Being Green

Green-nar2 If I had seen an article titled 'Being Green' a number of years ago, what would have likely come to my mind would have been Kermit the Frog singing "It's Not Easy Being Green".  Although that obviously still comes to my mind, it now fights for top place with the green movement.

Kermit calls green the color of spring, and indeed the green renewal of spring is what the green movement is all about… living and doing business sustainably for continued renewal.

The environmental movement is not new, this week celebrates the 39th Earth Day. Many feel the movement really started in 1962 with Rachel Carson's Silent Spring. It is interesting that in 1957 a geologist working for Shell Oil predicted that the early 2000's would be a critical time for depleting fossil fuel reserves.

With public awareness at an all-time high, some people feel the green movement will equal or eclipse other monumental changes in social and industrial history.  It seems to be a movement whose time has come, combining resource efficiency and conservation with social responsibility.

Last week I spent a couple days in the National Association of Realtors 'green' class. Here are some low-cost green choices they recommended that are easy for all of us to do to make a difference. My guess is you are already doing many of them…and Reuben has already addressed some of them in his posts…

  • Use CFL or LED lightbulbs
  • Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators
  • Start a compost pile
  • Plant trees
  • Insulate hot water heater
  • Weatherstrip and caulk doors and windows
  • Collect rainwater to water plants
  • Paint with low- or no-VOC paint
  • Replace filters
  • Install a programmable thermostat
  • Plant a rain garden 
  • Plant native plants
  • Place appliances or office equipment on powerstrips to reduce "phantom" load
  • Install water-efficient restroom fixtures
  • Take advantage of daylighting
  • Use recycling bins

Some green information sites, in no particular order…

Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX ResultsEmailHomesMSP.com

RELATED POSTS

Written By

I love what I do! Highly insightful, analytical and creative, there is nothing I love more than helping you find the right solution for your real estate transition. My mission is to serve my clients with honesty and integrity, exceeding their expectations in service and support… and to help others by donating a portion of every transaction to Habitat for Humanity.

Related Posts

Weekly real estate market update 10/11/24… showings in step with last year

🖨 Print Article Showing activity continues to be in lock step with last year and 2021, on a downward slope typical for this time of year. Price reductions increase as...

Buy a Home

🖨 Print Article It’s Not Just the Key to Homeownership — It’s the Key to Your Future Along with buying a car, investing, and saving for retirement, the most important...

Subscribe to Our Newsletter for Market Updates & Mid-Century Modern Listings

Our weekly HomesMSP Update includes current local market information and a curated list of mid-century modern properties for sale, plus posts from an inspector, a lender, a stager, info about neighborhoods, life in the Twin Cities… even recipes!

Hidden

Blog Categories

Archives

Sharon and John Hensrud

About Us

The HomesMSP Team is committed to meeting you where you are and listening… really listening to understand you so we can use our extensive knowledge of the market and local neighborhoods to give you personalized service.