Like many, I have been interested in resource conservation for a long time. I have also been writing about it here for since the Journal began in July of 2009. It is very uplifting to see and hear an increased level of interest and participation in resource conservation.
There is more and more going on in the green arenas of building, remodeling, gardening, energy upgrade, energy efficiency, and renewable energies. The increased level of awareness, activity, and implementation is local and global.
Green living is really catching on. Admittedly, for many it is as much about the green in the dollar bill as it is about green in the environment. Fair enough. Actually probably more than fair. The environment, our health and our savings/cash flow all benefit.
In March, Idlers hosted a green living fair on a Saturday morning in Paso Robles. It was very well attended. I was there as a representative of Solarponics. The event included a handful of local green building professionals – Peoples Choice Heating and Cooling, Sage Landscapes with drought tolerant options, Farm Supply with irrigation efficiency, Hayward Lumber and Green Goods with green building materials, Semmes & Company Builders, Pacific Coast Kitchen and Bath, Cook Well, and Solarponics. All these firms offered ways for homeowners to save money, live in a healthier home environment, and help Mother Nature.
You can see some of these and other companies and at the upcoming Slo Home Show in SLO. If you are considering a home project please consider and research the more environmentally friendly options. It might be lower VOC finishes for the home, sustainably harvested and/or manufactured materials, drought tolerant landscape design, materials that are manufactured closer to our area, in state as opposed to overseas. Solar electric panels are at an all time low price right now so it might be a good time to check into that.
Former Assistant Secretary of the DOE, Joseph Romm will be speaking at the SLO Home Show in conjunction with a Home Energy Forum at the show. SLO Green Build will be one of the sponsors of the forum. The SLO Home show is May 5th & 6th. Get more info at SLO Home Show.
This month a group of energy efficiency and home fresh air professionals will be assisting a veteran who has been paralyzed. They will volunteer time and materials to upgrade the home. They have already completed the energy audit. It is nice to see the community coming together for something like this. Helping each other while helping Mother Nature.
