Staying Green: 1-2-3 By Kate Madonna Hindes, Writer | CAI-MN
1. Bringing Sustainability to the Table: Truths about GREEN Energy Nestled in the landscape of beautiful trees and brand-new siding, Tom Rother, owner and President of Network Management in Apple Valley, Minn, is proud of the small, thoughtful steps his associations are taking to better the environment and the lives of homeowners. Recently, one of Rother’s properties went maintenance-free with its siding, helping to increase property values and saving the 3 to 4 year painting rotation. Rother said, “We’re taking a proactive approach within our association and budgets. We’re cognizant of the cost involved, but also look to the future and trends for new ideas. Proactive instead of reactive planning can help our properties go far.”
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rom turning off the lights when leaving a room, to purchasing more energy-efficient appliances, sustainability is on the forefront of homeowner minds and budgets. From common practices of sustainability, to lesser-known ideas, one thing is certain: the future of our planet can only be determined by our choices today. Here are four ways to initiate a model of sustainability in your HOAs.
Conduct an Energy Audit Contact a utility company or energy management firm to conduct an energy audit. An energy audit determines whether a home or building wastes energy and finds where energy is being lost. An audit can also offer energy-saving solutions and save money. One solution that pays for itself quickly is fluorescent or LED lighting. Fluorescents and LEDs are more expensive than incandescent bulbs, but use less power and last much longer. Many associations have been able to recover their lighting investment in six months due to savings in utility costs.
Conserve Water Initiate a water conservation program, providing residents with free water inspections and promoting water-saving devices, such
as low-flow shower heads and low-flush toilets. The savings can be considerable. Conserve water used in landscaping by implementing irrigation controls that monitor rainwater and adjust watering accordingly. Select plants that are drought resistant and suited to your climate. Target your watering to specific plants by using drip irrigation. Reduce overall water use by replacing turf in some common spaces with native plants.
Recycle Trash Investigate recycling options with your trash contractor or local municipality. Recycling helps the environment for obvious reasons— resources are re-used instead of thrown out and landfills don’t fill up as fast. Americans now recycle about a third of their waste, an amount that has almost doubled in the past 15 years, according to Earth 911. The most common materials recycled are paper, plastic, aluminum cans, steel packages and appliances.
Reduce Chemical Use Reduce environmental pollution by cutting back on chemical herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers. Use natural remedies instead. Consider composting. Plant native grasses and wildflowers that help filter polluted storm water run-off before it reaches lakes and streams. continued on page 22
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Minnesota Communit y Living