Earth Day – Everyday
I was 10 for the first “Earth Day” and I remember it well. Our entire school went outside, and we planted a tree and talked about the environment and what we could do to keep it clean. I went home and created a little flyer that I distributed up and down my neighborhood that was titled “STP – Stop Treacherous Pollution!”. A little nerdy, but I was a convert. Fast-forward 50 years and I am in an industry that is working to not only uphold the ideals established on that first Earth Day, but actually is finding ways to be even more conscious of our resources and environment. Here are just 5 things you can consider when remodeling or building that will not only be healthier for you – but for our environment as well.
Choose no or low VOC paints – this protects the environment inside your home from the off-gassing of harmful ingredients. It’s not just for the initial painting, but on-going health for your home.
Choose locally sourced materials – and support local artisans who are using reclaimed or re-purposed materials. You’d be surprised at their beauty. They’re not just for hippies anymore!
Choose cabinetry that is made by companies participating the Forest Stewardship Council. They are environmentally considerate when sourcing their products.
When doing a remodel that involves a considerable amount of demolition, consider donating your wood flooring, cabinets, countertops, sinks, faucets and appliances as well as other construction materials. There are several companies that will take them and what a great way to help out others AND keep construction waste out of landfills! Two that I like are Renovation Angel and Recyclean.
Select materials like ceramic tile that not only has a long life-span but may include recycled elements and flooring like Tarkett’s laminate and sheet vinyl flooring. Tarkett not only has many products that are asthma and allergy friendly, but as a company they are committed to producing sustainable products.
Last, but certainly not least- if you’re in need of a good desk chair to support you comfortably while we work from home, take a look at Humanscale’s Smart Ocean Chair. It’s made with nearly 2 lbs. of recycled fishing net material.
Yes, this year’s Earth Day will definitely be a different one. Maybe our current experience will remind us of the impact we all have on each other for the health and well-being of all. Click here for a pinterest board of ideas for sustainable products for your home. Happy Earth Day.
(images from pixabay.com)
New Ways to be Green
- At October 18, 2010
- By catherineschager
- In Tips and Advice
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I started a new project today, which is very exciting! I’m on the team that’s assisting a family get their kitchen back together after living with an only semi-functional kitchen for over a year. It will be great to see them able to enjoy a beautiful kitchen that works well! I’m pleased to be on the team with their contractor who is a great guy who not only wants his clients to be happy, but he watches over the budget like I do, so I know we’ll work well together.
As we’ll be dismantling their current kitchen, I thought it would be good to talk about what to do with all the stuff that you don’t want anymore, but that’s in good shape. I’ve been concerned about the environment since the 70’s, and I’m heartened by the businesses that are taking construction cast-offs and keeping them out of landfills. Did you know that construction waste accounts for a huge percentage of the stuff that ends up in landfills?
That’s why it’s great to learn about places like Re-Store, run by Habitat for Humanity. They’ll take new and used building materials from individuals, contractors and retailers and sell it in their Re-Store at discounted prices, and the profits go towards Habitat for Humanity. Isn’t that a great way to be kind to the environment, help out someone who could benefit from your cast-offs AND help even more people find affordable housing? It’s like a triple-layer of doing good! Not only that, but you get a tax deduction as well. How can you beat that?
The Re-Store will take good quality new and used building materials like cabinets, sinks, faucets, doors, windows, appliances, etc. (all have to be in good working order and clean). If you check out their website at www.habitat.org/restores, you can find out what they will take and you can bring it there or have them come to you to pick up. Our local store is in Gurnee at 3545 Grand Ave.
In August, the Orgill Fall Dealer Market sent 10 truckloads of brand new stuff to the Gurnee Re-Store after a trade show at McCormick Place. They received everything from candy to patio furniture and wood-burning stoves! You can even see their inventory list online if you’re shopping for something.
It’s also a great place to go to find tile and stone remnants, if you need a small amount. Check them out the next time you’re doing a project. Maybe you’ll find something really cool, and maybe you’ll be able to send them something usable that someone else can benefit from.
Here are some other companies that will take things that you no longer want or need:
SWALCO- takes opened paint, household cleaners, and household electronics.
Love.INC- will take gently used beds, sofas and clothing.
Salvation Army- will take clothing, sporting goods, books and electronics.
Freecycle- A really cool concept. It offers usable items for free to other local residents interested in keeping stuff out of landfills.
Lately, I’ve been trying to divest myself of things that I no longer need or want. I enjoy being able to streamline my life but am always reluctant to part with things that are still in good shape that someone else might be able to use. Now I know I have several options for recycling and being able to help the planet and others. How do you recycle stuff you no longer want but is still good?
