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9.01.2016

Upcycling Projects for Your Home


The average person generates 4.3 pounds of waste daily. Some of this waste production can be reduced by composting and doing other small things like bringing reusable bags to the store.  Another way to reduce trash produced by household items is by upcycling. Upcycling is taking something that would normally be thrown away and turning it into something useful that is potentially even better than the original.

CDs and DVDs

As we move into a time when most of our movies and music are either streaming or downloaded, CDs and DVDs are becoming virtually obsolete. There is a plethora of crafts that can be made from discs that are no longer needed or are unplayable.

One idea for reusing old CDs is to paint and stencil them to be made into coasters. If decorative painting is not your strong point, you may also use contact paper to cover the disc. Simply trace around the disc, cut it out, and carefully place it on the surface while avoiding air bubbles. Small felt coaster pads can be added to the back to avoid scratching your table.

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Courtesy of Pexels.com

Old Suitcases

Vintage suitcases can be used to capture the essence of “shabby chic” decorating. One way to repurpose them is to stack them next to your bed and top off with a vintage mirror to make an end table. Another fun idea is to add some feet and put a soft cushion inside to make a bed for your dog. If these two ideas aren’t what you are looking for, there are many more on Pinterest.

Recycling Mismatched Flatware

The unique shapes and patterns of old flatware can be utilized to to make projects for your home such as lighting fixtures, coat hooks, and even curtain tie-backs. Flatware is relatively easy to cut, bend into shapes, and drill holes into. Be sure to exercise proper safety when you are using tools such as drills and hacksaws.

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Courtesy of Pixabay.com


Repurposed Glass Jars

Mason jars have become a trendy accessory. Instead of purchasing a package of them new, you can replicate the look of mason jar crafts by using pickle jars or jelly jars. Once you have clean, empty jar, you can paint it using specialty paints, wrap it in old twine or ribbon, or simply use it as is. Recycled jars make great storage for small items such as buttons or coins. You can cluster them together to hold fresh flowers or floating candles. Another stunning idea is to turn them into pendant lights or even a chandelier.

Endless Possibilities

Once you open your mind to how used or even broken items can be repurposed around your home, you begin to see how things can be given a new life rather than simply discarded to take up space in a landfill. The internet is a vast resource for ideas and tutorials. Home stores have jumped on the trend of upcycled furniture and accessories. You will often see newly produced items that are made to look like they are are old and repurposed. You can avoid the high prices by taking these inspirations and making them yourself.

If you are lacking in materials, local salvage yards and thrift stores are a great place to look for the perfect piece of “junk” to complete your DIY project. Also, if you have items that you can’t seem to find a purpose for, consider donating them to a non-profit thrift store rather than throwing them in the trash. There may be another DIYer out there there that may be able to make it into something useful.

Paul Denikin began learning about DIY home repair projects after his daughter, Maggie, was born with special needs. He has learned a lot through trial and error as he has worked to make his family’s home safe and accessible for her. Today, he shares his DIY knowledge on DadKnowsDIY.com, a website that offers home improvement project how-tos and other accessibility information.






Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.
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8.02.2016

Client Wants Bling Added to Deck

Per the Clients Request to add Bling to the Deck. 

 I've came up with a few ideas:

The Pergalo looks kool but doesn't stop the midday sun light and the deck gets hot.  I can vouch for the how hot the deck got while building it during a 104 degree heat index summer temp.

The Client and I have talked about Half Lite sun screens of wood lattice or vine type plants.   With a preference for the natural look with plants.  So here is my idea of a natural sun shade that could be used until the plants become established in a couple of growing seasons.







Deck and Pergalo Before Bling
Deck and Pergalo Before Bling

Reed Fence could also be used as a sunshade for the pergalo
Reed Fence could also be used as a sunshade for the pergalo

Reed Fence as seen at Home Depot
















additional bling deck ideas


Before and After Deck Photos


Here's what it took to make the Deck Safe








Thank You for
stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.

7.25.2016

Deck Safety Support Beam

In addition to the 2 prior blog posts on deck safety anchor point support.
  1. Deck Failure Prevention Building Safety Issue

  2. Deck Failure FIXED Prevented Building Safety Issue
3. The opportunity presented itself with this deck to add a Double 2x6 Support Beam.  This Support Beam cut the stress load on the Ledger board by over 50%.  It reduced the ledger board tributary load by 85%.

Support Beam is responsible 96 Sq Ft of Deck Trib Load
Support Beam is responsible 96 Sq Ft of Deck Tributary Load Stress, easily handled by Double 2x6 that are glued and screwed!
The new support beam now carries the biggest percentage of the load on the deck.

________
this blog post is not the place to teach about tributary loads.  A quick duckduckgo search pointed me to the following link:
Tributary Areas for Gravity Loads
Last Revised: 11/04/2014
If the beam is supporting a floor, roof, or wall that has a pressure loading normal to the surface, the total force on the beam equals the area of surface supported (i.e. the tributary area)...   http://www.bgstructuralengineering.com/BGSMA/BGTribArea/BGSMA_TA_02.htm



Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.

7.22.2016

Bill Gates’ Nuclear Pipe Dream convert Depleted U to Pu

If you're like me and read faster than watching a video here are the Transcripts for the interview.  It looks to me like complete madness and explains so much about the Inner Dealings of the Nuclear Industry and points directly to why all the nuclear waste has been left around in different places around the country where it is causing health issues around the St Louis Region and other places 

Paducah, Love Canal, Indian Point, Westlake Landfill, Coldwater Creek, Fukushima, Hartford...

  
Uranium to Plutonium is the grand scheme...

Published on Mar 15, 2016
(EnviroNews DC Bureau) — Editor’s Note: The following news piece represents the second in a 15-part mini-series titled, Nuclear Power in Our World Today, featuring nuclear authority, engineer and whistleblower Arnie Gundersen. The EnviroNews USA special encompasses a wide span of topics, ranging from Manhattan-era madness to the continuously-unfolding crisis on the ground at Fukushima Daiichi in eastern Japan.

READ/VIEW the full report and transcript on EnviroNews here: http://environews.tv/031416-paducah-b...


7.19.2016

Deck Failure FIXED Prevented Building Safety Issue

2x12 Ledger Support Masonry Brick Wall Attachment Photos, Notes, and Annotations.


2x12 Ledger Board was attached to the freshly Tuckpointed Masonry Wall with 2- one-half inch dia lag bolts and anchors at Sixteen Inches On Center (1/2" x 6" Lag Bolts). 
2x12 Ledger Board was attached to the freshly Tuckpointed Masonry Wall with 2- one-half inch lag bolts and anchors at Sixteen Inches On Center (1/2" x 6" Lag Bolts)
2x12 Ledger Board was attached to the freshly Tuckpointed Masonry Wall with 2- one-half inch lag bolts and anchors at Sixteen Inches On Center (1/2" x 6" Lag Bolts)




Next step is the installation of the Double Ledger that will support the Deck Joists in addition to a 3rd Deck Support Point.


________
The Deck to House Attachment Point or lack thereof seems to be somewhat of a common occurrence the photos below
Because the Deck was not built to current Building Codes the St Louis Building Code Department required.
  
Photo 1 and 2: Building Code Official- Required to add 1/2 inch diameter lag bolts every 16 inches







Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.

7.12.2016

Deck Failure Prevention Building Safety Issue


One of the reasons that decks collapse is the connection point at the wall, As seen in the following photo: Ledger Board is not attached to the brick wall.  

Currently: This area is supported by a cobbled up support post that rests on the Lower Stairway.  This is not to building codes and is a SAFETY Issue.

Photo Improper Deck Ledger Board House Attachment with Notes on Proper Repair
Building Safety Violation: Improper Deck Ledger Board House Attachment with Notes on Proper Repair

July 19, 2016 Update: Deck Failure FIXED Prevented Building Safety Issue


Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.

6.14.2016

Better Together: Fragmentation Holding St. Louis Region Back

Some interesting points mentioned in this article about St Louis.  One of the main things I took away was that when we are all working towards a goal makes goals easier accomplished.
ST. LOUIS (KMOX)-The group that’s been looking at the fragmentation of the St. Louis region, has issued a new report that concludes that the region’s political structure is holding it back.
 Better Together: Fragmentation Holding St. Louis Region Back: Group summarizes two years of research.

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