inspiring INvironmentalism

Will you LABEL me please?

2012-02-22T15:11:00.000-08:00

Will you LABEL me please?
By Brett Marlo DeSantis

So by now you may have gathered that I am a bit “green.”

I am actually OK with being labeled. I have an identity and defining characteristics. My label might read: sourced in the U.S.A…. re-use organs before recycling.

While labeling a person is an extreme example, we recognize this system and apply it with ease.

Sometimes, labels are a good thing. We find this to be true with food. So, why has it taken us so long to apply the same system to our building materials?

Simply stated, a label is a tool.

A battle is raging in the building industry. We call the subject “material transparency.” It is the fight for disclosure of the defining characteristics of a building product. Currently there are no regulations that require this disclosure.

If it confuses, or even aggravates you that there is no basis for comparison of building products, you are not alone.

As a professional in the industry, I know how difficult it is to specify products in an informed matter. I hear the rumblings from fellow professionals as we try our best to select products that are in the best interest of our client.

We all seek the answers that a mere label may provide.

The subject of material transparency has been simmering for years. This year will be the year it will come to a head. Yes, this hot topic is about to bust out into the general population. And why shouldn’t it?

Our population does initiate and makes great change. In fact, the “buy local” movement worked because of you, so THANK YOU! Let’s combine our consumer power by buying informed and locally.

Transparency, plain and simple, is awareness. This awareness allows us to assert our rights to information accessibility, usability and accountability.

OK…decision made: bring on the labels!

Will these labels be consistent? What information will they provide? Where should I look for them?

Currently, manufacturers make claims in terms of their human and/or environmental impact. These labels, sometimes called eco-labels, may say they are less damaging to you and the earth. Fantastic! Oh wait, what is their basis of comparison?

Other products are being touted as PVC or BPA free. Wonderful, what is really in them?

According to international design firm Perkins+Will, the new on-product label will contain the following elements:

It will begin with general product information, such as product name, manufacturer’s contact information, product warranty and websites on that product.

The second section of the label is product content. This section will look the most familiar as the content is listed in order from highest quantity to least. The label will contain a health summary with suspected health impacts listed AND will let you know if any of the contents are on a governmental watch list.

You will clearly see what all the components are, where they are sourced and final location of manufacturing. They will receive a check mark if they are rapidly renewable, FSC-certified or meet Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) requirements.

Ecological benchmarks are assessed such as water, energy and carbon use. Packaging content, whether the product was designed for reutilization, and its recyclability is included.

Last but not least is the best care and maintenance for this specific product (as well as availability of replacement components) to ensure and extend the lifecycle of the product. This information is key to protecting your monetary investment.

You may be wondering why I am explaining a label that does not exist yet. No worries, it will, and you will be prepared!

In the meanwhile, use the new label system as your guideline to ask these questions at your local hardware store, to your contractor, designer or architect as you specify materials for your indoor environment.

Now that you are in “The Know”…did you want to know? Asking the right questions WILL ignite change.

In the interest of transparency

2012-01-30T09:44:00.000-08:00

I am asking for your opinion.

I am presently amassing information on the subject of material transparency. What's that? Basically our need as a community, nation, world to account for what is in our products and their origin (oh, and a lot more.)

What I need from you are your thoughts... on why you would like to see products labeled. Yes, food is labeled, clothes are labeled but not building materials. Why should they be?

I know I have a looooong list of reasons and I can't be the only one. Please share!

Oh, alright, OK, I'll start:

1. I want to buy local.

If only I could see where the product's resources originate and where they are eventually manufactured. I will then be able to compare products and make an educated decision.

Your turn.

Check out Brett Marlo Design Build's new brand:

2012-01-22T21:36:00.000-08:00

A huge THANK YOU to Kristy Ewing of Ewing Creative for her graphic design talents!!!

As seen in The Edge, January 2012 Column

2012-01-22T21:24:00.000-08:00

You are what you breathe
Did you know that most of us are indoors 90 percent of our day?

While we are inside we (or at least I) imagine what our world would be like without the repercussions of the industrial age – a world where humans live their lives aligned with nature. All the while, we sit indoors breathing air that is even worse than outside!

I feel comforted by the protection of my walls. I enjoy the comforts of the desk I am sitting at, the firm counter I lean on, my adjustable chair and temperature.

Yet I am breathing in every built material in my environment.

It’s not as bad as it sounds ... there lies a real opportunity here. While we may not be able to entirely control our exterior environment, we can control our indoor air quality.

As you can imagine, there are many variables in our indoor environments.

Some of the first sources that come to mind are: oil, wood, foams, adhesives, etc. In addition, thanks to where we live and how damp our spaces may become – wet or damp carpet – yuck!

When the time comes to replace these elements, an easy solution is choosing a material that does not off-gas hazardous pollutants — look for products with no or low volatile organic compounds (VOCs). According to the EPA, concentrations of many VOCs may be up to ten times higher indoors than outdoors. You can often identify these environmentally friendly products as their labels, with terms like eco, green, or future friendly, are much like bragging rights.

Another option is making your own nontoxic cleaners, as most of the time it is less expensive and works just as well. For example, mix ½ cup vinegar and a ½ cup baking soda (or borax) with ½ gallon of water and you have an all-purpose cleaner. You may use it immediately and store it for future use.

Second, how air moves factors into the equation. While we are familiar with the need to “weatherize” our homes and commercial spaces, we also need to be aware of the air quality we are sealing into these spaces. First we may want to clean the air up and then seal it in. And always remember, there is a lot to be said for natural ventilation — open windows and doors when weather permits.

I was amazed to learn that plants actually scrub the air clean. Crazy, right? I know. If you are interested, there are sources out there that tell you which plants are best at eradicating specific pollutants.

For example, you can run/walk/bike to the store and buy run-of-the-mill house plants such as spider plants, Boston ferns, snake plants, rubber plants and even English ivy. They are inexpensive and absorb formaldehyde lickety-split. Who knew you could clean the air in a room quickly and under twenty dollars?

Last but not least is US. We are most likely the biggest offender! What is our lifestyle and what do we bring into our indoor spaces? I don’t have to say this out loud (or do I?) Don’t smoke! OK … that was easy. Opt for natural cleaners, preferably with a neutral PH. Past the obvious culprits – paints, pesticides and cleaning products – watch out for office equipment such as inks, carbonless copy paper and correction fluids.

You get the idea. It’s just like making wise choices when you sit down at a restaurant or while food shopping. When doing these activities, you innately realize that what you buy, you ingest. Guess what? Same rule applies.

What will you do with this powerful knowledge that you can breathe healthy air 90 percent of your day?

A taste for writing...

2012-01-18T15:23:00.000-08:00

OK...so I think I'm hooked.

I know I started this blog last year. And by my count, and I'm sure yours, there are few to posts to read!

Well, that is about to change. I have fallen in love with the idea....finally!

It took writing my first column to do so. I'm not sure why. I actually starting writing a book around seven years ago on remodeling. Unfortunately it remains in it's outline form tucked in a manila folder. (That alone could explain why the love did not develop!)

Perhaps a book was too lofty a goal as a novice writer. So until the day I set time aside to pull the book together, I will relish in writing a column + this blog.

I have been reading much on writers, their inspiration, and writing ethics. It was great to see them say not to be afraid to write something bad.

This may seem like an obvious statement. And it is. BUT fear has stopped many in their tracks.

If I started my career as a designer with fears of designing something bad, I would have never designed. Therefore, I will write and apologize for my skills now. They will develop. Please enjoy + share in my journey.

My new column is published in Gig Harbor EDGE, an earth-friendly soy ink & recycled stock publication, about 17,450 mailed copies are going out next Thursday throughout the Peninsula.

I look forward to your feedback.

Brett Marlo DeSantis presents for Gig Harbor UNITE, November 2011.

2012-01-13T09:49:00.000-08:00

Thoughts on a new year....leadership.

2011-12-24T12:25:00.000-08:00

Wow, time flies...

As I look toward the new year, I find myself reflecting on who I am as part of a community and how I may contribute to it. I have had the amazing opportunity to attend events, conferences and workshops this year that have helped me come to some realizations.

I find myself propelled toward leadership. This article is the leadership I am talking about:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/mikemyatt/2011/12/19/this-one-leadership-quality-will-make-or-break-you/

We can all be leaders. I am not happy with the mundane status quo. I crave creativity. I want to make the world a better place. I want my children to leave with beauty, inside and out.

In the next year, you will see me reach out toward establishing these goals. It is my hope that you will either join in or create your own pursuit. I will be happy to support your pursuit as well. Please reach out to me and perhaps we can create a better world together.

Have a wonderful holiday season and an incredible new year! Let's toast to making great change in 2012 together!

Designing with the client in mind

2011-11-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

A funny thing has come to my attention (at least I find it humorous.) It is entertaining to witness a newcomer walk into a space that I have had the great opportunity to design. If they know me on personal level, they seem to be stunned that the space is so not "Brett." By this I mean, it is not my personal style. I laugh and say, "Of course it's not me...I don't live (or work) here!"

That's not to say that there are not elements that define who I am as a designer. I believe in function first, then aesthetics. I believe in continuity of space from before you even walk inside the building. I believe the site dictates part of the design in addition to the wants of the owner/occupant. I believe in innovation and not vanilla solutions.

I eagerly await the next occasion when I get to hear the comment again. My answer simply will be "Thank you. That is a real compliment."

Rant

2011-10-28T05:49:00.000-07:00

OK, this is just a quick rant....that being said:

In the past two weeks I have witnessed three boy's rooms and I think anyone/everyone should be spared from this experience.

Each room was representative of a different age group (a-4 &6; b-tween; c-late teen.) None the less, the shared the same "boy" characteristics: black-out shades of some sort (that never get opened!) and sports paraphernalia.

Is it intrinsic to males to hide out in a cave with no light and cave art?

A brief intro

2011-10-05T12:41:00.000-07:00

I guess I am ready to get my feet wet...ready set go!

A little about me:

I am originally from really hot states (Florida & Arizona)...sizzle. I am now in the great northwest and loving it! I love the sound and smell of the drizzle and do not miss the sizzle!

Before I rant, perhaps I should tell you why you may want to listen to me (wink.) I have spent many years educating myself in, on and around interior architecture + design. I spent many waking (& should-have-been-sleeping) hours on my thesis.

"The Loop" Entry

After years, I finally attained my Masters of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture + Design. My thesis is based on the adaptive reuse of the KeyArena. I will attempt to attach or insert a few pages to pique your interest.

Check out the interactive floor!

Stay tuned for my next post....
Thank you for checking me out!
brett