Archived from TacomasOutsidersGuide.com circa 2018·Today this work continues as THE WALL & Stars 4 Peace: y2112
Tacoma's Outsider's Guide Contents
Tacoma's Outsider's Guide — 1 Sound 1 Life, w/ Artists 4 Life in the Sound

The header above is the original 2018 site banner — its links are part of the picture. To move around this archive, use the “Site navigation” menu just below, or the “Start here” links at the top of the page. The photos for the guide will be re-added over time.

Home, Banking & Legal

Recovered from the Internet Archive capture of 15 March 2018. Images not recovered: 1.

Home & Personal Environs

image: Picture
Suffice it to say that few things effect a longer-term impact on our land and personal well-being, our economy or our personal freedoms than these three things together.  Opinions are wide and various for all matters across the board regards these subjects, and I for one can only speak intelligently on the home.

The air you breathe inside your home has an effect on you and your family you're likely not to notice - until you experience what clean Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) feels like, you're likely not to value it.  But everything from the paints you use to your home's ventilation to the kinds of insulation you use has a great impact on your quality of life in ways the mainstream marketplace is only now beginning to reflect. 

On the other hand, specialists familiar enough with the solid, tried and true, rather common sense issues involving your family's well being and your home can talk you through most of the major issues in only a few minutes.  Doing a little research on your own will familiarize you with some of the issues you're faced with before talking with a professional.


INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES

Northwest Eco Building Guild
www.ecobuilding.org

Natural Choice Directory
www.naturalchoice.net

Excellent articles for how to choose a sustainably-minded architect, builder, materials, etc. 

Some Examples: 
    Green Your Home
            www.naturalchoice.net/articles/greenyourhome.htm
    What is a Green Home?
            www.naturalchoice.net/articles/whatgreenhome.htm

Scroll and click through various categories and articles for additional reference materials.  Very helpful and informative.

Tacoma-Pierce County Built Green
Counties served: Pierce
Programs offered: Single family, multi-family, remodel and land development, all with 1- to 5-star levels.
Contact: Tiffany Speir, (253) 272-2112 ext.105 
www.builtgreenpierce.org/

BUILDING SUPPLY

The Re-Store - Habitat for Humanity
505 Puyallup Ave.; Tacoma, WA  98421

(253) 779-8149  http://www.tpc-habitat.org/pages/restore.htm
Mon - Sat 10a – 5p

Second Use Building Materials
7953 2nd Ave S, Seattle 98108
(206) 763-6929  www.seconduse.com
“Helping contractors and homeowners recover reusable building materials from their remodeling and demolition projects.  And, through our retail outlet, our customers have in turn helped to find new homes for the material.  This process provides both a more sustainable alternative to buying new and a mechanism for passing on the stories that inhabit the homes and businesses throughout the Puget Sound region.”  Quoted from Website

Ecohaus
4121 1st Ave. S.; Seattle, WA 98134
(206) 315-1974   http://www.ecohaus.com/
Mon-Fri 8am-6pm; Sat 10a-5p; Sun 11a-5p

Gray Lumber (Multiple Locations)
3800 6th Avenue, Tacoma, WA
(253) 752-7000 ‎ graylumber.com
Mon - Fri 6:30a - 5:00p,  Sat 8a - 4p

3902 South M Street, Tacoma, WA
(253) 759-3546 ‎

Tacoma Screw
2001 Center St,; Tacoma, WA  98409
(253) 572-3444

Lincoln Hardware
3726 S. G St,; Tacoma, WA  98418
(253) 472-1425

POWER, ENERGY & EFFICIENCY

Solar Richard Thompson
2037 S. 7th Ave; Tacoma, WA  98405
(253) 572-9220 

One of the foremost experts on Solar Power in our area, Richard knows his stuff, just ask the New York Times.  The City of Tacoma pay Richard every year for power he sends back - you can do it, too.  He’ll show you solar options that charge even during light as low as that of a full moon.
For another Q&A article, Google: “Solar Richard, Sun King of Tacoma”.

CONSULTATION & ARCHITECTURE

Biointegra (Green Design, Consulting & Building)
PO Box 42; Fox Island, WA  98333
206.569.5228  www.biointegra.us
Small, family owned, honest and full of integrity, Biointegra is a full service design & consulting firm specializing in tried and true sustainable building techniques.  Check out the “Ecobuilding” tab on their website, and give Aaron a call - you’ll be impressed with his knowledge; hire him - and you’ll be impressed with his character.  A true blessing.

Batt + Lear
3220 1st Ave S #300; Seattle, WA  98134
(206) 301-1999  www.battandlear.com

INTERIOR & DESIGN SOLUTIONS

Libertine
(contact for #) Sprague Ave; Tacoma, WA 98405
*By appointment only  http://www.libertinetacoma.etsy.com
Mon - Sun 12p noon - 12a midnight

Intriguing, thoughtful creativity sets Libertine apart in our city.  She is a creative force encouraging individuals to find things that inspire them.  This she accomplishes through original handcrafted Art and Home Accessories & Gifts, Interior Design Consultation, personalized Color & Style Consultation and - culinary salts.

Madera Architectural Elements
Downtown, Tacoma - by Appointment Mon-Fri
253.572.1218  www.maderastudio.net

“MAE is a collective of Pacific Northwest Artisans all of whom design and fabricate exceptional building components and furnishings.  The talents of our member-artisans vary from hand-made ceramic tiles to custom metal fabrication and cover nearly every creative aspect of architectural furnishings. Our members are full-time, established professionals in their fields.  The combined experience is vast and, through collaboration, the design possibilities are endless.?”                                                                                        Quoted from website

Mindy Barker - Muralist & Painter
253.380.9164  www.mindybarker.com
Member of the Madera group, if you like the personable, playful, elegant and thoughtful touch to your home, she might just be the one for you.

Rosalee Howard Commercial & Residential Interior Design
http://rosaleehoward.weebly.com/

HOUSE CLEANING

ECO Cents-ible Cleaning Kits
706 Salzburg Lane SE; Olympia, WA  98513
360-491-3693  http://www.ecocentsible.com

“Eco Cents-ible Cleaning Kits are an alternative to using harsh commercial cleaning products in the home.  Assorted kit prices range from
$25-$60 and include common and inexpensive household items, several helpful tools, sample product(s), and a guide book full of formulas
designed to start you on a path to creating your own eco-safe cleansers.”

SPECIALTY CONTRACTING & IMPROVEMENT

Father And Son Hauling
(253)671-9951  www.FatherandSonHauling.yolasite.com

' Serving all your hauling needs. We will haul anything, anytime! '

GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Phase II
8821 John Dower Rd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
(253) 584-0804   http://www.phaseii.net

“Established in 1978, Phase II, Inc. has been an award winning leader in innovative design and remodeling serving the greater Puget Sound region. We are trained in environmentally friendly procedures and participate in recycling programs for all products possible. We are committed to efficiency, accuracy and above all client satisfaction. It is our belief that you, our clients, are our best resume.”                        Quoted from Website

York
3517 South 13th Street; Tacoma, WA 98405
Phone: (253) 752-3189  www.yorkenterprises.com

“York Enterprises focuses on quality residential construction, remodeling, home maintenance and handyman projects with a commitment to total customer service. From kitchens and bathrooms to whole house remodels and custom homes, York will make your vision a reality.”       
                Quoted from Website

Modern Builders Inc
3114 South Proctor Street; Tacoma, WA 98409
(253) 383-1704  http://mbi1954.com/

CLEANING, PAINTING & MAINTENANCE

Beautiful Day (Window, Gutter & Roof Cleaning)
(253) 414-5304  www.beautifuldaywindowcleaning.com

Top Hat Chimney Sweep & Repair
1720 12th Street Southwest, Puyallup, WA 
(253) 841-4002 ‎ tophatchimney.org

Green Brush Painting
1011 North 38th Street, Seattle, WA 98103

(206) 228-3868  http://www.greenbrush.com

Non-toxic, eco-friendly painting services with 14 years of experience, 
GBP uses quality, affordable, zero-VOC paints and specializes in clinics, homes and schools - keep the air you breathe clean, and the earth green.

WATER, GARDEN & PERMACULTURE

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wr/hq/rwh.html 
http://www.naturalrainwater.com

Serenity Garden Design
743 Broadway, Ste 206; Tacoma, WA  98402
253.537.6716  http://www.serenitygardendesign.com

Green and organic garden design and consultation business. Serving Pierce, King, and Thurston Counties. Vintage garden shop located inside of Sanford and Son Antiques on Broadway.

Jungle Fever Exotics
5050 No. Pearl St; Tacoma, WA  98407
253.759.8141  http://www.junglefeverexotics.com/

Dirt Girls Yard Makeovers
253.686.2020 or 253.202.1370

Specializing in Home & Commercial property maintenance, enhance your curb appeal, makeover your yard or face lift your home or business. 
Your indoor home and office plants need care also.  New pots, repotting existing plants, new plants, fertilizing - they do it all well, and you'll love how indoor gardening can change your living/work space. Estimates are always free.

Rain Dog Designs 
2725 Nob Hill Ave. N.; Seattle, WA  98109
360.339.8487  http://raindogdesigns.com

Rain Dog Designs provides sustainable landscaping services that protect habitat and waterways for clients across Puget Sound. We specialize in rain gardens, low impact development, and natural yard care techniques.

WASTE & WASTE MANAGEMENT

The Recycling Center
at the Tacoma Landfill
3510 S. Mullen St., Tacoma, WA  98409

http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?hid=2181  

Mon-Sun 8a - 6p 
Closed  New Year’s, 4th of July, Thanksgiving & Christmas

The Recycling Center accepts clean, separated recyclable items from City of Tacoma and Pierce County residents, as well as from businesses with small truckloads of material. There is no charge to use the Recycling Center.