Spread this message to everyone!! People have lost touch with Mother Earth, and the responsibility we have in protecting her. WE ALL NEED TO MAKE A CHANGE SO LETS TODAY!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCnWZncHH2Y
Stay Green my Friends!
w&c designer girl.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Go GREEN or SHUT UP!
Who is actually Green out there. Jo sends a challenge out to the entire world, WHO IS GREEN AND HOW ARE YOU GREEN!! Share with the world if you are green by sending Jo an email or vid clip showing the rest of the world what you do to protect this earth. www.whitewashco.ca The CHALLENGE is ON, and who will the PLAYERS be!!!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
What's lurking in your Carpet?
The carpet you installed looks great but is there danger lurking in the freshly installed fibers? Carpet has been used for years by millions, made from the same materials found in clothing and everyday fabrics: polyester, nylon, olefin fibers, latex (synthetic rubber) and polypropylene (olefin) fabric backing. You may be surprised to hear that carpet is now becoming a controversial topic as a result of the off-gassing carpets can produce.
The common symptoms people display when a new carpet is installed are allergies, headaches and fatigue. New carpet emits up to forty different chemicals after installation called volatile organic compounds (VOC). As the carpet ages, the quantity of gases released drops but it can take up to a full year before most of the chemicals are completely released from the fibers. The carpet alone is not the only potential problem; the glues used to tack down the carpet as well as the carpet padding emit VOC’s which result in potential health risks.
Experiments were conducted on mice using carpet and adhesive sample fumes. Mice developed a multitude of neurological symptoms resulting in tremors and convulsions as well as brain haemorrhages and paralysis. Theses symptoms are supported by reports filed by carpet installers who have developed a wide range of health issues such as head and body aches as well as gastrointestinal symptoms. Neurological symptoms in humans can range from slowness, weight loss or gain, rash, insomnia and confusion, change in personality, memory loss, extreme fatigue and difficulty speaking. It becomes overwhelming to hear what people could potentially be exposing themselves to in their own homes.
Although a true connection between carpet fumes and the linked health issues has yet been firmly established, it is best to be cautious when making flooring decisions. This is even more important if you have small children who play on the floor and become more susceptible to the adverse VOC’s emitted. Vinyl and synthetic carpet VOC’s are high, look for natural fibers such as wool, sisal and cotton. Hardwood floors seem like a good solution but they include formaldehydes, which releases high content of VOC’s. The alternative to this is pre-sealed hardwood or water-based polyurethane hardwood. Ceramic tile emits no gases. Linoleum is clinically nontoxic. Alternatively, the best flooring for allergy sufferers are bamboo, cork or recycled glass. To minimize the VOC’s select low-VOC or water based adhesives/products. If it is carpet you truly want, your new carpet should include a low-emission level institute tag and carpets that are free of chemicals with a low nap.
The carpet industry claims they are committed to improving the quality of indoor air by reducing the VOC’s from their products. Carpet samples are tested for chemical emissions using the most up to date dynamic environmental chamber technology and this process has reduced the overall level of emissions by selective raw material usage and other process modifications. Hazardous new carpet emission normally dissipates within 48 to 72 hours after installation when accompanied with good ventilation.
What are the benefits of having a carpet in your home after new carpet emissions have disappeared? The carpet industry has worked closely with environmental agencies, product safely companies, institutions and independent laboratories. Throughout the evaluations, scientific evidence has indicated no specific link to human health effects from the chemical emissions that so many have linked to carpet. They go to the extent of proving the benefits that carpet provides; it holds dust particles and dirt until removed by vacuuming. The holding characteristics helps with the airborne dust which is usually stirred up by foot traffic as found with solid surfaces. This is a quality that helps protect allergy sufferers. The fact that carpet collects and holds more lint and dust may be considered an advantage as it is better to have particles carrying dirt and bacteria held down in the carpet until vacuumed.
After these tests and statements conducted by the carpet industry, fingers are now being pointed towards the adhesives, the carpet padding and the sub-floors. So your allergies might not becoming from the carpet fibres itself but from the under padding and the process under the carpet. As you can see, the jury is still out on this issue. What is certain is that education and research are crucial before you make any carpet or flooring decisions for your home.
Stay green and until next time,
Jo Alcorn, w&c designer girl!
The common symptoms people display when a new carpet is installed are allergies, headaches and fatigue. New carpet emits up to forty different chemicals after installation called volatile organic compounds (VOC). As the carpet ages, the quantity of gases released drops but it can take up to a full year before most of the chemicals are completely released from the fibers. The carpet alone is not the only potential problem; the glues used to tack down the carpet as well as the carpet padding emit VOC’s which result in potential health risks.
Experiments were conducted on mice using carpet and adhesive sample fumes. Mice developed a multitude of neurological symptoms resulting in tremors and convulsions as well as brain haemorrhages and paralysis. Theses symptoms are supported by reports filed by carpet installers who have developed a wide range of health issues such as head and body aches as well as gastrointestinal symptoms. Neurological symptoms in humans can range from slowness, weight loss or gain, rash, insomnia and confusion, change in personality, memory loss, extreme fatigue and difficulty speaking. It becomes overwhelming to hear what people could potentially be exposing themselves to in their own homes.
Although a true connection between carpet fumes and the linked health issues has yet been firmly established, it is best to be cautious when making flooring decisions. This is even more important if you have small children who play on the floor and become more susceptible to the adverse VOC’s emitted. Vinyl and synthetic carpet VOC’s are high, look for natural fibers such as wool, sisal and cotton. Hardwood floors seem like a good solution but they include formaldehydes, which releases high content of VOC’s. The alternative to this is pre-sealed hardwood or water-based polyurethane hardwood. Ceramic tile emits no gases. Linoleum is clinically nontoxic. Alternatively, the best flooring for allergy sufferers are bamboo, cork or recycled glass. To minimize the VOC’s select low-VOC or water based adhesives/products. If it is carpet you truly want, your new carpet should include a low-emission level institute tag and carpets that are free of chemicals with a low nap.
The carpet industry claims they are committed to improving the quality of indoor air by reducing the VOC’s from their products. Carpet samples are tested for chemical emissions using the most up to date dynamic environmental chamber technology and this process has reduced the overall level of emissions by selective raw material usage and other process modifications. Hazardous new carpet emission normally dissipates within 48 to 72 hours after installation when accompanied with good ventilation.
What are the benefits of having a carpet in your home after new carpet emissions have disappeared? The carpet industry has worked closely with environmental agencies, product safely companies, institutions and independent laboratories. Throughout the evaluations, scientific evidence has indicated no specific link to human health effects from the chemical emissions that so many have linked to carpet. They go to the extent of proving the benefits that carpet provides; it holds dust particles and dirt until removed by vacuuming. The holding characteristics helps with the airborne dust which is usually stirred up by foot traffic as found with solid surfaces. This is a quality that helps protect allergy sufferers. The fact that carpet collects and holds more lint and dust may be considered an advantage as it is better to have particles carrying dirt and bacteria held down in the carpet until vacuumed.
After these tests and statements conducted by the carpet industry, fingers are now being pointed towards the adhesives, the carpet padding and the sub-floors. So your allergies might not becoming from the carpet fibres itself but from the under padding and the process under the carpet. As you can see, the jury is still out on this issue. What is certain is that education and research are crucial before you make any carpet or flooring decisions for your home.
Stay green and until next time,
Jo Alcorn, w&c designer girl!
Monday, July 20, 2009
WHAT DOES PAINT HAVE TO DO WITH CANCER?!
Paint is everywhere and on everything. It is the most common and popular home repair made within a home or office. So what is Paint? Paint is mixed with four basic ingredients: Pigments, Resins, Solvents, and Additives. There are numerous hazardous chemicals in conventional paint. The US Environmental Protection Agency even classes paint as one of the Top Five environmental hazards. Due to the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), which are derived from petrochemicals and readily release vapour into the air, which causes serious affects on the air quality. Chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene are the main hazards in this off gassing process. To add to this, paint drying indoors is 1000 times more hazardous than paint drying outdoors. The VOC can be released into the air for months at a time, and sometimes, even years after painting. The common VOC risks witnessed in the majority of people are dizziness, drowsiness, allergic reactions, headaches, and perhaps skin problems; however there are much greater health risks linked to this silent killer in ones home.
What are the long term health risks that paint can cause? Studies have shown that painters, or similar occupations that placed people in the atmosphere of constant paint VOC, have a 20% higher risk for cancers in general and a 40% higher risk for lung cancer. The long- term health affects to a paints VOC are constantly related to an array of cancers. Amongst the many are liver cancer, stomach cancer, bladder cancer, larynx cancer, pancreatic cancer, oral cavity cancer, and esophagus cancer.
A large-scale study done in 2001 connects freshly painted rooms with children’s leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It states that children specifically exposed to fresh paint in the home have a 65% greater risk of acquiring acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In addition, mothers who are exposed to paint during preconception or the pregnancy phase are three times more at risk of having a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Exposure can also cause developmental problems in the unborn child. Studies have shown that paints VOC can also instigate a low sperm count. On the whole, these chemicals are hazardous to male fertility.
Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOC) is widely used as ingredients in many common household products. Shockingly, these include; paints, varnishes, waxes, cleaning supplies, degreasing and disinfecting supplies, cosmetic materials, and fuels. These organic pollutants are said to be 2 to 5 times greater inside of the home than outside of them, despite the homes rural or industrial location. Products containing organic chemicals expose people to high pollutant levels in which elevated concentrations can persist in the air for years. However, in today’s environmentally concerned society, there are now efficient products that can protect individuals and their loved ones. One very environmentally significant product is non-toxic or natural paint. This paint is made from natural ingredients such as water, plant oils, plant dyes, milk protein, natural latex, bees wax, earth and mineral dyes, and minerals such as clay. These paints remain the safest type of paint accessible and are considered the most environmentally friendly. However because this type of paint is a new product on the market, the performance is not yet comparable to the performance of regular paints, especially when it comes to coverage and user friendliness. Non- toxic or natural paint tends to be more difficult to find in regular stores and are mostly found online. Ultimately, when it comes to our health an inconvenience like this should be welcomed.
The best way to reduce one's exposure is to choose low-VOC paint. Fifty percent of petrochemicals are used in conventional oil-based paints, while only 5-51% is found in water based latex paints. Regardless of this, they can still contain harmful solvents. In order to protect the air quality and ones health, the consumer must purchase low-VOC paint, which means the VOC levels are less than 100 parts per gallon. The low VOC label on the can means that the manufacturer has not exceeded a certain level of chemicals that are cancer causing. It is also extremely important that consumers be attentive of a “no-VOC” label on the paint can. This deceptive advertisement is purely a marketing ploy. All conventional paints will contain VOC to some extent.
With a number of health risks linked to paint, consumers must start being more conscientious of their purchases. Reading the labels on their cans and realizing that cheap is not always effective will be a good start. One’s health is something that should not be a daily risk. You pay for what you get so don’t cheap out when it comes to quality and ones well- being,
Stay green and until next time,
Jo Alcorn, w&c designer girl!
What are the long term health risks that paint can cause? Studies have shown that painters, or similar occupations that placed people in the atmosphere of constant paint VOC, have a 20% higher risk for cancers in general and a 40% higher risk for lung cancer. The long- term health affects to a paints VOC are constantly related to an array of cancers. Amongst the many are liver cancer, stomach cancer, bladder cancer, larynx cancer, pancreatic cancer, oral cavity cancer, and esophagus cancer.
A large-scale study done in 2001 connects freshly painted rooms with children’s leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It states that children specifically exposed to fresh paint in the home have a 65% greater risk of acquiring acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In addition, mothers who are exposed to paint during preconception or the pregnancy phase are three times more at risk of having a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Exposure can also cause developmental problems in the unborn child. Studies have shown that paints VOC can also instigate a low sperm count. On the whole, these chemicals are hazardous to male fertility.
Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOC) is widely used as ingredients in many common household products. Shockingly, these include; paints, varnishes, waxes, cleaning supplies, degreasing and disinfecting supplies, cosmetic materials, and fuels. These organic pollutants are said to be 2 to 5 times greater inside of the home than outside of them, despite the homes rural or industrial location. Products containing organic chemicals expose people to high pollutant levels in which elevated concentrations can persist in the air for years. However, in today’s environmentally concerned society, there are now efficient products that can protect individuals and their loved ones. One very environmentally significant product is non-toxic or natural paint. This paint is made from natural ingredients such as water, plant oils, plant dyes, milk protein, natural latex, bees wax, earth and mineral dyes, and minerals such as clay. These paints remain the safest type of paint accessible and are considered the most environmentally friendly. However because this type of paint is a new product on the market, the performance is not yet comparable to the performance of regular paints, especially when it comes to coverage and user friendliness. Non- toxic or natural paint tends to be more difficult to find in regular stores and are mostly found online. Ultimately, when it comes to our health an inconvenience like this should be welcomed.
The best way to reduce one's exposure is to choose low-VOC paint. Fifty percent of petrochemicals are used in conventional oil-based paints, while only 5-51% is found in water based latex paints. Regardless of this, they can still contain harmful solvents. In order to protect the air quality and ones health, the consumer must purchase low-VOC paint, which means the VOC levels are less than 100 parts per gallon. The low VOC label on the can means that the manufacturer has not exceeded a certain level of chemicals that are cancer causing. It is also extremely important that consumers be attentive of a “no-VOC” label on the paint can. This deceptive advertisement is purely a marketing ploy. All conventional paints will contain VOC to some extent.
With a number of health risks linked to paint, consumers must start being more conscientious of their purchases. Reading the labels on their cans and realizing that cheap is not always effective will be a good start. One’s health is something that should not be a daily risk. You pay for what you get so don’t cheap out when it comes to quality and ones well- being,
Stay green and until next time,
Jo Alcorn, w&c designer girl!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
FOAMS WITHIN OUR HOMES. . .
Does anyone know what foam is made out of? Here’s why you should……….
To make foam, a number of chemicals are mixed and a “gassing agent” is added that creates bubbles that make the plastic cellular. The main chemical in foam is called Polyurethane, which is “a polymer consisting of a chain of organic units joined by urethane (carbamate) links.” Polyurethanes are widely used in flexible foam seating, upholstery, bedding, rigid foam insulation panels, thermal insulation, microcellular foam seals and gaskets, high performance adhesives and sealants, spandex fibers, carpet underlay, and hard plastic parts just to name a few!
This chemical is also found in many finishes which have been linked to cancer, respiratory conditions, allergic reactions, reproductive disorders and other serious health problems. This chemical is also highly flammable. It has caused many states to outlaw the use of oil-based polyurethanes because of the severe health risks that it poses and its contribution to the air pollution problem. The fumes from this chemical are released into homes, up to a month after oil-based finishes are applied. These fumes can lead to many health problems due to the off-gassing from Polyurethanes, especially with the mixture of formaldehyde, which is the combination within many types of foams in a home.
UFFI or Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation was used in the 1970’s as a retrofit product. This expanding foam insulation was mixed on-site and pumped into the walls or cavities within a building. Earlier research on the carcinogenic effect of UFFI suggested that formaldehyde off-gassing from the UFF insulation put people at a significant cancer risk. However it is a controversial topic after additional research was done, due to the fact that it depended on how the foam product was mixed at the site and how the formaldehyde levels differed from building to building. The off-gassing from the UFFI declined steadily with age, due to the open-cell foam not retaining the gases long term. People hypersensitive to chemicals and some people with other respiratory illnesses seem to lose a reaction to this material in time; however the study is complicated by the fact that high levels of formaldehyde off-gassing also occur from some furniture padding and glues or finishes used in chipboard cabinets or sub flooring. So how could they properly test where the reactions were coming from?
Another reason why you should know about the foams within your home is a study found high levels of toxic fire retardants in women’s breast milk, which has increased 200 times, the highest in the world: 10 to 20 times higher than Europe records. US and Canada together account for almost half of global PBDE use. PBDEs are fire retardant chemicals used in soft polyurethane foam, and are found in furniture, textiles and carpets as well as in hard plastic, computers, home appliances and dashboards. Animal testing research shows that exposure to PBDEs are linked to thyroid hormone disruption, permanent learning and memory impairments, decreased sperm count, fetal malformations, behavioural changes, hearing deficits and possible cancers. Studies say that the fire retardant chemical is also showing up in house dust, sewage sludge, water sediment within rivers and oceans. Which lead to a study that found the chemical showing up in tissues of whales, seals, birds and even their eggs along with dozens of freshwater species and marine fish? This chemical accumulates in humans and animals and injures the central nervous system. This compound truly is an environmental nightmare!
With more information constantly evolving on how harmful these chemicals can be, people are wisely turning to green products and with the green demand comes more green alternatives. What a better way to make a movement then within your own home. With the advent of new technology, there are now products available that will help keep the environment healthier without having to compromise your own comfort.One product for your home that has recently gone green is BioBased insulation. The insulations is made from soy bean oil, with is produced by over 600,000 farmers in the U.S. It is a raw material which replaces the petroleum ingredients, and helps reduce the countries dependence on fossil fuels making this BioBased insulation more environmentally responsible. This insulation contains no harmful and irritating micro fibers. BioBased insulations continuously create an air barrier within a home or structure to block mold, pollen, and other allergens from entering. The insulation creates an air tight seal for a more energy efficient home and healthier environment.
Another product, furniture and bedding companies are becoming greener with their foams. They are turning to soy blend foam made with BiOH polyols, which are the soy-based ingredient used for flexible foam in upholstery pieces like furniture, bedding, carpet backing and automotive seats. The technology of BiOh polyol has allowed products to have 20% more renewable content within them. Only 3 years ago all of these products were 100% petroleum-based. Cargill innovators of BiOH polyols states "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." This has a significant impact on our environment and our health. BiOh polyols has a 36% less global warming emissions, 61% less non-renewable energy use and total energy demanded is 23% less.
While many of these new green products are an investment, in the future the environmental concern will pay off and hopefully many health problems will become extinct as our homes become friendlier with a lack of air pollutant chemicals in them. The green movement is a cause that should not be looked upon lightly for the health risk should be reason enough to change the way of our lifestyle. A movement might start with just a small step but as one moves, the steps get bigger and stronger and before everyone knows it the world is moving together towards a greener conscience existences!
Stay green and until next time,
Jo Alcorn, w&c designer girl!
To make foam, a number of chemicals are mixed and a “gassing agent” is added that creates bubbles that make the plastic cellular. The main chemical in foam is called Polyurethane, which is “a polymer consisting of a chain of organic units joined by urethane (carbamate) links.” Polyurethanes are widely used in flexible foam seating, upholstery, bedding, rigid foam insulation panels, thermal insulation, microcellular foam seals and gaskets, high performance adhesives and sealants, spandex fibers, carpet underlay, and hard plastic parts just to name a few!
This chemical is also found in many finishes which have been linked to cancer, respiratory conditions, allergic reactions, reproductive disorders and other serious health problems. This chemical is also highly flammable. It has caused many states to outlaw the use of oil-based polyurethanes because of the severe health risks that it poses and its contribution to the air pollution problem. The fumes from this chemical are released into homes, up to a month after oil-based finishes are applied. These fumes can lead to many health problems due to the off-gassing from Polyurethanes, especially with the mixture of formaldehyde, which is the combination within many types of foams in a home.
UFFI or Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation was used in the 1970’s as a retrofit product. This expanding foam insulation was mixed on-site and pumped into the walls or cavities within a building. Earlier research on the carcinogenic effect of UFFI suggested that formaldehyde off-gassing from the UFF insulation put people at a significant cancer risk. However it is a controversial topic after additional research was done, due to the fact that it depended on how the foam product was mixed at the site and how the formaldehyde levels differed from building to building. The off-gassing from the UFFI declined steadily with age, due to the open-cell foam not retaining the gases long term. People hypersensitive to chemicals and some people with other respiratory illnesses seem to lose a reaction to this material in time; however the study is complicated by the fact that high levels of formaldehyde off-gassing also occur from some furniture padding and glues or finishes used in chipboard cabinets or sub flooring. So how could they properly test where the reactions were coming from?
Another reason why you should know about the foams within your home is a study found high levels of toxic fire retardants in women’s breast milk, which has increased 200 times, the highest in the world: 10 to 20 times higher than Europe records. US and Canada together account for almost half of global PBDE use. PBDEs are fire retardant chemicals used in soft polyurethane foam, and are found in furniture, textiles and carpets as well as in hard plastic, computers, home appliances and dashboards. Animal testing research shows that exposure to PBDEs are linked to thyroid hormone disruption, permanent learning and memory impairments, decreased sperm count, fetal malformations, behavioural changes, hearing deficits and possible cancers. Studies say that the fire retardant chemical is also showing up in house dust, sewage sludge, water sediment within rivers and oceans. Which lead to a study that found the chemical showing up in tissues of whales, seals, birds and even their eggs along with dozens of freshwater species and marine fish? This chemical accumulates in humans and animals and injures the central nervous system. This compound truly is an environmental nightmare!
With more information constantly evolving on how harmful these chemicals can be, people are wisely turning to green products and with the green demand comes more green alternatives. What a better way to make a movement then within your own home. With the advent of new technology, there are now products available that will help keep the environment healthier without having to compromise your own comfort.One product for your home that has recently gone green is BioBased insulation. The insulations is made from soy bean oil, with is produced by over 600,000 farmers in the U.S. It is a raw material which replaces the petroleum ingredients, and helps reduce the countries dependence on fossil fuels making this BioBased insulation more environmentally responsible. This insulation contains no harmful and irritating micro fibers. BioBased insulations continuously create an air barrier within a home or structure to block mold, pollen, and other allergens from entering. The insulation creates an air tight seal for a more energy efficient home and healthier environment.
Another product, furniture and bedding companies are becoming greener with their foams. They are turning to soy blend foam made with BiOH polyols, which are the soy-based ingredient used for flexible foam in upholstery pieces like furniture, bedding, carpet backing and automotive seats. The technology of BiOh polyol has allowed products to have 20% more renewable content within them. Only 3 years ago all of these products were 100% petroleum-based. Cargill innovators of BiOH polyols states "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." This has a significant impact on our environment and our health. BiOh polyols has a 36% less global warming emissions, 61% less non-renewable energy use and total energy demanded is 23% less.
While many of these new green products are an investment, in the future the environmental concern will pay off and hopefully many health problems will become extinct as our homes become friendlier with a lack of air pollutant chemicals in them. The green movement is a cause that should not be looked upon lightly for the health risk should be reason enough to change the way of our lifestyle. A movement might start with just a small step but as one moves, the steps get bigger and stronger and before everyone knows it the world is moving together towards a greener conscience existences!
Stay green and until next time,
Jo Alcorn, w&c designer girl!
Monday, June 22, 2009
What You Should Know Before Buying Furniture: What You Choose Could Be Harmful!
With today’s misleading labels and suggestions on furniture, no wonder the general public is confused on what to believe when purchasing new. An example of this is when a company claims that a piece is made out of solid cherry wood when it’s really particleboard with a cherry wood veneer. In 2002, the Federal Trade Commission came to the conclusion that accurate labelling and claiming guides were unnecessary. With companies allowed to swindle consumers with the lack of true information on a product, consumers are left frustrated and confused on what to believe and whom to believe. With the new trend being the “Green” word, people are quickly being fooled by a label. Consumers need to be truly aware of what they are buying and bringing back to their homes or offices!
Saving the planet is no longer just a politically correct cause. Environmental awareness is an urgent necessity that consumers, communities, cities and countries must all support. The state in which the planet is left to future generations is a human responsibility, a responsibility which extends beyond clever marketing. The effects of careless waste and depleted resources should not be put on the children of tomorrow to suffer with. Environmental awareness must become a natural part of everyday living and a great place to start is with the products we purchase.
Most consumers turn to a salesperson for information. At times, however, salespeople are just as uninformed about the products they are selling and are unable to give proper information leaving consumers just as clueless. A consumer should take things into their own hands to read between the lines or research the company and the quality before purchasing. $55 billion was spent on furniture in 2005 according to the federal Consumer Expenditure Survey, which means furniture was quite a large purchase for the average U.S. consumer. It is estimated that the 2007 survey will top $80 billion. But are consumers spending their money on the right products? Is the product they buy contributing to destroying forests around the world or threatening the homes of critically endangered species? Is the product a result of the destruction of indigenous people and the denial of their human rights or perhaps involved in localised violence due to illegal logging? If consumers were fully aware of where a piece of furniture really came from would it then be a product that consumers would want and be proud of?
Where should consumers start to gather truthful information or simply just more information before buying? First, start on the internet. A huge percentage of home furnishing shops have virtual stores which can have a huge advantage when shopping for furniture. It is quicker and easier to buy online and due to regulations, online stores are required to provide accurate descriptions and dimensions meaning consumers have sufficient information to make an informed decision before purchasing an item. Consumers can easily shop around for different prices and qualities on the web from the comfort of their own home. This simplifies the process and also helps save on gas. Some companies even carry more merchandise online because this cuts back on oversized stores and storefronts. Also, online stores allow the consumer to read up on the company’s history or quality whereas some in-store salespeople have no idea. The internet also gives consumers the opportunity to find out if a company is keeping up with the green movement or if a percentage of proceeds are being donated to a green charity.
It is also important to find out if the product is made from Forest Stewardship Council woods or another regulated council that certifies improved practice of forestry which helps cut back on illegal logging. Also, check to see if the product is Formaldehyde Free. Inhalation exposure to formaldehyde can result in respiratory symptoms, as well as eye, nose, and throat irritation. Short studies have reported that there is an association with formaldehyde exposure and lung and nasopharyngeal cancer. Animal studies have also shown an increased incidence of nasal squamous cell cancer. There are no long term health risk tests out there as of yet but we are unaware of what else formaldehyde could cause, let alone what is it doing to our atmosphere. It is evident that consumers need to be aware of the materials used to make a product before it enters their home or office. Notice how new cars, new construction, and new furniture all have a distinctive odour? That odour indicates harmful contaminants are evaporating into the air which is called off-gassing. Many government workplaces are subject to stringent regulations pertaining to the emission of these volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. So why shouldn’t the general public be as well? To help protect yourselves and your loved ones, choose low-emitting furniture. Look for key terms such as formaldehyde free, water base stains or adhesives, FSC approved woods, BiOH polyol, recycled materials and also natural materials like jute, hemp and 100% cotton. The word “Green” alone should not suffice when making a purchase. Consumers deserve and need to find out the truth beforehand!
Kermit the Frog was right when he said “it isn’t easy being green”, but it only makes sense for us and our spaces to be!
Stay green and until next time,
w&c designer girl!
Saving the planet is no longer just a politically correct cause. Environmental awareness is an urgent necessity that consumers, communities, cities and countries must all support. The state in which the planet is left to future generations is a human responsibility, a responsibility which extends beyond clever marketing. The effects of careless waste and depleted resources should not be put on the children of tomorrow to suffer with. Environmental awareness must become a natural part of everyday living and a great place to start is with the products we purchase.
Most consumers turn to a salesperson for information. At times, however, salespeople are just as uninformed about the products they are selling and are unable to give proper information leaving consumers just as clueless. A consumer should take things into their own hands to read between the lines or research the company and the quality before purchasing. $55 billion was spent on furniture in 2005 according to the federal Consumer Expenditure Survey, which means furniture was quite a large purchase for the average U.S. consumer. It is estimated that the 2007 survey will top $80 billion. But are consumers spending their money on the right products? Is the product they buy contributing to destroying forests around the world or threatening the homes of critically endangered species? Is the product a result of the destruction of indigenous people and the denial of their human rights or perhaps involved in localised violence due to illegal logging? If consumers were fully aware of where a piece of furniture really came from would it then be a product that consumers would want and be proud of?
Where should consumers start to gather truthful information or simply just more information before buying? First, start on the internet. A huge percentage of home furnishing shops have virtual stores which can have a huge advantage when shopping for furniture. It is quicker and easier to buy online and due to regulations, online stores are required to provide accurate descriptions and dimensions meaning consumers have sufficient information to make an informed decision before purchasing an item. Consumers can easily shop around for different prices and qualities on the web from the comfort of their own home. This simplifies the process and also helps save on gas. Some companies even carry more merchandise online because this cuts back on oversized stores and storefronts. Also, online stores allow the consumer to read up on the company’s history or quality whereas some in-store salespeople have no idea. The internet also gives consumers the opportunity to find out if a company is keeping up with the green movement or if a percentage of proceeds are being donated to a green charity.
It is also important to find out if the product is made from Forest Stewardship Council woods or another regulated council that certifies improved practice of forestry which helps cut back on illegal logging. Also, check to see if the product is Formaldehyde Free. Inhalation exposure to formaldehyde can result in respiratory symptoms, as well as eye, nose, and throat irritation. Short studies have reported that there is an association with formaldehyde exposure and lung and nasopharyngeal cancer. Animal studies have also shown an increased incidence of nasal squamous cell cancer. There are no long term health risk tests out there as of yet but we are unaware of what else formaldehyde could cause, let alone what is it doing to our atmosphere. It is evident that consumers need to be aware of the materials used to make a product before it enters their home or office. Notice how new cars, new construction, and new furniture all have a distinctive odour? That odour indicates harmful contaminants are evaporating into the air which is called off-gassing. Many government workplaces are subject to stringent regulations pertaining to the emission of these volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. So why shouldn’t the general public be as well? To help protect yourselves and your loved ones, choose low-emitting furniture. Look for key terms such as formaldehyde free, water base stains or adhesives, FSC approved woods, BiOH polyol, recycled materials and also natural materials like jute, hemp and 100% cotton. The word “Green” alone should not suffice when making a purchase. Consumers deserve and need to find out the truth beforehand!
Kermit the Frog was right when he said “it isn’t easy being green”, but it only makes sense for us and our spaces to be!
Stay green and until next time,
w&c designer girl!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Slowly killing ourselves?
Do you know what chemicals your house is making you breathe in?
When you take a look inside your own home, you will have a rude awakening when you realize the health problems that you yourself have brought into the very place you are trying to keep safe. Everyday materials that we put ourselves in contact with are the very things that are making our homes dangerous! Off-gassing! If you don’t know the term yet, YOU SHOULD! The chemicals that you are breathing in while you sleep or while you cuddle your baby is something most of us don’t think about, in any means we must start!!
So what is off gassing? “The evaporation of volatile chemicals in non-metallic materials at normal atmospheric pressure”. This means the building materials within your home or office are releasing chemicals into the air through evaporation, which can continue for years after the initial install. This silent stalker is creating these chemicals which enter your lungs on a daily basis, whether you know it or not. It comes from your paints, stains, varnishes, carpet, insulation, flooring, kitchen cabinet and countertops, plywood, particleboard, and paint strippers, producing substantial off gassing in any space. “The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns about the health effects of poor Indoor Air Quality from the off gassing of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).”
Indoor air pollutants such as off gassing is the leading cause for people who suffer with Allergies, Chronic sinusitis, Asthma or respiratory problems in general. Off gassing can cause symptoms ranging from puffy, red and watery eyes to a runny nose, congestion, coughing, and asthma-like symptoms. Off gassing can also be the cause for skin irritations such as rashes, itchiness and hives. The two most identified type of off gassing that you can smell is a “new car” or “new carpet”. Now these smells are obvious but there are numerous products/materials which the off gassing is odourless.
Stockholm University in Sweden conducted a study where they found that certain computer monitors emit a chemical “triphenyl phosphate” which can be the leading cause of allergic reactions. Triphenyl phosphate is a flame retardant that is used in many plastics. When turned on, the monitors' heat causes the compound, which is not bonded to the plastic, to start evaporating. So the question here must be asked, when exposed to such a compound that is typically found in new materials/products can it pose a potential long-term health risk? Apparently they don’t know yet!
Low levels of formaldehyde, a colorless and sharp-smelling gas, can also accumulate indoors from construction materials and household products such as: new furniture, cabinetry, and floor coverings. This is very common. Studies even show that people who are exposed to formaldehyde for a long period of time are more acceptable to experiencing asthma-related respiratory symptoms, coughing and wheezing. Formaldehyde can be found in your paints, varnishes, and floor finishes. You will also find this chemical coming from fireplaces and wood-burning stoves, which commonly cause people to have burning and watering eyes, skin irritation, and even a rash. Other common household items that create off gassing with little to no odour include your bedding, furniture, and cabinetry. We need to be aware of these products and make sure that we are purchasing products that are not harming ourselves or our loved one.
With today’s green movement there are more products out there then ever and is in continual growth, of products/materials that have a low VOC (volitile organic compound) or an off gassing chemical to them. Carpet companies have changed their way of doing things to make sure that they can produce low-emission carpeting and adhesives; such as including natural fibers and latex adhesive to bind the fibers to the back. In the past, the latex binding contained a by-product called 4-phenylcyclohexane (4-PC) that gave carpeting a distinctive rubbery odour. 4-PC was allegedly a cause of adverse health effects. To my knowledge carpeting materials no longer emit 4-PC. You will also be able to find products which are formaldehyde free. As well as products that offer water base stain, furniture that uses all natural substances within them or have less chemical use on their materials which lowers the off gassing emission. For those pieces that you cannot replace there are ways to help protect yourself from the immense off gassing that products can release. Make sure you have regular air movement throughout. For the many offending chemicals, such as formaldehyde, off gassing is at a higher rate when humidity and temperatures are high. Make sure your humidity is below 45 percent to decrease the amount of formaldehyde and other chemicals that will off-gas. Keep your computers in well-ventilated areas and take hourly breaks from the computer to cut down on your exposure.
We must protect ourselves and our loved ones, the way we are all going to achieve this is through education, being aware of what our products are made of before bringing them into our homes/offices. All consumers should have the right to ask what materials have been used to create the product and every company should be able to answer them. You pay for what you get and for the last decade the movement was we want it NOW, which meant materials that were used, were cheap and chemically processed to be able to create a product quick and dirty. Well, there is a new movement and it is quality, and when it comes to quality you pay for it and in some cases you wait for it. Make sure you are a smart consumer when it comes to protecting your air space within your homes or office.
Only Kermit the frog can use the excuse “it isn’t being green” to everyone else it only make sense to be.
Stay green and until next time,
w&c designer girl!
When you take a look inside your own home, you will have a rude awakening when you realize the health problems that you yourself have brought into the very place you are trying to keep safe. Everyday materials that we put ourselves in contact with are the very things that are making our homes dangerous! Off-gassing! If you don’t know the term yet, YOU SHOULD! The chemicals that you are breathing in while you sleep or while you cuddle your baby is something most of us don’t think about, in any means we must start!!
So what is off gassing? “The evaporation of volatile chemicals in non-metallic materials at normal atmospheric pressure”. This means the building materials within your home or office are releasing chemicals into the air through evaporation, which can continue for years after the initial install. This silent stalker is creating these chemicals which enter your lungs on a daily basis, whether you know it or not. It comes from your paints, stains, varnishes, carpet, insulation, flooring, kitchen cabinet and countertops, plywood, particleboard, and paint strippers, producing substantial off gassing in any space. “The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns about the health effects of poor Indoor Air Quality from the off gassing of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).”
Indoor air pollutants such as off gassing is the leading cause for people who suffer with Allergies, Chronic sinusitis, Asthma or respiratory problems in general. Off gassing can cause symptoms ranging from puffy, red and watery eyes to a runny nose, congestion, coughing, and asthma-like symptoms. Off gassing can also be the cause for skin irritations such as rashes, itchiness and hives. The two most identified type of off gassing that you can smell is a “new car” or “new carpet”. Now these smells are obvious but there are numerous products/materials which the off gassing is odourless.
Stockholm University in Sweden conducted a study where they found that certain computer monitors emit a chemical “triphenyl phosphate” which can be the leading cause of allergic reactions. Triphenyl phosphate is a flame retardant that is used in many plastics. When turned on, the monitors' heat causes the compound, which is not bonded to the plastic, to start evaporating. So the question here must be asked, when exposed to such a compound that is typically found in new materials/products can it pose a potential long-term health risk? Apparently they don’t know yet!
Low levels of formaldehyde, a colorless and sharp-smelling gas, can also accumulate indoors from construction materials and household products such as: new furniture, cabinetry, and floor coverings. This is very common. Studies even show that people who are exposed to formaldehyde for a long period of time are more acceptable to experiencing asthma-related respiratory symptoms, coughing and wheezing. Formaldehyde can be found in your paints, varnishes, and floor finishes. You will also find this chemical coming from fireplaces and wood-burning stoves, which commonly cause people to have burning and watering eyes, skin irritation, and even a rash. Other common household items that create off gassing with little to no odour include your bedding, furniture, and cabinetry. We need to be aware of these products and make sure that we are purchasing products that are not harming ourselves or our loved one.
With today’s green movement there are more products out there then ever and is in continual growth, of products/materials that have a low VOC (volitile organic compound) or an off gassing chemical to them. Carpet companies have changed their way of doing things to make sure that they can produce low-emission carpeting and adhesives; such as including natural fibers and latex adhesive to bind the fibers to the back. In the past, the latex binding contained a by-product called 4-phenylcyclohexane (4-PC) that gave carpeting a distinctive rubbery odour. 4-PC was allegedly a cause of adverse health effects. To my knowledge carpeting materials no longer emit 4-PC. You will also be able to find products which are formaldehyde free. As well as products that offer water base stain, furniture that uses all natural substances within them or have less chemical use on their materials which lowers the off gassing emission. For those pieces that you cannot replace there are ways to help protect yourself from the immense off gassing that products can release. Make sure you have regular air movement throughout. For the many offending chemicals, such as formaldehyde, off gassing is at a higher rate when humidity and temperatures are high. Make sure your humidity is below 45 percent to decrease the amount of formaldehyde and other chemicals that will off-gas. Keep your computers in well-ventilated areas and take hourly breaks from the computer to cut down on your exposure.
We must protect ourselves and our loved ones, the way we are all going to achieve this is through education, being aware of what our products are made of before bringing them into our homes/offices. All consumers should have the right to ask what materials have been used to create the product and every company should be able to answer them. You pay for what you get and for the last decade the movement was we want it NOW, which meant materials that were used, were cheap and chemically processed to be able to create a product quick and dirty. Well, there is a new movement and it is quality, and when it comes to quality you pay for it and in some cases you wait for it. Make sure you are a smart consumer when it comes to protecting your air space within your homes or office.
Only Kermit the frog can use the excuse “it isn’t being green” to everyone else it only make sense to be.
Stay green and until next time,
w&c designer girl!
Friday, June 5, 2009
Tie-Dye is back???
Apparently Tie-Dye is making a come back and I have to admit I am kinda excited for it! Just don't think your old t-shirts are trendy again you are going to find this fashionable pattern in home decor. One the home front, you'll notice shibori-style tie-dye patterns and hues on well-chosen pieces like hand-knotted silk and wool rug in the deepest blues. Tie-dye patterned, bedding, placemats, bowls, lamp shades, art work and more. House & Home refers to this pattern as "Shibori-style - Japanese shibori, centuries-old techniques for resist-dyeing cloth by folding, binding, pleating, or stitching. " Shibori is a more controlled pattern with a sophisticated palette of moody tones. So don't start wearing those multi coloured T's this trend only calls for colours of the same tone, but do they look good! 
So get your dye and bowls out because this trend is back and with a twist. Kids all over are probably inching to make tie-dye shirts and I am guessing so are a few of us!
Until next time,
w&c designer girl!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Inspiration for your Outdoor Living Space this Summer!
Inspiring you to create a beautiful outdoor living space this summer. A little imagination or a great Designer and you too can have a great entertaining place that draws your guests to your outdoor space. Don't forget there are green outdoor furniture and accessories to stay true to your movement of saving our health and environment. Remember you pay for what you get and quality and green furniture is sometimes an investment but an investment with a great return. Happy Summer Entertaining Everyone!
Picture courteous of House & Home http://www.canadianhouseandhome.com/design/outdoor-living-10-looks?photo=9
Until next time,
w&c designer girl!
Picture courteous of House & Home http://www.canadianhouseandhome.com/design/outdoor-living-10-looks?photo=9Until next time,
w&c designer girl!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Designed to sell with budget-friendly decorating details!
Style at Home magazine did a beautiful write-up about budget friendly decorating to help sell your home. "When her builder husband Rob completed a new subdivision in South Surrey, B.C., Kimberley Wiens of Laurel Ridge Homes set about decorating the 3,300 sq. ft. show home. Her goal: to appeal to as many buyers as possible as cost-effectively as possible." She created a neutral but inviting palette enhanced by decorating details that make a big impact on a budget.
S@H Is that also why you went with neutrals?"Jeannine Foley We had to think about all the people who might be walking through the show house, so we kept the colour palette light throughout and added lots of texture. We used a lot of soft greys and blues -- beach tones -- which is very South Surrey. The beach is only a five-minute walk away." 
S@H Any other lessons learned?"KW We take great pride in attention to little details and workmanship -- nothing builder's basic! But that doesn't mean you have to blow your budget either. Do little things, like updating cabinetry hardware, when renovating or reselling. If you can’t afford to do so everywhere, invest in a key area.S@H Can you give us an example?KW We didn't have the budget for wainscotting throughout, so we focused on the front entrance. It's impossible for anyone entering the house to miss the coffered ceiling and panelled archway. Those little details make a lasting impression."
Style at Home How did the design process start?"Kimberley Wiens We get a lot of rain on the West Coast, plus the house wasn’t going to be huge, so we decided to design it with a lot of windows and French doors across the back to make it airy, open and bright, and thereby seem bigger. When decorating, we went with simple furnishings and reflective surfaces for
that same reason."
S@H Is that also why you went with neutrals?"Jeannine Foley We had to think about all the people who might be walking through the show house, so we kept the colour palette light throughout and added lots of texture. We used a lot of soft greys and blues -- beach tones -- which is very South Surrey. The beach is only a five-minute walk away." S@H Any other lessons learned?"KW We take great pride in attention to little details and workmanship -- nothing builder's basic! But that doesn't mean you have to blow your budget either. Do little things, like updating cabinetry hardware, when renovating or reselling. If you can’t afford to do so everywhere, invest in a key area.S@H Can you give us an example?KW We didn't have the budget for wainscotting throughout, so we focused on the front entrance. It's impossible for anyone entering the house to miss the coffered ceiling and panelled archway. Those little details make a lasting impression." http://www.styleathome.com/
I wanted to share this article with you to show what you can do on a small budget, just a bit of imagination is needed to give the illusion that you spent more then you did. Also clean simple lines always showcases a house better, so if you are selling your house, take pictures of your space this will give you an idea of how people receive your home. Pictures don't lie and it will help point out the cluttered areas in each room. This Blog might not be angled at a Green venture however being cost effective with your money is. So challenge yourself and see what you can do with your own space on a beer budget but champagne taste!
Stay green my friends!
until next time,
w&c designer girl!
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