[You'll see this image on page 2 of the kitchen renovation section] -

The colorfully illustrated guideline (yes, there are even photos) delineates a best-practices construction approach for homes, whether its a simple kitchen or bathroom renovation, outdoor patio creation, exterior addition, or a major gut renovation. The guidelines give a very real, hands-on account of the before and after, lessons learned, budget constraints (when are there not?) and even comments from owners about the real issues.

[This image is found on page 56, the outdoor living chapter]:

While there are no certifications granted by following this program, it gives designers, builders and homeowners a strong reference and alternative for building green in situations where a project does not qualify for certification systems such as LEED, Energy Star and Health House.

For the time being, this reference may be our answer to finding a green rating system for urban residential projects, where there is not yet a certification system that directly applies.

[ pg. 44]

The stool is produced in the United States and is environmentally friendly.  80% of the aluminum is recycled.  Half is post consumer (soft drink cans) and half is postindustrial (manufacturing scrap).  The Emeco craftsman grind each weld flush to give it a seemless appearance.  The aluminum is three times stronger than steel and has a estimated life of 150 years.  It also comes with a life-time warranty.  Emeco started their business designing chairs for the U.S. Navy and one of the design requirements was that it be torpedo proof!  If you have the time, you should check out the video on YouTube that shows someone taking an Emeco chair and catapulting it into a brick wall 50 times.  It pretty much survives with very little damage!

By selecting environmentally sound product choices we expect it to provide us credit toward our LEED certification.  Also, there's no off gassing because aluminum does not emit VOCs or aldehydes in any measurable concentration.  The things that I really like about this stool is the excellent craftsmanship, modern, elegant, attractive design and the fact that it costs about the same price as a nice stool made of plastic or wood.

The special honeycomb cell shape of the cardboard makes for an extremely durable, high-performance, innovative and lightweight natural material. The honeycomb shape design inside the two outer layers allows the cardboard to bear more weight and pressure than one would imagine.

Cardboardesign products have a modern aesthetic. It can be varnished to make it waterproof. The desktops take on a lacquered look if the top is varnished.

A very exciting aspect of the company's cardboard furniture is how consumers can create art on it by painting, applying collage, or drawing graffiti on the surfaces. Examples of this are shown on the website in The Hampton Design Showhouse section.

The first group of furniture, called Series55, comes in pieces that fit together like a puzzle. Nothing extra is needed to assemble them.

As a company Cardboardesign is working towards being conscientious in all that it uses and all that it gains. Not one tree was cut down to
produce the furniture & packaging. Not one person or country was exploited in making the products, which are 100% made in America. The glue used in this furniture contains no harsh chemicals or animal products. This product is fully recyclable and should never end up as landfill.

Check out the full sale here.

HempWood provides a relatively clear coating that enriches and protects wood grains. It can also be used as a lacquer on other surfaces, such as metal or painted materials.

For more info, click here.