Starting with the new 2012 crop of vehicles coming out now, some will have the EPA’s new Fuel Economy and Environment labels in their windows.  This year the program is voluntary so likely will only be in windows of the most fuel efficient models.  It will be mandatory for all 2013 vehicles.

The labels are slightly different depending on type of vehicle: 1.      Gas powered vehicles 2.      Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)                                                                                                 3.      Electric Vehicle 4.      Some sources indicate labels exist for the following additional types of vehicles, but I have been unable to find them: a.      Diesel Vehicle b.      b.   Compressed Natural Gas Vehicle c.       c.   Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle d.      Flexible-Fuel Vehicle: Gasoline-Ethanol(E85)

We will concentrate here on the labels for gas powered vehicles, currently the most widely owned type of vehicle in North America and the least sustainable choice.   

These labels include some great information important to eco-conscious car buyers:

Starting with a single, independently verified number that is the combined city/highway miles-per-gallon for that vehicle paired with the range of miles-per-gallon for all new vehicles in that class for easy comparison.  You are also provided with individual numbers for city and highway driving, as well as an estimate of gallons used per 100 miles.

         Second, you get an estimate of annual fuel costs for this vehicle based on certain assumptions – “15,000 miles per year at $3.70 per gallon” (not sure if this is the assumption used for all vehicles, but the assumption used is clearly stated in the black area at the bottom of the sticker.)

         Third, they provide an estimate of dollars saved or lost over 5 years in comparison to the average vehicle. Figures based on the same miles per year and per gallon as in the earlier assumption, combined with the estimate that new vehicles average 22.5 MPG and cost $12,500 to fuel over 5 years.

         Next they provide ratings on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 signifying the worst and 10 being the best) that combines fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions. There are two ratings that apply to each vehicle—one for fuel economy and one for greenhouse gas emissions—but gasoline vehicles will display only one rating. This is because carbon dioxide emissions are directly related to the amount of fuel consumed. This relationship varies from fuel to fuel, but since these labels are for gasoline vehicles only, they get the same rating for fuel economy and for greenhouse gas emissions.

        There is a second 1 to 10 rating for smog.  This scale is based on the U.S. vehicle emissions standards, which incorporate specific thresholds for nitrogen oxide, non-methane organic gas, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and formaldehyde. As a comparison, vehicles that run on electricity have a tailpipe emission score of zero.

       They have even included a QR Code that can be scanned by a smart phone (provided you have downloaded the appropriate application) to give customizable information!

While many eco-labels—from USDA Organic to the Forest Stewardship Council—have rigorous standards and third party auditing, the labels themselves are only emblems of the certification scheme, providing consumers little information and requiring that everyone conduct their own research. With so many labels out there, even the environmentally conscious shopper can become easily confused. When buying a ream of paper, for example, how many of us can remember that the Forest Stewardship Council demands that every log be tracked and every firm in the supply chain be independently audited while the Sustainable Forestry Initiative is a rubberstamp handed out by the forest products industry?

Enter the EPA’s new fuel economy label with all relevant information right on the product.  Even better, it emphasizes what buying a greener product means to your wallet—a characteristic that is essential when marketing to a consumer base that has remained largely apathetic to sustainability. Car buyers can directly compare the long-term fuel cost expense or savings of each car they’re looking at.

Of course, nothing’s perfect. A potential problem with an EPA label is that it is vulnerable to Congress, and therefore could be effected by lobbyists of the oil and car manufacturing industries who will undoubtedly ask lawmakers to redefine “average new vehicle” to lower this hypothetical car’s miles per gallon. That would effectively increase the amount of money that consumers will “save,” even when buying a gas-guzzler.

Unfortunately, there are few alternative sources of certification providers. The options for eco-label sponsors are government agencies—such as the EPA—which administer standards that can be influenced by Congress, or corporations, whose attempts to greenwash their products instigate the very need for government-sponsored labels. Consequently, if consumers must choose between corporate sponsored and government sponsored labels, they should go with Uncle Sam every time.

Such an easy-to-understand and useful label needs to be replicated. Not all products would work, but there are plenty with the right criteria to allow for a similar labeling system to be successful. The system would need to be based on factors that are easily measurable and readily comparable, like fuel consumption.  It would need to be a product that carries a cost associated with its use, e.g. something that consumes energy and there would need to have meaningful cost differences over a relatively short timeframe.  After all, the EPA’s new labels would be less consequential if gas was still under $1 per gallon, since saving $500 on fuel over five years isn’t going to have much impact on the purchase of even a $10,000 car.

It seems that this kind of label could be immediately expanded to electronics, particularly refrigerators, clothes dryers and other high-energy use appliances that already have a somewhat less effective labeling system. It would be easy for the Energy Star labels to emulate the EPA’s fuel label, all they need to do is start putting their collected information directly onto the products, calculate the energy use of “average new appliances,” and report on the 5-year cost differences between the two.  Imagine if an energy efficient washing machine costing an extra $100 had a label that told you the machine will save you $300 over 5 years, would that affect your purchasing decision?

Cell Phones for Soldiers, a program started by 2 teenagers has expanded to provide over a half million pre-paid phone cards to soldiers serving overseas.  Now both Canadians and Americans can contribute to saving the planet at the same time we support our overseas troops. 

How Does It Work? Cell Phones for Soldiers is a non-profit organization that Collects your old cell phones, sells them to a recycling company and turns  the profit into useable minutes of prepaid calling cards for U.S. and Canadian soldiers stationed overseas. Sacrificing their lives and giving up their time with their families, our troops deserve to be provided with the means to stay in contact with their loved ones.

Ø  Donate your cell phone by mail in the USA with printable, postage paid shipping label.  In Canada, request a prepaid FedEx label or donate even more by supplying your own postage.

Ø  Find a drop off site for your cell phone in the USA and Canada

Ø  Donated cell phones are sold to ReCellular, a company that repairs and resells used cell phones.  ReCellular itself has an exemplary record and policy on sustainability, keeping more than 1.6 million pounds of toxic waste out of landfills, and preventing enough green house gases to equal taking 1,676 cars off our roads.

Ø  Money made selling the phones is used to provide prepaid phone cards to US troops and needed supplies to Canadian troops such as clothing, laptops, and video cameras so troops can send messages home to their loved ones and other basic necessities. 

Ø  You can help a needy soldier or an entire unit by supplying contact information and requesting calling cards for them.  Without your help on this step they have no way to locate service people needing assistance calling home due to DOD privacy policy.

 

The story behind this valuable program is inspiring and can serve as a road map for making a difference.  A brother and sister began their journey after hearing a news story about one soldier with an unexpectedly huge cell phone bill for calls home from Iraq.  We all should look for small and large ways to follow in their footsteps, look for ways to make a difference and incorporate sustainable principles throughout the process.  The old adage of business - “find a need and fill it”, can be updated to read “find a social need and fill it with a sustainable solution”.

 

In the past, I have tried to be a good blogger, facebooker, linkedin buddy, etc...  Maybe I didn't try hard enough but honestly I don't get some of it and think there is so much out there that no one could possibly be interested in, and I don't want to be part of that.  It seems to me that in order to be the kind of tweeter, blogger, etc. who actually compels folks to want to follow them - not just because they are reciprocating but because they are fascinating to read or follow - that takes not only a lot of research and time and attention, but it takes talent.  If I was that interesting, I'd be writing for The Daily Show... 

 

Anyway, I got tired of making the effort and feeling like I never would be one of the ones folks clamoured to see what they say next and so pretty much stopped entirely… That is not right either and so I am going to go back to making some effort, writing when I actually have something to say and not when I don’t.  Meantime this article from The New York Times is interesting and speaks to the subject with an interesting take on whether blogging, and social media in general is really all things to all people (companies, organizations…) as many purport it to be…

Broker's Open Today 10-3	Beautiful Secluded Oakland Hills Home 4321 Oak Hill Road, Oakland, CA
2BR/2BA, 1452 sq. ft. Lot Size: 0.18 acres Built In 1955 Single Family House $499,000  Brunch Catered by Chic Home Interiors, come join us and receive a 10% discount for your client's next staging project. This is a Single-Family Home located at 4321 Oak Hill Road, Oakland CA. It has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and approximately 1,452 square feet. The property was built in 1955. Great views from this super clean and stylish home on a wooded hillside lot. Spacious yards, updated kitchen & bathrooms, cozy den with fireplace, family/dining room, master suite, 2 car attached garage, handsome living room with fireplace, & expansive front yard deck are just some of the features of this wonderful home. The carpeting, interior paint, linoleum, and some of the dual paned windows were redone in 2011 MLS # : 40515097 Bedrooms: Two Bathrooms: Two    Professionally staged by  Chic Home Interiors. Listed by Gregg Fujita of Harbor Bay Realty.  For more information and additional photos, check out this link.   Front Deck Back Yard Living Room Fireplace Den Fireplace Master Bath Fabulous Family Room Fireplace Guest/Child's Bathroom Enjoy gracious living in Antioch!
	Chic Home Interiors has been professionally staging quality homes in the San Francisco Bay Area since early 2002 and their staging work was prominently featured in "Home Staging for Dummies" in 2008.   For home staging and consulting services in the Bay Area contact them at info@chichomeinteriors.com .

Come See!	Lovely Oakley Home 5515 Teresa Court, Oakley, CA
3BR/2BA, 1167 sq. ft. Lot Size: 0.14 acres Built In 1983 Single Family House $179,900   This is a Single-Family Home located at 5215 Teresa Court, Oakley CA. 5215 Teresa Ct has 3 beds, 2 baths, and approximately 1,167 square feet. The property was built in 1983. The average list price for similar homes for sale is $201,338 and the average sales price for similar recently sold homes is $173,792. 5215 Teresa Ct is in the 94561 ZIP code in Oakley, CA. The average list price for ZIP code 94561 is $248,358. This is "NOT" a Short sale or REO. Remodeled home in nice neighborhood with remodeled baths, new carpet and paint. Great curb appeal. Fireplace in family room. MLS # : 40510972 Bedrooms: Three Bathrooms: Two    Professionally staged by  Chic Home Interiors. Listed by Kurt Byer of Ready Realty LLC.  For more information and additional photos, check out this link. Master Bathroom Guest Bathroom Backyard Deck Large Picture Window in Living Room Open Entry with Excellent Flow Family Room Fireplace Come and enjoy relaxed living in Oakley!
	Chic Home Interiors has been professionally staging quality homes in the San Francisco Bay Area since early 2002 and their staging work was prominently featured in "Home Staging for Dummies" in 2008. For home staging and consulting services in the Bay Area contact them at info@chichomeinteriors.com .

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> Tahoe Totem Mountain Home

Anyone Need a Break? Gorgeous Lake Tahoe Vacation Rental!

Photo to the right was taken from the front door.  this is an idlylic setting that backs up to the national forest on one side and has a fabulous view of  Lake Tahoe on the other. Every window has a great view and there are lots of windows and two decks totalling 2000 square feet, half of which is covered!

Views Everywhere! Stunning panoramic Lake Tahoe view, casino night lights, amazing Sierra Vistas! Set on a boulder studded secluded Heavenly cul-de-sac location, this uniquely designed modern mountain home set on over a third of an acre which backs to Tahoe National Forest. This expansive 3,432 sq. ft. designer home includes: • 4 bedrooms, 3 baths • Party size family room with fireplace, lake and sierra views, pool table, sound system, TV, DVD and full wet bar • Living room with fireplace, sound system, TV, DVD, and unbelievable views • Formal dining room with great views • Chefs' eat-in gourmet kitchen complete with all the bells and whistles, including: Wolf range, Bosch dishwasher, Sub-Zero refrigerator, double oven, bun warmer, microwave, coffee pot, electric tea kettle, blender , electric can opener, 2000 ft of decking, ½ is covered and lots of parking!

Check out the view from the deck!

Click Here to see the Rental Listing Now!

I have recently taken on the project of doing vacation rentals for the owner and was talking to one of the Realtors I work with who mentioned that her office had just been asking if anyone knew of a great cabin at Tahoe.  I, of course, sent her the listing right away but it got me to thinking that others on active rain might also be interested  and need a great place to relax after this crazy real estate year.  And we would love to have Real Estate professionals as guests because we know they appreciate a beautiful house and this is a beautiful house in an amazing setting!  I am renting it through Vacation Rentals by Owner, check out the listing here.  If you are interested or need more info there are links on that page to send me an email - don't forget to mention you saw it first on ActiveRain - I;'d love to see what response this gets.  This is really a great place and has never been rented before, they just bought the place this year and only decided to rent in the last month, so you can be one of the first.  I spent the first week in December up there and it was amazing - comfortable, beautiful, relaxing and so close to everything - I even walked down to town for lunch a couple times and Heavenly Ski Resort is about 10-15 minute walk (or 2 minutes by car).  If you like to cook you will love the gourmet kitchen with a Wolfe range, Sub-Zero fridge, double oven, bun warmer and a great assortment of pots, pans, etc... Below are some photos of the inside.

Front of the House - Plenty of off-street parking plus garage!

More views all taken from inside house, deck or front door!

Chic Home Interiors has been professionally staging quality homes in the San Francisco Bay Area since early 2002 and their staging work was prominently featured in "Home Staging for Dummies" in 2008.   For home staging and consulting services in the Bay Area contact them at info@chichomeinteriors.com .

Amid a rough real estate market, you are probably looking to increase home values and speed up sales. Newspaper stories continue to write about staging, and even Oprah did a segment on staging with her favorite decorator, Nate. With all the publicity around staging, more homes are going to be staged; making sure that your properties are done properly and to the best effect is to your  definite advantage. While your home should say something about who you are, a house on the market should say something about, and to, the potential buyers. Family homes should say they are “family-friendly”; high end condos should really say they are “sleek, chic and modern - an “it” pad. With the holidays imminent, now is the time to see Staging for the Holidays as a way to keep homes in showing-ready style. The basic steps of staging apply even when adding in holiday pieces. Start with a checklist: Clean It, Fix It, Move It, Remove It and Add It. Guests or buyers’ reaction to embarrassing  unfinished projects is a great motivator for the Fix It and Clean It steps. Take this opportunity to go through every room and address nagging issues – don’t leave undone projects that will cause buyers to chip away at the price. Bringing in a tree and holiday colors means that you clear out more pieces than you normally would. Creating and keeping a sense of consistency of style in the house is important even when adding holiday decor.  If it is “cute”, it stays packed. “Cute” is not a universally appreciated concept, and the surest way to avoid trouble is to keep it simple and elegant. Keeping it secular will allow all buyers to feel welcome, regardless of religious beliefs or holiday traditions. Using greenery, wreaths, and holiday sparkle creates holiday warmth in a PC and Staging-Safe way.  And don't forget  the outside!

When bringing in your holiday colors, be cautious not to create a clashing color palette. As you purchase and unpack the decorative pieces, take special effort to be picky about what is on display. All ornaments do not have to be used every holiday and certainly not when a home is on the market. Creating themes can be a fun way to change things up, and create some consistency in the look of the house. Ornaments of one basic color palette with “show piece” ornaments adding style can be a great way to create a chic tree without turning off potential buyers with a too-homey (and often homely) holiday look.  Glass bulb ornaments (all in one or two tones), and non-blinking white tree lights add sophistication to a tree. An elegant and staging-safe choice would be to keep all ornaments in white and matallic colors.  Simple touches throughout the home also help, a fresh wreath on the door (sans Santa - here again, leave out the cute stuff).  As you unpack your holiday treats, take a breath and really inspect and organize your decorations. Items do not need to go out just because it has a holiday look; it should go out if it works with the style and color of your décor.  Keep the living room tree a show-stopper: white lights, coordinated ornaments that work with the space as a whole.  Want some simple touches to turn a bland room festive without going holiday kitsch crazy? Adding simple pieces of greenery to fireplace mantels and as a base for dining room table centerpieces (similarly styled ornaments strewn along the branches make for a stylish horizontal tree) can be a great way to add style and extend the season to other rooms. Small branches placed on trays or in bowls add instant holiday appeal. What’s more, the house quickly smells like winter. Adding a pot of mulling spices or cider completes the sensory experience, equating your home with warm friendly, holiday cheer.  Whatever you do, remember in a staged home, less can often be more – keep your décor simple, elegant and spare.

Happy Holidays Joanne O'Donnell CEO and Founder, Chic Home Interiors Certified Staging Professional Treasurer, Real Estate Staging Association joanne@chichomeinteriors.com www.chichomeinteriors.com

 

Certified EcoProfessional™ Training at the Contra Costa Green Business Program Offices in Martinez, CA, August 31, 2010 8 Clock Hours for REALTORS®

Join Joanne O'Donnell, Certified EcoProfessional™ Instructor and founder of EcoChic Partners as she shares her knowledge, experience and enthusiasm for sustainable living and green practices. The 8 hour program is the most advanced green build training program in North America. Help your clients save up to 30 percent on energy costs, while setting yourself apart from the competition. Expand your business opportunities by taking advantage of program benefits, including: • How to make a difference, in your home, in the homes of your clients • How to add green to your business • How to relate and inform your client on this critical topic • How to save your client’s $$$ with tax incentives and rebates • Provide green build strategies for all budgets • Green building science best practices and green terminology • About the state of the planet and why going green is crucial • Why building certification programs (such as LEED) are important • Marketing advantages to promote your business as green . Investment in your future is $395. For more information about the Certified EcoProfessional™ training program or to visit Joanne's website please follow the links below OR CALL TOLL-FREE 1-888-782-4464.

Contact Information                                                                                                                                                  Joanne@EcoChicPartners.com Links Live Green Live Smart Institute Certified EcoProfessional™ Website EcoChic Partners Website

Open House Coming Up Sunday, 7/18/10	Lovely Alameda Home 1321 Court Street, Alameda, CA
Open Sunday, July 11 and 18, 2-4p. www.1321Court.com (for more photos and info) This wonderfully updated Arts & Craft bungalow offers the best of both worlds charm and modern conveniences. Wood floors, high, coved ceilings and wood trim throughout. In the Dining room, a lovely built-in cabinet sits next to a beautiful, brick fireplace, all original. The Kitchen has been updated and is perfect for preparing meals for formal dinners in the Dining room or casual al fresco dining in the convenient and private rear yard. Afterwards, relax in the totally updated, spa-like Bath or rejuvenate in the outdoor Jacuzzi. Also located on the desirable  island of Alameda, this East End home offers access to a rewarding lifestyle around town. Stroll along the tree-lined street of Central Avenue and head for shopping or one of the many dining options on popular Park Street. Catch the latest movie at the beautiful and historic Art Deco Alameda Theater (originally opened in 1932). Bike to Alameda Beach for a sunny picnic on the Bay. Call for a private appointment: Robert 510.813.3406 "Helping Nice People Like You... Buy and Sell Wonderful Homes". Size: 968 sq.ft.  Year Built: 1905 Address: 900 Terra California, #7, Walnut Creek, CA Price: $579,000 MLS # : 40470780 Bedrooms: Two Bathrooms: One  Association Amenities: Professionally staged by  Chic Home Interiors.  Listed by Robert Hickey  of PBG Real Estate, Berkeley, CA.  For more information and additional photos, check out the MLS Listing.
	Chic Home Interiors has been professionally staging quality homes in the San Francisco Bay Area since early 2002 and their staging work was prominently featured in "Home Staging for Dummies" in 2008. For home staging and consulting services in the Bay Area contact them at info@chichomeinteriors.com .

Broker's Open Today - Tuesday, 7/13/10	Beautiful Rossmoor Home 900 Terra California, #7, Walnut Creek, CA
Experience the best in Rossmoor living in this modern condo home. Wonderfully private, upper-end unit is a stunning verdant gem with 2010 tastefully updated kitchen & baths. Super crisp & clean with SS pro appliances, vaulted ceiling (no popcorn), fireplace, plantation shutters & more. Carport+storage. Close to main gate. Size: 1,364 sq.ft.  Year Built: 1974 Address: 900 Terra California, #7, Walnut Creek, CA Price: $388,000 MLS # : 40475005 Bedrooms: Two Bathrooms: Two  Association Amenities: Club Houses Gof Courses Freebelt Gym/Exercise Facility Pool Spa Tennis Security Gate Professionally staged by  Chic Home Interiors.  Listed by Desiree Felger of Red Oak Realty, Oakland.  For more information and additional photos, check out the MLS Listing.
	Chic Home Interiors has been professionally staging quality homes in the San Francisco Bay Area since early 2002 and their staging work was prominently featured in "Home Staging for Dummies" in 2008.   For home staging and consulting services in the Bay Area contact them at info@chichomeinteriors.com .