Archive for November, 2007
November 19th, 2007
Make Your Holidays Evergreen
The holidays are upon us, and thus the frenzy begins! As we start to prepare to bring the joy of the holidays into our homes, how about we think about how we can support mother nature in the process? It’s actually quite easy– you can create a warm, welcoming, decorative home and incorporate many eco-friendly elements at the same time. Here are a few green ideas to consider.
Get super energy-efficient holiday lights. LED lights use 80% less electricity than standard holiday lights and they are rated to last 200,000 hours. More importantly, they come in a stunning array of colors and patterns. You won’t be disappointed– and you’ll have them for years to come.
Then you’ll need to wrap the presents. You can always reuse the paper you saved from last year (you did save it didn’t you?) or some good old newspaper. We also love to cut up magazines and tape them together into creative collages. Or how about using your paper grocery bags and pasting cut out photos from magazines? We cut out 30 photos of lipsticks and put them all over some bags and it was cute-as-a-button. You can also use the holiday cards you received last year, cut off the pretty decorative fronts, and glue them on bags and boxes to make stunning packages.
But if you’re looking for something a bit more festive in the wrapping department, may we recommend Green Girl Gift Wrap? The wonderful papers from Green Girl Gift Wrap are made from 100% recycled paper. They have beautiful, high-quality, affordable products. We love that their mission is to produce “Guilt Free Gift Wrap.” AND they donate 10% of their profits to environmental protection. Done!
Now let’s talk greeting cards. Think of all of the trees cut down and energy used to produce the millions of greeting cards sent out every year. It boggles the mind! We have a great alternative–send a customized, musical e-card from Three Leaf Cards. You’ll save paper, postage costs, and they donate 10% of your annual membership (only $19) to a non-profit of your choice (choose from the Breast Cancer Fund, Co-op America, The Conservation Fund, and more!). You can also use this site to send birthday cards, valentines, and more. It’s brilliant!
Do you have a box or a drawer full of wine corks in your house? If so, you have a wreath waiting to jump out and decorate your door or hearth. Making a wreath from corks could not be easier, and it is a lovely alternative to pine and other materials. We like the design shown at left that Erin Huffstetler created. You can get her wreath directions by clicking here.
And then there’s gift-giving. We’d like to suggest that we all consider giving more experiences, and less stuff, this year. Don’t we all have enough junk in our houses already? And think of all of the boxes and packaging that go to the landfill after the holidays. Let’s give more time to each other and fewer boxes. How about tickets to a theater production? Or a taking your friends out for dinner at an organic restaurant? Give your partner the gift of a massage at a local spa (or at home!). You might also consider making a contribution to a non-profit on behalf of work colleagues, family members, and friends. Many of us our drowning in products and knick-knacks, and it’s eco-friendly and arguably more meaningful to shower our loved ones with experiences rather than things this holiday season.
Who doesn’t love to make a fire in the fireplaceat the holidays? We all do. Unfortunately, the atmosphere is not such a big fan of our fire-making habits. We hate to tell you that burning wood is not very eco-friendly. Burning wood not only uses wood that had to be cut down (sometimes unsustainably), but the burning process releases many nasty items. According to the EPA, wood smoke contains hundreds of chemical compounds including nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and some carcinogenic chemicals, and also dangerous particulate matter. These all go right into the outdoor air where they contribute to pollution, but they also go into our lungs as we breathe the air coming out of the fireplace.
Natural gas fireplaces are much more environmentally friendly than wood ones, so if you have one you’re in luck.
If you don’t have a natural gas option, don’t Despair! Java Log to the rescue. This is a product we’ve recently found and we think it’s a great innovation– the Java Log. These are made from, you guessed it, compressed coffee grounds. We can tell you from personal experience that they make a nice crackle and burn great! (We tested them.) Apparently coffee is more efficient than wood: coffee has 25% more energy than wood. And these little java logs are much better for the environment than standard wood logs: they produce 8 times less creosote and 5 times less particulate matter. They also come in recycled packaging, which is a nice bonus.
Do you have any other ideas? Please add them to the comments section. And we hope you all have a wonderful, safe, sustainable holiday season!
November 18th, 2007
Amazing Green Cars Coming in 2008
Folks 2008 is going to be an unbelievably exciting year on the eco-friendly vehicle front. With gas prices busting through the clouds and our emissions quickening the pace of global warming, these auto options cannot come soon enough. Brace yourselves for a wild, green ride!
I just learned yesterday at the Opportunity Green conference at UCLA about the Aptera. Check out this funky space-aged car pictured at right. Even more cool than its Star Trek styling is the fact that it gets 230 Miles Per Gallon. Yes, that’s right. This two-seat, three-wheeled vehicle is incredibly aerodynamic, and its plug-in hybrid technology allows it to attain truly incredible mileage.
Here is the vehicle description from the manufacturer: The Aptera has a 2 plus 1 seating configuration. The two front seats are arranged as standard side by side seating. There is also a center infant seat behind the driver and passenger. The side doors open to the front and upward completely inside the front wheel track so you never have to worry about hitting the vehicle parked next to you or damaging your door while exiting your Aptera in a tight garage. There is enough storage in the rear for 15 bags of groceries, or 2 full size golf club bags. And the Aptera is even big enough for a couple of seven foot surf boards and any associated beach accessories.
The Aptera Typ-1 is now available for reservations. The approximate cost of this option with all the available features will be $26,900. Is this not jaw-dropping? You can learn more at the Aptera site by clicking here.
The Smart Car is (finally) Coming!
For any of you who have been in Europe in the last five+ years, you’ve seen the tiny Smart Car. Well it is finally coming to the US in 2008. The Smart is designed to achieve 40 plus mpg under normal driving conditions. Its small size also makes it a parallel parking dream. Many people become concerned about safety when they see the diminutive size of the Smart, but it is surprisingly safe– garnering a 4 star safety rating in crash tests. The highlight of the safety management system is the tridion safety cell. The safety cell is made from steel and is designed to keep occupants protected. The reinforced steel and the design of the car allow for the displacement of impact and redistribution of crash energy.
The Smart is also a bargain. The “smart fortwo pure model” will start at $11,590, the “smart fortwo passion” will start at $13,590 and the smart fortwo passion cabriolet will start at $16,590.The smart fortwo model is scheduled to be available in the first quarter of 2008, and they are taking reservations now. To learn more please visit the SmartUSA site by clicking here.
November 16th, 2007
Organic Dining Across America: Los Angeles
Well, if you know me, you know I love food. I love to eat, eat, eat. Then drink a little and eat some more. And these days here in Los Angeles we have so many delicious, nutritious organic and local food options it’s mind-blowing. There are too many to cover here– but it is my joy to share with you a sampling of some our favorite LA eateries that feature wonderful organic, local cuisine.
Tender Greens
We eat here about once a week. Tender Greens is friendly little spot in Culver City that is affordable, delicious, and attractive. You walk in, order in line while they prepare the food right in front of you, and then you take it on a tray to a sweet seat either outside on the garden patio or at one of the tables in the warmly-lit dining room. They serve bountiful organic salads– but its the hot plates that will keep you coming back hungry and happy. Organic chicken, beef, ahi tuna and typically a special (lamb? duck? who knows but you won’t be disappointed) and these come with a side of their FAB-ulous mashed potatoes. Pair your meal with one of the great wines by the glass or a home-made mint lemonade. Then they have sinful dessert treats to really lay you out flat (or was that fat?). One of the best things about Tender Greens is the price– you can have an amazing dinner for two for under $40, and feel like you’ve been out for a top-flight gourmet meal. Anyone from LA knows that ain’t easy to do. We give this place 5 pine trees (or alternative to stars).
9523 Culver Blvd., Culver City, 90232 Phone 310-842-8300 (*Note to owners: Please open more of these around town! Thanks.)
Bloom Cafe
Another favorite. Started by the same Frenchman who was one of the original owners of foodie-fave Pastis on Beverly, the fairly new Bloom Cafe on Pico is a gem. They make great salads– the heirloom tomato salad and the tamale salad are stellar. I particularly love the soba noodles with chicken, and my hubby loves the Thai-style pasta (the sauce has coconut-milk!). Vegetarians and carnivores will both be very happy here. And it’s BYOB and wonderfully priced, so you have a really amazing dinner for two for $40 or less (not easy in LA!).
5544 West Pico Blvd (between Fairfax and La Brea), Los Angeles 90019, Phone 323-934-6900
Canelé
This is a fairly new spot in up-and-coming Atwater Village and it is a great winner. The ingredients are fresh, organic and delicious. The menu changes frequently but the beet salad is devine as are the clams…the mains are hearty and thoughtful. You’ll feel like you’re in a French neighborhood restaurant with some Cal-Med flair thrown in for tasty measure. The desserts are sinful and fabulous. I didn’t have the chocolate almond cake, but I’ve heard I need to go back for it. You will not regret an evening spent at Canelé.
3219 Glendale Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90039 phone (323) 666-7133
Axe Restaurant
Over on the Westside, residents of Venice Beach have a real treat in Axe Restaurant(pronounced A-shay). Axe focuses on organic, super-fresh produce and they turn out delicious creations every day. The flatbreads are amazing, as are the steaks and chicken. The crowd is very artsy and swank, and the aesthetic of the place is quite hip. This is a great place to take a date you’re trying to impress with your excellent taste. And if the date is boring, at least you will really enjoy the meal.
Real Food Daily
A member of our Low Impact Living staff, Shayna Prunier, could practically live at Real Food Daily. (She is one of those dedicated souls who just calls it “RFD”– assuming we’ll all know the glory of which she speaks.) I have to concur that Real Food Daily offers a delicious, healthy homecoming meal every time we go. These are dedicated organic vegetarians– you won’t find any steak here. But the lentils, the noodles, the fresh veggies, the tofu, the sauces…. they are all excellent. I am not a vegetarian and I get cravings for this place every other week. They have outlets in Santa Monica and West Hollywood, so you can get your RFD fix anytime.
Real Food Daily, in Santa Monica is located at 514 Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90401 Phone (310) 451-7544 and in West Hollywood at 414 N. La Cienega Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90048 phone (310) 289-9910
November 15th, 2007
GreenBuild 2007: The Year of the Homeowner
As expected, GreenBuild 2007, the annual conference and expo sponsored by the United States Green Building Council www.usgbc.org, was a sight to be seen and heard! The national conference met in the windy city of Chicago this year on November 6th – 9th breaking all records with an attendance upwards of 25,000 people. Green voices from all over the world gathered to discuss the state of this planet and what it is going to take to make it a better place for the future. The message was loud and clear this year that all attending need to take the information home and using it to help consumers and homeowners change their ways.
A major topic of discuss was the fact that most of us don’t realize how much of an impact our homes have on the environment. Many people are concerned about the threat of global warming, but when asked, most people think that cars are the biggest problem. Did you know that 51% of all energy and electricity used in this country comes from coal fired power plants? According to the U.S. Department of Energy the residential sector accounts for 74% of all water use, 22% of the total energy consumed, and more than 20% of total CO2 emissions. The small effort of turning off our lights, conserving energy, and potentially using renewable energy sources in our homes actually can make a big difference. Often homeowners and consumers do not make the connection between their environmental responsibility and tangible green behaviors they can adopt quite easily.
One key message many speakers shared was that the green building movement needs to stress the benefits of green building to people and not just relate a building’s material attributes or technical information. Every year about 2 million new homes are built in this country. We need to engage people in terms of what matters to them– we need to communicate that green homes are healthy, safe, comfortable, AND sustainable. Aesthetics are still a priority for homeowners, of course. The design community needs to overcome the well-worn paths of consumer aesthetic preferences– for example the love of granite countertops– and convince consumers that green material options are attractive and eco-smart. We also need to relay the information that not only is a sustainable material –say, for example, concrete countertops– a better environmental option, but that the sustainable materials are higher performance and require less maintenance than standard options. Communicating those attributes will help consumers grasp the multiple benefits of embracing green design and building practices.
This year’s conference was also the official roll-out of the LEED™ for Homes rating system. The USGBC’s goal this year is to energize the leaders in the green building movement to use this new tool and educate Americans about building green homes using the LEED rating system. Benefits of a LEED home include lower energy and water bills; reduced greenhouse gas emissions; and less exposure to mold, mildew and other indoor toxins. This system will surely prove to be a helpful guide for eco-friendly design in the home segment as LEED has already been in the commercial building segment.
Another topic that came up often at the conference was the relationship between green building and low-income housing. Typically green building is thought of as– and indeed can be–an expensive privilege of the elite. Greenbuild 2007 opened with past President Bill Clinton speaking about the economics of eco-friendly living. The Clinton foundation is helping to build low income green housing all over the country. A notable quote from Mr. Clinton is “Global warming is not a problem, it is an opportunity.” His view is that green building will generate jobs and opportunities and makes good economic sense for everyone. Corporations will need more people to develop new and innovative technologies. And Clinton and many others discussed how we can incorporate green techniques and materials into affordable housing. Indeed, the more of us that adopt these approaches will lead to driving the cost down, which will create the virtuous circle of making the materials more affordable for everyone.
Be sure to tune into The Low Down next week when I’ll highlight my “top ten” materials and companies that I discovered at GreenBuild.
November 14th, 2007
A Bright Idea: Sun Run Eases Solar Sticker Shock
Thinking about getting solar on your roof, but facing sticker shock? According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, solar systems for homes begin around $25,000 but can easily go higher depending on the size of a house and the amount of power they generate. (We wish the government incentives were better for solar– but hey, that’s a topic for another blog.)
We have come across an interesting company that is working to get solar power to more homes and make it affordable for the homeowners.
California-based Sun Run is the first company to make solar power a reality for homeowners who thought they couldn’t afford it. Through a service that works in a similar way to the electricity package homeowners currently have with local utilities, Sun Run owns and maintains the panels, not the homeowner. This approach eliminates the hefty upfront cost for the homeowner.
For example, Redwood City, Calif. resident Francoise Bourzat, an early Sun Run customer, wanted to reduce her family’s dependence on fossil fuels and get solar power on her roof, but struggled with questions like how to go about it, how to maintain it and — most important — how to pay for it? Sun Run guided Bourzat through the installation process, purchased the best panels for her home and guaranteed maintenance on those panels for 20 years. “We found Sun Run to be the most cost-effective and hassle-free way to go solar,” she said. For Bourzat Sun Run reduced her upfront cost by more than 66%.
Currently Sun Run is only available in Northern California, but they are planning rapid expansion. You can find more info at their website, www.sunrunhome.com.
November 14th, 2007
Concrete for Green Countertops and Flooring
Not too long ago, the only time you’d think about concrete in residential construction was when you were talking about driveways, slabs and walkways. Well, those days are gone – you can now use concrete products to create beautiful and sustainable interior elements such as flooring and countertops. So, read on to learn more about the latest green developments in concrete.
Is Concrete Really Green?
Concrete is a strong construction material typically made of a mixture of Portland cement, a coarse aggregate (such as stone), a fine aggregate (such as sand), and water. The knock against traditional concrete is that Portland cement production uses huge amounts of energy (and cement plants can burn very dirty fuels) and the aggregates can come from mining in ecologically sensitive areas.
Today, many eco-friendly concrete products incorporate recycled materials in the mix, making them much more sustainable. Recycled fly ash, which is a byproduct of coal fired power plants, can be used to replace some of the Portland cement. Green concrete vendors also add recycled chips of glass or metal to concrete for a more decorative look and to increase the recycled content. They also add organic pigments rather than standard chemicals for color variation. Last, you can buy concrete that is manufactured locally. This cuts down on transportation and packaging compared to decorative stone options, which are often quarried and shipped from overseas. And finally, eco-friendly concrete is itself recyclable – the broken up pieces of old concrete can be used as the aggregate in new concrete!
Concrete vs. Standard Materials
In terms of performance, concrete compares favorably to more traditional stone flooring and countertop materials such as granite, marble and limestone. Typically, concrete is stronger and more durable than any of these natural quarried stone options. Standard stones are porous and can stain easily from acidic substances like red wine or coffee, and do not handle hot or cold variation well. Concrete performs very well by comparison, although you should always seal concrete to increase its resistance to stains.
As for cost, these latest in green concrete products are a still a bit more expensive than traditional stone alternatives. Pre-cast countertops are 25-50% more per square foot than stone such as marble and granite. This is partially because much of the shaping work for concrete is done at the factory while stone is done in your home – the material cost is more, but the installation can sometimes be less. Concrete floor tiles range from par to 25% more than standard alternatives. Often it is the pigments and additives that increase the cost of concrete, rather than the base material.
So, Where Can I Get it?
There are many concrete surface options on the market. Standard pre-cast sizes and forms are typically lower cost, but you can also have things poured in place if you are set on a custom design. You can find concrete countertops here at Low Impact Living. Examples include Lithistone, which is a manufacturer of concrete countertops and vessel sinks and Syndecrete, which makes recycled concrete surfaces and uses recycled glass, metals, and organic pigments. Other manufacturers of concrete surfaces are Artflor, which makes countertops and flooring tiles with recycled glass and metal, Squak Mountain Stone for countertops, and Fuez which also makes countertops and tiles. You can find local countertop vendors in your area here on the Low Impact Living website.
