That uncontrollable pile of clutter may give you a headache since it visually distracts you and causes stress. Owning too many things makes organizing your space and enjoying your home challenging. Explore the seven benefits of downsizing and its merits to you and the planet. Consumerism Has Environmental Consequences Environment degradation and consumerism are closely linked. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that resources are extracted from nature to produce the goods they pay for. Once they get their hands on an item, they may only use it a few times before discarding it. Excessive consumerism has dramatically contributed to soil erosion, air pollution, and habitat loss in many organisms. Manufacturing companies aggressively…
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The Importance of Urban Trees’ Cooling Effects
Cities — packed with buildings and pavement — absorb heat all day and release it back into the air at night. This creates the urban heat island (UHI), whereby cities are hotter than surrounding areas. The effects of UHIs are far-reaching, impacting both the environment and human and pet health. Urban trees within densely populated towns promote sustainable and livable spaces. These green giants offer many benefits that enhance the environment and quality of life for city dwellers. Why Trees Are Important in Urban Areas With up to 80% of the U.S. population residing in urban cities, trees are fundamental to mitigating the effects of UHIs. High temperatures in metropolitans promote the…
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100% Carbon Free, Climate Resilient Living
This is the future of the grid happening right here in Vermont Imagine living in a home that’s all-electric, fossil fuel-free, and is fully storm-resilient. That’s the reality for the 155 families who will move to Hillside East in South Burlington, Vermont. This is a first for that state– a whole neighborhood that is resistant to power outages thanks to a Resiliency Package of in-home Tesla Powerwall batteries for seamless backup power, rooftop solar panels to recharge, and extend the batteries’ backup capability, and a neighborhood microgrid for extra backup power as needed. O’Brien Brothers, a Vermont-grown property development company for over six decades, turned to Green Mountain Power when…
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What’s In the Inflation Reduction Act for Me?
The Inflation Reduction Act represents a huge opportunity for you to build your electric future.
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Argyle Gardens:
A HOME FOR THE HOMELESS The Kenton neighborhood of Portland now hosts Argyle Gardens, the first buildout of a Low Income Single Adult Housing model (LISAH). It is located on an oddly-shaped, city-owned, industrial site close to the MAX light rail line, bus lines, and commercial shopping areas. Argyle Gardens consists of four buildings containing 72 housing units oriented around a central outdoor space. The largest building contains thirty-five 220 square foot studio apartments. A large community room, laundry facilities, and support service offices serve as a central hub and communal gathering space for all residents. The three co-housing buildings each feature two six-bedroom units with two shared bathrooms and…
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City of Portland Home Energy Score Program
Starting at the begining of 2018, sellers of single-family homes in the City of Portland must obtain and disclose a Home Energy Report estimating the energy-related use, associated costs, and cost-effective solutions to improve the home’s energy efficiency.
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Sustainable Neighborhoods: The Value of the Community
In modern neighborhoods, a move towards sustainability has become the expectation, and for good reason.
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Moving to a New Home, the Green Way
Moving is not a fun task, and a move can become wasteful, considering all the non-recyclable material and household goods being tossed out as garbage.
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The Basics of an Energy Efficient Mortgage
Going green has many benefits. Not only does it lower your impact on the environment, but it could potentially save you money. When it comes to your home, it can be difficult to make your house more energy efficient. Luckily, with an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM), you can borrow more money to help you upgrade your home with green technology. Here are just a few upgrades that qualify under an EEM: Alternative heating such as a pellet stove New windows and insulation New roofing technologies Solar Panels for both electricity and hot water heating In order to qualify for an EEM, you must first qualify for a regular mortgage. When…
