Rich's for the Home

GreenSmart Lopi Stove

The Lopi website tells us that The Berkshire™ GreenSmart (GS) is the newest cast iron gas stove, and features the revolutionary GreenSmart system.

What is GreenSmart?

GreenSmart is a gas technology that is energy-efficient and saves on the usage of energy. In other words, it will reduce your energy bill but still keep you warm. I know that we can all use a little (or a lot) of that.

"The real power of GreenSmart system is the entire collection of components, controls and technology features like: accent lights, flame adjustments, blower control and a choice of pilot ignition modes, a collection of features only available on GreenSmart models."

GreenSmart models even have a remote control with a "Smart Mode". It has the ability to adjust the flame height based on the temperature setting. Instead of turning the flame on or off, as many models do, the flame can modulate up/down slightly as needed. It prevents it from having to restart when it gets colder in the room so it both conserves fuel and increases the heating ability of the stove. 

Lopi reports that the GreenSmart Stove has a realistic wood-like flame. And "with the combination of convective heat, radiant heat and 31,000 maximum Btu heat output, this stove is ideal for mid-sized homes and for zonal heating large areas of your home."

Rich's for the Home cares about our environment just like you. We realize not only the importance of saving energy but also feel responsible to offer consumers choices that are eco-friendly, safe and smart.

Get smart. Get GreenSmart.

Backyard Halloween Activities

Here are some fun, backyard Halloween activities courtesy of Green Halloween.

• Dunk for apples or try to bite apples hanging from strings.
  
• Make recycled paper hats. Get patterns and add decorations as wanted.
  
• Put on a Halloween themed puppet show
  The kids can do the entire thing themselves including making the puppets and creating the story or you can read a book as they act out the story.
  
• Make a mural.
  Use a long sheet of tree-free or recycled paper and tape it to the floor or wall. Give kids some crayons and ask them all to draw some Halloween scenes. Then ask them about what they’ve drawn. Older kids enjoy this too. They can vote on the scene they like best and the winner can be given a prize. Check here for healthy art supplies.
  
• Build A Scarecrow
  Form groups and have a variety of old clothes, pillowcases for heads, markers and recycled newspaper. Groups have 20 minutes to create. Give prizes to the scariest or funniest, then place outside.
  
• Guess The Ghost - Great for Young Children
  Have one child leave the area. Then take a large sheet and have a different (child) stand and hide under the sheet. Mix up the remaining children in the room and then allow the child who left the room to come back inside. That child has to guess who's the ghost, by process of elimination they need to figure out which child is hiding under the sheet. Then that "Ghost" goes out of the room and a different child becomes the new ghost, mix up the remaining children and repeat until all of the children have had a turn being the ghost.

July 4, 2009: Celebrate with style and with the earth in mind

If you are like me, you want to be of a green mind even during celebrations and on holidays. But for some reason, it seems tough.

In reality, it isn’t more difficult than having an average green day. It just takes some pre-planning. Why not make a list of ways you can celebrate this holiday and still be friendly to our Earth? Here are some tips to get you started:

1. The group that crafts together has loads of fun. At your next gathering, ask all your guests to bring a box of stuff they'd normally throw away. You supply hammers, nails, glue etc. Set everything out on a table and have everyone craft their own wind-chime or garden sign.
2. Choose local, organic foods whenever possible. Turn a visit to an organic farm into a party. Don't be shy about asking the farmer for ideas and recipes.
3. Focus on no-cost fun including old-fashioned games and activities like an obstacle course or relay races that you adapt according to participants' ages. More games.
4. If you're seriously into eco-friendly, ditch the personal fireworks as they are anything but. Also, it is more environmentally friendly for thousands of people to attend a big display versus setting off your own fireworks.
5. Don’t waste food. If you have leftovers, send them with people who will eat them. Put them in containers with lids versus plastic baggies. If you don’t want to send your good leftover dishes, buy disposable that can be washed and re-used.
6. Recycle any waste that is left over. Put veggie and fruit scraps in the compost bin. Recycle aluminum cans and anything plastic or glass.
7. Walk to your local parade and fireworks instead of using your car. That will make even parking a breeze. Or ride your bikes and get good exercise too.
8. Proudly wear a green tee shirt to any gatherings. How about “I’m celebrating with Red, White and Green?”
9. Have fun and be proud that you are bettering us all—even during celebrations.

Thanks to CelebrateGreen for a couple of the above ideas.

Celebrate with Red, White and Green

For most Americans, July 4th marks the official start of summer and that means family and friends gathering together enjoying each other at picnics and barbecues. But all this celebrating can take a toll on the Earth (and cost a lot of green as well), so why not consider some alternatives to the ways we've traditionally celebrated summer? Here are just a few ideas:

Serve filtered tap water. It's so easy to hit one of the big box stores and pick up cartons of water if you're hosting a picnic or barbecue, but you can save money and the planet when you choose to drink and serve filtered tap water instead.

Knowing that bottled water (even by the case), is 240 to 10,000 times more expensive than tap water and that 40% of bottled water should be labeled tap water because that's what it is, you may decide that the "convenience" is simply not worth the cost. Instead, set out pitchers of iced tap water and ask a willing helper to keep the pitchers full.

Substitute reusables for disposables when possible. Picnics and barbecues have become synonymous with throw aways--plates, cups, napkins, tablecloths and decor. While there are more choices for disposables made from recycled and biodegradable materials, using what you already own and remains a more earth-friendly (and budget-conscious) choice.

If you don't own enough plates and glasses, why not:

1. Borrow. Friends and neighbors are usually happy to contribute
2. Ask everyone to bring their own place settings. That's what people used to do B.P.P. (before paper plates).
3. Hit your local thrift store. You'll likely be able to pick up dozens of plates very inexpensively and when you're done, you can donate them back.

When it comes to napkins, tablecloths and decor, think outside the paper box by decorating with items you already own, like sheets. Supply guests with red, white and blue fabric markers and set them loose. You'll end up with a unique table covering that you can use over and over again. Also, washcloths make great napkins and if they're stained with barbecue sauce, use them for rags.

--
Guest posters Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family. 

Tax Stove Credit Information

The Stove Tax Credit put into place by the Obama administration has been finalized and although there are some stipulations, it means that you can get up to 30% of your qualifying stove/fireplace purchase as a tax credit, up to $1,500.00.

What are you waiting for? It's an ideal time.

All the products from Lopi meet the qualifications. Here is a handy-dandy list of models just for you:

Lopi Wood Stoves:

Leyden

Answer

Republic 1250

Republic 1750

Endeavor

Liberty

Lopi Wood Stove Inserts:

Answer

Declaration

Revere

Freedom

Freedom Bay

Walden

Lopi Pellet Stoves:

Leyden

Pioneer

Yankee

Lopi Pellet Stove Inserts:

Pioneer Bay

Yankee Bay

Which grill is the best for the environment?

When it comes to being environmentally friendly, which grill is the best? There are so many options and you may be surprised as I was to learn that electric grills actually are the worst on our environment. According to US News and Oak Ridge National Laboratory: "A liquefied petroleum gas grill

operated for an hour would emit 5.6 pounds of carbon dioxide while a charcoal grill would emit about 11 pounds. An electric grill would account for about 15 pounds of carbon dioxide."

So that means that by using a gas grill, you can actually cut that carbon monoxide in half. That's a pretty good amount.

Rich's for the Home features a variety of gas grills for your choosing. Here are some of your options:

Lynx- Lynx professional grills are the best when it comes to presentation and built-in varieties. If you like to spend a lot of your time cooking outdoors and/or have regular get-together's than this is likely the best option for you.

Vermont Casting- Vermont Casting are cast iron and classic, although not classic-looking. Their durability is unmatched and works well especially for our NW weather.

DCS- DCS Grills offer a lot of variety in cooking styles from searing to smoking. Their stainless steel look blends in beautifully with most decor.

Broilmaster- The Broilmaster P3 was named the "Best All-Purpose" Grill by Money Magazine. They even have an online Build-a-Grill option where you can add all the features that you want.

Weber- The Weber EP-310 comes in three colors! They are green, black and copper--if you can call black a color. And of course, Weber is known for it's long-term committment to their customers and good, economical grills.

If you just have to grill, know that you are doing the best for your environment by using a gas grill.

Let's go shopping!

Gifts for the Mom who has everything

My parents announced a couple of years ago that they don't want anymore "stuff". I have tried to honor that, although it's hard at times. It's not that they already have everything-but they do feel that they have everything that they need-and I suppose as you age you think more about that phrase "you can't take it with you".

But with that announcement came a few healthy changes in our family. My mom loves to grow so for the past few Mother's Days I have either bought her a hanging flower basket or planted flowers for her. It's the perfect gift for her. Of course, I choose her favorite flowers, colors, etc.

Here are some hints to help you think of gifts this Mothers Day 09 for the mom who doesn't want more "stuff":

1. THINK DISPOSABLE- Don't think paper plates. But plants and flower are a great way to not accumulate more things. Flowers die off and only the vase or planter is left. A plant can be enjoyed and easily passed on.
2. THINK NATURAL- How about planting a flower bed or garden for your mom? And keep it cared for too. That is something that she will enjoy for months to come. Why not have her over for dinner and grill up her fave food? Or bake her fave dessert?
3. THINK ACTIVITY- Consider a gift certificate or gift card to a fave restaurant. We all need to eat. How about movie passes or admission to a fun museum, zoo, botanical garden or other destination? Maybe she would prefer a weekend away, or a night at that hotel she always talks about.
4. THINK ONLINE- There is so much available online that won't add to a collection of "stuff". There are memberships to cool organizations and causes. You can also register for many classes online, whether they are held online or off. Does she have an interest in finding old friends? Offer to help her set up a Facebook page. Does she care about certain charities? Donate some money to one of them in her name.

There are many creative options that won't add to "stuff". So make this Mother's Day the most creative one yet and give her something that she really wants. And feel good about it. She'll be happy and it will be a gift that won't add to our landfills someday.

Dressing up a flower box

A planter box of flowers can give your outdoor room the sprucing up that it needs for a spot of color or a whole new look. It refreshes the soul and is also good for nature. You can do it on a budget with a little bit of work.

The picture shown is an old grey wooden planter box that was falling apart in my storage shed. Once an item that I would have tossed, this year I looked at it with whole new eyes. With three nails and some leftover wood stain that I used last year for a coffee table, I spruced it back up.

Then I chose some fresh flowers (English Daisy) that I had never seen before that I found at my local nursery. I loved the colors and thought that they complimented the darker stain. I stuck with two colors of flowers, although a garden designer I know recommends three colors to a pot, and I love the resulting look. The pot matches my furniture and although I did not go as far as matching the flowers with the furniture cushions, they certainly compliment the full picture.

You can spruce up pots easily. Although wood is the easiest to do this with, you can also spruce up plastic pots with paint made to adhere to plastics. Krylon and Delta both make a paint for plastic and you can find them at most hardware-type stores.

Don't have a pot? Hit the garage and yard sales this season. Also try second-hand stores. It's both eco-friendly and budget-friendly to buy something that has already been used to fix up yourself.

Sustainable Furniture from Jensen Jarrah

According to Rain-Tree.com, the last of the remaining rainforests could be gone in less than 40 years.

By choosing outdoor furniture that is sustainable, you help prevent the loss of the shrinking rainforest. According to Low Impact Living, furniture-grade wood is often sourced from tropical rainforests. In addition, the energy needed to manufacture and transport non-sustainable furniture is great.

Rich’s for the Home offers Jensen Jarrah outdoor furniture, made from Jarrah timber, which is a durable and beautiful hardwood. Jarrah timber is sustainable and hails from southern Western Australia where less than 1 percent of the more than 6.25 million acres is currently being logged. Additionally, no timber is logged from old growth forests.

Since the timber is supplied from regrowth forests only, this means that it is more sustainable because harvesting will never exceed the regrowth. The harvesting of the Jarrah timber is regulated by the Western Australian government as well so many people are keeping an eye out for the impact.

Better Living Show

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.

Green Heat

Did you know that there are several organizations that have rating systems in place for green heating? Yes, it can get a bit confusing. I was happy to receive an article in my in-box that defined the differences between them. Here’s a recap for you:

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program was created by the non-profit U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), which is committed to expanding sustainable building practices. Hearth products must not adversely affect indoor air quality to be approved for a LEED green building.

The REGREEN Residential Remodeling Guidelines were created by a partnership with the American Society of Interior Designers’ Foundation and the USGBC to develop best practice guidelines. REGREEN’s heat distribution option calls for space heaters, including hearth products, to heat additions, as opposed to running additional duct from a central heating system, which if run, could affect indoor air quality.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Cleaner Burning Wood Stoves and Fireplaces is the joint effort of the U.S. EPA and the hearth industry to educate consumers on clean burning gas, wood and pellet hearth appliances to heat their homes. The modern EPA-certified wood stoves, fireplaces and pellet stoves greatly reduce indoor and outdoor emissions.

The Energy Star program. ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that verifies and designates which products meet their strict energy efficient guidelines. Many hearth products meet these guidelines. 

The article goes on to note that a hearth appliance that burns without impacting indoor air quality and is vented to the outside will keep the “green” label on a green-built home. “In addition to meeting LEED and REGREEN Indoor Environmental Quality standards, today’s hearth appliances also burn more efficiently, reducing the toll on natural fuel sources, heating budgets and the outdoor environments.”

Rich’s for the Home believes like you do. Making a greener world is important and they have been involved since the beginning to help us all burn cleaner and better. Learn more about Rich’s today.

Portland Go Green Conference

On October 1, 2008 in Portland, there is a "Go Green" conference to assist businesses in becoming green. GoGreen’08 will be held at the Gerding Theater at The Armory in The Pearl District from 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Seattle does have a Green Festival each year. Last year’s was in April.

Here are the topics for Portland "Go Green":

• KEYNOTE by Sam Adams, Portland's New Mayor

• Portland's Best Sustainable Businesses Showcase: Live Case Studies; Learn from Portland's BEST Business Award Winners

• Special Lunch Session: Green Giant Award Presentation AND Speed Networking with Local Sustainable Business Resource Groups

• Green Marketing & Branding: How to Incorporate Sustainability Into Your Core Brand Values and Differentiate by Showcasing Sustainable Initiatives

• Sourcing and Manufacturing: Explore the Balance Between Sourcing Sustainably and Cost-Effectively

• Green Your Workplace: Implement Strategies to Create a More Sustainable and Efficient Workplace

• Employee Focus: Drive Green Brand Values Through Your Organization; Leverage For Recruiting and Retention

• Green ROI: Evaluate the Cost and Benefits of Your Green Initiatives with Focus on Cost Savings, Environmental Benefits and Brand Loyalty

• HOT Trends: The Latest Developments in Sustainable Ideas, Products and Services

• Consumer Insight and Behavior: Where Does the Sustainable Movement and the Consumer Really Intersect?

• Green Incentives: Discover Which Tax Credits, Discounts and Incentives are Available to Your Business

• Green Ink: Telling Your Sustainable Story to Reporters and Editors

• Funding & Expansion: Financial Options for Sustainable Local Business

Making a Home Environmentally Stable

Recently I met with Charlie Szoradi of Green and Save. He has been showcased on the cover of Inventor’s Digest for a heating and cooling system that is one of the most innovative "integrated" solar and dual fuel system available (SSI). He and his wife, Cynthia, have positively impacted our environment with an incredible project—they transformed a 1950’s 2-bedroom home into a 4-bedroom, environmentally stable home. It is powered completely with solar energy and has state-of-the-art recycled and energy-efficient appliances.

They incorporated material from the home that was already there. "We used old doors to make the cubbies in the mud room," Charlie says. "We used the old patio concrete pad as the backfill for landscape retaining walls and we cut down broken flagstone to use as new stepping stones and parts of the old wall as new landscaping borders."

They also incorporated recycled material. The Crown molding trim is from recycled composite plastic and saw dust, the ship’s ladder to the home office loft is from recycled aluminum and the carpet is from recycled fiber. "Overall," he adds. "By re-using and re-cycling you create less of a burden to use up the natural resources."

Setting out to change the mind-frame that "green" has to be expensive, Charlie and Cynthia discovered 60 ways to both implement environmentally friendly features and save money. In fact, they saved over $100,000.00 so far! Wow! Their goals were to:

1. Save Money – Reduced Electric and Gas Bills

2. Save Health – Less toxic environment

3. Save the Planet – Less wasted resources

For their outdoor rooms, the couple salvaged and restored furniture. They also purchased (and recommend) a stainless steel grill as it is the most durable and will last the longest. See Rich’s grills available.

Check out before and after photos and read about the green AND money-saving features that Charlie and Cynthia implemented. The house is completely gorgeous-inside and out. Enjoy!

Where is the Green in Kitsap County?

In celebration of the opening of Rich’s Silverdale store, I want to relate some of the very cool, "green" happenings in and around Kitsap County. For those that don’t know, Kitsap County includes Bremerton, Silverdale, Port Orchard and Poulsbo and I am partial—as it is where I grew up. Go Wolves!

Here is a teacher, Ann Giantvalley, from Manchester Elementary near Port Orchard who has been making the care of the environment a weekly lesson for 29 years. "

Throwing away paper isn't allowed; used sheets must go to the recycling or scratch paper bins. She photocopies material as infrequently as possible and makes double-sided copies if she needs to print something out. Giantvalley's students use both sides of the paper for their assignments." She even encourages using supplies from the previous years.

Read about Gail (Craze) Hester from Poulsbo who is making sought-after mandolins with our environment in mind. "Besides the tonality of the instruments, musicians appreciate the finish on Gail’s mandolins which she creates by hand-selecting woods and then using layers of eco-friendly vintage varnish finish and shellac French polish."

Have you heard of Elandan Gardens? I have. I used to drive by it everyday. They are a world-class bonsai garden with many wonderful features but they are slightly hidden from locals as they are on a curve in Gorst. Yes, I mean the Gorst between Port Orchard and Bremerton. "

We are always getting contacted by people in Europe and around the world," says owner Shanna Neims. "We have been featured in international magazines without our knowledge. But the people in Port Orchard don’t even know we’re here." Yo, everyone from Kitsap County. Go see the garden—it’s worth it. And tell them Julie sent you.

Eco-Friendly and Homemade Cleaning Products

Of course we must care for our homes and yards, especially when we entertain. I have found that striving to keep areas clean is a better option than letting it get messy—and then I’m not embarrassed when people come by. Am I perfect about it? Absolutely not. But every day is chance to start fresh, right?

I was pleased today to come across some more "green" blogs and one in particular that has several recipes for non-toxic cleaners that you can make. I battle this in my head as you can probably guess. Our environment is hugely important to me and my care of it even more so. Plus, I don’t like my family breathing fumes. But as I spray the bleach cleaner on my white kitchen countertops and it works so GREAT—I wonder how in the world anything else can work as well? Plus, we do associate the smell of bleach with clean and germ-free.

I am pleased to let you know that the recipes below work rather well. I encourage you to give them a try and then make a pact to start out. Start alternating between the bleach spray and these natural cleaners. Your home and family will be better for it.

Here are the first couple, courtesy of "A Day in the Life of Tree". There are more on the blog, including ones for furniture polish, drain cleaner and laundry soap so please click over and check it out.

All-Purpose Cleaner

suggested uses: hard surfaces like countertops and kitchen floors, windows and mirrors

2 cups white distilled vinegar
2 cups water
20-30 or more drops of essential oil (optional)

Tip:

Warming in microwave until barely hot will boost cleaning power for tough jobs. Only microwave in a glass container.

Creamy Soft Scrub

suggested uses: Use this creamy soft scrub on kitchen counters, stoves, bathroom sinks, etc.

2 cups baking soda
½ cup liquid castile soap
4 teaspoons vegetable glycerin (acts as a preservative)
5 drops antibacterial essential oil such as lavender, tea tree, rosemary or any scent you prefer (optional)

Mix together and store in a sealed glass jar, shelf life of 2 years.

Tips:

For exceptionally tough jobs spray with vinegar first—full strength or diluted, scented—let sit and follow with scrub.

Dry soft scrubs can be made with baking soda or salt (or combination of both) with 10-15 drops essential oil to scent