My previous Green Living column focused on the benefits of recycling and the transition to an enhanced single-stream system that dramatically increases participation and reduces waste. Perhaps this is a good time to look closer at what that really means. When we recycle we save energy, improve air and water quality and reduce our need […]
Recycling for Freedom
I am so excited! Finally, after what seems like an eternity, my community (Sun City Anthem in Henderson) will have an opportunity to participate in a new program that really makes a difference. Every homeowner in our area will benefit and the results promise to be spectacular. It will make lives easier, improve the community […]
Learning to Live in Place
I love the concept of Green Living. For me, it is a simple, common-sense approach to life that improves our daily lives while acknowledging and addressing major issues like climate change and the overall sacred balance of life on Earth. Glancing back over this year’s past columns confirms that it is a topic with great […]
Green Your Clean
There are many reasons why the art and practice of Green Living make sense; from the biggest picture to the smallest detail. Take household cleaning products for example. These small details have a huge impact on our homes, our health and our planet. Slick television commercials advertise the latest “new and improved” products, that “kill […]
Green Gifts From the Heart
Winter approaches. The sun is tracing a lower arc in the sky while cooler temperatures turn leaves to gold and cause us to bundle up against chilling winds. The days are accented with longer shadows and darkness comes earlier with every sunset. Nothing makes a home feel more inviting at this time of year than […]
Solar Home Tour
Years ago, I travelled to Arizona to attend solar home tours. First it was Tucson, then a year or so later, Flagstaff and Prescott. Each one was a great experience. I met homeowners who benefitted from doing things differently. Best of all was their willingness to share their experiences with others. I’ll never forget seeing […]
Right Sized Homes
The choices we make about where and how we live have a tremendous impact on our environment, community and economic well-being. If we choose wisely, we can minimize the negative impacts while maximizing value. They go hand in hand. Well-designed, efficient spaces can be beautiful, functional and comfortably provide for our needs. Architect and “Not […]
Health: People and Planet
Every home should have a library. It doesn’t even have to be an entire room; just a special place to keep your books will do, or perhaps it’s simply a cozy spot to read your latest treasure from the public library. The point is to value the experience of reading good books. A library is […]
Our Tragic, Plastic World
One thing that distinguishes human beings from other species, according to human beings anyway, is our use of tools. There are a few other animals that use primitive tools but they are quite limited in number and scope. We, on the other hand, are so damn smart! Not only did we invent shovels, we used […]
A Breath of Fresh Air
There’s nothing like a breath of fresh air, especially on one of those rare mornings following an overnight storm that scoured the valley, purging the smog and ushering in sharp, clear vistas. It usually doesn’t take long for the views to soften again as particulates, chemicals, exhaust and other contaminants begin to reestablish the haze. […]