Green redecorating / remodel on a budget PART2

The initial stages of a remodel can be daunting for homeowners, decreasing energy consumption is one of the primary goals of green remodeling. This can be achieved in a myriad small ways begun quite simply by fostering environmentally sound habits: turning off appliances and lights, decreasing use of heating or air-conditioning, etc.

Structurally, there are many ways of improving the energy efficiency of the home without putting unnecessary stress on one’s bank account. Sealing cracks and perforations that allow air leakage in ducts and pipes, and adding insulation to the attics, floors or walls are not particularly expensive renovations, yet they yield impressive results.

In one home improvement report, the money saved by the repaired and insulated ducts surpassed the initial cost of the improvements within two years, and continued to save the homeowners money. When one considers the amount of energy spent annually on heating or (as clearly evidenced by our most recent bout of infernal Sacramento heat) air conditioning, it makes sense that maximizing the efficiency of the systems that support these functions would be both profitable and environmentally sound.

There are many other simple ways of increasing the energy efficiency of your home. The implementation of compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and fans can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of a home and are relatively inexpensive, unlike other commendable –yet impractical—measures such as installing an all-new energy saving appliances or new, insulating windows. While it is true that both of these changes can help reduce energy consumption the overall effect on the energy level of the structure is minute, while the cost is quite high. For the same price, it is possible to make several other, smaller changes to the home, with a much greater affect upon the overall energy consumption, and a gentler effect upon one’s finances.

Green redecorating / remodel on a budget PART1

There is a time in the life of a house when remodeling, or at least redecorating is absolutely necessary: walls thirsty for paint, tired rooms begging to be rejuvenated. In our difficult economic times few people have the resources for such home improvements. However, it is not impossible to redecorate or remodel on a budget while still upholding green standards.

When preparing to remodel a home in a budget-conscious way, it is important to remember that green renovations increase longevity and lower energy bills. When a room requires rejuvenation but not an actual remodel, the easiest and most effective way of changing the feeling of the space is to paint. The alteration or addition of color on one or more walls vitally changes the experience of the entire room, adding a feeling of cozy warmth or cool, refreshing space; and eco friendly paints are comparatively easy on the wallet (comparable in price to conventional, high quality paints).

To finish off the decoration process, it is important to remember that decorating “green” does not necessarily mean purchasing new, expensive, eco friendly items; green also means reusing and recycling. Making use of the contents of your attic, or visiting thrift- or antique-stores are ways of preventing used goods from ending up in landfills while adding a unique touch to your home.

www.greensacramento.com/sale.html

Green Sacramento was founded 5 years ago with the idea of providing healthier and more sustainable building materials to the greater Sacramento area community. Over time we recognized another element of sustainability; product longevity through durability, functionality and aesthetics. So when customers come to Green Sacramento they can be assured that we have done our due diligence to ensure that our products meet very high standards in all of those areas and that our staff will understand our customers' needs and concerns. As the founder of Green Sacramento I truly believe that we provide a unique and invaluable service to the people of this area.

But like so many others right now, our business has been affected by the downturn in the economy and we hope friends and supporters can get the word out and help us get through these tough times. If you or any of your friends are in the midst of a project, just starting a remodel or have been putting off an upgrade we encourage you to stop by and visit our showroom for your home improvement needs. Our new sister company, Green Sacramento Builders is also available to provide construction services with a focus on energy efficiency and indoor air quality.


To further encourage both old and new customers to stop by we are having a sale starting right away on our in-stock inventory as follows:

10% off all AFM and Yolo paint and primer current inventory through July 11th

10% off all American Clay products current inventory through July 11th

All mis-tinted paints are available for $5 per quart and $10 per gallon

20% to 30% off other current inventory through the end of July including:
- Wood and concrete stains, finishes and sealants
- Limited quantities of Bamboo, Cork and Marmoleum Click flooring
- Various Sundries ñ Including paint brushes, canvas tarps and lead test kits

Plus we will be providing a discount on all brands and types of flooring through July 18th including cork, bamboo, carpet, Marmoleum and FSC wood as follows:
- 5% off all flooring on orders over 500sf
- 8% off all flooring on orders over 1000sf

Thank you for your support!

Josh Daniels
Owner, Green Sacramento

Making Your House An E-House

Its not very often we get to see all the energy efficient tools and products put to use in one location. SMUD has designed just that and it is sitting in their first floor "Center" here in the Sacramento office.

Showcasing all the energy saving techniques for building a home efficiently, this interactive, walk through, full scale model is very helpful in understanding the logic behind the uses of various materials and just how there products save energy. The E-House showcases everything from framing to duct work, to whole house fans, and includes an interactive video to explain more tips and provide additional information on home energy efficiency.

Green Sacramento provided SMUD with many of the materials seen in the E-House making them readily available here in Sacramento. Also, because Green Sacramento has recently expanded to include construction and deconstruction services, all modifications seen in the E-House can be not only be purchased through Green Sacramento, but also installed by Green Sacramento Builders.

Green Sacramento Builders Launch Party

This Second Saturday, Green Sacramento Builders is officially launching and we are celebrating with music and art! Blvd Park will be performing along with two other special guests and local artists will be displaying some of their art on our walls. Please come and enjoy some music and art while helping us welcome GSB to our community.

In the three weeks since GSB was first mentioned here, they have been busy with many projects in the area. From roofing to kitchen remodels, GSB has hit the ground running and is providing the Sacramento area with sustainable materials as well as responsible practices.

So please stop by this Second Saturday and meet the people behind Green Sacramento Builders and enjoy some great music and art. We will be out there beginning at 5 until about 9 so be sure to stop by and check us out!

Zero-VOC Exterior Paint and Primer Sale

Much attention has been paid to interior paint and its effect on air quality, but it seems the exterior application of paints and stains has been misunderstood. There exists a common confusion among consumers as to the reasoning behind and benefits of going green when it comes to exterior painting. Traditional exterior paints contain chemicals that allow it to withstand the elements. However, because natural paints lack these chemicals, their use is limited to indoor applications. The eco-friendly exterior versions of these natural paints are considered to be green as long as they do not contain heavy metals or toxins. Because the outdoor air dilutes the effects of VOC's does not mean they do not have an impact on both the environment as well as the buildings tenants.

In traditional exterior products the excess amount of VOC's being emitted are reacting with the sunlight to create ground level ozone, which is a major contributor to smog, especially in densely populated areas. The newer Low-VOC and Zero-VOC products reduce the occurrence of this reaction. Outdoor painting projects also may affect indoor air quality if the off-gases of traditional paint make it into the home through open windows, doors, and vents.

Yolo Colorhouse carries a great line of exterior paints that are zero VOC, 100% acrylic for great performance, and 40% volume solids for excellent coverage. Right now through June 30th, purchase 5 gallons of Yolo Colorhouse exterior paint and receive one gallon of exterior primer for free, or purchase 15 gallons of exterior paint and receive one five gallon bucket of outside primer.

Vetrazzo Glass Orgins

Not only are Vetrazzo countertops beautiful, they are a great use of recycled glass. When looking at some of the glass, it is hard not to imagine where that glass came from, and what it used to be. Thankfully there are some industry standards that can help us find the origin of the glass in your kitchen or bathroom countertop.

Colorless glass, also sometimes called clear glass, is just that, void of color. The most common place to find this glass is in the grocery store, mostly likely bottling some pasta sauce or some peanut butter. The glass with the most shade variation is green glass. Iron, chromium or copper are the metals used to "color" this glass, and the reason why there are so many different shades of this particular color. Wine is the most popular use for green glass because of its ability to keep sunlight and temperature from affecting the contents. Blue glass is a naturally occurring color due to iron impurities found in sand. Originally most popular before the 1920's, it is now used for ink and alcohol bottles. The last color of glass is brown glass, which is also known as "amber" glass. This glass is very similar to green glass, it is manufactured by adding nickel, sulfur and carbon. The most common use of this color glass is beer bottles, because of its ability to keep light out.

A great product, Vetrazzo is a beautiful way to add character to either a kitchen or bathroom, and knowing it is made from recycled materials makes it even more desirable and unique.