Community Energy Project (CEP) has been serving Portland for over 30 years with free services focused on energy conservation and safety. They provide free community workshops and materials for DIY weatherization and lead poisoning prevention, as well as direct weatherization and safety repair services to low-income seniors and people with disabilities. With the help of over 200 volunteers a year, CEP serves thousands of households in the greater Portland area, empowering people with the information... more

With all of the high-speed communications available today, it is easy to do research. One topic that seems to be showing itself in parents’ magazines, newspapers, and television shows is lead usage. Studies have shown that lead in our bodies causes harm in many ways. The group that can suffer the most damage are children six and under and pregnant women. Children can have learning difficulties and behavioral problems as a result of lead exposure. Adults are also affected with kidney problems, blood... more

Are you tired of repeatedly having to paint your home? If you want to break the re-painting cycle but don’t like the idea of vinyl or metal siding, then you owe it to yourself to take a close look at a protective ceramic coating that gives the look of a freshly painted home year after year. This specialized coating system is guaranteed for as long as you own your home, and has a 25-year transferable guarantee. You will never have to paint your home again. Going Green Rhino Shield Coating... more

Nearly half of all investigations for childhood lead poisoning in Oregon found that remodeling or repainting was the source of exposure. Common renovation and painting activities such as sanding, cutting, scraping, removal of plumbing, replacing windows and any work that disturbs painted surfaces can create and spread hazardous lead dust, which can cause lead poisoning. To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed... more

Bradford Derusit offers a biodegradable metal cleaner that does not require a neutralizing agent for disposal, eliminating the water pollution often encountered with other cleaners. B-P Metal Cleaner is harmless to skin, metal, and other materials. It is virtually odorless and gives off no toxic fumes. Northwest Renovation puts it to the test in this how-to. In this how-to we used a rusty hinge (figure 1). Start by using a plastic or glass container deep enough to cover the hardware or tool (figure... more

Furniture, molding, and door stripping have been very popular. Today there is a heightened appreciation for quality woodworking that is rarely practiced. Those owners with older historic homes that have a lot of exposed ornamental woodworking and molding want to preserve this historical beauty. When the layers of paint have accumulated to where you barely notice the fluting in a door molding, it’s time to have the wood... more