Let me get this out of the way immediately:  There is NO government or official definition for the term 'Environmentally Friendly.' 

Those two little words have become an industry onto themselves.  A marketing tool and claim by advertisers, manufactures and others to sell their products to the uninformed masses that want to do the right thing.

The term 'Greenwash' is now used to describe this type of disinformation.

It leaves an all together nasty taste in the consumer psyche.

I believe most people  are enthusiastic and well intentioned when it comes to making a difference regarding their carbon print.  However, and I stress this factor, there is no such thing as a free lunch.

It starts at the grocery store (the regular ones or the fancy 'healthy' ones) with the other key word in this "drama" Organic.  Ironically enough, here is yet another word that the government has declined to officially define.

So, basically, Organic means :You pay more because we make it sound healthier

Next on the list of culpable words is Sustainability.

Originally it was meant to refer to the quality of a product.  However, when it came to selling a green products it suddenly came to mean something that was produced using an equivalent amount of resources to those it consumed.

Think about that.  It is simply not possible.  But it sounds good, real good.

I have learned that as a Realtor I better understand that I can only use the term Sustainable with careful consideration when referring to a property.  If at all.

Another rib tickler is Life-cycle cost.  Like in those fancy light bulbs (the same ones that people are just finding out are pretty poisonous and dangerous to change, yeah...those).

If those fancy bulbs cost more to purchase but saves money on each utility bill, its cost over its lifetime may be less than the cheaper bulbs. 

The cause that I seem to have taken on upon myself is that consumers have the right to know the ins and outs of this green movement.  This is a cause that is in its infancy, and therefore Realtors and Consumers should be able to talk honestly with  each other.  If we don't know the answer, we can find out.  That sounds respectable, and it is the truth.

Or we can make people feel guilty because they do not see the 'organic, sustainable, life-cycle' of this wonderful green property.

Your choice.

I know what I am doing.

A recent survey by Consumer Reports indicated that while 5% of consumers thought of themselves as Earth Friendly Advocates, 9 out of 10 people considered health and environmental factors as part of their purchasing decision.

Think about that. 

5 out of 100 people say they are radically concerned with the environment, and 90 out of a 100 people say the environment and health issues play a major part in their final buying decision.

You can't find worse odds in Vegas.

And yet, for us Realtors at least, there is the answer:  It sounds radical, but it feels good.

My approach has always been to equate green environmental issues with money saving healthy alternatives.  We are now at the point where 'going green' not only is healthier, but it definitely saves money.

We would all like to believe that all people everywhere want what is best for the planet and the people on it.

That is a luxury that can be considered when all the bills have been paid and you are about to sit down to watch television before going to bed.  The reality check is that when you are about to loose your house because you have already lost your job....the only green that matters is money.

And so we come full circle.  Going green is about money.  Money to support the family, money that saves the environment, money that is tied in with the future.

An environmentally friendly house (or at least a house with green friendly features) will not loose its value the same way your typical McMansion will.  And there is the rub.

And then, last but not least, know your stuff.

When asked as to why a house is green in terms of Real Estate, don't say:

"This home is environmentally friendly because it was build by people who care and the architect is a vegetarian."

What people want to hear are facts.  So, tell the truth:

"This particular home was build with windows with low-e coatings and has been upgraded with Energy Star appliances.  The recycled carpets contain 100% post-consumer content."

And then explain explain explain.  Do not assume the customer knows any of those terms (more than likely they do not).  And be ready for questions.

And, be prepared to honestly admit you do not know all the answers. 

It is a new field for us Realtors as well.  And at this point, it is about establishing honesty and trust.  Let us learn together.  As a former teacher I must admit that there are no stupid questions.

Green is Gold.  For both sides of the fence.

I am not a psychic, but I have been blogging about this for over a year now. 

I have received some pretty outrageous comments letting me know that I am nothing but negative.  How dare I question anybody who says they are going green? 

Well, my friends, the facts are becoming quite clear:  consumers are not swayed by green labels anymore.  They certainly are not impressed by 'advocates' who preach the green lifestyle and drive Hummers to their McMansions.

It  took our economy going into the toilet for people to wake up on so many fronts.

It is a fact that when the economy is in trouble people will look for ways to save in all areas of their life.  What they will not put up with, however, is being guilted into saving money in order to be better stewards of planet earth.  That is a luxury that only works when people have money (and enough free time to feel guilty).

This is the time to show that we who care about the environment are not full of ourselves and that we want to be part of the solution.

Let's face it:  The Hammer of Green Guilt just broke.

Even the media is becoming more skeptical (as well they should).

Now is the time to step up and walk the walk.

Before 'going green' turns into a complete sham, let's have open, honest discussions about a problem that will not go away.

I have spend the last two days talking with a good friend of mine who just bought a house.  His job is to secure loans for people with low income and bad credit.  He explained to me his theory of how the banks work.

I know this can't be right.  God, please don't let this be right.

Here goes:

When a person goes into a bank and asks for a loan, the bank does not print a new bill or mint a new coin.  All that happens is that a person (probably my friend) types the amount of the loan into the person's account.

From that moment on, the person is paying interest to the bank on what is no more than figures typed on a screen.

If, however, the person fails to pay back on that non-existent loan, the bank can -quite legally- come and take your your wealth that does exist:  house, car, land and all your possessions.

Did I mention that you are also paying interest on top of all that?

Is that how this works?  I am sure I will be blamed for presenting a simpleton version of what happens.  But still, is this the meat and bones of this operation? 

Please correct me on this.

Because what I see at the moment is a house of cards that is ready to fall at any second.

Oh wait, it already did.

I am pretty new at being a Realtor.  However, the venom directed at my profession is pretty shocking, still.

The following are excerpts from posts to www.Allrealtorssuck.blogspot.com  This is one of many websites that have sprung up in the last three years that allow customers to vent their anger at the people they think are the culprits behind our weak economy.

"Realtors are lazy, worthless scum who collect a huge amount of money for doing nothing."

"All Realtors suck, but you can't blame them....after all the brokers teach them to be the scum they are."

"Realtors are cons and rip offs.  They work when they want, not when you want them to."

"There is no more low down human being than a Realtor.  What do they really do to justify their huge cuts?  Drive up the prices of real estate and refuse to negotiate their fees to make a deal work.  They are greedy and unprofessional and lazy too.  I hate them all."

"All Realtors suck!!!!  I have a hard time believing that they can be all liars, but they are slowly but surely proving to be.  Liars...they are simply crooks that are too lazy to steal."

Well, this made me ask questions to the people in my office.  Almost all Realtors were outraged that I would even dare suggest that they were less than honest. 

Ok, so who is at fault?

And then it dawned on me that I really did not have a handle on what brought about the crisis we are in.  I have come up with the following explanation after a lot of research.  Please correct me if I am wrong.

1.  Banks gave money away (loans) to poor people.

2.  This process was done using 'financial instruments' that were not regulated.

3.  It turns out banks (because of the lack of accounting rules) were closer to insolvency (or ability to back up loan by cash) then anybody knew.

4.  Once the States realized what was going on they were unable to stop the banks because of "The Office Of the Comptroller of The Currency."  This 'office' was a government agency approved by congress.  This not only emboldened the banks, but it also allowed them to shift the burden of guilt.

5.  Congress, it turns out, is 'assisted' through campaign contributions by the banks and brokers whose wealth depends  on fending off the financial police.

6.  As of now, the big banks....with the permission/and or desire to look away from the treasury department.....are being allowed - on their own - to decide how much safety capital they should hold.

7.  This is the reason  we are in the trouble we are in, to begin with.

If this is the case, and if we take in account that every profession has its share of crooks and slimeballs, why are Realtors  the chosen whipping boys(and girls?).

Then, as in my case, add the innovative idea of being a Green Realtor and you become a walking target for BOTH customers AND Realtors.

What exactly is going on here?

I would really like input on what I think is a delicate topic.  And please, I know Realtors can be greedy (hell, I have felt greedy myself).  It has to be more than that.  It has to go deeper.

In the current Zeitgeist, Realtors appear to do what they are supposed to do - exude professionalism, demonstrate kindness and confidence, negotiate the best deal.  And yet, for an immediate conversation starter bring up a story (any story) about a Realtor.

Not a pretty sight.  Trust me.

Yes, well.  Here I have been making friends and fans all along.

Not!

My last entry I'm Organic...Eat me!prompted two phone calls from Active Rain Morality Leaders.  I was told that my choice of title was "disgusting," and they were horrified that it was in THEIR group.

I pointed out that it was an example of irony.  Of course you had to read the entry to get it. 

One of the callers had NOT READ the post.  So much for a judgement call.

So, in keeping with the proceedings, I have collected some of the more interesting 'bits of encouragement' I have received so far.

Here, for your reading pleasure:

"Being Green IS about politics.  Are you that naive?"

"I know so many people that are fed up with the green movement.  This is just like politics.  I keep it out of my real estate conversations."

"This just doesn't work!  Folks in Africa have made and make socioeconomic, religious and political choices that make them victims.  Americans didn't make decisions for them.  And we are not responsible for their plight.  I won't be send on a guilt trip because I am an American."

"I don't know, it sound's like politics.  Do as we say or else.  It has nothing to do with selling houses."

"A little full of ourselves, aren't we?"

"This is a bunch of Bulll#%*@  You are not convincing me at all!"

"Not every scientist believes the world is about to explode.  It's all DRAMA!"

"Shock value and scare tactics."

"So, who died and made you guardian of the planet?  A Realtor who cares about the environment?  Yeah, like a used car salesman who cares about gas mileage.  You are so clever."

Intermission

I made a choice from the get- go not to edit or delete comments.  Believe it or not, I like strong opinions. 

I am also assuming that most of these comments come from fellow Realtors.  Which, if you think about it, is even scarier!

Saving the best for last

I will end this with my absolute favorite comment.  Talk about irony!

"You look so hot in your picture that your very existence must be worsening global warming!"

Ha, so there!

Best of luck and Go Green.

You know, I went and did my homework on this one.  I found all kinds of amazing scary facts.  I even got a chance to talk to somebody who works at the USDA.

I wrote and rewrote this entry at least three times.

I managed to make a clear and consistent connection between public trust and Green Realtors.

I even came up with a catchy title.

This would have been a daring, gutsy blog entry.  However, I have decided to back down.  In the end, the information I gathered is too shocking.  It would have, I believe, made me a target for legal trouble as well.

What I will do, on the other hand, I will email my resources to anybody who wants the information.  The only pertinent information I will not share is the name of the person I spoke to at the USDA.

I will also tell you why you, on your own, should do some investigating:

*The Organic Industry is a 16 Billion dollar business.

*People believe that when they buy something that is labeled Organic they are actually getting something that is more nutritious, safer, tastier, and better for the environment.  I have found evidence to the contrary for ALL of these claims.

*I was shocked to find out that the USDA had changed its definition of Organic at least twice in the last 10 years.  Each definition becoming more vague and philosophical.  Each definition obviously written by lawyers (not farmers) who made sure that there were glaring loopholes for future changes.

I am an avid reader of Consumer Reports, and it behooves you as well, to find out what they have said about this particular issue as well.  I am sad to note, however, that even they have seemed to back down a little.

It is easy to label yourself and your service Green Friendly. 

I wish I could end this on a more positive note.  There are solutions out there.  But when I look at the word Organic, I am compelled to come up with my own definition:  We allow you to pay more.

There are radical, hate filled groups out there like E.L.F (Environmental Liberation Front).  E.L.F was responsible for the destruction of several homes that had been labeled Environmentally Friendly.

To E.L.F these houses were McMansions with a green coating.

And yet, isn't it interesting?

What it appears E.L.F objected more than anything was what they felt was a misplaced definition.

Hmmm?

Best of luck and go Green (honestly so).

Well, I am back.  I took a little break to recharge my batteries and ponder about the negative reactions I have gotten in regards to my wanting to be a earth friendly green Realtor.

As a former teacher I have always believed the truth is easier to read in a rejection than in praise (no matter how glorious).

And the truth is:  My customers are more than interested in going green and what it all entails.  They are holding on to the idea that healthy is green and green is better.  Most of them do not believe buying green or turning a house into a green haven is more expensive.  They see the long term benefits (health, earth guardianship and promoting awareness) as more beneficial.

The most interesting remarks have come from fellow Realtors.  Granted, not all of the negative backlash is from Realtors.  But I would say well over 50%. 

Going green keeps being compared to a quasi-religion, a kooky earth-movement, a meaningless political ploy.  And to some, that is exactly what it is and how it is being used.  Notice how all the candidates are 'green friendly' yet they all live like Kings in Queens?

I believe green Realtors cut overall costs, attract customers and help the earth, too.

Apart from a physical footprint that I can be proud of, I have a good opportunity to have an environmental impact through green policies that can change the behaviors and attitudes of homeowners.

How sweet is that?

Green begets green (money is green, so are plants...both valuable to all of us).

Keep it green and keep educating yourself.

Douglas

Not so?  Read some of the responses on my other blog and you will see a pattern:

http://activerain.com/action/blogsview/177037/The-3-Minute-Green

Why, insist some readers, are they being guilted into going green?  Why do I insist on sharing these awful statistics about waste in the United States?  And besides, who really cares about Africa 

Another interesting angle is the suggestion that turning our backs on conventional business will hurt the economy. 

And how about this one:  Being earth friendly is a virtue NOT an obligation.

Let me do some dime-store psychology – It seems to me that guilt of neglect turns into self-righteous anger.

Let me address one issue:  The Economy.  

A shift in consumer’s loyalties is typical, and acknowledged as healthy, in a market economy.  Demands for new products and services give rise to new markets.  This brings about innovation, competition, investment, market growth, and jobs.

How about that?

As a Green Realtor I see a market that is being reinvented before my very own eyes.  The idea I bring to the table is that I am selling a farm, not just a house.  I am concerned about the condition of the land, water, and air quality (indoor and outdoor).

Is it hypocritical to advocate and try to practice environmental friendly behavior in some but not all areas of my life?

Hey, I am human.

I like to share my journey.  I also welcome the criticism.  It is a good indicator as to whether I have hit a nerve or not. 

The challenge is this:  Is it guilt or is it fear?

We fear what we do not completely understand.

With new knowledge and a much better appreciation and respect for the environment we can begin to implement changes.

Turn that frown upside down and let’s make a difference 

Best of luck and Go Green.  Douglas.

One of the more interesting ironies that I have discovered in my green-journey is that ‘cleaning products’ cause the most damage and waste.

Think about that for a second.

Many of the products we use to clean our surroundings, our clothes, and our daily utensils are filled with harsh, dangerous chemicals that are directly linked to many diseases.

That’s not to mention what it is doing to the environment.

This entry is about saving money by taking small steps toward making better, earth friendly decisions.  Consumers have the right to seek out and purchase eco-friendly products.  These items, however, are not always at the supermarket.

Let’s thank Al Gore for inventing the Internet (!).  It is on the web where you will find all you need.

Now, to air the dirty laundry:

• Use oxygen or hydrogen-based bleaches instead of chlorine bleach.
• Read the labels on ALL cleaning products.  One of the links I include explains all the chemicals and what possible harm they can do.
• Make your own, safe all natural household cleaners.  Again, one of the links will show you how.
• Buy a front-loading washing machine.  They save both water and energy.
• Only wash full loads of laundry. 

This is the most important link.  It will explain all labels and the risk of exposure.

Epa.gov/grtlakes/seahome/housewaste/house/products.htm

As well as:

Es.epa.gov/techinfo/facts/safe-fs.html

Best of luck and go Green,

Douglas