American Clay demonstration at GreenBuild 2009

American Clay is such a beautiful product to use when finishing your walls.  Take a look at this short You Tube video demonstration that shows how quickly and easily American Clay can be repaired as well.  From residential to commercial projects there is nothing comparable.

And now with the new Enjarre Commercial wall finish - what more can I say, just watch this video where they spay the product and cover 110 square feet of wall  in just 6 minutes.  Enjarre

Elements of Green in the Kansas City Star Sunday December 6, 2009

Recycled materials make countertops visually vibrant, eco-friendly

By MISTY McNALLY

Special to The Star

Mike Ransdell | The Kansas City Star

Karen and Wayne Tenenbaum remodeled their Kansas City kitchen in June. Incorporated in the modern EnviroGLAS countertops are chips of brown, amber, black and green glass that they selected, as well as recycled porcelain from toilets and tubs.

EnviroGLAS Tenenbaum kitchen

        EnviroGLAS Tenenbaum kitchen close up

EnviroGLAS Sarah Soden, Hutch

EnviroGLAS Soden - Close up

    PaperStone

• The above pictures are from client projects by Elements of Green, except the last one.
• 
  

Remodeling your kitchen? Coming down with a case of granite fatigue? Never fear, a remedy is available: Install a countertop made from recycled materials. The new look can personalize your kitchen and boost the health of the environment, too.

Countertops may contain colorful fragments of recycled beverage bottles or porcelain from old plumbing fixtures such as sinks and toilets. Even recycled paper is making an appearance as a counter surface.

Paper power

The Kitchen Studio showroom in the Crossroads Arts District features a PaperStone countertop that is used as a desk. The subtle color variations — Cabernet, Chocolate, Plum, Indigo and Evergreen — remind Kitchen Studio co-owner Sue Shinneman of rich leather.

“The color goes all the way through. If you cut something on it with your knife, you’re not going to see white,” Shinneman says of its durability.

“Basically, they just press the paper together, and it’s a very hard surface,” says Kitchen Studio co-owner Katie Ott.

“I spill,” she sheepishly admits. “I always have a salad and olive oil, but it cleans up very easily. And I haven’t scratched it and have binders on it all the time.”

Richlite, another company that makes recycled paper countertops, boasts that the material is used for hard-core surfaces like skate park ramps and backer boards for fiberglass boats.

John Ditto chose PaperStone in a dark green about two years ago when he replaced his laminate kitchen countertops. He mulled over samples of quartz composite and recycled glass in concrete before choosing the paper-based surface.

“The recycled glass had a very busy pattern. I have a small kitchen … and I was afraid it might be a little bit overwhelming,” Ditto says. “I am really pleased with the PaperStone.” He marvels that he can set hot pans on it without worry, and he simply wipes up spills with a dishcloth.

Occasionally if water on the surface doesn’t bead up, the countertop requires a touch-up buffing with beeswax.

Another plus, Ott says, is that recycled paper countertops feel much warmer to the touch than stone, making the surface ideal for eat-in kitchen counters, bathrooms and home office desktops.

Glass glitz

With limitless possibilities in color combinations, glass is one of the most popular recycled materials for countertops. Several brands utilize recycled glass in a concrete or resin matrix.

Eco by Cosentino uses chips from broken mirrors; some IceStone styles take salvaged shirt button chips from the factory waste; EnviroGLAS EnviroMODE features recycled porcelain tubs, sinks and toilets; and Vetrazzo Millefiori showcases multicolored shards of art glass.

Karen Tenenbaum says she and her husband, Wayne, fell in love with the look of the EnviroGLAS — and the idea of reuse. “When we saw it, we were just bowled over.” They remodeled their 1970s kitchen in June and with the help of Built by Design in Olathe and Elements of Green in Kansas City.

“It was a very exciting process to be able to pick the colors,” Karen says. “I picked brown, amber, black and a pale green with porcelain and a porcelain-color resin. And I picked bigger chunks of glass because I didn’t want a really busy countertop. There will be no one else in Kansas City that has the same exact countertop.”

Shinneman notes that recycled glass countertops can be custom-mixed. “We have clients that ask, ‘Do they have one that’s made out of wine bottles? Because I have a wine tasting room, and I’d love to have a top that’s crushed-up wine bottles.’ People relate to them. There’s one style named Ale made out of beer bottles.”

There are many possibilities with glass, including a concrete matrix (a combination, however, that is more susceptible to stains from acids such as lemon juice). As for installation, Shinneman says that almost anyone who works with stone versions can install glass countertops, and carpenters can handle paper counters. Pricing is comparable to standard granite, Ott says.

Sarah Soden lives in Brookside and chose to top a hutch in her kitchen with EnviroGLAS that features pale greenish windshield pieces and amber beer bottle shards.

“It’s in a darker corner without windows, so we wanted something kind of sparkly to wake it up.” Plus, she says, it was a visual way to teach their kids about the reduce-reuse-recycle mantra.

“I love the results,” Soden says. “It’s the hardest-working piece of furniture in our house, because it’s right where we walk in. It’s where backpacks get set down and mail laid down. And when we have company, we clear it all off and use it for serving.”

Wood wonders

If you’re looking for an all-natural option, Elmwood Reclaimed Timber in Smithville specializes in reusing wood from old barns, houses, schools and other sites.

“We’ve created kitchen countertops out of almost any species, from something very clean to something very rustic with a patina to it,” says Brent Kroh, Elmwood sales vice president. “A lot of our old boards have knobs and holes, but you can fill them with an epoxy.”

They make butcher block, plank-style tops and counters for eat-in kitchen bars or islands. And with the proper finish, wood can even be used next to the sink, Kroh says.

Wondering where the wood may have been in its previous life? “All of our antique materials are certified for recycled content, so we have to be able to track the material from the original structure,” Kroh says. “We make sure none of our materials has been treated with a toxin. We also kiln-dry our material, and that eradicates any mold spores.”

Artistic experimentation

Designing countertops with recycled material is a great way to express yourself. Peter Crump, owner of Urban Stone Concrete in Kansas City, has added post-industrial content to the concrete in custom-molded countertops, as well as recycled bottle glass.

And Stew Langer of UroGlass in Kansas City sandwiches recycled glass between new glass. “It looks like ice floating,” he says.

“I had an architect approach me with the idea. … With the advent of green building, I got to thinking, ‘Why should we be throwing all this stuff away?’ ”

---

REDUCE BY REUSING 
Because recycling usually requires collection, distribution and remanufacturing, reuse is always preferable. Realtor Mary Fox remodeled her home in Kansas City with secondhand materials. Her countertops combine three materials: limestone, granite and butcher block, all removed from homes during remodels.

She has volunteered for three years at Habitat for Humanity ReStore, which accepts new or gently used home appliances, construction materials and similar items for resale.

She recalls a day when she was just browsing and spied a side-by-side stainless steel Viking refrigerator for $1,500.

“My heart went into my throat,” Fox says with a laugh. “I ran over and put a sold sign on it.” She says the retail value, new, was about $8,000.

•Heartland ReStore, 520 S. 55th St., Kansas City, Kan., 913-596-6597

---

RESOURCES 
•Built by Design,318 N. Overlook St., Olathe, 913-782-6311, www.builtbydesignkc.com

•Elements of Green, 1919 Wyandotte St., 816-842-0500,www.elements-of-green.com

•Elmwood Reclaimed Timber, 1405 N.W. 134th St., Smithville, 816-532-0300,www.elmwoodreclaimedtimber.com

•Fabricor, 1342 Woodswether Road, 816-221-8611,www.fabricor4tops.com

•Kitchen Studio, 520 Avenida Cesar E. Chavez, 816-221-3111, www.kitchenstudiokc.com

•Top Master, 2844 Roe Lane, Kansas City, Kan., 913-492-3030, www.top-master.com

•Urban Stone Concrete, 4232 Troost Ave., 913-461-4658, www.urbanstoneconcrete.com

•UroGlass, 1611 Genessee, Suite 100, 816-283-3876,www.uroglass.com

Recycled materials make countertops visually vibrant, eco-friendly - KansasCity.com

Recycled materials make countertops visually vibrant, eco-friendly - KansasCity.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are very thankful for all the friends we have made this year, clients and vendors.  In recognition of the Thanksgiving Holiday we will close early Wednesday and remain closed Thursday and Friday.  We will return to the store on Saturday with our work clothes on to decorate the store and work on displays.  If you need to contact us please call 816.842.0500 and leave a message, we will be checking voice mail frequently.  We wish you and yours a wonderful time together.  See you soon.  Gerould

Please join KCMODERN
SHOWCASING GREEN

at the amazing house built by

Studio 804
3716 Springfield

and Gerould Sabin of  Elements of Green

Sunday, November 15^th, 4-6pm

Studio 804 at the University of Kansas has

designed Kansas City’s first “off the grid”

residence as a model of sustainability.  The

studio is aspiring to complete the first

LEED platinum residence in the state of

Kansas.  The house showcases may energy

saving techniques, including a wind turbine,

solar panels, a geothermal heat pump and

a water reclamation system.

Meet Gerould Sabin of Elements of Green,

which he created to make an impact in

Kansas City by simplifying access to the

product stream of sustainable building,

remodeling and finishing solutions to the

Midwest and to provide a social networking

venue for the discussion of environmentally

sound building materials and practices.

Studio 804: http://www.studio804.com/about%20us/mission/studio/studio.html

3716 Springfield:  http://www.3716springfield.com/

From State Line Road and 39th Street,

go west on 39th by KUMed

and across Rainbow Bvld,

3 blocks to Springfield and north

to the house

Elements of Green:  http://www.elements-of-green.com/about-us.html

More Info:  http://kcmodern.blogspot.com/ or 913-262-5056

Nuff said

I wish I had written this...

Please see Planet Green http://planetgreen.discovery.com/home-garden/green-home improvement-addvalue.html for a discussion on 5 Green Home improvements that will pay you back.

1. Upgrades to the kitchen do not require a complete renovation to add value; a new green countertop or an upgrade to your kitchen floor will net 90 - 100 percent return on your investment.
2. Update your bathroom and like the kitchen a complete renovation is not required to add value; regrouting existing tile, painting and most of all updating fixtures that conserve water adds lots of value.
3. Add insulation - here I take exception to the Green Planet Blog. They state that you can almost never have too mush insulation, I will tell you that this is can be a terrible waste of money if this is not where your home is leaking. The good news is technology has come to the rescue, home energy audits will tell you if insulation will help or if you need to seal off air leaks in other ways first. We are able to recommend several individuals for home energy audits, call us.
4. Improve the efficiency of your heating or cooling.
5. Windows - be careful here. Much to the opposition of what we are told during almost every prime time radio or TV station break, new windows may not be the best answer for your home and the same goes for vinyl siding by the way. The Green Plant Blog does a very nice job of describing how removing the old wood frame windows in a 100 year old home may reduce the homes value.

We wish to point out several links to reviews the Green Planet has done on specific products that our clients ask us about frequently.

• Countertops: http://planetgreen.discovery.com/feature/green-materials-guide/kitchen-countertops.html
• Flooring: http://planetgreen.discovery.com/feature/kitchen-floor-guide.html
• Wall Coverings: http://planetgreen.discovery.com/feature/green-materials-guide/wall-coverings.html

So there you are 5 home improvement projects that will pay you back, the resources to learn more about the recommended areas and Elements of Green is here to supply you. What could be easier.

Smith & Fong launches hardwood flooring line

April 30, 2009 - San Francisco, Calif. - Bamboo flooring and plywood pioneer Smith & Fong Co. today announced the launch of the company’s first line of hardwood flooring.

Named Sideways, the new line comes in ⁹/₁₆" x 5" x 47 ¹/₂" engineered click-lock planks, featuring a rotary-cut hardwood veneer face with a striking twist.

"Sideways takes a whole new approach to hardwood flooring on many levels, Smith & Fong president and founder Dan Smith said. From its distinct non-traditional appearance to its green credentials, this is a floor that will turn heads."

Developed for both commercial and residential applications, the entire line is urea formaldehyde-free and FSC-certified, enabling it to qualify for the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Credits MR 7: Certified Wood; and EQ 4.4: Low-Emitting Materials (No Added Urea Formaldehyde). Sideways is manufactured in America from indigenous hardwood species, maple, beech, birch, cherry and hackberry.

And now it is available at Elements of Green and can be seen in our showroom.

I saw this post on another Blog and wanted to share as we fight this battle of green washing everyday. For help look to your locally owned interior finishing store, Elements of Green:

Can 400 Green Labels Do Anything But Confuse The World's Consumers?

by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 09.28.09

Business & Politics

Certification seals, consumer familiarity or "recognition". Image credit:BBMG

The market research group BBMG just reported on his year's annual survey of green consumer attitudes. Questions were asked to determine recognition of 13 of the estimated 400+ green labels already out there. Two thousand adult consumers were polled. Recognition was strongest for government sponsored, single attribute labels and weaker for non-government marks, as pictured. BBMG conclude that too-numerous labels might confuse consumers. Ya think? Four hundred competing labels is a near-perfect way to devalue the whole idea. Green Globes and Green Leaves: every body's got 'em. Makes me wonder if industries in opposition are donating money to label originators.

Durable goods makers contribute to label proliferation, as more brands come up with their own.

The smaller the physical product, the more likely that "label clutter" will contribute to consumer discouragement. Look on the back of your cell phone, under the battery, for an example of label clutter.

It gets worse.

Every nation has its own green label culture
Some green labels tackle just a single attribute: like USDA Organic, and Energy Star. These are among the most widely recognized and trusted in the USA, being government sponsored. Others are multi-attribute, composites that no one ever heard of.

Some labels issue a certification based on a proprietary index. Some rely on subjective judgments offered by PhD's, lurking behind the web address where manufacturers send their payment checks. Other certifiers are entirely transparent. But, transparency may not do enough to improve consumer understanding.

Some require expensive life cycle inventories all the time; others, only some of the time.

Most don't deal with carbon footprints. But, there is a movement to label "green buildings" as if they were organic foods to be eaten (see links below).

Some print their standards in English. Some don't. I don't read Japanese.

The EU is supposed to consolidate all the older national green labels under a single banner; but, don't hold your breath waiting. There's an undercurrent of "eco-nationalism" that tends to keep the branding separated. This exists not just in the European countries, but: pretty much everywhere but the USA . The USA only has a couple of prominent ones and they are very simplistic and inexpensive.

For how many years have these green labels been a-blossoming and changing? At least two decades. In another decade, we might have at least 500 green labels if we are lucky. Surely that will halt climate change in its tracks.

More posts on labels.
US Green Building Council Wants Structures Labeled for Air Quality
Green Label Organic Launches New Line for 2006
Is New Organic Beauty Label Green or Greenwash?
Fujitsu Siemens Launches Its Own Green IT Label
98% of Green Labeled Products are Actually Greenwashed

Green Drinks Tour and scoial was a hit

Last night the Kansas City Green Drinks chapter met for a tour of 4 sustainably focused businesses all located in the Crossroads arts district for a walking tour to learn all about the businesses and what they are doing to green our world. The tour started at Rosemann and Associates to tour their facility with the highlight being their green roof - it was very evident this architecture firm "gets it" they do green and they did their building to prove it. Take a look: http://www.rosemann.com/. Upon leaving Rosemann we walked to Blooming Lotus to visit with Jen. She educated us all about apothecary, Life: Love and Soap. I must admit the smell in her shop was wonderful, but the soaps are not exactly my style. Forget about that however, because Jen is my style, she is passionate about products her business and living the life she espouses. It would be very difficult to meet Jen on the street and not experience the peaceful aura that surrounds her - http://www.bloominglotus.com/. While the group walked to Planet Reuse I headed to Elements of Green to prepare for the eventual arrival of the group. My apologies go out to Nathan Benjamin and the rest of the Planet Reuse team as we missed taking any pictures during this tour stop. But as Nathan and I share very similar business philosophies and are located only a block away we have both visited each others businesses and collaborated on a few projects too - http://www.planetreuse.com/ - Planet Reuse is located in the new and wonderful shared office space called Office Port, who actually hosted this tour stop; check them out too - http://www.officeportkc.com/. It seemed like only a few minutes had passed before we looked up to see the Green Drinks group headed our away to the evenings final stop, at Elements of Green - the stop with the beer (Kansas City's own Boulevard Brewery) and food catered by Spice of Life. We had an opportunity to introduce Elements of Green to the 45-50 Green Drinkers and explain about the sustainable building, remodeling and finishing products we represent. Several of the members made announcements, but all the speeches were kept to a minimum. Needles to say a great time was had by all, if you don't believe me just look at these pictures. So there you are, if you have read this far you understand what a great evening we had as we learned and celebrated the efforts of a few businesses all located in the Crossroads arts district of Kansas City. As we left last night discussion were already underway to do this again. Yes, there are several more sustainable businesses in the heart of down town, Kansas City's Crossroads Arts District.

Berkebile wins a Heinz Award - Kansas City Star

Berkebile wins a Heinz Award - Kansas City Star

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Now available from Elements of Green; HomeGrid for driveways, walkways or basic hill stabilization, HoofGrid for use in barns, stables or any high horse (tractor) traffic area, StabiliGrid for commercial use like temporary parking lots, green roofs and anyplace where water runoff is of a concern.

State of Kansas OKs bonds for wind turbine manufacturing plant in Hutchinson - Kansas City Star

State of Kansas OKs bonds for wind turbine manufacturing plant in Hutchinson - Kansas City Star

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30% Tax Credit for Tubular Daylighting System

Available for self installation or with installation from Elements of Green!

VISTA, CA, June 19, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Solatube International Inc. the worldwide leading manufacturer and marketer of Tubular Daylighting Devices (TDDs), is proud to announce the launch of eChoice, the latest iteration of Solatube Daylighting Systems. Solatube eChoice is the only TDD available with a thermal performance strong enough to meet the requirements for a 30 percent federal tax credit.

Under the recent legislation that encourages homeowners to choose more energy-efficient home products, those who choose to purchase and install Solatube eChoice Daylighting Systems are eligible for a 30 percent federal tax credit on all units installed between June 15, 2009, and Dec. 31, 2010.

"We have moved beyond perceived limitations in our industry with Solatube eChoice," said Robert E. Westfall Jr., president of Solatube International. "This confirms that our new product is designed for optimum energy efficiency. Being the first to meet the stringent government requirements is an honor and we feel that the eChoice series showcases our continued commitment to innovation."

The "Stimulus Bill" (The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) gives homeowners the opportunity to earn up to $1,500 in tax credits for making energy efficient improvements to their existing homes. The Solatube 160 DSe (10in/250mm Daylighting System) and the Solatube 290 DSe (14in/350mm Daylighting System) are both eligible for the tax credit when installed in a primary residence.

Solatube International has long been known to for "Innovation in Daylighting " in both residential and commercial applications. The company has continued to push the envelope in daylighting technology and design, seeking new ways to apply smart daylighting applications in new and retrofit structures. Daylighting continues to play a major role in the sustainable movement domestically and worldwide.

Using advanced optics, each Solatube Daylighting System captures sunlight on the roof and transfers it down a highly reflective tube, delivering light through a diffuser at the ceiling level. Ideal for window-less spaces and lower-level rooms, the daylighting systems bring natural light indoors, allowing homeowners to reduce energy consumption and lower their electric bills by not having to turn lights on.

Homeowners are encouraged to visit http://www.solatube.com for more information about the Solatube eChoice Daylighting Systems and the accompanying tax credit certification information.

*Solatube International makes no warranty as to the qualification of the products for federal tax credits if there are changes in requirements or applicable law after such date.

Solatube International, Inc. is not a tax advisor. Taxpayers claiming a tax credit should consult a tax professional with any questions. Solatube International is not responsible or liable for the taxpayer's ability to receive tax credits. This document is not intended to constitute legal or tax advice. More comprehensive information will be made available by the IRS.

The user maintains the full and complete responsibility to comply with all codes, laws and regulations applicable to the safe and proper use, handling and installation of the product and should consult with a professional for all construction and design-related questions. The information contained herein is believed to be accurate as of the time of preparation. However, Solatube International makes no warranty as to the accuracy of this information.

About Solatube International

Solatube International Inc., based in Vista, Calif. (northern San Diego County), is the worldwide leading manufacturer and marketer of Tubular Daylighting Devices (TDDs). The company's flagship product, the Solatube Daylighting System, provides a revolutionary natural lighting solution for all types of residential and commercial applications and is the only spec-grade TDD currently available on the market. The maxim "Innovation in DaylightingTM" reflects the company's commitment to the development of breakthrough daylighting technologies, which has resulted in numerous patents dating back to the mid-1980s. Widely recognized as the industry innovator, Solatube International has earned acclaim around the globe for its unrivaled ability to transform interior spaces with the power of daylight. For more information on the Solatube Daylighting System or other products manufactured and marketed by Solatube International, including solar-powered attic ventilation fans, please visit the Solatube Web site at http://www.solatube.com or call 888-SOLATUBE (888-765-2882).

You have got to see this!

Electric Unicycle?!?!?! I want one when it becomes available. The EniCycle: http://enicycle.com/movie.html self-balancing and it recharges when moving downhill. There is a video on the website.

19 miles on a single charge. Can you ride a unicycle for 19 miles to work; okay, but how about around the office to lunch and back?

EnviroGLAS

We have been receiving a great deal of interest in the EnviroGLAS terrazzo countertops and flooring products lately. If you are not familiar with this product this post should open your eye's to new possibilities. EnviroGLAS is all custom blended to your liking - it's unlikely that anyone else will ever select the exact same blend so your countertops will be unique! First we select a color for the resin binder and then we select from all the possible glass aggregate colors including porcelain and mother-of pearl. For a truly unique touch you can even choose to add shavings of aluminum from drill shavings.

EnviroGLAS will make us a sample based on the blend that we work together to create, this will take about 3 weeks. Upon our approval of the blend EnviroGLAS will begin production of your slabs and ship them to the local fabricator who will cut out for sinks and cook tops, add the edge and install your new kitchen or bath. This process will take about 9-10 weeks. This is not a short production cycled so lets get started with your custom kitchen today.

1st Friday and thoughts of 'green' products

Yes, today is the 1st Friday of the month and that, in the Crossroads Arts District, means it's time to get out and play; go to diner, go to the art galleries and visit all the unique retail stores in between. Elements of Green will stay open tonight until the crowds thin out and that is usually between 9 and 10 o'clock. We hope you can join us for the fun with great Friends and friends who we have yet to meet.

This has me thinking about a couple of the products that are always popular on 1st Friday's; the recycled glass countertops and the recycled paper countertops. We offer 3 different recycled glass countertop products; Vetrazzo, IceStone and EnviroGLAS and 3 different recycled paper products; PaperStone, Richlite and EcoTop. I will be spending more time on the features and benefits of each of these products in the future but thought for today you might like to see a kitchen with these products installed. This kitchen uses Vetrazzo and PaperStone.

What should you do to your home to add value during this down economy

70% of buyers are either more or much more inclined to purchase a green home over a conventional home in a down housing market, according to a McGraw-Hill Construction survey. http://www.builderspace.com/sustainability/47-green-building.html

It's is true, 'greening' your home can help you in this economy. More and more home buyers are looking for the benefits of sustainably built or remodeled homes. So just what does this mean...first, energy consumption is the number one concern and this speaks an efficient furnace / heat pump and air-conditioner, insulation (properly installed), and setback thermostat, but then what. If you are not building a new house it's difficult if not impossible to pick your house up and turn it to take advantage of the sun or to reconfigure the space for optimum daylighting. That's where the use of 'green' building products comes into play. By choosing products produced with rapidly renewable resources or recycled materials adds value, but even more important can be choosing products that do not contribute to allergies or asthma.

Recycled glass from Sandhill Glass

Today we wish to feature a beautiful recycled glass tile available from Elements of Green, but produced by Sandhill Glass. These tiles are available in several sizes and either as field tile or placed on a mesh sheet for easy installation. Sandhill makes all their tile from locally collected glass that has been sorted by hand, washed and crushed in Idaho. I now you will like the look and hope you will contact us for more information.

A blog is a new venture for us at Elements of Green, but when we saw this floor we had to find a way to share it's beauty and let everyone know about Dakota Burl. This material is made from Sunflower Seed Hulls and a non-formaldehyde glue. It is available in a 4'x8' sheet in either 1/2", 3/4" or 1" thicknesses. For more information on Dakota Burl as well as other 'green' building products click www.elements-of-green.com or call us 816.842.0500