As much as we love Kermit the frog, it's actually...

.....easy being green!

In one our recent blogs, the chicks discussed the real opportunities to "go green" on the North Shore. See our dispatch entitled "Up with downsizing", published January 12, 2009. In it, we discussed the benefits of "true downsizing", that is, moving to a smaller home and why, in this real estate market, we think that this is realistic and environmentally responsible.

We like the idea so much, that we did further research and think we are really onto something here. While it has been suggested that the initial costs of building a "green" home can be as high as 30% higher than traditionally built homes, a closer examination of the costs may only be in the 2-4% range.

There is a great website to check out if you are interested in this idea: www.nahbgreen.org. It is operated by the National Association of Homebuilders and in it they discuss the "hows" and "whys" of building a green home. They define green living as encompassing three main components: energy and water efficiency, energy and water conservation and indoor air quality. From the layout of a home that provides the most natural sunlight to purchasing salvaged pieces to adorn your home, there are countless ways to achieve a sustainable lifestyle. Installing appliances and HVAC with higher energy efficiency ratings, while more expensive initially, actually cost less to operate, thus resulting in less energy comsumed and less money spent. An idea as simple as building a compost pile rather than installing or using your garbage disposal saves energy, money and as well as providing your plants with a tasty treat.

Another reason that we like the "true downsizing" idea here on the North Shore is many of the neighborhoods that lend themselves to this type of lifestyle are located within walking distance to the downtown areas and trains. The obvious advantages to leaving your car at home include less gas consumed, money saved, less pollution and a healthier you! Check out this website:www.walkscore.com. You can enter your address and find out how your house rates as far as your ability to walk to places in your town. Or better yet, if you find a place you might like to build your own green home, enter that address. It's fun, easy and informative.

This chick would like to publicly thank the Pittsburg Steeler and Phoenix Cardinals for yesterday's Super Bowl. This game had excitement (99 yard interception touchdown by Steelers James Harrison, 65 yard pass to Cardinal's Larry Fitzgerald), drama (Steelers win in the last 2 minutes) and the Boss playing at half time. What a fitting end to football for another year. Oh, yeah, let's not forget ads. My vote for the best are the Budweiser clydesdale in love with Daisy the circus horse and the E*Trade baby on the golf course (shankopotamus!)!!

I'd love to hear from you. Feel free to email or post a comment.