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Why should I give a green damn?

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

Posted by Douglas Garbe, Real Living Real Estate Solutions on 02/15/2008 03:06 PM

Comments (140)

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140 Comments on Why should I give a green damn?

FEB

2008

Douglas,

Nice post, I think every little bit that anyone can do will certainly help our environment.

Michael A. Caruso

Michael,

Absolutely. Thank you for your support.

Douglas

You may be encountering some negativity, but the fact of the matter is that we're ALL going to have to go green eventually. It just might take others a little longer to come around... keep up the good fight.

I think you are right, it's just changing choices and some people don't care

Christopher,

It might still be a choice to go green.....at the moment.

Thank you for the support.

Douglas

Rick,

I feel realtors are afraid of all the work it entails. Yet, all the work entails a nice payoff. And it makes you feel good, being a part of the solution.

Thank you for the support.

Douglas

Douglas, there's nothing wrong with conserving but I would agree that this thing has gotten to a point of being a quasi-religion just what some would like! "Let's raise taxes to save the planet" or something like it.

There are some of us who remember that thirty years ago a small group was preaching that the next ice age was upon us!

A little research goes a long way -- during the Little Climatic Optimum which occurred between 900-1200 A.D., the earth's average temperature was 1-3 degrees Celsius higher than today! During this time the growing seasons were longer and they grew grapes in England. The Little Ice Age occurred between 1550-1850 and saw much shorter growing seasons and played havoc with the Pilgrims. My reading is that we're still coming out of that cycle and scientists predict that this current cycle will end about 2100. These are the scientists that you don't read about in the press!

Tom,

I agree will ALL that you wrote. And yet, do you not feel that even in your own response you are fighting the inevitable? The tide is turning and we surf or drown. Some of us will take advantage and some of us will do the right thing (whatever that is, by the way).

You know, there are people who say slavery was good for people. At least they had a job.

That's not logic, that's plain stupid (and evil).

I applaud your courage.

Douglas

Douglas, I think it is great that you would make personal sacrifices to care for our environment. Do you have any tips for a mortgage broker that would like to be green friendly. Is there anything I can do to help make you a better green realtor.

thanks,

John

John,

absolutely. Go to my website www.planetgarbe.com I have a lot of information that will help you get started. Good luck.

Wow, guess I must have hit a nerve!

I have three kids and care about the world they will inherit but its hard. Our recycling program is terrible they never come pick up the bins like they are supposed to. I guess because not enough people leave them out. After a few weeks of waiting I usally toss my recyclables in the trash..........

DeAndrea, but at least you try. That is what counts, that and the fact that you don't give up. I am going to write a blog about what to do in your situation soon. Hang in there.

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

I have had people attempt to argue with me (a year ago) that they are not convinced that green is the way to build and it costs to much. I simply explained they were only arguing against better built homes that are healthier, more durable, more energy efficient, last longer and are a better return on investment. Today, if you asked them, those same folks invented green.

To unknown: Thank you for illustrating my point. Ignorance is the problem.

Don - exactly! All of a sudden the rats knew the ship was sinking. For these people switching their stories is like changing seats on the Titanic....they are going down! My point has always been that going green hits most people where it counts: pocketbook. But not in a negative way. To the contrary, being earth friendly makes you get more out of your stuff...saving both money and resources.

FEB

2008

Hi Douglas - I'm glad your batteries are recharged and you are ready to go again! Stephanie and I were talking last night about education. IMHO I think many of the negative reactions have to do with a lack of education and misunderstanding what "green" is about. It has become the catch phrase for everything and people are inudated with green this and green that. I have been focusing my efforts on efficiency and healthiness recently.

There are many vehicles by which people - realtors or otherwise - can learn why going green is a good thing and will be standard practice not too far down the road. The internet is just one great source of that information. There are many white papers on the 'net that do an excellent job promoting the wiseness of going green. Keep up the good work!

Mary - Thank you for your kind words and insight. You are absolutely right, too much talk without any action. Green this and green that. And please feel guilty if you don't do as we say. I know, yet it still surprises me when fellow Realtors are as upset as they sometimes are on my blog. I think your positive pro-active attitude is great (and catching, I hope). Thank you again.

Ah Douglas! That would be me! The Green Cheerleader!!! Your enthusiasm will catch on with the movers and shakers and forward thinkers ... don't fret with the naysayers... there will always be people resistant to change! Your slavery analogy is great!

There's nothing wrong with being green!

Mary - Thank you thank you! It's good to have people in my corner!

Rebecka - Absolutely! Thank you for the support!

FEB

2008

a little full of ourselves, aren't we?

To the person who says going green has nothing to do with selling houses...do you live and breathe the air on this earth? Going green has to do with every single person on this planet doing their part to prevent us from using every resource on earth. It is people who think I dont need to participate or what difference will it make that will continue to cause earth to slowly start shaking us loose.

now dont get me wrong I dont think it is something we, our children or our childrens children will see but how dare we think that we can keep cutting down trees, polluting the air and water and piling up garbage without some kind of consequence to the planet. And how selfish is to not care what could happen in the future. Even if there is a 10% chance that in 500 years that we will no longer exist I cannot sit here and do nothing.

Yes..I drive a car but I do recycle and buy products that are made from recycled materials. I use reusable grocery bags. i turn off the water when I brush my teeth. Small stuff, but I make an effort.

Sorry Douglas for the rant but I am with you. i think some people are just blind to things because they dont want to make any effort themselves.

Jamie - Awesome! That is the passion we need to see when it comes to this topic. It's like that self-help book: The Power of Now. It is about creating change now. We are here now. We can make a big difference now. And really, the answer is education. That's it; learn some new skills. Learn to get more bang out of your buck, dispose only when you have squeezed every drop out of your product. Jamie, thank you so much for what you wrote. I am a firm believer in allowing everybody their say, which is why I do not delete any of the comments (even the ones without names). In the long run I am sure the real picture will emerge. This is not an ideology, this is about survival.

Thank you again!

To unknown: Maybe I am full of myself, and maybe I come across like that. Try and see the larger picture if you can. It's not about me, it's about adapting to a better way of doing things. It saves us money (which is what I am always trying to point out) and it allows Realtors to be accountable in a new and exciting way. It gives our job a new and exciting edge. It puts us on the forefront. Think about it, everybody has to live somewhere, right?

Don't be so bitter.

FEB

2008

Doug~Way too go. Stand up for what you believe in. REALTORS don't realize that there are a bunch of people that are definitely concerned with the earth and "green" features. Set yourself apart. That's what I'm doing in my community in Michigan. (Maybe they think I'm a GREEN FREAK, but I don't really care.) I believe we were given this green earth to take care of and we should be smarter with our resources, which is why I like the green process.

Tammy - I like that term Green Freak, maybe we need to start our own group, huh? You are so right on, it is about setting yourselp apart and giving the buyer a better, healthier choice. Being smarter with the resources is also being smarter with the money. I hope it doesn't take a long time for our fellow Realtors to figure that out.

Thank you again!

In Florida, we have Publix Supermarkets. They call their organic food, "Greenwise". The new trend is poeple are going Organic. It is almost comical to see the range of items they are calling organic. True organic is defined by things that are grown in organic soil. Somehow organic toilet paper doesn't make sense to me. The point is that people ARE going green whether they know what to call it. I have not seen any dollar figures but buying organic food can sometimes be double what non-organic food costs. The next thing we will see is an organic Big Mac. Let's call it "Green Mac" for now...

Jim, you are right about the mindless consumerism going on. Going Green is a second skin for a lot of 'unhealthy' products. "Green Friendly Motor Oil" is among the latest I have seen. For the most part buying organic Is more expensive. And most of what is called 'organic' is not. However, when it comes to Real Estate it makes perfect sense. We are selling land and water. Every house we sell is a farm. Indoor and outdoor air quality is important. Once we make our surroundings healthy/green/whatever we can implement healthier food and living choices.

I'll still eat Big Macs, though. Supersize that sucker, will ya!

Great post! Wehave tried to join the green movement in our house too. We are buying green and making a family effort to recycle

I think "green" is becoming too commercialized. I agree with the previous poster "green" toilet paper?!?!? Manufacturers are all trying to jump on the bandwagon and have "organic" products which in many cases, aren't true organic at all. Going green is not a fad, it's a lifestyle and a very personal endeavor. Congrats to you for embracing your passion.

Tom - It's actually better than joining...you can create your own familie's green rituals(in search of a better word). Go to my website www.planetgarbe.com to find out about products and suppliers who are really walking the walk and not just using 'green' as an adjective.

Best of luck.

FEB

2008

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

Tina - as with everything new, people try to use the term in all crazy sorts of way to make it work. I have heard terms like 'green conscience' and 'green awareness' Not too comfortable with 'green morality.' And as you can see from the person above, there are a lot of vary individuals. I can't blame them at all. Education is the way. Somebody already accused me of being 'full of myself' on this blog. I probably am. But I also want to bring a message.

Thank you for the support

To the bitter person above: Are you a Realtor? Do you read the papers? Listen to radio, watch TV? I am not trying to convince of you anything. I am showing a way to connect with customers on a new and interesting level. One that is based on health and good living issues. There are a lot of individuals who are hijacking this movement and making it about the fast buck. There are also some seriously crazy, morally superior people who think saving the earth comes before the economy and people's welfare. I am not one of those (and if I come across like that I apologize).

What exactly is wrong with admitting that we have not been good guardians of this planet? Do we really have to wonder how we get so many different types of cancers? As a Realtor I know that a family -no matter how careful they are- can destroy a perfectly beautiful home in less than a year. We have not been a careful family in the least.

It is beginning to show and more of us do not want to ignore it anymore.

By the way, leaving a name gives you more validity. As I have said before, I welcome the negative comments because they open dialogue.

Best of luck.

That person probably got kicked off the debate team!

Jim - you're right. Can't even spell a word right!

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

Not every scientist believes the world is about to explode......nobody here said the world is about to explode. What I am saying is that you dont have to be a scientist to realize that we are overusing the earth and doing it at an incredibly fast rate. For thousands of years there were no cars or factories. The population on the planet has increased exponentially over the last 100 years meaning more resources being used such as land, oil, fishing. There were no power plants 100 years ago. There were no nuclear weapons.

As an intelligent human being how can you sit there and say that the advances we have made over the last 100 years vs the last several thousand are not going to make an impact??????

We live in a disposable society..bigger is better. More..more...more.

Nobody says you have to believe it. I believe it and that is all that matters.

Lets remember that at one time in history SOME scientists thought the world was flat!

Douglas:

I will have to agree with you on this one. Since moving to Las Vegas, the first company I worked for wanted nothing to do with the GREEN movement. After hours of conversation of endless facts I decided to move on... and to a company that is excited to have 1 of ONLY 2 Certified EcoBrokers on staff (in Clark County Nevada that is). If only I could get Nevada to recognize the EcoBroker designation.. all would be right in the world. :)

Keep up the good work my man!

Jamie - the problem is that YOU MAKE SENSE! I know that there are a couple of people who have taken great delight in trying to throw me off with their comments. I am hoping that they are kidding, something tells me that they are not, though. I welcome all sides of the discussion, but the more I hear the other side I tend to get somewhat discouraged. But not discouraged enough to stop.

Thank you again.

Lisa -welcome to my world. I have the great advantage of working for a very progressive company that has been nothing but supportive. But I hear horror stories like yours all the time. I find it fascinating that this is a controversial topic at all! It's almost like debating whether rape is a good or bad thing. Rape of the environment, that is.

Thank you for your support.

Christopher - Thank you very much for the support. Much obliged.

Thank you.

To the guy who believes the world is not going to blow up. Never said it would. Read what Jamie Ramos wrote above. Or can you read? That would explain a lot.

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 gass mileage you are so clever

FEB

2008

Nice. And so mature, too.

Ummmmmm...nobody died and made me guardian. GUESS WHAT???? I live on this planet and appointed myself guardian. And guess what else...there is nothing you can do about it!!!!!!!!

Have a super fantastic day!

"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 gass mileage you are so clever"

So I find this post interesting. He or she writes such aggressive words yet doesn't leave a name.. are you kidding me? Unless this person had an interest in "green" why are they even in this group.? Wait! What am I doing? I'm sorry! grrr... enough said?

Let me just clarify: I respect other peoples opinions, I sometimes don't understand how we can bash each other in a forum that promotes education of specific topics. Too each his own, I suppose.

Jamie - I don't even try to explain this stuff anymore. Thank you for the support.

Lisa - I actually did not blog for a while because I was taken back by the negative comments on my other blog http://activerain.com/blogsview/177037/The-3-Minute-Green

I think the problem started when I probably started sounding a little high and mighty (like most newcomers to anything) and probably turned some people off.

I have tried to made amends to that by relaxing and realizing it is okay to have different opinions. I actually welcome the opinions because (real or not, let's hope not....even though I wonder) they do allow us to see 'the other side.'

And that is valid.

FEB

2008

This is not a negative comment, but what exactly does a green Realtor do?

Tim - great question. I am going to tell you what I think a green Realtor does for his community.

* Promotes his/her knowledge of energy-efficient and Eco-friendly properties to his customers

* Takes courses to increase knowledge base

* Helps home buyers qualify for grants and tax credits for energy-saving improvements

* Speaks the 'language' of environmentally Eco-sensitive customers

* Teachers customers how to energy efficiently retro-fit any house, no matter how old

For me the main part is not that you will be saving money on utility bills. I am concerned with the health issues. Indoor and outdoor air quality. Paints and construction materials used.

The awesome thing is that people will save money in the long run.

The not so awesome thing is that there is no Universal agreement on what is considered Green Realty. Believe me, I have read tons of stuff. I have narrowed my list down to the above statements.

Works for me.

Adam - thank you thank you! It is amazing how many of us actually do CARE for all the right reasons. Nothing wrong with the profit part of it, but it isn't like we are selling cigarettes to children. Just houses for those children to grow up in. And maybe we get to educate the parents a little.

It works all the way around.

Keep reading the blog Adam. You'll be amazed at what people write. It's actually scary.

Best of luck amigo!

I don't know if you are the guy to ask, but can you give me information on organic food grass fed animals?

Thank you in advance. Great Blog!

FEB

2008

John - you just gave me the inspiration for my next blog! In the meantime please go to by website:

www.planetgarbe.com

You will find a lot of information on organic foods. Actually on all kinds of items that have to do with REAL organics and not just talk.

Best of luck, and thank you.

Great post Douglas! You carry yourself with style....like that a lot! I want to share this link with your readers: http://www.ewg.org/reports/sludgememo/sludge.html

It has good information on organic food. Can't wait for your report!

Another fan.

Jennifer - Thank you. I got on the website and at first I thought it was a wrong page or something, but the information is there. Actually, there is a lot of information there, of all types. I recommend this site and will add a link to my own website: www.planetgarbe.com

Visit me and tell me what you think, I have all kind of green information available.

Thank you again.

They changed the page almost overnight. You now have to move your mouse over the part that says 'information available' and take it from there. Your website is awesome! So much information about going green. I trust your judgement about these companies being for real. Good job Douglas!

FEB

2008

I don't know much about going green but I think you are right. We should take better care of this world. I am not quite sure I undestand how real estate and going green work together. You have good ideas and it shows you have enthusiasm. Keep up the good work!

Jennifer - No problem. It is a pretty easy page to navigate through. If you want to find the information you will. Thank you about my website, it is a work in progress. And even though I am not a 'consumer advocate' and can't really judge when a company is sincere or not, I did do some investigation with the sites I put up. Thank you.

John - first of all, thank you for the kind words. Real estate and going green make a good match in the sense that the combination promotes a less toxic approach to living. That's probably the best answer. Please read some of my other posts, and please visit www.planetgarbe.com to read about companies and the products they offer to make a house safer for the whole family.

Best of luck.

Good post Douglas. Sometimes minor things, like using e-mail instead of fax, help to conserve paper aside from being more efficient. A lot of people would change their habits if they knew what to do, but little steps help.

As for the negative posts with no name, obviously this person is has a chip on his (her) shoulder. Any steps we can take to protect the environment are positive. In answer to no name's question, we should all be guardians of the earth. It's the only planet we have.

Thanks again for your post, Douglas.

Rich - thank you for the kind words. I agree that it is usually the minor things that do the most good in the long run. If a lot of people just did a couple of 'little things' we could get a log of 'big problems' out of the way.

I also agree with you about the person(persons)who are flaming me. I mean, I hope they are kidding. Yet something tells me that there is a deep distrust for all things green.

Thank you Rich, and keep reading!

I found you through Localism. Question: what does going 'carbon neutral' mean? You seem to the person to ask. Good writing style and great responses. Fun to read blog.

Ty - This is the first time I have explained this concept to someone else. Former Teacher Powers don't fail me now!

The issue is about Carbon and its effect on our planet.

The problem:

* Humans release a lot of carbon into the atmosphere by burning oil, wood, coal, gasoline or natural gas.

* Trees are good because they suck up carbon and turn it into oxygen.....YET WE KEEP DEPLETING THE RAIN-FOREST!

The Issue at Hand:

* By looking honestly at the way you use engergy resources you can easily figure out the amount of carbon that you produce and use in your daily life.

* There are easy to understand and follow formulas that allow you to figure out the exact amount of carbon usage. Don't be discouraged by this part. It is NOT difficult at all. To me it is like becoming a more savvy shopper using coupons.

The Possible Solution:

* Speaking of Coupons. There are firms that sell 'carbon certificates.' It works like this: Say you have figured out that you use about 200 pounds of carbon per month. You could then buy a 'carbon certificate' in an equal amount of usage (in this case 200 pounds) to offset your usage.

* The money from the 'carbon certificates' is pooled to fund tree planting, as well as solar-powered energy plants, and or wind farms.

* These firms that sell 'carbon certificates' are easily found on the web.

My opinion:

* I don't know enough about the validity of these firms. If someone wants to contribute and post information that would greatly be appreciated.

By the way, going carbon neutral is now called "Greentagging."

Best of luck, good question. Hope I did my mentors proud.

FEB

2008

Hey Douglas. I read your response on http://activerain.com/blogsview/390618/EXIT-REALTY-Is-it Why did you apologize to her? Man, you seem to have guts. That was kind of lame. It IS a pyramid.

John - I apologized because I was wrong and I was rude. I did not apologize for my opinion. Personally, I have my issues with their methods (Exit Realty), but that is neither here nor there.

At least I had the guts to leave my real name and way to contact me.

Think about that?

Thank you for explaining Greentagging. I am going to investigate the online firms and let you know what I find. Question: Are these carbon certificates expensive? It sounds like a brilliant idea, but can regular folks pay for something like that. Great post!

Burt - I can't tell you exact numbers. It is VERY CHEAP! That's why it is doable. If I remember correctly you can only buy certificates that come in a per ton basis (one ton is probably about 2000 pounds). I think I remember this correctly: the prize for one ton was about $10.00

I mean, if you are dedicated to the environment, and if you believe this is a way to go, then a family of 4 will probably spend about $150.00 a year on carbon certificates.

You can also plant trees yourself. Most nurseries have information about tree planting charities.

There's many ways to go....just go and do it!

Great question, hopefully that was the right answer.

Any information on Homeopathic vs. Pharmaceuticals? At the moment I am taking about 12 different pills for cancer. A friend said there are other ways to go. Anything would be appreciated.

FEB

2008

Derek - I am not a doctor. I am a Realtor. My website features some information on natural vitamins www.planetgarbe.com

Best of luck.

Check out my blog about Earth Hour 2008! Ok change of plans. Go directly and check out the link. Sign up for Earth Hour 2008! Last year over 2 million people and businesses in Sydney Australia turned off all their lights for one hour on March 31st. This year they are taking the effort global.

http://www.earthhour.org/user/eIzY

Sorry for sort of hijacking your blog Douglas! I think this is a good green cause. And its easy. Everyone can do it!

Jamie - Thank you. This particular post has had all kind of interesting traffic. Maybe it is my computer, but I don't seem to be able to open the link that you put up. In any case, if it is a green cause....I'm all for it!

Douglas, thanks for referring me to your post. WoW! you really did get alot of comments on it. I am interested because number one- we only have one earth, number two-We are all responsible to do the right things,(realtor or not)number three, I am also a registered nurse and totally understand how our health is affected by what we do and what we don't do. I am going to go to the website you suggest later on today. You are on the right track, If it was easy, everyone would go green!! I guess you just have to not take it personal if people have negative things to say. It is just human nature for there to be those that agree and those that disagree. Keep up the good work.

Vickie - thank you for coming and visiting. Please also visit www.planetgarbe.com for information on vitamins and natural holistic medicine. I never take anything personal. I find the back and forth stimulating and I am a strong believer in having your free say at all times.

Thank you again for the kind words.

FEB

2008

Any advice on recycling? I know I should have started way sooner (I'm in my early 50's....and yes, that is not my real name:)

Natalie - no shame in starting. There is no such thing as 'late.' The idea of recycling is, of course, fantastic. Unfortunately, most local governments are not doing such a 'fantastic' job with the program. The internet has good information. If you do some investigating on your local community you will find some programs available. As to if they are keeping their promises and the stuff is really being sorted.....that's another story.

Good question.

I think going green is a good thing. I think that by personal example and education other people will follow suit. However, I do not like seeing these types of things mandated. Once something is mandated the price takes a lot longer to come down, so everyone suffers, except for those making the product. Our free market is currently leaning towards green. Look at how places like Trader Joe's, Henry's and natural medicine shops a popping up everywhere. Most major supermarkets also have organic and natural products. And look at light bulbs, solar panels and other green household items, all are gaining tremendous popularity. The free market is alive and well. I think soon more green products will be a lot more affordable. Take care.

Joseph- Thank you for coming by and taking a look. Your point is well taken, anything that is mandated is by definition (at least according to me) not wanted. Unfortunately, like a lot of other things that are not regulated by the government (or at least not regulated with a keen eye), 'going green' has been high-jacked by a ton of greedy people who are making a fast buck out of the public's ignorance. I read somewhere that Organic really means: We are allowing you to pay a little more for this product. How does that strike you? I caught on, also, to how you highlight the person's name when you respond to them....I'm going to take that for myself. So, thank you.

FEB

2008

Talking about coming back with a venegenance. Thank you very much for commenting on my blog and for the advice - I really appreciate that. I have to admit,I want to be more involved in knowing about going green. Is there a website that you can go to about that. I have to admit an episode I saw on Oprah got me more interested in the topic.

And do you give your clients green cleaning products as gifts? I say that because I saw on Oprah the green house cleaning products. But I forgot the name of it. It was by a couple who brought the company after they loved using it and it didn't make their child sick like their previous cleaning products was.Green begets green (money is green, so are plants...both valuable to all of us)- You are so right. Great post.

Lanre- The advice is sincere and the observation(I think) was correct: It is more important to the clients out there that you are speaking the truth, instead of saying ALLOT of nonsense

As far as green products, go to my website www.planetgarbe.com and check out all the products of the companies I have tried to do a little research about.

Just because it says it is green means absolutely nothing. For example, I could say this blog is good for the environment. Sure. Have you heard of E-Waste? It used to be that Electronic Waste consisted only of discarded electronic appliances. Now we have scientist coming out of nowhere telling us we are polluting the air around us every-time we use a PC (something about invisible gases released during the time PC's are turned on.

For me, and only speaking of me, the quality of my entries is paramount. I want people to read as well written a blog as they can when they visit me. I want to build an audience that knows I have something special waiting for them. I hope that transfers, somehow, into quality.

Best of luck my friend.

Thank you for your post. I too am interested in greener realty and Real Living. I am looking to start my own brokerage and would like to find a national brand that I can really get behind and one that will help with the technology that will promote a greener office and practice.

what can you share about your "green" practices and how Real Living fits in?

http://www.realliving.com/Green/Default.aspx

Ton- Thank you for your comment. The link above will take you directly to our green initiative that will show you more about Real Living's objective in going green.

Real Living is a fantastic franchise. Please let me know if you want more information and I will have my broker get in touch with you.

It is all about the impact we have and the footprint we leave behind, truly.

Best of luck and go green.

Douglas, great post. Are there tax credits for going green? I thought I had read something about that.

Douglas

I learned alot from the Organic Energy Consultants I met on my train trip across America. But the one thing I have figured out in my old age is that there are a few that will pave the path for many. You are probably one of those few and that is OK. The movement in the 70's has made it possible for "20 teens" to embrace and make change for the environment. Those young men convinced me that 'Change is in the Wind ..... my friend"

Laura Gray

Laura- Well, I went and checked your profile. I think we are both in the same age bracket (and looking good, too). So we are peers. I got to work with Koko the signing Gorilla in the late 90's, and that changed my whole outlook. I learned not only respect for nature, but for the creatures who live there. Long story, but it started my green journey. If I read correctly, you have six kids. I wonder how many of them will remember when 'going green' was actually an issue. Like Lead paint.

Thank you so much for the kind words.

Lisa - I am going to find out that information for you tomorrow. Great question and I think I have exactly what you are looking for. I saved some article with that particular information. Stay tuned.

Hi Douglas,

Honestly, this quote from your post bothered me "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 initially I thought you may subconsciously be looking for the negative or for rejection if that is how you gauge truth from others.

That said, I applaud anyone's efforts to make their business more "green" - even with the backlash from some on simply adapting the word "Green" and making it their own, a "greener" lifestyle often is more helpful than not.

There is an online publication that actually has developed a green code of sorts - and that monitors business and folks' attempts to "green-up" their businesses or lives - just like organics, there are levels of "greening" that are ethical and that are truly beneficial.

The publications are: ClimateBiz, GreenerComputing, and GreenBuzz. They all have newsletters that are sent via email and that have "green" news links.

All the best - keep Greening your business and helping others!

Douglas,

Way to excite the masses!

I come at this issue from the design and construction side of things so I won't even try to touch on the EcoRealtor discussion. I would like to make a few points though. Ask yourself these questions:

By in large, we have not changed the way that we build houses since the end of WWII. What would it be like if the 600 million + automobiles that inhabit the planet today were 1945 Hudson's?

Humans have been building shelter for themselves and their loved ones since the beginning of time. To completely over-simplify the example, Eskimos built igloos and inhabitants of Sub-Saharan Africa built from mud and straw. Yet today we, especially in the United States, build vinyl sided boxes from Arizona to Maine. Does this make sense?

Are you comfortable knowing that your children, grandchildren, even you are probably going to sleep in a bed, surrounded by pieces of furniture, on a floor, under a roof, in a house all of which are most likely constructed of products that contain formaldehyde? Yes, that's the same stuff that the frogs you dissected in your high school biology class were floating in.

Did you know that the vinyl curtain that you just hung in your shower will weigh half as much in one year as it does today? It loses this weight through a process called off-gassing. Vinyl off-gasses toxins.

Do you have anything against saving money?

I know that these questions are vague and wide ranging. My point is simply this: You can dub the "movement" Green and call it political or pseudo-religious. You can agree or disagree with any or all of the comments on this page. Just do yourself a favor. Ask yourself some very common sense questions and become informed and educated before you form an opinion.

Keep following Douglas' posts and, if you're interested, you can check out some, more building related, posts at http://activerain.com/blogs/renovati

FEB

2008

Gina - I understand your concern with the way I worded that phrase. You caught on to my subtle criticism that I threw at my fellow Realtors. You made me think about one thing: I do believe that more 'truth' comes out in the 'heat of anger.' How many 'sane' people have you know that when under stress suddenly reveal themselves to be racists and homophobes? How many friends when under the same circumstance show you that there has been an ulterior motive all along?

When Realtors react negatively to going green there is more than ignorance going on. Dime store psychology would suggest that the driving emotion is fear.

I believe it is greed.

Thank you for the publications. I am going to review them and write about them. Please keep bringing your strong voice to the comments box. This is the first entry that I feel really good about. It has been a round table of open discussion.

Thank you again.

Douglas-

Baby steps...

It's all we can really do. It's unfortunate that we live in a somewhat shallow, me-based society where many people care more about the color of Britney Spears underpants than what they can do to help make the world a better place.

Many people ARE trying though, you being one of them, so this has and will continue to have a "domino" effect on the rest of society.

The times they are a shiftin'...

Keep up the great work!

-Ms. Champion

We need more people like you! A+ for effort.

Hey Douglas,

Really like the Blog, short but to the point. That's what I like. Hope to read more from you in the future.

Robert Swetz

www.SwetzSellsVegas.com

Robert - Thank you for the kind words. My next entry (I am already working on it) will be about Organic and all it entails. Stay tuned.

Angelika - Thank you thank you. I feel like I passed a test. An apple for the teacher!!! :)

I find myself having green conversations with agents and everyone wants to make it political. It is not political. Thanks for the post.

Stacey- Of course you are right, things are changing as we speak. I probably am a tad intolerant and impatient (probably??!!). I do believe a large segment of the population is turned off by all this 'green' stuff because most of the information out there is pretty dry and obtuse. And when it isn't, then it almost borders on fanatical and hysterical. What about our daily lives? What can somebody honestly do after a hard day's work and taking care of the children?

The truth, I believe, is that this current generation will be the last one burdened with the 'luxury' of not giving a damn (hence the title, of course).

It's like racism, sexism...any kinds of isms. People have to realize that this is something the majority of people want to do. Not just a bunch of green kooks.

Believe me, and if you have kids you will understand this, schools are spending a big chunk of the curriculum making students aware of the issue. THAT generation will give a damn.

Thank you for the kind words. Stay green!

Joey - What an interesting point! Of course, if they are on the defensive (guilt or ignorance) what better way to slap it to the side than to say it is political. And yet, it is political in the sense that it seems to take away people's right to do as they damn well please.

"It's my money, I'll buy the biggest car I want. I worked hard, I deserve it."

True. As of now, you can still buy big gas guzzlers. We STILL have those choices. It is part of our culture.

This whole thing will stop being even mildly interesting once we come together and have a 'group reality check' and realize that individual actions make a difference. Good citizenship is global, not bound by borders.

I remain a selfish consumer throughout. However, I choose to be aware of my consequences. Sometimes it makes a difference. And sometimes (most of the time, probably) it doesn't.

I am human. Not a saint. I am trying.

Jeff - Thank you for an informative comment! The questions you raised are not vague at all. They are scary. They are frightening. I was not aware of the formaldehyde content of so many products. How does this affect our health, would be the next question.

The really interesting thing is that we are actually talking about this as if it were controversial and not common sense.

I think it was one of my last entries where I pointed out that people actually debated whether ending slavery would be good for the population at large. I know that sounds incredibly ridiculous today, but it was a heated topic of discussion and...Civil War....a lot of people died for their opinions.

This time the other side...THEY...is us. We are destroying ourselves. We choose not to look at the warning signs.

To be fair to the nay sayers, there is a lot of misinformation out there. Too much of the blame is put on man and his doings. The earth has cycles, we are going through one at the moment.

I am also worried that, somehow, people will loose their right to make certain choices because it is not the politically correct thing to do. Already, being labeled an 'anti-environmentalist' carries some weight.

Jeff, you have brought up an amazing number of things that I will look into. The way we build our houses(my father and sister are architects) has a huge impact on how we think about the environment. That is what I am trying to point out as a Realtor.

Can we really turn a big gas guzzler into an energy saving vehicle? We better get our act together quickly!

Can we turn an old house into an energy conserving haven? You betcha!

May cost more now. Will pay off in the long run in so many ways.

Thank you again Jeff!

yeah, I know, no name. Douglas, I am trying to get an understanding of where you stand with the issues. What is your message? You sound all ra-ra-ra about saving money and selling houses. Are you for the greens or not? Curious.

FEB

2008

Me - Ok, I would answer you by asking you to READ MY ENTRIES. Am I for the greens? What's that? Green Beans? They are good, good for you.

If you are going to 'let me have it', at least don't be so lame.

MAR

2008

Hey Doug -

Suggestion - don't feed the troll...

re: your response to my post, I agree - people attack that which they fear. Sad but true.

I think also the "green" movement's "green" focus has an element of "pop" psychology to it that may not appeal to those who don't follow trends - could it be if less is focused on catch phrases and instead on smart living (i.e. smart = consideration of resources) that essentially "green" living would become more acceptable to those who appear to eschew its values?

Have a great Saturday!

Gina Kay

Gina- How absolutely right on the money you are! It does seem that being green is 'trendy', it is a movement that is filled with pop jargon and at times with its own morality as well. Do as we say or we all die horribly. Look at some of the comments I have received (which, unlike other blogers, I would NEVER delete). The point here is education. I would never make somebody 'go away' because they are not following the curriculum. And even that is a flawed statement. The curriculum itself is not set in stone, it is a work in progress by ALL OF US.

Believe me, I am not trying to be the Che Guevara of the Green Blog world. This is not a revolution. This is an awakening. And the truth is, some of us don't want to get up yet, the bed is nice and warm.

And that too, is okay.

I am disgusted with the people who have hijacked this movement to make themselves look and feel better. They sound good, but they drive a Hummer. Hello?

Nothing against Hummers, but they are for the people who are still in their warm beds, if you know what I mean.

I am a flawed human being. I try my level best every day. I have to watch my pennies and I want to make decisions that are good for me and my household. If I can do something good for the planet at the same time....wonderful.

People AND the environment are EQUALLY important. People are not the enemy. Even the really stupid ones that don't care are not enemies. This is beyond blaming and the shaky boundaries of a morality play.

Just like we made a group (although costly in human terms) decision to end slavery, we are waking up to the harsh reality of what cigarettes are doing to us. And now the environment.

It does appear we are killing ourselves, inflicting pain on others for no reason...and hoping it will all go way and work itself out in due time.

Welcome to the human race. And I am part of that. And so are you. And you. And you. And the one behind you.

Only Together. Just like we all felt after 9-11. Do you remember what that was like. We, it seemed to me, we were working as a group. For one goal. It was heartbreaking, of course, but it also reaffirmed me.

Best of luck.

Doug,

I hear your frustration and I get it.

Gina Kay

Gina - That's the right word, frustration. I do feel a lot better now. See what a good comment can bring out? Keep the dialogue coming.

Best of luck and go green.

Douglas, great debate going on. I googled green and came to your blog. Question, do you really think going green can be compared to a religion. You made several comparisons in some of your answers. Keep on trucking.

MAR

2008

Bill - Well, the lady two comments above suggested "...don't feed the troll." I will say that you pose an interesting question. At the same time, I wonder if you are one of the two or three people who keep flaming me. This is not censorship, however, I am making a choice not to answer your question because it has nothing to do with real estate. If you really want my opinion, you can email me.

Best of luck and go green.

Doug,

Thanks for the post. Unfortunately, our society typically adopts the "wait till it happens" theory.

Zach - You probably mean, "wait till we can't pretend its not happening anymore." Isn't it interesting that a lot of consumers (myself included) are aware of the peril that we are putting ourselves through and are choosing to do little or nothing at all. Sometimes it feels that all I provide is lip service.

There is a lesson in all this, right?

MAR

2008

Lisa- I am so sorry to have taken so long to answer your questions about tax credits for going green. After doing some investigation on the net (I recommend that you do the same) I have found the following options:

* Tax credit up to $2,400 for buying an alternative fuel vehicle (hybrid)

*10% credits for installing insulation materials in your home that reduce heat loss or gain

*30%(up to $2,ooo) for installing residential solar water heating and photovoltaic electrical equipment(?!)

*Up to $300 of the cost for installing energy-efficient or geothermal heat pumps

I am sure this is just the tip of the iceberg. These seemed the most approachable of the credits, Thank you again for a good question.

MAR

2008

Tax credits? Now THAT has to hit people where they are concerened...Taxes...I heard a story on public radio last night about the 1st electric car and how it was this great invention but the public just wasn't ready for it. Fast forward 35 years and the car makers are scrambling to see who gets there first!

Wasn't there a movie about that electric car and what happened to it and the inventor?

I am proud to announce that this particular entry made the list of seven most active blogs this past month. Quite an honor!

http://activerain.com/blogsview/401998/Top-Posts-of-the

Quality pays, right?

Douglas:

I applaud your temerity in the face of these nay-sayers. Regardless of where we are in climatic variations, we are dumping carbon into the atmosphere which raises global temperature and have created a society inexorably dependant on non-sustainable resources. Change has to start somewhere. However small the steps may be, they do make a difference.

Tony- Great point. And yet, what does that mean...not being ready? It smells too much like 'personal sacrifice' to some. As I keep pointing out, I am still a selfish consumer and I make decisions that are not always earth-friendly.

But I try to do better each time.

Monica - the movie is titled "Who killed the electric car?" I have not seen it yet, maybe a reader can give us a quick/brief review. That would help. Thank you for bringing that up.

Best of luck and go green.

Dr. N. Singletary- Well, thank you indeed! Your point about small steps -baby steps- is what this post is all about. I am not asking anybody not to buy something, or to buy smaller, or to boycott this or that. I am pointing out that by becoming smarter shoppers we actually save money. I keep reminding people that by using the products we buy to their full extent we not only become better consumers, but we actually help the environment. There is a point to be made, of course, about being informed on the consequence of certain mindless purchases and their effect on the environment (Bigger cars, single packaged products, McMansions, junk-food, etc.). The really interesting point about all this is that it fits in beautifully with Real Estate. During tough times like these, wouldn't it be more prudent to be a more educated purchaser? Doesn't it make sense to be aware of little changes (or big ones) that you can make to any property that not only increase it's value but make it earth friendly?

It will be those earth friendly homes that will sell faster, anyway.

Thank you for a provocative point. And from a Dr. no less!

Best of luck, and go green.

You're look so hot in your picture your very existence must worsening global warming!

I meant "must BE worsening......"!

Wow, this is a hot topic. But somethings make sense. It can be as simple as buying indigenous landscaping plants that survive in your area without watering or fertilizing, or closing the a/c discharge vents in rooms you don't use ... or even insisting that you won't burn gasoline for another buyer is has not been pre-qualified

Richard - Right-o! Indeed, a massively important point that has escaped me so far!! The amount of gasoline wasted in driving buyers around is astounding! Isn't it ironic that this gigantic point is one that I was overlooking?? The amount of money/gasoline wasted daily by a Realtor is shocking!

I think you just gave me the topic for my next entry.

Thank you and go green.

Mystery Blogger - If you are going to try and be clever.....LEARN HOW TO SPELL FIRST!!!

Despite mystery blogger's bad vision, this is a great dialogue you have going!

Richard - you sound like a flamer, too.

MAR

2008

Nice post - and good information. I found you on another blog today!

Sharon - Thank you for your kind comment. Question: Where did you read about me? Can you send me a link? I am trying to get all that type of information together.

Thank you again.

Douglas....good information man. What do you think about bottled water? I thought by now you would have written your next piece.

A fan.

MAR

2008

Jonathan- You are not going to like this answer. This is one of the areas where I still am a very selfish consumer. I buy fancy Italian water that comes in plastic bottles.

I have heard the rumors, seen the stories on TV, read the article in Consumer Reports: No difference between that and tap water.

I do believe the bottled water industry is going through its own awakening at the moment. Hopefully they will lead us in the right direction.

I am human, remember? :)

Good question Jonathan.

Douglas - I don't remember which one but it was an AR blog that referenced you. I will try and look for you. Great job on all the comments!

Sharon - Much appreciated. Thank you for doing this for me. And thank you for the compliment. I will be reading and commenting on your entries soon. Can't wait.

MAR

2008

I was looking for the band Green Damn and I thought you had something to do with it. I am not really into the whole green thing but I like the way you talk about it. I'll check into it.

MAR

2008

Pat - I didn't even know that there is a band called Green Damn! Maybe I should get in touch with them?

Write some lyrics. Make some money. Save some environment.

Sounds like a plan.

APR

2008

I just read in your comment about drinking bottled water in plastic bottles. And you call yourself green?

APR

2008

Amy - Newsflash! I'm human.

This is not a controversy in the least since I have admitted to not being a good guardian of the planet pretty much in my first blog.

Did it factor in there....somewhere....that I at least admit these things about me?

Best of luck and go green.

APR

2008

1 billion water bottles every year disposed.

You have no excuse.

Elem - I'm feeling kind of hot.

I think I'll have some cold water.

Right out of a PLASTIC BOTTLE.

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