Earth Day Tips-From your Green Realtor

I recently completed the National Association of Realtors course and received my Green designation. It is something near and dear to my heart and because I interact with so many people it gives me the opportunity to share the knowledge I have gained and to continue working to leave a livable planet for our children and thiers. Where I work in Arlington, Va we are fortunate to have a county/city government that is very proactive in reducing the footprint of the government. They set a great example for the rest of us.

I read recently that although most people are aware of issues like recycling, actual behavior patterns have changed very little over the past 10 years. Except.....in areas where there is a financial penalty for not complying. When Washington, DC implemented the 5 cent tax on plastic bags, the # of plastic bags found floating in the Anacostia River (a major issue here) was reduced dramatically. I like to think that if we really believed our behavior could make a difference people would start change without the financial incentive (hopefully we are not just motivated by money....but maybe that's a bit pollyanna of me)

Here are a just a couple of green tips that are free or inexpensive and will save you money and energy:

-Install aerators on faucets-you'll use less water and still get a good flow

-Put a pail in your shower so while you are waiting for the water to get warm you're collecting water to use for your plants. I love this one, we all need to water our gardens and has anyone noticed how expensive water is getting? The August environmental services bill is a killer

-Clean your refrigerator coils

-Replace weather stripping

-Plant a tree. It's amazing how a little shade will reduce your air conditioning bill.

Stand by for more green tips in the future.

Jane Jensen

NVAR Top Producer

Century 21 New Millennium

Mclean, Va.

http://www.realvirginiahomes.com

http://www.arlingtonhomepro.com