Green Tips for the Holidays

Don’t throw out all that old and use wrapping paper that is left after Christmas. Recycle it. Here are ten ways you can reuse your Christmas wrapping paper.

1. Cut out Christmas or snowflake shapes. Stick the shapes on card. Add a tie and hang it on the Christmas tree.

2. Fold wrapping paper lengthwise. Cut out the shape of a Christmas tree, where the edges are touching the folds. Unfold the paper to reveal a chain of Christmas trees.

3. Give children a piece of paper. Ask them to create a Christmas design using wrapping paper, glue and scissors. Laminate it and use it as a placemat.

4. Cut wrapping paper into strips. Make them into links and create a link chain.

5. Cut small pieces of card. Use wrapping paper to cover the back and create a frame on the front. Write a bible verse inside the frame. Attach a tie and hang it from the tree.

6. Use pieces of wrapping paper to make a nice bookmark. Keep it yourself or give it to someone.

7. Use pieces of wrapping paper to make a nice bow to place on top of a present.

8. Make party hats. If you only have small pieces of wrapping paper, make party hats for dolls or teddy bears.

9. Make Christmas crackers. Old cards can be used for the tube. Wrap in old wrapping paper. Fill with a toy, a bible verse or a sweet.

10. Wrap small lollies or sweets. Attach a number (1 to 24) and use them as next year’s advent calender. You can also write a message on the back of the wrapping paper or insert a message inside.

For more ideas on how to reuse Christmas items, including wrapping paper, cards, boxes and food, see Liz Palmer’s new book, Over 61 ways to reuse Christmas items. It can be purchased at http://www.knowledge-download.com/lizpalmer001.

Photos welcome showing how you recycle your cards, gift wrap and bows!

My personal favorite is cutting greeting cards into custom gift tags.  When I pull out my box of tags next year I’ll enjoy the card a second time and eliminate tags from my shopping list in 2010!

What are y0ur ideas?

Green Gifts – Energy Savings Devices

Solar Charger, Green Batteries & Smart Strips

My favorite green gift this year is the solar charger for phone, ipods and MP3 players.

Also smart power strips and green batteries  and smart strips…oh my!   I can’t choose they are all great devices.

Solar Chargers

Chargers include an adapter kit for most common cell phone plus a mini USB connector.  Some model include AC and car adapters.  Several only charge specific phone models.

Cost:  $18-50

Where: Walmart, Amazon, Target

Green Batteries

Wow…this is one I haven’t seen before!  Batteries that are mercury and lead free.  I avoid battery operated devices and buy solar charged, hand cranked lights or rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries instead.

It’s inevitable that we need batteries.  Most clocks are cordless. I haven’t had a windup clock since my Big Ben alarm clock which incidentally had been my Mother’s clock.  Oh, the memories of tick, tick and ring…RING!

Solution…buy environmentally friendly batteries with  no lead added that can be re-charged.
Full series of sizes available: D, C, AA, AAA, 9V
High Performance and Excellent durability.

Chemical Structure:
Cathode – manganese dioxide
Anode – Zinc can
Electrolyte – Zinc chloride in water

Smart Power Strips

These strips while they may look like the typical power strip are very different. They help you save money and prolong the life of your electronics.  How many cell phone charges have I burned up by leaving it plugged in all the time?  More importantly how much power have I used unnecessarily by leaving the charged plugged into the power strip.

According to the Department of Energy, 40 percent of all electricity used to power home appliances is consumed when the appliances are turned off. It’s also estimated that these energy “vampires” use 5 percent of our total energy and cost U.S. consumers more than $3 billion annually.

Smart Power Strips are a great solution to phantom power or vampire power drain.  The strips have plugs which sense the device power usage. When it drops below 10% it shuts off the device. Another way they work is shutting down peripherals attached to your PC. When you shut down your PC the attached devices (speakers, USB hubs, etc.) are automatically turned off.  Voila!  Power saved with no additional effort on your part.  Anything that cuts down on the steps I need to take and remember is a good device!

Cost:  $30

Where: Sears, Walmart, KMart, Amazon

Learn More

• www.energysavers.gov
• Smart Strip
• Watt Stopper
• Belkin Power Strip with Timer

Walk Score App for iPhone

Score one for the iPhone!   Now Walk Scores can be looked up on the fly using your iPhone.

What’s the significance of this app?  Aside from the fact that the jazzy phone is becoming more computer-like and useful, it’s a leap forward for living sustainably.

More of my clients are wanting to live near something that they can walk to other than the mailbox.  This trend spans the demographics of age and generation. If I could point to two groups that include this in their wish list it would be Gen X or Y who are seeking an urban hip location and Boomers who want to walk to basic services and events.

Features

• Get the Walk Score of any location
• Map of nearby amenities with walking directions
• No more typing addresses! (use GPS instead)
• Reviews and ratings of amenities

If you own an iPhone, here a link to purchase the walkability app.

Still bound to your computer, here’s the link the to online walkability website, http://www.walkscore.com.

My Walk Score: 31 out of 100 — Car-Dependent is dismal. I do bike to the bank, post office, library and grocery store for when I need a couple of items only.
Personally I think the meter needs a bit of help.  Aha!  You can add what you think is missing via Google Maps.  Alas!  My score didn’t go up.  Guess I’ll have to more destinations to push it into the moderately car dependent category.

Charlotte made the Top 40 Most Walkable Cities list ranking 38. Check it out!

What can you do to help make Raleigh a more walkable city or create more walkable neighbhorhoods?

• Talk to your legislator
• Raleigh’s new Comprehensive Plan became effective Nov 1, 2009
• Tell Congress to support walking, biking, and transit in the 2009 Transportation Bill. More information

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Find out your home’s Walk Score:

Energy Efficiency Assessments

US home uses about 21% of the country’s energy for warming, cooling and lighting. Most homes unless they are green built are NOT efficient and lose a significant percentage of the conditioned air due to leaks and improper or inadequate insulation. 40% of the power used is for heating and cooling.  Get the picture…it’s money out the window…and walls, doors, crawl spaces, plumbing….

The best way to assess your home is to have an energy assessment or audit by a qualified HERS rater.

Attend a FREE Workshop – see actual energy efficiency upgrades

Dec 9rd 4:30-6:00 PM Wed

(contact me for location as it is a private home)

The workshop will include a demonstration blower door test and discussion about the value of the diagnostic test.  Review energy efficiency improvements that have been made to the existing home and learn about the home energy assessment process. See how a door bloor tests checks your house for leaks.

• sealed crawl space
• caulked floor plates
• added insulation
• HVAC duct sealing
• Insulated hot water lines
• more….

Learn more and schedule an appointment.

Raleigh-Cary one of best places for entrepreneurs

This may not be ‘green’ but it helps bring in green!

In a joint study released by Fortune Small Business and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the Raleigh-Cary region is ranked as the third best large metro area in the United States in which to start a business according to Business Leader 10/14/09.   The area’s  central location, mild climate, the recent influx of residents from other parts of the country, and world-class universities continue to be calling crads. Charlotte ranked 7th among large cities, and in midsized areas: Wilmington at No. 14, and Durham at No. 15.

Vinegar…the all purpose cleaner with no toxins

Wondering why Triangle Green Homes is featuring vinegar?

Because it’s so versatile. Can’t beat the price and uses. If you can get beyond the unique aroma, vinegar has no VOCs, no lasting odor and easy to use.  Cleaning products are some of the most toxic elements found in your home. Consider trying some of the old fashioned remedies.

Did you know that you can clean your coffee maker with vinegar?  Or clean clogged drains with a vinegar mixtures?  My favorite is cleaning vinyl floors with a cup of white vinegar added to a bucket of water. Sure beats paying for the manufacturer’s recommended product!

Try cleaning your car and home windows with a vinegar solution and substitute crumpled newsprint instead of paper towels.  No streaks and you’re reusing your newspapers!

Natural cleaning products are great for the budget, are less toxic than most commercial products and help keep your indoor air clean.

Contribute your favorite cleaning product recipes!

Recipes

Remove mineral deposits from coffee makers with white distilled vinegar. Fill the water reservoir with 1 cup or more of white distilled vinegar and run it through a whole cycle. Run it once or twice more with plain water to rinse clean. (Check the owners’ manual first.)

Drain Cleaner: For light drain cleaning, mix 1/2 cup salt in 4 liters water, heat (but not to a boil) and pour down the drain. For stronger cleaning, pour about 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, then 1/2 cup vinegar. The resulting chemical reaction can break fatty acids down into soap and glycerine, allowing the clog to wash down the drain. After 15 minutes, pour in boiling water to clear residue. Caution: only use this method with metal plumbing. Plastic pipes can melt if excess boiling water is used. Also, do not use this method after trying a commercial drain opener–the vinegar can react with the drain opener to create dangerous fumes.

Window Cleaner: Mix 2 teaspoons of white vinegar with 1 liter (qt) warm water. Use crumpled newspaper or cotton cloth to clean. Don’t clean windows if the sun is on them, or if they are warm, or streaks will show on drying. The All-Purpose Cleaner (above) also works well on windows. Be sure to follow the recipe, because using too strong a solution of vinegar will etch the glass and eventually cloud it.

Resources

• 1001 Uses for Distilled White Vinegar by Mizkan America
• More non-toxic home cleaning ideas.
• Green Cleaning

1007 Cane Valley Lane, Chapel Hill, NC | Powered by Postlets

1007 Cane Valley Lane, Chapel Hill, NC | Powered by Postlets

Green Jeanne is pleased to present this attractive country home with energy saving features. It’s ENERGY STAR rated so it’s qualified for the 5% lifetime discount from Duke Power and is at least 15% more efficient than BAU homes. Other green features include: hot water heat, metal roof, insulated cast concrete basement, and bamboo floors. It’s easy… Read More care inside and out with all wood, tile or concrete floor. The siding, porch and decks are composite for low maintenance. The home is gorgeous inside with 2008 upscale renovations. The gourmet kitchen features Jenn-Aire stainless appliances, granite counters, island and cherry cabinets with double over, 5 burner gas cooktop and microwave. The new master suite opens to the expanded deck facing permanent easement for privacy. The fully finished basement includes rec room, home theater, full bath, wet bar leading to new patio, and laundry plus separate mechanical and storage areas. Worth a look for privacy, country living & horse potential.

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Garner 55+ community now building green!

Builders go green with ENERGY STAR

The Village at Aversboro developed for the retiring boomers is already a hit.

All the homes started this summer will be ENERGY STAR certified. The four builders are committing to more efficient homes.  It wasn’t a huge leap for these custom  builders accustomed to producing a consistent quality product.  The decision does represent a response to the market and represents a commitment to be green.

Many boomers understand the need to reduce green house gases.  Purchasing an ENERGY STAR homes aligns with their desire to reduce their personal carbon footprint.   ENERGY STAR homes save energy as they cost less to operate.  ENERGY STAR homes are 15% more efficient than standard construction similar homes.  Certified ENERGY STAR homes receive a 5% discount from Progress Energy for the life of the home. That’s real money over time!  Seniors on fixed incomes appreciate savings.

Going green is what attracted my client to the seniors only community.  We’d been on the road for several days looking for just the right ranch in the right location and coming up short.  After  a refreshing break at the new LEED certified MacDonalds on Kildaire Farms Road in Cary, we realized that Garner’s 55+ community might just be the right situation!  So we hustled on over to check out the first ENERGY STAR certified homes.

BTW, check out the MacDonald’s.  It’s cool with wheat board table tops, FREE WiFi and a free plug in station for electric cars.  It’s the first LEED golden arches in the NC.

Back to our story about The Villages at Aversboro.   We were excited with the long plantation like drive into the community leading to the club house.  The first class club house available for resident’s use free of charge includes a spacious meeting room, fully equipped kitchen and a front sitting porch.  Residents can join the Rex Wellness Center on Timber Drive.

Strategically located off Highway 70, in 10 minutes you can be downtown Raleigh, driving on I40 or downtown Fuqua-Varina.   It’s a walkable neighborhood connected to Heatherwoods and minutes to Lake Benson or shopping center at the corner of Vandora Springs and Timber Drive.

Every time I’ve visited there have been folks walking the neighborhood.

The 147 homes are designed for aging in place built on slabs with few steps, masters down, and 36″ door ways.

Developer Douglas Ball assembled a top notch builder team.

• Manning Homes
• S&D Builders
• Woodall Construction
• Edmondson & Associates

Several years back while was working the Parade of Homes at Kings Ridge for Gina Miller, builder Tim Stevens told me about the exciting senior development planned for Garner.  I’ve followed its progress and was impressed with the project.  Knowing the quality of the builders it was easy for me to recommend The Village at Aversboro to my client.   I was impressed with the quality of construction, attention to detail, choice of plans and customer centric builders at Kings Ridge.  The well laid out Frank Betz and Donald Gardner plans attracted Parade visitors to the homes.

The builders approached The Village at Aversboro with the same customer focus producing easy to live in homes just the right size for downsizing boomers. These area handsome homes packed with upscale features all with first floor masters.   An optional second floor bonus room with full bath is available in most plans.  Notable are the screen porches and sun rooms that expand the living space.

Links

Area links

• The Village at Aversboro – be sure to check out “In the News” & social events
• Lake Benson Park – a jewel of a park just a sidewalk stroll away
• The Future of Open Spaces – Wake County’s plans including White Oak Park coming this fall across from Lake Benson
• Rex Wellness Center in Garner
• Photos of the Village at Aversboro and Lake Benson

Previous articles published in the News and Observer

·         Homes geared to seniors N&O Sept 15, 2009

·         A Silver Lining  N&O Tuesday, Jul. 07, 2009

Toll road coming and I-40 construction

540/Triangle Expressway Gets Green Light

This summer, the NC Turnpike Authority will begin construction on the 540/Triangle Expressway turnpike. This project will extend 540 from Cary at NC 55 to the Holly Springs/Apex area at the NC 55 bypass as a new turnpike freeway. In addition, the project will also construct the new Triangle Parkway turnpike within Research Triangle Park. In early July 2009 the Federal government approved a multi-year, $380+ million loan for the project, and on July 13 and July 14 the Turnpike Authority sold more than $620m of toll revenue and state appropriation bonds. This means the financing for the project is now complete and the Turnpike Authority will sign construction contracts for this $1 billion freeway project this summer. Construction on the section in Research Triangle Park will commence almost immediately.

It would be hard to overstate the importance of this milestone for our region. This project – which consists of the extension of 540 by more than 12 miles to the southwest past Apex to the Holly Springs bypass, as well as the creation of a new Triangle Parkway (Durham Freeway extension to 540 in Research Triangle Park) – represents a billion dollar investment in our region’s future by the NC Turnpike Authority. By 2012, we will see 16 miles of new turnpike freeway in southern Durham and western Wake counties, with the RTP section opening earlier. The Triangle Expressway turnpike will provide travelers with a mobility option that they may not have otherwise seen for decades, if ever, and will help preserve our area’s economic vitality and quality of life.

I-40 Cary/Raleigh widening contract signed! Construction begins summer 2009.

On July 1, 2009, the NC Department of Transportation signed the I-40 Cary/Raleigh widening contract. This project will widen a 6 mile stretch of I-40 between Cary and Raleigh from 4 to 6 lanes. The project will also eliminate the “inner” and “outer” beltline designations that have vexed residents and visitors alike. Construction begins in summer 2009 and will be completed by June 2011.

In less than two years, this project has gone from an unfunded future project request to construction. The speed at which this occurred is a testament to the focused efforts of NCDOT, the Capital Area MPO, and the RTA which catalyzed the accelerated six-lane widening concept in 2007. And it is welcome news for thousands of commuters on the Triangle’s “Main Street” and most critical roadway.

Noise barriers will be installed much to the appreciation of the Drees Homes Brandywine neighborhood that borders I-40 at Trinity Road.  The standard concrete barriers will be1,200 feet long, vary in height from nine feet to 23 feet according to NCDOT will be installed.

Quick Links

• NCDOT Project Description
• I40 Cary widening map
• TriangleBiz Journal article

Wynnbrooke – green neighbhorhood North Raleigh $15,000 savings!!

Wynnbrooke which began a couple years back as a KB home now includes MI Homes. Both KB and MI are building ENERGY STAR homes in ranch and story story plans.   Wynbrooke was featured as the second Martha Stewart development following Twin Lakes in Morrisville.

MI homes purchased lots from the developer and hosted its grand opening in May 2009. The MI homes blend well with the existing KB homes keeping a cohesive look in the 150 homes home neighborhood.  MI has a killer $15,000 toward options plus $2,000 in closing costs until the end of July.

KB is about finished with 3 spec homes to build yet having built most of the homes in the upper portion near Strickland.  The development near I-540  is ideally located for RTP commuting and easy access to  Raleigh amenities.  Many homes back up to easements providing privacy and greenery.  The homes on Edsel drive in the lower section back up to a stream providing a magnificent backyard view.  However I-540 runs parallel to Edsel drive.  The noise barrier plus the berm and trees do reduce the sound to a dull noise in the background.  Inside the home the road noise if virtually unnoticeable. Outside it could be a negative for some.

One of the nicest features of this neighborhood is the rare half acre lots.

Plans range from 2500-3800 sf and mid $300 to mid $400 in price.

Here’s a link to the original story about Martha’s association with KB Homes, USA Today: Martha Stewart to design houses with KB Home.

News flash the Martha Stewart ranch model will be for sale mid to late July priced in the high $300s.  The plan  named Kathonah for one of the towns in which Martha has lived is  very reminiscent of a beach home with tile floors and bead board with a wide entry hall.

The builder will be restoring the home to the floor plan with an ample 2 car garage, den, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, master suite, living and dining rooms with a very Martha kitchen.

The open floor plan links the family room and adjoining dining room.  The formal dining room with columns is one of the largest I’ve seen in a home under 3,000 sf in a long time. It holds a table seating10 plus a sideboard and room to move around freely.

The kitchen is pure Martha reminiscent of a set from her cooking shows featuring an island with sink, expansive counters with plenty of cupboards, subway tile backs plash, upgraded appliances and a large eating area which leads to the deck.

The master suite is located off the living room with a discrete double door entry retaining privacy.  The plan also features a deck accessed both via the master and the living area.  Since this is a model there’s a gorgeous patio with stainless grill.

Click here for more photos of the model, a featured master down MI plan and the rest neighborhood photos.

ENERGY STAR homes are 15% more efficient than standard construction homes. In addition to increased comfort through additional insulation the homes cost less to operate on a monthly basis plus qualify for a 5% discount from Progress Energy for the life of the home. Now that’s real money over time!

Learn more about ENERGY STAR homes and what’s behind the walls to make them more energy efficient.