Made from Hemp, this shower curtain will definitely bring the outdoors into your bathroom. An environmentally friendly material, hemp gives these shower curtains a beautiful, soft and slightly aromatic presence. These are hand-made and will typically take up to 2 weeks to make.
Boulder, Colorado - A place for the inhabitants love their environment. Biking and hiking trails, parks and open spaces, it’s a beautiful place. Soon 50,000 homes in Boulder will be -decked out- with all the latest in environmentally-friendly, energy-saving technology. Solar panels, electric cars and some with specialized monitoring systems will help turn Boulder into America’s first Smart Grid City.
Xcel, along with several green high-tech companies, has invested $100 million to transform Boulder into a living laboratory.
To read the complete article, highly recommended, please visit Boulder, Colorado: America’s First ‘Smart Grid City’.
Handmade in Brooklyn, New York, these simple designs by Domestic Aesthetic (2008) are environmentally friendly too! BranchHome.com makes them out of reclaimed wood; the salt shaker is reclaimed poplar wood painted with a low-VOC milk paint, while the pepper shaker is reclaimed walnut wood. The stopper at the bottom is made from cork, a renewable wood source. So if you’re looking for a unique and Earth friendly gift this holiday, this beautiful handmade salt and pepper shaker set will be packaged in a recycled-paper gift box to keep your gift environmentally friendly and chic. The simple design will complement any decor.
It’s safe to say there has been a revolution in the way people paint. Knowing that every choice we make will affect the environment in some way, consumers are demanding paint companies to be more environmentally responsible. Conventional paints are full of harmful chemicals, usually Volative Organic Compounds (VOCs) and sometimes heavy metals. It’s no wonder the smell would drive the painter out eventually unless they were wearing a quality mask. Conventional paints aren’t good for us, why would they be good for the planet?
Thankfully, many paint companies have come to the same realization and are offering more natural alternatives. You’re probably aware of Low-VOC or No-VOC paints. They’ve been showing up on the shelves in your local hardware stores, but you might not have understood why they were bad for you, and bad for our planet. So here is your complete guide to the most natural paint products on the market, what you should be watching out for, and everything in between.
So let’s begin with VOCs. You’re probably wondering what VOCs are exactly. Well, Volative Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic chemical compounds that are able to vaporize and enter the atmosphere. The most common VOC is methane, a relatively potent greenhouse gas with a high global warming potential 25 times greater than carbon dioxide. With the capability to weaken your air quality, VOCs may be harmful to your health. Many VOCs are found in your home, leading to a concentration of 2 to 5 times greater VOCs compared to outdoor air. This can get up to 1000 times greater than the air outside depending on your activities. And VOCs will continue to be released even after the paint is dry.
Made to be better for our health and our environment, natural paints are non-toxic and made without the VOCs. Simply reading the labels you’ll see the difference; plant dyes, milk proteins, clays, resins and essential oils. But being a responsible shopper can still be difficult because the labeling doesn’t always tell the truth. For example, zero VOC paints can still contain VOCs. EPA regulations allow paints with less than 5 grams of VOC per liter to qualify as a zero VOC product. And low-VOC labels are correct, they will contain less harmful chemicals, but they still contain them. They will also have less odor and be a little safer than normal paints.
Now that you have a basic understanding on why it’s best to avoid VOCs in your home, let’s talk about the different types of natural paints available on the market today. You’ll be able to color your home while minimizing your carbon footprint. Without the dubious chemicals, toxins, and VOCs, these paint products contain naturally occurring elements. This is especially helpful to people with respiratory problems, like asthma, and allergies. Many manufacturers of natural paints, or non-toxic paints, are online companies - so expect to have it delivered.
Milk Paint by The Real Milk Paint Company is 100% organic and completely natural. Based on the old fashion way of making paint with curdled milk; Milk Paint is made from powdered purified milk protein, lime and pigments. That’s right, an organic paint - so you know it’s environmentally friendly. And Milk Paint goes through a process that absorbs carbon dioxide from the air, so this paint will actually improve your air quality.
Organic Linseed Paints by Solvent Free Paint are made from Allback, Sweden. They offer a 100% organic paint product containing cold pressed flax seed. It’s chemical and lead free, but will fade over time. You’ll need to maintain the paint every 5 to 10 years with a linseed oil wax, but it’s said to last 50 years by doing so. This is a wonderful product for older homes because this type of paint was used in the past.
The Freshaire Choice is certified by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI), a non-profit organization providing verification for low-emitting products. Not only is this environmentally friendly paint, but the packaging, color chips, and even the can are all environmentally safe. They truly went above and beyond.
Green Planet Paints are different in that they use a sustainably produced soy-based alkyd resin as the starting point for their paint. They also fully disclose the ingredients in their clay paints; natural mineral and plant-based. Extremely community driven they are dedicated to natural paints and hire locally to support the local job market.
BioShield’s paint collection is made mostly of naturally-derived raw materials. This includes citrus peel extracts, seed oils, essential oils, inert mineral fillers, tree and bee waxes, lead-free dryers, natural pigments and tree resins. And the green living extends into BioShield’s business ethics as well.
ECOS Paints are organic. You’ll find non-toxic pigments, mineral fillers, waxes and water in these paints. With no solvents present, there are no VOCs. Ecos products are also free of pesticides, herbicides and 100% non-toxic. The owner actually demonstrated this by eating a spoonful of paint from a random container in the factory in front of HSE. Ecos has been around since 1988, so you can see they are doing something right. They specialize only in natural paint and natural varnish.
When it comes to cost, it’s difficult. Some non-toxic paints will cost more than conventional paints, while others are surprisingly less. You’ll have to shop for specific products (i.e. indoor, outdoor, colors) to see the differences in cost. Another aspect of painting with natural paints that can be an annoyance is finding the right color in the brand with the ingredients you want. Companies are coming out with more and more colors, but you might want to have a back up choice or two.
Not everyone will be able to purchase 100% natural paints, for one reason or another. That’s why we’re including a quick list of Nationwide Retailers who are approved by the Green Seal organization. They are much stricter than the EPA, but will still allow 50 grams per liter (g/L) of VOC levels in paints (compared to 250 g/L with the EPA). It’s better than choosing the conventional paints. For a more complete list, please visit Green Seal’s website here.
Benjamin Moore, EcoSpec Interior Line (Latex Primer Sealer, Flat, Eggshell, Enamel, and Semi-Gloss Enamel
Dutch Boy, Clarity Interior Latex line (Primer Sealer, Flat Wall & Ceiling Paint, Satin Wall & Trim Enamel and Semi-Gloss Wall & Trim Enamel
Vista Paint, Carefree Earth Coat line (Primer, Flat, Velva Sheen, Eggshell and Semi-Gloss)
If you drove past this house, you probably wouldn’t think it was “green” and on a budget. Would you?
That’s exactly what it is. Dan Heinfeld, of LPA Architects in Irvine, wanted to build his family house on a budget. Of course “green,” eco-friendly, and Earth friendly were all achieved because that’s what LPA Architects is all about. Now it’s certainly not in my budget, and probably not for most Americans. But this luxury home, or better known as the Chestnut House, was built with the intentions to prove that “green” doesn’t cost more. So if you are looking to build your next home, don’t think that you’ll have to spend the “green” to go green (pun intended). And please check out the full article written about this beautiful home at Inhabitat.com.
Apparently salt has over 14,000 different uses, according to the Salt Institute, and only a small percentage has to do with food consumption. These are a few of the more interesting uses of salt in your household.
Are your eggs fresh? Add 2 teaspoons of salt to a cup of water and add your egg. If it floats it’s questionable, but if it sinks it’s fresh.
Tired of bitter, overcooked coffee? Just add a pinch of salt to not only enhance the flavor, but to remove some of the bitterness it gets when overcooked.
Did you know that Americans each consume more than 16 tons of salt in their lifetime?
Stop mold growing on your cheese by wrapping it in a saltwater dampened towel before placing it in the refrigerator.
Extinguish your grease fires by tossing salt to smother the flames. If you were to use water you’d spatter the burning grease and that wouldn’t be good.
Forget Mr. Plumber, simply create a strong salt brine and pour that down your sink drains. Not only will you help eliminate odors, but stop grease from building up.
Stop your milk from souring, just add a pinch of salt to help it keep longer.
If you’ve just spilled wine on tablecloth, you’ll need to blot up what you can, then cover the stain with salt to absorb what’s left. You can then later rinse it with cold water.
For more interesting tips on using salt, including health and beauty tips, visit the Salt Institute.
Green apartments are finally joining the ranks of the green building movement in chic style thanks to Boutique Apartments. Located in Denver, Colorado, each of their 11 themed apartment properties is unique in styling. From outdoor cabin-inspired The Lodge to road inspired Route 66 to a calm Zen-like Shambhala, there’s no place like home.
The newest member of the Boutique Apartments communities, Metropolis.
From planning to construction, Boutique Apartments has made every effort in being as Earth friendly as possible. Energy efficient appliances, bamboo flooring, low-VOC paint and compact fluorescent lighting are nothing new in the green building world, but what about a white roof that won’t absorb heat? Choosing a larger city puts local shops within walking distance and for farther excursions public transportation is nearby. All built green, these apartments have a minimal impact on our planet. Mostly comprised of studios, there are 1 and 2 bedrooms as well depending on your needs. Respecting the environment includes the use of 100% fully sustainable wind power.
Every apartment community offers unique styling, like the decor surrounding the mailboxes at Boutique Apartments' Route 66.
For Boutique Apartments it’s all about building a community of those that share similar interests. They are even donating 5% of every property management dollar to non-profits (many in the Denver area). So if you’re heading to Denver or just looking for a new apartment community that shares your eco-friendly vision, check out Boutique Apartments.
Granite countertops, slate and hardwood floors, designer cabinetry - Prana offers pure luxury.
December 21, 2008. With the first day of winter on the horizon, we’re all going to be spending more time indoors and that means rising energy bills to keep warm. Here’s a few simple tips you can start to save a few extra bucks while reducing your carbon footprint at the same time.
1. Natural light. Open your curtains and take advantage of the sunshine during the day and you won’t have the need for many lamps to be on. Just don’t forget to shut them up at night to keep your home insulated.
2. Close your gaps. Drafty windows usually mean there is a gap around the window sill and this will allow air to leak in and out. Weather stripping is inexpensive and easy to add to your windows and doors. You should be able to cover the costs in a month or two of energy savings.
3. Switch your current showerhead to a low-flow model. By adding air into the water stream you’ll be using less water and your water heater won’t have to work so hard.
Well, an anonymous reader found an even better deal: A low-flow showerhead by Real Goods that has a flow rate of 1.2 gallon/minute and a “pause” button that allows you to stop the water while soaping up or applying shampoo (and the price is $12!). - Treehugger.com
4. Replace your existing thermostat with a programmable thermostat. This is easy to install and should cost less than $50.
5. Wrap your water heater in a blanket. Insulating your water heater is fast and efficient. The energy savings will pay for it in no time.
6. Check your water heater’s temperature. If you’re water heater is heating water to anything above 120 degrees Farenheit you’re just wasting energy. Turn the setting down and it’s a quick and simple way to save money on your heating bills this winter.
With the rising costs of energy bills, it’s never too early to start looking for ways to be more Earth friendly. Hopefully these tips will keep you warm and toasty this winter and keep that extra cash in your wallet. If you have any additional tips, please feel free to share them.
The Imperial Lily Floor Lamp available by Green Culture on Eco-Lights.com is a wonderful addition to any room. Not only is it whimsical and organic in design, but it’s Earth friendly as well. Crafted out of recycled content the metal base is curvy and eco-friendly, the lamp itself is recyclable. Shown above in Old Iron, it’s also available in Burnt Gold.
When you think of LEED Platinum, do you think of ultra modern home designs? I used to before I saw the newest LEED Platinum certified home, the first for the Sacramento area - it’s a Craftsman Bungalow! I’m very excited about this, not just because of the Platinum rating or the 80% savings in energy costs, but it’s a beautiful Craftsman Bungalow. Growing up here in Orange County, CA I’ve frequently visited the historical district at the Orange Circle and these are my favorite designs of all times. I always thought I’d end up buying one of those turn of the century homes, but now I have another option.
At just under 2000 square feet, technology and materials are now available to anyone looking to create the home of their dreams - with an eco-friendly attitude. This specific home uses a solar energy system by BP Solar Integra, a solar PV system, and a Xantrex XW 6048 inverter. The lucky homeowners will be saving 84% on monthly electrical and gas bills.
For more information on this great project, head over to JetsonGreen.com.
