- Jayme M. Carleton, Second Nature

Making Sustainability Second Nature™

http://jaymecarleton.com

NEWS RELEASE
February 4, 2011

CONTACT: Gretchen Wright or Molly Tomlinson, 202/371-1999

National Mom Advocacy Group Sends Card and Petition to Company Headquarters Urging Removal of Products Containing or Packaged with PVC

In 2008, Toys “R” Us issued a news release indicating that it would reduce the use of a common but dangerous toxin called polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in products and packaging and offer more PVC-free products. That has not yet happened. MomsRising.org, an online and on-the-ground grassroots organization for moms and everyone who has a mom and cares about family economic security, is urging the company to make good on that promise.

The group has sent a card to Toys “R” Us headquarters along with a petition bearing the signatures of nearly 15,000 moms, dads and others concerned about children’s health, urging the company to keep its promise “to keep kids safe from toxic PVC chemicals in toys and packaging.”

PVC chemicals have been linked to rising chronic diseases in children, including learning disabilities, obesity and cancer. According to a report from the Center for Health, Environment & Justice toys that have tested positive for PVC include Barbie, “Toys Story 3” Woody and Buzz Lightyear figures, Disney Princess Royal Giggles doll, Zhu Zhu Pets Hamster Hangout, Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer and Diego figures, Sesame Street Elmo Faucet Cover, Club Penguin figurines, Imaginext toddler action figures and many others, from dolls and balls, to baby bath time toys and products, and even My Name Sippy Cups. PVC was also found in toys whose brands are owned by Geoffrey LLC, a subsidiary of Toys “R” Us, including You and Me dolls, Especially for Baby, and Sizzlin’ Time items. The tests were conducted by the Ecology Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

“Chemicals that can irreparably ruin a child’s life and health have no place in our stores or our homes,” said MomsRising Executive Director Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner. “Toys ‘R’ Us made a promise to its customers. We teach our children that when you make a promise, you have to keep it. And keeping this promise can make the difference in children’s lives. We are only asking Toys ‘R Us to live up to its word.”

MomsRising organized the petition drive to support a campaign directed by the Center for Health Environment and Justice.

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- Jayme M. Carleton, Second Nature

Making Sustainability Second Nature

http://jaymecarleton.com

By DEREK KRAVITZ

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Home prices are falling in most major U.S. cities, and at least 10 major markets, including Seattle, are at their lowest point since the housing bubble burst.

The Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller 20-city index shows price declines in 19 cities from January to February. The index fell for the seventh straight month. Prices fell at a faster rate in 11 markets in February compared with the previous month.

High unemployment, stricter lending rules and fears that prices will fall further are among the reasons few people are buying and selling homes. A record number of foreclosures are forcing down home prices in most metro areas, and prices are expected to keep falling through this year.

“There is evidence that potential sellers are holding their properties off the market, waiting for housing prices to stop falling,” said Bricklin Dwyer, an analyst at BNP Paribas.

Prices in Atlanta; Charlotte, N.C.; Chicago; Las Vegas; Miami; New York; Phoenix; Portland; Seattle; and Tampa, Fla., are all at their lowest point since 2006 or 2007, at the height of the housing boom. The cities with the steepest declines from January — 2 percent or more — were Minneapolis, San Francisco, Chicago and Miami.

The Seattle metropolitan area, which includes King, Snohomish and Pierce counties, was right behind them with a 1.9 percent monthly drop. Home prices in the Seattle area haven’t been lower since June 2004, according to Case-Shiller.

“It’s hard to sell when buyers have the leverage and foreclosures continue to create a gap between distressed sale prices and non-distressed sale prices,” said Jonathan Basile, an economist at Credit Suisse Securities.

More than 90 percent of homeowners say it’s a bad time to sell their home, according to the Reuters/University of Michigan Survey of Consumers.

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- Jayme M. Carleton, Second Nature

Making Sustainability Second Nature™

http://jaymecarleton.com

By MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON
For The Associated Press

Home sellers hoping to close a deal sometimes agree to purchase home warranties to give their buyers peace of mind.

Prospective homeowners, however, should do their homework to make sure the policies, which typically cover the major mechanicals and appliances in a home for one year after the sale, will actually help, say consumer protection experts.

The warranties range in price from $350 to $800. If purchased from reputable companies, they can help homeowners deal with broken appliances, malfunctioning air-conditioning and other problems, the experts say.

The policies usually call for homeowners to contact the service company when something breaks. The company then sends out a repair person who provides an evaluation for a set fee, usually about $65.

Once a professional has determined what the problem is, the warranty company pays for the broken item to be repaired or replaced.

Often, homeowners dislike transferring that decision-making power to a third party, said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List, the national consumer rating service based in Indianapolis. Users of home warranty or home service companies have been the least satisfied group of reviewers on the site for the past six years, she said.

Homeowners often expect the companies to replace the item and are disappointed to learn it’s going to be repaired, added Bob Miller, president-elect of the Ohio Association of Realtors in Columbus, Ohio. “They’re going to try and fix things before they give new ones,” he said. It wouldn’t be economically viable to replace furnaces, washers and garbage disposals that can be repaired, said Art Chartrand, spokesman for the National Home Service Contract Association, headquartered in Olathe, Kan. “If servicing it will take care of it, we’ll service it,” he said. “We certainly don’t want our product oversold.”

Homeowners may end up surprised by the details of their policies because the contracts are often bought as closing gifts, so the person using the service is not the one who bought it, Hicks said. That means the user did not have a chance to research the company and carefully evaluate the policy before it was purchased, she said.

When William Merritt bought his first house last summer in Leander, Texas, the seller purchased a warranty for him. He’s been satisfied with the service so far, but wishes he was given the opportunity to vet the company himself. “When I go to renew, I’ll look at all the options,” said Merritt, whose warranty recently covered an $800 repair to his pool pump. “I’ll definitely do my research.”

Sheila Adkins, a spokeswoman for the council of Better Business Bureaus in Arlington, Va., recommends researching home warranty or home service contract providers before making an offer on a house. When it’s time to buy, ask for the company by name in the offer, she said.

It’s a reasonable request, Miller added. Many home sellers are expecting to buy the agreements and should be willing to go with the company of the buyer’s choosing, he said. “Depending on who you go with, you can get some really good stuff out of these,” Miller said.

Angie’s List members also have had issues with some contractors that warranty companies send on service calls, Hicks said. She suggests asking the company that holds the policy for a list of the plumbers, electricians and repair people it uses, and checking them out before a problem occurs. When something goes wrong, request the contractor with the best track record, she said.

Other tips for selecting a home service provider:

• Find out exactly what the contract covers and how much the service fee is. Pools, spa tubs and other specialty items might not be included.
• Check to see if the company has policies on pre-existing conditions, and whether those repairs would be covered.
• Find out how the company handles complaints about the contractors who handle repairs.
• Ask if the company will let you buy a new appliance or item at a reduced rate if you would rather not have it repaired.

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Farm to School connects schools (K-12) and local farms with the objectives of serving healthy meals in school cafeterias, improving student nutrition, providing agriculture, health and nutrition education opportunities, and supporting local and regional farmers.

Washington State has a strong network of public and private agencies working together to improve school food and establish links between farms and schools, and to introduce policies to support farm-to-school activities. To check out more information about what Washington State is doing, please click here.

- Jayme M. Carleton, Second Nature

Making Sustainability Second Nature™

http://jaymecarleton.com

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• Clothes washer: $150
• Refrigerator: $75
• Dishwasher: $75
• Natural gas storage water heater: $200
• Natural gas tankless water heater: $300
• Heat pump water heater: $250
• Ductless heat pump: $750

Cash for Appliances Washington funds are limited. Rebates are available only until funds run out. Visit CashForAppliancesWA.com to view the current status of funds, review qualifications and download a rebate application.

- Jayme Carleton, Second Nature

http://jaymecarleton.com

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Featured rebate: Fuel conversion – up to $3,950

Re-Fuel and Re-Energize! If you currently heat your home or water with electricity from PSE, you may be eligible for up to a $3,950 rebate to switch your furnace or water heater to natural gas. Natural gas is reliable and affordable, and the most efficient fuel for heating. Learn if it’s the right choice for you. Visit PSE.com/Refuel for more information.

Earn Tax Credits
Making energy-efficient improvements to your home may also earn you up to $1,500 in federal tax credits – that’s in addition to PSE and Cash for Appliances rebates! To learn more, visit energystar.gov/taxcredits or consult your tax advisor.

- Jayme Carleton, Second Nature

http://jaymecarleton.com

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Home Is Where the Health Is
by Robin Rogers LEED AP, GACP
April 1, 2010

Beneath the veneer of many newly crafted homes and crusty old dwellings, hidden dangers often lurk, undetected, in the folds of our daily lives, including icky biological stuff such as mold and dust mites and scary chemicals like invisible radon gas, volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde. Homeowners Bryan and Tricia Smith uncovered such villains after a remodeling project in their former Yakima, Wash., home. It prompted a voyage of discovery into the world of materials, systems and diet — and the creation of a new home built “green” from the ground up.

Health Triggers

Six million households live with physical housing problems, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Issues include allergens such as paint fumes, dust mites, mold and formaldehyde. These offenders can trigger asthma attacks, respiratory illnesses or allergies in the 23 million asthma sufferers in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that indoor air can be more-seriously polluted than outdoor air. Considering that most Americans spend 90 percent of their time indoors — and 60 percent of that time in homes — the risks to health may be greater indoors than outdoors. Children are particularly susceptible to housing‐related illnesses.

The Smith family of Selah, Wash., experienced these issues firsthand. After remodeling an older home, asthma and related problems emerged in their younger children. The issues motivated the parents, Tricia and Bryan, to conduct research. “It was like a snowball effect that seemed overwhelming at times,” Tricia Smith says. They discovered that a toxin-free home environment could help eliminate the triggers to respiratory problems. The prime causal suspects were various chemicals used in the remodel, especially the coating used to refurbish an old bathtub.

Consultations with a physician reinforced their resolve to create a healthier environment and amend their dietary routines using naturopathic principles as a guide. Bryan Smith admits that he was skeptical at first, but what he thought was anecdotal evidence produced marked improvements as they made diet and environment changes. “We started with a goal to provide a safe environment where the kids could thrive,” Bryan Smith says, “but hadn’t labeled it ’green’ yet.”

The Convergence

The Smiths tapped into a convergence of shared interests. Their builder and the local home-builders association were on a similar trajectory towards sustainable building.

Carly Faul, executive officer of the Central Washington Home Builders Association and head of the local green home building program, points out that it was only recently that research started revealing building material problems. This became more pronounced as homes were built tighter for less air infiltration. “Our builders wanted a way to address the problems and provide solutions,” she says. “So about four years ago, we began adapting the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Green Home Building Guidelines to our locale, with a formal program launched in 2008. The program addresses all aspects of building homes.”

As part of the program development, the central Washington green home building program offered training for area builders, subcontractors and suppliers, at the end of which an exam was required for certification into the national Green Advantage for Residential program.

Builder Steve Weise, of Steve Weise Co. Inc. had built environmentally friendly homes for years. He jumped on board early and attended the training to become certified. When the Smiths found Weise, they were attracted to his sustainability commitment. He not only helped the homeowners through the process of creating a sustainable home but also helped other builders and suppliers understand green building.

Building a Healthy Home

Working with the Steve Weise Co., the Smiths focused on indoor air quality, but they also wanted the project to achieve overall sustainability in its site development, energy and water use. Weise was a true advocate for their needs as he kept an eye on the end goal of building a healthier home while maneuvering through the competing interests of quality versus budget choices.

Sustainability consultant Brenda Nunes, of the Sustainability Foundation, played a key role in guiding materials selection. As the developer of a Built Green 5-Star level home in Roslyn, Wash., Nunes understood the challenges and opportunities as they related to green trends, choices and budgets.

Sustainable Materials

Products selected conformed to ultra-low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including no-VOC paint, non-toxic floor finishes, and zero carpeting. These choices contribute to a safer, healthier, virtually odorless home. According to the EPA, VOCs are responsible for a new home “smell” and can trigger many adverse health symptoms, including asthma and cancer, so the Smiths wanted to eliminate odors.

The builder utilizes local craftspeople wherever possible, such as for the custom-designed and crafted wrought iron railing, which is reflected in the cork flooring.

Another common health trigger is urea-formaldehyde, a carcinogen typically found in the glues that hold together pressed wood products and fiberglass insulation. Weise installed alternatives such as formaldehyde-free insulation, plywood, cabinetry, subflooring and roof sheathing.

Locally available sustainable and health-focused materials such as salvaged wood flooring were also used. These hard surfaces don’t harbor dust, dirt and mites the way carpeting does, and they are finished with low-VOC coatings. They are easily cleaned with the central vacuum system and soap-and-water solutions.

Other durable materials that are easy to maintain without toxic chemicals were included such as recycled-content tile, concrete countertops, 50-year siding and 50-year roofing. The cork flooring upstairs is made from the harvested bark of cork oak trees that naturally renews every nine years — without killing the tree.

Energy Efficiency

To accommodate the extreme temperature fluctuations in the Yakima area, the home has a tight, well-insulated building envelope to keep it cooler in summer and warmer in winter. The foundation is insulated concrete forms (ICF) made with reinforced concrete sandwiched between two layers of expanded styrene foam insulation. Designed to qualify as an ENERGY STAR home, the house includes ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and lighting fixtures that are low voltage or compact fluorescents. A duct system performance test ensured that any air leaks were detected and fixed. A solar collector heats the water for both domestic uses and the floor heating system.

Heating and Ventilation

A radiant floor heating system — first used by the Romans — can operate at a lower ambient temperature that is perceived as warmer because it’s located where people inhabit spaces. Because a radiant floor heating system has no ducts, dust is not blown around the house as it is with many forced-air systems. A whole-house heat recovery ventilation (HRV) and the high-quality electronic filtering systems use separate blowers to move incoming fresh and outgoing stale air without mixing the airstreams, which improves indoor air while maintaining energy efficiency.

Water

With annual area rainfall of approximately eight inches, drought-tolerant landscaping was used. Although still young, it features plants adapted to low precipitation. Pervious pavers in the driveway allow stormwater to infiltrate directly into the soil. Conserving water indoors is achieved with dual-flush toilets and low-flow showerheads and faucets.

The Dénouement

With a focus on healthy products and overall sustainability, the Healthy Home will certify to the Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes program for energy efficiency and qualifies for the EPA’s Indoor AirPLUS program for indoor air quality.

Perhaps the most-rewarding aspect of the project is that by implementing new Healthy Home principles, as well as a diet of appropriate foods and probiotics, the Smith kids are now medication-free and living in a healthy environment. “We have peace of mind that all of the materials we used to build our home are safe,” Tricia Smith says. “That peace of mind has translated into a higher quality of life.”

When building this type of toxin-free environment, Steve Weise says he found three basic practices to be most important in constructing a “healthy” home.

First, instead of OSB (oriented strand board), he installed plywood, which comprises a large percentage of the materials chain and so has a major impact on potential exposure to toxins. Even though plywood contains glues that can off-gas, the five-layer composition requires less than OSB; plus, the exterior-grade plywood Weise uses is considered safe, containing phenol-formaldehyde rather than its toxic cousin urea-formaldehyde. This was also part of the bigger picture of paying attention to the “guts” of the house and how products fit together to reduce or eliminate off-gassing from everything that was installed.

Second, Weise focused on educating all subcontractors to create an awareness of health for the family that would eventually inhabit the home. He says that personalizing the issue helped the team stay on target to create an environment that does not contain or bring in particulates and other offenders.

Finally, he made sure that the fresh air ventilation system, along with an HRV (heat recovery ventilator), would eliminate any toxins that might find their way into the structure. He brought in the HVAC contractor early so that they could work together for optimizing the system that Weise believes is integral to maintaining a healthier home. For more information, visit www.steveweisecompany.com.

Robin Rogers, LEED AP, GACP, is an architectural designer currently designing a sustainable community with builder Steve Weise near Yakima, Wash. She runs Solaripedia, a website devoted to designing and building sustainably. For more information on the Smith’s home, click here.

- Jayme Mattson

http://jaymemattson.com

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In homebuilding, it’s especially important to be forthright about green marketing since consumers are making a large, and often very emotional, investment in a physical, long-lived product. Points awarded to homes by green building rating programs lead to decisions about tangible things: heating systems, water systems, building frames, paint, lighting, landscaping, etc. Homebuyers will live with the choices resulting from these point systems for many years. If the products match their expectations, they should enjoy the results. If they have been misled to expect something more or different, they will likely be disappointed.

The FTC aims to protect consumers by prohibiting “unfair methods of competition in or affecting commerce, and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce.” In a nutshell, the FTC considers an act or practice deceptive if it contains a representation or an omission of information that would be material to consumers – important to their decision to buy or use a product – and that would mislead consumers acting reasonably under the circumstances. These regulations apply to all types of companies, including building product manufacturers, as well as homebuilders.

The agency has published a set of Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims. The general principles include:

• Ensure claims are “sufficiently clear, prominent and understandable to prevent deception”
• Make clear the scope of the claim (for example, does it apply to the entire product, its packaging or just a portion of the product)
• Avoid express or implied overstatements of benefits
• State clearly the basis for comparisons (for example, a claim of “our homes are greener” should state what this is in relation to, such as “compared to a typical code-built home” and what the specific green features are, such as energy use and water use)

If in doubt about what types of claims are legitimate for your green homes, consult an attorney.

- Jayme Mattson

http://jaymemattson.com

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Builders face a nearly endless flood of green product claims while numerous home rating programs compete for their attention. It can be difficult to know where to start with green building, or how best to expand if you’re already committed to environmentally responsible construction.

Two product certificate/report tools introduced in 2009 provide builders an easy way to see products’ green features, and how those products can earn points under major green building programs like the National Green Building Standard™ and LEED® for Homes.

The certificates/reports are:

• National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center’s Green Approved products certificates, and
• International Code Council Evaluation Service’s (ICC-ES®) Sustainable Attributes Verification and Evaluation™ Program (SAVE™) Verification of Attributes Reports™.

These tools provide independent verification of manufacturers’ green claims, and link the listed products to specific point categories to help streamline the process of earning a green home rating.

- Jayme Mattson

http://jaymemattson.com

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About University of Colorado:

Known for its outdoorsy student body and scenic location at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, CU created the first student-directed recycling center in 1970, and in the decades since it’s made many other impressive green strides. The school provides plenty of alternative transportation for students to get around town or up to the ski slopes, all its new buildings must meet LEED Gold standards, and first-year students are provided with reusable shopping bags.

About University of Washington:

The UW holds new campus buildings to a LEED Silver standard, strives for a local, organic focus in its food services, and is currently the pilot site to test the first compostable paper soft drink cups.

Here is the list of the top 10 schools:

The Top 10 Green Schools

For the top 135 schools, please click here.

- Jayme Mattson

jaymemattson.com

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