I’m elated to share that I earned my GREEN Designation from the National Association of REALTORS. What does this mean? A GREEN designation means that I’ve taken additional courses so I can advise my clients on how they can buy, sell, and live in healthier, more energy-efficient, and resource-efficient homes and save money doing so. I’m one of only two Realtors in the Monterey area who holds this valuable designation!
Living sustainably is built into my value system. I’ve always cared about the natural world. Earlier in my career, I worked for a global climate change think tank that led valuable research on how and why countries, corporations, and people can – and should – minimize their carbon footprint and reduce their dependencies on fossil fuels. Today, I’m actively involved in community climate action groups, and I enjoy talking to my clients and community about sustainable living practices.
I’ve created a non-exhaustive list of ways you can live in a more climate-resilient, healthy home that will save you money and bring a higher return on your investment in the future. This list is ordered from the most affordable/practical (even for renters) to the more costly/project-intensive ways:
Composting: Starting a composting system for food scraps and yard waste can greatly reduce landfill waste (and greenhouse gas emissions). ReGen Monterey has more information on composting pick-up in Monterey County. If you keep your compost, you can create nutrient-rich gardening soil.
LED Lighting: LED bulbs are becoming the standard. They use less energy and last longer - saving you money in the long-run. And, LED bulbs now come in warmer and softer light shades offering you more lighting options to choose from.
Local Wind & Solar Energy from the Grid: 3CE Energy is our community-owned, local electricity provider that offers wind and solar energy to your home. This is a great option for renters and homeowners alike when solar panels aren't an option. It’s easy to sign up online, reduce your emissions, and contribute to a clear, more reliable electric grid.
Smart Thermostats: Installing an affordable smart thermostat allows you to set/change the temperature from your smartphone based on your schedule and preferences. Research shows that sleeping temperatures should be between 60-67 degrees, which is much lower than what most of us want during waking hours. With a smart thermostat, you can ensure your best night’s sleep at a lower temperature, but ensure it’s a warmer temperature to signal you to awake comfortably in the morning.
Water Conservation: Install low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets to reduce water usage (and your water bills). You can also install a hot water recirculation system on many water heater types, which will further reduce your water usage. It will also save you time from waiting for the water to warm up! It is a requirement for residences across the Monterey Peninsula that homes be equipped with low-flow fixtures at the point of sale.
Native Landscaping: We’re fortunate to live in a place with stunning plant biodiversity, so it’s less challenging to plant native species that support local ecosystems, are drought-resistant, and contribute to fire-smart landscaping.
Electric Vehicle Charging Station: It’s so nice to charge your electric vehicle at home (instead of say, the Sand City Target parking lot). And know that, by law, even if you live in a condo or a rental, you have the “right to charge” and with permission, install a vehicle charging station.
Energy-Efficient Appliances: As your appliances age and need replacement, you can invest in Energy Star-rated appliances to reduce your energy consumption and lower utility bills. Even better: Opt for all-electric appliances, which have a lower carbon footprint and are much healthier for your home than gas-powered. For example, induction stovetops are all the rage right now for good reason. They are incredibly energy efficient, offer precise temperature control, are easy to clean, and feel cool to the touch - which makes them safer in homes with children and pets.
Solar Panels: If you own your home, consider installing solar panels to generate renewable energy and reduce reliance on the grid. This can likely save you money every month, and there are various financing methods and rebate programs available. If you pair your solar panels with a home battery, you’ll have energy independence, which is valuable during storm and fire seasons when power outages happen. Solar is very popular in our area.
Insulation: Improve insulation in walls, attics, and floors to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature and reduce heating costs. I read so many inspection reports where homes are missing insulation!
Sustainable Materials: Use eco-friendly building materials, such as bamboo flooring, recycled glass countertops, and reclaimed wood. We’re seeing more aesthetically pleasing, sustainable options pop up every year.
Green Roof: I have a deep love for green roofs and I hope to have one someday (with solar)! While not super common on residences in our area, a green roof provides insulation, reduces stormwater runoff, and creates a habitat for birds and bees.
I hope you’ve found this list to be informative and inspiring. If you have questions or other ideas, I’d love to connect and chat.
With gratitude for you and our beautiful planet,
Ashley
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