Recently, I tested trading-in some of my old books, electronics, DVDs and CDs that were gathering dust on my shelves. I was able to free up some shelf space, and in addition I received some cash and credit (about $400 total). All of these trades went smoothly, the most laborious part was packaging all the items in a box, and shipping them out. Here are the trade-in services I used:

• Amazon Trade-In Store
• Abundatrade
• Crutchfield Electronics Trade-In

Amazon Trade-In Program

With the Amazon Trade-In Store, you can trade in books, DVDs, electronics and video games for an Amazon gift card (i.e. store credit). I received a total of $378.16 in credit for trading in a total of 90 items (75 books, 13 DVDs and 2 videos games). My books ranged in value from $0.25 up to $21 for a book about residential lighting. I received average of $3 per item for my old DVDs and video games.

Amazon pays the costs of shipping your traded items, and also covers the costs of shipping back items that were not accepted. In my case, only one of my books was rejected (due to a damaged cover), and it was sent back to me.

Overall, the Amazon Trade-In Store was quite convenient, but they didn’t accept some of my older books and electronics, and they don’t support CDs, so I started searching for other options…

Abundatrade

I found Abundatrade — this store accepted my CDs for a cash trade, and they also accepted many of the books that Amazon rejected. There are similar services out there (like Spun and SecondSpin) but they didn’t accept as many of my CDs and their valuations were not as good.

At Abundatrade, I traded in 64 CDs for total of $66.91. They didn’t reject any of my CDs, but their trade-in process isn’t as streamlined as Amazon’s, and I had to pay for shipping, which was about $8, so the grand total was $58.91 (or about $1 per CD). I opted to be paid via Paypal, if I had opted for Abundatrade store credit, I would have received a 25% bonus.

Update: Abundatrade just accepted 49 books which were not recognized or valued by the Amazon system for $88.

Crutchfield Electronics Trade-In

Finally, I went to Crutchfield Trade-In to recycle an old notebook computer and a Sony e-reader that were collecting dust in my basement. The notebook was valued at $47.43 and the e-reader was valued at $18.12. It’s been about two weeks, and I’ve yet to receive the store credit at Crutchfield — hopefully it will be processed soon.

Update 10/28/11: My electronics were accepted and I received $58.44 in store credit.

Link: Crutchfield Trade-In

Heritage Belt by Tanner Goods

“Buy It For Life” means acquiring and using products that are built to last a lifetime. Amidst the thousands of disposable goods and cheaply-constructed gadgets that provide continual fuel for consumerism, there remain some products that promise enduring excellence. The movement to embrace high-quality, long-lasting goods promotes less consumption, less waste, and (often) less money spent in the long run.

Buy It For Life products don’t have to be purchased brand new; in fact, many are purchased secondhand or inherited. During times when the Buy It For Life concept was culturally pervasive, products were crafted with greater care and more durable materials. Though the initial investment may have been higher, products like these were meant to outlast their purchasers. Some were discarded even though they had plenty of life left, but many survived and remain useful today.

Buy It For Life: Cast Iron Pan

Cast iron cookware from the mid-20^th century is one example of the Buy It For Life philosophy. Cast iron has been used in cooking for hundreds of years; its practicality and endurance have been proven. Even when cooking shifted from the open flame to the stovetop, cast iron remained useful in new forms such as the flat-bottomed skillet. Cast iron skillets produced by companies such as Wagner and Griswold during the 1950s are still in use today. An eBay search for vintage cast iron cookware reveals a thriving market for these old pots and pans. The reliability and quality of Buy It For Life items never becomes obsolete.

Brand new products from young companies rarely qualify as Buy It For Life because they aren’t time-tested. Buy It For Life relies upon history and reputation. Lifetime warranties help but are not necessary. Price is not the most important criterion, though overall value matters because Buy It For Life products are meant for practical use; they are not museum pieces.

We will be featuring Buy It For Life products on our review site Reactual.

NASA’s space expertise means it’s virtually unmatched when it comes to creating efficient and sustainable environments for humans to live and work, and the innovative new office facility at their Ames Research Center near San Francisco is a showcase of intelligent and environmentally friendly design.  Designed by William McDonough + Partners, the Sustainability Base draws on the latest in green architecture and (literally) space-age technology.

According to NASA, Associate Center Director Steve Zornetzer was “inspired by architect and sustainability pioneer Bill McDonough… to take the closed-loop thinking that NASA uses in space exploration and apply it to a green building on Earth.”

The 50,000 square foot facility utilizes an “exoskeleton” design that takes full advantage of its natural surroundings and local wind patterns, optimizing its use of daylight and natural ventilation.  It also creates a user-friendly open floorplan for the 220 employees who will work there, and offers excellent stability and earthquake protection.

Energy efficiency is a top priority at Sustainability Base, and the facility is expected to produce all its own power as well as surplus electricity which can be channelled into the local power grid.  Energy production will come from photovoltaic solar panels supplemented by a wind turbine, as well as a natural gas fuel cell that NASA hopes will eventually utilize methane captured from landfill waste.

A few highlights of the Sustainability Base include:

- Use of locally sourced materials like steel to reduce pollution from transportation

- Extensive recycling of waste materials (92% of construction waste was kept out of landfills)

- LEED Platinum certification (pending)

- “Graywater” irrigation system that uses reclaimed waste water

- “Bioswale” landscape features and plantings that filter rainwater runoff before it enters storm drains

- Geothermal ambient cooling system

- Computerized shades that maximize daylight while controlling solar heat gain

- Extensive use of recycled building materials and reclaimed wood flooring

It’s also worth noting that, although construction costs on the $20 million structure were slightly higher thanks to all the added technology, NASA should recover the difference within 10 years – at which point the facility will be a major cost-saver as well as energy-saver.

Construction on the facility is expected to be complete later this year.

(via NASA, LA Times)

Greenstar Recycling

Greenstar Recycling, one of the largest recycling firms in the U.S., has become a leader in implementing successful residential recycling programs and increasing recycling rates by 300% in cities such as Dallas and San Antonio. By using single stream recycling- meaning residents don’t need to sort their own recyclables- Greenstar has made recycling convenient for local residents and businesses. CEO, Matt Delnick recently spoke at the United Nations headquarters in New York for the UNECE Public-Private Roundtables on Green Economy 2011 where he discussed Greenstar’s role in helping the city of San Antonio “create a pathway to zero waste”.  Sixty percent of San Antonio residents now recycle, while the average national recycling rate is at a disappointing 30%.

With a network of 14 processing facilities and 10,000 managed service locations, Greenstar handles 2 million tons of recyclables per year. Check out this video of Greenstar’s single stream recycling technology in action at their Des Moines, Iowa facility:

Click here to view the embedded video.

San Antonio is now being used as a model and case study for other worldwide cities to implement successful recycling programs in order to decrease landfills, reduce emissions, create jobs, and use waste as a resource. Delnick believes that sustainable recycling should be at the forefront of discussions on green infrastructure and investment in such programs offer a high rate of return for local communities in terms of jobs as well as social structure and technological innovation. Delnick says,

Cities like San Antonio play a strategically important role in the fight against climate change because they account for more than 70 percent of global CO2 emissions.

Greenstar, working together with city officials and private businesses, has succeeded in removing 600,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, which is equal to eliminating 130,000 cars from San Antonio roads every year.

Houston Dynamo Stadium

Greenstar Recycling recently became the official jersey sponsor for the Houston Dynamo soccer team as well as the first founding partner in the new Houston Dynamo stadium set to open in 2012. Greenstar will play a major role in the preparations of the new stadium to become one of the most environmentally friendly and sustainable venues in the country. Greenstar will handle all the recycling and waste management services once the stadium is open so fans can see single stream recycling at work. Read more about this partnership here.

For more about Greenstar Recycling visit their website.

Swap and Share Sites

Remember the 20th century when we were in a consumption frenzy? Terms like swap and share weren’t even on our radar. The economic downturn combined with our fundamental need to connect with others has started a swap and share movement that has been defined as Collaborative Consumption. Businesses are now using the efficiency of the internet and mobile technology to connect people with goods and services through peer-to-peer swap and share sites. The success of share sites such as eBay and etsy proves that, yes, people can be trustworthy and those that aren’t are exposed. If you’re a member of Netflix then you share movies with people across North America and you can even share movie ratings with friends. After seeing the progress of bike share programs in Europe, major cities in the United States are now developing their own bike share programs. Washington D.C. recently launched Capital Bike Share. In a way we are on the verge of returning to the simplistic ideals of community that prevailed in our history. Our colonial ancestors built a community by pooling resources. Now we can do it on a much larger scale.

Click here to view the embedded video.

This video was made by Rachel Botsman and Roo Rogers, authors of the book What’s Mine is Yours: The Rise of Collaborative Consumption,  in which they explore how companies and organizations are redefining the ways in which goods and services are exchanged, giving consumers more options and more power over how they spend their money. They explain how the movement to swap and share is reaching every facet of consumerism from travel to finance to agriculture. You can read more about collaborative consumption on their website.

Another groundbreaking book on this topic is titled The Mesh: Why the Future of Business is Sharing in which author Lisa Gansky explains how Mesh companies use mobile web and social media to provide people with the goods and services they need at the moment they need them. By encouraging people to build relationships through the sharing of resources, businesses and communities alike can grow in new and more efficient ways. Visit Gansky’s website here, which includes and extensive directory of Mesh companies.

If you’re ready to save some money, get rid of some stuff, and take control of your spending and consuming habits, then get in on the swap and share action. These sites are growing at an exponential rate with many to choose from. Here are 7 swap and share sites that we think are swaptastic.

Groupon

Groupon

If you haven’t yet got your Groupon, you need to. With Groupon you share group discounts with others. Groupon calls it collective buying power. Groupon offers incredible discounts, typically 50-90% off, on all kinds of goods and services including local restaurants and attractions. There are new deals available everyday for businesses in the city in which you live. You can check the site every day or have the daily deals e-mailed to you. When you see a Groupon you want to use you click on it. There needs to be a minimum number of people interested for the deal to activate. But hurry because there is a time limit- usually 2-3 days. Businesses love it because it guarantees a certain amount of customers. People love it because they get incredible savings. You can print your Groupon or have it show up on your mobile device if you’re out and about. You can share Groupon on Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks to spread the word about the great savings.

Get your Groupon here.

Freecycle

Freecycle

The idea behind Freecycle can be summed up in their mission statement: “Our mission is to build a worldwide gifting movement that reduces waste, saves precious resources & eases the burden on our landfills while enabling our members to benefit from the strength of a larger community.” The beauty of Freecycle is in its’ simplicity. Started by Deron Beal in 2003 as a grassroots operation to provide recycling to local business in Tucson, Freecycle now has thousands of groups all over the world. You just join your local chapter which is moderated by a local volunteer through a Yahoo group. If you have something you need taken off your hands, you post it. See something you need? Contact the person who listed it. No money is exchanged. And no swaps. To keep the crazies away, Freecycle has a 2 strikes and you’re out policy. Though there are no strings attached to taking something, the concept is to share and share alike, so don’t use Freecycle to constantly take and never give. Besides, how much easier can it get to rid yourself of that old couch or giant screen TV than to just have somebody come pick it up?

Find your local Freecycle here.

BookMooch

BookMooch

Browsing a used book store used to be a favorite Saturday afternoon pastime. Part of the charm was imagining who owned the books before you. With online book swaps you can have that charm again and even communicate with the person who owned the book before you. BookMooch is a free book swap site based upon a points system. You gain points by adding books you no longer want to your inventory. You gain more points when you ship the book to a fellow moocher. You can then use your points to get books you want. What’s great about the system is that you don’t have to be matched up with someone to make a swap. BookMooch also supports charities such as libraries and childrens’ organizations. You can help out your favorite charity on BookMooch by contributing your points so they can get books. The only cost is you pay for the shipping of the books you send out. This is typically inexpensive if you ship by USPS media mail. You can also use recycled brown paper grocery bags to wrap your books. The BookMooch site has tips for shipping that save money and materials.

Mooch some books here.

Swap.com

Swap.com

On Swap you can swap books, music, movies, and video games. By listing the items you have along with the items you want, Swap.com then hooks you up with the right people. Many times the swap you’re involved with is a 3-way swap. There is a small fee involved based upon 2 swap fee levels: low value and high value. High value items cost one dollar and include video games for the most recent platforms such as Wii and PS3 and multi-disc movie and music sets. Everything else is a low value item and costs 50 cents. You also pay for shipping. A rating and feedback system helps keep people honest. Swap offers what they call Safe Swap. If after 27 days you still don’t have your item and your swap partner can’t provide proof of shipment, Swap will purchase the item for you and charge your swap partner’s account. The site also offers an online community where you can meet other Swap members, attend swap events, or organize your own swap meet.

Read more about Swap.com here.

thredUP

thredUP

Would you like to get a box of clothes for your kids for 5 bucks? A clothes swap site, thredUP has been designed to accommodate the hectic lives of parents all while saving money at the same time. The cost is 5 dollars plus shipping to receive a box of clothes. In order to receive a box, you must prepare a box. Put together a box of your child’s outgrown, gently used clothing based on size and gender, then list the contents on the site. The recipient pays the shipping. You can even have the post office drop off the box for you, print out the mailing label on the site, then have the post office pick it up for you. You don’t even have to take pictures, which is a plus when you’re giving something away- like thredUP says, it’s really time consuming for busy parents. However, this can be a downside if you’re the recipient of the swap. But thredUP’s golden rule is to only give what you yourself would be willing to receive- no stains, tears, or holes. And if you receive damaged items, you can report it and a staff member will contact you. Once you receive the box you review your swap partner online using stars based on the quality of the items. For an extra 5 bucks a month you can become a Pro member which will give you added perks such as first dibs on boxes and chances to win brand new clothes from sponsored retail stores. thredUP also swaps toys, costumes, and sports and formal wear.

You can thredUP here.

Zipcar

Zipcar

Zipcar is heralded as the car for people who don’t want one. A car share site, Zipcar is currently located in over 50 cities across North America and the UK and can be found at over 100 colleges and universities. Zipcar is a great solution for college students, businesses who want to save money on rental costs, or others who only need a car once in a while. After you fill out the online application and are approved, you’ll receive your Zipcard and can reserve your car for a couple hours or an entire day. With over 30 models to choose from, you can pick the car you want depending on the availability in your city.  Use the Zipcard to unlock your car and return it to the same spot when you’re done. The membership fee varies depending on your city and the type of plan you choose. Gas is included in the membership- though you do need to fill it up when it gets down to a 1/4 tank.

Learn more about Zipcar here.

CabCorner

CabCorner

CabCorner has really- ahem- cornered the market on cab sharing. Using the mobile web, CabCorner connects commuters going in the same direction to share a cab ride in order to share the cost, ease congestion, and reduce the carbon footprint. Currently operating in major cities across the globe, CabCorner uses sponsored retailers and transportation hubs as “Hot Spots” or meet-up sites, such as Starbucks or department stores. These retailers then offer discounts to CabCorner users. This also provides safety as you are never picked up or dropped off at your home or destination- usually a block or two away. You enter in your pick-up and destination addresses and time you need the ride to create or find an existing route. Each portion of the fare is estimated ahead of time to minimize disagreements. You can cancel your ride at any time without penalty if something doesn’t seem right. CabCorner has other important safety tips on its’ web site. People share train and bus rides everyday. This is just another way to share public transportation. And you may even spark a friendship.

Share a cab ride here.

Honorable Mentions

Swapstyle- A free clothing swap site for fashionistas, Swapstyle has been going strong for 7 years.

Couchsurfing- Members share hospitality, connecting travelers with locals in 230 countries.

Kickstarter- Connects artists of various mediums who need funding for their projects with donors who wish to support them.

NeighborGoods- Share your stuff- lend and borrow items with people in your area, such as tools, electronics, lawn supplies, and sporting equipment.

SmartyPig- A free online savings program to save for a specific goal, SmartyPig partners with retailers to give you cash rewards and a competitive interest rate.

Green Christmas Tree

Is there such a thing as a green Christmas tree? Can you still be kind to the earth while chopping down a piece of it to bring into your home? The question of the artificial vs. the live Christmas tree has sparked more heated online debate than Freddy vs. Jason. Lately the green pendulum has swung to the side of the traditionalists. Perhaps the most green choice is no Christmas tree at all, but this is also the least fun choice, especially if you have kids. So how do you stand by your green values without being called a Scrooge?  Read on for tips on making eco-conscious choices no matter what side of the tree debate you fall on.

Live Christmas Trees

Organic Christmas Tree Farms

If you can’t imagine a Christmas without a live tree in your family room, you can still do it in a green way. As long as Christmas tree farms are practicing organic procedures, then cutting down a tree from a sustainable farm is actually earth-friendly. Trees are continually replenished and provide a habitat for animals. Besides, wouldn’t you rather see a successful green Christmas tree farm on the side of the road than the same land be developed into an unsightly shopping center? For a list of organic Christmas tree farms click here or check with your local nursery or garden center. If you get a pre-cut Christmas tree from a hardware store, chances are it’s been farmed using pesticides and shipped on a truck- not a very green option.

What do you do with the Christmas tree when the holiday is over? Most towns now have a recycling program for Christmas trees and will pick it up for free. Recycled trees are turned into mulch or used on waterfronts for shoreline stabilization. For a list of recycling centers in your town, visit Earth911. Or you can submerge the tree yourself into a lake or pond which will provide a fish habitat. And since you bought an organic tree, there’s no need to worry about chemicals being released into the atmosphere. Or secure it in your own back yard and hang bird feeders from it. When spring comes it will be brittle enough that you can turn it into mulch yourself for use in your landscaping.

Living Christmas Tree

An even more green option that is gaining in popularity is purchasing a potted, living Christmas tree with the roots still attached which can then be planted after the holidays. Again, you can check with your local nursery for information on where to find a potted tree near you. If you don’t want to plant the tree in your own yard, you can donate it to your town, school or church. Or you could sell it to a local landscaper. There are specific care instructions for having a potted Christmas tree, such as they can only be indoors for a small period of time. Most experts say 7-10 days so if you like to have your tree longer than that you’ll need to keep it on the porch, which can be just as festive. The Original Living Christmas Tree Company provides potted trees to residents of Portland, Oregon. They have some great tips on doing it yourself which you can check out here.

Green Christmas Tree Alternatives

There are many do-it-yourself ideas for Christmas tree alternatives. Everything from recycled green bottle Christmas trees to stringing lights around a wooden step ladder. These are perfect options for the apartment dweller or if you’re going out of town for the holidays. A favorite D-I-Y green alternative is to grab a few twigs or a small fallen branch from the woods, stick it in a pot, hang a red glass bulb from it and you have the ultimate Charlie Brown Christmas tree. You can also decorate a tree in your yard as your designated Christmas tree. Here are some other green options for your holiday decorating.

Possibilitree

Possibilitree

Possibilitree was started by an architect who had tired of the hassle of a cut Christmas tree. So he designed an attractive green alternative. Each tree is handmade in the United States by skilled woodworkers. A family-run business, Possibilitree strives to create their trees from naturally fallen trees whenever possible. They can be used year after year, are lightweight, portable and easy to store and assemble. They have an architectural modern look to them. Of course you wouldn’t want to put any lighted candles near them, but you can light them with LED spotlights or LED ornaments. You can get the 3 foot tabletop version for $195.00 or the 6 foot suspended tree that hovers 18 inches above the floor so you can still put presents “under” the tree for $350.00.

Take a look at the Possibilitree here.

Driftwood Tree

Driftwood Tree

These driftwood trees by Fawbush & Schulz are made from shoreline driftwood and add a natural earthy atmosphere to your holiday table. They come in 2 sizes: 24″ high or 31″ high. At $179.00 and $405.00 respectively, they are more pricey than your other green options. However, they could be used year round and decorated for every holiday. These are nice if you’re looking for more of a “winter” tree than a Christmas tree.

You can get a driftwood tree at Fawbush & Schulz.

Rosemary Christmas Topiary

Rosemary Christmas Topiary

For a more economical green Christmas tree, try a Rosemary bush. This topiary has been trimmed to a Christmas tree shape. Just add some ribbon, ornaments, and a few LED mini lights. Toss a festive blanket around the bottom and you’ll have your very own Charlie Brown Christmas tree. Rosemary adds a nice scent to the home and you can even snip off a few ends now and then for cooking.

You can order this Rosemary Christmas Topiary from Amazon for $27.50.

Norfolk Island Pine – The Indoor Christmas Tree

Norfolk Island Pine - The Indoor Christmas Tree

The Norfolk Island Pine is another houseplant that would make an economical green Christmas tree. These trees grow to a height of 80 feet in their natural habitat, but will keep at a controlled size when indoors. Again, wrap some LED mini lights around it and you’ll have an exotic Christmas tree.

You can get one in a 4″ pot or a 6″ pot on Amazon.

Artificial Christmas Trees

Artificial Christmas trees have recently undergone bad press: most are imported from China and are made of PVC that may or may not contain lead.  The best option for an artificial tree is to get one made in the United States. The benefits of artificial trees are that they are reusable and therefore more economical in the long run. They carry less of a fire hazard than live trees, but remember, they’re flame retardant, not fire-proof.  Mountain King has been manufacturing artificial Christmas trees in the U.S. for over 75 years. Their trees are made of 100% recycled lead-free PVC. We like the recycled, lead-free part, but the downside is the use of PVC which is a non-renewable plastic. As long as artificial trees are made with these non-biodegradable plastics, they won’t be the best choice for a green tree. Only get an artificial tree if you’re confident you want to keep one for a lifetime, perhaps even pass it down to your kids. The Mountain King brand is a high quality choice and you can purchase one here.

Feather Tree

The first artificial Christmas tree was made by the Germans in the 1800s. Due to widespread deforestation in Germany, the German people were forced to come up with an alternative to live Christmas trees. Since feathers from various birds were readily available, they made tabletop Christmas trees from them. This feather tree is a 27″ lightweight tabletop model, handmade and flame retardant. It has been featured on HGTV and the Today Show. Another good source for traditional style German green feather trees is Christmas Traditions. Or if you’re feeling crafty, you can make your own here.

The 27″ Tabletop Feather Christmas tree sells for $53.99 on Amazon.

Aluminum Christmas Tree

Aluminum Christmas Tree

Hey Daddy-O, how about a 50s Christmas? Aluminum Christmas trees were popular from the late 1950s through the 60s until the 1970 Charlie Brown Christmas special knocked them off their pedestal, but Lucy may have been thinking green after all. Aluminum trees are recyclable. This retro aluminum Christmas tree from Yuletide Expressions is made in the United States of 100% safe and renewable materials, including the stand and base. They come in classic or slimline styles ranging in price from $225.00 to $830.00 with a size range from 4 feet to 9 feet tall.

Visit Yuletide Expressions here.

Efficient, Green Carry-On Luggage: Patagonia Wheelie

Whether your next trip takes you to another continent or just the town next door, you’ll want the right carry-on bag for the job. We’ve picked four of the best choices that combine functionality with eco-friendly construction. And remember, materials and manufacturing are only half of what makes a travel bag environmentally friendly. A durable and versatile design is “green”, since it means luggage will last and won’t need to be replaced anytime soon.

Patagonia MLC Wheelie Carry-On Bag

Patagonia MLC Wheelie Carry-On Bag

Patagonia’s MLC (Maximum Legal Carry-On) wheeled bag combines a whole host of nifty features into a sleek package. The 1,200-denier shell fabric is made from 100% recycled polyester (plastic bottles, scrap fabric, and even worn-out clothing), and features a water-resistant coating to help keep your stuff safe. Inside, three zippered pockets organize your belongings, and a separate pocket holds a laptop (up to 17″ size). Exterior pockets include a fleece-lined sunglass slot, and hidden backpack straps add even more versatility to this bag.

Patagonia MLC Wheelie stats:
Dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″
Volume: 30L
Weight: 5 lbs 14 oz

The Patagonia MLC Wheelie is available for $229 from Amazon.

Mountainsmith ReDura Approach 35 Carry-On/Backpack

Mountainsmith ReDura Approach 35 Carry-On/Backpack

Since 2007, Mountainsmith has been steadily increasing the use of recycled materials in their products, and a third of their line now uses ReDura recycled fabric. The super-versatile, expedition-ready Approach 35 is constructed of 450d recycled PET cloth(that’s roughly 18 plastic bottles that can be carrying your stuff instead of sitting in a landfill). The Approach 35 is compact enough to be FAA-approved for airline carry-on use, while its expandable size, suspension frame, and top-panel access let the bag do double duty as a legitimate trail backpack.

Mountainsmith Approach 35 stats:
Dimensions 23.25” x 9.5” x 11.75” 59 x 24 x 30 cm
Volume: 2135 cu in (38 L)
Extended Volume: 2868 cu in (47 L)
Weight: 3 lbs 4 oz

You can find the Mountainsmith Approach 35 at Amazon for $93.99.

Sherpani Meridian Ultralight Wheeled Carry-On Bag

Sherpani Meridian Ultralight Wheeled Carry-On Bag

Sherpani is another company committed to using recycled source materials, and the Meridian Ultralight bag is constructed of 67% recycled PET fabric (colored with non-toxic dyes) and 30% recycled aluminum hardware. The stylish duffel-style bag is sleek enough to carry on a plane, but skate-style wheels and the retractable handle make heavy loads easy to handle. Reinforced construction and a skid plate on the bottom add durability, and the internal mesh divider helps keep contents organized.

Sherpani Meridian Ultralight stats:
Dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″
Volume: 3650 cu in
Weight: 7 lbs 2 oz

The Sherpani Meridian Ultralight Wheeled Carry-On is available for $199.95 at Amazon.

Traveler’s Choice Eco-Traveler Hemp Carry-On Luggage Set

Traveler's Choice Eco-Traveler Hemp Carry-On Luggage Set

This two-piece carry-on luggage set is constructed of 100% hemp canvas, which is an extremely durable and earth-friendly fiber. The foam padding and interior lining are PVC free, and recessed wheels and corner protectors add durability to the main bag. The large main compartment is expandable for oversize loads, and the side handles are cushioned for comfort. Two front pockets, a shoe pocket, and a zipper mesh lid keep things organized within. Finally, the smaller 10″ tote bag is perfect for use around town or keeping essential items handy while traveling.

Traveler’s Choice Eco-Traveler stats:
Dimensions: 8″ x 21″ x 14″
Weight: 9 pounds

Traveler’s Choice Eco-Traveler Hemp Luggage Set, $99 at Amazon.

Efficient Wall Design – Quality Of Life & Energy Savings

A wall is one of the most deceptively complex elements of a home. A smart wall system utilizing efficiently designed and produced components will not only reduce energy consumption, it will make living in a home more pleasant. And it will be durable enough to help avoid the hassle of frequent or costly repairs. Read on to learn about some of the most innovative products available to put together a truly MetaEfficient wall.

Dietrich UltraSteel Metal Framing Studs

Dietrich UltraSteel Metal Framing Studs

Wood framing is a good option for some structures, and many builders still prefer to work with traditional wood studs for wall framing. But metal framing like UltraSteel studs from Dietrich can offer a number of substantial advantages for homeowners.

Why It Was Chosen:
Steel offers a great strength-to-weight ratio, and installation is simple for an experienced contractor. Steel won’t rot, won’t burn, and it is entirely termite-proof – without the use of chemical treatments that can affect air quality in wood-framed structures. Steel studs also won’t warp, and thermal expansion/contraction are minimal.

Besides these advantages, Dietrich’s UltraSteel uses a unique dimpled cross-section that increases strength, improves screw holding, and provides better acoustic insulation and fire-resistance.

Any steel framing studs are entirely recyclable, and Dietrich utilizes a high percentage of recycled material in their manufacturing. Steel studs obviously don’t require logging of forests, and many builders appreciate the relatively stable cost of steel material (as opposed to wood prices that can fluctuate greatly). UltraSteel studs can help earn LEED points in several categories, including use of recycled materials, use of regional materials, and minimizing construction waste.

Perhaps the single biggest disadvantage of steel for framing is thermal bridging – metal’s tendency to transmit heat or cold through the wall structure. Which brings us to the importance of proper insulation…

GreenFiber Cocoon Cellulose Insulation

GreenFiber Cocoon Cellulose Insulation

One of the most important parts of a wall (especially an exterior wall) is one that few homeowners ever see: insulation. Of the countless products available, one of the best options is GreenFiber Cocoon cellulose insulation.

Why It Was Chosen:
GreenFiber Cocoon is a blown insulation, making installation quicker and easier than rolled mats. Its density means that an 8” layer provides an R-value comparable to 12” of loose fill insulation, and Cocoon adheres to any wood, gypsum, metal, or concrete material.

Even more important than convenience is the fact that the blown application eliminates air gaps, boosting performance up to 26% over other products with the “same” R-value. GreenFiber Cocoon can also help improve soundproofing and fire-resistance in a structure.

Its production is efficient too: the cellulose is derived from 85% recycled paper products, and manufacturing plants nationwide cut transportation requirements, and therefore the overall embodied energy of the product.

Homeowners will obviously save cash over time by cutting energy costs, but they’ll get some immediate payback too: the product qualifies for a 30% federal tax credit, up to $1,500.

Learn more or find a supplier at the GreenFiber website.

Temple-Inland GreenGlass Interior Wallboard

Temple-Inland GreenGlass Interior Wallboard

Sheetrock, wallboard… it’s all the same, right? Wrong. It’s not just a surface to paint on, it’s actually a crucial element of home construction. Choosing the right one can save serious hassles down the road, especially in areas where moisture and mold can ruin air quality and produce costly damage. One of the best products to help prevent a health and maintenance nightmare in these applications is GreenGlass from Temple-Inland.

Why It Was Chosen:
GreenGlass is a fiberglass-faced gypsum board that provides maximum resistance to moisture and mold, unlike traditional paper-faced wallboards. It received a maximum-possible score of 10 on the ASTM standard mold-resistance test.

GreenGlass is also produced with an SCS-certified minimum of 90% recycled material. It can earn LEED credits for recycled content, as well as for the use of local/regional materials in much of the US. It’s available in 1/2” and 5/8” thicknesses, and comes in a variety of dimensions to streamline the installation process.

Learn more at the Temple-Inland website.

Lamson Resi-Gard Flexible Conduit

Lamson Resi-Gard Flexible Conduit

In addition to electrical wiring, many homeowners are starting to run home electronics cabling inside walls. This has both aesthetic and functional advantages – it looks tidier than wires running across ceilings or under rugs, and it protects connections from wear and tear. But since technology evolves so quickly, a “raceway” or conduit may be a much better option than permanently running your wiring through wall framing. To avoid tearing apart your walls next time you upgrade your system, consider a product like Lamson’s Resi-Gard flexible conduit tubing.

Why It Was Chosen:
Its flexible design makes installation much simpler than rigid conduit, which must be cut and joined to fit the angles of a particular space. The flexible material also helps reduce the sharp edges that can damage wiring in rigid conduit designs.

The orange color is intended to clearly mark the tubing as containing low-voltage wiring. The generous 2” diameter fits bulky connections like component video cables in a home theater setup. Plus, it gives you more flexibility down the road for tomorrow’s technology than narrower-gauge conduit products.

Lamson also manufactures a variety of couplers, quick-connect joints, and brackets to customize the raceway. Resi-Gard Flexible Raceway Conduit is available at Amazon (50-foot roll, $84.99).

AFM Safecoat Low VOC Primer & Zero VOC Paint

AFM Safecoat Low VOC Primer & Zero VOC Paint

Choosing the right primer and paint for a pristine new wall is the icing on the cake. Instead of creating a smelly and potentially hazardous chemical potpourri of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), consider low- or zero-VOC primer and paint like Safecoat from AFM.

Why It Was Chosen:
AFM’s primers and paints are SCS Gold-certified for indoor air quality. They are produced without the use of toxic ingredients like formaldehyde, and they are also designed to effectively seal surfaces like wood or concrete to prevent “off-gassing” of materials into the air.

AFM’s Primecoat HPV is a fast-curing primer designed specifically for new wallboard. It equalizes the absorption of paint over varied surfaces (like wallboard, plaster, and edge tape) to provide even color coverage.

AFM also offers a wide range of zero-VOC paints in flat, satin, pearl, semi-gloss, and eggshell finishes. The company even offers zero-VOC tints for customizing color choices.

Visit the AFM Safecoat website to learn more or find a local supplier.

Honorable Mention: Monkey Hook Picture Hangars

Monkey Hook Picture Hangars

Once you’ve completed your beautiful new wall, you don’t want to tear it up to hang that portrait of Aunt Millie do you? Monkey Hook hangars are convenient, and they minimize damage to the wall: just poke the point through the wallboard, and the curved shape securely braces the hook. You can pick up a 30-pack of Monkey Hooks picture hangars for $9.99 at Amazon.

Looptworks Hoptu Laptop Sleeve

I’ve been testing some Looptwork products, and they are amazing. Here’s why: the company makes all their products from 100% industrial “excess” materials. That means every zipper, button and thread used in their designs was about to be thrown out. For example, the Hoptu Laptop Sleeve shown above is made with 100% upcycled nylon neoprene which was recovered from a wetsuit factory. All Looptwork products are limited edition runs. This is because production only continues until the reclaimed material runs out, as explained in the Looptworks FAQ:

We never know how much of any one material we’ll find. But we use what we find until it runs out. Production runs go as low as 100 pieces and up to 500, and each garment is hand numbered by either color or style. It’s a reminder that when you buy a LooptWorks product you get a one of a kind item, literally preventing the materials used to make it from going into a landfill.

Looptworks also offers a collection of men’s and women’s clothes. The Men’s Kawasan Jacket shown below is made of 61% organic cotton and 39% cotton canvas recovered fabric. It sells for $95.

Looptworks Kawasan Jacket

Efficient Home Improvement: Re-Using Materials Gets Easier (photo: Habitat For Humanity)

For “D.I.Y.”ers, using recycled construction products is a great way to reduce raw material consumption and lessen stress on landfills.  But for retailers, the “Re I. Y.” trend (Re-use It Yourself) is taking the idea a step further, giving unused building products a new lease on life.

The idea of reusing building materials is certainly nothing new, and in the past it was a trend borne of simple necessity.  Ancient cave dwellers and frontier settlers alike had to use the materials available to them, or else do without.  But in the age of global shipping and super-size home-improvement stores, many consumers don’t think twice about where their building supplies come from, or where they go after a project is complete. And the statistics are staggering:  according to a recent Buildings magazine article, construction and demolition projects account for up to 30% of the US waste stream – 135.5 million tons of debris each year.  Enter the Re I. Y. store, which blends big-box-store convenience with the efficiency of re-use.

ReStore In Austin, TX (photo: HFHI/Steffan Hacker)

Here in the US, Habitat for Humanity operates a nationwide retail chain called ReStore, which sells both used building supplies and new, surplus products left over when projects are completed.  Items may be donated by contractors, or even provided by other retailers.  ReStore outlets also support their local Habitat for Humanity affiliates, and some of the most successful locations generate enough funding to finance the construction of 10 new houses each year.

In England, three “ReIY Centres” are opening this spring in Waltham Forest, Tees Valley, and The Wirral as part of a pilot project by the BioRegional organization.  These outlets will sell quality new surplus building materials such as lumber and flooring, with price savings from 20% to 80% below retail prices.  The program is designed to provide jobs and skills training to local communities in addition to reducing construction waste.

For more information, or to find a ReStore location near you, visit the Habitat for Humanity website.

(Sources:  Buildings Magazine, Habitat for Humanity International, BioRegional)