Where does green begin?

Miami SunriseOkay, so I confess that I am not very green..... maybe do have a hint of Olive tone in my skin, but I know I can start making a difference, even in a town that does not care about "green issues".  I have to thank Dena Stevens for the inspiration.  Please keep in mind that this article is not coming from the expert Eco-broker, it's coming from a Realtor that is interested in making a difference.

As kids we get bombarded with information about helping the environment, recycling, caring for our earth.  So what happens when we are no longer kids?  Do we forget all those responsibilities?; do we forget we can make a difference?  Do we go on with our day to day life and don't take a little time to think that no matter how small, at least we are doing something?

The great thing about starting small is that you create awareness, influence others, and slowly become more and more "green conscious".   In architecture school we are taught to be true to the location, to use native materials, to work with existing resources.  If there's clay, use clay, if there's coral, use coral - the concept is simple, and OH so important.  Local materials don't have to be transported across the nation, saving fuel and precious resources.  This particular example applies to architecture and construction, but other simple concepts can be applied no matter the industry.

Although Miami is not known as an environmentally aware city, you do see the occasional solar panel (where the owner is regarded as "cheap", never "eco-friendly"); you do see native materials being used and energy efficient materials like bamboo flooring, granite counter tops and insulated windows;  good landscapers use Native plants like Gumbo Limbos (one of my favorite trees) - take a look at a book by Frederic Stresau called "Florida, My Eden"; and  most South Florida cities even have a great recycling system in place. 

So what can we do as Realtors to make a difference, even if you are not the EcoBroker,or even if you are not gung-ho green?  Start with your print advertising.  Find a printer that uses vegetable inks and recycled papers, if that's not possible or price prohibitive (like in Miami), at least use a digital printer which uses less waste.  Educate yourself about those energy efficient materials, chances are that a lot of homes you have sold are green in nature and you did not even know it.  Start saving paper and go paperless (I know you cannot go completely paperless, but A LOT of your paperwork can be eliminated with technology).  Pass on the information to your kids with the idea that they will apply the concepts always, no littering, recycling, planting trees.

THINK GREEN !- don't be intimidated, don't leave it for tomorrow, start small, you will make a difference.

 

53 Comments on Where does green begin?

Ines, Very well done. I've been trying to write one of these for the contest but keep coming up blank. I guess I'm not very green conscious even though I know I should be. I am reading and learning though. I love the green sunset. Has that been altered?

03/10/2007 06:53 PM by Bryant Tutas-Tutas Towne Realty, Inc


Reach in there Bryant, I know you can do it!  Altered? you mean the green sunset?    ;)

03/10/2007 07:03 PM by Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate (Majestic Properties)


Thanks Rick & Ines for the friendly reminder that we as adults have a responsibility as well on this earth.  In this fast paced world it is really easy to forget about respecting the environment around us.  How are things in Miami?  I was there in March of 1987 on my way to Honduras during the Iran/Contra War.  I went down as an observer and interpretor.  My memories of Miami are quite fond going down.  I got to spend almost a full day there and I loved the restaurants and the "feel".  On the way back it is another story.  We hit a bad storm and circled the city for over 1/2 hour before we could land.  My friend said that while in the air in that storm he started saying a lot of "Hail Marys" and he wasn't even Catholic!!!  I nearly kissed the ground when we finally landed!  I hope all is well.  have a great weekend.

03/10/2007 07:09 PM by Boise Idaho Real Estate - George Tallabas (RE/MAX Advantage)


OK, you taught me something. I didn't know that architects were encouraged to use native or existing materials. I of course love the idea. I wrote a blog about using rock when life gives you rock. And I've never heard somebody being called cheap for using solar panels. Although they will save you money in the long run for doing the right thing. And thanks for the mention!

03/10/2007 07:09 PM by Dena Stevens ~ Ecobroker ~So. Colorado Realtor (Colorado Western Real Estate)


Ines - your post is a great reminder that we all need to be doing our part, or at least thinking about it at the very least.  I love the pics, especially the green sunset.  I've never seen one of those.  ;-)

Ann

03/10/2007 07:12 PM by Portsmouth NH Real Estate ~ Ann Cummings (RE/MAX Coast to Coast - Portsmouth New Hampshire)


Ines...

Excellent job on this. Man you and the rest of The Good Ladies Of The Rain continue to impress me with how far you have come with your Blogging. I'm seriously impressed with this post. Now, about the green, I am out of my league on that. Guess it's time for you younger Ladies to give me a hand with that topic :-)

TLW...ROAR!

03/10/2007 07:18 PM by "The Lovely Wife"...Broker Bryant's Wife... (Co-Owner Tutas Towne Realty, Inc.)


Ines, kudos on this.  I agree with all.  Great post. 

I'm guilty as charged.  I don't do as much as I probably can.  I will start paying more attention to my choices.  Thanks for the gentle reminder.

03/10/2007 07:33 PM by Palmetto Bay | Redland Real Estate | Maggie Dokic (EWM Realtors)


George - I'm glad you had a good day here in Miami, next time call, Maggie and I will go meet you!

Dena - You are usually the one doing the teaching, so I'm glad the roles were reversed once!  Thanks for the inspiration.

Ann - if I made people think, it's all I can hope for.

TLW - you are not out of your league....you would be surprised the things you do for the environment!  Thanks for that compliment, I value your opinion like you wouldn't even imagine!

Maggie - that's what I like to hear!

For everyone reading this....if I can just make one person think about the impact of change with this one single post.....I reached my goal....THANK YOU!

03/10/2007 07:55 PM by Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate (Majestic Properties)


Ines... this post rocks. Over the past 18 months we, as a family,  began thinking more and more about the impact of little things. Over time, all the little things have begun to pile up and we're seeing a difference. It's rewarding for us and it's great to see our kids understanding it as well. And there were no major changes, just lots of little things piling up over time. Great message!

03/10/2007 07:57 PM by Jeff Turner (Real Estate Shows)


Wow, Ines. I am very impressed. I think that this is one of the most thoughtful, well-writtten posts I have read of yours. Bravo! This is such an important topic, too. If we can pass on anything about this to our kids, and they in turn, pass more on to their kids ... things WILL change. I know that our city is horrific regarding much of this, but not all is lost. I just need to put in a liitle more effort. Thank you for the reminder/inspiration.

03/10/2007 08:28 PM by Mariana Wagner ~ Colorado Springs REALTOR® (Wagner iTeam -Keller Williams Clients' Choice)


Jeff...no YOU rock! I just read your green post and as always, it's genius!  little things do make an impact, we need to remember that...and to think you are making an impact on 6 children and then they will teach their children....that's all it takes.

03/10/2007 08:29 PM by Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate (Majestic Properties)


Mariana - remember the "Cabbage Patch" (I'm even recycling dances - how do you like that?) - thanks for the compliment, I guess it is true about "the more you do it, the better you get" - I'm even more comfortable now with my voice.  BTW - it's an honor to be an inspiration to you, for real!

03/10/2007 08:44 PM by Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate (Majestic Properties)


Like a green sunrise or sunset, you give us pause to rethink and see ourselves in a new light, as REALTORS and as responsible decision-makers. As I read your post, and you pointed out the "little" things, I saw that those "little" things really are not so little...because doing those little things add up...like one of our AR colleagues who wrote"...if each of us just replaced 5 light-bulbs with fluorescent bulbs it would be the equivalent of taking 1,000,000cars off the road...." 

THX for entering this in the Green is Red Hot Contest

03/10/2007 09:50 PM by Asheville's GREEN Land & Homes ECO-Steward Realty


JaneAnn - thank YOU for putting the contest together and making us think about making a difference.  I know I'll think of napkins every time I go to a restaurant now, and I'll think of fluorescent light bulbs, there are some great entries in the contest, you will have a difficult time picking a winner.

03/10/2007 10:00 PM by Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate (Majestic Properties)


Where would I find the other entries to this contest? I am intrigued ...

03/10/2007 10:14 PM by Mariana Wagner ~ Colorado Springs REALTOR® (Wagner iTeam -Keller Williams Clients' Choice)


Jennifer - thank YOU for stopping by - we can all make a difference.

Mariana - all posts should be tagged "green awareness", you can also go to the ECO-ALL STARS~ The GREEN Scene group.  Are you in? They are accepting entries until the 15th - read janeAnne's last post.

03/10/2007 10:29 PM by Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate (Majestic Properties)


Ines... good post and awareness for others.  Many of us don't think about this on a daily basis....  good reminder of things to think of and link it to architecture.  .. and the natural surroundings and or the natural materials.

 

                                                                                           jeff

03/10/2007 11:01 PM by Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages -- Mortgages (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc)


Rick and Ines..I like the idea of being more careful when using a digital printer..and using papers in general! realtors use a small forest out there! Same here am not an expert but am willing to learn and act. 

03/10/2007 11:19 PM by LLoyd Nichols~SW Florida Homes (Right Choice Realty LLC)


We are the stewards of our invironment. We can all teach by example. No reason to be more overt than that. In fact the more casual you are about it, the more seriously you will be taken.

03/10/2007 11:32 PM by Downtown Portland Real Estate Broker~Herb Hamilton (RE/MAX Preferred Inc. Realtors)


Ines:  GREAT JOB!  I am stuck in the mud with mine like some of the others!  I love the challenge that Dena and janeAnne have put forth.  It is making us think and learn and be aware!

03/11/2007 12:12 AM by Renee Burrows - Las Vegas NV Real Estate (Nevada Realty Solutions)


Ines: Does it count if I make a truly bold GREEN comment?

Jay

03/11/2007 06:02 AM by Jay Merton & Medford Ambrose, the Codgers (Retired Handymen)


Jeff - thanks...let's start applying!

Lloyd - I learned about the printing choices from a good friend who moved to California, she's a photographer and graphic designer and created a company called Conscious Creative - we don't have 1/2 the Eco-friendly stuff here than they have in Cali, but awareness is the key.

Herb - I agree with you, especially in S. Florida

Renee - I know you can do it...your posts are awesome...think basics and you'll come up with something great.

Jay - you're ALIVE!!!  Did you enjoy the Florida swamp?  I do think the BOLD GREEN statement works.

03/11/2007 08:43 AM by Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate (Majestic Properties)


I need to be a little more earth friendly. I try but sometimes I forget. My mind is already leaving me.

03/11/2007 02:56 PM by Christy Powers - Pooler, Savannah Real Estate Agent (Keller Williams Coastal Area Partners)


Christy...you keep trying....that's what counts.

03/11/2007 03:27 PM by Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate (Majestic Properties)


Very good. I know that when I need to print something to use, I simply turn the page over when finished and save a stack and print on the opposite side. Doesn't do away with printing altogether but it does save a few trees. Green is good! Love the sky!!!

03/11/2007 07:07 PM by Sacramento Real Estate and Luxury Homes, Assoc. Real Estate Broker,Gena Riede (Remax Gold, Assoc Broker)


Gena - that's a good start - we do that too in our office and instead of sending faxes, we send PDF's of all our forms and contracts.

03/11/2007 07:27 PM by Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate (Majestic Properties)


Ines, this issue has been around for a long time, and there is still a lot more learn and do in this area.  Hopefully as each generation is taught more about this, the more it will become a natural part of our lives.

03/11/2007 10:17 PM by George Souto (McCue Mortgage Co.)


One thing also is to ask companies to take us off their mailing list, if we are just going to trash the mail when it comes in and don't bother to read it.

03/11/2007 10:29 PM by Judi Barrett (Integrity Real Estate Services)


Ines

hmmm - I am debating w/myself about entering the Green contest.  Everywhere I looked today their was an article on green from the first page of the Baltimore Sun to the print ads by Home Depot.  My article was going to be about starting with yourself before you can reach others  ---  since you wrote about this today --i will have to change my direction. Thxs for your post

I really liked the green sunset picture.  Aweesome

Peace

 

03/11/2007 10:48 PM by Aziz Abdur-Raoof,Howard Co. Real Estate Scoop (RE/MAX Rewards)


I am, as most of you can tell, not part of the phony go green movement.  However, I am environmentally friendly.  Having grown up in a very rural setting, I leave everywhere I visit while camping and hiking at least as clean as when I arrive.  My brother and I once hiked over six miles into the mountains to go camping.  We spent quite a while leaning up the mess that the previous campers had left.  I was surprised that they could hike the rugged trail with a case of beer but couldn't take the empties with them.  

Back to the Go Green movement, most people just do it because it makes them feel good.  A lot of people's efforts to save the planet cause more ecological harm in the long run.  Study the facts before you jump in blind. 

03/11/2007 11:42 PM by Roger Stensland (Brio Realty)


I love green in more ways than one. The environment is something I respect.  We should have more countries like Costa Rica where the green is green for a reason and limiting growth that removes the green stuff is nearly prohibited.

 Ken

03/12/2007 12:43 AM by Ken Spencer (Keller Williams Realty Professional Partners)


Ines, wow I didn't realize Florida beaches had so much pollution. :>)  We have acid rain here in NH, but our skies are still blue. lol   The little things we do to be earth-friendly add up to a whole lot.

 

03/12/2007 08:22 AM by Sue Argue - NH Home Stager (Staged First Impressions)


George - it's interesting what each generation learns or fails to learn.  One factor that I find interesting is that in third world countries (like Venezuela, where I am from), there is no green movement but a certain level of people seem to be very ecologically inclined, which goes back to education.

Judi - that's one thing I started doing months ago, but you need to keep calling them, because it does take a while for the junk mail to stop coming.

Aziz - I just read your comment again and I think you have a green post idea right there.  Would you please add a link to your post here when you're done, I'd love to read it.

Roger - I would like to hear which efforts cause more ecological harm, I had not heard about that, interesting point of view.  I can tell you this, the American paint manufacturers that stopped making "lead based paints" here in this country, still send those paints oversees where people don't care - not very sincere, is it?

Ken- Costa Rica is a good example, and to believe that Brazil was there some years ago and now it's a disaster with the Amazon....very sad.

Sue - LOL! Your comment made me laugh because my husband (Rick) calls Active Rain = Acid Rain.  Thanks for stopping by.

03/12/2007 08:46 AM by Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate (Majestic Properties)


Well, we have that kind of Acid Rain too, lol !!

03/13/2007 12:56 PM by Sue Argue - NH Home Stager (Staged First Impressions)


Thanks for an encouraging blog.

I am in the process of earning the EcoBroker designation and every study session is an eye opener. A couple of months ago I thought that our area (west of Philly) was anti-green, or at least a very pale shade of green. Since then I have discovered green builders and a great amount of other individuals and organizations who are working hard to be green. 

03/13/2007 04:59 PM by John Cilladi, REALTOR, EcoBroker, e-PRO (Keller Williams Real Estate)


John - you bring a good point - a lot of times we think our area is not very "green friendly" but we realize it's the contrary, doesn't hurt to do a little research and get involved with the right groups.  Congrats on your EcoBroker designation.

03/13/2007 05:47 PM by Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate (Majestic Properties)


Nice statement here -- We just need to make a few changes to begin and then just like a seed -- the more we water our green awareness -- finally a beautiful world will emerge!

03/15/2007 08:16 AM by Joan Whitebook, ABR, e-Pro, CEBA (Buyer's Option Realty Services)


Nice analogy Joan, I like it!  "just like a seed -- the more we water our green awareness -- finally a beautiful world will emerge!"

03/15/2007 10:19 AM by Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate (Majestic Properties)


Congratulations...

YOU won a GREEN STAR in the Green  is Red Hot Contest!

03/17/2007 08:03 AM by Asheville's GREEN Land & Homes ECO-Steward Realty


Thanks janeAnne and Dena - you guys were the inspiration and we appreciate the fact that you made us even more aware of this issue that is so important for all of us and sometimes goes unseen.  GREAT CONTEST WITH INCREDIBLE ENTRIES!

03/17/2007 08:09 AM by Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate (Majestic Properties)


In our area Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) sells green power for an extra 4 bucks per 150 kilowatt-hour block.

150 KW is about 12% of the typical household usage.

windmills

Each windmill main shaft is 250 feet high, each rotor blade is 150 feet long and the nacelle (the big thingie that sets on top and turns the rotors) is about the size of a medium 18 wheeler.

Click the link below for a visual tour of the Tennessee Valley Authority's windmille farm located about 10 miles from my house; this is where lots of KUB's green power comes from.

03/17/2007 08:57 AM by Jim Lee, Knoxville Tennessee Realtor® (Realty Executives Associates)


Jim - I always have found those wind mills so fascinating.  We don't have those in Florida as far as I know.  I remember entering San Francisco (coming back for the Sequoia forest) and seeling the landscape covered in wind mills, it was a great site - thanks for sharing with us.

BTW, the link to the virtual tour is not working.

03/17/2007 06:49 PM by Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate (Majestic Properties)


Thanks Rick and Ines - nicely put and yes, I learned something - I did not know about vegetable dye and printers, and I use a lasar printer currently.  So yet another small thing that creates an impact.  Take care - Liz

03/18/2007 10:16 AM by Liz Foley (Town Square Realty Group)


Ines...

I have several cell phones that I know can be recycled. My question about this is how do i go about deleting the information on the phone before i drop them off? Someone told me that whatever i have stored on your phone can be retrieved. Any advice?

TLW...ROAR!

03/18/2007 10:26 AM by "The Lovely Wife"...Broker Bryant's Wife... (Co-Owner Tutas Towne Realty, Inc.)


Hey Liz - thanks for stopping by - commercial printers contribute to a lot of pollution because of the hazardous chemicals they use, and in today's print-crazy society, we can definitely diminish that impact.  Congratulations on your GREEN WIN!

Kermit had it right - it ISN'T easy being green!  your first post was not only featured, but won the contest, that's really great!  I look forward to reading great articles from you.

Ines

03/18/2007 10:27 AM by Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate (Majestic Properties)


TLW - it depends on the phone - sometimes you can go into set-up and it has a "restore defaults" command or "reformat" - try removing the battery or the sim card.  See if that helps.

03/18/2007 10:30 AM by Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate (Majestic Properties)


Thanks Inces - and I think TLW is right - the sim card is probably the way to go.  But it needs a sim card to hold info for the next person - not sure if they are something you buy off the shelf. Liz (and thanks for the kudos - I stand humbled, because frankly some of you imparted much better information than I did!)

03/18/2007 10:34 AM by Liz Foley (Town Square Realty Group)


This is a great post for those of us a bit overwhelmed with going green.  We already recycle but I now take fabric bags to the market and am thinking that my next car will be a hybrid.  Small steps but a beginning!

01/02/2008 08:07 AM by Lake Norman Real Estate ~ Diane Aurit (RE/MAX at the Lake)


Diane - small steps is what it's all about!  if everyone took small steps, the world would be a much better place!

01/02/2008 10:11 AM by Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate (Majestic Properties)


Ines - What a great post that I missed the first time around! I think you give great advice to start with the small things! I like your suggestions about steps we can take in our offices. As demand grows, prices will become more affordable for things like vegetable based inks and recycled papers. It is a natural progression. I'm glad this post came back around. Here is to a reNEWable year!

01/02/2008 10:13 PM by Mary Bigelow, Renewing Your Life! (GreenLife Homes/ Contractor's Building Supply)


Hi Mary - this one one of those posts that came from my gutt - green comes easy to a lot of people, but the truth is that green hits more obstacles than not.  Glad you were able to read it and I can't wait for those prices to drop and for some things to be more at the consumer's reach.  Happy New Year to you!

01/02/2008 10:18 PM by Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate (Majestic Properties)


Hi Mary - this one one of those posts that came from my gutt - green comes easy to a lot of people, but the truth is that green hits more obstacles than not.  Glad you were able to read it and I can't wait for those prices to drop and for some things to be more at the consumer's reach.  Happy New Year to you!

01/02/2008 10:18 PM by Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate (Majestic Properties)


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Real Estate Agent: Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate (Majestic Properties)
Rick & Ines - Miami Shores Real Estate
Miami Beach, FL
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