GreenLiving+Design

WISH I would have read this before I bought my bed!

Courtney Poulos — Tue, 04 May 2010 18:47:35 +0000

http://www.grantingersoll.com/2008/06/11/review-of-vivetique-organic-innerspring-mattress/

UGH! Am having the worst experience with mattress buying. There’s a great store in Northern California called Earthsake. We got one mattress from them in the past. But when we got a bigger frame, we tried again, and got the Tranquility mattress. As soon as we got it, we realized it had a very rubbery smell and it wasn’t “extra firm” as we had ordered.

We called Earthsake and they called the manufacturer, Vivetique. Their customer service is HORRIBLE. They promised to send us a replacement. 7 weeks and 2 phone calls later, supposedly the bed was “on the truck.”

THEN, yesterday (mind you we got this mattress in February or March), the bed started to have a strange smell. Today I removed the sheet to figure out what it was–guess what it was? MOLD! CRAZY! MOLD!!!!! I’ve never had a mattress mold!!!

Thank goodness, Earthsake is trying to help us. But seriously, folks, stay away from mattresses made by Vivetique!

5 THINGS YOU CAN RECYCLE (But didn’t think you could!)

Courtney Poulos — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:45:23 +0000

1. Appliances: Goodwill accepts working appliances, the Steel Recycling Institute does, too. Many stores will recycle your old appliances when you buy a new one. Plus, post it on Craigslist for free, and you’d be surprised how fast it gets gone!

2. Sneakers: One World Running sends reusable athletic shoes to athletes around the globe. Nike also has a program which turns shoes into flooring! Visit http://www.oneworldrunning.com and http://www.nikereuseashoe.com.

3. Batteries: Check out www.batteryrecycling.com.

4. Clothes: Goodwill, Dress for Success, local animal boarding and shelter facilities all need clothes donations.

5. CFL bulbs: Ikea recycles them. Your local hardward store may have a facility, too!

6. Computers and electronics: Visit http://www.ban.org/pledge/Locations.html.

7. Foam peanuts: Call the Plastic Loose Fill Producers Council to find a site to drop them off: 1-800-828-2214. You can also call your local UPS Store or shipping store and they will probably take them off your hands.

8. Ink and Toner Cartridges: Many packages come with a preprinted envelope for return of the old cartridge. You can also visit http://www.recycleplace.com.

9. Motor Oil: Visit http://www.recycleoil.org.

10. Cell Phones: Visit http://www.donateaphone.com and http://www.collectivegood.com!

Thanks Green American for inspiration for the tips!

Washington Real Estate Market it Heating Up!

Courtney Poulos — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:15:20 +0000

I’ve been in so many multiple offer situations in the past few weeks. Buyers should be prepared to possibly be in competition. Is it the tax credit? Is it the economy turning around? Hard to tell–but I do know that with rates low and prices unchanged or better than 2 years ago, it seems like it’s the perfect storm!

Check out this Washington Post article:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/11/AR2010031104514.html

This product is AMAZING. Soy-Gel, a Professional Paint & Urethane Remover

Courtney Poulos — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 23:41:14 +0000

I just received my Angie’s List brochure, and saw this product which is 100% biodegradable, non-caustic and non-hazardous. It removed paint and urethane. So if you have a project requiring refinishing, this is the non-toxic way to do it! I’m so happy this product exists!

Here’s the link:

http://www.franmar.com/product_info.php?cPath=21&products_id=114

Eco-Flooring

Courtney Poulos — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:11:19 +0000

Here’s a new article from GreenLivingOnline.com:

http://greenlivingonline.com/article/eco-friendly-flooring-part-1

I find that buyers in the Washington DC real estate market don’t prefer carpet, but certainly choosing an eco-friendly carpet for a rec room or lower level makes good sense!

Enjoy!

This is GENIUS! Ikea Product Assembly in the Washington DC area!

Courtney Poulos — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 01:20:29 +0000

I just found this:

Details

Address: Arlington, VA 22213 (map)
Date Posted: 12/28/09
Posted by: User active since 01/2008

Description

Tired of attempting by yourself to assemble furniture and ending up missing a step or two and tearing everything down several times before you get all pieces put together correctly? I can drive to your place anywhere around this area and put furniture quickly together and offer professional help with any other renovations/installations you might need. It doesn’t matter what brand your furniture is; I have put together all kinds of pieces and materials: furniture made by IKEA, Bush, Bestar, O’Sullivan, etc; items from Staples, Office Depot, Crate & Barrel, Walmart, Target… I can also help with All other handyman work:

* Kitchen cabinet & other wall Installations,
* Light fixtures/fans etc
* Underground Dog Fence Installation
* Installing TV Monitors /Audiovisual set up,
* Fitness gym assembly and basketball hoops etc
* Helping you move
* Tiling (ceramic etc)
* Installation of Curtain rods and window blinds
* Changing Locks …

The cost is $50/hr and there is a 2 HOUR MINIMUM ($100 minimum for a visit) or contact me with details about furniture make, brand, dimensions, units, etc.
Please call (571) 722-6923 to make a quick
and easy short notice appointment.

Philip’s Remodeling
forPHILIP@yahoo.com
(571) 722-6923

http://philipwolfremodeling.services.officelive.com

http://www.philipgy.com

It’s a Green October in DC!

Courtney Poulos — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 23:57:55 +0000

October 10th and 11th is the DC Green Festival!

Visit the Convention Center in downtown DC for the DC Green Festival sponsored by Global Exchange and Green America. There will be more than 125 speakers, including Ed Begley, Jr., Medea Benjamin, Amy Goodman and more!

There will be more than 350 green businesses displaying their products and services. A list is here: http://www.greenfestivals.org/exhibitor-directory/browse-by-city/washington-dc/. There will be live music, organic food and wine, gifts products, a fair trade tent and more!

http://www.greenfestivals.org/washington-dc/

The Solar Decathalon houses are available for public viewing on the National Mall!

The Solar Decathalon is a contest among college and university students to build the most innovative, attractive, and energy-efficient solar-powered house. The competing houses are open to the public for viewing. Don’t miss this unique opportunity!

Oct. 9-13—Houses are open to the public
Oct. 15-18—Houses are open to the public

Visit http://www.solardecathlon.org for more details!

WHAT?!!? SIGG bottles contain BPA?

Courtney Poulos — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:13:37 +0000

Natural Home magazine’s editor-in-chief discusses this news :

http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/Natural-Home-Living/Sigg-BPA-Water-Bottles.aspx

Find a Green Job at GreatGreenCareers.com!

Courtney Poulos — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:55 +0000

Natural Home magazine just sent out an email and I thought I would share–there are lots of great green jobs out there, including solar and wind energy, environmental consulting and green sales and marketing. Visit www.greatgreencareers.com and you can search for jobs or post your resume. There is also a “green career resources” and if you post your resume, you will receive a copy of the e-book, “Finding a Green Job.”

Seems like it could be a great resource for those of you out their looking to green your career! Good luck!

“Cash for Refrigerators” – New Energy Efficiency Incentive to Launch in October!

Courtney Poulos — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 18:02:14 +0000

Looks like there may be some money to subsidize replacing your old refrigerators and dishwashers!

Check out this article in the Washington Post: http://news.yahoo.com/s/bw/20090824/bs_bw/aug2009db20090821304909

And this article in the The Washington Examiner: http://www.examiner.com/x-17020-DC-Green-Living-Examiner~y2009m8d26-Cash-for-refrigerator-clunkers-new-federal-program-offers-appliance-rebates