What is the ReGreen program? How can I make my home more green on my terms?
by Melisa Camp
2/12/10
According to Green homeowners top 3 benefits of a Green home are:
1. Healthier place to live.
2. Lower operating costs.
3. Part of a more sustainable lifestyle.
(Source: Smart Market Report, McGraw Hill Construction, 2008)
This week I attended a webinar on a newer program brought to you by
the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and American Society of
Interior Designers (ASID) called ReGreen. ReGreen is a solution and
resource geared toward making existing homes more green. http://www.regreenprogram.org
You can use the program as a do-it yourself guide or can be used
with professionals to do the work for you. It can be minimal changes or
a complete gut rehab/deep energy retrofit. There is a lot of
flexibility depending on the individual homeowner. If you want to do a
small weekend project or remodel your whole home, this website has all
the solutions. Be sure to play with the interactive tool called the
“Green My Project Tool” and explore the case studies to see actual
‘regreened’ homes.
Unlike the LEED for Homes program, there are no points or
certifications, prerequisites, or requirements tied to this program.
However, there are many synergies and linkages to the LEED for Homes
rating system. See website for more details.
Why and How to Eat Organic
by Melisa Camp
1/29/10
How your food is grown and where it is grown matters. I recently
found the freshest, all organically-grown, local produce around at the
Town & Country Farmer’s Market. The prices weren’t bad. I’m hooked.
Locally grown food is the best. The less traveling the food
has to do before it gets to you, the better. Shipping food by boat,
plane, and truck all burn fossil fuels that pollute the environment.
Buying local food cuts down on pollution.
Additionally, food from countries is not regulated by our government and can be grown by lesser standards.
Buy organic food. Organic is the only word regulated by the
USDA and ensures the food you are about to eat was grown without
potentially harmful chemicals, pesticides, genetic modification,
antibiotics, and hormones.
Check the PLU codes for your food. Organically grown food will start with the number 9. Genetically modified food will start with the number 8. http://www.plucodes.com/
It is my opinion that we are making ourselves sicker with
diseases like E. Coli and autism than ever before by being so
technologically advanced that we regularly modify our food. I’m going
back to basics and buying organic for my family as much as possible. http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/autism-environmental-causes-460708
See the movie Food, Inc. It is a real eye-opener about the food we
eat without thinking twice. They claim that we vote for the food
grocers carry with our money. The more demand we show for organic, the
more the stores will listen. http://www.foodincmovie.com/
I have attached a list of Farmer’s Market’s in Arizona so that you
can find when and where there will be one around you. Have comments-
post them on my blog.
What is Zero Net Energy Building?
By Melisa Camp
2/5/10
In a nutshell, a net zero building is the mac-daddy of green design
and sustainable living. All kidding aside, the zero net energy building
is a building that is completely self-sustainable in terms of energy
use. This building is producing the same or more energy than it
consumes and it is producing zero carbon emissions. People living in a
net zero home or working in a net zero building are not producing a
carbon footprint!
The building can be off-the grid, meaning it is not drawing any
power from the electric companies and it is not connected to the power
lines. Buildings can produce thei r own ‘green energy’ through solar,
wind, or micro-hydro. Stay tuned for more on green energy as I gear up
for March’s Solar Madness Month.
Real life example: Habitat for Humanity recently completed the Legacy Project, an affordable zero net home in Phoenix.
Not a fan of GreenPhoenixProperty yet? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Interested in being part of Arizona’s LEED for Homes Advocacy
Committee? Email me as I’m putting a team together now. Also check us
out on Facebook.
Can We Really Afford to Waste Water?
by Melisa Camp
1/22/10
If you aren’t thinking about your water consumption- well you should be. Americans use 13.6% of the world’s clean water, or 15 trillion gallons per year (U.S. Geological Survey, 2000). It is something we can no longer take for granted because potable (drinkable) water may seem abundant now, but at this rate will soon be limited. Imagine having to stand in line or fight for your water one day as it is rationed out. Scary thought.
According to DrinkTap.org, the average single family home is using 69.3 gallons per day– but do we really need to use that much or can we cut back for the greater good?
Consider saving water by:
- Installing low-flow faucets and shower heads.
- Buying an aerator. Aerators for low-flow faucets can cut your water consumption from 2.8 gallons/minute to 0.8 gallons per minute and still do the same job. They cost $2-12, depending on the finish and screw onto your faucet.
- Turn off the water when you are not using it. Seriously consider whether you need the tap on while you brush, wash, etc.
- Shower in under 5 minutes or take a bath.
- Choose landscaping that does not require much water and plant native and adaptive planting that respond well to climatic conditions. For Arizona, xeriscaping with drought-tolerant, slow-growing plants is best.
- Collect rainwater to be used in irrigation and water in the morning or evening to reduce evaporation.
- Install a dual flush toilet or put a large river rock or 2 liter bottle filled with water in the tank of your toilet to reduce water used flushing.
Have more water saving tips? I’d like to hear about them. Please post your thoughts on my blog http://greenqueen.featuredblog.com.
What is an Energy Star home?
by Melisa Camp
1/15/09
Energy Star recently celebrated reaching over one million Energy Star certified homes in the U.S. Homeowners of these green homes can expect lower utility bills, greater durability, and comfort. Not to mention taking a great step in reducing carbon-emissions caused by thier home and helping to slowing global warming.
Energy Star is a government backed program and leader in energy efficiency rating. An Energy Star qualified home is at least 15% more energy efficient than a standard new build built to the 2004 International Residential Code. Many builders are achieving Energy Star qualification across the country- especially in Arizona. Arizona is one of the top states for Energy Star qualified homes. You can find homes near you by going here: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=new_homes_partners.locator.
Some of the most common features of Energy Star homes are effective insulation, high-performance windows, tight construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling, and efficient appliances, lighting, and fans.
It is important to note while Energy Star homes are green because they focus on increasing energy efficiency, they do not take into account other green factors like indoor air quality, water reduction, and responsible waste management. Homes with the LEED certification do take those and many other factors into account during the certification process.
To learn more or find your own Green home, check out www.greenphoenixproperty.com or email me at mcamp@hsmove.com. I can search the MLS specifically for Energy Star homes and email them to you.
How to Compost
1/8/10
by: Melisa Camp
Landfills only have so much room for trash and are filling up at an alarming pace, so why not eliminate some trash and try composting? According to the EPA, yard trimmings and food residuals account for 23% of waste in the U.S. alone. Composting is easier and less expensive than you may think; keep reading- you will be surprised by all of the things you can compost.
For Christmas, I asked for a composter from Costco that retailed for $250. My resourceful husband purchased a composting bin from the City of Phoenix for only $5. It is made from a damaged recycling/garbage bin and saves waste by repurposing existing material rather than creating more. It comes in green or blue. If you are super crafty you could even decorate it to make it more aesthetically pleasing.
To start you will want to position the bin in a place where you would like to plant one day because the soil underneath will be ultra fertile. I chose a place in my backyard, not too far from the back door. You can position it in sun or shade. The hotter the pile, the faster the decomposition, but also the faster it will dry out and it needs to be damp. I wanted a bin versus a pile to keep the dog and other animals away.
You will start with 6 inches of ‘green’ material and layer it with a 2 inches ‘brown’ material. Then, add some mulch and keep layering. You will want to turn it every so often to allow air to penetrate the compost pile and aid the decomposition.
Green materials are food scraps like: fruits, vegetables, egg shells, bread, pasta, coffee grounds with the filter, tea bags, etc. Examples of brown materials are grass, yard trimmings, plants, sawdust, fireplace ashes, hair and fur, dryer and vaccum lint. Some things you don’t want to compost are: meat, fish, dairy, fats, grease, oils, pet wastes, and yard trimmings with pesticides.
Within 2 months you should have compost to use in your yard for spring plantings! Go to: http://www.epa.gov/waste/conserve/rrr/composting/ for FAQ’s and a full list of things you can compost.
Please let me know about your composting experience on my blog: greenqueen.featuredblog.com.
Why Should You Improve Indoor Air Quality?
Bring The Green
12/18/09
By Melisa Camp
According to the EPA, on average, Americans spend 90% of their time indoors. During which they may be exposed to significantly higher amounts of contaminants and pollutants in the air. How are you protecting the health and promoting comfort of yourself, your family, friends, and co-workers?
High performance green buildings provide healthy and comfortable indoor environments for living and working and are actually proven to increase productivity. Good indoor air quality can reduce the instances of health problems such as headaches and asthma. Additionally, the most effective buildings can easily adjust temperature and lighting for individual preferences.
Access to daylight and views has repeatedly been shown to enhance productivity. In a recent study of California classrooms, students in classrooms with the most daylight progressed 20% faster on math tests and 26% faster on reading tests compared to classrooms with little or no natural light. The same could also be true in the office or at home, so let the light shine in! You can save energy by using task lighting as needed (i.e. a desk lamp) to increase comfort and use less energy.
Limit air contaminant and chemical exposure by using green cleaning products like the Method line, Green Seal certified products, or natural cleaners like baking soda.
Don’t forget to ventilate. The best form of ventilation is opening the windows and letting that fresh air in. Also, be sure to clean and/or change your vents, filters, and door mats to limit dust and dirt.
Reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) off-gassing into the air by using paint with no or low VOC, VOC-free adhesives, caulk, sealants, and carpeting.
It is easy to take our environments for granted, however research by the University of California at Berkeley has proved that one often overlooked measure of indoor air quality is determined by occupants feel. Comfort and productivity affect behavior and can promote satisfaction. Improve your indoor environmental quality and see positive results.
I’d like to hear back from you! Try doing something in your home, office, or classroom to improve your indoor environmental quality and let me know how it was a success or failure. You can post your comments on my blog www.greenqueen.featuredblog.com.
Source: LEED Core Concepts and Strategies Course Materials.
How Can I Make My Office Green?
12/11/09
by Melisa Camp
Going green at your workplace may be easier than you think. Businesses have a corporate and social responsibility to better society, plus it will save them in operating costs. Here are some ways to make it happen.
Save that paper! Only print the things you actually need, use both sides of the paper, and scan/PDF documents whenever possible. I keep sheets of paper that have printed wrong or extra pieces and will reprint on the other side whenever possible instead of tossing it.
If your line of work requires signatures, I would recommend trying DocuSign which is a program that verifies electronic signatures (they have a promotion now to try it free). www.docusign.com/trial
You can also store documents online in GoogleDocs instead of a file cabinet- it is also free. The virtual office has made my business much more efficeient too. Imagine sending your clients standard documents from your phone while in the car, airport, or grocery store. docs.google.com
Purchase green products whenever possible like recycled paper, labels, and enevelopes.
Be sure your office recycles paper, plastic, and glass. The trash cans that give an option to sort the recyclables from trash are the best.
Install phtotsensor or occupancy sensors with the lighting so that even if the lights are left on and the room is empty, then they will turn off automatically. Also, be sure the bulbs are CFL, LED, or T5's to save energy and money.
Bring your ink cartridges into Office Max to be recycled and earn $3 per empty container.
Save water by using dual flush toilets and faucet sensors so that the water turns off automatically when not in use.
You can lead the way in your office and make a big impact.
Do not hesitate to contact me for a green office consultation.
I'm Dreaming of a GREEN Christmas...
12/4/09
by Melisa Camp
You all know the song, but seriously why not go Green this Christmas?
LED Christmas Lights
This week I purchased some LED Christmas lights to hang on my home and they are the best lights I've ever used. For $9 at Big Lots I got 25 feet of colored LED lights. The LED lights will last way longer and save me money, an estimated $80 per season, on my energy bills. (using 600 bulbs 6 hrs/day for 90 days) Best of all, since they require so much less electricy, I could stirng up to 43 strands of these bad boys together all plugged into the same outlet before I'd blow a fuse! They are super bright and now that I've tried them I can't go back. I've really outshined the neighbors this year.
Green Gifts Under $50
Santa is coming to a home near you with his bag full of green gifts for the whole family. Here are some ideas for green gift giving:
Energy saving powerstrips are best for for home entertainment sytems/offices, as things plugged into a power strip are using power even when switched off. A conserve energy-saving surge protector makes it simple to eliminate wasteful standby power (which uses 20-40 watts per piece of equipment), helping you reduce energy consumption, save on energy bills, and lower your overall impact on the environment. It has 8 on/off outlets, and 2 always on outlets for things that need to download countinously like the cable box. $40 at Costco
Eco-friendly and Green Toys on Amazon.com are a good choice for little ones. There is a whole section just of green toys. I like Green Toys Cookware and Dining Set made of 100% recycled plastic, BPA free, and made in USA. $30 at amazon.com
Mosaic Prints From Schimmel Art are unique and eclectic. Maybe you see junk mail as just that-junk- but artist Sandhi Schmmel Gold sees it as so much more. She uses paper, scraps, newspaper, and magazines that would otherwise end up in the recycling bin to make intricate, detailed portraits of famous people-including Elvis, Bob Marley, Shakespere, The Virgin of Guadalupe, Marilyn Monroe and many more- available as prints, note cards, and posters. Made in Phoenix. From $4 at schimmelart.com
Aveda gift sets come with free gifts and the products are plant-based so they skip out on harmful chemicals and are never tested on animals. They come prewrapped and ready to go. Try the Ritual of Relief set. $42 at aveda.com
Charitable donations to a worthy cause are also a great gift for the person who already has everything. I prefer local causes like donating to a needy family (try your church or school to find one), or your local Habitat for Humanity who builds green homes for needy families. Donate at habitatcaz.org/donatenow
CFL Bulbs can be used by anyone. Encourage your family and friends to stop wasting energy and lower thier utility bills. It is by far the quickest and easiest way to really make an impact on your carbon footprint. And no it is not a good idea to wait around until the incandescents go out. Get an 8-pack of 13-watt GE Energy Smart CFLs for $6.86 at Sams Club
How to Have a Green Halloween
With Halloween just two weeks away, keep in mind these simple tips to Green your Halloween:
- Reuse last year’s decorations and keep new ones for next year.
- Make your own costume from things you already have. (If you are like me and wait until the last minute, you will be digging through your closet for last minute inspiration anyway.)
- Don’t throw away those pumpkin seeds! Use them to make something yummy like roasted pumpkin seeds, pumpkin pie, or pumpkin bread.
- Carpool to the haunted house, corn maze, or costume party.
- Buy candy in bulk instead of buying multiple packages and have less packaging trash.
- Repurpose a cloth shopping bag or pillowcase for candy while trick-or-treating. Bonus: Decorate the bag as you see fit with spiders, bats, skeletons, and pumpkins or figure out a way to use it as part of your costume.
Finally, don’t forget to sign up for the “Clean Your Community” event on Facebook. It is to take place on Oct. 30. Pledge to recycle at least one piece of litter you come across and make it a little bit cleaner for Trick-or-Treaters out and about on the 31st. http://apps.facebook.com/causes/355419
Green Countertops and Backsplashes
October 9, 2009
by Melisa Camp
One of the best ways to update your kitchen is to replace the countertop and backsplash.
They are quick, easy, and inexpensive weekend projects. Countertops have come a long way. There are many eco-friendly materials to choose from.
- Bamboo- Bamboo grows up to 18 inches in one day and is a very renewable resource. You can get it butcher block, parquet, or strand bamboo style. Check out www.teragren.com or www.totallybamboo.com for more info.
- Recycled Glass & Concrete- This option removes garbage from the landfills and already has been and/or can be recycled. It also comes in a variety of colors. IceStone www.icestone.biz also has wonderful recycled glass and concrete products. Camelot Concrete www.camelotconcrete.com is a local company that does a nice job.
- FSC Certified Paper- Yes, you can have a paper countertop made from recycled cardboard or office paper. Sheets of paper are saturated with the company's proprietary resins, made of natural ingredients like cashew shell nut liquid and pressed under heat and pressure. The result is a non-porous, heat resistant, formaldehyde-free countertop. See www.paperstoneproducts.com for more info.
- Recycled Aluminum- If you want the stainless steel look, try recycled aluminum with a non-toxic finish. Go to www.alkemi.com or www.eleek.com for products.
Backsplashes can also be green. Eco-friendly materials include:
They are all available online or locally at a.k.a. Green or the
Habitat for Humanity stores. I replaced my backsplash with 100% recycled glass tile for about $150 from a website called www.cooltiles.com. They are made by Vidrepur www.vidrepur.us and have many different kinds of colorful glass mosaic tiles. Best of all they were easy to install.
Don’t forget to recycle your old materials at a Habitat for Humanity Store near you and check out recycled materials at
prices your can’t beat. They have everything from furniture, to tile, to sinks. http://www.habitataz.org/restore/index.php
Go Green and Save Green
Part Two: Costs Analysis
October 2, 2009
By Melisa Camp
Hands down, the top question I receive from clients thinking about going green is, “How much is it going to cost me?” Today the newsletter consists of a graph (good news for visual learners and number crunchers like me) with what I think are the top 20 ways to green your home. I’ve included the average costs, savings, and the monetary return you can expect to receive from your investment. The graph doesn’t show the units of joy and satisfaction you will receive from knowing you are doing something responsible for our planet- that’s your added bonus. Also, the costs do not consider incentives and rebates that could save you even more.
|
Upgrade
|
Payback time in years
|
Added Cost
|
Annual Savings
|
10 Year Savings
|
Annual Return on Investment
|
|
1. Standby Power Reduction
|
0.8
|
$20
|
$24
|
$240
|
120%
|
|
2. CFL’s
|
0.8
|
$60
|
$80
|
$800
|
133.3%
|
|
3. Hot Water Heater Jacket
|
0.8
|
$25
|
$30
|
$300
|
120%
|
|
4. Low Flow Shower Heads
|
0.9
|
$180
|
$300
|
$3,000
|
111.1%
|
|
5. Water Filter Instead of Bottled Water
|
1.9
|
$200
|
$104
|
$1,040
|
52%
|
|
6. High Efficiency Toilets
|
2.0
|
$50* (replacement cost $230)
|
$25
|
$250
|
50%
|
|
7. Energy Star Windows
|
2.3
|
$700* (replacement cost $750)
|
$300
|
$3,000
|
42.9%
|
|
8. Insulate walls with R-19, formaldehyde free
|
2.5
|
$750* (replacement cost $1,500)
|
$300
|
$3,000
|
40%
|
|
9. No-VOC paints
|
2.8
|
$70*
($3.50 more/ gallon for 20 gallons)
|
$25
|
$250
|
35.7%
|
|
10. Low Flow Faucets
|
3
|
$300
|
$100
|
$1,000
|
33.3%
|
|
11. Air leakage Sealing
|
3.1
|
$554
|
$180
|
$1,800
|
32%
|
|
12. Shade Trees
|
4
|
$1,200
|
$300
|
$3,000
|
25%
|
|
13. Energy Star Clothes Washer
|
4.3
|
$300* (replacement costs $500)
|
$72
|
$720
|
24%
|
|
14. Attic & Ceiling Insulation
|
5
|
$600
|
$120
|
$1,200
|
20%
|
|
15. Energy Star Refrigerator
|
5
|
$30*
(replacement cost $850)
|
$6
|
$60
|
20%
|
|
16. Small-scale Greywater system
|
5
|
$300
|
$60
|
$600
|
20%
|
|
17. Bamboo or Cork Floors
|
5
|
$525*
(replacement at $3.50/ft.
|
$105
|
$1,050
|
20%
|
|
18. Composting
|
6.5
|
$325
|
$50
|
$500
|
15.4%
|
|
19. Solar Water Heater
|
8.9
|
$2,500
|
$280
|
$5,600
|
11.2%
|
|
20. Photovoltaic (PV) Solar System
|
10.8
|
$13,000
|
$1,200
|
$60,000
|
9.2%
|
source: Greenandsave.com
If there is something specific you would like to know more about, or something not listed please feel free to email me with any questions. I have more resources than I know what to do with and would be happy to help!
*Note: The added cost is how much more you would pay than if you were to use non-efficient materials. For example, replacing one window would cost $750 per window, and $35 more per window if you were to use Energy Star windows rather than regular windows. The $700 added cost is figured by multiplying $35 by 20 windows. The actual cost of replacing 20 windows would be closer to $15,000.
Go Green and Save Green
Part One: Rebates and Incentives
September 25, 2009
That’s right, going Green can actually save you some major Green. If you are like me, you save money whenever and wherever you can. Well, there are so many ways you can save money by making your home more efficient that I’ve compiled everything I can find to save your hard earned cash.
If you are thinking about making major investments, contact me to find out how much your home is worth first and I can help you to build your equity. When I purchased my new Energy Star kitchen and laundry appliances last summer and spring I had no idea I could get money back and missed out on a couple hundred dollars I could have saved had I been informed. Don’t miss out!
Federal Tax Credits:
30% of the cost, up to $1,500, in 2009 & 2010 (for existing homes only) for:
- Windows and Doors
- Insulation
- Roofs (metal and asphalt)
- HVAC
- Water Heaters (non-solar)
- Biomass Stove
Tax credits are available at 30% of the cost, with no upper limit through 2016 (for existing homes & new construction) for:
- Geothermal Heat Pumps
- Solar Panels
- Solar Hot Water Heaters
- Small Wind Energy Systems
- Fuel Cells
Arizona Tax Credits:
Tax credits are available at 25%, up to $1,000 and 100% of sales tax for:
- Solar Water/Space Heat, Solar Ovens, Solar Cooling, and Solar Pool Heating
- Photovoltaics (PV solar panels)
Personal income tax deduction of up to $5,000 for selling a new energy efficient home with an energy rating of 90 or above.
Utility Rebates and Incentives:
SRP offers:
- Rebate of $50- $75 for energy efficient clothes washer
- Rebate of $20 for energy efficient dishwasher
- Rebate of $200- $400 for heat pump or A/C, depending on SEER
- Discounts on CFL bulbs at: Costco, Sam’s Club, Home Depot, and Walmart
- Discount on shade screens at $3 per sq. ft.
- Incentive to recycle your old refrigerator or freezer of $30
APS offers:
- Rebate of $175- $525 for heat pump or A/C, depending on SEER
- Rebate of up to $250 for a duct test and repair.
- Incentive of $3 per DC watt generated by a PV solar system. For example: 4000 watt (4kW) Grid Tied system installed. $3 x 4000 watts = $12,000 incentive
- Incentive of up to 50% of the cost of a solar water heater. For example: Water heater with first year savings of 1800 kWh based on OG-300 rating. $0.75 x 1800 kWh = $1,350 incentive
- Incentive of $0.75/kWh for solar space heating
- Incentive of $2,50 per watt for wind energy. For example: 5000 watt (5kW) Grid Tied system installed. $2.50 x 5000 watts = $12,500 incentive
Additionally, if you were to generate your own power (solar, wind, etc.) the utility companies have to pay you for any extra that you make at the rate they charge their customers. It is called net metering.
Some manufacturers also have rebates available.
More info at:
http://www.energystar.gov/taxcedits
http://www.dsireusa.org/incentives/
http://www.aps.com/main/green/choice/default.html
http://www.savewithsrp.com/
Trash Talk
9/18/09
by Melisa Camp
This week I wanted to talk about trash. While on a trip from Phoenix to Tucson I noticed all kinds of garbage lying around roadside. It made me sad to think that this is the world I have brought my three month-old son into. I’m hoping to do something about it and I hope you will choose to take action as well. Join my cause on Facebook: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/355419 and pledge to recycle litter in your community on October 30th.
By now, most people recycle some of their garbage regularly, but do you really know what you can and cannot recycle in your blue recycling bin? I found a few surprises.
Recycle
- Any and all paper: magazines, newspapers, and even your mail.
- Phone books- recycle the ones you have and sign up to stop receiving them on your doorstep at this website in seconds: http://www.yellowpagesgoesgreen.org/stop-yellow-pages/
- Plastics with the numbers on the bottom of the container that your city recycles. For example, Phoenix only recycles #1 or 2; Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa, and Gilbert recycle #1-7, and Chandler recycles #1-6. A quick google search of your city and recycling should pull up the information for you.
Don’t recycle
- Shredded paper
- Soda and beer boxes 6 to 12 packs*
- Laundry detergent boxes*
- Plastic bags- Plastic bags can be recycled at: Alberrtsons, Bashas, Circle K, Fry’s, Safeway, Sprouts, and Sunflower Farmers’s Markets.
*Wet strength boxes are treated with a waterproof sealant that makes them difficult to recycle.
Reuse
- Sell or trade in your old electronics to Costco. They have a program for laptops, cell phones, digital cameras, LCD monitors, MP3 players, Blu-Ray, Gaming Sytems, GPS, and more. See website for details. http://costco.gazelle.com/
- Donate old items you don’t want. Find a drop off store here http://locator.goodwill.org/.
- Repurpose things you would ordinarily throw away. For example recovering furniture, using an old two liter for a bird feeder (upside-down), or cutting the bottom off of a plastic bottle with a handle and using the remaining part as a scoop; I use mine for dirt, bird seed, and plant food.
- Bring ink containers into local office supply stores like Office Max to be reused and get money back.
Reduce
- Buy in bulk and reduce your garbage. Costco or Sam’s club anyone?
- Use a lunchbox instead of paper bags.
- Send an email instead of mail. Print only what you need. My newest trick is to email directions from mapquest to my phone instead of printing them.
- Use a few reusable shopping bags instead of plastic ones. The hard part is remembering to bring them into the store. If you have small purchases refuse a bag.
Finally, if you have kids and want to teach them about recycling, check out this fun interactive webpage. My students last year loved starfall.com, and especially got into this activity. http://www.starfall.com/n/holiday/earthday/
Pets Gone Green!
September 11, 2009
by Melisa Camp
For many of us our dog, cat, or bird is part of the family. They deserve nothing but the best in living a healthy and happy life too, right? Bring some Green into your pet’s lives this week with these 5 easy tips.
- Make your own toys. Save green (cash),
packaging, a trip to the store, and garbage from when Fido tears his toy to shreads by making your own from things you already have. Get creative with old socks, old stuffed animals, tennis balls, and string/rope.
- Buy eco-friendly products. There are many eco-friendly pet products available. From biodegradable doggie pick-up bags, to recycled collars and toys, to organic pet beds. Be sure whatever products you use to clean up after Fluffy are organic to protect your pet and your family from harmful chemicals. For cats, be sure to purchase a non-clay clumping litter because they have carcinogens that are harmful to kitty and humans. I found some great products from all over the web on this blog. http://greatgreenpet.com/
- Say adios to fleas naturally. Forget harsh and expensive chemical pesticides like Frontline. You can kill fleas with salt and vinegar and keep your pooch flea free by making sure they are clean, and vacuuming often.
- Feed your pet certified-organic food and make your own treats. Most pet foods are made from 4-D animals, meaning dead, diseased, dying, or disabled. Food of this grade is not consumed by humans, and should not be consumed by pets either. Buying certified-organic foods for your pet ensures that they are eating food that was raised sustainability, chemical, hormone, and pesticide free, and is regulated by the USDA. Making your own gives you control over the quality of food you give your pet. Check out this website for recipies. http://www.dogtreatkitchen.com/organic-dog-treats.html
- Adopt and spay or neuter your pets. Not only does it help to prevent over crowding from the 70,000 puppies and kittens born each day but it also helps pets to live longer, healthier lives. Adopt instead of shop for your next pet.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
September 4, 2009
By Melisa Camp
What is a carbon footprint?
A carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) you produce relative to the amount you consume over the course of a year. The more CO2 in the air, the more heat it traps and contributes to global warming. The amount of CO2 is measured in pounds. The average American’s footprint is 26.5 tons [53 pounds], not far from Australia’s 28 tons [56 pounds] per person, but in less-developed India the number dwindles to one ton, according to National Geographic’s Green Guide.
Here are some steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint and help to slow global warming.
- Wash your clothes in cold water. This way you do not have to use energy to heat the water first. And wash only full loads to reduce the number of times you have to run your washer and dryer.
- Run your dishwasher only when it is full for the same reason as above.
- Print only the things you need at home and work, use both sides of paper, and recycle paper instead of throwing it in the trash. You can also recycle your mail.
- Carpool, walk, or ride a bike when possible and run all of your errands in the same trip.
- Drive nicer. Aggressive driving, like accelerating quickly, braking hard and not anticipating stops, and speeding all produce more CO2. According to Carbonfund.org you can reduce your footprint by over 2000 pounds by driving better.
- Clean your refrigerator coils and clean any items off the top to allow it to vent properly and not have to work harder/use more energy than it has to.
- Install CFL lightbulbs to reduce energy use.
- Turn off lights and other electrical devices that you are not using, including the tv, cable box, audio system, computer, printer, cell phone charger, digital picture frame, x-box, fans, etc. I challenge you to take a walk around your house and see how many items are using power at any given time. I did and the results were surprising. There were things on that really didn’t need to be.
- Wrap your water heater in a ‘jacket’ and turn down the temperature to reduce energy use.
- Insulate and seal your home to prevent energy loss. Hire a professional to properly insulate and weatherproof your home with an efficient insulator like soy-based spray foam.
- Hang your clothes out to dry. Bonus: the sun is the best stain remover and color preservative.
Calculate your carbon footprint at these websites:
www.conservation.org
www.carbonfund.org
www.earthlab.com
August 28, 2009
by Melisa Camp
Most of your time is spent inside of your home and air quality is important as it can affect the overall health of you and your family. The EPA shows that poor IAQ results in reduced productivity and adverse health effects, including asthma, headaches, and respiratory infections.
Indoor air quality (AIQ) is affected by many factors. The most common pollutants are: VOCs (volatile organic compounds), lead, pesticides, asbestos, combustion-related (nitrogen-dioxide, carbon monoxide, tobacco smoke), radon, and mold. These pollutants enter the air through off-gassing. Here are some ways you can bring the Green to your home and life by improving air quality:
- Install “Green Label” carpeting, padding, and adhesives to prevent harmful chemicals from off-gassing.
- Use low/no VOC paints, materials, and wallpaper. VOCs can be found in paints, lacquers, adhesive removers, carpet, cleaning supplies, pesticides, wood preservatives, furniture, and cabinets.
- Be sure the wood in your home is certified to meet low-formaldehyde standards.
- Use an organic pesticide.
- Change your air filters regularly.
- Have your air ducts insulated, cleaned, and sealed.
- Let nature help clean your air by using house plants to absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.
Stay Cool in the Summer Heat
August 21, 2009
by Melisa Camp
It’s summer time, the sun is shining and the weather is warm or more accurately- hot if you live in Arizona. Have you noticed the temperature inside of your house increasing with the weather? Well, there are some things that you can do to make your home more energy efficient by preventing the elements from entering your home. Using less energy will also save you some Green ($), while also reducing your carbon footprint.
- Get a programmable thermostat and use it wisely. If you already have one, set it higher when you know no one will be home and at night. If you have a large home, you can go one-step further by installing multi-zone heating/cooling and only alter the temperature for the parts of the home being occupied.
- Use a fan. You can make the temperature in the room feel about two degrees cooler. Just be sure to turn them off when you leave the room and don’t leave them on while you are at work for your pet. Fans do not work for animals because they don’t cool the skin the same. We sweat- animals pant.
- Purchase sunshades. Installing sunshades on East and West facing windows will have the largest impact on temperature control.
- Install awnings. Awnings can provide shade and help to keep your home cool from the sun.
- Upgrade your windows. Think about replacing your windows for multi-pane, Energy Star, low-E (emissivity) windows. Be sure to recycle the old ones by donating to an organization such as Habitat for Humanity.
- Schedule an energy audit. An energy audit will produce a HERS (Home Energy Rating System) score. This is one of the best non-biased indicators of how Green and energy efficient a home is. An audit can show you exactly where your home is susceptible to the outdoor elements with an IR camera. The auditor will check your insulation, windows, doors, heating and cooling system, and air ducts to look for energy loss. Even better, there are $75 to $175 in rebates from APS to have this done. The cost is $250 for one A/C unit and $500 for two A/C units. Contact me to set one up.
Finally, If you do upgrade the windows, install sunshades, have multi-zone heating and cooling or have a HERS score, they are all newly searchable “energy efficient/green” features on the MLS and can help increase the resale value of your home.
Clean Green
August 14, 2009
by Melisa Camp
Just how safe are your household cleaners? Are you sure that you and your family are not being exposed to harmful chemicals? This week’s tip is about Green housekeeping and learning about Green methods and options for cleaning.
There are currently no standards for the labeling on cleaning products or any requirements to disclose all ingredients. Additionally, unlike foods, the order of ingredients listed is not reflective of greatest amount to least amount. Many products on the market claim to be “natural”, “safe”, biodegradable”, and “eco-friendly” but are left unregulated and have no standards. The terms are vague and can be left to interpretation Here are some ways to avoid false marketing claims and clean healthier.
- Look for the word “organic.” Cleaning products that have the word organic on them are the only products that have passed Federal standards.
- Read the labels. Avoid products containing the following harmful chemicals: Ammonia, butyl cellosolve, chlorine bleach, d-limonene, disinfectants, fragrances, hydrochloric and sulfuric acid, naptha, petroleum-based ingredients, phosphates, sodium hydroxide (lye), and diethenolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA).
- Make your own (non-toxic) cleaners. Baking soda can be used to clean in the kitchen, to treat stains, and remove odors. White vinegar can be used to help kill germs, kill weeds, as well deodorize the home. Hydrogen peroxide can be used in place of bleach for stain removal and bleaching and killing of germs. Borax could be used to freshen laundry and cream of tartar can be used to remove stains in bathtubs/showers. Home made cleaning recipes can be found at greenerchoices.org and thegreenguide.com.
- Do the research to find healthier products before you get to the store. Green Seal and the EPA’s Design for the Environment are two organizations identifying green household products. (Greenseal.org and epa.gov/dfe) Two of the most familiar brands I noted from the websites were the Green Works and Method cleaning products. I personally use Mrs. Meyers all-purpose cleaner; you dilute it and it last forever, cleans everything, and the lavender scent is refreshing.
