True Green: Four Tips to Select Green Products

(ARA) - Green was once just a color, but now it’s a product, process, philosophy and lifestyle. With so many things going green, it is easy to get confused or misled about what “green” really means -- especially when it comes to home improvements.

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC ) defines a green home as one that uses less energy, water and natural resources; creates less waste, and is healthier for the people living inside. Countless products that claim to help you achieve these standards are on the market, but how do you know which claims to trust?

To assist homeowners with green home improvements, the American Society of Interior Designers’ Foundation and the USGBC have partnered to create Regreen, a resource for green home renovation best practices and guidelines.

“It’s great to finally have a resource that helps consumers determine which products are truly green and which are not,” says Joe Brooks, chief executive officer of Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies (AERT), manufacturer of MoistureShield Composite Decking (www.moistureshield.com).

Brooks recommends looking at the following variables from the Regreen program when selecting green products.

1) Composition of product

We care about what goes into our bodies and should also care about what goes into the products that surround us every day. When choosing a green product, consider the raw materials used to create the product and their origin. Composite decking manufacturers like AERT use recovered wood fibers and recycled plastic grocery bags, milk jugs and detergent bottles to create their materials. Products using recycled rather than virgin materials help by creating less waste, keeping materials out of landfills and reducing the need for costly raw materials like petroleum.

By comparison, some decking products are made using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with the promise of lower maintenance. According to the Healthy Building Network, PVC is the worst plastic from an environmental health perspective because it poses unique and significant risks in its production, product life and disposal, and defies the greater desire for a healthy environment and improved quality of life.

2) Product lifecycle

To reduce the environmental impact even further, seek long-lasting products that also can be repurposed or recycled at the end of their life. Some can even be returned to the manufacturer to be recycled into future products.

3) Sustainability

While a product’s composition may be green, it must also have the ability to be maintained sustainably. For building products that will be used outdoors, look for durable products that can withstand nature’s elements over an extended time. Easy-to-install, low maintenance products also provide the sustainability needed for green home improvements.

Sustainability should also be practiced by the manufacturer and during the production process. Manufacturing processes can use a great deal of energy and resources, as well as release toxic chemicals and gases. Look for sustainable companies that have implemented environmental processes and procedures to reduce emissions and energy, as well as reduce the amount of waste through recycling, reusing and other environmentally responsible practices.

4) Value

Green home improvements are a great way to increase your home’s value. To ensure you are getting the most out of your green product, look for a life cycle cost analysis, which calculates the approximate maintenance cost over its lifetime compared to the initial product price.

Green home improvements can offer countless benefits when done correctly, so consider the factors above to select true green products that will work for you and your home.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

How to Remove Stubborn Scum from Glass Shower Doors

(ARA) - Vicki Lewis of Cottonwood, Calif., lived in her new home for less than three weeks when she first noticed it. Regardless of how hard she scrubbed her new glass shower doors, she could not get them as clean as they were when she had first moved in.

Stubborn soap scum and hard water stains on glass shower doors are a very common problem for homeowners. In communities where hard water is an issue, the build-up of mineral residue can begin clouding glass almost immediately. Simple, routine maintenance is the key to keeping shower glass sparkling. A light coating of wax or sealant every two or three weeks will prevent soap scum and hard water from staining your shower doors.

To determine if your shower build-up is soap scum or mineral deposits, mix one cup of liquid fabric softener with one quart of warm water. With a soft cloth, gently rub the mixture onto the glass in a small circular pattern. Most soap scum will disintegrate and rinse off using this technique. If the build-up fails to respond, fill a spray bottle with a mixture of 1 part mineral oil to 4 parts water. Spray the mixture onto the scum, let it soak for a minute, and then wipe with a clean sponge.

Scum that fails to respond to fabric softener or mineral oil is most likely caused by a build-up of minerals that are dissolved in your water. When the water evaporates the minerals are left behind leaving what cleaning experts refer to as “hard water” stains.

Before applying a treatment to prevent build-up of soap scum and minerals in hard water, you must remove any existing stains. A sponge dipped in vinegar will often work to dissolve lighter mineral deposits. Stubborn deposits will sometimes yield to a mixture of 1/2 cup vinegar, 1 cup ammonia, 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 gallon hot water. Wear rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when using solutions containing vinegar or ammonia, and be prepared to use some elbow grease. Never use harsh chemicals or heavy abrasives on shower glass.

Lewis determined that the build-up on her shower doors was caused by high mineral content in her water. Sensitive skin led her to develop her own safe and simple home remedy to remove hard water stains. She found that a combination of powerful detergents, mild jewelers-grade abrasive and oxygen bleach provided the best results without the need for caustic chemicals, harsh odors or hard scrubbing. Friends and neighbors found that Lewis’ formula was effective and Bring-It-ON Cleaner (www.BringItOnCleaner.com) was introduced to the public in 2007.

After cleaning your glass, seal the surface to prevent soap scum and mineral deposits. Lemon or orange oil will provide a temporary coating and a pleasant aroma. For a longer-term seal you can use an automotive or furniture paste wax. Lewis found that a silicone-based spray worked best in her shower. All of these treatments prevent the soap and minerals from clinging to glass. To extend the effectiveness of the sealant, squeegee the glass after each use. Installing a water softener to reduce mineral content in the water can also help.

For more information about Bring-It-ON Cleaner visit www.BringItOnCleaner.com or call (800) 867-2643.

Courtesy of ARAcontent