Tuesday, 18 May 2010 00:00

In a new report from the President's Cancer Panel even the mainstream doctors are begining to realize what companies like AFM Safecoat have been petitioning all along. 

Chemical exposure in may forms of products that we use everyday can lead to long-term health problems.  It's not like we didn't know this.  Wear a mask when particulate spraying , open a window when using heavy cleaners, don't eat household chemicals, blah blah blah. 

But the warnings have been getting louder and clearer:  unregulated chemicals surround us and we haven't studied their effects for very long if at all. 

The truth is, this is precisely why we at INDIGOGreen have always carried paint from a company like AFM Safecoat.  

 Read the article from the NYT here

Monday, 17 May 2010 12:56

Not exactly green house gas emissions from everyone in Alachua County has decreased, but GHG emmissions from county administration operations has decreased.  Believe you me, this will become more common and inventory of GHG emissions is already mandated by the federal EPA for many manufacturing and raw material production.

Here is the press release from Alachua County:

The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department has completed an update of the Alachua County Government Operations Greenhouse Gas Inventory for calendar years 2008 and 2009.  The new inventory estimates the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from County buildings and facilities, vehicle fleets, solid waste, water delivery facilities and streetlights and traffic signals sectors.  The new updated inventory is compared to previous Alachua County government inventories completed for the years 1998 and 1990.  

 The 2009 inventory found that Alachua County government operations emitted 26,438 tons of carbon dioxide equivalents from energy and fossil fuel consumption which was a 5% decrease from 2008 GHG emissions.  Total GHG emissions from the building and vehicle fleet sectors showed a 14% increase from 1998 to 2009.  Vehicle fleet emissions increased 70% during this time period primarily due to out of County solid waste hauling operations and road construction by the County. 

Chris Bird, Environmental Protection Director, said of the greenhouse gas update, "This update shows that Alachua County has achieved some encouraging decreases in greenhouse gas emissions and energy usage in some of the County's older buildings that have served to offset some of the emission increases from government growth and newly constructed County facilities."

Click here to view the 2008 and 2009 Alachua County Government Greenhouse Gas Inventory.Alachua County joined the ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability/Cities for Climate Protection Campaign in 1999 and has committed to monitor and reduce GHG emissions. 

The Environmental Protection Department is completing an Alachua County Community-wide Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory Update which is expected to be completed by August 2010.

For more information, contact Chris Bird, or Dr. John Mousa, Alachua County Pollution Prevention Manager at 352-264-6800.

Friday, 14 May 2010 00:26

We'd love to sell you one of our wonderful "hand-crafted" rain barrels from INDIGOGreen, but if you can get to this sale from Alachua County this Saturday, May 15th I'd encourage you to get them through our wonderful Alachua County Environmental Department.   There will be composters and rain barrels for sale at the Alachua County Hazardous Waste Collection Center.  Here's the beef:

Wednesday, 12 May 2010 21:31

Wednesday, 12 May 2010 00:40

The long-awaited Senate Climate Bill that will be released tomorrow will contain provisions for offshore oil drilling and green house gas emissions cuts.  It will also provide incentives for offshore oil drilling giving Gulf States a 37.5% royalty share and the option to opt out of oil drilled less than 75 miles from their shores (does that really matter when the Gulf Stream might be carrying BP's mess up the Eastern seaboard?).  

It will also put a hard cap on carbon prices in the future carbon trading market as well as $54 billion for nuclear power plant loans and $2 billion for coal fired power plants to research new carbon capture technologies.  Where's the renewables you ask?  We'll have to wait and see what the final provisions provide for, but for now all we see is a call for 17% GHG emissions cut by 2020.

Read on... 

Monday, 10 May 2010 16:49

INDIGOGreen partners Abundant Edbile Landscapes has been chosen to collaborate with Florida Organic Growers (FOG) in creating landscaping for a new Edible Park, located in Downtown Gainesville, on the corner of University and Main Street,

Friday, 07 May 2010 00:00

Reprinted from greenbuilding.com this concludes our green bathroom remodel tips.  I would add however, that the finishes in this reprint do not include American Clay which I have done in my own bathroom and am loving it.  It is a perfect place for American Clay in spite of the moisture.  Clay is absorbant so it actually helps with the ambient moisture, not direct splashing however.
What is more, look for Safecoat non-toxic as well as zero-VOC paint.  It is not enough to be zero VOC, it is also necessary to be toxin-free as many toxins that are put in zero-VOC paints can still offgas, they just don't register as Smog-contributing VOC's as defined by the EPA.

Enjoy.

Green Windows for Bathrooms 101

Use Natural Light

Large windows make the bathroom brighter and in turn can make you and other occupants happier. Daylighting provides vital nourishment for your health and can reduce energy bills. Remember, however, that windows can be holes in the thermal envelope of your house so be sure to choose the right windows and install them correctly. 

Check for Leaky Windows

Leaky windows waste a lot of energy and the draftiness decreases your comfort. Old windows may also be a source of condensation damage so check your windows for deterioration. 

Choose High Performance Windows

Millions of homes built before 1985 have single paned windows that have practically no insulating value (R=1). Today homeowners have a great deal of choice in double-paned windows with what’s called “Low-E” coatings that have much higher insulating value (R=3).

For bathrooms, vinyl and fiberglass frames are preferred. Wood is not a good choice as it is liable to rot in the moisture-rich environment. Aluminum frames should nearly always be avoided since aluminum conducts heat and cold and can dramatically decrease the performance of the window and form condensation on the glass. 

Consider Insulated Skylights and/or Solar Light Tubes

Skylights can deliver light into a room at the core of the house which may not otherwise receive natural light. Skylights, however, can create an unwanted “hole” in the insulation of your roof so if you choose to install one, there are a few things you should consider.
First, a skylight should be made with low-e glass; never choose the “single bubble” type. Low –e at least provides a R-3 reducing heat loss.

Solar light tubes are a more energy-efficient solution and are often less expensive than skylights. Be watchful of metal tubes that can act as a thermal bridge to the outside of the house. If the tube is metal and runs through an uninsulated attic, be sure to insulate the tube. 

Green Bathroom Windows Checklist

• Inspect existing windows for water damage and air infiltration
• Upgrade to double-paned, low-e windows
• Avoid wood or aluminum window frames in bathrooms
• If installing a skylight, choose low-e and insulate
• If installing a solar light tube, insulate the tube with duct insulation 

Green Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) for Bathrooms 101

Fixing up an existing bathroom generally does not require changing air registers, radiators, or baseboard heaters. A new bathroom, however, may require extra heat register or radiator. The new ductwork should be installed in “conditioned,” or insulated, walls rather than outside walls. 

Ventilate Moisture Away From the Bathroom

Ventilation is necessary in a bathroom to get rid of unwanted moisture caused by showering and bathing. Though code requires either a window or a bathroom fan, you’re unlikely to open a window when it’s six degrees outside so a bathroom fan should be installed and used. Shop around for a fan that is a) energy-efficient, b) low sone ~2 (not noisy). The fan must be ducted to the outside to ensure that moisture leaves the bathroom and the attic space. 

Green Finishes (Cabinets, Countertops and other finishes) for Bathrooms 101

Bathroom finishes should be water resistant, durable and healthy. We do not recommend wallpaper, especially vinyl, as moisture can get behind the paper and cause mold growth. Also avoid using particleboard and medium density fiberboard (MDF) in cabinets and counter tops. Use exterior-grade plywood or a formaldehyde-free alternative. If you do use particleboard or MDF, use a non-toxic sealant, like water-based urethane, to keep the unwanted VOCs trapped in the material.

Solid wood can be a healthy alternative. The best woods to use are FSC-certified with a low-VOC, water-based wood finish. If you decide to paint the finish, use a hard wearing, washable, low- or no- VOC and formaldehyde- free paint.

Ceramic tiles are water-resistant, washable, and very durable. Look for a low-toxic grout and sealer. Natural stone, marble or slate, are more expensive options, but extremely water-resistant and a healthy, beautiful element to add around showers, tubs, or other areas of the room. For attachment of all bathroom materials, select low-solvent adhesives when they are required to minimize toxins in your indoor environment.

Thursday, 06 May 2010 00:00

Green Electrical and Lighting for Bathrooms 101

Your green lighting design should include two types of lighting: Ambient lighting and task lighting.

Choose Energy-Efficient Ambient Lighting

For ambient lighting and vanity lighting, florescent tubes and bulbs are an excellent choice. A 15-watt florescent bulb will emit as much light as a 60-watt incandescent bulb yet it will last ten times as long. Many improvements have been made in florescent light technology so these lights are now available in flattering hues (or color temperature as known by the trade). Florescent lights can result in significant energy savings.

Another option for indirect, ambient lighting is LED lighting. LEDs produce as much light as incandescent lights but use 1/10 of the electricity of an incandescent bulb. The initial cost for LED lighting is higher but will save you energy and replacement bulb costs since they will last for 10 years or more. 

Carefully Install Recessed Lighting

If installing recessed ambient lighting, make sure the lighting fixture is sealed air-tight and is insulation compatible. AT- IC designates that the recessed lighting has been designed for direct insulation contact. Recessed lighting that is not AT-IC can be a fire hazard. Air tight installation is important to prevent heat loss through the attic.

Install LED Task Lighting

For task lighting, LEDs are highly preferred over incandescent bulbs. LEDs are now available in a variety of hues and have been designed specifically to present users in a flattering light. There are many new and exciting options on the market.

Waterproof Lights in Wet Areas

Finally, keep in mind that lights over showers or other wet areas need a waterproof housing. Wire different lights to different switches so that you can turn on only the lights you need in the bathroom at a given time. 

Green Bathroom Lighting and Electrical Checklist

• Design for both ambient and task lighting
• Replace incandescent bulbs with florescent or LED lighting
• For recessed lighting, install airtight and only choose AT-IC lights
• House lighting for wet areas in waterproof housing

Green Insulation for Bathrooms 101

Renovating your bathroom means your walls are probably opened up so it’s a perfect time to: a) check for water damage to existing insulation and b) upgrade your insulation. The result will be a healthier and more comfortable bathroom. 

Check for Water Damage to Insulation

Water damage can take the form of blackened wood—a sign of mold or rot—or obvious water marks. If you find moldy wood or drywall, contact a mold remediation specialist. Mold is a toxin and can cause severe illness if handled without the proper precautions.

Before replacing water-damaged insulation, locate the cause of the problem and be sure that your new bathroom has been designed to eliminate the moisture build-up in the wall cavity. 

Choose High R-Value Insulation that is Resistant to Moisture Build-Up

R-Value is the measure of insulation’s effectiveness at slowing the movement of heat. The higher the R-Value the more effective the insulation. For the bathroom, the best insulation choices are either spray foam or spray cellulose. Fiberglass is a poor choice given its tendency to allow air to flow through it that contains moisture. The adjacent wood and drywall the absorb the moisture which can lead to mold problems. If you are just remodeling the bathroom, it might not be realistic to hire a contractor to spray in cellulose so spray foam is the best option. 

Insulate for Noise-Reduction

Insulating the walls the separate the bathroom from other rooms in the house has the added benefit of increased sound-proofing. For this purpose, fiberglass is also not the preferred material given that conventional fiberglass batts do not provide much in the way of noise reduction. There are specialized sound reducing fiberglass batts that are often used in sound studios for increased cost. 

Install a Vapor Barrier to Prevent Rot

Make sure the insulation stays dry after it’s installed. Water vapor inside the wall can condense when it meets cool outer layers, causing rot and harmful mold growth. A vapor barrier should be installed on the warm side of the insulation. This will prevent moisture from getting into the floor, ceiling and walls. 

Reduce Air Leakage with Infiltration Reduction Practices

If you install insulation but leave gaps where air can flow through the wall, you have undone practically the entire benefit of installing the insulation. Be sure, then, to leave no room for air leakage. Use a low-toxic sealant to seal around plumbing fixtures and use foam gaskets behind electrical outlets. 

Green Bathroom Insulation Checklist

• Inspect opened-up walls for water damage
• Upgrade insulation – choose high R-value, moisture resistant insulation
• Install a vapor barrier
• Use a low or non-toxic sealant to reduce infiltration