Landscape lighting: A great way to dress up your home
Photo courtesy of Kichler Lighting
Photo courtesy of Sea Gull Lighting Products, LLC (NC)-The real estate market may be in a slump, but not all industries having to do with the home are in trouble. Companies that specialize in remodeling and renovation, particularly in the area of outdoor living, are doing extremely well right now. "People don't want to lose money on their biggest investment so instead of moving, they're improving their homes," says Joe Rey-Barreau, an associate professor at the University of Kentucky's School of Interior Design and education consultant for the American Lighting Association (ALA). He says now that warmer weather has arrived, people are adding decks, patios, gazebos and outdoor kitchens to their homes, and they aren't just planning to use them in the daytime. "The trend towards expanding outdoor living space has been growing for some time now," says Richard Lentz, president of Lentz Landscape Lighting in Dallas, Texas. "In past years, our goal was focused on lighting the space and showing off the garden. Now we're concentrating a lot more effort on finding innovative ways to light outdoor spaces so they can be used at night, much like they're used during the day." Backyard decks no longer just have a small light near the door. Lentz says lighting designers are now installing down lights in trees and attaching them to chimneys to shine light down on the space. "We're also putting in a lot of step lights to make the transition from the upper to lower level easier," says Lentz, who adds that people no longer have to feel like they're under a spotlight when they sit outside under the stars. "If there's a tree nearby, we can shine light down from it. Attaching fixtures to a chimney is also a nice way to get light from above that feels like moonlight." And when it comes to lighting outdoor kitchens, innovation is key. "We do a lot of task lighting in the outdoor kitchen," says Lentz. "We'll utilize the arbors to hang task lighting over the sink, the grill and the table, for example, and put them on dimmers so when the light isn't needed, it can be turned down." Lentz credits the recent innovations offered by various lighting manufacturers for making those projects possible. "Technology sure has come a long way in a short amount of time," he says. Rey-Barreau agrees. "Manufacturers realize there's a growing market for outdoor fixtures and they have responded by stepping up to the challenge to develop chandeliers, table lamps and sconces that are rated for wet conditions so they can be safely installed outdoors," he says. Safety isn't the only factor being considered by manufacturers. So is operating cost. Not so long ago, the U.S. government mandated that the lighting industry find ways to cut energy consumption of their products. Kichler Lighting of Cleveland, Ohio, responded by coming out with a line of outdoor fixtures that use highly efficient L.E.D. bulbs that require one-third the energy of incandescents. "When people realize they can get the same light output, a nice comfortable color and reduce energy use by 75 percent, they are more than willing to make the change," says Jeff Dross at Kichler Lighting. There have been innovations in the area of lighting for curb appeal purposes as well. "Landscape lighting is about safety, security and aesthetics. As far as the latter goes, the key to success is being subtle. Less is always more," says Monty Gilbertson, manager of Lighting Design by Wettsteins in La Crosse, Wis. Doug Prexta, who works for the landscape division of Cleveland, Ohio-based Hinkley Lighting confirms lighting the outdoors is a trend that's here to stay. "Our business is way up in the landscape division because people are investing in their homes more and more," he says. For more information about landscape lighting, or to find a lighting showroom near you, log on to the American Lighting Association's Web site at www.AmericanLightingAssoc.com or call (800) BRIGHT-IDEAS (800-274-4484).
Eco-Consumer Quick Tip: What does 2X mean on detergent packaging?
(NC)-In the past few months, designations like 2X have been showing up on laundry detergents. Such developments were not always fully explained and that left consumers guessing that 2X had something to do with the size. The containers were notably much smaller. "That's right, 2X means the content is twice as concentrated and you use only half the amount normally used to do the laundry," says Ed Zello at Purex. "A concentrated detergent means the product is smaller, more convenient, easier to carry, and easier to pour. And the lowered impact on the environment is felt right across the supply chain including reduced fuel consumption, reduced packaging, reduced water, and reduced waste. "If you want to go one step further than simply using a 2X concentrate detergent for the environment," Ed continued, "why not insist that your detergent be biodegradable?" Leading the pack, Ed said, is the newest Purex line of ultra concentrates, called Natural Elements. "This new formula uses 100 percent naturally derived cleaning ingredients and natural fragrance extracts-and it biodegrades in just 28 days. Natural Elements has the same economical price as regular Purex and is also hypoallergenic, free of dyes, and the packaging is recyclable." Recent polling data from Angus Reid reports that 74% of Canadians felt that they would be more likely to buy an environmentally conscious laundry detergent if it was the same price as regular detergents. "Taking the 2X product and improving it with a biodegradable formula is a great step to minimizing our impact on the environment, while still providing the same effective, great smelling product consumers enjoy." Ed said. |
Environment Watch: Simple ways to make a difference
By J. C. Carroll (NC)-Scientists generally agree that lifestyles in the developed world will have to change if residents want to enjoy a clean, healthy and sustainable future. Each one of us, therefore, has a role and responsibility to reassess the way we live-even if it's just one step at a time. Purchasing habits are a good place to start. A recent Angus Reid poll reports that while most Canadians know they should be doing something about the environment, still 60% admit that when it comes to making decisions in the store, they "seem to stick to the regular brands, not the natural ones". As well, 92% of Canadians agree that: "people talk a lot about doing something for the environment, but not many seem to actually be doing something about it." Take a look at your laundry room for 3 easy ways to make a big difference. Here are just a few responsible purchases one can make: 1. Purchase a front-load washing machine. This efficient system cleans your clothes by lifting them to the top of the tub and then dropping them into the water below. Front loading machines can handle 5 to 9 kilos of clothes at a time and yet they fill only partly with water and wash best with low-suds detergent. Front-load washers save water and energy. 2. Switch to a biodegradable laundry detergent: Angus Reid reports that 75% of Canadians are concerned about the effects that soaps and laundry detergents have on the environment. Detergents are changing and becoming more environmentally conscious. Among those leading the pack, for example, is the newest line of Purex detergent called Natural Elements. It is biodegradable. The ingredients of this 2X ultra concentrate biodegrade in just 28 days. 3. Install a Dry Vent Switch: To conserve energy and lower your heating costs in winter, why not direct your electric dryer vent indoors? There are several kits available with high-quality lint traps so you can quickly re-direct the warm air inside. The dryer stays attached to the outdoor vent, but if you like, just flip a switch to indoor. Caution: check your municipal codes for guidelines on this procedure and never vent a gas dryer indoors.
2008 a record year for fire deaths? ".We always find
batteries in the TV remote."
(NC)-The year 2008 is on track to set new records for fire deaths in Canada. That is not a statistic that local firefighters and public safety officials like to hear. When they sift through the devastating aftermath of home fire tragedies, often what they find leaves them frustrated and even angry. "How many more times must our firefighters discover disconnected smoke alarms and alarms without batteries?" says Carol Heller, a fire safety specialist with Kidde Canada, this country's largest manufacturer of fire safety products. "Firemen consistently say they always find batteries in the TV remote.but they are often absent from potentially life-saving tools like smoke alarms." Smoke alarms can increase your chances of surviving a fire by 50 per cent. "Time is precious when it comes to escaping a home in the event of a fire, so is your family," she says. "When people take alarms down after they burn their toast, or remove the batteries or disconnect the wires, they often pay for that with their lives, or, the lives of their family members." Heller believes most people remove or disarm smoke alarms with good intentions - to temporarily silence a nuisance alarm. But she points out that the problem arises when people forget to re-install them. This practice is confirmed by a recent Ipsos Reid National Fire Safety Poll that found more than one-half of people surveyed admit they have disconnected a smoke alarm and then forgotten to re-install it. "With today's smoke alarm technology, and fire safety public education, there is no reason for this to continue," Heller says. She notes photoelectric smoke alarms that are well-suited for kitchen-area use, and, tamper-proof smoke alarms that have 10-year batteries that never need to be changed until the alarms expires, as two examples. She also points to new model smoke alarms that come equipped with a "Hush" button that allows homeowners to silence a false alarm temporarily. By pushing the "Hush" button, similar to the "Test Battery" button found on the face of the smoke alarm, the alarm is silenced to allow the steam or smoke from burnt food to be cleared. The alarm will re-sound if a real fire is detected, and, at the end of the "Hush" period the alarm resets itself. As well, Heller says, Photoelectric smoke alarms are well-suited for kitchens as they are sensitive to slow smoldering and other fires typical of this area in your home. For more information on smoke alarm features and home fire safety tips go to the www.SafeAtHome.ca web site. |
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Buying a Home
Gear up for the grilling season
(NC)-With the summer barbecue season upon us, and Father's Day just around the corner, Sears Canada offers seasonal chefs advice on how to have their grill sizzling for the barbecue season. Buying Tips: . Size: Determine how often and how much you will be grilling. An easy way to establish a portion size is to take the palm of your hand as a good representation of an average portion of food. On average, a 400 square inch grill accommodating 8 portions is sufficient. . BTUs: 35k to 62.5k BTUs is ideal for barbecue grilling. . Heat Control: Choose a grill with dual heat control so that the burners are controlled separately when grilling different varieties of foods such as meat and vegetables. . Wheels: Make sure that the wheels on your barbecue are flexible, yet sturdy enough so they do not wobble. . Storage: Living in Canada, it is pertinent that you purchase a strong grill cover. If your region experiences extreme cold weather, ensure the grill will fit easily into your shed for storage. Whether you are a passionate all-year round griller, or just an occasional one, now is the best time to shop around for a new gas grill. Sears offers a broad selection of gas grills like Kenmore® and Broil King®, with a wide variety of options from 44-72k BTUs, ranging from affordable to top-of-the-line. Visit your local Sears store, browse through the Sears catalogue, or visit www.sears.ca.
Playing it safe this summer
(NC)-Swimming pools are great ways to have fun and relax - but make sure you follow a few basic safety tips to make your leisure time as safe as possible this summer. And keep in mind - adult supervision is essential at all times when children are using a pool. Keep a cordless phone or cell phone nearby while the pool is in use for emergencies. If you need to leave the pool area, make sure another adult is present to supervise young bathers. When the pool is not being used, make sure it is covered by a safety cover. When the pool is uncovered, it can be a tempting playground for children. For added safety, keep pool toys out of the water when not being used and store them out of sight. Never leave toys on the deck or leave a table or chairs near a pool fence that could allow a child to climb over into the pool area. Make sure you have a clear, unobstructed view of the pool from inside the house and never allow horseplay or roughhousing (dunking, pushing or throwing someone into the pool) or playful screaming for help that could mask a real emergency. Enclose your yard with a permanent fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate and install a portable mesh fence around the immediate pool perimeter to keep children out of the pool once they are in the backyard. All doors leading from the house to the pool should also have a self-latching, self-closing mechanism and all windows should have window locks installed to prevent a child from climbing through. More pool and hot tub safety information can be found online at www.poolcouncil.ca or toll-free at 1-800-879-7066.
A Touch of Whimsy: Bringing this year's hottest design trend to your
kitchen
Modern meets whimsical with the new Granny Chic kitchen trend
featuring a traditionally inspired faucet and vintage china. (NC)-Every so often, new design trends emerge that become the must-have look. For 2008, the new look in the kitchen has been dubbed "Granny Chic", a whimsical mix of old and new that creates a unique and feminine space. "With Granny Chic, everything old is new again. Raid your grandmother's basement or visit flea markets and antique shops to find pretty items that you love," says Karen Sealy, Toronto-based interior designer and a regular décor expert on CityLine. "This look is about combining feminine, traditional charm with fun, vibrant pieces." Sealy offers these tips for creating a Granny Chic kitchen: . Vibrant, eclectic pieces: Accessorize your space with items passed down from family members. Mismatched bone china tea cups, tea cosies, colourful hooked rugs and vintage fruit bowls add charm and an eclectic feel to any space. . Petite florals: Table coverings, chair fabric or even tea towels with petite florals are an easy way to bring the pretty look of Granny Chic alive. . Romantic lace: Replace modern window coverings with pretty lace for a chic, feminine look. . Quaint style and modern convenience: A traditionally styled faucet will help to complete the Granny Chic look. The Victorian faucet from Delta in an aged pewter finish has a classic, timeless architecture combined with modern technology, making it ideal for this trend. . A touch of whimsy: Whimsical features such as a cuckoo clock or patterned wallpaper help bring the look to life. For more information, visit Delta Faucet at www.deltafaucet.com. |
