We all read in last month's edition of the Carlsbad Business Journal about the Carlsbad Chamber going green in their office building. We should all be proud of our chamber's leadership for demonstrating not only fiscal and eco-friendly responsibility but, moreover, its vision for sustainability.
As you recall, we also were encouraged to follow suit. Along those lines, I would like to offer what I believe to be some cost-effective suggestions that can help make your dream home, a green home.
Ceiling fans in all major rooms provide great air circulation and reduce summer air conditioning bills. With showers tallying 32 percent of home water use, low-flow showerheads can save a substantial amount of water.
Shutters on doors and windows act as great insulators. Florescent light bulbs last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs and use 60 percent less energy.
Consider installing Solatubes in those dark daytime areas. Water heaters account for a fair amount of home energy costs, so turn your setting to “normal” when home and to the lowest setting when on vacation.
As you consider remodeling your current home or designing a new one, there are great opportunities to include many green design concepts into your dream home.
Buy Energy Star qualified appliances, which are up to 40 percent more efficient. Instead of buying carpet made from synthetic materials, look for brands made from natural fibers, which are recyclable.
When painting, help eliminate waste by going to www.artsparx.com/paintcalculator.html to calculate just the right amount to buy. Plant trees on the east and west facing sides of your home to keep it cooler.
Save water by using timers and setting them to water in the morning in order to ensure the water goes into the soil and doesn't evaporate, good resources are www.gardeners.com and www.gardensalive.com.
Now that you have some ideas about greening your home, what about your garage? Undoubtedly, on everyone's mind is the rising cost of gasoline and how it's affecting our home budgets, as well as our bottom line as business people.
Did you know that GM is designing a car that will get 150 miles per gallon? It's named the Volt (go figure) and it's planned to be unveiled in less than two years. See you in the showroom!
I encourage you to follow suit with our chamber and make your dream home, a green home.
For more information, call (760) 274-5228 or visit www.tracysharrar.com.
As you recall, we also were encouraged to follow suit. Along those lines, I would like to offer what I believe to be some cost-effective suggestions that can help make your dream home, a green home.
Ceiling fans in all major rooms provide great air circulation and reduce summer air conditioning bills. With showers tallying 32 percent of home water use, low-flow showerheads can save a substantial amount of water.
Shutters on doors and windows act as great insulators. Florescent light bulbs last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs and use 60 percent less energy.
Consider installing Solatubes in those dark daytime areas. Water heaters account for a fair amount of home energy costs, so turn your setting to “normal” when home and to the lowest setting when on vacation.
As you consider remodeling your current home or designing a new one, there are great opportunities to include many green design concepts into your dream home.
Buy Energy Star qualified appliances, which are up to 40 percent more efficient. Instead of buying carpet made from synthetic materials, look for brands made from natural fibers, which are recyclable.
When painting, help eliminate waste by going to www.artsparx.com/paintcalculator.html to calculate just the right amount to buy. Plant trees on the east and west facing sides of your home to keep it cooler.
Save water by using timers and setting them to water in the morning in order to ensure the water goes into the soil and doesn't evaporate, good resources are www.gardeners.com and www.gardensalive.com.
Now that you have some ideas about greening your home, what about your garage? Undoubtedly, on everyone's mind is the rising cost of gasoline and how it's affecting our home budgets, as well as our bottom line as business people.
Did you know that GM is designing a car that will get 150 miles per gallon? It's named the Volt (go figure) and it's planned to be unveiled in less than two years. See you in the showroom!
I encourage you to follow suit with our chamber and make your dream home, a green home.
For more information, call (760) 274-5228 or visit www.tracysharrar.com.