February 7th, 2012 by TRT Blog

With an increasing demand for eco-friendly practices, many industries have already begun their own initiatives in an effort to increase and standardize sustainability. With continued advancements, both socially and technologically, going green is a reality for many sectors. However, not all industries have had such luck. One industry in particular has come under fire for the little advancements that have been made in innovation and green practices: construction.

According to an article by Construction Digital, over the past few decades the construction industry has seen little movement towards green building. Although the demand for green building has increased and much of the appropriate technology is available, construction has not changed in the ways other industries have. Many have argued that the construction industry has not become more environmentally friendly due to the high costs of replacing machinery, an area which largely has seen little to zero new technology. 

Despite its past, the construction sector has a hopeful future. Sustainable technology continues to advance (as well as become less expensive) and will soon help to ease the transition into green building. However, one issue for green building that has remained unresolved is the translation from digital designs to physical materials. Exciting new technologies such as 3D printing is emerging as a technology that can speed up the building process and most likely require little man power. This technology is already being applied around the world—a 30 story skyscraper was recently completed in less than 360 hours in China using similar technology.

While as a refinishing and refurbishing company, we try to incorporate as many sustainable practices into our business as possible, we also understand those practices aren’t as plausible for other industries. We hope that the construction industry continues to look for sustainably alternatives to help it catch up with the demand for green building and structures as well as seek out new, emerging technologies to help it get there.

construction, eco-friendly, green, green building, sustainable

January 31st, 2012 by TRT Blog

As the importance and need for sustainability grows, many businesses have begun taking action to reduce their carbon footprints and environmental impact. As traveling is a large part of most business ventures, the demand for eco-friendly travel options has continued to increase. Even though businesses are making more of an effort to pursue green travel plans and options, they often aren’t sure where to begin. Here is a list of ideas that can help businesses, and individuals, incorporate sustainability when traveling around the world:

Necessity: First make sure that a business trip is absolutely necessary. With the marvels of modern technology and great services such as Skype, GoToMeeting and Google+, it’s easy to utilize time and money with face-to-face meetings, even if you’re miles away, without ever leaving the office.

Public Transportation: Taking the subway, including to and from the airport, is a great way to reduce your company’s carbon footprint. Subways are fast and accessible and are conveniently located in most cities. Plus it saves money, as subway fare often costs far less than renting a car.

Hybrids/Eco-Friendly vehicles: If you happen to land in a location where public transportation is not readily available, many cities now flooded with hybrid taxis, and renting a hybrid car is also an easy way to save money on gas and reduce environmental impact.

Air Travel: As airplane travel produces 2 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, choosing an airline that is environmentally conscious can help to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Germany’s Lufthansa and Air Canada have both made significant strides in obtaining a carbon-neutral status. If your choice of airline is limited, think about purchasing environmental credits to offset your plane travel emissions.

Lodging: Before booking a hotel room, research hotels that are implementing green initiatives. There is a growing trend in the hospitality world to go green, so these hotels shouldn’t be hard to find. If a certified green hotel isn’t in the cards, be conscious of your actions during your stay—opt out of every day linen and towel washing, during a short stay choose to decline room cleaning and remember to turn the lights off when you leave your room.

Dining: While most of your meals might be eaten on the run, if you have time to sit down look for restaurants, in your hotel or otherwise, that have implemented sustainable methods. Many restaurants these days will advertise where they’ve gotten their food, so choose dishes that feature locally, seasonally grown and organic ingredients to help reduce your carbon footprint and fill your belly.

While it’s not always easy to travel green, it’s important to make the effort to fly, lodge and eat as sustainability as possible to help save the environment and make our world a better place. To learn more about how businessmen and women are traveling green, read an interesting Financial Post article here.

eco-friendly, green, hybrids, Sustainability, Travel

December 13th, 2011 by TRT Blog

During this year’s 11^th annual Green Power Leadership Awards, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gave out awards to 19 EPA Green Power Partners. The partners, located all across the country, were chosen based on their use of clean, renewable energy sources, energy security and reducing pollution.

The awards recognize everything from green buildings to green communities, across four different categories, including ‘Green Power Partner of the Year’, ‘Green Power Community of the Year’, ‘On-site Generation’ and ‘Green Power Purchase’. Among the winners were: the Empire State Building, Google, Portland Oregon, Santa Clara University, State Street Corporation and many others.  For the full list, please check here.

The EPA, through its work with the Green Power Partnership and other opportunities, helps 1,300 organizations to achieve their goals in reducing environmental stresses and reliance on conventional electricity use.

Through the goals of the EPA, its Green Power Partners, companies and individuals across the country, America can begin to understand the importance of long-term environmental sustainability commitments as well as turn it into a reality.  That’s something we can all support, and here at The Refinishing Touch we’d like to congratulate all the Power Partners, as well as the organizations across the globe that are working to reduce their environmental impact, and, of course, the EPA for hosting the awards.

electricity, energy security, EPA Green Power Partners, green, Green Power Leadership Awards, Green Power Partnership, renewable energy sources, Sustainability, US Environmental Protection Agency

November 22nd, 2011 by TRT Blog

The holidays are gaining momentum to full swing. With it come those who are planning to travel to see friends and loved ones. It’s one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and because of that, increased carbon emissions are going to continue to be a large concern. For our refinishing resource this month, we want to pass along some green travel tips so wherever you go this holiday season, you do so responsibly.

1. Be prepared. No matter where you’re going, remember to pack properly and completely. It’s happened to all of us where we begin a trip only to realize we left someone’s laptop or bag behind. Ensuring you’re ready to go when you begin your trip saves not only time but reduces any potential emissions that come from extra trips to pick up what was left behind.

2. Be efficient. If driving is in your future, be sure to rent or use your car efficiently. High MPG cars reduce carbon emissions obviously, but little things such as not charging portable electronics off the car battery and keeping windows up (it’s likely to be cold anyway, so why would the windows be down?) are two ways to improve your car’s efficiency and get the most mileage per tank.

3. Consider alternatives. Not everyone can drive to their holiday destination. If you must travel long distances, consider alternate modes whenever possible. A train ride, while longer, is the scenic route and overall an environmentally safer alternative to cars and planes. When flights are the only option, it’s the little things that add up. Packing lighter, using electronic tickets instead of paper and taking public transportation to the airport are all ways to lessen the emissions and the strain on our environment while getting to where you need to go.

4. Book green hotels. Finally, if you and/or your family are staying in a hotel, be sure to support those that support sustainable initiatives – there are many to choose from. Additionally, work on reducing energy use while you are a guest – switch your lights off when you’re out, re-use your towels wherever reasonable, and unplug chargers when you’re not using them.

We hope that no matter where you’re traveling, you do so safely and efficiently.

carbon emissions, energy efficient, green, holidays, Travel

September 30th, 2011 by TRT Blog

As our work continues to expand, so does the culture of our crews. After landing in Houston, Texas, our team of refinishers had the opportunity to experience a little piece of history first hand. Founded in 1836, Houston is the largest city in Texas and fourth largest in the United States. Home to over 2 million people, it’s no wonder Houston has become the melting pot of the South. Fortunately for the diverse residents and visitors, the historical yet modern Magnolia Hotel is located in urban downtown Houston.

Formerly the Houston Post Dispatch Newspaper Building and corporate headquarters for Shell Oil Company, the Magnolia Hotel now boasts 314 guestrooms and suites after recently taking an innovative approach to modernization and renovation. While there, our crew modified the existing armoires, using our environmentally safe refinishing process, to position flat screen TV’s atop sparkling black glass, saving time, money and the planet. Along with countless luxury accommodations, The Magnolia Hotel was named “best hotel bar” by Houston Press in 2007. Offering complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks in the hotel lounge, how could they not be deserving of such an award? And for a “right at home” feel, a cookies-and-milk buffet is served from 8 to ten P.M. before settling in for the night.

And because The Magnolia Hotel understands the busy bustle of life and travel, they offer extended stay suites for guests that are staying in Houston for 30 or more consecutive days. With so much to do and see, who wouldn’t enjoy a month-long stay? Home to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (the largest rodeo in the world), a 17 block theater district, 11,000 restaurants, 23 Fortune 500 companies, 40 colleges and universities, 5,000 energy related firms, and the world’s largest medical center, Houston is the epitome of that famous saying, “Everything is bigger in Texas!”.

green, Magnolia Hotel, refinishing

September 23rd, 2011 by TRT Blog

As the school year gets into full swing, the little things that can help the environment are likely to slip the mind of students and teachers alike. Instead, studying and ensuring papers are submitted and graded will be at the forefront of many minds. As it should be – education is important. Even so, it doesn’t hurt to remember some simple ways to ensure the planet gets as much attention as schoolwork does. In this month’s Refinishing Resource, we’re giving the back-to-schoolers some tips that will make this year the greenest yet.

-Recycle. This should be a no-brainer but unfortunately recycling isn’t as prevalent in schools as it needs to be. Proper disposal of your water bottles (or better yet, carrying a refillable bottle) will prevent unnecessary waste.

-Commute smarter. Just because you can drive across campus or town doesn’t mean you have to. Look into bikes or public transportation for your ride to class. Also, keep in mind that carpooling isn’t just for business professionals – it’s good for students and teachers too.

-Get involved. In the past, we’ve discussed how some schools have high participation rates involving green initiatives at schools, and how others falter. To help your school stand out, get involved and promote progress. It’s only through people getting involved that we’ve seen positive action taken – for example, plastic bottled water sales being banned at some schools.

-Save your stuff. This tip is for later in the year. When the time comes, don’t think that because the school year is over, all your items can be tossed. We’ve talked with those involved in programs to help incoming students get lightly used furniture that’s better than what’s provided by the school. How many times have you thrown something out, only to realize later that you could’ve still used it? Save yourself the frustration – restore or donate the things you think you’re done using instead.

Interested in other techniques to help preserve not only your belonging but the planet as well? Sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Email: marketing@therefinishingtouch.com to get signed up.

green, recycle, school, Sustainability

September 13th, 2011 by TRT Blog

As you may have seen, we’ve opened a west coast office in Los Angeles. It’s a great locale for not only the scenery but for the opportunities it presents and the mindset of Californians. You get the sense from being out here that most understand the necessity of promoting climate change and improving the use of our resources for the betterment of our society and planet.

Now, thanks to a survey conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California, we have hard numbers to back up the feeling we have. More residents favor climate change policy, want to cut greenhouse gas emissions and believe they are already experiencing the effects of global warming.

Over 2500 Californians were polled and what was found was an educated population who saw what needed to be done and had varying ways of achieving it. Nearly 80% favored government regulation on the release of greenhouse gases from power plants, cars and factories. That 80% were split between a cap and trade system and a simple carbon tax.

66% saw air pollution as a big problem, with half finding the pollution in low income areas serious. Over two-thirds of respondents think global warming is negatively affecting the economy and 60% think they’ve already seen the effects global warming has on our environment.

Despite the excellent forward thinking, there is still room to improve. 70% said they commute to work by driving alone with 12% carpooling and still less, eight percent, taking public transportation. It’s safe to say that to realize the results they’re looking for, these bad habits will need to be changed.

Adjustments are also needed in government, both at the local and federal level, with the Sierra Club of California saying President Obama has promised much but delivered less, and Gov. Brown being handcuffed with budgetary problems.

Regardless of where fault lies, it’s promising to see a state as large and powerful as California understanding what the problem is, what needs to be done and how to get there. We’re looking forward to the positive impact we, and our neighbors will have in our time here.

California, Government, green, Sustainability

June 17th, 2011 by TRT Blog

We’ve shown how hotels are adopting ways to appeal to a wider range of travelers through greener, healthy initiatives such as electric vehicle charging stations , using greener products in hotel rooms and sustainable attitudes to furniture assets. The hotel industry is certainly on the right track to recovery. However, the most important figure, the bottom line, still isn’t showing the levels of improvement everyone had anticipated.

For the complete recovery of the hotel industry, it’s essential that rates must go up to offset the amenities hotels are providing for guests.  This year, according to Marriott president Arne Sorenson , those rates still aren’t bouncing back despite an overall increase in travel. Hotel rates remain ten percent lower than they were in 2007, the year before economic turmoil all but destroyed the hospitality industry. This is still an improvement over room rates from 2008-2009 which saw revenue per room drop 25 percent – the worst ever for the Marriott chain.

These issues were of course widespread throughout the industry. Thankfully, there was only one direction to go, and that was up. Even though rates are still not where they need to be, hotel chains are at least experiencing an increased volume of guests. Soon, as Marriott has demonstrated, rates will slowly climb and become what they once were before the depression. Demonstrating that there is positive and lasting growth taking place, Marriot has responded by announcing plans to build 50 international hotels over the next four years.

Hotels are experiencing a slow but steady growth trend. As long as smart decisions are being made by the industry and guests continue to flock to hotels this summer and beyond, we can expect to see our friends in hospitality completely recover and begin experiencing the levels of success they once had.

economic recovery, green, hospitality

June 3rd, 2011 by TRT Blog

The railroad has always been a part of Americana and since its inception we’ve been fascinated with the concept of direct travel across the nation by a method other than cars. Trains once represented the engineering capabilities and mobilization of our nation and while they still display our ability to get around, train engineering has seen less progress as time has passed.

In celebrating its 40^th birthday this year, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation – better known as Amtrak — has taken the steps to bring engineering back to the forefront of its operations with a pledge to go green. In early May, Amtrak completed a year long trial run using biodiesel fuel on passenger cars between Oklahoma City and the Fort Worth-Dallas area showing its continued commitment to reducing emissions.

Since 2003 Amtrak has increased service on many of its routes while reducing diesel fuel consumption by 5%. It looks to cut consumption by 7% by the end of 2011. While those numbers may not seem like much, considering Amtrak operates service from Maine to New Orleans and Chicago to Los Angeles, reductions like these make big differences.

With a considerable amount of passengers taking the train daily for both regional and long distance travel, the reduction of emissions is not the only concern Amtrak has. Recycling plays a huge role in its operations and according to CEO Joseph Boardman, Amtrak’s recycling efforts have “netted more than 875 tons of paper; 209,000 gallons of used oil; 6,800 tons of steel parts and scrap steel; 27.3 tons of mattress foam and 73 tons of cable.”

With recognition from TIME magazine as one of the top 50 inventions of 2010 along with 20 and 30% better efficiency over airline and automobile travel respectively, trains are slowly moving back towards an age of innovation. The combination of offering travelers a choice in travel methods to many of the domestic locations that planes do, and doing so more efficiently can boost the travel industry as well as help protect the environment.

Sounds like a win-win scenario to us!

Amtrak, green, trains, Travel

May 17th, 2011 by TRT Blog

Working with a variety of clients in different industries takes us to events around the country each year. Whether for hospitality, education or government, The Refinishing Touch seeks out the best opportunities for us to demonstrate the benefits of refinishing. We love any opportunity to get in front of our current and future clients!

This philosophy recently took us to San Diego for the GSA (General Services Administration) Training Conference and Expo. ‘Inspire, Innovate, Interact’ was the theme for this year’s show and with all three of those tenets being core fundamentals of our business, it made perfect sense for us to make the trip to San Diego to attend. The show started strong with the opening keynote coming from Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.

Along with Lindsay from our fabulous marketing team, TRT’s president Mario Insenga was on hand during the show to take to the show floor and reconnect with our many friends in the government. The TRT team was thrilled to hear about this year’s training sessions, specifically designed to educated companies on how to sustainably work with the government.

Mario and Lindsay at the event

We were fortunate for the opportunities to connect with representatives from all sectors of the government – many stopping by with sincere interest in working with us. Mario and Lindsay had the opportunity to speak about the benefits of refinishing as opposed to replacement and the green methods we practice.

The GSA’s goal is to completely eliminate its environmental footprint, and through the continuous learning programs at the show (more than 200 hours worth!) and event initiatives such as printing its promotional materials and the program guide on recycled paper using soy based ink, the GSA is definitely making strides towards achieving its goal.

With new contacts at the federal, state and local level, as well as many within military, the show was certainly a success for The Refinishing Touch and we can’t wait to attend next year’s conference in San Antonio, TX!

Tune into our website here for more information on the other events you can find us at!

Events, Government, green, GSA