Archive for the ‘Green’ Category

Pay Your Respects to Fall with 9 Simple Products

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

The items you need for around the house and everyday living to make responsible choices this fall and winter.

Even though the temperatures aren’t cooling off across the country, it’s September and everyone knows Fall is in the air. Today we’re taking a look at our top 10 items you need for a more responsible lifestyle in the home and your daily life this Fall.

Bulb Hound Garden Planter

Bulb Planters – It’s never too early to start planning your spring garden, and planting bulbs in autumn always brings a pleasant surprise come spring. A bulb planter, like this one from Hound Dog (IMRE client) will ensure you are planting at the right depth. Do the work now and in spring your blooming flowers will be a great inspiration to keep developing your summer garden.

Laptop Lunch Products

Responsible Lunches – Whether you’re packing lunches for yourself or the kids, try a Laptop Lunch kit to save all those plastic baggies and avoid the frustration of searching for Tupperware. Laptop Lunch kits come with a book of healthy lunch ideas, are reusable, recyclable and dishwasher safe. They also contain no phthalates, BPA or lead. We recently saw these at Whole Foods and had to have one.

Sustainable Textiles - Hopefully the summer heat will be cooling off soon, and when it does you’ll be looking to wrap up in a cozy blanket to keep off the fall chill. Whether you’re at a football game or just watching a movie at home, we recommend having an organic blanket on hand like this one.

Bird Feeders - During the fall it’s a great idea to install a bird feeder as it allows you to enjoy nature from indoors on the chillier days, and helps the birds in your backyard find food as the temperatures begin to drop. This post on re-nest offers a great assortment of bird feeders that we love.

Ball Home Canning Basics Kit

Canning Kit - This holiday weekend, between all of the block parties and picnics, we plan to can the last of the great fruits and vegetables summer has to offer so we can enjoy them all winter. There are tons of sites you can visit on line to get directions for canning your favorite foods, and a kit like this one is a worthwhile purchase.

Leaf Composting – This fall instead of raking and bagging your leaves in all those plastic bags, try composting them. There are a number of leaf composting tools and accessories available from bins to bags. We suggest starting off with these bags from Bosmere.

Insulated Blinds – If you didn’t get them to keep the heat out this summer, we definitely suggest you purchase them to keep the cold out this fall and winter. Efficient blinds will save energy, and how much you’re spending on heating costs.

Responsible Comforters – In this post on Grist.com, Umbra lays out all the sad truth behind down blankets, and no matter how warm they may keep you in the winter, there’s a number of great alternatives that are much more ethical and responsible purchases. We like organic wool comforters like these.

Stain Remover – With soccer and football season starting up again, there’s no doubt you will spend some time working on removing grass stains from t-shirts and jerseys this fall. We recommend having Method’s laundry detergent with smartclean technology™ on had for tackling those difficult stains the eco-conscious way.

Air Purifier – Finally, with back to school and the change in temperature, fall and winter are the height of cold season. Something to consider for your home is a eco-friendly air purifier. This will help keep the air in your home clean in a low impact way.

These are just a few of the products we recommend keeping around the house for a responsible and environmentally conscious start to fall 2010. Stay tuned for more as summer winds down.

Tags: bird feeders, bulb planters, canning kit, Eco-friendly fall, leaf composting, Method, organic wool comforters
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Keep Cool While Keeping Energy Down

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Complements of ditchyourfridge.blogspot.com

Half of the energy used in the home comes from heating and cooling needs, and with temperatures rising into the triple digits and heat waves plaguing the nation, it’s essential for homeowners to have a knowledge of simple best practices to make more environmentally responsible cooling choices in the home.

Today we’re providing a few tips and resources to help homeowners make smarter decisions about their energy consumption as we sink into the final, and often hottest, month of summer.

Best Practices:

Update your equipment – make sure all of your cooling technology and equipment is performing at its best. It only wastes more energy to have an old window unit pushing itself to cool your room to a temperature that it never even reaches.

Properly seal and insulate – It’s no secret that gaps and cracks are a huge energy suck. Making sure your windows, entryways and all the holes in between are sealed is a great way to save money year-round. Energy efficient windows and blinds are a quick and easy adjustment to help improve insulation.

Use a programmable thermostat – A smart thermostat like the one mentioned in this post, help homeowners ensure they are using the appropriate amount of energy to heat or cool the home at all times. They take multiple factors into consideration to heat or cool as needed for the unique timing of a day, rather than sitting on one setting at all times no matter the need

Beyond making sure your cooling system is running efficiently as possible, try adopting an alternative forms of cooling and cooling technology. Some options include:

Solar Powered AC – As solar power becomes more of a mainstream resource for consumers trying to establish a more sustainable lifestyle it seems like a natural tie to join solar power and AC – like Lenox does with this SunSource Home Energy System.

Dyson’s Bladeless Fans – Dyson introduced their bladeless fan that utilizes Air Multiplier Technology ™ as their way of combating traditional AC technology. The new fans use an energy-efficient brushless motor to pull air in and accelerate it on its way out.

Cool Roof – There’s always lots of talk about growing a green roof, but another option is the cool roof. As this post from Green Wombat explains, that painting the roofs of buildings and homes white to reflect the suns rays is a way to keep heat absorption down.

Finally, here’s a quick list of tips we bet you haven’t thought of to keeping your home cooler throughout the summer. We pulled these from a list of 25 cheap ways to keep your house cooler from MSN Money.

Air-dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s drying cycle – this keeps all of that heat from flooding into the house
Don’t place lamps or TVs near your air conditioning thermostat. The heat from these appliances will cause the air conditioner to run longer.
Plant trees or shrubs to shade air conditioning units, but not block the airflow. A unit operating in the shade uses less electricity.
Turn off electronics when not in use

Tags: Air Multiplier Technology, cool roof, Dyson’s Bladeless Fans, energy consumption, Energy Efficiency, environmentally responsible cooling, green living, green wombat, renewable energy, SunSource, sustainability
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Checking In on Walmart’s Sustainability Index

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

A year ago we shared this post on Walmart and their Sustainability Index and Sustainability Consortium. Back in August 2009 when we first talked about Walmart’s initiative on HomeIntel, we gave them credit for the idea but we were interested to see how things would turn out, and we aren’t the only ones. Recently sustainability news sources are starting to talk about the year anniversary of Walmart’s announcement and today we’re taking a look at the reactions.

The overall goal of the brand’s Sustainability Index is to create a “simple tool for customers” to rate the sustainability level of a product. In addition to implementing other sustainably focused practices, Walmart devised a three-step program to develop the Index. The steps include surveying suppliers, creating a consortium of universities and finally developing the actual index for consumer use. While these three steps make the program sound like a simple, easily-attainable goal, the development process is anything. Like anything else with the green movement, patience is key and this is a lesson that Walmart is learning along the way.

While the overall progress of the program and completion of the steps is moving at a slow pace and things are proving more challenging for the brand than first assessed, we’d like to take a look at the success of the movement in bringing the idea of measuring sustainability to the masses.

The sustainability movement and lifestyle has seen a lot of growth in the past year, and as it continues to develop into an even more mainstream idea, buy in from leading brands like Walmart helps communicate the ideas to further educate the masses. A simple and clear sustainability index for consumers to judge the level of green of a certain brand is a great tool for shoppers, but perhaps the fact that Walmart has helped put the sustainable manufacturing process in the spotlight to get consumers thinking about it is valuable in itself.

We’re interested to see how the Sustainability Index continues to develop and how it compares to other measurement tools like LCA, but at this point we can only give credit to Walmart for taking on this huge task and helping to push the topic into the minds of mainstream consumers.

Tags: eco-friendly, green living, green products, LCA, sustainability, sustainable manufacturing, Walmart, Walmart Sustainability Index
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From Lux to Responsible: A Shift In Consumer Purchasing Behavior

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

As consumers are becoming more used to the down economy and less shocked by it, some are beginning to feel more comfortable when it comes to spending. But this doesn’t mean that consumers are back to the height of their shopping tendencies before the economy weakened, buying behavior has changed and studies show its less about high luxury and more about making the right purchase – that is, a more responsible investment.

This article on USAToday.com explains this shift in consumer judgment that puts lifestyle, experience and well-being over the materialistic need for the hottest and highest style products.

When this idea of making purchases that lead to an improved and healthier lifestyle rose out of the recession, the sustainability movement had the perfect environment to take root in consumer minds and now that buyers are becoming a bit braver, the green movement is flourishing more and more.

A recent post on TriplePundit.com interviews Annie Longsworth of Cohn & Wolfe on “Environmental Consciousness,” or the new fourth pillar of consumer branding. In the videos included in the post, Longsworth reviews some key findings from Cohn & Wolfe’s 2010 Green Brands Survey. The survey reports that at least 60 percent of consumers say it is important to buy from green companies. Longsworth mentions that consumers are buying green for personal health reasons more so than to support while environmental safety is important to respondents, consumers say that they are buying green mainly for personal health reasons. This finding directly supports this shift in buying behavior.

The 2010 Green Brands Survey is filled with interesting take-aways for the consumer and the marketer; check out the survey report here.

Tags: 2010 Green Brands Survey, Annie Longsworth, buying behavior, buying green, Cohn & Wolfe
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A Look at the SHIFT Report

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

Complements of Gourmet Retailer

How brands can utilize the report’s findings to join the sustainability conversation and gain consumer attention.

With the sustainability movement having a growing affect on mainstream consumers more each day, the way people think, live and shop is changing as the factors influencing them are becoming more eco-centric.

It’s important to understand the way society and current events can change people’s buying behavior or the way they consume. Ci, is a strategic brand and research consultancy specializing in the cultural shift to sustainability and the relationship between the trend, people and brands. The consultancy recently released a the SHIFT report which depicts how sustainability is affecting consumer buying behavior, and how marketers should adapt their communication practices to cater to the change among consumers.

In order to get the pulse of consumers buying sustainable, every step of the purchasing process needs to be considered – what consumers want most, what they look for in a product, in a purchase and in a brand, and how and where they do the research that leads to the purchase.

The latest installment of the SHIFT report, shares findings gathered from a pool of 5,000 respondents. Findings identify a detailed sustainability profile, sustainability passion index, all judged against brands and macro and micro product categories. From their findings the report tells identifies key audiences and their traits against their definitions of sustainability.

The report identifies the vocal globalist and casual spectator as the two leading personalities on the passion index. The vocal globalists (34 percent) are passionate about social and environmental issues, are connected to their community and active for the cause. The casual spectator (28 percent) are less passionate about the issues and more concerned with connecting with friends, family and community. They aren’t the bloggers that the vocal globalists are, but they do read the blogs to get the pulse of the group.

By identifying these personalities and profile points that define sustainability, the report shows marketers who they are talking to and what language or message to communicate and where to share it. The report shows brands what messages are getting across to which audiences, identifying opportunities for brands to follow a path to get involved in the sustainability and socially responsible brand discussion.

Tags: buying sustainable, Ci, passion index, SHIFT Report, socially responsible brand
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Gen Y: Can They Lead the Sustainability Revolution?

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

The New Generation and the Cultural Shifts that Define It.

It’s no secret that society has drastically changed, lifestyles have transformed and culture has shifted as things like technology, the economy, the environment and access to education all continue to hold changing roles in our lives. The Internet, social media, global warming – for all of these reasons and more a newly defined generation was born – Generation Y.

Modern day society gives us resources at our fingertips to answer all of our questions and meet our quickly changing needs. With access to these cutting edge resources, our expectations, for ourselves and those around us, change and, therefore, our performance and style of living changes also, and this is what Generation Y is built on.

As a result of these cultural and lifestyle shifts, to begin, one can assert that Generation Y is tech saavy, team oriented, entitled and interested in affecting positive change and philanthropy. Members of Gen Y are most likely born between 1980 and the early 2000s and are also referred to as Millennials or Echo Boomers. For more info on Gen Y check out Modite, a blog managed by Rebecca Thorman, Gen Y entrepreneur and marketing brain behind Alice.com.

It’s typical of Gen Y to be concerned about the environment and interested in accepting the responsibility to do what they can to protect and preserve, but it is also typical of Gen Y to feel entitled to the top-of-the-line products and equipment that help maintain this efficiency in the work and home space. And some critics see the negative, “entitled” portion of the marriage as the heavier definer. Gen Y is described by the unique, and very tricky balance of technology, instant gratification and responsible intentions.

As Fast Company reports in this article, Johnson Controls (IMRE client) explains that a study conducted by OSYGENZ found that at the office 70.3 percent of respondents want recycling bins, 47.4 percent want water saving devices, 52.7 percent want standby devices on all electrical equipment, 71.6 percent want to share printers and 47 percent want solar panels on site.

So we know that Gen Yers want greener products, but how do they learn about the newest trends and hottest eco-friendly items on the market? They use the tool they know best – Internet. Gen Yers are dedicated to consulting the group, their friends and word of mouth. A 2009 research report, “Why Y Women” found that 92 percent of Gen Y women consider themselves trend leaders and 61 percent said they once they found or experienced a great new product or resource, they “share it with as many friends as possible.” This dependence on the group opinion and natural affinity to share their thoughts is a result of the strong presence of Internet and social media (blogs, twitter, etc.) in the life of the Gen Yers. Their communication about new products, movements and causes is mostly affected by their experiences online and at exclusive events, not as much through magazine and television exposure.

Gen Y’s online communication has changed the way consumer and lifestyle trends grow. The green living movement caught traction through some mainstream media communication, but once it was established, it was through online news sources, blogs and forums that the leading consumer brands in the movement really earned a strong identity. So will Gen Y have what it takes to lead the sustainability revolution effectively? Some critics believe so, and some don’t. It all ladders up to the careful balance Gen Yers will have to maintain the balance between the instant gratification and entitlement they are used to, and the sustainably philanthropy and responsible living they are attracted to.

Tags: Alice.com, Echo Boomers, Gen Y, Gen Yers, Generation Y, Johnson Controls, Millennials, Rebecca Thorman
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Smart Grid: 10 Definitions and Why the Grid Should Matter to the Consumer

Monday, June 7th, 2010

High capital investments and the overall attention and research surrounding smart grid technology have made the push for smart grid quite aggressive. Although the term, Smart Grid is frequently used, do we really know what it means? Is it something that the normal consumer should care about? And why should they?

In efforts to understand the meaning of smart grid we shall take a brief look at how a mix of companies and government agencies are defining smart grid.

Wikipedia

As a convenient resource for the everyday man and in a very broad and general sense, Wikipedia defines smart grid as a transfer of electricity from suppliers to consumers. Smart grid, is a “two-way digital technology to control appliances at consumers’ homes,” used to save energy, reduce cost and increase reliability and transparency.

General Electric

According to GE, the smart grid is a system that marries information and automation technologies with the current electrical system, ultimately, helping to support current energy needs. The company further describes smart grid as a system that delivers real-time information and knowledge – further empowering smarter energy choices.

IBM

IBM’s approach to defining smart grid emphasizes the importance of digital intelligence. Smart grid uses intelligent technology such as sensors, meters, digital controls and analytic tools to automate, monitor and control the two-way flow of energy. Digital intelligence can help optimize grid performance, prevent outages, restore outages faster and allow consumers to manage energy usage.

Department of Energy

The Department of Energy (DOE) on the other hand does not give one true definition of smart grid. Instead, the DOE lays out specific technologies and components that fall under the smart grid label. These six categories are as follows:

Technologies, such as smart meters, smart thermostats and software allowing for automation, gives consumers the opportunity to participate in smart grid. These technologies give the consumer the power to adjust their electricity use automatically.
Software and transmission lines that bring together wind and solar energy sources are the primary source for moving electricity (in real time) where it is needed the most.
Smart grid is a communications network, moving information and electricity supply and demand from different points.
Similar to the Internet, smart grid is an application platform that will allow for a variety of third parties to create applications that help manage the consumption of energy.
Automated controls and monitoring systems help smart grid respond quickly to service interruptions.

Cisco

According to Cisco, smart grid is an IP communications fabric that goes from transmission all the way to consumption and at every point provides value to utility companies and the consumer. A hardware infrastructure that will promote applications and deliver energy will help paint the future of the grid and assist in providing renewable energy, efficiency, fast response to outages, information on consumption of energy etc.

Intel

In layman’s terms, Intel defines the smart grid as the convergence of communication and computing. Technologies that disseminate and manage power are converging with communications devices to provide information on energy distribution and consumption. Intel further defines smart grid through their Intelligent Home Energy Management system, which is a device that combines thermometer functions, energy management tools, home security monitoring and other home functions – helping them enter the smart grid spectrum.

Microsoft

Smart grid is a communication platform that uses technologies such as Microsoft’s Hohm as a way to monitor energy consumption. Microsoft Hohm is a web-based application that helps monitor energy consumption and tracks savings. Although Microsoft does not define smart gird, the application-based system clearly shows that this type of technology is a component within smart grid implementation.

Google

Google’s PowerMeter is very similar to Microsoft’s approach to defining smart grid. The PowerMeter is an energy-monitoring tool that allows consumers to view their home’s energy consumption from anywhere online. Google’s effort in defining smart grid is specific to the technology component of smart grid, by providing and pushing out information.

Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007

The United States Congress defines smart grid as an advanced system that includes:

Increased use of information controls
Optimization of grid operations and resources
Use of distributed resources and renewable energy
Development and integration of demand response, demand-side resources, energy-efficiency resources, smart appliances, advanced electricity storage, peak-shaving technologies, smart metering, advanced communications, and distribution automation
Transfer of information to consumers in a timely manger to allow for personalized control decisions
Development of standards for the communication and interoperability of appliances and equipment connected to the electric grid.

As seen above, there are a plethora of inconsistencies in defining smart gird. Some definitions are oriented towards the end user. Others focus on the generations and transmission of technologies while others are broad and general. With all of these definitions, it is easy to see how it can be confusing for the consumer to understand the benefits and inner workings of smart grid.

In analyzing the various definitions and seeing the immense involvement that government and corporations have in smart grid, the grid is something homeowners should care about. One might say, why should I care about something that lacks a true definition? Well, the truth is that deployment of smart grid is growing, and there are communities and individuals demanding it. It is not about getting on the bandwagon, but it is about learning the true benefits of smart grid.

Environment

There are clear environmental benefits in smart grid. In referencing smartgrid.com, the grid will make the management of energy more efficient and effective. In this case, the smart grid will have the ability to capture and conserve energy and only disseminate energy when needed or requested by the consumer. To see more environmental benefits check out this article on Smart Grid News.

Cost Savings and Access to Information

On the other hand, the access to information has become a high priority for consumers who are investing in smart grid technology. With the help of technologies such as Google’s PowerMeter, Microsoft’s Hohm and Cisco and IBM’s communication and IT platforms that support smart grid, consumers will have the ability to gauge energy consumption in their household. Online applications that monitor and track energy consumption will give consumers real-time pricing, allowing them to see the economic benefit to reducing power consumption during peak times, ultimately saving the consumer money.

Government Role

The government’s role and investment within the smart grid is another reason why homeowners should care about the grid. The Department of Energy has published many documents on the importance of smart grid and has established tasks forces that are working to define and set parameters for smart grid. This, in addition to the nearly $100 million investment in training and development the current administration announced in April are clear representations that smart grid has a future within our everyday lives. To see how the Department of Energy is progressing on smart grid check this out.

Overall, the environmental and cost benefits in addition to the strong endorsement by the current administration are clear factors in showing that smart grid, although vague by definition, is something the everyday consumer should care about. Whether they are attracted to smart grid because of its positive environmental benefits or just because they want to save money, smart grid is in the future for every homeowner.

Tags: cisco, department of energy, energy independence and security act of 2007, GE, google, IBM, microsoft, smart grid, Weekly Intel
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Social Giving – a Finite Trend or a True Phenomenon?

Wednesday, May 12th, 2010

eBay recently announced its new social giving contest in conjunction with Earth Day – eBay Fundraising Tournament for the Environment – where nonprofit organizations can utilize their vast online networks including e-mail, Facebook and Twitter, among others, to gain votes and donations. The contest goals include increasing awareness about conservation and other prominent environmental issues, while also raising money for great causes. eBay is among many companies that have jumped on the social giving bandwagon to increase consumer involvement and vie for online donations. Last year, we saw the highly successful Bullseye Gives giving campaign on Facebook launched by Target (an IMRE client) not only gain the attention of new Facebook fans to get involved and speak out on behalf of their charity of choice, but it also increased awareness about the ten competing charities vying for a portion of the $3 million dollars and generated new a donor base for many organizations who had not previously used social media as a way to engage its constituents.

However, both corporations and nonprofit organizations are testing the technology waters, experimenting with new innovative ways of fundraising, which not only includes social networks like Facebook, Twitter and the recently launched FourSquare, but also but also smart phone applications. As we saw with American Red Cross’ response to the disaster in Haiti, over $32 million has been raised to date (and is still growing) via the mobile phone text donations. And even media corporations have seen the benefits of social giving to raise awareness surrounding a specific cause, involvement in a call-to-action initiative and to a company’s brand. For example, USA Today recently launched a cause-related marketing campaign, offering one charity a full-page color ad in its newspaper, and all the winning charity needed to do was garner the most Tweets with the #AmericaWants tag, the name of the charity and a comment about the contest in one day. A win-win for both USA Today and the winning charity, To Write Love on Her Arms, as the ad was worth almost $190,000.

But the question remains – why social giving? What’s the benefit? First, technology provides an instantaneous way for supporters to get involved. Donors can find a cause that matters to them, give or get involved on the spot, and in most cases, actually see the impact that their dollars or time made. Plus, a younger demographic is more likely to provide financial or emotional support via online or mobile devices. In fact, as published in USA Today’s April 2010 “Sharing in the U.S.A.” special section, a study released in March by Convio found that giving via mobile devices and texting is climbing among Gen X donors, who are 30-45 years old, and Gen Y (also called “Net-Gen”) donors, who are 19-29. And a growing number of them actually learn about charities on social media sites. The Gen Y generation have grown up with technology being their first language (okay, second), are plugged in, healthy advocates of two-way communication, volunteer their time, communicate and interact with friends and even news media via the Internet, and are more socially and environmentally conscious. Gen Y is the youngest and newest donor group looking for new, innovative ways to get involved in their communities – whether its through nonprofit or community-based organizations, socially responsible businesses, or even their current jobs or future jobs.

All in all, giving is evolving with the times. How do companies and nonprofits reach a new demographic of supporters, donors or customers? The answer is pretty simple – meet them on their turf. Gone are the days that traditional advertising will do the trick. Be innovative, creative and learn to speak the Gen Y language.

To find out what companies are doing to give back, check out USA Today’s Kindness Blog or Chronicle of Philanthropy’s Social Philanthropy blog.

Tags: cause marketing, eBay Fundraising Tournament for the Environment, Fundraising, social giving
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First Time Home Buyers Prioritize Energy Efficiency

Thursday, May 6th, 2010

From localism.com

As first time home buyers step into the real estate market they are looking at things very differently then their parents did. Trends that make a home stylish now go beyond curb appeal. As Builder magazine reports, today, first time buyers are looking for a house that is above all, energy efficient.

As the sustainability movement grows we see it having a greater affect on the home structure in addition to lifestyle changes. Indicators show a rise in demand for greener built and designed homes is everywhere, and one of the most notable examples is the 2010 HGTV Green Home. The home in Plymouth, Mass. features all of the trending eco-home characteristics from the inside out. Today we’ve taken a close look at the elements of a green home these new buyers are looking for.

Smaller Homes – First time homebuyers are willing to sacrifice square footage for higher quality. Smaller homes and urban living is becoming more attractive to new home buyers. With a compact space, less energy is used and has a smaller footprint. Buying a home in the city also allows residents to put more sustainable and efficient practices into action, like their daily commute and ability to walk to retailers, restaurants and farmers markets.

Green Construction - As PATH points out in this article, green construction is expected to grow to represent between 5 and 10 percent of all housing starts in 2010. This means that more alternative building practices and material options are being presented to first time homebuyers, and one of those options is prefab homes. Though once seen as less pleasing to the eye, there are a number of green benefits to prefab homes making them appealing, and most important is the cost savings.

Interior Design Materials – Living in a sustainable home goes beyond the building structure. First time homebuyers are looking for sustainable elements incorporated into the interior design as well. A number of materials are top of mind for new homebuyers and interior designers alike including bamboo, organic cotton and low VOC paints.

Redefining Amenities – To buyers of the past pools, hot tubs and multicar garages are among the long list of amenities desired in a new home. Today that list has dramatically changed to incorporate elements that allow for dwellers to live a greener, more efficient lifestyle. Green homes that attract new buyers include space for separate recycling and trash receptacles, composting and rainwater collection stations and solar panels.

There are many ways first time homebuyers are looking to make greener purchases in today’s economy; the above aspects are small sample of the criteria. This article from Planet Green lists a number of tips and hints on how to find the best green home possible.

Though there are different ways for homebuyers to approach their search and many elements they should look for, it is consistently important for these purchasers to find a house that has sustainable features from the inside out, and will serve as more than just a shell to live in by allowing dwellers to adopt a fully eco-conscious lifestyle.

Tags: eco-conscious, energy efficient, first time homebuyers, green construction, green home, NAHB, PATH
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Handmade Nation Installment Two

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

Q&A with Kristin of Inspired Designer Blog

For the second installment of our series on the Handmade movement, today we present a Q&A session with Kristin Montgomery, author of one of our favorite blogs, Inspired Designer. With her experience blogging on the industry and as a professional interior designer, Kristin has a great perspective on the handmade movement and all things design.

In our interview with Kristin we learn her opinions on the movement, where it’s heading and, not to mention, she lists a slu of her favorite designers and blogs that we are excited to start following.

Home Intel: As a professional interior designer what are your opinions on the handmade movement in the industry?

Inspired Designer: The handmade movement has in some ways enhanced the quality of merchandise and art. I find there is better craftsmanship when it comes to décor or furniture goods, and there are so many talented artists who are now becoming mainstream because it is so popular. The creation of a one of-a-kind item is so much broader, and there is so much out there to be seen and used.

HI: Does the handmade movement and the idea of handmade objects and designs affect your thinking and work in the industry, if so how?

ID: I think it helps you decide what might be a better use of a client’s budget for art, décor, etc. If you can have something handmade and even local versus objects that are mass-produced then you are helping them obtain something of better quality and uniqueness. This helps clients feel pride in the things they own, rather than it just being stuff.

HI: The handmade movement has seen a lot of quick growth in the past few years, how do you see it developing in the future? Do you see it gaining a more influential role in mainstream design?

ID: I believe it will continue to create new outlets for unknown artists, and it will create ways for companies who design fabrics, lighting, furniture, etc. to hire new designers. There are so many amazing items but they can also be so similar, so it has to be the proper use and design to win over the masses. I think a great example is fashion. It is one of the best niches in handmade because you can see the difference of ideas in their designs.

HI: Who would you identify as leaders in the handmade movement? Are there any figures that you have a particular passion or interest in?

ID: I would say the leaders are those who promote handmade including websites and books devoted to selling or featuring those people. I would say Etsy.com is the main engine fueling the handmade popularity. It is a community the sellers can relate to. The Renegade Craft Fair, which happens in several U.S. cities, is something that seems to also draw a lot of talented people. Their list of vendors is always to-die-for. Pledge Handmade is also a great website including everything related to handmade and they promote those who are proud to buy handmade.

HI: Have you ever worked on any handmade projects for your personal entertainment? If so what was the project or what are you planning to do?

ID: I do work on several handmade projects my favorite is making Christmas gifts for my girlfriends. My plan this year is to make more felt or pom-pom wreaths, and I also would like to start making some fun re-purposed clothes. I recently took a pair of corduroy pants and turned them into skirt.

HI: At Home Intel and Green Intel, we think the handmade movement can often serve as a way to approach green design. Do you see handmade design as a way to bring eco-conscious elements into the home?

ID: Handmade has become a great way to approach green design, there are so many designers who are so innovative in the way they can recycle or up-cycle items into beautiful everyday things. I think buying repurposed handmade items for the home, especially those from local artists is what is most important about the whole movement.

HI: Who are some of your favorite handmade designers or what are some of your favorite handmade products?

ID: I would say my favorite handmade designers at the moment are:

… and many many more! I love gorgeous pottery, unique recycled gifts, hand printed linens, stationary…etc.

HI: Where do you shop or search for handmade creations? Are there any particular websites or blogs?

ID: I like to search like everyone else on Etsy.com for new artists and for items to buy, but I also read the following blogs to see what’s new and fun.

Thanks for the interview, Kristin! For more on Kristin’s work and latest finds, visit Inspired Designer, and of course stay tuned for future installments of our Handmade Nation series.

Tags: eco-friendly design, green design trends, handmade movement, Handmade nation, Inspired Designer, Kristen Montgomery design
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