What is BiOH polyols? And why is it important for us to know about it??

Okay I am still "green" excuse my pun, to all the eco-friendly products and materials out there and I am in the industry. There is just so much to learn and it is forever improving!! I had a question the other day, that I thought I would share with all of you. "Is your upholstery made with soy blend foam made with BiOH BRAND soy polyols?"Leslie. I knew the foam I used was made out of a soy blend and that it was an environmentally friendly product. But, I would have to do some research to truly find out the rest of the question, and I am glad I did! because the result was better then I thought it would be. "BiOH polyols are a soy-based ingredient for flexible foam used in upholstered furniture and bedding, carpet backing, and automotive seats . . . Current BiOH technology allows our customers to create foam products with typical levels of renewable content from 5 to 20%. Considering that only 3 years ago all of these products were 100% petroleum-based, we think this is a significant step! However, we’re not satisfied yet; the BiOH team is committed to developing new chemistries that create products with higher levels of renewable content." Very interesting, but how much crude oil (petrolem) does using BiOH polyols really save? "For every 1 million lbs of BiOH polyols that replace traditional petro polyols in foam cushioning, approximately 2200 barrels of crude petroleum is saved for other uses." Wow now if furniture companies and the consumer started requesting this foam and using this product, the impact would be significant to our environment! BiOH polyols did a study to show how they have a smaller carbon foot print then raw material manufactures who use traditional petrochemical polyols. "36% less global warming emissions -61% less non-renewable energy use, 23% less total energy demand." From my last blog on the carbon footprint, we all know now how important it is to lower our carbon foot print and here is another great way to start that movement. So, ask the question when purchasing a furniture piece or mattress, is BiHo polyols used??( http://www.bioh.com/index.html )

Thought you might find this interesting too, it explains how foam is made:

http://www.bioh.com/bioh_how_its_made.html

Keep up the good work with making your life more GREEN! A movement might start with just a small step but as you move, the steps get bigger and stronger and before you know it the world is moving with you!

Until next time,

w&c designer girl!

What is a Carbon Footprint?

The Carbon Footprint is a big issue now a days and it should be. But how many of us truly know what a carbon footprint is? "A carbon footprint is the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases emitted over the full life cycle of a product or service." Each of us has a carbon footprint, it is our impression in this world, its our clue of who we are and where we are headed. It measures, in terms of our contribution as an individual, our impact on the global climate. "Measured in carbon emissions, it's become an increasingly useful and popular tool to help contextualize global warming in our daily routines and lives." Once we understand what a carbon footprint is, the next question is, what can I do? It is important to realize your carbon footprint because from there you can start to reduce it; what goes up, must come down! and it is the same with the footprint you have created. You can reduce it in many ways, by simply being aware! It is in the food we eat the products we buy. Where has the food come from? Does it have chemicals in it? What is the furniture piece made of? What materials are used within it? Is is locally made? These are simple questions that we should be able to ask and get an answer for. If for some reason the company/retailer cannot give us an anwser a consumer should be very wary and second guess their purchase. A simple way to start lowering your carbon footprint is by thinking about things in terms of, how much gas was used to get a product to where it is today. If one product was flown in from China and the other product was made within your city, the product that was flown in has a way bigger footprint then the locally made product. Sounds damn simple eh! Well it is and it can be; if we start to think this way it will become easier and easier to lower our carbon footprint! What can be more important then making a difference in our life and in our environment! Remember it is only Kermit the Frog that can say "it isn't easy being green."

Until next time,

w&c designer girl!

Stainless or Plastic, what do you drink out of??

You know the saying at a food store "Paper or Plastic" well the new saying is "Stainless or Plastic"!! What do you drink out of? If it is still plastic this information might change your mind. Do you know that 40 million plastic water bottles per day are dumped into our landfills!! That is crazy. What is even more crazier is they say it takes 30 years for the plastic to break down. That is more then along time, just think what you have done in 30 years! The scary thing is Plastic water bottles was only a clever marketing scam. "40 percent of bottled water starts out as tap water"!! I can't believe this, why didn't I think of this, we could all be rich off of this scam. "Companies, like Coca Cola and Pepsi, take the water for free, running it through some filters, pour it into a bottle with a fancy name and then sell it back to us at a price 240 to 10,000 times higher than tap water." WOW. The marketing companies have tricked us into believing that bottled water is the healthier choice and made us believe it is better for you then regular tap water. They created a image that bottled water means a healthy life/person. But " a four year study by the Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC) found plenty of bacteria and chemicals in the bottles water. Since there are currently no regulations in place for bottled water it's hard to know exactly what you are buying." Check out this site for great information on this topic http://www.greenlivingonline.com/article/get-rid-plastic-water-bottles
Now some of us are up to date on this plastic matter and have switched to stainless steel water bottles, which really is the healthier choice! Because most stainless steel water bottle companies guarantee that they are BPA FREE and use non-toxic inks, so no off gassing or leachin of chemicals are going into your body. http://www.ewanbottles.com/ I am sure there are probably a hand full of celebrities that have jumped on this bang wagon and issue. And you know if they are supporting this, soon everyone else will! Which is a very good thing because this issue is something that people should know more about and start making the change to the stainless bottles to protect themselves and their loved ones. This is definitely a movement that should not be ignored and something that we should all be doing right away!

Until next time,
w&c designer girl!

Do you know how many GREEN Celebrities there are??

WOW! I am blown away on the number of celebrities that support the GREEN or alternative energy movement! Usually domestic environmental issues are always getting attention, many environmentalists are focusing on international issues as their main priority now, such as "global warming, populations growth, deforestation, and the continued loss of many species of plants and animals have reached increasing prominence on the environmental agenda." As mentioned in a previous BLOG when a celebrity jumps on the bang wagon so does everyone else, and this theory has been proven with an endless list of celebrities and the movement they are promoting on this site I found. http://www.allamericanspeakers.com/Green_Celebrities_&_Green_Speakers.php
Top 5 on their "Leading Green Celebrity Players" are Dave Matthews Band, Cate Blanchett, Richard Branson, Pierce Brosnan and Warn Burton, plus many many more. It even lists the celebrities with electric or hybrid cars, Solar Neighbours Program and many more categories. I am just so impressed on how many celebrities are making our environment that much better! And we know it will only takes time before everyone else is on the same playing field. So keep up the good GREEN work and remember it is only Kermit the frog that is aloud to use the line "it isn't easy being green" NO one else has an excuse!

More Celebrity Links!
http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/blogs/celebrities/7249
http://www.grist.org/news/maindish/2007/06/01/celebs/
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/07/seven-celebrities-needing-eco-education.php

Until next time,
w&c designer girl!

Your Dream Kitchen is Closer then you THINK!

This is the perfect year to tackle that dated kitchen, with the new Home Improvement Bill that was passed, the tax man will help with the renovation cost!! Jan/Feb Better Home and Garden Special - Kitchen and Bath ideas, is just the magazine that you need to start this project. It covers everything, from floor layouts, appliances, new materials and most important how to work out a kitchen budget. It has great tips on where to spend your money and where to save it, along with other helpful idea's. "Simple Kitchen Updates - Refinish or reface cabinets, change hardware, replace appliances, install a tile back splash, upgrade counter tops, improve lighting, put in a new drop-in sink." There are a ton of things that you can do to update your kitchen without spending a lot of money, paint goes along way! So for cost effective purposes, paint out your cupboards to a colour you like until you can afford the real ones. There are a lot of paint techniques that can be applied to give a rich look. Changing your hardware makes a huge impact immediately and it is a task that can be done in an hour or so. When it actually comes to the big things, plan ahead, figure out how you truly need the space to function for you. Also, literally plan ahead, will there be children in the near future, if so there will be different needs. To keep cost down, hiring a designer does save you in the long run. Why hire a designer? 1. Can help you plan ahead and keep the project organized "a designer can ease the burden of remodeling by coordinating all the details." 2. They can offer storage solutions, layout ideas and more, making sure that you achieve the kitchen that will work for you. 3. Knowledge, "Professional designers know where to get high-quality products and have connections with wholesalers, dealers and contractors to give you the best products you can afford." Why hire a designer? It will help you come out ahead! Your new kitchen is a bigger investment than ever, so make sure you find the right designer! I read somewhere, "choose your kitchen designer as you would a doctor. Is this a person you want doing heart surgery on the heart of the home?" Quick tip, Build 10% cushion into your budget for unexpected costs.

Until next time,
w&c designer girl!

Why is it that we need a celebrity to make a movement real?

Celebrities are jumping on the band wagon when it comes to protecting our environment. From Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney, Ed Norton, Robert Redford, Pearl Jam and more!! Why is it that we need celebrities to make a movement real? Brad Pitt's Green Rebuild in New Orlean's is more then a powerful message, the participation from multiple levels of companies and donations are just the start but when Brad Pitt is there in the trenches of these new homes, people pay attention and get involved. So why is it that we need celebrities to make a movement real? The 11th hour, which is narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, "this captivating documentary explores the perilous state of our planet, and the means by which we can change our course." This DVD is popular not just because of the message but because of the name that is standing behind it and delivering the message. For some reason adding a celebrity to a movement makes us feel like we are connected some how. Because our favorite actor or actress is preaching it, it must be a good cause, and because they are involved I must be involved. I don't know why this works or why it hits us more when there is a face to the cause, but it works! And it will keep on working!! Support your favorite movements even if it is just because of the face that is attached to it. Make sure you start making your life a bit more Eco-friendly everyday and don't be afraid of change, embrace it, you are saving yourself with these actions!!

Celebrity Links:

http://www.makeitrightnola.org/

http://wip.warnerbros.com/11thhour/mainsite/site.html

http://webecoist.com/2009/02/14/green-celebrities-activism/

http://www.greenlivingonline.com/article/daryl-hannah-biodiesel-star

Until next time,

w&c designer girl!

Ty Pennington missing at his own Home Show???

Ty Pennington is the new face for the National Home & Garden Show, but where is he? His face is plasted on all print material out there regarding the National Home & Garden Show, his BIO and quick write ups are more then visible on all the City Home Show sites and he even does all of the Radio ads. Lets face it, he has a great face for these things and everyone recognizes his name, so why wouldn't they make him a sponsored partner. However, due to this advertising strategy, everyone is given the illusion that if you go the show you are more likely to see Ty Pennington, the face of the National Home Show. However Ty never showed up to the Toronto one and now rumor is he will not be at the Buffalo one, who knows if he was even at any of the other ones so far?? I know he is a busy guy, but this is truly false advertising. Good for him for getting this kind of publicity and it truly is a great avenue for promoting his new tySTYLE line, but he at least should make an appearance to something that he is so highly supporting? "This partnership makes a lot of sense for me. People always ask me where they can buy the cool products they see on our show, and the truth is that the best place to find all the basics, plus all the hot new products – all in one place – is at the type of home shows Marketplace Events produces." This is only my 2cents on the whole take, I truly don't know the contract he has with these shows, but I am more then curious to find out,
HAS ANYONE SEEN HIM??

Until next time,
w&c designer girl!

Great and Small!

Smart Small Spaces - How to make them work! Metropolitan Home's March issue has a great spread on furniture for every little room. "From stylish storage to sleek sofas, the new products gathered on these pages are all you need to make the most of miniature spaces." Designing a small space definitely has it's challenges and making sure you have the right pieces can be overwhelming. However this article demonstrates some great storage solutions from convertible beds, nesting tables, small seating, storage shelving units, benches, and more. Because when it comes to small spaces we need to make the most out of our space, making sure that every piece has storage ability and functionality. Ikea has also come out with some storage solutions, I hate resorting to Ikea, but it is true they do have some cool pieces. You will find ottomans that have some great storage space and sofa's that can lift up to be able to store things underneath. Create & Barrel also has some very interesting pieces that would be great to add to any space. Don't be afraid of small spaces, they can be a very fun challenge to have! Plus there is so many more options in furniture to be able to accommodate your needs now a days. Planning ahead is the first step and figuring out the true functionality to your space is very important. If you take one step at a time you will be fine, but have fun with it!

Until next time,
w&c designer girl!

The Neglected Laundry Room.

One of the busiest rooms in the house and usually the most unorganized and cluttered space to boot!! For most of us it is the main entryway in to our home. So why is it that we Neglect the Laundry/Mudroom and dismiss it for what it truly could be? A great functional space! House & Home's March issue does a great piece on a fresh new look for your Laundry/Mudroom with just 7 steps. "Their Makeover of the Month". Now these steps can be used in any house, because lets face it most Laundry/Mudrooms are all the same. With a better layout for functionality there is a much better chance that your space will stay organized and clean, and who isn't looking for that! The issue also illustrates some great storage pieces that you can find at Canadian Tire and for a great price! It just keeps getting better and better! In general the H&H March issue is very good, but definitely take a peak at the Laundry/Mudroom section, because don't forget the tax man is helping with the bill this year, and this type of update to your home falls completely under the Home Improvement 2009 tax bill! "The program offers a tax credit of up to 15 per cent of renovation costs over $1,000, up to a maximum of $10,000 in renovation costs. The maximum benefit is thus 15 per cent of $9,000 or $1,350. " http://whitewashco.ca/ideas.html
So this is the year for that dream Laundry Room, what are you waiting for!!

Until next time,
w&c designer girl!

2009's Quick Design Palate Overview!

What does 2009 Design Palate look like? Well this year we are really starting to see simple colours, but colour is still there. What I mean is that you will find rooms that are very muted and simple with the same shades of colour, however there will be a small splash/accent colour that will add character to your space. The last few months of Style at Home magazine illustrates this design style. Showcasing rooms where there main colours are grey and white, and then small touches of soft blue is added to give it a bit of warmth. So this year you are not going to find a lot of colours put together like we did in the past, three to four at the most and out of those four will be in the same shade, the simpler the better. However, at the same time I am contradicting myself because there is a new movement arising when it comes to design. A 50's twist, were you will find old patterns with funny lively colours modernized, over scaled pieces and a play on mixing a ton of patterns in one space which will be mixed with old prints and antique furniture. Very fun and flirty. However if you want this look you have to be very committed to it and go over board to achieve it, but when done right it does look good! You will also see a lot of PURPLE this year, which is very fun and romantic, so play it up with some small accent pieces in a room to add the 2009 Design Style to your home!

Until next time,
w&c designer girl!