Archive for October, 2007
October 30th, 2007
October Green News Review– Boo!
Just in case you haven’t had time to keep up with your environmental reading….here are some highlights from the month of October.
California Fire Devastation Consistent with Global Warming Projections
Science Daily reports: “This is exactly what we’ve been projecting to happen, both in short-term fire forecasts for this year and the longer term patterns that can be linked to global climate change,” said Ronald Neilson, a professor at Oregon State University and bioclimatologist with the USDA Forest Service. To learn more about the links between climate change, drought and wild fires, please read this article:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071024103856.htm
New York May Join Crackdown on Plastic Bags
According to Reuters, New York City may follow an international trend and crack down on plastic shopping bags, seeking to cut their use with a plan officials hope will be a model for other cities. We knew there was a reason we loved the Big Apple!
Read the article here: http://www.enn.com/pollution/article/24152
Several States Planning to Sue Federal Govt. over Emissions Regulations
The New York Times reports that New York is one of more than a dozen states, led by California, preparing to sue the Bush administration for holding up efforts to regulate emissions from cars and trucks, several people involved in the lawsuit said on the 24th of October. States are pushing the Bush Administration for tougher regulation on greenhouse gas emissions.
Read the full article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/24/nyregion/24emissions.html?n=Top%2fReference%2fTimes%20Topics%2fSubjects%2fE%2fEnvironment
Toyota Planning to Cut Size and Price of Next Generation of the Prius
Although they won’t say how much or when, a top Toyota exec announced that they would be able to greatly reduce the size and cost of the Prius because they will use a nickel-metal hydride battery instead of lithium-ion. Can’t wait to see them on the lots!
http://www.enn.com/energy/article/24097
In Case We Weren’t Sure…..U.N. Says World in Dire Straits
According to Reuters, the Chief of the UN Environment Program, Achim Steiner says, “The global trends on climate, on ozone, on indeed ecosystem degradation, fisheries, in the oceans, water supplies … are still pointing downwards.”
To learn more about the UNEP report, click here: http://www.enn.com/pollution/article/24095
October 30th, 2007
How To Tuesday: Save Energy This Winter
As the temperature drops and the days grow shorter, many of us are thinking about the holidays or hoping for that first sparkling morning after a nighttime snowfall. Here at Low Impact Living, we have other things in mind as well - winter is the time when we have the greatest opportunity to reduce our contribution to global warming. All that energy consumed to keep our houses warm and power lights through the long night takes its toll on the environment.
In a typical house, heating alone can produce 7-10 tons of carbon dioxide during the heating season, or as much as driving an average car nearly 20,000 miles. And, this doesn’t even count the additional amounts produced by hot water heating and electricity use.
It’s not too late to take steps that will reduce your global warming contribution and save money this winter. For less than $200, you can make changes that cut over one ton of carbon dioxide and reduce your winter utility bills by 10%. And, it’s also a good time to take stock of what major projects you might consider in time for next winter. Here are some suggestions to get you started.
(For more detail on the environmental impacts of a typical house in your part of the country, and for additional project ideas, try exploring LIL’s Impact Calculator at http://www.lowimpactliving.com/projects).
Actions You Can Take Today
1. Turn down your thermostat when away or at night. You could save up to 1% off your heating bill for every degree you lower your thermostat. And, contrary to urban legend, it does NOT use significantly more energy to warm your house back up again.
2. Reduce the temperature of your hot water heater. Reducing your hot water temp from 130 to 120 degrees can save $50-$100 per year and up to 2% of your total household fuel use and carbon dioxide production. If your setting is higher, so are the savings.
3. Open blinds and drapes on the south side of your house to let in sunlight during the day and close them tight each night. Even in the dead of winter, south-facing sunlight can warm your house an extra few degrees. Close the blinds at night , and it will trap the warmth and reduce your heating needs for a few hours.
4. Clean or replace your air filters. This not only cleans out the creepy-crawlies before they get recirculated through your house, but improves the efficiency of your heating system. Find a filter for your furnace here.
Projects You Can Do This Week
1. Install a programmable thermostat. Even though it is easy, many of us will decide that re-setting the thermostat by hand every day is a pain. So, let your thermostat do it for you with one of these programmable Energy Star options. Save up to 5% of your energy bill, and avoid emitting 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide.
2. Put weatherstripping around leaky windows and doors. Do your windows and doors puff at you on a blustery winter day? If so, then you are losing tens or hundreds of dollars each heating season. Find weather stripping and other sealing products here.
3. Insulate your hot water heater and hot water pipes. Taken together, poorly insulated hot water heaters and pipes cost you up to 3% of your energy bill each year. At a minimum, wrap your water heater in an insulating blanket and insulate the first 5-10 feet of hot water piping with these products. These changes are some of the most cost-effective you can make - they cost less than $60 and pay for themselves in less than a year.
4. Replace high-use light bulbs and outdoor floodlights with compact fluorescent light bulbs, and install motion- or light-sensing light switches. Collectively, these changes could save up to 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide and pay for themselves in a year. Click here for a variety of options.
5. Buy offsets for the balance of your typical household consumption. If it’s too late to make a big dent in your greenhouse gas production this year, offsets are an inexpensive way to reduce your emissions. Offsetting 100% of your total emissions can cost less than $200 / year, including your house and cars. Click here to find out more.
Projects You Can Do This Month
1. Seal your heating ducts. Leaks in ductwork are some of the most costly and easiest to fix heating / cooling problems, often wasting 10% or more of your heating fuel. Find do-it-yourself duct sealing products here, or find a local professional here.
2. Upgrade the insulation of one or more key parts of your house. Out of sight out of mind, right? Not if you care about global warming – poor insulation is a major source of household emissions (via wasted heat). Decide on one high-impact insulation project, and find a contractor to do it here. Most local utilities offer significant rebates for insulation projects, and there is also a substantial federal tax credit.
Your Long Term Plan To Become Carbon Neutral
Even with today’s technology, all homes can be carbon neutral, meaning that they produce no net carbon dioxide emissions. This is because you can do projects that reduce or eliminate your carbon dioxide at home and purchase a product called a carbon offset for the balance. Here are things to think about as you plan your way towards this goal.
1. Make sure energy efficiency is a component of any significant remodeling job (windows, etc). Many of us spend thousands installing that special kitchen or bathroom, but don’t think about energy efficiency. A few hundred incremental dollars will often get paid off in months with the right choices in windows, insulation, and sustainable products. Click here to see some suggestions for different rooms in your house.
2. Replace old appliances, heating equipment and hot water heaters with Energy Star or better versions. Today’s appliances and heating equipment can be several times more efficient than those of ten years ago. If you’re thinking about new appliances, check LIL’s selection of Energy Star versions in our product section.
3. Begin to understand whether solar electric, solar hot water heating, or wind energy make sense in your area. Using renewable energy is the ultimate solution to our global warming and energy independence challenges. The economics of renewable energy improve every year between technology upgrades and improved government incentives. Begin the learning process on LIL’s solar power and wind power pages.
October 29th, 2007
Green Prefab: LEED Platinum Home in St. Louis
This just in from Jay Swoboda, Project Manager at EcoUrban Homes in St. Louis, Mo (no joke– Missouri)
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I’m guessing your mind doesn’t immediately jump to Missouri when green building is mentioned. Hey, not a problem. But let’s be honest – if every green home came from California, life would be pretty boring. Out here in fly-over country, we’re doing our part – and EcoUrban Homes is one of the leaders in the green prefab movement. At the outset, our company was conceptualized as a means to bring modern prefab homes to St. Louis as a remedy for the countless infill lots that exist in most of the older neighborhoods around the city. It wasn’t long before we realized that the modular process and the aesthetic we aspired to already put us well on our way to building green. At that time (2005), there was not nearly as much buzz around the green movement and, in fact, green builders going green here were considered fringe by a lot of people.
As luck would have it, EcoUrban began to pick up momentum just as green building was becoming a much more mainstream idea. By the time our display home was finished in June, public awareness of green building was really starting to expand and current attitudes in the Midwest, or at least in St. Louis, are really starting to shift towards the reality of more sustainable building processes. We feel well positioned at the front of the green/prefab wave and plan to begin rolling out to other cities this winter.
EcoUrban Homes are:
Green
Our homes employ what we like to call “conventional green” technology to get to a level of efficiency that far surpasses most houses on the market. Using a holistic approach that combines high efficiency heating/cooling with superior insulation, tight construction, and better materials overall, we are proud to offer a house that is 80% more efficient than traditional construction. In fact, the August (hottest month in St. Louis) utility bill at our display home totaled $62 – that, with the temperature set at an average of 74 degrees. EcoUrban homes are so green, in fact, that they have been awarded LEED Platinum certification by the US Green Building Council. Read more about the green features here.
Affordable
Affordability is key. While there are variety of amazing, high-concept green homes out there, the fact is most are inaccessible to the masses. Our thought was that if you really want to push the needle forward green has to be economical for the average homebuyer. Our prices currently reflect that notion. The base price for a simple 1100 square foot, single-story home is $129,000 (excluding land). Our LEED Platinum, two-story 1950 square foot display home is currently available for $279,000 – easily the most affordable LEED Platinum home out there.
Healthy
Health is also an important aspect of a truly green home. To that end, only construction materials and interior finish products with zero or low emissions are utilized in our homes, thus improving indoor air quality. Many current building materials and maintenance products emit toxic gases, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde. These gases can have a detrimental impact on everyday health and productivity. EcoUrban prides itself on using only the highest-quality no VOC paints, caulks and adhesives. Additionally, we specify only healthy, non-chemical interior finishes on all cabinets and countertops and our flooring and carpet products are recycled and/or made from sustainable materials such as bamboo or corn.
At the end of the day, our goal is simple: we want to offer people a healthy, affordable green home with a great design that speaks for itself.
**** Be sure to check out our new green prefab section at Low Impact Living.
October 26th, 2007
Green Spas: Pamper Yourself, and the Earth
Many people consider time spent at spas as the ultimate in luxury and pampering. Quiet, peaceful surroundings, often in a natural setting, set the mood for relaxation and rejuvenation. This is a wonderful thing…as long as Mother Nature doesn’t foot the bill.
Happily, the spa industry is experiencing a growing trend toward becoming one with nature, as there are many elements of the spa experience that lend themselves to reduced environmental impact.
Green building
First things first: let’s take a look at the building itself. Regardless of the type of spa – day, destination, fitness, or any other type – a lot of resources go into construction and daily operations. Just think of all of those towels that have to be washed!
Fortunately, as we discussed in our Eco-Travel piece on green hotels, a standard has been developed for certifying the “green-ness” of commercial buildings, including spas: the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System. Designed and managed by the US Green Building Council, LEED ratings provide a consistent measure for judging the sustainability of a building. With a whole-building approach to sustainability, LEED-certified buildings address five key areas: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality.
Spas, like any commercial building, can be certified at one of four levels: certificate, silver, gold, or platinum. After meeting minimum requirements in each of the five areas, spas can reach higher levels of LEED certification by meeting additional requirements. So for example, implementing water use reduction strategies for washing towels and irrigating landscaping not only saves water – saving the spa money on their water bill – but it also earns them points toward LEED certification. A win-win!
Though LEED designation is relatively new to the spa segment, some spas have already achieved the designation. For example the gold-certified Gaia Napa Valley Hotel and Spain American Valley, CA. This is a gorgeous building and they are very dedicated to eco-friendly practices throughout the hotel and spa. Another example is the Nusta Spa in Washington, DC. As the first spa in the world to achieve gold status for commercial interiors (a sub-set of LEED certification), the Nusta Spa shows that day spas can be just as green as destination spas. But that’s just the building. What about what goes on inside?
Treatments and products
Of course, the primary area that spa-goers expect to see as natural, healthy, and eco-friendly is in the treatments and products offered. Now this is where it gets really interesting (and even a bit scary!)
Traditional health and beauty products are laden with chemicals…chemicals that are easily absorbed through our skin and nails. If you’re curious about what is going on (and in) your body, read a few labels on products you currently use, then go to the National Geographic’s Green Guide, which explains the “Dirty Dozen” – a list of the nastiest chemicals used in health and beauty products, along with the truly shocking things that can result from their use. Looking to provide something better for their clients, many spas turn to their natural surroundings for inspiration in creating unique treatments. For example, at Robert Redford’s Spa at Sundancein Utah, treatments are made from honey, cornmeal, sage and sweetgrass – all local ingredients that recognize the area’s Native American heritage.
Likewise, at the Sundara Inn & Spa in Wisconsin Dells, treatments include a sandstone body polish made from Cambrian sandstone, harvested on site. But if even that is too mundane for you – perhaps you like your treatments on the exotic side? – check out the Daintree Eco Lodge & Spain Queensland, Australia. Situated in a rain forest, treatments are made from lillypilly berries, wattleseeds and desert salts. Whatever those things are they would certainly make for a one of a kind experience, as they were chosen to honor the unique Aboriginal heritage of the area.
Perhaps honoring Los Angeles’ ongoing love affair with the car, the Green Bliss Eco Spa is a mobile spa serving Los Angeles and Orange counties. Specializing in home spa parties and using only all-natural, organic ingredients and skincare products, guests can add organic wine or champagne to their treatments. Now that’s a party! And, by taking the spa to your group, versus having everyone drive separately to the spa, perhaps some carbon emissions are saved in the process.
Food, glorious food
In addition to unique treatments, spas are also known for their healthy and delicious meals. Local, organic food is the norm at green spas, like at Golden Door in Escondido, California. There, gourmet meals are not only made from their 4-acre organic garden, but they are also sized to your preference to reduce waste.
On the other side of the country, in Neversink, New York, the New Age Health Spa not only uses the food produced in their chemical-free greenhouses in the meals, but their herbs are also incorporated into the spa’s purification treatments. You get organic, inside and out.
Conservation
In addition to the pampering we normally associate with a spa experience, some spas are diving in to new areas, like environmental conservation. As the mantra of many eco-spas revolves around becoming one with nature, it only makes sense that its clients do their part to protect it. For example, at The Rock Spa, on the secluded Frégate Island, Seychelles, guests can participate in island conservation programs called “ecology weeks.” Designed to protect and increase the numbers of endangered plants and birds on the island, the spa even helps guests harvest local ingredients for their treatments.
Spas like the El Monte Sagrado Living Resort and Spain Taos, New Mexico, take their responsibility for the environment very seriously. By considering every detail, the spa was designed to go “beyond organic.” For example, cleaning supplies can be very toxic, so by using green alternatives the work of cleaning rooms and treatment areas does not become a hazard. The spa even features a biolarium, or giant greenhouse, that contains a treatment system to filter the water.
Finding an eco-spa
So, how do you identify the green spa that is right for you? There are several resources that will help. One up-and-coming organization will certainly provide the information you need: the Green Spa Network. Though it is still in the development stage, the Network has begun with a dozen “seed” spas located across the country – check out their listing to find these leaders. By working to make their own spas more sustainable, and sharing what they learn along the way, the seed spas are furthering the network’s mission of greening the spa industry.
You might also try the International Spa Association or SpaFinder. Though the searchable databases don’t allow you to search specifically for eco-friendly spas (yet!), you can narrow down your search by identifying spas in your desired area. Check out individual spa websites, or give them a call. To start with, look for thoughtful energy management, alternative energy sources, a recycling program, green cleaning agents, and low VOC paints. Don’t be afraid to ask about a spa’s green policies – those that do it right will be more than happy to share their green story with you.
Regardless of the spa that you choose, take a look at its impact on the environment. From the building itself, to the products, treatments, and the food, better choices are available to you. And remember, you vote with your dollars – spend your money at businesses that want to share your values, not just your wallet.
October 24th, 2007
Organic Dining Across America: Delicious Organic San Francisco
From fast food chains to the most upscale metropolitan eateries, organic has become quite the buzzword…and for good reason. Organic produce has been scientifically proven to have a greater nutritional value than its conventional counterparts, as well as being free from petroleum-based pesticides and fertilizers. Organic meats lack the frightening addition of antibiotics and chemical dyes (yuck!) The soil and water quality surrounding organic farms is exponentially more pure than soil and water surrounding non-organic farms and agribusiness monoculture plots. And, truth be told, it just tastes better.
So where can you sample some of the most fantastic organic meals of your life? Low Impact Living will take you on a journey across America in search of the best organic food around. Part One in our series begins in the heart of the US organic movement: the gorgeous San Francisco Bay Area.
Chez Panisse
The absolute epitome of organic fine dining in the US is the 36-year-old legend Chez Panisse, created by a 63-year-old legend by the name of Alice Waters. Not only are her menus organic and locally grown, they are inventive and utterly divine to the palette. The focus here is on sourcing the most high quality raw ingredients possible and then amplifying them with subtle and genius technique. Whether it’s the Hand-cut Saffron Pasta with Spot Prawns and Roasted Peppers or the Grilled Sonoma Liberty Duck Breast with Sweet and Sour Figs and Curly Endive, a meal at Chez Panisse is literally one to remember for a lifetime. Tip: Make your reservations weeks in advance and bring a bankroll at least as big as your appetite.
Chez Panisse is located at 1517 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley and the phone number is (510) 548-5525.
Cafe Gratitude
For a less expensive, yet equally rich dining experience, head over to Café Gratitude for a big slice of organic deliciousness served with a generous side of self adoration. Huh? Each of the dishes here is titled with a self affirmation. You order the “I Am Prosperous” (a tropical salad of greens, macadamia nuts, avocado, mango, jalapeño pepper and goji-chipotle dressing) and when your waiter serves you, she confirms your earlier affirmation by stating “you are prosperous.” Now that’s what I call affordable…therapy like this would cost hundreds more! Order a soup like “I Am Divine” or “I Am Thriving” and really test the boundaries of just how good life can be.
As if that’s not enough to soothe your overwrought soul, the tables at Café Gratitude also double as a board game which diners can play to experience what the owners refer to as “Being Abundance.” All of this may sound pretty hippy-dippy, but the food is sensational, and even the greatest cynic in the crowd can’t possibly order the “I Am Dazzling” without getting a little sparkle in their eye.
Cafe Gratitude is located at 2400 Harrison Street, San Francisco and the phone number is (415) 824-4652. They also have 3 more locations.
Minako Organic Japanese Restaurant
Tony Bennett may have left his heart in San Francisco, but I left my stomach there at Minako Organic Japanese Restaurant. Waits can be long at this tiny mother-daughter operation, but the sushi is organic and as big around as my fist! This is not sushi for the prim or dainty, but the staff is friendly, the fish is fresh, and the nightly specials are to die for. The Himachi in 3 Mint Sauce is delicious as well as the Barbecued Abalone. Andif you’re one of the rare breed known as the Vegan Sushi Lover, then Minako’s extensive menu of no-fish options might just blow you out of the water!
Minako is located at 2154 Mission Street, San Francisco and the phone number is (415) 864-1888.
Tune back in for Part Two of “Organic Dining Across America,” when Low Impact Living takes us deep into America’s Breadbasket for a peek into the organic culinary delights of windswept Chicago.
October 24th, 2007
Green Home Improvement: How To Guides from Low Impact Living
Here at Low Impact Living we are committed to helping you learn how to have a wonderful, healthy green home. We have a feature in our daily blog, The Low Down, called How To Tuesday. We provide practical tips and guides to eco-friendly living. Here is a compendium of our How To Tuesday features. Please read and enjoy!
Cut Your Use of Plastic, Plastic, Plastic
Cut Your Home Water Use by 50%
Get Your Garden Ready for Winter
Get Your Furnace Ready for Winter
Buy Green Power from Your Local Utility
Eco-Friendly Home Pest Control
Eco-Friendly Stripping & Staining of Wood Floors & Furniture
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To find excellent eco-friendly products and green service providers in your area, please visit the Low Impact Living Product/Service Guide by clicking here.
