#ecospaces

Myth #5 Green building may work in California but it won't work here, or it's just a fad for hippies

California certainly is one of the pioneers in green building, but it certainly is not the only place it is being used. Green building is very popular in Europe where it has been quite successfully implemented. Once considered a fad of the 70's, green building is fast becoming mainstream with the help of numerous organizations dedicated to the environment and human health.

New certification standards through LEED and others are helping to define what green building means and inspiring traditional architects, builders and designers to join the bandwagon. The US government which is the largest builder in the US (40% of all building) is also very instrumental in promoting green building through design, products and strategies. However, high utility bills and lawsuits from tenants and homeowners who complain of sick building syndrome may be two of the biggest prime movers forcing the construction industry into compliance with green building standards.

Although green building is a market driven by consumers, it's coming of age through the acceptance of architects, designers and builders; world-wide use; extensive media coverage via the internet, TV, magazines, national and international trade shows; a greater diversity of products that solve health and energy related problems; and a raging entrepreneurial spirit to develop the most efficient and sustainable products on the planet.

Myth #2 Green products don't really help the environment

I can’t believe I have lived in my house 11 years now, and I am faced as a home owner (and green building business owner), to make some substantial improvements as my humble abode is starting to fall apart on me. The siding that was installed when my home was built in the 1980’s has finally surrendered: splintering, warping, cracking and screaming to us to peel it off and start a new.  Replacing the siding of the entire exterior of a home is a big investment.  Yes, I rather throw down for that new dream kitchen and finally yank out the blue linoleum counter tops, but, priorities…. the outer layer of my home that keeps the snow and rain out needs fixing first.  Although siding is not as romantic as a new kitchen, I put my food down and insisted that since I need to throw my home equity loan at siding, I want a materials that will outlast me and the house and our 30 year loan, because I don’t want to have to think about siding again in the future, but instead forge ahead towards that modern kitchen one day soon.

Introducing the latest greenest building materials that is now available at the Ecospaces Showroom: 

A wood free materials made from 60% rice husks, approx. 22% common salt and approx. 18% mineral oil, that is used for decking, siding, flooring, and wall facades.  It is hard to believe that this ultra durable material is made from purely natural materials. It is not only environmentally friendly but is also extremely weather resistant against sun, rain, snow or salt water. The greatest advantage to using this water resistant surface material is that there is minimal care and maintenance required of it during its life in your home.

One Material, Endless Possibilities.  Water resistant, sustainable and almost identical to tropical wood – all these characteristics open a variety of possibilities in using Resysta. Outdoor furniture, floor coverings and decks of ships are just the beginning. Further examples are house facades, wellness and wet areas. Resysta is not subject to any fluctuations in size caused by humidity and therefore is perfectly suitable for surface treatment.

I can’t believe I have lived in my house 11 years now, and I am faced as a home owner (and green building business owner), to make some substantial improvements as my humble abode is starting to fall apart on me. The siding that was installed when my home was built in the 1980’s has finally surrendered: splintering, warping, cracking and screaming to us to peel it off and start a new.  Replacing the siding of the entire exterior of a home is a big investment.  Yes, I rather throw down for that new dream kitchen and finally yank out the blue linoleum counter tops, but, priorities…. the outer layer of my home that keeps the snow and rain out needs fixing first.  Since I need to throw my home equity loan at siding, I want a materials that will outlast me, the house,  and our 30 year loan, because I don’t want to have to think about siding again in the future.

Introducing the latest greenest building materials that is now available at the EcoSpaces Showroom: 

A wood free materials made from 60% rice husks, approx. 22% common salt and approx. 18% mineral oil, that is used for decking, siding, flooring, and wall facades.  It is hard to believe that this ultra durable material is made from purely natural materials. It is not only environmentally friendly but is also extremely weather resistant against sun, rain, snow or salt water. The greatest advantage to using this water resistant surface material is that there is minimal care and maintenance required of it during its life in your home.

One Material, Endless Possibilities.  Water resistant, sustainable and almost identical to tropical wood – all these characteristics open a variety of possibilities in using Resysta. Outdoor furniture, floor coverings and decks of ships are just the beginning. Further examples are house facades, wellness and wet areas. Resysta is not subject to any fluctuations in size caused by humidity and therefore is perfectly suitable for surface treatment.

EcoSpaces just selected our first recipients for our 1% for the Planet donation.  We are donating 1% of our total revenue from 2011 to Bridges to Prosperity, a non profit whose mission is to build footbridges over impassable rivers in isolated communities all over the world which in turn will provide access to essential healthcare, education and economic opportunities for the people of the villages connected.  These bridges connect people to their needs.

  Yes, we have all just weathered the worst economic recession of our lifetime.  Many of us have lost homes, jobs, and money has been tight.  It has also been tough times in the construction business as well. And as we have learned to tighten our belts, I can’t help to think about those living in perpetual poverty where our “recession” would be a great improvement to their lives. Bridges to Prosperity works in places like Bolivia and Nicaragua, Ethiopia, Peru, Rwanda and many more impoverished places abroad and in the US.  They work in places with a sheer lack of infrastructure development and where basic needs are not met on a daily basis.  They work in places where poverty seems   chronic, with   no   clear   way   towards a better future for the children  of the rural poor.

  We chose Bridges to Prosperity because it aligned with our commitment to provide meaningful building projects to help promote sustainability. 

   When we started this business from the ground up, 5 years ago, our biggest concern was to do the right thing and use business for the sake of bettering the environment. We were hesitant to enter the world of “retail” and selling “things” but convinced ourselves that we are called to be social entrepreneurs knowing that the basis of our work is to supply our community with sustainable, non-toxic, and renewable building materials that are not harmful to the environment and better for the earth.   

  So, becoming part of Patagonia’s 1% was a natural step for  us, and helped to assure us that are not getting lost in the capitalistic world of greed and remember that we are in this game to give back bring better choices to consumers. “1% for the planet is about businesses recognizing that industry and ecology are inherently connected. It’s about realizing the positive effects of connecting businesses, consumers and nonprofits through philanthropy. And it’s about understanding that the true cost of doing business can be mitigated by a simple pledge to the planet.”