GreenSage E-zine 11/2008

Products we Loved @ West Coast Green
by the GreenSage Team

This year the West Coast Green Conference was held over 3 a day period in the San Jose, California Convention Center. Over 14,000 folks with sustainable interests came from all over the world to check out new products and hear speakers like Al Gore, David Suzuki and Michelle Kaufmann.

Al Gore told us that the environmental climate crisis deserves the same type of attention and money from Washington that the economic climate crisis is getting. We hope the new administration is more attentive than the outgoing one on this — and many other issues.

The exhibit floor held more exhibitors this year, although there was plenty of space for more and fortunately for us, not very crowed when we were there. We had the opportunity for long inquiring conversations. There were all kinds of products made from recycled material, renewable maerials, alternative energy innovations, energy efficient systems of all kinds, and water saving devices. Innovations in sustainability abound with all kinds of ideas across categories.

Several products caught our eye for their beauty alone. Here's three suppliers whose work we thought rose like cream to the top. Gorgeous, well crafted, unique — all made by hand.

Whyr'hymer Furniture maker, Brandon Morrison, uses sustainable wood, hand-rubbed with oil and wax finishes in his originally designed furnishing pieces. Tables, Chairs, Cabinets and Light fixtures are all unique, contemporary and draw you in to touch and feel at one with nature. Even the glass for his light fixtures are from reclaimed sources. This line of furniture is truly stunning.

The generously authentic smile on the face of WoodAnchor's co-founder, Grant Dyck, drew visitors into their booth to walk on warm, glowing reclaimed flooring they produce. He told me he was a farmer, loved the land and started in the reclaimed wood product business after seeing too much usable local wood go into landfill. I was struck by the image of this table you see at left in a large photo hung prominently on the wall of their booth. Its made from 100% recycled grain elevator beams, with a top that's a full 3" thick with all the character marks associated with reclaimed wood such as cracks, nail holes and stains. Thick wood like this can't be had anymore. Its beautifully made and the life of this wood and its history seems to come alive in this table.

And if you're thinking of remodeling your kitchen anytime soon, GrassWood Cabinets may just be the thing for you. They use bamboo as vertical grain or horizontal grain, natural or amber in these well-crafted cabinets. Made in traditional, tropical, or modern contemporary styling, you can select modular bamboo cabinets or custom built. They provide detailed drawings and excellent, dedicated craftsmanship. When you open those cabinets and drawers . . . no formaldehyde smell like in conventional cabinets. Healthier for you. Healthier for the planet.