What does it mean to be Sustainable?

I come across many instances of Green-Marketing, or more often misleading marketing. The use of the term Green has become a pervasive trend to the point where some people are losing interest. If everything is labeled Green regardless of whether it is environmentally-friendly, then it begins to lose its intended meaning.  I once saw a product that was made in China out of 100% petroleum-based products, and it was labeled with a large logo that included both “American” and “Green” in the title.

And it is funny, because most people who are living a “Green” lifestyle (choosing natural products, living in harmony with their environment, making responsible choices, shopping locally) would make the choice for their own economical and health reasons, regardless of branding. If you ask someone of my grandmother’s generation who lived through the Great Depression, they know more about how to “reduce, reuse, and recycle” than the most avid environmental science student. For this reason and for many others, I chose to use the word Sustainable for my business. But now even that word has begun to be used to mean many things.

So to clarify, when I say “Sustainable” I think of:

• Things that will give you the most bang for your buck.
• Products that are made to last for generations, not decades.
• Classic finishes and furnishings that will stand the test of time.
• Homes that will serve you through all the phases of life. (universal design)
• Responsible lot development (Smart Growth) that uses existing infrastructure and walk-able communities
• Proper Home Site planning and house design that naturally reduces energy-usage by      incorporating passive-solar, wind breaks, large overhangs etc.
• Healthy yards that incorporate edible landscaping and perennials and don’t require      regular watering or the use of pesticides and herbicides.

So if you are interested in finding Sustainable ways to save money and be healthier, contact me to set up your home consultation and we’ll work together to the best long-term solutions for your home.

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