Are you Green Today?

Today is St. Patrick's Day -- A day associated with corned beef, cabbage and potatoes; Irish Whisky and Guiness; shamrocks and leprechauns; and, last but not least, wearing green so you don't get pinched.  

With green on your mind, it is a good time to consider how green you are every day:

• Are you conserving energy by adjusting your thermostat, using a programmable thermostat, or even opening your windows and not using your AC or heater at all (particularly during pleasant Spring weather!)
• Are you conserving water by installing appropriate landscapes that don't require irrigation, by installing low flow bubblers on your faucets, waiting to run your clothes washer or dishwasher until you have a full load, or by simply turning off the water while you brush your teeth?
• Are you recycling your metals, plastics and paper products, and better yet, are you thinking about unnecessary packaging when you purchase products?
• Are you buying local products and using local businesses which not only helps your local economy but can also save transportation costs?
• Are you starting slow and slowing when approaching red lights by removing your foot from that gas (which will conserve fuel) as well as keeping your car maintained and your tires inflated?  
• When choosing a new place to live, do you consider proximity to work, schools and basic needs such as grocery stores, banks and libraries?  
• Are you keeping the filters changed on your AC, choosing low VOC cleaning products and considering the ingredients in your cleaning products?
• Are you choosing to give services or gift cards or recycled gifts rather than adding to increasing piles of belongings that your friends have?
• Are you choosing to walk or bicycle or carpool to some of your destinations?
• Are you eating lower on the food chain more often and choosing organic, local or healthier choices for your family?

These are just a few of the many ways that you can lessen your impact on our planet.   While today may be one of the few days in the year you may choose to wear green, tomorrow and every day after could be a day you choose to live green.    

What does this have to do with Brytan?   Living in a sustainably built, energy efficient home with water saving fixtures and clean air systems, that is located in an urban environment will lower your carbon footprint and save water and electricity.    While we hope to see you you in Brytan, we hope that you choose to live green every day.