BestHouseFloorPlans

This week we’re stepping out of the house and into the outdoors to make some eco-friendly touches. From the backyard, patio, to the balcony, we’ll be shedding the radiance on how to turn your outdoor lighting into a green urban sanctuary.

In the northern states, summertime is the designated time of year for frolicking and entertaining outdoors. One does not have to go far to escape interior confinement. There’s no need to make a trek over to the closest outdoor café, the beach or even the park. 

As summer is all about enjoyment, we wanted our exterior space to epitomize fun.

So, we went shopping for eco-accessories, as in outdoor lighting and eco-friendly bug repellant. We took three environmentally unsavory outdoor products and found some festive but green alternatives.

Outdoor Toxic Problems and Green Fixes

String Lights
A little lighting sets the ambiance outdoors. At Target, we found some lovely, colorful string lights, but the package had a prominent warning about the cord containing lead. With the exception of this eco-unfriendly quality, the string of lights met our other shopping criteria: vividly muted illuminations.

Green Fix: As an alternative, we settled for solar light panels. The panels feature subdued vibrant incandescence and sporadically changes a spectrum of colors.

Tiki Torch
There’s something so lively and yet so noxious about the tiki torch. While the flame is natural, the black smoke billowing from the torch is not. Sans the toxic fumes, we found an eco-friendly alternative: the solar torchlight. Not as ostentatious as the tiki torch, the energy efficient flicker of amber LED lighting turned the carbon emitting tiki torch into a sophisticate shade of ambient outdoor lighting.   Made of bamboo and without the wiring, the solar torchlight is fuss free.

Citronella Candle and Bug Repellant
To keep mosquitoes at bay, we went looking for non-toxic alternatives to the citronella candle and bug repellant, DEET. What we found is 10 times more effective than both without the harmful fumes.

Green Fix: Catnip is a naturally potent mosquito repellent that smells of soothing mint.

If you are looking for an eco-friendly alternative and need advice, we welcome your questions.

In this installment of Best House Floor Plans, we’re putting the light bulb in the spotlight. Lighting always sets the ambiance. Few people understand the difference between the LED light bulb and the CFL light. While both have their eco-friendly qualities, we’ve shed some light on their differences: 

• CFL is the acronym for Compact Fluorescent Lamp.
• LED stands for light emitting diodes.
• Compact fluorescent lamps are related to fluorescent lighting, most commonly used in the workplace, office, warehouses and schools.
• In the home, the LED light bulb is commonly used as ambient or accent lighting.
• Because, it is an industry-specific term, CFLs are referred to as a lamp opposed to a bulb. Any lighting device electrically powered is considered a lamp in the lighting industry.
• Mercury is not contained in the LED light bulb.
• On average, most CFLs are comprised of 1/6000th of mercury or 5-milligrams.
• As compact fluorescent lights contain the poisonous chemical, mercury, they should always be recycled.
• Light emitting diodes or LEDs have a shorter lifespan than CFLS.
• Compact fluorescent lamps cost more than LED light bulbs.
• Sometimes, CFLs require more time to light up.
• CFLs make for a problematic clean up. If a CFL bulb shatters, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends opening windows and leaving the room for at least 15 minutes, before using gloves to clean the hazardous debris.
• Unlike LEDs, CFL lights are incompatible for all lighting fixtures because they do not fit all lamps.
• Due to the hazardous material contained in CFLs, certain recycle centers charge a dollar to recycle it.
• On average, LEDs provide 1000 hours of light time compared to the 6000 hours of luminosity provided by the CFL.
• The average CFL bulb provides a $30 savings over its lifetime.

As for buying CFL lights with that feature the best luminosity, bulbs with 2700 to 3000 Kelvin render yellowish, natural lighting, which is common in incandescent lighting. But, then again, buying and LED light bulbs feature soft lighting too.

Eco-friendly ceiling fans have come of age. Compared to the conventional fan or light unit of yesterday, these conserving cooling accoutrements offer substantial energy efficiency. But, how can you identify an energy efficient ceiling fan from one that is not?

To shed a little green light on the ceiling fan, here are a few frequently asked questions on the eco-friendly ceiling fan.

How can I be sure that my ceiling fan is eco-friendly?

ENERGY STAR qualified eco-friendly ceiling fans and lights are tested for efficiency and meet various standards approved by the federal government.

How energy efficient are these ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fans?

According to a report published by ENERGY STAR, ceiling fan/light combination units are 50 per more efficient than conventional fan/light units.

If I buy an eco friendly ceiling fan, will I be able to on save money on my monthly utility bill?

Absolutely. Studies show that these ceiling fans save up to a $10 a month in the electric bill.

Why are eco friendly combination light and ceiling fans so efficient?

A number of components make up the energy efficient ceiling fan. These include the following: the motor grade, blades and control.

What features should I look for in an ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fan?

Generally, ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fans are better because the motor and blade are engineered to maximize energy efficiency. There are two types of ceiling fans motors. One requires more maintenance than the other. For instance, the ceiling motor fan with sealed bearings calls for minimal maintenance; while, the one with lubricated ball bearings requires service occasionally (in example: adding oil).

Why is lubrication an important feature of the ceiling fan?

Lubrication affects the performance of the fan. With more lubrication, smoother flow ensues which extends the longevity of the ceiling fan.

Where can I find information about eco-friendly ceiling fans?

At energystar.gov, the site features a wealth of information regarding eco friendly ceiling fans.

Information gathered from:  http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=ceiling_fans.pr_ceiling_fans_performance

What are the qualities of non-toxic carpeting? What features should one look for in eco-friendly carpets and rugs?

Non-toxic carpets represent an overwhelming aspect of the environmentally conducive domicile. In fact, just like freshly applied paint, laden in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), some new carpeting reeks of health issues. Since VOCs emit noxious fumes and gases, these elements contribute to a host of irritating symptoms that are the antithesis of eco-friendly carpeting:

• Allergic skin reaction
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Stuffy or runny nose uncomfortable breathing
• Throat discomfort

The binding, used to secure the fibers of conventional carpeting, or 4-phenylcyclohexene (4-PCH ) releases a lethal aroma. While the odor lingers for week or more after installation, the pungent smell is quite toxic. Nevertheless, many people are unaware of the dangers of 4-PCH.

Fortunately, eco friendly carpets are non-toxic and do not possess poisonous chemicals. With the installation of low-VOC carpets, occupants can live in a healthier environment. Use the following checklist to identify the features of non-toxic carpets:

• When shopping for a carpet, confirm that the carpet adheres to the standards and requirements approved by the Carpet and Rug Institute’s (CRI) Indoor Air Quality guidelines. Usually, these carpets are labeled with the CRI icon.
• Contains 100 percent raw materials ( in example: natural wool carpet or organic cotton).
• During manufacturing, the carpet does not endure any harsh chemicals or additives no (i.e.: stain protections, synthetic polypropylene, pesticides or dyes).
• Shop for environmentally friendly, non-toxic carpet pads. Ones, which contain styrene butadiene should be avoided.
• The backing is made of durable materials, such as hemp or cotton.
• The adhesive is natural, biodegradable and non-toxic. (For instance, rubber trees contain natural adhesives)

As an eco-friendly alternative to the non-toxic carpet, review which materials are available in eco-flooring and carpeting. Prior to installation, don’t forget to allow the eco-friendly carpet air outside to release any noxious chemicals.

Aside from its color, what makes one rug green from the next? What to look for in eco-friendly rugs?

Dear Best House Floor Plans,

Recently, we remodeled our floors. Now, we want to buy eco-friendly rugs to add to our kids’ bedrooms and our media room. Can you tell me if there’s really such a thing as eco friendly rugs? And if so, what features are important?

- Trying to Go Green in Arkansas

Eco-friendly rugs are an excellent follow up to eco-flooring. From dying to the manufacturing process, traditional carpets are rich in toxins, dyes and require synthetic chemicals. If you’re looking for carpeting with eco-friendly qualities, here are five features to add to your criteria:

• Meets environmental regulations for recycling
• Outlasts conventional flooring
• Is 100 percent recyclable
• Requires minimal energy dependency in manufacturing and transport
• Promotes a healthy indoor environment

Another redeeming quality to look for in the eco-friendly rug is the way in which it is dyed. Unlike traditional carpeting that entails highly pollutant dyeing methods, eco-friendly rugs use less energy and have minimal effect on the carbon footprint.

Shop for eco friendly rugs that have been tested by the Environmental Protection agency. Also,  the Carpet & Rug Institutes Indoor Air Quality Standards is an excellent resource for homeowners in quest of eco-friendly rugs.

For instance, Green Floor Residential Carpet has quite a collection of eco-friendly rugs. Most of their products are recycled from already used food and beverage containers. Also, the products have minimal if any volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Remember, a wealth of elements promotes allergens such as: mould spores, dust mites, animal dander, and pollen. As a result, the best eco-friendly rug requires green cleaning practices and does not contain the ethylene oxide.

While many companies use ethylene oxide, the chemical is not biodegradable or considered an eco-friendly rug.
Have a question on buying eco-friendly rugs, and other household products? Email us your question and we’ll do our best to answer your question in upcoming posts.

Is Eco-friendly paint another marketing gimmick? What does it mean for the home?
Is eco-friendly paint healthier than traditional paint?

Eco-friendly paint is key to green living. Since, it minimizes the level of pollutants enclosed in the home, it promotes good health. Conventional paints contain toxic elements, which are linked to causing various types of cancer, fatigue, headaches, respiratory illnesses and other chronic ailments.

Based on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), American homes have higher levels of pollutants than most outdoor environments. Of course, it is not applicable to industrial communities.  But, it’s the invisible chemicals released from paints, stainers, and other household products that contribute to poor indoor air quality.

Long after conventional paint dries on a wall, a chemical release transpires. The toxic element is known as volatile organic compounds or (VOC) and supplies the home with indoor air pollution.  It’s also one of the reasons that eco-friendly paint has become such a high commodity.

On the contrary and depending on the brand, natural paints come with a few drawbacks. Unlike paints that contain VOC, natural paint requires more coats and is not intended for exterior use. Nonetheless, eco-friendly paint is available in a number of natural forms. Today, we’re reviewing clay and lime wash natural paints:
Clay Paint

Clay is a popular eco-friendly paint choice. While, it comes in an assortment of earth tones, orange, blue and white tints, clay paint has limited color options. However, the natural paint is a good alternative because it adheres to just about any surface and doubles as an odor absorber. On the downside, clay paint tends to be expensive and does not take well to stains. In other words, clay paint is not intended for washing or wiping away prints.

Lime wash

Quite affordable and a definitive green living preference over the traditional, lime wash is made of a calcium-based mineral. It is known as limestone. When mixed with water, this natural paint turns into a white wash. Since lime wash absorbs into the subsurface, it develops an antique appearance. While lime wash is ideal for porous materials (in example: wood, brick, concrete and plaster), it does not work well on drywall or already painted surfaces.

How to identify real eco-friendly household products from the gimmicks?

 What do bottled-water, toilet paper and light bulbs have in common? Depending on the manufacturing process or means of transport, all may or may not be eco-friendly household products. So before we go shopping for those eco-household products, we should know how to distinguish the difference between authentic green home products and faux eco products.

 It seems impossible to go anywhere these days without seeing anything marketed as “eco-friendly” or touted as “being green”. For those of you who are skeptical, you’ll be happy to know you have good reason to be a cynic. But, we know that everything labeled with these words is not necessarily authentically eco. 

 Just because the paper located in the home printer is made of recycled paper, does not constitute it as a totally eco-friendly product. In fact, genuine green home care products exceed the sustainable and recycled elements. Authentically eco-friendly household products are manufactured and exported with a special attention to its impact on the environment as well as its sustainability. 

 The proof of eco-household or kitchen appliance products is in the substantiation. In other words, just because a cleaning item, says that’s its eco-friendly does not warrant the evidence. A third party certification from any agency like Energy Star is the type of validation to look for.  So the next time you go shopping to stock up on eco-friendly household products, use these tips to identify the authenticity of environmentally friendly goods: Confirm the validation. Quite often, manufacturers falsely label their goods to appear eco-friendly, when they are not. For instance, certain home appliances are marked with the words, “Energy Star” registered. However, a visit to the Energy Star can validate this information. Check the product. Another nifty eco marketing gimmick is to say that a product is made out of recycled paper when it is clearly made of plastic. The only “recycled paper” is the label. This is commonly found on dishwasher detergent bottles. Confirm energy efficiency. Just because light bulbs, fixtures and household lamps have the words: “energy efficient,” it does not mean there’s any truth behind the content. Be sure to research what makes the product eco-friendly. Read between the lines. Terms like “chemical free” and “all natural” tend to be misleading eco-friendly product identifiers. Since everything is a chemical, including water, nothing is completely “chemical free.” As for the phrase “all natural,” formaldehyde, arsenic and mercury are poisonous but “all natural” elements.  So at the end of the day, real-eco friendly household products exceed words, labels and ambiguous terms. The proof is in the certification, production process and actual benefits to the environment.

Are water bottles hazardous to your health? What’s the toxic chemical found in plastic bottled water? Check out the controversy. Bottled water is now under scrutiny. As long as we’re developing the blueprints to our green living environment, we can’t forget about what we put in our bodies. Rumor has it that plastic water bottles contain potentially lethal elements. As environmentalists raise concerns about the safety of the chemical used to manufacture these plastic containers, water bottles are less eco-friendly than ever.  Found in certain, baby bottles, soft drinks as well as bottled water, bisphenol-A is dubbed an “endocrine disrupter.” Certain trials suggest that BPA mimics estrogen’s response to the body, affecting the endocrine system. The unsavory chemical has been shown to improve a woman’s chance of a miscarriage. In laboratory tests, bisphenol-A heightens the risk of breast cancer in animals and prostate cancer in male rats.  On the other side of the bottled water safety issue, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as The American Plastics Council contend that these plastics are non-hazardous. Nevertheless, plastics are inevitably degradable. It is evident in polycarbonate bottles that fade or become cloudy. In fact, it can even alter the taste of the water. When this happens, it’s time to discard the water bottle into a recycle bin. To prevent the risk of chemical decomposition, many experts recommend never placing water bottles in the microwave or dishwasher. Regardless of how water bottles are used, other health analysts believe that bottled water has its unsavory health risks. Since, plastic bottles are not only negative for the environment and now linked to health risks, we might consider getting our daily supply from an alternative source to the water bottle. Fortunately, we have other resources like purified water, glass and stainless steel canteens. Aside from bottled water, remember to check other bottled beverages: soda, baby food and even certain contained foods.  Other bottled water resources to review: 

Environmental Health Perspectives

Toxic Plastics Chemical in Canned Food  

Check out what materials make up the eco flooring in the kitchen

The kitchen floor leads a filthy life. It’s one of rampant foot traffic as well as a destination where spills, streaks, and stains run amok. But, these days, it’s a space that occupies eco-friendly flooring.

So who are the eco-friendly kitchen-flooring candidates and how do they compare?

Wood Flooring
Starting with the wood floor that is naturally ecologically appropriate, it’s a recyclable material. Some would consider it renewable. Since, many eco-friendly flooring have lead a previous life in a barn, old factory or even a ship, wood floors are as green as eco-flooring goes.

Bamboo Flooring
While bamboo flooring is a popular trend in eco-flooring, it’s not always the most comfortable. Quite similar to grass, bamboo grows back but its extra coarse features are 25 percent rougher than red oak but equivalent in durability. Nonetheless, the variation of distinctive grains and vibrant colors is what makes bamboo flooring so irresistible.

Cork Flooring
When it comes to a bevy of textures and colors to choose from, cork flooring fits the criteria. As far as eco flooring alternatives are concerned, cork flooring reigns supreme for three reasons: 1) It has a lifespan of more than 100 years. 2) As an exceptional clatter diffuser, cork flooring neutralizes room noise with more than 100 million air cells. 3) Cork is also quite resistant to moisture.

Bamboo and Cork Flooring
The latest concept in eco-flooring is a hybrid of cork and bamboo flooring. Ideal for its ability to withstand water moisture, the blend of bamboo and cork is soft to the foot’s underbelly and bears innate antimicrobial qualities.

Rubber Flooring
As for one eco flooring material that can withstand traffic, spills and stains, rubber flooring is a commercial concept turned residential. For years, rubber floors have simplified the kitchen clean up for the likes of Emeril, Flay and Rachel Ray. Manufactured with recycled tires, these eco floors are ultra durable and available in a wide variety of colors.
Regardless of which eco-flooring you opt for (wood flooring, bamboo flooring, cork flooring or rubber flooring)–consider your design scheme and the impact of each spill on your eco-friendly kitchen flooring.
 

In quest of a real energy saving refrigerator or are you looking for eco-friendly cookware? Check out what’s new in green cookware innovation.

Countertops, flooring and cabinets are not the only green options these days. Eco-friendly cookware and kitchen appliances present an array of smart, energy saving alternatives. From cookware to ice cream makers, we went shopping and found some amazing inventions in eco friendly kitchen appliances.

Out of the hundreds of unique eco-friendly cookware gadgets we checked out, three products really stood-out, generating the green cookware vibe. We took three eco appliances from the refrigerator to preparation and here’s what we found and loved:

Eco-friendly Kitchen Appliances
Starting where food is chilled and for its energy-saving capacity, the Sunzander DC Energy Efficient 5.8 cubic Refrigerator really keeps food cool and reduces electricity consumption. With polyurethane insulation and coated steel cabinets, this eco friendly kitchen appliance locks out warm air and maintains frosty temperatures. Small enough to fit in any space, as well as battery-powered, this solar refrigerator requires a photovoltaic (PV) system. (Made by SolarPowerGeneration.com)

Green Kitchen Cookware
In terms of eco-friendly kitchen appliances, there’s overwhelming controversy over green cookware. While certain environmentalists suggest that non-stick pans are safe for use, others contend that these cookery tools should not exceed 350°C.  Nevertheless, kitchen appliance cookware like the line manufactured by Wolfgang Puck offers the best value in eco friendly kitchen cookware.
 
With a ratio of 18/10 stainless, Wolfgang Puck’s cookware promises durability. While the 18/10 stainless feature is charming, it’s not the most redeeming quality of this eco-friendly kitchen appliance. Impeccable heat distribution is what makes this cookware so appealing. It means that food is assured of even temperature dispersion and that meals stay hot, long after its been cooked. And then, there’s the fact that this green cookware is conducive for both electric and gas stove tops. (Wolfgang Puck’s kitchen cookware comes in a 21-Piece Bistro Collection)

An Eco-Friendly Inspired, Kitchen Appliance
As for the ice cream, gelato or sorbet junkie, there’s one green kitchen appliance to die for—the Donvier Eco-Friendly Ice Cream Sorbet Maker. Named in reverence of creating a green environment, this ice cream maker chills sweet nothings fast – as in 20 minutes or overnight. Made in Canada or Japan,  we loved kitchen appliance because it’s fuss free to use and clean and requires no electricity or ice — whatsoever. And for $49, this green cookware pays for itself in energy and in quarts of ice cream –within 12 uses. 

The next time we revisit the topic of non-stick eco-friendly kitchen appliances, we’ll evaluate why certain cookware is hazardous and which ones are safe. Until then, the best home floor plans are green.