In a perfect world, one would have time to blog, renovate, work, exercise, eat well, sleep well, and heck, even go on dates.
Contrary to popular opinion, this is not a perfect world.
Much has been accomplished at the condo: the valences are gone and patched, the three kitchen walls have been replaced with a hip beam and two posts, and most of the electrical has been upgraded. Tomorrow, most of the plumbing valves will be replaced to make way for the new bathroom and kitchen.
While this significant process is mostly thanks to the hard work and fine coordination of MLR, I fear that the eco-reno goals that I set are largely going to be unfulfilled. I’ve researched how to reduce the environmental footprint of these renovations for all the major materials. What is difficult about an eco-reno is in making used materials fit, sourcing beneficial materials that will work, and most importantly, having the time and money to obtain the best possible materials.
Used building materials simply take time to source, and we’ve run out of time if I’d like to keep the renovations moving forward. I bought some used kitchen cabinets a couple of weeks ago, but they just don’t fit. I’ve looked and looked for others, and they just won’t work.
So, today I bought new kitchen cabinets. They are made of solid German beech wood that is generally a responsibly managed wood source. I was looking at different stone, quartz and granite countertops today too. While some of these have environmentally friendly production processes, these materials are largely manufactured and imported from China. The less expensive, but slightly polluting laminate countertops are produced locally in Vancouver. Which one do I choose when both have clear pros and cons? Will I be satisfied with the results? What will my impact be on this ailing environment?
Of course, this makes me think of relationships. Despite having a clear vision of the other person and trying our best, the compromises we make either make us feel proud of a joint accomplishment or, they make us resentful.
Would it be best to accept the compromises and acknowledge shortcomings?
For example, I really wanted to buy used kitchen cabinets. Used cabinets would have had less of an environmental impact because they would been reusing existing materials, and they wouldn’t need to be shipped a far distance. Despite all this, my new German beech cabinets are really, really nice, and I appreciate how functional they make the kitchen space.
Ah, love.
Some photos:
The valences out:
The valences patched:
Kitchen walls out with support posts:
The finished beam and posts!
