Turning Copper into Cash!

Selecting the right materials for your renovation is challenging enough, especially when you also factor in the time involved in the layout and design.  With so many available options, the design process can become quite overwhelming.  I have found that through extensive research, I have been able to make informed decisions on the products that I am contemplating while thoroughly evaluating their environmental impact. 

As I have mentioned previously, I am going to share the research that I have come across with respect to making environmentally sound choices, to assist you with your design project decisions.  Keeping in mind that every little eco-savvy alternative helps!  :)

Just as important as implementing your sustainable design options are the enviro considerations when disposing of the material waste.  The overall environment impact is what counts and most major cities offer recycling depots that convert metal waste into cash!  Yup, never has a trip to the recycling yard been so rewarding.  This past weekend, I accompanied the contractor to Cohen & Cohen (http://www.cohenandcohen.com/reuse/recyclers/), where we converted our metal waste from our project into cold, hard cash!

Like every successful project, research and planning are key as is working with a team of individuals that share the same vision.  If you organize your project from the get go, recycling your waste and minimizing your environmental impact is a breeze!

SPREAD THE WORD!!

What can you do to make a difference?

10 things to do to help save the planet

1. Plant a tree
   A single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime
2. Change a light bulb
   Replacing one regular light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb will save 150 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.
3. Walk, bike, carpool or take the transit
   You’ll save one pound of carbon dioxide for every mile you don’t drive!
4. Recycle
   You can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide per year by recycling just half of your household waste.
5. Check your tires
   Keeping your tires inflated properly can improve gas mileage by more than 3%.  Every gallon of gasoline saved keeps 20 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.
6. Use less hot water
   It takes a lot of energy to heat water.  Use less hot water by installing a low-flow showerhead (350 pounds of CO2 per year), and washing your clothes in cold or warm water (500 pounds of CO2 per year).
7. Avoid products with a lot of packaging
   You can save 1,200 pounds of carbon dioxide if you cut down your garbage by 10%.
8. Adjust your thermostat
   Moving your thermostat just 2 degrees in winter and 2 degrees in summer could save 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.
9. Turn off electronic devices
   Simply turning off your television, DVD player, stereo, and computer when you’re not using them will save you thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide a year.
10. SPREAD THE WORD!

Source: Al Gore www.climatecrisis.net