Green Gifts for Humanity

Green Gifts for Humanity

Before we go shopping and buy more stuff we don't really need, why not think out of the box this year? Here are a few ideas from Greenlandlady's holiday gift list.

In Defense of Smart Meters

Whenever something truly innovative comes along, the fright talk seems to bubble up from the netherworld. Smart meters are now allowing consumers and utilities to track usage, which is one step toward creating a better energy management system nationally. As the smart meters were rolled out over the last year, however, consumer education lagged behind - a void filled by the fearmongers. In this article we review the risks associated with smart meters and compare them to those posed by your hair dryer and other common electrical appliances. By the way, if you want to fear something... maybe it should be that electric can opener!

In Defense of ‘Smart’ Meters

Keeping an On-Line Reputation Clean & Green

Keeping an On-Line Reputation Clean & Green

If you don't have a Google Alert on your business or your personal name, you may want to reconsider. On-line reputations matters and there are some business housekeeping musts.

Top Down Eco-Apartment Management

Is solid, top-down eco-management a good business plan?

Top Down Eco-Apartment Management

Apartments We Can Age In

Apartments We Can Age In

It is a simple matter of incorporating elements of Universal Design to make any home suitable and safer for all ages and levels of ability. Allowing people to live with dignity and remain independent are the biggest benefits, but fewer injuries and accidents are also guaranteed. The cost? Minimal to minor when the design is incorporated during initial construction. However, even in existing buildings some design changes can be implemented inexpensively.

Green Property Insurance Incentives

Even if you live in an historic home, Fireman's Fund Insurance (an Allianz Company) offers a rider that allows you to rebuild a green home in case of a loss. As I think this sort of business-based incentive will expand the sustainability movement, I am giving them Kudos and this big plug.
Green Property Insurance Incentives

Too gutless to go paperless? Man up.

Going Paperless is not as difficult as people think it is. Candidly, most offices and homes could easily accomplish this with a minimal investment in software. If you use a service that stores your information on-line, not only is it accessible from anywhere in case of an emergency, it is securely backed up. Think about what happens to your insurance policy in a disaster. Fires? Floods? Earthquakes? Your can find access your information from your smart phone.