Green Party U.S. – Green Technology, Recycling & Alternative Energy News & Information

Reduce Allergies with Hypoallergenic Foam Bedding

August 27, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 

Allergens can be found everywhere in life, from your pet to essentially anything found growing in the ground. Other people experience allergies from synthetics and materials used every day in the home, and even non-trigger materials can house irritants and allergens that affect people.

One area people often overlook when attempting to combat their allergies is the bedroom, even though we spend a third of our day in it. Having an allergic reaction to one of the multiple materials used in traditional mattresses is very possible, and the presence of dust mites in older beds can drastically increase allergy symptoms. One of the best ways to reduce the potential for this is by investing in a hypoallergenic foam and latex mattress.

The term hypoallergenic is often thought to mean completely free of all allergy-causing components. In reality, the term only means a reduction in allergens that would normally be present. Therefore, it is still possible to have a foam allergy to a hypoallergenic mattress, but because of the makeup of these materials, they will house fewer allergens than traditional materials.

The reason both memory foam and latex natural foam is considered hypoallergenic has less to do with their structures than what they allow into them. By virtue of their solid structure, dead skin cells that naturally fall off our bodies at night have a difficult time gaining access into the core of a foam mattress. This is important, because skin cells are what dust mites feed off of. Mites do not bite humans, but their microscopic bodies and waste cause the respiratory irritation we identify as an allergic reaction. Using that logic, materials that reduce the ability for dust mites to have a significant presence will also reduce the chances of allergic irritation. There are other methods that help individuals battling allergies, such as mattress encasements. No matter what steps you take, know that there are ways to reduce the irritants present in your home.

How to Glue Together DIY Foam Projects

August 23, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 

For DIY fans, foam provides one of the most versatile mediums given its presence in many retail outlets and its ability to be easily cut with non-specialized, in-home tools. Because of this, creating a DIY cushion, seat pads, or even mattresses have become commonplace activities.

In the process of making these items, it is sometimes necessary to glue pieces of foam together to complete a project. To do this, spray adhesive is used, but there are a few rules and tips to follow when bonding two pieces of foam together.

The first thing to do is identify the type of foam you will be gluing. This sounds rudimentary, but different kinds of foam are made of different materials that have different reactions to adhesives. For example, certain types of aerosol adhesive can chemically melt polystyrene. Adhesives are made for all types of foam, so you will be able to find glue that will hold your materials together, not break them down.

For smaller pieces, gluing two sections of foam together is as easy as preparing an area to spray, coating both sides of the foam, and pressing the two pieces together and gently holding. This should be done from one end of the bond and pressed together toward the opposite end, similar to how a book closes. Larger pieces may not be as easily squeezed together, so to bond larger sections like couch cushions, pressing them together as is done with smaller sections and then firmly pinching all the way along the seam will ensure a good bond in your project.

To mount some types of foam sound treatment, you can spray acoustic foam with glue and apply it to walls. A light layer on only the foam can make for a lighter bond for temporary situations, while a heavy coating on the foam and then more glue on the wall will make for a strong bond.

The U.S. Governments efforts to promote gas powered vehicles

August 17, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 

The current U.S. Administration, more especially President Obama, is promoting natural gas powered cars and trucks since 2011. When he spoke in front of an enthusiastic crowd of Georgetown University in March 2011, gas prices went higher. Since that time, the current administration has ordered the entire U.S. Federal government fleet to be hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles by 2015. Additionally, the current administration requires cars and light trucks to deliver 54.5 miles to the gallon (MPG) by 2025. This is intended to promote use of alternative fuel vehicles. The Department of Energy allocated a $30 million grant program in July 2012 to fund continued research on natural gas powered vehicles.

The road ahead is not easy. Diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles especially cars remain more economical compared to natural gas powered vehicles. The U.S. has about two million 18-wheelers on the road and converting those to alternative fuel is not an easy task. On the other hand recent legislative efforts to promote natural gas vehicles have failed in the Congress. One such effort, the “Boone Pickens” Bill, which aimed at providing $5 billion in subsidies for buyers of natural gas trucks approved by the House but failed in the Senate.

Things to Look for in Someone to do Your Siding Repair Chicago

August 17, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 

Posted by: Chicago Remodeling Solutions

When you need things like concrete repair Chicago, you want to know that you are hiring the best contractor that you can. You want to know that you are getting someone that you can count on to do the work. Here are three things that the person you should get to do your siding repair Chicago should have.

Experience – The first thing that the person you choose should have is experience. You want to know that you are choosing someone who knows what they are doing and that has a lot of experience doing it.

Insurance – The second thing that the person should have is insurance.  Anyone that you choose should have insurance in case something should go wrong or should they get hurt while they are doing the work.

References – The third thing that the person that you choose should have is references. You want to find someone that comes highly recommended by other people.  Talk to the references that they provide to you and don’t just take their word for it.  You will discover that your mind is much more at ease and that you feel better knowing that you are choosing someone who comes recommended by other people.

Whenever you are looking for home repair people or porch builders Chicago, make sure that they have at least the three things listed above. If you are looking for someone that you can choose, a site you should go to is www.chicagoremodelingsolutions.com. They do great work and they have everything that you are looking for.

Mega Builders: Remodeling Your Home

August 16, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 

If you are considering adding a 2nd floor addition to your home, it is important to find the most reliable builders in the industry. Finding a company that is considerate of your needs and wants that’s willing to make your wishes come true is tantamount to really making your house a home.

If you want to find los angeles luxury home builders that are reliable, you are in luck. There is a company out there that is devoted to paying attention to even the slightest detail. Maybe you are looking to add more bedrooms for an expanding family or even just a home office. They will make sure you get everything you want and need done.

Or are you more interested in a complete home remodeling? That is possible, as well. Think about exactly what you want and need. Some homes just need to be completely renewed and they are there for you when that needs to happen. They are affordable and highly efficient. Whether you want to add a new bathroom, a couple new bedrooms, or a home office—they can get that done for you easily. With so much talent in one team, you will not be disappointed.

Mega Builders is the place to go for this kind of service.  They build the most beautiful homes from scratch and do fantastic remodeling jobs. Take a look around their website and see what they have already done to other homes. We believe you will be highly impressed.

Practice Cake Before You Bake With Foam Dummies

August 9, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 

Whether baking is your career or a hobby you’re passionate about, cake decoration is one of the most creative parts of the culinary arts. Cake design has come a long way since the early days of pound cake and plain white frosting, and today, some cakes are closer to architectural than epicurean.

However, baking a cake for each new design idea or just practice is time and resource-consuming, particularly for more labor intensive-designs. To save bakers time and effort, cake dummies exist that recreate the shape of a cake, while providing a reusable and easily decorated exterior.

Polystyrene craft foam has been used in creative ways for years, but a foam cake core is one of the few ventures into the world of food that doesn’t involve packaging. Polystyrene cake forms can be custom-ordered in unique shapes for competitions and special projects, or purchased in pieces like a block set, letting you create traditionally-shaped cakes or mix and match across traditional designs. Frosting decorations can be applied directly to the foam, with only the baker knowing there isn’t cake inside. Cake dummies have become very popular for weddings, as they allow the creation of a breathtaking cake that can be viewed while actual cake is cut and served behind doors in the kitchen. In competitions, the lightweight forms are sturdy enough to build up and out in ways few people would dare with red velvet or angel food.

Best of all, cake dummies are reusable, and after a thorough rinsing with warm water and light soap, you’re left with a clean template, ready to help you plan out your next great desert creation.

Enjoy the Outdoors on Your Patio Furniture

August 9, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 

When summer gets going, the last thing anybody wants to do is barricade themselves inside like they did all winter. Even if it’s only lying out for a tan, sipping a cold drink, or watching the setting sun, you can’t beat relaxing outside when the weather’s warm. To get the most out of your summer, patio furniture gives you comfort without the hassle of dragging furniture outside every time you want fresh air.

Custom patio furniture exists in nearly any design and style imaginable, able to match your home and personal preferences. You can have basic plastic chairs to elegant wicker seat cushion furniture and chaise loungers. Simply put, people end up spending more time outside than in when they have a comfortable place to relax.

To hold up to the environment, many outdoor furnishings are made of treated metal, wood, or plastic to withstand rain, wind, and dirt. These aren’t comfortable for long-term enjoyment though, because of their hard surfaces. To fix this, a majority come with soft foam cushions to pad and comfort the user. However, some are made of traditional padding materials which need to be put away during weather so they don’t absorb moisture and rot. If you’ve left these seat pads out in the rain one too many times, many manufacturers will make custom bench cushions and will even use the original fabric covering for a replacement.

Other cushions utilize specialty outdoor foam that will not absorb moisture. These unique materials allow water to drain through their form, with air passing through as well, so they can be left outside all season. This means you don’t have to waste space inside storing non-outdoor cushions, or try to juggle the cushions with everything else you want to bring outside when it’s time to relax.

If you don’t have outdoor furniture, even the simplest folding chair, consider all the relaxation you’re missing out on.

A Must-Read Set of Bamboo Flooring Information

August 9, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 

For sure, you will go crazy over the lavish and unique style offered. Interior designing has many aspects including floor design. Even if you have good pieces of furniture at home, these may be useless if you have ugly flooring. Things will surely look better if you have the ideal flooring design at home.

Fortunately, things are now more practical and easy, which is a proper platform where you can select your style that you want to build. The site contains other pertinent bamboo flooring information that you might need as well. Bamboo flooring serves an alternative to the traditional hardwood flooring. Aside from the beautiful designs of this flooring option, this is also considered eco-friendly that can bring a good impression to your home. You may also check out options for bamboo floor wholesale where you can see items being sold in bulk. Wholesale options are ideal for those building a huge house or building. Discounts are definitely given to those who buy more than the usual volume of bamboo flooring items.

It is worth noting that bamboo flooring offers many benefits such as bamboo flooring durability, firmness and many more. Aside from these, this type of flooring also gives a unique look to your floor. This flooring also gives a relaxing ambiance and makes the homeowners feel closer to nature. In choosing this eco-friendly option, make sure you work with an expert during the installation process to avoid mistakes or other problems that may come with it.

Window Curtains for Improving the Overall Look of Your Home

August 8, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 

Window curtains can really improve the overall looks of your interior space in the best possible manner. If you want to make your home interiors appealing, attractive and elegant, then installing stylish window curtains at your home might prove out to be extremely helpful to you in this regard. Most of the window curtains are pretty expensive. So, if you are willing to search out for some cheap and cost effective curtains for your windows, then you can consider shopping for these home improvement accessories from Home Linen.

All types of solutions related to home improvement are easily available at www.homelinen.co.uk. You can easily find out a wide range of patterns and fibers for your window curtains. You can also find other important types of home improvement accessories at Home Linen such as feather quilts or mattress protectors. However, there are certain facts that you must always keep in mind while shopping for the right kind of window curtains for your homes.

First of all, you need to pay proper attention on the overall quality of these curtains. You must check out the fabric quality as well as the softness and resistivity of your curtain material. Apart from quality, you must also focus on the patterns and designs of these curtains. Make sure that the overall design of these curtains should match well with your home interiors. So, these are some important points that you must always keep in mind before shopping for the right type of window curtain for your homes.