How about a Few Tricks to Treat Our Environment Well this Halloween?
Halloween is just around the corner, and with children excited to bring in their annual candy haul, it’s also a good time to look at how we can give back to our community by treating the environment well. Here are some tips of how you can help make this a green Halloween:
Do a Costume Swap.
Save money and reduce waste by getting together with others to trade previously worn costumes.
Hit the Lights.
It’s a scary time of year, so stick with the theme and use fewer lights or burn candles instead.
Ditch the Store-bought Decor.
Use leaves, old boxes and other recycled materials to create a big spook without the big spend.
Keep your kids safe - it's scary out there!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
California's Going Solar...Duh!
New solar homes are cropping up across California as part of the California Energy Commission’s New Solar Homes Partnership (NSHP), which is offering today’s budget-conscience buyers an enticing alternative to banked-owned bargains.
The NSHP is a component of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s $3.3-billion California Solar Initiative and has a goal to produce 400 megawatts of solar electricity on approximately 160,000 new homes by 2017.
The Governor tasked the Energy Commission to work with new home builders to create a self-sustaining market for solar homes where builders incorporate high levels of energy efficiency with high-performing solar systems to reduce the homeowner’s electric bill by up to 60 percent.
Right now, solar homes qualify for a federal tax credit of up to 30 percent of the cost of the solar installation. In addition, California home buyers can take advantage of a $10,000 tax credit for buying a new construction home and first-time buyers can also qualify for an $8,000 federal tax credit. Buyers should consult their tax professional or the IRS for details.
The Energy Commission’s goal is to assist the industry in constructing and selling new energy efficient, solar homes. Builders who have already joined the NSHP report that solar homes get greater foot traffic to their models and sell faster than their competitors across the street who may not offer solar. These builders have also received positive feedback from buyers who are experiencing tremendous savings on their monthly utility bills.
Looking to add solar to your home or business: Contact us!
The NSHP is a component of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s $3.3-billion California Solar Initiative and has a goal to produce 400 megawatts of solar electricity on approximately 160,000 new homes by 2017.
The Governor tasked the Energy Commission to work with new home builders to create a self-sustaining market for solar homes where builders incorporate high levels of energy efficiency with high-performing solar systems to reduce the homeowner’s electric bill by up to 60 percent.
Right now, solar homes qualify for a federal tax credit of up to 30 percent of the cost of the solar installation. In addition, California home buyers can take advantage of a $10,000 tax credit for buying a new construction home and first-time buyers can also qualify for an $8,000 federal tax credit. Buyers should consult their tax professional or the IRS for details.
The Energy Commission’s goal is to assist the industry in constructing and selling new energy efficient, solar homes. Builders who have already joined the NSHP report that solar homes get greater foot traffic to their models and sell faster than their competitors across the street who may not offer solar. These builders have also received positive feedback from buyers who are experiencing tremendous savings on their monthly utility bills.
Looking to add solar to your home or business: Contact us!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Cash for KITCHEN Clunkers!
You've heard of Cash for Clunkers as it relates to cars, right? Did you know you can get cash for your fridge?
Between the refrigerator, oven, microwave, and lights, kitchens can consume a lot of energy, but here are some ways to reduce your kitchen’s energy usage and save some money:
“Right size” your appliances: The larger your appliances, the more energy they consume. And, large appliances take up more space, meaning you’ll need to heat and cool additional square footage to accommodate them. Finding the “right size” appliance to fit your needs—instead of just buying the largest one available—can help you to save energy.
Replace old refrigerators: If your refrigerator is more than 10 years old, it might be time to consider replacing it. Old refrigerators can account for up to 15 percent of a home’s energy consumption. Newer refrigerators, especially ENERGY STAR ones , consume significantly less energy than older ones—sometimes as little as one-quarter of the energy. And try not to be tempted to keep the old refrigerator running in the garage—running two refrigerators will just increase your energy costs! Many local utility companies offer rebates to pick up your old refrigerator if it’s still operational. Click here to have your fridge picked up, and get paid to do it!
Use your dishwasher: Although dishwashers are energy intensive, they also use less water than hand-washing, so as long as you use your dishwasher wisely, running the dishwasher can be a good thing. Dishwashers today are built to handle food remnants, so resist the urge to pre-rinse before putting your dishes in the dishwasher—basically you are just doing double-duty (and increasing your water bill). Also, always make sure you run a full load—dishwashers always use the same amount of water, so the more dishes you can fit in a load, the more energy efficient it will be.
As with a refrigerator, if your dishwasher is old, consider replacing it—replacing a pre-1994 dishwasher with an ENERGY STAR model can save $30 a year on utility costs.
Between the refrigerator, oven, microwave, and lights, kitchens can consume a lot of energy, but here are some ways to reduce your kitchen’s energy usage and save some money:
“Right size” your appliances: The larger your appliances, the more energy they consume. And, large appliances take up more space, meaning you’ll need to heat and cool additional square footage to accommodate them. Finding the “right size” appliance to fit your needs—instead of just buying the largest one available—can help you to save energy.
Replace old refrigerators: If your refrigerator is more than 10 years old, it might be time to consider replacing it. Old refrigerators can account for up to 15 percent of a home’s energy consumption. Newer refrigerators, especially ENERGY STAR ones , consume significantly less energy than older ones—sometimes as little as one-quarter of the energy. And try not to be tempted to keep the old refrigerator running in the garage—running two refrigerators will just increase your energy costs! Many local utility companies offer rebates to pick up your old refrigerator if it’s still operational. Click here to have your fridge picked up, and get paid to do it!
Use your dishwasher: Although dishwashers are energy intensive, they also use less water than hand-washing, so as long as you use your dishwasher wisely, running the dishwasher can be a good thing. Dishwashers today are built to handle food remnants, so resist the urge to pre-rinse before putting your dishes in the dishwasher—basically you are just doing double-duty (and increasing your water bill). Also, always make sure you run a full load—dishwashers always use the same amount of water, so the more dishes you can fit in a load, the more energy efficient it will be.
As with a refrigerator, if your dishwasher is old, consider replacing it—replacing a pre-1994 dishwasher with an ENERGY STAR model can save $30 a year on utility costs.
- Cook smart: Making small changes to the way you cook can definitely increase your energy efficiency. For example:* Put a lid on pots and pans: it will decrease time on the burner.*
- Unplug appliances: Even when not in use, some appliances may still be consuming standby energy.*
- Size matters: If you are making a meal, think about using a toaster oven or the microwave—both consume significantly less energy than a regular oven.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
ENERGY UPGRADES can YIELD TAX CREDITS!
If you’ve been putting off energy-efficient home upgrades, now may be the time to take on some home improvement projects.
Thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, you've heard about new incentives for consumers to eliminate outdated, inefficient building systems that affect residents’ comfort and pocketbooks.
The stimulus bill expanded and extended the tax credits for the home improvements that had expired in 2007. That means through 2010, consumers can claim a 30 percent tax credit for costs of buying things like new windows, furnaces and insulation. The lifetime cap is $1,500. (Before, consumers only could claim 10 percent of the costs and the cap was $500.)
Among the common home projects covered are:
- Exterior windows, including skylights and storm windows;
- Insulation, exterior doors and roofs, including sealants to minimize air infiltration (caulk, weather stripping and sealants), and storm doors
- Central air conditioning; heat pumps; furnaces and boilers; and water heaters.
Because there are certain quirks and deadlines associated with what does and doesn’t meet the guidelines, you have to be careful looking at what exactly qualifies.
Homeowners able to make more significant investments may want to consider some longer-term energy solutions, such as:
- Geothermal heat pumps
- Solar photovoltaic cells
- Solar water heaters, and fuel cells
They’re eligible for the 30 percent tax credit and there’s no maximum cost.
Again, it’s important to understand all the criteria to receive full tax benefits.
Resources:
- Alliance to Save Energy: offers an easy-to-follow guide on the available tax credits
- Energy Star: offers information and a Q&A about the Federal tax credits.
- Flex Your Power: lets you search by zip code for energy-efficient rebates and incentives in California
- The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency: is another source for information on California-specific financial incentives for energy upgrades.
Looking to buy or sell property with a proven Realtor: Call today: 858-245-6709
Friday, August 28, 2009
School's Back in Session!
Make an eco-friendly commitment throughout your community and schools!
Join us by making sure your kids have a “green school year.”
Use reusable lunch boxes and bags to pack your kids’ lunches.
Pack a reusable water container instead of plastic bottles.
Encourage the use of recyclable products in your kids’ classrooms.
Choose non-toxic supplies when available.
Join us by making sure your kids have a “green school year.”
Use reusable lunch boxes and bags to pack your kids’ lunches.
Pack a reusable water container instead of plastic bottles.
Encourage the use of recyclable products in your kids’ classrooms.
Choose non-toxic supplies when available.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Guerilla gardening: Eco-friendly landscaping on the cheap
Gardening and landscaping is a favorite pastime in 84 million U.S. households. If done right, it's good for the environment and increases the aesthetic and financial value of your home. But it can mean shoveling a ton of green from your wallet into a hole in the yard. Americans spend more than $40 billion annually on their lawns and gardens.
For an affordable and eco-friendly alternative, try "guerrilla gardening" -- recycling plants and landscape materials.
Some freescaping ideas:
Pitch in with a shovel, and landscaping crews are usually happy to give you what they uproot when tearing out existing landscapes and native plants.
Water less/save more by mulching. Ask the highway maintenance crew to dump their wood chips in your front yard or check with the local landfill; many shred wood products and giveaway the mulch for free.
Grow your own plants from those you already have; pick up a copy of American Horticultural Society Plant Propagation (DK, 1999).
Make your own compost, and contact local stables and the zoo to get on their "manure wish list." (Warning: you'll grow what the animals eat... including wild grasses!)
Check with demolition crews and salvage yards for bricks, cobblestone, broken concrete slab, and other materials for garden walls and walkways.
Get into swapping -- free plants, that is. Attend or host a plant swap meet.
Transform plastic pipe -- a common construction site throwaway -- into garden trellises that pass for wrought iron when spray painted black.
Sprinkle spent coffee grounds and crushed egg shells around your plants to enhance soil nutrition and protect against garden slugs.
And when it comes to garden art, anything recycled goes: from car tire planters to bicycle wheel sculptures.
For an affordable and eco-friendly alternative, try "guerrilla gardening" -- recycling plants and landscape materials.
Some freescaping ideas:
Pitch in with a shovel, and landscaping crews are usually happy to give you what they uproot when tearing out existing landscapes and native plants.
Water less/save more by mulching. Ask the highway maintenance crew to dump their wood chips in your front yard or check with the local landfill; many shred wood products and giveaway the mulch for free.
Grow your own plants from those you already have; pick up a copy of American Horticultural Society Plant Propagation (DK, 1999).
Make your own compost, and contact local stables and the zoo to get on their "manure wish list." (Warning: you'll grow what the animals eat... including wild grasses!)
Check with demolition crews and salvage yards for bricks, cobblestone, broken concrete slab, and other materials for garden walls and walkways.
Get into swapping -- free plants, that is. Attend or host a plant swap meet.
Transform plastic pipe -- a common construction site throwaway -- into garden trellises that pass for wrought iron when spray painted black.
Sprinkle spent coffee grounds and crushed egg shells around your plants to enhance soil nutrition and protect against garden slugs.
And when it comes to garden art, anything recycled goes: from car tire planters to bicycle wheel sculptures.
Monday, August 17, 2009
GREENWASHING
Here’s a list of some key green terms to know and understand.
Alternative Energy: Energy derived from nontraditional sources (e.g., compressed natural gas, solar, hydroelectric, or wind).
Carbon Footprint: Carbon footprint refers to the overall carbon emissions created by a building, including its construction and operation.
Carbon Neutral: A claim made by some companies and developers to describe a building or product whose net carbon emissions are zero. This is very difficult to achieve and truly possible only if something doesn’t emit any carbon at all or soaks up as much as it emits.
Carbon Offsets: Carbon offsets allow people to pay money to fund a forestry project, renewable energy project, or research into renewable energy technology in order to offset their carbon emissions.
Fossil Fuels: Fuels including coal, natural gas, and oil that are used to generate electricity.
Going Green: Going green can relate to numerous parts of a person’s everyday life. From transportation choices to a home’s design features, going green can mean different things to different people, but its core theme embraces the idea of taking steps to reduce one’s overall impact on the environment. This can occur through reducing energy usage, recycling, utilizing public transportation, buying products locally, or designing or remodeling a home so that it is more energy efficient.
Greenwashing: Greenwashing is the practice of making an unsubstantiated or misleading claim about the environmental benefits of a product, service, technology, or company practice. Essentially, selling something as green when it’s not, i.e., “Come check out our eco-friendly gas station!” Another example is a homeowner/REALTOR® referring to his or her home/listing with a few green features as a “green home.”
Green Enhancements: Green enhancements are changes and improvements made to a home that make it more environmentally friendly.
Photovoltaic (PV) Panels: Panels that can be fitted to a roof or a post in the ground, which convert visible light into direct current (DC). Once connected to the power grid, they can provide no-cost solar energy for decades. While the up-front costs of PV systems are still high, federal, state, and local incentives and rebates, as well as drastically reduced energy prices, help the systems pay for themselves more quickly.
Sustainability: The World Commission on Environment and Development defines sustainability as “Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.” In reference to a building or business, it’s an approach that evaluates environmental, social, and financial factors equally.
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC): VOCs are organic chemical compounds that are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. They can have short- and long-term adverse health effects. In the home, VOCs are often found in paint, cleaning supplies, building materials, and furnishings.
Zero Energy Home: A zero energy home (ZEH) combines state-of-the-art, energy-efficient construction and appliances with commercially available renewable energy systems, such as solar water heating and solar electricity. The result is a home that produces its own energy—as much as or more than it needs. Alternate definition: Zero net energy homes use energy-efficient construction, equipment, lighting, and appliances with renewable energy systems to return or create as much energy as they take from local electric utilities on an annual basis, by using windmills, solar panels, or generators.
Looking for a more energy-efficient home? Contact us.
Alternative Energy: Energy derived from nontraditional sources (e.g., compressed natural gas, solar, hydroelectric, or wind).
Carbon Footprint: Carbon footprint refers to the overall carbon emissions created by a building, including its construction and operation.
Carbon Neutral: A claim made by some companies and developers to describe a building or product whose net carbon emissions are zero. This is very difficult to achieve and truly possible only if something doesn’t emit any carbon at all or soaks up as much as it emits.
Carbon Offsets: Carbon offsets allow people to pay money to fund a forestry project, renewable energy project, or research into renewable energy technology in order to offset their carbon emissions.
Fossil Fuels: Fuels including coal, natural gas, and oil that are used to generate electricity.
Going Green: Going green can relate to numerous parts of a person’s everyday life. From transportation choices to a home’s design features, going green can mean different things to different people, but its core theme embraces the idea of taking steps to reduce one’s overall impact on the environment. This can occur through reducing energy usage, recycling, utilizing public transportation, buying products locally, or designing or remodeling a home so that it is more energy efficient.
Greenwashing: Greenwashing is the practice of making an unsubstantiated or misleading claim about the environmental benefits of a product, service, technology, or company practice. Essentially, selling something as green when it’s not, i.e., “Come check out our eco-friendly gas station!” Another example is a homeowner/REALTOR® referring to his or her home/listing with a few green features as a “green home.”
Green Enhancements: Green enhancements are changes and improvements made to a home that make it more environmentally friendly.
Photovoltaic (PV) Panels: Panels that can be fitted to a roof or a post in the ground, which convert visible light into direct current (DC). Once connected to the power grid, they can provide no-cost solar energy for decades. While the up-front costs of PV systems are still high, federal, state, and local incentives and rebates, as well as drastically reduced energy prices, help the systems pay for themselves more quickly.
Sustainability: The World Commission on Environment and Development defines sustainability as “Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.” In reference to a building or business, it’s an approach that evaluates environmental, social, and financial factors equally.
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC): VOCs are organic chemical compounds that are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. They can have short- and long-term adverse health effects. In the home, VOCs are often found in paint, cleaning supplies, building materials, and furnishings.
Zero Energy Home: A zero energy home (ZEH) combines state-of-the-art, energy-efficient construction and appliances with commercially available renewable energy systems, such as solar water heating and solar electricity. The result is a home that produces its own energy—as much as or more than it needs. Alternate definition: Zero net energy homes use energy-efficient construction, equipment, lighting, and appliances with renewable energy systems to return or create as much energy as they take from local electric utilities on an annual basis, by using windmills, solar panels, or generators.
Looking for a more energy-efficient home? Contact us.
TOP 5 MYTHS INVOLVING "GREEN" HOMES
Here are some of the most common misconceptions about green homes--as well as current information.
1) Green homes are more expensive.
Although some green remodels and buildings can be expensive, buying a new green home doesn’t have to be more expensive than a traditional home.
When builders construct a new home to “green” certification standards, they often pass the cost along to the buyer, which can make the initial price of a new green home higher than that of a traditional one. However, as energy costs continue to rise, many buyers are finding the long-term savings they will accrue from an energy-efficient house outweigh the higher price tag. Also, as the practice of green construction increases, the cost of green building will continue to decrease.
2) Anything that claims to be green, is.
Many companies are jumping on the green bandwagon; however, there are many products that claim to be green, but in fact aren’t. Your green-credentialed REALTOR® or EcoBroker® should be able to help you discern what is truly “green” and what is not. Make sure you—and your REALTOR®—know the difference and can cut through the greenwashing.
3) A new home is always a green home.
Just because a home is newly built doesn’t necessarily make it environmentally friendly or energy efficient (a key component to having an eco-conscious home). In fact, most new homes are NOT environmentally friendly, as typical materials utilized include VOCs, etc.
Having a professional energy audit conducted is the best way to find out how energy efficient a new home is.
4) Green homes look unconventional.
Green homes can look the same as traditional homes; they just have different features that make them more environmentally friendly.
5) Green homes are uncomfortable.
Green homes can have the same features as a typical home; they just function in a different, more eco-conscious way.
Additionally, although some green products, like low-flow toilets, often get a bad rap for not working properly, typically, green products function at the same, if not higher, levels than your standard products.
Need help going green? Let us help.
1) Green homes are more expensive.
Although some green remodels and buildings can be expensive, buying a new green home doesn’t have to be more expensive than a traditional home.
When builders construct a new home to “green” certification standards, they often pass the cost along to the buyer, which can make the initial price of a new green home higher than that of a traditional one. However, as energy costs continue to rise, many buyers are finding the long-term savings they will accrue from an energy-efficient house outweigh the higher price tag. Also, as the practice of green construction increases, the cost of green building will continue to decrease.
2) Anything that claims to be green, is.
Many companies are jumping on the green bandwagon; however, there are many products that claim to be green, but in fact aren’t. Your green-credentialed REALTOR® or EcoBroker® should be able to help you discern what is truly “green” and what is not. Make sure you—and your REALTOR®—know the difference and can cut through the greenwashing.
3) A new home is always a green home.
Just because a home is newly built doesn’t necessarily make it environmentally friendly or energy efficient (a key component to having an eco-conscious home). In fact, most new homes are NOT environmentally friendly, as typical materials utilized include VOCs, etc.
Having a professional energy audit conducted is the best way to find out how energy efficient a new home is.
4) Green homes look unconventional.
Green homes can look the same as traditional homes; they just have different features that make them more environmentally friendly.
5) Green homes are uncomfortable.
Green homes can have the same features as a typical home; they just function in a different, more eco-conscious way.
Additionally, although some green products, like low-flow toilets, often get a bad rap for not working properly, typically, green products function at the same, if not higher, levels than your standard products.
Need help going green? Let us help.
Friday, August 14, 2009
What is a Green Home?
Although certifications are necessary to officially designate a home “green,” anyone can make their home and their lives greener.
A home’s individual green features are what make it environmentally friendly or “greener.” An environmentally friendly home is a home that—compared with a standard home—uses less energy, water, and natural resources; creates less waste; and is healthier for its inhabitants.
Homes can be built green-conscious, or they can undergo green enhancements (eco-conscious alterations or remodels) after they are created.
A home that is eco-friendly should encompass one or all of the five key green principles outlined below and should:
1.Conserve natural resources.
2. Use energy efficiently
3. Have improved indoor air quality relative to normal building standards.
4. Create less waste to build and live relative to normal building standards.
5. Be part of a livable community.
Green homes boast features that will result in a 75 percent water savings and a 30 percent savings on a typical electric or gas bill.
Additional features in a "green" home:
- ENERGY STAR appliances
- Efficient glass
- Extra insulation
- Paperless drywall
- Solar electricity
- Special high-efficiency HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
- A “fresh-air exchange” system that prevents stale air from being kept inside the house
- Drought-friendly landscaping and regionally native plants
- Tank-less water heaters in the house and casita
- Water-saving faucets and toilets.
If you are just starting your home search, consider buying a home that embodies the key green principles (efficient use of energy, water, and resources, high indoor-air quality, and is in a “livable” community). Green homes are not only more cost-effective in the long-run, they also are healthier and more durable than the standard home.
Ask your Realtor for more information on making your home eco-friendly!
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