Rachelle has a new project – trying to convince Ed to let her replace their old kitchen countertops. She even found a company that makes the kitchen surface out of used glass. Ed loves the idea of using recycled material, but is afraid his old counter top will end up in a landfill. He also worries that giving in to this one project will lead to Rachelle campaigning for more renovations.
Rachelle ends up winning the fight and promises Ed they will find something to do with the old kitchen tiles. The renovation starts immediately with workers removing the sink and tearing out the old countertop. The kitchen is now a construction site, with most of their cooking products moved to various parts of the house.
Outside there are changes going on as well. Chris – the Begley’s gardener – stops by to inspect a dead tree in the yard and have it replaced. Ed doesn’t hire just anyone to take care of his yard; he has a “green gardener” who tries to do most of his work with basic tools. When it is necessary to use a power tool, Chris only works with electric mowers and leaf blowers. Chris is also concerned about the environment and doesn’t own any gas-powered machines that add to LA’s smog problem. His electric tools are quieter and better for the environment.
Rachelle, now empowered by the kitchen renovation, moves on to fixing up more of the yard. She starts by taking apart the playhouse their daughter, Hayden, outgrew years ago. She convinces Ed to help her, but now that he’s involved he wants to know what she plans on doing with the large toy. He refuses to let it end up in a landfill, and instead washes it off then leaves it outside with a “For Free” sign attached. Ed believes that having someone else reuse an object is the easiest form of recycling.
With the kitchen sink missing, washing dishes has become a little more difficult. Still, Ed refuses to let anyone use the dishwasher because he thinks it wastes too much water. Instead he has the whole family wash their dishes in a tiny bathroom sink. Rachelle wonders if this home improvement is worth al the hassle.
Rachelle ends up finding a good side to the renovation – shopping! She and Ed meet with James from Vetrazzo, the company who produces the countertops made of recycled materials. James shows the Begleys samples made from stop lights, liquor bottles and more. Rachelle and Ed pick out a top called “Hollywood Sage” made of soda bottles. In fact, their counter top will consist of over 1,000 soda bottles.
A few days later, the countertop is finally installed. Ed and Rachelle love the new addition to their kitchen, but she already wants more! Rachelle immediately points out that the dishwasher doesn’t match the new counters. Ed refuses to give in to another renovation, but Rachelle’s not giving up anytime soon.
For more information about Vetrazzo countertops, go to www.vetrazzo.com.
Vetrazzo!
