Green, earth-friendly practices are not new to the Street. In the days before mass-produced products, our founders and their early descendants had to be resourceful and look at the environment around them to build their houses, keep their homes clean and heal themselves. Today on the Street, we're taking to steps to return to these simpler, lower impact practices.
Then
- Wood floors were usually unfinished -- no paint, stain, wax or sealers. They were kept clean and dry by “scorching” with sand. Sand was placed on the floor and swept into an herringbone pattern to absorb spilled grease, candle drips, and to remove moisture tracked in from outside. Sand was also used as an abrasive cleaning agent.
- Spots on furniture were cleaned by rubbing them quickly and firmly with a wet flannel with the same residue that damaged the piece (rub a rum stain on the table with rum, suggests Mrs. Child in her 1833 guide, The American Frugal Housewife.
- Poke-root was boiled in water and mixed with molasses to kill cockroaches.
- Balm of gilead buds bottled up in rum made the best cure in the world for fresh cuts.
- A dish of cracked shagbarks (American Walnuts) in a closet was the safest way to get rid of red ants.
- Ashes were often used as fertilizer for bushes and young plants.
- Until bleach was invented in 1792, laundry was spread on the grass in the sun for three days after washing. It was, however, brought in at night lest the fabrics become mildewed by evening damp.
- Cisterns were strategically placed to collect rainwater. Houses such as the Jean Hasbrouck House featured cisterns in their cellars.
Now
- Sand, rather than harsh salt, is utilized to melt ice and snow. Salt damages the wood floors in our Houses. In 2009 we put down additional runners to mitigate sand being tracked into the houses.
- Mold on untreated wood surfaces is removed using a cloth and isopropyl alcohol diluted with water.
- Citrus cleaners are used to de-grease and kill mold.
- Old sheets and rags are never thrown away; they are used for cleaning.
- HHS employees use both sides of paper when printing necessary documents.
- Barrels collect rainwater.
- Dehumidifier water is re-used to water plants.
- Daily cleaning is done with vinegar, baking soda, and isopropyl alcohol.
- Seventh Generation brand products have replaced commercial cleaners.
- Leaking Faucets are immediately fixed, one drip per second wastes over 2,500 gallons of water per year.
- Paper towels and toilet paper is recycled from paper NOT FROM Trees.
- Food is contained to prevent pest infestation. Pests are avoided through good housekeeping and regular monitoring. This eliminates the need for pesticides.
Steps to Greener Living on the Street
Historic Huguenot Street is leading the charge to become more earth-friendly. Among our current initiatives:
Using
CO² reducing Lime Mortar:
As lime mortar cures over time it bonds with CO² from the atmosphere and reduces greenhouse gas levels. Our environment has been saved from 110,200 pounds of CO² being released into the atmosphere (and counting) thanks to lime mortar.
Engaging in an Energy Audit:
HHS participated in the NYSERDA Energy Audit Program, which offers a reduced rate to analyze building efficiency. The fee is refunded when improvements are made that total the $100 fee.
The Green Meadow Program:
Selected areas of HHS are utilized as natural habitat, promoting growth of wildflowers, natural habitat, migratory flyway and wildlife refuge. This also serves as a natural filter for storm water runoff before it returns to the Wallkill River.
Design: Using EcoFont:
Spranq Eco Sans, developed by the Dutch as an homage to their “Dutch holey cheese”, uses 20% less ink than other fonts.
Introducing Programmable Thermostats:
This simple change has lessened HHS energy consumption by 18%.
Lightbulb Replacement:
Replacing standard incandescent bults with compact fluorescent light bulbs, which use 75% less energy, last 7 to 10 times longer and produce less heat
Using Biodegradable Citrus Based Paint Stripper:
This product is more effective than comparable toxic products.
Replanting of Bulbs and Shrubs:
As the gardens evolve and plants reappear from yesteryear, our Historic Preservation crew save them to plant in other Gardens. For instance, the boxwoods from a Fleur de Lis topiary formerly on the Deyo House Lawn now line Deyo Hall.
Salvaging Materials:
During Restoration projects, materials are reused when possible -- including nails, wood and pintels. Scrap metal is reused or recycled.
Making Leaf Mulch Work:
We fertilize gardens and nullify weed growth by repurposing mulched leaves from our grounds.
Utilizing Drainage to Irrigate Lawns, Flowerbeds, etc.:
Natural run-off is channeled from houses and roads then utilized to water gardens.
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