GreenDepot

Earlier this month, Green Depot Founder Sarah Beatty was proud to stand alongside U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) President, CEO & Founding Chair, Rick Fedrizzi, at the annual meeting of the USGBC New York Upstate Chapter – one of the most active chapters in the nation. The event was held at the newly-completed headquarters of Orange County Choppers, in Newburgh, New York – currently slated for LEED silver certification – with over 200 architects, engineers, general contractors, and other building professionals in attendance. A behind-the-scenes tour of the building revealed many sustainable features, including sidewalk paving that incorporated recycled tires; a smart, high-efficient heating and cooling system; ultra-low wattage lighting; and a metal roof with high reflectivity.

Rick Fedrizzi delivered a wide-ranging, inspirational speech addressing the environmental challenges that confront us – particularly global warming – and the crucial role that the green building plays in meeting those challenges. Rick also touched on the greening of schools as a major opportunity for our industry – one that provides for significant energy savings and natural resource conservation, while delivering inarguable health benefits for our children and school workers.

As a new Gold sponsor of the USGBC New York Upstate chapter, Green Depot looks forward to a long and productive relationship with the chapter, including collaboration on various projects in the upcoming year, as we plan for the opening of our new store in Albany, New York.

Also this month, Green Depot’s Catherine Barton conducted two educational workshops at the New York Construction Expo, for an audience that consisted primarily of building professionals who were all motivated to understand the scope of products, technologies and systems that are available under the umbrella of green building best practices. Catherine’s presentation featured a comprehensive array of green building products that ranged from exterior construction systems (including insulation options), to Solatube passive solar systems, to an array interior finish products – including paints and stucco.

Green Depot is committed to, and very much a part of, the green building movement – from supporting the fundamental work of the U.S. Green Building Council, to educating and informing design and building professionals, to working with schools and not-for-profit groups in proximity to each of our locations. We have some great new programs and events planned for in the months ahead, but are always interested in new partnerships and other opportunities – so please call or email us if you or your company would like to discuss a project or event!

Warm Regards,

Carmen Arguelles
President, Green Depot

Fall Into Winter

Now that the crisp days of fall are upon us, following are some suggestions for things we can be doing to prepare for winter's arrival:.

• As insects and pests begin to migrate back indoors for warmth and food, ready yourself for their return with natural insecticide products from EcoSmart, including Commercial Flying Insect Killer, Crawling Insect Killer, and Wasp & Hornet Killer. The EcoSmart Botanicals line uses natural plant oils to kill and control insects, and are safe to use around children and pets, and safe for the environment.
• Add some insulation to your home now to help prevent heat flow in or out of your home, saving energy and lowering utility costs. For areas with easy access, such as the attic, try Bonded Logic UltraTouch Natural Cotton Fiber insulation – made from high quality natural fibers, or Johns Manville Formaldehyde-free fiber glass insulation – the only fiberglass insulation product awarded an exemption from the EPA's formaldehyde Hazardous Air Pollutant Regulations. For existing walls, Cel-Pak cellulose insulation can be blown in through drilled holes in interior walls or sheathing (when a section of exterior siding is removed).
• Nearly 20% of heat flow occurs through small cracks and holes in walls, and typically around windows, doors, room air conditioners, and similar spaces. Be sure to check the perimeter of your home and seal or repair as needed with a high quality, non-toxic, low-VOC caulk or sealant. Green Depot recommends Titebond Concrete Repair for concrete, masonry and stucco; and AFM Safecoat Caulking Compound for caulking windows and sealing cracks in walls and woodwork, venting and plumbing areas, and more. Also check ductwork for leaks, and repair if necessary using water-based, low odor AFM Safecoat DynoFlex Natural.
• Paint those interior walls now, and get a jump on the holiday spruce-up. Green Depot offers a full range of fully tintable, no-VOC paints.
• Before heating season begins, install carbon monoxide detectors to test for this deadly odorless, tasteless and colorless gas, which can be produced by clogged chimneys (which should be cleaned this time of year), space heaters, water heaters, even gas stoves and clothes dryers.
• To add years to the life of your deck or patio, treat with Deck Boss Transparent Sealer – a natural, oil-based sealant that penetrates into the cells of wood, creating a monolithic bond. Deck Boss reduces damage due to climatic conditions, and contains sunscreens and other ingredients that provide U.V. protection.
• Vacuum the coils on the back of your refrigerator to help it work more efficiently, and prevent dust build-up that can aggravate allergies and asthma. Use a vacuum with a high-performance HEPA filtration system, such as the Nilfisk UZ934.
• Enjoy the beautiful weather and fall foliage now, and gear up for what the Old Farmer's Almanac predicts will be a cold, snowy winter!

If You Green It...
The New Republic, September 24, 2008

It's difficult to think of a skyscraper--the ultimate inanimate object--as having much to do with environmentalism. But the concept of green building has arrived--if not front and center in Washington, at least in the minds of a diverse coalition of green activists. As part of TNR TV's series on contemporary environmentalism, this episode explores how the concept of sustainable design has leapt from the pages of glossy magazines like Vanity Fair to the long-term planning of corporations, real estate developers large and small, and an increasing number of everyday Americans.

Most surprising about the rise of green building is its rare, Wall Street-to-Main Street synergy, which acknowledges that, as Doug Gatlin of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) put it, green building is "good for business and good for the environment."

Click on the video to view, then read more from The New Republic.