Home : Blogs : Eileen Landau, ABR, CRS, e-PRO : Move UP to Naperville Blog #2

I'm becoming more Green

The older I get the more respect I give my parents and grandparents. Their motto: Waste not, want not.

We've always recycled newspapers, water and soda bottles. Returned plastic bags to the grocery store and asked for paper bags... always. San Francisco just outlawed the use of plastic bags! And, when I can remember, I take my woven basket to the market, especially the Naperville Saturday Farmer's Markets at Fifth Avenue Station.

However, I don't think that that's enough. So, I went and purchased a folding drying rack. And, today, with the bright sun and blue sky, I put some freshly washed sheets out to dry. I'd forgotten how wonderful that fresh smell is. And, now I have some tea towels drying on the rack. It's my starting point. And, yes, my homeowners association has rules and regulations...but, I'm thinking that what with the cost of energy (and the sun is free!) it's time to rethink these rules.

I'm also in the process of putting in new windows that seal out the wind and cold in winter; and have some tinting so that it blocks out the harmful rays of the sun. And, yes, I'm buying those new light bulbs. I've put them in several fixtures and as the old bulbs burn out, they'll be replaced with the environmentally preferred ones.

And, (OK, you may not want to do this) but when I wash towels, I put those heavy plastic bags in. I reuse those.

However, I draw the line at using the insides of envelopes as writing paper like my mother-in-law did. We get so many colorful pads from different charities that I always have paper at the phone.

What things are you doing? Any tips? or ideas?

Posted by Eileen Landau, ABR, CRS, e-PRO on 06/19/2007 05:37 PM

Comments (6)

recycling, environmental awareness, naperville real estate

This post has been included in Illinois Information Du Page County, IL Information Naperville, IL Information

6 Comments on I'm becoming more Green

Don't forget fuel efficiency -- I drive a VW Jetta TDI, which beats those gas-guzzling hybrids and gets 47 miles per gallon.

Of course, it's tough to schlep a family around to look at houses in a Jetta. But is an Escalante necessary?

06/19/2007 05:43 PM

by Jordan Graham (Clarion Mortgage Capital)

Ah Jordan,

I'm not an SUV owner. They're way too big and too high for me. And, when I see some of those owners fill out their gas tanks and it costs $90!!!

The Chicago Metro area has the highest gas prices in the country. We hit $3.65 about a month ago. Now prices have started to moderate...at $3.25. It still costs alot to preview and show homes.

06/19/2007 05:50 PM

by Eileen Landau, ABR, CRS, e-PRO (Realty Executives, Pro/Team)

OH yes,

my husband brings home his soda cans to recycle...and papers to shred.

I just read somewhere that you can put shredded paper into a compost pile. I might try that as I do garden and have a compost container going all the time.

06/19/2007 05:52 PM

by Eileen Landau, ABR, CRS, e-PRO (Realty Executives, Pro/Team)

Hi Eileen, so glad to see you hop on board! I am reinsulating my home with a product made from recycled newspaper and blue jeans. So I can block the summer heat in Houston.

Glad to see another one hop on the Green Scene. You should add this to the Eco All Stars Group. :)

06/19/2007 06:26 PM

by Stephanie Edwards-Musa, Realtor ® The Woodlands, TX Real Estate (Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors ®)

As I hit submit I noticed your comment on compost. Starbucks gives away their old coffee grounds for FREE to be used as compost. Just a tip.

06/19/2007 06:27 PM

by Stephanie Edwards-Musa, Realtor ® The Woodlands, TX Real Estate (Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors ®)

Yes Stephanie,

I know that Starbucks gives their coffee grounds out. However, coffee grounds are acidic...and very few of my plants would do well with them. But, they should work well with blueberries.

06/20/2007 09:35 PM

by Eileen Landau, ABR, CRS, e-PRO (Realty Executives, Pro/Team)

You may be pleased to know that there is a whole green movement in the construction industry. Originally starting with commercial it has worked it's way into residential as well. They have actually developed a point system in which buildings are rated according to how much energy they consume and how recyclable the construction materials are. In a former life I manufactured aluminum building products and their ability to be recycled is very high. Something to consider the next time you throw out an aluminum soda can.

There are many websites on this topic. You may find this one interesting...

http://globalgreen.org/greenbuilding/GAHI.html

Greg Zaccagni

06/21/2007 07:46 PM

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