is great for networking, finding the latest in building products and technology, and getting your continuing education credits. Plus, if you registered early, the exhibit hall admission is free - so why not spend a few hours there looking for your new favorite product and mingling with other professionals? There are 350 exhibits, so you'll be sure to find something for your tastes and specifications. Who knows, maybe while you are browsing around for work, you might also discover something for your own home. This is a great place to discover the latest in sustainable products.

What I love most about the Build Boston exhibit is the hands-on experience. All the reps are in one place, they all want your business, and they go out of their way to impress you and lure you. It definitely beats browsing through catalogs where you can't touch and see the product and sometimes have to chase down the reps and play phone tag to get your questions answered. Before you go, be sure to make a list of your 'must see' vendors, although if you are up for it you can spend all three days camping in on the exhibit floor and visit all 350!

Visit http://www.buildboston.com/ for more information.

The Wonders of Lighting

2008-10-31T13:27:00.001-04:00

Lighting plays a vital role in interior spaces. It can make a room gloomy, vibrant, depressing, energizing, boring, or exciting. A poorly lit room that is well designed with materials and furnishings is a waste of your money, you are not showcasing what you have spent your time on. The key to great lighting design is layering. I think most of you know a space that is lit by just one type of lighting, like the average office. We all know how 'inviting' that can be. The average hospital room is also a great example of poor lighting design.

Layering refers to using a combination of general or ambient lighting, task lighting, accent lighting, and decorative lighting. Ambient lighting generally lights the entire space with a light wash and eliminates too much contrast between spaces that are lit and those that are not. Task lighting is of course specific to an area where a task is performed and is a higher light level. Accent lighting highlights specific architectural or artistic features (a painting for example) and is about 3 times brighter than ambient lighting. Decorative lighting is when the fixture itself becomes a prominent element in the space.

You also want to use day lighting to your advantage and for great cost savings before the sun goes down. For further savings, only use efficient lighting fixtures with long-life lamps.

The photo is an example of using layers to create a positive lighting mood.
photo: SoBe design group

Greening your interiors

2008-10-29T22:41:00.000-04:00

Some might say that the green design movement is just another passing fad. Though we can see clearly it affects nearly all categories, not just design. It is a green living movement. When people realize that there is something terribly wrong with babies being born pre-polluted, the indoor air they breathe being hazardous, and a growing amount of the food they eat laden with chemicals - they inevitably change their lifestyle. Of course I am not speaking for the millions of ignorant people who could care less about what is in their food and their bodies.

This lifestyle movement gave birth to a movement towards creating more healthy indoor environments. After all, we spend a lot more time indoors than out. One could argue exactly when this movement emerged, but I would say and most will agree it grew over a period of time and did not happen overnight. The air inside your home is approximately 50 times more toxic than outdoor air. The figure will not change much even if you live in downtown Manhattan. So the next time you whip out your brush to repaint your house, consider the consequences this will have on the quality of your indoor air. I am not talking about the 2 weeks that you'll smell the paint - I am talking about what you will not smell and what will off gas for years to come. If you really care about the health of your family, your children, and yes, even your dog Rover - don't skimp on some zero VOC paint. It will not break your bank, and might actually save some money in the long run (those co-pays at doctor's visits really add up).

Life for your walls

2008-10-29T22:15:00.002-04:00

Do you have a large empty wall persistently looming over your living room, bedroom, or formal entry? While a big block of solid paint might be minimalist and modernly attractive, chances are that it could portray much more life and character than it currently does. I know, you've just never found the time or money to spend looking for that artwork that you feel is 'just right'. The hand me down or yard sale find that is stored in your garage just does not cut it. A few tips for finding that perfect one:

1. Decide on a style and genre: is it modern, impressionist, are you an Art Deco lover; do you have a weakness for landscapes, seascapes, animals, abstract objects, flowers?
2. Decide on a medium: a photograph will give a very different impression from an original oil painting for example
3. Your budget: while an original oil might be out of your wallet's reach, and a print looks too cheap, look into affordable yet valued techniques such as giclee; also you would be surprised what some local art students are capable of - you might even discover a future Michelangelo.
4. Size: Don't ever let your budget dictate the size, it should only be based on the amount of wall space you have. You would not want to place an 8 x 10 framed photograph on an empty wall that is 20 feet wide in a room with 9 foot ceilings. But, you can tastefully collage several smaller pieces framed with matting to take up more space on a large wall.
5. Work with the color present in the room: Stick to colors that compliment whatever is already in the room (if you room is a complete mish mash of color we have a different problem here). If your room is rather neutral, select artwork that brings in color to bring the room to life and create a focal point. If you room is rather colorful as is, you might want a more neutral painting/print, perhaps even a black and white photograph would do the trick.

The painting above by Afremov may serve as some inspiration for creating your own art display in your home.