USPS Drives Global Warming?

h/t Dean

I might not have found the info I was looking for to explain the unseasonally long rain we are having in the Reno area, but receiving this in my inbox did make me chuckle!

June 2009: Weird Rain in Nevada?

I wrote a post on the Outdoor Living blog about the good and the bad sides of the unusual rain we have been receiving this week in general Northern Nevada area.

Since this seems like a really unusual weather pattern for the Reno area, I thought I'd see if anyone was was wondering about this too.

Found interesting info explaining how pollution is changing our rain patterns. 

Sacramento - As he flew high above the snowy Sierra Nevada this spring, atmospheric scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan saw confirmation of what he'd both hoped and feared to see: Big, dark storm clouds that weren't producing any rain.

    Air pollution appears to be altering rainfall patterns in the Sierra and around the world, said Ramanathan of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla.

Don Thompson @ The Associated Press goes on to report how rain proceseses actually change when carbon build up changes the structure and purpose of a cloud.

But I'm not finding much commentary on this current rainfall pattern.  Maybe I need to work on my choice of keywords, don't know. I do know this is frustrating. I just want to find one expert that might hazard sharing information on if this is an actual result of global warming or we're just lucky.

Washoe County Green Team

Interesting. Washoe County has a team of professionals to work on the government side of building a sustainable green community. They have an excellent flier listing the statistics for their recycling programs. It is a lot of information in a single 2 page document but is great to know they are tracking the difference made in protecting the environment as well as the money saved! It also includes a list of phone numbers for residential recycling so it is a keeper.

Even more interesting is their Strategic Plan. Displaying an easy to read chart, showing annually how they are doing as far as reaching their goals. Example: Affordable Housing in 2007-2008 was at a past due stage. Really? You will readily admit to the public that all isn't perfect? I respect that kind of openess. But they even go a step farther by having an online comment section as well. Not being afraid to solicit opinions is pretty brazen and cool. Not something you see everyday in local government!

Declaration of Homestead, Protect Your Investment

The world has gone crazy. Working harder, making less and doing their absolute best to protect everything they have worked for. Surprisingly, most people I talk to in Nevada aren't aware that they can file a Homestead Declaration. This process is to help protect their home investment in the event they run into certain forms of financial trouble.

From the Clark County Courthouse: WHAT THE LAW PROVIDES: When you record a Declaration of Homestead, Nevada law protects the equity in your home up to $550,000 from general creditor claims (unpaid medical bills, bankruptcy, charge card debts, business/personal loans, accidents) but would not preclude a seizure or forced sale of your residence from general creditors if your equity exceeds the $550,000. A creditor may file suit and can record a judgment lien against any real property you own. Recording a Declaration of Homestead protects your principal residence up to the statutory maximum. For example, if the value of your home is $645,000 and you have a first mortgage of $485,000 plus a second mortgage of $10,000, the equity is $150,000.

WHAT IS NOT PROTECTED?

The Homestead Law does not protect you against debts secured by a mortgage or deed of trust, payment of taxes, IRS lien, mechanic's lien, child support or alimony payments.

The State of Nevada website lists contact info for each county to find filing and fee details. You will need your property legal description and parcel number, so dig it out and call your county recorder to get started.

If you have never heard of a Declaration of Homestead, Mother Earth News has an excellent article that explains the benefits of filing for protection!

Time to Sell & Look at Renting?

I would love nothing more than to sell my house. But in this economy, it can be really hard to even imagine when prices have fallen so low.

We put our 20% down, didn't take out 2nd mortgages and we're still underwater. But I did explore changing my strategy. When considering how the rich get rich, I realize right now is the time to jump into real estate investing. Not just investing but a full blown rental business.

I share my thoughts on this at our Outdoor Living Blog. Feel free to disagree!

Wine, Food & Gardens...Oh my!

I'm a fan of gardening and wine. What a great way to combine both! Maybe we will see you there....

But the food from last year looks absolutely yummy! Pictures and recipes from 2008 are available at Dishing Up and it looks really good.

June 7 – “Organic Uncorked”

11th Annual Organic Wine/Beer Tasting

Fundraiser, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Nevada EcoNet and Moana Nursery will host this event at

Moana Nursery, 1100 W. Moana Lane. Tickets are $30 in

advance, $40 at the door and can be purchased at both Moana Nursery locations.

Nevada EcoNet is Northern Nevada's Environmental Resource. More about this event from their website... "Organic Uncorked is Nevada EcoNet's annual fundraiser for the past ten years.  It is an organic beer and wine tasting donated by Southern Wine and Spirits hosted at Moana Nursery on Moana Lane.  Local Chefs including Nancy Horn of Dish Cafe, Jennifer Bushman of Vintage Wine Shop, and Lyn Slovak of Flourish with  prepared scrumptious organic flavors from local farms. 

The Local Food Systems Network works with a number of farms to highlight local delicacies including Great Basin Food Co-op, The River School, Nevada Grown and more.  A silent auction features items from green businesses from EcoNet's Green Guide."

Moving to Save Money?

Nevada has low tax burden and high per capita income

Nevada does not charge income tax. Did you know Nevada has a Constitutional ban against income tax?

From the State of Nevada website

Article 10.1.9.  No income tax shall be levied upon the wages or personal income of natural persons.

The State of Nevada also has a great PDF document summing up this info.....

Nevada Department of Taxation

January 26, 2009

No Nevada Income Tax

The Nevada Department of Taxation receives an enormous number of inquiries regarding issues relating to Federal Income tax. The State of Nevada does not participate in the administration of Federal Income Tax nor does it levy a State personal, business or corporate income tax. The Nevada Department of Taxation does not require informational copies of Nevada residents’ Federal Income Tax forms. Federal Income Tax inquiries should be directed to the official IRS website at www.irs.gov.

That is the entire document. If you don't believe it, you can read it here

Short, sweet and to the point. Yep, thats definitely Nevada for you!

Tax Burden for Nevada is ranked 49th with a low 6.6%, only beat by Alaska

The national average is 9.7% This information is based off of how much taxes do residents pay in their own state and excludes tourist tax revenue from residents of other states. This is not based on tax collection but strictly tax burden to live in that state. 

California is ranked 6th at 10.5%, New Jersey is ranked 1st at 11.8%

And Nevada ranks 7th for highest Income Per Capita at $49,371

Our tourism keeps us affordable and desirable!

Taxes are important considerations when looking to make a move. For your business, for your family, Nevada is an affordable place to be.

Green home prices in Virginia City Highlands

I just can't believe what low prices we are seeing in Virginia City Highlands. That is sad and great at the same time. Look at this house built in 2006! It is a short sale what means the bank will have to take the highest and best offer.

It sits on 10 ac of land and has just about everything your heart desires. When someone has to lose, someone else wins.

All the Dirt on Gardening: Earth Day Is an Opportunity for Each Person to Make One Change to Help Mother Earth

All the Dirt on Gardening: Earth Day Is an Opportunity for Each Person to Make One Change to Help Mother Earth

I recently discovered the ladies over at All the Dirt on Gardening and have come to appreciate all of their posts. I recommend reading them if you garden, or are interested in starting!

This post is a must read. They have info to improve gardening habits to recycle/reduce/reuse. Excellent book recommentations if you have been looking!

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.

CO2 Formally Declared a Pollutant

Today in the New York Times:
The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday formally declared carbon dioxide and five other heat-trapping gases to be pollutants that threaten public health and welfare, setting in motion a process that for the first time in the United States will regulate the gases blamed for global warming.

What I don't understand is how this can be a defined a pollutant when it is also naturally occurring. There must be a measurement defining a level that has to be reached for CO2 to be a pollutant, but no one is stating what that is or even if they can measure it.

We all want to save energy and keep the planet clean. But I want to see more information about the standards and measurements used to make declarations like this. It just doesn't make sense that we jump from decreases our impact on the planet (good) to a necessary gas for life to function is a pollutant (bad). Huh?

I remember basic earth science studied in school stating CO2 was necessary for life on Earth. Has everyone forgotten this basic lesson?

From Merriam Webster, the definition for carbon dioxide

Freedom

What going green means in my neighborhood: FREEDOM.

Northern Nevada has an abundance of sunshine and wind. Buying land to build a dream home may not have power access. But solar and wind power are becoming more affordable every day. Bringing power out to a remote parcel of land can be very cost prohibitive. You have to have easements granted, purchase power poles, have them installed, line run etc. This process can easily begin at $20,000 if you are within a mile of a power line. Further out is obviously more expensive.

Many homes in remote areas take full advantage of the wind and sun by using both a wind turbine and solar panels. Since they are off the grid, they store power via batteries, unlike others who are able to sell their excess back to their power provider. Many homes off the grid still have a back up generator. For the more challenging environments a generator is security against all elements!

Of course, this has a downside too. Traditionally, banks like homes to be on the grid. There are many lenders who are more educated about green power than before but it still saves time and money to work with an experienced Realtor when it comes to buying properties like these.

Switch Your Home to Solar Power

Dream: Green Home

Finding a green home is getting easier. But it still seems that to truly be efficient, most homes need a great amount of work. If you're interested in having the most energy efficient home possible without tearing it apart, building is the best option.

With the economy going crazy and the real estate market going up and down, there are great deals available. Many people invested in land for their future dream home and have changed their mind. Northern Nevada has every opportunity listed for vacant land right now. It is definitely a buyers market so that leaves the door open for strong negotiations in the buyers favor. One of the major factors for this when buying land, is many parcels are owned, free and clear, by the seller. If not, many lenders required substantial money down on vacant land, so the sellers still have room to negotiate their asking price.

Outdoor & Resort Properties, LLC has several listings for vacant land that are an excellent start to building your ultimate dream (and green) home!

A good start:

20500 Toll Road
Virginia City Highlands NV 89521
40.13 acres

This property has views to envy. Snow capped Sierra Nevada Mountains, Reno city lights at night, PRIVACY!
It also comes with a start. Rural Northern Nevada can be tricky when it comes to accessing water. This property has the well and septic installed. The impressive part is the solar converter installed. That is a big investment so you can worry about home plans instead of the necessities required!

Washoe State Tree Nursery

Good day, good news!

I have received my list in the mail for the plants offered for sale at the Washoe County Nursery. Time to plan. Time to research. This makes me a happy girl!

I have to admit, this isn't a program for everyone. You must have a minimum 1 acre property and have an evironmental purpose for planting.

From the Nursery site:

Qualifications for the purchase of plants The program is not intended to provide landscaping materials for small home lots. The purpose of the program is to provide locally adapted, affordable trees and shrubs to conserve and enhance Nevada's natural resources through conservation plantings such as:

• Erosion control
• Post-fire rehabilitation
• Wildlife habitat
• Greenbelts
• Reforestation
• Windbreaks
• Water Conservation
• Mine reclamation
• Wetland and riparian restoration
• Woodlots
  
  My needs definitely run to erosion control, wildlife habitat (birds) and water conservation. I have bought honey locust saplings that are growing great. The biggest advantage for me is the nursery provides Caragana (most people call it Russian Olive). This is a pretty plant that grows strong with no attention, extremely little water and is extraordinarily soil tolerant. I will research other options for erosion control at the top of the swale [insert link] at the top of my swale, but my final decision will be made after talking to the folks at the nursery. I have had wonderful experiences learning from the staff and they never fail to help me make better decisions about my plantings!

Bank Owned Properties in Northern Nevada

Do you want a bargain in the Northern Nevada area? Now is the time. TODAY we have 933 bank owned properties in Northern Nevada. You can now buy a condo in Reno for $29,000 starting price. Let’s face it, Is a super good time to buy. Call us right away to reserve the best deals available.

Global Warming Argument

I've been part of several discussions about the validity of the Global Warming argument. I have read very articulate information by experts on both sides of the argument. Figuring out who is right can be very difficult since I'm not a scientist, or expert on the enviroment.

But.

1. We can't depend on oil forever. There is the entire 'peak oil' concept. Obviously, there isn't an unlimited supply and oil is supplied by a limited number of consortiums. That is too much concentrated power to have over our needs.


2. It is obvious that the world climate is changing. It is obvious we are trashing our only planet. What is wrong with making it cleaner, just in case Global Warming caused by people is real?

Some people are vehemently opposed to the idea of Global Warming. My question is, if the effects of changing our practices make the world a better place, why are people foaming at the mouth every time the subject is brought up? I just don't get it. And when I don't get it, I want a reasonable argument why.

From the Global Warming Hoax blog... "But, my friends, carbon dioxide is NOT a pollutant. It is a naturally occurring trace gas essential to life on earth. Simply reducing CO2 levels does nothing to reduce real pollution. It does nothing to clean up our streams and rivers from dangerous mercury contamination. It does nothing to prevent sewage from polluting our drinking supplies. It doesn’t fix holes in the ozone layer, nor does it stop landfill chemicals from leaching into ground water. Even if CO2 levels plummeted in the next 20 years, we’d still have pollution problems."

Gotcha! That makes sense. There are scientist in this world, analyzing the data presented about Man-Made Global Warming, and wanting people to understand this issue isn't the biggest, baddest evil to our planet. CO2 is necessary for our planet to exist. I would still argue that everything has to be in balance and too much anything can be a bad thing. But, he (and others) go on to argue that we can put all of our energy into decreasing CO2 levels when we have other real pollutants being ignored.

Ultimately, all arguments are about balance. We can't forget to dispose of chemicals properly, pick up litter to keep them out of streams, etc.

Northern Nevada Bargains

Do you want a bargain in Northern Nevada? Time has finally arrived. Interest rates are lower than ever, and prices are lower than ever. You can now buy a house in Northern Nevada for $75,000 starting price. Call us right away to reserve the best deals available.

My Definition of Carbon Footprint

From Economics 101: Every decision we make in life has a cost.

1. Take a drink of soda? The cost can be calories.


2. Try a new shampoo? The cost can be disatisfaction, or a real expense in price change.


3. Ride a bicycle? Increased exhaustion.

These are just examples of how every decision we make daily has a cost.

I mention this because this the thinking necessary to understand the concept of a Carbon Footprint.

I've read some pretty complicated definitions of Carbon Footprint, but many seem to make the eyes cross before even getting to the end. SO many people throw the term around. I have come across more than a few people that admit they really can't define what it means. I'm going to break it down in the way that I understand Carbon Footprint to work.

A Carbon Footprint is the affect of every decision we make in regards to the environment. What is the cost to the environment for transportation, home heating, our choice of groceries, etc?

Break it down a bit more....

There are two types of Carbon Footprint: Primary and Secondary

Primary is a direct cost to the environment: Driving a vehicle with a combustion engine emits exhaust to the atmosphere causing an increase in greenhouse gas.

Secondary is an indirect cost to the environment: When buying imported groceries, the additional transport requirement increases greenhouse gas.

Every choice we make, be it the regular 'paper or plastic', has a cost to our environment. To make a difference, people have to learn to look at the cost of decisions made every day. The difficulty is there are so many choices we have always taken for granted.

It is going to take time, but I believe knowledge is power. And with knowledge, understanding our habits can make changing our daily choises easier.