Green Machine

The Green craze is a growing phenomenon in the Real estate industry.  More and more developers are striving to incorporate green technology and many are even going so far as to be become certified by the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) as a Certified Green Professional.  By constructing homes that are qualified energy efficient, home builders are even receiving Tax credits.  From bringing your canvas tote to the grocery store, to driving in your hybrid car, or shopping the local farmers market for organic produce, there are ways that you too can become green.  While many of us live in older homes, from earlier in the decade or ancient ones like my home, which was built in 1906, there are ways to live green, and make your home more appealing for that future green buyer.  Here are just a few to consider implementing in your daily life.

~Paint the Town Red!~When painting in your home, use low or zero volatile organic compounds (VOC) paint.  The higher the VOC-the more toxic.

~Floor me~When remodeling a kitchen or bath, look into a more earth friendly flooring option.  Bamboo, cork, recycled rubber floors, and reclaimed hardwood are all great green options.

~Landscape Love~Looking to freshen up the outdoor area around your home?  Take a few extra minutes and research local plants and vegetation to the area, that will live through your changing climate and require less water.

~Light the way~And of course, the easiest way to start being Green is changing out the light bulbs in your home.  Compact Fluorescent light bulbs save energy!  If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an Energy Star qualified bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars.
For more helpful green tips, feel free to contact us at: kjpremier@atproperties.com.