Going Green - Tips to Help the Environment

Going green has never been easier! Here’s how you can help the environment while cutting back your bills!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Buy products with less packaging.
Buy reusable canvas bags for your grocery shopping.
Buy a reusable water bottle and drink filtered tap water rather than buying bottled water.
Recycle your food waste in the yard waste bin.
Start your own compost bin.
Buy locally and support shops and restaurants that do the same.
http://www.heartofwashington.com/
http://www.ecovian.com/
Pay bills online.


Saving Gas
Walk, bike, carpool or take public transportation whenever possible.
Telecommute... even one day a week makes a difference.
Avoid waiting in long drive-thru lines. Park your car and go in.
Buy a SmartWay Certified vehicle.
There are lending institutions that discount loans for buying them.
www.epa.gov/smartway


Saving Water
Turn off the faucet when brushing teeth and shaving.
Take showers instead of baths.
When buying new appliances look for the WaterSense label.


Saving Energy
Turn off appliances when not in use and unplug them from outlets.
Replace light bulbs with CFLs.
Install a programmable thermostat.
When buying new appliances make sure they are Energy Star.
Purchase a portable spin dryer (for use by itself or paired with a conventional dryer).
Conduct a home energy audit.


A Home Energy Audit
This can help you pinpoint where your home is losing energy and will determine the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems.

Find local energy audit companies:
http://www.ecovian.com/

Before contacting a company make sure to check references and find out if they were satisfied with the work. Also, make sure the auditor uses a calibrated blower door.

Find info on doing your own audit:
http://www.energysavers.gov/

Tips for a Sustainable Lifestyle - Windermere Green Living

Host a Green Barbeque Summer is here and that means the start of what-should-we-barbeque-tonight season. Whether you cook with gas, wood, charcoal or an outdoor solar cooker, you can host a green barbeque this summer with these quick ideas.

Try a natural charcoal

If you are using a charcoal grill, there are natural charcoal options available to lessen your carbon footprint while keeping the flavor. All-natural charcoal burns cleaner than traditional briquettes and doesn’t contain any chemicals. Try Cowboy Charcoal or Wicked Good Charcoal the latter made of carbonized lump wood made from timber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Use reusable plates, cups and utensils

If you’re worried about breaking your last complete set of dishes, more stores are selling inexpensive, sturdy outdoor serveware with bright summer patterns to match the season. Here are a few ideas to check out from Crate and Barrel and Target or buy used dishes from your neighbor’s garage sale or the local Goodwill. If you have just too many guests, try using compostable items that biodegrade much faster and are made from renewable resources such as corn or potato starch.

Become a locavore

Looking for the freshest fruits, veggies, cheese and meat for your next barbeque? Buy local, sustainably grown foods. Eating locally reduces the harmful impact of transporting foods across oceans and continents while supporting local economies. The food itself is fresher, tastier and has better nutritional value. Local Harvest is a great resource to find local sustainable farms and farmers’ markets in your area.

Have a Green story to share?We’d love to hear about your ideas for green living. Share a note or picture with one of your green endeavors and you could be featured in the next Green Living newsletter. Email greenliving@windermere.com.

Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency Extended in 2009

On October 3, 2008, President Bush signed into law the "Emergency Economic Stabiliation Act of 2008" which included an extension of the residential tax credits for energy efficient improvements. The previous tax credit expired at the end of 2007. The extension is for improvements made from January 1 - December 31, 2009. Improvements made in 2008 are not eligible for a tax credit.

SELECTED TAX CREDITS:

- $300* Central Air Conditioner or Heat Pump
- $150 Furnace or boiler
- Up to $200* in Windows
- Up to $500* Insulation and Sealing
- Up to $2000 Ground-source heat pump

* Maximum of $500 total for home improvements

What is the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction?
A tax credit reduces the tax you pay, dollar-for-dollar. Tax deductions - such as those for mortgages and sharitable giving - lower your taxable income. If you are in the highest 35% tax bracket, the income tax you pay is reduced by 35% of the value of your tax deduction. But a tax credit reduces your federal income tax by 100% of the amount of the credit.

What do you need to do to get the tax credit?
File IRS Form 5695 with your taxes. In addition, you will need to keep receipts proving that you purchased the improvements and a copy of the manufacturer's certification (or the ENERGY STAR label for windows).

Visiti the IRS (www.irs.gov.com) or speak with a certified account for more information.