Real Estate Blog - Are You as Green as You Can Be? Preserving the Earth Isn't Easy

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Are You as Green as You Can Be? Preserving the Earth Isn't Easy

It used to be it was only hippies and left-wing fanatics who cared about the Earth. But now it's becoming profitable for everybody else to jump on board. As usual, California is leading the way. On Thursday, California adopted the nation's first "green" building regulations. The California Building Standards Commission adopted new standards.

In my Land Park home, I recently installed a tankless water heater. Sure, it was 5 times more expensive than the usual water-filled tank, but it saves energy, saves on utility bills, reduces the chance my home will flood from a malfunctioning water heater and it lasts twice as long. What's not to like?

I also put in bamboo floors, made from renewable energy sources. I use VOC paint. My showers have reduced water shower heads. I set my thermostat to 78 during the day to save on energy. Our windows are dual pane, low e. My husband drives a newer Prius. I reduce paper usage by transferring most of my documents online. We recycle. I use the screen saver on my monitor. We turn off lights that aren't in use and unplug rarely used appliances. We use CFL lights everywhere in our house. We bought all new energy-efficient kitchen appliances, including a front-loading washer and dryer. My little Mercedes roadster uses very little gas -- I fill up twice a month, and I conserve water by hand-watering my vegetable garden.

We can do all our own little bit to help reduce our carbon footprints and be eco-friendly. What do you do to be green?

Photo: Big Stock Photo

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Elizabeth Weintraub is an author, home buying columnist for The New York Times-owned About.com, a Land Park resident, and a Land Park real estate agent who specializes in older, classic homes in Land Park, Curtis Park, Midtown and East Sacramento. Weintraub is also a Sacramento Short Sale agent who lists and successfully sells short sales throughout Sacramento. Call Elizabeth Weintraub at 916.233.6759. Put 35 years of real estate experience to work for you. DRE License # 00697006.

The Short Sale Savior, by Elizabeth Weintraub, available through bookstores everywhere and at Amazon.com.

Photo: Unless otherwise noted in this blog, the photo is copyrighted by Big Stock Photo and used with permission.

Posted by Elizabeth Weintraub, Sacramento Short Sale Agent, 916.233.6759, Lyon RE on 07/18/2008 08:21 AM

Comments (15)

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Originally posted at: Elizabeth Weintraub • Sacramento Short Sale Agent • Land Park: Are You as Green as You Can Be? Preserving the Earth Isn't Easy

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15 Comments on Are You as Green as You Can Be? Preserving the Earth Isn't Easy

JUL

2008

Elizabeth you are ABSOLUTELY amazing in the green department. You have everything covered. We watch the thermostats, installed solar board in the attic, and recycle all the newspaper, plastic and aluminum. But you're my role model in this area, no doubt about it. The Prius or a hybrid crossover SUV would be a cool next vehicle to have. Thanks for giving me so many ideas. You always do.

Wow Elizabeth, a very impressive post! We have not gone to contract on our new home yet, but I shall keep you posted with my green-list-to-do when we migrate to FL next year! I have got to link back to this when I post my Flushing turtle run tour. I'm doing a turtle run across the Brooklyn Bridge later today, so I shall play phone tag with you when I get back to the home office. I wonder if I can find some "green homes" to showcase in NY... Hmm... I feel inspiration for another blog coming on. Thank you, Liz for the new idea! (It may require a trip upstate -- Yay!) Enjoy your day. Regards, Carolyn.

Elizabeth,

We all need to do a better job at this......we are all much better educated in the devastation we have caused over the decades.....now we know better and have an opportunity to make the right choice's.....

Have a great weekend and keep up the good fight!

A little here, a little there will make a big difference. I have been slowly replacing bulbs with flouresent as the old ones blow out, but I cant see replacing perfeclty good ones...(the frugal side I guess).. And for some fixtures the floresents are just too ugly to put in... I am trying at least!

"Its not Easy being green" -Kermit the frog, 1981

Hi Gary: Well, I don't have everything covered. For example, I don't have solar panels yet.

Hi C: Happy to have inspired you, and can't wait to see the photos after your next turtle run.

Hi Dan: I read a survey a while back that said given the choice, most consumers would not choose to be green, especially if it cost more money.

Hi Robert: What's a bulb cost? 99 cents? :) I know they aren't the prettiest bulbs, but did you know they come in an array of intensity and with different filters? You can get yellow or white-hot or just white.

It isnt the quality of the light, it is the UGLY factor that just doesnt cut it in certain fixtures, especially in chandeliers with the mini bulbs... And trust me, I am changing them slowly but surely!

But ugly is the new CUTE, Robert. Why not learn to love the look? That's what I did because it's easier to change your impression / attitude than it is to change the structural component. LOL.

Elizabeth, I've been wondering about those tankless water heaters. I was showing a house and had to call the listing agent to see what that "thing" in the garage was. That was my introduction. The plumbers here are not talking them up much, probably because they don't understand them.

I believe my daughter, Val, has one in her house, according to her home inspection report. I forgot to ask her if she knew that.

You are being wonderfully "green".

Hi Barbara: Last month I negotiated a deal where I got my buyer a free tankless water heater paid for by the seller. I'd been thinking about getting one for a while. I thought why not? Just do it. So I bought one. I've been in my home for six years, and after the tankless was installed, it was the first time I was ever able to fill a bathtub with hot water. I love it. Bet Valerie loves hers, too!

I am driving a lot slower and seeing my mileage improve. I would get a motorcycle but my wife says they are too dangerous. She is afraid I will become a footprint!

JUL

2008

Become a footprint. That's pretty funny, Robert. A guy in my office has a motorcycle. He rides with his buyers. Although, my father died from a motorcycle accident. Maybe you could compromise and not drive on the freeways.

Great green ideas!

I hope everyone is doing their share, but I think not. I have a couple of neighbors whose trash can is filled with beer cans, recyclable plastic containers, paper etc. They just are too lazy to care. They laugh at me for not using my clothes dryer on a sunny day. I admire people who understand that our resources are gifts, and not guaranteed.

Hi Deborah: Don't most waste managements run by cities give you a discount for recycling? Maybe if your neighbors knew they could save on their refuse billing by recycling, they would do it. A friend of mine who died last year used to put her recycling jars and cans in the dishwasher -- tomato cans, tuna fish cans, empty mayonnaise bottles, etc. -- and wash them before putting them in the recycling bin. I used to rib her about that because I felt it was a bit overboard.

JUL

2008

Hi Elizabeth, it only takes a little effort from each of us to make a big difference, right? Sounds like you're doing more than a little. How do you like your bamboo floors? I've seen them on the H&G network, they look nice.

Hi Deborah: I love the bamboo. I chose the vertical design over the horizontal, so it's got all those little knots in it that make up a pretty pattern. It's not practical for the kitchen, though, because it can't really get wet. It will absorb water and swell. But at least it's a renewable resource. That's why I used it in the bedrooms and hallway only.

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