April 13, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 25 ����������������������������� (ARA) Of the 13 recessions since the Great Depression, none has presented a combination of length, breadth and depth more significant than that of the current economic downturn. However, there is a bit of a bright spot emerging -- perhaps it should be called a “green” spot. While many observers expected American consumers to lose interest in the green movement, what has surfaced is a new pragmatism about the environment that embraces restraint, simplicity, and cost-savings. As a result, consumers are re-evaluating what green really means. “Today’s green consumers are really savvy. They’re now smarter about what they buy and they’re looking for a direct return on investment through energy and utility savings,”karen/janine senior director of research and 3-2-11 said Jack Suvak, insights at Moen. HomeImpDecBanner6x Home is where it all begins. From organic produce to x .75” 6 low-phosphate detergents, home is the heart of all things green. Whatever touches the kitchen and bath has become the first place for consumer evaluation and potential adoption. Kitchen Fortunately, the kitchen is one area where consumers have the most options for sustainable products that have the most cost saving opportunity. From ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances to green cleaning, homeowners have a virtual eco-wonderland of possibilities. Awesome appliances. ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances offer the benefits of efficiency, features and convenience. For example, new models of refrigerators that have earned ENERGY STAR qualifications are 40 percent more energy efficient than conventional refrig- Consumers re-evaluate what ‘green’ really means erators sold in 2001. Green cleaning. If scrubbing pots and pans makes you want to throw in the towel, pick up a natural sponge instead. Scotch-Brite’s Greener Clean Natural Fiber Scrub Sponges and Scour Pads are new dish scrubbers, made from the agave plant, that are tough enough to remove dried-on food, but gentle enough to use on delicate surfaces - like non-stick pans - without scratching. Sustainable spout. While homeowners are concerned about saving water, the thought of waiting at the kitchen sink to fill a pot or pitcher is not very appealing. Fortunately, the new Lindley Eco-Performance kitchen faucet from Moen is the first in the kitchen category to offer a water-saving faucet that still provides exceptional performance. Users can easily switch between three unique water flow settings: eco-performance aerated stream (set/ default setting), eco-performance spray, and full flow. Bath You’ve heard the sustainable tips for the bathroom: take shorter showers, turn off styling items when they’re not in use, and so on. But there are some new green items for the bath that will help you be more efficient without giving it a second thought. Let there be light. A little extra light is always needed in the bathroom, but that doesn’t mean you need to be wasteful. While compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) cost a bit more than traditional light bulbs, they will save more than $40 in electricity costs over their lifetime, and use about 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs - all while lasting up to 10 times as long. Shower power. It’s the place where you waken your senses; or relax and unwind. While “green” and “shower” might not be words typically associated with each other; there are new products that combine exceptional performance with water-saving benefits. The Envi Eco-Performance rainshower from Moen features innovative Immersion technology - a self-pressurizing system that increases the force and flow of water delivery, while offering a flow rate of two gallons per minute. “The green landscape of consumer products can definitely be overwhelming - the volume of green products available to U.S. consumers increased by 73 percent between 2009 and 2010 alone,” explained Suvak. “But by making smart choices and selecting products from brands they trust, homeowners today can have it all - cost-effective, no-sacrifice solutions that deliver on their sustainable promises.” For more information about sustainable products from Moen, visit moen.com/eco-performance. Steve’s Quality Roofing & Gutters “Our goal is Ultimate Customer Satisfaction” Roofing – Gutters – Siding – Windows Gutter Cleaning – Repairs Hand Nailing Specialists CLEARCUT WINDOW & SIDING INC. No Job Too Small or Too Large • Custom Fitted Windows • Vinyl & Wood Siding • Small Additions • Replacement Doors, Storm Doors • Porch Enclosures • Roof Repairs Glass & • Custom Decks • Masonry Screen ED GOSTISSA WYCKOFF, NJ 201-891-1033 NJ Lic #13VH02050500 “A Carpentry and Remodeling Company” DECKS • BASEMENTS • KITCHENS • BATHROOMS • DOORS WINDOWS • ROOFING • SIDING • ADDITIONS AND RENOVATIONS EBG CONSTRUCTION LLC 20l-939-0044 – 201 403-1755 Residential or Commercial Fully Insured – Lic#13VH05716900 Fully Insured • No Subs 201-512-1804 Repair “Architectural Millwork & Design” www.ebgconstruction.com Decorating Den Interiors comes to you ward-winning decorator Susan Tenny Keefe, C.I.D., is the owner of Decorating Den Interiors serving Ramsey and Mahwah. Susan provides a complete in-home interior decorating 3-30-11 pat/janine service; bringing samples of drapery fabrics, shades & blinds, furStevesQualityRoofing2x2(3-30-11) niture & upholstery, carpeting, area rugs, wall coverings, bedding, lighting & accessories directly to her clients’ homes. 2x2 “Working this way is a great convenience for my clients, and it’s also crucial to view swatches in their lighting and next to their existing furnishings. My clients really enjoy the benefits of working with an experienced decorator, rather than running from store to store selecting things piecemeal with the aid of Susan Tenny-Keefe, only a salesperson. “We don’t charge design fees or hourly rates, and I pride C.I.D. myself on my ability to work within my clients’ budget. By taking careful measurements and making floor plans we avoid expensive mistakes. The room is designed for function, comfort, beauty, and flow. We handle all details of ordering and scheduling, and supervise installations and deliveries. “Unlike a store, we have no inventory or loyalty to a particular manufacturer. We put our clients’ needs first as we choose from hundreds of vendors.” Susan is happy to help with any size project. It could be just one window, a room “freshen-up,” or an entire room/house makeover. Contact her to arrange a complimentary consultation. She can be contacted at (201) 327-2207, susandecden@optonline.net and www.decdens.com/stenny A JB Landscaping 4-13-11 pat/janine Residential & Commercial Landscaping EBGConst2x2(4-13-11)• Paver Patios • Weekly Lawn 2 x 2” Maintenance • Retaining Walls Rev2 • Spring Clean-ups • Natural Stone Walls • Shrub & Tree Trimming • Decorative Stone & Mulch • Seeding & Sodding Call for a FREE Estimate 201-934-3444 NJHIL# 13VH05853600 / Fully Insured 3-9-11 joan/janine