GO GREEN - EAT LOCAL - BE HEALTHY: The Ottawa Eco-Expo

Today's green adventure brought us to the Ottawa Eco-Expo where we found many a sustainable gem, including The Healthiest Home and Isolara Solar Power, which I will explain further in separate blogs.  :) 

Check it out!

About ECO EXPO  
It's three great shows in one ... an Eco Festival, a Local Food Fair and a Health & Wellness Show.

• Don't miss the 1st Annual Ottawa Cupcake Challenge on Sunday April 24th.

SOURCE:  http://ottawaecoexpo.com/

• Up to 100 local organizations and businesses will be showcasing their products and services related to going green, eating local and being healthy.
  • They will offer local food tastings, massage treatments, product discounts, demonstrations and more.
  • Many of our exhibitors have participated in the April Eco-Fair for a number of years ... others wil be there for the very first time.
  • For a list of our exhibitors, click here.
• A series of informative workshops and presentations will take place both days.
  • If "information is power" then you'll be feeling the power at ECO EXPO.
  • Join our interactive workshops and learn about finding health and balanace in your life, how to take environmental action in our community and the importance of wholesome local food.
  • For our presentation schedule, click here.

Waste Not - Want Not! Celebrate Earth Day - April 22, 2011

 

'We Do Not Inherit the Land From Our Ancestors, We Borrow it From Our Children.'

~Native American Proverb

Celebrated every April 22, Earth Day is the largest, most celebrated environmental event worldwide.

More than 6 million Canadians join 1 billion people in over 170 countries in staging events and projects to address local environmental issues. Nearly every school child in Canada takes part in an Earth Day activity.
Environmental challenges abound as our daily actions pollute and degrade the fragile environment that humans and wildlife depend on to survive.

What can we do?

Earth Day provides the opportunity for positive actions and results.
First launched as an environmental awareness event in the United States in 1970, Earth Day (April 22) is celebrated as the birth of the environmental movement.
Earth Day is a powerful catalyst for change. The first Earth Day, spearheaded by Wisconsin Governor Gaylord Nelson and Harvard University student Denis Hayes, involved 20 million participants in teach-ins that addressed decades of environmental pollution. The event inspired the US Congress to pass clean air and water acts, and establish the Environmental Protection Agency to research and monitor environmental issues and enforce environmental laws.

In 1990, two million Canadians joined 200 million people in 141 nations in celebrating the first International Earth Day. In many countries, the global event brought pressure on heads of state to take part in the UN Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro to address issues such as climate change and the world wide loss of species.
In Canada, Earth Day has grown into Earth Week and even Earth Month to accommodate the profusion of events and projects. They range from large public events, such as Victoria’s Earth Walk (5,000 participants), Edmonton’s Earth Day Festival at Hawrelak Park (30,000 participants), and Oakville, Ontario’s Waterways Clean-up (2,000 participants) to the thousands of small, private events staged by schools, employee groups and community groups.  [1]

[2]

WHAT CAN YOU DO??

[1] http://www.earthday.ca/pub/about/history.php, Retrieved April 22, 2011.

[2] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep9MFiWXR8M&feature=related, Retrieved April 22, 2011.

Recycled/Composite Counter Tops

Threshold Design uses local materials for all of their aggregate and cement products – replacing as much as 25% of the cement content with ingredients obtained from industrial by-products near Ottawa. Another way that they have made a ‘Greener’ product is by using post consumer recycled glass and making sure that 97% of what goes into our concrete is recycled content. Aggregates are quarried within 50 kms of their shop and their waste water is filtered so that it can be recycled back into the process and used in the concrete mix.

Source:  http://www.threshold-design.net/Welcome.html

Composite and recycled countertops are pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity and offer some very distinct differences in available choices compared to more standard materials. As with any material however, there's always some strong points and weak points.


Positives
Composite and recycled countertops offer the following benefits:

• Positive environmental impact - Most have some measure of positive environmental effect either in the materials and/or the methods used to make the material.
• Durability and stain resistance on some types - The products that use a large percentage of recycled glass in a cementitious mix offer strength and stain resistance similar to the quartz and engineered stone products. Because 80% to 90% of the surface area is glass, which is non-porous, most of the countertop will be impenetrable to staining. A sealer can protect the remainder of the surface from stains.
• Innovation and individuality - Some composite and recycled countertop products offer unique looks and design possibilities and haven't yet reached the level of "everybody has it".
• Good alternate to other countertop materials - Several types of composite and recycled countertops provide good alternatives to other countertop choices by offering similar looks for lower cost or less maintenance; ceramic cement in instead of concrete for example or recycled glass instead of stone.

...And Some Of The Drawbacks

• Newness within the marketplace - Some composite and recycled countertops are still very new in the marketplace so long term care requirements and durability are yet to be seen.
• Variability in the amount of "green-ness" - Certain makers of recycled countertops use recycled materials but combine them with petroleum-based binders or other less-green processes. If you're looking for products with a high environmental impact, look closely at what goes into their makeup and production.
• Level of care required - Products that use concrete or other type of cement-based ingredients require care similar to stone countertops. This usually involves sealing the surface periodically. To do that requires you to move everything off your countertop to seal the surface and let it cure.
• Repairability - Consider how and if the type of composite or recycled countertop you might choose can be repaired if necessary. A countertop whose surface area is made up of 80-90% of recycled glass might chip if something hard enough is dropped on it. Most product makers eventually develop means for repairs but newer products may not achieve that level of market maturity for a while.
• Availability - Certain countertops may be harder to get based on a limited dealer network, recency in the marketplace or a combination of both. Most manufacturers ultimately want to sell you their product and will find a way to do that, either directly or through a local dealer/distributor. Buying countertops 'remotely' is not new however the process requires some additional up-front logistics work to ensure it's made, shipped and installed correctly.

SOURCE:  http://www.home-style-choices.com/composite-and-recycled-countertops.html

Design Options Explored

• Hot Water Tank < 20f from the sink...check.

• Energy Efficient Appliances...check.

• Sustainable & Recycled materials...check.

• Insulation & Energy Efficiencies Maximized...check.

So...the kitchen layout is complete...now what?  Time to find the supplier(s).   Here is a snap shot of my past week...Ottawa Builders...RONA...Home Depot...Lowes...back to RONA...Emerald Tile...Back to Lowes...by now my purse weighs a ton after collecting many a sample.  :)

The decision to implement a green kitchen did not come without homework that's for sure.  Although many retailers are happy to endorse green products, few can speak to the benefits or composition of such.  As an emerging market trend, going green is a widely accepted principle yet when inquiring among retailers, few could speak to the benefits or identify the products I was looking for.  So...after hours of searching for the perfect color, style and sustainable option, I am deciding between eco by Cosentino's Luna quartz or an Antique Pearl granite mined in Northern Ontario.

Tips to Consider:

Selecting an indigenous material, such as the locally mined granite, drastically reduces the total impact your selection has on the environment by eliminating the transportation otherwise required to import exotic granite selections.  However, you must also take into consideration the total manufacturing process including pre and post material usage and waste.

Therefore, my second choice encompasses a durable surface made of 75% recycled content, known as ECO™ - available at Lowe's.

About ECO™ by Cosentino

SOURCE:  http://usa.ecobycosentino.com/index.cfm

What is ECO by Cosentino?

ECO™ by Cosentino is a durable surface made of 75% recycled content composed of post-industrial or post-consumer materials and is bound by an environmentally friendly resin which comes in part from corn oil. ECO by Cosentino is also an ideal substitute for natural or engineered stone.

The Green Collection

The Green Collection is composed of colors containing 75% post-industrial recycled raw materials.
Polar Cap, Crystal Ash and Starlight are made mainly from recycled mirror. While the colors Luna and Crystal Sand are composed mainly from recycled glass and porcelain. The color Black Forest is composed mostly of recycled glass and quarried stone.

The Revive Collection

The Revive Collection is composed of 75% post-consumer recycled raw materials.
The colors Terra, Riverbed and Iron Ore are mainly composed of from recycled glass, mirrors and industrial furnace residuals and White Diamond is mainly composed of recycled glass.

Going Green In The Kitchen

Your kitchen is one of the best areas in your home to implement eco-friendly options and 'going green' is easier than you think.  With so many products in the marketplace claiming to be 'green alternatives', it becomes increasingly difficult to determine what is truly a sustainable option.

Here are some things to consider when incorporating green alternatives into your project:

• Implementing Energy & Water Efficiency Plans
• Using Rapidly Renewable Resources
• Improving Indoor Air Quality
• Reducing Waste/Recycling Materials

Our plan for this kitchen remodel will encompass all of the options noted above which we will explore over the course of the renovation.

'The building envelope is the outer layer of the building that separates the living space from the outdoor environment, both above and below grade. Many older homes have high heating requirements because of high rates of air leakage and building envelope areas that are not well insulated.

Like any renovation, retrofitting the building envelope requires careful planning. Before you decide to go ahead with the project, it is important to clearly identify the areas that you want to improve. Just as important is a thorough inspection of the existing structure so that any current problems can be corrected.'[1]

In this particular case, it was determined that the primary cause of energy inefficiency was due to the lack of insulation in the building envelope, the vintage model appliances and the existing windows & doors.  Therefore, prior to commencing any remodelling and design plans, we had to incorporate an energy efficiency strategy into our overall project.  As you can see above, the windows and doors have been replaced and Energy Star (noted in a previous blog) appliances will be selected for this project.

Stay tuned for our 'Ask The Expert' segment on sustainable insultaion options as we continue to explore all segments listed in this post.

You may even be 'elegible for a premium refund'.  Contact an NRCan qualified energy advisor to obtain the current energy rating for your home. You will receive a list of straightforward recommendations to increase your energy rating.[2]

[1]  http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/renoho/refash/refash_007.cfm
[2]  http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/moloin/moloin_008.cfm

How to Chose an Appropriate Interior Wood Stain.

ASK THE EXPERT

Brynn Cameron Design Company asks:

I am renovating a main bathroom and have selected a sideboard made of unfinished reclaimed wood to be used as the vanity.  I need to know what sort of sealant that I can use that will protect the natural wood from the water as it will house the vessel sink.

I would prefer a matte finish, what would you suggest?

Randall's Decorating Center says:

"I would suggest either a polyurethane or a waterborne urethane.  The polyurethane is solvent based and will provide the hardest finish and makes the wood look a bit richer as it ads that yellow hue that you see on wood finished with an oil based product. 

The waterborne is  almost as tough these days, dries a lot faster but does not give you the same richness and depth as the solvent based product-it is a much clearer finish.  At our stores we have examples of both to compare the finish.  They are  both available in a Satin sheen which would be quite a low sheen but still very durable. 

The only matte finish available would be a traditional oil based varnish (which will become increasingly hard to find) but i think you will find the satin finish flat enough."

http://www.randalls.ca/ran_2007/Index.html

Case Study - Shen Kitchen Remodel

SOURCE:  http://www.resourcemedia.tv/community/discussions/resource/case-study-shen-kitchen-remodel

Energy Star - What's All the Hype?

'When Canadians want to save energy and money and help the environment, they look for the ENERGY STAR symbol to identify energy-efficient products.

What is ENERGY STAR?

ENERGY STAR is the international symbol for energy efficiency. The ENERGY STAR symbol helps consumers identify products that operate at premium levels of energy efficiency without sacrificing the features, versatility and quality expected of high-performing products.

ENERGY STAR is good for consumers, for the environment and for business:

• The more energy efficient a product is, the less it costs to operate – an important consideration for consumers in these days of rising energy costs. Choosing ENERGY STAR qualified products when replacing old equipment can increase energy efficiency by 10 to 50 percent and can cut household energy bills significantly.

  DID YOU KNOW?

  ENERGY STAR qualified products must meet or exceed strict technical standards for energy efficiency.
• In many parts of Canada, fossil fuels are burned to produce electricity. This results in the production of greenhouse gases (GHGs) that contribute to global climate change and other pollutants that contribute to urban smog and acid rain. Energy-efficient products consume less electricity, thus reducing power demand and associated GHG emissions. Energy-efficient products also help Canada conserve natural resources.
• As an internationally recognized, government-backed symbol of energy efficiency, ENERGY STAR can help manufacturers, distributors and retailers of energy-using equipment increase their sales of qualifying products. Participating in ENERGY STAR is also an opportunity for businesses and others to play a leadership role in Canada’s climate change response.

The power of the ENERGY STAR symbol is its simplicity. No special knowledge is needed to select an energy-efficient product – the ENERGY STAR symbol on a product or its packaging or in its advertising or literature identifies the product as one of the most energy efficient on the market.'

SOURCE:  http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/business/energystar/energy-star-in-canada.cfm, Retrieved April 5, 2011.

Motley Sheer

Reclaimed Wood Vanity & Recycled Glass tiles. Energy efficient lighting a dual flush, low flow 6L toilet & fixtures make this main bath eco-chic! C2 low VOC paint colors Motley & Sheer!

C2 Paint is one of the only brands in North America employing the European 16-colorant tinting system to create its colors, as opposed to the 12-colorant system utilized by most other brands. The result: a unique collection of magnificently complex colors that cannot be matched using other companies’ tinting systems. While most brands are forced to simplify their Low-VOC color palette, C2 Paint’s improved technology allows the company to produce all 496 of its signature colors in the LoVo formula, which doesn’t sacrifice complexity, depth and sheer gorgeousness in the name of being green.

http://www.c2paint.com/lovo/index.php

CaGBC & LEED

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System^® encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.
LEED is a third-party certification program and an internationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings. It provides building owners and operators the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings’ performance.
LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health:

• sustainable site development
• water efficiency
• energy efficiency
• materials selection
• indoor environmental quality

SOURCE:  http://www.cagbc.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=LEED.  Retrieved April 5, 2011.

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint One Step at a Time

With so many products claiming to be 'eco-friendly', it is becoming increasingly difficult to differentiate between marketing ploys and sustainable products.  'Green design' is the philosophy of designing physical objects, the built environment, and services to comply with the principles of economic, social, and ecological sustainability. [1] 

As such we must take into consideration the total impact or life cycle that our selections have on our environment.  For instance, selecting a rapidly renewable resources (such as bamboo or cork) make sense if they can be obtained locally.  However, once you factor in acquisition and transportation to the product selection, it may make more sense to select indigenous materials for your design project.

There are several factors that you will want to consider when implementing sustainable design principles into your remodelling project.  Some of which include:

-Implementing Energy Efficiency Strategies
-Selecting Rapidly Renewable Materials
-Photovoltaic Modules (Solar Panels)
-Consideration for Quality & Durability
-Design for Reuse & Recycling
-Air Quality Control
-Implementing Water Effeciency Solutions

Over the course of the residential remodel, we will explore these options as well as many other eco-friendly solutions you can implement.  Green re-design projects help you reduce your carbon foot print one step at a time!

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_design.  Accessed April 4, 2011.

To Capture the Essence

Imagine this...enter the main bath, a tiled counter top hosting a vintage green sink.  The walls are tiled with coordinating green tiles and don't forget the toilet of the same era.  On the left, through the wooden pocket door, was a small room with the vintage green bath tub.  Finally passing through the second pocket door would bring you into yet another separate area with a second toilet and sink.  It was the most interesting 100 sq foot space I have come across.

The Backgrounder

Before I can jump right into the design parameters, I must provide you with a bit of details regarding the project.  The house is a waterfront1950s retro bungalow located just south of the city.  A mid-century design that captures the classic characteristics of the Art Modern architectural era, asymetrical lines, a butterfly roof, simple geometric shapes, little ornamation and metal framed doors and windows are just a few of the distinct elements of this classic. 

Follow me as we modernize this vintage beauty as the more I have researched about its unique elements, the less I want to change. 

Discover Your Natural Beauty

For as long as I can remember, I have had a passion for re-designing interior spaces and would often volunteer my creative suggestions to anyone that would listen.  ;)  The mere thought of changing a space and creating symetrical, harmonius balance is one of pure enthusiasm.

Recently, I have decided that I would pursue this creative passion and have discovered the world of sustainable design.  Which is the philosophy of designing physical objects, the built environment, and services to comply with the principles of economic, social, and ecological sustainability.  (Wikipedia, 2011)

Concurrent with my post graduate communication studies, I have completed a basic 12 month Interior Design Diploma  through the Interior Design Institute.  This has  provided me with the fundamental principles and historical origins of topics such as architectural design styles, textiles and the fabulous world of color.  Following which, I have now embarked on a journey of green redesign knowledge.

As created by the USGBC (US Green Building Council) & ASID (American Society of Interior Designers), I am currently completing the REGREEN Certification program.  Throughout this journey, I would like to share my findings as I apply what I have learned to my latest residential redesign project.  As such, I will be posting interviews and interactions with experts in the industry as well as some great eco-design tips.  In sharing this knowledge, I hope to not only reduce my carbon footprint, but assist in promoting this worthwhile endeavour to all who care to listen.  :)