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Reconditioned Tools

Reconditioned Tools published on 2 Comments on Reconditioned Tools

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My MacBookPro never leaves my side. Until I get my iphone, then we’ll see. When my old laptop became obsolete after a week (Thank you Mr. Jobs!) I didn’t want to spend good money on something I’d probably have to replace in another few months. I got this ingenius brain fart to buy a refurbished computer directly from Mac. I paid half the price and have a year’s warranty.

So, what about doing that with power tools? The deals aren’t as good as computers, but they are discounted and they do come with a warranty. Plus, buying refurbished means you’re recycling!

Keep in mind that used and reconditioned are two different things. You can purchase used tools on Craig’s, Ebay or Amazon, but you don’t know what kind of problems they have.

It’s best to go directly to the manufacturer or a reseller they recommend, but if that’s not possible, just make sure the company isn’t some guy fixing tools in his garage.

Here’s what I found during a quick search:
Tyler Tool
Tool King
CPO Outlets

Oh, PS: In all fairness to Steve Jobs, I dropped my old computer so many times that it finally just died on me. I can’t avoid a good Mac dig though.

Low VOC Coating: Whey To Go!

Low VOC Coating: Whey To Go! published on

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Via LeedPro Via Treehugger

Vermont Natural Coatings has a line of poly whey finishes available. Whey, a bi-product of cheese production, is a renewable resource. It’s also non toxic, low VOC and low odor.

The furniture finish is available in satin, semi-gloss and gloss. Floor finish comes in satin and semi gloss. Dry time is 2-3 hours. At $62 per gallon, I don’t think I want to be the guinea pig. Treehugger does point out that the coverage is higher than that of regular water based poly.

The cans are made with post consumer materials which can be recycled when discarded. It all sounds very wonderful, however, as much as I love to promote these great sustainable products, I use oil base on my floors. Toxic, high VOC oil. Unfortunately, it’s the only thing that lasts longer than a few months in my house.

Anatomy of a Brownstone:Green Depot

Anatomy of a Brownstone:Green Depot published on

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Sarah Beatty, CEO of Green Depot, the Brooklyn based green building materials company, spoke with Rolf and Emily. Green Depot is the materials supplier for 93 Nevins.

Sarah founded Green Depot in 2005 when she realized how important sustainable building had become. She found a backer in the already established Marjam Supply Company. Ok, so it didn’t hurt that her husband owns Marjam.

Green Depot is a green building superstore, with locations in various Mid Atlantic and Northeastern cities, including Brooklyn, NY. They sell pretty much everything, including soundproof drywall, eco friendly cabinets and a variety of solvent free adhesives.

Sarah spoke of the importance of using non toxic caulks, sealants and cleaners as well as alternatives to fiberglass insulation and taking advantage of low VOC paints.

Liquid Stainless Steel

Liquid Stainless Steel published on 5 Comments on Liquid Stainless Steel

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Before

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Et Voila!

This is one of those things that might look ok online, but the verdict is still out until I see it in person. It’s difficult to get a good idea of what it looks like since the images are shoddy and the display samples are crappy whatever color they are. But hey, it’s probably a good idea if you want to freshen up your kitchen on a small budget and you have ugly appliances that work just fine. Don’t know how green it is. Probably no less green than buying new appliances.

This is actually water based automotive grade stainless steel that you can roll on without priming in many cases. You must apply the finish coat afterwards. It can be used on most surfaces, but is not recommended for counter tops.

Thomas’ Liquid Stainless

Scratch and Sniff Wallpaper

Scratch and Sniff Wallpaper published on 1 Comment on Scratch and Sniff Wallpaper

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How cool is this? Saw it originally on Retro To Go.

Flavor Paper, along with Michael Angelo of the Wonderland Beauty Parlor, designed the scratch and sniff wallpaper, which launched during New York Design Week 2007.

The smelly wallpaper comes in 3 flavors: Banana, Cherry and Tutti Frutti. At $360 per roll, I guess I won’t be getting this for my playroom (I don’t have a playroom anyway), but if you can afford it, part of the profits goes to the Human Rights Campaign.

Papers can be purchased online at Rare Chic.

Eco Friendly Shopping

Eco Friendly Shopping published on

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Shopbcue has launched! Brooklyn Center for the Urban Environment, a local nonprofit that provides innovative environmental education programs throughout New York City, announced the news on Friday (or at least that’s when I got wind of it).

Shopbcue is not just another green shopping site. They link to sustainable stores and a percentage of sales helps fund public environmental programs in New York City.

So far, vendors include Vivavi, Design Public , Viva Terra and Ebay, among others.

EcoPod Recycling Bin

EcoPod Recycling Bin published on 3 Comments on EcoPod Recycling Bin

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I’m not trying to justify spending $324 on a trash bin (although I’ll be swallowing those words soon when I report about the Reclaimed Home trash bin enclosure), but I’ve gotta admit, this does seem cool.

I saw it on AT Green yesterday. I’ve never counted how many cans and bottles I can get into my bin, not even when my dog gets into them and I have to put them back one by one. I’m sure it’s nowhere near the crushed 50-60 containers that the Ecopod holds.

People Powered Machines has some great products. Hint to husband: I might be willing to deal with the compost heap if you bought me a RolyPig.

Women’s Power Tools

Women’s Power Tools published on

I try to keep my posts positive and I don’t want to sound like a catty bitch, but…I don’t get it! Sure the tools look pretty, but if you want to use a tool, why can’t you use real, macho tools? I mean, I have pretty small hands and I don’t need girlie tools. It just seems gimmicky to me.

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Tom Boy Tools has tool parties, much like your mom’s Tupperware parties. They are dedicated to empowering women. Yeah, you look real empowered with that pink hammer in your hand! Ok, I’m not that evil. The pink is actually a positive thing. $3 from each “pink edition” sale will go to the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

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Barbara K‘s “true desire is to inspire women to become more self reliant and confident in their own abilities.” Really? I thought it was to become the Martha Stewart of home improvement. Barbara was a general contractor in NYC who thought tools for men were intimidating for women to use. Yeah, watch you don’t smear your mascara, honey.

MEOW!

Consumer Reports

Move Over, Ikea

Move Over, Ikea published on 2 Comments on Move Over, Ikea

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Ecosystems Brand is a fairly new company based out of Brooklyn that “…strives to provide eco-effective products that generate positive effects on the ecology, economy and social equity of the system they inhabit.”

How so, you ask? Well, first of all, they use sustainable materials. They manufacture the products locally, use flat pack shipping, tool free assembly and best of all….they will pick up and recycle their products once the useful life is over.

Contact the company directly for purchasing info.

Dexigner

Treehugger

MocoLoco

Trinity Glass Recycled Countertops

Trinity Glass Recycled Countertops published on

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We recently wrote about Squak Mountain Stone and Kliptech countertops. Over the weekend, Treehugger reported that the two companies have merged to form Trinity Glass. Amee Quiriconi and Joel Klippert were constantly meeting up at events and exchanging ideas, so it seemed natural to merge.

Trinity Glass is a composite of 75% glass from recycled beer bottles, plate windows, wine bottles, etc from Seattle and 25% low carbon cement.

Kliptech
Squak Mountain

Dust Control Joint Compound

Dust Control Joint Compound published on 2 Comments on Dust Control Joint Compound

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Could it be true? Sanding joint compound without the dust flying around? Found this on LEEDPro. I know, I know: “If you do the mud correctly, you shouldn’t have to sand at all”. Well, I’m incompetent when it comes to taping. I hate it! If this makes my life a little easier, I’m in, baby! Anyone tried this?

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