The Eco Choice Award Winner Is....

By The Eco Committee

In March we noted that the following post would announce the winner of the Eco Choice Award from the IP Expo.  Without further ado we would like to congratulate Sherwin-Williams!  They are so dedicated to sustainability that they have instituted EcoVision, a company-wide commitment to develop and implement ways to reduce their impact on the environment through conservation, innovation, accountability, respect and responsibility.  Here are a few specifics worthy of recognition.

• Most Comprehensive line of coatings that comply with LEED, CARD, OTC, SCAQMD, CHPS, NAHB, GGHC and other green guidelines and regulations.

• As a member of the Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Leaders Program, Sherwin-Williams has adopted a multi-site, corporate ISO 14001 certification program at major manufacturing and distribution sites to ensure they meet International Environmental Standards.

• Many Sherwin-Williams facilities are undergoing a lighting upgrade designed to reduce carbon emissions by over 14,000 tons per year.

• An EcoMet database at each of their major facilities tracks five major sustainability metrics- production, energy, natural resources, waste and recycling- and provides a clear and consistent process for measuring sustainable practices.

• For greater efficiency in plant operations, they're implementing manufacturing procedures that focus on waste reduction, recycling and zero discharge processes.

• Their new energy efficient manufacturing facilities include maintenance-free landscaping, UV reflecting glazing on windows, heat reflective roofing and maximized natural lighting.

• To reduce the carbon footprint of their vast fleet of trucks, they have experimented with biodiesel fuels and noise-reducing auxiliary power units.  They have implemented sophisticated software that allows them to plan delivery routes for maximum efficiency.

• They are investing in research and development of advanced coatings that use sustainable raw materials such as soybeans and sunflower oils.

• They are increasing the use of sustainable plastic paint containers, recycled labels and biodegradable shopping bags.

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

Rhapis palm

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.

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

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/.

Designing with Plants for Cleaner Air

by Lexine Schroeder
Botanika Interior Plantscapes
ASID Industry Partner

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) -- Pictured above left· Bamboo palm
· Rubber plant -- Pictured below
· Dracaena “Janet Craig”
· English ivy
· Dwarf date palm (Phoenix roebelenii)
· Ficus (alii and weeping fig varieties) -- Pictured above right
· 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