June 10th, 2011 by TRT Blog

We focus heavily on the current and planned work being done to improve the environment here in the U.S., but the onus doesn’t fall entirely on the United States to resolve the issues facing our planet. Government officials across the globe are working towards building a more sustainable and energy efficient future. During the 2011 G8 Summit held in Deauville, France last month, leaders of some of the world’s largest economies gathered to recommit to the effort of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

While the G8 Summit is designed to discuss and work towards amicable solutions to many of the world’s issues, few of these issues carry the weight that the status of the environment presents with the possibility of such severe, widespread long term problems. At the summit, the tragedies of Japan’s recent earthquake and tsunami were discussed along with the resulting fallout from the Fukushima nuclear reactor raising concerns about the viability of nuclear power. Once thought to be the best replacement of fossil fuel, many delegates agreed about the urgent need to look into alternate power sources.

The adoption of wind, solar and biodiesels were all discussed during the summit, however with each, there are challenges. Biodiesels in particular pose a grave threat to the world’s rainforest. Palm-oil, a plant used in a variety of products, including fuel, is growing in popularity and increasing the rate at which rainforests are being reduced. With this rapid depletion, a major natural carbon dioxide storage source is being removed, resulting in adverse effects on the climate around the world. With this, the natural production of food suffers as do the prices for these goods. Suddenly, we’re faced with skyrocketing food costs because of mismanaged efforts to use a seemingly useful and environmentally friendly fuel.

Thankfully, the leaders at the G8 Summit are aware of this and have not only expressed their commitment to the environment, but are also coming together to encourage emerging economies to reduce their emissions and commit to the world’s environmental future as well. We truly do believe that it takes government involvement to make true progress in the battle for climate change, and with commitment from the some of the world’s largest, most influential countries we can only expect positive results.

alternative energy, climate change, environment, G8, Sustainability

June 7th, 2011 by TRT Blog

The adoption of electric vehicles, or EVs, continues. Now many rental companies count EVs among their fleets, with the new vehicles offering technologies such as mobile apps which drivers simply wouldn’t find in gas powered models.  As adoption  grows EV drivers have the reassurance of charging stations popping up in easily-accessed locations.

The availability of charging stations will truly hold the key to EVs becoming a, excuse the pun, driving force in transportation. And with summer upon us, the urge for travelers to see the sights grows and EVs offer those with a eye towards doing so efficiently and cheaper with the reduced dependency on gas.

It’s no surprise then to find that hotels are presenting themselves as a place to recharge both body and car. By offering a place that you can charge a rental or your own EV, perhaps for free or for a flat rate, hotels are showing support for an upward trending product and establishing itself as an early adopter of new and relevant technology. Where this pays off is that when guests who take advantage of these amenities are looking for a place to stay on their next trip, they are more likely to return knowing a particular hotel was one of the early supporters of a product they have heavily invested in. Just like that a permanent relationship is created between hotel and guest.

To take advantage of the growing consumer awareness with EVs, hotels need to make sure they promote not only the positives of moving towards a green focused business model, but being first to market with charging stations for guests. Hotels such as Super8Ukiah and Inn Marin in northern California are examples of hotels touting its exclusive availability of charging stations in the area.

We’ve stated before that the hotel industry needs as much help as possible to fully recover. With the attitude towards EVs growing and being overwhelming positive, being on the ground floor of the EV revolution is an excellent step in the march towards recovery.

electric vehicles, environment, EVs, Hotels, marketing, Travel

April 22nd, 2011 by TRT Blog

Earth Day 2011 has arrived! All month we’ve been highlighting ways that communities, businesses and people go above and beyond celebrating Earth Day. It’s great to think that Earth Day started in 1970 when members from all political backgrounds came together to make the world a greener place. Now, the Earth ‘season’ starts with the observation of Earth Hour just one month prior, and Earth Day has become a globally recognized (and supported) event.

Along with Earth Hour, other environmentally-driven events are popping up. Along with initiatives such as 2012’s ‘One Billion Acts of Green’ goal, an international tree planting drive led by director James Cameron and a push to increase online community members (now close to one million), Earth Day has become a worldwide movement. We’ve been stressing the importance of looking beyond Earth Day, and while there’s still work to be done, we can safely say that the green community is making tremendous strides toward this accomplishment.

Many green-efficient products are being made available at lower costs now than when they were first introduced – and without sacrificing quality! Items such as water efficient washers and dryers, energy efficient light bulbs and perhaps most importantly, electronic vehicles (EVs) are more prominent today than ever before. Really – check out all of the news!

With increased awareness, citizens have begun making smarter decisions with energy and are keeping ‘going green’ on their minds.

As with many of you, our work here at TRT continues beyond Earth Day. With the many projects and events that we’re taking part in, it is not only our hope to promote the message of saving green while going green, but also to educate others on the simple steps we can take to make the most of what we already have.  After all, it is often the smallest steps taken by many that have the most impact.

While The Refinishing Touch is only a small part of the bigger picture, we urge all of our readers to join us in thinking beyond Earth Day. We are proud of our work and our association with focused and determined groups and individuals who see the value in making a concerted effort to improve the world around us. It is our plan to continue bringing the knowledge and insight from those who we’ve crossed in our travels to this blog, and we’re excited to hear more from those of you involved in different green activities around the country.

Happy Earth Day, everyone.  Get out there and go green!

Earth Day, environment, green

February 1st, 2011 by TRT Blog

We extol the virtues and benefits of businesses moving towards more green practices, but we also believe individuals have a responsibility as well. People are just as important in the day-to-day preservation of our environment as multinational corporations. We’re one of many who use blogs, Twitter, video sharing sites and newspaper stories, not only to spread the message of green practices and sustainability, but to help educate people about these topics as well. While there are many people who contribute to this community, we always think there could be more. But how much is too much? Are we overdoing it? And is the general public growing tired of the message?

According to a new Harris poll, it seems they might be. Compared to the summer of 2009, many people claim not to be as active with green responsibilities as they once were. There was an exception, with members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender (LGBT) group still showing concern for the environment, and environmental issues still affecting their voting and purchasing decisions.

While committed groups are certainly needed, it’s quite disheartening to read that many are less likely to engage in even simple everyday tasks such as using less water or turning off bulbs in unoccupied rooms. Scarier still is the drop in the numbers of those who are concerned overall about the environment, down from 43% in 2009 to 36% now.

There’s no single reason why this should be the case, since there are many reasons to consider. The first one that comes to mind is that perhaps people are tired of repeatedly hearing about the debate on climate science. Heated discussions from many sides can certainly become wearing over time, especially when there is no clear cut answer on what to do. Another issue could simply be that there are more pressing issues on the minds of consumers. Trying to take care of your family’s priorities will always take precedence over issues that don’t carry as much weight or aren’t as important to you at the moment.

There’s no question more needs to be done to advance sustainability, however forcing it in front of everyone is not the solution. We’ll continue to do our part to make sure our goals are reached, and hope others will do the same without running the risk of alienating those who matter most – individuals.

awareness, environment, overkill

November 9th, 2010 by TRT Blog

Despite the claim made by a Think Progress poll stating that 50% of incoming Republican congressmen deny that manmade climate change exists, many are aware that we’ve been responsible for the unfortunate state that our planet finds itself in – and many are doing what they can to reduce the damage that has already been done. Those doing their part range from individuals to some of the largest brand names in the world.

Companies have the (misguided) built in excuse of not getting a return on investment for turning down initiatives designed to change the operating status quo- especially when it comes to the environment. However as the public becomes aware of the steps needed to right the wrongs of generations past and present, those that don’t invest in change are finding out that their brand power isn’t what it once was.

Fortunately, many well known brands have learned that adjusting their practices can be beneficial to both their bottom lines, and the environment. On the heels of major announcements coming from Burger King and Nestle, General Mills has vowed to use 100% sustainable canola oil for their products which include Cheerios. H&M and Wal-Mart have vowed to better the processes used to produce textiles in its Chinese factories beginning with reducing the amount of hazardous dyes that have been known to be disposed of in rivers – (a staggering 200 tons of water are polluted with every ton of fabric produced). Meanwhile, companies like Kohl’s and Janssen (owned by Johnson & Johnson) are turning to solar power in an effort to get to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Many of these companies cite the need to improve the environment as the sole reason for these steps, and while we don’t doubt it is a large factor in their decision making process, there’s no question that consumer preference has played a major role in the end result. Especially with the volume of concerns heard from green shoppers across the world.

Regardless of reasoning and whether consumers are leading or merely influencing big business to change, we’re thrilled to see steps large and small being taken in the right direction for a cause that effects us all as citizens of this beautiful planet of ours.

climate change, Earth, environment, green, Sustainability, textiles

November 5th, 2010 by TRT Blog

We love our work and helping hotels, government institutions and public bodies change the impact they have on the environment.  By providing high quality renovation work on a variety of furniture items, the consumption of raw goods is reduced. We pride ourselves on the effort and dedication our team puts in, and get just as much satisfaction when we see others in the field doing work that is just as gratifying.

We were interested to read about a company called Meyer Wells in a recent article that ran in the New York Times. Founded and based in Seattle, the Northwestern company creates custom furniture from damaged or doomed trees and promotes a culture of sustainability and authenticity with the work it completes. Our customer base and methods may be different from theirs; we prevent the destruction of trees through effective renovation, but our end goal is very much the same – this dedication to the preservation of the environment resonates closely with our own motivations. We’re especially excited to read that Meyer Wells goes as far as possible with the green aspect of their business model by using water-based wood finishes.

Making the most of materials given and keeping the ‘story’ of the tree in mind is their passion. And it’s this passion that allows their customers to put trust and faith into a project that can take longer than planned and may change over the life of the work, yet still produce stunning pieces.

We’re pleased to share the same industry with people who care as deeply about the work they do as much as we do, and hope to see continued growth in this field. The best work comes from those who love what they do and it’s clear Meyer Wells does just that.

environment, furniture, Meyer Wells, Sustainability, trees

August 24th, 2010 by TRT Blog

During Congress’ August recess there’s a lot of discussion of how the time should be spent by politicians to reconnect with the public they represent.  While out of session and in their homes states, this six-week period is an opportunity for elected representatives to attend public meetings, reunite with citizens, and to listen.  And there’s plenty to hear with a slow economic recovery, chronic unemployment, house foreclosures, and weak market sectors including manufacturing and construction.

Meanwhile, the Congressional Budget Office [http://www.cbo.gov/] has announced that the Federal budget deficit for 2010 will exceed $1.342 trillion.  Although this new figure is $27 billion less than the $1.368 trillion projected earlier in the year, this substantial debt has a substantial impact on future U.S. economic growth.

But government representatives shouldn’t only be looking outwards as to how they can support economic growth: increase exports, encourage lending to businesses, and boost the stalling economy and drive payroll numbers; but should look internally at how they can also manage internal spending habits.

With this in mind, over the coming weeks we’re going to be showing some case studies. These will highlight how our team here at The Refinishing Touch has worked with government public bodies, both federal and state, to save public money through the management of furniture assets.

After all, saving money is crucial for every single organization in this tough economic climate – that’s one thing politicians can keep in mind when they return to D.C. in September.

environment, Government, spending, Sustainability

August 6th, 2010 by TRT Blog

It is said you grow wiser with age. Or that as you mature, so does your palette. Both may be true. Though any age can be discerning.

A new study in the workplace among Generation Y, basically people born between 1981 and 2000, found that they have certain expectations of what they want from their employers in their workplaces; and a green workplace is one of them.

The study found that respondents wanted to work in organizations that were ‘on the cutting edge’ of technology, where they could work effectively.  And when asked about work environment, they said they didn’t just prefer employers who provide eco-friendly conditions, but they wanted them to exceed minimum compliance standards.

Logic dictates that if this generation expects above average working conditions with regards to green practices, then it’s probable that these workers when they’re traveling  for work or pleasure, are going to hold the same, if not higher, standards to the entire travel industry.

It’s refreshing the leaders of tomorrow say that they have standards and want to see organizations demonstrating theirs. This also presents an opportunity for every hotel and travel destination to demonstrate its sustainability and commitment to green, and a lost demographic for those that don’t.

eco-friendly, environment, green, Sustainability