Earth Day…How Will You Help?

Today is Earth Day and we are reminded that each of us has the power to reduce our impact on the environment. We encourage you to participate and make others aware of the environmental issues seen throughout the world. Make a difference by taking part in these simple actions throughout the home:

• Turn off the water when you brush your teeth
• Wash your clothes in cold water and use the short cycle
• Turn down your water heater
• Recycle and reuse plastic grocery bags…better yet, bring your own cloth bag to the market!
• Convert your household light bulbs to LED
• Purchase a filter for the kitchen faucet and cut back on water bottle usage
• Use your laptop over your desktop computer
• Take shorter showers
• Turn the lights off when you leave a room

Let your friends and family know that the small changes they do will have a huge impact on this wonderful planet we all call home.

-Laura

Investing in Your Kitchen

Yesterday, I happened to be searching on Google for current home design trends and came across a blog called NY Homes Decor. As I read several articles from the blog, I saw that our own chief cabinet officer, Evan Levey, was quoted with the #1 tip: invest in your home. I was tickled to death to read this because the article restated tips Evan offered in a YNN-Albany news segment about completing a successful kitchen renovation.

Visit NY Homes Decor 12 Tips and Trends for Home Renovations

If you have read our blog before, you have heard me mention plenty of design trends that will help increase the value of your home. And despite the current housing slump, the benchmark of kitchens equaling 10% of a home’s value still applies. Quality cabinetry, such as Wood-Mode or Brookhaven, comes with a lifetime warranty and will continue to show a pristine and beautiful look throughout the years. Compared to refacing or installing factory cabinets, it’s the only option that will have a return on your investment.

To learn more ideas for investing in your home, checkout Evan’s interview with YNN-Albany below!

-Laura

Saving Energy Around the Home

Save money and make a difference by taking part in these simple actions throughout the home:

• Make sure your water heater is set to 120 degrees. Some thermostats are preset to 140 degrees, which can cost you more money.
• Wash your clothes in cold water and use the short cycle.
• Move your refrigerator away from the stove, dishwasher, or heat vents. Make sure the door seals are airtight.
• Schedule an annual tune-up for your central air conditioner, heat pump, or furnace.
• Install water-saving shower heads that spray 2.2 to 2.5 gallons per minute, rather than 3.5 to 5.5 gpm.
• Convert your household light bulbs to LED.
• Purchase a filter for the kitchen faucet and cut back on water bottle usage.
• Match the water level and temperature settings on your washer to the size of your load. Don’t fill the machine for just a few items.
• Clean your dryer lint filter before you put in a new load.
• Use pots that fit the size of the burners on your stove. Use lids so you can cook at a lower temperature.
• Turn the lights off when you leave a room.

Earth Day…How Will You Help?

Tomorrow  is Earth Day and we are reminded that each of us has the power to reduce our impact on the environment.  We encourage you to participate and make others aware of the environmental issues seen throughout the world.  Make a difference by taking part in these simple actions throughout the home:

• Turn off the water when you brush your teeth
• Wash your clothes in cold water and use the short cycle
• Turn down your water heater
• Recycle and reuse plastic grocery bags…better yet, bring your own cloth bag to the market!
• Convert your household light bulbs to LED
• Purchase a filter for the kitchen faucet and cut back on water bottle usage
• Use your laptop over your desktop computer
• Take shorter showers
• Turn the lights off when you leave a room

Let your friends and family know that the small changes they do will have a huge impact on this wonderful planet we all call home.

-Laura