Everybody laughed when he started to build green homes in Fishers, but when he reduced energy cost by 80% . . . .
Frank Redavide, the owner of Castalia Homes, started to build custom homes the in Fishers and Carmel areas seven years ago. He quickly became known in the community as a “green builder.”
In fact, he is one of only four builders in Indiana that had built LEED certified residential homes. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is an ecology-oriented building certification program run under the auspices of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
But why does LEED matter and why should we care? “Once I realized all the benefits of building green, it became a “no brainer.” I was sold and became very passionate about it,” said Frank Redavide. “We not only improve the energy efficiency of your home, we build a high-performance green building, which means you will enjoy better indoor air by not having toxic fumes emitting from materials on your floor and in your walls, save money on water usage, enjoy low maintenance landscaping, and generally build a structurally stronger building.”
The answer is very simple, ”It is the economy, stupid”. Most fascinating, is the fact that you get all of the savings and additional health benefits for the price of a conventionally built home. Sounds too good to be true? Check it out for yourself by contacting Frank and talking to his past customers. Castalia Homes will also work with you to make your existing home a high performance green building.
Castalia Homes
Frank Redavide, owner
11805 North Pennsylvania St
Carmel, IN 46032
317-706-6770
fredavide@castaliahomes.com
www.castaliahomes.com
Holder Mattress
People find cockroach poison in their mattresses, it may be in your own bed.
Lauren Taylor despite her young look is the third generation of local family business, Holder Mattress. She’s been managing their Kokomo factory and two retail locations on a daily basis for the last six years. Holder Mattress was started by Lauren’s grandfather in 1947, and has been manufacturing and selling high quality hand-made mattresses locally ever since. Relentless focus on product quality has been one of the main reasons for the stellar success of the company throughout the years.
“The number one thing that sets us apart is the highest material quality and durability of our mattresses,” says Lauren. Indeed, Holder Mattresses are two-sided, made with natural material and coil springs that will last without deforming over 15 years. The company recycles over 95% of the scrap from mattress production.
In July 2007, the Federal government issued a regulation that had set very stringent standards for flame retardant qualities of mattress fabrics. The mattress manufacturers were required to use various chemicals, or flame retardant fabrics in order to comply with the regulation. The least expensive method and most common in the industry was to spray the mattresses with boric acid and antimony trioxide. Boric Acid is a poisonous pesticide that effectively kills roaches, silverfish, ants, fleas, palmetto bugs and water bugs (1). Antimony trioxide is known carcinogen (2) Holder Mattress decided not to utilize the least expensive way, but to retain their high quality standards that were in line with the family social values. “It is my guys in the factory that are going to be handling those chemicals. They are my family. I do not want them to be exposed to something that is so dangerous nor do I want my customers to be exposed to that the same danger,” say Lauren. Instead, Holder Mattresses are built of non-toxic natural materials such as wool and latex fibers. These materials are inherently flame retardant, hypoallergenic and do not collect dust mites.
To make sure your mattress is safe, check the label for the “treated cotton” mark (1) EPA Boric Acid Review, June 2004, Conclusions: “have identified the developing fetus and the testes as the two most sensitive targets of boron toxicity … high prenatal mortality, reduced fetal body weight and malformations and variations of the eyes, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and axial skeleton … The testicular effects that have been reported include reduced organ weight and organ: body weight ratio, atrophy, … reduced fertility and sterility” [source] (2) Antimony Trioxide MSDS: “Potential Health Effects: … May cause heart to beat irregularly or stop. … Chronic Exposure: Prolonged or repeated exposure may damage the liver and the heart muscle. Prolonged skin contact may cause irritation, dermatitis, itching, and pimple eruptions. There is an association between antimony trioxide production and an increased incidence of lung cancer.” [source]
Lauren Taylor, owner
www.holdermattress.comCarmel
1422 South Rangeline Road
Carmel, IN 46032
(317) 848-2939
(800) 879-9484Fishers
8235 East 116th Street
Fishers, IN 46038
(317) 596-9314
Curb Appeal Outdoor Services
What you can do today to rescue Geist Lake from algae with no extra out of pocket cost
As many of you know, Geist Reservoir is suffocating from the presence of blue-green algae. The high nutrient load that comes from leaves, topsoil and fertilizer runoff contributes to rampant algae growth. The good news is that you can help! Since algae are particularly keen on phosphorus, you can stop its growth by using phosphorus-free fertilizers and demanding zero phosphate lawn treatments on your established lawns.
Curb Appeal Outdoor Services has been serving the upper North side for over a decade. They provide most landscaping and lawn care services, from leaf removal to landscape design and installation for residential and commercial clients. “Our company stays ahead of the curve when it comes to ‘lake-friendly’ fertilizers and lawn treatments,” Mike Meyer, the company manager says. Despite their low-key profile, the company has been an industry pioneer by introducing conventional phosphorus-free fertilizers and organic fertilizers in their lawn treatments.
The most amazing thing is that it does not cost you an extra dime to use a phosphorus free fertilizer lawn treatment. The only thing you need to do is to call and ask for the zero phosphate lawn treatments. “The important thing for Geist Reservoir residents to realize is that they can do their part by making the conscious choice of fertilizers to use,” says Meyer.
Suppliers of Phosphorus-Free Lawn Fertilizers (Download)
Lawn Care Companies Offering Phosphorus-Free Fertilization (Download)
Mike Meyer, Manager
22880 Anthony Road
Cicero, IN
317-758-6477
mike@curbappealoutdoor.com
www.curbappealoutdoor.com
Team Green Dentistry
From NBA Champion to the Champion of Green.
Steve Green has been practicing dentistry for over 25 years on the Northeast side of Indianapolis. Former NBA player playing for IU College team first and then for Pacers, Steve is the first “Green” dentist in town.
Steve has always been active in the community. Green is a formal president of Donated Dentist Services that donates services to low income Hoosiers. Steve had his defining “green” moment during a Thomas Friedman speech on his latest book “Hot, Flat, and Crowded: Why We Need a Green Revolution—and How It Can Renew America.” Friedman said, recalls Green “… it is time to become patriotic and lead the green revolution in America.” From that day, Green became a relentless advocate for implementing green practices in his dental clinic.
Apart from not using amalgam – mercury containing fillings for the last 15 years, Team Green dental practice started their path to sustainability by using local suppliers for its products and services; reducing waste to the minimum by reusing and recycling; using biodegradable supplies and not using chemicals to sterilize instruments.
“We also are starting a program where we will be donating a percentage from patients visits to a designated charity… My hope is to attract people from the community that share my values of sustainability and giving back…”, says Green.
Steve Green
11559 Cumberland Rd, Suite 100
Fishers, IN 46037
317- 579-5400
www.teamgreendentistry.com
Pax4U.com
Pax4u is an Indiana based manufacturer of hands free, stylish and eco-friendly bags. Each Pax4u bag is designed for comfort, style and convenience. Designed for the eco-minded active lifestyle woman, they only use organic and/ or recycled material in the construction of the bags.
Backpacks and over-the-shoulder purses can lead to tension and stress in your neck and back. Pax4u bags fit securely around your hips and/or across your body allowing you to carry all of your belongings safely and comfortably, while leaving your hands free for other things. “Our bags in a way are liberating as they provide women with a piece of mind about their valuables”, says Biana Sharp, the company co-owner.
Biana and co-owner Janet Sharp-Freedman recognize the need to balance both quality and eco-conscious living. Whenever possible they source eco-friendly fabrics and reclaimed leather locally. The company manufactures its products locally as well, in the Indianapolis metropolitan area and in Fort Wayne. “ Being green means we look to our closest neighbors first when we purchase materials and hire sewers to help us meet our growing demand. In two common-sense decisions we reduce global greenhouse emissions and create local jobs,” says Janet Sharp-Freedman.
Biana and Janet kindly agreed to extend a 50% off “Go Green” special for “atGeist” and “atCarmel” readers on selected models.
Pax4U
Janet Sharp-Freedman, Co-owner
317-339-3158
Biana Sharp, Co-owner
317-410-7169
2100 West 106 Street
Carmel, IN 46032
www.pax4u.com
Indiana Green Business and Community Alliance
There is no place like home
I would like to tell you a story about a profound phenomenon that happened in a small town founded by immigrants from Roseto, a village in Italy. The town is called Roseto as well, only it is in Pennsylvania. In that town, virtually no one under fifty-five has died of a heart attack or showed any signs of heart disease. There was no suicide, no alcoholism, no drug addiction, and very little crime. Few kids left the town as they grew up and no one was on welfare. People die of old age.
These exceptional circumstances prompted an investigation by a group of physicians and a sociologist. The doctors looked at different factors that might affect the health and longevity of Rosetans, such as: diet and exercise, genetics, and regional environmental factors.
They found that none of these factors were any different from the average resident of Pennsylvania. What doctors realized was that the secret of Roseto wasn’t linked to diet, exercise, genes or location. It was the Roseto community itself.
If you walked around the town, you would understand what I mean. You would see Rosetans visiting one another, stopping to chat or cooking for one another in their back yard. You would see how many homes had three generations living under the same roof and how much respect the grandparents commanded. You would learn that there are twenty-two civic organizations in a town of fewer than two thousand people.
By transplanting their culture and way of life from southern Italy to the hills of Pennsylvania, the Rosetans created a powerfully sustainable and tightly knit community capable to support them economically and insulate from the destructive pressures and stress of the modern world.
We want to make our communities to be more like Roseto. Businesses and residents must join forces, to make the Local movement a reality.
Indiana Green Business and Community Alliance is a local organization whose purpose is to engage residents to support local green businesses in order to build economically self-reliant and healthy communities that secure prosperity to our families.
Lena Lucas has also developed Indiana Green Pages – www.myhomegreenpages.com the online directory of Indiana green products and services that help local residents find local green businesses to support local economy.
Indiana Green Business and Community Alliance
Lena Lucas, Founder
12313 Ostara Crt
Fishers, IN 46037
317-501-0418
lena@myhomegreenpages.com
www.thinklocalfirstIndy.com
