I follow the principle of thinking globally and acting locally.  I weigh in the embodied energy into everything from picking up the materials.  How can I save on gas? Is it more ecological to go with a localized alternative?  Is it better to be non compromising and lead the market place in a new direction?  How can I reduce and reuse materials?  I wear used clothing for painting, I recycle clothing into rags, make material disposal a last resort, reuse paint and other materials as much as possible without compromising quality, and leaving the surrounding environment in a respectable condition. Although I tend to consider sustainable practices in what I do first on a jobsite, the products used can also have a greater impact the more they are used and promoted, and are shown to be as effective if not more effective and safer then more widely used products.  As an allergy and asthma challenged individual, I know first hand what chemicals, dust, mold ect. can do to people, animals, plants, microbes ect.  That’s why I am committed at the very least towards using Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) paints and plasters. 

I'm currently very excited about a product called clay plaster.  Clay plaster is made in the USA using ground clay and plaster, and tinted with earth "dry" pigments, all minerals are gathered in the continental United States.  Water is added at the site, saving weight and thus energy in the shipping process.  Traditional paints have more "embodied" energy, meaning the amount of energy necessary in creation of a product, delivery to a provider, and then another trip to your residence or business.  Many of these paints also have some form of petrol chemicals in them, often the darker the color, the more VOC it contains. If you would like to know more about this product and the process to apply it please visit the clay plaster link I have on the left side of the screen. 

 I'm leaving a link below for anyone interested in furthering their knowledge on the paint products out there: http://www.eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_paints.htm

Learn how your diet can help the planet too:

http://www.earthsave.org/

Twin Cities eco events and businesses:

http://www.ecometro.com/twincities

Minnesota Green Business listings:

http://www.doitgreen.org/greenpages