We’ve moved three times in nine years and during that time we renovated bathrooms, kitchens, painted interiors and exteriors, stripped wallpaper, relandscaped, added decks, replaced windows,….whew! I get tired just thinking about it. I have always been the one in charge of sourcing and choosing everything from the trades to the tiles they’re installing. I have been the one at home and had to juggle kids’ schedules with contractors’ and trades’ schedules. I’ve calculated whether I can make it from midtown Toronto to Mississauga and back to pick up my kids from nursery school (the answer is no), and I figured out how to entertain a three year old while looking for toilets in showrooms (animal crackers while they’re buckled into a stroller).
Now, try to do all that AND source green building materials. Your time becomes more precious (as if it weren’t already) and you spend more of it researching where things are — and likely what you’re looking for is in the opposite end of the city. That’s where this blog comes in. My goal is to provide you with information on available products, where to find them and when possible, how much they cost.
If you’re looking for something specific, email us or leave a comment on this page and we’ll do our best to track it down for you.
Thanks for stopping by!
Cathy.
I stumbled onto your site after doing hours of research on flooring for our basement playroom after it had some water damage awhile ago. The flooring company that the insurance company sent me to were so rude when I asked about eco options – I walked right out the door. Now I am finally doing some research but I am still undecided between marmoleum, Flor, natural rubber or cork. A big consideration is that the floor isn’t exactly level – so I am not sure what is best for that. Plus finding a place in Ottawa is another thing I must do. Anyways – thank you so much for your site and the amount of work you put into it! Well done!
Hi Sharon,
Thanks so much for your comments. Regarding your flooring decision, I completely understand, having fought with a flooded basement for three years running (don’t ask).
Given that your floor is uneven, you might want to consider cork tiles which can be put right over concrete. It’s a very flexible material and has a lot of “give” to it.
Good luck. You might try The Healthiest Home in Ottawa. Also, Alexanian’s sells cork flooring.
http://www.thehealthiesthome.com/
http://www.alexanian.com/index.asp
Hi Cathy,
I am looking for a no formaldehyde added supplier for closet organizers, and was wondering if you had any suggestions. Thank you.
Steve
Hi Steve,
If you’re looking for a supplier to provide you with no formaldehyde-added particleboard, check out Nu Green Particleboard.
http://becgreen.ca/2010/05/20/nu-green-no-ureaformaldehyde-added-particleboard-by-uniboard/