The diapers are FREE of chlorine processing; they are also FREE of fragrances, latex and petroleum-based lotions, so you get to decide what touches your baby’s sensitive skin.  Another cool thing is that the diaper’s core has been redesigned so that is more efficient at absorption and uses less processed chlorine free wood pulp = better for the environment than traditional disposable diapers.

I highly recommend these chlorine free diapers and they have been working great for the last three months!

Jayme M. Carleton, Second Nature

http://jaymecarleton.com

Making Sustainability Second Nature™

Bookmark & Share

3 trillion. Gallons of water that can be saved each year if every household installed water-efficient appliances.

3. The number of hours your television can run on the energy saved by recycling just one aluminum can.

20. The number of trees that can be saved by recycling one ton of paper.

14,000. Gallons of water that can be saved per year by upgrading to a 1.6 gallon or less toilet.

2,738. Gallons of water saved by cutting your shower from 8 minutes to 5 minutes.

75. Percentage of energy that can be saved by using Energy Star Compact Fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) compared to standard incandescent bulbs.

- Jayme M. Carleton, Second Nature

http://jaymecarleton.com

Making Sustainability Second Nature™

Bookmark & Share

Polluting while cleaning?

Every time you do a load of laundry you are using energy and water, sending detergent residue into rivers and oceans, and wearing down the fabric of your clothing. Did you know that? Even though you are just trying to keep clean, you are making your environmental footprint more polluted.

One of the best ways to reduce your environmental footprint is with an energy and water efficient washer and dryer set. The best models cut energy and water consumption by about a third or more, according to Energy Star, the U.S. EPA and Department of Energy’s joint rating program. Washers and dryers that don’t meet Energy Star standards can cost you $70 to $135 annually in utility costs. I bet that money could be better spent elsewhere – say planting a tree in your yard, donating it to your local nature conservation, or  you are probably thinking that $135 could buy a lot of beer (in recycled bottles of course)!

The good news is that the most eco-friendly technology is also the best for your clothes. Say hello to front-loaders and advanced top-loaders that gently tumble or flip clothes through small streams of water (10 to 20 gallons) vs agitator models (30 gallons). High-efficiency washers also spin clothes at two to three times the speed of conventional models. More revolutions per minute = more water extraction = less dryer time, less fabric damage and less energy use.

What’s the scoop with Energy Star?

Energy Star-rated washers all meet Federal efficiency requirements, but still vary in their energy and water use. Look for two specific ratings: Modified Energy Factor (MEF) and Water Factor (WF), which are measurements of how efficiently the machine works. You want the highest MEF and the lowest WF you can afford.

The Energy Star program focuses equally on saving money, so any qualified appliance should slash your utility bills. The model’s yellow EnergyGuide label provides a quick cost analysis compared to similar models.

Energy Star does not rate dryers, but you’re likely still better off with an advanced machine that shuts off automatically when clothes are dry. Newer dryers sense moisture in the clothing, rather than measuring the temperature of the exhaust air to gauge dryness. The feature conserves energy, and prolongs the life of your clothes.

Do you have bad laundry habits?

Naturally, actual environmental impact and cost savings comes down to personal use. Some tips to get the best eco-performance from your new washer and dryer:

• Wash in cold. According to Energy Star, heating water uses up 90 percent of the energy required to operate a washing machine. Even switching from hot to warm may slash energy use by half.
• Fill ‘er up. Machines use about the same amount of energy for every load, so go as big as you can.
• Choose better suds. Conventional laundry detergents may still contain low levels of phosphates, not to mention bleaches and perfumes, which pollute waterways and harm aquatic life. (Jayme Tip: Phosphate-free, unscented and biodegradable is your best option)
• Dry out quick. Try to dry similar fabrics together. Towels and sheets, for example, absorb different amounts of water – there’s no need to cook your pillow cases while your bath towels finish drying.
• Consider air-drying your laundry on an outdoor/indoor rack. Energy use = zero. (Jayme Tip: Air dry cloth baby diapers. It saves energy and the baby diapers dry in about 25 minutes)

Can you recycle old machines?

Yes. Most major appliance retailers will haul away the old washers and dryers for recycling when they deliver the new ones. If you’re just looking to get rid of old appliances, not buy any news ones, some stores will pick them up for a fee.

- Jayme M. Carleton, Second Nature

http://jaymecarleton.com

Making Sustainability Second Nature™

Bookmark & Share

1. Upgrade the Front Door A new front door instantly enhances your home's appearance, and what's more, it can greatly increase resale value. A recent study by door manufacturer Therma-Tru found that upgrading the front door of a house increased the perceived value of a $190,000 home by almost $8,000. Estimates for new entry doors start around $2,500, so you could actually make back triple the money you spend. Jayme Tip: Be sure to get two or three quotes for the front door. Manufacturers can vary a lot in pricing and installation fees.

2. Take Care of the Landscaping Curb appeal starts with quality landscaping that enhances the style of your home. Landscaping doesn't have to be expensive; only well-thought-out, interesting, and cohesive. Pick a theme for plantings (native, tropical) and stick with it. Jayme Tip: Visit a local nursery for advice. Many nurseries carry pre-planted pots of plants or have plants grouped together, ready for purchase, which will give you the most street appeal for the least amount of money. Nurseries are making it very easy now for homeowners to do amazing landscape designs. And remember – be sure to pick plants native to your area. You want plants which are drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering.

3. Give the Garage a Facelift Plain beige or white garage doors are a thing of the past. Today's market offers beautiful alternatives such as carriage doors made of composite materials. Keep what's behind the doors beautiful, too. To tidy up the space, add built-in storage or use cabinets, shelves, or pegboards. Jayme Tip: Once again, be sure to get two or three quotes for the garage door. Manufacturers can vary a lot in pricing and installation fees. I am a huge fan of carriage doors as they have an elegant, old world flair.

4. Update Your Hardware Get new house numbers, a new mailbox, and a door latch with the same finish to give your exterior a cohesive, stylish look. Jayme Tip: Check out Home Depot for options. Before buying however, check out the local salvage stores as they receive a lot of left over items from builders and remodelers. There are a lot of good deals at salvage stores as well as eye catching pieces. My favorite Seattle-based stores are Second Use or Re-Store.

5. Install Outdoor Lighting Properly planned and installed outdoor lighting can add safety, drama, and interest to your home. Path lighting should also be an integral part of your outdoor lighting plan. Jayme Tip: Home Depot and Lowes carry many types of solar outdoor lighting. No need to hook up electricity for lighting when you could invest in something which uses natural solar energy and wouldn’t cost you money to run.

- Jayme Mattson

http://jaymemattson.com

Bookmark & Share

• Look at the tools required for the job. Jayme Tip: Most home accidents happen when people use power tools, saws and ladders improperly. If you don’t have the tools or don’t know how to use them safely, then don’t do the project.
• Don’t do electrical work unless you are an electrician. Jayme Tip: Consult an expert for advice or a second opinion when tinkering with electrical. Even installing a ceiling fan can result in electrocution or injury.
• Don’t mess with gas. Jayme Tip: Always consult an expert. This is a project you should never take on yourself. A mistake could lead to an explosion or carbon-monoxide poisoning.
• Projects with too big of a scope. Jayme Tip: Do you really need to gut your entire house and remodel it yourself? I suggest you take on the smaller scale projects only. You can replace the toilet, install environmentally-friendly laminate, install tile backsplashes, and even paint. Most DIYers under estimate the amount of work it takes to do a single job which can lead to mistakes, short cuts taken and injuries.

Basically, when in doubt of your DIY abilities, consult a professional.

- Jayme Mattson

http://jaymemattson.com

Bookmark & Share

- Jayme Mattson

http://jaymemattson.com

Bookmark & Share

Jayme Tip: Check out second hand stores for inventory before purchasing from Home Depot or Lowes; not only will you save money, you will be helping the environment!!! I highly recommend Second Use (Seattle) or ReStore (Seattle / Bellingham) as both of them receive donations from construction jobsites which have leftover products.

1. Install manufactured stone veneers or brick facing around an entry for visual texture and instant curb appeal.

2. Replace the entry light with a handsome coach lantern-style fixture for historic appeal.

3. Build a stone or brick paver entrance walkway.

4. Add shutters or accent trim around windows and doors.

5. Replace standard garage doors with elegant, carriage-style models.

6. Paint the front door in a can’t-miss-it shade of red.

7. Cut back plantings that block views of the front door and spill over walkways.

8. Replace the front-door hardware with a sleek, updated handle set.

9. Create an instant garden with container plantings.

- Jayme Mattson

http://jaymemattson.com

Bookmark & Share

1. Add a splash of red in a white or neutral kitchen. Red stimulates the appetite, improves one’s sense of smell, and sensitizes the taste buds.
Jayme Tip: Look for dish cloths, an apron, rug, pot mitts or a red ceramic utensil holder for inexpensive solutions. Check out Ross, TJ Maxx or Tuesday Morning.

2. Show off your dishes, glasses, and serving pieces with open shelves.

3. Create a family message center by painting kitchen pantry doors with chalkboard paint.
Jayme Tip: Be sure to open all of the windows and doors to ventilate the room while apply the paint. This is a toxic paint and you need to be sure to ventilate well after applying it.

4. Add casters to a small shelving unit for a rolling cart that goes wherever it’s needed.

5. Add an eye-catching chandelier over the kitchen island for a touch of glamour.
Jayme Tip: Check out second hand stores for gently-used pieces. I highly recommend Second Use (Seattle) or ReStore (Seattle / Bellingham).

6. Retrofit a silverware drawer with dividers and cabinets with stackable wire shelves.

7. Tile a backsplash. For low-cost customization, choose a simple 4×4 tile with just a few accent tiles to break it up.
Jayme Tip: Check out second hand stores for inventory. I highly recommend Second Use (Seattle) or ReStore (Seattle / Bellingham) as both of them receive donations from construction jobsites which have leftover products.

8. Cut off the toe-kick on a cabinet and add a bun leg on each corner or end so it looks like a freestanding piece of furniture. Then paint or stain them to match the cabinets.

- Jayme Mattson

http://jaymemattson.com

Bookmark & Share

Protect Your Hose Bib

Remember to winterize your plumbing to protect your plumbing from freezing.

Jayme Tips:

1- Unthread any hoses from the outside hose bibs (faucet).
2- Turn off valves that protect plumbing in outside areas and cold walls (open fixture to release pressure)
3- Insulate hose bibs in extreme cold conditions.
4- Locate main water shut off for people in home.
5- If power failure, let water drip at faucets to keep water moving.

Please remind clients, friends, family to winterize homes as well.

- Jayme Mattson

http://jaymemattson.com

Bookmark & Share

Be Safe

Now is the time for snowy and dangerous winter driving trips. Be sure to protect yourself, your loved ones and your friends on the roads.

Here are some Jayme tips:

1. REDUCE YOUR SPEED. Rain and wet pavement can make slick roadways that can make driving and stopping difficult. If snow does reach your area, reduce your speed to give extra room for vehicles in front of you.

2. MAKE SURE YOUR CAR OR TRUCK IS READY. Working windshield wipers, good tire depth and pressure as well as antifreeze are important considerations.

3. MINIMIZE DRIVING DISTRACTIONS. Remember – your car as well as those around you will handle differently on snow and ice.

4. KNOW WHERE YOU ARE. Always know your location in the event of an emergency. Your location could be vital to response personnel. Keep you gas tank full, just in case.

5. CARRY AN EMERGENCY KIT. Consider carrying a emergency kit, including items like a flashlight, blankets, snack food and drinks. If traffic stops, be prepared against the cold and dress for the conditions.

- Jayme Mattson

http://jaymemattson.com

Bookmark & Share