While we get nonsensical ravings from Elizabeth Edwards over how she'll give up buying tangerines to save the environment, or listen to Al Gore pontificate on carbon emissions as he's caught stepping off a Gulfstream IV private jet that pumps out more emissions on a single flight than most people do in a year, I'm undertaking a far more comprehensive move to go green.
I've bought a house in Radburn, New Jersey. I know what you're thinking. How is buying a house a green step?
Well, the first step is knowing where Radburn is and what makes it a pretty special community. It was one of the first planned communities in the US and it was specifically designed to minimize the need for driving cars. Indeed, the layout is conducive to walking, not driving. You could go from your house to the community pool and school without ever having to cross a street. Everything is designed to minimize the need to drive, and indeed the streets in the development are narrower than you'll find in most suburban communities because cars are not emphasized in the plan.
Cars are almost an afterthought in the community, and the area's motto is "A Town For the Motor Age." That compact design means that it emphasizes a communal feeling and you can actually walk to most basic services. Driving is not required.
We were attracted to the area because of its close proximity to New York City, while maintaining a bit of a suburban feel.
I will be able to walk to the train which is just over a quarter mile away. Previously, I had to drive two miles, park in a commuter lot, and then walk 10 minutes to the station. Not having to drive and find parking is a big improvement and will also mean I'm not driving as much - big bonus there.
As for the house itself, it has a brand new oil burner, which means that it's about as efficient as one can get for that kind of heating system.
The house needs a new roof, and I'll pick one of the lightest colors available so that it reflects back most of the sun's heat and energy instead of absorbing it - reducing energy needs during the summer. That's a decision that will last 20-30 years, so you will see an ongoing energy savings with a simple color choice. If you have to install a new roof, choosing the lightest color available is an energy saver and a no-brainer.
A new insulated garage door will also make the house airtight. Right now, there are beautiful wooden carriage doors on the house, but they're not exactly airtight and are probably original to the house. Replacing those doors with a two inch insulated door with weatherstripping will cut down on energy bills. Replacing other doors at some point will further improve the look of the house and improve our home's comfort.
Another simple and cheap solution is to install CFLs around the house. I've been using CFLs around our apartment, and we'll be using them a whole lot more in the house. I'll be putting them in as necessary. I also intend to get an energy audit by PSE&G to further improve the house. Automatic thermostats are going in and my carbon footprint will go down considerably.
I'll be checking all the plumbing fixtures and putting in low-flow shower heads - which will reduce the water consumption and hot water heating costs. A new water heater will be needed at some point, and while I've considered a tankless system, which would save a considerable amount of energy costs because you don't have to keep the tank of water warm until it's needed, I think we'll go with a high efficiency standard water heater with the 15 year warranty since they provide a good balance between efficiency and cost.
All these things, excepting the roof, are relatively cheap to do, and will save a boat load of money and reduce emissions considerably.
Can you say the same about Edwards or Gore? I doubt it. They'll continue jetting around the country and emitting COx in far greater quantities than I could do in several years. They could do us all a favor by ceasing their campaigning and pontifications - just do it for the environment.
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