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The dream of writers, editors, and photographers is not to make money (at least that’s not their primary motive) but to impact people with their work. When this happens, it is the most fulfilling feeling in the world. Recently, we the staff of “Going simply Green” have experienced this feeling. We would like to take time now to thank all of those people that have given us ideas, read our newsletter, and posted on our blog board. First, we would like to thank HR Clean. Recently, they were mentioned in our article about recycling batteries. They thanked us for citing them, and offered help if we needed information about further recycling projects, pollution, or water conservation. To know that we have this valuable agency reading and critiquing our newsletter is very reassuring. To find out more information on HR Clean, please visit their website at www.hrclean.org. Recently, we received a long posting on our blog about spray foam used in home and school insulation. The foam helps prevent sick building syndrome and also reduces heating and cooling costs because it is so efficient. We want to thank John B. Kuchta Jr. of Combat Coatings, LLC for all his input and list of resources to use. We would also like to hint that an issue centered on building environmentally friendly buildings and the techniques/materials used in such projects is in the works. We will be sure to include your information in our next issue.Input from Lola Hilton helped make our November issue’s Organic Cleaners article much more well-rounded, since we were able to see the long term benefits of such cleaners versus the traditional ones. Thank you for the information on GET CLEAN, a wonderful organic product. This information was valuable to us. (This product was also featured on Oprah’s My Favorite Things holiday episode.)And, to all the other comments we have received, thank you. It is wonderful to receive input from people in positions of power in the community, because it lets us know our message is being heard. Tips from individuals and questions are allowing us to tailor our issues to the wants and needs of the community, and this is helping us make Hampton Roads a more “green place.” Thank you, and please continue to help us provide you with the most relevant information to you. Coming attractions…as mentioned earlier, environmental friendly housing will be the main topic of our next newsletter. However, for all of those out there that find New Year’s resolutions hard to keep, we have a story just for you! Stay tuned. We asked for them, so Hampton Roads post your questions about “Going Simply Green”!
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I live within ten miles of the proposed bio-deisel plant - how will this affect the air around me that I will be breathing every day?
What is the first step I need to take to go “green?”
Ms. Harrell 10.04.07 @ 4:27 pmHI! I was wondering how you as a club feel about the on going “theory” of Global Warming. I feel pretty strong about it , but it is a very controversial topic so..
Jasmine Cunanan 10.11.07 @ 3:50 pmGlobal warming is definitely a serious issue, we agree. However, we believe that humans are increasing the problem, not actually the root cause of it. Through our extreme use of fossil fuels as energy sources, the contamination of our atmosphere is only getting worse. As a club, we believe that by trying to “go green”, and using proper conservation methods, we can help to curb this problem. Specifically, if we reduce our use of fossil fuels for resources, then global warming will not be as serious of an issue, since Earth has climate shifts naturally. Obviously, this issue is much more complex, since it not only affects the environment, but the economy as well. Regulation of emmissions, therefore, may not be feasible in all locations and situations, because the effect on the economy could be detrimental. However, the environmental club is not against regulation of such emission, we just recognize the complexity of the issue; we do not aim to judge countries who are not regulating emissions; our goal is to increase awareness. We hope this has answered your question, and we appreciate your input and curiosity. Thank you, and continue to read our newsletter.
Cate and Beth 10.12.07 @ 4:11 pmI live near Star Creek, a tributary of the Nansemond River. How safe is the water in this area for fishing and crabbing? Does Ciba (Specialty Chemicals) pollute the Nansemond River at all?
David Mitnick 11.21.07 @ 9:46 amI wanted to get more information to your young students from Nansemond River High School about “Going Green,” especially in new construction techniques. I hope that you will forward this info to them.
If you think about it, a new home, commercial building or school is an entity that will impact the environment for the next 50-100 years. Using environmentally friendly building materials and techniques is a great way to save energy and lessen the “carbon footprint” of a building for a very long time.
We apply spray foam insulation to homes, warehouses and schools. If the students go to my web site at http://www.combatcoatings.com, and click on “Services” and then “Foam used in new school construction,” they can watch a video of our men spraying foam insulation on a new school in VA Beach. The foam not only super-insulates the walls, it also acts as a one-step waterproofing material that has proven to prevent “Sick Building Syndrome” or SBS. SBS usually forms when moisture that is driven by the sun through the exterior course of brick is able to penetrate the interior cinder block walls. Mold then forms and sick teachers and students are the result. VA Beach was forced to bulldoze three schools in 2005 due to SBS. Now, all schools built in Norfolk and VA Beach are insulated with spray-on foam.
We also spray foam in new and existing homes to help seal out temperature, noise and moisture. Our foam works great in crawl spaces, walls and attics.
We spray foam on the roofs of commercial buildings and the foam acts to not only stop leaks, but also to save heating and cooling dollars. If you go to my site, click on “Services” and then “SPF Roofs.” SPF stands for Spray Polyurethane Foam.
Your young students are on the right path and they can learn a lot about energy saving construction techniques from the following web sites:
http://www.vsbn.org
http://www.buildingscience.com
http://www.chemicaldesigncorp.net
http://www.dom.com Type-in “Conditioned Crawl Space” into the search block!
http://www.sprayfoam.org
All the best,
John P. Kuchta, Jr.
President
Combat Coatings, LLC
NRHS Environmental Club "Simply Green" 12.18.07 @ 8:32 amThank you for mentioning HR Clean as a resource in your newsletter. You are doing a great thing. I did want to let you know that the link is not working. Try using this link. http://www.hrclean.org
Also, if you need any assistance with articles on litter prevention, recycling, pollution, or water conservation, please let me know. I may be able to help.
Holly Miller
NRHS Environmental Club "Simply Green" 01.02.08 @ 11:26 amEnvironmental Educator
Hampton Roads Planning District Commission
(757) 413-9302
Waterproofing Materials…
I enjoyed reading your blog. What a great thing it is to be able to share information like this on the Internet….
[BLOCKED BY STBV] Waterproofing Materials 03.15.08 @ 11:27 pm