Not make a move in the Green direction because until now, it cost us more; more in time to educate ourselves as to the proper green procedures of being sustainable, more in money because, after all, that cheap oil kept on flowing, or maybe because we don’t like change in regard to our personal and professional habits of our plastic paradise, throw away, consume more culture.  Guess what?  It’s getting easier to change!  For one, it’s now cheaper to be Green, and it’s cool to be Green, and it’s the next big wave in products and services we will witness in our future economy.  So let’s go, get on the move, make that big leap, and read here about what we can do as a Real Estate Community to make a difference in the world we live in…

First step: cut your costs!  California businesses collectively spend more than $15 billion a year on energy use for heating, cooling and lighting.  Turn off overheads and use desk lights at work.  Shut down computers (and monitors) when possible.  Turn off all printers, copiers, kitchen equipment and lights after hours.  Use power strips and switch them off after shutting down equipment.  Close drapes and shades… you get the idea. And you can go to www.flexyourpower.org for more savings ideas.

Second step: Filler-up please, Not.   Take the Suburban, park it, sell it, trade it in or whatever and buy or lease a hybrid (I traded in my Escalade for a Prius 6 months ago).  In some cases you can cut your gas expense more than half with this option.  Instead of previewing homes by yourself, utilize office caravans, carpool with office REALTORS®, and attend the caravans the Real Estate Professionals in your area put together.  I know you are saying to yourself, “let’s do video caravans!”  Sorry, in this business the number one activity contributing to sales success is “know your inventory”.  Got to touch it, see it, and smell it here.

Third step:  Reduce your carbon footprint.  Did you know that food production produces about one-third of humanity’s contribution to greenhouse gases?  Maybe now we should ask not “will this burger make me look fat?”, but instead “is this burger good for the planet?”  Go to www.eatlowcarbon.org to see an online carbon calculator.  Did you also know that commercial buildings are the number one contributor to the carbon footprint?  Developers, building owners, and Real Estate practitioners need to start paying attention to reducing this contribution…  check out www.climatetrust.org for an in depth analysis of your building carbon footprint.

Fourth step:  Educate yourself.  The California Association of REALTORS® is blogging feverously at the C.A.R. Green Blog.  Go to CAR.org and check out the blogging knowledge of some of our REALTOR® members.  http://www.sustainableindustries.com/resources is a great online resource as the Green movement relates to our real estate industry.

Fifth step:  TAKE the SURVEY!  C.A.R. has posted an online survey for REALTORS® to test their Green awareness as part of the Association’s Green Task Force objective to raise member awareness about environmental issues.  Please take a moment and click on the link there to access C.A.R.’s Member Green Awareness Survey.  Your responses will help C.A.R.’s Green Task Force determine REALTORS®’ level of awareness and help establish goals for the future.

In an effort to reduce our Carbon footprint, the Citrus Valley Association has moved this publication “online” to http://www.cvar.net/, under CVAR E-News.

I’ll be writing to you from the E-News from now on.  Thanks for your readership and please don’t hesitate to blog your ideas at the CAR Green Blog forum.