Going Green?

As a real estate professional, I receive information that would be helpful to my clients.

I came across an article in RisMedia and wanted to “pass it along” to you.

Here are just 12 ideas, along with some online resources, that you could try if you are trying to “Go Green.”.

If you work in an office, Green your office–Establish a green team with colleagues to address ways to reduce your office’s impact. A recycling program is obvious. Other strategies could entail ridding the kitchen of disposable goods, replacing equipment that hogs energy, improving lighting and HVAC systems, installing a bike rack, and replacing grass around the office with a vegetable garden or native plants. As a reminder, select one day a month when you will all wear Green! Have “fun” with your Green Day a Month! For more information, visit www.greenyour.com/office.

Shop locally–Swear off buying stuff from faraway places, even if it saves some pennies. Just consider the impact that packaging and shipping your goods has on the environment. Instead, shop locally. Walking to shops saves energy and you also help neighborhood businesses thrive. It’s also a great way to lose those few extra pounds you’ve been unhappy about! And the money you’ll save on gasoline can be tossed into your piggy bank and used at a later time when needed.

Gasoline Savings­- If you need to use your car, carefully plan your route ahead of time. Save up shopping chores so you can drive-smart. Don’t drive from one end of town to another. Looking for the best gasoline prices….go to www.gasbuddy.com. Make mini moves–Build new habits that will have an ongoing impact. Those could include the basics, such as switching to CFL bulbs, fixing water leaks (www.epa.gov/WaterSense), or cutting the phantom power at home.

Do an energy audit–Invest in an energy audit to figure out exactly how your house wastes energy. Even if you’re on a tight budget, commit yourself to making some of the changes the auditor suggests, and start setting aside money for costlier upgrades. Find an auditor at RESNET, www.resnet.us/trade/find-raters-auditors.

Appliance Upgrade- If you still have that old HVAC unit, or old refrigerator, get rid of that now! Today’s appliances are far more energy efficient and you will save $$$ in the long run!

Go car-free–Reorganize your schedule so you can take public transit or walk to work and errands at least a day a week. If you must drive, try car-pooling to save on gasoline.

Become a locavore–Rely on local providers for your weekly produce by shopping at a farmers’ market or joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program. And when it’s time for gift giving, consider buying CSA memberships for friends and clients. www.localharvest.org. Both our Thursday evening Street Fair in Palm Springs and our weekend Street Fair at the College of the Desert in Palm Desert feature produce from near-by Farmer’s Markets. There is also a Farmer’s Market held Wednesdays at the Visitor’s Bureau in Palm Desert.

Share your knowledge–Offer to make a presentation to colleagues at a weekly sales meeting about green changes they can make. Or pass the torch to the next generation by organizing an environmental event at a school or with a Boy Scout troop, Girl Scout troop, or Cub Scout troop.

Raise your profile–Whether it’s a community garden, a rails-to-trails group, or a transit improvement committee, get involved in your community. Your participation raises your profile and connects you with meeting new friends, and your efforts will have a direct impact on improving your community.

Learn something new–Still fuzzy on the details of programs like LEED or Energy Star? Wondering about new rebates and incentives? Spend two hours each week getting up to speed on industry programs and trends. One resource for such education is the Green REsource Council’s Webinars.

Refer a colleague or friend—Urge others to get a green education. Share the knowledge you’ve learned, and ask others for their ideas as well. For more information, see http://GreenREsourceCouncil.org/Courses.cfm

What are your Going Green ideas? I am always looking for Green Energy Efficient Ideas. Tell me yours so I can “pass them on” to others.

IMPORTANT: If you or someone you know is interested in buying or selling a home in the Palm Desert Area, try searching properties on the same Desert Area MLS Realtor’s use, or give me a call….or visit my website at Palm Springs Homes and Estates. I will be happy to give you or your referral my “red carpet service.” After the sale, I will send you a $50 Gift Certificate towards dinner in a fabulous Palm Springs Area Restaurant so you can celebrate!

Brought to You By Your Favorite Realtor,

Nancy Hankin