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April 22 is Earth Day. I don't really care.

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Select Realty - REALTOR and Green Homes Specialist RS310271

green tree earth day pittsburghI know that might sound a bit strange coming from a person who spends so much time focused on green and energy-efficient homes and building a green life.

It's just that we hold up Earth Day as a time to focus on the environment, but does anyone really believe that one day is enough? The fact is everyday needs to be Earth Day.

So how will I mark Earth Day 2010?

  • I will recycle the paper my office generates
  • I will recycle or refill the print cartridges my printer uses
  • I will try to keep my files in digital form
  • I will not print emails on paper
  • I will turn off the lights in my home that the kids leave on
  • I will change any light bulbs that burn out to CFLs or LEDs
  • I will keep my computer set to sleep after 5 minutes of inactivity
  • I will try to reduce the amount I drive my car
  • I will take my reusable grocery bags to the supermarket
  • I will attempt to buy food that was grown organically
  • I will support my local farmers market
  • I will not use harsh chemicals to clean my house
  • I will continue to be the head cheerleader for green and energy-efficient homes in our area

Those are just a few of the things that I do EVERY DAY, so April 22nd isn't going to be anything different for me.

Of course, if you are reading this and haven't made any of these really simple steps part of your normal day then maybe Earth Day is a great time to start.

Perhaps the only thing that I will do tomorrow that is different is take a minute to think of a few new things to add to my list. I hope you do too!

Happy Earth Day!

Live green and buy a green home in Pittsburgh! Call Christa Ross from RE/MAX Select Realty, at 724-933-6300 x214 (office) or 724-779-1437 (direct) or visit my website at www.greenhomespgh.com.

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Buying or Selling a home in Pittsburgh? Call Christa Ross from RE/MAX Select Realty, at 724-933-6300 x214 (office) or 724-309-1758 (direct) or visit my website at www.bestpittsburghhomes.com.

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David Obbee
Obbee.com - Agoura Hills, CA

Christa: Those are great tips- If we all did those things, we'd make a collectively huge difference in saving resources!  Some other thoughts: Open windows instead of using the AC (or put on a sweater before cranking up the heat), keep the refrigerator door closed when not in use, don't keep the water running when you step away from the sink... You could make your list almost endless; thanks for sharing!

Apr 21, 2010 02:23 AM
Jenna Dixon
Momentum Real Estate Group LLC - Marietta, GA
55 & Over | New Constructions | Horse Farms

Christa,

Earth Day will also not be too different at my home/office.  We do all of those things and more.  What is the pay off?  It eases my guilty conscience about all that we do take from the Earth and it reduces my expenses. 

We saved over $1000 last year in utilities by conserving water, electricity & natural gas.  For a household of only 2 adults (and 2 dogs) that was a considerable reduction!

Happy Earth Day!
Jenna

Apr 21, 2010 02:40 AM
Kristen Wheatley
Better Homes & Gardens | The Masiello Group - Brunswick, ME
Supporting Success - Best Job in the World!

Awesome post.  I agree.  Love the list.  I was looking for some Earth Day activities in my area to bring my son to and at first was quite disappointed to not really find any.  Then it dawned on me as well - we really do all these earth friendly items already.  I don't need a special activity to highlight this for my son - just thought it might be fun.  We weeded our garden and picked up the trash thrown into our yard by passersby - Next we'll tackle the street and then the neighborhood.  For some reason, kids seem to LOVE to pick up other people's trash.  Too bad that doesn't seem to translate to cleaning their rooms!

Apr 23, 2010 03:03 AM
John Thomas
E3 Green HOMES - Boulder, CO
EcoBroker, MSEE, MBA

Good point Christa...everyday is Earth Day. The sooner we wake up to that, the better for all...

Apr 24, 2010 09:09 AM