Jeannie showed us many products that have appeared on the market in the last few years that are energy saving, in the heat loss sense, and reduce the carbon footprint by reusing materials that would otherwise go into landfill. She gave us examples of paints, by Benjamin Moore, that eliminate the VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) problem which can be disastrous to persons with emphysema or allergies.

She brought many samples for us to look at and feel of to prove that there are new solutions to old problems.

            Examples were many:

            Counter tops made from used beer bottles or other glass products. One product is called Echo Stone and looks and feels like granite.

            Floor coverings Cork-Oleum is made from organic linseed oil backed with cork and can be permanent or movable.  It has the advantage over vinyl in that it does not give off toxic fumes when it burns.

            Life Tiles, reusable tiles made of concrete. They are locally made and thus avoid a big carbon footprint.

            Eurostone A floor covering made from mulberry bush by products.

            Echo #4, made from agave cactus or bamboo.  Definitely a sustainable product.

            LED light bulbs-Much more efficient than fluorescent bulbs and NO mercury.

            Underlayment Made from recycled materials- FluidStone.

            Siding Looks like redwood, made from fly ash, a byproduct of blast furnaces.

            Artificial Grass- Forever Lawn. 35% recycled materials.  Used in kennels, it can be

rinsed clean.  If you would like more information contact Jeanie at 650-593-9622 or through www.jeancaryinteriors.com .