5 Eco-Friendly Tricks To Make Your Garage Warmer And Brighter

Morning, friends! I don't know about you, but I'm over this winter weather and cold temperatures. I'm ready to get back to house projects and building things! But it's so stinking cold that I can barely go into my garage without needing layers of clothing. Speaking of garages, mine is yearning to be organized and made pretty. A pretty garage sounds like a fairly girly thing to say, but I can't help it. I just want it bright and sunny and full of inspiration. So when Leslie contacted me about sharing some garage tips, it was kismet. I can't wait to do some of these in our garage!

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Is your garage a lot colder and darker than the other rooms inside your home? A lot of people don't look after their garage properly because they treat it like an attachment instead of a real room. If you look carefully you might find it's cold because air from the outside is getting in. It will be dark because it doesn't have the same light coming in from the outside as the other rooms in your home. Here are a few things you can do if you want to turn things around.
Install a skylight

If you go into the garage multiple times per day it's probably only for a couple of minutes each time. It's pointless switching the light on every time you go in, especially when there is a good chance you will forget to turn it off. You should think about installing a skylight because it will let plenty of light in during the day and you'll only need to switch the light on at night. It will also let a little heat in when it's sunny, but don't forget it could also let a little heat out too.

Seal cracks in the floor

After a while your garage floor might start to crack and you have to be careful because it's only going to get worse. If water gets into the cracks during winter it will freeze and you'll have to deal with even more damage. Air doesn't need a lot of room and when it starts seeping through your cracks the garage will end up freezing cold. Luckily it's not hard to seal cracks in the floor and even though a concrete floor isn't great for insulation it will heat up your room.

Insulate the outlets

Since cold air can get into even the tiniest of spaces and you must take care of all of them. Look for any outlets that could possibly have cracks on the seal connecting them to the walls. You should seal around the outside of your light switches. If you have a washing machine in your garage you should seal the pipes going into your garage wall. To make sure you get everything it's best if you go over every part of the wall thoroughly and you won't make any mistakes.

Seal the garage door

Having a cold garage is only a small problem because you don't spend much time in there. The real problem comes when the cold air gets into your main living space. It will cost you a lot of money heating up your home if the cold air from the garage is fighting against your central heating. The weatherstripping around the door frame should be intact. You can also lay a draft stopper on the floor. If your door isn't good enough at keeping the air out you can also change it.

Caulk between wall and floor

Another suspect place where cold air can seep through is the point where the floor touches the walls. This might have had a good seal when your garage was first built, but as the years go by and everything shrinks and expands it can create little gaps where air from the outside can get in. You don't need to make any big changes in order to solve the problem. You can just go around caulking the area where the two surfaces meet.

You'll enjoy it more
Even if you don't spend a considerable amount of time in your garage you'll still enjoy going when it's warmer and brighter. All the little jobs we've talked about today are so easy anyone could do them. Start working your way though the list whenever you have a time to spare.

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Author Bio:
This article is contributed by Leslie Kramer, a freelance blogger, who is currently writing for Designer Garage Doors, leading providers of custom garage doors in Perth. Leslie is a technophile and keeps herself updated with the latest trends in the world of technology.

Etsy Find - Industrial Rewind

i just realized that you can search local shops on etsy! you wouldn't imagine my excitement when i saw that easy little link at the side of the page. so i typed in my little bitty town (okay, we aren't really little bitty but not too far from it) and was amazed at the shops that showed up! yay for my kinda-little-bitty-but-not-too-little-bitty town! so i contacted a few sellers that i was impressed with and i can't wait to place a few orders :)

here are some favorites from an awesome shop called industrial rewind...

Dave and Jackie, the shop owners, create fun and interesting pieces from antiques and industrial pieces. Their lighting fixtures are my favorite from the shop including the above solar lights on the mason jars. Check out their shop here and don't hesitate to ask them about a custom order.

all images from industrial rewind etsy shop.

splendid design

every once in a while i come across a building that simply takes my breath away. architecture is a huge part of my work and a beautiful, well designed building can easily steal my heart. today i came across one today that managed to make me sigh.

the University of Aberdeen library in Scotland is so lovely and well thought out. from the detailed window panels that resemble books, to the offset elliptical heliostat-like staircase, the building is a work of art. simple in shape (it's a cube for crying out loud!) but complex in detail, this is the kind of building that makes my list of "must-see architecture".

tell me that's not gorgeous! sigh... i know, you can't.

this building is also quite sustainable with solar panels on the roof, a water recycling system, the use of daylight throughout, and a traffic plan that encourages cycling and buses to access the building. it just keeps getting better.

this masterpiece was designed by Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects and construction was completed in 2011. all images from shla website.

wood WORK.

Rummaging and antiquing for old furniture is one of my favorite things. And finding a quality piece that just needs some love gets me really excited. I have had a couple of people ask lately how to refinish some amazing wood furniture, so I thought I would share it here on the bloggity.

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First, it’s important to make sure that the time and effort you will be putting into refinishing your piece is really worth it. Is it made with quality material? If so, it should look great refinished to a natural wood finish. If not, you may want to consider painting the furniture or searching for a new piece. It may be that you will not know until you start sanding. That is a risk you will have to take.
For wood that was painted you will want to apply a chemical stripping agent. The product should be water-soluble so that cleanup is easy. Apply the product in small areas at a time and follow directions given on the label. The paint will bubble up and then you can use a plastic putty knife to scrap along the woodgrain. (If your product is “wash-away”, rinse the area down with water.)

Once the paint is lifted, or if the furniture was already a wood finish, it’s time to sand. A fine-grit sandpaper is best so that it doesn’t damage the raw wood. Like you did with scrapping, be sure to sand along the woodgrain. A power sander can be used on flat surfaces but hand sanding the corners and ornate designs is the best. Once you are down to the raw wood, wipe down the entire piece with a cloth.

If you plan to keep the furniture a wood finish, you can start the staining process. All stain products are different so make sure you follow the label. Always apply the stain following the grain and in even strokes. You can build up the color and intensity by applying multiple layers. Let the stain dry; I would give it 24 hours. Lastly, you will apply polyurethane to completely seal the furniture. Again, make sure you follow the directions on the product label. For a super, high-gloss finish apply a few coats.

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If you are painting your piece, apply a primer in a thick coat and sand it with steel wool. Then you are ready to paint! For furniture, I always recommend a semi- or high-gloss finish. This will hold up best on furniture. Apply as many coats as necessary, as some colors will need more than others. Give plenty of drying time between each coat; I would say three to five hours. For a glossy finish, apply a clear polycrylic after your last coat has dried.

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Mini/Quick tips:
-remove all hardware before you start
-if your furniture has deep scratches, fill them in with wood putty and sand it down before starting the stain or paint process
-wear gloves, especially when staining
-be patient! The piece will look great in the end and you can appreciate knowing that it was your hard work that got it there.

u p c y c l e

i've started a collection of pallets. they have been everywhere on the job site and something about them just kept calling my name. so i snagged them and took to the blogosphere to figure out what to do with them. here are my favorites...

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Eco-bride: Blooms

Ahhh... fresh flower. While the idea seems green and environmentally friendly, there are much better options. Fresh flowers are usually doused in chemicals to keep away insects. Not to mention the fact that the flowers you choose may not be native to your reception site which means shipping. Translation: contributing to air population and fuel use. So what's a girl to do?

Opt for a terrarium centerpiece. They can be a fun DIY project, they make great home decor (i.e. recycling) and they aren't your run of the mill centerpiece which will remind people of your unique taste.

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Or choose a potted plant that can be reused in your home or act as favors.

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Another option? Go non-floral altogether like this board by bride2be via StyleMePretty. Try shells, cotton, or cakes.



As for bouquets...

Try fabric flowers like this gorgeous one from AutumnArt on Etsy.

Eco-bride: Down to the dress

WEDDING DRESS. I'm not going to lie, the word kinda freaks me out right now. I start my dream dress search tomorrow morning and since I'm picky and somewhat judgemental, I'm nervous as all get out. What makes it worse is the fact I hate shopping with other people; trying things on, sorting through racks, trying to please others, just the thought makes me cringe. And I can't go dress shopping on my own so I'm bringing my traditional mother, hip Nannie (don't call her grandma or she will not speak to you) and my sister (MOH) who doesn't have an opinion on much. A great group huh?

I DIGRESS.

Back to the matter of business? Dresses. A consignment dress is one way to go green. However, used dresses make me a bit nervy even though I love the idea. It's kinda nice to own a dress that someone else wore. It was the biggest day of their life and now you get a little piece of it, regardless of it's history. Make sure you are purchasing from a reputable seller by checking their reviews.

these are available at Eco-Bride

Okay, so you found a dress but you're not quite in love with it. Work with a local seamstress (that you KNOW is a good seamstress- do your research) to make the dress fit you perfectly. Don't forget that adding a belt can completely alter the look of a dress. Honestly, who needs a perfect dress when everyone is going to be blown away by your pairing it with a dramatic flower sash or rhinestone belt? 

Still want a new dress? It's okay and no one judges you. Look for dresses made of natural material like silk, hemp, or organic cotton. I love the eco-couture lines by Adel Wechsler. The dresses are made with organic hemp and silk, vegetable dyed, and notorious for using remnant fabrics.

Green Series: Renovate or Rebuild Article

A really great articles that needs shared. Visit the link below to learn three questions that should be asked when it comes to renovation versus rebuilding.

Renovate or Rebuild? Articles & Archives Healthcare Building Ideas

Comment below and let me know your thoughts!

Green Series: Midwest Standings

A blog that I follow called DE-VI-ATE is linked below. In this particular blog, a manifest is attached about how the Midwest compares to other regions in the States. Some of the charts share eye-opening information. Check it it out here. >>>

D E - V I - A T E ;: Sustainable Jump Start: "(by Kevin) I mentioned we are from Indiana and soon to move back, but are currently in Portland b/c I did my graduate studies at the UO. It..."


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Green Series: Building Green.

Living green means a constant effort to live sustainable, non-wasteful, energy efficient, local supportive lives; including the decision to relocate homes. Building green versus remodeling green is the first of many choices you will make. While the “greener” way would be to remodel green, it may not always work out for you. Below are some things to consider when you have first decided to building green.

1. Consider Options

Cities and states across the country are making themselves more environmentally friendly to provide relief to those of us environmentally friendly citizens. If you have the choice of what state or city to relocate to, research what your prospective cities have done to be greener. Are the community leaders taking actions to allow for more green space (grass)? Are they encouraging green build projects? Have they passed ordnances to reduce electrical use or improve air quality?

2. “Best Places to Live”

Burlington, Vermont was selected as the Best Green City in 2007. What judged the cities? Categories like mass transit usage, power usage, farmers markets, organic producers, and green building projects are all measured. Ranking higher than other cities, Burlington was also credited for developing a compost facility for everyone in town to contribute. The composted soil can then be purchased. The list for 2010 included Eugene, OR, Port Townsend, WA, Tryon Farm, IN, Portland, MA, and Ridgway, CO.

Eugene, ORhttp://www.glutenfreeeugene.org/

3. Water WorriesI am the type of person that cringes at the thought of drinking water straight from my tap. I know where my water comes from and it doesn’t make me feel safe to drink it. The EPA can direction you to information on water systems if it isn’t posted on your town’s website. I’m sure that my town’s water is safe to drink, but I filter anyways.

4. Your New Life

What part of the town you choose will you live in? Consider your commutes: to work, school, the grocery store, shopping centers, restaurants. How is the drive? Will you be making many trips to get where you need to go? Minimize your drive time by living in a area that allows you to walk where you need to go. Or is there a subway station or bus stop nearby? Think about how much time is wasted in traffic jams and rush hour. Wouldn’t it be nice to avoid those if possible?

5. Natural Heating and Cooling

In locations with warm climates, position your new house to face north and south (the length of your house running east to west). This sets you up perfectly to add solar panels to your roof, as well as allowing the best natural light to come in. Deep overhangs will help to block direct sunlight and reduce excessive heat. Add tinting to your windows to help keep it cool as well. In cooler climates, take advantage of the sunlight. Use concrete or stone on walls to keep warm air locked inside the house.

6. Use a Professional

Invest time into looking for a contractor or architect with experience in green design. They will know the area best and know where to get local materials.

Deciding where to live is a huge step. Once these decisions are made, you can continue to the actual green design process. For more on building gree, check out 365 Ways to Live Green by Diane Gow McDilda.

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Green Series: Steps for a green home

http://www.postalmuseum.si.edu/tt/artwork/23/

Designing sustainable and green spaces is almost required these days. For those who are less informed on living green, here are some easy tips to help you do your part in saving the earth and saving yourself some green while you're at it.

Insulation

Check your insulations resistance to excaping heat, called the R-value, to determine where you can use extra insulation. Insulating your attic can help hold heat in during the winter and keep heat out during the summer. Use Ultratouch insulation which is made of recycled blue jeans to go the extra mile. You could also use cellulose, made of newspaper, but be sure no one in your house is allergic to the off-gassing of the old ink. Re-insulating does require some time, but you will notice a difference in your utilitiy bills. Sometimes you may qualify for a tax credit, so definitely do your homework.

http://www.soundway.com/ultratouch_insulation

Appliances

Energy Star appliances are all over the market right now and typically not at a higher cost than other appliances. Purchasing an Energy Star appliance can save you 30 percent of your appliance utility bill.

http://www.buildaroo.com

Building
If you are building a new home, think first about the option to remodel. Choosing to remodel a pre-existing house could save money, use fewer materials, and disturb less land. If you have decided that the best thing for you is to build new, get to know your land prior to building. Choose your land only after you have invested time into these questions: can you have a garden or is there a close farmers market? Can your children walk or bike to school? Is there public transit close? Are you prepared to live off a grid (land utilities)? Can you get your building supplies from close mills and manufacturers? Do you have solar options? (When building new, think about how your house will sit on the property. Building your house so that the length of the house is on an east/west axis will allow for solar panels along the south edge. Also consider how close the next house is because it may limit your solar use.) How much space do you really need to live, heat, cool, and light? Can you use an architect or construction manager who knows green design?

http://www.yourrealestatetips.com

Compost
A great way to reduce the amount of trash you have is to compost. Invest in a good composter where you can get rid of your scraps and create rich potting soil for your garden. Click here to see a video about a couple in Oregon that went trash-free for a year.

http://grow.ars-informatica.ca/

LED's
While many people are just now switching to compact fluorescent bulbs, be ahead of the curve and switch to LED's. LED's have been used in TV's, telephones, and more since 1962. More recently, architects and designers have replaced standard fluorescent tubes with LED's. While they cost nearly double upfront, they are well worth it since it could reduce your carbon footprint by 68 percent. They are also non-toxic.

http://www.creelighting.com/

These are just a few ideas to consider. Since sustainability is the future, I'm sure to post much more in the Green series.

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