GO-Cottage

My beautiful and talented real estate maven friend Susanne Steward of Corcoran group in NYC -
has just posted these amazing suggestions for a “greener” home. Please read below..
God, I have so much to do!!

you can reach Susanne here – sls@corcoran.com

:: Take off your shoes when you get home! Did you know that 8% of indoor air pollutants are tracked in off the streets?

:: When painting, only use low or zero voc (volatile organic compound) paints. If you can smell it, it is toxic.

:: Only use cleaning products made from safe, natural and non-toxic ingredients. www.ems.org/household_cleaners/alternatives.html

:: Consider Green Power. Visit www.askpsc.com of www.poweryourway.com for Green Power options.

:: Buy local, seasonal and organic. Visit www.cenyc.org to locate your nearest farmers market.

:: Refinish wood floors with low-voc urethane or water based floor finish.

:: Use low–voc caulk, sealant, and grout in bathrooms & kitchens.

:: If replacing floors, use cork, marmoleum, bamboo, FSC certified or reclaimed wood.

:: If replacing carpets, use natural, sustainable, recycled and/or long lasting fibers.

:: Consider kitchen countertops made from a variety of recycled materials.

:: Install low flow taps, showerheads and toilets.

:: Buy FSC-certified furniture or go vintage.

:: Use organic linens & towels and make sure the dyes used are also safe and natural.

:: Replace and clean air filters. Look under your fridge and clean the dust bunnies out.

:: Make sure your windows, doors, roofs, and basements are properly insulated.

:: Install and use ceiling fans instead of air conditioning when you can.

:: Compost your food waste either with a countertop composter or start a building-wide initiative.

:: Is your street lacking trees? Contact www.milliontreesnyc.org.

:: Buy Energy Star appliances but remember to keep them maintained in order to reap their benefits.

:: Support your local community garden or park – find out more at www.nycgovparks.org.

:: Buy in bulk if you have the space. It saves money, energy and resources.

:: Nix the car and join a pay-as-you-go car membership club.

:: Don’t toss away – find someone who will “re-purpose” your no-longer-needed furniture, electronics, etc.

:: Forgo the dry cleaners and wash by hand or find your local CO2 cleaners or wet cleaner.

:: Pests are inevitable – skip the toxic fumes and use an eco-friendly exterminator.

:: Educate yourself on NYC’s 25-year sustainable future plan at www.planyc2030.org.

:: Unplug small appliances when not in use and plug electronics into a power strip for easy on and off – avoid phantom energy loss – your wallet will thank you