It's been awhile since I recommended some new green products. With the emphasis on new technology in the current stimulus package from the Obama administration, we are about to be deluged with new products and widgets. Here is my first volley:
Plyboo Bamboo Flooring
This has been around for awhile as one of the first FSC certifications but they are now offering it as PlybooPure which has low emitting, non-formaldehyde polyisocyanurate binder. Also has lots of moldings and threshold options. Since bamboo is coming from China these days, its best to buy from a PC source. LEED accredited.
Vermont Natural Coatings
Features PolyWhey which is a waterborne wood finish from recycled whey protein; a byproduct of the dairy industry. Gotta love those Ben and Jerry's cows in Vermont. Twice the durability of other water based finishes and the cans are even made from 100 percent, pre-consumer, recycled polypropylene. Benjamin Moore is also in the game with their Natura zero VOC paint. Both are LEED accredited.
Agilewaves Resource Monitor
Believe me, the next big push from green Obama stimulus money will be in monitoring of energy use. Imagine having a house or business that manages circuits, waterlines and heating systems by automatically sourcing energy supply based on best rates at various times of day. We are currently building houses where every appliance is hooked to telephone or coaxial cable so you can check into your house via cellphone to turn on the coffeepot or monitor usage. This company says it can reduce costs up to 20 percent. LEED accredited.
O Ecotextiles
Cool company offering fabrics created with focus on toxicity, carbon footprint and social justice. Sustainably grown fibers including hemp, flax, abaca, ramie, silk and bamboo. LEED accredited.
Rainwater H2OG Tanks
This is close to my heart... When we built our house outside of Boulder, CO, (sold, to much regret) I put in 10,000 gallons of water storage and a wetlands for the septic. This company makes a 50 gallon and a yet to be released 350 gallon rainwater recovery system made of virgin, food grade polyethylene tanks designed to be mounted in tight spaces. The water is filtered and then can be pumped to various applications. I believe that the biggest obstacle to water recovery/grey water systems in America is the Code System filled with knucklehead plumbers protecting their outdated jobs. Am I too harsh?? Get over it. LEED accredited.
Kemiko Concrete Stain
I have been a cheerleader for concrete ever since my vino compadre David Williams and I first built countertops in Tennessee 13 years ago. I might also brag that we constructed the first high tech pizza ovens there too. So there, Alice Waters!! Kemiko has been in the game for 25 years with interesting, low/zero VOC coloration for concrete floors.
Clivus Multrum
One of the original pioneers is still kickin' since 1973. They design composting toilets and greywater systems used in homes and national parks everywhere.
Heifer International
Years ago, we gave subscriptions as Holiday gifts because we thought this was such a great idea. Today, they are a LEED certified Platinum project around the world. One is able to gift all types of livestock to families and villages in need. Please check them out.
