Spring Cleaning Tips!

Spring Cleaning Checklist

Have you been bitten by the spring cleaning bug? Why not start right
now and welcome spring with a squeaky-clean house? Chances are your kitchen is already stocked with most of the ingredients you’ll need to make
your own eco-friendly cleaners.

• Pick a spring cleaning weekend and get the whole family involved. The work will get done faster and will be more fun. When it’s finished, take them all out to dinner to celebrate.

• Launder all curtains, comforters, and slipcovers. Toss a lavender-filled sachet into the dryer to infuse your linens with a fresh, calming scent.

• Start at the top of each room and work your way down. Use a natural, biodegradable cleaner to clean winter grime off of ceilings, walls, and other high surfaces.

• Wash windows inside and out with white vinegar and crumpled up newspaper. Nothing works better!

• Next, move all furniture and thoroughly vacuum or mop underneath it. Have the carpet steam cleaned by a service that employs high heat methods rather than toxic cleaning chemicals.

• Sort all winter clothing for donation before putting it away for the season. Declutter closets and the garage, cleaning under and around everything and reorganizing tools, camping equipment, and sports equipment.

• Get together with your neighbors and plan a yard sale for your block.

Enjoy Spring and your clean house!

Not Just a Little Corky! Check out the benifits of Cork Flooring

Cork

Many people think of cork as a relatively new and possibly unreliable option particularly as a surface flooring material. And yet, there are examples of Natural Cork floors in public buildings that were installed over 100-years ago and are still in use today. The Library of Congress in Washington, DC is one excellent case.
As knowledge about this flooring product is spreading, Cork is becoming increasingly popular, for a variety of reasons.
Cork flooring is eco-friendly, as it is harvested harmlessly from the bark of the cork tree. Grown on farms and harvested every 9 to 11 years, once the tree has reached maturity, the financial benefit lies not in felling these trees but in keeping them alive and in production for generations.
Natural Cork is still harvested by hand in the traditional method leaving the habitat intact and with minimal impact on the overall environment. Removal of the bark, known as "stripping", must be done during the active growing season, June through August. Using hand tools, a series of cuts are made in the bark, one at ground level, one just below the first branches, and two vertical cuts joining these. The loosened bark is then pried off in two large sheets where possible and smaller bits if not. Sheets of cork are stacked and left for days to dry in the sun, before being sent to factory.
Today, cork flooring is created from the post-industrial by-product of the bottle-stopper industry. This 'waste' material is ground up and then formed into sheets using minimal amounts of adhesive to bind the particles together under high pressure. The size, quantity, and type of cork granule in conjunction with varying degrees of pressure make the difference between "bulletin board" material and material suitable for flooring applications.
Cork has many unique properties that make it especially useful for flooring.
The cork bark is filled with millions of tiny air cells, trapped in a dense network of 14-sided cells. This honeycomb of cells:

• Resists moisture absorption
• Deadens noise and vibration, and
• Insulates well.

Cork repels many bugs, including termites, with a naturally occurring wax substance. The same substance makes cork naturally flame retardant.

Cork's most famous property is the "bounce" of cork flooring. While not spongy, cork floors have a softer feel than hardwood, vinyl, and tile. The resiliency of the floor helps to cushion feet that stand for long hours, and reduces the wear on the floor.

TIPS FOR WINTER

Tips for a Green and Warm Winter Home

  by Chris Keenan
The winter months are on their way, and with the current climate changes taking place around the world, it seems more areas are susceptible to extreme winter weather. Heating one’s home makes up a large percentage of the average family’s utility bills, with gas prices skyrocketing through the roof. The good news is there are ways to stay warm while conserving energy, while saving money in the process.
Draft-Proof Your Home
The first and foremost way to keep the warm air inside and the cold air out this winter is by draft-proofing your home. This means sealing up any leaks you may have in your home. Properly insulating your windows, doors, plumbing and wiring holes and fireplace dampers is simple and doesn’t take much time at all. All you need is a tube of exterior silicone caulk or some insulation strips. For the space between your doors and the floor, an inexpensive door sweep on the bottom of the door should be sufficient.
One major problem area in almost every home is the garage – it’s virtually impossible to keep it warm. Don’t let that deter you from insulating the windows and garage doors, especially if your garage is someplace subjected to people going in and out of often. The number one way to keep cold air out of the garage – and your house – is by keeping your garage door shut. Remember, the point of having a heater is to warm the inside of your house up- so quit letting all the warm air out!
Install Storm Windows
Storm windows can cut the heat loss in your home by 25 percent to 50 percent. Installing storm windows (or clear plastic barriers) on your windows creates dead-air space inside the window, providing great insulation for your home. Installing storm windows on the outside can increase the inside temperature by 30 degrees during the winter, which is definitely a great way to keep the inside of your home more comfortable.
Use Your Fireplace Wisely
Although fireplaces seem like a natural way to heat up your home and hearth without using your heater, the truth is most people end up losing the majority of warm air – or 90 percent of the fire’s energy – through the open flue when using their fireplace. That’s a lot to loss! Fireplaces are practically useless as heating devices, but if you really want to use yours, turn your thermostat down first so your heating system won’t keep attempting to replace the warm air lost through the chimney. A roaring fire in the fireplace can keep you warm – if you’re huddled right in front of it. Unless you are planning a get-together around your fireplace, the best option is to just not use it too often.
There are many other ways to conserve energy and save on your utility bills this winter. If you do your research on tips for saving money and energy during the Winter months, you will do fine. Remember, the best way to keep yourself warm is to layer on the clothe – snuggle up under a blanket in your warmest sweater, and enjoy a mug of hot cocoa! Layering yourself with warm clothing and drinking hot beverages will keep you warm from the inside out.

What is ECO FRIENDLY flooring?????

We hear a lot of buzz today about sustainability and eco-friendly products, but what does it really mean? To take an in-depth look at “green”, there are a lot of factors to consider, from impact on the global environment to the potential effect on you and your family. We also have to delve further than the immediate answers, into the future impact of harvesting and utilizing resources.

Logging Practices

Wood of any kind is a sustainable resource, due to durability and the ability to replace what was used. In fact, using a one-to-one comparison, a good quality hardwood floor can easily last for a hundred years or more, the time it takes to re-establish the same old-growth resource ready for harvest. The problem lies not in using wood for flooring, but in irresponsible management of forests…the triumph of greed over common good. Poor environmental planning in the past has led us to the brink of crisis. Ecosystems depend on trees, and deforestation threatens some of the most delicate and vital ecosystems on the earth, like the rainforests that produce an estimated 40% of the oxygen we breathe and provide homes for thousands of species.
Today, legitimate logging operations have embraced the environmental issues and are using responsible practices to maintain healthy forested areas with diverse growth capable of sustaining the ecosystem, but illegal deforestation is still commonly practiced in many countries. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) estimates that 50% of imported U.S. hardwood originates from illegal – and environmentally devastating – logging practices. This wood is cut in one country, often the tropics, Africa, Russia, or Southeast Asia and exported to another, often China, to be processed before import to the U.S.
Recently, the Lacey Act was amended making it illegal to import, sell and purchase illegally sourced timber and wood products, including wood flooring.

Carbon Footprint

The phrase “carbon footprint” in general refers to the amount of carbon dioxide that’s released into the air during harvesting, processing, transport, and utilization of a resource. To measure the total carbon footprint of wood flooring, you have to follow the process from the cutting of the tree to the installation on your floor…and potentially beyond, if formaldehyde is used in the processing. Even some of the most environmentally sound and sustainable types of flooring can generate a significant carbon footprint due to transportation issues, since much of the flooring in use in the United States is shipped from China.

Global Warming Gases

The most significant thing to consider from both a global and a personal perspective are the emission of greenhouse gases. Some floor products contain chemicals that are dangerous to the environment and potentially dangerous to your family. Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are chemical compounds commonly found in flooring materials, adhesives and finishes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined that the air inside homes typically contains up to 5 times more VOCs than the air outside.
Some VOCs are suspected or confirmed carcinogens and have been proven to cause allergic reactions or respiratory complications. Symptoms of exposure include irritation of eyes, nose and throat, headaches, nausea, allergic skin reaction, fatigue, dizziness, and loss of coordination. Serious reactions can include damage to the liver, kidneys, and the central nervous system.
If you’re having a new floor installed, ask about the products and request those with the least VOCs, then make sure your house is well ventilated during and for a few days after the installation, just to be sure. Children are most vulnerable, so if your child complains of headaches or shows any other kind of reaction, consider staying elsewhere until the installation is complete and the house is aired out.

Green Choices

Sustainability is an important factor in green flooring. Choices such as bamboo and cork are beautiful, durable, and easily replenished.
Bamboo is a fast growing member of the grass family that replenishes itself from the roots and is ready to harvest in just five to seven years. It produces beautiful flooring with the natural look and durability of hardwood, versatility of installation, and a rich variety of grains and color choices to suit any design aesthetic. Bamboo grows almost anywhere and is unrivalled in oxygen production, producing almost 30% more oxygen than a comparable hardwood forest area.
Cork is harvested from the bark of cork oaks, and harvesting does not harm the tree – in fact, replacement of the removed bark begins immediately and continues for nine years until it’s ready to be harvested again. Cork is harvested without the use of polluting machinery, and most cork flooring is already recycled from used wine corks. For a truly green choice, look for cork flooring manufactured without VOC-producing chemicals.
Reclaimed wood is also a viable green option. Old buildings or homes that are being torn down often have gorgeous hardwood floors or siding that can be rescued and restored for new and environmentally responsible use. A little elbow grease and polish is often all it takes to refinish an old wood floor to its original glory.
Laminate flooring can also be a greener option. Rather than harvesting slow growing or rain forest species, laminate flooring is created with a photograph of these species and produced with a core of wood generally harvested from managed forests. To ensure an even greener profile for your laminate floor check that the core material is harvested from forests managed according to FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) Standards. The manufacturer or retail salesperson should be able to provide information on whether your wood flooring product is FSC compliant.
Another sound eco-friendly choice is porcelain tile. Manufactured of recycled materials, porcelain tiles can be made using a combination of glass, stone, and even plastic. Tile manufacturers grind their own industrial waste and waste from other local manufacturers to refine the powder used to cast the porcelain. Choose VOC-free adhesives to ensure your family better, more breathable air.

Your Impact on the Environment

The good news is that consumers have the ability to impact the market and positively influence the environment by simply choosing flooring and flooring products made from sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. Consumers drive the market, and you can use your dollars responsibly to cast a vote for a better environment for your family and for the earth.

AND REMEMBER GUYS AND GALS PLEASE TURN OFF LIGHTS IN ROOMS THAT ARE NOT BEING USED!!!!

THE Appliance of Green Science

You don’t have to just watch information about being eco-friendly, in the developing green world the very appliances you get your TV fix from can be green themselves.
For every appliance you currently have in home, there is a green counter-part out there somewhere. Everything from televisions, through fridges and microwaves, to computers can be given a green stamp of approval thanks to great initiative eco inventor. It is now more possible than ever to enjoy and profit from the technological age without hurting the environment.
The majority of green appliances work on the basis that they consume far less power than their standard rivals. With a basic appliance, up to 50% of the power available can be being used even if the appliance itself is turned off or on the dreaded stand-by. Green appliances are designed to counteract this, some reducing their energy consumption – when compared to non-eco items – by up to 60%. The less power used, the less of a strain on the planet’s resources, and this can only be a good thing.
There is even the option to eliminate your reliance on electricity and energy totally by replacing certain items for those that use an entirely different source of energy. There is now a multitude of solar-power and wind-up electronics available, from torches to radios, and even mobile phone charges. At present there is no way of fully running a major domestic appliance from solar or wind up energy, but considering the huge leaps in innovation from green inventors in recent years, it is surely only a matter of time.
Becoming eco-friendly can sometimes to be kind to the environment but not to your wallet. Although it’s easy to understand why people may assume purchasing green-specific electronics would be more expensive, this isn’t actually the case. Most appliances are the same price and provide the same features with only a small difference in price. However, this can be saved on your energy bills as you will be using less power in the long run thanks to the unique design of green electronics, so you will actually save more in the long run. Helping you to save the world and to save a few pounds into the bargain.

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER!!! Read some coollllllllll ideas to make your summer a Green one!

1.. Steppin' light
Find local activities with low environmental impacts like a trip to the local park, woods, zoo, ballgame, or beach with friends to relax. Time spent with friends and family can be a great way to catch up and have fun. Picking up that new book you've been meaning to read while lounging on the deck is another great way to pass the time and leave a smaller footprint behind. The Deathly Hallows ought to keep you busy for a little while. Once you've gotten out of the city, check out our guide on How to Green Your Outdoor Sports.
2. Cool and easy
Air conditioning can offer much-needed respite from the heat and can make sweaty nights bearable, but be sensitive to overuse. Turning up the thermostat a few degrees on your AC is a great way to save tons of cash while making the planet a cooler place at the same time.
3. Up in your grill
Love to BBQ? Propane burns much cleaner than either wood or charcoal briquettes. If you can't resist charcoal, try a natural product like those produced by Cowboy Charcoal--much cleaner than your traditional briquettes. Of course, when you're done grilling, use natural cleaning products such as SoyClean organic grill cleaner to keep your summer as chemical-free as possible. Tests show it's just as tough on grime as traditional cleaners, but won't leave that chemical residue behind to leach into your next burger or grilled tomato. Plus, if you want to give your neighbors something to gossip about, try a solar over from a company like Solar Cookers International. How to Green Your Meals has some tasty advise, as well.
4. The local roundup
Buy food locally. Farmers markets are great places to shop, and ensure that the veggies you're eating hot off the grill or mixed in a salad haven't traveled thousands of miles just to reach your plate. That cuts down on the use of fossil fuels, which leads to significantly reduced levels of pollution and resource depletion over your typical tomato bought at the local supermarket. Websites like Local Harvest can help you find one in your area, even if you've never seen one in your life.
5. The green plate special
Use reusable dishes rather than plastics or Styrofoam. If you absolutely must use disposables, make sure to pick up compostable varieties beforehand to put in the compost bin when you're through. For more, check out Where to Get This Stuff below.
6. Greenie bikini
You don't have to go so far as wearing a biodegradable or solar bikini to make your summer accoutrements more sustainable. Look for eco-friendly products like clothing, swimsuits, sandals, towels, and skin care. Each of them is a step in the right direction, and you might just fall in love with a product or style you never knew existed. Lots more to learn at How to Green Your Wardrobe.
7. Charge!
Pick up a solar backpack or device like the Freeloader or the Solio to take with you on day trips. That way, whether you're at the beach or on the go you'll be able to run and recharge a wide range of portable devices on solar energy. Save a buck by cutting out the electric company and giving your rechargeables the solar power they deserve. More green power tips and a roundup of solar chargers and other products can be found here.
8. No poison, please
Remember those carefree days of running alongside the DDT truck as it sprayed the happy townspeople and iced all the bugs? Well, we're a little smarter now, so use products like garlic barrier to ward off mosquitoes. Traditional products certainly do the job, but they can end up turning your backyard into a deathtrap for every other kind of living thing that drops by for a visit. That means birds, butterflies, ladybugs, and even the family dog gets an unhealthy dose. Not to mention yourself, the kids, the neighbors' kids, and even your bratty nephew who lives down the block. Make sure to apply it when you think it won't rain for several days, and the garlic alternative should treat you right. Planting rosemary is a natural and low-tech way to block skeeters. Then there are always the big guns like the Mosquito Magnet.
9. Wet and wise
Water usage levels are a big deal throughout much of the U.S. and the summer drought season can really make things tough. Be certain to watch what you use, water plants only when necessary, and take a few minutes to install a low-flow showerhead. They're simple steps that can make a big difference. For more, check out How to Green Your Water.
10. The greener road
Have to travel long distances to arrive at your dream destination this summer? Consider making it by road or rail rather than by plane, but be sure to offset your carbon emissions no matter what mode of transportation you choose. Companies and non-profit groups like Terrapass, Climate Care, MyClimate, Native Energy, and American Forests all offer ways to offset the damage done when you pick up and travel to places unknown. How to Green Your Carbon Offsets is a great launch pad.