Kids Go Green

To end Earth Day, I must say my kids finally get it. I mean UNDERSTAND! Hellelujah!!!

I have to give some show on Nickalodeon credit. They say something like, turn off the lights for 98 seconds and we'll save the planet. I'm writing and the kids run around the house like short lunatics to turn off lights and realize the only light on is the turtle's. They're bummed.

But it opened a door for them to understand why we are always fussing to turn off the lights, don't waste, hang the towels after showering, refill a water bottle, etc. etc. Yes, we are parents and it is our job to ride you obnoxiously, but we know what we're doing! And bless them, the light went on in their little heads.

We talked about the reasons we do what we do. It saves our family money and helps keep our planet a cleaner place. We don't live in a dirty house and we don't want a dirty planet. I was quizzed about what we've done to be more "Green". They eventually walked away listening to recycling water, changing the light bulbs, benefits of Energy Star appliances, manure in the garden instead of commercial fertilizers, building an arbor versus installing A/C and on and on and on.....

I feel for them. But maybe. Just maybe. I won't have to fuss as much about turning off the lights when they leave a room.

Earth Day 2009

Today is Earth day. It may not be a day to go out and celebrate for everyone, but it can be a day to look at your life and see what can be changed.




Reduce/Reuse/Recycle, time to make a plan to practice the 3 'R's?


Help the economy and shop for Energy Star appliances?


Put your home through an Energy Audit?

There are many ways to take care of the planet. With the world the way it is today, it is also a great time to exert control over our actions that will save money. There are many advantages personally and globally to making those changes now.

Radiant Barriers

Checking out the EcoBroker website for what's new and interesting in Eco-Friendly homes, I come across something I haven't hear of before. Radiant Barriers? This is a way to improve the efficiency of your insulation and it is an affordable upgrade.

The Radiant Barrier is an additional layer of insulation. In the warmer months, the barrier reflects heat from being absorbed into the attic area. During the cooler months, it can help prevent heat from escaping through your roof.

Costs range from .02 to .31 a square foot, depending on location of installation, manufacturer and whether you hire the work out or do it yourself.

Read more on this technique for maximizing energy efficiency at their site.
EcoBroker Radiant Barriers

More on Passive Cooling....

In addition to making the most of shade to cool your home, attic fans do alot of work to minimize heat build up.

Adding an attic fan can run in range of price, from $100+. I think the most Eco friendly option is a solar attic fan kit. There are a variety of options on the market, usually running $200-$300. You can choose from options that install on the roof or gable. By choosing solar, you also save installation cost by avoiding having to run an electrical source to the fan's location.

There are many advantages of adding an attic fan.

• First and foremost, you help the environment by lowering energy consumption cooling your home! If you have air conditioning, an attic fan allows heat to exhaust from the attic so the air conditioning unit doesn't have to work so hard.


• You can extend the life of your roof. Roofing is exposed to tough conditions externally. When the heat builds in your attic, the roof materials suffer from the inside as well.


• In cold winter climates, the fan helps exhaust humidity. Snow loads can melt from the bottom up and turn to sheets of ice. I have experience with ice building up on a northern corner of my roof until it backed up under my shingles. Now I know why!


• Humidity buildup in the attic can be prevented. Humidity can cause mold growth in the attic that may eventually extend to the walls. By exhausting the humidity you have decreased the climate mold requires to grow!

Popular Mechanics has an outstanding article to give you an idea of what installation of an attic fan entails. Click on the picture for a link to the article!

A Real Estate Agency that Understands Your Needs

To those who want to live smarter, not harder...
To those who don't like waste and inefficiency...
To those who don't know where to start buying or selling...
To those who dream of their perfect green home, but don't know where to begin...

Outdoor and Resort Properties is the Certified Eco-Broker who understands your needs and will help guide your through the changing real estate market.

More people are becoming aware of their impact on our planet. Real estate decisions have a major influence on the health of our planet. When looking for help in living an Eco Friendly Lifestyle, always choose someone who is current on the latest technologies and research. This is an excellent way to advance your desire to enjoy a clean and free life.