- Recycled Washing Machine Lamps Combine Bold, Unexpected Materials
- Over Past Four Years, New Vehicles Became 14% More Fuel-Efficient in U.S.A.
- How a Village Became a Hub for Resilience and Rock and Roll
- Spiraling Bamboo Science Tower To Observe Amazon Rainforest
- Tesla Finally Unveils Model X Electric Crossover (0-to-60 in Less Than 5 Seconds, Seats 7 Adults, AWD)
Green Knowledge = Power – Part 3
If you have been following along with my coverage of the “Everything Green Expo” here in Portland Oregon then you know my excitement about many of the products, services and ideas I learned of while there. This post is another in that vein. I expected to see new products from new companies and hopeful entrepreneurs. I was genuinely surprised to see the number of old established companies in attendance. In part 2 I talked of a local skylight company (Skylights NW) that now installs Solar Water Heaters. In this post one of the largest manufacturers on Earth shows there new Green wares!
The Portland Rebuilding Center
Rebuilding Center – This Non-Profit is not new to me, nor any “green” minded individual in Portland. For anyone new to the idea of the Rebuilding Center, it’s primary activities are diverting construction and demolition waste out of the waste stream and making it available to the public for reuse. At their 60,000-square-foot warehouse store you’ll find an extensive and ever-changing inventory that includes: framing lumber, doors, windows, kitchen & bathroom cabinet sets, trim, flooring, plumbing fixtures, lighting, hardware and much, much more.They accept nearly all reusable building and remodeling materials from contractors and homeowners. And they provide a tax-deductible receipt for all donated materials. They also offer many classes. To learn more go to their website: http://www.rebuildingcenter.org
Renewal by Andersen- One of the major door and window manufacturers, Andersen offers their new “Renewal by Andersen” line. These are the only windows to receive the Green Seal Certification for Environmental Stewardship.
A little known, but alarming fact is that the average home uses significantly more energy and is responsible for more carbon emissions than the average automobile. Making homes more energy efficient benefits property values, neighborhood livability, and keeps older homes relevant longer.
These new windows have Fibrex frames which contain 40% reclaimed wood fiber by weight. Fibrex is has the strength, good looks and insulating values of wood, with the low maintenance features of vinyl that never requires painting and will not crack, pit, corrode or rot. Another feature of these beautiful windows is the use of Low E4 glass. This glass is made from 12% reclaimed glass. Low E4 glass includes an innovative coating that when activated by sunlight, helps reduce water spots, and helps block harmful UV rays entering your home.
Eco-Motion- Specialists in Electric vehicles. Eco-Motion was in attendance with their line of Zap vehicles. These cute little electric trucks and cars are not rated for highways. Nor do they have particularly long range. Most are made for little else but neighborhood or in city driving. But at less than $10k they are a bargain for that purpose. Eco-Motion is excited about the soon to market highway rated vehicles they have coming later in 2009. To know more go to: http://www.eco-motion.com
Rec Solar- Savings for today. Energy for tomorrow. Rec Solar specializes in grid-tied solar electric installations for homes, small businesses, and large commercial buildings. Their dedicated team of solar energy consultants, design engineers and expert installers strive to bring solar energy to the mainstream. Find out more at http://www.recsolar.com
Solar Energy Solutions- The self proclaimed most persnickety, reliable, and environmentally oriented solar energy company in Portland. The mission of Solar Energy Solutions is to move Portland, the Pacifc NW and the whole world towards an environmentally sustainable future. They have been involved in the design and installation of solar systems for several decades. I hope to have a longer conversation with them in the near future. Learn more at: http://www.solarenergyoregon.com
EcoShuttle- Sustainable transportation for any occasion. EcoShuttle is a low cost, low emissions transportation company currently serving the Portland Metro area. Their shuttles currently run on 100% waste vegetable oil, a non-toxic, biodegradable fuel source. As emerging technology paves the way to a new generation of vehicles, EcoShuttle will continually upgrade, utilizing only the best alternative fuels for work or play. http://www.ecoshuttle.net
- The Ford booth, trailer and vehicles
Ford – YES, that’s right, Ford! Needless to say I was shocked to see Ford. When I think of green, even in the auto industry Ford is one of the last companies I would associate with green. Evidently this is a mistaken belief. Ford has several hybrid models and the Focus that gets an estimated 35 mpg. I was impressed by the quality of the fit and seam on these Fords.
It has been a while since I paid attention to Ford. To me, they were a dying breed long ago. But again maybe I was mistaken. If we buy a new car in the near future we will definitely look at the Ford lineup.
Pioneer Millworks- Reclaimed and sustainable wood flooring. Opening their doors in 1988 they are truly one of the pioneers in reclaimed wood industry. Their wood comes from the deconstruction of agricultural and industrial buildings. I only had a few moments with them, as they had quite the crowd gathering. I will visiting there 50,000 square foot facility this spring. For now check out their website at: http://www.pioneermillworks.com
These are only a small part of the total vendors, and companies that were at the Portland Everything Green Expo. I wish I had more time at the expo, but as it is I came away genuinely motivated. If for no other reason than the energy you receive from a gathering of like minded people, you should definitely find a green expo near you and attend. I only wish I had more time. The next time an opportunity like this presents itself I will make sure I have days not hours.