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Simple Green Living E Book
- 1. Green Living Series
Volume: I
How to turn your home into a sanctuary
Presented By: Nancy Astrid Lindo
San Francisco Los Angeles Miami New York City
1309 Berkeley Street Studio B Santa Monica, Ca 90404 www.astriddesignstudio.com
© Copyright and Property of Astrid Design Studio 2008
- 2. Nancy Astrid Lindo is an artist, designer and a lifelong environmentalist. She has
received her Interior Design degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New
York City, completed the Green Building Certificate program at Sonoma State, as well
as being LEED accredited. This enabled her to use her expertise in a wide range of
disciplines.
Nancy also has her Permaculture Design Certificate - a philosophy that has fostered a
new sense of understanding and awareness of the natural world around her.
With education being at the core of all change, she strongly believes that in continuing
to cultivate herself, and share that knowledge that can help facilitate inspiration,
thought, and ultimately, positive change.
[Interior]Design
We are a full service interior design firm with projects ranging from singular spaces, to
full-scale remodels, and new construction. We view projects in a holistic manner; taking
into account fundamental elements and incorporating them seamlessly to create a
space that not only reflects the integrity of the architecture but also echoes the
aesthetic of the clients’ innate style.
Our mission is to encompass sustainable components and innovation in design and
technology to create efficient and beautiful spaces.
[Eco]Consulting
Our consulting encompasses residential as well as commercial spaces. We incorporate
sustainable practices into every day lives by observing current ways of living or working
and creating a customized platform that would save money, improve indoor air quality,
provide energy, water efficiency and educate client(s) through the entire process.
We create a Green Marketing Portfolio, which not only include the benefits of an
[Eco]Consultation, but also builds a public record for marketing and sales perspectives.
[Green]Building
We are a resource for contractors, builders and architects pursuing green standards -
while serving residential, commercial, and corporate arenas.
We have the resources available to conduct proper investigations of product(s) and/or
theories and studies for projects. We have the capacity to lead design charettes for
builders and architects.
1309 Berkeley Street Studio B Santa Monica, Ca 90404 www.astriddesignstudio.com
© Copyright and Property of Astrid Design Studio 2008
- 3. What Makes a Project Green?
I. Commercial or residential products and applications created and built with the
health and well being of the workers, inhabitants and the planet in mind
II. Operates in an effective and efficient manner, consuming less energy and water
than conventional homes and buildings
III. Uses the natural elements of site specific location, weather patterns, and
materials to incorporate into the design
IV. Uses technology to build ‘smart’ buildings - generating less pollution and
saving on operational costs by requiring less maintenance
V. Uses less materials, producing less waste, and managing and diverting waste
VI. Produces a drastically reduced carbon and water footprint through the lifecycle
of the home or building
VII. Uses materials with the lowest health and environmental impact
VIII. Stores and uses natural energy and water from sunlight and rain
IX. Creates a landscape that corresponds with the project location and the
surrounding natural elements - uses natural flora and fauna as well as native
non-invasive species
1309 Berkeley Street Studio B Santa Monica, Ca 90404 www.astriddesignstudio.com
© Copyright and Property of Astrid Design Studio 2008
- 4. Why Build Green?
Buildings of the world consume:
• 17% of our water
• 25% of the wood harvested
• 40% of the world's energy and materials
The average American house uses:
• 13,127 board feet of lumber
• 2,000 square feet of flooring
• 6,212 square feet of sheathing
In the U.S., buildings account for:
36% of total electricity consumption
•
62% of electricity use
•
30% of greenhouse gas emissions
•
37% of ozone depletion potential
•
1309 Berkeley Street Studio B Santa Monica, Ca 90404 www.astriddesignstudio.com
© Copyright and Property of Astrid Design Studio 2008
- 5. Water
Did you know that in Los Angeles our water travels over 500 miles to get to our
faucets? It comes from as far away as the Sierras and the Colorado River. We are
also in a severe drought, where water conservation is imperative.
There is a saying in the Qu’ran that “By means of water, we give life to everything.”
We all know this to be true, since most of our body is composed of water, as well
as our planet.
In our country, individually, we use approximately 170 gallons of water per day –
that is 7 times the per capita average! What does that mean? We use a lot more
water than we need. There are many ways to save water.
Consider getting a couple of aerators that cost under $2 and fit into most faucets in
your bathroom and kitchen, and will save up to a gallon of water per minute,
without any noticeable difference to your water pressure. It uses the technology of
air pressure to deliver a reduced amount of water with the same pressure!
What you can do!
Use a Seafood Watch List to guide your seafood purchases
•
www.mbayaq.org
Harvest rainwater
•
Know your watershed
•
Turn the water off when brushing your teeth or the dishes
•
Save water while waiting for it to get hot, to water your plants!
•
Consider greywater/wastewater technology
•
Purchase low flow shower heads, toilets, dual flush toilets, and aerators
•
Utilize state offered incentives to switch to more efficient units
•
Educate yourself on the dead zones in our oceans
•
Buy a chlorine filter for your shower
•
Conserve your water use
•
Eliminate the use of imported and single use bottles
•
1309 Berkeley Street Studio B Santa Monica, Ca 90404 www.astriddesignstudio.com
© Copyright and Property of Astrid Design Studio 2008
- 6. Plastic
For about the past 60 years, since the invention of plastic, there has been a giant
mass of garbage forming in an oceanic area known as the North Pacific Gyre - also
known as the garbage patch.
It is located about 1,000 miles west of San Francisco and 1,000 miles north of
Hawaii, in the midst of the Pacific Ocean. About a one week boat ride from any
land mass. Scientists have estimated that it weighs 3 million tons, covers an area
twice the size of Texas, about 300 feet deep from sea level, and is comprised of fine
plastic chips and other material.
It is due to a clockwise trade wind that circulates along the Pacific Rim creating a
vortex that has resulted in this accumulation from all over the world. The debris is
usually washed from beaches and city streets into storm drains and taken out to
the ocean - only to later be carried miles into the ocean into this vortex. A size too
large to be dismantled by any singular government.
Since the plastic is exposed to constant salt water and the sun's UV rays, it
becomes brittle and disintegrates into small particles, even that resembling of
plastic dust. It has been estimated that the ratio of plastic to plankton is 24 to 1.
Derived from a nonrenewable resource, petroleum. 2.5 million bottles of
•
water are tossed each hour and three million are dumped in landfills daily in
California
With imported water, most bottles are made in one country (usually China)
•
and shipped to be bottled at the source in their respective countries (i.e. Fiji)
which in turn, exerts more energy, oil and waste
Chemicals in plastic bottles have been proven to leach into the bloodstream
•
Storing food in plastic is not recommended - use glass containers or jars
•
instead
What you can do!
Bring your own bags to the market - reduce plastic bag use
•
Buy glass if you have the option instead of plastic jar products
•
Use reusable bottles
•
Don't litter - if you see some, pick it up!
•
Avoid plastic with chemicals like BPA and pthalates - utilize alternatives
•
1309 Berkeley Street Studio B Santa Monica, Ca 90404 www.astriddesignstudio.com
© Copyright and Property of Astrid Design Studio 2008
- 7. Energy
• Buy power strips for all your outlets! A simple $5 investment, with a power on/off
switch, can make a big difference. You can save over 1,000 lb. of carbon dioxide
and $256 per year. The ticket is to remember to turn off your power strip. You
will be amazed how easily it becomes part of your routine when you are going to
bed to simply turn it off.
• Purchase a blanket for your water heater. Even if you are a renter, it’s a $20
investment that you can always take with you to your next space. This blanket
will prevent heat loss. Save approximately 1,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide from
going into the atmosphere and you’ll save around $40 per year in your energy bill!
• Replace 3 frequently used light bulbs with CFL compact fluorescent bulbs, and
save 300 lb. of carbon dioxide and $60 per year.
• Instead of turning up the heat loss, wear more clothes - save 1,000 lbs. of CO2
and $250 per year.
• Even when electronics are turned off, as long as they are plugged in they use
energy - save over 1,000 lbs. of CO2 and $256 per year, by unplugging unused
electronics.
• Caulk/weather strip doors and windows - save 1,700 lbs. of CO2 and $274 per
year.
• Don’t leave lights on in unoccupied rooms.
• Power down - turn off your PC and your cell phone once in a while!
1309 Berkeley Street Studio B Santa Monica, Ca 90404 www.astriddesignstudio.com
© Copyright and Property of Astrid Design Studio 2008
- 8. Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality is a very overlooked problems’ in peoples homes. Pollutants
come in many masked forms such as: dryer sheets, smoke, scented candles, anti -
bacterial products, air fresheners, cleaners, deodorizers, cat litter, sprays, perfume/
cologne, synthetic fibers, plastics and a host of other products. Warning labels on
bottles are usually a simple indication that they are toxic and hazardous to your
health.
• Carpets
Carpeting is usually made with toxic adhesives and materials. Upon installation it
releases many VOC’s – creating a ‘new’ carpet smell.
Over time it will develop more problems being exposed to humidity, moisture,
human and animal dander and dirt - making it very difficult to clean.
During the aging process, the toxic particulate matter that makes up the carpet
breaks down and becomes distributed into the breathing air.
Carpets are also non-biodegradable toxic waste.
What you can do!
Go for older Orientals, hand made throw rugs
•
Ask what types of adhesives are used (water based?) What is the material
•
used to make the carpet? Is it biodegradable? Does it off gas?
Consider natural materials instead of synthetic, such as jute, alpaca, wool
•
sisal or naturally woven materials.
1309 Berkeley Street Studio B Santa Monica, Ca 90404 www.astriddesignstudio.com
© Copyright and Property of Astrid Design Studio 2008
- 9. Furniture
•
Most synthetic wood products are made with materials that are highly dangerous to
living organisms. They are generally a combination of adhesives, formaldehyde,
particle board, Melamine, fiberboard, pressed board, masonite, and plywood.
These are only a few of the many types of prefabricated boards that cause health
problems from glues and binders and toxics in the wood materials.
What you can do!
Buy naturally finished materials whose wood is sourced responsibly.
•
The Forest Stewardship (aka - FSC) is a council that regulates as 3rd party
•
certifier that requires a chain of custody so the end user knows exactly
where their product came from. This assures sustainable forest
management practices while offering a fair trade market to indigenous
cultures, and furthermore maintains the biodiversity of the forest.
Seek organic fabrics - When buying textiles like bedding and towels, or even
•
robes, consider items made of organic cotton, grown without the use of
chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Organic cotton farms are better for the
environment than non-organic farms since they do not contaminate the soil,
air and water with chemicals.
Bamboo cotton is also a great alternative. One of nature’s most renewable
•
and eco-friendly resources, bamboo fiber can be transformed into soft rayon
yarn and combined with cotton to create a soft, rich, brushed finish.
Mold
•
Mold is a huge problem all over the world. Unfortunately, many people do not
consider mold to be a health threat. Not only by itself, but it can also combine with
other toxics, like natural gas, to create compound toxics that can greatly effect us.
When you smell or see mold, address the problem before it gets worse. It can be a
great detriment to your health and your family
1309 Berkeley Street Studio B Santa Monica, Ca 90404 www.astriddesignstudio.com
© Copyright and Property of Astrid Design Studio 2008
- 10. Air Fresheners
•
Air fresheners, liquid potpourri sticks, sprays, plug-ins, deodorizers, and certain
types of incense are artificial scents that contain VOC and harm your indoor air
quality.
Candles
•
Consider soy-based or bees wax candles that don’t emit toxins or are made with
artificial scents. Confirm they do not have lead wicks.
Hazardous Materials
•
Did you know that throwing away batteries is illegal?
Common household items found under most kitchen and bath sinks and garages
are toxic. The problem is most people don’t realize that they are considered Haz
Mat - and discard them with their normal trash, or attempt to recycle it. This poses
a problem because it either contaminates recycling facilities and damages a whole
batch or if it is taken to a landfill it can potentially leach; if it is incinerated the toxins
will burn and enter our atmosphere.
Common materials that are hazardous: paint, lighter fluid, nail polish remover, rug
cleaner, shoe polish, adhesives or glues, and of course anti-freeze, Miracle Gro,
Drano, motor oil and pesticides. When in doubt, it’s always best to dispose of
properly.
Most hardware stores and various markets are accepting used batteries
•
Most copy stores accept used ink cartridges
•
Beware of products whose ingredients you do not know, understand, or
•
worse, are unable to pronounce
Contact your local hazardous waste facility for hours and drop off locations
•
1309 Berkeley Street Studio B Santa Monica, Ca 90404 www.astriddesignstudio.com
© Copyright and Property of Astrid Design Studio 2008
- 11. Personal Items
•
From detergents, cars, clothes, computers, deodorants, soaps, any scented items
including perfumes, personal hygiene items, garbage bags - it's all filled with and
gives off dangerous toxics.
Dry cleaned clothes use perc – a highly toxic chemical that emits into our
atmosphere and homes when we remove the plastic from our clothes. The
chemical stays on our clothes and is released with the heat of our body.
What you can do!
Avoid scotch guard or stain master
•
Use Eco Dry Cleaners that do not use perc
•
EMF
•
The electromagnetic field is a physical field produced by electrically charged
objects. It affects the behavior of charged objects in the vicinity of the field.
The electromagnetic field extends indefinitely throughout space and describes the
electromagnetic interaction - through elements like WIFI, electronic devices,
microwaves, remote controls, cell phones, blue tooth, etc.
The field can be viewed as the combination of an electric field and a magnetic field.
The electric field is produced by stationary charges, and the magnetic field by
moving charges (currents); these two are often described as the sources of the
field. These charges interrupt our own natural electric field, causing insomnia,
disruptions in behavior, uneasiness, and a myriad of other characteristics that keep
us off balance.
1309 Berkeley Street Studio B Santa Monica, Ca 90404 www.astriddesignstudio.com
© Copyright and Property of Astrid Design Studio 2008
- 12. Waste
Waste is an increasingly growing problem nationally and world wide. It is imperative
that we reduce our waste stream. Americans generate 4.6 lbs. of garbage a day.
First reduce the need, then reuse what you can, and then recycle
•
Pick up after your pets - feces washed into our storm drains end up in our
•
oceans and disrupts aquatic life
Use reusable cutlery/glassware – it looks better and it doesn’t add to landfills
•
Know what your community recycles, and recycle everything you can
•
Pay all your bills online
•
Switch to online banking
•
Avoid disposables - use reusable containers for drinks and food - the
•
average American consumes over 400 bottled/canned beverages per year
Buy in bulk - forgo individually wrapped items and you save money
•
Use cloth napkins instead of disposable ones
•
If you use paper towels always buy recycled content - which is not bleached
•
Stop junk mail - for free: http://www.obviously.com/junkmail/
•
Instead of buying new items consider www.freecycle.com or
•
www.craigslist.com
Dispose of hazardous and E-waste properly, they leach heavy metals into
•
the ground
E-Waste
•
o TV / VCR / DVD (anything w/a Cathode Ray Tube)
o Monitors / Mice / Keyboards / Printers / Scanners – Computer
Equipment
o Cell Phones
o Radios
o Alarm Clocks
o Hairdryers
1309 Berkeley Street Studio B Santa Monica, Ca 90404 www.astriddesignstudio.com
© Copyright and Property of Astrid Design Studio 2008
- 13. Landscape/Exterior
If you have a lawn, consider replacing it with artificial turf, or even better, an edible
landscape and provide your family with food! Lawns are very water and energy
intensive. Consider extending your indoors out and create an additional place to
enjoy the outdoors!
A well-designed landscape can not only add beauty and value to a home, it can
also help reduce heating and cooling costs. Planting just three shady trees around a
house can shave $100 to $250 off annual heating and cooling costs, according to
the U.S. Department of Energy. Newly planted trees will begin shading windows in
their first year and will reach the roof in 5 to 10 years. Adding a row of shrubs or
plants to create dead airspaces will help insulate the home in both winter and
summer.
Compost all food scraps and make free fertilizer
•
Use drip irrigation
•
Consider porous pavement pavers that let water seep into the ground
•
Try Xeriscaping - Plants whose natural requirements are appropriate to the
•
local climate, and do not require supplemental irrigation
Plant indigenous, native/non invasive species
•
Study the local flora/fauna
•
Use water-tolerant species
•
Plant flowers and plants that invite birds and butterflies - create a habitat!
•
Plant fruit tress and feed the neighborhood - we have a year round growing
•
season in Southern California
1309 Berkeley Street Studio B Santa Monica, Ca 90404 www.astriddesignstudio.com
© Copyright and Property of Astrid Design Studio 2008
- 14. Beauty & Health
Our governmental agencies do not test, review, or approve the ingredients in our
cosmetics, hair or body products, and are not required to conduct safety testing. In
most cases, virtually any ingredient can be used!
Common chemicals found in beauty and health products that are carcinogenic:
Parabens, benzene, 1,3-Butadiene, 1,4-Dioxane, Ethylene Oxide, Talc, Pthalates,
Titanium Dioxide, Urethane.
Toluene: Found in nail polish is a toxin that has been linked to birth defects.
Formaldehyde: A carcinogen and common indoor air pollutant; and Dibutyl
phthalate, or DBP, a plastic softener that has been known to include various health
problems including infertility, reproductive cancers, and disruptions in fetal
development.
• Use biodegradable organic soaps and hair and beauty products
• Always use organic non-bleached cotton in all feminine products
• Be aware of products whose ingredients you do not know, understand, or worse,
are unable to pronounce
• http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/index.php?nothanks=1
1309 Berkeley Street Studio B Santa Monica, Ca 90404 www.astriddesignstudio.com
© Copyright and Property of Astrid Design Studio 2008
- 15. Food
• Buy seasonal, local, organic
• Avoid: High corn frutose syrup, processed foods, aspertine, artifical colors and
flavors, white flour, sugar, GMO/GE foods
• Eat whole grains
• Avoid frozen food - energy intensive to create and store, less nutritious
• Avoid foods that have traveled a siginificant distance - represents that they were
picked before their peak and contain less nutrients
• Try eating vegetarian several times a weeks - avoid eating meat (red or white) daily
• If you eat beef - only eat organic, grass fed beef - cows are not meant to process
grains and corn (which is what they are fed unless grass fed is specified)
• Hormones given to conventional farm animals bioacculates high on the food chain
- humans being at the top. These hormones greatly effect our natural chemistry
and alter our state of being
• Eat fish that is not overfished or nearing extinction - Refer to the Seafood Watch
List www.mbayaq.org
Why eat organic?
There are numerous reasons to go organic - beyond the fact that conventional food
is known to contain toxic chemicals and GMO’s. Here are a few other reasons:
Decreased biodiversity - Mono-cropping ruins the soil and destroys
•
ecosystems
Toxic run off - Chemicals used in farming leach into our waterways affecting
•
the food we consume and the water we drink
Top soil erosion - 1/3 of the nation’s top soil has eroded due to conventional
•
farming. Soil is a critical element in the preservation of our livelihood
Evidence has not been released on long term effects of GMO’s on humans
•
GM seeds spread through the natural pollination process and contaminate
•
organic farms and crops
1309 Berkeley Street Studio B Santa Monica, Ca 90404 www.astriddesignstudio.com
© Copyright and Property of Astrid Design Studio 2008
- 16. Elements to Avoid
• Plastic - Known for its toxic nature to humanity and nature and it is not
biodegradable
• Vinyl - PVC - extremely toxic in production, during its use, and cannot be
recycled, releases Dioxin - a known human carcinogen
• Teflon
• Bleach - Chlorine - also releases Dioxin and toxic fumes
• Non-Organic cotton
• Products that have been sparyed with fire retardants: childrens’ ware, soft
furnishings, bedding
• Cheap Materials and or Products - usually toxic and have a short life
• Unusual ingredients
• Disposible products intended for one life cycle - cutlery, water bottles, juice
bottles, zip loc
• Products with strong fragrances - usually contain pthalates and VOC’s
• Over packaged products
1309 Berkeley Street Studio B Santa Monica, Ca 90404 www.astriddesignstudio.com
© Copyright and Property of Astrid Design Studio 2008
- 17. Conclusion
These days there are a lot of incentives to go green. If you are a homeowner there
are tax rebates, deductibles, and one can even add serious resale value to your
home if you do it right! And, if you are a renter, you can save on your utility bill as
well as live in a healthier environment!
I am convinced you can go green for free by simply changing some easy every day
habits, and by being conscientious of your consumption and your waste.
Spread this information, because sustainability is a community effort, and we all
benefit from it!
• Park your car - walk, ride your bike, skip - its good for you and reduces your
carbon footprint
• Tread lightly - think of your decisions
• Shop locally - support your neighbors
• Keep your tire pressure right
• Waste less
1309 Berkeley Street Studio B Santa Monica, Ca 90404 www.astriddesignstudio.com
© Copyright and Property of Astrid Design Studio 2008
- 18. Questions to ask Manufacturers / Suppliers*
• Is there a written, working environmental policy in place? Is it easy to find on their
website or product literature?
• Does this policy strive to make important improvements in manufacturing,
reducing and reusing first, then recycling?
• Do they comply with their industry’s voluntary testing programs?
EXAMINE THE PRODUCT’S COMPOSITION
• What are the raw materials used to create the product?
• And where do they come from?
• Did the materials come from renewable resources?
• Is the manufacturing process energy efficient?
• Does the manufacturing process release harmful substances?
• Are adhesives needed to make the product viable?
• What are they using?
• Are coatings or finishes needed to make the product viable?
• What are they using?
1309 Berkeley Street Studio B Santa Monica, Ca 90404 www.astriddesignstudio.com
© Copyright and Property of Astrid Design Studio 2008
- 19. EXAMINE OTHER ASPECTS OF THE PRODUCT
• Does the product nurture the health and well-being of its occupants?
• Does the product do the job well?
• How much energy does it use?
• Is the product built to last?
• Does the product release VOCs? At what rate?
• How is the product packaged and transported?
• How is the product installed and maintained?
• Does it have a color or texture that can lead to reduced lighting energy or an
expanded range of thermal comfort conditions?
• Can the product be maintained in a benign manner?
• Using safe cleaning products?
EXAMINE STRATEGIES FOR DISPOSAL
• Is the product durable? Biodegradable? Recyclable?
• Can the parts be separated for recycling?
• Can it be made into something else?
• Can the product be returned to its manfacturer at the end of its useful life?
COST CONSIDERATIONS
• What is the price range for the product?
• Does the manufacturer provide life cycle cost analysis on this product?
* Resource: ASID - RE:GREEN
1309 Berkeley Street Studio B Santa Monica, Ca 90404 www.astriddesignstudio.com
© Copyright and Property of Astrid Design Studio 2008
- 20. Glossary
Alternative Energy - Energy produced from renewable sources, such as sunlight
or wind. Does not generate heat-trapping quot;greenhousequot; gases.
Biodegradable - A material or substance which will decompose quickly and
without harmful effects to the environment when left exposed to nature.
Biofuels - Fuels from recently living plants and animals, or metabolic byproducts
such as manure from cows.
Carbon Footprint - Measure of the impact human activities have on the
environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced, measured in
units of carbon dioxide.
Certified Wood - Under the guidance of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC),
wood-based materials used in building construction that are supplied from sources
that comply with sustainable forestry practices, protecting trees, wildlife habitat,
streams and soil.
CFC: Chlorofluorocarbons. Used in refrigerants, cleaners and aerosols and in the
making of plastic foams, CFCs are greenhouse gases. They also cause ozone
depletion in the stratosphere.
CFL - Compact Fluorescent Light - A smaller version of a fluorescent lamp that fits
into a standard light bulb socket. Fluorescent bulbs create light in a more energy-
efficient way. According to General Electric, a 15-watt compact fluorescent bulb
produces the same amount of light as a 60-watt regular incandescent bulb.
CSA - Community Supported Agriculture - Supporting a local farm(s), usually seen
in the form of weekly fresh organic produce home deliveries.
1309 Berkeley Street Studio B Santa Monica, Ca 90404 www.astriddesignstudio.com
© Copyright and Property of Astrid Design Studio 2008
- 21. Eco-Friendly: An alternative to goods or services that takes the ecology in mind,
and adheres to using the principals of sustainability. It’s imperative to read the fine
print, a commonly used deceptive term used in marketing.
Energy audit - Process of determining energy consumption of a building or facility.
Environmental footprint - The impact of an organization in categories such as
resource use and waste generation. A quot;carbon footprintquot; details how much carbon
dioxide an organization adds to the atmosphere.
Ethanol - An automotive fuel derived from grass, sugar cane or corn. Burning
ethanol adds carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, but it is seen as a renewable fuel,
like solar power, that does not deplete natural resources, but is very controversial.
Forestry Stewardship Council - The Forestry Stewardship Council is a nonprofit
organization whose mission is to promote environmentally appropriate, socially and
economically viable management of the world's forests. FSC-labeled wood
products indicate that the wood is harvested from sustainably-managed forests.
GMO - Genetically Modified Organisms - Food that has been chemically altered to
resist infestation and absorb fertilizers.
GEO - Genetically Engineered Organisims - Engineered foods that have been
biologically altered (same as GMO).
Graywater - Wastewater generated from domestic processes such as dish
washing, laundry, and bathing.
Greenhouse Effect - The warming of the Earth's atmosphere attributed to a
buildup of CO 2 and other gases that retain heat and warm the planet's surface.
Green Washing - A term used to describe the deception of consumers that are
being misled by a company regarding the environmental practices of said company
or the environmental benefits of a product or service.
LEED - Leadership for Energy Efficiency - A standard by the US Green Building
Council that uses a Green Building rating system, and has a 3rd party certification
program recognized nationally for commercial and residential buildings.
1309 Berkeley Street Studio B Santa Monica, Ca 90404 www.astriddesignstudio.com
© Copyright and Property of Astrid Design Studio 2008
- 22. Lifecycle - The assessment of raw material production, manufacture,
transportation, distribution, use and disposal including all steps necessary or
caused by the product's existence. The sum of all those steps - or phases - is the
life cycle of the product.
Multi-functional - Something that serves more than one purpose. In product and
furniture design, multi-functional pieces reduce the need for multiple products, thus
using less raw resources and reducing clutter in modern homes.
Natural - A product that is made from materials and ingredients found in nature,
with little or no human intervention. For example, wood is a natural material while
plastic is not. Does not confirm that a product was harvested or attained in a
sustainable manner.
Offset: The ability for an individual or company purchase carbon offsets to mitigate
their own greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, electricity use, and other
sources.
Organic - Of or relating to a product that is solely made from plants or insects.
Organic materials and products often carry certifications according to industry.
Renewable - A raw material that can be replenished within a reasonable amount of
time. Example, bamboo and sustainably-harvested woods are renewable. Gold and
precious stones are not renewable.
Sustainable - Actions and products that meet current needs without sacrificing the
ability of future generations to meet theirs. Sustainability is a broad term and often
refers to the desire to provide the best outcomes for the human and natural
environments both now and into the indefinite future.
Sustainably-harvested: A renewable resource that as been harvested in a way
that allows inherent regeneration and continued ongoing supply.
Water Footprint - the total volume of freshwater that is used to produce the goods
and services consumed by the individual, business or nation.
1309 Berkeley Street Studio B Santa Monica, Ca 90404 www.astriddesignstudio.com
© Copyright and Property of Astrid Design Studio 2008
- 23. Local Resources
Household Hazardous Waste Center - * Disposal for paints, aerosols, batteries
2500 Michigan Avenue Santa Monica, CA
Wednesday - Friday (7 AM to 1 PM) Saturday (7 AM- 3 PM)
* This free service available only to Santa Monica residents and requires proof
Santa Monica Transfer Station – Disposal for all electronics
2401 Delaware Street Santa Monica, Ca 310.829.7323
Monday – Saturday (6:00 AM – 2:00 PM)
Free energy audit worth up to $150 worth of supplies from the city
800.447.7611
Retail Locations
• The Green Life (Home Store) Santa Monica
• Organic Interior Design (Home Store) Venice
• Living Green (Home and Hardware Store) Culver City
1309 Berkeley Street Studio B Santa Monica, Ca 90404 www.astriddesignstudio.com
© Copyright and Property of Astrid Design Studio 2008
- 24. Additional Resources
My Blog:
http://astriddesignstudio.blogspot.com/
Films
• Blue Vinyl
• The Corporation
• The Future of Food
Books
• Walden
• Greenopia
• Natural Capitalism
• Cradle to Cradle
• Diet for New America
• The Omnivores Dilemma
• Green Building and Remodeling for Dummies
1309 Berkeley Street Studio B Santa Monica, Ca 90404 www.astriddesignstudio.com
© Copyright and Property of Astrid Design Studio 2008