SnapSpace is a United States manufacturer of custom designed, earth friendly living spaces and structures constructed using recycled containers. This blog is dedicated to helpful, informative, and interesting articles written by the SnapSpace team.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Energy Star Homes
By Elysia Walton, SnapSpace Solutions Staff
March 28, 2012
March 28, 2012
Energy Star homes are a relatively new idea—utilizing the resources that our earth has provided us with, and thereby marking down our cost of living. An Energy Star home is just the perfect way to utilize these resources, and make the best of them, while also keeping your budget in balance.
In fact, Energy Star homes can be at least 30% more efficient,[1] and according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, who manages the Energy Star program with the U.S. Department of Energy, 100,000 new homes have earned the designation, saving the homeowners $26 million in yearly costs (2003).2 In 2002, Americans cut their energy bills by more than $7 billion, and saved enough energy to power 15 million homes.3 Think about that: if you have an Energy Star rating on your home, it will not just be better for the environment, but it will save you money, too!
The specifications of an Energy Star rating cover everything from tighter construction, tighter ducts, and improved insulation, to high performance windows, and energy efficient heating and cooling equipment.4
Ever been in an old house? Notice the drafts? How it just pains the homeowner to turn the thermostat up a few notches? This is because most old houses, and even some newer ones, do not have the Energy Star rating. Sure, they are built well, but not as tight as the Energy Star requires. With an Energy Star home, however, if you turn up the thermostat your home will be much better equipped to stay at that temperature with less use of gas, propane, firewood, or whatever you use to heat your home.
SnapSpace Solutions is proud to be a builder of Energy Star homes. The steel base of an ISBU container, which we use to build our homes and commercial buildings, are already so tight that an Energy Star rating can be achieved without a hitch. With a home or structure from SnapSpace Solutions, you know you will be getting the best value for your dollar, and the best efficiency from your fuel.
[1]-4
http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ittQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=SgoNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4058,821334&dq=energy+star+homes&hl=en
http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=ittQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=SgoNAAAAIBAJ&pg=4058,821334&dq=energy+star+homes&hl=en
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
March Madness
By Elysia Walton, SnapSpace Solutions Staff
March 14th, 2012
March 14th, 2012
In like a lion, out like a lamb, right? You’ve got it. March is known for appearing fierce and roaring with snow storms and bad weather, and then floating away like a petal—softly leading into spring. So what else is March known for besides that it begins with crazy weather and ends in sweet weather? Oh so much...
History buff? Here’s some history that most people probably do not know took place in March. Both on the first of the month, The Articles of Confederation were established (1781), and Congress authorized the first United States Census (1790).[1] On the sixth of March, the Battle of the Alamo ended after 13-day siege in 1836,[2] and in 1876 on the tenth, Alexander Graham Bell made his first telephone call. Of course I must pay tribute to all of the Mainers out there (the home of SnapSpace Solutions), and say that in 1820, on March 15th, Maine was the 23rd state to enter the Union. [3]
Here are some facts for those of you who would rather talk about Hollywood than history: King Kong, the motion picture, premiered in New York on March 2nd, 1933. [4] I am pretty sure that that particular Hollywood gorilla will never be forgotten, so March should be given gratitude for bringing in the beast.
On March third, the beloved song, The Star Spangled Banner, was adopted as the National Anthem of the United States in 1931. [5] Whether our voices butcher or beautify it, this remarkable song is held close by all Americans.
Huge fan of Thanks-A-Lot(s)™ and Thin Mints? Your thanks should go to The Girl Scouts of America, which was founded on March 12th, in 1912. [6] Booklover? Nathanial Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter” was published on March 16th, 1850. Also close to many booklover’s hearts, is “Uncle Tom’s Cabin”, which was published on the 20th, 1852. [7] If you would rather watch the movie than read the book, I am sure you would be interested to know that the first movie shown to an audience took place in Paris, 1895, on March 22nd.[8]
More of a Broadway star than a movie-critic? “Oklahoma!” opened on Broadway in 1943, on March 31st.[9]
Lastly, I cannot forget the Beatles, the lovable British band whose UK album “Please Please Me” was released in 1963 on the 22nd. On the same day two years later, their album “The Early Beatles” was released.[10] John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, we thank you for your great musical contribution.
Before closing this article I would like to remind you about some things you should do before we leave March for another year. WWW.SAVYSUGAR.COM suggests these top 5 things you must do in March: Work before play, right? Their number one thing to do in March is to pay your taxes.[11] April 17th, tax day, is just a few short weeks away, so you better get your things in order. Secondly, Savysugar.com suggests embracing the natural daylight.[12] With Daylight Savings you have saved an extra hour before nightfall, so make use of the natural light and save on energy, making your house and the earth a greener place. Thirdly, change up your post-work routine. [13] The extra light lends some extra “time”, so consider taking a walk outside or sitting in the sun enjoying a nice book. Fourth, Participate in March Madness, but stay focused.[14] March is the month America’s best college basketball teams begin the yearly quest for the national title, and that means it is March Madness bracket time. If you choose to participate, try to stay focused on work while still having fun. And lastly for recommended March activities, Savysugar.com suggests donating your old clothes to charity.[15] Most likely you are cleaning out for your spring/summer wardrobe, so your old sweaters and too-tight pants are in for replacing. You can also get a donation slip to help out with those taxes.
In summary, March is a great month. It is the first time in about five months that the early signs of spring are finally showing their beautiful faces, and the winter beast is going into hibernation. It is also a great historical month. Feel blessed for the weather and the activities available, and remember to buy some Girl Scouts cookies and read some great classic books!
[1] http://www.aboutfamouspeople.com/article1215.html
[2] http://www.aboutfamouspeople.com/article1215.html
[3] http://www.aboutfamouspeople.com/article1215.html
[4] http://www.aboutfamouspeople.com/article1215.html
[5] http://www.aboutfamouspeople.com/article1215.html
[6] http://www.aboutfamouspeople.com/article1215.html
[7] http://www.aboutfamouspeople.com/article1215.html
[8] http://www.aboutfamouspeople.com/article1215.html
[9] http://www.aboutfamouspeople.com/article1215.html
[10] http://www.aboutfamouspeople.com/article1215.html
[11] http://www.savvysugar.com/Things-Do-March-7552073?slide=2
[12] http://www.savvysugar.com/Things-Do-March-7552073?slide=3
[13] http://www.savvysugar.com/Things-Do-March-7552073?slide=4
[14] http://www.savvysugar.com/Things-Do-March-7552073?slide=5
[15] http://www.savvysugar.com/Things-Do-March-7552073?slide=1
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Starbucks Container Home
Here is an article on a Starbucks store made from shipping containers. Starbucks Container Store Article
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Poverty Stricken
By Elysia Walton, SnapSpace Solutions Staff
February 9, 2012
Everyone has seen the television commercials of babies with bloated bellies, hungry eyes, and bare feet. In fact, many of us have probably taken the advice of these commercials and sponsored a child. This sponsorship opens up a whole new world to the child you have chosen. When they are sponsored, in most cases, they are given an education, a way to earn money, and food. Every person who sponsors a child counts. It does not matter if you are young or old—sponsoring a child is a fantastic way to make a huge impact on humanity.
Unfortunately, even though many children are sponsored, many more are left hungry. Thousands are left to die with nothing in their stomachs, nothing on their feet, and a family left behind. Hunger is the cause of death for about 25,000 people every day.[1] That is the equivalent of all the citizens of South Portland, Maine, dropping dead in one day.[2] But this tragedy of death does not happen only once, it happens to that amount every day. The saddest part of it all is that most of these deaths are children.[3] They have not had a chance to get an education, live out any dreams, or even just live!
982 million people in the developing world live on $1 a day.[4] $7 dollars a week. Just imagine; no four dollar Starbucks coffee, no thirty dollar haircut, and no five dollar McDonald’s meal. The pair of shoes at the department store you see and think, “Hey, I can manage spending thirty dollars on those”. Well, if you are part of the developing world, this is not even a possible consideration. For Valentine’s Day you may buy a box of chocolates for your sweetheart, a very common and not high-dollar purchase for most Americans, but it is not even a thought for so many living in poverty. The fifty dollars in gas you had to spend to get to work is not cheap, but to many living in America it is just an accepted expense we “cannot get by without”.[5] When you add all of these things together it equals about $101. This amount is over three months allowance for much of the world.
Unfortunately, hunger is not even the biggest concern for thousands of people: Water problems affect half of humanity.[6] In other words, even if the person in the developing country had the dollar a day necessary to get by, they could die from dehydration. I cannot even imagine being that thirsty; yet many people experience this very feeling, and their life is cut short.
Another major factor in the high death rate is the lack of sufficient housing. About 95 million people, one third of our nation, have housing issues.[7] Additionally, by the year 2030, another 3 billion people, (about 40 percent of the world’s current population), will need access to housing. This translates into a demand for 96,150 new affordable homes every day, and 4,000 every hour.[8]
If people had better places to live, perhaps they could spend less of their time worrying about keeping their family warm and safe, and more time figuring how to earn more money to feed them. If we can help the poorest of the poor to a safe and decent house, a world of possibilities could be opened for those struggling every day. SnapSpace Solutions has a dream of helping these suffering communities. We can help lower the incredible number of 25,000 deaths per day. Our housing solutions are affordable, transportable, safe, and strong. We hope to be able to join world-wide efforts to bring help to the poverty-stricken. Our solution is through providing safe housing, how can you join to make a difference?
Unfortunately, even though many children are sponsored, many more are left hungry. Thousands are left to die with nothing in their stomachs, nothing on their feet, and a family left behind. Hunger is the cause of death for about 25,000 people every day.[1] That is the equivalent of all the citizens of South Portland, Maine, dropping dead in one day.[2] But this tragedy of death does not happen only once, it happens to that amount every day. The saddest part of it all is that most of these deaths are children.[3] They have not had a chance to get an education, live out any dreams, or even just live!
982 million people in the developing world live on $1 a day.[4] $7 dollars a week. Just imagine; no four dollar Starbucks coffee, no thirty dollar haircut, and no five dollar McDonald’s meal. The pair of shoes at the department store you see and think, “Hey, I can manage spending thirty dollars on those”. Well, if you are part of the developing world, this is not even a possible consideration. For Valentine’s Day you may buy a box of chocolates for your sweetheart, a very common and not high-dollar purchase for most Americans, but it is not even a thought for so many living in poverty. The fifty dollars in gas you had to spend to get to work is not cheap, but to many living in America it is just an accepted expense we “cannot get by without”.[5] When you add all of these things together it equals about $101. This amount is over three months allowance for much of the world.
Unfortunately, hunger is not even the biggest concern for thousands of people: Water problems affect half of humanity.[6] In other words, even if the person in the developing country had the dollar a day necessary to get by, they could die from dehydration. I cannot even imagine being that thirsty; yet many people experience this very feeling, and their life is cut short.
Another major factor in the high death rate is the lack of sufficient housing. About 95 million people, one third of our nation, have housing issues.[7] Additionally, by the year 2030, another 3 billion people, (about 40 percent of the world’s current population), will need access to housing. This translates into a demand for 96,150 new affordable homes every day, and 4,000 every hour.[8]
If people had better places to live, perhaps they could spend less of their time worrying about keeping their family warm and safe, and more time figuring how to earn more money to feed them. If we can help the poorest of the poor to a safe and decent house, a world of possibilities could be opened for those struggling every day. SnapSpace Solutions has a dream of helping these suffering communities. We can help lower the incredible number of 25,000 deaths per day. Our housing solutions are affordable, transportable, safe, and strong. We hope to be able to join world-wide efforts to bring help to the poverty-stricken. Our solution is through providing safe housing, how can you join to make a difference?
[1] http://www.hottnez.com/the-10-poorest-countries-of-the-world/
[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Portland,_Maine
[3] http://www.hottnez.com/the-10-poorest-countries-of-the-world/
[4] http://www.hottnez.com/the-10-poorest-countries-of-the-world/
[5] http://blog.autoref.com/2011/03/28/how-much-does-it-cost-to-fill-your-tank/
[6] http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats
[7] http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats
[8] http://worldhabitatdaynews.com/
Friday, February 3, 2012
Oil Sand Housing USA
By Elysia Walton, SnapSpace Solutions Staff
February 3, 2012
Don’t read the next two sentences until you make a guess about this question: what is the top exporting location for crude oil in the world?
What did you guess? I bet you were probably thinking Iraq or Iran, or Saudi Arabia. I bet you will be surprised by the real number one. Iraq is actually only the seventh highest exporter![1] And surprisingly both Iran and neighboring Afghanistan as of 2007 were documented to export no oil![2] [3] I bet the number one exporter will highly surprise you. It’s Canada.[4] That’s right; our closest neighbor is the number one crude oil exporter in the world. Saudi Arabia is number two.[5] Now, many people also think that the United States exports little or no crude oil, but this is not true. We are also a large exporter, not anything compared to Canada and Saudi Arabia, but still an exporter with lots of laborers working on site.
The number of oil sand employees is quickly growing. There is a problem with this; there isn’t enough housing for all of these U.S. oil laborers.
Here are some statistics on a singular area of oil sands: North Dakota. North Dakota has become the fourth largest oil-producing state in the country.[6] In October of 2010, there were almost 150 oil and gas drilling rigs operating in North Dakota.[7] These new oil operations require many people, resulting in more than 7,000 laborers migrating to North Dakota, and North Dakota’s unemployment rate dropping to 3.6 percent.[8] This is a fantastic improvement! However, this also means that there is a significant need for, and shortage of, housing. Plus, remember we are only talking about North Dakota. Each well in the Bakken Formation in North Dakota creates over 100 direct and indirect jobs.[9] As you surely know, all of these laborers need a place to sleep.
In Tioga, North Dakota, new camps for the laborers have been built—much like a community.[10] Before the camps were built it was nearly impossible for newly inflated workforce to find a place to stay. It is amazing the difference a place to sleep makes in the employees’ moral! Furthermore, even though Tioga has temporary camps built, they need more.
SnapSpace Solutions can build housing for these folks quickly, and if the need does not remain forever, this housing can be removed quickly. In other words, if within a said period of time it is evident that the extra housing is no longer needed, then the housing can be removed until again necessary for more laborers, or it can be moved to a different location where there is a need for it.
Another city where housing is needed is Williston, North Dakota.[11] Motel rooms in Williston are booked solid, some for years.[12] Rents have quadrupled, and many people are such in need for housing that they commute two or more hours each day.[13] Clearly the camps currently available are not nearly enough.
SnapSpace Solutions offers, no pun intended, a “solution” to this. SnapSpace can provide quick, affordable, and high-quality camps for the oil workers. They can be temporary, can be moved very easily and quickly, and are made precisely to the customer’s specifications.
[1] http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/05/oil_imports.html
[2] http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/05/oil_imports.html
[3] http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/05/oil_imports.html
[4] http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/05/oil_imports.html
[5] http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/05/oil_imports.html
[6] http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/oct/01/north-america-oil-sands-shales
[7] http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/oct/01/north-america-oil-sands-shales
[8] http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/oct/01/north-america-oil-sands-shales
[9] http://www.oiljobfinder.com/north_dakota_oil_jobs.php
[10] http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/26/us/north-dakota-oil-boom-creates-camps-of-men.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all
[11] http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/26/us/north-dakota-oil-boom-creates-camps-of-men.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all
[12] http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/26/us/north-dakota-oil-boom-creates-camps-of-men.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all
[13] http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/26/us/north-dakota-oil-boom-creates-camps-of-men.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
January
By Elysia Walton, SnapSpace Solutions Team
January 25th, 2012
January. We have just turned a new year, and with it we welcome a fresh start. Hopefully you have made some resolutions for this New Year, or maybe you are continuing last year’s resolutions. Whatever goals you plan to achieve, some history on January may give you a better appreciation for this cold, fresh month:
On January 4th, 1643, Isaac Newton was noted physicist, mathematician, and astronomer.[1] Imagine that! About 370 years ago the person whom we all read about, in every history and science book, was named for his actions and remembered for the amazing inventions that would shape the world—one of which would enable us to see to the stars.
In 1809, also on January 4th, Louis Braille invented a reading system for the blind.[2] Sound familiar? You guessed it. Mr. Braille used his last name for his invention, and we see this invention nearly everywhere we go; fast-food restroom doors, fancy hotel elevators, yes, without Braille the blind would also be blind to the written world. However, Mr. Braille’s invention has enabled the blind to ‘see’ a bit more than before, not through their eyes, but instead through their fingers.
On January 13th, 1930, the Mickey Mouse cartoon first appeared in newspapers throughout the United States.[3] That’s right—January, the freezing-cold month, is the birth month of Mr. Mickey Mouse, the beloved little creature that, though he is now over eighty years old, has lasted the test of time and is still close to most American’s hearts. He is the little mouse that rowed a row boat, and won Minnie’s heart. Yes, Mickey is nearly as famous as our flag itself, he is such a well-known, big part of American history.
Another January invention is Doublemint™ gum. January 19th happens to be the 97th anniversary of the day Doublemint™ gum was trademark registered.[4] So why don’t you go out and buy yourself a pack of Doublemint™ for good ol’ time’s sake.
Two different historical events happened on January the 20th, seventy-two years apart. In 1857 on January 20th, William Kelly patented the blast furnace for manufacturing steel.[5] Just imagine where we would be if Mr. Kelly hadn’t invented this. Also on the 20th, but in the year 1929, (much closer to the 21st century) the first outdoor feature-length talking motion picture played. It was called “In Old Arizona”[6], thus our drive-in movies were born.
Evidently January is a pretty popular month! It is not just about the ringing of a new year, or icy asphalt. No, January is more. January contains birthdays and anniversaries of many historical events we are all familiar with. Alas, before you fall asleep tonight, or bid January goodbye until 2013 next Tuesday night, remember what January means. Chew yourself a piece of Doublemint™ gum while watching Mickey, and enjoy the stars through a telescope…
[1] http://inventors.about.com/od/todayinhistory/a/January_2.htm
[2] http://inventors.about.com/od/todayinhistory/a/January_2.htm
[3] http://inventors.about.com/od/todayinhistory/a/January.htm
[4] http://inventors.about.com/od/todayinhistory/a/January.htm
[5] http://inventors.about.com/od/todayinhistory/a/January.htm
[6] http://inventors.about.com/od/todayinhistory/a/January.htm
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
SnapSpace Solutions Does Affordable Housing
By Elysia Walton, SnapSpace Solutions Staff
January 11, 2012
January 11, 2012
With SnapSpace Solutions, the possibilities for affordable housing are endless. SnapSpace homes are more affordable and last longer than the typical home due to the recycled container base. These affordable houses can be ultra-personalized and are built to be extremely efficient. SnapSpace homes can even be customized with solar panels, rain water collectors, and rooftop gardens—substantially lowering the electric, heating, and water bills.
Affordable housing in Maine, and around the country, is an issue that many people currently struggle with. Whether it is housing for the elderly, large families, single parents, or young adults—the wide range of situations make it a very real struggle in our society. Waiting lists for existing units and subsidy programs are long, and many who need affordable housing do not qualify for these programs.[1] Even if a person does qualify for subsidized housing there is a significant lack of it, which inevitably leads to homelessness.[2] Many folks with disabilities are also in a tough situation when it comes to affordable housing.[3] If they are unable to get a sufficient job to cover the financial requirements to purchase or rent a home, then they are out of luck. Of additional concern is the fact that much of the affordable housing available today is of very low quality, and in some situations can even be dangerous.[4]
If you look at the statistics for affordable housing the results are unsettling. In 2005, more than ninety percent of the renters living in Scarborough, Maine, could not afford the median priced, single family home. (about $300,000)[5] In addition, even if the search is narrowed to “affordable” house prices only, the amount is still about $150,000. (Portland, Maine metro area.)[6] Conclusively, these houses are not necessarily in good condition,[7] which you would expect for such a price tag.
Practically futuristic, container homes are presently unknown to much of the general public, but are a sure future pop-culture item. The affordability will not empty your wallet, yet the quality will leave your friends jealous. Anything is possible with container buildings, and SnapSpace Solutions would love to bring this unique opportunity to own such a structure in your price range public.
[1] http://business.mainetoday.com/news/070327voices.html
[2] http://business.mainetoday.com/news/070327voices.html
[3] http://business.mainetoday.com/news/070327voices.html
[4] http://business.mainetoday.com/news/070327voices.html
[5] http://www.scarborough.me.us/planning/documents/shahousingassessmentmarch6.pdf
[6] http://www.scarborough.me.us/planning/documents/shahousingassessmentmarch6.pdf
[7] http://www.scarborough.me.us/planning/documents/shahousingassessmentmarch6.pdf
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