How to know whether that Eco tag is just sticking it to you!
http://www.nowtoronto.com/columns/ecoholic.cfm?content=168989
"Shopping for products that don’t traumatize the planet can leave you feeling like a drugged-out mouse in a maze. Just snap your fingers and another dozen green logos seem to materialize, as companies and retail chains take it upon themselves to invent their own labelling systems. Thanks for the help, guys, but what we really need is a national agreed-upon seal. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the labels you’ll come across. So should you trust ’em? "
Friday, September 25, 2009
WOW have you checked out IKEA's Kitchen lately!
When it comes to economic times we are forced to look at options that we might not usually look into. When it comes to Kitchen renovations, you are usually looking at an expensive investment, however an investment that adds huge value to your home if you decide to tackle the challenge. If you have Champagne taste on a beer budget you need to check out Ikea!! They have great kitchen layouts, products and storage solutions as well their kitchen design program makes your kitchen makeover that much more easier to tackle. http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/categories/departments/kitchen/ 
"50 cheap and chic kitchen perk-ups" brought to you by Style at Home. Great helpful tips for your Kitchen makeover project!
http://www.styleathome.com/decorating-and-design/budget/50-cheap-and-chic-kitchen-perk-ups/a/22544
All the best with your Kitchen Projects!
Until next time,
w&c designer girl!
"50 cheap and chic kitchen perk-ups" brought to you by Style at Home. Great helpful tips for your Kitchen makeover project!
http://www.styleathome.com/decorating-and-design/budget/50-cheap-and-chic-kitchen-perk-ups/a/22544
All the best with your Kitchen Projects!
Until next time,
w&c designer girl!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
We are all ONE Please Spread This Message
Spread this message to everyone!! People have lost touch with Mother Earth, and the responsibility we have in protecting her. WE ALL NEED TO MAKE A CHANGE SO LETS TODAY!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCnWZncHH2Y
Stay Green my Friends!
w&c designer girl.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCnWZncHH2Y
Stay Green my Friends!
w&c designer girl.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Go GREEN or SHUT UP!
Who is actually Green out there. Jo sends a challenge out to the entire world, WHO IS GREEN AND HOW ARE YOU GREEN!! Share with the world if you are green by sending Jo an email or vid clip showing the rest of the world what you do to protect this earth. www.whitewashco.ca The CHALLENGE is ON, and who will the PLAYERS be!!!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
What's lurking in your Carpet?
The carpet you installed looks great but is there danger lurking in the freshly installed fibers? Carpet has been used for years by millions, made from the same materials found in clothing and everyday fabrics: polyester, nylon, olefin fibers, latex (synthetic rubber) and polypropylene (olefin) fabric backing. You may be surprised to hear that carpet is now becoming a controversial topic as a result of the off-gassing carpets can produce.
The common symptoms people display when a new carpet is installed are allergies, headaches and fatigue. New carpet emits up to forty different chemicals after installation called volatile organic compounds (VOC). As the carpet ages, the quantity of gases released drops but it can take up to a full year before most of the chemicals are completely released from the fibers. The carpet alone is not the only potential problem; the glues used to tack down the carpet as well as the carpet padding emit VOC’s which result in potential health risks.
Experiments were conducted on mice using carpet and adhesive sample fumes. Mice developed a multitude of neurological symptoms resulting in tremors and convulsions as well as brain haemorrhages and paralysis. Theses symptoms are supported by reports filed by carpet installers who have developed a wide range of health issues such as head and body aches as well as gastrointestinal symptoms. Neurological symptoms in humans can range from slowness, weight loss or gain, rash, insomnia and confusion, change in personality, memory loss, extreme fatigue and difficulty speaking. It becomes overwhelming to hear what people could potentially be exposing themselves to in their own homes.
Although a true connection between carpet fumes and the linked health issues has yet been firmly established, it is best to be cautious when making flooring decisions. This is even more important if you have small children who play on the floor and become more susceptible to the adverse VOC’s emitted. Vinyl and synthetic carpet VOC’s are high, look for natural fibers such as wool, sisal and cotton. Hardwood floors seem like a good solution but they include formaldehydes, which releases high content of VOC’s. The alternative to this is pre-sealed hardwood or water-based polyurethane hardwood. Ceramic tile emits no gases. Linoleum is clinically nontoxic. Alternatively, the best flooring for allergy sufferers are bamboo, cork or recycled glass. To minimize the VOC’s select low-VOC or water based adhesives/products. If it is carpet you truly want, your new carpet should include a low-emission level institute tag and carpets that are free of chemicals with a low nap.
The carpet industry claims they are committed to improving the quality of indoor air by reducing the VOC’s from their products. Carpet samples are tested for chemical emissions using the most up to date dynamic environmental chamber technology and this process has reduced the overall level of emissions by selective raw material usage and other process modifications. Hazardous new carpet emission normally dissipates within 48 to 72 hours after installation when accompanied with good ventilation.
What are the benefits of having a carpet in your home after new carpet emissions have disappeared? The carpet industry has worked closely with environmental agencies, product safely companies, institutions and independent laboratories. Throughout the evaluations, scientific evidence has indicated no specific link to human health effects from the chemical emissions that so many have linked to carpet. They go to the extent of proving the benefits that carpet provides; it holds dust particles and dirt until removed by vacuuming. The holding characteristics helps with the airborne dust which is usually stirred up by foot traffic as found with solid surfaces. This is a quality that helps protect allergy sufferers. The fact that carpet collects and holds more lint and dust may be considered an advantage as it is better to have particles carrying dirt and bacteria held down in the carpet until vacuumed.
After these tests and statements conducted by the carpet industry, fingers are now being pointed towards the adhesives, the carpet padding and the sub-floors. So your allergies might not becoming from the carpet fibres itself but from the under padding and the process under the carpet. As you can see, the jury is still out on this issue. What is certain is that education and research are crucial before you make any carpet or flooring decisions for your home.
Stay green and until next time,
Jo Alcorn, w&c designer girl!
The common symptoms people display when a new carpet is installed are allergies, headaches and fatigue. New carpet emits up to forty different chemicals after installation called volatile organic compounds (VOC). As the carpet ages, the quantity of gases released drops but it can take up to a full year before most of the chemicals are completely released from the fibers. The carpet alone is not the only potential problem; the glues used to tack down the carpet as well as the carpet padding emit VOC’s which result in potential health risks.
Experiments were conducted on mice using carpet and adhesive sample fumes. Mice developed a multitude of neurological symptoms resulting in tremors and convulsions as well as brain haemorrhages and paralysis. Theses symptoms are supported by reports filed by carpet installers who have developed a wide range of health issues such as head and body aches as well as gastrointestinal symptoms. Neurological symptoms in humans can range from slowness, weight loss or gain, rash, insomnia and confusion, change in personality, memory loss, extreme fatigue and difficulty speaking. It becomes overwhelming to hear what people could potentially be exposing themselves to in their own homes.
Although a true connection between carpet fumes and the linked health issues has yet been firmly established, it is best to be cautious when making flooring decisions. This is even more important if you have small children who play on the floor and become more susceptible to the adverse VOC’s emitted. Vinyl and synthetic carpet VOC’s are high, look for natural fibers such as wool, sisal and cotton. Hardwood floors seem like a good solution but they include formaldehydes, which releases high content of VOC’s. The alternative to this is pre-sealed hardwood or water-based polyurethane hardwood. Ceramic tile emits no gases. Linoleum is clinically nontoxic. Alternatively, the best flooring for allergy sufferers are bamboo, cork or recycled glass. To minimize the VOC’s select low-VOC or water based adhesives/products. If it is carpet you truly want, your new carpet should include a low-emission level institute tag and carpets that are free of chemicals with a low nap.
The carpet industry claims they are committed to improving the quality of indoor air by reducing the VOC’s from their products. Carpet samples are tested for chemical emissions using the most up to date dynamic environmental chamber technology and this process has reduced the overall level of emissions by selective raw material usage and other process modifications. Hazardous new carpet emission normally dissipates within 48 to 72 hours after installation when accompanied with good ventilation.
What are the benefits of having a carpet in your home after new carpet emissions have disappeared? The carpet industry has worked closely with environmental agencies, product safely companies, institutions and independent laboratories. Throughout the evaluations, scientific evidence has indicated no specific link to human health effects from the chemical emissions that so many have linked to carpet. They go to the extent of proving the benefits that carpet provides; it holds dust particles and dirt until removed by vacuuming. The holding characteristics helps with the airborne dust which is usually stirred up by foot traffic as found with solid surfaces. This is a quality that helps protect allergy sufferers. The fact that carpet collects and holds more lint and dust may be considered an advantage as it is better to have particles carrying dirt and bacteria held down in the carpet until vacuumed.
After these tests and statements conducted by the carpet industry, fingers are now being pointed towards the adhesives, the carpet padding and the sub-floors. So your allergies might not becoming from the carpet fibres itself but from the under padding and the process under the carpet. As you can see, the jury is still out on this issue. What is certain is that education and research are crucial before you make any carpet or flooring decisions for your home.
Stay green and until next time,
Jo Alcorn, w&c designer girl!
Monday, July 20, 2009
WHAT DOES PAINT HAVE TO DO WITH CANCER?!
Paint is everywhere and on everything. It is the most common and popular home repair made within a home or office. So what is Paint? Paint is mixed with four basic ingredients: Pigments, Resins, Solvents, and Additives. There are numerous hazardous chemicals in conventional paint. The US Environmental Protection Agency even classes paint as one of the Top Five environmental hazards. Due to the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), which are derived from petrochemicals and readily release vapour into the air, which causes serious affects on the air quality. Chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene are the main hazards in this off gassing process. To add to this, paint drying indoors is 1000 times more hazardous than paint drying outdoors. The VOC can be released into the air for months at a time, and sometimes, even years after painting. The common VOC risks witnessed in the majority of people are dizziness, drowsiness, allergic reactions, headaches, and perhaps skin problems; however there are much greater health risks linked to this silent killer in ones home.
What are the long term health risks that paint can cause? Studies have shown that painters, or similar occupations that placed people in the atmosphere of constant paint VOC, have a 20% higher risk for cancers in general and a 40% higher risk for lung cancer. The long- term health affects to a paints VOC are constantly related to an array of cancers. Amongst the many are liver cancer, stomach cancer, bladder cancer, larynx cancer, pancreatic cancer, oral cavity cancer, and esophagus cancer.
A large-scale study done in 2001 connects freshly painted rooms with children’s leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It states that children specifically exposed to fresh paint in the home have a 65% greater risk of acquiring acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In addition, mothers who are exposed to paint during preconception or the pregnancy phase are three times more at risk of having a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Exposure can also cause developmental problems in the unborn child. Studies have shown that paints VOC can also instigate a low sperm count. On the whole, these chemicals are hazardous to male fertility.
Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOC) is widely used as ingredients in many common household products. Shockingly, these include; paints, varnishes, waxes, cleaning supplies, degreasing and disinfecting supplies, cosmetic materials, and fuels. These organic pollutants are said to be 2 to 5 times greater inside of the home than outside of them, despite the homes rural or industrial location. Products containing organic chemicals expose people to high pollutant levels in which elevated concentrations can persist in the air for years. However, in today’s environmentally concerned society, there are now efficient products that can protect individuals and their loved ones. One very environmentally significant product is non-toxic or natural paint. This paint is made from natural ingredients such as water, plant oils, plant dyes, milk protein, natural latex, bees wax, earth and mineral dyes, and minerals such as clay. These paints remain the safest type of paint accessible and are considered the most environmentally friendly. However because this type of paint is a new product on the market, the performance is not yet comparable to the performance of regular paints, especially when it comes to coverage and user friendliness. Non- toxic or natural paint tends to be more difficult to find in regular stores and are mostly found online. Ultimately, when it comes to our health an inconvenience like this should be welcomed.
The best way to reduce one's exposure is to choose low-VOC paint. Fifty percent of petrochemicals are used in conventional oil-based paints, while only 5-51% is found in water based latex paints. Regardless of this, they can still contain harmful solvents. In order to protect the air quality and ones health, the consumer must purchase low-VOC paint, which means the VOC levels are less than 100 parts per gallon. The low VOC label on the can means that the manufacturer has not exceeded a certain level of chemicals that are cancer causing. It is also extremely important that consumers be attentive of a “no-VOC” label on the paint can. This deceptive advertisement is purely a marketing ploy. All conventional paints will contain VOC to some extent.
With a number of health risks linked to paint, consumers must start being more conscientious of their purchases. Reading the labels on their cans and realizing that cheap is not always effective will be a good start. One’s health is something that should not be a daily risk. You pay for what you get so don’t cheap out when it comes to quality and ones well- being,
Stay green and until next time,
Jo Alcorn, w&c designer girl!
What are the long term health risks that paint can cause? Studies have shown that painters, or similar occupations that placed people in the atmosphere of constant paint VOC, have a 20% higher risk for cancers in general and a 40% higher risk for lung cancer. The long- term health affects to a paints VOC are constantly related to an array of cancers. Amongst the many are liver cancer, stomach cancer, bladder cancer, larynx cancer, pancreatic cancer, oral cavity cancer, and esophagus cancer.
A large-scale study done in 2001 connects freshly painted rooms with children’s leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It states that children specifically exposed to fresh paint in the home have a 65% greater risk of acquiring acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In addition, mothers who are exposed to paint during preconception or the pregnancy phase are three times more at risk of having a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Exposure can also cause developmental problems in the unborn child. Studies have shown that paints VOC can also instigate a low sperm count. On the whole, these chemicals are hazardous to male fertility.
Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOC) is widely used as ingredients in many common household products. Shockingly, these include; paints, varnishes, waxes, cleaning supplies, degreasing and disinfecting supplies, cosmetic materials, and fuels. These organic pollutants are said to be 2 to 5 times greater inside of the home than outside of them, despite the homes rural or industrial location. Products containing organic chemicals expose people to high pollutant levels in which elevated concentrations can persist in the air for years. However, in today’s environmentally concerned society, there are now efficient products that can protect individuals and their loved ones. One very environmentally significant product is non-toxic or natural paint. This paint is made from natural ingredients such as water, plant oils, plant dyes, milk protein, natural latex, bees wax, earth and mineral dyes, and minerals such as clay. These paints remain the safest type of paint accessible and are considered the most environmentally friendly. However because this type of paint is a new product on the market, the performance is not yet comparable to the performance of regular paints, especially when it comes to coverage and user friendliness. Non- toxic or natural paint tends to be more difficult to find in regular stores and are mostly found online. Ultimately, when it comes to our health an inconvenience like this should be welcomed.
The best way to reduce one's exposure is to choose low-VOC paint. Fifty percent of petrochemicals are used in conventional oil-based paints, while only 5-51% is found in water based latex paints. Regardless of this, they can still contain harmful solvents. In order to protect the air quality and ones health, the consumer must purchase low-VOC paint, which means the VOC levels are less than 100 parts per gallon. The low VOC label on the can means that the manufacturer has not exceeded a certain level of chemicals that are cancer causing. It is also extremely important that consumers be attentive of a “no-VOC” label on the paint can. This deceptive advertisement is purely a marketing ploy. All conventional paints will contain VOC to some extent.
With a number of health risks linked to paint, consumers must start being more conscientious of their purchases. Reading the labels on their cans and realizing that cheap is not always effective will be a good start. One’s health is something that should not be a daily risk. You pay for what you get so don’t cheap out when it comes to quality and ones well- being,
Stay green and until next time,
Jo Alcorn, w&c designer girl!
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