Why Go Green?

With all the interest in Going Green across America, Prudential Decker Realty took the time to investigate exactly what that means.

Acordding to "Global Green USA," the U.S. Affiliate of Green Cross International, the Greening of America is fast becoming the number one concern of Gen X'ers and Gen Y'ers entering into the real estate market. They are concerned about our planet and what they can do to make a difference.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the world population has grown to over 6 billion people in 2000. It is estimate to reach a staggering 9 billion people by the year 2050. Based on this enormous growth, if we anticipate that the entire world's natural resources were evenly distrubuted by the year 2050, we will only have 25% of the resources per capita that we had globally in the year 1950.

Because the world has only fixed amount of resources, as the population grows it puts a great strain on the already depleting resources available. The thought of leaving a world to our children and generations to follow with less comforts and beauty than we already enjoy ourselves is unthinkable. As Americans, we are used to saving for college, weddings, braces and our homes, but what about saving for our clean air, water, fuel sources and soil for future generations?

Prudential Decker Realty wants to help you in this quest, we have provided "10 Quick Tips" that each and every one of us can do in our homes and workplaces to go green. You can make an impact on our enviroment starting today!

10 Ways to Go Green Today

1. Light Up
Replace incandescent bulbs with fluorescent bulbs with fluorescent bulbs, which use less energy and last longer, in your home and office to eliminate CO_2.

2. Recycle
Recycling half of the aluminum, glass, plastic and paper you use reduces 2,400 lbs. of
CO₂ annually.

3. Purchase Green Power
If available in your area, purchase 100% green power and prevent 3,800-6,200 lbs. of
CO₂ annuually from entering the atmosphere.

4. Build Green and Use Solar Power
Remodeling or building a new home? Use solar energy (and federal tax credits and state buy down programs) to reduce 1,000 lbs. of CO₂ annually.

5. Turn It Down, Turn It Up
Turn your heater down and your air conditioner up by three degrees and save 1,050 lbs. of CO₂ annually.

6. Wash Cool
Do two loads of wash per week in cold or warm water instead of hot (and hang out to dry) and save 500lbs. of CO₂ annually.

7. Store Smartly, Save Money
Buy ENERGY STAR® appliances and save money and 1,000 lbs. of CO₂ annually.

8. Be Water Wise
Buy low-flow toilets that can save up to 22,000 gallons of water annually.

9. Use Green Paints
Buy NO-VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) or low VOC paints to prevent eye, ear, nose, and throat irritation.

10. Fan It
Installing a whole house fan or ceiling fans improves interior comfort by circulating cold air, dramatically reduces the need for air-conditioning and costs to ¹/₁₀ the price.


Source: One Sweet World and EPA for assistance with Carbon Data.