Going Green

1. GOING GREEN Tifany Le Kirstie Yoshikawa Sage Canepa

2. What is “Green”? So what does it really mean? • The phrase “going green” does not mean a drastic lifestyle change. • It is making simple changes in life and adjusting over time. • Its meaning is a process of changing one's lifestyle for the safety and benefit of the environment. • To “go green” is to make responsible decisions – healthy for the environment, and healthy for you. • The goal is to protect the environment and preserve its natural resources for the present and the future.

3. How can you “go green”? • People who "go green" make responsible decisions everyday in their daily life. • Consider what impact the outcome of those decisions may have on: • Global warming • Pollution • Loss of animal habitats • Other environmental concerns • 3 changes most people make in their life: • Sustainable living • Use eco-friendly products • Recycle and reuse as many products as possible

5. Green Flooring Wood • No flooring product has zero impact on our planet, but some materials are better than others. • You can’t notice it, but your floor affects your health. • Many carpet materials are toxic and cause indoor pollution in your home. • Eco-friendly flooring is durable, attractive, and less expensive than conventional floors and carpets. • It’s a responsible and effective way to enhance your home and make your life “greener.” • We are all aware of the environmental warnings that appear in the news almost daily. • We should do what we can every day to ensure that our planet and our homes are safe and healthful. Cork Bamboo

6. Environmental Benefits • Bamboo flooring is an alternative to prevent over-deforestation of hardwood forests. • Bamboo has renewable growth – it can be harvested again and again from the same plant. • Bamboo can yield 20 times the amount of timber than trees can yield. • Bamboo generates great amounts of oxygen, leading to: • Improved watersheds • Fewer toxins • Reduced soil erosion • Cleaner air

7. Environmental Benefits • Cork is considered a renewable and sustainable resource. • Only 50% of the cork bark is removed, the cork oak can thrive and regenerate while never being cut down. • Cork contains a naturally occurring substance called suberin that repels pests such as insects, mites and mold. • Only periodic vacuuming and damp mopping is required to maintain cork floors.

8. Environmental Benefits • Cork is considered a renewable and sustainable resource. • Only 50% of the cork bark is removed, the cork oak can thrive and regenerate while never being cut down. • Cork contains a naturally occurring substance called suberin that repels pests such as insects, mites and mold. • Only periodic vacuuming and damp mopping is required to maintain cork floors.

9. Bamboo Forest

10. Bibliography • “Going Green.” Sustainable Living Resource Guide. 2008–2009.<http://www.thrall.org/special/goinggreen.html>. • “Doing Our Part to Go Green.” Pro Source Floor Coverings. 2010. <http://www.prosourcefloors.com/productknowledge/Pages/GreenInformation.aspx> • “Eight Reasons to Choose Green Flooring.” Green Floors. 2006-2009.http://www.greenfloors.com/ • “Going Green With Your Flooring.” Floormall. 2005-2010.<http://www.floormall.com/green_flooring/> • “Bamboo Flooring Features and Benefits.” Fast Floors. 2010.<http://www.fastfloors.com/article_79/Bamboo-Flooring-Features-and-Benefits.htm> • “Bamboo Flooring 1 - Top Ten Benefits.” Do It Yourself. 2006. http://www.doityourself.com/stry/bamboofeaturebenefit

11. Bibliography • “Environmental Benefits of Bamboo Flooring.” National Floors Direct. 2008.<http://www.888400floor.com/flooring-resources/environmental-bamboo-flooring.html>