Archive for January, 2008
January 23rd, 2008
Green Events: Late Winter 2008
Stumble it!
If your New Year’s resolution involves green professional development, then this schedule of events is for you. We found eco trade shows for fashionistas, journalists, product manufacturers, builders and energy professionals. For those who resolved to work less, we thought you might enjoy contemplating spring flowers and summer vegetables at garden events and workshops in Illinois, California, and Florida. Prefer to stay out of the cold and rain? Take a free online Introduction to Organic Gardening course from award winning garden author, Doug Green, at www.simplegiftsfarm.com
**Do you have a green event coming up? Please let us know by emailing info@lowimpactliving.com.
New York, NY – Greener Gadgets Conference, February 1st, 2008
Greener Gadgets is a one day conference featuring key representatives from some of the largest consumer electronics companies in the world, innovators from academic thinktanks, members of startups focused on renewable energy, and some of the leading minds in the word of sustainable design and business. Topics to be addressed include: design for sustainability, product life cycle management, take-back and recycling programs, energy efficiency, greener materials, and green lifestyle and product marketing. An attached gallery space will feature a green prototype office display and technology exhibits from companies on the cutting edge of green tech. For more information go to www.greenergadgets.com
Las Vegas, NV – ECO Wholesale Trade Show, February 11-14, 2008
The show is meant to connect green and conventional buyers with eco and health suppliers and to explain to conventional retailers why to go green…in an extraordinarily fashionable way! The Global ECO Trade Show is a one-of-a-kind wholesale show, focused on earth-friendly fashionable clothing designs, sustainable textiles, eco products and green information.Venetian Hotel, Marco Polo Ballroom, Las Vegas, NV. For more information visit www.globalecoshow.com
Los Angeles, CA - Green Drinks, hosted at Carlisle Wide Plank Floors, February 21
Green Drinks is a wonderful organization and the Los Angeles Green Drinks for February will be held this month at the gorgeous new store of Carlisle Wide Plank Floors. This is a great event to attend to meet other people in the green community in LA. It starts at 7PM and goes until 10PM. To RSVP please call 866-671-9663 or email doneill@wideplankflooring.com. The location of the store is 405 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90048.
Caledonia, IL - Planning Your Organic Garden Workshop, February 23, 2008
Lift the winter blues in this workshop on designing an organically managed home vegetable garden. We’ll talk about various methods for building soil, plus planning for space needs and crop rotation. Especially for beginning gardeners, or those ready to convert to non-chemical techniques. Bring your dreams for this year’s garden, and leave with a garden map and planting calendar. We’ll share a potluck lunch. Please pre-register (815) 389-8455 or visit: www.learngrowconnect.org/node/366.
New York, NY– Green Products Expo, A Media Only Event, February 28, 2008
Be a part of the Green Products Expo and introduce your products to the top consumer, trade, TV and newspaper editors. The tabletop show will be limited to 50 exhibitors. The show is designed for media and exhibitors to have conversations about products and trends in the marketplace. Editors such as Good Housekeeping, Better Homes & Gardens, Men’s Health, Family Circle,and others could attend. Where: Marriott Marquis in Times Square. For more information visit: www.greenproductsexpo.com
Davis, CA – Green Home and Garden Show, March 15-16, 2008
Get ready for the most anticipated home and garden show in the Sacramento Valley. Not only will this show feature over 230 exhibitors with everything for your home and garden, but this spring event will also focus on “green” solutions, ideas and companies to help you in your home and garden. Thousands of items will be featured including: outdoor barbeque islands, carpet, pottery, statuary, plants, landscape supplies, painting services, windows, doors, garbage cabinets, closet organizers, recreational vehicles, cookware, kitchen knives, hot tubs, saunas, pool tables, art, watercolors, photography, flooring, concrete overlays, getaways and vacations, patio covers, awnings, pest control, contractor referral services, countertops, floors, roofs, ceilings, building supplies, rental companies, and the newest and latest gadgets to make your project around the house easier. For more details visit: http://www.davishomeshow.com/
Anaheim, CA – Natural Products Expo West, March 13-16, 2008
Natural Products Expo West, the largest natural and organic trade show, brings you a World of Goods – thousands of new products, cutting-edge trends, engaging speakers, informative seminars and endless networking opportunities. Get face-to- face with more than 2,800 exhibitors, sample tons of new products and explore new ideas and information, all designed to help you get ahead. Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W. Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA92802. For more information visit: www.expowest.com
Austin, TX– Globalcon, March 19-20, 2008
Globalcon 2008, presented by the Association of Energy Engineers, is designed specifically to facilitate those who need to get up to speed on the latest developments in the energy field, explore promising new technologies, compare energy supply options, and learn about innovative and cost-conscious project implementation strategies.The multi-track conference covers a variety of topics, and gives you the opportunity to hear first-hand from some of the major players in the energy field. The Globalcon Expo will emphasize four critical areas of leading edge technology and related services: HVAC and Smart Building Systems; Renewable & Alternative Energy / Onsite Generation; Lighting Efficiency; Plant and Facilities Management. For more information visit:www.globalconevent.com
Sarasota, FL – Green Roofs and Living Walls Seminar, March 22-23, 2008
The seminar is designed to clarify the definition of the term “green” and to inform homeowners and others about the rapidly expanding array of green products and efficient home and garden related systems available for the residents of West Coast Florida. Those interested in reducing their own environmental impact on our community and the world should not miss this opportunity to learn how to save money, and substantially reduce their reliance on energy, water, and potentially harmful or polluting chemicals. Subjects to be addressed by experts include: smart landscapes, green roof systems, green building construction, high efficiency design, local resources and products that promote efficient resource use, healthy homes, local incentives, rebates, and the certification process to make it green Many of the products and services described by seminar speakers will be on display, some available without charge. Time will be allowed for attendees to ask questions during a wrap-up panel discussion. Seminar admission is $25 per person. Bring your own lunch or purchase lunch for an additional $10. Attendees will receive a 10% discount at the gift shop and one free general admission pass to visit the Gardens again at a later date, valued at $12. Those interested may register by calling 941-366-5731, extension 239. For further information call Donna Krabill at 941-366-5731, extension 237.
Portland, OR – Energy Trust Better Living Show, March, 28-30, 2008
A reinvention of the consumer show in a city whose favorite color is clearly green. The Energy Trust Better Living Show is a three-day festival that provides an entertaining setting to explore sustainable choices for your home, garden and life. The event will feature companies and organizations with products and services in eight core areas: lifestyle, food and beverage, transportation, conservation, home and garden, eco adventure, clean tech, and recycling. The Better Living Show is here to celebrate what people and businesses are doing right and encourage everyone to improve life today for a positive impact on tomorrow. There will be thousands of earth-friendly products and services, local and organic foods, workshops, music, activities for kids and much more. For more information, go to www.betterlivingshow.org
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January 23rd, 2008
The Story of Stuff
Have you seen the short animated video called The Story of Stuff? It is very interesting and worth a few minutes of your time.
The writer and lead actor in the video, Annie Leonard, is an expert in international sustainability and environmental health issues, with more than 20 years of experience investigating factories and dumps around the world. In the Story of Stuff Annie surveys the “materials economy” and its impact on our environment and health. She looks at the extraction of natural resources, the production and distribution of finished goods, the consumption of the products and finally their disposal.
The video will educate you, make you laugh, and possibly get you a little choked up. Please watch it and share your reactions. Then forward it on to your friends to see what they have to say. Click here to watch the video.
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January 21st, 2008
How To Tuesday: Save Money Going Green
Given the fact that the “R word” is being used more frequently now about the American economy, we figured it was timely to provide a list of ways in which going green can save you cold hard cash. We hope we can avoid a recession, but if we can’t, we might as well save the planet while we scrimp, right?
There are many, many ways in which embracing a low-impact life can keep the dimes in your piggy bank — so this is by no means an exhaustive list. But it’s a good start. Many of these are free, and the ones that aren’t cost less than $100 and pay for themselves very quickly. Do you have other ideas? We welcome your suggestions– please share them in the comments section!
1. Save power by making sure you use energy-efficient lighting throughout your home. Lighting is one of the largest uses of power in your home. Use natural lighting where you can, or replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lighting. Fluorescent lights use 1/3 the electricity of normal bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. LED lights are even more efficient than fluorescent lights. And they’re not bright and ugly anymore! Buy some of these lights and they will pay for themselves in energy savings in a year. See a wide selection of compact fluorescent and LED lights here.
2. Get low-flow shower and sink attachments to save water. These devices are cheap and can save you thousands of gallons of water each year. For example a low-flow shower head can save you up to 3,000 gallons of water per person per year. Sink attachments cost $2.50 and shower heads start at $30. Find water-saving fixtures here.
3. Cancel your newspaper subscription and read your news online. It’s the modern way to go, it saves hundreds of trees each year and there’s $100 clams back in your pocket! Then do the same with your magazines.
4. Consider getting rid of your car–or use it less. Get a bike, use public transportation and save thousands of dollars! Read this great feature we did recently on embracing a car-less life. If you get rid of your car you can save thousands of dollars each year on gas, insurance, maintenance, etc. And you will majorly reduce your contribution to global warming.
5. Buy less stuff! And if you do buy something, consider getting it used. Need some furniture? See our recent feature on vintage & used furniture. Need a TV or a computer? Look on Craigslist. Need some clothes? Look on eBay or go to vintage shops & flea markets. Go to garage sales. And try swapping stuff with your friends!
6. Get a programmable thermostat. Many homes waste a great deal of energy and money by heating and cooling when people are not at home. With a programmable thermostat you can set your cooling and heating by day and time to maximize efficiency and money savings. These devices cost $50 and take 15 minutes to install. Find programmable thermostats here.
7. Increase the efficiency of your water heater. First, turn the temperature down to at least 120 degrees. Most people run their water heater too hot. Then get an insulation sweater to put around your water heater– it will reduce the amount of energy the heater needs to keep the water hot. (And it costs only $30) You should also insulate the pipes coming out of your water heater. These are only $5!
8. Eat less meat, eat more vegetables. Most people know meat is more expensive than veggies, but they may not realize that raising cattle and other meat-producing herds is extremely costly from an environmental perspective. To learn more, read this fascinating report from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on the environmental destruction causes by raising livestock.
9. Eat out less– cook at home. Head to your local farmer’s market, get some delicious organic treats, and cook ‘em up. You can probably even afford a bottle of wine with the money you’ll save. Check out wonderful organic recipes here.
10. Take local vacations. Or take a train instead of a plane. Flying is one of the most carbon-emissions-intensive activities any of us can undertake. Whenever possible, take a train or drive. Live in LA and you’ve never taken the train up the coast to San Francisco?? Do it– it’s gorgeous, relatively inexpensive, and eco-friendly. Learn more about eco-friendly travel options here.
Have other ideas?? Please share them in the comments section.
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January 20th, 2008
Alternative Eco-Friendly Wall Finishes
Interior walls become so one dimensional when if you think that eco-friendly paint is the only finish option for green homes. Let’s look beyond the flat or glossy and explore some alternatives to paint that will create texture and depth on any vertical surface.
It is not only the ingredients of any wall finish that determines its green value, but also the environmental and health impacts associated. Standard paints and finishes contain a variety of dangerous chemicals, including Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), that effect indoor and outdoor air quality and potentially cause human health issues.
In response to these concerns, we are now seeing many alternative wall finishes that use natural materials like milk, limestone, quartz, soy, and clay as their foundation. Many of these green wall finishes earn environmental credit for being water-based, using organic or mineral pigments for color, and/or being bio-degradable. (And some of these options have been around for centuries!)
For example, milk paint is a very old style of paint and it derives its stability from milk protein. It is a fast-drying, water-soluble medium. The colors are also warm and wonderful. Check out the beautiful offering from Old-Fashioned Milk Paint. (Shown above.)
Another great option is earth plasters, like those made from limestone and clay. These come in an inert powder that mixes with water and adheres to virtually any wall surface. The manufacturing of lime plaster uses less energy than standard plasters (often made of Portland cement) and does not release CO2 into the atmosphere. Clay plasters also fill a room with negative ions, which are proven to produce positive biochemical reactions in humans. Negative ions have also been proven to increase levels of the mood chemical serotonin, helping to alleviate depression, relieve stress, and boost our feelings of well being. Take a look at the clay-based finishes from American Clay.
Venetian plaster is one technique that uses a pre-colored natural substrate to create an old-world antique look. Talk about historic preservation — layering natural materials onto a wall surface not only creates a three-dimensional effect with proven longevity, it also repairs uneven surfaces. The thickness of the plaster also gives it added insulating properties. These plasters are also non-dusting, mold and fade resistant, repairable and control moisture. So layer it up and watch your walls become a work of function and art. Be sure to review the venetian plaster offering from Renaissance Wall Finishes. (Shown at left.)
Similar to paint, these natural finishes are ideal for do-it-yourselfers, but please consider these additional factors before starting any project. You may need special application tools in addition to paint brushes. Material costs are about 10 - 20% more expensive than paint at around $70 per gallon equivalent. Maintaining alternative finishes can be a little easier than paint since layering hides more imperfections. Some finishes may require special attention, be sure to consult the manufacturer for any additional restrictions or recommendations.
You can find a variety of alternative natural wall finishes here at Low Impact Living including BioShield, Old Fashioned Milk Paints, and Natural Venetian Plaster which uses real Mother of Pearl for added luminescence. Other options include Keim Mineral Systems which is a durable quartz finish.
You can also visit green material outlets in your city and see samples of these products. Green showrooms like Architectural Coatings + Design Centerin Los Angeles, Green Fusion Design Center in the Bay Area, and Green Depot in NY provide a one stop shop for these finishes and might even hold application seminars.
I hope we have helped you to see your walls in a whole new green dimension. Please let us know if you have any special techniques that you have seen or done that will help others make their walls green and gorgeous!
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January 18th, 2008
Take the “Think Green Live Green” Challenge
Our friends over at JuntoVenture.org are sponsoring a new green contest we think you’ll enjoy. It’s called the “Think Green Live Green” challenge, and it’ an interactive competition that aims to build a community of dialogue about eco-friendly living. They ask all of us to create our own video answering one or all of these questions:
+ What are the biggest challenges you face in becoming more eco-friendly?
+ What questions do you have about eco-friendly living?
+ Are you taking any specific actions right now to be more eco-friendly, and if so, do you have a way to do it easily and conveniently?
+ What changes would you like to see happen from companies and the marketplace?
You can use a simple web-camera, camera phone, camcorder, or any other video recording device to make your response. Get creative! Then you just upload your video to You Tube. Hey, you could become eco-famous!
The prizes are pretty great– from Sierra Designs, Burt’s Bees, Timberland and more. Check out the goods here!
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