Archive for February, 2008
February 8th, 2008
LEED for Homes Unveiled
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You may have heard of LEED for Homes and thought “what exactly does it mean?” We’re here to lift the veil. The LEED for Homes program, newly released by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), is a rating system that promotes environmentally responsible design and the construction of high performance green homes. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and the LEED methodology first became popular in the commercial building sector. The USGBC has recently come out with the LEED for Homes program and it is causing quite a stir in the green building and sustainable living communities.
The program is comprised of a point system adding up to a final score for a home. Builders and designers (and homeowners) can earn points by employing green strategies and technologies throughout the construction process. Certifying a home comes at a cost (see below), but will depend on the size and level of certification. You can go for Certified (45 – 59 points), Silver (60 – 74 points), Gold (75 – 89 points), or Platinum (90 – 136 points). Although there is no way we can summarize 136 points in this blog entry, hopefully we will help you make an informed decision by providing some key strategies and information about resources available to you.
Ratings Categories
LEED for Homes measures your home through 8 categories of performance. You can earn points in any and all of these categories. Location and Linkage (LL) compares your home in relation to the larger community. Sustainable Sites (SS) looks at the property and impact of your home on the site. Water Efficiency (WE) identifies indoor and outdoor water saving practices. Energy and Atmosphere (EA) analyzes energy consumption and efficiency. Materials and Resources (MR) encourages the use of environmentally preferable materials and ways to minimize construction waste. Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) measures the improvement of indoor air quality and exposure to pollutants. Innovation & Design Process (ID) identifies exemplary performance above and beyond the rating system requirements. Finally, Awareness & Education (AE) provides education to the homeowner, tenant, and/or building manager about the operations and maintenance of the green features.
If you are interested in going for a LEED rating, the first thing we have to caution you about is the size of your home. Bigger is not better in the LEED for Homes rating system, which penalizes people for building a larger home. The rating system states that “A 100% increase in home size yields an increase in annual energy usage of 15% to 50%, depending on the design, location, and occupants of the home”. Not only does the energy consumption increase with a bigger home, but consequently the materials and resources used increase as well. Minimizing the environmental impact of your home will gain you more points, so think small and Low Impact!
The biggest impact our homes have on the environment is in energy usage. Thus, the category that gains you the most points in the LEED for Homes rating system is Energy and Atmosphere. However, cutting your energy use must go deeper than just using compact fluorescent light bulbs. It has to be a lifestyle change by analyzing every mechanical system, every appliance, and every household habit that consumes energy in your home. The LEED rating system emphasizes insulating your home properly, having energy efficient windows and doors, using Energy Star appliances and lighting, and offsetting consumption with renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. Extra points can be gained for home orientation and passive solar design.
Specifying green materials and considering environmental attributes will impact performance, maintenance and value. The use of high performance materials will save money on the maintenance and operating costs of a home. The LEED rating system encourages the use of durable green materials that are manufactured locally, have recycled content and are recyclable. Reclaimed lumber, for example, is more durable since it is from old growth trees, is structurally more exact in sizing, and is clear of any toxins like formaldehyde. Using materials that are sourced, manufactured, and delivered within a 500 mile radius of the building site will support local companies and cut down on packaging and shipping. Often we do not think about where the products come from, how they are made, or even the culture of the manufacturer. Selecting materials for your home using the LEED guidelines helps to recognize that there is more to materials than aesthetics.
Good air quality in a home is not only good for your health and happiness, but is also good for the environment. The LEED rating system encourages the introduction of natural air and light into our homes. The air that we breathe is often linked to many allergies and illnesses, and temperature control is crucial to occupant comfort. Chemical sensitivities are a major issue for many individuals and have been a driving force for sustainable design. According to the EPA, indoor air can have up to ten times more concentration of toxins than outdoor air no matter where you live. The most common examples that we associate with bad air are paints, cleaning supplies, and pesticides. But did you know that many building materials like wood, furnishings and textiles, office equipment and even craft supplies give off gaseous fumes? The LEED rating system calls for operable windows, thermal controls should be manually controlled and programmable, and all household cleaners, paints, pesticides, and any other volatile liquids should be stored in ventilated areas or areas that are separate from living space.
Costs of the Program
The base cost is $1,750.00 for members of the USGBC and $2,250.00 for non-members for projects under 50,000 sf. We should hope that there would not be any homes built over 50,000 sf, but if there are, than it is an additional $.04 - $.05 per square foot on top of the fixed cost. There are also added expenses based on the level of certification attained; the USGBC estimates there will be a 5% cost increase in overall design, construction and building costs for the basic certification, and as much as 10% for Platinum certified. For any of you going through the process now, we’d love to hear your thoughts on these cost estimates in the comments section of this blog.
Resources
The LEED for Homes rating system itself may seem overwhelming, but there are many resources to help you through the process. The USGBC provides applicants with official Green Raters to assist with the process who perform inspections and help individuals with their sustainability goals on a local level. There are also 70 additional programs throughout the country with state specific green rating systems. To find the green rating system in your area, click here. Or if you have additional questions you can send an email to us here at Low Impact Living, where we have two LEED Accredited Professionals who will be happy to answer your questions. Just email info@lowimpactliving.com.
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February 7th, 2008
Grocery Bags, Grocery Gripes
I’m sure you’ve heard the news that plastic grocery bags are getting banned all over the place. San Francisco has passed a law banning plastic sacks at groceries and pharmacies. Whole Foods announced they are getting rid of plastic bags by Earth Day this year–and they are even giving out free reusable bags to their customers now. Heck, even China is banning plastic bags! (Yes, that is a not a joke– they are banning bags in order to clean up their act before the 2008 Olympics roll into town. And more power them.)
It seems like people all over are finally getting the idea that consuming billions of plastic bags each year is a baaaaad environmental idea, and they are actually doing something about it. This is great news– hurray!
And now I will share some grocery gripes. Please forgive me for getting a bit heated here– I know I am normally quite restrained in this blog. But these have been brewing in my mind for a while. I’m airing them in the hopes that perhaps others of you share my pain and will support me with your comments and suggestions.
Gripe #1: So why do so many of my fellow shoppers at Trader Joe’s and Von’s and Whole Food’s STILL not bring their own bags to the store? It amazes me. I mean, it is just not that hard to do. Throw ‘em in your car, take ‘em on the bus, and you’re set. I was at Trader Joe’s the other day and a woman saw me with my set of bags and she held up her fistful of canvas bags and shouted over to me, “Hey, I’ve got my bags too!! Been doing it for years!” We shared a heart-warming moment of green solidarity, yes. But I really wish that it would be a totally unremarkable act to show up with your own set of sacks. Can I get an amen?
Gripe #2: When I do bring my own bags, don’t try to sneak plastic bags into them! So often I have to ask a checker or a bagger to not first wrap something in a plastic bag and then put that plastic bag in my canvas bag. And when I do ask them to not do this, I am often given a look that implies I am wearing a large lizard on my head or have grape jelly all over my face. No plastic bags and no snotty looks– thanks so much.
Gripe #3: Trader Joe’s packaging. I LOVE Trader Joe’s. I mean I am crazy about so much that is Trader Joe’s– the variety, the organics, the helpful crew members in their festive shirts. But what drives me nuts is the plastic packaging. Why oh why can I not buy a couple of cucumbers that aren’t sitting on a plastic tray and then wrapped in plastic? Why do I have to buy tomatoes in a plastic box? Can’t they just have loose fruits and vegetables? Maybe they have a good reason that I don’t know about. But could they please share their rationale and then work to change their plastic practices? Thank you Trader Joe’s.
What are your grocery gripes?
Related posts:
What is Sustainable Cuisine?
How To Choose Sustainable Coffee
Nine Money-Saving Tips for Eating Greener
Find organic restaurants near you
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February 5th, 2008
Green Hearts for Valentine’s Day
February 14th has been the day to express romantic love in western culture dating back to early Roman times. However, commercially made greeting cards, mass-produced chocolates, sweat-shop lingerie, blood diamonds and imported flowers did not join the tradition until the 20th century.
There are so many more personal, eco-friendly ways to express love for your Valentine that we decided to skip the light green recommendations like recycled cards, fair-trade chocolates, and organic flowers. Why spend money and the planet’s resources on impersonal Valentines that pale in comparison to simple gifts of time and creativity?
Here are a few ideas for high passion, low environmental impact Valentine gifts:
Written Word
There are a number of ways to express your love in writing. Poetry was surely invented for this purpose. If you are not a poet, but have a way with research, a transcribed classic will work like magic – I use this one quite a bit myself. For those still uncertain of mutual affection, a humorous haiku might be appropriate for the object of your affection. A simple love letter is another obvious choice or writing down the story of how you met your Valentine for future generations to enjoy. When carefully crafted, words can be a life-long keepsake. I have a love letter from a high school sweet heart that I’m taking to the grave. Lastly, several short messages tucked into pockets, handbags and wallets can have a very romantic collective effect.
Photographs
When you have a good long history with your valentine a sentimental image can carry so much romantic meaning. A single photo can be blown-up, framed, re-created in another media, made into an e-card or an Andy Warhol-like poster. A handmade collage is another way to make pictures into a unique and special gift. Lately, I have fallen in love with online scrapbooks and slide-shows set to music by Smilebox. These personalized creations are great gifts, because they can be shared with office mates or posted on social network profiles for a more public display of affection.
Reused Paper
I remember making Valentines in grade school with glue, construction paper and heart shaped doilies. My office has a recycle bin that is full of opportunities for creative reuse. I really like the idea of cutting out dozens of hearts and sticking them all over some surprise location for your loved one to stumble upon. Old newspaper can be used to make long stings of connected hearts to display a romantic message. Your imagination and a little left-over paper can make a valentine more dear than anything you could purchase in a store. If you have children, we especially encourage this practice.
Music
If you really want to wear your heart on your sleeve, there is nothing like a good old fashioned serenade. It’s hard not to appreciate even the worst solo concert played in the name of love. You could write a special song for your loved one or learn a classic to play for your sweetheart on Valentine’s Day. A Say Anything, boom box version can be just as charming, if you are totally tone deaf. Technology has created new ways to dedicate a song to your loved one, complete with a mySpace video. I’ve actually seen this done on Facebook, but a simple email with a hyperlink would suffice.
Food
The best way to a man or woman’s heart is through the stomach. A homemade candle light dinner will make anyone feel like a king or queen, especially if you take your sweethearts food preferences into consideration. Combined with an evening walk, a little wine, music and dancing in the kitchen, dinner at home can be truly stellar Valentine’s date. A bunch of citrus fruit or small batch of homemade treats are also great gifts for Valentine’s Day.
If you have an original and low impact Valentine’s Day idea, please share them with us. Only G-rated comments please.
And if you are looking for more traditional green gifts, our friends at Ecofabulous and The Emerald City have put together very dandy Valentine’s gift lists. Enjoy!
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February 4th, 2008
How To Tuesday: Green Your Bedroom
Are you looking to embrace a green home room-by-room? Here we offer suggestions on how to make your bedroom eco-friendly and more healthy. You spend a third of your life in your bedroom, so making sure it’s green is pretty important.
1. Use organic bedding. Most conventional bedding is made with fibers that are either synthetic or cotton harvested and treated with extensive use of chemicals. Chemicals are not good for the land where the cotton is grown, nor are the healthy for your family to breathe. See organic bedding here.
2. Also consider an organic mattress or futon. See options here.
3. Use natural or energy-efficient lighting. Lighting is one of the major uses of energy in a home. You can save money and energy by either using natural light or energy-efficient lighting like compact fluorescents or LEDs. Also, do you know about solar tube lights? They are an easy-to-install alternative to sky lights.
4. Do you have good insulation? Insulating your ceiling and walls will cut your energy bills and make your house more comfortable throughout the year. Find an insulation resource near you.
5. Consider getting a ceiling fan if you do not already have one. Ceiling fans circulate both hot and cool air, thus saving energy and money - and they’ll make you more comfortable. See Energy Star ceiling fans here.
6. Make sure your windows don’t leak air – you could be wasting energy and heat. Use weather-stripping or caulk.
7. Use non-toxic paints. Expecting a new member of the family, and converting Dad’s dark den into a cuddly nursery? Make sure you use low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints. They are healthier for you and your family, and they are bright, beautiful and durable as well! See healthy paints here.
8. If you’re replacing any of your bedroom flooring, be sure to look at eco-friendly options like bamboo, cork, and reclaimed wood. See a full range of green flooring options here.
9. If you are looking for any furniture for your bedroom, consider getting either used furniture or furniture made from recycled and sustainable materials. To learn more about the benefits of used furniture and where you can find it, click here. To see many examples of new, eco-friendly furniture, please click here.
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February 2nd, 2008
Sustainable Seafood Guide
Our good friends over at Smithsonian.com have produced a great guide to sustainable seafood, and we wanted to share it with you. Please read this excellent piece by Bruce Hathaway to learn how you can enjoy delicious fruits of the sea and still protect the health of our oceans.
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Overfishing, harmful fishery techniques and habitat destruction have brought into question whether many of the world’s fish stocks can sustain themselves. Does that mean we should stop eating fish if we care about the sea? “Definitely not,” says Carole Baldwin, National Museum of Natural History marine biologist and coauthor of One Fish, Two Fish, Crawfish, Bluefish: The Smithsonian Sustainable Seafood Cookbook.
There are plenty of fisheries that use eco-friendly methods and limit their take with species’ long-term survival in mind, Baldwin says. Although Chilean sea bass should be avoided in general because of overfishing, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has certified a fishery off South Georgia Island near Antarctica as sustainable. Several other ventures aiming to produce environmentally sound farmed fish have recently launched. Australis Aquaculture in Massachusetts, for instance, raises Australian barramundi. “The operation emphasizes clean and healthy procedures—99 percent of the water is purified and recycled, there are no hormones, antibiotics or colorants and by using pure artesian well water they can assure that the fish is virtually free of mercury and other contaminants,” says Baldwin.
BEST
Of all the seafood choices a consumer in North America can make, these are the most eco-friendly.
- U.S. farm-raised oysters, mussels and clams: Cultivated on both coasts in sound farming operations, these filter-feeders actually improve water quality.
- U.S. farm-raised barramundi, striped bass (rockfish), white sturgeon, catfish, tilapia and trout: These inland aquaculture operations cause minimal environmental harm.
- Sablefish:This tasty, eco-friendly alternative to Chilean sea bass is an example of a well-managed deep-sea fishery; it’s certified as sustainable by the MSC.
- Ecofish brand canned albacore tuna (www.ecofish.com): It is sustainably caught using single fishing lines and is tested for contaminants, including mercury.
- Alaskan salmon: Wild Alaskan chum, coho, king, pink and sockeye salmon fisheries are all MSC-certified as well-managed and sustainable.
- Pollock (aka frozen fish sticks, imitation crabmeat): This MSC-certified operation is an excellent example of how an enormous fishery can be sustainably managed.
- Pacific halibut: Another example of a well-managed, West Coast fishery that’s MSC certified.
To seee GOOD, BAD and WORST seafood choices, please read the rest of this feature at Smithsonian.com.
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