By Amy Ramirez, ASID Eco Committee Member
ReSource Floors, ASID Industry Partner
Thankfully “Green” is finally becoming a mainstream word. The green options amongst all finishing products are growing. However, many of these products have been “green washed”. Small steps towards being environmentally friendly are aggrandized for marketing purposes. I have actually been told that regular vinyl products are ecologically friendly because they lasts so long. Not quite. There are however some great options in the industry.
Mannington does have a sheet vinyl product, Relay RE, which is made with at least 35% recycled content. This may not seem like much but 20% of that is post consumer. They also have their Premium Tile Flooring collection that is made with content from post consumer drywall. Since the inception of his program in 2006 Mannington has reclaimed and recycled an average of 200 tons of drywall each year. www.mannington.com
Armstrong also has a number of environmentally friendly products. Migrations is a bio based VCT made of corn which of course is rapidly renewable. In addition, their Marmorette, which is their brand of linoleum, has been green before green was in. This material is made of rapidly renewable raw materials, linseed oil and jute, and contains recycled content, wood and cork flour. www.armstrong.com
There are also a variety of rubber floors that include up to 93% recycled post consumer material from truck tires.
These days there are many tiles that offer recycled content as well, however most of these are still pre consumer.
Finally, there are more options than ever if hardwood is what your client is interested in. The products containing the FSC or Forest Stewardship Councils’ certification is higher than ever before. In addition, there are many color and style options now available in the renewable products like cork, bamboo or eucalyptus.
Amy Ramirez is the Design Center Manager at ReSource Floors and has been in the flooring business for ten years. ReSource Floors has provided the premier full service flooring experience since 1989. We promote sustainable business practices throughout our organization by taking a holistic approach to the environment and our goal of sustainability. We are proud to say that we recycle most of the carpet and pad we demo from job sites, we have two LEED accredited professionals on staff to assist our customers in eco projects and we offer a wide array of environmentally friendly products in our showroom.
ReSource Floors Inc.
ReSource Lights
http://www.resourcefloors.com/
"Service with Purpose"
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
How can you turn your green expertise into green in your wallet?
by Lexine Schroeder, ASID Eco Committee member
Botanika Interior Plantscapes, ASID Industry Partner
Editor's note: These are Lexine's presentation notes from the ASID San Diego's Eco Committee's presentation “Green Your Bottom Line & Meet The Eco Committee” from November's ASID General Meeting at Illuminating Interiors.
How do you turn your sustainable design knowledge and eco-friendly products into profit?
First and foremost, you need to clarify what your green expertise is. If you don’t have any, get some! Free or inexpensive workshops are available through USGBC San Diego, CA Center for Sustainable Energy, and SDGE.
Botanika Interior Plantscapes, ASID Industry Partner
Editor's note: These are Lexine's presentation notes from the ASID San Diego's Eco Committee's presentation “Green Your Bottom Line & Meet The Eco Committee” from November's ASID General Meeting at Illuminating Interiors.
First and foremost, you need to clarify what your green expertise is. If you don’t have any, get some! Free or inexpensive workshops are available through USGBC San Diego, CA Center for Sustainable Energy, and SDGE.
1) What specific skills and abilities can you offer clients? What experience and education do you have?
Your business card, email signature, and website should all include any certificates or credentials you have (Green Associate or LEED AP, or 3rd party product certifications if you are an IP)
2) How will these things benefit your client and the planet?
(Hard to quantify, so use measurable things, such as how much energy will be saved, percent lower air toxins off-gassed, quantity of recycled material).
3) It helps to write a “Green Mission Statement” so that your offerings are clear. Put it on your website and any collateral materials you hand out.
Example from one planter manufacturer: “Our focus is to design and manufacture architectural elements in the USA using post-consumer recycled materials and sustainable methods.” It can be that simple!
4) You can list the things you do to support your green mission statement on your website too: in-office recycling, recycling packaging or demolition materials, energy-efficient lighting in office or factory.
In this process, be careful to avoid “greenwashing”, which is promoting a product or service as more environmentally-friendly than it really is.
In this process, be careful to avoid “greenwashing”, which is promoting a product or service as more environmentally-friendly than it really is.
1) Be realistic about what you can and can’t do for your clients. It’s always best to under promise and over deliver. Don’t risk your reputation with false claims.
2) Do your homework; don’t just take a vendor’s word for it that their product is green. Ask for concrete details, percentages (Ex: pre- vs. post-consumer recycled), certifications, or use products made of simple natural materials that are sustainably harvested.
To paraphrase ASID designer Laura Birns from a recent talk on sustainability, if what the vendor is claiming doesn’t make sense, it probably isn’t as green as they say. And if it stinks, it isn’t green!
Take advantage of other opportunities to share your expertise and be seen as an expert:
1) Update your business Facebook page with sustainable solutions and projects (or LinkedIn or Twitter).
2) For IPs -- Eco Expo contest at IP Expo in Feb. – greenest booth and products gets free PR in Design Perspectives newsletter.
3) Designers, IPs and students: Write an eco-tip for the ASID Eco blog, get guidelines from Amy – if nothing else at least read the blog and get inspired/educated! J Follow it.
4) Start your own green design blog or email campaign.
5) ASID newsletter Eco page: Designers, we are always looking for articles on your sustainable projects; contact Kristianne Watts at kw [at] kwdesigns [dot] com .
6) Civic involvement in green causes -- volunteer and brag on your website, social media, email campaigns.
7) Put a case study (with gorgeous professional photos) on your website; list the benefits of the sustainable elements.
8) If you do a sustainable project, or one that has sustainable elements, tell the press! Local media is increasingly interested in eco-friendly design solutions. Green is sexy.
Finally, many clients don’t think to ask for green unless you ask them first! Ask them if sustainability is a priority during your first interview or on your uptake form. Their health and safety is your responsibility. They will thank you!
In summary: Clarify your green expertise (or get some!), state the realistic benefits, know your products, and let people know what you know! The result will be increased profitability for your business that you can feel good about.
Lexine Schroeder is owner and lead plantscape designer at Botanika Interior Plantscapes, a boutique indoor plant service based in San Diego serving residential and commercial buildings. Her mission is to bring the beauty of nature indoors, enlivening spaces while cleaning the air and providing a sense of well-being to her clients. Call her for a free initial consultation at 619-729-5715, or visit http://www.botanikaplants.com/.
Lexine Schroeder is owner and lead plantscape designer at Botanika Interior Plantscapes, a boutique indoor plant service based in San Diego serving residential and commercial buildings. Her mission is to bring the beauty of nature indoors, enlivening spaces while cleaning the air and providing a sense of well-being to her clients. Call her for a free initial consultation at 619-729-5715, or visit http://www.botanikaplants.com/.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Designing with Plants for Cleaner Air
by Lexine Schroeder, ASID Eco Committee Member
Botanika Interior Plantscapes
ASID Industry Partner
Editor's Note: This is a re-posting of our very first blog submission, written by our outgoing blog editor. Lexine was Eco blog editor from February 2009 -- September 2011, and has handed the torch to Eco Committee member Amy Ramirez of ReSource Floors, ASID Industry Partner. Please contact Amy to share your sustainable design expertise at ecoasidsd@gmail.com
We all know plants are a beautiful enhancement to any interior space, but many people don’t realize just how much healthier an indoor environment becomes for human beings once plants are installed.
Poor ventilation and off-gassing from synthetic construction materials, furnishings, and paints all contribute to stagnant and even toxic air quality in today’s tightly sealed buildings. But according to studies funded by NASA, indoor plants will actively filter out toxic gasses like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde while simultaneously producing fresh oxygen and sustaining healthier levels of humidity. The studies also reveal that indoor plants eliminate many airborne microbes and mold spores, thereby reducing allergic reactions and symptoms of “sick building syndrome” among employees.
In his book, How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 Houseplants that Purify Your Home or Office (Penguin, 1996), scientist B.C. Wolverton recommends that at least one plant be placed within 6 to 8 cubic feet of where any person spends several hours each day (such as at a desk, watching television, or sleeping.) His research indicates that the best results are achieved by combining several different types of plants so the widest possible range of harmful elements can be absorbed and broken down.
Of the 50 plants studied by Wolverton, the following were found to be the most effective at purifying the air:
• Areca palm
• Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
• Lady palm (Rhapis)
• Bamboo palm
• Rubber plant
• Dracaena “Janet Craig”
• English ivy
• Dwarf date palm (Phoenix roebelenii)
• Ficus (alii and weeping fig varieties)
• Ferns (Boston and Kimberly Queen varieties)
• Umbrella tree (Shefflera)
• King of Hearts (Homalomena)
• Lily turf (Liriope)
Designers can improve indoor air quality for their clients simply by specifying the installation of more indoor plants, and by specifying planters made of non-toxic materials such as ceramic and metal.
Further improvements can be gained by designing lighting schemes that sustain plant life (full-spectrum lights producing 100 foot-candles or more), or by utilizing window treatments that allow plenty of natural light to reach plants. Air flow within homes and buildings can also be enhanced with ceiling fans to make sure indoor plants can access, absorb, and break down as many toxins as possible.
For more information on how plants help indoor air quality, please visit: Green Plants for Green Buildings
To read the NASA indoor plant studies, please visit:
NASA Indoor Plant Studies
Lexine Schroeder is owner and lead plantscape designer at Botanika Interior Plantscapes, a boutique indoor plant service based in San Diego serving residential and commercial buildings. Her goal is to bring the beauty of nature indoors, enlivening spaces while cleaning the air and providing a sense of well-being to her clients. Call her for a free initial consultation at 619-729-5715, or visit http://www.botanikaplants.com/.
Botanika Interior Plantscapes
ASID Industry Partner
Editor's Note: This is a re-posting of our very first blog submission, written by our outgoing blog editor. Lexine was Eco blog editor from February 2009 -- September 2011, and has handed the torch to Eco Committee member Amy Ramirez of ReSource Floors, ASID Industry Partner. Please contact Amy to share your sustainable design expertise at ecoasidsd@gmail.com
 |
| Rhapis palm |
Poor ventilation and off-gassing from synthetic construction materials, furnishings, and paints all contribute to stagnant and even toxic air quality in today’s tightly sealed buildings. But according to studies funded by NASA, indoor plants will actively filter out toxic gasses like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde while simultaneously producing fresh oxygen and sustaining healthier levels of humidity. The studies also reveal that indoor plants eliminate many airborne microbes and mold spores, thereby reducing allergic reactions and symptoms of “sick building syndrome” among employees.
 |
| Ficus "weeping fig" |
In his book, How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 Houseplants that Purify Your Home or Office (Penguin, 1996), scientist B.C. Wolverton recommends that at least one plant be placed within 6 to 8 cubic feet of where any person spends several hours each day (such as at a desk, watching television, or sleeping.) His research indicates that the best results are achieved by combining several different types of plants so the widest possible range of harmful elements can be absorbed and broken down.
Of the 50 plants studied by Wolverton, the following were found to be the most effective at purifying the air:
• Areca palm
• Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
• Lady palm (Rhapis)
• Bamboo palm
• Rubber plant
• Dracaena “Janet Craig”
• English ivy
• Dwarf date palm (Phoenix roebelenii)
• Ficus (alii and weeping fig varieties)
• Ferns (Boston and Kimberly Queen varieties)
• Umbrella tree (Shefflera)
• King of Hearts (Homalomena)
• Lily turf (Liriope)
 |
| Rubber plant |
Further improvements can be gained by designing lighting schemes that sustain plant life (full-spectrum lights producing 100 foot-candles or more), or by utilizing window treatments that allow plenty of natural light to reach plants. Air flow within homes and buildings can also be enhanced with ceiling fans to make sure indoor plants can access, absorb, and break down as many toxins as possible.
For more information on how plants help indoor air quality, please visit: Green Plants for Green Buildings
To read the NASA indoor plant studies, please visit:
NASA Indoor Plant Studies
Lexine Schroeder is owner and lead plantscape designer at Botanika Interior Plantscapes, a boutique indoor plant service based in San Diego serving residential and commercial buildings. Her goal is to bring the beauty of nature indoors, enlivening spaces while cleaning the air and providing a sense of well-being to her clients. Call her for a free initial consultation at 619-729-5715, or visit http://www.botanikaplants.com/.
Monday, August 1, 2011
"Down the Drain" Does Not Have to Be a Bad Thing
by Petra Rupp, Design Associate
CairnsCraft Remodeling, ASID Industry Partner
With our ever-growing eco-consciousness, homeowners have been flooded with new ideas to make their property more “green”. One of the greatest of these innovations is the Greywater system, which uses the water from your home to benefit your yard and garden. Taking “drought-friendly” to a whole new level, this system will use up to 70% of your household water in your yard, versus down the drain and into the ocean. The facts are simple: 70% of your household water is classified as Greywater (the remaining percentage is Black Water, or unusable)
• One hour of watering your garden or lawn is approximately 220 gallons
• The average person uses 140-160 gallons a day
• Less than 2% of the Earth's water supply is fresh water
Here's how to tell if your house is a good candidate for this new kind of recycling:
• Is your house on a raised foundation with a crawlspace under the floor?
• Or, do you have upstairs bathrooms?
• Do you have ornamental plants or fruit trees that need irrigation?
What you can do to start saving Earth’s most precious resource:
• Visit Oasis Design for more information on Greywater Systems: http://oasisdesign.net/greywater/
• The City of San Diego offers free Water surveys- you can call 619-515-3500 to learn other ways to save water in your home
• If a Greywater system does not suit your needs, bear in mind these other plumbing fixes that can make a difference:
• A leaky faucet can waste up to 100 gallons a day
• You can save 5 gallons by turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth
CairnsCraft Remodeling has years of experience in Greywater system installation, and we offer free in home estimates. Call us today at 619-818-9870, or visit CairnsCraft Remodeling at www.cairnscraft.com
CairnsCraft Remodeling, ASID Industry Partner
With our ever-growing eco-consciousness, homeowners have been flooded with new ideas to make their property more “green”. One of the greatest of these innovations is the Greywater system, which uses the water from your home to benefit your yard and garden. Taking “drought-friendly” to a whole new level, this system will use up to 70% of your household water in your yard, versus down the drain and into the ocean. The facts are simple: 70% of your household water is classified as Greywater (the remaining percentage is Black Water, or unusable)
• One hour of watering your garden or lawn is approximately 220 gallons
• The average person uses 140-160 gallons a day
• Less than 2% of the Earth's water supply is fresh water
Here's how to tell if your house is a good candidate for this new kind of recycling:
• Is your house on a raised foundation with a crawlspace under the floor?
• Or, do you have upstairs bathrooms?
• Do you have ornamental plants or fruit trees that need irrigation?
What you can do to start saving Earth’s most precious resource:
• Visit Oasis Design for more information on Greywater Systems: http://oasisdesign.net/greywater/
• The City of San Diego offers free Water surveys- you can call 619-515-3500 to learn other ways to save water in your home
• If a Greywater system does not suit your needs, bear in mind these other plumbing fixes that can make a difference:
• A leaky faucet can waste up to 100 gallons a day
• You can save 5 gallons by turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth
CairnsCraft Remodeling has years of experience in Greywater system installation, and we offer free in home estimates. Call us today at 619-818-9870, or visit CairnsCraft Remodeling at www.cairnscraft.com
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
The Glass is Always Greener....
by Robert Eugley, Owner
Mirror Shower & Glass
Miramar Glass & Mirror
ASID Industry Partner
I’ve spent the last 27 years in the glass industry, and, to be perfectly blunt, my industry has done little to promote recycling and even less to promote the use of sustainable products. If there is a bright light anywhere, it is our solid track record in creation of new energy efficient products.
Insulated glass units with low emissivity (low e) coatings on the glass have done wonders to reduce the use of energy and eliminate ultraviolet damage to interiors. However, the seals on insulated glass units typically fail after 15 - 20 years and have created a new waste stream that didn’t exist before, whereas the single-glazed window glass that dual-glazed units have replaced was a permanent product, aside from breakage.
The window systems that house the glass have been redesigned with more efficient materials that reduce transmission of heat and cold. Solar energy collection is dependant upon the glass industry for the creation of high performance glass that allows absorption of tremendous heat without failing. Without that advance, the future of solar energy collection would have been severely limited. Recently, the industry has introduced shading systems that augment the work done by energy efficient glass systems.
Recycling is where the glass industry is at its weakest. Glass is recycled only at the wholesale level of production because this is the only time when the glass contains no contaminants and the waste is of sufficient volume to warrant collection. At the local level, recycling of waste aluminum is profitable enough to attract most shop owners. Shower doors, window frames and storefront systems can be cleaned up and readied for collection at a modest profit.
At our shop, there are an additional nine items that are collected and either deposited at the office recycling bin or taken to local collection centers, including computers and accessories, paper, cardboard, plastic T-shirt bags, beverage containers, tin foil and various plastics . What we do is still too little and we are constantly searching for ways to improve.
I’m a firm believer that, as a planet, we are grossly overpopulated and, since that problem shows no sign of correction, we had better conserve our resources, reduce the waste stream and aggressively seek more environmentally sound ways to live our lives.
Bob Eugley is owner of Mirror Shower & Glass, www.MirrorShowerAndGlass.com, an ASID Industry Partner. He can be reached at Bob@MirrorShowerAndGlass.com.
Mirror Shower & Glass
Miramar Glass & Mirror
ASID Industry Partner
I’ve spent the last 27 years in the glass industry, and, to be perfectly blunt, my industry has done little to promote recycling and even less to promote the use of sustainable products. If there is a bright light anywhere, it is our solid track record in creation of new energy efficient products.
Insulated glass units with low emissivity (low e) coatings on the glass have done wonders to reduce the use of energy and eliminate ultraviolet damage to interiors. However, the seals on insulated glass units typically fail after 15 - 20 years and have created a new waste stream that didn’t exist before, whereas the single-glazed window glass that dual-glazed units have replaced was a permanent product, aside from breakage.
The window systems that house the glass have been redesigned with more efficient materials that reduce transmission of heat and cold. Solar energy collection is dependant upon the glass industry for the creation of high performance glass that allows absorption of tremendous heat without failing. Without that advance, the future of solar energy collection would have been severely limited. Recently, the industry has introduced shading systems that augment the work done by energy efficient glass systems.
Recycling is where the glass industry is at its weakest. Glass is recycled only at the wholesale level of production because this is the only time when the glass contains no contaminants and the waste is of sufficient volume to warrant collection. At the local level, recycling of waste aluminum is profitable enough to attract most shop owners. Shower doors, window frames and storefront systems can be cleaned up and readied for collection at a modest profit.
At our shop, there are an additional nine items that are collected and either deposited at the office recycling bin or taken to local collection centers, including computers and accessories, paper, cardboard, plastic T-shirt bags, beverage containers, tin foil and various plastics . What we do is still too little and we are constantly searching for ways to improve.
I’m a firm believer that, as a planet, we are grossly overpopulated and, since that problem shows no sign of correction, we had better conserve our resources, reduce the waste stream and aggressively seek more environmentally sound ways to live our lives.
Bob Eugley is owner of Mirror Shower & Glass, www.MirrorShowerAndGlass.com, an ASID Industry Partner. He can be reached at Bob@MirrorShowerAndGlass.com.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
A Turn Toward a Healthier Built Environment
by Denise Colestock, LEED A.P.
ASID Eco Committee Member
It has become apparent that sustainable design directly affects human health and building economics in positive ways. For this reason, the San Diego chapter of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) will be hosting an ASID member this month to address sustainable interior design at USGBC's popular "GreenMeet" event.
Laura Birns, ASID, LEED A.P. will speak about the values and innovations in sustainable design in the built environment. Interior design isn’t just about pillows and colors; it’s about efficient lighting, appliances and plumbing fixtures, eco-friendly fabrics and finishes, and innovative ideas about reuse and recycling. With the movement toward more efficient and healthy built environments, interior design has taken its place among the LEED rating system and other sustainable strategies.
The USGBC-SD chapter warmly welcomes ASID members to join them at the chapter meeting on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 from 5:30pm-8:00pm at the Soledad Club (this a “dark” month for ASID general meetings). There will be appetizers and refreshments from 5:30pm-6:30pm and the program will take place from 6:30pm-7:30pm. For more information and to register for the event, please visit the USGBC SD website at http://www.usgbc-sd.org/ or http://bit.ly/kLrFmQ.
ASID Eco Committee Member
It has become apparent that sustainable design directly affects human health and building economics in positive ways. For this reason, the San Diego chapter of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) will be hosting an ASID member this month to address sustainable interior design at USGBC's popular "GreenMeet" event.
Laura Birns, ASID, LEED A.P. will speak about the values and innovations in sustainable design in the built environment. Interior design isn’t just about pillows and colors; it’s about efficient lighting, appliances and plumbing fixtures, eco-friendly fabrics and finishes, and innovative ideas about reuse and recycling. With the movement toward more efficient and healthy built environments, interior design has taken its place among the LEED rating system and other sustainable strategies.
 |
| Sustainable kitchen by Laura Birns Design |
Friday, May 6, 2011
Sourcing Eco-Friendly Artwork
by Barbara Markoff, co-owner of Artrageous!
ASID Industry Partner
As design professionals, we all understand the significance of selecting and placing inspiring artwork in residential and commercial spaces. Artwork is usually added toward the end of a design plan once all of the furniture, wall treatments, flooring and other design elements have been completed. The art offerings in today’s market are rapidly changing, and green design has instilled a new direction for many artists. A newfound consciousness has led artists to shed materials that were seen as harmful to the environment and replace them with eco-friendly materials.
Interior designers and art consultants are placing works of art in environments that are not only visually exciting, but are 100% green. Art buyers are interested in finding artists who create eco-friendly artwork. Some artists are consciously using biodegradable and natural materials such as clay, wood, bamboo, kieri board, and fiber. Three such artists are Kelly Jean Ohl (clay artist), Polly Jacobs Giacchina (fiber artist) and Steven Florman (wood sculpture artist).
Clay: Minnesota clay artist Kelly Jean Ohl creates a series of organic shapes reminiscent of biological entities by rolling clay into textural surfaces and forming cylindrical pieces hung in a grouping. She also creates smaller organic pieces that remind the viewer of something found in a tide pool or discovered while walking in a forest. Each clay piece is hand carved, burnished, sanded, and fired multiple times.
Wood: Local artist and architect Steven Florman reclaims wood on the way to the dumpster or finds wood from trees and bushes to create his wood sculptures. Often he uses scrap wood in combination with recycled metal. The glue Steven uses is Tightbond, an environmentally safe and solvent-free construction adhesive.
Fiber: Local San Diego artist, Polly Jacobs Giacchina, uses the flowering part of local date palms as the primary material in her weavings. From very large date palms, Polly trims the stalks with the tendrils intact. She then soaks the tendrils in water, making them pliable and ready to weave into patterns. Once dried, the woven tendrils retain a stiff form that is rich in earth tones. For added color, the artist weaves in original painted canvas strips in a linear fashion using the same twining basketry technique.
Artrageous!, an art and framing company based in San Diego, has demonstrated a deliberate effort to seek and represent regional and national artists who are creating beautiful, handcrafted pieces in a variety of media that utilize earthy and sustainable materials.
For more information, call Artrageous! at (858)-452-7280, visit Barbara’s website at http://www.theartconsultant.biz/ or email her at bmarkoff@mac.com. Barbara is a corporate art consultant in San Diego and author of the book Becoming a Corporate Art Consultant, The Handbook for Corporate Art Consultation (available at Amazon.com).
ASID Industry Partner
As design professionals, we all understand the significance of selecting and placing inspiring artwork in residential and commercial spaces. Artwork is usually added toward the end of a design plan once all of the furniture, wall treatments, flooring and other design elements have been completed. The art offerings in today’s market are rapidly changing, and green design has instilled a new direction for many artists. A newfound consciousness has led artists to shed materials that were seen as harmful to the environment and replace them with eco-friendly materials.
Interior designers and art consultants are placing works of art in environments that are not only visually exciting, but are 100% green. Art buyers are interested in finding artists who create eco-friendly artwork. Some artists are consciously using biodegradable and natural materials such as clay, wood, bamboo, kieri board, and fiber. Three such artists are Kelly Jean Ohl (clay artist), Polly Jacobs Giacchina (fiber artist) and Steven Florman (wood sculpture artist).
Clay: Minnesota clay artist Kelly Jean Ohl creates a series of organic shapes reminiscent of biological entities by rolling clay into textural surfaces and forming cylindrical pieces hung in a grouping. She also creates smaller organic pieces that remind the viewer of something found in a tide pool or discovered while walking in a forest. Each clay piece is hand carved, burnished, sanded, and fired multiple times.
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| Grouping of installation pieces commissioned for a residential client commissioned through Artrageous! |
 |
| Circular wood wall sculpture commissioned through Artrageous! installed at Kaiser Permanente Medical Office Building, Mission Viejo, CA |
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| Fiber wall piece commissioned through Artrageous! for Kaiser Permanente Medical Office Building, Vista, CA |
For more information, call Artrageous! at (858)-452-7280, visit Barbara’s website at http://www.theartconsultant.biz/ or email her at bmarkoff@mac.com. Barbara is a corporate art consultant in San Diego and author of the book Becoming a Corporate Art Consultant, The Handbook for Corporate Art Consultation (available at Amazon.com).
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Insulating Shutters: Going Green Is Good For the World and Your Wallet!
by Brendan Heisler, Marketing Assistant
Danmer Custom Shutters
ASID Industry Partner
Today, it's more important than ever to select products for your new or remodeled home that are environmentally-friendly and completely safe for you and your family. The right window covering can help insulate your home, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
There are many “green” qualities to look for in window covering products when remodeling or building a home. VOCs, or volatile organic compounds that pollute the air, are found in paints and finishes on most products. Therefore, you should make sure the products produce the smallest possible amount of VOCs.
Reducing the use of natural resources has been on many companies’ agenda for years. Synthetic materials have come a long way and now can look and feel exactly like their wood counterparts, but with more environmentally-friendly characteristics. These materials should be non-toxic, flame retardant, and water-resistant while requiring few natural resources. Also, the proper synthetic materials used in window coverings have been found to help increase the insulation value of your home.
While all window coverings help protect your room from the harsh UV rays of the sun, they do not all insulate equally well. Products are rated by the R-Value, which measures the thermal resistance of a product. The greater the R-Value a product has, the greater its capacity to insulate your home will be. Typically, thin blinds or shades do not have the same insulation properties as shutters or heavier coverings. Keep in mind that the higher the R-Value, the better your home will be insulated, therefore reducing home energy bills and environmental footprint.
For these very reasons, Danmer Custom Shutters invented the Thermalite™ Shutter Insulating System. Thermalite™ is the only 100% non-toxic, flame retardant, water-resistant synthetic material available. The material will not crack, warp, peel or discolor. Danmer’s proprietary finishes are water-based, environmentally-friendly and produce very low VOCs. With an R-Value 3 times greater than wood, Thermalite™ has 3 times the insulation of typical wood shutters, reducing your home energy bills by up to 35%.
Green Tip: Selecting the right building materials will help the environment, keep your family safer, and keep more money in your pocket. Make sure to verify “green” claims from other companies about their products.
For more information about green shutters and window coverings please visit http://www.danmer.com/about/environmental.asp.
Danmer Custom Shutters
ASID Industry Partner
Today, it's more important than ever to select products for your new or remodeled home that are environmentally-friendly and completely safe for you and your family. The right window covering can help insulate your home, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
There are many “green” qualities to look for in window covering products when remodeling or building a home. VOCs, or volatile organic compounds that pollute the air, are found in paints and finishes on most products. Therefore, you should make sure the products produce the smallest possible amount of VOCs.
Reducing the use of natural resources has been on many companies’ agenda for years. Synthetic materials have come a long way and now can look and feel exactly like their wood counterparts, but with more environmentally-friendly characteristics. These materials should be non-toxic, flame retardant, and water-resistant while requiring few natural resources. Also, the proper synthetic materials used in window coverings have been found to help increase the insulation value of your home.
While all window coverings help protect your room from the harsh UV rays of the sun, they do not all insulate equally well. Products are rated by the R-Value, which measures the thermal resistance of a product. The greater the R-Value a product has, the greater its capacity to insulate your home will be. Typically, thin blinds or shades do not have the same insulation properties as shutters or heavier coverings. Keep in mind that the higher the R-Value, the better your home will be insulated, therefore reducing home energy bills and environmental footprint.
Green Tip: Selecting the right building materials will help the environment, keep your family safer, and keep more money in your pocket. Make sure to verify “green” claims from other companies about their products.
For more information about green shutters and window coverings please visit http://www.danmer.com/about/environmental.asp.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Lemons, Peas and Beets, Oh My!
by Denise Colestock, LEED A.P., ASID Eco Committee Member
When life gives you a lemon tree, sell the lemons! That is exactly what San Diego's Washington Elementary is doing with their brand new edible garden. Rebuild Global worked diligently over the past year to design and build an edible garden that the students could use for their enjoyment as well as the enjoyment of their customers in the Little Italy farmer's market.
It has been over a year since the winning proposal from the Rebuild Global design competition began its implementation of school gardens in two San Diego schools. Both schools, Washington and Sherman Elementary, have seen the beginning of an edible journey through vegetables, fruits and native vegetation. The students have enjoyed their participation in the process of selecting the plants and designing the gardens and Rebuild Global has enjoyed bringing a little bit of nature to their lives.
Both schools are on their way to a complete garden. The plans include a sustainable outdoor kitchen for Washington Elementary and a shipping container structure for Sherman Elementary which will be their kitchen and storage unit. This second phase for both schools is in the fundraising and donation (garden tools and green houses) stage. If you or someone you know can help in any way, please contact Denise Colestock at dcolestock@rebuildglobal.org. For more information about the garden project or Rebuild Global, please visit http://www.rebuildglobal.org/.
The following is a reprint of Denise's initial post about the Rebuild Global school projects, originally posted here in September, 2010:
Get Outside! Bees, Seeds and Kids, Oh My!
by Denise Colestock, LEED A.P., ASID Eco Committee Member
Ever wonder how we can get our children to reconnect with nature? Eat healthy? Learn about sustainability? Rebuild Global has taken on that challenge by implementing a plan to build sustainable school gardens and structures throughout San Diego.
Rebuild Global is a non-profit organization which strives to create an environmentally and socially responsible world community. We collaborate as designers, organizations, city entities and creative individuals to work on projects and community building where it is unavailable and needed most.
Through our yearly design competition, ProjectFIND, Rebuild Global found a winning entry that would do just that. Taylor Scherner, a local designer, submitted the School Garden Network project which won the hearts of our judges, members and schools. Her project proposed the implementation of a sustainable garden and kitchen structure in all schools across San Diego County to teach children about local, healthy eating and sustainable design. We are well on our way to implementing our first two at Sherman Heights Elementary and Washington Elementary in downtown San Diego.
Sherman Heights Elementary, located in the Barrio Logan neighborhood, will be receiving a shipping container donated by Dole and designed pro bono by Kevin deFreitas, Architect. The shipping container will act as the kitchen where local cooks can teach the children how to cook and eat the fruits of their labor.
Washington Elementary, located in the Little Italy neighborhood, will be receiving a sustainable outdoor kitchen and host a booth in the Little Italy weekend farmers market where the children can sell some of their produce. The money made at the market will go back into the garden to keep it growing for years to come.
When childhood obesity is on the rise and children are becoming increasingly disconnected with nature, there is no better time than now to get them to discover their outside world. By engaging the children in the growth of plants and food, they will be able to understand where their food comes from and how it nurtures their bodies. They will gain an appreciation for it and an understanding of the importance of sustainable growth.
We will be breaking ground on both schools by the end of October and implementing the gardens in various stages. If you are interested in getting involved or donating garden materials and tools, please contact Sandra Plaza at splaza@rebuildglobal.org.
To learn more about Rebuild Global and ProjectFIND, please visit http://www.rebuildglobal.org/.
When life gives you a lemon tree, sell the lemons! That is exactly what San Diego's Washington Elementary is doing with their brand new edible garden. Rebuild Global worked diligently over the past year to design and build an edible garden that the students could use for their enjoyment as well as the enjoyment of their customers in the Little Italy farmer's market.
It has been over a year since the winning proposal from the Rebuild Global design competition began its implementation of school gardens in two San Diego schools. Both schools, Washington and Sherman Elementary, have seen the beginning of an edible journey through vegetables, fruits and native vegetation. The students have enjoyed their participation in the process of selecting the plants and designing the gardens and Rebuild Global has enjoyed bringing a little bit of nature to their lives.
The following is a reprint of Denise's initial post about the Rebuild Global school projects, originally posted here in September, 2010:
Get Outside! Bees, Seeds and Kids, Oh My!
by Denise Colestock, LEED A.P., ASID Eco Committee Member
Ever wonder how we can get our children to reconnect with nature? Eat healthy? Learn about sustainability? Rebuild Global has taken on that challenge by implementing a plan to build sustainable school gardens and structures throughout San Diego.
Rebuild Global is a non-profit organization which strives to create an environmentally and socially responsible world community. We collaborate as designers, organizations, city entities and creative individuals to work on projects and community building where it is unavailable and needed most.
Through our yearly design competition, ProjectFIND, Rebuild Global found a winning entry that would do just that. Taylor Scherner, a local designer, submitted the School Garden Network project which won the hearts of our judges, members and schools. Her project proposed the implementation of a sustainable garden and kitchen structure in all schools across San Diego County to teach children about local, healthy eating and sustainable design. We are well on our way to implementing our first two at Sherman Heights Elementary and Washington Elementary in downtown San Diego.
When childhood obesity is on the rise and children are becoming increasingly disconnected with nature, there is no better time than now to get them to discover their outside world. By engaging the children in the growth of plants and food, they will be able to understand where their food comes from and how it nurtures their bodies. They will gain an appreciation for it and an understanding of the importance of sustainable growth.
We will be breaking ground on both schools by the end of October and implementing the gardens in various stages. If you are interested in getting involved or donating garden materials and tools, please contact Sandra Plaza at splaza@rebuildglobal.org.
To learn more about Rebuild Global and ProjectFIND, please visit http://www.rebuildglobal.org/.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
It Ain't Easy Being Green (Or Is It?)
by Martin Lopez
ASID San Diego Eco Committee Member
Vice President of Marketing, Unique Carpets Ltd.
ASID Industry Partner
If you are not familiar with the hundreds of environmental organizations that exist as a “seal of approval,” doing their best to convince you that they’re the greenest, just know that by next year there will be at least 100 more.
Perhaps a term you should become familiar with is “greenwashing," which describes the deceptive use of green marketing to promote a misleading perception that a company's policies or products are environmentally-friendly. The term “green sheen” has similarly been used to describe organizations which attempt to show that they are adopting practices beneficial to the environment.
The practical side of anything that is truly natural and good for the environment is the simplicity of the concept. We look for it in what we eat and how we shop, and now your clients want you to do this for them in designing their homes.
According to PR Week, a nine-country survey found that 85% of consumers around the world are willing to change their consumption habits to make tomorrow’s world a better place, and over half would help a brand “promote” a product if a good cause were behind it. The study also found that, when choosing between two brands of same quality and price, social purpose affected consumers’ decision the most, ahead of design, innovation, and loyalty to brand.
Manufacturers have identified the marketability of claiming their environment-friendliness, but the pollution generated by misinformation has reached confounding proportions. If you are truly interested in the environment, then you owe it to yourself to beware of greenwashing.
When did fibers such as cotton, linen, silk, and wool become new? The journey to a better world starts with the smallest steps. If your mind goes numb trying to make sense of exactly what part of what you’re looking at is “recycled content,” then look for the simplest solutions.
Silk comes from silkworms, and while the process is labor intensive, isn’t it better to use people-power? Cotton comes from a shrubby plant that is a member of the Mallow family. We grow most of it on American soil, and its versatility and durability are common knowledge. Sounds pretty simple, don’t you think?
Linen is spun from the long fibers found just behind the bark of the flax plant. These cellulose fibers are spun for the production of linen thread, cordage, and twine, and create one of the most luxurious fibers you’ll ever touch.
Then there is wool, which comes from sheep. They grow a wool coat and once (sometimes twice) a year this wool coat is sheared off the animal by hand. The shorn wool coat is called fleece, which is then cleaned and processed into wool yarn, the benchmark of quality and beauty. It’s not expensive, just better, prettier, and the right choice for our future.
Studies show that properly maintained wool carpets actually have a beneficial effect on indoor air quality and people’s health. Here’s how: Wool carpets absorb, neutralize, and do not re-emit common pollutants such as nitrous oxides, sulfur dioxide, and formaldehyde. Additionally, wool attracts and holds airborne contaminates such as dust, dust mites, and pollen until they can be harmlessly vacuumed away. A major European respiratory study (2002) of nearly 20,000 people at 30 centers in 17 countries concluded that wool carpets in bedrooms (in lieu of hard surface floors) resulted in dramatic reductions in allergic and asthmatic symptoms.
So, the next time you catch yourself falling asleep reading the labels extolling the “features and benefits” of all the synthetic choices out there, do something natural, something beautiful, something smart. Choose natural fibers, which are better for your clients, better for the world, and require a lot less reading to convince yourself they’re the right choice.
Martin Lopez, Vice President of Marketing
Unique Carpets Ltd.
7360 Jurupa Ave. Riverside, Ca. 92504
Phone: 800 547-8266 Fax: 951 352-8140
http://uniquecarpetsltd.com/
ASID San Diego Eco Committee Member
Vice President of Marketing, Unique Carpets Ltd.
ASID Industry Partner
If you are not familiar with the hundreds of environmental organizations that exist as a “seal of approval,” doing their best to convince you that they’re the greenest, just know that by next year there will be at least 100 more.
Perhaps a term you should become familiar with is “greenwashing," which describes the deceptive use of green marketing to promote a misleading perception that a company's policies or products are environmentally-friendly. The term “green sheen” has similarly been used to describe organizations which attempt to show that they are adopting practices beneficial to the environment.
The practical side of anything that is truly natural and good for the environment is the simplicity of the concept. We look for it in what we eat and how we shop, and now your clients want you to do this for them in designing their homes.
According to PR Week, a nine-country survey found that 85% of consumers around the world are willing to change their consumption habits to make tomorrow’s world a better place, and over half would help a brand “promote” a product if a good cause were behind it. The study also found that, when choosing between two brands of same quality and price, social purpose affected consumers’ decision the most, ahead of design, innovation, and loyalty to brand.
Manufacturers have identified the marketability of claiming their environment-friendliness, but the pollution generated by misinformation has reached confounding proportions. If you are truly interested in the environment, then you owe it to yourself to beware of greenwashing.
When did fibers such as cotton, linen, silk, and wool become new? The journey to a better world starts with the smallest steps. If your mind goes numb trying to make sense of exactly what part of what you’re looking at is “recycled content,” then look for the simplest solutions.
Silk comes from silkworms, and while the process is labor intensive, isn’t it better to use people-power? Cotton comes from a shrubby plant that is a member of the Mallow family. We grow most of it on American soil, and its versatility and durability are common knowledge. Sounds pretty simple, don’t you think?
Linen is spun from the long fibers found just behind the bark of the flax plant. These cellulose fibers are spun for the production of linen thread, cordage, and twine, and create one of the most luxurious fibers you’ll ever touch.
Then there is wool, which comes from sheep. They grow a wool coat and once (sometimes twice) a year this wool coat is sheared off the animal by hand. The shorn wool coat is called fleece, which is then cleaned and processed into wool yarn, the benchmark of quality and beauty. It’s not expensive, just better, prettier, and the right choice for our future.
Studies show that properly maintained wool carpets actually have a beneficial effect on indoor air quality and people’s health. Here’s how: Wool carpets absorb, neutralize, and do not re-emit common pollutants such as nitrous oxides, sulfur dioxide, and formaldehyde. Additionally, wool attracts and holds airborne contaminates such as dust, dust mites, and pollen until they can be harmlessly vacuumed away. A major European respiratory study (2002) of nearly 20,000 people at 30 centers in 17 countries concluded that wool carpets in bedrooms (in lieu of hard surface floors) resulted in dramatic reductions in allergic and asthmatic symptoms.
So, the next time you catch yourself falling asleep reading the labels extolling the “features and benefits” of all the synthetic choices out there, do something natural, something beautiful, something smart. Choose natural fibers, which are better for your clients, better for the world, and require a lot less reading to convince yourself they’re the right choice.
Martin Lopez, Vice President of Marketing
Unique Carpets Ltd.
7360 Jurupa Ave. Riverside, Ca. 92504
Phone: 800 547-8266 Fax: 951 352-8140
http://uniquecarpetsltd.com/
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Eco-Friendly Tile for the Eco-Conscious
by Stephanie Duerden, Brand Experience Coordinator
Oceanside Glasstile, ASID Industry Partner
Ready to pair up with Mother Earth on your next home makeover? Recycled tile has gone above and beyond the grip of imagination. There is no longer a cookie cutter market for ceramic and porcelain tile (although the options are still available). Tile is now being created from a number of different resources. Consider the look you are going for and then consider the product that best fits your design:
Aluminum: A sustainable flooring option that's beginning to gain momentum is the use of recycled metal flooring tiles. Most often made of aluminum, these tiles are extremely durable, heat resistant up to 300F and don't hold fingerprint marks like stainless steel is prone to. The manufacturing process in creating these tiles is much the same as all other aluminum recycling. The metal is ground into small pieces then melted down and checked for impurities. Once the recycled material has been cleared, it's molded into large ingots, or castings, that are then flattened to the desired thickness. When made into flooring tiles, the finish doesn't have to be a shiny metallic. Depending on your styling tastes, you can also select tiles that have a matte or sandblasted finish. Companies to consider: Natural Built Home, Eco Friendly Flooring, Elements of Green.
Glass: Glass is gorgeous to say the least. Its translucent nature and ability to provide an extensive color palette and multiple surface finishes make it a fit for just about anyone. Glass is also durable; it is one of the few materials that do not lose their strength or purity through recycling processes. Another wonderful quality of glass tile is that, in most cases, it is impervious and is acceptable for installation from floor to ceiling and everything in between. It also makes an exceptional pool project. Looking to add a bling in your house? Then glass is the way to go! Companies to consider: Oceanside Glasstile, Modwalls, Hakatai. . . there are many in the market, don’t be shy to do your research.
Bamboo: The environmental balance for bamboo is certainly positive due to the ways in which it is grown and harvested. Every year the parent bamboo plant develops new stems, so the stems can be harvested after 5 years in a mature plantation without decreasing the size of the forest. Bamboo is a very durable material; the hardness of the wood is deemed to be just a bit harder than American Oak. Thus, the floor can be sanded a number of times over the years with little wear. There is also the ability to choose a finish just like any wood, so the versatility of this material is another great attribute. Companies to consider: Moso-Bamboo, Cali-Bamboo, Kirei . . . this product is a little newer to the market so finding manufactures gets more tricky.
Cork: When cork comes to mind, durability seems questionable; however, it’s just the opposite. Cork is a very durable material that has a lot of give and holds heat very well. The tiles are waterproof and can be used in wet locations like bathrooms or around a swimming pool. Cork is a softer material, so some find it terrifying to see an impression left behind as they walk across the floor; however, like a sponge or foam, the cork returns to its original volume once pressure is removed. When it comes to design, the versatility is endless; you can maintain its natural coloring or add a dye element that provides opportunities for intricate detailing or full monochromatic fields. Companies to consider: Habitus, Yemm & Hart Green Materials, Capri Cork
Oceanside Glasstile, ASID Industry Partner
Ready to pair up with Mother Earth on your next home makeover? Recycled tile has gone above and beyond the grip of imagination. There is no longer a cookie cutter market for ceramic and porcelain tile (although the options are still available). Tile is now being created from a number of different resources. Consider the look you are going for and then consider the product that best fits your design:
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