Atlanta’s Neighborhoods Were Made for Walking!   More and more buyers are looking for homes where they can walk to restaurants, shopping, grocery stores and parks.   Certainly there are numerous benefits to parking your car for the weekend and walking your errands or walking to your favorite eats and drinks.   Atlanta is presently ranked 22 in the City Rankings of Walk-ability.  Specifically – the neighborhoods  Five Points, Ponce-Highland & Sweet Auburn are mentioned.

If you are wondering how your Atlanta Neighborhood stacks up to walking, here is a quick test for you – WalkScore can give you some insight.

Thinking of a new furnace or air conditioner?  Or maybe you have been in need of a water heater or new windows?  Not only will you benefit from the immediate comfort of installing and upgrading your current systems – you will save money in the long run by using less energy and reducing your electric/gas bills.  AND you may find your improvement qualifies you for a tax credit. 

The Energy Star website  has details on the qualifying improvements and upgrades and explains how the tax works.  Check it out.  You still have 5 months to complete the work.  The deadline is 12.31.2010.

Decatur Old House Fair – Is for you if you have an old house and want to ideas, insight and advice from the pros.   There are hands on sessions as well as speakers including how a Historic Wood Window Restoration workshop, Greening your old house, and much more.   For more information visit the Decatur Old House Fair site for directions and ticket information.  

March 6, 2010  – from 9 am to 5pm at the Holiday Inn on Clairemont Ave.

Recycling occurs every other week now in the City of Atlanta.   If you are having trouble fitting all of your recyclables into the small bins – here is some good news:   you can purchase a 95 gallons rolling recycle cart from the City of Atlanta for $70.   The advantage to buying the recycle cart from the City is that it meets the specs to fit on their mechanical lift on the trucks.  The smaller version (50 gallons) at Home Depot is the same price.    

Looking for more information?  Click here  to visit the city’s website.   Instructions on buying the bin are on web site!

Today’s post comes from my friends at Eric & Adam at  KronbergWall .  They are architects and fellow eco enthusiasts.  They can help you with your home designs and renovations. 

The recently signed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 makes federal energy efficiency tax credits available for your home renovations if you make them in 2009 and 2010.

Specific types of high efficiency furnaces, air conditioners, and tankless gas water heaters qualify. Certain energy efficient doors, windows, roofing, and insulation also qualify. You are eligible to receive a credit for these upgrades if they are installed in existing homes that are primary residences. The tax credit has been raised to 30% of cost up to a total credit of $1500.

There are even greater tax credit opportunities for solar water heaters, geothermal systems, and photovoltaic systems. You can receive a tax credit of up to 30% of the total cost of these systems, and it is not limited to the $1500 cap. In addition to existing primary residences, the credit is also available for vacation homes, rentals, and new construction.

Eric Kronberg, AIA, LEED AP
Adam Wall, AIA, LEED AP

I stumbled upon this site  – The Green Glass Company - months ago.  The company is in Wisconsin and recycles bottles into glassware.   There process is environmentally friendly.   I LOVE THESE!

Since finding the site I have  been dreaming of owning a few of these bar ware collections.  The colors of the collections are fabulous ranging from the deep blue seen on this site to a pale blue/green color.  I am particularly fond of the deep green collection as well.   It would be difficult for me to make a decision!  

 Star Provisions on Howell Mill carries the line of glasses.  Of course you can order on line as well.  AND their shipping materials are also recycled materials.

Electronic recycling this weekend ~ April 25th & 26th from 10 am to 4pm.   It is located at the IKEA parking lot – East Lot.

Shout out to Jeffrey Wisard for the information!

I enjoy a good list.  I make them frequently to help me move through my week.  Recently I purchased a dry erase board for my office lists to help reduce my paper usage.  It has been working great and is a stand out on desk that is surrounded by lots of paper.   Container Store has really some great options like these that are made from recycled Melamine or these colorful options that can also hold a magnet.   If you want something to help you stay in the lines – here is a great option.

Tonight at 8:30pm – local time – celebrate earth hour by turning off your lights for one hour.   Vote EARTH.

Take some time this spring and wash your windows – inside and out.  You will be amazed at what a difference it makes in your home.  If you have windows that are hard to reach – consider hiring someone reputable to do the task for you.   If you live in a condo or a townhouse – see if you can get a discount for having the entire building done. 

If you are selling your house – this really does make a difference when you are on the market.  You will be amazed at how much brighter and lighter your rooms will feel.   Buyers all want – light and bright.  I have never had a buyer who asked me to find something darker with less natural light.   An added benefit is that prosepective buyers will see how clean and well loved your home is.    Set your self apart from the competition with the details.  

Earth-friendly  window cleaners:

Seventh Generation - Cleans without harsh chemicals, is biodegradable and no streaks. 

Method - non-toxic cleaner offering you streak-free glass with one of my favorite smells – Mint.  I might have to try this one just for the smell!

If you prefer not to have a separate cleaner for your glass – try vinegar and water.  vinegar is a great grime fighter and a product I use frequently in cleaning.  Chances are you already have some distilled white vinegar on hand.  Don’t let the smell stop you from using it – it vanishes quickly.