GREEN and CLEAN

April 11th, 2008 categories: Living Green, Sacramento

Being Green use to mean that you were a tree hugger but now, its in to be green. California leads the country in our sustainable green efforts.

This month is Earth Day/Month and many of the Sacramento neighborhoods will be celebrating by helping to educate all of us on what it means to be GREEN.

Many of our homes have been built with the green concept and more are coming. Home buyers today are willing to pay extra for an energy efficient house since they understand the ultimate savings.

If you as a seller, are having difficulty selling your house, you might want to make a few improvements that would have a direct cost reduction to energy bills and let all home buyers know what your utility bills actually are.

Here are just a few small things you, as a seller can do to help make your home green:

Fix those plumbing leaks and save on the water bill
weather strip and/or caulk windows that are leaking cold/hot air into the house.
Install a programmable thermostat which will save $150/year
If you have an older home, install low flow shower heads and toilets-newer homes 2000 on up already have these installed.
Buy energy star appliances

Midtown Sacramento is the place to be on April 12th, Green on the Grid is sponsoring the 1^st time Art Walk in Midtown.

As many already know, Midtown is a great place to live with everything you need at your finger tips from restaurants to art its all right there within walking distance.

If you would like to know more about Midtown, feel free to view a few of the videos and articles written as well as homes for sale in Midtown Sacramento, CA and even some green homes.

The entire month is devoted to bringing attention to what each of us can do to help Mother Earth be a little bit greener and cleaner.

Citys and communities all over Sacramento County, Placer County, El Dorado County and Yolo Countywill be stepping up to do their part for Earth Day.

Rocklin, CA in Placer County has 144 LEED certified homes that save 65% on their monthly utility bills which results in $1,400 savings per year. These 3-5 bedroom homes range from 2,168 to 2.755 sq. ft. One of the features of these homes is Sun Tile photovoltaic roof tiles that provide supplemental electricity. This can reduce electrical bills by as much as 70%. This is part of a master-planned community. Take a look at one of the models currently for sale and give me call if you would like to see it.

April 19, 2008 at 8:30 Celebrate Earth Day in Discovery Park on Garden Hwy in Sacramento with the California Earth Day Run and Walk. Be sure to bring a lunch and help with the river clean-up.

The City and County of Sacramento encourages businesses to re-think how they do business by reducing their impact on the environment. From conserving energy, water and waste as well as recycling.

Elk Grove, Ca is just one of the Citys who is sponsoring Creek clean up events on April 19, 2008 at seven creek sites. Be sure to click Elk Grove Creek Clean-upfor details and bring your appetite for a BBQ lunch sponsored by Elk Grove Lions Club.

Elk Grove, Ca is just a few minutes away from Downtown Sacramento and has a variety of newer neighborhoods with an old town feel. Check out Elk Grove, CA and the variety of homes for sale in Elk Grove, CA for all 3 zip codes. Also, check out how Elk Grove, CA celebrated Earth Day last year and pick up some additional Green tips .

Here are a 7 ways for you to get started Being Green and CLEAN & Save $:

Shop Close to Home “ this helps your local businesses and cuts down on fuel
Donate to local charity organizations like Goodwill and Salvation Army
Install low flow shower heads and take shorter showers to save energy and money
Filter your water instead of using bottled water which adds and produces container waste
Set heat lower in the winter, and a few degrees higher in the summer and save at the same time
Wash clothes in cold water and dry on clothesline when possible
Clean dryer lint filter after each load“(leading cause of home fires)
Walk, bike and ride public transit to reduce emissions and save fuel costs

Click for more ways to help by being GREEN and Clean and Living Sustainable Lifestyles.

If you would like to start a community garden take a look at some of the established Community Gardens in Sacramento, the Environmental Organizations, where the Farmers Markets are located, Sacramento Recycling Centers, Sacramento Green Business to Shop and more Sustainable Living businesses and events.

Help celebrate Earth Day by adding just one thing that will help sustain our earth.

Click if you would like to know what makes a home green, Green Remoding Guidelines,