Bringing Nature In

       Are you familiar with that invigorating feeling of taking a brisk walk on a cool fall morning? Or maybe you feel better when you are hiking and doing anything outside. There is a reason why so many of us just feel GOOD when we are outside. It is because being outside in nature is good for us! Studies done for the Journal of Environment Psychology show that people who are outside in nature tend to have more vitality and feel more alive. After tracking college students for a period of time, the studies found that individuals who were in natural settings or outside felt more energy in general. Also, just 20 minutes of time outside every day significantly boosted vitality levels. Richard Ryan, the lead author of an article we read and a professor of psychology at the University of Rochester stated that, “Nature is fuel for the soul.” Green Park Store couldn’t agree more!

         If you can’t always be outside on the trails or away from the desk, another alternative is to bring nature to you. This is not a new idea but it is on that is always evolving and is very popular in our part of the country in SW Colorado. We are fortunate enough to live in an area with mountains, blue sky and even red rock desert so it is easy to bring the outdoors right to our backyards. Something as simple as adding some simple landscaping, while using accents like wood and stone can address our need for the natural environment. Creating a fire pit out of sandstone is just one easy idea to design a living space that meets your desire and need for nature around you. 

    So, why not create a space where you can thrive and enjoy the aspects of the outdoors when you just can’t make it to the trail everyday? Here are a few ideas and photos that you might want to put on your wish list for your new home or remodeling project:

A modern exterior with a tree trunk support

A great blend of indoor/outdoor living with a focus on the outdoors

A modern pool room that is open and airy

A great backyard patio area

These photos are all featured on our Houzz.com profile. There is a link to the "ideabook" under each photo. Feel free to contact GreenParkStore and Fusion Interiors with any ideas you might have for your own nature space. Check out our next blog, that will also be focusing on bringing nature into our homes through design.

Understanding the Role of Plastic: Part Three of Three

For the past few weeks, our Green Park Store blog has been focusing on the role of plastic in the United States. The goal has been to promote finding ways to use recycled plastics and develop a system where plastics can be used over and over again for many uses. Plastic should have a “cradle to cradle” process, not a production to landfill result. When plastics end up in a landfill, they are not able to be used again, which means we must go in search of the raw materials that plastic is derived from—petroleum and natural gas. Both petroleum and natural gas are finite resources that do not renew themselves within even 10 human generations. By using these resources to produce plastics and then throwing them away we are wasting precious resources that could be put to higher valued uses.

We are responsible for the resources we produce, consume, and dispose of...let's take care of ourselves and Earth by starting to find renewable resources to meet our plastic demands.

Instead of searching for these finite resources to extract from the Earth, many companies are instead seeking out alternative ways to produce plastic and different products that work even better as plastic. Natureworks, a company that produces a bio plastic called Ingeo, has been working on developing a plant-based plastic since 2003. This plastic, Ingeo, can be composted in 60 days, and if it is separated properly it can be melted to its virgin form and re-processed as an almost perfect new plastic material! Once bio plastics reach the end of their life, they can be turned into nearly any product that is derived from plastic: baby wipes, snack packaging, laptops and even T-shirts (Tolve 40).

While there are so many benefits to bio plastics, there is still criticism of the bio plastic process. Some critics feel that bio plastic being made from corn and sugar cane is taking away from agriculture for food consumption. However, to counteract the “stress” the corn market may be facing, Natureworks has starting developing technologies that allow them to use agriculture waste products!

Natureworks was one of the first companies to enter the bio plastics market, but there are companies following in their footsteps. One of those companies is Metabolix, a firm based in Massachusetts. Metabolix is developing a plastic derived from microbial fermentation! After the plastic is used, the plastic biodegrades in fresh or salt water, soil, and compost. This a great step because not only is Metabolix finding a plastic that is not produced from petroleum based products but they are creating a plastic that will be less harmful to the environment and the many ecosystems on Earth.

Green Park Store is also passionate about reusing plastics and putting them to higher valued uses. Here is a sample of what recycled plastic can be turned into. 

Polywood Long Island Rocker (Made from recycled plastic in the USA)

These companies and the information in this article is just the tip of the iceberg for the future of plastics in our world. You can do your part in creating a better planet where plastics are seen as helpful rather than destructive. As mentioned in our previous articles, recycle plastics whether you are at home or on the go. Find an incentive program that will give you points for recycling if that helps you stay on the recycling wagon! Also, feel free to look at our other article about upcycling to learn about some crafty ways to re-use plastic and other waste in your own home! 

Resource: Tolve, Andrew. “Plastic Fantastic.” Ode Magazine. Spring 2011: 37-40. Print.

Understanding the Role of Plastic Part Two of Three

     Last week’s blog post discussed plastic waste and how much plastic is consumed and not reused in the United States. As mentioned last week, only 8% of total plastic waste was recycled in 2010. Thirty one million tons of plastic was generated on 2010, which means that roughly twenty-eight tons of plastic was placed in a landfill or other area where it is unable to be reused. Of course, recycling rates vary for different types of plastic­–such as PET, or #1 plastics and HDPE, #2 plastics–at twenty-nine and twenty eight percent respectively. Some good questions to ask are: why isn’t more being done to change the level of plastic that is placed in landfills? Why aren’t people taking charge of recycling and trying to close the loop on recycling plastic? How do we get from production, consumption, and disposal and then back to production?

     In order to close the loop on recycling plastic, a company called MBA Polymers™ has developed a technology that turns plastic waste into sterilized, melted, pelletized, and remolded plastics (Tolve 38). This process takes 90% less energy than creating a new plastic material, also known as virgin plastic. But households, individuals, and businesses in the United States only recycle 8% of the plastic waste we produce. So we produce more new plastic at a less efficient energy consumption rate and for a higher price. That doesn’t make sense! Let’s turn the tides and start using “cradle-to-cradle” outcomes instead of “cradle-to-grave” results. By using a cradle-to-cradle (or recycling loop) mentality, we can keep plastic waste out of the landfill and start recycling the plastics we have already produced to decrease our reliance on petroleum and natural gas, both non-renewable resources.

     This is a lot of information to take in and you might be wondering, “I’m just one person how can I make a difference?” We must remember that we are not alone in this movement towards plastic recycling! MBA Polymers™ processes this plastic waste but there are other important companies flourishing in the U.S., RecycleBank and Greenopolis. These two companies are just two of many that are basically designed to collect recycled plastic and aluminum products. They are able to make a profit on the waste they collect, reuse this waste and put it to use over and over again. Both RecycleBank and Greenopolis have begun partnering with approximately 10,000 retail partners across the nation (which is how they are able to profit from recycling) so when you recycle at their kiosks, you receive rewards points towards anything from restaurants to car rentals.

     While recycling should be second nature in our country, there is now an incentive to recycle plastics. Greenopolis and RecycleBank are both assisting in this creation of incentives. GreenParkStore is also committed to using recycled plastic products that are sustainable in our furniture. We seek to provide the highest quality outdoor furniture, while supporting our nation and supporting our environment. Below are a couple of products we have on our website that help you decrease your carbon footprint AND allow you have to have a stylish backyard area. Let your friends know about GreenParkStore and what we are passionate about and show them some of our articles about what they can do to be passionate about our environment as well!

Polywood Inc. South Beach Dining Set for 4

Polywood Inc. Traditional Garden Dining Set for 6

Polywood Inc. MOD Collection Dining Set for 4

     Below are a few links where you can learn more about recycling in your community (or your friend’s communities!), whether you have curbside pickup, or if there is a kiosk like Greenopolis near you to start earning rewards points. Thank you for your support and readership as well as your support in the plastic recycling movement!

Recycling Basics

Plastic Recycling Facts

Facts on Plastic, a Review from last week!

Be sure to check out our blog for next week about re-inventing plastic, part 3 of this blog post! 

Understanding the Role of Plastic: Part One of Three

           When you recycle plastic you often think of the good old #1’s and #2’s that are so prevalent in our households across the nation. What many consumers do not realize is that car parts, packaging, phones, even plastic wine corks pose a problem with their recyclability. Most of these products are made from different types of plastic and cannot be recycled together. They fall into the #7 or “other” types of plastic we just don’t know how dispose of or recycle. With our preference for the “convenient” lifestyle, it is often not the first choice to recycle large quantities of plastic. In fact, only 8% of total plastic waste was recycled in 2010. Thirty one million tons of plastic was generated on 2010, which means that roughly twenty eight tons of plastic was placed in a landfill or other area where it is unable to be reused. Of course, recycling rates vary for different types of plastic­–such as PET, or #1 plastics and HDPE, or #2 plastics–at twenty-nine and twenty eight percent respectively. The United States is in the position where we have the opportunity and the infrastructure to recycle even just #1 and #2 plastics at much higher percentages.

Those recycling percentages are just a handful of facts provided from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA provides great information about types of plastics and how they are recycled.

EPA Plastics

Being aware of the types of plastics and how they are recycled is important. However, many towns, cities, and counties do not accept most types of plastic and some do not even offer recycling programs. This is unfortunate because so much plastic could be reused for many different purposes. To find a local recycling location that recycles plastic and other materials, please visit the following websites to learn more. If your town or city doesn’t offer a recycling program, consider starting one of your own recycling programs!

Find a Recycling Center

Mail-Back Recycling Programs

How to Start a Recycling Program

The lack of recycling programs could be a reason why many around the globe are of the belief that “plastic is evil” and that we should no longer use plastics as a source for many of our products. But where would we get 90% of our goods if it were not for plastic? Laptops, TV’s, cell phones, much of the packaging our food is transported in, toothbrushes to brush our teeth, and so many other products require plastics to be produced. What could even be used to replace plastics? We should stop thinking of plastic as an evil human by-product that ends up in the ocean. There are many benefits to recycling plastic besides keeping plastic out of the ocean. By recycling plastic, there is less need for new petroleum and natural gas (the two main resources for plastic production) to be extracted, which causes few greenhouse gas emissions, and thereby lowers the global carbon footprint! So, if consumers are responsible, recycle their plastics and take some extra effort to recycle more, we can have a long lasting healthy relationship with plastic.

In fact, Green Park Store DOES have a long lasting healthy relationship with plastic! All of our products are made in the U.S.A. with recycled plastic. They are 100% recycled and 100% recyclable! Our website features Recycled Adirondack Chairs and other great outdoor furniture:

Be sure to check out the blog next week to learn more about WHERE those plastics other than #1 and #2 are being processed and reused!

Upcycling: Who Said Recycling Can’t Be Crafty?

Everyone has heard the term recycling before. You take the bins to the curb every week full of glass, plastic and paper; composts are being set up in backyards for gardeners to recycle food waste. But what should be done about old clothes, fabrics, tables, and even computer keyboards? The term “upcycling” is a term that means taking something that was waste and transforming it into something valuable. The trend has really taken off and has created a movement where consumers can be cost conscious, trendy, AND eco-friendly. What a crowd pleaser! Mainstreaming upcycling and using waste to “close the loop” on the reuse of resources is an important aspect of developing sustainability globally. By decreasing landfill waste and reusing products that are potentially harmful if left in a landfill, we are able to create a better, healthier world for ourselves and for future generations.

More companies are creating and designing amazing products that brighten up any living space! Here are a few photos from a website that features sustainable upcycled products from around the globe!

Check out these awesome Adirondack ski chairs from Lake Placid, NY:

And this crate coffee table:

What is great is that anyone can participate in upcycling! Here are a few ideas to get you moving on a path to sustainability. (Remember last week's blog post? These ideas are also fantastic to try out as creative holiday gifts!)

• ·      Take an old sweater and upcycle it into winter mittens (and a hat if the sweater is large enough)
• ·      Use old t-shirts to create reusable shopping bags
• ·      Paint used glass jars to hold pens or miscellaneous small items
• ·      Use old computer chips and keyboard buttons to create picture frames and drink coasters

Those are just some ideas and there are many more at these websites:

100 Amazing Upcycling Ideas Anyone Can Do

Upcycling Evolves From Recycling

Now that you have some websites to check out, have some fun with your own upcycling ideas! Be sure to check out our post next week for other fun ideas and information. 

Patio Furniture Gift Ideas for the Holidays!

Holiday Season is upon us! For those of you who have a hard time finding gifts for loved ones or special friends, consider giving them the gift of the outdoors in December. Patio furniture is always a great idea; it is durable and our plastic adirondack chairs are on sale now!

Your friends and family will love the Recycled Adirondack Chairs we sell. Here are a few photos to check out:

Perfect for an evening on the patio with friends

PolyWood Classic Adirondack 4 Seat Conversation Set

(You can still enjoy the furniture when it gets colder by adding a fire pit to the mix.)

A folding chair for Mom

Adirondack Folding Chair

A gift for Dad

Simply Siesta Adirondack Flat Back Chair

A nice romantic setting for 2!

PolyWood Classic Adirondack 2 Seat Counter Set

Again, these plastic adirondack chairs are great gifts and are also great for the environment. They are incredibly durable so you don't have to replace them every season and they are made in the U.S.A. You can support manufacturing in the U.S, help the environment by purchasing recycled plastic furniture, and you can find a great gift for loved ones. 

Check back next week to see more holiday gift ideas and information on purchasing sustainable products! 

What is LEED? Building it better

What is LEED?
"LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an internationally-recognized green building certification system. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in March 2000, LEED provides building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.  LEED promotes sustainable building and development practices through a suite of rating systems that recognize projects that implement strategies for better environmental and health performance.
    Participation in LEED gives building owners and operators the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings' performance. There are both environmental and financial benefits to earning LEED certification.
LEED certified buildings are designed to:

• Lower operating costs and increase asset value
• Reduce waste sent to landfills
• Conserve energy and water
• Be healthier and safer for occupants
• Reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions
• Qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances and other incentives in hundreds of cities" (usgbc.org)

 LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in key areas:
Sustainable Sites, Local Linkages and Connections, Regional Priority, Energy and Water Efficiency, Materials and Resources, Indoor Air Quality and much more.  It would take volumes to adequately explain the LEED process and it is fairly complex.  To keep it short, owners and designers who decide to build LEED rely heavily on teams to plan, design, build and maintain projects.  We know that a wholistic approach has to be taken from the beginning of any project to bring in all of the different aspects required to build an energy efficient and healthy building.  Typically each project will have on the team at least one LEED accredited professional who is trained in the system and helps to guide the way through the process.  Buildings are certified at different levels from Silver to Platinum (the highest) to demonstrate their levels of environmental building they have attained.
   LEED is the world standard in Green Building and Design and there are currently projects going on in 41 countries.  Architects, designers, construction and facility managers, lenders, local, state and federal governments  use LEED to assist in building better. 
    There are thousands of products on the market that contribute to LEED credits.  Some of them are: products manufactured within 500 miles of the project site, materials that are low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds), materials that are made from recycled materials such as recycled plastic furniture from GreenPark Store, products that do not go into the landfill like Loll furniture, wood from sustainably harvested trees like FSC furniture , bicycle parking racks,  recycling centers to name just a few.
   To summarize, LEED has been around since 2000 and is has been proven to have a positive impact on the environment and health of building occupants.  It makes good business sense and is currently the most effective  and widely used green building set of standards in the world.
So the next time you are thinking about building, build it better, and build it LEED.
Sarah Sumner, LEED AP, Interior Design and Construction