Vacations are your chance to get away from it all. Your escape into an alternate reality where you can let go of the daily struggles and stresses and relax in whichever fashion you desire. Some prefer a relaxing beach vacation, possibly even to a tropical island. Others prefer to explore the back roads of a foreign country. While the adventurous prefer to escape into nature and take a long, soul searching trek across the raw backdrop of any landscape, foreign or domestic. However you vacation, one thought probably hasn't crossed your mind too often, and that is what is the carbon footprint of my vacation?
When we “check out” to “check in” on vacation, we tend to forget all the things we have in place at home to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to the green way of life. We use electricity in the hotels all day and sometimes all night because we can; we aren't paying that power bill at the end of the month! We travel on planes, rent cars, and drive a lot more than we would in our day to day lives because we are sightseeing, visiting, and making memories! We eat delicious food but tell the server, don’t worry about the doggy bag for leftovers because, really, how is that going to fit in the mini fridge?! The list of extravagances goes on and on because, let’s be honest, we are on vacation and have earned it! Not to mention, that all the while, we still have a home or apartment with the air running, the lights on timers so no one really knows we are gone, the refrigerator humming, and so forth. So it’s truly a double whammy of energy use!
Don’t get me wrong, you are entitled to a vacation of your own making. You work hard and save hard. So play hard.
The hotel industry has recognized that we, as consumers, are becoming more sophisticated and educated in our decisions. They recognize that while we still want to feel like we are escaping, there is a personal responsibility to Mother Earth that many of us do not want to relinquish just because we are on vacation. Marriot was the first major hotel chain to calculate their carbon footprint and launch a plan to improve their global impact through reduction and reuse. The MGM Grand has reduced their emissions of CO2E by over 100,000 metric tons annually. The Four Seasons launched their 10 Million Trees Initiative to celebrate their 50th anniversary in which the hotel chain planted 10 million trees across 24 countries to offset their carbon emissions and combat deforestation. The majority of hotel convention sites have numerous recycling options available to reduce water, electrical, and paper waste. They are beginning to make a difference in their business practices and we as consumers should applaud them.
We encourage you to do a little more research the next time you are in vacation mode. Look for hotels and resorts with an LEED certification or a Green Initiative in place, or even better, some cork flooring or wall coverings! How can you reduce your travel footprint? Using local transportation (bus, Uber, cab, trolley, etc.) rather than a rental car can sometime open your eyes to places you normally wouldn't know about by allowing you to talk with locals about the best places to eat and visit! What can you bring with you to reduce your waste? A reusable water bottle is an easy place to start (and easy to pack too!). These small changes can have a big effect on the ever changing environment and lessen the impact of travel on the environment. We live in a beautiful world that we want to explore on our vacations – let’s take care of it too!
At the end of August, we took our Facebook fans on a Tour of Portugal, highlighting many of the historical sites and cities of the country. We had such a great response to these postings that we wanted to share them here on our site. We hope to enrich your knowledge of this historical country, to illustrate to you how their cultural and environmental efforts have both protected the country’s heritage and culturally significant sites as well as protecting the cork oak forests from deforestation.
We began at the border of Portugal and Spain, drifting down the Douro River. The Douro International Natural Park is a protected area, a home to wildlife species including kingfishers, herons, eagles, ospreys, wild boar, and is also home to one of the last packs of wolves in this region a few miles inland from the river. The White Stork and the Griffin Vulture are counted amongst the endangered species native to this riverside area. The Douro International Natural Park is one of thirteen National parks in the country of Portugal. With a land area of only 35,516 sq miles, the emphasis on protected land is evident. To put it more succinctly, Portugal is slightly smaller than the state of Indiana.
Next we explored the sights and sounds of one of Portugal’s more famous cities, Lisbon. This city has amazing historical city sites and points of interest interspersed with the gorgeous natural coastline and more modern buildings bustling with a vibrant nightlife. Historical sites that have been listed as UNESCO World
Heritage Sites include Belem Tower or the Tower of St Vincent, Jeronimo’s Monastery, and the Pena National Palace. All built between the 15th and 16th centuries, these amazing works of art were once fortresses of very different kinds defending a vastly populated country. Belem’s Tower was built by King John II to defend the mouth of the Tagus River from enemy attack. On the opposite front, Jeronimo’s Monastery was built Henry the Navigator to protect the hearts and souls of the countrymen. Vasco de Gamo also spent time here preparing for his voyage to India to discover a new trade route.
Lastly, the Pena National Palace is a sight to see. This site was originally just a small monastery, which fell into ruins after repeated earthquakes in the area and general downfall. In 1838, a young Prince Ferdinand became fascinated with the ruins and began construction on the Palace as it is seen today. At the end of the 20th century, the exterior paint was restored to show its original regalia. Touring these historic sites is like stepping through the looking glass into a time of kings, and queens, rustic castles and stoic soldiers. Most of the castles in Portugal remain unrestored, showing the true weathering of time and battles.
Another remarkable site that was built in the last century is the Monument to the Discoveries. This stunning work was created in honor of the great Henry the Navigator who led Portugal’s discovery expeditions to the New World in the 15th century. Jose Angelo Cottinelli Telmo designed the monument in 1939 with sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida. It was built as a temporary structure for the Portuguese World Fair. However, after the temporary sculpture was demolished, it was decided in 1958 that a permanent one be built for the city of Lisbon. This monument is constructed from concrete, rose tinted stone, and limestone, which shows sailors being, led out to sea on a vessel with the sails open with Henry the Navigator at the helm. The monument stands an impressive 171 feet tall.
Moving our Tour of Portugal to the township of Evora, we find Almendres Cromelque, a megalithic stone formation that dates back to as early as 6 B.C. The site was not rediscovered until 1966 when Henrique Leonor Pina was conducting field work in the area. It is believed, like Stonehenge, to be
a site of religious ceremonial purpose or perhaps may have served as a primitive astronomical observatory. There are documented angles and lines that point towards the sunrise on the Winter Solstice. The stone formation is organized in a circular pattern with approximately 95 granite monoliths. The site underwent many modifications and additions as it grew into the site we see today. The entirety of the formation appears to form two separate areas which each point to different directions associated with the Equinox. There is a primal energy at this site seeming to flow from the stones themselves.
Throughout the week, we also delved into the structures at the Temple of Diana, the Mermaid Fountain in Rossia Square and the Square itself to round out historical monuments and locations as well as important advancements in Portugal’s environmental protection.
Aside from the historical significance of Portugal’s countryside, they are also leaders in producing the world’s finest cork products. We work hand in hand with our Portuguese suppliers to ensure that the products we receive to offer to our clients are of the highest quality. Not only that, but we also require full adherence with all national and international protective cork harvesting laws to ensure that this resource remains renewable.
There is something for everyone in this city. Explore the country where our beautiful
cork products are birthed and harvested. You may fall in love with more than just our products!
“Believe it or not, I’m walking on air! I never thought I could feel this free-eee-eeee!” Remember this catchy song from the 80’s hit TV show “The Greatest American Hero.” Yeah… I honestly didn’t remember the name of the show, but the intro song has always been on my mental 80’s music track. And it is what you will be singing after you install cork flooring.
Obviously, you have done your research on flooring options and decided on cork flooring for a number of reasons, I am sure! One of the main reasons that people tend to choose cork flooring over any other option, besides being such a green building material, is the comfort it lends to your home. Your footsteps are cushioned; cold floors in the middle of winter are gone; and the visual beauty our flooring incorporates into your home is unsurpassed.
So, how do we reach this point of beauty and comfort from your current point of installation, which is probably a lot of boxes sitting around your home and your furniture all out of place? Let’s begin by opening the cartons. We ship only the finest Portuguese cork to our clients and stand by our product. Inspect your shipment and make sure it is up to par. Once you have inspected the flooring, you will need to allow the tiles to acclimate for 48-72 hours prior to installation. Why? The flooring needs to be acclimated to allow for any climate changes from the point where your product was shipped to the point in which you received it at your home or office. Cork must become accustomed to the temperature and conditions that will occur once the work is complete. Without proper acclimation, flooring could expand or contract after installation.
While the acclimation process is occurring, all substrates need to be cleaned, dried, and free from dust. Any holes, cracks, and joints must be patched with a cement based compound. If acoustic absorption needs to be increased from what the cork flooring naturally lends, consider laying our cork roll over the substrate prior to installation.
Our detailed cork flooring tile installation guide will instruct you on how to install over concrete, wood, and Radiant Heating systems. Plank flooring should be installed parallel to the direction of the natural light entering the room. This allows the joints to be less noticeable. For our parquet flooring, we recommend that you mix tiles from various cartons to maintain a natural variation of color and pattern.
We highly recommend that you download our PDF Cork Installation Guide for exact How-To Instructions for your particular type of flooring and substrate, or view any of our cork installation guides online. We know that once your flooring is installed in your home or office, you will be singing, “Believe it or not! I’m walking on air! I never thought I could feel this free-eee-eee!”
This month, on our Facebook page, we have been discussing the use and history of cork material. Our intent was not only to inform you about the origin of cork, but also to visually share with you the longevity of cork and to showcase how this natural material is both resilient in nature and highly durable. We have seen images of a nearly pristine corked bottle from Blackbeard’s ship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, which sunk off the coast of North Carolina in 1718. This is a relatively new mention of the use of cork in the grand scheme of time and history. To really illustrate the longevity of cork, we can easily go back to the first century where Pliny the Elder speaks about how cork was so revered, it could only be cut off the tree by priests. Pliny the Elder had many a career specialty in his time, but is especially noted as the author of his encyclopedic work Naturalis Historia. Naturalis Historia became the model for modern encyclopedias. Furthermore, cork was uncovered from the excavated city of Pompeii. It was used to stopper amphorae, vessels used to transport and store primarily wine. It isn't assumed that it was used at this time, it was found! In a city that was obliterated for the most part by a volcano and sat undiscovered for over 1500 years. Amazing… Interesting fact as to how we know the exact date of the destruction of Pompeii. We know it from the writings of a historian you will soon recognize. On August 24, 79 AD, Pliny the Younger saw the eruption from a distance with his uncle, none other than Pliny the Elder. Pliny the Elder was also a commander for the Roman fleet and tried to rescue surviving citizens from destruction. This historical account by Pliny the Younger was discovered in a letter detailing the event. History fascinates me!
So, why the history lesson? We simply want to illustrate the point, that no matter the climate, no matter the interior design, no matter the use, cork will survive the test of time. You will not regret your decision to install cork flooring and cork wall tiles in your home. It will only increase the intrinsic value of your home, health, and lifestyle. It is visually stunning as well as a healthy and happy addition to your life. The hypoallergenic qualities of incorporating it into your life and home today are exponential. We offer designs that will boast drama and flair or clean and classic. Whatever your heart desires, we have something to suit your needs. Here’s an idea - check out Pompeii the Movie, opening this month, in your own home theater. Add our cork wall tiles for chic sound and temperature insulation. I just love cork so much, I can imagine it in pretty much every setting… Go check it out! Have fun! Enjoy!
Don't forget to take advantage of our amazing sale on all
cork wall covering and
cork ceiling tiles through the month of October. This cork tile sale offers 15% off all orders! Just enter DISCOUNT15 into your shopping cart to receive this savings. Don't be tricked by any other cork company, treat yourself to the best
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Take it from the King of Home Repair - Mr. Bob Vila! This great article entitled
"Eco-Friendly Flooring: 5 Ways to Go Green from the Bottom Up" showcases
cork, bamboo, linoleum, 100% wool carpet, and renewable fiber carpets as green choices when upgrading your current
flooring solution. He states briefly that carpet, what you typically find in most homes across America, is usually "made from nylon, polyester, or vinyl—materials dependent on non-renewable fossil fuels." Selecting a more renewable source is not only good for you and your immediate environment, but more so, it is better for the
I’m not quite sure what it takes to create a “national” holiday anymore. It used to be we had the Federal holidays and a few others that were recognized nationally like Earth Day and Valentine’s Day, etc. But did you know that September 27th is National Crush a Can Day? Now November 15th is America Recycles Day and Earth Day is nationally recognized on April 22nd. But National Crush a Can Day is new to me… However, we love anything that raises awareness of recycling and making the Earth a greener planet, so hurray for National Crush a Can Day!
In other Green news, cork has found a new niche in building materials and it is taking off across the country! Cork particles are now being used as a replacement for traditional insulation. We have touted our own horn with cork wall coverings and even cork floor tiles as added insulators of both sound and temperature, but cork boardstock insulation is becoming a leader in green construction materials for handling insulation needs in attics and walls. The same cork granules used in cork flooring and cork wall tiles are used for the insulation process. However, these granules go through a little different process. They are subjected to super-heated steam process that systematically causes the granules to expand and bind together. Once complete, the cork is sliced into insulating boards and installed in various sizes and thicknesses. The cork, as we all know, is biodegradable and will not introduce harsh toxins into your home.
If the price tag for cork insulation frightens you, first think about the long term health and environmental benefits; these are certainly priceless qualities that outweigh the actual price. But, we are realists here, and if the total is too steep, do consider our cork flooring tiles and cork wall tiles as an alternative for added insulation within your home for a much lower comparison price tag. We have a wide variety of product colors and options to brighten your space and keep you temperate year round!
We love sharing up-to-date cork news, views, and product reviews with you. Please let us know if you have any questions with which we may be able to help you. You are welcome to call our cork experts at 1-888-955-2675, email us at amcork@amcork.com, comment here or on our FaceBook page. Thanks for your support valued customer!
Harvesting natural cork is a tricky operation. One has to abide by many laws that have been put into place to protect the cork oak trees and their surrounding habitat. Cork can only be harvested at a certain time of the year and only every nine years. The tree must be at least twenty-five years old before it can even begin to be harvested. This nine year cycle will continue for approximately two hundred years before the tree has been spent.
Cork is traditionally harvested from the quercus suber, commonly known as the cork oak, from early May to late August. This is when the tree extractors, or workers/harvesters, can easily separate the bark from the cork oak without damaging or causing permanent damage, thus maintaining the trees’ regeneration capabilities.
These tree extractors harvest the cork by hand utilizing a sharp axe. They make two cuts on the tree, one horizontally and another vertically. The extractors must make these cuts without damaging the underlying cork cambium. This is the tissue that lies below the bark of the cork oak. This tissue is what is responsible for the secondary growth of the cork oak, or rather its regeneration of the epidermis.
Once the extractors have made these defined cuts into the cork oak bark, they must push the axe handle into the rulers, or the vertical cuts to release the cork oak bark safely from the tree. The larger portions of the cork oak bark are called planks and are carried from the cork oak forests by hand as the forest areas are rarely vehicle accessible. The cork is then stacked and left to dry for several days before being transported to a facility for processing.
Harvesting cork bark with these specific processes are what protect the quercus suber from deforestation. It is what protects the ecosystem of many endangered species. It is what makes this beautiful material a renewable resources and allowing it to exist for many generations to come!
It has been said that a man’s home is his castle. Dorothy even told us there’s no place like home. And we, no doubt, feel most comfortable in our own home, surrounded by our luxurious cork flooring and wall coverings. However today, we wanted to bring you some unconventional home trends that we have seen recently with cork materials. These homes remind us that no one but you can say what makes a home a home to you!
The Japan Times showcased a cluster, or rather, a neighborhood of house boats located in Washington’s Gangplank Marina. The article itself is rather entertaining, spotlighting not only the interior decorating trends seen on many of the houseboats, but also on life itself within the marina. Eve Bratman brought her love of green design to her 42-foot vessel. She describes her 400 sq. ft. living area décor as “eco-chic”. “ ‘We’ve got cork floors, wood accents, continuity of light … and new Energy Star appliances,” as well as sustainably harvested wood and no volatile organic compound paint.’ ”
In only slightly larger living quarters, we find a new trend in housing – shipping container homes. And these owners are also focused on bringing in green decorating trends to their small, but sometimes luxurious spaces. Some of these homes are the epitome of renewable energy and recycled beauty. Tiny House Talk showcases a container home where cork flooring is installed in the home, recycled gray water is used in the toilet for flushing, a hand held shower heated by a gravity fed solar hot water heater, and solar power are just a few items in the home’s décor that are energy and conservation efficient. This tiny home even boasts a miniature pool attachment!
If you've seen any cool cork designs in your area – whether interior or exterior – we’d love to have you submit pictures and comments to us! And don’t forget to post it to our Facebook page and “like” it to stay up to date on cork news and trends worldwide!
Check out our amazing sale on our Ebony, Night, and Rock cork wall tiles while supplies last! This amazing clearance sale brings you our best quality cork wall tiles that boast unmatched competition and beauty for only $2.50 per square foot! Only $55/carton. Call us today at 1-888-955-CORK (2675) for more details and ordering information. Don't miss out on this hot summer sale!
