Vancouver WA Real Estate Website Offers Tips on Going Green

Vancouver, WA (PRWEB) November 12, 2007

Local real estate website, http://www.jonoolley.com launches, with an extensive green homes section. It seems no matter where in the world you are today you can't avoid hearing talk of going green. Green is the color that's come to symbolize a kinder attitude towards Earth and "going green" simply means making choices that contribute towards the well-being this planet.

Why is going green important?

Going green is important because as a society, many of our actions are causing potentially irreversible damage to the environment. Up until recently people believed that because the Earth is so vast it could absorb whatever negative actions we chose to deliver. And to some extent, perhaps it has. But the planet is vulnerable and like people, there's only so much it can tolerate.

What can the average homeowner to reduce their effect on the environment?

1) Reduce overall consumption of electricity, natural gas, and water by taking the following steps:

• Replace leaking and drafty windows with new 'low e' windows.
• Insulate your attic with at least 18" of insulation.
• Insulate your floors with at least 12" of insulation.
• Replace your heating system with a more efficient, modern furnace, or heat pump.
• Turn down the water heater's thermostat.
• Insulate your electric water heater by wrapping it.
• Replace all the lights with energy efficient compact fluorescent lights.
• Only run the dishwasher and washing machine for full loads.
• Replace appliances with energy efficient models.

2) Use Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is fast becoming one of today's hottest buzzwords and that's good news. It's not a new term; it's actually been around for decades and the earliest civilizations understood and relied on renewable energy.

What is renewable energy? Renewable energy is energy that's derived from an inexhaustible source; an unlimited source that will never be depleted. Solar energy, which is energy derived from the sun, is a perfect example and it's the one with which most people are familiar. Wind energy is another. Even thought there may be days when the sun doesn't shine or the wind doesn't blow, those are localized issues. The sun always shines and wind continually blows due to fluctuations in temperature, albeit more so in some regions than others.

Hydro-power, tidal power, geothermal power and biomass power are other renewable energy sources being pursued in earnest. Luckily, most utilities offer homeowners the opportunity to select the source of their electricity. In this way, a homeowner may reduce their environmental impact at the source.

3) Reduce your water usage.
There are so many reasons why water conservation is important but the most important one is that water is something we cannot live without. We take our water supply for granted, and maybe there is enough to satisfy our needs now, but without dedicated efforts at water conservation, that may not be the case in future generations.

Here are some useful water conservation strategies to consider:

• Fix leaks and drips: It's not that hard to do. Just get out the tools and replace washers or pipes and tighten connections.
• Go low-flow: Replace shower heads, toilets and faucets with low-flow version that reduce the volume of water but still get the job done.
• Save rainwater: This definitely is one of those water conservation tips that just makes sense. You won't use the collected water for human consumption, but it's perfect for watering plants.
• Plant native vegetation: Anyone who lives in a hotter climate zone and who cares about water conservation should do this. Plants native to such areas have adapted to a drier life and are more tolerant of local water conditions.

Get started today, and make your home more earth friendly.

More info on Green Homes and Conservation Strategies at http://www.jonwoolley.com

Jon Woolley is a Vancouver Washington Realtor, who believes very strongly in green homes, and their impact on our environment.

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