Metro Wallworks

Reuse, Reduse, Recycle

Admin — Fri, 11 May 2012 01:07:26 +0000

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle extends far beyond building materials. Erica Hecht owner of EA Vintage in San Diego makes reusing and recycling her business all doing this under the umbrella of fashion. Erica voted one of the most stylish people by NYMag. She doens’t think of her self as a conservationist but a fashionista. A conservationist is thought what she is too. Erica finds her collects her clothes, purses, shoes and bags various places. She scours estate and rummage sales and when she does private wardrobe work she salvages everything she can. She then puts her finds into a new ensembles for her private clients. The more popular vintage fashion gets, the more our planet reduces and reuses. For vintage style consultation please call Erica at 305-741-9641.

Green paint for REO clean-ups.

Admin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:22:52 +0000

I’ve been on the mission to get the US knowledgeable and comfortable with using recycled paint instead of virgin paint when applicable. California and Oregon are the front runners as this is where the manufactures are located. So while I am spreading the word around the country, like Johnny Appleseed, I am looking for customers in San Diego County.

One ideal market for recycled paint is the REO clean up market. A fresh coat of paint needs to go in every unit. I can’t imagine why in the world any of these would need virgin paint. All of the recycled paint companies have several whites and neutrals that work perfectly. The clients I currently mostly use recycle paint in sprayers and are thrilled with the quality and price.

Finding more of these clients has presented a challenge. This is a very competitive industry as its one of the only booming ones in Southern California. Also this is a very under-the-radar industry, meaning they don’t have web presence and easy ways to be found for a vendor like me.

Most of my clients buy for the quality and price and not for the green value. One, client, Patti and Cliff Haas are big environmentalists as the also own and run Home Sweet Gardens a home garden installation business love the green aspect of this paint.

Home Sweet Gardens

Holiday Shopping for our Planet

Admin — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:43:54 +0000

It always baffles me that one measure of the state of the economy is how well Black Friday goes for retailers. Who started Black Friday anyway? Well, according to Wikipedia it started in the late 1930′s by department stores to extend the holiday shopping season. OK, I get that but when did it turn the corner from being a popular shopping day to this bedlam? Per wikipedia, it seems it was around 2005 that things really got going in the sense of people getting up really early to hit a store or not sleep at all, but camp out in front of a Best Buy.

This year it seemed to be really out of hand. So much so that it’s encroaching on the Thanksgiving Holiday. So we have one day that is set aside to show gratitude and its starting to slip into oblivion. Being at Grandma’s house might not be conducive to camping outside a Walmart. This whole new ideal is all being pushed by the media. Every news station, morning show, talk show uses Black Friday for fodder, the result being that more and more lemmings are falling off the cliff.

OK, so we all know that with enough media hype, we can gather the masses and get them to do just about anything. I get that but why then are we taking this artificially spurned on event and using it as a mark as to how well our country is doing economically? There is something really fake about that being a serious indicator. I’m not buying it myself.

The only reason I even brought up Black Friday was that it did have a cathartic impact on me. The grossness of it really made it clear what my intentions are around the holiday gifts. I usually do a mixture of things. Many of my gifts come from big box stores and many from local artisans. This year though, people will be receiving gifts from the following places:

Fair Trade Stores
Antique and Consignment stores
Experiences vs. things
Local artisans
Gifts made of recycled materials

I think it was Gandhi that said, “Be the change you want to see in the world”. Well that can start now this season. No malls for me, no Walmarts or Best Buys either.

Slave Free Chocolate

Admin — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 21:20:34 +0000

I haven’t posted in a while as I’ve been caught up in my project, Slave Free Chocolate as went to DC for some meeting on capitol hill and give a lecture at Georgetown University. Unfirtunatley, the construction sector in Southern California is sluggish at best so I have some extra time to devote to service. For the last 4 years I’ve been running an advocacy website to bring awareness to the problem with the worst forms of child labor including forced child labor in our cocoa supply chain.

It’s very normal to work on your family’s farm. Many, if not most children on this planet have to work. The International Labor Organization which is part of the UN, has defines what its called the Worst Forms of Child Labor or WFCL (ILO Convention 182). Simply, children working in unsafe conditions, with no access to school or emergency first aid/care and includes all children that are trafficked and forced into labor. Most countries have ratified this convention.

Those who produce and harvest our agricultural commodities have always been on the poorest end of the stick. Abject poverty and unfair labor practices often go hand and hand. In two West African countries, Ghana and The Ivory Coast, 1.8 million children are at risk of falling under the WFCL and the majority do. Estimated percentage vary but a good chunk are modern day traffic children. Boys make up about 70% of the trafficked children and ages vary the bulk between 10 and 15 years of age.

As there are many similar situations like this in the world, this one is of particular interest as it is tied to chocolate, a US$ 90 billion industry, a treat. We as American consumers are at the other end of this supply chain whenever we throw some M&M’s in our mouth.

At the beginning of the supply chain you have children climbing trees with 2 foot long machetes, hacking gourd like pods off the cocoa tree trunks, then hacking them open with the same machetes to prize out the slimy beans to dry in the sun, with no emergency first aid services in site. These children are using pesticides and carrying heavy loads. Only a handful of schools exist. The trafficked children usually come from two poorer countries to the north east, Mali and Burkina Faso. Desperate for income, an uncle may sell a relative, often a child is lured by a lump sum of cash when the season completes and a portion are simply stolen off the streets and sold to brokers or plantation owners for about 250 euros. These children are beaten if they don’t work hard enough or try to escape and are locked up at night.

Both our government and those of Ghana and The Ivory Coast agree that this should be remedied. The candy companies promised responsibility and urgent action to have this situation remedied by 2005. Something have been done, some things haven’t been done and there are things we haven’t even thought of or tried. Sadly, we are 10 year out from the gates and we are only 5% down the road.

It is in the opinion of Slave Free Chocolate that the surface has been scratched a structure of remediation put in place but those who signed the protocol haven’t done what they promised to do and fund this puppy. Our government worked hard to create a structure that would make it as easy as possible for the industry to comply. Those that are out of integrity with their word and actions are: Cargill, Archer Daniel Midland, Nestle, Hershey, Kraft, World’s Finest Chocolate, Guittard Chocolate, Barry Callebaut and Blommer Inc.

Slave Free Chocolate’s mission is to spread awareness and educate consumers to use their voice and dollar as a vote that we don’t want slavery in our chocolate. If you are interested in helping by writing some letters to your elected officials, local grocery stores and candy companies, please go to Slave Free Chocolate.

Responsible Art

Admin — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 18:20:51 +0000

Aside from creating great works of art using Italian stucco, artist and Italian Plasterworks applicator, Daynan Johnson uses left over plaster from our projects! This is just one of the varied pieces that he creates. The map is for sale for $45,000. Call Daynan if you are interested: 408-836-7484

Eco De Vita Japanese Plaster

Admin — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 04:37:47 +0000

Marble is produced through violent acts of nature. Heat, passion, and fury of the earth metamorphosize limestone as it slams together through earthquakes and volcanoes. The lime plasters that are made from these materials are an expression of the dramatic passionate nature of the western culture.

As we travel eastward we find the serenity of the eastern culture, calm, balanced aka ZEN. Just as Venetian plaster represents the west in its creation of properties, so does Japanese plaster represent its culture. Japanese Plaster made from Eco De Vita comes from 2 natural sources. The Sand Series is made with coral sand. Coral sand tumbled around the ocean floor for 1000′s of years until its reaches an optimum roundness. The DE series is made with diatomaceous earth. Also found in the sea, this substance has been used for centuries in filters. Now the theses sea borne elements can cover your walls transferring the context of balance and serenity onto your space.

To get an idea of how this plaster is applied, check out this video produced by Job Corps in San Francisco. Eco De Vita and Job Corps.

If you are in the San Diego area you can come and see samples of Eco De Vita and you can check out the One Day Eco De Vita Class schedule at California School of Italian Plasters

Artisan Textures and Drywall reach the 120 gallon mark!

Admin — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 18:39:29 +0000

Encinitas based Artisan Textures and Drywall reached their first 120 gallon marker with Metro Wallworks. Specializing in Venetian plasters, textures and all aspects of drywall, they also do their share of painting. This week they’ve reached a mile stone by using 120 gallons of recycled paint. What makes 120 gallons so special? Simply, 12,000 kilo watts hours are used to make 120 gallons of paint. 12,000 kilo watt hours is equivalent to what an average home uses an entire year.

Travis and Gabi Kelly, owners of Artisan Textures and Drywall, can get paint very close to thier home. They, though, are committed to doing their share for the enviroment. “Committed to being part of the solution may mean a drive to Escondido, eventhough there is a big box store around the corner. We love the idea that we’ve saved our planet 12,000 kilo watt hours. What an easy way to make a difference” —Gabi Kelly, owner.

: Old World Plaster Finish

You can find their portfolio of exquisite finishes on their website: Artisan Textures and Drywall. Or call them at 760-402-2736. They serve all of San Diego County.

The green sustainable community salutes you for the proactive impact you’ve made!

Typical problems in applying Italian Stucco Addressed.

Admin — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 18:44:31 +0000

Hi, in this post I am addressing the typical problems people run into when applying high polished lime plasters but can also happen on thicker marmorinos as well. Everything below is assuming that the traditional technique of 3 coats is being used. The following is taught in the Master Plaster Class at California School if Italian Plasters.

Bubbles are appearing on my 3rd coat when I am burnishing: You may have applied the 3rd coat too soon.

The 2nd coat is peeling: Your first coat might have been applied too thinly not leaving enough of a base to absorb the correct amount of water from the 2nd coat.

The 3rd coats is peeling and cracking: The second coat might not have been dry enough before you applied the 3rd coat. Make sure that the 3rd coat is pulled tightly as you only need a very thin layer.

Lines are showing up in the finish: Check your trowel for any scratches or debris. Always keep a clean wet rag with you at all times. Also keep 400 grit sand paper to polish off any tiny scratches in the trowel you might have made by picking up debris.

I am getting too many trowel marks: If anyone tells you he can do a room with no trowel marks he is lying. Trowel marks will happen and if the are not too thick, they are part of the finish. The thick ones are made when the back of the trowel has built up plaster on it. Every time you load up for more material you should scrape the back of the trowel with your spatula.

I’ve got thick wet spots on some of my wall but the rest is ready to burnish: Keep a hairdryer on hand and gently help dry the thick spots so that you don’t miss the burnish on the whole wall.

One wall is darker than the other: You have to make sure that you are burnishing your walls at the same dryness level. If one person is burnishing when the plaster is on the early side of the “in love” window, it will be darker than one burnishing on the dryer time of the window.

I am leaving marks on both ends of the trowel when I apply plaster: This means that your trowel isn’t convex enough. Press on all for corners of the trowel to correct it.

I am leaving dark grey marks on the light plaster when I burnish. You aren’t using a good plaster. It probably has silica in it. You should switch to a plastic trowel or a CD case to burnish. Also, some plasters are burnishable with paper.

Household Hazardous Waste Information Exchange

Admin — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 19:35:45 +0000

Being that this meeting was in San Diego, I could attend. Various employees from the cities and counties all over California attend this a few times a year. As one who isn’t involved in the HHW business, I learned a lot. This meeting was hosted by www.CalPSC.org and www.calrecycle.ca.gov as well.

It really got me thinking about just the vast ammount of waste our country has to deal with and made me more passionate about Product Stewardship from their eyes. It seems like everything is made to be disposable now. If you computer dies, you chuck it an replace it alone with a zillon other things that our gov’t has to deal with. Product Stewardship means that the manufacture takes responsibility for the cradle to grave process of its good. That has to be the way to go. But, again as we live in a capitolistic society we need to make sure that the companies stepping up to the sustainable plate don’t go out of business for doing the right thing. So it seems that putting the burden on the consumer evens out the playing field. A consumer doens’t have to buy anything it doesn’t want to so it take some of the burden away from the tax basis. Let the over consumer take on that burdern instead of the tax payer. Makes sense to me.

One of the main orders of business is paint stewardship. Paint is the mose troublesome waste product. Meaning, that its toxic if it gets into the ground water and its expensive to move around. New legislation is coming around the corner to help ease the burden on Califonia and Connecticut is next. I will reporting more on this as it evolves.

In the meantime, I learned that flushing medicine down the toilet is really bad. Those chemicals can’t be filtered out of some of the water and end up in rivers and streams. I heard somthing about a fish population in one area being 90% female because of such practicies.

I also saw this little well put together video on Motor Oil Recycling that I’d like to share. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmrD-yc6Gxc

LEED Certification and Recycled Paint

Admin — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 00:01:56 +0000

How does using recycled paint factor in when going for LEED certification?

LEEDand other certifications

LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a benchmarking system developed by the US Green Building Council (www.usgbc.org) to certify high performance green buildings. Building projects accumulate points toward certification in a variety of different categories. In commercial buildings the use of MetroPaint can help garner points for LEED certification in a couple of ways:

• Under the Recycled Content credits (MR4.1/4.2), use of recycled paint, and especially 100% recycled paint, can help qualify for credits.

• Under the Regional Materials credits (MR5.1/5.2), use of paint that is manufactured regionally helps gain credits. This is defined as within 500 miles.

In the recently-released LEED for Homes, credit is specifically awarded for use of recycled paint that is certified by Green SealTM. There are other green building certification systems, such as the guidelines developed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) for residential construction (www.nahb.org), and the Green Globes Standards (www.greenglobes.com). These guidelines are similar to LEED in that points are available for both recycled content building materials and regionally-manufactured materials.

Lifecycle benefits

For years environmental advocates have been promoting recycling of various household commodities, such as newspaper, glass, aluminum, etc. The environmental benefits of recycling these materials are that less energy, water and raw materials are used, less pollution is generated, and less landfill space is used. Because less energy is used less greenhouse gases are emitted, and global warming is reduced. All of these benefits hold true for paint as well.

Production of new paint uses resources and generates pollution during the extraction of raw materials, the manufacturing process, and transportation of final products. Every time a gallon of Recycled Paint by Metro Wallworks or Acrylatex is used instead of a gallon of new paint, a number of benefits are obtained:

· An estimated 100 kilowatt–hours (kWh) of energy is saved. Recycling paint actually saves more energy per pound than other construction materials, such as steel, glass, and lumber. 100 kWh is enough energy to power a refrigerator for two months or a clock for two years. Because of the energy savings, an estimated 115 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions are reduced when recycled paint is used instead of new.

· Various types of pollution are not generated. A significant percentage of the ingredients in latex paint are derived from petrochemicals, the extraction of which results in various environmental impacts, notably air emissions and waste discharges to surface waters. The extraction of titanium dioxide, another important latex paint ingredient, results in the production of significant quantities of sulfuric acid, metal sulfates, and metal chlorides, wastes which are commonly disposed of in the ocean, or via deep well injection

· Less water and raw materials are used. Quantitative information on the relative amounts of water and raw materials utilized in the course of paint recycling vs. virgin paint manufacture are not currently available, but it is clear that ingredient extraction, the manufacturing process, and transportation of virgin paint require substantial raw materials and water, while the relatively simple recycling process uses significantly less.

· Landfill space is conserved. 14 million gallons of paint is disposed of in California every year. That is a lot of space. Using recycled paint where you can, get it out of there.