Cape Cod Fire Logs: A greener backyard barbeque and safer summer fires!

Cape Cod Fire Logs caught a lot of attention this winter as an environment-friendly option to heat up wood stoves and fireplaces. This season, we wanted to highlight them as a green, chemical and petroleum-free necessity for your backyard barbeque and fire pits, beach fires and campfires.

***Also coming soon are Cape Cod Fire Logs Cooking Briquettes, made specifically for grilling!

What they are: Small cylindrical “logs” – dimensions: about 3” high with a 2 inch diameter. They are made to burn in fireplaces, wood stoves, fire pits, campfires, grills – anything that normally could use wood to burn and withstands high heat.

What makes them green: Cape Cod Fire Logs are a composite 100% wood log, made from highly compressed, non-chemically-treated, lumber mill wood scraps. Until Cape Cod Fire Log came into existence and started using these scraps, they normally would have been trucked off to a junk yard as trash! Translation: these logs save perfectly useable wood scraps from being put in a land-fill!

Why you should pick some up for the summer: Using Cape Cod Fire Logs is a great alternative to using a petroleum-based product. Think about your alternatives: for grilling, most of you probably use charcoal (which often has lighter fluid, which is not good for you, the environment, and doesn't taste too great on your burgers!) or propane. Because of the high density of the Cape Cod Fire Log's wood scraps, they burn at a higher heat and they burn longer than wood and most other products! They also combust very easily, so when it comes to campfires or fire pits, put that lighter fluid away, and enjoy not having to try multiple attempts to get that fire started! The packaging for these logs is a simple cardboard box that you could throw into your fire when you're done, or recycle.

Why we @ ‘g’ LOVE them: First of all, Cape Cod Fire Logs is a local company, utilizing local waste product to create something that most people have a need for. Secondly, they have thought of everything, from their means of distribution, to their packaging, to their sequestering a by-product of one industry from the waste stream...and the product speaks for itself! Right now, they're perfect for your grill, fire pit, or campfire

Stop into a 'g' showroom and try them today!

Also, check out this article that was in the Cape Cod Times: http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091110/NEWS/911100305

Greening Cape & Islands Businesses

Take a look at this article in Cape Cod Life Magazine, featuring 'g' Green Design Center Founder, Nicole Goldman, "Eco-Friendly Commerce". In the article she, and other local green gurus, talk about the progress on Cape Cod in providing support for and promoting local businesses to go green.

Are you interested in being a part of this green movement sweeping through businesses of Cape Cod, Cape & Islands Green? Come to the next meeting on June 30th! See information below and rsvp through the facebook page!

As a leader in our community, you're invited to a breakfast reception presenting Cape & Islands Green -- the green verification program already being embraced by many in the Cape & Islands business community. Learn about the program and the progress made so far in pilot programs sponsored by the Sandwich and Hyannis Chambers of Commerce.

Join Cape & Islands Green in playing a vital role in support of this important business and environmental initiative.


DATE: Wednesday, June 30, 2010
TIME: 7:45 -8:45 AM
LOCATION: The Black Cat Tavern
165 Ocean Street Hyannis, MA 02601-4736 - (508) 778-1233
RSVP: michele@capecodchamber.org

'g' at Arts Alive

This past weekend ArtsFalmouth, a nonprofit alliance of artists, cultural organizations, local businesses and individuals, hosted Arts Alive. ArtsFalmouth hosts this annual event to promote the local arts, as they believe in the importance of the arts for the vitality and future of Falmouth. The event is made possible by donations from many generous local sponsors - including 'g' Green Design Center! Our donated 'g' products (biodegradable flatware and utensils) turned out to be a big hit at the event!

'g' staff had fun manning our booth at the fair. Once again, the "Green Doctor" was "in", to answer questions from visitors. We also brought with us an array of products from our showroom to offer. Popular products included, disposable bowls and plates made from fallen palm leaves, fun-shaped kitchen scrubbers made from recycled materials, and an all natural bug spray perfect for the coming summer months. Besides purchasing products, people were interested in inquiring about the showroom and what other great 'green lifestyle' products we offer. We elicited surprise and fascination by some that products could be made from resources such as corn starch and sugar, allowing them to be compostable after use.

The booth generated a lot of stir and interest. This sort of buzz is what we strive for at 'g' and know that initial interest can spark green lifestyle changes. As one Falmouth resident exclaimed, "I never realized all the ways we can use some of our resources, I never thought paper plates didn't have to be made from paper!".

Gifting Green for Father's Day

We don't think we'd be too far off in saying that most dads out there enjoy gadgets. If you're looking for a last-minute gift to show Dad you care, consider one of these techie gizmos that will help contribute to a better earth:


Kill-a-Watt: Use one of these power meters to find out which appliances are the energy abusers in your house!


You simply plug this device into a 3-prong grounded outlet, and plug your appliance, computer, lamp, or other electrical product into the device and you'll find out how efficient (or wasteful) they really are! On the large LCD display you can monitor he kilowatt hour consumption of an item to learn how much it costs to run. You can determine your electrical expenses by day, week, or month!


(Let Dad turn this into a fun hunt to find out how much energy your appliances are sucking with the kids on Father's Day!)

Smart Strip: Plug your electronics into one of these smart power strips to eliminate vampire loads and save money! Stop paying for electricity that you're not using. The smart strip uses technology to shut the electric current off when an appliance isn't being used, because they still pull electricity from the grid (they're so smart they know when to turn on and off!).


You can read more about the smart strip's attributes and benefits, and learn more about vampire loads here




One other potential gift we could not resist telling you about for Dad is the "MAN's LUNCHBOX". We heard through the grapevine that men are packing their lunches, or hoping to, but it's not manly to pack a lunch in a visible manner. As the manufacturing company, KoKo, puts it,

“There was no lunch bag available for the average working man – the man who’s sick of fast food and high-priced take out, the man who’s concerned about what he eats but doesn’t want everyone to know, the man who wants to bring his lunch but has to resort to a plastic bag”, states Andrew Menceles, president of Cosmoda Corporation and creator of the KOKO brand. “FreshPocket™ is the MAN’S lunchbox, the first lunchbox designed for the average working man”.

The Man's Lunchbox is another gift that shows Dad you care!

Stop into 'g' to get one of these unforgettable gifts today!

Happy Father's Day, from 'g'!

Second Annual Smart Grid Innovators' Conference, Thursday, June 17th

We wanted to share information about a conference later this week happening in Massachusetts...See below for details on the Second Annual Smart Grid Innovators' Conference. Electric vehicles are a hot topic, and the information is changing rapidly. While we are continually looking for energy independence, especially from fossil fuels, electric vehicles have been re-emerging once again as a very real possibility for avoiding gasoline and diesel burning cars. The conference is approaching quickly, this Thursday - consider attending to find out the future of the electric car!

TRANSITION TO ELECTRIC VEHICLES:
Challenges and Opportunities to the Grid

Could electric cars be the green future of the vehicles on the road?

Second Annual Smart Grid Innovators' Conference
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Marriott Courtyard Hotel
Concord Road, Billerica, MA.
www.masgic.com/calendar
8:00 - 11:30 AM

A brief look at the program (see the full details on the conference website):

Welcome and Acknowledgments: Robert Halpin, Massachusetts Smart Grid Innovators Collaborative

Introduction of Keynote Speaker: Navigant Consulting

Keynote Speaker: Andy Chu, Vice President Marketing and Communications, A123 Systems - The Electrification Roadmap to Energy Independence and Security and Reduced Emissions

Presentation: Electric Vehicles and the Grid: Moving Electric Vehicles to the Mainstream

Panel 1: Grid Integration: Monitoring, Controlling and Communicating

Panel 2: Grid Stability and Support: Operational Challenges and Business Models

Presentation: Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

Group Greening Power: Greening Condo and Apartment Complexes

What does “green” really mean when it comes to residential developments? How can you green your condo or apartment building? Why do you care?


For you as an individual: It's healthier. We spend so much of our time indoors that the physical environments of our homes, schools and businesses are having a major impact on our physical health. Living in a healthier environment contributes not only to our health but also to our productivity, happiness and longevity.


Thinking of yourself in a global community: According to the US Green Building Council, in the United States alone, buildings account for 72% of electricity consumption, 39 % of energy use, and 30% of waste output, among other startling facts. We need to find a way to change this reality. Greening multi-unit residences is a great place to start.


If you look at the picture above and think that it's not realistic to spend money on greenscaping and new efficient windows and other renovations to existing complexes, don't be turned off to the idea of greening. Whether you are a resident of one unit, a developer, or on the board of your building, there are some easier steps your building administration can take to make your co-op or condo more environmentally friendly (and granted, some that take more time, thought and effort):

• Energy conservation improvements (programmable thermostats, better insulation around windows and doors, improved insulation in the building)

• Energy Audit and Implementation (including efficient lighting replacements)

• Water conservation and purity tools (low-flow plumbing saves water; purification systems save plastic bottles when the tap isn’t appropriate to use)

• Facility - Repairs and Improvement. Always choose for efficiency, environmental responsibility, free-of-chemicals, and all natural, low-impact materials. Products chosen for interior finishes warrant that extra consideration: paints, stains and sealers (choose low- or no-VOC's whenever possible), carpeting, furniture, flooring and cabinetry, and bathroom building materials

• Recycling and waste reduction (Does your building have a recycling center? Is it encouraged and supported by the building community?)

• Green energy sources available in your area (Would it make sense for your condo to buy into a renewable energy system such as photovoltaics?)

• Improving indoor air quality (cleaning and maintenance programs)

Product Spotlight: New England Rain Barrel

All of you gardeners out there may have noticed a trend in the growing season thus far: it's been a dry and hot spring already, and we're not even at summer. You may be watering more with the hose than you ever remember. Now imagine this: being able to conserve water by catching and storing rain water in a rain barrel for your garden's needs. For this you need...

The New Englander Rain Barrel

The rain barrel we sell at 'g', made by The New England Rain Barrel Company, is made from recycled plastic barrels and has a 60 gallon capacity. Set-up is very easy - there is a screened and slotted opening on the top of the barrel. All you need to do is have your gutter downspout cut to feed rainwater directly into the top of the barrel, the water enters through the gate, and you can use the 5-foot starter hose that comes with the barrel or attach another hose to extend the reach.


Rain barrels are growing in popularity. Stop into 'g' and get yours today, and don't let any more rainwater go to waste!

Consider a 'g' Franchise - Join us for Discovery Days at 'g', June 11

'g' Green Design Center is franchise company designed to provide its customers with a complete range of products and services to help make their homes more green and eco-friendly.

There is demonstrated demand for the products and services we offer, and its up to you, potential franchisees, to help us continue to spread and expand our public reach. If you have thought about opening a green design store, consider opening a 'g' Green Design Center franchise!

This summer we will be holding monthly Discovery Days at our flagship showroom in Mashpee. Discovery Days is an informal session about 'g' and our franchise opportunities. See below for more information about the event, and check out our website and franchise brochure for more information about what it means to own a 'g' franchise. (Discovery Days event flyer)



WHEN: Friday June 11th, 11:00am (two more will be held, July 19th and August 13th)

WHERE: 'g' Headquarters in the North Market of Mashpee Commons

WHO: Anyone who wants to discover the benefits and opportunity to owning a 'g' franchise. Anyone who wants to renew their interests in owning a 'g' franchise.

WHY: Discovery Days offers interested individuals and partners a way to get more information about the franchise opportunity at 'g', to be able to ask questions in a no obligation informal setting, to gain knowledge about franchising, and a special bonus green kitchen workshop will advise on up-to-date materials and practices for today's green home.

Please call 508.477.7988 to RSVP. We look forward to seeing you at the showroom.

Product Spotlight: Milk Paint

Old-Fashioned Milk Paint. The name speaks for itself in saying that milk paint has been around for a very long time. For instance the "Barn Red" has earned its name as milk paint was historically used to paint barns many years into the past. Before we infused chemicals into most forms of it, paint was made from dissolved limestone, milk, and all-natural pigments. And, milk paint is back in (or shall we say still in) style! The paint is safe (for humans and the environment!), odorless and free of toxins, all natural, and VERY easy to use!


At 'g' we stock milk paint in the pint and quart sizes. It comes in bags of pigmented powder; you mix it as you need to use it. Simply stir the powdered paint in with water at one part paint to one part water (you can use a kitchen measuring scoop and use the same amount of each). If you're not ready to use the entire pack, just don't mix it all! You can apply the paint with a dry brush, roller, or spray gun - we have found that foam brushes are easiest to use.

Cabinets painted with milk paint and given a distressed look

Where should you use it, you wonder? Well, milk paint made its strongest re-emergence in the furniture refinishing and crafting markets - the classic look and neat crackle finish stretch the possibilities of what one can do with a paper bag full of paint! However, as more people have become interested in safer paints for all applications, milk paint has emerged as a contender in interior walls, cabinetry...even refinishing and painting wood floors! Wood is the perfect substrate for this versatile paint - try it yourself!

Milk paint is also great for re-finishing furniture, although it's proven it is good for much more!

Stop into your local 'g' showroom today to get one of the following products:
Milk Paint - pints and quarts
Antique Crackle - use to get an antique-looking finish!
Clear Coat - a protective water-based sealer for woodwork and furniture applications