Bosch- eco-friendly to their roots

At a recent seminar held by the Bosch Gallery here in Scottsdale, I learned a bit more about this amazing company, the history behind their commitment to the environment and social responsibility. I was amazed to know how long they have been a leader in innovative technology and leading edge ideas.

In 1886, Robert Bosch founded the "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering " in Stuttgart. This was the birth of today's globally active Robert Bosch GmbH.
From the very beginning, the company's history has been characterized by innovative drive and social commitment. They even have their own recycling centers when your appliance is no longer functional.

Best known for their dishwashers, and laundry appliances, they continue leading the way with the most energy- and water-efficient models available on the market today. In fact, they have been honored as the 2009 Energy-Star Partner of the Year for Appliances. Bosch dishwashers are the ultimate green machines- they are the quietest on the market, while exceeding federal energy standards by 48%.

Bosch has been advancing and improving their clothes washer design over a 50-year history, when they first introduced the front-loading models in Europe. Today, the Nexxt® 800 Series washers are so efficient they are 102% above ENERGY STAR® requirements. Their ECOSENSOR reduces energy usage while caring for your clothes.

Bosch also offers refrigerators, hot water heaters, cooking appliances and small appliances- and that doesn't even start to cover the range of other equipment for home, garden, car, etc. When you consider their appliances are intelligent, more enjoyable and look stylish too, you can see why they are favored by many homeowners, as well as designers.

After learning about the company's commitment to global energy concerns, worker welfare, and even providing innovative solutions for third-world and developing countries, I am putting Bosch (and their sister companies, Thermador and Gaggenau) on the top of my list.

Luxury Recycling

Here's a juicy little tidbit you probably didn't know -


Nearly 85 percent of all the gold ever mined is still being used today. Because it has been highly valued throughout history, it has always been recycled.


(Source: Discover Magazine)

Green resolutions for 2008

Are you making new year's resolutions for 2008 to be more green? If so, here's a few of my favorite tips to get you started:

*Bring your own bags to the market. (there are so many great, lightweight and inexpensive options out there now, there's really no excuse not to do this)

*Use reusable glass or metal containers for water - don't buy plastic bottled water. (with the health risks associated to these bottles, and the issue of enormous amounts of waste created by plastic bottles, again this is a no-brainer)

*Lease or build your home or office in urban areas where daily needs are easily accessible by walking, biking or public transportation. (Urban infill projects are bringing life back to our cities, and creating dynamic neighborhoods again)

*Install low-flow dual flush toilets and waterless urinals.

*Use low-flow sink faucets and showerheads.

*Turn off the lights when you leave the room. (Dad was right on this one!)

*Get off junk mail lists. Go to www.directmail.com/directory/mail_preference/ to opt out of most of it

*Set up a recycling center at home and at the office. Recycle glass, paper, newspaper, metals and cardboard.

*Turn off the dishwashers drying cycle.

*Cluster many errands into one trip.

*Drive a hybrid car. (or one of the growing number of all electrics available - my favorite, the Tesla)

*Check the air pressure in your tires to optimize fuel efficiency. (This is a safety issue as well)


As you can see, there are MANY ways we can begin to live more sustainably in easy to incorporate ways.
For more, check out ASID's web-site at www.asid.org/green.

Report on Scottsdale Green Building Expo

Featured Keynote speaker, Edward Mazria, AIA highlighted the building industry's role in creating global warming issues and thus our responsibility and ability to impact the impending climate crisis in a big way. Buildings and the building industry account for more than half of all energy consumption and Carbon emissions. By making small changes in every project, and bigger changes whenever possible we can start to alter the future. However, the "silver bullet" which can really reverse the trend toward disaster is coal - specifically coal burning power plants.

WHY?
Coal is the only fossil fuel plentiful enough and supposedly ‘cheap’ enough to push the planet to 450 parts per million of CO2 in the atmosphere - an event which will trigger potentially irreversible glacial melt and sea level rise. 53% of Americans live in and around coastal cities and towns and, beginning with just one meter of sea level rise, many of these cities and towns will be inundated. For more info, read the article at Inhabitat.com.

Get involved - tell your congressman to stop the building of new coal power plants - there are approximately 150 in process now! Forward this to anyone and everyone you know. There is power in numbers - more than money even, and we can make a difference if we let them know we don't want any more coal. Let's explore solar, wind, geo-thermal and other options.

Other news from the expo-

The 10th Annual Green Building Expo was bigger and more exciting than ever. The Phoenix Tri-city metro area is making great strides in green building and sustainability.

Tips for living green abounded - for instance, some simple ways to conserve everyday include:

• Keep water in the fridge rather than let it run to get cold
• Use cold water in the washer to lower utility bills and energy use - there are even new detergent formulas specifically for this
• Water your yard early in the morning or late in the evening when evaporation rates are at their lowest
• Repair or purchase used items instead of buying new ones
• Donate unwanted items to consignment or re-sale shops so they can be used again
• Choose household cleaning products that are the least harmful to the environment
• Buy local whenever possible to save the energy used in transporting goods
• Buy a reusable water bottle to avoid disposable cup waste
• Avoid products with lots of packaging or those in plastic or Styrofoam containers
• Recycle paper products, and buy recycled products to help complete the cycle