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.

Up with downsizing!

       Mary Umbergers column  (Chicago Tribune, Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009) noted a discernible trend among baby boomers and empty nesters.  That is, the stated desire to downsize their homes.  But this time, they actually mean a move to a smaller dwelling, rather than making a lateral or upsize move to more spacious accommodations once the kids have left home.  What people had been referring to as "downsizing", was, in reality, (and illogically), often a move to a bigger, more expensive home.  

      But that seems to be changing.  The economic roller coaster ride that we have all been on for the past year is certainly one of the driving forces behind this desire for "true" downsizing. .   The cost of maintaining a huge home with an equally huge mortgage may not make sense if there is college tuition to pay. 

       Another factor in this shift in thinking might be the   "shame of affluence".  Much of  the current economic crisis (i.e subprime mortgage mess)  is  attributable to greed.  People are reticent to flaunt their wealth for fear of being lumped in with those guys from Wall Street.  Since, our homes are the most obvious symbol of our material worth, a more modest presentation seems appropriate.

     But the chicks think there's another reason for the change.  One that is driven by positive beliefs, rather than negativity.   We think that people are becoming more aware of their use of our earth's precious resources.  The green movement, once equated with a once a year observance, Earth Day has now permeated into our daily lives.  

There is a deliberate consciousness about using less  resources.  We see it in the increased use of recycling, paper over plastic at the grocery store, or better yet, bring your own reusable bag, and bicycling or walking whenever possible.  There are recognized health benefits associated with a move towards green.  Less air pollution and toxins means that we feel better and have fewer allergies.  Finally, the trend towards purchasing our food from local growers and organically grown if possible is one more way that people are adopting a greener lifestyle.

There is no more dramatic way to reduce your carbon footprint than by true downsizing.  Less electricity, gas and water will be consumed in a smaller home.  You will have less garbage to contribute to our landfills. We believe that people in our hometown are looking for ways to use sustainable materials in their homes too.   

With the price of builder's lots declining in value, it is now possible to purchase and build your own green home on the North Shore.  There are several neighborhoods that come to mind that are particularly suited to this end.  In particular, the presidential streets in Glencoe, the tree named streets in Winnetka and many neighborhoods in west Wilmette.  Instead of 6 bedrooms with 6 plus baths, you build a home that has 3  bedrooms and 2 plus baths.  And you can use bamboo flooring, install solar panels or tankless water heaters or any other of sustainable products that you desire. 

The advantages of building a green home in one of these neighborhoods are plenty.  You can have new construction, you will actually use all of the rooms in your home, rather than the fraction that you presently use.  There are builders willing to build green homes on the North Shore. You'll likely be within walking distance of public transportation (to Chicago or Ravinia) and the wonderful farmer's markets.  Your home will fit in perfectly to these charming neighborhoods.  The best part of this plan is that you will be able to truly downsize and remain on the beautiful North Shore!

What to you think?  I'd love to hear from you.  Post a comment or send me an email.