Green Options

So you have an interest in sustainability, particularly when it comes to your home environment. You know enough that your friends seem to flock to you for advice. They say, “You should open your own store!” You think hmm, they might be on to something. But you’ve never opened up a store, and it’s a tough economy these days for doing so.

g Green Design Center may be just the ticket.

Bonded Logic in Chandler Arizona has found a way to turn old blue jeans into environmentally safe insulation. This eco-friendly insulation resists microbial growth, contains no formaldehyde, is an LEED eligle product, is Class A fire rated, and is made from recycled blue jeans and denim scraps. Best of all…no itch or skin irritation. 

The bad news is Bonded Logic’s Ultra Touch Natural Cotton Fiber Insulation is not readily available everywhere yet (Hello, Home Depot? Can you start carrying this product?). The good news is Michigan does have a distributor, Cotton Insulation, Inc, a woman owned and operated business in Comstock Park, MI. Even better news-you can purchase the cotton insulation directly from them.

A recent poll of homeowners shows that many are willing to pay more for green products and upgrades, and for energy efficiency.

In Part 2, the owner reviews the installation and provides initial impressions on the energy efficiency improvements.

The American Institute of Architects has launched a series of short videos designed to educate their clients on the principals of green building and how architects can help them achieve their goals.

The historic Heathman Hotel, in downtown Portland, Oregon, recently gave its bathrooms a new, green look. The project is a continuation of the hotel’s commitment to sustainability and the local economy.

Thanks to a grant from The Sierra Club, Homes for Our Troops will provide free green homes to returning injured veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.