Bradco has been a pioneering organization for the advancement of sustainable eco design standards and green building materials. This is because I believed in sustainable practices and holistic approaches to running my business long before marketers know the potential niche for green building materials. In this blog post I will touch on certain aspects that I consider to be the most critical when it comes to sustainable eco design and the utilization of green building materials in kitchen and bath remodeling. Basically these tactics fall into two categories: Internal factors that can be optimized by setting eco friendly standards within your business and External factors such as choosing certified green partners and suppliers that hold themselves to the same stringent standards as we do. This information will help you distinguish between truly green organizations and businesses that might engage in ‘green washing’, a term used to describe the deceptive use of green PR or green marketing in order to promote a misleading perception that a company’s policies or products (such as goods or services) are environmentally friendly.

Internal Ways to Embrace Eco Design and Green Building Materials

We believe that green products will only have a significant impact on the design industry if they are practically priced and available to the average consumer. That’s why at Bradco we never add a premium to a product just because it’s green. In our Los Angeles showroom Bradco provides clients with holistic eco design solutions that showcase our large selection of green building materials and products including; cabinets, sinks, fixtures, faucets, countertops and tiles. Also included in our green offering is a wide variety of energy efficient appliances including dual-flush toilets, water filtration devices, tankless water heaters and drawer-based dishwashers. Eco Design is not just about offering green products to your customers; our showroom is outfitted with energy efficient practices and standards such as lighting and timing devices, in-house recycling programs for aluminum, plastic and paper as well as water filtration devices for employees and customers to reduce plastic bottle waste. Even our packing material is collected after use and reused to the maximum extent. These are just some of the standards we have set in place for our company here in the US. Even more challenging can be controlling the external factors such as suppliers, post product partners and manufacturing.

External Ways to Embrace Eco Design and Green Building Materials

Just as important as enforcing tough internal standards for our business was choosing external partners that hold themselves to the same green building material standards and have the accreditation to prove they adhere to sustainable forestry practices. Our wood suppliers harvest their lumber from sustainability-certified forests in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is a perfect place to source our green building materials from because the country is undertaking ultra-progressive reforestation projects. In 2007 the Costa Rican government announced the commitment for Costa Rica to become the first carbon neutral country by 2021. The accompanying photos show our Operations Manager in Costa Rica auditing the harvest to guarantee quality and harvesting standards. Bradco can use FSC certified green building materials in any of our cabinetry projects (FSC stands for Forestry Stewardship Counsel). The counsel sets forth principles, criteria and standards that span economic, social and environmental understanding that companies adhere to in order to reduce impact on the environment.

Bradco provides custom cabinetry made from non-toxic, formaldehyde-free wood and optional FSC green building materials. We also recommend that low or no VOC finishes and formaldehyde free adhesives are also used. We own our own cabinetry factory in Mexico and have direct control over the quality of the goods that are produced there as well as the eco friendliness of their business practices. Aligned with the reduction of environmental impact, Bradco also takes care to reduce the amount of waste created at our manufacturing plant in Tijuana. Since the manufacturing of cabinets creates an excess of sawdust, we re-use all our sawdust by collecting it and donating it to a nursery where it is mixed into their compost used to plant new vegetative growth for the Morelos Park – considered the largest ecological reserve in Tijuana. In addition to the benefit of green manufacturing standards our factory is located close to our consumers; therefore we have a very low carbon footprint, unlike cabinets that are shipped from thousands of miles away to the consumer.

Our Conclusion

There is a broad spectrum of environmental and ethical standards within the kitchen & bath industry. I’ve found that many customers do a lot of research on Bradco’s environmental commitment prior to coming into our showroom.   Since its conception, Bradco has been committed to championing the embrace of green building materials and holistic approach to eco design.  Long before the green movement was trendy, Bradco invested in the necessary research and development, partnered with strategic green suppliers, and implemented a green approach to building our custom cabinets.  Thankfully in the last decade the Southern California market has increased demand in these products and services from us. If you’re looking to go green, Bradco is the regional leader in green building materials and the eco design expertise that will help you design a kitchen which shows you love your kitchen as well as your planet.

The path of Bradco’s evolution into a Green Kitchen Cabinets & Custom Kitchen Cabinets pioneer is an inspiring story. We’ve had a long journey from starting out as humble, quality cabinetmakers, to becoming leaders in the custom kitchen cabinets and the green kitchen cabinets industry in Los Angeles.  Many years before the “green movement” became popular; we began implementing sustainable, healthy and green standards throughout the manufacturing, installation and distribution processes of our custom kitchen cabinets.

Recently many of our clients have been choosing custom kitchen cabinets as a solution over modular styles because they appreciate having so many available options. Custom kitchen cabinets allow for intricate personalization enabling custom styles, dimensions and materials to be specifically matched to the desires of the client.  At Bradco our customers enjoy the freedom of our Custom Kitchen Cabinet solutions because of the “a la carte” style; this means you can pick and choose which components you want in your project. We then build the perfect custom kitchen cabinets to fit your style as well as your budget.  With our custom kitchen cabinets you choose from features like electronic slow close drawers, dove tailed styles, cabinet boxes made out of any type of wood and other client-tailored customizations.

In addition to making high quality custom kitchen cabinets, Bradco has become a leader in the Green Kitchen Cabinet industry by incorporating holistic, green practices at our own manufacturing facility. At our factory we manufacture our own product and set our own standards. We only use Formaldehyde-Free materials and our cabinets emit no VOC off-gasses.  We also specialize in FSC certified wood and re-claimed wood because our customers appreciate sustainable options. We are very proud of the fact that we were one of the first cabinetmakers to venture into this type of green and health conscious manufacturing. Over the years Bradco has received access to critical green kitchen cabinet construction materials and support from green-minded suppliers. We have also facilitated extensive research and design efforts to embrace a pioneering role in the green kitchen cabinets industry, we believe that green kitchen cabinets should be available in many styles to many customers and shouldn’t be priced at a premium just because they are green.

When many of our customers come to us they feel overwhelmed by the ordeal of remodeling or designing their kitchen. At Bradco we specialize in the Concept to Completion service model, where clients receive support from our excellent in-house design staff that walks them through the kitchen remodeling process and provides them their dream kitchen without the kitchen design and remodeling nightmares.  We have our own in-house construction team and guarantee all work; you can really put your mind at ease with us compared to the headaches of having to use an independent general contractor. If you’re looking for custom kitchen cabinets or green kitchen cabinets, Bradco will hold your hand through the entire process and take you from Concept to Completion until your dream kitchen is no longer in the showroom but in your home.

Many of my new renovation clients come to me with a common question when choosing their new kitchen countertops, which is right for them: Quartz vs. Granite Countertops? The kitchen design industry intensified its examination of Quartz vs. Granite Countertops because of each surfaces superior performance in very different areas of contention. Below is our comparison, that should serve as a homeowners guide between the two heavyweights of kitchen surface remodeling, Granite Vs. Quartz Countertops.

When recommending Quartz vs. Granite Countertops I first ask my clients some basic questions to better understand their priorities and their lifestyle. From this understanding I have a better idea of which option out of Granite vs. Quartz Countertops will work best for their current and future situation. To better understand how each product will function in the future, we have to understand its past.

A brief history of Granite Vs Quartz Countertops:

Throughout history granite has been the choice of the upper class, representing a status symbol of wealth and power. Many people regard granite as their dream surface because of its unparalleled uniqueness, exclusivity to the wealthy and linage of elegance and luxury. Quartz on the other hand has only been available on the market for the past 15 years. The innovation of engineered Quartz countertops has sparked a revolution within the kitchen & bath industry, allowing homeowners more surfacing options than ever before.  Now let’s examine the comparison between both surfacing option when looking at Quartz vs. Granite Countertops.

Quartz countertops have been given the tagline “engineered stone” because the slabs are made out of 93% ground quartz that has been bound together with adhesive resins. In essence, the engineered quartz goes through a mimicked manufacturing process that parallels how granite is naturally formed in the Earths crust over thousands of years. My customers love Quartz because it fits their modern needs and active lifestyle. Some of the things they really appreciate are; the ability to look modern as well as traditional, the extreme durability, the ease of maintenance and variety of colors that can keep up with the latest design trends. The variety of solid colors and textures created with engineered quartz aligns comfortably with the styles and color pallets of modern kitchens. The non-porous surface of quartz countertops never needs to be sealed like granite does and can easily be cleaned with soap and water. When comparing Quartz vs. Granite Countertops and any design option we take into account the impact on your household and the environment. Manufactured quartz has a smaller carbon footprint then granite; brands like Silestone & Caeserstone go one step further and have Greengaurd Certification. This means their quartz does not emit harmful chemicals therefore not negatively affecting your indoor air quality. One of the only drawbacks from Quartz Countertops is in inability to use the material outside for fear of fading from the sun’s UV rays and to add insult to injury, voiding any included warranty.

On to the Granite vs. Quartz Countertop comparison; granite brings an elegant, natural beauty to a kitchen that provides a unique countertop surface that is truly one of a kind. Many of my clients desire the prestige of owning an exclusive natural stone surface; rare exotic granites have unique colors, natural variation and movement that will never be recreated by nature. Most of my high-end clients look for aesthetically flowing patterns with veins that contain quartzite and bright colors. It is these qualities that generally increase the price of the granite at market. Granite countertops are the perfect look for classic traditional kitchens that have a timeless beauty often appealing to more mature tastes. One absolute advantage for granite when comparing Granite vs. Quartz Countertops happens to be that granite is the only option for outdoor kitchen surfaces, a popular trend in Southern California.  On the downside, granite is porous and must be sealed at least once a year and also requires special cleaners to maintain the surfaces protective coat.  Also due to the inconsistent nature of granite, homeowners are required to actually go to the slab yard and pick out which slab they want to purchase, in order to guarantee satisfaction.

When it comes down to the decision of Granite vs. Quartz Countertops, it really depends on who you are and which product’s attributes align most with your lifestyle.  Quartz is often regarded as the innovative option for adults with active lifestyles and modern tastes. Granite is the more conventional natural stone option for those with a more established home-life and traditional tastes. Have a long conversation with your designer about your lifestyle and home situation, being informed on which attributes align with your needs should determine your final countertop selection.

Los Angeles Kitchen Design Trend #1

1.Contemporary kitchen design trends

Contemporary Style: Contemporary Kitchen Design in Los Angeles has moved further towards the mainstream in recent years and is no longer an edgy fringe style. Contemporary kitchen design trends generally include the combination of overt functionality, minimalistic detail and stark horizontal lines that create a fresh, distinctive look that will modernize the lifestyle of any homeowner. The term “Modern Organic” is a popular kitchen design trend in Los Angeles, combining contemporary kitchen design with earth tones and distinct textures that create a unique look that is being applied to many high profile projects here in LA. Quartz counter tops are the fastest growing choice for contemporary kitchens and it’s easy to see why. They provide a clean, elegant look with fantastic color pallet that easily compliments any modern cabinet style. No contemporary kitchen design trend would be complete without the proper appliances, stainless steel’s chic look is still king but an increasing variety of colors coming from new age appliance manufacturers allow designers to add personalized flare. Finally, mosaic tile back splashes enhance light & dark contrasts to truly layer on the esthetics achieved through a contemporary kitchen design.

Los Angeles Kitchen Design Trend #2

2. Going Green

Going Green: Sustainability is the foremost kitchen remodeling trend of 2010 in Los Angeles. Everyone from big-budget celebrities to first-time homeowners are taking the environment into consideration during their kitchen remodeling projects. Holistic approaches to selecting your green kitchen design trends go past recycled products and extend to creating a healthy indoor living environment for you and your family. Using re-claimed wood and formaldehyde-free kitchen cabinets are some highlights of effective and healthy sustainable kitchen remodeling trends. Other notable eco-friendly kitchen design trends in Los Angles include water efficient faucets, energy-star appliances and recycled countertops.

Los Angeles Kitchen Design Trend #3

3. White Kitchens

White Themed Kitchen Design: Many Los Angeles designers are recommending the chic, clean look of white kitchen cabinets and white kitchen countertops. This white & off white color theme will continue to be one of the most popular new kitchen design trends and kitchen remodeling trends for 2010. The clean and minimalist regal that comes from a white kitchen theme enhances the open space in the room and provides a substantially brightened mood. Other trending colors include earth themed pallets such as light brown, bone and beige tones.

Los Angeles Kitchen Design Trend #4

4. Functional Kitchen Design

Functional Kitchen Design: The primary goal of well-designed kitchen remodeling is to get the most out of the space available; kitchen design trends in LA combine multi-functional features that make kitchens more practical and comfortable. Trending features such as flexible faucets, dishwashers-in-a-drawer and concealed appliances combine convenience with style; while the addition of high-tech appliances creates an enhanced social atmosphere to any kitchen space.  Storage has become both stylish and efficient; modern kitchen designs save you both space and frustration without sacrificing any esthetic elegance. These functional kitchen design trends utilize custom storage areas with adjustable dividers, cupboard inserts, and pull-out baskets.

Los Angeles Kitchen Design Trend #5

5. Traditional Kitchens

Traditional Kitchen Design Style: Traditional styling is continuing to be one of the most popular new kitchen design trends in Los Angeles, and it will continue to have significant presence within kitchen remodeling trends as well. When homeowners want to add resale value to their house, upgrading to a traditional style kitchen is a great way to appeal to a large market of buyers. Shaker style cabinets, inset doors and exotic natural stone counter tops will help to highlight lasting luxurious styles within the traditional kitchen design trend. A surging kitchen design trend in Los Angeles is to incorporate contemporary design elements into a traditional kitchen remodel, creating a hybrid style of design that appeals to many types of homeowners in LA.

Before you buy cabinetry, here is what you want to know.
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a) The cabinet box should be build of plywood and not of particle board.
b) The drawer box sides should be built of solid hardwood such as maple or Lyptus. The drawer box bottom should be made of plywood and it should be connected to the hardwood sides by a “dado”. A “dado” is a groove cut into one piece of wood into which another piece of wood will fit snugly. In addition to inserting the plywood bottom into the dado joint the connections should be glued so that the drawer bottom does not rattle.
c) The drawer box should be dovetailed and not stapled.
d) The d rawer glides should be full extension under mount and of high quality.
e) For regular size drawers the rating should be no less that 75 lbs weight capacity and for bigger drawers such as pots and pans 110 lbs eight capacity should be used. Most drawer glides of high quality have a soft close mechanism. A good cabinet box should have at least ½” plywood back and ¾” plywood sides. The hinges should be of high quality and a soft-close function is an added bonus. Ask for NO added “urea formaldehyde” materials and low or zero VOC paints and stains.

The green movement is on the go but what is there to a green cabinet?
The first thing you need to worry about is the chemicals that are used in the most conventional cabinetry. The worst chemical added is called “urea-formaldehyde”. This chemical is found in the glues that are used in the production of cabinetry and also in the plywood, MDF (medium density fiberboard) and particle board. It is a proven carcinogen. Even low levels of this chemical can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and skin. It especially affects smaller children and pets. Urea formaldehyde is proven to cause cancer of the nose and throat.

There are cabinet manufacturers that produce cabinetry which is free of this chemical. Another nasty component in cabinetry to watch out for are “volatile organic compounds” also knows as VOC. Major sources of man-made VOC’s are solvents such as paints, stains and clear coatings. Long term exposure to VOC’s can contribute to “Sick Building Syndrome” and respiratory, allergic and immune problems are associated with exposure to VOC’s.

Make sure that the cabinets you purchase are free of both Urea Formaldehyde and VOC’s. Many cabinet makers will promise you that they are, do not just take their word for it have them prove it to you. Your health and well being is too important. If the environment is of concern to you, and it should be, than you want to make sure that your cabinetry is produced by an FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) approved and certified cabinet maker. If the cabinet maker claims that they have an FSC certification, ask them for the number and check them out on the web at www.fscus.org and click on “certificates in the US”. A cabinet maker must be certified by the FSC organization in order to produce FSC certified cabinetry. It is not enough that they purchase FSC certified lumber to make your cabinets. Their production practices must also be certified in order to ensure that they are limiting their impact to the environment and not adding any non-certified materials to the construction of your cabinetry.

By now we all know we have to take action to make our home a greener environment, but most of us don’t know where to start.

1. Green Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinets -
No we don’t mean your cabinets have to be the color green. But they should be free of toxins. Harsh chemicals and in particular, formaldehyde, have been know to cause a large variety of illnesses, including asthma, seizures, and even cancer. Look for cabinetry that is free of formaldehyde, uses low- or no- VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint, and is made from sustainable wood resources. We have our own line of custom, formaldehyde free cabinets made from 100% sustainable wood sources?

2. Stop drinking bottled water -
We know that clean water is good for our health, but buying bottled water is actually very bad for the environment. Bottled water takes an enormous amount of energy, not just to produce, but to get the product to the consumer. The cost of transporting the 3.4 billion gallons of bottled water to Americans is staggering. It’s nowonder that gas prices have sky rocketed. By purchasing bottled water you not only pay for it at the checkout counter, but you also pay for it at the pump and at home as energy bills keep rising. To top things off, research indicates that bottled water is often no healthier or safter to drink than tap water. Reverse osmosis systems, such as the one from Everpure® provide the highest level of filtration. Look for a system that has been issued the highest ratings from NSF International.

3. Conserver water -
The bathroom is the number one source of wasted water in the home, but now the advancement in toilet technology is astonishing. With dual flush systems such as the ones by TOTO® and Caroma®, as seen on Oprah and The View, you can conserve water by selecting a little flush or a big flush.

4. Buy handmade -
It might seem obvious, but we often overlook the amount of energy that is required to make products. By purchasing handmade products like the tiles from Eli’s Tiles for your kitchen or bathroom, you not only get a one of a kind product, but you are also protecting the environment.

5. Buy recycled products -
Products made from recycled materials are a great way to show how eco-savvy you are and prevent extra waste from ending up in our landfills. Recycled aluminum sinks are an excellent way to spruce up your bathroom and do something good for the environment. If you can’t find a product made from recycled materials, then choose products that can be recycled such as fixtures from Mina that are made from 100% stainless steel.

There is no clear cut definition of what sustainability is. The World Commission (Bruntland 1987) has broadly defined sustainability as “development that meets needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Luckily, when it comes to wood and forestry, there is a clear definition:

“the capacity of forests, ranging from stands to ecoregions, to maintain their health, productivity, diversity, and overall integrity, in the long run, in the context of human activity and use.”

What does that mean? It means trees should not be cut down faster than what is necessary to keep the earth safe and habitable for humans.

Why use sustainable wood?

In general, wood is a more eco-friendly choice. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the leading gas contributing to the greenhouse effect. Trees “breathe” CO2. They store the carbon-C and release the oxygen-O2. Most cubic meters of wood have about 0.8 to 0.9 tonnes of CO2.

1 tonne CO2 = 556,000 litres or 556 cubic meters (about the volume of a 3 bedroom house)

On average, 1.1 tonnes CO2 emissions would be produced for each cubic meter of a manufactured material such as plastics or other materials that aren’t eco-friendly. So by selecting wood over a less eco-friendly product you are essentially saving 2 tonnes of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere.

In addition, if you select wood from a sustainable source that wood is being replaced by new growth.

What kinds of woods are sustainable?

Bamboo – Grown on immense plantations in China, Vietnam, other Asian countries and is over 1/8 of the forests in India. Bamboo is fast-growing and is ready to harvest in 4-6 years! Due to its fast rate of growth, it utilizes much less fertilizers and pesticides. Technically it’s grass and not wood, but is more durable than many hardwoods due to its pore structure – it’s the same as wood. Its light in color like ash or maple.

Cane – Like bamboo, it is a grass, but is stronger and more flexible. It is indigenous to the Phillipines and like bamboo it is also 100% sustainable.

Mango – Chances are you’ve eaten a mango, afterall it is the world’s #1 fruit! Mango trees provide fruit for 15 years, after that, they stop. So the wood is harvested and new trees are planted.

Maple – It is a relatively fast growing tree; growing 18” or more per year.

Lyptus – Lyptus hardwood products are an excellent option when selecting an exotic species grown to sustainable forest certification standards. Offering all of the benefits expected of a tropical hardwood, Lyptus hardwood is ideal for cabinetry, millwork, furniture and flooring applications.

What are the worst woods to buy?

Obviously, buying wood from endangered species is not a good idea. Luckily, in the US it is prohibited so your chances are very slim.
Stay away from slow growing trees such as Oak, Redwood, Beech and Colorado Spruce. However, these are great trees to select when landscaping your home! Medium growth rate trees such as red oak, birch and red-bud have medium growth rates and should be okay when purchased from sustainable resources.

The Forest Stewardship Council is an international not-for-profit organization that has created a set of standards that finds solutions for existing bad forestry practices and promotes responsible management of the world’s forests. By purchasing products with their label, you are supporting environmentally responsible management of the world’s forests.Forest certification systems are being implemented around the world. The five largest systems operating in North America are the FSC, SFI, ATFS, CSA, and PEFC.

For more information, about formaldehyde-free cabinets made from sustainable wood, contact Bradco Kitchens & Baths at (323) 936-3457 or visit their showroom at 6011 West Pico Blvd, LA 90036 (at the corner of Pico and Crescent Heights.

If you were one of the many high school students that participated in the frog experiment, then you probably remember the smell of formaldehyde. This same chemical that is used to preserve the frogs can be found in many consumer products. While illegal to sell in the European Union and many Asian countries, products containing Urea-formaldehyde continue to be sold in the US.

Urea-formaldehyde is the leading cause of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), also known as Environmental Illness. Over 15% of the population suffers from MCS but most have no idea. MCS develops gradually as a person is repeatedly exposed to chemicals. It is difficult to detect because unlike most diseases there isn’t a test you can take.

To make matters worse, MCS is usually misdiagnosed because damage can occur in any system of the body. In particular, it affects any of the body’s systems that are currently in a weakened state. For example, if someone has been repeatedly exposed to cigarette smoke or smog, then the lungs are in a weakened state and most likely, the Urea-formaldehyde will have a heightened affect on the respiratory system. Since any system can be affected, symptoms can be as mild as headaches, fatigue, sleep interruptions, memory loss, diarrhea and skin rashes or more debilitating symptoms such as panic attacks, asthma, seizures, autism and cancer.

Urea-formaldehyde is the most prevalent of the dangerous petroleum based chemicals (also known as Volatile Organic Compounds or VOC’s) found on the market and has become the leading cause of MCS. The kitchen is the number one source of Urea-formaldehyde found in the home!

Industry standard cabinets are constructed with wood containing fUrea-formaldehyde. These products release formaldehyde gas for up to 8 years. Newly constructed & remodeled homes usually have levels 2-3 times higher than the government’s acceptable limit even 3 years after the construction. Numerous Hurricane Katrina victims living in newly constructed homes have developed MCS, thus prompting the EPA to declare that “there are no safe levels of formaldehyde exposure.”

Food stored in or near these cabinets can absorb the “off-gassed” formaldehyde, contaminating even the healthiest of foods. Extreme heat or humidity, like cabinets near a stove or dishwasher, can emit even more formaldehyde. The kitchen is the heart of the home, it should be a safe place to breathe, eat & live.

To reduce exposure to formaldehyde, make sure that you purchase formaldehyde free cabinetry, such as the custom cabinetry from Bradco Kitchens and Baths. If you are purchasing a product that does not state that it is formaldehyde free, it probably isn’t. Companies that have taken the effort to provide safe, non-toxic products want you to know it and advertise it.

It is about time that soon Los Angeles shoppers won’t hear the “Paper or plastic?” question at the checkout line. The Los Angeles City Council voted to ban plastic shopping bags from stores beginning July 1, 2010. Shoppers can either bring their own bags or pay 25 cents for a paper bag.

The ban is meant to reduce waste in the city of Los Angeles, which uses about 2.3 billion plastic bags a year. The vote also puts pressure on the state, which is considering a bill that would ban plastic bags in 2012 and charge at least 15 cents per paper bag. It is justified that paper bags would also be subject to a fee because they require an enormous amount of energy and millions of trees to produce.

The answer to “paper or plastic?” is “thank you neither — here’s my reusable bag!” However the Los Angeles ban will only go into effect if the state fails to impose a 25-cent fee on every shopper who requests a plastic bag. Last year, San Francisco passed the nation’s first bag ban, which took effect in November. Let’s hope that the ban would spur consumers to begin carrying canvas or other reusable bags, reducing the amount of plastic that washes into the storm drains and the ocean.

It is estimated that in the county of Los Angeles every year 6 billion plastic bags are disposed of. No question, they harm marine life and litter neighborhoods Councilman Ed Reyes, who proposed the bag ban said. “We’re trying to do it in a way where we can educate and inform the public of what we’re doing.” Reyes said the ban will minimize cleanup costs for the city and reduce trash that collects in storm drains and the Los Angeles River, Only about 5 percent of plastic bags and 21 percent of paper bags are recycled in California.

Already in 2008 Los Angeles County supervisors had a similar proposal on the table but they backed off to ban plastic shopping and grocery bags when Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky, along with Supervisor Gloria Molina voted against the amendment. There is however strong opposition from powerful lobbyists hired by interest groups.

Banning plastic bags will not solve the litter problem, said an attorney who opposes the regulation of plastic bags.” We’ve had enough of politicians accepting the misinformation that’s spread around the Internet about plastic bags,” said Stephen Joseph of the Save the Plastic Bag Coalition, which represents bag manufacturers. Joseph said the city motion gives “a free pass” to paper bags, which he argued are biodegradable but consume more materials and natural resources to make. The American Chemistry Council (ACC) has unleashed lawyers, lobbyists and PR firms against local efforts to kick the plastic bag habit. But this attempt to protect industry profits could backfire.

Today’s consumers are well aware that plastic bag pollution is growing, and it impacts our oceans bays and rivers. Plastic never biodegrades in a marine environment, but it does leach poisons into our water. Wildlife often become entangled in plastic bags and mistake pieces of plastic for food. Scientists have found plastic particles are more abundant than plankton.

That’s hard to believe, until you realize that in California alone, we use 20 billion plastic bags each year, and at least 1 million end up in San Francisco Bay annually. One of the most dramatic impacts of the plastic bag pollution is on marine life. According to Planet Ark, an international environmental group, about 100,000 whales, dolphin’s seals, turtles and other marine animals are killed by plastic bags each year worldwide, Last September, more than 354,000 bags — most of them plastic — were collected during an international cleanup of costal areas in the United States and 100 other countries, according to the Ocean Conservancy.

Countries that have banned or taken action to discourage the use of plastic bags include Australia, Bangladesh, Ireland, Italy, South Africa, Taiwan, also has banned the bags.

• The Brazilian government enacted a ban on plastic bags in October 2007.
• The little known East-African country Eritrea banned plastic bags outright in 2005.
• Plastic bags will be completely outlawed in France by 2010. Paris banned non-biodegradable plastic bags in large stores in 2007 in order to reduce city pollution.
• The Indian government enacted a plastic bag ban in June of 2005. The ban was enacted in response to localized flooding caused by plastic bags clogging waterways, as well as to prevent sacred cows from ingesting plastic bags.
• Tanzania banned plastic bags in 2006.
• Mexico City’s thousands of stores went green this year as amended ordinances on solid waste now outlaw businesses from giving out thin plastic bags that are not biodegradable

However, the United States Environmental Protection Agency says paper bags are worse for the environment than plastic. Plastic bags require much less energy to manufacture ship and recycle and because of this plastic generate less Greenhouse gas. Plastic bags cause less air and water pollution, they compress to a small size in landfills. They argue that it is a sterile method for transporting food products and preventing food borne illness, that its light weight nature requires less energy consumption during transportation compared to paper with a 7:1 advantage. Many studies comparing plastic bags versus Paper bags show that plastic bags have less net environmental effect than paper bags, requiring less energy to produce, transport and recycle; however these studies also note that recycling rates for plastic are significantly lower than for paper.

The solution, carry a reusable shopping bag with you, recycle any paper or plastic bags you might be given from a retailer , do not take a bag if you can easily carry the items in your pocket or handbag and consider buying items with less packaging.

Fibria Forests — Plentiful, fast growing:

• Fibria maintains its own seed bank and nurseries.
• Fibria forests total 1.3 million hectares, of which 461,000 hectares are native reserves dedicated to environmental protection, in six Brazilian States: Espírito Santo, Bahia, Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Sul, São Paulo and Mato Grosso do Sul.
• Since 1967 Aracruz Celulose had planted more than 7 million seedlings of native species (that are indigenous to the region).
• Aracruz Celulose was honored in 1984 with the Marcus Wallenberg Prize from the international scientific community for advancements in the field of forestry.
• For the third year in a row, Aracruz Celulose was included in the select rank of companies on the New York Stock Exchange’s Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI World) 2007/2008 that highlights the best corporate sustainability practices in the world.