"Going Green" has been pretty painless for us so far, although long journeys in the hybrid are sometimes a challenge. We're happy knowing the products we have been replacing meet the 2008 Oregon Residential Energy Standards, even though we already changed out our windows and doors in 2005-2006 long before these new standards came to be. We have used all tax credits and rebates we are eligible for, helping offset some of the costs associated with these changes. With our winter heating bills 40% lower than they were before making the changes, the air flow we have in the house spring/summer/fall, and the tremendous gasoline costs saved with the hybrid vehicle, it was pretty easy to decide to take on the extra costs to do the right thing for our children and grandchildren.

We've been "Greening" our home and business. We've replaced our windows and doors with Energy Star products, replacing two of the windows that were stationary with opening windows in order to increase air flow. We've switched out our thermostat to a digital one with timer features. Our insulation is incredible. We use and reuse again anything we can. Our friends and family send the same gift bags around, some of which have made the rounds for many years. Glass jars become paint brush holders for our youngest, storage containers, or are turned in to beautifully decorated vases. If all else fails, they'll end up in the recycling bin. As light bulbs burn out, they are replaced with compact fluorescent bulbs, with those fluorescent bulbs properly disposed of when they go. When the time comes to get new flooring, my husband and I will battle it out between wood floors from sustainable forest products (my preference) and carpet from recycled products (his preference- stay tuned to see who wins THAT battle :->). Low VOC paint products are used as we repaint.

Our personal vehicle is a hybrid gas/electric. The next one will likely be full electric, although we're looking in to one that will run off propane. Our next house will have more "green features" - either insulated concrete form system or straw bale construction, with net zero energy usage.

In the big picture, the steps we are taking constitute "baby steps", and we have a ways to go yet. To offset our electricity usage, we support Pacific Power's Blue Sky Usage program, offsetting 14.22 tons of carbon dioxide, equating to not driving 30,462 miles. Our business is also purchasing credits to support the renewable energy effort.

Go check these sites out and see what simple adjustments you, too, can make. Together, we CAN make a difference.

See you out there!

Karen Cooper - OR/CA Mortgage Consultant