I just returned from the Better Living Show in Portland, OR and I am glad I went. I learned so much! The show was well-attended and the speakers and vendors were knowledgeable about sustainability and green issues.
A wonderful feature was a Good Energy House developed by Energy Trust of Oregon. I mean, WOW, it was cool. Each room was made to be energy smart and included assistance by many manufacturers to make that happen.
The home was very effective in showing people just how a whole home can be built or outfitted with our environment in mind. The comments of people around me were awe-inspiring as they discussed how they could make changes in their own homes.
The windows were Energy Star from Empire Pacific and faucets were Kohler Karbon ones from Keller Supply. Overall, over 100 vendors with energy-efficient and/or earth-friendly operations participated.
The office (at right) included:
1. Accessories from Mirador Community Store including a picture frame made from bike chain, recycled
glass pen holder and more.
2. Kill a Watt Energy Computer Monitor from P3 International.
3. Energy Star Desk Lamp from Rejuvenation.
4. Energy Star Laptop, computer monitor and printer.
5. Bamboo Flooring from Interstate Flooring.
6. Furniture including Modern Cantilever Desk, Partitian 7.Shelves and more from The Joinery.
8. Paint from Benjamin Moore.
9. Power Strip Surge Protector from Smart Home USA.
10. Inner Asia Tibetan Wool Rug from Eclectic Home.
11. Recycled Wall Clock from Mirador Community Store.
The house also included a kitchen, living room, laundry room (with Energy Star appliances, tankless hot water heater and ventilation) and a porch and greenhouse.
It did not include a wood or pellet stove but as we all know, those can also be eco-friendly. In addition, I think that it could have really used an eco-friendly hot-tub from Clearwater Spas. Yes, I put a bug in their ears. Hopefully, they will listen.
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