Eco-friendly summer living

Saving the environment and saving money go hand-in-hand.

Saving the environment and saving money go hand-in-hand, and Nicole McIntosh says summertime is the perfect time to acquire new green living skills. “Green living is a lifestyle. It’s like dieting—if you slowly change a few things you do, those things become habits.” As an eco-broker for Lifestyle Properties in St. Helena, she covers the Napa Valley from Calistoga to American Canyon, and Lake Berryessa. While earning her EcoBroker certification this spring, she acquired innovative energy, environmental and green strategies and tools specifically for real estate professionals.
    “I knew about homebuilding, but I didn’t know about how to build green. That’s how I came upon the EcoBroker certification (ecobroker.com) that’s recognized by the Association of Realtors. Now I can advise clients, family and friends on how to make their homes more eco-friendly and energy-efficient.”

Family fun
“You can reduce your carbon footprint and save money while you foster healthier relationships with your whole family. Gardening and cooking are great activities to share with your kids. Take the family to pick strawberries at a pick-your-own farm and then go home and make jam. Spending time with your family diffuses stress and brings you closer together.”
    Despite rising gas prices, McIntosh recommends planning a car trip for your summer vacation. “Especially in California where we have so much in our own backyard—Point Reyes, Lake Berryessa, Yosemite and Lake Tahoe.” She also suggests taking day trips using public transportation. “Pack a lunch and take the ferry to San Francisco or the train to Berkeley or San Jose.”

Around the house
McIntosh recommends unplugging appliances when not in use. “They’re still using electricity even when they’re off!” She also suggests hanging a clothesline to take advantage of sunny summer days. McIntosh says one of the best things you can do is stop using paper towels and napkins. “I shop at estate sales and garage sales for napkins, dish towels and picnic table cloths. Kids need to learn that disposable items are bad for the planet.” She also composts her garbage. “Local waste management companies offer classes and often give out composting bins.” For cleaning, McIntosh favors environmentally friendly brands such as Seventh Generation, Ecover, Shaklee, Biokleen and Method which provide everything from nontoxic, hypoallergenic, degradable bleach to dryer sheets and toilet cleaner. “It’s also a good time to throw out last year’s insect repellant and sunscreen and replace them with fresh, eco-friendly brands. Look for DEET-free insect repellant—I like Burt’s Bees. But I also use Dr. Hauschka and California Baby brands.” 

Farm fresh food
McIntosh frequents farmers markets and CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture; check out localharvest.com), explaining that buying locally farmed products reduces your carbon footprint by reducing the amount of oil used to transport food. “In the summertime, CSAs and farmers markets offer ripe, just picked, organic fruits and veggies from farms run by a local family,” she says. “Getting a CSA box of produce encourages you to try new fruits and vegetables. Many CSAs also provide recipes for their produce right in the box.”

Shop smart
She says that buying in bulk costs less and uses less packaging. McIntosh confides that she loves shopping garage sales, as well as the dump in Napa and Calistoga. “Most of the furniture in my 1940s Alta Heights home in Napa is reclaimed because I love to refinish furniture. For a dollar donation, you can find chairs, tables or file cabinets at the dump. One person’s trash is another person’s treasure.” As she is fond of saying, “Green summer living is good for the soul and it’s good for the environment.”

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