"Only after the last tree has been cut down…the last river has been poisoned…the last fish caught, only then will you find that money cannot be eaten."- Cree Indian Prophesy
"I see the whole field of environmentalism and population as nothing more than the survival of the human species. I have wanted to have some bumper sticker made up saying 'Save the Humans'. At the bottom of it all, we are trying to save ourselves."- Ted Turner
"The frog does not drink up the pond in which he lives."- Native American Proverb
"We all moan and groan about the loss of the quality of life through the destruction of our ecology, and yet every one of us, in our own little comfortable ways, contributes daily to that destruction. It's time now to awaken in each one of us the respect and attention our beloved Mother deserves."- Ed Asner, Actor
"To waste, to destroy, our natural resources, to skin and exhaust the land instead of using it so as to increase its usefulness, will result in undermining in the days of our children the very prosperity which we ought by right to hand down to them amplified. . . "- Theodore Roosevelt
"As the human population grows and our demand for natural resources increases, more and more habitats are devastated. Today, we may be losing 30,000 species a year -- a rate much faster than at any time since the last great extinction 65 million years ago that wiped out most of the dinosaurs. If we continue on this course, we will destroy even ourselves."- American Museum of Natural History
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."- Margaret Mead"The environment is where we all meet; where we all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing that all of us share. It is not only a mirror of ourselves, but a focusing lens on what we can become..."- Lady Bird Johnson
Stay Green!
Until next time,
w&c designer girl!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
INTERESTING?!?!
A physics teacher in high school, once told the students that while one grasshopper on the railroad tracks wouldn't slow a train very much, a billion of them would . With that thought in mind, read the following, obviously written by a good Canadian.
"Good idea . . . one light bulb at a time . . . .Check this out . I can verify this because I was in Lowe's the other day for some reason and just for the fun of it I was looking at the hose attachments . They were all made in China . The next day I was in Home Hardware and just for the fun of it I checked the hose attachments there. They were made in Canada. Start looking.In our current economic situation, every little thing we buy or do affects someone else - even their job. So, after reading this email, I think this lady is on the right track . Let's get behind her!
She said:My grandson likes Hershey's candy . I noticed, though, that it is marked made in Mexico now. I do not buy it any more . My favorite toothpaste Colgate is made in Mexico now. I have switched to Crest .. You have to read the labels on everything .This past weekend I was at Wal-mart . I needed 60W light bulbs . I was in the light bulb aisle, and right next to the GE brand I normally buy was an off brand labeled, "Everyday Value. " I picked up both types of bulbs and compared the stats - they were the same except for the price. The GE bulbs were more money than the Everyday Value brand but the thing that surprised me the most was the fact that GE was made in MEXICO and the Everyday Value brand was made in - get ready for this -in Canada in a company in Ontario.So throw out the myth that you can not find products you use every day that are made right here .My challenge to you is to start reading the labels when you shop for everyday things and see what you can find that is made in Canada - the job you save may be your own or your neighbour’s!If you accept the challenge, pass this on to others in your address book so we can all start buying Canadian, one light bulb at a time! Stop buying from overseas companies!(We should have awakened a decade ago . . . . . . )Let's get with the program . . . . help our fellow Canadians keep their jobs and create more jobs here in Canada.
If President Obama insists on a “Made in America” policy, which is commendable of him to support American workers, we should do likewise. So Steven Harper wake-up......and the rest of us Canadians..........BUY CANADIAN! Read the labels. Support Canadian jobs.....and you will be supporting yourself !"
Stay Green by buying locally!
Until next time,
w&c designer girl!
"Good idea . . . one light bulb at a time . . . .Check this out . I can verify this because I was in Lowe's the other day for some reason and just for the fun of it I was looking at the hose attachments . They were all made in China . The next day I was in Home Hardware and just for the fun of it I checked the hose attachments there. They were made in Canada. Start looking.In our current economic situation, every little thing we buy or do affects someone else - even their job. So, after reading this email, I think this lady is on the right track . Let's get behind her!
She said:My grandson likes Hershey's candy . I noticed, though, that it is marked made in Mexico now. I do not buy it any more . My favorite toothpaste Colgate is made in Mexico now. I have switched to Crest .. You have to read the labels on everything .This past weekend I was at Wal-mart . I needed 60W light bulbs . I was in the light bulb aisle, and right next to the GE brand I normally buy was an off brand labeled, "Everyday Value. " I picked up both types of bulbs and compared the stats - they were the same except for the price. The GE bulbs were more money than the Everyday Value brand but the thing that surprised me the most was the fact that GE was made in MEXICO and the Everyday Value brand was made in - get ready for this -in Canada in a company in Ontario.So throw out the myth that you can not find products you use every day that are made right here .My challenge to you is to start reading the labels when you shop for everyday things and see what you can find that is made in Canada - the job you save may be your own or your neighbour’s!If you accept the challenge, pass this on to others in your address book so we can all start buying Canadian, one light bulb at a time! Stop buying from overseas companies!(We should have awakened a decade ago . . . . . . )Let's get with the program . . . . help our fellow Canadians keep their jobs and create more jobs here in Canada.
If President Obama insists on a “Made in America” policy, which is commendable of him to support American workers, we should do likewise. So Steven Harper wake-up......and the rest of us Canadians..........BUY CANADIAN! Read the labels. Support Canadian jobs.....and you will be supporting yourself !"
Stay Green by buying locally!
Until next time,
w&c designer girl!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Should you trust that eco tag?
How to know whether that Eco tag is just sticking it to you!
http://www.nowtoronto.com/columns/ecoholic.cfm?content=168989
"Shopping for products that don’t traumatize the planet can leave you feeling like a drugged-out mouse in a maze. Just snap your fingers and another dozen green logos seem to materialize, as companies and retail chains take it upon themselves to invent their own labelling systems. Thanks for the help, guys, but what we really need is a national agreed-upon seal. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the labels you’ll come across. So should you trust ’em? "
http://www.nowtoronto.com/columns/ecoholic.cfm?content=168989
"Shopping for products that don’t traumatize the planet can leave you feeling like a drugged-out mouse in a maze. Just snap your fingers and another dozen green logos seem to materialize, as companies and retail chains take it upon themselves to invent their own labelling systems. Thanks for the help, guys, but what we really need is a national agreed-upon seal. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the labels you’ll come across. So should you trust ’em? "
WOW have you checked out IKEA's Kitchen lately!
When it comes to economic times we are forced to look at options that we might not usually look into. When it comes to Kitchen renovations, you are usually looking at an expensive investment, however an investment that adds huge value to your home if you decide to tackle the challenge. If you have Champagne taste on a beer budget you need to check out Ikea!! They have great kitchen layouts, products and storage solutions as well their kitchen design program makes your kitchen makeover that much more easier to tackle. http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/categories/departments/kitchen/ 
"50 cheap and chic kitchen perk-ups" brought to you by Style at Home. Great helpful tips for your Kitchen makeover project!
http://www.styleathome.com/decorating-and-design/budget/50-cheap-and-chic-kitchen-perk-ups/a/22544
All the best with your Kitchen Projects!
Until next time,
w&c designer girl!
"50 cheap and chic kitchen perk-ups" brought to you by Style at Home. Great helpful tips for your Kitchen makeover project!
http://www.styleathome.com/decorating-and-design/budget/50-cheap-and-chic-kitchen-perk-ups/a/22544
All the best with your Kitchen Projects!
Until next time,
w&c designer girl!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
We are all ONE Please Spread This Message
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.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCnWZncHH2Y
Stay Green my Friends!
w&c designer girl.
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!
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