Ellen Kennon's Newsletter

Living Well Newsletter

Autumn 2007

(My “Perfect Place in Nature” – Read the story of how it came to be in Summer 2002 Living Well)

Dear Friends,

It’s always the change of seasons that prompts me to write my newsletter. However, it is still quite warm most days, after what was definitely a long, hot summer. I really missed being able to spend time outdoors in what I call my “outdoor cathedral,” which is the area on my property where I go to connect with Mother Nature. It has been too hot, muggy and buggy, to even think about hanging out in the woods! If you’ve ever been to Louisiana in the summer, you know exactly what I mean.

Once again, as I am able to spend more time outdoors, I’m reminded of what an incredible tonic Nature can be for balancing and refocusing our lives. I’m realizing more than ever how important living in harmony with nature truly is. Signs of global warming are becoming more apparent with each season. If we become aware of our close connection to Nature and the impact we have on the Earth, then each of us can make a big difference.

Simple Things You Can Do To Reduce Carbon Dioxide

~Use more compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLS) which use 60% less electricity.
~Turn the thermostat down 2 degrees in Winter & up 2 degrees in Summer.
~Clean &/or replace filters on A/C & Heating systems.
~Install a programmable thermostat.
~Choose energy efficient appliances when making new purchases.
~Look for the "Energy Star" label on new appliances to choose the most efficient models.
~Wrap your water heater in an insulation blanket.
~Use less hot water.
~Use a clothesline instead of a dryer whenever possible.
~Turn off electronic devices when you’re not using them (simply turning off your television, DVD player, stereo, and computer when you’re not using them will save you thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide a year).
~Unplug electronics from the wall when you’re not using them. (Even when turned off, things like hairdryers, cell phone chargers and televisions use energy.)
~Only run your dishwasher when there’s a full load and use the energy-saving setting.
~Insulate and weatherize your home.
~Be sure you’re recycling at home. (You can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide a year by recycling half of the waste your household generates.)
~Buy recycled paper products.
~Plant a tree. (A single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. Shade provided by trees can also reduce your air conditioning bill by 10 to 15%.
~Buy locally grown and produced foods.
~Buy fresh foods instead of frozen.
~Buy organic foods as much as possible. Avoid heavily packaged products. (You can save 1,200 pounds of carbon dioxide if you cut down your garbage by 10%.)
~Eat less meat. (Methane is the second most significant greenhouse gas and cows are one of the greatest methane emitters.)
~Keep your car tuned up. (Regular maintenance helps improve fuel efficiency and reduces emissions. When just 1% of car owners properly maintain their cars, nearly a billion pounds of carbon dioxide are kept out of the atmosphere.)
~Check your tires weekly to make sure they’re properly inflated.
~Fly less. Spend your time & money on turning your home into a sanctuary!

In addition to the many simple things you can do to reduce carbon dioxide, there are other significant, yet fun things you can do: Give thanks for the sun and the moon! Celebrate solstices and equinoxes! Hug trees! Take time out each day to appreciate all the beauty and bounty nature has to offer. The more you appreciate and take care of the earth, the more likely it is that she will continue to take care of you.

(Quan Yin, the Asian Goddess equivalent to Mother Nature, sets the Zen-like mood on the corner of our deck.)

New Designer Palette Promotes Green Living

Architects, interior designers and color consultants are our some of our best customers, since they are constantly helping others create their own environments. I’m thrilled to report that they are becoming more diligent about promoting and using our greener products!

As an interior designer, I started this paint business based on a palette of what I call “tried and true” colors that I found myself using over and over again in decorating projects. Since then, I have had the pleasure of taking many other designers’ signature colors and recreating them to make them full spectrum. While working with each fabulous new color, I found myself thinking I needed to make them available to everyone. Then, when I saw the September ’07 issue of House Beautiful Magazine, which featured our “Mushroom” and “Buttercream” among other designer’s favorite neutrals (and all the feedback we have been getting), I was spurred on!

Coming Soon!

Our new palette of “Designer Signature Colors” will debut in our next newsletter which I plan to have out soon and they will be available in ICI’s Lifemaster VOC-free “certified green” paint products!

I’ve also been interviewing color consultants on the 2008 color predictions which we’ll feature in our next newsletter. So far, the colors of sunshine, earth, and water are dominant and I’m hearing catch words like “Green, Nature and Zen.”

We are now very excited to be carrying the Dino Mark Anthony line of upholstery and fabrics. Dino’s upholstery is everything a fine upholstered piece should be: 8-way hand-tied frames, unmatched tailoring, and incredible cushioning. Dino frames can also be ordered by the inch, so size is never an issue. All Dino frames come with a lifetime guarantee, and are available in over 1200 gorgeous fabrics, which are also available by the yard. Look for photos on our website soon!

Wishing you all the best until next time!

Signature