"It's not easy being green."

That is a famous saying by Kermit the Frog and, while we like the little guy, we disagree. As discussion of climate change occupies the news we are doing our part. Building practices are adapting and we are keeping up.

Some building products are rated ‘green’ because they come from renewable resources and other are rated ‘green’ because of their method of manufacture. We can further the beneficial effects by our practice of using water-based, rather than solvent-based, adhesives and finishes and recycling removed materials. Industry rates these efforts in LEEDs points (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

Carpet One, our business partner, is stressing “Green Select” in their marketing information and showrooms. Some of their products include:  Shaw carpets, which qualify because of their manufacture from recycled materials and their ability to be recycled; responsibly harvested hardwoods pre-finished with water-borne sealants; Marmoleum which is manufactured with linseed oil, wood flour, and natural colorants; and Teragren Bamboo flooring, a sustainable and renewable resource.

Bertch kitchen cabinets have qualified as green. That is due to electricity being generated from wood waste, eco-friendly finishing systems, and manufactured from a sustainable product. This product is currently available to Lakefork Design.

Shaw Carpet -  Marmoleum – Teragren - Bertch