GOING GREEN ON THE CHEAP AND WITH NO TIME
Can’t afford a Prius right now? Solar panels too expensive? Does going green seem like something to put off for when our good old economy bounces back? Does it feel like going green costs too much green?
Well it shouldn’t. We can go green on the cheap. Let’s shift our focus and wallets over to low-cost, low-tech, but hi-efficiency and resource saving products and practices. Green efficiency saves you money. Green products and practices save your health. And as a bonus – it saves the planet too!
For example: replacing ordinary incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents or LED bulbs results in huge cost savings and reduces the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. But what’s the problem? We are not making the switch. According to Glenn Croston’s book, 75 Green Businesses, “ only about 6% of US homes are using them.” The point is that going green is easier and less expensive than we think. What other cheap things can we do right now?
-Install a programmable thermostat (costs only $100 bucks, if you are anything like me -you can do a lot worse shoe shopping online)
-Get low-flow, low-cost showerheads and faucet aerators installed (retrofitting is always cheaper than replacing fixtures, your water bill will shrink)
-Seal up air leaks (why install solar panels when your home may not even be energy efficient? And watch your electric bill go down…)
-Change air filters (get someone to do it for you three times a year – it saves energy and $$$)
-Insulate your water heater with a special inexpensive blanket created for this (big energy reducer for now, in the future you can invest in a new energy star approved heater)
-Install water filters – makes that tap water nice and tasty (won’t need to buy bottled water)
-Swap out your current cleaning service for a green cleaning service – or swap out the products under the sink for green ones (your indoor air quality will improve)
Sounds good for the wallet and planet? So what’s the other problem? We have no time. I have a confession to make – I am one of the 6% of people who have energy efficient bulbs installed. How? I have no time: I work in fashion and write for a living. The answer: my husband is a certified green consultant and green property manager. I have a unique and very convenient situation for going green: my husband identifies what we can do within our budget, and then he does it himself for us!
Since all of my friends and neighbors are in the same “no time, no money boat” – I encouraged him to create a new green service for them – supplying and installing low-tech, low-cost products. This makes energy and resource efficiency an easy and affordable thing to achieve.
The timing could not be better – the U.S. government just unveiled the “Recovery through Retrofit Report”. Why should we care about that? Because our homes produce twice the greenhouse gas emissions than our cars! The report adds, "Existing techniques and technologies in energy efficiency retrofitting can reduce energy use by up to 40% per home and lower total associated greenhouse gas emissions by up to 160 million metric tons annually. Retrofitting existing homes also has the potential to cut home energy bills by $21 billion annually.” That sounds like money in our pockets.
The reality is that all of us can go green on the cheap and with no time. All you have to do: find local services that can provide and implement low-cost, low-tech, high efficiency and resource saving products in your home or business. Let them do the rest.
AUTHOR
Nicole Falco writes for Biomonde, a green services company. Biomonde is headed up by the only federally trademarked green consultant in San Diego and Brooklyn, NY. Biomonde both supplies and installs affordable green products and technologies that save money by maximizing efficiency. Going green is now in everyone’s reach! As a bonus - our business and residential clients receive a cool sign to display their conservation efforts to the community! Check out our website at www.biomondegreen.com.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Lending to others-Giving Back
We have had so many issues with getting a construction loan for our build that I wanted to help others to realize their dreams and so I just made a loan to someone in Nigeria using a revolutionary new website called Kiva (www.kiva.org).
You can go to Kiva's website and lend to someone across the globe who needs a loan for their business - like raising goats, selling vegetables at market or making bricks. Each loan has a picture of the entrepreneur, a description of their business and how they plan to use the loan so you know exactly how your money is being spent - and you get updates letting you know how the entrepreneur is going.
The best part is, when the entrepreneur pays back their loan you get your money back - and Kiva's loans are managed by microfinance institutions on the ground who have a lot of experience doing this, so you can trust that your money is being handled responsibly.
I just made a loan to an entrepreneur named Lovelyn Osahon in Nigeria. They still need another $425.00 to complete their loan request of $800.00 (you can loan as little as $25.00!). Help me get this entrepreneur off the ground by clicking on the link below to make a loan to Lovelyn Osahon too:
http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=137175
It's finally easy to actually do something about poverty - using Kiva I know exactly who my money is loaned to and what they're using it for. And most of all, I know that I'm helping them build a
sustainable business that will provide income to feed, clothe, house and educate their family long after my loan is paid back.
Join me in changing the world - one loan at a time.
Thanks!
---------------------------------------------------------
What others are saying about www.Kiva.org:
'Revolutionising how donors and lenders in the US are connecting with small entrepreneurs in developing countries.'
-- BBC
'If you've got 25 bucks, a PC and a PayPal account, you've now got the wherewithal to be an international financier.'
-- CNN Money
'Smaller investors can make loans of as little as $25 to specific individual entrepreneurs through a service launched last fall by Kiva.org.'
-- The Wall Street Journal
'An inexpensive feel-good investment opportunity...All loaned funds go directly to the applicants, and most loans are repaid in full.'
-- Entrepreneur Magazine
You can go to Kiva's website and lend to someone across the globe who needs a loan for their business - like raising goats, selling vegetables at market or making bricks. Each loan has a picture of the entrepreneur, a description of their business and how they plan to use the loan so you know exactly how your money is being spent - and you get updates letting you know how the entrepreneur is going.
The best part is, when the entrepreneur pays back their loan you get your money back - and Kiva's loans are managed by microfinance institutions on the ground who have a lot of experience doing this, so you can trust that your money is being handled responsibly.
I just made a loan to an entrepreneur named Lovelyn Osahon in Nigeria. They still need another $425.00 to complete their loan request of $800.00 (you can loan as little as $25.00!). Help me get this entrepreneur off the ground by clicking on the link below to make a loan to Lovelyn Osahon too:
http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=137175
It's finally easy to actually do something about poverty - using Kiva I know exactly who my money is loaned to and what they're using it for. And most of all, I know that I'm helping them build a
sustainable business that will provide income to feed, clothe, house and educate their family long after my loan is paid back.
Join me in changing the world - one loan at a time.
Thanks!
---------------------------------------------------------
What others are saying about www.Kiva.org:
'Revolutionising how donors and lenders in the US are connecting with small entrepreneurs in developing countries.'
-- BBC
'If you've got 25 bucks, a PC and a PayPal account, you've now got the wherewithal to be an international financier.'
-- CNN Money
'Smaller investors can make loans of as little as $25 to specific individual entrepreneurs through a service launched last fall by Kiva.org.'
-- The Wall Street Journal
'An inexpensive feel-good investment opportunity...All loaned funds go directly to the applicants, and most loans are repaid in full.'
-- Entrepreneur Magazine
Saturday, July 25, 2009
PHASE 1 GRADING AND CONCRETE
How do we make concrete green?
Concrete: A Green Building Material
The most popular buzzword in construction today has also pervaded almost every other aspect of modern life: green. Whether it is applied to building, living, or eating, everyone is attempting to reshape their habits in an environmentally friendly manner.
Contractors, who must always attempt to respond to new consumer demands in order to maintain a competitive presence, are struggling to change their building practices and integrate green design into their business. However, one of the most commonly used building materials is one of the greenest options available!
Concrete fits many of the requirements for environmental responsibility. Here are some of the reasons why concrete can be an excellent choice for use in green design.
Why is Concrete Green?
The main tenets of green and sustainable design are reduce, reuse and recycle. The goal is to reduce the negative impact, or “footprint,” that we as a species have on the earth. Concrete is an important option available to consumers looking to use green materials in their new homes, additions or updates. One of the most important factors is that cement, the main component of concrete, is made from the most common mineral found on earth: limestone.
Limestone is crushed to create cement powder. Also, since limestone is so common around the world, it can generally be harvested and processed locally, which reduces the amount of resources needed to transport the cement from the plant to the construction site. In addition, cement can be made or partially comprised from waste products from various production processes such as fly ash, silica or slag.
How Concrete Reduces the Carbon Footprint
Concrete acts as a natural insulator, or better said, helps to adjust to environmental conditions. Concrete retains heat, which can significantly help with homeowner's heating and cooling needs. It can absorb warmth from the sun in the winter months and retain the heat inside, while keeping in the cool air in the summer.
In addition, concrete walls tend to be airtight, and thus, minimize drafts that traditional building materials allow into the building. This alone can reduce heating and cooling costs significantly. Finally, natural concrete is lighter colored and reflects more light than many other surfaces. This is especially valuable in close building situations, such as cities, where dark surfaces can absorb heat and artificially increase the local temperature.
One of the most popular features of concrete is its durability, which is also one of the main factors in its being a green building material. Sustainable building and living emphasizes long-term solutions and products over cheap, short-term products that will be thrown away and add to the waste management issues that already exist. Concrete can last for many times longer than conventional building materials, such as wood or drywall. It is very resistant to common causes of deterioration in homes such as insect activity, rot, rust and even fire.
Overall, concrete can offer many homeowners the sustainable option they want, while giving them the cost effectiveness and structural strength they require. Contractors, meanwhile, may find that they are already employing more green business practices than they had ever imagined.
Pollie Gautsch San Diego Green Homes cell- 858-344-5905 fax- 760-454-4673 www.sandiegogreenhomes.com
Concrete: A Green Building Material
The most popular buzzword in construction today has also pervaded almost every other aspect of modern life: green. Whether it is applied to building, living, or eating, everyone is attempting to reshape their habits in an environmentally friendly manner.
Contractors, who must always attempt to respond to new consumer demands in order to maintain a competitive presence, are struggling to change their building practices and integrate green design into their business. However, one of the most commonly used building materials is one of the greenest options available!
Concrete fits many of the requirements for environmental responsibility. Here are some of the reasons why concrete can be an excellent choice for use in green design.
Why is Concrete Green?
The main tenets of green and sustainable design are reduce, reuse and recycle. The goal is to reduce the negative impact, or “footprint,” that we as a species have on the earth. Concrete is an important option available to consumers looking to use green materials in their new homes, additions or updates. One of the most important factors is that cement, the main component of concrete, is made from the most common mineral found on earth: limestone.
Limestone is crushed to create cement powder. Also, since limestone is so common around the world, it can generally be harvested and processed locally, which reduces the amount of resources needed to transport the cement from the plant to the construction site. In addition, cement can be made or partially comprised from waste products from various production processes such as fly ash, silica or slag.
How Concrete Reduces the Carbon Footprint
Concrete acts as a natural insulator, or better said, helps to adjust to environmental conditions. Concrete retains heat, which can significantly help with homeowner's heating and cooling needs. It can absorb warmth from the sun in the winter months and retain the heat inside, while keeping in the cool air in the summer.
In addition, concrete walls tend to be airtight, and thus, minimize drafts that traditional building materials allow into the building. This alone can reduce heating and cooling costs significantly. Finally, natural concrete is lighter colored and reflects more light than many other surfaces. This is especially valuable in close building situations, such as cities, where dark surfaces can absorb heat and artificially increase the local temperature.
One of the most popular features of concrete is its durability, which is also one of the main factors in its being a green building material. Sustainable building and living emphasizes long-term solutions and products over cheap, short-term products that will be thrown away and add to the waste management issues that already exist. Concrete can last for many times longer than conventional building materials, such as wood or drywall. It is very resistant to common causes of deterioration in homes such as insect activity, rot, rust and even fire.
Overall, concrete can offer many homeowners the sustainable option they want, while giving them the cost effectiveness and structural strength they require. Contractors, meanwhile, may find that they are already employing more green business practices than they had ever imagined.
Pollie Gautsch San Diego Green Homes cell- 858-344-5905 fax- 760-454-4673 www.sandiegogreenhomes.com
Monday, June 29, 2009
DWELL ON DESIGN
We attended the Dwell on Design Exhibition in Los Angeles and saw many great manufacturers and services providers of green products. http://www.dwellondesign.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=section&layout=blog&id=12&Itemid=244
Noteworthy exhibitors were:
ECO STUCCO- http://www.ecostucco.com/
KOHLER- http://www.us.kohler.com/savewater/home.htm
Noteworthy exhibitors were:
ECO STUCCO- http://www.ecostucco.com/
KOHLER- http://www.us.kohler.com/savewater/home.htm
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Asbestos information- Safe alternatives
San Diego Homeowners Striving for Green Living
Living in the 21st century, many cities are adapting to the new green paradigm, updating old homes and buildings to suit the needs of a healthier environment and home. With a growing amount of education and technology in eco-sustainable resources, the state of California is leading the way towards a green paradigm of building and construction.
It is important to take note of the consequences of improper building materials and environmental degradation. As citizens of Earth, we are obligated to nurture and sustain this planet.
Known for a large industrial history, California’s economy has had success in areas such as ship-building, mining and power generation. These industries found many usages for asbestos, as the material has fire and heat resistant qualities. Utilized in homes as a form of piping and insulation throughout the 20th century, asbestos manufacterers were aware of the corrosive effects of the substance, but continued manufacturing it anyways. This obsolete building material can easily be replaced with green methods of insulation that can even reduce annual energy costs!
Many homes, buildings and public facilities built prior to 1980 may still contain asbestos and other hazardous materials. In many instances, the best action is no action at all. Disturbing asbestos in good condition may cause its fibers to be released into the air. Prolonged exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can potentially lead to the development of related lung ailments such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive form of asbestos cancer that accounts for three percent of cancer diagnoses in the United States. Due to the fact many mesothelioma symptoms are similar to less serious ailments, Diagnosis of mesothelioma is one of the more difficult tasks physicians encounter.
Go Green in the Home
“Green” home modifications will help save on energy costs and provide tax credits, but some of them may even be better for your health.
Recently, congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Included in this act were extensions to the tax incentives placed for energy efficiency in 2005, as well as new credits for homeowners who remodel or build using eco-sustainable methods. Some of the measures that are eligible for tax credits include added insulation to walls, ceilings, or other part of the building envelope that meets the 2009 IECC specifications, sealing cracks in the building shell and ducts to reduce heat loss. Storm doors paired with U-factored rated wood doors are also eligible.
Most people are unaware to the fact that eco-friendly products can cut energy costs by 25 % per year. The U.S. Green Building Council conducted a study which estimated a new savings of $50-$65 per square foot for positively constructed green buildings. As education and technology of green sustainable practices increase, the numbers will continue to rise.
There is no need for any products used in construction to be made from asbestos, yet over 3,000 work and home-based materials still contain this toxin. Rather than expensive and mal-treated wood, interior walls can be made from steel and concrete, avoiding many of the problems associated with asbestos and other insulation methods. Green alternatives to asbestos include the use of cotton fiber, lcynene foam and cellulose. These green options have the same beneficial qualities as asbestos, minus the health deteriorating and toxic components. Many locations throughout the United States are swiftly changing their construction practices to suit the environment and the health of human beings.
“Credit to Paul James of the Mesothelioma Cancer Center for
submitting the article.”
Living in the 21st century, many cities are adapting to the new green paradigm, updating old homes and buildings to suit the needs of a healthier environment and home. With a growing amount of education and technology in eco-sustainable resources, the state of California is leading the way towards a green paradigm of building and construction.
It is important to take note of the consequences of improper building materials and environmental degradation. As citizens of Earth, we are obligated to nurture and sustain this planet.
Known for a large industrial history, California’s economy has had success in areas such as ship-building, mining and power generation. These industries found many usages for asbestos, as the material has fire and heat resistant qualities. Utilized in homes as a form of piping and insulation throughout the 20th century, asbestos manufacterers were aware of the corrosive effects of the substance, but continued manufacturing it anyways. This obsolete building material can easily be replaced with green methods of insulation that can even reduce annual energy costs!
Many homes, buildings and public facilities built prior to 1980 may still contain asbestos and other hazardous materials. In many instances, the best action is no action at all. Disturbing asbestos in good condition may cause its fibers to be released into the air. Prolonged exposure to airborne asbestos fibers can potentially lead to the development of related lung ailments such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive form of asbestos cancer that accounts for three percent of cancer diagnoses in the United States. Due to the fact many mesothelioma symptoms are similar to less serious ailments, Diagnosis of mesothelioma is one of the more difficult tasks physicians encounter.
Go Green in the Home
“Green” home modifications will help save on energy costs and provide tax credits, but some of them may even be better for your health.
Recently, congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Included in this act were extensions to the tax incentives placed for energy efficiency in 2005, as well as new credits for homeowners who remodel or build using eco-sustainable methods. Some of the measures that are eligible for tax credits include added insulation to walls, ceilings, or other part of the building envelope that meets the 2009 IECC specifications, sealing cracks in the building shell and ducts to reduce heat loss. Storm doors paired with U-factored rated wood doors are also eligible.
Most people are unaware to the fact that eco-friendly products can cut energy costs by 25 % per year. The U.S. Green Building Council conducted a study which estimated a new savings of $50-$65 per square foot for positively constructed green buildings. As education and technology of green sustainable practices increase, the numbers will continue to rise.
There is no need for any products used in construction to be made from asbestos, yet over 3,000 work and home-based materials still contain this toxin. Rather than expensive and mal-treated wood, interior walls can be made from steel and concrete, avoiding many of the problems associated with asbestos and other insulation methods. Green alternatives to asbestos include the use of cotton fiber, lcynene foam and cellulose. These green options have the same beneficial qualities as asbestos, minus the health deteriorating and toxic components. Many locations throughout the United States are swiftly changing their construction practices to suit the environment and the health of human beings.
“Credit to Paul James of the Mesothelioma Cancer Center for
submitting the article.”
Sunday, May 10, 2009
california coastal commission
After two years of waiting we have finally made it through Coastal!
See below for our approval:
Application No. 6-08-86 (Gautsch & Matsui, Solana Beach) Application of Pollie Gautsch & Darryl Matsui to construct 2-story, 4,012 sq.ft., single-family home, 283 sq.ft. workshop, and 590 sq.ft., 2-car garage, with associated grading and landscaping, on 59,533 sq.ft. vacant lot, at 445 Holmwood Lane, Solana Beach, San Diego County. (EL-SD) [APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS, moved to Consent Calendar]
We still have some conditions to complete but as soon as we get the building permits from the City of Solana Beach we will be able to break ground.
See below for our approval:
Application No. 6-08-86 (Gautsch & Matsui, Solana Beach) Application of Pollie Gautsch & Darryl Matsui to construct 2-story, 4,012 sq.ft., single-family home, 283 sq.ft. workshop, and 590 sq.ft., 2-car garage, with associated grading and landscaping, on 59,533 sq.ft. vacant lot, at 445 Holmwood Lane, Solana Beach, San Diego County. (EL-SD) [APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS, moved to Consent Calendar]
We still have some conditions to complete but as soon as we get the building permits from the City of Solana Beach we will be able to break ground.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
The Green Stuff used in our project
THE GREEN STUFF
ENERGY
Heating/Cooking System: hydronic space heating
Active Solar - Solar (photovoltaic) electric power generation, solar hot water heating
Passive Solar – Skylights
Lighting: Low-voltage recessed cans plus florescent and compact fluorescent fixtures, daylight controls
Appliances: Energy Star appliances and front-loading high efficiency clothing washer
Insulation: formaldehyde-free insulation made from recycled jeans by Bonded Logic
BUILDING MATERIALS
Exterior Materials: Recycled siding, FSC certified lumber
Interior Materials: Recycled trim, doors and cabinetry, FSC-certified cabinets, concrete countertops, reclaimed materials used for flooring, High Efficient Ceiling Fans, Double-Pane windows, Fly ash concrete walls and floors, Low VOC paint, non combustible building materials
INTERIOR PRODUCTS
Bamboo sinks, Recycled Concrete Sinks, Vintage Reclaimed Furniture, Compressed Paper Countertops, Recycled glass tiles
WATER
Fixtures: Low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets
CONSTRUCTION
Waste Reduction: Recycled waste products, recycle job site construction waste, use recycled content
Recycling: Separated and recycled waste products
Construction Methods: Standard framing with FSC-certified cabinets, apply optimal value engineering
LANDSCAPING
Plants: Native Landscaping
Rainwater Harvesting: Rainwater collection in cisterns
Irrigation: Weather based automated irrigation control system
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
