Green Eco Services

Showerheads: Product Review- Waterpik

Welcome back!

The EPA has not yet designated WaterSense Showerheads. It is so much easier to find one, when you have a list. So I picked the WaterPik EcoFlow, after visiting several showrooms. Most staff didn’t seem to know about WaterSense labels in general, and basically they all said the same thing. ‘They are all alike.’ That didn’t fly well with me, as they should have some product knowledge and at least know what WaterSense was if they are selling it. Home Depot has the Eco Flow at $49.99, which I felt was very reasonable. 

I absolutely love it. In fact I don’t even use the water at full throttle. 

Would I buy it again: Definite Yes and highly recommend this showerhead.

Toilet: Product Review -Toto Dual Flush

As I am planning for the future, decided to put in a Dual Flush Toilet. After research, bought the Toto Aquia II Toilet. ($390 including tax and lid) This WaterSense approved toilet does qualify for a water Rebates in San Diego, but you have to submit your water bill. Unfortunately (or fortunately) our Condo Association pays the Water Bills, so couldn’t tell you if I was saving water. If you are living in a Water Challenged area, most likely you will be eligible for a rebate as well. 

I want to preface my review first. Over the last 10 years, I have tried to buy the most hassle- free products in the market. I want something I can fix, requires less parts and is simple and easy to use. I don’t want to run around looking for batteries, looking for parts because the product is outdated and searching for a user manual to find out what is wrong. I don’t buy cheap because I want to make 1 purchase and it’s over. 

That said, as much as I like my Dual Flush toilet, I have no idea how to fix it when it runs, it has this part (Flush Valve) that is way too complicated for me. This is not like going to your nearest hardware store and picking up a ball and chain for replacement! The more parts you have, the more items that can break, thus more items to replace! To replace this Flush Valve will not be hassle free. Not only that, I have heard that most plumbers do not like to work on these dual flush toilets. 

I ended up calling a plumber for installation ($106.00) It takes 1-2 hours for this toilet to be installed. The plumber even said this is a tricky dual flush toilet, but you can’t go wrong with a Toto. He actually has the Aquia II, in his guest bathroom. That made me feel better as I was watching him install and looking at all these unfamiliar parts. I used Plotke Plumbing, who were great. Claire who works the phones is knowledgeable and sympathetic! The Plumbers had great senses of humor as well. 

My Review: 

1.) Seat: I bought the seat that come with the toilet ($80). Since I don’t have a magazine rack next to the toilet, I didn’t care how comfortable it was. But, the seat is one of those automatically slow moving closes (no slams), so it has extra grooves in the back hinge, that will not be the easiest to clean or keep clean. I see things like this as dirt/dust collectors. 

I can also foresee the seat lids breaking as people are used to just hitting the lid to slam it down. Both seat lids are the slow moving closes. (more parts, more to break!)  

The inside of the seat is not flat, it’s in a U shape, cleaning again will not be easy. 

2.) Inside Bowl: Is weird shaped and the water level is low, so unless you have perfect aim, make sure you have a scrubber next to the toilet. 

3.) Dual Flush: You have 2 flush buttons, 1 or 2. Your guests who use the toilet will just hit any button. They will not know the difference between 1 or 2. So if you have a lot of guests, you might put up a sign. Flush is fine, but if you want to have a clean toilet, keep the scrubber handy. 

4.) Outside bowl: Very streamlined and will be easy to keep clean. No real problems with that. 

5.) Noise: Can’t really be the judge of that. This is a small condo without any insulation, do you can pretty much hear everything. (I can hear my neighbor snore in the bedroom next to me!) 

Would I buy it again. Yes. Toto is a top rated manufacturer, I have been happy with other Toto’s I have bought.  I might have travelled around more to look at other Dual Flush toilets, but I didn’t. Home Depot does carry Toto, but not that style, Dixieline actually had this Toto on display where you could actually look at it. Lowes and Home Depot has their toilets up so you can’t inspect. I picked up the Toilet at Faucet Factory in Encinitas from a Catalogue, so I didn’t really look at it.

Bathtub Refurbishing- Product Review

After much thought, I decided to re-glaze the bathtub instead of installing a new one and putting in tile. My decision was based upon several things:

1.) No demolition

2.) No hassle of getting rid of the old tub and surround

3.) No hassle of installation of new tub and tile

4.) When you only have 1 bathroom, it should make for less downtime. You can’t use your tub for 1-2 days. 

5.) It was the most eco-friendly thing to do. 

It took me about 2 hours on the Internet to find out which is the best type of glazing. I still don’t know. Went on Kudzo, Angie’s List, DYI, Better Business Bureau,and I can’t even tell you how many other websites to find out about glazing and reviews on companies. A lot of info, but came away more confused. Picked up the phone and called 10 companies to find out why each was better. That was even more confusing! Pricing ranged (oversized tub) from $375- $950.00. Companies have branded their name and or products, but it’s either a polyurethane, epoxy type of glazing or a porcelain type. After a while they seemed they were all the same. Not one person I spoke with could tell me the difference between all the different glazes. 

I ended up using Bath Bright: ($595) and probably wouldn’t use them again. Some of the re-glazing was not their fault, as I had a leak that wouldn’t quit and dripped all over the glazing. But they said they could fix it on their next trip. But the whole job was terrible, other drips, some dirt marks and debris leftover from the sanding were glazed over. I did call them again and asked them to re-do, which they did readily enough. The job is OK, not fantastic, but liveable. 

I haven’t tried to clean it yet, so don’t know how it cleans up. My advice to Bath Bright, is they should have a printed up piece of paper with recommended cleaners to use, as you can’t use a harsh cleaner. 

The Company who was the most responsive ($950.) was Duraglaze. (no website- San Diego, 858.578.6450) He was actually in the area, came over, gave me bid, provided the most information and did a follow phone call. 

Would I do it again? Don’t know- I don’t think I saved a huge amount of money, what I probably saved was the hassle of demo and installation and recycling the debris.

11 Things to Know When Salvaging Cabinets

I bought this dual sink vanity from Craigslist: It included the 2 sinks, the hardware, countertop and the base cabinets. ($200.) At the time, I thought it was an OK deal, not the best, but a 2 decent cast iron sinks and hardware can run up to $200.

I wouldn’t have bought it if I knew then, what I know now. First off, I was in a hurry, because I really thought I would have the cabinet in by the first week of July. It is not even close to being installed yet! The 2nd issue was despite all the measurements, we are remaking the vanity (more cost and time) The next issue- even though the faucets were in good condition, didn’t want them. In the frenzy of finally getting a bathroom there are certain things you forget so decided to write down these words of wisdom:

1.) Make sure there is good lighting for you to do a total inspection of the cabinet in question.

2.) Know in advance where your plumbing in the back will go through. If it’s not the same as the vanity you are salvaging, you will have to put in some work to make it sturdy or to retro-fit.  We cut out some of the back and braced it with some leftover wood.

3.) Check that it has solid wood construction. If it is particle board with that thin layer of covering, you might have problems. The problem with newer cabinets, especially if they are pulled out of a condo or track homes, the construction may be sub par.  The vanity I bought was basically glued together, some of the screws were stripped.

4.) Is the material paintable? The vanity I bought is that standard off the rack type, and it is not even taking the primer well. (Benjamin Moore Eco Spec Primer) I have to paint it because we re-arranged the order and had to cover the screw holes, and some demo damage.

5.) Check the hinges out. Make sure they are concealed or in working order. If not you will be replacing hinges. Look for Euro-Hinges. Fortunately the hinges are OK.

6.) Check the height out. I have to make my taller, which is more materials and time in constructing a base platform.

7.) Drawers: Make sure they are dovetailed. If not, you might have problems with the drawers coming apart later. Check the parts of the sliders are working and in good order.

8.) Transport: I have a Honda Element which holds alot.  Even with blankets and padding, I did some damage in the transportation

9.) Sinks: Double check there are no cracks in the sink. Take a rag and some cleaner and really inspect each inch of the sink to insure no cracks. I looked, and there didn’t appear to be cracks, but now I find some. Don’t know whether I missed or they showed up in the transportation.

10.) Many people show the product when it is still installed. Always buy after the it is taken out. There can be too much damage in the removal.

11.) Know that you will have to clean it up. Some people may get a little squeamish about other people’s ‘cooties’. Especially when you are dealing with things like drains.  It was pretty yukky!

Bottom line the $200.00 Vanity which was a decent deal, is turning into a $300.00 vanity with time and materials and that is not counting the countertop, of which I have yet to order!

Resources:

Understanding Hinges

Choosing Quality Cabinets

Credible Cabinets

How to get the most Kitchen and Bath Cabinets for Your Money

Benjamin Moore- Eco Paint Review

Paint Review.

I went to Bayside Paints, which has the largest selection of Eco Paints in San Diego. The paint company with the widest color selection is Benjamin Moore. I just needed Primer (low VOC) , so bought 1 gallon of Eco Spec Primer. ($23.99) I probably would have bought more paint, if they were a little more customer service oriented. I will give them the benefit of the doubt, it was early Sat. am, and they were busy.

Bayside Paints carries, Yolo Color House ( Color Sample’s for Sale) , Green Devine, Green Planet Paints, Sydney Harbor, Old Milk Paints, Coronado, American Clay and of course Benjamin Moore. Know before you go, there is not a ton of color samples available. The best thing to do is go on bright sunny day to get accurate lighting, take color samples with you to match.

The Eco Spec Primer is much thinner than Kilz or Behr (Home Depot).  It went on very smoothly and dried in a timely manner. They recommend 2 coats, of which I didn’t do.  Just did the one coat and painted over it, which went on easily. Will let you know how it goes after we get the lights in! It was hard to see with a jury-rigged light set up.

Reuse- Cardboard – Make Money

Being a fan of FREE STUFF, thought I would investigate another material that is free for the taking. Cardboard. Every store has cardboard, plus, on craigslist there are about 10 listing a day for moving boxes.  So how can you make money with this free material? With a little time/transportation, and creativity you too can utilize these free materials to make money.

I Just Gotta Tell Ya

• Paper and cardboard account for 41% of all municipal solid waste.
• Recycling 1 Ton of Cardboard saves 682 Gallons of oil
• Recycling 1 Ton of Cardboard saves 7,000 Gallons of water
• Recycling 1 Ton of Cardboard saves 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space
• Recycling 1 Ton of Cardboard save about 17 trees
• Recycled cardboard requires 645 less energy than make cardboard from virgin wood pulp

Before I started writing this, I didn’t realize how many companies and people make furniture from Cardboard, All starting with Frank Gehry Cardboard Collection .

Art: Cardboard Art

Cutout Cardboard Art

Cardboard City

Cardboard House

Bicycle: by Chris Gilmore

BookShelf

Bloxes: Building Blocks of interlocking pieces

Cardboard Chair Comany:

Cardboard Design Company:

Cartonnistes DIY Cardboard Furniture

Fed Ex Furniture

Eric Guiomar

Returdesigns:

Coffee Tables by Leo Kempf

Giles Miller

Lamp

Purses/Laptop Cases

\

Eco Cradle

Art: Chris Gilman replica of Aston Martin

Costumes

Hats

Childrens Toys

Make A Wind Turbine

Making Money by Recycling

Recycleinme:

Money by Reselling Moving Boxes

Used Cardboard Boxes

Box Quest:

Rim Junkyard

Evergreen Paper Recycling: FT Worth, TX

Yahoo Answers

Cardboard Art

cardboardsafari.com

Patterns

FoldSchool

Folding Chair

More Ideas:

Crazy Cardboard, with chairs, dollhouses, furniture and more

How to Design Your Own Furniture

How to Make Cardboard Furniture:

Make Your own Cardboard Furniture For Kids

How to Make A Purse

How to Make a Cigar Box Purse

How to Make a Duct Tape/Cardboard Purse

Transportation: Electric Cars

Lumeneo Smera: Production in 2009 

This is like a motorcycle on 4 wheels. Looks kinda cool, but can you see driving this on the Freeway with all those SUV’s looming up behind you and passing you @ 80 MPH?

Costa Rica Eco-Tourism

Reclaimed Wood- Salvage- FSC Timber- Florida

I have had alot of hits on salvage and reclaimed wood, so decided to combine the two, as many places carry both. Please call first, as it appears many addresses are changed and to confirm offerings.

General Resources

• Shingle Recycling Org. ( Good information for builders )

Apopka

• Habitat: Apopka

Alchua

• TRS Cabinets: 386.462.3176, Alchua – Uses FSC Certified wood for cabinetmaking

Atlantic Beach

• Habitat: Atlantic Beach: Donations only

Belleview

• Surplus Shop Inc. 10121 SE Highway 441 Belleview   352-245-4640

Big Bend

• Habitat: Big Bend

Brooksville

• Habitat: Brooksville

Burnell

• Habitat:Burnell

Broward

• Habitat: Broward

Clearwater

• Bay City Bargain Plywood 12575 US Highway 19 N Clearwater, 33764
• Layman’s Used Merchandise 12190 U.S. Highway 19 N Clearwater 727-531-3801
• A Rainbow Lumber 450 Canaveral Groves Boulevard Cocoa 321-638-3800

Reclaimed Wood and Salvage Yard- Washington DC

Reclaimed Wood, Used Building Materials, Salvage Yard in Washington DC 

• TerriMai: USA 
• RH Studio -Phone: 202-333.5569
• Institute for Local Self-Reliance Phone: 202-898-1610
• The Brass Knob  202-265-0587

Reuse: Mattresses

Once again, I review all this free stuff available, and again I think if you are creative and a DYI person, you can make great gifts, clothing, purses and home decor to resell and make some money! All it takes is time/gas and of course space to stock the mattresses.

I just gotta Tell Ya:

• Landfills can take up to 300 mattresses a day
• Minnesotans purchase over 600,000 mattresses a day
• 12 Free Mattresses listed on Craigslist Today

What You Can do with old Mattress:

• Donate
• Sell
• Give away
• Re-Purpose

Materials Available from Old Mattresses:

1.) Thread: can make braids, reuse in sewing

2.) Buttons and Tabs:

3.) Fabric: Cushion Covers, pillowcases, furniture coverings , sacks for storing, grocery bags, rags, purses

4.) Padding: Dog Bed

5.) Foam: use for stuffing, shipping / cotton, compost it. use for insulation

6.) Springs: Color and make art, use in garden, hedges, sell for scrap metal

7.)  Spring Tennis Shoes

Christmas Ornaments:

Christmas Ornaments

9.) Wine Rack:

10.) Home Decor:

11.) Candle Stands

12.) Use in basement/playroom  for kids to play on

13.) Mattress Surfing: This looks like it’s really fun!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9Za3ENl28E]

14.) Make a Book Shelf from the Bed Slats.

15.) Make Furniture -Furniture: by Frank Willems

Where to Recycle:

Bed Busters: Will Recycle (San Francisco)

Conigliaro (MA)

Mattress Recycling General Information