Living Green Matters

By Lawrence Zimmer

These days living a green lifestyle has never been easier. Despite the economy and often without government intervention, businesses big and small are moving forward with research and development on new environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient products and technologies. Conversely, some simple products, such as vinegar for household cleaning, are getting a new look and being remarketed. So, no matter what shade of green you color your life there are a myriad of ways to participate in this new global call to action.

And there is no doubt that the call is there. Few of us here on The Beach Coast need to be motivated to do our part. We see images of our tiny blue planet floating in the cold, dark, vastness of space and realize that this truly is our only ‘home.’  We marvel at the natural beauty that surrounds us: tree covered dunes, the gorgeous waters of the lake, miles of vibrant productive farm land and lush gardens.

Positive Action Now
When we look in our children’s eyes, we wonder what kind of earth awaits our descendants in seven generations if we don’t exercise wisdom and caution now. Whether we accept the concept of global warming or not there is no denying the destruction caused by the use of fossil fuels: acid rain is destroying our forests, rates of lung disease, asthma and cancer are rising, coal mining disasters and oil spills are more frequent.

The cool thing about living green is that we will see results, especially when billions of people worldwide participate. The impact can be enormous when we think in terms of ‘us’ and ‘we’ rather than ‘I’ and ‘me.’  Shouldn’t we resolve to live lightly to assure that in seven generations this planet can still be a thriving paradise?

Make a Difference
So, let’s acknowledge that two of the biggest threats to the environment are our automobiles and our houses.

As for cars, we should buy the highest mileage vehicles available and demand more from the auto makers. Consumers vote with their dollars and the auto makers are listening. One automaker in India is designing a car that runs on compressed air!   We can drive less, bike, walk and carpool more and combine errands to make the most of each trip. Go to www.greenamericatoday.org to read ‘How to drive less and live car lite.’

With houses, whether we are building new or love our existing ones, the important thing on The Beach Coast is to prevent heat loss in winter and reduce energy consumption.  New construction can employ numerous strategies which is why hiring a green designer is essential to navigating through it all. For example, instead of conventional stick building, employ the use of structural insulated panels or SIPs. Learn more at www.portersips.com. 

In response to consumer demand a local development called The Village in Burns Harbor was designed to be efficient and sustainable. Not only has the development been honored as the first green development in Indiana certified by the National Association of Home Builders, it now has a house that has been awarded the prestigious ‘Emerald’ certification – NAHB’s highest rating. Only 21 other homes in the country are Emeralds. Our very own Save the Dunes Council www.savedunes.org provided a grant toward the construction of this home. The house can be viewed online at www.1168chesterfieldave.com.

Invest in Alternative Energy
Until alternative energy sources such as solar, wind and geothermal really take off, we are stuck with the consumption of fossil fuels. But, one way to help make alternative energy sources viable faster is to start investing in them.  Go to www.nativeenergy.com  to learn how you can offset your carbon emissions immediately by purchasing shares in a wind farm. Our ultimate goal should be a nation of houses (and buildings) that produce as much energy as they consume.

At present there are literally millions of existing houses in the US that need energy upgrades. To find what strategies are most cost effective, consider an energy audit of your home by www.energydiagnosticsinc.com. A designer can help us integrate these strategies into our architecture and interiors. The result will be homes that are smart, comfortable and beautiful!

Start Today
It seems the media and the Internet are saturated with ideas on how to live the green life. All we have to do is participate to whatever degree we can. If we all do our part and then some, the little steps we take become a huge leap for mankind, future generations and the preservation of our precious planetary home.

Lawrence Zimmer, associate AIA, is the owner of No Place Like Home, Inc., a design firm that specializes in eco-conscious interiors and their related architecture including kitchens, baths, additions, renovations and new home construction. He has offices in Michigan City and Chicago. For more info, visit www.nplhinc.com .