Green and Eco Friendly Construction Materials

Green and Eco Friendly Construction Materials.  Scotts Contracting Proudly uses these and other Green Construction Materials in the Projects they Build.  Click here to schedule a Free Green Site Evaluation for your Next Project.

Before you begin building your new home, think green with these eco-friendly construction materials.

GO GREEN, SAVE GREEN: Building your new home with green construction materials is an investment that can save you money. (Photo: Branko Miokovic/iStockphoto)

By using green construction materials, you can increase the efficiency of your home and save money without putting undue stress on the environment. Building a sustainable home not only preserves natural resources and minimizes pollution, but also creates a healthy, nonhazardous environment for you and your family.

Bamboo flooring

A fast-growing grass, bamboo is recognized as a green construction material under LEED that requires minimal fertilization or pesticides. Whereas oak takes 120 years to grow to maturity, bamboo can be harvested in only three years. Most bamboo flooring available in North America is made in Hunan Province in China where bamboo is harvested from both natural and plantation groves. This bamboo is typically certified to the standards of the Forest Stewardship Council, meaning it meets strict criteria for environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

Cork flooring

Cork tiles are a rapidly renewable flooring product that comes from the bark of the cork oak tree and can be harvested every 10 years. It's rot- and fire-resistant, transmits little sound and has low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and its manufacturing process produces almost no material waste. Plus, suberin, a substance of cork, is a natural insect repellant that keeps termites away.

Linoleum flooring

Linoleum is made from dried and milled flax seeds mixed with other plant materials, such as pine resin, wood flour and ground cork. In fact, linoleum is made entirely of natural, renewable resources that are 100 percent biodegradable. This type of flooring also repels dirt and dust — making it hypoallergenic — and is fire-resistant.

Wool carpets

Buying carpet made from animal hair is much more sustainable than buying synthetic carpet because it comes from a renewable, biodegradable resource. Synthetic carpets are often made from Middle East oil while wool carpets are typically made from the hair of sheep and llamas in New Zealand.

Wool isn't merely an eco-friendly material — it's also resistant to soiling, moisture, static and fire, and it's been shown to be less hospitable to dust mites than synthetic fibers. These carpets are also considered superior to synthetic ones because of their texture, durability and natural crimp that preserve the springy quality of the carpet.

Plant fiber carpet

Carpet made from plant fibers is chemically untreated, biodegradable and free of VOCs. One of the most popular types of plant fiber carpet is sisal, which is made from leaves of an agave plant that's grown without pesticides. The hard, thin plant fiber provides a durable surface that doesn't capture dust mites or allergens and is antistatic and sound absorbent.

Cotton batt insulation

This type of insulation — also known as blue jean insulation — is manufactured from denim and cotton fibers. The batts don't use the toxic formaldehyde found in fiberglass insulation, and the manufacturing required for cotton batt isn't nearly as energy intensive as that require for producing fiberglass.

Cotton bat insulation is not only an eco-friendly construction material — it also presents no cancer risk from airborne fibers, doesn't require a respirator during installation and won't cause itchiness like traditional insulations.

Straw board

These green building panels are designed to replace energy-intensive 2x4 and drywall materials for interior partition walls. They're made from compressed wheat or rice straw, which is a rapidly renewable resource — 60 million acres of wheat are grown in the U.S. each year, which results in 140 million tons of leftover straw.

High temperatures force straw to release a natural resin that binds the fibers together, and the boards are then covered with 100-percent-recycled paper liners and adhered with water-based nontoxic glue. In addition to being environmentally friendly, straw board is also fire-, termite- and mold-resistant.

Sunflower seed board

This type of board is composed of sunflower seeds, which is a rapidly renewable resource that's extremely versatile. Sunflower seed board comes in a variety of hues and can be stained, cut and routed like wood. The board can also be used in table surfaces, cabinetry and furniture — its only limitations are kitchen and bathroom countertops.

Poplar OSB

OSB floors are made from sustainably harvested wood that comes from fast-growing trees like aspen poplar. The logs are cut into strands, dried and treated with natural wax, and then they're subjected to high-temperature pressurization.
OSB Toxic Levels-Tuesday, September 7, 2010 by Scotty, Scotts Contracting
Re: OSB Issues-Toxic Levels

Snippet:

• Purchase sustainably harvested wood stamped by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

• Substitute oriented strand board (OSB) for your exterior sheathing. Select boards made from formaldehyde-free glues. If the sheathing is not required for the structure, use nonstructural insulated boards for extra insulation.

By Laura Moss,Fri, Jun 25 2010 at 3:55 PM EST


 

10 ways to save money on gasoline

Scotts Contracting brings you this Article on Saving Money while Driving.

(Photo: Getty Images)

The United States has a reputation for guzzling gasoline, especially in summer, when increased demand and processing costs drive up the price by an average of 10 to 20 cents per gallon. And while the recession has helped reduce U.S. gas demand in recent years, summer heat — combined with unforeseen variables like hurricanes and oil spills — can still wreak havoc with prices at the pump.

But whether you're planning a cross-country road trip or just trying to avoid spending your paycheck on commuting, there's plenty you can do to save money on gasoline. The best strategy is to simply drive less often, maybe carpooling or biking instead, but don't feel discouraged if that's not an option.

Check out these 10 ideas for ways to cut back the amount of time and money you spend at gas stations this summer:

 

       (Chart: fueleconomy.gov)

 

1) Slow and steady wins the race
Gasoline mileage drops off in most cars once you're going faster than about 60 mph (see chart at left). For every 5 mph you drive over 60 mph, you're essentially paying an extra 24 cents per gallon of gas.

Try using cruise control on interstates and other highways to maintain a constant speed. It can also help to use your car's overdrive gears, which save fuel and engine wear by reducing your speed.

 

2) Be cool in traffic
Aggressive driving — speeding, swerving, sudden acceleration and braking — is not only dangerous, it can lower your gas mileage 33 percent on highways and 5 percent on city streets. Revving your engine while stopped is even more wasteful.

 

3) But not too cool
Air conditioning can be a big drain on gasoline, so make sure you don't just leave it on absentmindedly, and certainly don't leave it on while windows are open, even if they're just cracked. You can improve your fuel efficiency in stop-and-go traffic by turning off the A/C and rolling down the windows instead, but that's not necessarily always the best idea.

When driving above 55 mph, especially for long periods on highways, the opposite is true — open windows make a vehicle less aerodynamic by letting in air, which increases air resistance and decreases fuel efficiency. On long road trips, using air conditioning could actually improve your mileage by up to 20 percent.

 

4) Don't just sit there
On top of pointlessly pumping out greenhouse gases without actually getting you anywhere, idling automobiles also contribute to ground-level ozone, airborne particulate matter, and other near-surface air pollution. These emissions can aggravate asthma and even hinder breathing in otherwise healthy people, especially children and the elderly.

If you're just idling to warm up your car in winter, it still only needs to run about a minute. Anything beyond that is just wasting gas.

 

5) Stay in tune
Fixing a car that needs a tune-up or has failed an emissions test can improve its fuel efficiency by an average of 4 percent. More serious problems, like a faulty oxygen sensor, can reduce mileage by up to 40 percent.

And don't forget to get an oil change roughly every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first (or you could look into installing an Electro-Lube Oil Refiner, which reportedly eliminates the need for oil changes while boosting efficiency 3 to 4 percent).

 

6) Get pumped
Keeping a car's tires properly inflated can improve fuel efficiency by about 3.3 percent. It's also safer and lengthens the lifespan of your tires, since under-inflated tires lose their tread quickly in addition to wasting fuel. Regular checkups for your tires' alignment and balance aren't a bad idea, either.

 

7) Take a load off
While it mainly affects smaller cars, carrying extra weight means burning extra gasoline, no matter how big your vehicle is. On average, you may be cutting your fuel efficiency by up to 2 percent for every 100 extra pounds you haul.

 

8) Develop motor skills
Using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil can boost mileage by 1 to 2 percent. Try to also use the lowest grade of gasoline that's appropriate for your car, since high-octane grades cost several cents more per gallon.

Check your owner's manual to be sure, but as long as your engine doesn't start knocking, you're probably OK. Switching from premium to regular gasoline would save hundreds of dollars every year.

 

9) There's a cap for that
Gasoline can evaporate from a vehicle's fuel tank if it's able to find an opening, which is bad for your wallet and your lungs. Make sure your gas tank's cap is tightened securely after you fill up, and if the cap's threading is stripped or it fits too loosely, you might want to buy a new one.

 

10) Join the masses
Carpool or, even better, don't take a car at all — walk, ride a bike, or take mass transit. It saves you money, improves your personal health, and helps the planet by keeping greenhouse gases out of its atmosphere. See MNN's guide to greening your commute for more ideas.

 

Do you have other money-saving tips we left out? Please leave them in the comments below.

And for more ideas and information about gas prices and other fuel-efficiency issues, check out these related articles from MNN:

• 10 best and worst cars for fuel efficiency
• Eco-friendly tips for a 50-mile daily commute
• Turning sawdust into gasoline
• Never change your oil again
• How do oil spills and hurricanes affect gas prices?

 

By Russell McLendon, writes for the Mother Nature Network, where this post originally appeared.

Posted Tue Jun 22, 2010 9:43am PDT

Related topics: Tips, Cars, Commuting, Saving Money, Saving gas

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Company Info- Scotts Contracting

Your Green Builder for the St Louis Area. My Crew of Dedicated Green Pros: will bring you the Greenest Products and Green Expertise available- while working on your Project. For us being Green and Eco Friendly is not just a FAD. It has become a lifestyle that we have incorporated into the way we choose to do business.

When you contact Scotts Contracting for a Green Site Evaluation. Scotts Contracting- will bring you Cost Effective Solutions for your Green and Eco Friendly Projects.

Here are just a few of the Ways we will save you $money$ on your Green Projects:

1. The Bid / Estimating Process- Our Knowledge and Experience of the Buildings Structure allows us to foresee any unseen building components that are causing: Energy Losses, Inefficient Design, Building Flaws, and other Issues.

2. DE-Construction or Demolition- we provide outlets for all the Recyclable Materials. Some of these Outlets even pay Cash for your Recyclable Goods which will help off-set the Cost of your Project. Others such as a Habitat For Humanity gladly accept donations of used Building Materials. (Tax Breaks and Incentives are available)

3. Because of the Extensive knowledge of your Buildings Structure- the Estimating Department will not add extra materials into the Bid/Estimate Proposal. This translates into Savings for You! We will not be wasting Time and Money:

   1)Procuring the extra materials and then

   2)Transporting the Extra Materials Weight to the JOB Site and then the Transporting of UN-needed materials back to the Store after the Job is over.

4. While we are working on your Job Site: We work as efficiently as possible, while being acutely aware of the- Customers Needs, Budgeting Concerns, and Time Frame.

To Schedule your Green Site Evaluation click here to email Scotts Contracting for an Affordable Green Solution in the Construction of Your Next Project- Large or Small.

Best Recycling Story of 2010!

I'm proud to bring you the: Best Recycling Story of 2010!

• One Ton of Aluminum Cans brings: $3,800-from recycling 400,000 Aluminum Cans and Completely pays for Couples Wedding!
  

(Photo: Tyson / Yellow House
Photography)

Couple recycles 400,000 cans to pay for wedding

When Peter Geyer caught the garter at a wedding last fall, his girlfriend Andrea Parrish immediately dropped to her knee, pulled out an opal earring, and proposed to him. Parrish admits they had been discussing getting married, so she was kind of prepared for such a moment just in case it happened. "What better way to announce it to the family than with a big dramatic moment?" asks the 25-year-old marketing writer.

It seems Parish and her fiancé have a flair for creating buzz. Known as the "wedding can couple," Geyer and Parrish have been in the news because they are paying for their July 31 wedding solely with the $3,800 in proceeds they earned from recycling 400,000 cans.  

The Spokane couple reached their goal last week when over a ton of aluminum cans was hauled off their porch by a local recycler. They continue to collect cans to raise money for their honeymoon and to donate to Doctors Without Borders and Rim Country Land Institute.  

How did they come up with the offbeat idea? Parrish said they quickly realized they'd have to save around $500 a month to pay for their wedding if they wanted to get married in a reasonable amount of time and avoid getting into debt. They didn't have much extra cash because Parrish was laid off from her job right after they purchased a house.  

Parrish and Geyer already had some experience collecting aluminum cans. Geyer, who works as a digital print technician, also melts cans down on his Weber grill and uses the metal to create art in his spare time.

Parrish came up with the idea to pay for their wedding in the middle of a sleepless night. She had just helped Geyer sort through some cans that evening and knew you could get money for aluminum by the pound, so she figured why not collect aluminum cans to fund their wedding and help the environment.

She woke Geyer up at 1 a.m. to share her plan. "When I told Peter about it, he kind of gave me a look that said this is a crazy idea, but you're the type of crazy that can pull it off," she says.

Indeed, Geyer was right. Parrish built a website and spread the word amongst friends and through social media. Alcoa donated 150,000 cans to the cause and United Recycling Services contributed another 73,000.  And others are copying their idea to raise money for weddings and other causes.

(Photo: Andrea Parrish)

Their wedding will also be light on the planet. With only $3,800 to spend on a party for 150 people, there's little room for excess and waste. The couple has focused on what's most important to them (gathering their family and friends together for a lively celebration), and they've also enlisted help.

Here are some details about their DIY wedding:   

Venue: Corbin Art Center in Spokane, WA. Cost: $1,000.

Food and beverages: The bride and groom are providing some food, but it is mostly potluck style.  The groom has a friend who brews beer as a hobby so he's contributing a keg or two. Parrish and Geyer are making the wine in their basement. The bride's mom, who owns a catering and reception center in Idaho, is baking and decorating the cake. "We asked our friends to bring a potluck dish, bring yourself, and have fun, because that's all we care about," says Parrish.

Flowers: Parrish's sister-in-law is growing all the flowers for bouquets and decorations.

Music: A harpist is playing free of charge during the service. Afterwards it's "DJ by iPods," says Parrish. Friends are creating the playlists.

Clothing: The matron of honor's mother-in-law is sewing Parrish's floor-length black, red, and white wedding dress. Total cost: $250 for the fabric, plus another $200 for the custom-made corset she's splurging on. Geyer is sewing his own vest from fabric that cost $25. The couple is making ties for all of the groomsmen and telling everyone in the wedding party to wear whatever they'd like.

By Lori Bongiorno

Posted Wed Jun 30, 2010 2:12pm PDT

Related topics: Finances, Romance, Recycling, Saving Money

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