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A Practical Journal for Friends of the Environment c GreenLivingJournalpdx.com d Summer 2013
Contents
Issue 21 c Green Living Journal d Summer 2013
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Publisher’ Page...................................................................4 Local Notes . .........................................................................5 Natural Building Modern Earthen Floors .............................................. 10 Building The Wedge: A Tip Top Trailer .................................... 11 Health Tell Bugs To “Buzz Off”.................................................. 13 House Holding Chemical Free Kitchen................................................. 15 Recycle Cradle to Cradle Carpeting ....................................... 17 Business Fair Trade 101 . ............................................................... 18 Transportation The Broadway Cab ....................................................... 21 The Car with No Name Gets 84 MPG . ................... 22 Gardening Seed Saving 101............................................................. 23 Why Not Grow Your Own Hops Too?...................... 24 Eco-Fashion Button Ring DIY ........................................................... 26 Re-Art Half = One ....................................................................... 26 Money How A Church Financed A Solar Project.............. 27 Electric Vehicle News Mr. Graunke’s Dream Car Update .......................... 28 The Economic Case for Electric Vehicles............... 29 Book Review Make Your Place............................................................. 30 The Homeowner’s Energy Handbook . ................. 30 Classifieds . ........................................................................ 31
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Green Living Journal
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P. O. Box 677, Cascade Locks, OR 97014 Publisher: Columbia River Press LLC PDX Editorial Team: Katie Cordrey, Gary Munkhoff Susan Place 541.374.5454 gary@greenlivingjournal.com Advertising: Susan Place 541.374.5454 crads@greenlivingjournal.com Prepress/Graphics/Ad Production: Katie Cordrey iByte Company info@ibytecompany.com 509.493.1250 National Editor: Stephen Morris ed@greenlivingjournal.com Webmaster: Michael Potts Michael@thepublicpress.com Distribution: Ambling Bear, Portland Pedal Power Cover Photo: Courtesy All Terrain Printed with soy-based inks on recycled paper by Signature Graphics. The Portland edition of the Green Living Journal is published quarterly and 20,000 copies are distributed free of charge throughout the Portland-Vancouver metro area. We encourage our readers to patronize our advertisers, but we are not responsible for any advertising claims. Subscriptions $9.95 per year. Copyright © 2012 Columbia River Press LLC
The Green Living Journal Family is Proud to be a Member
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Publisher’s Page Time Flies By Gary Munkhoff They say that time flies when you’re having fun. If that’s true, then we’re having a ball, because it seems like only yesterday that the first issue of our Green Living Journal hit the streets of Portland in 2008. That’s right, we are five years old, we have published 360,000 copies of our Journal, and we are optimistic about the future because of the changes that have taken place in those five years. Optimistic? How can we, or anyone else, be optimistic, given the present state of affairs? With civilization on the brink of collapse, are we not all in the proverbial handbasket? Where is there room for any level of optimism? Being a firm believer that tomorrow can be better than today if we just apply ourselves, I decided to do some research. Here’s a few highlights of what what has happened over the last five years. • The U.S. had more than 3 ½ times as much wind energy capacity at the beginning of 2013 as it did at the beginning of 2008. • Of all the electricity generated in Oregon, more than 10% of now comes from wind farms. • The U.S. generated 5 times more electricity from solar in 2012 than it did in 2008. • Today a solar array on a house will cost less than one half of what it cost to put it there in 2008, and the price continues to go down. • Not one of the major car companies offered a plug in vehicle in 2008. Today, almost every one of them has one or more models available (or soon will,) and there are over 100,000 plug in cars on the roads. • Today it is possible to drive an all electric car from Washington to California on I-5, never be out of range of a fast charger, and not burn a single drop of gasoline. Also, because of the above developments, you can now go into a car dealership, buy an electric drive car, drive it home, and charge it up with electricity that you generate from solar panels that are on the roof of your home. Being able to fuel your car and power your home with sunlight is reason for optimism. Granted, all of the above stats make no measurable difference in the problems created by the burning of fossil fuel to power our economy. However, what they do show is that the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is underway, and gaining momentum. This trend away from fossil fuels will only accelerate as technology, economics, public awareness, and people’s concern continue to align in favor of renewables.
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Local Notes
Cascade Mountain School Offers Summer Programs
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conduct meaningful ecological research while hiking, backpacking, and camping near Mt. Adams. Students will spend time exploring alpine meadows, lakes, and glaciers of Mt. Adams, and collaborating with local scientists on relevant ecological studies. Students will walk away with a full semester’s worth of high school science credit. Mt. Hood Science Camp August 18-23 - students will explore the Hood River Valley learning about salmon, climate change, and watersheds, while hiking and camping in beautiful locations.
For more info: www.cascademountainschool.org. or www.mtadamsinstitute.com.
New Seasons Market: A Zero Waste Company New Seasons Market has been recognized as a zero waste company by Portland State University’s Community Environmental Services (CES). The objective, university-led analysis, calculated that the grocer diverts 92 percent of its waste away from area landfills and into something others can use. According to the Zero Waste International Alliance, any organization with a waste diversion rate greater than 90 percent is considered zero waste. Highlights of New Seasons Market’s zero waste efforts include: • In 2012, New Seasons Market donated more than 1,400 tons of edible food to hunger organizations and to staff. Not only does this food reach people who need it most, it also helps reduce methane emissions that would occur if this food entered the waste stream. • In 2007, the company began working with local produce distributors to switch from using waxed corrugated cardboard, which is the industry standard, to reusable plastic containers. The change has meant generating 95 percent less solid waste, 29 percent less
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The Mt. Adams Institute announces a new partnership with Cascade Mountain School to engage local youth in innovative summer outdoor programming. Cascade Mountain School is a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) focused educational program for middle and high school students grounded in ecological and community values. Students will have the opportunity to apply scientific and mathematical concepts to real-world issues in an academically rigorous learning environment that is kinesthetic, healthy, and holistic. Students develop skills for a changing world in which they must be able to act nimbly, think creatively, and synthesize information. Cascade Mountain School is offering three distinct residential programs for middle and high school students this summer. • Farm to Table Bike Camp July 7-13 - students will explore Trout Lake, a quiet agricultural valley, by bicycle and get their hands dirty farming while learning about food production and organic agriculture. Afternoons will be dedicated time for recreation, relaxation, and enjoyment. In the evenings, students will create delicious meals from what they have harvested during the day. • Field Ecology Academy August 4-17 - students will
Local Notes
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greenhouse gas emissions and 39 percent less total energy used. Through its waste reduction practices, New Seasons Market reduces its energy consumption at a level equal to conserving 34,545 gallons of gas a year. Ten years ago, New Seasons Market began accepting hard-to-recycle plastics (including plastic bags, yogurt and cottage cheese lids and plastic clamshells) from customers to ensure these items did not go to the landfill. As of 2012, more than 39 tons were collected and recycled for customers.
“This is an incredible accomplishment for our staff,” said Wendy Collie, President and CEO of New Seasons Market. “Earning a zero waste rating recognizes years of hard work, commitment, and constant enthusiasm that we have for reducing our environmental impact. Our Green Teams continue to assess internal processes and explore opportunities to waste less, and we’ll continue to strengthen our partnerships in recycling, composting and food donations that have become the norm for our community.”
Electric Vehicle Celebration Day
Photo courtesy of Patrick Conner of OEVA
The Oregon Electric Vehicle Association (OEVA), a chapter of the Electric Auto Association, will hold its annual Electric Vehicle (EV) Celebration Day on July 13, 2013 at Pioneer Courthouse Square from 9am to 5pm. This a great opportunity to see the latest in Evs and to talk to the owners that are driving them every day. These are the folks that are no longer burning fossil fuels as they drive the cars of the future. Learn about tax credits, charging stations, makes and models available, converting your gas car to electric, and much more. For more info http://www.oeva.org
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Crackedpots 2013 Summer Art Show
Art lovers and recycling fans alike, this is the show for you. See the works of 100 creative reuse artists that are woven, welded, carved and painted from waste materials and cast offs. It takes place throughout the beautiful grounds and gardens of McMenamins Edgefield at 2126 SW Halsey St. in Troutdale: Tuesday, July 23 & Wednesday, July 24 Free Admission Crackedpots uses art to encourage our community to creatively look at trash. Reuse is at the heart of all they do. Think before you throw.
Doctors of Beer
Portland State University now offers a certificate program in the “The Business of Craft Brewing.” In this comprehensive online program, you will learn from local brewers and distillers, PSU School of Business faculty, and finance and accounting experts who specialize in the craft beverage business. The curriculum provides a thorough overPhoto courtesy of Flickr user djwtwo view of the processes that go into making and selling craft beverages, including basic business principles, how to develop your brand, marketing and distribution strategies, and all of the financing, legal, and accounting issues faced by craft beverage businesses everyday. By the end of the program, you will have an investor-ready business plan for your own craft beverage business. The four certificate courses are: Basic Business for Craft Beverages, Craft Beverage Business Management, Strategic Craft Beverage Marketing, and Finance and Accounting for the Craft Brewery. In addition to the four online courses, they offer an optional Craft Beverage Immersion Weekend in Portland, Oregon (aka Beervana, Beer City USA, Beertopia, you get the point). Local breweries/distilleries/suppliers participating in this
A Practical Journal for Friends of the Environment c GreenLivingJournalpdx.com d Summer 2013
Local Notes
program include Rogue, Widmer, Migration Brewing, Hopworks Urban Brewery, Captured by Porches, Bull Run Distilling, Great Western Malting, JV Northwest, and many others! The Business of Craft Brewing program is designed for anyone with an interest in the business side of craft beverages, from grower to glass. The focus is primarily on craft brewing, but the program includes business models for distilleries and alcoholic cider facilities as well.
The Annual Garlic & Tomato Festival
For more info: pdx.edu/professional-development/bcb.
Rent Food Preserving Equipment
For more info: http://www.miradorcommunitystore.com
Plan to attend – the 2013 Garlic Festival at Northwest Organic Farms, 17713 NW 61st Ave, Ridgefield, WA on Saturday September 21st. Featuring the wonderful blue grass band — “Another Shade of Bluegrass” Washington State University (WSU) Master Gardeners will be on hand to showcase 20 different varieties of tomatoes and 10 different varieties of garlic all for the tasting. The Northwest Organic Farms are part of WSU’s Heritage Farm Tour. The Garlic Festival is an all day event that features live bluegrass music, tomato and garlic tastings, fresh fruits and vegetables, craft and art vendors, activities for the kids and a whole lot of fun. And it’s FREE! 10 AM – 6 PM Great fun for the whole family!!! For more info: http://northwestorganicfarms.com
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Mirador Community Store at 2106 SE Division St. got the idea for renting out preserving equipment through interactions with their customers. Lynn Hanrahan, the store’s owner, noticed that there were two themes that came up: 1) The customer needed the equipment, say a Steam Juicer, just once a year to process their grapes. Purchasing the equipment jointly with friends/family in order to spread the cost out, wasn’t an option for everyone. Lynn realized that if a person felt they couldn’t afford the equipment, they’d either let the grapes go or give them away. 2) A customer comes in, saying that they recently bought a house with raspberry bushes and they wanted a piece of equipment to process the berries. They very likely had never done much, if any, preserving. Lynn would suggest a Juicer/Strainer, but they’d be unsure of the purchase, wondering if they would ever want to do it again. Lynn saw the rental of the equipment that the customer needed, but was hesitant to purchase, as a beautiful solution. They could rent the unit, and if they liked it, buy one, using their rental credit towards the purchase of the same item. Says Lynn, “We still sell the same units that we rent quite well, and the rental program supports the sale of those items. It is a helpful service for our customers.”
Local Notes
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The Northwest Homesteading Fair
Are you a homesteader? Interested in learning more about homesteading? Just looking for old-fashioned family fun? This is the place! Head for Lyle, Washington on Saturday, September 21st, 2013 for a full day of workshops and fun family activities! Free Admission! Held in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge., at the Lyle Activity Center and Greenspace on Highway 14 in Lyle, Washington (This is the old Lyle school) For more info: http://nwhomesteadingfair.wordpress.com
Vancouver Water Resources Education Center If you haven’t been to this hidden jewel at 4600 SE Columbia Way in Vancouver, put it on your list and visit. It opened its doors in February 1996, in concert with a new, innovative and advanced Marine Park Water Reclamation Facility
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, but many people have yet to discover it. Their mission: Teach people of all ages how to better care for and make wise decisions about water. They do this with interactive exhibits, aquaria swimming with fish, classroom laboratory, toddler-friendly Puddles Place, inspiring White Sturgeon gallery, natural gardens, wildlife-friendly wetlands and more! Inside and outside, the Water Center is brimming with things for visitors of all ages to do and see. There are many opportunities available for exploring and experiencing water, nature, and the environment. Don’t forget to check What’s Happening to see events coming to the Water Center. We think you’ll agree, the Water Center is a great place to see and do so many things! Admission is free. For more info: http://www.cityofvancouver.us/ publicworks/page/water-resources-education-center
Building Green Made Simpler
To a lot of people, building green means costly, complicated, and confusing, but it is getting easier as designers and builders find simpler ways of doing things. Structures NW llc of Vancouver, using their 10 plus years of experience building with Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), has come up with a unique system that makes building green simpler. They created a three level system of pre-designed green construction templates that fit the Northwest climate zone; Green, Greener and Greenest. Green uses a 6” SIP wall that provides a true R-21.7 whole wall R-Value as determined by the Oak Ridge National Labratory. Combined with a 10” R-40 SIP roof panel, this system exceeds standard code. In addition, the large SIPs panels make for a much more airtight home ( 1-2 air exchanges per hour vs. 3-5 for Energy Star construction). Another advantage is that there is up to 50% less lumber and therefore less thermal bridging. Combining this enclosure with standard code windows can provide a more energy efficient home than a normal stud framed structure. Greener is a step up in R-value to an 8” R-32 wall and a12”
A Practical Journal for Friends of the Environment c GreenLivingJournalpdx.com d Summer 2013
Local Notes
R-48 Roof panel, and still with the easy sealing and less thermal bridging of the Green system. In addition the windows are above current energy code to make a much better enclosure. This upgrade is often only a few thousand dollars more than the green. Greenest is for clients who want to move toward Passive House or Net Zero construction. This system relies on a double wall to provide almost no thermal bridging and an R-48 to R-60 value. It is combined with a 12” R-48 Roof panels and triple pane insulated frame windows. Combining this system with energy efficient appliances and lighting, plus a correctly sized solar PV array, will make reaching net zero energy usage eaier to achieve. For more info: www.structuresnw.com
SolWest Fair in John Day
The Gorge Owned Business Network, The Port of Cascade Locks, and The Green Living Journal are sponsoring the Gorge Green Drinks on July 9th in the Marine Park Pavilion in Cascade Locks, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. The topic for the evening will be “The Electric Vehicle Revolutin and What It Means to Gorge Businesses”. Ashley Horvat , State of Oregon EV Lead, Oregon Department of Transportation, will present the latest in EV Tourism, and Patrick Conner, Oregon Electric Vehicle Association will talk about the Electric Highway. A variety of electric vehicles, including a Tesla Model S and a Brammo motorcycle, will be on ndisplay. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided by the Charburger, Full Sail Ale, and Ryan’s Juice will provide thirst quenching refreshments . For more info: http://gorgeowned.org/programs/gorge-green-drinks/
Issue 21 c Green Living Journal d Summer 2013
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July 26-28, 2013 50 Workshops free with fair entry. Homesteading SkillsBuilding-Solar Energy-DIY-So much more! Plus a keynote address by Paul Schekel Fifteen years ago, four renewable energy enthusiasts met and planned the first SolWest Fair. 1500 people came to learn about renewable energy. Every July since 1999, Eastern Oregon Renewable Energies Nonprofit, Inc (EORE) has recruited vendors and speakers to John Day and hosted hands-on workshops to train homeowners and solar installers. After the economic downturn hit, the housing industry crashed, taking with it much of the financial support for EORE. Only the dedication of their volunteers and supporters kept SolWest going as the solar industry struggled to regain its footing. Many exhibitors just faded away, making the continuation of the SolWest Fair impossible. This will be the last chance to take in SolWest in John Day. “If someone had told us that we’d not only succeed, we’d do it for fifteen years, we’d have jumped for joy! It’s hard to be sad about our nonprofit going away, when we see how much of a positive effect we’ve had.” EORE is handing off SolWest to Oregon Rural Action.
The Electric Vehicle Revolution
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Natural Building
Modern Earthen Floors
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By Sukita Reay Crimmel Earthen floors are ancient. They were the predominant floor from the time people first built homes until the mid 1300s, and are still found today in many parts of the world. Because these early floors were simply tamped earth without sealers, they were dusty and cracks were common. As a result, they were often covered with mats. Native peoples in the Southwestern U.S. used blood to seal floors, and some of these floors are still in use today. The Industrial Revolution brought with it many inexpensive flooring options and the earthen floor fell out of favor. Today they are experiencing a renaissance as more people become interested in natural and low impact building techniques. Earthen floors are made of sand from the local rivers or rock crushing operations, local clay soils from construction digs, pond making or other holes, and organic fibers such as wheat straw or hemp. The finish coat can be left the color of the clay soil or colored with pigments. The materials are mixed with water into a wet oatmeal consistency and transported to the floor location, usually by wheelbarrow. The pile of mud can then be raked out, and then it’s time to get down on your hands and knees to level with a hand tool called a float, and some sort of level tool to confirm. Once an area is level and smoothed with a float, a steel trowel is used to bring the cream to the surface and left to dry. A day or so later, the floor can be pressed again, using floor pans
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or pieces of foam to get your body out on the leather hard floor. This will compress the materials into a denser floor, and again, bring some cream to the surface to create a smoother finish. The wet floor can take up to 14 days to dry, but using fans and dehumidifiers can help to shorten drying time to a week. The dried floor is then sealed with coats of drying oils (linseed oil, tung oil) and natural thinners (citrus, turpentine). The finish coat will have beeswax dissolved in the oils for increased durability, ease of cleaning, and shine. About two weeks after the oils have been applied, the floor can be swept and mopped. Not all oils are of the drying type, so it is imperative that the correct oil be used. Some examples are: linseed, tung, poppy, perilla, and walnut oil. These oils harden through a chemical reaction with oxygen in which components crosslink, creating flexible polymer chains. Traditional linoleum is made of linseed oil. Earthen floors are harder than fir wood flooring, but not quite as hard as an oak floor. They have excellent thermal mass properties and work wonderfully with radiant heating systems and passive solar design. The materials require simple processing and little transport. Even when mixed by machine, a finished earthen slab is estimated to have 90% lower embodied energy than finished concrete. (Adapted from Adobe and Rammed Earth Buildings, 1984) Here are two installation tips to keep in mind: 1) Test your mix in an area of at least 2’ by 2’ by one inch thick. Make a few to find the right one. A good starting sample is 2 parts (mason) sand, 1 part your soil and 1/4 part straw. Some soils have a high clay content (60% or more) and some
A Practical Journal for Friends of the Environment c GreenLivingJournalpdx.com d Summer 2013
Natural Building
Building
have a low clay content (15%). If the first sample is dusty it likely needs more clay, if the sample cracks it likely needs more sand. The floor is mostly a diverse size range of sand particles, stuck together with clay and woven with fiber for tensile strength and beauty. 2) Irregular drying can result in the floor cracking. • Keep all batches of floor mix similar wetness. • Cover windows and skylights that allow sun spots on the floor while it is drying. • Pour whole rooms in one day to avoid cold joints. • If screeding to level the floor, do not leave screed rails in the wet mud more than 30 minutes, and re-work the sides of the void before filling in. • Consider control joints at door thresholds, where the shape of a floor comes in like an hourglass shape and around any posts or walls within the field of the floor. • When pouring on framed subfloor, make sure the deflection is very little (similar to preparing for tile). Add supportive framing to stiffen up a bouncy floor. • We have learned that cracks can often be filled and smoothed before oiling. Should they appear later from building settling, you can fill them with oiled mud putty and continue to use the floor. Sukita Reay Crimmel has been studying earthen floors specifically since 2006 with her construction company, From These Hands. She has recently developed “Claylin” a do-it-yourself, readymix earthen floor product. Sukita is currently working on a how to, technical earthen manual, due out Spring 2014. For more info: www.sukita.com or www.claylin.com
The Wedge: A Tip-Top Trailer By Susan Melgren
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A trailer may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of green building — but then again, The Wedge, built by recreational trailer company WheelHaus, doesn’t feel like your typical RV. Company president Jamie Mackay first thought of the idea for these “rolling cabins” while looking for trailers for his Fireside Resort in Jackson, WY. “I traveled around to numerous manufacturers and couldn’t find anyone who would provide the quality and higher standards I was looking for durability-wise, and in terms of energy-efficiency and clean liv-
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Building
ing,” Mackay says. So when he couldn’t find what he was looking for, Mackay got certified as a manufacturer and built his own. The resulting product, called The Wedge, is 400 square feet of well-designed living space that can be rolled into a campground, RV park, or wherever else its owner desires. Although the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED program doesn’t certify recreational vehicles, Mackay designed and built his model to LEED Gold standards. “I thought, why not do it right? It’s so easy to make a home or living space healthy to live in.” Apart from creating a healthy place to live, Mackay also wanted a unit that was architecturally interesting and durable - and one that would last years beyond his competitors’. The Wedge’s angled roof and trapezoidal windows provide modern touches to the overall rustic design. The windows in the rolling cabin also allow for ample natural light, which helps connect the home with nature and make it feel more spacious. Although 400 square feet sounds small, Mackay was able to fit a full-size living environment inside: a bedroom spacious enough for a king-size bed and side tables; a full bathroom; a kitchenette with enough space for a cooktop, microwave, dishwasher, sink and under-counter refrigerator; and a living space
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with room for full-size furnishings. “Getting everything to fit was tricky,” Mackay says. “You steal a few inches for the bathroom or bedroom, and the living area feels too small. It was a balancing act to make it feel more like a cabin and less like an RV.”
The Good Stuff
• Exterior siding is made from reclaimed materials: snow fencing reclaimed from the Wyoming interstate. • A 120 square-foot private deck expands The Wedge’s living space. • Instead of vinyl and carpet, which can contribute to poor indoor air quality, Mackay chose low-VOC paints and wood flooring to preserve healthier air for occupants. • The kitchenette features Energy Star appliances. • A panelized wall system and high R-value windows provide extra insulation for the units. • A high-efficiency gas fireplace warms the living room in winter. Excerpted from Natural Home & Garden, a national magazine that provides practical ideas, inspiring examples and expert opinions about healthy, ecologically sound, beautiful homes. To read more articles from Natural Home & Garden, please visit NaturalHomeMagazine.com. Copyright 2012 by Ogden Publications Inc.
A Practical Journal for Friends of the Environment c GreenLivingJournalpdx.com d Summer 2013
Health
Tell Bugs to “Buzz Off!”: Toxic-Free Alternatives to Insect Repellent and Sunscreen By Catie Delahanty
Natural Insect Repellents In February 2013, BBC News reported that new research shows that mosquitoes become desensitized to the smell of DEET after a short period of exposure, making the risk of exposing ourselves to the toxicity of the chemical not worth the benefit. Now there are natural alternatives to potentially toxic insect
Natural Sunscreens There are some basic rules when choosing sunscreens. First, avoid products that contain oxybenzone and vitamin A (retinyl palmitate, which some research suggests may speed the development of lesions and tumors). Instead, look for mineral-based sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Next, be sure that any sunscreen product is water resistant and
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Warm weather has (finally) arrived. This means taking full advantage of the outdoors for the few short, blissful months of sunshine and warm temperatures. Our proximity to beaches, mountains, woods, lakes, cities, and sleepy towns ensure that there are plenty of outdoor adventures awaiting. In our haste to escape hibernation, we may forget the lessons of past summers such as that sunburn that resulted in a not so attractive lobster appearance and uncomfortable sleepless nights, or the thousands of mosquito bites after a late night campfire. Before you run out the door at the first sign of summer, stock up on the essentials that will effectively protect you from the sun and bugs this season. Choosing insect repellents and sunscreens to protect yourself and your family from nature’s elements may seem like a simple task, but some products actually do more harm than good. For many years the only available options for effective insect repellents and sun protection contained controversial ingredients such as DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) in insect repellents and oxybenzone (believed to cause hormone disruptions and the type of cell damage that can actually provoke cancer) in sunscreen products. Luckily, as more research and warnings emerge on these potentially harmful chemicals, the number of natural alternatives available has increased as well. Here are some options for a sunburn-free, itch-free summer.
repellents. All Terrain, a company based in Sunapee,NH, was founded when a hiker in Costa Rica had a bottle of DEET-based insect repellent leak. The substance ate through his backpack and even destroyed a pocket calculator. Surprised that a product he was putting on his own skin could be so corrosive, he returned home and created an all natural product. One that was as effective as DEETbased products, while safer for the skin. He called the product Herbal Armor. Herbal Armor contains essential oils such as soy, citronella (like the candles you’ve been using for years), peppermint, lemongrass, and geranium. While these oils have been used for centuries as insect repellents, their one drawback was that they didn’t last as long as their chemical counterparts because the oils evaporate quickly. That changed with Herbal Armor. “A patented technology allowed us to encapsulate the repelling oils in beeswax so they get released over time,” says David Kulow, president of All Terrain. “As your body’s natural heat melts the beeswax coating, it releases the oils so you are protected for lengths of time that weren’t previously possible with chemical free repellents.” This time release action also results in a water and sweat resistant formula. So now you can tell bugs to “Buzz off” this summer without harm to you or your kids!
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Health
offers broad-spectrum coverage. Finally, check the product with Environmental Working Group’s (EWG’s) sunscreen database, which rates the safety and efficacy of about 1,800 sunscreens, and/or Consumer Reports, which provides unbiased ratings of sunscreens and their efficacy. Top ranked by Consumer Reports in 2012, All Terrain’s AquaSport SPF 30 Lotion has been a staple in beach bags. This year, All Terrain took its successful formula one step further in the form of a stick application. “We launched our AquaSport Face Stick with SPF 28 this year because we found that the more options people have for applying a sunscreen, the more likely people will use it. Plus, there are few mineral-based sunscreens on the market that are specifically for the face and don’t result in that white, streaky look. AquaSport goes on clear, is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and is very effective,” says Kulow. But applying a topical sunscreen isn’t the only thing you can be doing to protect yourself this summer. In fact, a lot of research suggests that sunscreen alone can’t protect you from the sun’s harmful effects. There are the obvious precautions such as wearing a hat and sunglasses, covering up with clothing, and seeking shade. But there are also ways you can protect from the inside out too. A diet with plenty of green, leafy vegetables, pink and red fruits, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids will boost natural sunscreen and fight off cancer. Consider plenty of tomatoes, grapefruit, peaches, broccoli, spinach, dark chocolate, trout, salmon, and green and black tea to protect you and your family from the sun’s damaging rays. Summer is short, so get outside and play. But take the right precautions to protect against insects and sunburn. Before you
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know it, it’ll be time to break out the down jackets and Bean Boots again. For more info: allterrainco.com Catie Delahanty has spent over a decade in the health and beauty industry and she has loved every minute of it. Her recent realization that natural personal care and beauty products can be just as effective as their chemical cousins has ignited a new passion for the industry.
A Practical Journal for Friends of the Environment c GreenLivingJournalpdx.com d Summer 2013
House
Chemical-Free Kitchen
Lead
By Ginevra Holtkamp Most of us strive to make healthier choices in the kitchen every day by taking small steps such as choosing organic food, eliminating refined sugars or increasing our intake of whole grains. But what about the way we cook and store food? We may not puting as much thought into the items we use to prepare our meals and store our leftovers as we should., Those pots, pans and storage containers could be undermining our best efforts to eat healthier food by potentially increasing the amount of toxins we consume, and causing adverse effects on our health and the environment. Here are some of the most common hazardous chemicals that can creep into our food via cookware, dinnerware, and food packaging and storage containers — and the simple steps you can take to avoid them and keep a healthy kitchen.
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
Triclosan What it is: Triclosan is an antibacterial chemical found in many kitchen products including cutting boards, countertops, dish towels, plastic food storage containers, sponges and liquid hand soap. Potential dangers: Triclosan accumulates in our bodies and is linked to skin and eye irritation, liver toxicity and hormone disruption. Triclosan can also accumulate in waterways, killing beneficial bacteria that contribute to healthy ecosystems. For a healthy kitchen, the American Medical Association advises against using triclosan in the home because it may contribute to the increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
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What it is: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a polymer found in Teflon coating and other nonstick cookware, as well as fast food wrappers, pizza boxes and the lining of microwave popcorn bags. It belongs to a toxic class of chemicals known as perfluorochemicals (PFCs), which are widely used to repel grease, water, and stains on many products including food packaging, clothing, and carpet. Potential dangers: at high temperatures, Teflon, and other nonstick surfaces, can break down and release potentially hazardous fumes and particles into the air, which can trigger flu-like symptoms in humans and kill pet birds. PFCs have been linked with low birth-weight babies, elevated cholesterol, abnormal thyroid hormone levels, liver inflammation, early menopause, and reduced immune function. Nonstick coatings can also contain residues of perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), a likely human carcinogen that is extremely persistent in the body and environment. How to avoid it: eight companies, including the makers of Teflon nonstick cookware, have agreed to phase PFOA out of their products by 2015, but PTFE remains a concern. A well-seasoned cast iron skillet is a safe alternative. With proper maintenance, cast iron develops a wonderful nonstick surface. If you do continue to use nonstick cookware, use these tips to reduce your PTFE exposure: cook on the lowest heat possible; never leave an empty pan on a hot burner; use wood or bamboo utensils to avoid scratching the surface; handwash pots and pans; and never use abrasive cleaning products. Eliminate or cut back on fast food and other greasy foods that come in PFC-treated wrappers. Immediately remove food from wrappers and transfer it to plates or glass storage containers. Pop popcorn on the stovetop; microwaveable popcorn bags are often treated with PFCs.
What is it: lead is a highly toxic metal. Although the most common source of exposure is from paint in homes and buildings built before 1978, lead can also be found in the kitchen. Lead is used in the glazing on some ceramic dinnerware and pottery, and it can leach into drinking water through plumbing materials. Potential dangers: lead accumulates and stays in the body for a long time, and even small amounts of lead can be harmful — especially for fetuses and young children. Lead poisoning in children has been linked to learning disabilities, developmental delays and lower IQ scores. In adults, symptoms include high blood pressure, headaches, memory loss, muscular weakness and abdominal pain. How to avoid it: the FDA regulates the sale of dinnerware that leaches lead, but if you want to be extra safe, ask manufacturers if their dishes meet the stricter standards set in California Proposition 65. If you’re aiming to eliminate lead, be especially cautious with the types of ceramics and pottery most likely to contain it, which include items that are handmade; antique; excessively worn or damaged; orange, red or yellow; or made in other countries. To confirm that your dishes are safe, use a leadtesting kit (available at hardware stores or online). Until you’re in the clear, do not use questionable dishes to heat or store food or to serve highly acidic foods and drinks such as spaghetti sauce, salad dressing, orange juice and coffee. Lead-testing kits are also available for tap water. If your water contains levels higher than 15 parts per billion, you should take action to minimize your exposure (learn more at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The EPA makes the following recommendations to reduce lead exposure: use cold water to prepare food and drinks; flush water outlets used for drinking or food preparation; and clean debris out of outlet screens and faucet aerators on a regular basis. You can also read more about lead and water filters that may help protect your drinking water in A Guide to Safe Drinking Water for the Home.
Kitchen
How to avoid it: avoid antibacterial products, which may be labeled with terms such as “antibacterial,” “fights germs,” “protects against mold,” “odor-fighting”, or “keeps food fresher, longer.” Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with plain soap and water. Skip antibacterial cutting boards, which are often made with petroleum-based plastics and are required by the EPA to carry a warning statement such as, “This product does not protect users or others against food-borne bacteria.” Sustainably harvested bamboo or FSC-certified wood cutting boards are good alternatives. Dedicate one cutting board for chopping produce and another one for cutting meat. Scrub all surfaces that contact food (such as cutting boards, utensils and countertops) with hot, soapy water. Use vinegar to disinfect.
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Aluminum What it is: one of the most abundant elements on earth, aluminum is found throughout the kitchen in cookware, foil, flatware, canned foods and beverages, reusable metal water bottles and antacids, as well as in salt additives present in cake and pancake mixes, self-rising flours, pickles, and processed cheese. Potential dangers: exposure to high levels of aluminum has been linked to neurological problems and has been found to disrupt the central nervous system. During the 1960s and ’70s, aluminum emerged as a possible cause of Alzheimer’s disease, but study results have been inconclusive. Once ingested, excess aluminum can accumulate in various tissues in the body and may weaken bones by depleting the body of calcium. How to avoid it: although very little aluminum enters our bodies through everyday sources, they can have a cumulative effect. To err on the side of caution, reduce your aluminum exposure by choosing stainless steel cookware and glass baking dishes. Anodized aluminum cookware, which has a hard coating that prevents food from reacting with the metal, is safer than traditional aluminum, but make sure it is PFTE- and PFOA-free.
Store leftovers in glass containers rather than foil; drink beverages packaged in glass bottles instead of cans; and make sure reusable water bottles are made of stainless steel — not aluminum. You can also help keep aluminum out of your food by making cakes and pancakes from scratch with aluminum-free baking powder and avoiding processed foods.
Bisphenol-A (BPA) What it is: Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a synthetic estrogen found in thousands of products including reusable polycarbonate (#7 plastic) food and beverage containers; the lining of canned goods; PVC (#3 plastic); and on receipts and money. Potential dangers: BPA can leach into food and beverages. Exposure to trace amounts of BPA have been shown to disrupt the endocrine system and have been linked to a wide range of disorders including breast cancer, reproductive system damage, heart disease and obesity. BPA poses the highest risk to developing fetuses and babies. How to avoid it: BPA is found in the lining of nearly all canned foods and beverages. A few companies, among them Eden Organics, offer food in BPA-free cans, and several other companies are working to eliminate BPA from linings. While it may be difficult to totally eliminate canned foods and beverages, at least try to avoid those for which you have fresh or frozen alternatives, as well those known to contain high levels of BPA. A 2009 Consumer Reports study found the highest levels in Del Monte green beans, Progresso vegetable soup and Campbell’s chicken noodle soup. Researchers from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) have found that canned meats, pasta and soup also contain high levels. Also avoid polycarbonate plastics. Polycarbonate plastics are hard and clear — the plastic most often used to make baby bottles and children’s sippy cups; look for the number 7 on the bottom of the container or the letters “PC.” They break down easily and can leach BPA, especially when they are heated, washed with strong detergent, or come in contact with fatty, salty or acidic foods. Store and heat food in glass containers instead. Stainless steel is another good storage option. Buy BPA-free stainless steel water bottles, and glass or stainless steel baby bottles and sippy cups, and wash your hands after handling receipts or money. Excerpted from Natural Home & Garden, a national magazine that provides practical ideas, inspiring examples and expert opinions about healthy, ecologically sound, beautiful homes. To read more articles from Natural Home & Garden, visit NaturalHomeMagazine.com. Copyright 2012 by Ogden Publications Inc..
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A Practical Journal for Friends of the Environment c GreenLivingJournalpdx.com d Summer 2013
Recycle
What if you have old carpeting that has to be removed the first time you buy EcoWorx carpeting? By Gary Munkhoff If you are replacing old worn out carpeting, it is removed and sent to the same collection facility in Seattle. There it is Faced with a having to renovate a small office space, I separated according to its backing make-up and the type of decided to learn more about the sustainable options that are fibers used. Carpeting that is made of materials compatible with available for insulation, floor coverings, Shaw’s recycling process are sent to the heaters, lights, etc., but where to begin? Cradle to Cradle Evergreen facility. Carpeting that is not As luck would have it, Classique Developed by architect William McDonough compatible is converted into energy Floors was hosting a “Sustainable Satur- and chemist Dr. Michael Braungart, Cradle to that is used in the company’s recovery day” event that included free seminars process. Cradle certification is one of the most rigorous on a whole array of green flooring prodIf you are a regular reader of the product certifications in the world. Administered ucts. Seemed like the obvious starting Green Living Journal, you’ll recall our by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation point, so off I went. recent series of articles on recycling in Institute in California, the certification is based Since I only had time to take in two which we discussed the need to progon a comprehensive quality rating system for of the seven seminars that were offered, ress from recycling, as we know it today the assessment and continuous improvement of I had to make some tough decisions. to a complete materials management products across five categories: My first choice was the presentation • Safe and appropriately sourced materials approach for the products that we use. on Ecoworx carpet tile (Marmoleum • Material reutilization The Ecoworx line of commercial carpetwas my second seminar, but we will • Renewable energy ing is an excellent example of materials talk about that later). Bill Stobie, Buy• Water quality management in that it is designed from ing Group Territory Manager for Shaw • Social responsibility the ground up to be recycled back into Industries, presented his company’s It envisages production design that creates carpeting again and again. products that are either biodegradable or are reline of commercial carpets that have How well does the system work? received “Cradle to Cradle Silver Certifi- cycled in their entirety to provide the raw materiJudith Hauk, owner of Classique cation” by the Cradle to Cradle Products als for new goods. These products will have been Floors, sums it up thus, “We send all the produced using manufacturing processes that Innovation Institute in California. Shaw carpet we remove from residential and Industries’ carpet products are the only rely on renewable energy, seek to conserve water, commercial projects to the carpet recyand strive to embrace social responsibility. ones to receive this certification. cling center in Portland (EnvironmenIn 2003, the U.S. Environmental tally Conscious Recycling Center, ECRC). Protection Agency (EPA) awarded Shaw There it’s sorted and if there’s a market for it, it’s distributed the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award, recognizout to companies that continue the recycling chain, especially ing Shaw for creating EcoWorx. This recyclable backing has Shaw. Last year alone we sent over 120 tons of carpet to the less embodied energy than traditional PVC carpet tiles, while ECRC, at no extra cost to our customers.” maintaining equal or greater performance. Shaw is one of few When purchasing new carpet, make sure your dealer remanufacturers to ever receive this distinction. cycles their old carpet. EcoWorx is backed with an environmental guarantee, meaning Shaw will pick up all EcoWorx backed products, at no cost to the customer, and recycle it into more EcoWorx. What exactly does this mean? In its simplest scenario: you purchase EcoWorx carpet tiles or broadloom from a local dealer. When the carpeting has outlived its useful life, it is removed and returned to the dealer. On a regular basis Shaw Industries gathers up the spent carpeting from the dealers (at no cost to you) in the region and takes it to its shipping facility in Seattle. There it is bundled and shipped to its Evergreen facility in Georgia where it is converted back into the raw materials for manufacturing new carpeting. This cycle is repeated endlessly in a closed loop.
Cradle to Cradle Carpeting
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Issue 21 c Green Living Journal d Summer 2013
Business
Fair Trade 101
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By Lisa Spika
retail store was opened in North America in 1972. Other fair trade companies slowly grew over time, but the definition of fair trade didn’t really began to take firm shape until 1988 when the first third party fair trade certification system (called Max Havelaar) was developed in the Netherlands. A handful of private European fair trade certifiers blossomed over the next few years and later created the Fairtrade Labeling Organizations (FLO) in 1997. FLO is now known as Fairtrade International, and is an umbrella organization that sets standards and inspection protocol for the fair trade industry. The first fair trade certifier in the United States appeared in 1998: TransFair USA, which operates out of Oakland, CA, and originally followed FLO standards.3
Depending on your perspective, the choices you make as a consumer simply impact yourself, or they impact the lives of hundreds or even thousands of other, mostly impoverished people. The fair trade industry believes the latter is true. It has been harnessing the positive purchasing power of consumers for decades. Fair trade reduces global poverty by improving the social and economic status of marginalized global artisans and agricultural producers by facilitating direct trading relationships that pay a fair price. The growth of fair trade over the last 20 years shows that Americans and the world Fair Trade Principles believe in the fair trade model. In 2011, A handful of other fair trade certififair trade sales topped $1.4 billion in the cation agencies have developed since United States, and an eye-opening $6.6 then, and although they all have distinct billion worldwide.1 Although this is still a standards and unique aspects of their fraction of the United States’’ $31 billion Photo courtesy of Flickr user miss604 certification policy (who, and how they organic market, fair trade grows year after certify), there are fair trade principles that year and includes sales of bananas, cocoa, coffee, cotton, tea, carry throughout the industry. and sugar.2 • Long-term relationships Buyers develop long-term So what is fair trade exactly? How did it start, who are the relationships with suppliers to help ensure a consistent major players, and—most importantly—does fair trade really income to the producer, and to educate them on marlive up to its promise? ket dynamics, business transactions, and fair prices. Fair Trade Beginnings • Fair pricing, premiums, and access to credit TradFair trade stretches back as far as 1946, when Edna Ruth Byers involved in fair trade ensure that workers’ costs are ler began purchasing handicrafts directly from women in Puerto covered (including costs related to fair trade), are in Rico and others displaced in Europe. This laid the foundation line with global pricing, and include a premium that for fair trade’s first company, Ten Thousand Villages, whose first can be spent on local development projects. Traders
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Business
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also help provide access to credit when needed, for items like seed at the beginning of a growing season, or new equipment to increase capacity. Empowerment and capacity building Producers are offered access to training in their companies to increase their value and skills. Communities benefit from community projects that are funded by the premiums paid from fair trade. Projects are determined by the producer organization. Democratic, non-discriminatory, transparent organizations Producer organizations must be equal opportunity employers, and protect their workers by allowing freedom of association, collective bargaining, grievance processes, and other mechanisms to ensure every employee’s voice is heard. Protection of children and adults from labor exploitation Adults working in a fair trade business must work reasonable hours. Child labor regulations reflect International Labor Organization conventions which (amongst other qualifiers) include banning of egregious violations like slavery, prostitution, etc, and ensures that when children are employed as per social norm (i.e. helping on a family farm), they are able to attend school and are not at risk from any on-the-job environmental factors. Safe working conditions Worker safety is secured via the implementation of traditional Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) programs; progressive improvements are expected. Sustainable environmental practices While organic production in farming operations is encouraged, it is not required. However, similar to organic production, fair trade products may not include Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), and must be grown using responsible farming methods like water conservation, erosion control, and integrated pest management. Respect for the local community and heritage Companies embrace the development of products, techniques, business models, environmental practices, or other mechanisms that reflect the local culture and are in-line with fair trade principles. 19
Business
Standards and Certification Currently, to sell a product as fair trade certified in the United States, it must comply with strict standards, and that compliance must be verified by a certification agency authorized to confirm compliance with that set of standards. After certification, the product can display the seal of the program standard. A current list of major standards that are followed and the main certifier(s) responsible for certifying to those standards are found below: Standard
Certifier
Fairtrade Labeling Organizations
FLO-CERT
Fair Trade for All
Fair Trade USA*
Agricultural Justice Project
Quality Certification Services, Midwest Organic Services Association
Fair for Life
Institute for Marketecology (IMO)
*Previously called TransFair USA
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As mentioned, the same principles are seen throughout all of these standards, although there are variations in the standards and the certification policies of the certifiers. It’s up to you to decide when, how, and if you are going to begin buying fair trade products. This “101” course just scratched the surface of it. Happily, we have a great resource for specifically helping consumers traverse this industry: the Fair World Project based out of Portland, OR.. ___________________ 1 Annual Report 2011-2012. Rep. Fairtrade International, 4 Sept. 2012. Web. 1 Apr. 2013. 2 “Consumer-driven U.S. Organic Market Surpasses $31 Billion in 2011.” Organic Trade Association’s Organic Newsroom. Organic Trade Association, 23 Apr. 2012. Web. 01 Apr. 2013. 3 “Brief History of Fair Trade.” Fair Trade Resource Network. Fair Trade Resource Network, n.d. Web. 1 Apr. 2013.
___________________ For more info: www.fairworldproject.org, or 800-631-9980. Lisa Spicka is a consultant for fair trade, organic, and food safety program development. She has been providing “Global Triple Bottom Line Solutions Since 1997” www.lisaspicka.com
“Though the problems of the world are increasingly complex, the solutions remain embarrassingly simple.” - Bill Mollison
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A Practical Journal for Friends of the Environment c GreenLivingJournalpdx.com d Summer 2013
Transportation
The Broadway Cab Preii By Gary Munkhoff
Issue 21 c Green Living Journal d Summer 2013
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Five years ago, Broadway Cab began operating several of Toyota’s hybrid vehicle, the Prius. We at the Green Living Journal remember it well, because that’s also the same time that we started publishing our magazine, and they both seemed like great green ideas. At that time, there was still some media and blog comments as to the Prius’s suitability for commercial use. This was, after all, a whole new technology that may have problems. Would they stand up to the rigors of a cab’s life? So as we traveled about, we would keep a sharp eye out for them on the road, hoping that we would keep on seeing them. Even though we didn’t see them very often, we did occasionally spot one, so we knew they were still in service. Definitely good news. Then one day this year, it dawned on us that we were seeing Broadway Prii (weird plural, but check it out on Wikipedia) rather frequently, with even multiple sightings in one day. So what was going on? The time had come to contact the company to find out more about their Prii and to see if there was a story that would interest our readers. James Dugger, their Marketing Manager, made arrangements for me to interview Raye Miles the President and General Manager of the company. It didn’t take but 30 seconds to find out that the Prius is a grand slam hit. Our conversation follows: Green Living Journal (GLJ): How have the Prii worked out for you? Raye Miles (RM): They’ve been a huge success. Fuel costs are cut in half, maintenance costs are lower, and passengers respond positively. The only downside is that repair bills are higher, but since they are infrequent we are still way ahead. They have been a 21
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Transportation
good investment and we are well pleased with their performance.” GLJ: How many of the original six are still in operation? RM: Five of the original six are still in operation. The sixth one is out of service because of an accident that totaled it. GLJ: How many do you have in service now? RM: We now have 64 vehicles in service, or about one third of our entire fleet. GLJ: Are you planning on adding more? RM: Yes, and our goal is to have them make up one half of our fleet. GLJ: Are you adding them on some sort of a time schedule? RM: We replace 15 to 20 cabs a year, but with the Prius we follow a more flexible purchasing program. Because of their higher price we find it pays to take time and shop for the best deal. Rental companies are a good source for gently used Prii at affordable prices. Also, we have an excellent working relationship with Broadway Toyota and they understand our buying requirements. GLJ: You mentioned that their fuel bill is about one half of a conventional cab. So how many miles do your cabs cover? RM: Our cabs average right at 200 miles a day, with half of those being revenue miles, and half non-revenue miles. Cutting the fuel bill in half is a big deal. The Prii are averaging 40 to 50 miles per gallon and sometimes getting as high as 52 mpg. GLJ: Do customers ever specifically request that you send a Prius? RM: They do, and we accommodate them when we can, but unfortunately a Prius is not always the closest car. When we explain that by drawing in the Prius from afar, we would actually be defeating the advantage of the fuel savings, not to mention the additional driver time wasted in traveling the extra distance, people understand. Portlanders definitely get it. As the number of Prii approaches our fleet goal of one half, we will be looking at taking requests. GLJ: Has there been any impact on your business as you’ve added more Prii? RM: That has been hard to quantify because there are so many other factors involved, such as the recession. As our conversation concluded, the late Paul Harvey’s popular “The Rest of the Story” segment of his radio broadcasts came to mind. I could just tell from the enthusiasm in Raye’s voice that that there is more to come. 22
Car with No Name Gets 84 MPG Via PRWeb
Elio Motors’ new prototype doesn’t have a name yet, but the three-wheeled vehicle design can get up to 84mpg and anticipates a 5-star safety rating. Pricing starts at $6,800. The yet unnamed model is nearing the assembly line. “We are excited to have the new prototype available and are looking forward to sharing the design changes with our future customers in the coming months,” a spoksperson for Elio Motors said. The vehicle will be made in America, produced in a Shreveport, Louisiana plant that GM previously used for assembly. The vehicle is scheduled for production in the summer of 2014. Reservations are being accepted now. Potential owners can reserve vehicles for as little as $100 and reservations give interested buyers a spot on the delivery list in the first year in production depending on their reservation level, access to the Elio Motors e-newsletter, a bumper sticker, and a limited edition t-shirt. For more info: http://www.facebook.com/ElioMotors or http://www.eliomotors.com.
A Practical Journal for Friends of the Environment c GreenLivingJournalpdx.com d Summer 2013
Gardening
Seed Saving 101 By Tabitha Alterman
Issue 21 c Green Living Journal d Summer 2013
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Growing an organic garden from seeds you saved yourself is the ultimate in gardening self-reliance. But that’s only one reason to take up this hobby. In addition to the satisfaction that comes from self-sufficiency, you’ll reap multiple immediate benefits. First and foremost, you will save money. Seeds are cheaper than transplants, and seeds you save yourself are free! If you save seeds from the very best specimens in your garden, you’ll also improve your seed stock year after year and develop varieties especially well-suited to your microclimate. You’ll be able to select for desired traits such as flavor, size, productivity, appearance, and pest- and disease-resistance. You can also grow plant varieties that are harder to find as ready-to-transplant seedlings. Perhaps most importantly, seed savers opt out of the everexpanding garden-industrial complex. Over the last several years, giant agribusiness firms have been rapidly buying up small seed companies. Today, just a few major companies control the sale of almost all of the world’s seeds. Fewer seed-owners frequently leads to fewer seed varieties, as big companies eliminate all but the most effective crops for large-scale production. One of the best ways to help preserve biodiversity is to grow heirloom varieties and to save your seeds at the end of the harvest season. You can only save seeds from heirloom or open-pollinated (“OP” on seed packages) plants. They will grow true to the parent plant, whereas hybrid seeds do not retain the characteristics of both parent plants. So how do you opt in? Different crop families require different strategies, but these are the basics. The easiest place for a beginner to start is with annuals that have large seeds, such as beans, peas, squash and tomatoes. 1. Time the harvest. Most seeds must be saved in the window between underripe and overripe. Collect seeds at the same time that the plant would naturally disperse its seeds. If the seeds come inside an edible package (like a tomato), let the fruits hang on a week or so longer than you would if you were harvesting them for fresh eating. If the seeds come in pods or seed heads, they should be dry before harvesting. 23
Gardening
2. Gather seeds. Choose your best fruits and veggies for seed harvesting. For seeds that come inside fruits, scoop out the seed mass and place it in a jar of water at room temperature. Stir it occasionally to loosen the gelatinous mass. In a few days, the viable seeds will be sitting at the bottom while the jelly and some inviable seeds will be floating at the top. Drain and rinse the good seeds thoroughly. For seeds that are harvested dry, things are much easier. Just collect them and skip to the next step. If you suspect the seeds will drop to the ground before you collect them, wrap a paper bag over the seed head and wait for them to fall inside. 3. Clean seeds. Seeds need to be clean and dry before going into storage. Remove excess plant debris by shaking seeds over screens or kitchen strainers. Dry the seeds on sheets of newspaper or screens kept indoors out of breezes. Small seeds will dry within a week or two; larger seeds take a little longer. 4. Store seeds. Store seeds inside an airtight container in a cool, dark place with no temperature fluctuations. Label everything with the name and date. If you are the record-keeping type, this is a good time to make notes about selection. Almost all vegetable seeds remain viable for a year or two, but some last much longer. To test seed viability, place seeds on a wet paper towel, where they should sprout within a few days. Complete article at: http://bit.ly/17WDxH3
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Excerpted from Natural Home & Garden, a national magazine that provides practical ideas, inspiring examples and expert opinions about healthy, ecologically sound, beautiful homes. To read more articles from Natural Home & Garden, please visit NaturalHomeMagazine.com. Copyright 2011 by Ogden Publications Inc.
Brew Your Own Beer? Why Not Grow Your Own Hops, Too? By Denise Ruttan With craft beer and home brewing becoming more popular, interest in backyard hops is fermenting among gardeners. Oregon State University’s hops breeder, Shaun Townsend, said he regularly fields questions from the public about growing hops. He also teaches workshops on “hops growing 101” to prospective hops farmers and gardeners. “Typical questions are: ‘How do I fertilize, water and harvest? What sort of diseases and pests do I need to monitor for? What hop varieties should I get?’” Townsend said. “I get a question almost every week. I was on the phone this morning with a fellow in Medford wanting to grow hops.” To get started, Townsend advises planting hops in well-drained soils and full sun
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Gardening
between the third week of August and early September. Depending on the variety, hops typically fully mature by the third season. During the first and second season, gardeners can still harvest enough hops even though the plant is not producing at full capacity. By fall, you’ll get to taste the fruits of your labor in your very own homegrown homebrew. Denise Ruttan is a Public Service Communications Specialist for Oregon State University’s Extension and Experiment Station Communications Department.
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exposure for optimum growth. You also need at least a 10-foot trellis or pole system to train these vigorous climbers. “One or two plants are plenty for backyard cultivation”, he said. One vigorous plant can yield about 5 to 6 pounds of fresh cones, the part of the plant that’s used in beer. Wrap the bines, or elongated stems, in a clockwise direction around the climbing support to train the plant. Use string, paper twine, coir (made from the fiber of coconut husk) or anything that the bines can grip well. Hops produce different flavors of beer depending on the variety, and there are two types of hops: bitter or aromatic. Townsend recommends the aromatic Cascade variety, developed through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s breeding program at OSU in 1955. It can withstand climates anywhere from central Oregon to the Willamette Valley. “It’s pretty much foolproof,” Townsend said. Other good choices for Oregon are Centennial, Newport, Sterling or Nugget. Some varieties do not do as well as others in heat. You can order whole plants or the rhizome, an underground stem that produces buds, from online sources and local distributors. You can also dig up a rhizome or make a stem cutting from a friend’s established plant. January and February are the months for digging up rhizomes for replanting. Cut about a 3- to 4-inch section of rhizome, making sure that a pinkish-white bud is present. Then grow it in a greenhouse with extra lighting. Rhizomes can also be planted in deep containers outside after January. In May, transplant the rhizome to your garden plot. When deciding where to place your plant, keep in mind that it grows robustly and prefers full sun. Don’t plant it near shadeintolerant plants that hops could crowd out. Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer about once every other week from late-April or May into June. After that, the plant doesn’t need extra nitrogen. “Be careful not to over-fertilize, as lots of nitrogen can propagate a lush, dense plant that could attract pests and diseases”, Townsend said. Water the plant every one to three days. Harvest your hops
Eco-Fashion
Re-Art
Button Ring DIY
Half = One
By Lana Red
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Many people who recycle are in the habit of clipping the buttons from clothing destined for the rag bin, others just like to collect beautiful buttons. This button ring DIY is a ecofashion/art project for frugal fashionistas and those who enjoy wearing something made by hand... on their own hands.
Artist Recycles Chairs Into Shelves By Katie Cordrey
1. Get your supplies: Buttons, adjustable sizes rings, super glue, pliers. 2. Take the pliers and remove the ring on the back of the button. (If this doesn’t work, you can also get a hammer and try to make the back as flat as possible.) 3. Put some super glue on the part of the ring where you want the button to be. 4. Place the button on the ring and let it dry. All done!
images courtesy of the artist
Spanish artist Tess Hill sees the potential for objects to be something other than what is intended by their designers. Case in point is her Half = One project. The idea of the project is to recycle an old chair for some other useful purpose. Ms. Hill says the steps are simple: images courtesy of the artist
Lana enjoys turning objects that inspire her into pretty crafty things then share them on her blog, Lana Red. In addition to her DIY endeavors, Lana studies theatre design at the Utrecht school of the arts in Holland. When she is not at school or working on a project, she likes to go home and enjoy some spare time with her boyfriend and her two cats, who she thinks are the cutest in the world! See more of Lana’s projects at: http://lanared.blogspot.nl/ 26
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Search for an abandoned chair Cut it in half Turn it upside down Mount it to the a wall.
The resulting topsy-turvy two-leggers can be used as hangers and/or shelves. See more of Tess Hill’s work at: http://www.behance.net/tesshill
A Practical Journal for Friends of the Environment c GreenLivingJournalpdx.com d Summer 2013
Money
How We Financed a 13kW Solar Project on a Church in Massachusetts Posted on Heatspring Blog on April 9, 2013 by Chris Williams The following is a guest post from Fred Paris, the instructor of our Solar Installer Boot Camp. Fred tells the story of a church that he worked with, and how the members came together to finance the project for the church. This could provide a model for non-profit clients that you work with that really want solar. I’ve put some comments in [brackets]
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Enter Fred Paris A church wanted to install a 13kW PV system. Intuitively knowing that the $4,000 budget would never cover a system of this size; we went ahead and designed a 13kW system and agreed to test different ideas on how to pay for it. The survey done, the system designed, and along with some structural reinforcement, the cost would be $65,000. [13kW at $65,000 gross installed cost is $5.00 per watt] We went in knowing the church would not qualify for the 30% federal tax credit or the state tax credit. Using projections, we knew the system would generate more than a megawatt of energy a month and some $3000 a year in electricity in our 18¢ utility. The project was presented to the congregation along with a financial plan showing the possible ROI available for a third part owner, if one could one be found. We agreed to put a plan together. The plan was to form a for-profit LLC to buy and own the system. Since profits from an LLC flow down to LLC members [the flows of profits and losses will depend on how you set up the operating agreements], those having tax liabilities would use the federal and state credits of more than $20,000. The church would continue to pay
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Money
a lower 14¢ monthly electric bill to the LLC, the LLC would get the Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SREC) payments – we used a conservative projection of a couple hundred dollars a month, [I would use $175/MWh as the lowest effective value of SRECs in Massachusetts, – and would depreciate the PV system as an asset they own. Recognizing the startup cost to setup the LLC, along with legal and insurance costs for the life of the arrangement, the financial break-even for the LLC would be less than 8 years. [The financial break-even is when the Net Present Value goes from negative to positive] Eight years later, the system is fully paid and the church stops paying the reduced 14¢ rate. The LLC then votes to donate the system to the church – with perhaps another write-off, and the LLC is dissolved. Everybody wins. We need to look beyond the financial dollar amount of PV incentives and consider value. The same financial incentives can have more or less value depending on the owners’ tax and financial position. The church’ s tax situation was obvious, but there are many for-profit businesses that will not have a significant tax liability. You may want to explore setting up a single-purpose business entity to capitalize on the incentives. Everybody can win.
I asked Fred a few more questions about the article: 1) How much were the legal fees for setting up the LLC, PPA etc? Who did you use to do this? How did you make sure the documents were legit? Part of the group was a lawyer so he took care of all of the documantation. A simple LLC can be done for $1,000. However, this becomes more expensive and challenging when you have multiple investors because you need to establish clear operating rules for the LLC that explicitly say how the profits, losses, and credits of the LLC will flow. 2) How many church members were there? Did they each buy into the LLC evenly to make the operating agreement and flow of credits and cash simple? There are 5 investors, and no, they did not invest evenly but using a simple percentage of investment equals percentage of SRECs or whatever – this works OK. 3) How long did the whole process take versus a cash sale. If it would have taken 4 months to do the project with a cash sale, how long did it take with the LLC? Once the decision was made to go with the LLC, the project moved along at a good pace. Creation of the LLC was not on the critical path - plenty of slack time.
not have happened. What they wanted was an amazing way to donate to the church (because the church would save money) without losing any money, because they got it all back. 2 ) Their legal fees were essentially free, because one of the church members was an attorney. If legal fees were $10,000, this would have increased the installed cost from $65,000 to $75,000, or from $5.00 per watt, to $5.76 per watt or a 15% increase. Read the entire article with additional financial details here: http://bit.ly/17hIGM4 More info on Solar Renewable Energy Credits: http://bit.ly/17VCiYG This article was originally published by Chris Williams from HeatSpring Magazine, and is reprinted here with the author’s permission. HeatSpring is a national leader in Solar Training. For more info: http://www. heatspring.com
Electric Vehicle News
Mr. Graunke’s Dream Car Update In last Winter’s issue, we brought you the story of Gary Graunke and his dream of 46 years to own an electric car that would forever end his need to burn fossil fuel. Dreams can come true, and in March of this year, Gary’s did when he took delivery of a brand new Tesla Model S.
A few more notes and thoughts about Fred’s project 1) The investors didn’t want to make money, they wanted the church to save money. This is fundamental in the sales process, understanding what each party wants. If the investors had wanted 15% return over 8 years, the project likely would 28
A Practical Journal for Friends of the Environment c GreenLivingJournalpdx.com d Summer 2013
Electric Vehicle News
The Economic Case for Electric Vehicles
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is the economic impact the transition from imported fossil fuels to domestically produced electricity will have on this state. By Art James Oregonians spend more than $8 billion every year on gasoIn the summer of 2008, the price of regular gasoline exline and diesel. Since there is no production ceeded $4 per gallon in Oregon for the or refinement in this state, all of that monfirst time in history. Pay More and Get Less with an EV ey leaves the state, some of it even going I work in ODOT’s Office of Innovative to countries that don’t like us very much. An electric car costs more than a Partnerships where we have a unique If we can convert a significant portion of comparable gasoline car, and it will statutory authority to enter into public/ our transportation fuel from petroleum to have fewer mechanical parts. private partnerships for transportation electricity, that will all be money that will Parts not on your EV, and thus, projects. The phone rang and it was a stay in Oregon to grow the economy and never needing to be repaired or fleet operator in the Portland area who create jobs. That argument to me is like replaced! said the fuel prices were going to put him mom, apple pie and the flag. Oil and oil filter out of business. He was thinking about And for consumers, consider that if Air filter converting to electric drive vehicles, but you drive a car that gets 20 miles per galRadiator, coolant, hoses and fan was concerned about their range and not lon and gas costs $4 per gallon, you are Water pump and thermostat having places around the community to paying 20 cents for every mile driven in Fuel pump, filter, and injectors charge them. He had heard about the Infuel cost alone. In an EV, that same mile Fuel tank novative Partnerships program and wonis going to cost you 1-2 cents per mile. Oxygen sensor dered if we could use that authority to That’s nearly a 20-to-1 cost reduction per Spark plugs, wires and distributor install charging stations around Oregon. mile just for fuel. EVs also have almost Exhaust pipe or muffler This started a process where ODOT no maintenance costs, so the total cost Timing belt began to take an active role in facilitating of ownership can be far below what an Pistons, valves, and crankshaft, deployment of electric vehicle charging internal combustion engine vehicle costs. Camshafts, oil pump and head stations. The first-ever statewide request My wife took the plunge in May 2012 gasket for proposal for EV charging equipment and has over 4,000 miles on her EV – and The savings on fuel and maintewas issued in 2009 and a subsequent hasn’t been to a gas station since. At the nance costs will more than repay the RFP for fast chargers went out in 2010. same time, our monthly electric bill has extra price paid for the EV, We obtained an American Recovery & only gone up about $8 per month comReinvestment Act ARRA grant of nearly pared to the $65-$75 per month she was $1 million in 2010 to install fast chargers paying to fuel her last car. The transition has along Interstate 5 in southern Oregon and an additional $3.4 been a no-brainer for us. million from the U.S. Department of Transportation in 2011 to Art James joined ODOT’s Office of Innovative Partnerships put chargers along the coast, out in the Columbia River Gorge in 2004 as project director. He has been instrumental in and over the Cascades. launching Oregon’s public/private initiative and key in helping A remarkable transformation has taken place since these establish Oregon as a leading launch site for electric vehicles. early efforts. Oregon has over 800 charging stations in operaHe works with private sector firms to create a robust network tion and more are being installed daily. More than 2,000 plug-in of EV charging infrastructure in Oregon and encourage rapid EVs are driving on Oregon roads and the rate of adoption is adoption of electric transportation. He also chairs the West outpacing hybrids when they were first introduced over a deCoast Electric Highway Steering Committee, working with cade ago. EV charging facilities are popping up at malls, grocery utilities and local governments to install EV charging stations stores, restaurants, theaters and even at ODOT office buildings! around the state. Art holds a Bachelors degree from Stanford For some people, the argument for EVs is all about reducing University and a Master of Business Administration in finance greenhouse gas emissions. Nissan made a classic TV ad for the from the University of Oregon. LEAF that featured a polar bear who leaves a melting iceberg to This article appeared in the April issue of Moving Ahead and go to the city and give the owner of a Nissan LEAF a hug. While I is reprinted here with the author’s permission. get this, what has kept me working on this for the last five years
Book Review
MAKE YOUR PLACE: Affordable and Sustainable
Nesting Skills
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By Raleigh Briggs - Reviewed by Susan Place How to craft a sustainable domestic life outside of consumer consciousness? It’s not as hard as we may think! This sweet, handwritten, and illustrated book is chock full of useful information and can save you countless trips to the store to buy cleaning, health, beauty, or garden supplies. Stay home and make everything you need with simple, nontoxic components you may already have about your home. Author and Illustrator, Raleigh Briggs, has no nonsense recipes for nearly everything, and has divided her book into three chapters.
The “Health & First-Aid” chapter is where you’ll find basic methods and simple recipes for a range of maladies from cuts and scrapes, to anxiety and depression. The “Nontoxic Cleaning & Body Care” chapter includes recipes for every home and body cleaning need from soap and deodorant, to pet care and pests. This is the section that will tell you how to make homemade fly strips and fabric softener. The “Gardening Chapter” will get you started, and keep you growing, making your place more edible. It gives you the basics from plant anatomy to sowing, caring for, and fertilizing your backyard farm. So, if you want to be a do-it-yourself healer, stay at home herbalist, or a grow your own dinner gardener, this is the book for you. There are over 100,000 copies in print and it’s been on the Powell’s top 25 for four years, and is ranked in Amazon’s top 100 Do-It-Yourself (DIY) books. Published by Microcosm Publishing, a Portland company founded in 1996 that specializes in DIY goods that teach selfempowerment. You can browse for it at Microcosm Publishing, 636 SE 11th Ave., or check out Microcosm’s book list for other DIY or Radical books at http://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/books In Hood River find Make Your Place and other Microcosm books at Artifacts, Good Books and Bad Art 202 Cascade Street. 30
The Homeowner’s Energy Handbook By Paul Scheckel Storey Publishing, 2013 The author knows what he is talking about. He lives off the grid in northern Vermont in a solar- and wind-powered house. He is a professional energy auditor and consultant who has visited more than 3,000 homes, educating people about energy efficiency, cost-effective improvements, and indoor air quality. He has appeared on national television and local radio, speaks at conferences, and writes a monthly column on energy issues. Energy is a polarizing subject. Pick up a newspaper or turn on a TV — odds are you’ll see at least one story on modern energy use or misuse, monetary or environmental cost, production triumph or disaster, or the global politics behind resource collection. But there is perhaps one thing all of us can agree on – we need it, and we need to find a way to harness it, refine it, use it, and conserve it in a manner that is better for the environment, easier on our wallets, and less dependent on outside influences. We need to be part of the solution. In this handbook, energy expert Scheckel shows how each of us can take responsibility for our own energy needs and empower ourselves — in every sense of the word — whether we simply want to make our homes more comfortable, perform a complete home energy makeover, or unplug from the grid and make our own energy. Beginning with his “AAA” approach to energy efficiency (awareness, assessment, action), Scheckel guides readers through a complete home energy audit. Once we know how to conserve energy, he teaches us how to use solar, wind, and hydro power in our own homes. He goes on to explore additional energy options such as making renewable natural gas from kitchen scraps, or making diesel and heating fuel from vegetable oil. He also includes several DIY energy production projects, including step-by-step instructions for building a solar water heater, a biodiesel processor kit, and a wood gas cook stove. Whether motivated by the desire for lower energy costs, the comfort of backup systems when the power fails, or the dream of a completely off-grid existence, The Homeowner’s Energy Handbook gives readers the knowledge and tools to maximize energy efficiency and incorporate renewable energy systems at home. 288 pages; 8 1/2” x 10 7/8” Two-color; illustrations throughout.
A Practical Journal for Friends of the Environment c GreenLivingJournalpdx.com d Summer 2013
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