Staff Writer
04/15/2008

Going Green

There is a new birth (of consciousness) in our communities today. With renewed interest, more and more people are becoming aware of the carbon footprint each is making in the world. First conceived in the early 1800s, the idea that our air, land, and water resources could one day disappear came into being; unless mankind could find some way to keep them sustainable.

In 1872 Arbor Day was founded by J. Sterling Morton, governor of Nebraska. Morton was responsible for initiating a tree-planting by encouraging others to plant trees on their property. Doing so would help keep soil in place, create wind breaks, and provide much-needed shade from the Nebraska sun. Today, Arbor Day is celebrated every year on the last Friday in April. The purpose is to encourage tree-planting. Earth Day was founded in 1970, when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created by President Richard M. Nixon. The purpose of the EPA is to protect the environment and public health. That same year Congress passed the Clean Air Act to set national air quality, auto emission, and anti-pollution standards. Today Earth Day is a world-wide campaign to protect our global environment. The Earth Day Network is working to bring about environmental awareness around the world. This is being done not only in local communities and urban cities, but also rural areas. Goals are pursued through education, politics, events, and consumer activism.

Now a new cycle of awareness has returned where a new generation of families, home owners, and concerned citizens are "going green". Going green is a concept designed to encourage households, businesses and schools to reduce their environmental footprint. This includes among other things buying and using eco-friendly, fair trade and sustainable products

Homes built with a "go green" plan may include such things as energy efficient windows. These windows allow beautiful views of the land or waterfront that surrounds the home, but at the same time, homeowners are careful to cover the windows with glazes and over-hangs. This is done to filter out unwanted light and heat thus saving on energy used to heat or cool the home. Having an energy efficient window does not mean a homeowner must do so and give up the view at the same time.

Another "go green" choice homeowners are choosing is to paint their homes with tinted paints and stains that contain no VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds). This eco-friendly paint or stain does not have the familiar "paint" smell therefore it is a natural alternative to paints that contain toxic solvents such as turpentine; part of which creates the "paint" smell. Homes that use products that are low or contain no VOC not only provide a safe place inside to breathe but also reduce the amount of VOCs into the atmosphere, therefore reducing air pollution. Many products are available in local markets, online and in large retail outlets; however it is important to look for a product that has been rated by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) which is a nationally recognized program that certifies products. Receiving a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certificate promotes the design and construction of a high performing green home.

When decorating a home, homeowners look for ways to use organic products such as 100% cotton or linen. From eco-friendly fabrics, recycled rugs, to Energy Star ® appliances and organic cleansers and detergents, homeowners are choosing to make a difference. A person can make a difference outside the home as well. The land and property surrounding a home is just as important as the inside of the house. When sitting on the porch enjoying the view of the garden or lake or ocean front property, homeowners are taking the time and effort to invest in plants and flowers that are suited to the climate or are native to the area. This will ensure that the plants and flowers will have a much better survival rate. And when designing a path along the garden using water-filtering pavers is a great way to avoid storm water runoff.

Families, individuals and even children do not have to dive head first into a "go Green" mentality. Instead one should take small steps at first so as not to become over-whelmed with the concept. Here are ten tips on getting started:

Take a long look at your home, your land and the property that surrounds you.
Set a few goals that you would like to accomplish over the next year on moving toward becoming more "green".
Study the subject of an eco-friendly world by going to the library or the Internet and then look for ways you can make a difference.
Join an organization with an eco-friendly mission. Many communities are organizing groups at the local level; national organizations welcome new members; or start your own group.
Volunteer at your local schools not just on Arbor or Earth Day but throughout the year sharing the "go green" movement. You might start a garden or sponsor an environmentalist club.
Be pro-active in the products you buy for your home by taking into consideration how energy efficient and sustainable the products are.
Teach your children and grandchildren the value of recycling, conservation and the importance of being good stewards.
Free your house of toxic chemicals.
Get in contact with a qualified "green" pro. This might be a landscape or interior designer, architect, or contractor.
Volunteer in your community to clean a spring or creek.

Taking care of our planet and eco-awareness are vital to the entire world as well as future generations. Going Green is NOT just a fad, but is here to stay.

Some great links to learn more: