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Living Green

There are currently 9 blog entries related to this category.

Living Green, Saving Green

Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 2:52pm. 213 Views, 0 Comments.

Green Living Exit SignEveryone's talking about living green these days, and it's a very good idea. It protects our environment for our children's future, and makes the planet healthier all around for everyone. Unfortunately, many things you can do to go green cost a fortune, which just isn't practical for many families in the current economic climate. The good news is that you can go green and save green at the same time, without breaking your budget. You may not be installing a windmill farm or solar panels on your property just yet, but there are still plenty of things you can do to help the planet that cost very little to nothing out of your pocket. Here are our top 6 selections for going green on the cheap.

1. Reduce your use of electricity. It's easier than you think,…

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Reaping the Benefits of Greener Living

Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 2:29pm. 85 Views, 0 Comments.

It’s no secret that going green can cost you money up front. It’s also no secret that those green changes you make – low flow shower heads, xeriscaped yards, solar water heaters and more – will save you money over time. What’s less well known is the number of immediate cash benefits you can realize when you choose to make greener choices when renovating, remodeling or building. Because what’s good for the environment is good for the community, there are many government programs and incentives offered by utility companies to entice people into making greener choices. Here are just a few of the enticements that you can score when you choose to reduce your impact on the environment.   Sales Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Exemption The equipment…

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Why Build Green from the Start?

Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 2:26pm. 88 Views, 0 Comments.

Is your dream home a green home? If you’re building new in Florida these days, you have a lot of company, and a lot of choice. Some of the busiest builders in the state are those that consider themselves “green builders”, and there are plenty of them to choose from. Whether you call it green building, sustainable homes or any other name, taking the environment and our world into account when planning and building your new home just makes sense, both financially and environmentally.   Green building is more than solar heating and toilets that use less water. Green building principles address everything from the selection of your home site to the paints that you use on your walls and the color that you choose for your exterior. Here’s a quick rundown…

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Suggestions for Green Renovation from Florida Green Building Coalition

Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 2:25pm. 91 Views, 0 Comments.

The Florida Green Building Coalition is working toward the creation of a Florida Green Home Standard to award Green Home certificates to residential and business properties that meet high standards of sustainability and conservation. To qualify as a Green Home, homeowners must have their home inspected by a certified inspector who uses a checklist of several hundred items and awards points based on how well the home complies with the checklist standards. If a home is awarded 100 points or more, it qualifies for certification as a Green Home – a highly energy efficient home that meets or exceeds state standards for energy use, health, water conservation and disaster proofing.   Even if you are not interested in having your home meet certificate…

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9 Steps to a Greener Lifestyle

Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 2:24pm. 88 Views, 0 Comments.

Sometimes the little things can make all the difference to the world. Take a look at these simple things you can change in your life to reduce your personal impact on the environment.

  • Drink shade grown, Fair Trade coffee. Most Fair Trade coffee is grown by small farmers who use sustainable growing practices as part of their agreements with coffee cooperatives.
  • Pay your bills online instead of using paper bills. You’ll save paper and the energy costs of postal delivery.
  • Take your own bags to the grocery store.
  • Bring your own coffee mug. As long as you wash it, most coffee shops will happily decant your coffee into your travel mug and save the foam and paper cups from the landfills.
  • Recycle.
  • Look for the…
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    5 Ways to Save on Gasoline

    Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 2:24pm. 87 Views, 0 Comments.

    Our dependence on petroleum based fuels is as bad for us as it is for the Earth. Reducing the amount of gasoline and oil that we use pays off benefits in more than one way.

  • Keep your car properly tuned up properly. A car that’s running efficiently uses less gasoline and emit more carbon monoxide.
  • Plan your trips to reduce your mileage. Do all your errands at once and try to do them in a straight line.
  • Walk and bike more often. Arrange car pools when you can. Take public transportation if possible.
  • Check your tire pressure. Too much or too little air in your tires will reduce your gas mileage.
  • Observe the speed limit. Gas mileage declines rapidly after 60 miles per hour.
  • Find more gasoline saving tips at…

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    Living Green - 8 Backyard Savings Tips

    Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 2:23pm. 85 Views, 0 Comments.

    Pools, landscaping and outdoor features can also be run more efficiently or use less energy.

  • Cover your pool and hot tub to slow evaporation.
  • Use native plants in your landscaping wherever possible. It will cut down on their watering needs.
  • Grow your grass taller. Three inches of growth will reduce the need for pesticides, and the shade provided by the taller grass will keep the earth cool and cut down the need for watering.
  • Replacing outdoor lights with motion sensor lights can greatly reduce your electricity use.
  • Grow your own food. Every piece of fruit or vegetable that you grow reduces your dependence on grocery food, which may have traveled up to 1500 miles to reach you. And it tastes better.
  • Water…
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    15 Ways to Use Less Energy

    Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 2:21pm. 89 Views, 0 Comments.

    With the world’s population edging up toward 7 billion (we’re only four years away), it’s growing ever more important to reduce our use of consumable energy and turn to greener sources of power.

  • If you have the choice, choose an energy provider that offers green energy. In Tampa, check out TECO's Renewable Energy Program.
  • Switch the five lights you use most often from incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent lamps. You’ll use up to 70% less energy.
  • Keep your refrigerator thermostat between 37 and 40 degrees, and your freezer at 5 degrees.
  • Keep your refrigerator and freezer full – they run more efficiently.
  • Only run dishwashers and washing machines when you have a full load.
  • Dry clothes on racks or…
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    Ten Ways to Save Water Now

    Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 2:19pm. 84 Views, 0 Comments.

    Friends of mine are planning the purchase of their new car – one of hybrids that will save gas and be kinder to the environment. It’s a big investment for them, but it’s worth it, they tell me. They’re doing what they can to reduce their carbon footprint. I hear a lot of the same as a Realtor. Most people are concerned about our effect on the environment, and they’re looking for greener homes and greener lifestyles. Of course, I’d love to sell every one of you reading this a high efficiency, low energy home – it’s what I do, after all. But you don’t have to wait until you’re ready to make a big investment to start living a life that’s less intrusive to our planet and kinder to our environment. Here are ways to live a greener in every facet of your…

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