Green Architecture & the Future of Ecological Design

Interview with Tom Bassett-Dilley by Cassandra West.  Oak Park architect Tom Bassett-Dilley embraces a vision that includes historic preservation and a modern interpretation of Frank Lloyd Wright’s love of art, space and light. Tom is president of Tom Bassett-Dilley Architect, Ltd., at 301 Harrison St. Tom designed Oak Park’s first passive home, which uses modern materials and rigorous design standards to create a thermal envelope so tight that no gas furnace is needed. Q. What are the benefits of living in a house like the one you designed on South Clinton?

A. The benefits of having a house like that are comfort, reduced energy costs and really good indoor air quality. When you build an airtight house, you get really good air quality because you’re always exhausting the stale air and bringing in fresh air.

Q. How do you work with owners of older homes, like those you see here in Oak Park, to make them more energy efficient?

A. I recommend clients go to an energy auditor to get an objective data driven assessment of the energy diet of the house. Then you can figure out where to go first. Almost always the list for old houses includes air seal, insulate and then start upgrading efficiencies of mechanical equipment and then possibly replacing windows and doors. How far that gets taken is partly the question of the construction and the condition of the house is. If you want to get to the highest level of energy performance, of course, you have to deal with your heating energy first because that’s the biggest slice of the energy diet.

Q. You consider yourself a green architect. What does that mean?

A. To me it’s a broad look at ecology. It involves a lot of things—energy efficiency, environmental health, both inside a building and outside. How the decisions about placing and designing the building affect the landscape and the interior environment; interior air quality and the health inside; non-toxic materials; local materials; recycled materials. All of these many decisions that go into a building add up to more than a carbon footprint. ... To me, it’s a tension between striving for the perfect scenario and pushing the industry to try to get those materials and construction processes available that we can really stand behind ecologically and at the same time actually getting things built that are affordable and sensible.

Q. Since you started thinking green, have you seen a shift in the general population’s thinking toward green living?

A. Oh, yes. When I got interested architecture in 1979 and there were two books I got from the library that turned me on to no end. One was a book by Frank Lloyd Wright and it was full of gorgeous buildings that were just in love with art and space and light. ...The other book was Ed Mazria’s passive solar energy book. He’s still a leader in the environmental movement. The idea that a building should be integrated with its site and ecologically mindful was part of my mindset from the beginning. It really wasn’t until after Al Gore’s “Inconvenient Truth” [movie] that people really started asking for it more. We were always trying to bring these things into our projects. The passive house movement that I’m a part of really started in the 1970s here in Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. It was the oil crisis that kicked us into high gear. That focus moved to Europe and it became the passive house movement.

Q. What do you think it will take to move us to the next level?

A. More good, built examples. I’m very proud of that house on Clinton because when you look at new construction in an old neighborhood you often have to be sensitive to the character of the neighborhood. Having a building that has a lot of character that’s drawn from its place is really the idea.  Also, I think successful examples of design that also perform extremely well and also aren’t more expensive than a conventional house when you look at the cost of ownership.

* * * * * * * * *

You can find out more about Tom Bassett-Dilley Architect, Ltd at www.drawingonplace.com.

Cassandra West is the founding editor of www.seedingchicago.com, a blog of news and views on how urban agriculture is taking root and transforming lives in the Chicago area.  Cassandra is a resident of Oak Park and can be contacted at cwest@seedingchicago.com.

What Made this Building Worthy of Preservation?

An Interview with local architect William Scholtens conducted by Amy Boruta What is your design philosophy?

Build once well.  There are so many riches in this little phrase.  I approach each project with the mindset that buildings require precious, limited resources and therefore should be used for a very long time.  In my experience, buildings that last for generations are lovable, memorable, place-specific, and built with durable materials and sound detailing. Oak Park and River Forest have a history of such buildings. I enjoy walking our streets, studying the structures and asking myself, ‘What made this a building worthy of preservation?’  My observations often frame my approach to current design work.

What is your architectural style?

Listen to the place. Listen to the client. Work until you love the design.  I believe if you seek truth in these areas, each project will be tuned to the locality.  As an architect I understand how much embodied energy is extracted from the earth to create a building. I also understand that many people do not want their home to look like a science experiment. ‘I want a sustainable home, yet one that doesn’t taste like granola’ one client told me.  This speaks toward a building’s need to be both lovable and transferrable.  Through design, I attempt to orchestrate my clients’ life and work experience in a particular place with a view to timelessness. I believe if a person connects emotionally with a place they will love it.  If they love it, that place will remain.

In a recent project a client of mine interviewed several architects who determined it best to tear down the existing home.  They loved their neighborhood and location, but after careful questioning and listening, we determined together that their main frustration with their home was its seeming isolation from the outdoor living space. After evaluating the site, a simple, yet radical, scheme that reordered the living spaces within the existing home  united the interior spaces in conversation with the outdoor rooms.   We avoided complete demolition and even a large addition and instead used an interior and exterior palette of durability to keep a period home in a period neighborhood that we hope will be there for many generations.

What made you interested in implementing green/sustainable concepts in your work?

Two things really. First, I realize the value of my profession. As an architect I understand BTU’s, carbon, the strain our buildings put on our environment. Not many others do.  In many projects I am the first collaborator an owner encounters so I can help form a sustainable vision for the project.  Questions asked at the beginning of a project are critical.  To quote a current client, ‘If we are going to do it, why not try to do it better’.  I can’t say it any better.

Second, I own a home here in Oak Park.  New construction projects often emphasize sustainability, but these questions are less frequently addressed for renovations of existing homes. There are an estimated 100 million homes in America. What can be done to renovate and retrofit existing structures to accomplish sustainability?  There is huge opportunity right here in the Oak Park/River Forest.   Let’s call it what it is, these buildings are energy hogs, but the solution is not tearing them all down.  I am energized to develop ways our buildings can reduce energy load and efficiently satisfy home owners’, and if at all possible, our community’s needs.

What challenges do you face when implementing these concepts?

Taking sustainable goals for a project from design completely through construction. Sustainability isn’t free.  Money has a way of ‘high-jacking’ the sustainability conversation.  The mind often follows the heart, but tangible details can be key to acting on conviction; hence I challenge myself to find ways to provide owners with constructive tools for making optimal decisions.   Last week I was in a meeting with a contractor and owner for a project in a North Shore community. Our design details an R-22 insulation system. The village allows a minimum R-15 insulation.  So why go with R-22 if the village only requires R-15 and the owner can save $7,000 in the construction budget?

We all know that putting less insulation in walls will increase the cost to heat and cool the building, and that an over-used furnace will cost more to maintain and require earlier replacement.  But how do the costs balance?  To formally analyze the exchange, our firm developed a Utility Bill Predictive Cost Analysis Tool.  The tool allows us to isolate a building design component within a total building energy summation.  In this particular case, we estimated annual energy consumption and compared costs for each insulation decision.  Suddenly the debate of R-15 vs. R-22 became tangible and the conversation migrated from initial construction cost to investment in future use, comfort, the clients’ family, and long term living in their community.  With firm details in place, the final resolution circled back in line with the original goals for their renovation project.

Any advice for others interested in implementing these concepts within their renovations?

All little decisions in your project will add up to make a difference.  Green is the in details.

* * * * * *

William Scholtens, AIA, is Principal + Founder of Elements Architectural Group based in Oak Park, IL.  You can find out more about William Scholtens and Elements Architectural Group at http://elementsarchitects.com/.

Related Articles:

http://www.chicagohomemag.com/Chicago-Home/January-February-2011/Best-of-the-New-Green-Innovator-William-Scholtens/

Green Home Experts Announces Grand Re-opening at their New Location

Green Home Experts' recent move to a new location at 811 S Boulevard, 1/2 block west of Oak Park Avenue, has allowed the store to expand and diversify its merchandise.  GHE owner, Maria Onesta Moran, is inviting customers to help celebrate this milestone with a "Grand Re-opening" event on Friday & Saturday, February 24th and 25th. They will be open 10am-5pm on both days. Green Home Experts' new neighbors, The Perfect Dinner, is serving appetizers 11am-1pm on Friday and 11am-2pm on Saturday. They'll be showcasing their new design showroom and expanded offering of eco-lifestyle products.

You are invited to come and bring your friends for a bite to eat, giveaways, and to tour Green Home Experts' new home.

Neighbors working together to reduce their carbon footprint

Green Blocks rain barrel

A discussion with Dorie Blesoff and Margot McMahon written by Amy Boruta

Turn your block into a "green block"

Do you swear by your rain barrel or push mower and find yourself encouraging your neighbors to use one as well?  You may be interested in turning your block into a ‘green block’.  Dorie Blesoff and her neighbors had these conversations and began to turn their block green in 2006.  The green block is a group of neighbors who work together to reduce their carbon footprint, in specific ways, over time.  Dorie Blesoff and Margot McMahon share their experience with reducing their carbon footprint one block at a time.

During a Block Party in August 2006, Dorie and a small group of neighbors sat around late at night commenting on how much the movie "Inconvenient Truth" had impacted them.   Dorie explained that the question soon arose,  "What will we do about the fact our lifestyles are largely driving the huge carbon footprint made by the US?”

Build momentum through establishing seasonal projects

Dorie and her neighbors were active in the 1970's around environmental issues and they never lost their concern.  They committed to researching, thinking, meeting and coming up with ideas for their block.  They visited Green Technology Center, Green Depot, became familiar with Green Home Experts, and attended Green Tuesdays at the Library.

green block rickshaw

Soon their monthly meetings grew to 8 households and built momentum through establishing seasonal projects and providing additional green education.  Since 2006, the block focuses around several areas:  Zero Waste Block Parties, raising gardens in the summer (and Margot in the winter), encouraging their kids to think of ways to reduce carbon footprints and continuing to network with other organizations in the Village.

Block level initiatives intersect with village-level initiatives to speed change

Every single household participates in some way to reduce their carbon footprints.  One might raise their own garden, another might mow the lawn with a push mower, another might can their own tomatoes, several might have compost bins, another might walk with their kids to the Farmer's Market in the summer, etc.  They contribute some of their successes to the Village of Oak Park.  Margot stated, “we are delighted to be a part of Oak Park that has met this grass roots movement with LEED certified buildings, brick streets, renewable sourced electric supply, support of a comprehensive village-wide plan to change.”  They feel that their original concept of changing one block then another, then the whole village to reduce their carbon footprint has happened in a few short years because of the bottom up movement intersecting with the Village's top down movement.  Margot feels that other towns can use our Village as an example of a community on various levels changing quickly.  It is what the ‘green block’ envisioned years ago and while the process has no end, they believe that huge strides have taken place.

Green Block show-n-tell

The ‘green block’ recruits more participation through regular emails to the neighbors as well as word of mouth at block parties and their social gatherings on the block.  The ‘green block’ continues to encourage the wider community to participate in this initiative as well.  Residents of the ‘green block’ can be found attending many events to share their story through their show-n-tell book. They also share their Household Survey, which is distributed each year at the August Block Party, to show what has been improved.  The ‘green block’ residents view networking with others in Oak Park and River Forest as important to share new ideas.

Inspiring one another

Dorie is most proud of how many people on the block participate in some way. Margot added, “We came together to inspire each other to change faster in reducing oil dependency and CO2 emissions enabling the earth to heal”.  The ‘green block’ encourages others to find a community in their neighborhood, faith-based organization, or book group to support faster individual lifestyle change to lower carbon footprint.  The neighbors have supported each other in changing faster than any individual would have on their own.  “It's not about buying solar panels or purchasing things to 'go green’ but about walking more, shopping locally, growing backyard gardens and retaining water from run off,” Margot adds, “we are about simplifying our lives and reducing our energy use to help the climate change.”

Make it easy to try new things with a support system

At times it is difficult to maintain the momentum and find new ways for people to be involved.  Dorie would suggest that others start small, focus on new projects each season, and make things easy for people to try new approaches with a support system.

Dorie lists ideas for those interested in implementing this ‘green block’ initiative:

• Rain barrels to water lawns

• Push mower or electric mower

• Mulch leaves in fall instead of raking them for pick-up

• Buy local and organic food from Farmer's Market or CSA or Irv & Shelly's Fresh Picks

• Zero Waste Block Parties twice a year

• Gardens with native plants and/or vegetables

• Shop at Farmer's Markets - summer and winter

• Walk, ride bikes, use the el - instead of cars

• Rehab using green materials and building techniques

• Fix up faulty insulation

• Plant new trees

• Install a compost bin and/or worm bin

If you would like to learn more about the ‘green block’ or the zero-waste block party, you can contact Dorie Blesoff at dorieblesoff1@comcast.net or Margot McMahon at mmcm310@comcast.net.

How does intentional community living help promote an ecofriendly, spiritually rich way of life?

Submitted by Adam Wilson

Living in Intentional Community, Part One

Sunday, Jan. 15^th 9:30-10:45am Intentional community has been a Christian practice since the time of the early church. Lead Pastor Julie Harley will describe the elements of this lifestyle and explain her project to found an intentional co-housing community in Oak Park this spring.

Living in Intentional Community, Part Two

Sunday, Jan. 22^nd 9:30-10:45am It is possible to practice elements of intentional community even if you are living in an apartment, condo or single-family home. How does intentional community living help promote an ecofriendly, spiritually rich way of life?

 Classes are at First United Church of Oak Park and are led by lead pastor Julie Harley 848 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301, 708.386.5215, www.firstunitedoakpark.com

Free Webinar: Introduction to LEED for Homes - Oct 13, 12-1pm

Covers single-family homes, multi-family apartments and condos, and mixed-use residential buildings

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has developed the LEED for Homes rating system, which covers major home renovations and new construction of single-family homes, multi-family apartments and condos, and mixed-use residential buildings.

Common myths dispelled

In this class, the LEED for Homes rating system will be introduced, and then applied to case studies relevant to the local market. Common myths regarding level of documentation, cost, and credit requirements will be dispelled.

Registration:

Register at no cost via the USGBC Illinois Chapter.  Registered participants will receive the web link and call-in information to enter this webinar on October 12.  This webinar is free of charge.

Neighbors connecting with neighbors

Green Connections Bike TourOver 100 people learned about sustainability projects at 15 homes, schools, community gardens and green businesses in Sept. 2011.

Submitted by Earl Lemberger

While rain fell during the morning and threatened in the afternoon, over 100 determined bikers, walkers, and pedestrians of all sorts, navigated around Oak Park and River Forest, visiting 15 different sites where examples of sustainable living practices were on display, in the inaugural Green Connections Bike Tour.  The tour was part of an international event in over 180 countries called Moving Planet Day.

Labor of love for passionate, informed site hosts

Many people shared their impressions about the sites they visited at the after-tour gathering.  Several participants commented on how passionate and well informed the hosts were.  One of the few complaints was that 20-25 minutes was not enough time to learn all there was to tell as each site.  The sites ranged from highly energy efficient homes, to urban vegetable gardens, to the raising of chickens in an urban environment, to examples of how our local schools are educating kids about sustainable practices such as composting, zero waste, organic gardening, and creating community.  All sites were graciously made available by their owners, proprietors, faculty leaders or sponsoring group for the benefit of the community.  Click here to see a  description and photo of each site.

Visitors were asked to choose up to four sites that could be visited at specific times during the afternoon, so for the hosts this meant greeting and sharing information about their site to four different groups of up to 10 to 20 residents in some instances, essentially back to back, throughout the afternoon – truly for them a labor of love.

Post tour gathering includes sharing, food and reflection on how this event connects to the bigger picture

Following the last site visit a celebrative post-tour gathering was held at Field Park, in Oak Park, and was attended by over 50 people who had participated in the afternoon.   The program included a welcome and opening remarks by Melanie Weiss, one of the tour organizers, and comments by Village of Oak Park Board member Bob Tucker and PlanIt Green organizer Gary Cuneen.  Both Bob and Gary talked about the importance of events such as this in educating the public at large to the notions of sustainability, energy conservation, and their impact on climate change and global warming, as well as how these events can contribute to creating and maintaining sustainable communities not only here but, when copied, in other cities, towns, and villages.

Judith Hamje, another of the tour organizers led a reflection on the tour experience and invited the group  to share ideas, practices, or skills they could take from the sites they visited and incorporate in their own lives and homes. In addition, all participants were asked to complete a survey questionnaire, graciously created for the event by students at Concordia University in River Forest, which, when compiled will measure the event’s effectiveness and hopefully give insight into how to improve future events of this type.

Food for the closing gathering was generously contributed by Whole Foods, River Forest, and Trader Joe’s and Chipotle, Oak Park. In addition, Green Community Connections would like to thank the following organizations who   contributed by agreeing to be tour sponsors or local business partners for the event:

•  Active Transportation Alliance
• Seven Generations Ahead
• Interfaith Green Network
• Village of Oak Park
• Greenline Wheels
• Buzz Café
• Career Enterprises
• Euclid Avenue UMC
• Flybird
• Golden Hatpin
• Green Home Experts
• Majamas
• OPRF Community Foundation
• State Farm
• Trader Joe’s
• Unity Temple
• Webtrax Studio
• Whole Foods

Green Community Connections greatly appreciates their support.

Hundred Year Old House on the Green Connections Bike Tour

Submitted by Ginger Vanderveer

Green Connections Tour host shares impressions from the visitors to her home

Fifty or more engaged citizens visited the one hundred year old house at 824 Woodbine in Oak Park.  The first ten delighted in tasting fresh asparagus that was harvested as they watched.  Another group spied an infant American goldfinch munching on seeds from the prairie garden in the parkway.  Several gasped in surprise when the forty-foot oak in the parkway was described as twelve years old.  This Swamp White Oak was nourished for twelve years by the vegetation collected at the storm drain nearby.  The children that dropped by were most interested in the ‘Halloween Bugs’ clinging to the butterfly weed.

Everyone agreed they would come back next fall to help harvest the sweet potatoes that will be growing in the green roof at 824 Woodbine in Oak Park.  Maybe we can have a fire pit and roast them with some marshmallows.

Visitors questioned the rain barrel configuration and noticed that the barrel was raised to improve water pressure.  The modified green roof on this house uses deep flower boxes bolted to the outside wall.  As one visitor noted – the green roof is removable.  This manner of attachment protects the roof from bearing excessive weight.  The flower boxes were added to the porch roof to cool the black asphalt shingles that surface the roof.  The upstairs room whose windows overlook this roof has been cooled by as much as seven degrees since adding the green roof.  In discussing the green roof there were inquiries about the benefits around the color choice of asphalt shingles.  The consensus is as follows:  a dark colored roof keeps the house warmer (the house is less expensive to heat in winter); a light colored roof keeps the house cooler and reflects light (the house is less expensive to cool in summer and the reflection of light).

A variety of old and new techniques employed

The variety of old and new techniques employed to create a sustainable existence opened up possibilities for those home owners who visited.  They saw a twenty-year old low-tech low-flow toilet (a five gallon tank modified by adding a water displacement item).  Windows became highly efficient by adding plastic sheeting between old storm windows and the inner glass double hung windows.  Some windows have been replaced by new energy efficient windows.  The walls were insulated in two different ways at different times:  when plaster walls were cracked and replaced insulation was added; foam insulation was also pumped into the outside of the building by removing siding from key locations and then reinstalling it.

Everyone agreed they would come back next fall to help harvest the sweet potatoes that will be growing in the green roof at 824 Woodbine in Oak Park.  Maybe we can have a fire pit and roast them with some marshmallows.

More background about the 100 Year Old Home and it's journey toward sustainability . . .

One hundred years later this home embraces nature's systems to enhance the sustainability of Oak Park and the planet Earth.  Simple engineering and simple living combine to gently diminish the impact of one human family on native creatures and flora.

Ways we recognize and harmonize with the natural world

•  Swamp White Oak w/ wild strawberry ground cover (provided by visiting birds).
• Parkway prairie garden fed by the remaining roots of the third largest Elm in Oak Park.  Front Window boxes to cool and shade house from afternoon sun.
• Window shades on outside of front windows to reflect afternoon sun – will be replaced in winter by the storm windows.
• Vines and vegetation growing along side of house to cool house and planet.  Shade tree in back.
• All outdoor plants become indoor plants in winter (even flower boxes and hanging planters).
• Screened porch reminder to appreciate the outside versus the inside space.
• Rain barrels used to capture water for watering plants. Storage system with bottles  for ease of watering.  Closed off downspout into OP sewage system.
• Compost bin in back.  Extra Space for leaf litter and logs place on top to prevent blowing.
• Grow raspberries, asparagus, lavender, sage, and seasonal veggies (such as: arugula, peppers, dill, cilantro, parsley, rosemary, eggplant, okra)
• Wildlife is plentiful:  Three monarch caterpillars/butterflies, 100 American goldfinch + 200 sparrows + 100 robins + 50 cardinals + 2 woodpeckers + 1 bluejay, 1 hummingbird, 100 butterflies (monarchs, yellow + black swallowtails, Endangered Karner Blue), bunnies, 1 chipmunk, 100 squirrels, 2 mice, 1 hawk, 1 red wren.

Lower and higher-tech measures combine to promote energy efficiency

• Zone heating cooling in multiple ways:  Added doors to block kitchen/family room.  Keep vents in basement closed.
• Window blinds in bedroom and back family room adjusted to warm or cool the rooms.
• When plaster walls were replaced added insulation (R20?) – 10 years ago.  Sprayed insulation from outside into frame two years ago.
• Added new windows to upstairs bedrooms (2 bedrooms).  Added new windows to dining room.  Use thick plastic sheeting on storm windows.  Add storm windows back to basement every winter w/ new efficient windows.
• Replaced washing machine with high efficiency machine.  Use laundry lines for drying clothes.  CFL bulbs in every light.  No VOC paint used on walls.
• Grill all food in weather warmer than 85 degrees or eat cold foods (salads).  A/C only comes on when temp is 90 degrees plus.  In winter use oven as frequently as possible.
• Measuring the difference – Front bedroom stays five degrees cooler with new blinds and green roof.  Lower part of house is cooler as well.

Green Connections Bike Tour - Thanks to Hosts & Participants!

Inaugural Green Connections Bike Tour

In the face of unseasonably cool weather and the threat of rain, the inaugural Green Community Connections Bike Tour took place on Saturday, September 24th.  Several great examples of high efficiency homes, homes where the owners are gardening, raising chickens and using native grasses that support natural flood control and five schools where children are learning ecological principles through gardening and composting, all opened their locations to visitors from the community.

Please give us your feedback on the tour!

There were 124 registered participants and over 50 at the post-tour celebration.  Thanks to all who participated -- including our generous hosts, the great participants, our sponsors and local business partners, and the amazing team that put this event together!!  Please let us know about your experience of the tour -- what you liked and what you would do differently if we should do it again.  Send us your pictures to add to our gallery of photos from the tour.

Green Home Experts - good for your family, good for the earth

Interview conducted by Sally Simmel with Maria Onesta Moran, owner of Green Home Experts

The blackboard in front of 823 South Oak Park Avenue screams “We Love Worms.” That’s enough to make you want to go in and see what is happening at Green Home Experts.

It wasn’t my first visit to the store, but the first time I actually had an appointment to talk with the owner, Maria Onesta Moran. As usual, Maria was buzzing around the store, talking with a contractor and then helping a customer find what she needed.

Seven-month-old Oscar, Maria’s son, was happily napping in his comfy carrier. It gave me a chance to walk around a little. There have been some changes in the store in the recent months, making it easy to view materials at a convenient counter and to check out products.

Even as we spoke Maria was unpacking some new supplies for the coming school year. There are all sorts of clever green lunch boxes, food containers and water bottles ready to go for children heading back to school this fall.

Oscar woke and we took turns holding him as we talked about Maria’s big adventure into the green retail world. She had been working in marketing and communications for a non-profit housing facility which provided supportive care in two certified LEED building. She and her husband were living in the W. Loop, setting up house, but not finding a variety of green home products in stores. That led her to see a niche that she might fill in terms of service to homeowners and builders committed to the environment.

So, in February of 2008 Green Home Experts appeared on Oak Park Avenue with a big selection of home, garden, and building supplies, baby and pet care products. If what you need isn’t in the store, Maria knows exactly where to look for it and will help with your choices.

As the economic situation grew more difficult, many people chose to upgrade and redecorate their homes rather than build new or move. Maria assisted by carrying more merchandise like paints and flooring. She was set to unpack a shipment of new paint brushes. Complementary products will make it even more convenient to do one-stop “green” shopping. Home improvement materials at Green Home are beautiful, durable, cost effective, and energy efficient.

Clearly Maria is a woman with a vision that includes providing products and services as well as educational opportunities to the community. It may mean finding more space, a bigger store, but only time will tell. Her goal is to continue to grow. She is very creative in the use of space and display, providing customers with an array of colors, shapes and textures to enjoy as they consider their needs and look for new ways to add environmentally friendly products in their home.

You might start with a small kitchen composter that is attractive and sits on your counter while you consider the value of composting on a larger scale. Or, maybe a rainbarrel appeals to you as a kick-off activity. Collect the water, use it for lawn and indoor plants, dog washing. If you happen to need a new toilet or new windows, explore the advantages of green alternatives.

Also check out the workshops that Maria is offering at Green Home Experts. There will be one on canning this fall. Other regular workshops include such things as gardening, remodeling and energy efficiency. You can find more information on classes, workshops, speakers and products at Green Home Experts web site. But do stop in as well. There’s nothing like experiencing the ambiance and spirit in a place like Green Home Experts.

Oscar’s dad came to pick him up, so we ended our conversation, with a “thanks” and “come again.” I will – often. Thanks, Maria.

Green Home Experts

823 S. Oak Park Avenue

Oak Park, IL 60304

www.ghexperts.com

Store Hours:

Tues-Fri: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sat: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sun: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Closed Mondays

Related Posts:

Oak Park 2011 Earth Fest - Video Highlights

Healthier Families:  A Guide to Safer Products

Interview with Maria Onesta Moran

The blackboard in front of 823 South Oak Park Avenue screams “We Love Worms.” That’s enough to make you want to go in and see what is happening at Green Home Experts.

It wasn’t my first visit to the store, but the first time I actually had an appointment to talk with the owner, Maria Onesta Moran. As usual, Maria was buzzing around the store, talking with a contractor and then helping a customer find what she needed.

Seven-month-old Oscar, Maria’s son, was happily napping in his comfy carrier. It gave me a chance to walk around a little. There have been some changes in the store in the recent months, making it easy to view materials at a convenient counter and to check out products.

Even as we spoke Maria was unpacking some new supplies for the coming school year. There are all sorts of clever and green lunch boxes, food containers and water bottles ready to go for children heading back to school this fall.

Oscar woke and we took turns holding him as we talked about Maria’s big adventure into the green retail world. She had been working in marketing and communications for a non-profit housing facility which provided supportive care in two certified LEED building. She and her husband were living in the W. Loop, setting up house, but not finding a variety of green home products in stores. That led her to see a niche that she might fill in terms of service to homeowners and builders committed to the environment.

So, in February of 2008 Green Home Experts appeared on Oak Park Avenue with a big selection of home, garden, and building supplies, baby and pet care products. If what you need isn’t in the store, Maria knows exactly where to look for it and will help with your choices.

As the economic situation grew more difficult, many people chose to upgrade and redecorate their homes rather than build new or move. Maria assisted by carrying more merchandise like paints and flooring. She was set to unpack a shipment of new paint brushes. Complementary products will make it even more convenient to do one-stop “green” shopping. Home improvement materials at Green Home are beautiful, durable, cost effective, and energy efficient.

Clearly Maria is a woman with a vision that includes providing products and services as well as educational opportunities to the community. It may mean finding more space, a bigger store, but only time will tell. Her goal is to continue to grow. She is very creative in the use of space and display, providing customers with an array of colors, shapes and textures to enjoy as they consider their needs and look for new ways to add environmentally friendly products in their home.

You might start with a small kitchen composter that is attractive and sits on your counter while you consider the value of composting on a larger scale. Or, maybe a rainbarrel appeals to you as a kick-off activity. Collect the water, use it for lawn and indoor plants, dog washing. If you happen to need a new toilet or new windows, explore the advantages of green alternatives.

Also check out the workshops that Maria is offering at Green Home Experts. There will be one on canning this fall. Other regular workshops include such things as gardening, remodeling and energy efficiency. You can find more information on classes, workshops, speakers and products at www.ghexperts.com. But do stop in as well. There’s nothing like experiencing the ambiance and spirit in a place like Green Home Experts.

Interview with Maria Onesta Moran

The blackboard in front of 823 South Oak Park Avenue screams “We Love Worms.” That’s enough to make you want to go in and see what is happening at Green Home Experts.

It wasn’t my first visit to the store, but the first time I actually had an appointment to talk with the owner, Maria Onesta Moran. As usual, Maria was buzzing around the store, talking with a contractor and then helping a customer find what she needed.

Seven-month-old Oscar, Maria’s son, was happily napping in his comfy carrier. It gave me a chance to walk around a little. There have been some changes in the store in the recent months, making it easy to view materials at a convenient counter and to check out products.

Even as we spoke Maria was unpacking some new supplies for the coming school year. There are all sorts of clever and green lunch boxes, food containers and water bottles ready to go for children heading back to school this fall.

Oscar woke and we took turns holding him as we talked about Maria’s big adventure into the green retail world. She had been working in marketing and communications for a non-profit housing facility which provided supportive care in two certified LEED building. She and her husband were living in the W. Loop, setting up house, but not finding a variety of green home products in stores. That led her to see a niche that she might fill in terms of service to homeowners and builders committed to the environment.

So, in February of 2008 Green Home Experts appeared on Oak Park Avenue with a big selection of home, garden, and building supplies, baby and pet care products. If what you need isn’t in the store, Maria knows exactly where to look for it and will help with your choices.

As the economic situation grew more difficult, many people chose to upgrade and redecorate their homes rather than build new or move. Maria assisted by carrying more merchandise like paints and flooring. She was set to unpack a shipment of new paint brushes. Complementary products will make it even more convenient to do one-stop “green” shopping. Home improvement materials at Green Home are beautiful, durable, cost effective, and energy efficient.

Clearly Maria is a woman with a vision that includes providing products and services as well as educational opportunities to the community. It may mean finding more space, a bigger store, but only time will tell. Her goal is to continue to grow. She is very creative in the use of space and display, providing customers with an array of colors, shapes and textures to enjoy as they consider their needs and look for new ways to add environmentally friendly products in their home.

You might start with a small kitchen composter that is attractive and sits on your counter while you consider the value of composting on a larger scale. Or, maybe a rainbarrel appeals to you as a kick-off activity. Collect the water, use it for lawn and indoor plants, dog washing. If you happen to need a new toilet or new windows, explore the advantages of green alternatives.

Also check out the workshops that Maria is offering at Green Home Experts. There will be one on canning this fall. Other regular workshops include such things as gardening, remodeling and energy efficiency. You can find more information on classes, workshops, speakers and products at www.ghexperts.com. But do stop in as well. There’s nothing like experiencing the ambiance and spirit in a place like Green Home Experts.

Oscar’s dad came to pick him up, so we ended our conversation, with a “thanks” and “come again.” I will – often. Thanks, Maria.

Green Home Experts

class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">823 S. Oak Park Avenue class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">Oak Park, IL 60304 class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">www.ghexperts.com

Store Hours:

class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">Tues-Fri: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">Sat: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;">Sun: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Closed Mondays

Oscar’s dad came to pick him up, so we ended our conversation, with a “thanks” and “come again.” I will – often. Thanks, Maria.

Green Home Experts 823 S. Oak Park Avenue Oak Park, IL 60304 www.ghexperts.com

Store Hours: Tues-Fri: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sun: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Closed Mondays