This home is located a 1/2 block from where my grandparents used to live. The street with the bamboo growing was a prime spot to pick blackberries. Now it reminds me of Japan. This home has beautiful naturally weathered cedar siding. It was the first high profile modern home in neighborhood. Since then I've seen another home with a similiar looking addition that appears to be done by the same architect or contractor. I hope it starts a trend.

Green Insulation / Denim

Here are some options I found for green insulation. I like the idea of using denim as insulation. Premium jeans that once made you look amazing can now bring you premium savings on energy.

1) Recycled paper insulation is made from 100% waste recycled newsprint and has been successfully installed in more than 1 million homes in the UK alone!
2) HempFlax insulation uses mostly hemp fiber, with a little added polyester fibre for reinforcing. Soda acts as the fire retardant, and, as the hemp is naturally resistant to moths and beetles, extra chemical application is avoided.
3) Concrete Blond's customized insulation panels create a false wall, behind which an insulating material can be placed; it's a great product for older homes with solid walls which would be difficult to insulate otherwise.
4) Recycled denim insulation is 100% recyclable, VOC-free, and formaldehyde-free.5) Lloyd just added three new entrants in one entry to the archives, with recycled materials, LEED credits and positive air-quality features abounding.

You can always search all homes and condos for sale in the Seattle Area on my website at kevinsedakane.pnwrealty.com

Energy Crisis in Juneau

Juneau Alaska. Recently a large avalanche took out a power transfer station that supplies hydro-electric power to the entire city. Cut off from the renewable hydro power Juneau was forced to to run its grid on diesel generators which cost four to five times more. With that in mind many residents have been curbing their energy use. The TV has been turned off, they have only a few lights on at a time, many are eating out or ordering pizza so they don't use their own kitchen's energy. One of the best things to come out of this energy crunch is the awareness gained by the youth. Many are spending less time playing video games, on the computer and watching TV. Kids share energy saving tips at show-n-tell. I remember kids bringing in their frog or hamster, now they are bringing compact florescent light bulbs and rechargeable batteries that can be charged through a USB port.

The reality is Juneau can see the light at the end of the tunnel. They will be back on Hydro Electric power in a few months. It will be interesting to see what energy saving habits will stick. If nothing more they have all learned the technology that's available so they can make a more informed decision.



You can always search all homes and condos for sale in the Seattle Area on my website at kevinsedakane.pnwrealty.com

How I Offset my Carbon Footprint

I found a great way to offset my carbon footprint. I bought a terra pass. It is a simple process, just go to the website terrapass.com where you'll find a calculator that will determine your carbon footprint. You can buy carbon offsets for you home, business, car and many other offsets. I have to pay around 60 dollars a year and that covers all the driving I do as well as my home. I can also find a ton of use full green tips and purchase gadgets like the Hymini personal wind turbine. It is a real winner for bike riders who use it to charge their cell phones.

So you might be wondering how terra pass calculates your home's footprint.
First they ask for your address and utility bill data. Using this info they can accurately estimate your annual energy consumption. Then they determine your personal amount of carbon dioxide emissions. If you want a more specific end result you can enter in a much more detailed criteria but might as well give a bit more if you can.

Terra Pass is a must in real estate because agents have to drive clients to perspective homes as well as preview them daily. I am proud to know that I can offset my emissions and make my business a little bit more green. I cant sell homes if there is no planet to sell them on.

You can always search all homes and condos for sale in the Seattle Area on my website at kevinsedakane.pnwrealty.com

Green Real Estate and Good Design

One of the main reasons I got in to real estate was a to fulfill my desire to contribute to the process of greening up Seattle and support area appropriate home design. Along the road I have found some real jewels and throughout this blog you will discover your participation in green real estate is going to put more green in your pocket.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and any leads you find relevant.

You can always search all homes and condos for sale in the Seattle Area on my website at kevinsedakane.pnwrealty.com