The Refinishing Touch Blog

We all witnessed, and many of us participated, in what will be remembered for generations to come as a landmark election in the history of the United States.

Today our world is facing many serious problems. Currently, the most pressing and on everyone's minds is the financial crisis, however, another serious problem, with deeper and longer lasting effects, is global warming.

With Barack Obama and Joe Biden taking office in January 2009 we will hopefully begin to see a renewed focus on the environment. To date, they have outlined some ambitious plans to combat global warming. At the top of the list is the goal to reduce carbon emissions 80% by 2050. They would start reducing emissions immediately upon taking office and implement a mandate that would reduce emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.

Obama and Biden are planning to use a cap-and-trade program to reduce emissions. An overall national cap on carbon emissions would be established and companies would be given an allowance that represents a permission to emit a certain amount of carbon. A bartering system would be established allowing companies to buy and sell allowances. Companies able to reduce pollution at low cost would be able to sell extra allowances to companies facing high costs. The number of allowances would be reduced each year to coincide with the annual reduction targets.

Currently, there are three main laws in support of furniture refinishing for Federal departments and agencies they include; Pollution Prevention Act of 1990, USC Title 40 which points out the Federal Government may not purchase furniture if the Adminstrator of General Services detmines that the needs could be met by transferring excess furniture from other departments including refinished furniture and the Executive Order 13423 signed by George W. Bush to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 3% annually through the end of 2015.

Under the new administration, they are also planning to establish national standards to ensure that less carbon intensive energy is used in our energy supply. And it will be important to see how the current laws in support of furniture refinishing are supported moving forward.

Energy conversation will be a high priority. Obama and Biden plan to make the Federal Government the leader in saving electricity by making federal buildings more energy efficient and revamping Federal Efficiency codes. Conserving existing resources and assets is truly critical. Whether the focus is on energy or recycling to decrease landfill dumping - we believe the government (on a federal and local level) and corporate America need to be accountable for utilizing existing assets.

We are looking forward to seeing focus on the environment from the new administration. Cost savings and concern for the environment to reduce carbon footprints should be a priority for everyone including; businesses, the hospitality industry and the government. If you haven't already looked at the Obama and Biden energy and environment plans take an opportunity to see their plans.

Labels: Election, Energy Efficiency, Environmentally friendly furniture, Green, Politics

It seems the recent financial state of our nation has begun affecting our educational sector. News of cutbacks and hiring freezes has surfaced, raising eyebrows and concern levels even amongst some of our nation's most prestigious educational institutions.

Boston University announced its plan to freeze non-critical hires in anticipation of rising demand for financial aid, while universities such as Stanford and other California universities have responded with plans to tighten their belts as well - all in an effort to brace themselves for expected budget cuts.

When news that the Ivy League's 'Big Red,' Cornell University, had responded to financial difficulties with budget cuts of its own, we were again struck with the overwhelming realization that distressing times often result in defining movements. In the days to come, individuals, families and corporations will continue to restructure their daily lives according to the vitality of our nation and its economic prosperity. We have all been urged and invited to redefine the way we manage our assets, and to reclaim control of our financial health

Today, Americans are exercising their right to vote in one of the most focal Presidential elections of our time. Whomever the American people choose to elect into office will be responsible for leading our nation out of a global financial crisis with a renewed sense of establishment towards restored economic security.

As the election campaigns have shown, education is a common priority throughout our nation. Further education is preparing our future generation of leaders. The Refinishing Touch is proud to have had a hand in collaborating with universities and looks forward to work yet to come. We can't think of a better investment than one in our future.

Labels: Education, Election, Financial Crisis