Heavenly Fauna
May 15, 2008
Green roofs are roofs that are partially or completely covered with vegetation planted over a waterproof layer.
Green Roofs in Iceland and Norway have been around for centuries. The “trend” started when green roofs were developed in Germany in the 1960s, and have since spread to many countries. Today, it is estimated that about 10% of all German roofs have been “greened.”[3] Green roofs are also becoming increasingly popular in the United States, although they are not as common as in Europe. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_roof
The reason for the resurgence of interest in green roofing is because of their significant environmental benefit:
Green roofs minimize the Urban Heat Island Effect caused by traditional roofing which soaks up the sun’s radiation and re-emits heat. This is the reason urban areas are an average of 10 degrees warmer than their surrounding rural areas. Green roofs counteract the Heat Island Effect by absorbing heat. For this reason green roofing has gained popularity in urban areas like Chicago where the City Hall has a green roof.
Green roofs keep the atmosphere cooler while improving a building’s insulation. A study conducted by Environment Canada found a 26% reduction in summer cooling needs and a 26% reduction in winter heat losses when a green roof is used.[10] In addition, greening a roof is expected to lengthen a roof’s lifespan by two or three times, according to Penn State University’s Green Roof Research Center. [11] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_roof Like low- E windows, green roofs cut down on energy consumption and energy costs.
Plants can eliminate greenhouse gases and pollutants, improving air quality. The more gardens the better. A roof is a perfect area to have a garden.
The life-span of a roof is increased by covering it with vegetation that protects the structure from weathering.
Green roofs manage storm run-off headed toward over taxed sewage system. These rooftop gardens can absorb up to 70% of rainwater.
The aesthetic allure of green roofs can increase property value.
Energy Star
May 15, 2008
ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.
Results are already adding up. Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy in 2007 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 27 million cars — all while saving $16 billion on their utility bills. www.energystar.com
Energy Star Products
Computers, Printers, Scanners
Lighting
Fans
Insulation
Roof Products
Windows, Doors
Heating and Cooling
Appliances – Clothes Washers, Dishwashers, Refrigerators etc.
Energy/Cost Saving Windows
May 15, 2008
Low E glass was introduced in 1979. The E stands for emissivity. Low E glass works by reflecting heat back to its source. It does this by utilizing an ultra thin metallic coating on or in the glass.
Introduced in 1979, Low E (Emmissivity) glass reflects heat back to its source with an ultra thin metallic coating on or in the glass. Low E glass actually offers more light and visibility than regular glass, but is greatly more effective in trapping heat or maintaining cool air. In the winter Low E glass reflects inside heat back into the house and, in the summer, the glass reflect outside heat keeping the house cool. It blocks harmful UV rays but allows infrared rays to pass through. Low E glass reduces condensation and prevents fading of materials within the home. Typically homes lose 25% of heat through glass windows and doors. Investing in Low E glass will be a bargain in the long run, by cutting down on your energy usage you will save money on heating and cooling bills.
The eco-flush
May 15, 2008
Point-of-entry water filter
Putting a water filter on the primary water carrier to a house ensures that every faucet has clean water. Filtered water is benefit, even for the toilet and the sink because it reduces chloroform gas, which every household in the US is exposed to (according to the Environmental Protection Agency) specifically when showering, washing dishes, washing clothes, and flushing the toilet. Chloroform is a poisonous byproduct of chlorine that may cause damage to the nervous system and kidneys.
Greywater system
Greywater is not actually grey it refers to recycled water. Greywater systems take water that is used in showers and sinks and filters it (making it safe for human contact). This “grey” water is then reused to flush the toilet or for irrigation, significantly decreasing fresh water consumption.
Most septic systems take greywater used from the shower, sink, and laundry and mix it with black water (toilet waste). It then goes into a septic tank and into the fields or municipal sewer system where it can pollute drinking water. By reusing greywater in toilets or gardens the septic systems and municipal sewage systems aren’t overloaded by wastewater therefore limiting the amount of sanitation chemicals that are used.
Approximate water use of standard appliances
US clothes washing machine 30 gallons per cycle
Dishwasher 3-5 gallons per cycle
Shower 3-7 gallons per average use
Bathroom sinks 1-5 gallons per average use
Dual Flush Toilets
These toilets allow the user to control the amount of flush in order to conserve water. They have been used in Europe and Australia in response to water shortages.
Services: www.enviroplumbing.com serves all of California.
Old is Fresh
May 13, 2008
Yes, an antique French chair can go in the same room as a mid-century buffet. Combining styles from different periods is a sure fire way to update classics and make a room fresh. Using antiques, garage sale finds, and heirlooms creates an individual style statement.
In the US there is a culture of throwing out the old or broken and replacing it with the new, but by updating vintage or used furniture, the owner becomes invested in the process and the end result will be totally unique and sentimental. In terms of the environment, using what we already have is better than creating more “future trash.” Go ahead and re-finish that old chest or re-upholster those chairs in a fabulous fabric.
A great resource for finding used treasures is Craigslist.org, an online garage sale. Everything from crystal chandeliers to computers can be purchased on this local database. Reuse and recycle! Happy shopping!
Eco-artisan
May 13, 2008
Wiggers Custom Furniture uses FSC (Forest Stewarship Council) certified wood to create distinctly original, top quality furniture. The artisan rendered furniture is styled in a way that highlights the quality of the wood and reveals the company’s Dutch history. Check out the alluring furniture at www.wiggersfurniture.com
Greener Lifestyles
May 12, 2008
Greener Lifestyles designs and manufactures upholstered furniture using eco-friendly and sustainable materials that don’t harm the earth.
A good option for those with more traditional style inclinations. Greener Lifestyles has options that look transitional and vintage.
Check out the fabulously deco Cleo couch and hip Roxy chaise at www.greenerlifestyles.com
Custom Cabinetry
May 12, 2008
AlterECO™ creates unique and beautiful custom bamboo cabinets built to high standards of craftsmanship, utility and sustainability. www.alterecofurniture.com
The Green Edge
May 12, 2008
Cutting edge designs using reclaimed laminated wood discarded after architectural renovations, reclaimed teak, and a variety of other salvaged materials. Osisu is on par with all other contemporary designers pushing aesthetic limits, but their added draw of sustainability puts them a step above. www.osisu.com
Modern Love
May 12, 2008
Viesso furniture is customized contemporary furniture that is totally environmentally conscious. All of the products used in building Viesso furniture are natural, safe, and/or recycled. Their website has a viewer friendly green section complete with charts to see just how sustainable their company is. The furniture style is sleek and very adaptable to different design styles. Check out www.viesso.com
