Hearthlist Digest #524 - Monday, November 6, 2000 Where do we stand on the environment? by "Craig Issod" <[email protected]> Vermont castings SDV30 Gas stove ventilation isse by "Tim Bryan" <[email protected]> Expo Design Center news by <[email protected]>
(back) Subject: Where do we stand on the environment? From: "Craig Issod" <[email protected]> Date: Sun, 5 Nov 2000 17:02:30 -0500 An interesting question to ask ourselves regularly and especially during a year when the upcoming election has brought some of these issues to the forefront. Many of us "early" stove people got into the business because of the energy crisis...to help people heat with a renewable fuel. Imagine our surprise when the EPA informed us that we were actually the "bad guys". EPA regs may have brought about better products, although in a hard way - most manufacturers closed up shop. Still, we can now claim that we are part of the solution. I received the HPA CEO report by email and am pleased to see that HPA is being proactive in many proposed regulations which might affect the hearth industry. However, while reading the proposed actions, I found myself concerned about whether the HPA (or the industry in general) cares about anything except profits at the expense of the environment. For instance, one of the regs that we are fighting deals with an EPA proposal which could limit or even halt the use of air-dry coatings (paint). Although I am not fully informed on the matter, I would assume this is because of the carcinogenic compounds released by the solvents of these materials. If this is true, maybe this is a GOOD idea...as long as alternatives exist. I'm giving this as only an example, but the larger question is this: Does HPA have an environmental "litmus test" in it's determination of what issues to oppose, or is it simply the profit motives of our members? Although GW Bush thinks "people" can be trusted to make all decisions, history has shown us that allowing this to happen means bad air, water and land. I watched the 3 debates and GW will not even mention the word "environment". Many European countries have a saner outlook, that of making the manufacturer responsible for ALL products that come in and out of the factory, from the disposal of solvents to the recycling of the final product when it's useful life span is over. The even broader question: Are we environmentalists...or are we simply business people looking out for our own interests? I'd be interested in the opinions of the list members. ------------------------------------------------------ Craig Issod HearthNet at http://www.hearth.com [email protected] Everything your Hearth Desires ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------
(back) Subject: Expo Design Center news From: <[email protected]> Date: Sun, 5 Nov 2000 22:57:02 -0500 I haven't heard much conversation on-line about Hearth USA and/or the Home Depot Expo Design Centers these days. I am sure this is not just a minor occurrence that we can all ignore in the Hearth Industry. (I don't think there is that much sand to go around) Does anyone have any information about their direction and successes. With 15 new store for Expo and a few for Hearth USA there must be some knowledgeable information that can be shared. I don't want to hear about how we as specialty retailers with all our astounding personal service will not be effected by the impact of the mega-stores >>> please save those words for the ostrich convention. It is my understanding that the Expos have a strong business plan and plenty of funding to penetrate and service the specialty markets in casual furniture, bath, kitchen, hearth & plumbing. With 200 stores coming on over the next 3 to 4 years I think we should start to have some idea how this will effect us in the hearth industry ...... The ramifications of a growing chain with that much power will effect us >>> not just in our sales neighborhood but by which manufacturers will be purchased and per$uaded to meet the demands of the mega retailers. Anyone wish to venture some insight into the effects of first 15 Expos on the Hearth Industry ..... let alone a guess about the buying influence of the next 185 expos scheduled to come on board the train?? Your comments please. Ken Fulgione Leisure Home Center _________________________________________ United Buyers Group Forging a Stronger Fire http://www.unitedbuyersgroup.com Hearth Dealer Regional Inquiries Welcome _______________________________________