Community Strength Painters specialize in the preparation and repainting of homes that test positive for lead paint. The State of Washington and The EPA requires all companies performing lead safe work activities to be trained and certified by them.
The EPA estimates that 98% of pre 1940 homes in the U.S. have at least one
layer of highly concentrated lead-based paint. Bellingham is no exception.
Yes, adults and painters could be severely affected from ingesting lead, but the real concern is about all the young children that have been lead poisoned.
The CDC “Center for Disease and Control” identifies lead poisoning as the #1 health risk for young children.
Based on a pooled analysis of results derived from seven well-conducted prospective epidemiologic studies, (Ref. 1, at E-9). See info on page 3,
8.6 % of Pre School and school age children, who live in homes built before 1946, will have blood lead levels that contribute to a significant reduction in I. Q. The amount of lead ingested necessary to reach this toxic level is smaller than a granule of sugar.
Most Common Sources of Lead Poisoning:
• Deteriorating lead-based paint
• Lead contaminated dust
• Lead contaminated residential soil
• #1 source of lead poisoning comes from lead dust on interior windowsills and floors generated from sliding windows, from doors that impact lead-based paint. and from sanding exterior paint.
• If you see a neighbor sanding the siding of an older home, blowing dust to the wind, ask questions!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
About Holly
Hi Everyone! I have a Masters in Speech Pathology and a double Art Minor from Western. I married Chris, a Bellingham-ite and have one son. Chris’s family has been working in quality furniture since the 1930’s and he learned from his dad. I started working in the wood shop with furniture 18 years ago.
In 1999 we opened Barbo Furniture at 1321 Cornwall. Our niche was well made, sustainable furniture. In March of 2007, when the news was full of “green”, we looked at each other and said, “Thats what we have been doing since before the store opened!” What we make uses FSC certified materials, is well constructed and the carbon footprint is less that 10 miles. We also sell manufactured furniture that is green or emerging green and mostly domestic. The furniture in our store has to meet our standards.
In May 2007 I was asked to write columns for the national trade magazine: “Home Furnishings Business”. Those pieces are archived on my website: www.barbofurniture.com. I am on the Education Committee of the Sustainable Furniture Council: www.sustainablefurniturecouncil.org and have produced a short DVD, “It Can Be Easy Being Green”. I am currently finishing a power point that will be used as a class that expands on the DVD.
We believe in the wise use of earths resources, healthy furniture that will last for generations and transparency in our dealings with our customers.
In 1999 we opened Barbo Furniture at 1321 Cornwall. Our niche was well made, sustainable furniture. In March of 2007, when the news was full of “green”, we looked at each other and said, “Thats what we have been doing since before the store opened!” What we make uses FSC certified materials, is well constructed and the carbon footprint is less that 10 miles. We also sell manufactured furniture that is green or emerging green and mostly domestic. The furniture in our store has to meet our standards.
In May 2007 I was asked to write columns for the national trade magazine: “Home Furnishings Business”. Those pieces are archived on my website: www.barbofurniture.com. I am on the Education Committee of the Sustainable Furniture Council: www.sustainablefurniturecouncil.org and have produced a short DVD, “It Can Be Easy Being Green”. I am currently finishing a power point that will be used as a class that expands on the DVD.
We believe in the wise use of earths resources, healthy furniture that will last for generations and transparency in our dealings with our customers.
Friday, July 4, 2008
About Jillian Trinkaus
I am a native of the Pacific Northwest, but I have travelled the world enough to know what a great place Bellingham and Whatcom County are to live. I graduated from Western Washington University three times. First with a Bachelors Degree in Biology, then with a Master's Degree in Biology, and finally with a teaching certificate in secondary education. In the years between when I earned my bachelor's and master's degrees, I worked in a biology lab in Seattle and I served in the United States Peace Corps. I later taught biology at Squalicum High School in Bellingham. I left teaching to work with my husband, Stephen, at Terra Organica Health Food and Grocery Store, which we still own and operate. When my son Cody was born, I stayed home with him until he entered preschool. At that time, I was ready to branch out on my own and chose a career as a realtor. It has been a perfect match for me. I have been able to combine my background in education and business with my love of houses. I am familiar with the bus and trail systems in Bellingham and Whatcom County. I try to ride my bicyle or walk instead of driving whenever possible. I would love to show property by bike! I am always learning more about what is possible in Green Real Estate.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Hello All!
I apologize to all of you that I was unable to make our first meeting this morning! I have 2 sick children with fevers.
I received a diploma in Interior Design back in Canada eons ago! I have 2 children, a son who is 6 yrs and a 3 yo daughter. My husband is a computer engineering genius who travels a lot! We have lived in quite a few countries, England, Germany, Holland, France, Canada (as we are Canadian!) and now in the US.
We are very globally minded, and see the "big picture" as to how our excess living here in North America especially, has become insanity. I love simpler living. It is no longer about keeping up with the Jones. Less is definately MORE!
What I strive to bring to my home staging, and painting business (decorative painting), is non toxic products, cleaning supplies, painting supplies. I have a growing inventory of sustainable furnishings, decorative items. I use only non toxic water mixable oil paints in my art. I bring natural plants for staging whenever possible. I try to keep paper to a minimum in advertising, and when I do need business cards, brochures, I ensure they are printed on recycled paper.
I look forward to meeting each of you and working toward a better, cleaner and healthier future for all of our children.
Welcome and Thank You!
Well, here we are - a group of folks interested in bettering our community, increasing the health and wellness of our homes, honoring our Earth, and continuing our professional journey via education and respect!
Both Jillian and I extend our warmest thanks to all of you who are participating in this process.
Brief synopses:
1. We will meet again on Thursday July 10th in the same location from 8:30-9:30
2. Please submit requested agenda items by July 3rd to Emily
3. Please invite whomever you think is a good fit for our group
4. I will email all of you a roster list with every one's contact information
5. Meetings will be every second and fourth Thursday from 8:30-9:30
As discussed, we are asking all of you to write a brief statement about you, your business, your green practices and perhaps your green goals.
I will start:
As a mother of two young boys, it is imperative to both my husband and myself that we teach our sons to respect and honor their surroundings...to not take anything for granted...to be curious...to be aware. We do our very best to live "green" at home in a variety of ways...
When I first came to be a Realtor, my business was incongruous with my personal ethics. I had a very hard time with the carbon footprint of my industry - everything from driving, to paper (upon paper, upon paper), to new construction, etc. etc. etc. The Realtor Code of Ethics says, "They (Realtors) require.....the preservation of a healthful environment." Aha! I said to myself - Instead of being incongruous with my life, real estate could provide me with an avenue to make a difference in my own life's little puddle!
I left my business partner and now use all 100%pcc binders, paper, business cards etc. In many ways, I strive to "do good" for my business, myself, my family, my community, and my Earth.
In looking towards the future, I am eager to learn more about living well and am so excited to be working with all of you and learning from you! This partnership is sure to be an exciting adventure and opportunity for growth!
Cheers!!!
Emily
Both Jillian and I extend our warmest thanks to all of you who are participating in this process.
Brief synopses:
1. We will meet again on Thursday July 10th in the same location from 8:30-9:30
2. Please submit requested agenda items by July 3rd to Emily
3. Please invite whomever you think is a good fit for our group
4. I will email all of you a roster list with every one's contact information
5. Meetings will be every second and fourth Thursday from 8:30-9:30
As discussed, we are asking all of you to write a brief statement about you, your business, your green practices and perhaps your green goals.
I will start:
As a mother of two young boys, it is imperative to both my husband and myself that we teach our sons to respect and honor their surroundings...to not take anything for granted...to be curious...to be aware. We do our very best to live "green" at home in a variety of ways...
When I first came to be a Realtor, my business was incongruous with my personal ethics. I had a very hard time with the carbon footprint of my industry - everything from driving, to paper (upon paper, upon paper), to new construction, etc. etc. etc. The Realtor Code of Ethics says, "They (Realtors) require.....the preservation of a healthful environment." Aha! I said to myself - Instead of being incongruous with my life, real estate could provide me with an avenue to make a difference in my own life's little puddle!
I left my business partner and now use all 100%pcc binders, paper, business cards etc. In many ways, I strive to "do good" for my business, myself, my family, my community, and my Earth.
In looking towards the future, I am eager to learn more about living well and am so excited to be working with all of you and learning from you! This partnership is sure to be an exciting adventure and opportunity for growth!
Cheers!!!
Emily
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