Todays green tip is really all about you and what you can do as an individual to make sustainable living a reality. To begin with; there is a website everyone will find interesting: http://www.greentowns.com/NAR
As we have been speaking of for a while now, the green tips have focused on what we can do as individuals to help sustain our planet; and requiring only a change of attitude; not gobs of money or complex programs.
Now, we would like to move in to how to bring sustainable or "green" living, from the community we choose to live in to the very home we choose to live in. Two such properties are on our beautiful mesa. Using one of our greatest features that helps make our land what we refer to as "sustainable ready", namely our vast amount of sunshine, these two pioneering individuals made the effort to build homes that are both "off-grid" and truly sustainable.
We hope to highlight both of them individually in future greentips. In the meantime; it is important for us to realize that these two pioneering land owners started their projects at a time when the technology was not readily available and entirely understood or accepted.. Unlike today (which is still in it's infincey), one of the land owners built a yurt style home http://www.yurtsofamerica.com/?gclid=COKzqeC2k6wCFQYZQgod2QGJpw requiring a new type of permit, namely, the home is a 1 room design.
Our other land owner built an "earth ship" http://earthship.com/ type home. Both homes make use of solar and wind energy, have sustainable gardens, and make use of many sustainable features. While our one community member lives on the mesa full time; the other uses the location as a second home.
The most exciting aspect of these homes is that the modern technology was, made in part, because of growing consumer interest encouraging the market to meet modern consumer demand. In other words; it takes all of us!
IS SOLAR COMING...TO YOUR FAVORITE BIG BOX STORE?
GREEN TIP #11
While we do not endorse specific products or stores; any time a new product or service shows up which will further the cause of sustainable living, we want you to learn about it!
While shopping in my neighborhood COSTCO store; I saw something amazing that only a short time ago was considered "exotic technology" for the average person. LENNOX http://www.lennox.com/products/solar-ready/ and COSTCO http://www.costco.com/ were offering a full solar powered heat / ac system including solar panels and installation for a promotional price. Is this the wave of the here and now and not just the future any more?
Has solar power finally come of age for the average family? What is so exciting to understand is that the technology is no longer just a new tool for the few willing "pioneers". It is being made available at consumer prices and realistic workability.
Heat and air is probibly the largest cost and fossel fuel user of all home needs. Having solar power we can simply walk into our neighborhood store and order is a big step in the right direction.
Also it means that where we live can now be a real choice of our heart, like our sustainable ready land, and not merely a function of needing services. We are well on our way to truly living in a "wireless world"
Among the features really becoming available to all of us are electric cars, affordable solar power, wireless high speed internet, as well as the long standing cell phones. The word "sustainable" no longer applies to a select few.
THINGS WE CAN DO UN UNDER 2 HOURS
GREEN TIP #10
When it comes to doing something, especially if it is boring or requires effort; how often do we hear people say "Yea! get someone on it or Let THEM handle it."
How many folks sing the popular lament "If I only had a million bucks or win the lottery, I would..." If only life could be that simple; but it requires more then talk!
Here is an example of something we can do on our own that costs no money and just requires a positive intention.
As a Realtor, I am often invited to those "boring" meetings that require some "effort". This past Tuesday, I decided to get moving and make the effort to attend a political affair, hosted by my local real estate association, with New Mexico Congressman Martin Heinrich.
Wanting to create new ways to incorporate sustainable living or "green" principals in the public psyche; I decided to just pick a direction and go with it. While not a big deal such as the "occupy" movement or even the scope of a news spot; It offered a chance to plant seeds among politicians and my fellow real estate colleagues.
As "fate" would have it, I found myself seated next to a political activist working at the state level and began speaking about my views on the subject of sustainable living. Before long, I had given her my card and will soon be contacted and hopefully start being a part of bringing "green" thinking forward. While not starting a new committe or setting the world on fire; I did what I could as an involved citizen who also is aware that we all share this planet and need to start doing what we, as individuals, can to build our ideal environment!
HOW BIG IS YOUR FOOTPRINT?...CARBON THAT IS!
GREEN TIP #9
One of the items we all need to consider with every decision is "what is my overall carbon footprint?" http://www.pe-international.com/america/services-solutions/carbon-footprint/?gclid=CP7b9On676sCFSOAgwodM143IQ. In other words; am I doing all I can to improve my overall energy use? Ideally, we should use little or no more energy then we create. Can this be done? We have seen that (green tip #7) we need to look at the total picture when buying a new home or retrofitting an existing one.
Other things to consider are:
1-How long is my drive to work or school?
2-what is the fuel use in my car and can it be improved with better driving habits?
3-Can I reduce my use of fossel fuels by using a more efficient schedule?
4-Do I compost and use it in my garden?
5-Do I recycle?
6-Do I, as a citizen, watch my munincapality and encourage better management of resources?
7-Are my lightbulbs energy efficient types such as LED?
8-Do I generate any of my own power?
9-Am I involved in the production of renewable energy?
10-Have I had an energy audit performed in my home?
Most energy audits are either free or low cost. Your local power company many times offer a free audit.
VOC? VOLITLE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS:
GREEN TIP #8
Eventually, it becomes time to renovate; or just buy paint or cleaners. The VOC content suddenly becomes very important. Did you know there are some excellent resources provided by EPA to help guide you?
These resources can help guide you to read and understand the labels so you can make the best decision with regard to indoor air quality.
There are even paint and insulation types designed to produce little or no VOC's. We are all familiar with the dangers of lead paint; but did you know that something as innocuous sounding as a household cleaner can be hazardous to indoor air quality? Check out these sites also:
So, when it becomes time to renovate; or just spring clean; give some thought to your VOC labels!
ME FIRST! PLANET FIRST! HOW ABOUT BOTH?
GREEN TIP #7
Lets take an inaginary trip together and find our new home. Two couples are house hunting. The first couple (Bob and Carol) want to be environmentally responsable. They both have jobs downtown and want to have as low a carbon footprint as possiblle.
Bob likes the economic aspects of sustainability while Carol is focused in on environmental issues. With the resources and knowledge provided by their agent who is also a NAR Green Designee; they both already know that a number of issues need to be considered. The choice is now down to 2 communities. "GREENTOWN" is a new "eco-chic" community built with sustainability as first priority. All homes have the latest "Energy star" features and carry an extremely high HERS (HOME ENERGY RATING SCORE). The electric system is a new grid/built in solar panel system mostly generating as much power from the sun as the home uses from the power grid so the monthly power bill is almost zero. In fact the home itself is fully sustainable.
Now, we need to weigh in all of the other factors as well. The community is 20 miles from work leading to increased fossel fuel use. Further, the city where the community is located has no recycle program and restrictive covenants prohibit composting.
On the other hand, the alternate community of "STANDARD TOWN" is located just a few blocks from work and can be easily reached with a short walk or bike ride. Composting is permitted and the local services offer a good recycling program. The overall "carbon footprint" as well as monthly energy expense actually increases with the GREENTOWN home. The choice is now very different when we consider all the details.
In the case of our second couple (Mike and Pat), circumstances are quite different. Greentown and Standardtown are also in the running but Mike has a home based business whille Pat telecommutes. Location is not a factor as far as fossel fuel usage is concerned as Greentown has an excellent wi-fi syatem and all technology for telecommuting is already in place plus the couple likes the increased technology of the area and feel more comfortable here. Furthermore, the couple does not compost and even though a recycle program is not currently offered one is supposedly "in the works". In their case, Greentown makes sense.
In the case of our first couple, they decided that some simple and inexpensive upgrades in appliances, insulation, and fixtures will help the energy score increase lowering their carbon footprint even more.
While this is a highly symplified example, we can see that there are many more factors to consider when looking to go "green". With self education and the objective assistance of a broker willing to help look at all factors is necessary; now, we can have a real "me first - planet first" model!
GREENSMART OR GREENWASHED?
GREEEN TIP #6
We seem to see the term GREEN everywhere. It has become a part of our national psyche. We see the GREEN party GREEN peace, GREEN cars, and GREEN recycling programs. Even the National Association of Realtors has a GREEN designation!
How then do we find the products and services we and the planet really benefit from vs. the products and services that seem to scream the cliche GREEN which are offered more for advertising and marketing then real sustainable benefit? You can educate yourself for starters! Keep looking at this site for daily tips and future links and "how to" videos.
Here are a few questions you might ask yourself when shopping for real estate for example:
2-Will this property lengthen or shorten my commute and how will that increase or decreace my overall carbon "footprint"?
3-Do the appliances offer good energy scores?
4-Does this property have any solar systems?
5-Is the location near public transportation?
6-Is my agent a Green designee?
7-Will the overall cost justify the move?
8-What role will the sun play in this home?
We should always bear in mind that going "GREEN" does not have to mean going "EXPENSIVE". If we let the salesman make the decisions; then we may be subject to "greenwashing". If we educate ourselves; then it is we who can recieve the most benefit from going GREEN!
GREEN TIP ARCHIVES:
GREEN TIP #1: LIVE WELL WITH ORGANIC
For my first “green tip”, I will direct you to this article by the well known Natural Doctor Mercola. Organic food should be our first priority when it comes to natural living. What good is reducing our carbon footprint from the environment if we are busy poisoning ourselves? I follow his articles regularly. Of course, the choice is always yours.
The first bag is expensive, store bought, and environmentally harmful. The second is still plastic but you are recycling it. It is free with your purchase of your fruits and vegetables at the supermarket; and you are giving it a new purpose!
So ,dont just recycle; reuse and save money and help the environment at the same time!
GREEN TIP #3
I AM ON MY WAY TO THE MARKET; WHAT CAN I DO RIGHT NOW?
Sustainable living doesent need to be expensive or time consuming. If we all do a little, we can start today! Take our lighting, for example, the CFR and LED lights save energy and money both. Just replace your standard light bulbs with the newer type. You might even notice how much less often replacement is necessary; not to mention energy savings!
ALTERNATIVES TO TOXIC CHEMICALS: GREEN TIP #4
in keeping with our focus in this series of practical and inexpensive ways to live a more sustainable and earth affirming life, we continue with alternative cleaning ideas. While toxic chemical cleaners come in pretty bottles and advertise their ease of cleaning, there may be a downside!
For starters, many popular cleaning chemicals are believed toxic to our planet, pets, and our health; and are totally unnecessary. Instead, one of the very best cleaners around makes a great alternative to commercial cleaning products. I refer here to plain old white vinegar, available in most club stores at about $4 per gallon and sold at almost every grocery and drug store. It is great on floors and counters, is non-toxic and inexpensive. It is also great on salad!
Another often overlooked product with many household uses is baking soda. It is said to make a great toothpaste and non-toxic deodorant among other uses. Of course, you should always consult your physician when planning any changes; exploring thrifty and more effective alternatives to toxic chemicals is something everyone can do right now. While we plan to explore other sustainable alternatives such as solar and wind power, we can all start taking baby steps today!
IT IS "THEIR" PROBLEM :GREEN TIP #5
GREEN TIP #5
It is so easy to just use the old cliché “that is their problem”; but, when it comes to sustaining our planet, it becomes OUR problem. Come on now do you just take the paper napkins and stir sticks you need from the coffee shop or do you toss as much as will fit in the bag then just throw it away? After all, don’t THEY get all that money? When we order water from the restaurant; do we really drink it or just toss it out? When we see our city wasting resources; do we speak up and demand action? It is so easy to simply say THEY will fix it. Well exactly who is “THEY”. Isn’t it really us we refer to? Whereas we may think sustainability only applies to our own home, we still share resources. Someone has to do it! I remember the “Reagan” years. They only delayed the inevitable. In future tips, I plan to offer suggestions for solar and wind power, working with city governments to implement and improve sustainability, and offering videos to help us all build a more sustainable planet. It will only occur one step at a time until we collectively reach “critical"mass!
