It's becoming more obvious that, when you "go green" for the environment, you often do something good for your health, too. Even folks who wouldn't be caught dead at a Greenpeace rally are seeing real benefit to new green technology. In some cases, they're saving money (Sometimes lots of it!). In others, their reducing their toxic load (Don't know what your "toxic load" is? Google it when you're ready to throw out all your favorite bath products.), lessening allergy symptoms... and making their home look better for their efforts.

Protect Yourself from
High Energy Bills and
Stressful Noise Pollution
Since 1969, Preferred Glass & Windows has installed thousands of windows and doors in all shapes and sizes, from vinyl, fiberglass and aluminum to wood clad and more. New dual pane energy-efficient windows make your home a quieter and more pleasant environment. They reduce drafts, rattling and unwanted dust. Homeowners can expect to save 20 percent to 40 percent on their energy bills. The climate of the house stays warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, thus making it a more comfortable environment. New windows also add ease of operation and aesthetically enhance and beautify any property. Call Preferred Glass & Windows for a free in-home estimate.
Preferred Glass & Windows 298-2165

Keep your Carpet on your Floor and Out of the Landfill
Stainmaster GreenLiving carpet is better for the environment in major ways. First, the high-quality fibers used can be recycled; this is a big deal because, right now, about 95 percent of carpet removed from homes goes straight to a landfill. Second, the pad is made with 90 percent recycled materials. Third, the manufacturing process is 37 percent more efficient than most competitors. Impressive? You bet. But what's even more wowing is the durability (Over 50 percent more durable than other carpets, on average, keeping more carpet out of the landfills long term!) and beauty.
Santa Clarita Flooring 799-8088

Clean your Air to Improve your Health
What are you breathing? According to the EPA (www.epa.gov), "In the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities. Other research indicates that people spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors. Thus, for many people, the risks to health may be greater due to exposure to air pollution indoors than outdoors."

Air cleaners effectively remove bacteria, pollen, animal dander and other pollutants as small as 0.01 microns. That's 18,000 times smaller than the head of a pin. The higher the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV), the more efficiently the cleaner removes particles. GW Richardson Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. offers air cleaners that range from MERV 10 to MERV 15 to meet your needs. For those families that have severe allergies, they also offer Whole House High Efficiency Particulate Arresting (HEPA) filtration systems. Consider the Infinity Air Purifier by Carrier, which traps and kills air pollutants. The award-winning Infinity Air Purifier doesn't just filter air, it captures and kills airborne pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and mold. This whole house air cleaner re-purifies indoor air as many as eight times an hour. Combine this system with the next generation of ultra violet light, manufactured by APCO, for the perfect solution in indoor air quality.
GW Richardson Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. 295-0115


A Carpet Install that doesn't Leave You in the Dust
"We have seen the number of customers who are concerned about allergies increase dramatically in recent years. Carpet is hypoallergenic, but the installation is not. Dirt, skin cells, pet problems, dust; all of these are released into the air you breathe during an 'old standard' installation process. Brent's Carpet One is the leader in making homes healthier through our upgraded installation. After earning our IASQ (Indoor Air & Surface Quality) certification, we are uniquely positioned to help you make your home a healthier place to be," says Ben Griffiths of Brent's Carpet One. The service includes an antimicrobial pre-installation treatment to preserve the home's indoor air quality for the duration of the install and includes HEPA vacuuming before and after the installation to reduce dust.
Brent's Carpet One 255-3337

Low Odor, Zero VOC paints are
Pretty in Shades Besides "Green," Too!
Concerned parents and those with sensitivities already knew what others are just finding out: volatile organic compounds (VOCs), according to the EPA (www.epa.gov), "include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects." A. Allbright owner Joshua Abramson says, "Most paint manufacturers have no-VOC paints now. We regularly use Dunn Edwards's Enso - a low-odor, zero-VOC paint, or Sherwin Williams' Harmony line. These paints work well when you have to paint interior spaces that have either a working environment, like an office building, or are just home environments where someone is sensitive to the smell of paint. We were invited to participate in a design TV show called 'Clean LA' on the Style Network, where we were challenged to paint some difficult areas within a home while the pregnant couple stayed there. We used a unique paint made from natural collagen - the white part of chicken eggs. We can accommodate all requests for natural products that are good for you and the environment." Any color, including those featured here in the A.Allbright Freedom Color Collection, can be created in a no-VOC paint.
A. Allbright Painting 294-1159

Tips to Save Water Inside your Home and Earn Money Back
Did you know that some solutions to save water inside your home could earn you money back?
Here are some rebates you may qualify for.

1 Rebates for High-Efficiency Toilets:
Do you have a home built before 1993? If so, you could be eligible for money back on a new high-efficiency toilet! Rebates of up to $80 for high-efficiency toilets (1.28 gallons per flush) are now available through your water retailer for homes and buildings built before 1993. These rebates are available for both single family homes (limit three) and multi-family (limit of 50) homes as long as funds are available. Contact your water retailer for details (clwa.org/contact/retailer-contacts).

2 Rebates for High-Efficiency Washing Machines:
Are you in need of a new washing machine in your home? Well, you just might be eligible for a $200 rebate when you buy that new high-efficiency appliance! Check to see that your water factor is 4.0 or less. If so, you have a rebate available. Contact your water retailer for details (clwa.org/contact/retailer-contacts). Lists of eligible machines are available at Castaic Lake Water Agency's site here: clwa.org/conservation/water-conservation-programs.

"There when You Need Them" Screens Slash Energy Costs and Up Curb Appeal
You know that, by opening your windows in the evening and closing them before mid morning, you could easily save over $1,000 (or much more) on air conditioning costs in the next three months. But you can't do that - because you made sure that ugly, unsightly screens wouldn't block your lovely windows or pretty view. While you'd be happy to let the cool night air in, you'd like to keep bugs, critters and debris out - but you can't without screens! What's a fashionable homeowner to do? The answer is surprisingly simple on your wallet and your home. Phantom Screens installs "only there when you need them" solutions for all types of windows and doors (Even double French doors!). Their patented, easy-to-use system improves your curb appeal, your view and your energy consumption.
Phantom Screens 799-9226

Made in the USA is Good for You,
the Environment and the Country
Unsustainable harvesting of trees; poor work quality that, instead of being "handed down," ends up in a landfill; fossil fuels polluting our air and water to get that furniture halfway around the world and into your living room; possible unethical treatment of workers... And you thought the only concern you'd have about your furniture purchase was whether or not the color was right! By buying American craftsmanship you do more than keep businesses alive in the USA, you invest in a quality piece that exhibits attention to detail that is made of finer, hardier domestic woods like maple, birch and cherry. These pieces are built to last generations, meaning that you put less in the landfill over your lifetime - and, perhaps, your children's, too. Douglas Furniture specializes in decor manufactured by real craftsmen, many located in North Carolina, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Douglas Furniture 255-8366


Recycled Stone makes for Gorgeous Countertops
Setting a new benchmark for quartz surfacing products, CaesarStone's innovative recycled range of quartz slabs incorporate 17 percent to 42 percent first-quality reclaimed quartz from the fabrication process (post-production recycled) and post-consumer recycled glass and mirrors. The high-recycled content of their eco-friendly product range reduces the demand for primal raw materials, protecting the planet's precious resources. CaesarStone's recycled countertop options are available locally from Dannick Designs and include, from top to bottom, Ruby Reflections, Quartz Reflections, Chocolate Truffle and Smokey Ash.
Dannick Designs 775-7430

Water Damage is Bad for
your Home and your Health
Even the smallest of leaks can become a large problem given the right circumstances. Protecting your home or business from potential water damage can be as simple as enforcing good home maintenance and a few proactive measures. Running appliances only while you are home and turning the main water supply off while on vacation are two ways to avoid a long-term leak. Check appliance hoses and replace steel-braided hoses with more durable rubber ones. Replacing broken tiles in showers or on the floor, which allow water to leak through, and occasional regrouting, are always good ideas. All too often, water damages are the result of a burst pipe due to excessive water pressure. An inexpensive gauge can measure the water pressure in your home to ensure that it is between 60 and 80 PSI (pounds per square inch). Most importantly, if water damage does occur, take immediate action by shutting off the water supply, removing wet items and calling a professional. Acting quickly can minimize damage drastically. Water damage, if left unattended and not properly dried, can result in mold growth and/or structural failure. CBC Cleaning & Restoration hopes you never have to use their 24-hour emergency services (They'll arrive in an hour or less!), but they are there to help if you do.
CBC Cleaning & Restoration 294-2221