Goal For The Green

Just wanted to share this with you.  We need to strive to never have our futrue look like this:

This is what eco- sustainability can look like in our homes:

While visiting the link above, be sure all to notice the article on World Water Day, which was March 22, 2009.  It is our most valuable resource that doesn’t get the attention it should!

Although money is a primary concern around the world, so is being responsible, frugal and sustainable. The folks at Valcucine have done just that.

To innovate through solutions that combine functionality and aesthetics is no longer sufficient. The conscious use of materials in a context that takes sustainability into account not only for the production process but also for the product itself is fundamental. Respect for the environment is the common denominator, the ethical imperative that is at the basis of all Valcucine’s projects.

The latest product news realized with the first 100% recyclable kitchen having a structure made of drawn, recycled aluminum. For its production, this material requires 20% of the energy required to obtain primary aluminum. The new glass base units’ system, INVITRUM, is easy to assemble and to disassemble because it is connected using only mechanical joints. The new and evolved structure with glass base units, slim and with formally very clean cut lines, has been designed to eliminate double side panels, that are also in glass and only 10 millimeters thick.

This solution, invented by Gabriele Centazzo, designer and managing director of Valcucine, allows for a remarkable decrease in the volume of materials used: this results in less waste of resources and energy. Lastly, the exclusive use of glass guarantees total recyclability of the unit, absence of glues and formaldehyde emissions as well as absolute resistance to water, steam and heat.

Be sure to visit the links to discover all that is happening with this innovative eco friendly company.  I enjoy both the surreal beauty and aesthetics of their products as I’m sure you will too.

Most of us are doing our Spring cleaning from our house to our garage. Before you make a trip to the dump, check  your discard pile to see if there is anything you can give new life.  You just may save yourself some gas money and a trip to the dump.

If you have a tall wastebasket, use it to corral wrapping paper or crafting supplies.  You can even use hair scrunchies or elastic pony tail holders to keep the paper rolls in control.

Old furniture can often be put to use in a different room. An example, is a small nightstand or end table.  Either can be used in a bathroom to free up counter space and give extra storage for lotions and toiletries. Just paint it to your liking and you have a whole new look.  Coffee cups are useful to hold anything from make-up to pens and pencils.  Those hanging baskets that were meant for fruits and vegetables work great in little kids rooms for storing those small stuffed animals.  It looks adorable.  Give one to a teenager and they will find some cool use for it, just to have things close by the bed if nothing else.

Those old sheets and table clothes can be stitched up and used for storing, comforters, pillows, and blankets free from dust.  Sheets can also be made into easy tab-top curtains,or throw pillows.  All that is needed is a little time, ribbon and embellishments of your choice and you’ve put something old to new use, and saved money too.

Backless bar stools and laundry baskets work well to store anything from toys,camping gear, sporting  goods, or garden tools. Just turn the bar stools upside down and they do a great job of holding these bulky items.

Don’t toss those three-ring binders.  They are great for organizing recipes, (get page protectors), vet records, CDs (get the vinyl inserts) and anything of importance that you want to keep handy.  If they have writing on them, or they don’t match your decor, consider covering them with contact paper.

These are just a few ideas to help you wittle down your trash pile.  If you have books you want to get rid of, consider donating them to homeless or women’s shelters, nursing homes or hospitals.  Contact local thrift shops in your area for drop-off sites or possible pick-up of your unwanted items. Online sites to consider are charitynavigator.org and earth911.org for information on where to recycle specific items such as electronics.

Written in association with  waste management experts