The Refinishing Touch Blog

President-Elect Barack Obama campaigned hard along the road to the White House. Amongst his platform issues, Obama slated very specific initiatives to move this nation toward greener practices extending from energy efficiency to green building.

The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) continues to work tirelessly using the momentum of the campaign and existing green strategy to ensure sound policies are put in place with his new administration.

Among its initiatives, the USGBC is an institution that remains a strong force in ensuring that promoting green building and efficiency goals remain a priority for the new administration. With these proposals and incentives President-Elect Obama's plans for smart growth have the potential to create some 5 million new green jobs and $35 billion in annual economic activity.

The Presidential election may be over, but we here at The Refinishing Touch are elated to see the campaign efforts of the USGBC continue as we move forward toward a greener America.

Labels: government, Green, USGBC

When we talk about budgets and bottom lines, it's not just the hospitality industry that we're helping. We spend a lot of time using our skill and expertise to help government agencies. Just like any business, these agencies need to ensure, and demonstrate, that they are meeting budgets and furniture standards, while being as environmentally friendly as possible. Furthermore, any government or federal institution has to ensure that they are working with suppliers that meet high procurement standards. The Refinishing Touch meets these standards, and has been awarded several contracts with the US government.

Since then, we have undertaken refurbishing projects for the FBI, a number of Federal courthouses, the U.S. House of Representatives, numerous military housing facilities, and last but not least, The White House. Our work was formally recognized when we were appointed the Evergreen Award from the GSA.

It just goes to show - it doesn't matter if it's a multi-national hotel, a campus-based college or a Federal agency, refinishing your furniture assets has the added bonus of preserving resources and is a good purchasing decision whatever your needs or budget.

Labels: finance, government, saving money

While reading the July/August Issue of Defense Communities Magazine, the Green Team from The Refinishing Touch, noted some rather important information about "Buying Green". According to Executive Orders, EPA policies, and Federal Acquisition Regulations, buying green is not only smart, but it is the law.

Formaldehyde, such a pretty name:
As noted by Eugene Lisa in "Smart Tips for Buying Green", formaldehyde is a carcinogen. Like tar, nicotine, and asbestos, formaldehyde is not good for your body and can cause cancer. Most all furniture products made with particleboard, which binds them together, contain formaldehyde. When you purchase furniture, make sure to avoid formaldehyde - and better yet, just recycle furniture so that you are not funding the creation of more products containing formaldehyde.

Let's talk trash
There are two types of waste: pre-consumer (i.e. factory waste) and post-consumer (i.e. population waste). Pre-consumer waste generally gets recycled through factories, creating revenue for the manufacturer. Post-consumer waste normally ends up in a landfill, creating greenhouse gases and dirty air. Instead of purchasing new furniture and throwing out old, you can reduce pre-consumer and post-consumer waste by simply, reusing furniture.

Breathe in, Breathe Out
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a common concern when you go outside and the thermometer on your car reads 109 degrees. VOCs are naturally occurring gasses and they are more harmful indoors than outdoors. With environmentally friendly chemistry, TRT can help you avoid these harmful VOCs by using safe materials and will help you breathe much easier.


It's great to see government agencies lead the way in the green movement as it is up to them to set an example for most business owners. By using these "buying green" tactics you can help save money and the environment.

Labels: government, Green

The Refinishing Touch is a member of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) a non-profit group working to "transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated, enabling environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life."


According to the USGBC's recent newsletter, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which was signed into law in December of this past year, is making way for the "green" movement in both government and education sectors.

Department of Education facilities and High-Performance Federal Buildings have been driven to take a green approach and re-consider "life-cycle costing issues". Rather than a 25-year life cycle, these government assets in questions (i.e. furniture) must now be considered to have a 40-year life cycle.

The Congressional Research Service also states that the Small Business Administration has been authority to make "express loans for certain energy efficiency projects." This is good news for small business owners and The Refinishing Touch, considering our expertise. Being green is the way to go. Pre-planning, with government incentives can lead to rich and emerald future.

For more information, read further details on the Energy Independence and Security Act (PDF warning)

Labels: government, Green, university