enrgPATH Grassrootstag:www.enrgpath.com,2008-07-12:/grassroots//32008-07-24T03:59:19ZMovable Type Publishing Platform 4.0Give: Community Opportunities: spotlighting the non-profit members of enrgPATHtag:www.enrgpath.com,2008:/grassroots//3.272008-07-24T03:54:59Z2008-07-24T03:59:19ZAngelahttp://www.enrgPATH.com/engage: health and sustainability education provided by the enrgPATH Speakers Bureautag:www.enrgpath.com,2008:/grassroots//3.262008-07-24T03:47:58Z2008-07-24T03:54:42ZAs we grow our Speakers Bureau, the new entries will also be posted here. Anyone looking for a speaker will be able to look here. We will have a link to our Speakers Bureau web page, where they can search...Angelahttp://www.enrgPATH.com/Paint Safety Tipstag:www.enrgpath.com,2008:/grassroots//3.252008-07-24T03:43:14Z2008-07-24T03:47:14ZAngelahttp://www.enrgPATH.com/
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. They include a variety of chemicals, some of which have short- and/or long-term adverse health effects. A common source of VOCs in the household is interior wall, trim and ceiling paint.
Key signs or symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include1: conjunctival irritation (red, irritated eyes) nose and throat discomfort headache allergic skin reaction shortness of breath declines in serum cholinesterase levels (a chemical involved in the transmission of nerve impulses) nausea and vomiting nose bleeds fatigue dizziness
"Indoor air is 25-100 times more polluted than outdoor air, and according to the EPA, is considered to be one of the top 5 hazards to human health. Paints and finishes are among the leading causes." --www.eartheasy.com
Low-VOC Doesn't Mean Non-Toxic We are advised not to use toxic paints, but to use the new, improved, low-VOC type because it contains "less" of the bad stuff.
By now, most of the major paint companies have complied with EPA guidelines by reducing the amount of dangerous VOCs to acceptable levels. But are these paints really safe?
Contaminants not considered to be VOCs still find their way into paint. For example:
Some paints contain ammonia and acetone, which are highly dangerous to human health, but are not required by law to appear on the label. Fungicides and biocides are toxic chemicals used to prevent mildew growth. They may be good for the paint, but they're bad for your health.
These chemicals contaminate both indoor and outdoor air for five years or more after the product has been applied! Further, some paint companies, in their pursuit to reduce VOCs, have added more chemicals (usually toxic) to mask the offensive paint smell!2
Environmental Certifications Green Seal, Inc., Washington, D.C., is an independent, non-profit organization working to achieve a healthier and cleaner environment by identifying and promoting products and services that cause less toxic pollution and waste, conserve resources and habitats, and minimize global warming and ozone depletion. LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) is a registered trademark and program of the U.S. Green Building Council. The LEED Green Building Rating System 2.0 was developed for the U.S. Department of Energy to help guide commercial building projects in green and sustainable design. Many public and private buildings are now being built to LEED standards. Chemicals To Avoid: Ammonia: Used as a mildewcide to inhibit bacteria and mold, as a pigment solvent, and to help the paint "flow" off the brush or roller. Ammonia is an eye and respiratory irritant.
Crystalline Silica (beach sand): Added to paint for color or texture. Considered a carcinogen if inhaled (can occur when sanding or scraping).
Formaldehyde: Used as a mildewcide, especially in kitchen and bath paints. Formaldehyde is a respiratory irritant and probable carcinogen.
Glycol Esters: Used as a solvent to help pigment mix more easily into paint bases. Can be absorbed through the skin and, with prolonged exposure, can cause organ damage.
Heavy Metals (cobalt, cadmium): Used as pigments, drying agents or biocides. These chemicals are neurotoxins and can also damage the liver and kidneys.
Phthalates (dibutyl phthalate): Used to give the paint better spreadability. Can cause eye and skin irritation. Toxic when inhaled or ingested.
Toluene (methyl benzene): Used as a paint solvent. Toluene can negatively affect the nervous system, kidneys and heart.3
Caution: Even low- and no-VOC paints can contain these toxins
For More Information: Greenseal.org Eartheasy.com Greenhomeguide.com
Compiled by: Emily Karsjens, Resource Manager Center on Sustainable Communities ]]>
Natural Interior Paint Optionstag:www.enrgpath.com,2008:/grassroots//3.242008-07-24T03:36:57Z2008-07-24T03:42:24ZAngelahttp://www.enrgPATH.com/
The interior paints used in most homes today contain VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and other toxic chemicals that are harmful to human health and the environment. Some symptoms of VOC exposure may include nausea, shortness of breath, nose and throat irritation, and dizziness.2
The United States Environmental Protection Agency has said that the levels of these VOCs are approximately twenty-five to one hundred times higher indoors than outdoors, and that we spend approximately 90% of our time indoors.3
One way to decrease your family's exposure to these health hazards, and to use products that are "green" or better for the environment, is to use paints that contain no (or at least less) toxic compounds.
Three Types of "Green" Paint Natural Paints and Finishes1 - Made from water, plant oils and resins, plant dyes and essential oils, clay, chalk and talcum, milk casein, natural latex, bees' wax, and/or mineral dyes. Contain no VOCs or harmful chemicals. Water-based products give off almost no smell. Oil-based products usually have a pleasant fragrance of citrus or essential oils. Allergies and sensitivities to these paints are very uncommon. The safest for human and environmental health.
Zero VOC1 - According to EPA standards, "Zero VOC" paints contain 5 grams VOCs or fewer per liter. Some manufacturers may claim "Zero-VOCs," but these paints may still use colorants, biocides and fungicides that contain some VOCs. Adding a color tint usually brings the VOC level up to 10 grams/liter, which is still quite low.
Low VOC1 - These are water-based instead of petroleum-based like traditional paints, so levels of harmful emissions are lower. Must not contain more than 250 grams VOCs per liter. Varnishes must not contain more than 300 grams VOCs per liter. Contain no, or very low levels, of heavy metals and formaldehyde. Amount of VOCs varies among different "low-VOC" products, and is listed on the paint can. Low VOC paints will still emit an odor until dry. If you are particularly sensitive, make sure the paint you buy contains fewer than 25 grams/liter of VOCs.
Paint Recycling You can take further advantage of chemical recycling programs (and usually save money) by buying recycled paint. There are two types of recycled paint products:
Re-blended paint is 100% post-consumer content. Originally available only in beige or brown, new technology now offers a wider variety of colors. Although the paints are screened and remixed, you're never entirely sure what types of paints have gone into the mix. Re-blended paints, therefore, can't be tested for wear or longevity, but they're perfect if you have a lot of area to cover. Reprocessed paint is mixed with new resins and colorants to create a paint that performs about as well as new paint. Check the label for the recycled content: reprocessed paints can contain as little as 20% reused material.
The downside to choosing recycled paint is that you'll be using the older, higher-VOC paint, but you'll know that you're doing the planet a favor by saving resources and landfill space.
Paint Company Examples Natural Paints1 Aglaia Livos Auro EcoDesign BioShield Old Fashioned Milk Paint Company Sawyer Finn Natural Milk Paint Silacote Sinan
Zero Voc Paints AFM Safecoat ICI Lifemaster 2000 Kelly-Moore Enviro-Cote Devoe Paint Wonder Pure Ecos Organic Paints Sherwin Williams Harmony Frazee Paint EnviroKote Rodda Paint Co. Horizon McCormick Paint
Low Voc Paints Benjamin Moore Pristine EcoSpec Cloverdale EcoLogic Duron Paints Genesis
For More Information: Greenseal.org Environmentalhomecenter.com Metaefficient.com Buildingforhealth.com Greenerbuilding.org
Compiled by: Emily Karsjens, Resource Manager Center on Sustainable Communities www.icosc.com Interior Paint Alternatives ]]>
Sustainable Lighting Options and Educationtag:www.enrgpath.com,2008:/grassroots//3.232008-07-24T02:52:08Z2008-07-24T03:35:57ZAngelahttp://www.enrgPATH.com/ CFLs: Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs are a smaller version of the fluorescent tubes everyone is familiar with. Use 50 - 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs Last up to 10 times longer than incandescents Replacing one incandescent with one CFL will reduce CO2 emissions by 700 - 1,000 lbs. over its lifetime Can be installed into a standard socket Use the "15 minute rule" - the life of the bulb is decreased when a CFL is frequently turned on an off. If you're leaving the room for less than 15 minutes, leave the CFL turned on. Can't all be used on dimmers Should be covered if used outdoors Not recommended for spotlighting Contain small amounts of mercury and must be disposed of properly to prevent contamination When choosing a CFL, compare Lumens (amount of light produced), not Watts (energy usage), to the current incandescent light bulb
LEDs: Light Emitting Diodes have generally been used in electronic clocks and panels and Christmas lights, but are making their way to the mainstream market. Use 50% less energy than incandescent bulbs - are becoming more efficient every year while CFLs are not7 Last up to 133 times longer than incandescents and 10 times longer than CFLs - 100,000 to 1 million hrs1 Very durable Produce 96% less heat than incandescent lamps Replacing one incandescent with one LED will reduce CO2 emissions by over 9,000 lbs. over its lifetime (EcoLEDs brand) Do not contain mercury Not recommended for flood lighting - they don't have a "lamp", but have a lens that focuses and directs light Can be used with dimmers Turn on instantly and don't wear down when turned on and off frequently The initial cost is much higher, but LEDs pay for themselves in 1-2 years
Halogen: Typically used in street lamps, but also have other applications. More efficient than CFLs Last twice as long as incandescent lamps Save 20% of the energy of incandescents Operate at slightly higher temperatures, and put out UV rays at a slightly higher rate than incandescents
Mercury One CFL contains enough mercury to poison 7,000 gallons of fresh water, so it is important to dispose of CFLs and fluorescent tubes properly to avoid mercury poisoning or contamination. The best option is to take them to the local hazardous waste collection center. For the Des Moines area, this is located: Regional Collection Center 1105 Prairie Drive SW Bondurant, Iowa 50035 (515) 967-5512 www.mwatoday.com/mwa_reg.html
Look for Energy Star CFLs. These have been certified with known mercury levels, and usually have a longer lifetime.
You can also go online and order a bucket to collect your old CFLs and ship it back for recycling when it's full. Visit www.lamprecycling.com for more information.
Dimmers Another way to increase the efficiency of your lighting is to install dimmers. Dimmers decrease the amount of energy a light bulb is using, and therefore increase the efficiency of any type of bulb you choose to use.
To get the most out of your dimmer, be sure to match the type of dimmer with the specific type of light bulb you are going to install.
Be aware that a CFL may say "dimmable" on the box, but the fine print may say "not to be used with dimmers".
For more information: EarthEasy - www.eartheasy.com Sierra Club - www.sierraclub.org National Resource Defense Council (NRDC) - www.nrdc.org Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities - www.iamu.org Iowa Association of Energy Efficiency - www.iowaenergy.org Iowa Energy Center - www.energy.iastate.edu Lighting Research Center - www.lrc.rpi.edu
Compiled by Emily Karsjens, Resource Manager Center on Sustainable Communities www.icosc.com ]]>
Concrete Options & Concrete Recyclingtag:www.enrgpath.com,2008:/grassroots//3.222008-07-24T02:45:30Z2008-07-24T02:51:56ZAngelahttp://www.enrgPATH.com/
For every ton of cement manufactured, about 6.5 million BTUs of energy are consumed.3 For every ton of cement manufactured, about one ton of carbon dioxide is released.3
However, there are steps being taken to make concrete into an even better product. Fly Ash and Slag Cement are both being used in place of Portland cement, which lowers the embodied energy, conserves virgin materials and reduces pollution.2
Fly Ash: A by product of coal fired electric generating plants. Millions of tons are produced in the U.S. annually. Using it in concrete diverts it from going to the landfill.1 Replacing 1 ton of Portland cement with fly ash would save enough electricity to power the average American home for 24 days and reduce carbon dioxide emissions equal to two months use of an automobile.3,4 Can be used sparingly or in large amounts to replace Portland cement by up to 60% by mass7 Improves the strength of concrete1 The tiny glass beads in Fly ash improve flow, workability and ease of pumping1, 3 Requires up to 10% less water to mix than Portland cement, so it conserves resources, is easier to use in cold weather and is less likely to crack1, 3 Somewhat lighter than Portland cement1 Meets applicable U.S. codes1 In 2003 over 15 million tons of cement were imported into the US to make up for a shortage in US cement production. If domestic fly ash had replaced those imports, the result would have been an improvement in the US balance of trade of at least $1 billion.4 There are some concerns about freeze-thaw performance1 It comes from operations in different regions, so its mineral makeup may not be consistent1
Slag Cement (Ground granulated blast furnace slag): A by product of steel production. Its use in concrete diverts it from the landfill.7 Used to partially replace Portland cement by up to 80% by mass and conserves virgin resources7 Like Fly ash, replacing one ton of Portland cement reduces greenhouse gas emissions by one ton5 Improves the strength and durability of hardened concrete5 Uses 3-5% less water than Portland cement6 Like Fly ash, slag improves flow, workability and ease of pumping6 Slag requires less than 1/5 of the energy to produce than cement and produces less than 1/10 of the CO2 emissions7
Concrete recycling Concrete is recyclable, with 45 to 80% of crushed concrete usable as aggregate in new construction.3 Concrete debris was once routinely shipped to landfills for disposal, but recycling is becoming more widely used. This saves landfill space and using recycled concrete as aggregate reduces the need for gravel mining.7 Crushing facilities accept only uncontaminated concrete, which must be free of trash, wood, paper and other such materials.7
Concrete in Framing & Foundations ICFs (Insulated Concrete Forms): Foam forms that are set in position and filled with reinforced concrete and reinforcement bar to create insulated structural walls1 Great for foundations and above-grade walls11 Insulating foam provides an ideal curing environment, leading to stronger concrete11 Provide an R-value of 17-261 ICFs absorb sound, leading to a 75% quieter home8 Average energy savings of 25-50% vs wood framed home8 ICF foundations require less time to install than traditional1
SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels): Pre-made panels made from a thick layer of foam between and attached to two layers of OSB, plywood or fiber-cement1 Used above-grade (for walls, floors and roofs)11 Provide an R-value of 15-4511 Panels can reach long distances without structural support and are suitable for large-span roofing applications11 Panels are made off-site and can create any shape11 No need to locate studs when drywalling11 Can also use agricultural fibers instead of foam1
Both ICFs and SIPs Insulation doesn't settle like other types can11 Concrete framing is more likely to withstand hurricanes and other severe weather8 A tighter building envelope increases energy efficiency and air infiltration, but proper ventilation is needed to control indoor air quality and humidity11 Both buffer the home from extreme air temperatures11, 8 Any siding can be used11 Some providers incorporate recycled content foam11 Pre-planning reduces on-site waste11 Can look just like traditionally built homes8 Both require an experienced contractor to install9 Last longer in fire tests than wood framed homes10 Less prone to termites and moisture than wood1
For more information: Toolbase Services - www.toolbase.org Greenbuilder.com - www.greenbuilder.com Green Building Solutions - www.greenbuildingsolutions.org
Sources: 1 Toolbase Services 2Greenbuilder.com 3Headwaters Resources 4King, Bruce, P.E. Making Better Concrete 5Slag Cement Association 6American Concrete Pavement Association 7Wikipedia 8Insulated Concrete Form Association 9U.S. Dept. of Energy - EERE 10Portland Cement Association 11Carol, Deniz, Green Building Solutions
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Buying Locally, CSA's & Farmers Marketstag:www.enrgpath.com,2008:/grassroots//3.212008-07-24T01:44:47Z2008-07-24T02:14:20ZAn average American meal has traveled between 1,500 and 2,500 miles to get to the table.2The average American creates about 2.8 tons of CO2 annually by eating and only 2.2 tons of CO2 by driving.4A typical meal bought from a...Angelahttp://www.enrgPATH.com/
The average American creates about 2.8 tons of CO2 annually by eating and only 2.2 tons of CO2 by driving.4 A typical meal bought from a conventional supermarket chain - including some meat, grains, fruit and vegetables - consumes 4 to 17 times more petroleum for transport than the same meal using local ingredients.2 Farmers in 2002 earned their lowest real net cash income since 1940. Meanwhile corporate agribusiness profits have nearly doubled since 1990 -USDA, 20026
Farmers' Markets - Farmers' Markets are a great place to buy locally-grown, fresh food and produce. Buying local food saves fossil fuels from transportation, and allows the food to be picked at the peak of flavor. Farmers' Markets also help local farmers get better prices for their products.3 The number of registered farmers' markets in the U.S. has jumped from 300 in the mid-1970s to more than 3,100 today.2
Community Supported Agriculture Farms (CSAs) CSAs offer a seasonal subscription for a flat fee, were the consumer receives a weekly delivery of fresh produce, eggs, dairy, meat, or flowers. By making a financial contribution to the farm, the farmer has more economic security and the consumer has a relationship with where his or her food comes from. Iowa has between forty and fifty CSAs.5
Other Options - Another great opportunity is to grow what you can in your own garden! Traveling from the back yard, of course, uses the least amount of CO2 (depending on how much you breathe) and will be the freshest and best-tasting.
For more information - Practical Farmers of Iowa - a state-wide, non-profit organization that promotes profitable, ecologically-sound and community-enhancing approaches to agriculture. Also the Iowa steward of Buy Fresh, Buy Local - www.practicalfarmers.org Buy Fresh, Buy Local - a marketing program for farmers selling directly to consumers, restaurants and grocers. They also have fliers that list local farms by county who sell produce, meat, eggs, honey, dairy, wine, etc. Local Harvest - www.localharvest.org includes a searchable database of CSAs, farmers' markets, restaurants, groceries, co-ops and farms. Slow Food USA -non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and celebrating the food traditions of North America that reflect generations of commitment to the land. At international. national and local levels, including a Des Moines chapter - www.slowfoodusa.org Iowa Network for Community Agriculture - aims to promote relationships among people who are developing sustainable local food sources that are safe and healthy for people, all creatures, and the land - www.growinca.org Organic Consumers Association - an online and grassroots non-profit 501(c)3 public interest organization campaigning for health, justice, and sustainability - www.organicconsumers.org
Local CSAs: (courtesy of Local Harvest)
SalAmander Farms - Bondurant (a member of COSC) Turtle Farm CSA - Johnston MYfarmer LLC - Urbandale The Homestead - Pleasant Hill L.T. Organic Farm & Restaurant - Waukee Blue Gate Farm - Chariton Small Potatoes Farm - Minburn
Sources: 1 Practical Farmers of Iowa 2 Organic Consumers Association 3 Wikipedia 4 Forecast Earth - The Weather Channel 5 Local Harvest 6 Food Routes Network Buy Fresh, Buy Local DSM Directory: www.law.drake.edu/centers/docs/bfblDirectory07.pdf
Compiled by Emily Karsjens, Resource Manager Center on Sustainable Communities www.icosc.com