by Mighty House Construction | Nov, 2013 | Events - Workshops
That is the question Seattle Good Business Network is asking these days in the Community Capital: Seattle series designed to educate, connect, and spark dialogue around the emerging field of community capital.
Featuring successful, tested models from here and around the country, the series of breakfast meetings and happy hour panel discussions focuses on a different business or investment model each month. The conversations will explore how each model can be used for Seattle residents to begin to invest locally, how local businesses can take advantage of these funds, and what new projects might be started as a result.
Sound interesting? Reserve your spot for the next gathering here and pass word to your financial advisor to get him or her thinking outside the box too!
by Mighty House Construction | Nov, 2013 | Design + Architecture, Green Building
With funding from the Energy Department, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is working to develop innovative insulating window film that preserves views while increasing occupants’ comfort and saving energy according to an article on Energy Department’s website.
This research effort creates a millimeter thick insulation film that results in clear insulation with values equivalent to R-20, which is equal to standard wall insulations. The new technology will boost the energy efficiency of current window retrofit technologies by as much as 80 percent and building and homeowners will not need to replace their windows to take advantage of the technology!
Considering the billions of square feet of installed windows in the U.S., the NREL research provides a ripe opportunity for saving energy, reducing costs and cutting carbon pollution. The result: This window film could reduce building energy use by as much as 33 percent, creating a simple payback for window retrofits of less than one year.
Read More on the Energy Department’s website.
Can’t wait? Read our blog post about windows. If fall window replacement is not on the docket, check out Indow windows for a spectacular, easy-to-install storm window option.
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by Mighty House Construction | Nov, 2013 | Events - Workshops, Green Building
The Seattle Chapters of the Nortwest Ecobuilding Guild (NWEBG) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) have partnered to bring an expanded view of the 10x10x10 Green Building Slam.
Although the 2013 10x10x10 Green Building Slam is a one-night event, all ten of the NW EcoBuilding Guild’s selected presenters will continue to bask in the spotlight in an exhibit in the
AIA Gallery.
Opening November 19 with a reception from 5-7pm, the show will be posted until January 6, 2014. (Regular hours T-F 10am-5pm.)
by Mighty House Construction | Nov, 2013 | Living, Tips + Inspiration
Fall rainstorms can bring lots of rain, falling leaves and other debris. Those leaves can clog our local storm drains, making it difficult for standing water to be carried away from our homes.
One way you can help is by bringing a small rake or broom on your neighborhood walks. By brushing the leaves and debris away from the drain, you can help prevent flooding in your neighborhood. If you can, put them in a nearby yard waste bin, but if you can’t, even a little pile on the right of way is better than a flood!
If a small sweep into the yard waste bin isn’t enough to clear your drains, call the experts at Seattle Public Utilities at 206-386-1800.
by Mighty House Construction | Oct, 2013 | Living
Ghosts and goblins are getting ready to take over Seattle neighborhoods! Are you ready? If you are like us, you’ve found yourself looking for ways to make Halloween just as much fun as it was when you were a kid….but less wasteful and more healthy.
One great option for trick-or-treating is checking out your local small business association to see if there are any events scheduled. We are planning to attend the West Seattle Harvest Festival after having so much fun last year! In addition to offering a kids’ costume parade and trick-or treating, the event supports local small businesses, encourages pedestrian traffic and celebrates the bounty of our farmers market.
Other ways to green your Halloween include:
- Choose a reuseable trick or treat container to use year after year – make it part of your tradition
- Don’t let your Jack O’Lantern’s guts go to waste – wash and bake the seeds at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, then compost your friend after Halloween is over
- Recycle your costumes to charity after Halloween
- Choose organic chocolates or candies
- Use washable or compostable dishes, cutlery and linens in lieu of paper plates and napkins and plasticware
For tons of other great ideas, check out greenhalloween.org. With tips on purchasing or making “greener” costumes to reducing waste and offering healthier party foods, the site offers advice for kids, parents and teachers.
Whatever you choose to do, we wish you a SAFE and fun holiday!
