Showing posts with label Eco-Chic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eco-Chic. Show all posts
Apr 20, 2016
This Friday is Earth Day. While you may be overwhelmed with messages about appreciating our planet and becoming more environmentally friendly this week, we want to make sure the notion of the importance eco-consciousness lasts beyond April 22nd. Consider the simple tips below to help reduce energy consumption at home. These ideas are easy to adopt, and can help you save money and the planet. Try implementing them today and develop a more eco-friendly lifestyle for Earth Day and years to come.
Turn Off & Unplug
Did you know that items like TVs and computers continue to draw power even after they’ve been turned off? To help limit energy consumption, ensure that in addition to turning them off when they aren’t in use, you unplug these types of products. Is it a little cumbersome? Sure. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Not only will it help to reduce your energy bill, it also reduces the amount of energy your household wastes.
Know When to Use Major Appliances
Most energy providers will apply a discount or credit when you use major appliances during off-peak hours. Doing your laundry or dishes outside of peak hours (peak hours are usually right before and after work during the week, but check with your provider for specific times) means that you aren’t contributing to the grid getting overcrowded, and you’re able to save a bit of money. Now that’s what we call a win, win.
Timers are Your Friend
If you haven’t put your indoor and outdoor lights on timers, what are you waiting for? We understand that exterior and hallway lights help deter burglars and pests, and can make you feel more comfortable at home. What’s not comfortable, however, is having these lights on all night long. Reduce energy consumption without compromising on safety by putting your lights on a timer. You can set when they turn on and off, creating additional security for when you aren’t home.
Full Is Better
Doing a half load of laundry or running the dishwasher when it isn’t full can increase how often you’re using these appliances. Efficiency is important for major appliances. Wait until these items are full before using them. Does that mean you might have to do a couple dishes by hand if you run out of forks before the dishwasher is full? Yes. Will you sometimes have to wait longer than you want to wear your favorite top? Sure. But that sacrifice is worth it.
Tip: Always make sure you’re washing your clothes with cold water. Washing machines consume so much energy because the water has to be heated up. Washing in cold water greatly helps to reduce your energy consumption – plus, most laundry detergents are formulated for cold water.
Blind Leading the Blind
Using your blinds to block out the sun on hot days can significantly cool down the temperature in your home. Give your air conditioner a bit of a rest during the summer by strategically closing the blinds when the sun is shining. Similarly, help your furnace out by opening the blinds on sunny days in the winter.
Green Products
Eco-friendly products like light bulbs, windows, doors, and appliances, can all contribute to reducing your energy consumption and bills. So the next time you need to get a new light bulb, grab the energy efficient ones. They may be a little more expensive, but you’ll see a return on that investment. This is true of windows, doors, and major appliances as well, however these items need to be replaced less frequently. When it comes time to upgrade them, consider the environmentally friendly option (although it may be more expensive than the regular model).
We hope these tips help you and your family to live a little greener this Earth Day and all year long. Have some eco-friendly ideas you want to share with us? Tweet or Instagram your best advice to @HomeShows or share it with Home + Garden Events on Facebook. We love hearing from you!
Turn Off & Unplug
Did you know that items like TVs and computers continue to draw power even after they’ve been turned off? To help limit energy consumption, ensure that in addition to turning them off when they aren’t in use, you unplug these types of products. Is it a little cumbersome? Sure. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Not only will it help to reduce your energy bill, it also reduces the amount of energy your household wastes.
Know When to Use Major Appliances
Most energy providers will apply a discount or credit when you use major appliances during off-peak hours. Doing your laundry or dishes outside of peak hours (peak hours are usually right before and after work during the week, but check with your provider for specific times) means that you aren’t contributing to the grid getting overcrowded, and you’re able to save a bit of money. Now that’s what we call a win, win.
Timers are Your Friend
If you haven’t put your indoor and outdoor lights on timers, what are you waiting for? We understand that exterior and hallway lights help deter burglars and pests, and can make you feel more comfortable at home. What’s not comfortable, however, is having these lights on all night long. Reduce energy consumption without compromising on safety by putting your lights on a timer. You can set when they turn on and off, creating additional security for when you aren’t home.
Full Is Better
Doing a half load of laundry or running the dishwasher when it isn’t full can increase how often you’re using these appliances. Efficiency is important for major appliances. Wait until these items are full before using them. Does that mean you might have to do a couple dishes by hand if you run out of forks before the dishwasher is full? Yes. Will you sometimes have to wait longer than you want to wear your favorite top? Sure. But that sacrifice is worth it.
Tip: Always make sure you’re washing your clothes with cold water. Washing machines consume so much energy because the water has to be heated up. Washing in cold water greatly helps to reduce your energy consumption – plus, most laundry detergents are formulated for cold water.
Blind Leading the Blind
Using your blinds to block out the sun on hot days can significantly cool down the temperature in your home. Give your air conditioner a bit of a rest during the summer by strategically closing the blinds when the sun is shining. Similarly, help your furnace out by opening the blinds on sunny days in the winter.
Green Products
Eco-friendly products like light bulbs, windows, doors, and appliances, can all contribute to reducing your energy consumption and bills. So the next time you need to get a new light bulb, grab the energy efficient ones. They may be a little more expensive, but you’ll see a return on that investment. This is true of windows, doors, and major appliances as well, however these items need to be replaced less frequently. When it comes time to upgrade them, consider the environmentally friendly option (although it may be more expensive than the regular model).
We hope these tips help you and your family to live a little greener this Earth Day and all year long. Have some eco-friendly ideas you want to share with us? Tweet or Instagram your best advice to @HomeShows or share it with Home + Garden Events on Facebook. We love hearing from you!
Apr 21, 2015
Earth Day is this Wednesday - how will you be celebrating? For many, this holiday serves as a call to be more conscious of how their choices and lifestyle affect the environment. With this concept in mind, we came up with simple changes homeowners can make to their daily routine to lessen their impact on the planet. Here are some things you can try that are more earth-friendly than the alternative.
Not: Turning up your thermostat. Your furnace uses a lot of energy; why not get toasty under a chic and cozy blanket instead of upping the heat and your heating bill?
Not: Switching on more lights. Candles are a great source of light and can add a sense of warmth to any space. Light 'em up instead of your lights.
Not: Cellophane or aluminum foil. Reusable containers, like Tupperware, Rubbermaid, and mason jars, are great for storing leftovers, but you should also try using them to store other foods and produce that you'd normally wrap in plastic or aluminum. Create less waste while still keeping things fresh.
Not: Buying imported produce in grocery stores. A vegetable garden is not only a fun hobby, it yields delicious crops. Planes, trains, and trucks are all used to bring produces to your grocery store (especially if it's out of season). Think about all the fuel that takes. Help reduce emissions by eating locally when you can.
Not: Getting all your furniture brand new. Often times a little paint and elbow grease is all you need to give a piece of furniture a new lease on life. This is the ultimate form of recycling and it's a great way to get custom decor for your home.
We hope these minor changes help you and your family get a little greener this Earth Day. Are there other ways you'll be showing your appreciation for the planet? Tweet @HomeShows your Earth Day plans - we'd love to hear about them! Let's all work together to make this world a better place.
Try This, Not That
Try This: Blankets
Image via Apartment Therapy
Not: Turning up your thermostat. Your furnace uses a lot of energy; why not get toasty under a chic and cozy blanket instead of upping the heat and your heating bill?
Try This: Candles
Image via Planete Deco
Not: Switching on more lights. Candles are a great source of light and can add a sense of warmth to any space. Light 'em up instead of your lights.
Try This: Reusable Containers
Image via Skinny Secrets
Not: Cellophane or aluminum foil. Reusable containers, like Tupperware, Rubbermaid, and mason jars, are great for storing leftovers, but you should also try using them to store other foods and produce that you'd normally wrap in plastic or aluminum. Create less waste while still keeping things fresh.
Try This: Gardening
Image via Apartment Therapy
Not: Buying imported produce in grocery stores. A vegetable garden is not only a fun hobby, it yields delicious crops. Planes, trains, and trucks are all used to bring produces to your grocery store (especially if it's out of season). Think about all the fuel that takes. Help reduce emissions by eating locally when you can.
Try This: Upcycling
Not: Getting all your furniture brand new. Often times a little paint and elbow grease is all you need to give a piece of furniture a new lease on life. This is the ultimate form of recycling and it's a great way to get custom decor for your home.
We hope these minor changes help you and your family get a little greener this Earth Day. Are there other ways you'll be showing your appreciation for the planet? Tweet @HomeShows your Earth Day plans - we'd love to hear about them! Let's all work together to make this world a better place.
Mar 26, 2015
J. Evans Custom Home Construction (JECHC), a Lorain, Ohio based construction company bringing container-style homes, known as the "Forever Home", to Northeast Ohio and the Cleveland Home + Remodeling Expo, answered a few questions about this innovation new design. Get the inside scoop here and then make sure to check out their Mini Mansion at the show this weekend.
Q: How did you get interested in building container homes?
JECHC: "In 2010 the founders of JECHC set out to align with the White House's initiative to end homelessness by 2015. When met with great adversity, the non-profit venture seemed impossible. However, in the process of researching energy-efficient and cost-effective building materials, the founders stumbled upon a resource that would address the need for energy-efficient housing and could withstand shifting climate changes and help promote the gentrification and revitalization of distressed areas: shipping containers. With skyrocketing utility costs, intense weather systems devastating property owners, and the abundance of vacant and severely distressed properties taking over the urban landscape, this innovative technology with a real and viable solution."
Q: What are the benefits of using shipping containers for home construction?
JECHC: "Shipping containers provide a cost-effective, energy-efficient and modern alternative to conventional wooden built homes. Each container is fabricated with the strength of Corten Steel, providing two to three times the strength and life expectancy of wood. Shipping containers are fabricated in standardized dimensions creating faster construction timeframes. They are also built to securely travel in extreme weather conditions while sustaining damage and protecting the cargo locked inside. Additionally, over one million containers are available for purchase each year, ensuring the supply and demand needs can be met. These features make shipping containers a great fit for innovative building design and a viable option for the future of residential and commercial building."
Q: What types of design elements will people see in the Forever Home "Mini Mansion"?
JECHC: "The 'Mini Mansion' will center on comfort-oriented design, showcasing innovative and efficient use of space, maximizing total square footage, including the use of 'negative space'. Because all of JECHC floorplans are custom built for each client, the design possibilities are endless! The interior and exterior allure of the structures will feature energy-efficient and cutting edge renewable materials built to endure damage, normal wear and tear, and deterioration. Maximizing the life expectancy of the structure increases the value of the investment.
Q: What do you think people are most surprised by when they see this style home in person?
JECHC: "Most people can't believe that our structures are made of our shipping containers. The appearance of the structure can be as simple as a standard residential home or as unique as the owner can dream! Not to mention, most are blown away by the use of negative or dead space that other conventional building styles do not incorporate."
Q: Where in Northeast Ohio can container homes be seen?
JECHC: "JECHC will be constructing a full scale model home in 2015 with the location still to be determined. However, the "Mini Mansion" and the Outdoor Addition will be used as mobile model homes, available for viewing in early spring 2015. These structures can be delivered to any location for home buyers to experience the luxury and benefit of building with the highest quality product available in residential construction."
Can't wait to see the Mini Mansion at the show? Check out this video preview here! The Cleveland Home + Remodeling Expo takes over the Cleveland Convention Center March 27-29, 2015. Get tickets to explore the Mini Mansion and more! Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets on Facebook. What are you waiting for? Grab yours today!
MARCH 27 - 29, 2015.
Q: How did you get interested in building container homes?
JECHC: "In 2010 the founders of JECHC set out to align with the White House's initiative to end homelessness by 2015. When met with great adversity, the non-profit venture seemed impossible. However, in the process of researching energy-efficient and cost-effective building materials, the founders stumbled upon a resource that would address the need for energy-efficient housing and could withstand shifting climate changes and help promote the gentrification and revitalization of distressed areas: shipping containers. With skyrocketing utility costs, intense weather systems devastating property owners, and the abundance of vacant and severely distressed properties taking over the urban landscape, this innovative technology with a real and viable solution."
Q: What are the benefits of using shipping containers for home construction?
JECHC: "Shipping containers provide a cost-effective, energy-efficient and modern alternative to conventional wooden built homes. Each container is fabricated with the strength of Corten Steel, providing two to three times the strength and life expectancy of wood. Shipping containers are fabricated in standardized dimensions creating faster construction timeframes. They are also built to securely travel in extreme weather conditions while sustaining damage and protecting the cargo locked inside. Additionally, over one million containers are available for purchase each year, ensuring the supply and demand needs can be met. These features make shipping containers a great fit for innovative building design and a viable option for the future of residential and commercial building."
Q: What types of design elements will people see in the Forever Home "Mini Mansion"?
JECHC: "The 'Mini Mansion' will center on comfort-oriented design, showcasing innovative and efficient use of space, maximizing total square footage, including the use of 'negative space'. Because all of JECHC floorplans are custom built for each client, the design possibilities are endless! The interior and exterior allure of the structures will feature energy-efficient and cutting edge renewable materials built to endure damage, normal wear and tear, and deterioration. Maximizing the life expectancy of the structure increases the value of the investment.
Q: What do you think people are most surprised by when they see this style home in person?
JECHC: "Most people can't believe that our structures are made of our shipping containers. The appearance of the structure can be as simple as a standard residential home or as unique as the owner can dream! Not to mention, most are blown away by the use of negative or dead space that other conventional building styles do not incorporate."
Q: Where in Northeast Ohio can container homes be seen?
JECHC: "JECHC will be constructing a full scale model home in 2015 with the location still to be determined. However, the "Mini Mansion" and the Outdoor Addition will be used as mobile model homes, available for viewing in early spring 2015. These structures can be delivered to any location for home buyers to experience the luxury and benefit of building with the highest quality product available in residential construction."
Can't wait to see the Mini Mansion at the show? Check out this video preview here! The Cleveland Home + Remodeling Expo takes over the Cleveland Convention Center March 27-29, 2015. Get tickets to explore the Mini Mansion and more! Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets on Facebook. What are you waiting for? Grab yours today!
MARCH 27 - 29, 2015.
CLEVELAND CONVENTION CENTER
Mar 19, 2015
Could you scale back and live a simpler life? The Tiny House Movement is a great way to reconnect with your inner-minimalism. Visit the Denver Home Show this weekend to explore our Tiny Home Village, featuring eight, fully-furnished displays from six different companies. Each of these fun-sized homes can be customized - they range in size, design, style, and building technique.
With limited space available, efficiency is key. You've got to maximize what you have! There are many different companies getting on board for this hot, new downsizing trend. The six we're featuring include: Sprout Tiny Homes, Exaco Trading Co., Tiny Diamond Homes, Maximus Extreme Living Solutions, A Bed Over My Head, and SimBLISSity. While each company offers different features and amenities, they all supply a "green" living alternative. In fact, these tiny homes are perfect for a sustainable lifestyle, and there are urban communities forming all over the country.
To give you a better understanding of the movement, check out these Tiny Home Statistics Sprout Tiny Homes shared with us:
MARCH 20 -22, 2015.
With limited space available, efficiency is key. You've got to maximize what you have! There are many different companies getting on board for this hot, new downsizing trend. The six we're featuring include: Sprout Tiny Homes, Exaco Trading Co., Tiny Diamond Homes, Maximus Extreme Living Solutions, A Bed Over My Head, and SimBLISSity. While each company offers different features and amenities, they all supply a "green" living alternative. In fact, these tiny homes are perfect for a sustainable lifestyle, and there are urban communities forming all over the country.
- 68% of Tiny Home people have no mortgage, compared to 29.3% of all US homeowners
- 89% of Tiny Home people have less credit card debt than the average American, with 65% of Tiny Home people have zero credit card debt
- The average cost to built a Tiny Home is $23,000 if built by the owner, whereas the average cost of a standard sized home is approximately $227,000 + interest
MARCH 20 -22, 2015.
NATIONAL WESTERN COMPLEX
Jan 19, 2015
To celebrate the arrival of the BC Home + Garden Show, happening at BC Place from February 18-22, 2015, we're giving you a chance to win BIG. Enter the giveaway below for a chance to walk away with two free tickets to the BC Home + Garden Show to visit the Linwood Cardinal Cabin presented by BC Hydro Power Smart and receive a one-hour free design consultation with the designer, Jamie Banfield. Keep reading to get all of the juicy details!
Looking for a stylish, environmentally friendly escape to call your home away from home? Introducing the Cardinal Cabin, designed and supplied by award-winning Linwood Custom Homes with inspired interior by award-winning Jamie Banfield Design. With sustainable design, building materials, and Energy Star appliances, it's possible to create an affordable dream dwelling with Power Smart advancements. Eco-chic is in with an easy building home package or kit from Linwood Custom Homes.
Linwood Custom Homes, the designer and supplier of the Cardinal Cabin model provides the fastest, easiest, safest, and most cost-effective way to design and build a new home. Known worldwide for exceptional cedar homes, house kits, and custom home packages.
Linwood Custom Homes, the designer and supplier of the Cardinal Cabin model provides the fastest, easiest, safest, and most cost-effective way to design and build a new home. Known worldwide for exceptional cedar homes, house kits, and custom home packages.
Linwood Custom Homes is offering a BC Home + Garden Show special on all Linwood packages, as well as 5 chances to win $5,000 in Linwood upgrades with the purchase of any Linwood material building package before April 30, 2015.
Meet the designer, Jamie Banfield, who has become a creative force in the design industry. Specializing in design for all spaces, Jamie creates interiors that exude function and beauty. Recently recognized by the National Kitchen and Bath Association as one of the industry's top 30 Under 30 in North America, Jamie's work can be seen in residences throughout Western Canada. If you're planning an interior update, he is the man to talk to.
Meet the designer, Jamie Banfield, who has become a creative force in the design industry. Specializing in design for all spaces, Jamie creates interiors that exude function and beauty. Recently recognized by the National Kitchen and Bath Association as one of the industry's top 30 Under 30 in North America, Jamie's work can be seen in residences throughout Western Canada. If you're planning an interior update, he is the man to talk to.
The BC Home + Garden Show Designer Giveaway will kick start your eco-design ideas. One winner will be announced on Twitter on February 2, 2015 and it could be you! Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Not ready to risk it? You can get 2-for-1 tickets on our Facebook Ticket Deals to ensure you make it to the show and catch the seasons most talked about feature. See you there!
FEBRUARY 18-22, 2015.
FEBRUARY 18-22, 2015.
BC PLACE
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