The Refinishing Touch Blog

With 2009 upon us and our New Years Resolution to 'Go Green,' it is important to reflect on noteworthy green efforts of 2008. This past year was the first year that The Princeton Review included the 'green rating' as a category. This rating was generated to rank America's greenest campuses.

Kicking off the New Year with this crucial resolution in addition to The Princeton Review's hyped new category, we can't help but wonder who will be the greenest University of 2009! 2008 saw many colleges making strides in the right direction, but with competition at hand, efforts will undoubtedly amplify.

A recent article entitled 'The greenest college of them all' documented especially impressive green efforts made by universities. Massachusetts Maritime was particularly significant for 2008's green movement.

Maritime built one of the region's first wind turbines back in 2006 which now accounts for about 20 percent of the campus' electrical needs. Recently a LEED- gold certified dorm complex was completed. This was the first state owned dorm to get such a high distinction. The dorm along with its northern campus utilizes solar panels. Microturbines are also used by the University to provide a continuous source of electricity.

But that's not all! Maritime is now actively planning for future green plans. Partnering with a company that makes wind turbines which oscillate vertically in addition to turbines being placed on top of dorms is discussed as part of their future plans.

Here's to hoping that 2009 will see others following Maritime's 'LEED' to become the new year's greenest University.

As we ring in the New Year, we, at The Refinishing Touch are reflecting on the past year while contemplating New Year's resolutions for 2009. What will be the most popular resolution of the year? While many will make traditional resolutions such as exercise more and lose weight, get out of debt and/or spend more time with friends and family, we encourage you to think about a resolution that will count towards something on a larger scale- A resolution that will not only benefit and impact you, but also the entire planet and its future. We encourage you to resolve to going green in the New Year for a new greener you - for both you and your business.

In an article entitled, "Initiatives- New Year's Resolutions- Addressing the good, the bad, the ugly and the hopeful..." it highlighted 2008 and the trend to go green. Going green has become such a common buzz word over the past few years and within the past years, however, more can be done to help the initiative. During 2008, LEED-certified buildings were popping up left and right, while a significant number of professionals have become LEED accredited. Many companies have joined the U.S.Green Building Council, while many individuals are living, shopping and working daily in green buildings. Small changes can be made to help impact the big the picture of saving the environment we live in. Think about 3 ways you can do your part to go green this year: recycle, become more energy efficient and reuse existing materials.

So why not join the green effort and do your part in 2009? This is a resolution that will help improve your life and all those around you, including the future of the world. We, at The Refinishing Touch, believe in the green movement and it's our resolution to continue to help the environment and our business partners go green through refinishing existing assets. We encourage those who have not adopted the green movement yet to do so in 2009. Make strides to go green in 2009 and let's see where 2009 will LEED us.

Best wishes for a happy, healthy and green New Year from all of us at The Refinishing Touch.