December 15, 2014: Heat pump water heaters – a better alternative.
Modern technology provides a number of residential water heating options. Natural gas is usually the fuel of
choice, but it is not always available. In all electric homes there are several systems that must be carefully evaluated
to insure water heating can be done as energy efficiently as possible.
Saving energy and money starts with water conservation. GreenEdge Supply carries a number of products
to reduce the amount of water used. Most can be installed in both new construction or renovation projects. Once
these have been incorporated we can turn our attention to selecting the best water heating equipment. Conventional
electric resistance water heaters with submerged heating elements can be the least expensive, but they are certainly
not the most energy efficient or least expensive to operate.
Modern electric heat pump or “hybrid” water heaters are significantly more energy efficient and less
expensive to operate. A heat pump water heater uses the benefit of the refrigerant cycle inherent in heat pump
technology to extract heat from the surrounding air and transfer it to the stored water via a heat exchanger. This
innovative process creates the same amount of hot water per cycle as a traditional electric water heater, while
reducing heating expenses as much as 62%. This could equate to a savings of $365 per year based on an average
electricity rate of 12 cents per kWh and DOE test procedures comparing a 50-gallon standard electric tank water
heater using 4879 kWh per year with a GeoSpring hybrid water heater using 1830 kWh per year.
GeoSpring Heat Pump Water Heater
Heat pump water heaters also have the benefit of dehumidifying the space they are in, making them ideal
for basements, laundries or utility rooms that may have elevated humidity. And, because they are powered by
electricity, heat pump water heaters are compatible with solar photovoltaic or wind generating renewable energy
systems.
GreenEdge Supply shares your interest in energy conservation and living better for less. Visit us online at
www.greenedgesupply.com and click on the Request a Quote link to as for more information.
December 8, 2014: It’s a wrap!
The last several decades have seen significant new contributions to optimizing building performance.
These are based on scientific analysis and improved technologies to better understand how to optimize the design
and construction processes associated with high performance buildings. Better building materials are a direct result
of our quest for energy, material and resource efficient structures. Each is in play whether a home is in a heating or
cooling mode, with heat transfer occurring as a home works to maintain interior comfort conditions against outside
conditions.
Depending on the construction type and a number of microclimate influences, homes lose energy needed
for space conditioning in three different ways – conduction, convection and radiation. Conduction is heat transferred
through materials that are in contact. Convection is heat transferred by air wafting over a material’s surface. Radiant
heat transfer occurs electromagnetically, from a warm object to a cool one, through space. Radiant building wraps,
or “house wraps” are such a material.
House wraps were originally designed to improve the thermal performance of houses in very cold European
climates. The first house wrap products dealt only with reducing air infiltration, the convection component of heat
loss. These products acted as an air barrier only, with the added attribute of letting moisture migrate freely,
minimizing the unwanted possibility condensation in wall assemblies. More recently, manufacturers have added a
corrosion resistant metal coating to the material which, when installed in cavity walls, can act as a radiant barrier.
Hence the name, thermal radiant barriers. In the summer, radiant heat gain through wall and attic construction is
reflected, keeping the home cooler. In the winter, radiant heat transfer from the inside to the exterior is reduced,
keeping the home warmer. In each case moisture is allowed to escape as vapor before it can condense as
troublesome liquid water.
Careful consideration must be given to how thermal, reflective house wraps are installed. In order to
function as a radiant barrier, the reflective surface should be outward facing and in free space, not pressed against
another material. The material must also be installed as a continuous, monolithic surface with properly overlapped
and taped seams. A properly installed thermal radiant barrier will provide warmer interior surfaces, and a significantly
more energy efficient home.
Visit us online at www.greenedgesupply.com and click on Request a Quote to ask for more information.
December 1, 2014: Ceiling Fans for Year Round Comfort
Most people associate ceiling fans with providing comfort in the summer. Properly sized and used as
“Stage One” cooling, ceiling fans are a great alternative to operating whole house air-conditioning systems, especially
when the cooling needed can be localized. During the summer, you want the air blowing directly on you so you will
feeler cooler from the convective cooling the fan provides. Variable speed fans allow for adjusting to the airflow
needed for comfort.
But ceiling fans can also increase comfort and reduce heating costs in the winter. The fan direction must be
reversed to slowly draw the cooler air from floor area below the fan upwards to the ceiling where it mixes with warmer
room air. The fan circulates the air out across the ceiling in all directions toward the walls where it returns to the
floor. This redistributes warm air that is stratified against the ceiling without causing any errant discomfort.
Generally, fan direction is in response to whether cooling or redistributing air is required; the summer/winter modes.
Some additional room specific tips include:
Dining Rooms: Running the fan in reverse will keep the fan from cooling off your food while producing a
gentle breeze where people are sitting. Use the fan’s variable speed capability to adjust to summer or winter comfort
needs. Large gatherings in the Dining Room can enjoy a little gentle cooling in the winter, while the rest of the home
is in a heating mode.
Bedrooms: Ceiling fans are great for cooling bedrooms in the summer, but some people do not like a
ceiling fan blowing directly on them while sleeping, especially in the winter. Running the fan on a higher speed in
reverse will redistribute the warm air against the ceiling without an accompanying cooling effect.
Large Rooms: More than one ceiling fan may be necessary to service a large room. Multiple fans can be
operating on different speeds in forward, reverse, or opposite directions. Depending on how the room is furnished
and where seating is, a combination of directions and speeds may be optimum, so don’t hesitate to experiment.
Lastly, remember ceiling fans often are combined with lighting options. GreenEdge Supply carries a full line
of energy efficient fan/light for your new construction or renovation needs.
Visit us online at
www.greenedgesupply.com and click on Request a Quote to ask for more information.
November 24, 2014: Do you have ESP?
The green building movement has spawned a number of certification and rating systems that promote
energy, material and resource efficient construction designed to optimize the quality of the places that we inhabit.
The built environment, in whole or in part, is now scrutinized for the degree to which environmental stewardship and
human ecology are recognized and enhanced.
In 2006, The Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association launched the Environmental Stewardship Program
(ESP) to encourage practices that benefit the environment and society. Every year since March 2009, ESP has
earned approval from an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited certification organization,
validating the ESP certification process and is referenced in the ANSI-approved ICC 700 National Green Building
Standard, the benchmark in green cabinet standards.
The voluntary program gives cabinet manufacturers a way to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability
and helps you to identify products that are better for your home, your family and the environment. ESP is the only
environmental certification program that specifically focuses on kitchen and bath cabinets. ESP requires companies
to annually review their practices to safeguard the environment, track their achievements, and continually seek new
methods and practices. Certification is awarded annually based on compliance in 5 categories: air quality, product
resource management, process resource management, environmental stewardship and community relations. ESP
rewards manufacturers for low formaldehyde-emitting wood products and promotes use of wood from a recognized
sustainable forestry program. ESP promotes ongoing education and outreach by awarding certification points to
manufacturers that educate suppliers and promote community involvement. The ESP seal is displayed on certified
products.
GreenEdge Supply and 84 Lumber carry a full line of ESP certified cabinets as part of our commitment to
green building and healthy homes. Visit us online at www.greenedgesupply.com and click on Request a Quote to
ask for more information on the benefits of our high quality, ESP certified kitchen and bath cabinets.
November 17, 2014: Composting is a good idea, no matter the season.
There are a few things more fundamental to green living than composting. Removing organic material from
the municipal waste stream and converting it to a useful soil amendment makes good economic and environmental
sense. Whether we live in the country of center city, composting resonates with organic gardening, nontoxic
landscaping and overall waste reduction goals. It enables us to nurture the soil and contributes to our desire to
control the quality of what we grow.
Composting is not difficult, especially if you have the right equipment. Composters should be sized to the
amount of organic material you are apt to generate, and be located conveniently, so as to encourage proper usage
and easy maintenance. This starts with the proper small containers for everyday collection inside the home, as well
as larger stationary composting bins outside.
Information on how to successfully compost material to create the desired “compost tea” is readily available
online or through GreenEdge Supply. The 7 cubic foot and 12 cubic foot Good Idea Composters we carry enjoy very
high consumer satisfaction and great reviews. The bins are mounted on sturdy bases that enable easy access and
rotation for good mixing of the contents. And, they can be wheeled from a location close to the home to anywhere on
the site the mature compost tea is to be distributed. They are easily cleaned with a garden hose and are otherwise
trouble free.
GreenEdge Supply shares your interest in composting, organic gardening and green living. Visit us online
at www.greenedgesupply.com and click on Request a Quote to ask for more information for all of your green living
needs.
November 10, 2014: Tubular Skylights – Solar illumination where you want it.
Few things are more valuable or enjoyable in home than natural light. If you’ve been thinking of how to
daylight an interior space in new construction or home renovation, a solar tube may be a good option. At a fraction of
the cost of a skylight, a solar tube provides plenty of warm, indirect light.
Known variously as a sun tube, sun tunnel, light tube, or tubular skylight, a solar tube is typically a 10- or 14-
inch-diameter sheet-metal tube with a polished interior. The interior acts like a continuous mirror, channeling light
along its entire length while preserving the light’s intensity. It captures daylight at the roof and delivers it inside your
home. Solar tubes have the advantage of being able to channel sunlight through or past spaces that have windows
to where the light is needed.
On you roof, a weatherproof plastic globe caps a solar tube. The tube ends in a porthole-like diffuser in the
ceiling of a room below. The globe gathers light from outside and the diffuser spreads the light in a pure white glow.
The effect can be dramatic, as solar tube diffusers are often mistaken for conventional light fixtures that are on. A
10-inch tube, the smallest option, is the equivalent of three 100-watt bulbs, enough to illuminate up to 200 sq. ft. of
floor area; 14-inch tubes can brighten as much as 300 sq. ft. Read more at: http://www.houselogic.com/homeadvice/lighting/solar-tubes-beat-skylights/#ixzz3HCG5XN5U
Interior Bathrooms are great places for Solar Tube lighting.
Solar tubes are usually less expensive than skylights, but do not provide the added benefit of natural
ventilation inherent in operable skylights. GreenEdge Supply and 84 Lumber supply solar tubes to meet your home
daylighting needs. Visit us online at www.greenedgesupply.com and click on Request a Quote to ask for more
information about tubular skylights or any of our other responsible building products.
November 3, 2014: Healthy House, Healthy Garage?
The growing awareness of the importance of healthy housing is based, in part, on the increasing number of
lessons learned that have come from the green building movement. Our understanding of human ecology as a
design determinant gets more sophisticated as we learn to address what causes environmental illness, and how to
cure it through good design. Reducing indoor air contaminants and applying effective ventilation in our living quarters
are central to that effort. We now know we need to pay attention to the garage as part of that strategy.
Garages harbor a number of irritants harmful to our health. Auto exhaust and off-gassing from warm engine
components are common irritants. Garages are also where we often store our lawn mowers, gasoline cans, motor
oil, garden soil amendments, household and automotive cleaning products, paints and a number of household items
that are potentially toxic. Benign substitutes for these items, all available through GreenEdge Supply, are strongly
recommended for garage applications are best, and should be installed with an attendant way to allow outside air into
the garage when the exhaust fan is operating. These can be wired into the garage door opener so they work
together automatically when the car comes and goes. They are also valuable when the garage is used for hobbies or
as a workstation for chores when fresh air is desirable.
GreenEdge Supply and 84 Lumber supply a number of exhaust fans suitable for garage applications. Visit
us online at www.greenedgesupply.com and click on Request a Quote for help with all of your ventilation and control
needs.
October 27, 2014: Programmable Thermostats – Staying comfortable for less.
Growing up, my siblings and I were subject to the constant, gentle directives of our parents to be frugal.
Sharing was compulsory, and the household budget was taken seriously. Reminders to “please turn off the lights,”
and “hang the laundry outside, OK?” were common. It wasn’t until I was thoroughly engrossed in sustainable design
many years later that I learned how significant those common suggestions could be for saving energy and money.
According to the folks at www.energystar.gov a home owner can save between 5% and 10% a year on
heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F from its normal setting if the home is unoccupied
for eight hours or more. Programmable thermostats can schedule the times you turn on the heating or air
conditioning. As a result, the equipment doesn’t operate as much when you are asleep or not at home. They can
store multiple daily settings one can manually override without affecting the rest of the daily or weekly schedule. This
can be particularly helpful when renters or elderly with special needs occupy the home. The thermostat, not including
installation, can pay for itself in less than a month. However, studies indicate savings may be less in milder climates
or if the device is used incorrectly or inconsistently. http://library.cee1.org/content/validating-impact-programmablethermostats
GreenEdge Supply can supply a comprehensive line of programmable thermostats and related energy
conservation products. Visit us online at www.greenedgesupply.com and click on the Request a Quote feature to
request more information.
October 20, 2014: Common Carpet – From environmental disaster to ecological opportunity
The green building community lives in gratitude to Ray Anderson, the Interface founder and CEO whose
1999 book, Mid-Course Correction: Toward a Sustainable Enterprise: The Interface Model chronicled the epiphany
he had that turned his “carpet company” from a major environmental polluter to a world leader in industrial
sustainability. His 2009, Confessions of a Radical Industrialist, further documented the fact that industries of all kinds
could “do well by doing good”. Ray passed away in 2009, but hi influence runs deep in the green building worlds,
and many companies, including many carpet companies, had adopted his approach to more sustainable sourcing
and manufacturing practices.
GreenEdge Supply is pleased to carry a line of indoor / outdoor carpet manufactured by the Foss Company.
Their process includes a solution dyed polyester and polypropylene Foss fiber, which includes additives that improve
UV stability, fire resistance, and inhibit the growth of bacteria. Fosshield© antimicrobial technology safely and
effectively inhibits the growth of destructive and odor-causing bacteria. Their Eco-fi™ is 100% certified recycled
polyester textile fiber is spun from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, making it eligible for LEED Materials
and Resources credits. It can go into any textile product, such as clothing, blankets, carpets, wall coverings, auto
interiors, home furnishings, and craft felt, but it excels as an indoor / outdoor carpet material. Typically 10 PET
bottles = 1 pound of fiber.
Foss Grill Mat
Foss Outdoor Pool Deck Carpet
Foss indoor / outdoor carpet is ideal for tough applications like finished basements, garages and outdoor
patio and pool decks. Visit us online at www.greenedgesupply.com and click on the Request a Quote feature to
request more information.
October 13, 2014: Energy Star? Makes Cents to Me!
One of the good news stories in the green building movement in the last two decades is the development of
the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star Program. Established by the EPA in 1992, ENERGY STAR is a
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) voluntary program that helps businesses and individuals save money
and protect our climate through superior energy efficiency. Under EPA’s leadership American consumers,
businesses, and organizations have made investments in energy efficiency that are transforming the market for
efficient products and practices, creating jobs, and stimulating the economy.
GreenEdge Supply is pleased to offer a full line of Energy Star rated General Electric (GE) appliances. The
energy and water savings of Energy Star appliances can be significant. For instance, compared to a 2004 standard
GE Top Load Clothes Washer, a 2014 ENERGY STAR® qualified GE model will save the average U.S. household
over $375 in electricity over a ten year period at $0.1065 per kWh. The 2014 ENERGY STAR® qualified GE Top
Load Clothes Washer will also use 42% less water and 63% less energy than a 2004 standard GE Top Load Clothes
Washer. This can yield a water savings of approximately 73,000 gallons and over 3,500 kWh over a ten-year period.
When the costs of energy and hot water are combined the appliance can easily pay for itself over its service life.
GE Energy Star Appliances
GreenEdge Supply would like to help you with all of your home appliance choices. Visit us online at
www.greenedgesupply.com and click on the Request a Quote feature to request more information.
October 6, 2014: Walking on Tires?
One of the consequences of the industrial age and our continuous quest for durable products that serve us
well is what to do with them when they are past their useful service life. The global environment is full of discarded
items that are energy, material and resource intensive which, if not recycled or repurposed, are lost to any
opportunity to restore the utility. Tires are such a product.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that while tires make up less than 2% of total
municipal solid waste, approximately 5,000,000 tons of tire waste is generated every year. On average, only about
35% of rubber from tires is recycled. This means millions of tons of tire waste goes into already overcrowded landfills
where they will remain almost indefinitely.
Today more tires are recycled, so fewer are ending up in landfills. Recycled tire products include crumb
rubber paving, artificial substrates and surfaces for recreation and athletic fields, landscaping mulch and rubber
pavers. Many of these materials are porous to rainfall, and can provide good traction in inclement weather. Caution
must be taken in using recycled rubber around food producing gardens, but they provide a long lasting, useful
alternative to more energy and material intensive products such as asphalt and concrete in landscape design.
Visit us online at www.greenedgesupply.com and click on the Request a Quote feature to request more
information on our selection of rubber mulch and landscape pavers made from recycled tires.
September 29, 2014: Cool Roofs? More than just cool.
For lots of reasons, commercial roofing is one of the most challenging aspects of construction. No other
building surface is subject to combined effects of ultra-violet degradation, thermal shock and physical damage that
roofs are, especially flat roofs. The consequences of roofing failures are legendary, precipitating the attention given
the design, construction, bonding, and maintenance necessary to avoid problems in the field.
Because roofs are also important in optimizing energy conservation and storm water management they are
given special attention by the US Green Building Council and the LEED building rating system. These topics are the
focus of a white paper I authored for the Reflective Roof Coatings Institute (RRCI) titled Reflective Roof Coatings and
LEED http://www.tiocoat.com/RRCI.pdf In that document I chronicled the benefits of cool roofs from the perspective
of the USGBC, and the discipline of integrated design. It is based in part on the findings and ongoing research of the
Cool Roofs Rating Council http://coolroofs.org which has studied the benefits of cool roofs extensively. While results
vary based on a number of parameters and existing roof conditions, reduced cooling loads in excess of 40% are not
uncommon in roof repairs or retrofits using cool roof coatings. Similar results can be anticipated in new roof
construction compared to conventional bitumen based, dark, non-reflective flat roof materials.
Applying Cool Roof Coatings
All roofing material selections and applications should be handled professionally. Contact us through the
Request a Feature on the website to receive more information.
September 22, 2014: Healthy Cleaning
One of the best things we can do to improve our health and well-being is to be sure we clean with
ecologically sensitive cleaning supplies and procedures. First, it is important to understand the difference between
cleaning for health and cleaning for appearance; they are not the same. Second, we need to appreciate cleaning
takes place on a regular basis, so it represents something that can cause ongoing health problems if we are not
vigilant. And third, the chemicals used in harsh cleaning products potentially harm children, the infirm and elderly in
ways that can be misdiagnosed, thereby making our commitment to green cleaning our first line of defense in
protecting our family.
The good news is, there are plenty of benign, environmentally sensitive cleaning products that do a great
job on a number of household, exterior maintenance and automotive cleaning tasks. GreenEdge Supply carries a
complete line of products that use natural cleaning and sanitizing agents without toxic chemicals, artificial scents or
coloring agents that are irritants in conventional cleaning choices. Our cleaning products are approved and
recommended by industry standard providers who advocate for human health and superior indoor air quality. They
are reliable, easy to use and cost effective.
GreenEdge Supply shares your interest in maintaining your healthy home. Visit us online at
www.greenedgesupply.com and contact us through the Request a Quote feature to receive more information. And,
don’t forget the buckets, mops, sponges and other accessories to clean better and easier.
September 15, 2014: Bamboo Decking – A great choice for lots of reasons
Green building professionals have long appreciated the qualities and attributes of bamboo. I have seen
bamboo used in projects all over the world, ranging from scaffolding and structural components in multi-storied
commercial buildings, to furniture, window treatments and flooring in a number of applications. In addition to building
components, bamboo enjoys a reputation as a hardy, versatile plant for landscaping. Most people associate bamboo
with tropical climates and cultures, mostly in Asia. But since 1981 the American Bamboo Society (ABS) has
compiled an annual Source List of bamboo plants and products. The List includes more than 490 kinds (species,
subspecies, varieties, and cultivars) of bamboo available in the US and Canada, in many bamboo-related products.
The US Green Building Council rewards the use of bamboo as a rapidly renewable resource coming to
market in less than ten years. Bamboo has found favor in the design community because of its versatility and
beauty.
Dasso.XTR Bamboo Decking
GreenEdge Supply carries several bamboo products useful both inside and outside the home. These
include our popular Dasso.XTR Bamboo decking. For more information, contact us through the Request a Quote
feature on our website.
September 8, 2014: Don’t Flush Your Money Away
Sometimes the best ways to save water and energy are the simplest and most obvious. This is certainly the
case when it comes to choosing toilets. The issue of how wasteful toilets can be first came to my attention over forty
years ago when I read Stop the Five Gallon Flush, the classic 1973 guide from McGill University’s Minimum Cost
Housing Group. It is a wonderful, well-researched study I have referred to many times in my quest to educate
students and clients. Not surprisingly, very little has changed in consumers’ preference for standard, water flow
toilets as opposed to more radical options like composting or chemical toilets, in spite of significant improvements in
each. But the need to save water has launched a revolution in toilet design.
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, toilets draw 26.7% of our daily domestic water
consumption. By replacing old, inefficient toilets with EPA WaterSense labeled models the average family can
reduce water used for toilets by 20 to 60 percent, or nearly 13,000 gallons of water savings for your home every year.
This is about the amount of water in a back yard swimming pool that is four feet deep and twenty-four feet across.
Two toilets? Two swimming pools! When we realize the US is currently experiencing unprecedented droughts in
several states, the positive impact of any water saving device cannot be undervalued.
August 25, 2014: Low-E glass – Better windows through chemistry
Few improvements in window energy efficiency innovation can match the development of Low-E glass
coatings. Low-emissive (Low-E) glass is window glass that has been treated with an invisible metal or metallic oxide
coating. The coating creates a surface on the inside face of one of the glass panes that reflects heat, while allowing
light to pass through. Windows treated with Low-E coatings are proven to reduce energy consumption, decrease
fading of floors, furniture, carpet and window treatments, and increase overall comfort in your home.
Low-E, meaning ‘low emissivity’, is an extremely thin layer of metallic particles applied to the inside of one or
more panes, or a freestanding interior film, that allows the glass to act like a filter. Long wavelengths, solar heat gain,
are filtered out, while short wavelengths (the visible light spectrum) are allowed to pass through.
In summer, Low-E windows reduce over heating and air conditioning costs. In winter, the amount of heat
lost through windows is reduced, keeping heating costs down. Low-E coating technology can be “tuned” to balance
heat loss, heat gain and visible light transmission.
Today, Low-E glass coatings and films are durable, reliable and available from a number of manufacturers
at competitive prices. GreenEdge Supply and 84 Lumber are pleased to carry a number of energy efficient windows
that feature Low-E coatings. Contact us through the Request a Quote feature to receive more information to help
you choose the best windows for your new construction or home renovation needs.
High performance Low-E windows available from 84 Lumber and Green Edge Supply
August 18, 2014: Eco-Floors
Wood and wood products are the singular most common residential building materials. Anyone familiar with
the pressure on the world’s rain forests, old growth stands and lumber interests not in step with the kind of
sustainability practices promoted by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council understand the market forces
at work in the lumber industry. The best thing we can do to promote sustainable wood practices is to support
companies that environmental stewardship. EcoTimber is one of those companies.
EcoTimber was founded in 1992 when their small-scale operations in the tropics were the first to be certified
by the Smart Wood program of the Rainforest Alliance – several years before the launch of the Forest Stewardship
Council (FSC). EcoTimber’s current management and ownership remain committed to the original founders’ vision:
to build a successful company that harnesses the marketplace to support sustainable forestry and forest
conservation worldwide.
GreenEdge Supply is pleased to offer a full line of EcoTimber’s hardwood, bamboo and cork flooring
products. These beautiful flooring options are suitable for residential and commercial applications. They are
recycled from sources like Kentucky horse farm fencing, spent orchards and other post-industrial and postagricultural uses which makes them compliant with Forest Stewardship Council criteria and a number of USGBC
LEED Material and Resources Credits. EcoTimber flooring options are great together with GreenEdge Supply’s
inventory of nontoxic finishes and cleaning products.
EcoTimber products are sure to beautify your home in ways that are environmentally sound. For more
information, contact us through the Request A Quote feature to receive more information.
EcoTimber Hardwood Flooring
EcoTimber Bamboo Flooring
August 11, 2014: Your Walls Can Help You Breathe Easier
Over the years there have been many innovations in the building industry designed to improve indoor air
quality. Chief among these has been an industry trend to reduce or eliminate volatile organic compounds in common
building materials, such as paints, sealers and adhesives. A better understanding of how to prevent mold and
mildew has also contributed to superior indoor environmental quality in all types of buildings.
Now CertainTeed has introduced a drywall product that does both. CertainTeed’s AirRenew drywall meets
ISO 16000-23 Indoor Air Standard for reducing formaldehyde and other aldehyde compounds by absorbing and
converting them to inert compounds. Once they are captured in the board, they cannot be released back into the air.
The M2Tech® technology improves indoor air quality by providing enhanced moisture and mold resistance. Tests
conducted by Cornerstone Laboratories LLC indicate AirRenew continues to effectively clean air even when finished
with multiple coats of water based acrylic or epoxy paints and breathable wallpaper. The ability for AirRenew to
absorb aldehydes and minimize mold growth is estimated to last for seventy-five years.
Materials like AirRenew drywall do not excuse us from eliminating or minimizing the number of VOC’s in our
homes. Nor should we let mold and mildew problems go untreated. GreenEdge Supply carries a full line of low VOC
/ no VOC building products and cleaning supplies, and can help you with any of your healthy home questions. Visit
us online at www.greenedgesupply.com and contact us through the Request a Quote feature to receive more
information.
CertainTeed AirRenew Drywall
Available through GreenEdge Supply and 84 Lumber
August 4, 2014: Only What You Need When You Need It.
One of the most effective strategies for saving energy and money is using only what we need when we need
it. This is true of many household appliances and activities we take for granted, such as drying our clothes and
lighting, among many others. Control issues include using appliances whether or not we are present, and the ability
to control them based on specific parameters, such as temperature and humidity conditions.
This applies to kitchen and bathroom fans. We don’t always know the best run times for these appliances
and quite often we use them more than necessary. To solve this problem GreenEdge Supply carries a full line of
Energy Star rated Air King exhaust fans that can be controlled with humidity and motion control sensors. These
enable the appliance to operate any time humidity exceeds a predetermined set point, whether or not an occupant is
present. This way only the amount of energy needed to accomplish the task is used. Each comes with a back draft
damper to minimize unwanted air infiltration and energy efficient fluorescent lighting and an optional night light. For
optimum performance it is important the bathroom or kitchen exhaust fan is sized properly for the task at hand, and
meets all of the electrical code requirements for safe operation.
Contact us through our Request A Quote option to receive more information on energy efficiency and living
better for less.
Air King Exhaust fan with built-in
Humidity control
light and night-light
July 28, 2014: OK, I have a new clothes washer. Now what?
At GreenEdge Supply we put great stock in helping our clients select the most energy and water efficient
appliances. But we know much depends on how the appliance is used once you get it home. Our friends at
Residential Energy Saving Network http://www.resnet.us/energy-saving-tips have the following recommendations:
Do your laundry with cold water whenever possible. Wash full loads to save water, or when doing partial
ones, reduce the level of water accordingly. Heating hot water accounts for 90% of the energy used by your
machine; the motor uses only 10%. Switching to cold water laundry can save the average household more than $40
annually if the water heater is electric, or $30 annually with gas water heaters. Washing full loads can save you more
than 3,400 gallons of water every year. If replacing a clothes washer, look for ENERGY STAR certified models that
reduce energy use by 30%, water consumption by over 50% and have an improved spin cycle to reduce drying
times. As residential greywater systems become more popular there will be increased interest in which detergents
become more popular there will be increased interest in which detergents should be used, and how the washer
discharge can be treated for subsequent uses like landscape irrigation. http://greywateraction.org/faqs/greywaterrecycling
Let us at GreenEdge Supply help you select the most energy and water efficient clothes washer for your
needs. And don’t forget to recycle your old appliances!
July 21, 2014: Ecological Pest Control
Human encroachment on native animal habitat and the sometimes-accidental introduction of non-native
species into our neighborhoods and adjacent green spaces has resulted in a menagerie of animals living in close
proximity with humans. In some cases the arrival of wild animals is harmless and entertaining. Less welcome are
animals that are fun to observe but capable of doing significant damage to our gardens and landscapes. Raccoons
and opossums that raid our trash cans and municipal dumps may carry rabies that can be transmitted to pets and
humans, making their management a very important issue. They need to be dealt with humanely, but effectively.
The desire to control pests ecologically without collateral damage to the environment has given rise to the
integrated pest management industry. This is often a combination of eliminating anything that attracts pests, and
working with beneficial plants, insects and less harmful natural predators. The goal is to restore an ecological
balance in a “live and let live” scenario that is best for all living things.
GreenEdge Supply sources a number of environmentally benign pest control products. These include mole
and gopher spikes that use sonic waves instead of harmful chemicals, skunk, and woodchuck repellents that contain
natural scent and taste deterrents, and a number of mosquito and fly strips that do not contain harmful chemicals. All
of these products are pet friendly and reduce the possibility of accidental toxic exposure to children. Many can be
used in close proximity to gardens and flowerbeds.
GreenEdge Supply shares your interest in making your new or existing home and animal friendly, nontoxic
environment. Visit us online at www.greenedgesupply.com and contact us through the Request a Quote feature to
receive more information.
Sonic Gopher and
Mole Spikes
Organic taste and scent based
Pest Repellent
Nontoxic Mosquito
Pest Strips
July 14, 2014: Cost Conscience Cooling for Comfort
Summer brings elevated temperatures, increased humidity and the challenge of remaining comfortable in our homes.
Central air-conditioning performs well, but is not always the most cost effective solution. Homes without “central air”
have AC options that, with a little planning, can provide cost effective comfort.
In all cases, the most cost effective initial investment in energy efficiency and comfort is home
weatherization. GreenEdge Supply sources a variety of products for do it yourself home weatherization projects, and
we encourage doing as many as possible before investing in mechanical cooling equipment. Once the home is
weatherized options for cooling can be explored.
The use of energy efficient, window room AC units is one option. They can be left off when occupants are
away, or fitted with electrical circuit timers to provide cooling as needed when the home is occupied. Bedrooms and
living spaces can be cooled individually instead of the entire house. Closing off unused rooms and keeping
temperatures only as cool as necessary complete this energy.
EnergyStar rated room air conditioner
Wall Switch Timer
GreenEdge Supply carries Energy Star rated window air conditioning units charged with environmentally
friendly R410A refrigerant. They come in 6000, 8000 and 10,000 BTU capacity and feature easily removed,
washable filters and lights that indicate when the filters need serviced. Installation includes mounting kits and
instruction for safe and effective installation. If the windows do not accommodate air conditioning unites, often
through the wall openings can be constructed to accommodate the units. If possible, window AC units should be
removed during the heating season.
Contact us through the Request a Quote feature to receive more information.
July 7, 2014: Little Things Can Add Up
The onset of warm weather can lull us into complacency about how energy efficient our homes are. Most
homeowners associate discomfort from high infiltration rates with cold, winter conditions more than their hot, summer
counterpart. Home weatherization experts familiar with how a building envelope performs know infiltration can
impact home space conditioning comfort and costs year round. Equipment used to measure air infiltration in a home
indicates the amount of unwanted air entering through outlet and wall switch penetrations can be equivalent to
opening a medium sized double hung window four to six inches.
There are a number of products designed to minimize infiltration through wall openings in new construction.
The techniques for saving energy in new construction are well known and need only be applied. In existing homes,
retrofitting wall outlets and switches is a multi-step process. First caution must be taken to insure the power to any
wall switch or outlet is off. Then, the following tasks can be implemented:
 Caulk any voids around, and fill any holes in, the wall box with the appropriate caulking. Let us
help you select the proper caulking materials.
 Install cover plate gaskets
 Install childproof outlet plugs in any outlet not in use.
Apply these procedures to exterior and interior wall boxes to insure maximum benefit and enjoy the increased
comfort and reduced energy costs they provide.
GreenEdge Supply
Switch Cover Gasket
June 30, 2014: Control Humidity to Insure Health and Comfort
Our comfort depends on a number of related factors. Chief among these are temperature, humidity, airflow,
whether we are in direct sun or shade, and how we are dressed. Our comfort also depends on our age and health,
all factors that need to be within acceptable limits for effective heating and cooling.
Relative humidity (rH) is the amount of water vapor present in air expressed as a percentage of the amount
needed for saturation at the same temperature. Simply stated, the more moisture in the air relative to temperature,
the greater the relative humidity. Hot, humid air can be just as uncomfortable and unhealthy as cold, damp air.
Ideally, rH should be between 40% and 50%. The potential for mold growth in the home increases if rH exceeds
60%. Controlling rH begins with moisture source control. Chronic moisture problems should be addressed before
relying on a dehumidifier to control rH.
A home energy auditor or other qualified expert should investigate the causes of chronic high humidity.
Typically, air conditioning systems maintain comfortable humidity levels. Portable dehumification units can be used,
seasonally or as needed, in basements or elsewhere in the home.
Our portable dehumidifiers are energy efficient, charged with environmentally friendly R410A refrigerant, and
designed to maximize effectiveness and comfort. Water removed from the air can be used for irrigation or other
greywater purposes.
June 23, 2014: We know the worth of water when the well is dry
Ben Franklin had it right. Few things are more critical to our very existence than adequate supplies of
potable water. Yet, depending on where we live and, perhaps, how we were raised, water is perceived either as a
precious commodity to be protected and conserved, or an abundant resource that will never be in serious jeopardy.
Increasing global population and shrinking availability of potable water sources due to development, industrial
demand and contamination all put future availability of clean water in jeopardy. In the US, our modern infrastructure
delivers water for domestic consumption safely and conveniently. It is this combination, and the artificially low cost of
water relative to its value, that lulls us into complacency. Beyond the availability of water per se, water has several
other environmental issues that need to be addressed. Obtaining, processing and distributing water for domestic use
has an energy component we pay for when we use and dispose of cold water, as well as the energy we pay for to
heat water.
The good news is it is very easy and inexpensive to conserve water in ways that are convenient,
unobtrusive and very simple. We offer a number of flow limiting devices that are extremely cost effective. These
include flow restrictors and faucet aerators that are easy to install, very reliable and maintenance free. Prices range
from $.39 to $.79 for static flow control washers, to $4.50 and $5.00 for adjustable faucet aerators. The latter enable
the user to dispense a strong water flow that is limited to 1.5 gallons per minute, or less. This is in keeping with the
Water Sense flow recommendations established by the US Environmental Protection agency. Faucet washers and
aerators can be installed in a few minutes using simple tools. Given their very low cost and ability to save both hot
and cold water when installed in sink and lavatory faucets and showers, they have a simple payback period ranging
from a few weeks to a few months.
Static flow control washer
Adjustable flow control washers
Adjustable faucet aerator
June 16, 2014: Going to the Mat
Floor mats have long been used to extend a welcome message to visitors who come to our door(s) as well as
provide the first line of defense in keeping our homes clean. The latter is very important because of the myriad of
contaminants that are borne by foot traffic. Common pollutants include pesticide and herbicide residue, pollen, dust,
detritus and common mud generated on rainy days. In urban environments exterior contaminants can also include
lead from weathered buildings and heavy metals from automobile traffic. Use of exterior floor mats can minimize the
number and amount of contaminants that make it into our home's interiors. The same concern in commercial
applications is underscored in the US Green Building Council's LEED rating systems, which awards points for
minimizing exterior contaminants by requiring mats in primary entrance ways.
GreenEdge Supply carries an inventory of floor mats and runners designed to protect a number of interior floor
surfaces, from ceramic and composite tile, hardwood foyers and mudroom entrances, to carpets and other fibrous
floor coverings. The goal is to trap contaminants before they are brought into the home, enable their easy removal via
vacuuming or washing, and protect the normally heavily trafficked entrances where they are placed. This minimizes
the need for cleaning while limiting the number of allergens and other irritants that enter the home.
Each GreenEdge Supply floor mat is composed, in part, of recycled plastic compounds, and each can be recycled
after their service life is complete.
June 9, 2014: Breathe Easy
We all need to use caution when exposed to hazardous conditions. Protecting our skin, eyes and breathing passages
from harmful chemicals, vapors and particulates is essential to staying healthy. Proper protection depends on the
working conditions and the specific task and potential irritant present. These vary from simple home cleaning and
maintenance to prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals in the work environment.
For protecting our breathing passages, GreenEdge Supply carries a full complement of filters and respirators for a
wide variety of activities. Protecting against dust and pollen may be more a matter of not evoking an allergic reaction,
while masks designed to reduce exposure to latex paint and odors provide a more tolerable painting experience. For
more toxic exposures the need to protect both eyes and breathing passages may require a full-face respirator
opposed to a simple dust mask. The filter(s) needed to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) differ significantly
from those designed to protect us from welding gases.
Once the correct protection device has been selected, proper fit is critical for any product to perform effectively. More
important, protection devices that fit properly and are comfortable are more likely to be used. Working in hot and
humid conditions requires a mask and fit different than one needed for a short task in comfortable conditions where
long-term wear is not an issue. Our dust masks have adjustable straps and nasal "pinches" to insure a good fit. Our
full-face masks feature anti-fogging capability and multiple adjustments for maximum comfort. All are designed to
meet or exceed federal standards for safety and effectiveness. Lastly, many of our products and packaging are
recyclable.
June 2, 2014: Is your bucket list green?
When it comes to being good stewards of the earth, it is often the little things that mean a lot. When it comes to being
green we should not overlook the common, everyday things we can do, or the associated lessons learned we can
pass on to others. The good things we do on a daily basis, or with great frequency, can make a meaningful
difference.
Much has been written about the benefits of green cleaning and maintenance to our general wellbeing and the larger
eco-systems we are a part of. Few argue the ecological benefits of using benign cleaning practices and products. At
GreenEdge Supply we care about the entire process, from products to processes, and how they contribute to a green
workplace or living environment. Previous blogs, tips and Green Living segments cover the benefits of green cleaning
products. But green cleaning and ecological living also include the practices and accessories attendant to the
process of working and living green.
One example of this using green containers, and drop cloths when cleaning and painting. A good practice is to keep
a bucket or two around for general purposes. I have a few five-gallon drywall compound containers I use for mixing
larger batches of paint, washing my car and large cleaning chores. These work fine but are not well suited for
painting and other work where a smaller, clean container is needed. For these jobs I recommend the buckets made
of recycled plastic available online or at our GreenEdge Supply stores. These sturdy, ten-quart buckets are well
suited for mixing larger amounts of material. The smaller, five-quart containers are perfect for everyday painting and
cleaning. Each is lightweight, sturdy, and will last a long time. Each is made of recycled plastic, enabling proper
disposal when their service life is over.
Another great product is ECO-DROP, our biodegradable drop cloth. This product performs the same as a standard 2
mil plastic drop cloth, but has the added benefit of decomposing into non-toxic substances as described in ASTM
D6954-04 once discarded. It also features a green tint designed to make paint splatters more visible.
Environmental contamination from plastics is a global problem. Ecologically sensitive buckets and drop cloths are a
simple, effective and low cost addition to any cleaning or maintenance activity.
May 26, 2014: Green pest control
Spring is here and summer is right around the corner. Time has come to once again enjoy the outdoors and all of the
activities associated with indoor / outdoor living. Our enjoyment is enhanced by controlling insects and other pests,
which inhabit the same places we want to be. GreenEdge Supply inventories a variety of pest control products that
are more environmentally conscious than more toxic pest control products. Among these are:
PIC Corporation Mosquito Repellent Diffuser. This product is formulated with Lemongrass Citronella and Geranium,
which are 100% natural oils. One unit repels mosquitoes and other flying and biting insects for 200 hours.
Woodstream Yellow Jacket and Flytraps. This product uses natural food product as bait. They
control flies and yellow jackets outside and annoying insects indoors and outdoors. The bottle's sleeve conceals
captured insects and contains baiting suggestions. Each can sit or can be hung, and uses natural food product as
bait.
Woodstream Mole and Gopher Spike. This product provides a chemical and poison-free alternative for driving moles,
gophers and other rodents out of your lawn. Solar energy powers sonic pulses that penetrate through the soil every
30 seconds sending burrowing rodents away. One solar charge will last up to 5 days; no batteries are required.
GreenEdge Supply shares your interest in ecologically sound pest control solutions.
May 19, 2014: Indoors and Outdoors, LEDs are lighting the way
Light emitting diode (LED) lighting is making inroads in a number of residential, commercial and industrial
applications. LEDs are less energy intensive to manufacture and generate less of a waste stream than other lamp
types, easing pressure on landfills. LEDs last longer and are more energy efficient than compact fluorescent lighting
(CFL) when evaluated on a lumens per watt basis. They are much cooler than incandescent or fluorescent lamps,
and do not contain mercury, so they can be recycled without harming the environment. LEDs are fully dimmable, and
have direct plug in or low voltage power supply capability compatible with a 110 volt household circuit, making them
equally applicable in new construction or renovation projects.
LEDs can be installed indoors or outdoors in wet or damp areas when combined with the proper waterproof or
vaporproof fixtures. LEDs do not attract insects, making them perfect for illuminating outdoor decks, living areas,
entranceways and walks. They come in a variety of lamp configurations designed to be retrofitted in standard
incandescent sockets or fluorescent fixtures, making the transition to environmentally sound, cost effective LED
lighting easy and convenient.
May 12, 2014: Solar Attic Fans – Let the Sun do the cooling!
One of the great things about solar powered equipment is the coincidence of when solar energy is available and the
utility they provide. This is certainly the case with our solar attic fans. Providing adequate attic ventilation is key to
controlling excessive temperatures that can impact comfort in the conditioned spaces of our homes. With our solar
attic fans, the same solar energy that causes overheating can power attic fans to control the temperature in our
attics, thereby keeping our homes cooler when needed.
Our solar attic fans range between 1550 and 2050 cubic feet per minute (cfm) and feature controls that allow them to
be programmed or operated remotely. They come with the solar photovoltaic panel integrated into the fan unit, or
with a separate solar panel for increased flexibility in mounting orientation. They are manufactured in the US of high
quality components and rugged construction certified to meet Florida and Texas wind loading requirements for
decades of trouble free operation.
Attic fans can be used as whole house ventilation fans when coupled with attic access hatches that allow air flow
from the conditioned spaces of the home. This can be “Stage One Solar Cooling” when coordinated with whole
house air conditioning.
GreenEdge Supply shares your interest in renewable energy applications and living comfortably for less. Visit us
online at www.greenedgesupply.com let us help you with all of your home improvement projects.
May 5, 2014: Minding our drinking water
Few things are more important to good health than the water we drink. Unfortunately, water sources that are naturally
pure are becoming harder to find, and most are under some sort of environmental pressure, either from
contamination or demand imposed by development and increasing population.
GreenEdge Supply offers a number of green alternatives for filtering and purifying water to potable, acceptable
standards for human and animal consumption. The use of appropriate filters and water purifying products has the
added benefit of reducing or eliminating the use of bottled water and the environmental degradation associated with
plastic bottles that are not recycled. Among these are:
Sta-Rite Industries Inc. Omni Faucet Water Filters. These reduce odor and chlorine rust and sediment to provide
better-tasting water right from the tap for renters and others who cannot make changes to their under-sink plumbing.
A diverter knob allows easy select between filtered water and tap water.
Brita Faucet Filter. These filters are Bisphenol-A (BPA) free and certified to reduce chlorine taste and odor, mercury,
and 98% of the lead, but the filter does not remove fluoride. Each filter services up to 100 gallons of water which
should last the average family about 4 months. The dispenser filters are recyclable.
April 28, 2014: Old-Fashioned Green
Rain barrels are a green alternative to consuming municipally supplied water or well water. GreenEdge Supply
provides rain barrels that are manufactured from 100% recycled plastic resin in five different colors. In many areas,
rainwater contains fewer contaminants and has a milder Ph or acid level than municipal water, ideal for garden and
landscape irrigation, washing cars, yard implements, windows, etc. Rain barrels reduce the stress on storm water
and sewer systems during storm events, and can lessen the amount of erosion caused by storm runoff. The
International Green Construction Code (IGCC) permits properly treated rainwater to be classified as grey water,
qualifying it for flushing toilets and other domestic uses of non-potable water where municipal codes permit.
GreenEdge Supply rain barrels can be installed singularly, in capacities from 40 gallons to 300 gallons, or linked
together to multiply their storage capacity. Rigged construction and high quality brass fittings enable them to be
mated to our drip irrigation systems, or pressurized up to 13psi using our solar water pump. Lastly, rain barrels can
be an emergency water supply if the systems are properly maintained and the rainwater can be purified for drinking.
April 21, 2014: Windows Matter. Here's Why.
Few things are more important to how we value our homes than windows. Quality windows provide the combined
benefits of views, natural light, ventilation, thermal comfort, emergency egress and curb appeal. Effective passive
solar design depends on the proper selection and placement of windows to maximize winter solar heat gain while
minimizing over heating in the summer. Window treatments - blinds, shades, curtains, etc. - are among the most
obvious ways we personalize our homes. Builders are well aware of the importance of windows to new home buyers,
and they are usually among the first things to be considered in home renovations. Quality windows are very high on
the list of residential energy conservation strategies, and rightfully so. According to Lawrence Berkeley National
Laboratory (LBNL), the energy lost through windows represents four to five percent of total U.S. energy consumption
at a cost of $50 billion annually. Windows typically occupy about 15 to 20 percent of a home's wall surface area, and
account for a significant component of home heating and cooling costs. Energy use associated with windows varies
with the home, but windows lose more heat per square foot of area in winter and gain more heat in summer than any
other surface in the home.
The residential window market is served by a large number of manufacturers that provide a staggering selection to
choose from. "Window shoppers" are faced with numerous technical and cost considerations when choosing the best
window for their application. Among these are the type, (casement, sliding, double hung, etc.) number of glass
panels, performance coatings, R-value, resistance to infiltration, frame materials, finishes and colors. The National
Fenestration Rating Council http://www.nfrc.org evaluates the technical aspects of window performance and serves
as a resource to the industry. But, to the home buyer, few resources are more valuable than a local expert who can
guide them through the window selection process.
April 14, 2014: Water, water everywhere? Not good!
I don't have a green thumb. As much as I enjoy gardening and having houseplants around, I can't claim any expertise
in keeping them alive. This is complicated further by irregular work and travel schedule that requires others to pitch in
and keep an eye (and some gardening tools) on things.
I know one aspect of successful gardening is the ability to provide the correct amount of water where it needs to go,
when needed. In gardening, and when it comes to maintaining our landscapes, this is best done by drip irrigation.
In theory, drip irrigation - low volume/micro-irrigation - is simple. Water is delivered slowly and accurately to the root
zone of the plant on an as needed basis. Need is determined by the micro-climate, especially the amount of rainfall a
garden receives and its solar exposure, the porosity and make up of soil, and how much water the plant species
needs to be healthy.
There are many advantages to drip irrigation. It can save up to 70% of the water used in conventional sprinkler
irrigation or excessive hand watering. The plant's root zone is kept moist but never needlessly saturated with water.
The plant maintains the ideal balance between water and air, and receives any nutrients that might be in the water. In
contrast, conventional sprinklers tend to waste water because of wind scattered spray, evaporation, run-off or deep
leaching. Weed growth is reduced because drip irrigation covers a relatively small part of the soil's surface around
the plant. Conventional sprinklers often create wasteful run-off when used to water upper slopes of hills, or when they
end up watering adjacent sidewalks or driveways. A drip system can be installed in any new area or retrofitted to
replace an existing sprinkler system on flat terrain or hillsides. Drip systems can be automated by adding
conventional electric valves and timers that apply the water slowly enough to allow all the moisture to soak directly
into the soil. Ideal soil moisture levels minimize plant stress, resulting in faster growth, and healthy more beautiful
plants. Likewise, soluble plant food can be distributed to the plant root zone through the drip system with the
attendant economy of reducing the amount of fertilizer needed. Drip irrigation tubing can be buried or left above
ground. Mulch can be used to conceal the drip system, although the plants themselves often accomplish this.
April 7, 2014: Composite Decking - A great idea for lots of reasons
I am always pleased to see the green building industry respond to green product needs with hard work, vision and
innovation. Trex composite decking is such a product.
Trex composite products are made with a unique combination of wood and plastic fibers. Trex gets its plastic and
wood fibers from reclaimed or recycled resources, including sawdust and used pallets from woodworking operations,
and recycled plastic grocery bags from all over the country. The resources are closely screened for high quality
standards before they are accepted for formulation into a Trex product. Each year Trex saves more than 400 million
pounds of wood and plastic waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Trex is one of the largest plastic bag
recyclers in the US, which is significant when one considers the impact of waste plastic in the environment.
In addition, Trex strives to have a green manufacturing process and business practice. Waste product and runoff are
recycled back into the manufacturing process reducing the product waste stream by 95%. All of this is promoted and
marketed through its association with the US Green Building Council, which champions ecologically benign building
materials. Because Trex is comprised of more than 95% recycled content it contributes to Materials and Resources
Credits 5.1 and 5.2 Regional Materials, if the project's location and point of sale for the Trex meets credit criteria.
As an architect I appreciate the various stock sizes, workability, fastener retention, color saturation and minimal
maintenance associated with Trex. I have used Trex on a number of projects over the years and have always been
satisfied with the results. The fact that Trex is good for the environment makes it that much better.
March 31, 2014: Saving Water the Easy Way
The typical single family American household consumes about 74 gallons per person, or 300 gallons of potable water
per day. In a household without available water conservation fixtures, appliances and practices, the toilet uses about
19.3 gallons per day per person, or 26%. This makes it the largest user of water, assuming the toilets meet the
current International Plumbing Code allowable maximum of 1.6 gallons per flush. Toilet water use can be even
greater if the toilets are old, leaking or in disrepair.
A household equipped with water conserving toilets can reduce water demand for toilets down to 9.3 gallons per day
per person, a 50% reduction over conventional toilets. This equates to approximately 18% of the total water use
when considered in context with other water conservation practices. This is less than the 21% needed for faucets and
showers and the 23% used by water efficient clothes washers.
By replacing old, inefficient toilets with EPA WaterSense labeled models, the average family can reduce water used
for toilets by 20-60%, that's nearly 13,000 gallons of water savings for your home every year. Some of the most water
efficient toilets are known as low flow, dual flush toilets. They achieve their water conserving performance by
allocating 1.2 gallons per flush or less to removing solid waste, and less than 1.0 gallons per flush for removing liquid
waste. They can save more than $110 per year in water costs, and $2,200 over the lifetime of the toilets, about ten
times the cost of the toilet. Nationally, if all old, inefficient toilets in the United States were replaced with WaterSense
labeled models, we could save 520 billion gallons of water per year, or the amount of water that flows over Niagara
Falls in about 12 days.
The great thing about installing water-conserving toilets is the savings are automatic, and not subject to other habits,
timers or use patterns. Once they are installed, they save water every time they are used. Few things could be
easier.
March 24, 2014: How Green is Cement Siding?
James Hardie fiber cement cladding is resistant to damage from flame spread, moisture and pests. Over 10 years of
research and development have helped James Hardie succeed in making the most durable fiber cement building
products - the fiber cement most often chosen for installation in the United States. James Hardie uses natural and
sustainable raw materials such as cement, sand, wood fiber and water. They are committed to delivering the quality
product people have come to expect, while minimizing the impacts of these materials on the environment.
So what are the pros and cons of cement siding? Bill Barr of All Star Windows and Siding in Loveland, CO, a 25-year
industry veteran says, "It's a permanent product, it's beautiful, and it's affordable." When it comes to Hardie board
siding, there is a long list of pros.
1. Longevity. Most Hardie board siding comes with a 50-year, limited transferrable warranty. It is completely rot and
insect resistant, and can handle the corrosive environment of salt spray near the ocean."
2. Appearance. Hardie board siding can be made to mimic just about any other siding material, including wood-lap
boards, cedar shingles, and wood shake siding. Color options are virtually unlimited." These colors have a
10 to 15 year warranty on the finish.
3. Fire Resistance. Freddy Scharf, technical services manager for James Hardie Building Products, states that fiber
cement siding "is comprised of more than 90% sand and cement, making it inherently resistant to flames."
4. Storm Resistance. Fiber cement siding is resistant to hail damage and wind drive projectiles.
As for the cons, two things stand out. Because of its weight, fiber cement siding requires more resources to install
than other siding materials. And, it's not a maintenance-free siding material. It will have to be repainted in time.
1. High Installation and Labor Costs. Fiber cement siding requires more planning, a larger labor force, and takes
longer to install. Fiber cement siding weighs about 300 pounds per 100 square feet, compared to 60 to 70 pounds
per square for vinyl siding. You need more employees on the job to properly move and support the boards as they go
up, which can escalate labor and installation costs to double or triple the cost of installing vinyl or aluminum siding.
2. Maintenance. Fiber cement siding has to be re-painted periodically. The product is warranteed for 50 years, but
the baked-on finishes sold by most suppliers are only guaranteed for 15.
Fiber cement runs about $1,000 per square, or $10 per square foot. In more practical terms, due to the increased
labor demand that fiber cement siding requires, plan on spending about 40 percent more if you choose Hardie board
siding over vinyl. However, if you believe the pros outweigh the cons, the cost difference may be quite acceptable,
and you are installing a much more sustainable product.
March 17, 2014: Ventilation the Right Way
Proper ventilation is key to a healthy, energy conscious green home. Mechanical ventilation devices in homes
typically service kitchen and baths. ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2003 requires a minimum of 100 cubic feet per minute
(cfm) for kitchens and 50 cfm for bathrooms. For convenience and comfort, bath ventilation units often include
lighting and spot radiant heating capability. Larger ventilation equipment is sometimes mated to the primary heating
and cooling equipment to provide whole house ventilation and energy recovery capability, but they are not required
by code.
Residential ventilation has two primary roles: moisture and odor control. The goal is to provide these services using
as little energy as possible. Controlling humidity is necessary for balanced comfort, to minimize any potential for mold
growth and, in the worst case, structural damage due to rotting wood members in crawl spaces, attics and other
plenums that are often not accessible where poorly designed ventilation systems sometimes discharge the moisture
they are removing from the home
GreenEdge Supply is pleased to carry a number of EPA Energy Star home ventilation units for a variety of
applications. Among these are Air King, an Energy Star qualified eco-exhaust fan series that provides solutions for
areas needing higher volume ventilation that operate at barely audible sound levels is cost effective and energy
efficient. These are high performance exhaust fans that feature a unique ceiling snap-in-installation system. The
durable high impact plastic housing ensures quiet operation and maximum performance. The motors are suitable for
continuous operation. A 4" plastic duct collar with back draft damper ensures quiet operation and prevents drafts
from entering the room, something that is particularly important in bathroom applications.
March 10, 2014: Green Carpet
I've always considered carpet an important piece of furniture. In addition to it aesthetics, which are subjective, there
is great utility in the ability to stretch out comfortably on the floor, play with our children and pets, and enjoy the quiet
they provide. Traditionally, manufacturing carpet has been very resource intensive with attendant consequences for
human health if toxic materials are used. The good news is the carpet industry has responded to market demand for
environmentally sensitive products that are non-toxic, allergy free, cost effective, durable, colorfast, UV stable and
very attractive.
GreenEdge Supply is pleased to offer a number of choices. Our SmartStrand carpet, manufactured by Mohawk, is
the only carpet with built-in stain and soil resistance that will never wear or wash off. SmartStrand is made with
DuPont Sorona renewably sourced polymer, which is made in part from actual corn - the same kind you grow in your
garden! It also uses less energy to produce. It marks the first time a luxuriously soft carpet offers durability and stain
protection, while also making less of an environmental impact. From field to floor, SmartStrand carpet is the perfect
solution to life's predictable moments and environmental concerns. 37% of Sorona is made from renewable
resources instead of more limited petroleum ingredients.
Recycling is part of the production process for all of Mohawk's EverStrand carpets, and all recycled content can be
certified. That means you can select the options you want and be certain every choice is a sustainable one.
The EverStrand name represents an amazing group of fibers: one that consumes zero virgin petrochemical
resources, one that utilizes even the by-products from the manufacturing process, one that is making a positive
global impact. EverStrand is unquestionably one of the most unique carpet fibers in the industry.
There are many criteria that go into determining how green a carpet is. Buyers should carefully scrutinize all aspects
of a carpet installation, including any subfloor materials or adhesives that are used.
March 3, 2014: It's all in the (green) prep
Growing up with a dad who was a contractor I learned to do things the right way early on. One of the lessons learned
was "A good paint job is all in the prep". With experience came the realization that if the surfaces were clean, dry,
and carefully taped off, applying the paint was easy, and could actually be fun. Touch up was minimal, clean up was
quick, and there was great satisfaction in a job well done.
Today we have the added concern of having the job be as eco-friendly as possible. This includes any materials and
accessories we use. Paint strippers, caulking primers, paints or coatings should all be low VOC or no VOC if
possible. We can extend our environmentally friendly approach to the project by using reusable paint brushes, batch
buckets, paint trays and liners, drop cloths and painters overalls made with recycled materials, When finished, we
need to be sure leftover materials are stored properly for future use, or donated to an organization that will use the
remaining products responsibly. Lastly, anything we cannot use should be routed to a disposal point that will recycle
it responsibly.
GreenEdge Supply is pleased to inventory a variety of eco-friendly materials and accessories for all of your painting
needs. Order them online here!
Drop Cloths, Paint Trays, Paint Tray Liners & Low VOC Caulking
February 24, 2014: Join the LED Revolution
Light emitting diode (LED) technology is a rapidly evolving science that is pervading more and more aspects of our
everyday lives. LEDs are everywhere, from our car dashboards, holiday decorations and cell phones, to an everincreasing number of primary and retrofit choices for residential and commercial lighting applications. The variety and
number of manufacturers available makes choosing LED lamps only by their wattage a difficult task. When
incandescent and fluorescent lamps were the only option, brightness measured by wattage - 60 watt, 80 watt or 100
watt – was a familiar choice. Correctly choosing LED lamps requires an understanding of a LEDs equivalent
performance.
Watts is a measure of the amount of energy used by bulbs and lumens is the measure of brightness provided by a
light bulb; the more lumens, the brighter the bulb. The most important step in understanding the amount of light
generated by the energy consumed in energy efficient light bulbs like compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and LED is
to understand lumens. Beginning with 2012 the Federal Trade Commission FTC required for the light bulbs labels to
emphasize lumens, not watts, as a measure of bulb brightness.
A simple rule to replace an incandescent lamp with an equivalent CFL is to select a CFL bulb that has one fourth, or
25% of watts compared to the replaced incandescent bulb. For example if you want to replace a 60w incandescent
bulb with an equivalent CFL bulb you will need a 15 watt bulb.
While the math for the CFL bulbs is simple, the LEDs are even more energy-efficient and more durable than compact
fluorescent light bulbs. LED requires less wattage than CFL for the same amount of light. The table below illustrates
this concept. On the left side is the comparison table for the most common light bulbs used in the households, useful
in selecting the right replacement lamp for your application.
February 17, 2014: Breathe Easy
Paints, coatings and adhesives are among the last materials to be applied to interior building surfaces. They are
often applied to large surface areas that make up our immediate surroundings. Consequently, making healthy
choices in these materials is fundamental to insuring good interior air quality. Today we are fortunate to have allergy
free, non-toxic alternatives to paints, coatings and adhesives that in the past were less eco-friendly. This is due
largely to the elimination or significant reduction in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contained in the products. The
US Green Building Council www.usgbc.org relies on Green Seal Standard GS 11 for allowable VOC content in
interior paints, and South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1113 for interior shellac and
varnishes. The GreenGuard Environmental Institute www.greenguard.org, also associated with the USGBC, has
additional standards for the same materials, including those applied in school.
GreenEDGE Supply is pleased to offer a number of paints and adhesives with low or no VOCs. We share your
interest in healthy interiors and would like to assist you in creating the best possible home environment. So, before
you choose paint or other interior finishes, especially if they are going into a nursery or bedroom, search our ecofriendly products on line at www.greenedgesupply.com.
February 10, 2014: Bamboo - Eco-Friendly and Fun!
The US Green Building Council defines a rapidly renewable material as one that matures and is available for harvest
and use in ten years or less. Among these are cork, wool, cotton, natural rubber, natural linoleum, agri-fibers like soy,
corn and straw, and bamboo. Each of these materials is “more or less green” depending on how they are harvested,
the distance they travel to the construction site, and the extent to which each is processed. Each of these materials
provide great reliability, low toxicity, and are cost effective. Bamboo is very versatile and can be used a sheer number
of ways: for construction, arts and crafts, and everyday household utility items.
Bamboo is inherently strong, lightweight and inexpensive. When used in construction it can be shaped, bent and cut
into a variety of shapes. Applications include scaffolding, primary and secondary structural members, entire building
enclosures, stair railings, closet rods and flooring. Some bamboo species are cold resistant and grow in a variety of
climates, including mid northern latitudes, making it useful as an ornamental or highly effective visual screen in home
landscape designs.
Bamboo’s allergy free, nontoxic qualities, lightweight and easy workability make it useful for a variety of eco-friendly
products and projects. Bamboo can be fashioned into wind chimes, bird feeders, place mats, umbrella holders,
picture frames, furniture, bed headboards and frames, jewelry compost containers and security gates, to name a few.
These objects make great eco-friendly gifts, and in many cases displace the use of energy intensive plastics, metals
or wood that is not sustainably grown. GreenEDGE Supply shares you interest in eco-friendly materials, and we are
pleased to inventory bamboo poles and security gates. You can order it online at www.greenedgesupply.com.
February 3, 2014: One Less Chemical in the Home
The typical home is awash in chemicals promoted for their ability to deal with odors, pests, cleaning needs and a
number of other household maintenance and home hygiene challenges. Many of these products are well known for
their potential negative health impacts, especially on the young and elderly, and anyone with allergies or chemical
sensitivities. Mothballs, for instance, are nearly 100% active ingredient, either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene.
The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) http://npic.orst.edu/ingred/ptype/mothball/index.html notes these
chemicals work by continuously vaporizing from a solid to a gas. If you can smell the product, you are inhaling the
pesticide. The NPIC warns these products are especially dangerous when accidentally eaten by small children.
The good news is there are benign, nontoxic alternatives to every home care and maintenance product that can
jeopardize our health. One such group of products is our cedar and lavender filled insect repellents that are designed
to replace chemical mothballs. These products use the natural oils in cedar and lavender that are proven effective in
preventing moth and mildew infestations in closets and storage areas. People can be susceptible to cedar and
lavender, but they are much less toxic than the chemicals contained in mothballs. So, if you would like to protect your
clothing using a product that is natural and manufactured from re-purposed wood fragments, try one of our ecofriendly cedar and lavender alternatives.
January 27, 2014: A great DIY home insulation project
Winter is a great time to do “foul weather” home improvement projects. When the weather turns cold and daylight
hours are limited, indoor projects are a good choice. One such project is insulating your home’s ribbon joist. The
ribbon joist is the continuous vertical member that sits atop the foundation wall and receives the floor joists. This
intersection represents a significant amount of exterior wall surface area that can contribute to a home’s heat loss
due to both conduction and cold air infiltration. Insulating the ribbon joist is a code requirement in new homes, but a
surprising number of existing homes I have remodeled or added onto have not had any insulation in this critical
location. This is a great home improvement project as the location is easily accessible, the work is light and can be
done at your own pace. I recommend minimum R30 batts, cut and stapled to create a full friction fit. The floor joist
spacing determines the width of the batt insulation. A respirator and protective clothing are recommended, and care
should always be taken when using tools. A well-done ribbon joist insulation project will make your home more
energy efficient and noticeably more comfortable, especially when combined with an effective air sealing effort.
January 20, 2014: No More Dead Batteries
I’m not one to clutter my life with a lot of marginally useful gadgets, but I do appreciate innovations that solve more
than one problem in environmentally sensitive ways. Over the years I have owned a number of conventional
flashlights that are well designed and durable, but which depend on conventional batteries. Too often, on the rare
occasions when I actually needed a flashlight, I was disappointed to see the batteries were either very weak or did
not work at all. One flashlight was ruined by batteries that leaked, and had to be discarded. A simple solution to this
problem is our Weather Ready Crank Flashlight. It never needs batteries, eliminating the concerns over weak or worn
out batteries, and proper battery disposal. Cranking restores the rechargeable batteries to their fully charged
state. The Nichia LED lamps are bright, virtually unbreakable and never need replacing. The 3.6 volt 80 MAH NiMH
non-replaceable battery pack is charged with the crank only. This light is great for extended power outages and
situations where the light will be stored for long periods of time, making them the perfect choice for boating, camping
and biking, as well as for around the house.
January 6, 2014: Safe Supplemental Heat
We know first and foremost our homes should be well insulated, effectively air sealed against infiltration, and fitted
with energy efficient windows and doors. Our heating equipment should be in proper running order, including modern
programmable thermostats. Still, there are times and conditions when we need a source of safe supplemental heat.
These include periods of extreme cold, or personal preference, especially for the elderly or infirm who may need a
little more warmth. I don’t recommend freestanding heaters that use kerosene or other combustible fuels that vent to
the inside of the home. Neither do I favor “bare wire” electric resistance heaters. Each constitutes potential hazards,
especially to children.
The NA400S Eco-Heaterâ wall mounted whole room electric radiant space heater is a good alternative. The EcoHeater can heat a 10’ by 12’ room while using 73% less energy than a conventional electric heating device; 400
watts compared to the typical 1500 watts. Its ceramic surface while potentially hot, eliminates exposure to exposed
wire heating elements and is designed to be wall mounted out of the reach of children, eliminating the device as a
touch or trip hazard. It can be operated manually or combined with an appliance timer for scheduled heating. The
NA400S can be used for supplemental heat, though third party evaluations indicate it is quite adequate as a primary
heat source, making it worthy of consideration in new construction and remodeling projects. The ceramic surface can
be painted to match your room’s décor, or it can be a home art project for the creative home project advocate.