May 8th, 2008 by Bob - 
This post piggybacks on to our January post, “Be Cool. Go Green. Benefits of Using Recycled Paper For Your Identity Materials.” Because we think that recycling is so important and so healthy for our environment and because we’re always learning more about the latest and greatest ways to do our part, we wanted to share our knowledge with you. So, this post focuses on what the paper and printing industry are doing to help reduce our carbon footprint and minimize waste. Read the rest of this entry »
Recently we have been working on a website for a consumer product for a large client. Part of the website entailed the use of a web form to collect visitor information of which the client planned to utilize future marketing purposes. We were faced with the ever so common cross roads of many web companies.
Do we build it ourselves or utilize a third party application?
IT’S IN OUR BLOOD
As web designers and/or developers our first instinct is to take the path of building the form, notification, and reporting tools ourselves. It is this very instinct that leads us in the career path we choose. Many web designers and developers, like us, began their careers because they were inspired and intrigued by the challenge of building a better mouse trap…And then feeding the inner ego by proving that we can. We are all basically web grease monkeys with a core DIY mentality. But this tendency and frame of mind is not always what is best for our client’s interests.
Whether you are into surfing, independent films, or just supporting a good cause, we have the perfect night out for you. Pura Vida is best explained in their own words as described on their website.
“The Pura Vida No Pro began 5 years ago when Steve Sanchez, Founder of the non profit group Hearts of Stone, was planning a surf trip to Costa Rica with his crew of buddies. Wanting to give something back, Steve decided to seek out a group of challenged Tico children and introduce them to the sport of surfing. That simple act of kindness was the first step in what has become an annual event that benefits orphaned children and volunteer surfers alike.”
At one point or another, many of us have found ourselves overwhelmed by the ever growing number of files, passwords, and things cluttering our everyday lives. Whether it is personal, business, kid related, or an eclectic mix, all of us at {e} house studio understand the dilemma of too much stuff. That’s why we emphasize the importance of keeping things simple in order to get to the real point or goal of a project, a place, or even yourself. If this sounds familiar, you will understand why we took the opportunity to interview Stacey Crew, writer, author, speaker, and professional organizer.
You may not even know how to hold a golf club, but chances are that you’ve heard of the Masters. And, chances are that you immediately see green when the Masters comes to mind. The beautiful foliage framing Augusta National, the perfectly manicured golf greens, the sought after green jackets, and all of the green money brought in year after successful year. (Aaron and Rick were fortunate enough to witness it first-hand this year.) Yes, the Masters is one of the most exclusive brands in the world (according to the 2006 Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI) survey of Sporting Events, conducted by the New York City-based Luxury Institute and every detail is considered to ensure it stays that way.
We all have those things we just love. They either make our day easier, more enjoyable, go by faster or just make us feel good. We thought we would share them with all of you, so here is a list of our 10 favorite things at {e}.
JS INDUSTRY SURFBOARDS
BODUM COFFEE CUPS
ALLISON ABNEY EMERALD RUCHED CLUTCH
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Yes, that’s right {e} house has a new home. We’re movers and shakers and we’re shakin’ on to our next destination at 602 Rutledge Avenue, Suite B. Here’s the story: Our beloved office was sold and bought by new owners, so we took the opportunity to expand to a larger and even better space to accommodate our growth. It’s actually the upstairs of the current home of the Hampton Green Law office. For those of you who don’t know the Greens, Dwayne and his wife Toya are both lawyers. Dwayne is currently running for South Carolina Senate and Toya is also a member of the Charleston County School Board. They rock! We moved in last week, and will be hard at work with light renovations (making it our own.) Check out some of the before pictures of our new digs and we will be posting afters once we get everything just right. And, be sure to stop by and check us out when you get a chance.
As an avid cyclist, I, along with many of my weight weenie friends, can tell you that I do just about anything to shed a few grams from my bike. That’s right, a few grams. I replace the tiny bolts that hold my water bottle cage with special light titanium bolts. I buy a seat that is as hard as a rock and makes my junk go numb on any ride over 20 miles because it only weighs 130grams. I purchase a seatpost clamp for $80 because it was 10grams lighter than my original seatpost clamp. Yeah, that is $80 for that tiny piece of now carbon material that tightens the seatpost to the frame. For me, and millions of other cyclists out there, upgrading my bike is an addiction.
Recycling has always been important in the effort to save the planet, but the new green movement and interest in sustainability has given the earth an even brighter look into the future. Here at {e}, we put an emphasis on going green (reduce, re-use, recycle) whenever possible while working on current and future projects. And, after doing a little research, you can find the resources to recycle just about anything from the past as well.
My hope is that this blog post will offer you some new information and inspire you to clean out your clutter and put it to good use. Below is a list of resources to recycle anything from old running shoes to random cords and cables (Yes, there is something you can do with that tangled mess of old computer cords in the corner of your attic…Hooray!).
- Cell Phones: Learn how to donate or safely recycle your old cell phone.
- Electronics: Electronics can be recycled such as old phones, MP3 players, even ink cartridges and it is for FREE!
- Athletic Shoes: Nothing to do with those old athletic shoes? Nike does! They have a great program to recycle “any brand of athletic shoes and turn them into sports surfaces and playgrounds. You can take your old shoes (even if they stink,) to any Niketown Store, Nike Factory store or get info off their website.
- Techno Trash: Techno Trash got you weighed down? Not anymore! Greendisk will help you recycle anything from VHS tapes and players (Are those considered vintage yet?), cords/ cables, CDS, cameras, and more.
- Computers: Not only can computers be large and awkward to get rid of, but they also contain harmful chemicals that need to be disposed of properly. Most major computer companies offer recycling options. Find more information at Apple, Dell, HP, Gateway, and Toshiba
- Mattresses: Although mattresses don’t offer a way to recycle them, you can use one of the other two “R” words: Re-Use. Freecycle.org is an internet community that puts the saying “one person’s trash, is another person’s treasure,” to good use. (So this site is not limited to only mattresses.)
- Dry Cleaning: I am not a fan of those wire hangers that come back from the dry cleaners, but I hate to throw them away. Some dry cleaners will take them back to re-use or recycle (sometimes the plastic too). Alteration shops may have a use for them as well. Just ask your local service provider. While on the subject of dry cleaning, the process itself uses toxic chemicals. So I would encourage you to consider looking for a shop that offers “wet cleaning” or possibly just hand wash the garments yourself when possible.
- Cleaning Services: On another cleaning note, some cleaning services are going green. If you have little ones and/or pets like me, it is always refreshing to know that your home is clean and also safe and free of toxic chemicals that could put your loved ones in danger. Visit Maid Brigade for more information on green cleaning.
- Grocery Bags: While the paper grocery bags are recyclable, the plastic ones are great to re-use for anything from trash can liners, dirty diaper bags, doggie poop bags, and the list goes on. So don’t just toss those bags to the side, re-use them. Last but not least, bringing your own re-usable bags for groceries is a great planet saver too! ( I just keep mine in my trunk, that way I always have them when I need them!)
OTHER RESOURCES
- Staples Stores nationwide: Just drop of any unwanted office product/ small electronics and they will either refurbish it for use or recycle it for you.
- Craigslist: The mega popular website has an area where you can post items you would like to give away for free.
- Planet Smoothie: Some companies like Planet Smoothie are encouraging their customers to help them find ways to reduce, re-use, or recycle their trash by rewarding them with money and/or merchandise. For more information on the Planet Smoothie contest visit their website.
Remember not all recyclables need to be sparkling clean when tossed in the bin, but the cleaner they are the less energy is required in the next step.
YOU CAN RECYCLE THAT?
If the information you have gained from this article has just wet your whistle to the tune of going green, Arizona State now offers a major in sustainability. If your not able to go that far, I hope that you will use the information in this article for your home and/or business as we are sure to do here at {e}. So when your friend asks you, “You can recycle that?” You can answer with confidence, “ You sure can!”
SHARE YOUR RECYCLING TIPS
I really enjoyed researching for this article and would love to learn what all of you out there could teach me as well! Please leave a comment of any great recycling/ green/ sustainable tips you might have and I will be sure to share them with everyone I know.
Although the Charleston winter is mild (or virtually nonexistent as I, a northern transplant, see it), the first signs of spring are always a breath of fresh air. The marsh grass is greener, the days are longer, and those pesky noseeums (aka southern gnats) have arrived. Yes, spring has sprung here in Charleston. And, it’s beautiful! So straight from the {e} house crew, here are a few reasons to leave those “to do” lists behind and get out and enjoy the new season.
AARON’S TAKE:
Spring means saying, “so long” to my wetsuit as the water temperature is rising! Even better, the surf is better at the Washout! It’s obvious that for me Folly Beach is my spot when spring arrives… weekends relaxing on the beach with Owen and Chris, eating at Taco Boy, and surfing (Did I mention that before?!).
BOB’S TAKE:
The spring is a great time and the perfect temperature for a camping trip. There are several different trips I like to take.
It is always fun to Kayak out to Capers Island and camp out on the beach. It is a perfect spot to have a fire and sleep under the stars.
Another great trip is to Brevard County in North Carolina. The mountains are gorgeous and there are some really amazing hiking trails with beautiful waterfalls. It is great to go with the family (dogs included) or rough it and make it a mountain bike trip.
Aside from camping, it’s cool to experience downtown Charleston. With downtown’s intoxicating energy, you don’t have to travel far to catch spring fever. The College of Charleston students excitedly fill the streets as they finish up the semester, everything is green and blooming, the air is warm and the sun is shining. Ahh… nothing like a Saturday morning trip to Kudu coffee garden with Kris, Neve, Tug, Piper and Wally. Then walking down King to the Battery. But don’t forget to take the side streets to enjoy the cobblestone alleys and South of Broad gardens.
CHRIS’S TAKE:
I have to agree with Bob and downtown Charleston, although I like evening walks (since it is light out later). There is such a romantic feeling on the streets south of Broad. In the evening, sometimes you can even get a glimpse into the fascinating interiors of the historic homes (Yes I guess this borders on snooping, but it’s fun!).
I also love that as the weather warms up, weekends are spent at the beach instead of doing the never ending “to-do” list of house repairs that the winter seems to support. Although, that also means bathing suit season is right around the corner. I’m off to the treadmill….
MEDEA’S TAKE:
Charleston rocks in the spring. I love all of it: surfing (or at least watching my husband surf), hanging on Folly, exploring downtown, and evening strolls. So overnight camping isn’t really my thing, but one of the best places to camp out for a few hours before sunset is the tip of Morris Island (close to the lighthouse). As you’ve probably gathered, we’re all big fans of dogs and kids here at {e} house. Ella and Joule in tow, we pack up some snacks, beverages, and a blanket and beach our boat on the island for the sunset show. Morris Island is usually pretty vacant at this time of night, so it’s all ours. If you haven’t done so, try it out sometime…Just not on the night that we’re there….
How ever you decide to spend your spring, we hope you enjoy it. Happy Spring!
-The {e} house crew
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