- Jayme Carleton, Second Nature

http://jaymecarleton.com

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By Natural Home Staff

The nose knows (or so they say), but olfactory glands can be unreliable. We tend to notice bad odors in other people’s homes but not our own. These three scents-ible steps will help banish unpleasant smells from cooking, soiled carpet and upholstery, mildew, pets and more.

1. Eliminate the stinkers. Use all-natural cleaners. Keep a box of baking soda in each room and replace monthly. In addition, follow a regular cleaning routine:

• Vacuum or mop weekly.
• Launder bedspreads every few months. Wash pillows at least once a year.
• Professionally clean upholstery, rugs and drapes annually.
• Pour boiling water down drains weekly to keep them clear.
• Locate pet items (cat litter, food bowls, beds) in out-of-the-way rooms or niches-and keep them super-clean.

2. Improve ventilation. Opening a window or door circulates odors out of living areas and dries damp places. Change the furnace/air conditioning filter monthly, and employ kitchen and bath-vent fans.

3. Infuse the area with pleasant aromas. Try these all-natural alternatives to conventional air fresheners, which spray out chemical perfumes that can irritate your nose and lungs.

• Bake goodies.
• Put cut flowers, herbs or an evergreen bough in a vase.
• Simmer cloves, cinnamon or cider on the stove.
• Make lemonade or slice an orange.
• Hang laundry in the sun to dry.

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Multi-Spray Showerhead

From my perspective, I don’t find this new Department of Energy ruling out of line. We as homeowners and builders must protect our natural resources. By reducing the amount of water flow and usage on items such as shower heads, toilets and faucets we have a low cost, easy way to keep our environment’s resources intact.

- Jayme Carleton, Second Nature

http://jaymecarleton.com

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What’s Happening from Environmental Building News

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a draft interpretive ruling on the definition of “showerhead” as used in the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA). Sidestepping public comment procedures, DOE has defined “showerhead” in a way that makes multi-spray systems illegal. The new ruling states that all of the fixtures used in a multi-spray system must, combined, use no more than 2.5 gallons of water per minute.

EPCA, first passed in 1975 and updated several times since then, limits water use by showerheads to 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm; 9.5 lpm) at 80 psi. The law does not, however, specify what a “showerhead” includes, so manufacturers have been able to sell shower systems with multiple heads, each of which conforms to the 2.5 gpm limit. These multi-spray systems can include body sprayers and other fixtures, and sometimes use upwards of 20 gpm (76 lpm). Marketed as a high-end product, with high prices to match, these systems are not installed frequently.

DOE’s ruling came as a surprise to plumbing manufacturers and conservationists alike, since it lacked the public comment process required for substantive rule changes. But DOE considers the ruling an interpretation of an existing law, and thus “exempt from the notice and comment requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act,” in its wording.

A letter to DOE from a coalition of industry groups noted: “A change of this magnitude should not be exempt from the notice and comment requirements of the Administrative Procedures Act as DOE has asserted.” It also argues that the ruling would affect hand-held showers and other fixtures “used in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other therapeutic and medical facilities.” Marsha Mazz, the Technical Assistance Coordinator for the U.S. Access Board, disagrees with the assertion that the ruling could adversely affect the showerheads used by the elderly and disabled. “We don’t see it as a disability issue at all,” she said.

Conservation-minded observers worry that the lack of a public comment period will allow manufacturers to find loopholes in the language of the ruling, leading to increased water use. “This is a substantive change and working out all the definitions and conditions to make sure the language is watertight will take a lot of effort from a lot of folks,” said water expert John Koeller, P.E.

– Peter Yost and Allyson Wendt

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- Jayme Carleton, Second Nature

http://jaymecarleton.com

…

We live in a society that media often tends to overuse things that are catchy or hip to boost sales or products.  Green is one of those items, every so often the National Broadcast companies will have “Green Week” or some other promotion and everything under the sun becomes green….often called “Green Washing.”  The unfortunate thing about this is it diminishes the true meaning of “Built Green” which consists of a detailed and exhaustive checklist of items starting with the site preparation, location and design of your home all the way to the type of light bulbs and appliances you use.

Third Party Verifiers complete rigorous training and testing and are certified by the National Association of Home Builders to actually verify by inspection that all of the items the Builder and Owner specify to be done in the home is in fact completed to the high standards required by the program.  This certification will give true credibility to the home being built for the current owner as well as any prospective buyers in the future.

Studies have shown that true Built Green Certified homes actually sell faster with less time on market and for more money than their non green counterparts so there is motivation to market a home as green.  Without this 3^rd party verification it is too easy for Sellers to market their products as Green which could be substantially different than a specific “Built Green” designation.

When a buyer purchases a home that has been certified by a 3^rd party verifier, they can be assured the home was built to standards based on the rating system used on the home and they are in fact receiving the full value of a Built Green home.

Steve Senger

Senger Construction, LLC /  SC Design, Zero Energy Home Designs

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- Jayme Carleton, Second Nature

http://jaymecarleton.com

….

In Washington State, the Employment Standards Division and L&I enforce regulations restricting children less than 18 years of age from hazardous work. Employers of these workers are required to obtain a minor work permit endorsement on their business license, signed permission from the youth’s parent and school, and comply with state and federal laws which restrict when and what work young workers perform.

Despite laws that regulate and restrict the work activities of teen workers (TeenWorkers.Lni.wa.gov) there are still tragic injuries that occur. In Washington State, Miller and Kaufman (1998) reported that accepted workers’ compensation claims rate for workers aged 16‑17 was almost double the rate of workers 18 and older from 1988‑1991; 19.4 accepted claims per 100 full‑time equivalents (FTEs) compared to 10.6 accepted claims per 100 full‑time equivalents. Workers under the age of 18 are not the only young workers population that suffers from tragic injuries. From 1998‑2007, the average number of young worker (ages 15‑24) fatalities in the United States was 572, 93% of these fatalities occurred to workers aged 18‑24 years.

L&I’s Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP) team is analyzing injury rates for workers from 2005‑2007. The analysis compares rates of minors (ages 16‑17) and other young workers (ages 18‑24) to older workers (ages 25 and older). The analysis does not calculate injury rates for 14 and 15 year olds because employment data to calculate injury rates are not available.

Please click here to view the full report on SHARP’s Young Worker Injuries Web page.

Please call the SHARP program at 1‑888‑667‑4277 or e‑mail SHARP@Lni.wa.gov for information about the project or visit the Web site at: SHARP Research.

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Here is a good article from American Lung Association about helping kids with asthma. If you haven’t seen this website before, you should check it out. They have a lot of good tips on how to reduce pollutants in your home, keep your indoor air quality clean and help protect your children.

- Jayme Carleton, Second Nature

http://jaymecarleton.com

…

If you have a child with asthma, now is the time to prepare for the start of school. Returning to the school environment always poses challenges to kids with asthma, with the increased exposure to asthma triggers and respiratory infections, like influenza.  Children with asthma are at greater risk from influenza. The American Lung Association has tips to help you prepare to go back to school with asthma.

Wash up

Good hygiene is the best and first line of defense against any type of cold or flu.   Make sure your child washes his or her hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing.  They should cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or cough into the corner of their arm, not their hands.

Get vaccinated

All children, especially those with asthma, should get a flu vaccination. It’s important to remember that the flu is a serious illness, and that the best way to protect you and your child is for the whole family to get vaccinated. Unlike last year, when the H1N1 flu posed an additional threat, this flu season there will be no separate vaccine for H1N1 influenza.  H1N1 will be part of the regular flu vaccine, so this year there will only be one flu vaccination required.

Back to School Checklist

To better prepare you and your child with asthma to go back to school, the Lung Association recommends you complete this checklist.

• Asthma Action Plan: All students with asthma should have a written Asthma Action Plan, developed between you and your healthcare provider that details personal information about the child’s asthma symptoms, medications, any physical activity limitations and provides specific instructions about what to do if an asthma attack does not improve with prescribed medication. You can download a printable Asthma Action Plan here.
• Schedule Asthma Check-up Doctor’s Appointment: Even if your child’s asthma is well managed, Asthma Action Plans should be updated each school year, so schedule a check up with your healthcare provider.  This is critical to ensuring your child’s asthma continues to be effectively controlled, and provides an opportunity to evaluate medications and physical activity restrictions.  Remember to give a copy of the completed Asthma Action Plan to your child’s school.
• Vaccinate Yourself and Your Child Against Seasonal Influenza: The CDC now recommends everyone over the age of six months get a flu vaccination. By protecting yourself against seasonal influenza by getting vaccinated, you also help further protect your child.
• Visit Your Child’s School Nurse and Teachers: All of the student’s teachers, coaches, as well as the school nurse and/or office should have a current copy of their Asthma Action Plan. Discuss with your child’s teachers specific triggers and typical symptoms so that they can be prepared to effectively assist your child should an asthma attack occur during the school day.
• Know Your School’s Asthma Emergency Plan: Ensure that your child’s school knows how to contact you in case of an emergency. It is also important for parents to know the school’s past history of dealing with asthma episodes. Parents should confirm that school staff— including after-school coaches and bus drivers have been trained in responding to asthma emergencies.
• Advocate for Your Child: Students have the right to carry asthma medications to school.  Learn what your child’s schools requirements are; some schools require students to carry a note from their doctor. Learn what steps need to be taken to have your child carry and use their inhaler if recommended by their doctor. Check out additional resources through the AFSI Toolkit which is available for free online.
• Know About Prescription Assistance Services: No one should have to do without their asthma medications because of financial need. Three organizations are available to help:
  • The Partnership for Prescription Assistance can be reached by calling 1-888-4PPA-NOW.
  • Rx Outreach also provides information on their website: www.rxoutreach.com.
  • Patient Services Incorporated: http://www.uneedpsi.org/cms400min/index.aspx.

The Lung Association has much more helpful information about asthma and children here, or you can call our Lung Helpline at 1-800-LUNG-USA.

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Green Pet Roof

If you are like me, you always have your eye out for the next excellent DIY project. This green dog house caught my eye because it looks fairly simple to do and would really make a statement.

Hope you enjoy!

- Jayme Carleton, Second Nature

http://jaymecarleton.com

…

Posted by ReadyMade
Written by Sonia Zjawinski, Photography by Scott Little

When Los Angeles-based landscape architect Stephanie Rubin decided to experiment with green roofs, she wanted to start on a small scale. But, she explains, “It’s really not sustainable to create a display that has no practical application.” She came up with a model that could serve as both an example of her work and a resting spot for her pup. That led to the launch of Sustainable Pet Design, a collection of bird- and doghouses made with eco-friendly woods and materials and topped off with lush green roofs. Since it wouldn’t be sustainable to toss out your old doghouse for one of Rubin’s models, here’s how to give your pup’s pad a green makeover.

Click HERE for step by step directions.

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The Tree Fund provides trees to neighborhoods to enhance the city’s urban forest. Neighborhood groups can receive awards of 10 to 40 trees including up to one fruit tree per household. All projects must demonstrate their capacity to build a stronger and healthier community.

Program participants receive:
• Free trees! Trees can be planted in yards and along streets. Available species
• Watering bags
• Training on proper tree planting and care
• One free bag of GroCo compost, made with King County biosolids
• Helpful tree care tips and reminders

Applications are due August 16th. Review application guidelines at the website.

- Jayme Carleton, Second Nature

http://jaymecarleton.com

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- Jayme Carleton, Second Nature

http://jaymecarleton.com

…

Why do we do it?

So often in the green building industry we get caught up talking about what level of green we have achieved or how much energy we have saved.  All of that is a step in the right direction but missing the heart and soul of green and sustainable living.  It is easy to overlook some of the qualitative aspects of green building (especially as it pertains to a second home) when trying to meet the required and measurable objectives of green building.   But, a well designed Built Green home not only meets the metrics for energy, it should also support a healthy active lifestyle and utilize both indoor and outdoor living spaces.  This can be done:

• By carefully choosing products and systems that are durable, timeless and have low maintenance requirements, a home owner can spend far less time maintaining their home and will not have to replace due to obsolescence or style;
• By eliminating the lawn and other formal landscaping  and replacing it with natural drought tolerant landscaping, yard upkeep is minimal and the home blends in with its natural surroundings;
• By designing the home to integrate indoor and outdoor living, a smaller building feels more comfortable and accommodates more living.

The Green Access Home in Suncadia is smaller than many other Suncadia homes but lives big.  The family and design team carefully designed indoor and outside spaces to blend together and complement each other so that extended family and friends could congregate comfortably and create memories together.  Products and materials were selected to last the test of time, both from durability and a style aspect, and create a simple, casual and cozy environment.  That means the Carr’s will have more time to enjoy all of the activities that Suncadia and Central Washington has to offer.  They will have time to visit the Roslyn Farmers Market on Sundays this summer to pick up some great heirloom tomatoes and make my new favorite side dish; an easy to prepare simple addition to any great bbq meal.

BRENDA’S HEIRLOOM TOMATO SALAD (the secret is fresh seasonal food!)

• Heirloom tomatoes-cut into small chunks
• Fresh shelled peas or fava beans blanched
• Olive oil
• Fresh garlic and other herbs; salt and pepper to taste
• Freshly shave parmesan
• Bed of fresh pasta (I like Trader Joes Lemon pepper  Pappardelle Pasta)

Cook pasta, cool and toss lightly with drizzled olive oil and spread on a platter; mix tomatoes, peas or beans, olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper.  Layer tomato mixture on top of pasta.  Enjoy!

- Brenda Nunes, guest blogger

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Energy Auditor

I was recently contacted by a nice woman named Carol. She wanted to do an energy retrofit on her home however didn’t know where to start.

Some general advice for anyone who is in the same boat:

The first step you should do is have your home go through an “energy audit” where the verifier will go through the energy systems in your home and look over the insulation, windows, etc. I suggest you ask to have the infrared camera used and the blower door / duct performance tests done – if the verifier finds that necessary for your situation.

A personal friend and colleague is Tom Balderston with Conservation Services Group. He should be able to help you personally or get you in touch with one of his colleagues.

Tom’s contact information:

Tom Balderson
Conservation Services Group
tom.balderston@csgrp.com
206-363-1815

I definitely suggest you take a peak at CSG’s website. They have some excellent consumer info, including rebate items.

After you receive a final report from CSG, you are able to contact trade contractors for the repair work. I strongly suggest you receive a minimum of three bids for any work you need to have done, as pricing is very subjective right now and a lot of trade contractors are hungry for work. If you need any referrals, please let me know.

- Jayme Carleton, Second Nature

http://jaymecarleton.com

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And as part of the transition, I'm migrating my blog to jaymecarleton.com — don't worry though, all of your old links that say jaymemattson.com will still work, but you'll now be redirected to jaymecarleton.com automatically.  In fact, you won't even notice the difference unless you look at your web browser's address bar.

I look forward to blogging under my new name and bringing even more environmental and safety news to your front door.

Your friend and blogger,

Jayme Carleton, Second Nature

http://jaymecarleton.com

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