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10 easy things we can do to save the planet (or at least give it a nudge in the right direction)

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Access

earth

Image courtesy of http://savetheearthideas.com/

Some of these tips apply to just about every occupation out there but, as Realtors, inspectors, and mortgage people they definitely apply to us!

1.  Learn to scan and email offers, contracts, amendments, letters, inspections, etc...QUIT FAXING!

2.  Plan out our showings and appointments according to location whenever possible.

3.  When a title company offers, get documents on CD instead of hard copy (and if your clients are comfortable with it...encourage them to as well.)

4.  Don't print out email communications...convert to pfd and save on CD.

5.  Buy a refillable coffee mug for use at Starbucks, Exxon, Valero, etc...even if you have to buy one for each location, you will be saving lots of cups!

6.  When you upgrade your electronics, recycle what you can (phones can be donated to women's shelters!)

7.  Depending on your comfort level (and that of your clients) carpool for showing when possible.

8.  When we do end up with extra copies of mls sheets, comp sheets, etc...you can print on the other side and/or recycle it! (make sure you shred anything with confidential info on it!)

9.  Donate business attire you no longer use to Dress for Success or other charitable group.

10.  Unplug (don't just turn off) electronic equipment when not in use. 

I am sure there are a million things I failed to mention, so any added tips would be awesome! 

John Combs
Alan Deblat Real Estate Corp. - Oceanside, NY

Thank you for the helpful advice on saving the planets resources. Seems so easy, but if we all just did even some of this, it would make a big difference.

May 19, 2009 04:48 AM
Jim & Maria Hart
Brand Name Real Estate - Charleston, SC
Charleston, SC Real Estate

Hey, Jeanna. What a great list. I am all for the coffee tip to save cups. All my best, Jim

May 19, 2009 04:54 AM
Jeanna Martinez
RE/MAX Access - Schertz, TX

John - you are so right!  Small steps can make a huge difference!

Jim - I like that one too - kind of a pain to have to wash but totally worth it!

May 19, 2009 05:04 AM
Terry Haugen STAGE it RIGHT! 321-956-2495
Stage it Right! - Melbourne, FL

Jeanna, thats a good start!  If everyone on this planet did just one of those things, we'd be on our way!

May 19, 2009 06:28 AM
Kristin Moran
Owner - RE/MAX Access - KristinMoran@Remax.net - San Antonio, TX
San Antonio,TX - Real Estate - 210-313-7397

Good tips Jeanna.  I do refill my coffee mug to try & save there.  My sis uses a gigantic whataburger or Taco Cabana cup (size huge) & refills it w/water for about a week.  I'm not sure how sanitary that is but she's saving the earth in her own way :D

May 19, 2009 07:35 AM
Matt Stigliano
Kimberly Howell Properties (210) 646-HOME - San Antonio, TX

Jeanna - I wish my office would get rid of the styrofoam cups.  Actually, I wish everywhere would (fast food restaurants in TX still use styrofoam - it went the way of the dinosaur long ago where I'm from).

May 19, 2009 08:51 AM
Brenda Carus
Century 21 Zwygart Real Estate - Monroe, WI

It makes me queasy seeing all the waste in some business environments.  Thanks for the great tips for going green with our businesses.

May 19, 2009 03:28 PM
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Jeanna

Great list and easy to implement many of your suggestions immediately.

May 20, 2009 04:11 AM
Jeanna Martinez
RE/MAX Access - Schertz, TX

Terry - I agree, small things can make a big difference.

Kristin - Sounds like you and Shiela are on the right track ;-)

Matt - I completely agree, I can't stand it that restaurants still use styrofoam....maybe one day we will catch up with the rest of the world!

Brenda - Yes - businesses and schools waste so much!

Richard - Thank you!

May 20, 2009 10:10 AM