In which we make a commitment to the environmentApril 16th, 2008 @ 7:01 am
I often tease The King about the time he confessed that he was “making a commitment to the environment”. He made it sound like The Environment and he had kneeled at an alter, hands entwined, family and friends witnessing, and made a commitment to each other. They would now do everything they could to help each other become better.
The King + The Environment = True Love
While I like to make it sound like a joke, The King truly is committed to the environment. And he’s getting greener by the second. He has yet to switch over to an all hemp wardrobe, but he does wear eco friends shoes. (we found two pairs at Ross for $15.00. I kid you not!) It’s only a matter of time until he starts to grow dreads. So The King may not be the greenest person I know (would that be Kermit?), but he’s pretty darn green.
When we decided to build another house, we knew we wanted to take the green practices we used on the first house and take it up a notch with the new house. Plus, and I’ll be honest here, building a more green house would make it worth more money when we decide to sell it. Especially here in Seattle.
Our new house will be Certified Built Green, something The King is very proud of.
We used in-floor radiant heating in the first house we built. The King and I installed it, working together in the crawlspace to install the piping. While we have no complaints about in-floor radiant heat, we were anxious to try something new with the new house. Plus, with the years The King spent living in Europe, he feel in love with the European use of radiators for heating. He fondly remembers being able to put his clothes out on the radiator, on a cold winter morning, and have the radiator heat them up to a cozy temperature.
And so, we’re using radiators as our heat source. There are a lot of different styles of radiators out there, and we were able to find some that will fit with our modern house. We were also able to buy radiators for the bathrooms that also double as towel racks. This way, our towels will always be warm when we get out of the shower.
Another product that we learned about, thanks to the Europeans, was the dual flush toilet. A dual flush toilet is exactly what it sounds like-there are two different types of flushes. One button for #1 and another button for #2. This enables you to use less water to get rid of your toilet waste. These types of toilets are common practice around the world. But, for whatever reason, they aren’t very common in America. (Thanks to Jihan for hooking us up with all of our fixtures for the new house.)
Since this new house is being built where a previous (non-renovateable) house was demolished, we’re making sure to reuse as many building materials from the demolished house as possible. We’re using the old wood flooring as trim in the new house. The old paint and nail holes were planed down, and the wood is gorgeous. We’re excited to be using it as a way to reuse, and to save us money.
We’re using low energy light bulbs, we’re planning on utilizing as much natural light as possible (in Seattle?). We installed super efficient windows and doors. Our appliances are all EnergyStar approved and we rarely use the dryer for our clothing. We plan on planting more trees and appropriate plants. We are using the demolished house’s foundation as part of our landscaping walls. Our faucets will have low flow constrictors. We’re using recycled carpeting (and recycled carpet pads), where applicable.
We are recycling at the construction site and plan to continue recycling once we move in. The basement flooring is concrete foundation slab. No vinyl flooring or siding for us. We’re using cement siding and metal on the outside of the house. The roof is also metal. We’ll be using recycled plastic for our decking. All of our counter tops are concrete, made by The King. And we used extra installation.
While we aren’t doing as much as we could or should be doing, we are doing our part. The King and I feel that this earth was gifted to us to use. Part of showing our appreciation for this beautiful world is showing our respect and love towards it. And to help ensure it will be here for our kids and our kid’s kids to also use.
And if this means using flusable diapers and dual flush toilets, then sign me up.
So tell me, what are you doing to be more green?
The new house · The King · The first house
Janssen
said,
April 16, 2008 at 4:38 pm
I’ve started recycling which has cut our garbage production down to one half full bag per garbage day. I’m growing my own herbs in the backyard, trying to buy less packaged food, and riding my bike to work. I also take the bus to school (my husband drops me off at the stop on his way to work).
I’m really impressed by your house things! Who knew you could find so many ways to be green?
Carrie
said,
April 16, 2008 at 4:48 pm
That is SO AWESOME that y’all are being “green!” My husband and I are trying to come up with ways to be more green (living in a neighborhood that doesn’t recycle (I know, omg) and me having to drive 60 miles a day makes us feel guilty). When I went to Poland in 2006 the first thing I told my mom about our trip was “They have separate flushers for #1 and #2!!!”
Marriage-101
said,
April 16, 2008 at 4:48 pm
I too am impressed by your efforts to be more green! I do a fair amount of recycling but that’s about it. I try to keep my showers/running water, driving, and general consumption down to a minimum, but clearly there are so many more ways I could be doing more.
Nic
said,
April 16, 2008 at 4:49 pm
I am SO bad.
Seriously, SO bad. I’m trying to reduce and reuse things (shopping bags, plastic baggies, food containers). I thought I was doing good with using Nalgene type bottles, but after today’s article in the NYT about them being banned, I have to suck it up and order a Sigg bottle. I need to buy reusable grocery bags, those teeny ones that fit into your purse. And I’m certain that none of my cosmetics are green. I do need to look at green cleaning materials. But for now I’m going to avoid polluting by just not cleaning anyway.
carly
said,
April 16, 2008 at 5:03 pm
I do nothing. I’m terrible. Well except for about 10 energy saver bulbs in my house. And I’ll be honest, I just bought them because my husband is lazy and doesn’t like to change the difficult to reach light bulbs.
We don’t even recycle.
Procrastamom
said,
April 16, 2008 at 5:22 pm
I saw those dual flush toilets in….wait for it….Starbucks! (Seattle anyone?) I thought they were ingenious.
We have been recycling for years and when I go to my in-laws house in a different city, where they don’t recycle (not sure whether the city doesn’t have a recycling program or the IL’s just won’t get on board with it), I about have a heart attack everytime they throw a newspaper or milk jug in the garbage. Also, I recently saw a documentary on plastic bags and what they’re doing to the environment all over the world, so from that day forward I will not allow plastic grocery bags into our home. You can pick up cloth bags from any store these days for 99 cents or less…to me that’s a no brainer.
janet
said,
April 16, 2008 at 5:32 pm
you get like 700 gold stars from me. I give myself, like, half one one. I should do more! Does nagging my husband to turn off the water when he’s washing dishes count?
Rhi
said,
April 16, 2008 at 5:34 pm
I’m an obsessive complusive recylcler - but it is hard, because I live in an apartment. I was just at a conference for work - and the theme was sustainability - so, they were giving away all sorts of green gadgets. I grabbed a shower meter that will help me to keep my showers to 3 minutes (UM, it sucks). BUT - while I pay a flat rate for water at my apartment, no matter how much I use, I am hoping to just use this time to get used to short showers for when I buy something and have to pay for my own water usage.
And, I use reusable shopping bags. Which in my opinion are super cute and way easier anyway because they hold so much more.
Stephanie
said,
April 16, 2008 at 5:55 pm
I am not anywhere close to you all, but I have recently started to make changes in the little things. No more plastic lunch baggies, no more store bought cleaners. I keep most appliance on a power strip and unplug it when not in use. We have recycled for several years and I am proud to say that the university that I work for has more recycling containers than any other public place I have ever seen. We have 14 containers just in my office of 18. My community has recycling with it’s trash pickup which isn’t standard in a lot of places. We have several e-cycle and hazardous waste days with the local recycling organization.
But still, there is so much more I could do.
Keri
said,
April 16, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Wow. That is really impressive and very interesting to read about. I hadnt thought that radiators would be more efficient. We recycle and its pretty neat when my 4 year old asks “mom can this be recycled?” so she’s already “getting it”
We are using the light bulbs too & cutting down on plastic bags & using the reuseable shopping bags.
Once your house is done you’ll need to show us room by room and explain everything via pictures.
So interesting!
Olivia
said,
April 16, 2008 at 6:33 pm
In my house we recycle, use compact florescent bulbs, and replaced our toilet with a “low flow” one. I also re-use plastic bags and make sure things really needs to be replaced before I buy a new one.
Going green is quite a learning process, but I figure slow and steady we’ll keep improving.
Abbie
said,
April 16, 2008 at 7:01 pm
I cannot lie, I’ve not paid much attention to the going green campaign.
But from reading your blog, I’m inspired.
Loralee
said,
April 16, 2008 at 8:27 pm
I tried to buy some eco-green cleaner at WalMart yesterday and my husband refused as purchasing anything ‘Trendy and green” would “Only encourage them”.
It is NOT easy being green sometimes!
Sigh.
Marci
said,
April 16, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Good Job on the green house! You guys are awesome! I have tried to be green on two things:
1) voting YES on the ‘would you pay $7 a month for curbside recycling.
2) I am trying to recycle diet coke cans, but so far they are sitting in bags in my garage. Defintely on the to do list!
Monica
said,
April 16, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Ash and I lived in a solar home completely off the grid for 2 years and loved it. We learned a lot about how to build a home to use what nature provides. We had a sun room off the kitchen that provided forced air heat to the home on sunny days, and a turbo burner that burned any type a fuel that is available (even garbage and old tires although I never tried;0) to heat the home on cloudy days. We had a well for water, and had custom appliances that are even more energy efficient than what you buy in stores. I learned a ton and would do it again if it was more cost effective.
bananas
said,
April 17, 2008 at 12:28 am
you know, I think you’re the first person I know who built a certified green home. Very interesting. Kudos to you and the king!
suzannah
said,
April 17, 2008 at 1:57 am
i loved reading all about your house and i’m truly intrigued by the toilets!
way to put your money where your mouth is!
we lug all our recyclables to the drop-off center, because sadly our little town does not pick-up curbside. we use reusable bags and cloth diapers, but our newest thing is composting. i’m not even a gardener, but i think it’s so cool that our organic waste can return to the earth.
Molly
said,
April 17, 2008 at 2:36 am
I love this entry!! And, it’s really awesome how much you guys are doing in your new house to be “green.”
Being good to the environment has really grown into quite a big deal at our house over the last few years, beginning with the very simple act of recycling. I love finding very simple things - from lightbulbs to certain habits that can be changed to make a difference to our environment. It took a lot to get Kevin on board with me, but after a few Global Warming specials on the History channel, he’s been very supportive.
)
Elisette
said,
April 17, 2008 at 1:01 pm
Yay, green! We’ve been going greener for a couple years now - engery star and efficient windows, doors, furnace, washer, and improved insulation home wise (has kept our gas prices steadier at least).
Cloth diapers (not 100% right now, maybe 50% with the baby, but I’m slowly getting back to it - needed a break!)
Compost bin (yay!) so less trash to the curb
Recycling everything we can
Reusable bags to the stores whenever possible or just refusing bags (have long done the refuse bag thing)
More walking, less driving now that all the snow has melted!!
Kath
said,
April 17, 2008 at 1:03 pm
WOW ! Good job ! i think it’s fantastic that your house will be certified built green !
At home we do quite a lot i think, even though we’re not head over heels green. After a while, it comes naturally. Here’s a list i once drew up.
Green things we do :
1. We made the switch to organic, biodegradable cleaning products.
2. We switched most of our bulbs to CFL & turn off lights when not in use.
3. We turn off water when brushing our teeth.
4. We take our own reusable bags to the grocery store.
5. We eat our lunches at work instead of driving back home needlessly. Also, our lunches are packed in reusable containers.
6. We buy local when we can.
7. We purchased an energy saver washer two years ago.
8. We turn off our computer every night.
9. We use electronic thermostats programmed to turn off the heat at night & during the day when we’re not there.
10. We recycle, of course.
11. We have a LED nightlight in our daughter’s room.
12. We use a faucet aerator.
13. We stopped almost all magazine subscriptions.
14. We buy recycled goods at the grocery store.
15. When we have to print, we double-side.
16. We use cloth napkins instead of paper.
17. We use ecofriendly shampoo & conditioner.
Green things we will be doing :
1. Stopping junk mail (reddotcampaign.ca).
2. Upgrading to an oxygenating showerhead.
3. Buying a smart strip power bar.
4. Eventually replacing our paraffin candles by soy wax ones.
5. Switching to a more fuel efficient car.
6. Using rechargeable batteries (we will safely recycle our old ones).
7. Drying clothes on clothes rack when weather permits.
8. Opting for organic, fair-trade coffee from the local brew.
Good luck !
(& for your readers who wish they knew where to start, i suggest reading Ecoholic by Adria Vasil. The links in the book are mostly for Canadians, but the info applies to everyone.)
Dugi.
said,
April 17, 2008 at 3:24 pm
hey i’m green too!! no wonder we r friends! yay!
we do everything kath said she does except for the cloth nappy coz no kid yet. we have duel flush, oxy showerhead, smartstrip power savers, biodegradable garbage bags, led lights, buy 2nd hand furniture, recyclable plastic products, use cloth instead of paper towel to clean up, love rechargeable batteries, energy-star rated appliances n we have only one oil heater for the whole house n we just put on lots more clothes in winter-it works well enough, plus our electricity supplier is Origin who use renewable energy, plus i catch public transport a lot.
stuff i should be doing is buying less, living on less stuff, saving for a green car/home, move somewhere where i can air dry my washing, less waste among many other things.
i found that once we made a decision n started changing a few things here n there….we hardly noticed the cost or inconvenience.
u guys r so wonderful for building a green home. i’m so proud of u n really inspired.
Foolery
said,
April 17, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Hi Isabel — what an inspiring list (and the lists of your readers, too!) We do some of those things:
~ recycle cardboard, glass and plastic
~ very careful with heater/AC
~ hand-wash dishes instead of dishwasher most of the time
~ buy mostly whole foods and avoid pre-packaged as much as is reasonable
~ CFL lightbulbs are creeping in (but I HATE them, AARRGGHH)
~ EnergyStar appliances
~ S L O W L Y retrofitting windows
but I love the idea of reusing the old floorboards and concrete! Those seem like great ideas, and not that hard.
I’ll keep working on it. Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
– Laurie
Nic
said,
April 17, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Oh duh! I completely forgot something HUGE. I don’t own a car. I participate in a car sharing program where I can rent a car for an hour or day if I need it. You can check it out at phillycarshare.org
Sadie
said,
April 17, 2008 at 10:22 pm
Good for you! The school where my husband is Asst. Principal was certified built green and has those dual flusher thingies. I just moved from Tennessee to Colorado and I’m learning a lot about being more green. I’m very impressed with your new house, that’s awesome!
Kim
said,
April 18, 2008 at 2:49 am
I wish we had built our house greener. We have been in it almost five years and while I love it there are some things I wish I had done differently. My husband was recently diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease so I don’t think I would have built a house quite so large, 4000 square feet, if I had known he was sick. Also, regardless of his diagnosis it is too big. By the way, I love your blog. Thanks.
daringyoungmom
said,
April 18, 2008 at 4:55 am
You guys are semi-amazing over there. I cannot WAIT to see the new place when it’s done and bask in its green-ness. I am invited, right?
Kim
said,
April 18, 2008 at 9:08 pm
I remember when Jessica learned about recycling at school and came home telling me how bad I was for the environment. Uh, gee, thanks dude. So we started recycling cans and bottles and newspapers, and now (since the City allows it) recycle cardboard, more plastic bottles and food cans. Kelli even made me cut the six-pack plastic things before we recycled them. I used to tease them about being tree-huggers.
Maddy’s school has a bench made from recycled plastics that the kids collected. It’s pretty cool that she can say “I was part of that.”
We’re planting trees in Jessica and Kelli’s honor this spring.
If I ever build a house, I want a Certified Green House too. Thanks for the tips on what to do.
Kerri Anne
said,
April 19, 2008 at 3:45 am
We are constantly on the look-out for better ways to be greener, and living in Portland definitely affords us plenty of options.
We hardly use any electricity, which sounds weird, but honestly, our monthly electricity bills are a joke (which is so refreshing!) because our apartment is laden with large window after large window, and we don’t have to even turn a lamp on until it gets dark daily.
We also use recyclable grocery bags, environmentally friendly cleaners, and I walk to work often.
Good work! on building green. Tres awesome.
meritt
said,
April 21, 2008 at 1:03 pm
Love the dual flush toilets… honestly I’ve never heard of them before now but I am going to tell Coffeehusband about them as it’s EXACTLY what I’ve always thought we should have and didn’t know someone else already made them. Mental-Note for our next home!
In which we celebrate Babboo’s Birthday Extravaganza Weekend | hola, isabel
said,
April 21, 2008 at 4:36 pm
[…] Saturday, we dropped Babboo off at a friends house and painted some trim over at the new house. My folks, and even my aunt, came to help. My mom and aunt are great painters. My dad, alas, is not. I spent my time following behind him and fixing his paint drips. But, you know what, I didn’t even care. I was just happy to have them there helping. […]
SJ
said,
April 21, 2008 at 6:16 pm
I was impressed from the get go that The King is building your house with his own hands, and now I’m even more impressed that you guys are making all these efforts to be green! I think it’s fantastic and really can’t wait to see it all done. I’m waiting anxiously!
I’ve been trying to recycle more, and have switched too all green cleaning products. It’s not much but it’s a start! Happy Earth Day!