GreenDream - The Art of Green Living
Learning to live lighter on the planet.
Green living is a broad topic and there are many ways to go about it. From my perspective the overall goal is to live lightly on the planet so as not to exceed the Earth’s ability to naturally sustain the entire diverse tapestry of life, not just us humans. Everything we do is an opportunity once we realize we are responsible for the outcome. Our homes are a good place to focus since they ... Read More
I try to keep the tone mostly warm and friendly here but what drives me to write is very serious. We are facing… no, strike that. We are creating a planetary emergency. Let me state a few facts and then tie them all together. The Earth has an energy imbalance due to added greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. Just like adding a blanket on cold night, the gasses trap heat so less of the sun’s ... Read More
Recycling has been in the news a lot lately. Pilot programs have run for years and finally, after overwhelmingly positive results, local governments are adopting residential single-stream recycling valley-wide. That’s good news for all of us in Southern Nevada since it will be easier than ever for homeowners to reduce their waste and help the environment. Recycling is now a mainstream ... Read More
The policies set by local governments can do much to move us toward sustainability. We do not have to wait for national regulations to change the way we build or rebuild the homes in our communities. There is much to be done and with the political gridlock in Washington, local action is our best hope for meaningful change. One example occurred recently in Boulder County, Colorado. The area has ... Read More
We are right in the middle of the season often associated with giving. It is a time to express gratitude and love for those we care about, adding meaning and depth to our lives. It is all too easy to become sidetracked however. What could be a beautiful opportunity for reflection and conscious interaction is now all too often simply a race to the mall to buy, buy, buy. What are we really buying ... Read More
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead No doubt you’ve seen that famous quote before. It is a powerful and simple truth. One such group of thoughtful, committed citizens has changed the construction industry forever. Though small in its inception, the U.S. Green Building Council ... Read More
What is it about our species that makes it so difficult for us to change? Sometimes, no matter how obvious it may be and despite all the logic in the world, it is still not enough. Some traditions are so ingrained in our collective psyche that they are almost invisible to us - it’s just what we do. But why? Traditional customs are like stories we’ve heard from birth that have become a part of ... Read More
Home energy efficiency is a very common topic around here. I believe it is one of the best investments a person can make. It’s also one of the best investments our society can make. Home efficiency saves resources, reduces pollution, increases comfort and improves the economy. The best results occur with the local utility gets on board, offering programs that provide immediate savings and even ... Read More
Last week’s National Clean Energy Summit provided a partial snapshot of the status of our nation’s shift toward clean energy. It featured a wide range of presentations representing green building, military, commerce, transportation, utilities, manufacturing and labor interests. The message was strong and clear: Renewable energy along with a vast array of innovative technology is here and ... Read More
What room is (or has the most potential to be) the greenest room in your home? It’s the kitchen - by a mile. You can drive a hybrid or even walk to work, take water-sipping showers, and put solar panels on the roof, but nothing can match the benefits of a green kitchen. It requires no special appliances, there is no cost and you can start right away. In fact, it is deceptively simple, incredibly ... Read More
Recycling has been in the news a lot lately. Pilot programs have run for years and finally, after overwhelmingly positive results, local governments are adopting residential ... Read More
Electric vehicles are hitting the road in ever-increasing numbers. Most are conveniently charged at home but when you're on the road and need a little juice, it's nice to know ... Read More
Imagine you had some great products to sell. They were the best available in terms of value and longevity. They helped protect people’s health and improved their quality of life. ... Read More
I watched a really cool TED talk the other day. You know about TED, right? It is one of the most inspiring places on the web - a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. The ... Read More
Some words definitely lose their meaning when used too often or too casually. The word “sustainability” comes to mind right off the bat. Even though it’s overused, many do not even agree on the ... Read More
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