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

Wednesday, 05 May 2010 18:40

Here you will find Part 2 of our 4-part Green bathroom remodel reprint from greenbuilding.com: 

Step Three: Green Bathrooms 101Below you’ll find all the basics you need to know before you design the green bathroom of your dreams. Enjoy.

An Important Note about Structural Walls
If you are considering tearing out walls as part of your remodel, we highly recommend that you work with a trusted professional who can help you distinguish between load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls. Load-bearing walls are walls that do just that. They literally hold up the weight of the house.Load-bearing walls can be altered but you must proceed with caution. A new structural analysis will be needed and you will probably need a new beam supported by posts on either side of the room. You will probably need to install temporary wood frame walls to support the structure above while the new wall is built.Non-load-bearing walls can be easily be torn down without the roof falling in, but you should still be cautious of disrupting existing plumbing or electrical wiring within the wall.When it comes to knocking out walls, plan and plan again. Looking for obstacles ahead of time will avoid unnecessary hardship and expense. 

Opening Walls is an Opportunity

Opening up walls in the bathroom gives you the chance to: 

• Redo bad wiring (an electrician may be needed)
• Repair leaks that might have gone unnoticed
• look carefully for mold
• check to see if you have adequate insulation in the exterior walls
• seal cracks or penetrations through the wall to stop air leakage

Green Deconstruction Practices for Bathrooms 101 

When it comes time to deconstruct your existing bathroom, be mindful that many of the materials may be either reusable or recyclable. Challenge yourself to seek new and interesting ways to use old materials. This can both save you money and prevent unnecessary crowding of landfill space. Look for items like old lumber, door and window casings, and baseboards. Remove these items with care and with a little clean-up or repair, these materials can easily be reused.When reusing old materials is not possible, they can often be recycled. Your local city or county recycling agency should have information on Construction and Demolition Recycling.

Green Deconstruction Checklist

• Carefully remove materials for reuse
• Recycle as much material as possible

Green Plumbing for Bathrooms 101 

Save Energy with a Water Heater Jacket

Putting an insulating jacket on you water heater should be your first step in saving energy in your new bathroom. Inexpensive and easy to install, a water heater insulation jacket can significantly reduce standby losses of your water heater. 

Save Energy by Insulating Water pipes
Water pipes often run through areas where heat is easily lost. Crawlspaces or basements, for instance, may not be insulated and when water pipes transverse those spaces, water loses heat along the way, wasting energy and taking longer to heat up at the faucet. The solution is to insulate all hot water pipes across the entire length, from water heater to fixture. 

Flush Less Water Down the Drain

Nearly one third of the water consumed in US homes is used to flush toilets. While water may seem plentiful now, diminishing access to fresh water can be expected in the future. The time is now for installing a low-flow toilet.There are several options available on the market and we encourage you to shop around and replace the old existing toilet even if it is still functional. You’ll want to look for toilets that use less than 1.6 gallons/flush. Federal regulations require all new toilets to adhere to that standard.High-efficiency toilets use even less water. Through the use of pressure-assist technology some toilets use as low as 1 to 1.28 gallons per flush. Dual-flush toilets allow the user to choose between two modes – one uses 1.6 g/f, the other uses less than 1 g/f.Your old toilet may be valuable to someone. That robin egg blue toilet may have sentimental value but it is time to recycle it. Be sure to look for a way to keep it out of the landfill. 

Save Water by Installing Low-Flow Showerheads and Faucets

Low-flow bathroom faucets and showerheads produce an adequate flow but use 60 percent less water by combining the water with air pressure. Look for showerheads that use 1.5 – 2.5 gallons/minute. Bathroom faucets should flow at no more than 1.5 gallons/minute. 

Filter Your Showerhead for Better Health

Chlorine is absorbed six times more easily by our skin than by our digestive system so filters are an important consideration. Some low-flow showerheads also contain a charcoal filter that filters chlorine. For those with sensitive or dry skin, a filter can make a big difference. 

Stop Waiting for Hot Water

We’ve all done it – held our hand under a faucet for 10, 20, 30 seconds or maybe even a minute or two waiting for hot water to make its way from the water heater to the faucet. The wasted water is significant. The solution is to install an “on demand” hot water circulation pump.An “on demand” system sends hot water to the shower or sink only when needed simply by pushing a button or walking into the bathroom. CLick here to learn about the D'mand recirculation pump. 

Consider Replacing Your Water Heater

When choosing a water heater, pay attention to their Energy Factor (EF). This is the measure of the water heater’s overall efficiency. The higher the EF, the more efficient the appliance. Look for a model with an EF of at least 0.60. Electric water heaters tend to have higher EF ratings than gas-fired water heaters but heating with electricity can be more expensive.California “builder model” water heaters tend to be more efficient for a small increase in price. Look for Title 24 compliant models. It may be a special order in different parts of the country.Another option is a tankless water heater which runs only when someone turns on the tap. Water is heated as it flows through the heater so there are no standby losses. Tankless water heaters result in significant energy savings despite their initial high up-front costs.

Green Plumbing Checklist

• Install a water heater jacket
• Insulate all water pipes
• Install a high efficiency toilet (1.6 gallons/flush or less)
• Install low-flow faucets and showerheads
• Install a charcoal filter on your showerhead for healthier water
• Eliminate the wait for hot water by installing an instantaneous hot water circulation pump
• Upgrade to a more efficient water heater and consider a tankless water heater 

Tuesday, 04 May 2010 00:00

In the process of remodeling my own bathroom (at home not at INDIGOgreen), I happened upon a site that is dedicated to teaching the process of green remodeling.
I thought that we would feature their information on the next couple of blogs.  Here is step one and two and tune in tomorrow for steps 3 and 4 from greenbuilding.com:

Project: Remodeling the Bathroom

Congratulations. You’re considering remodeling your bathroom and you’re looking for advice about how to go green. You’ve come to the right place. At greenbuilding.com we’ve set an ambitious goal. We want as many people as possible to see that green building does not have to be complicated or confusing. Instead, building and remodeling green can be simple and straightforward and we’ll show you how.

Green building has the following benefits:

• Greater comfort
• Lower operating costs
• Healthier air
• Less need for maintenance
• Longer-lasting investments
• Greater connection with the world around you

Let’s get started.

Step One: Asking the Right Questions

Before you run out the door and start shopping for a low-flush toilet (don’t worry, you’ll get to do that soon), you’ve got a little bit of preparatory work to do.

First, it’s important for you, the other users of the bathroom and any other interested parties to express what it is you’re looking for in your new bathroom. It can be helpful for each person to answer these questions individually then hold an informal meeting where everyone is able to share their visions for the new bathroom. Here are some basic questions to get you started: 

Users and Function

• Who uses the bathroom? What times of day?
• Are there special needs which need to be addressed (disabilities, children) now or in the future?
• Will the bathroom need to accommodate changes in the family/occupancy in the near future?
• Do visitors use the bathroom?
• What activities need to be accommodated and how much storage space is needed?
• Is the bathroom used for other, non-traditional, functions (laundry or washing your pets, etc)? 

Feel

• How do you want to feel when showering, brushing your teeth, etc. Instead of focusing on a particular product (like I want new tile in the shower), try to focus on the experience you wish to have in your new bathroom. This will leave you open to products that suit your needs but that you may not have otherwise considered.
• What quality of light are you seeking? For what tasks and what time of day?
• How do you want to feel when it comes to thermal comfort (warmth, cooling) Do you want the area around the tub/shower warmer than the rest of the room?
• What do you want to hear (and not hear) when in or near the bathroom?

Desired Changes

• What aspects of the current bathroom do you desire to change and why?
• Are there fixtures or appliances that are under-performing? What’s not working for you and why? 

Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation

• What is your current heat source?
• Are you warm enough?
• What cooling methods are you using? Are they working?
• How are you ventilating? Is there sufficient ventilation to prevent moisture accumulation?

Plumbing and Hot Water

• Are there plumbing problems that need to be addressed in the remodel?
• What do you know about water usage in your current fixtures? How many gallons/flush in toilet? Gallons/minute from showerhead, faucet?
• How old is your water heater? What’s the distance heated water must travel from heater to fixture?

Lighting and Electrical

• Is there natural light?
• Where are the windows currently and might the windows be relocated to better serve your needs for light and beauty?
• What kind of electrical lighting is currently used? Incandescent? Compact florescent?
• Does the lighting suit the uses of the bathroom? (Ambient light vs. task lighting)
• Are there enough electrical outlets in the bathroom? Are they all GFCI (Ground Fault circuit interrupter)?

Finishes

• What finishes cover the wall, ceiling and floor and are they hard to clean and maintain?
• Have the finishes started to deteriorate (chip, peel, crack, mildew, etc.), or have they worn well? 

Step Two: Setting Goals

Now that you have asked the right questions and have given yourself the chance to talk about your vision with other people involved in your bathroom, it’s time to put your vision in writing. 

Bathroom Goals

You should create a one to two-page write-up of what you want your bathroom to be like. Be sure to cover all the following areas:

• Who the bathroom will serve and needs of those users
• What functions/activities the bathroom will accommodate
• What the bathroom will feel like
• Green Building goals (see below)

It is vitally important that these goals be written down. We’ve seen many a remodel go sideways midway through the project because we’ve watched people get consumed by the details and lose the big picture. Your written goals will be your roadmap when things get difficult. Our mantra at greenbuilding.com is Thoughts Make Things. Clear written thoughts are even more likely to bear real-world results.

Sustainability Goals

At greenbuilding.com, we can’t talk enough about the Green Building Tripod. The three elements of the tripod – Energy Efficiency, Resource Conservation and Indoor Air Quality – should be the backbone of your sustainability mission.

Remember Green Building is not an either/or. It is a both/and. With green building you can have it all – a bathroom you love to be in AND one that’s better for the planet and all her creatures.

So what are your Green Building Goals? It’s simple. Just add this to you bathroom goals page:

We want an incredible new bathroom PLUS:

• Greater energy efficiency
• Less use of precious resources
• Healthy indoor air quality

Who wouldn’t want that?