6 Green House Considerations

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Green House

Because of the many environmental concerns, threats, and considerations, many buyers and homeowners today have become more – and – more concerned with various factors, often referred to as a green real estate. There are many considerations, variations, and degrees of greening individuals are interested in. Some (however, a minority) are real environmentalists and want their homes to exhibit their concern and attention to this critical issue. Others merely want to proceed in a somewhat balanced manner and wish to include reasonable green characteristics. This article will be a basic one and discuss, in general terms, six considerations regarding making your home greener.

1. Windows and doors: Energy conservation is a primary environmental concern. We often speak about a business’s carbon footprint, but certain houses are far more energy-efficient than others. When were your windows replaced and upgraded, and are they efficient? Do they keep out most of the cold in the winter and minimize the heat that enters in the hottest weather? What materials are your windows and doors made of? Do your doors leak? Begin by having someone do an energy inspection and see if you are losing much heat because of inefficiencies. Doors can often be made more efficient by having them re-hung and putting an adequately installed sweep on the bottom of the door. How much money and energy are you wasting?

2. Solar, geothermal, etc.: Some houses are candidates for solar panels, while others are not! What direction does your roof face? Are there any large trees blocking your roof? How many hours a day of the sun does your roof experience? Have you had your home examined to discover whether you might be a good candidate for geothermal? This often requires combining and evaluating your property, pitch, location, and layout.

3. Energy-efficient burners/ boilers and air conditioners: When was the last energy efficiency evaluation you performed? How old is your burner/ boiler, and is it efficient? What type of air conditioning do you use, and what is the Energy Efficiency Rating?

4. Roof: Light-colored roofs reflect heat, while darker ones absorb it. Therefore, doesn’t it make sense that warmer climates should use lighter ones and colder ones have darker ones? What is the material being used? Is it efficient, effective, and safe? How old is the roof?

5. Insulation: What is your insulation rating, and how well insulated is the house? Have the walls (especially outside ones) checked for efficiency? Older homes tend not to have updated insulation or may contain less than the safest materials. An ounce of prevention makes lots of sense!

6. Materials: Using safe, sustainable materials in your house? This is generally more relevant in newer houses or extensions, but if you are concerned with the environment, consider your home’s sustainability, safety, and impacts!

There are numerous environmental considerations. Whether you are genuinely committed to the environment or merely want to be responsible and save money (and be safer), it makes sense to think green!

5 Simple Energy Conservation Ideas For Your Home

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Home Conservation Ideas

While most potential home buyers consider their monthly mortgage payments (including principal, interest, and escrow/ taxes), many fail to consider other monthly homeownership expenses adequately. Perhaps the highest cost is energy-related activities, including electricity and heart. The purpose of this article is not to examine the many alternative heating alternatives, including solar, geothermal, etc., but to review some simple steps one can somewhat easily take to make their home more energy-efficient and friendly. Let’s look at five simple, basic energy conservation ideas/actions.

1. Windows and doors: What is the Energy Efficiency Ratio of your entry doors? What material are they made of? How are they hung? How much air is seeping out, through the spaces created, because of their alignment? Assuring your door has a bottom sweep and the areas around the top and sides are reduced/ eliminated will prevent heat from escaping in the winter and air conditioning during summer. What blinds or curtains are you using, and are you using them to let the sun in when it is cold out while reducing the entry of the sun’s heat when it is hot? When did you last check your windows regarding air-tightness, energy rating, and tinting (if your local climate indicates doing so)?

2. Insulation: Every form of insulation comes with an R rating. This number indicates the amount of insulation, but are you confident all exterior walls and ceilings are properly insulated? Doing so might potentially save a considerable amount of unnecessary energy costs.

3. Energy-efficient appliances: Certain home appliances, especially refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners, have become far more energy-efficient in recent years. How old are you? Look at the rating, and it will indicate how much energy a particular appliance might be using. When I recently replaced my refrigerator, the new one was far more efficient (therefore, cost less) than my 15 – year old model. Similarly, today’s oil and gas burners and boilers are far more efficient than ever!

4. Water and toilet: Are there dripping faucets or toilets that continue to run -? Eliminate the drips, change faucet heads (especially in the shower), and check the efficiency of your bathrooms.

5. Lights/ fixtures: Begin by turning the lights off when you leave the room! What type of light bulb are you using? Today’s bulbs are four or more times more efficient (use less energy/ wattage) than older ones. Do lamps and fixtures – review regularly!

These five ideas may seem basic and obvious, but you’d be amazed how few people consider these. Unless you like wasting energy and spending more than you need to, using these simple conservation methods will save money and reduce energy waste.

Tips on Moving To The Valley of The Sun

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Moving to The Valley of The Sun

If you plan to move to the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, you should know a few things. While the desert landscape and warm weather may be a significant draw, some critical factors should be considered before moving. In the article, we’ll look at what you need to know when moving to the Valley of the Sun.

Climate and Weather
Arizona is known for its hot, dry climate. Summers can be sweltering, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re not, It can take some time to adjust to this type of heat; it can take you to have plenty of lightweight, breathable clothing and stay hydrated.

Housing and Real Estate
The cost of living in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area is generally lower than in many other major cities, but the cost of housing can vary widely depending on the area. If you want to buy a home, you’ll want to research and work with a trusted real estate agent who knows the area well.

Transportation
Phoenix is Arizona’s capital and largest city, home to arbor International Airport. If you’re planning eloquently, you’ll have easy access to the airport. The Valley also has an extensive freeway system, making it relatively easy to get around by car.

Outdoor Recreation
The Valley of the Sun is home to some of the most beautiful desert landscapes in the country, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking and camping to mountain biking and rock climbing, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors.

Culture and Entertainment
Despite being a desert destination, the Valley has a thriving cultural and entertainment scene. There is always something to d from museums, from galleries to live music and theater performance, and a vibrant restaurant scene with various cuisines.

Safety and Security
While the Phoenix Metropolitan Area is generally a safe place to live, like any city, some areas are safer than others. If you’re new to the site, research the crime rate in your neighborhood and take appropriate precautions to ensure your safety and security.

Healthcare
Arizona is home to some of the best healthcare facilities in the country, with several top-ranked hospitals and medical centers located in the Valley of the Sun. It’s essential to have access to quality healthcare, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

In conclusion, moving from the city to the Valley of the Sun can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, knowing the unique challenges and opportunities of living in this desert region is essential. By taking the time to research and plan, you can make a smooth transition and enjoy all that the Valley of the Sun has to offer.

3 Reasons to Invest in Eco Friendly Properties​

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Invest in Eco Friendly Properties

Rewarding yourself with a new house? Why not go green and eco-friendly? It has plenty of benefits, 3 of which are discussed below.

Eco-friendly homes use natural materials during construction.

There are many choices of eco-friendly construction materials. They range from recycled wood, half-raw and half-recycled, and those made from dirt, straw, and clay. According to experts, these materials contribute less to the greenhouse effect. They trap less harmful gases while allowing for a more accessible entry of natural light and air in and out of the house.

Overall, environment-friendly homes are known to exhibit better indoor environment quality. Improved lighting conditions, better air quality, and natural thermal conditions are some of the natural benefits one can get when buying eco-homes.

Eco-friendly homes are also health-friendly

The natural materials used in eco-homes are also health-friendly. This benefits individuals with health conditions like asthma and other respiratory problems. Several studies have linked the use of eco-friendly materials in home construction. Individuals who are known asthma patients exhibited significant changes in health conditions.

Further studies revealed that more natural materials help facilitate cleaner airflow inside homes. They are also less likely to contain plastic by-products that release toxic substances. These substances are generally linked to carcinogens or substances that contribute to the development of cancer cells.

These days, developers are more aware of the health consequences of the materials they use when constructing properties. Home buyers need the proper information to educate or warn them that eco-friendly homes are among the best choices when health conditions are considered.

Environment-friendly homes are energy-efficient

Today’s thrust in the construction of properties gives on energy efficiency. It is known that the earth’s natural resources, from which man depends for water and energy, are becoming quickly depleted. To contribute to conservation efforts, eco-friendly houses are designed to not primarily rely on non-renewable energy sources.

It is now common to see houses being put on sale that is designed with solar panels. With these, energy consumption is likely reduced to about a third compared to dependency on coal or other non-renewable energy sources for electricity.

Do not just think about yourself; think about Mother Earth too! Living in an environment-friendly house can be one of your unconscious contributions towards nature conservation and protection.

Tips for Making Use of Natural Lighting When Building a House

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Use of Natural Light When Building a House

Natural light is bestowed by nature free of any charge. The more of it that enters your house, the more advantages you’ll get from it. Imagine the cost you’ll be able to save from your electricity bills. It also gives your house a refreshing glance because it imbibes positive energy. Here are some tips to let natural light help enlighten your home.

Build a house where the sun is oriented. Most builders recommend having most windows face the south direction. They will get the most sunlight than have it lost. According to experts, north light is more pleasing and free of glare. East and west-faced windows get more sunlight but can be challenging to manage, trap more of the sun’s energy, and give a hotter feel. If you can’t avoid having east and west-faced windows, be sure to have low E-coatings on those windows. Deciduous trees can also help give shade during the summer months and let more sunlight enter during the winter months because they shed leaves.

Have light control materials in your windows. Curtains and blinds are lightweight control materials that will help natural light enter your house, depending on your desired amount. During the first hours of the morning, it is good to get sunlight in because it gives a refreshing energy to move. As the day heightens, the curtains and blinds will help you control the amount of sun. They may seem low-tech, but they can help keep in or keep out the amount of sun’s light you need.

Have a daylight harvesting system installed. This is an automated system that, through the help of sensors and detectors, can control the light inside your house. It combines natural and artificial light to illuminate the parts of the house. This system detects the natural light intensity and signals the artificial light to give off the correct percentage of luminescence to give an atmosphere conducive to productivity.


Natural light is essential in a house. Aside from illumination, it gives health benefits, particularly to the skin, which needs the natural vitamin E that it provides. However, maintaining the amount of natural light that enters the house is still within the owner’s control. Through the tips above, it is hoped that you somehow grasped the general idea of keeping natural light inside your house just as needed.

Best Fashion Consignment Resale Stores In and Around Scottsdale

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High Fashion Resale List

The consignment industry is a multi-billion-dollar-a-year business that continues to grow by the minute. With several excellent options for luxurious resale throughout the valley, whether you want to score a high-end designer piece at a discount, get more wear out of your pre-loved favorites, or help save the planet. These stores offer a luxurious experience for both consigners and shoppers, with exceptional products curated worldwide. Consignment is not only an alternative to fast fashion but can also help brands grow without harming the environment.

My Sister’s Closet
My Sister’s Closet has several locations in Arizona that are also spread out to California. Started by two sisters, these boutiques have the most prominent luxurious designers at incredible prices. Not only are these consignment shops fabulous for purchasing a great addition to your Closet, but you can drop off what you no longer love and get paid the same day it sells. It has a broad selection from Louis Vuitton handbags, a Hermes Scarf, to Lulu Lemon gear. My Sister’s Closet is a must for your next fashionable purchase.

To Be Continued
To Be Continued is a luxury women’s consignment boutique selling coveted designer fashion. The merchandise is sourced from distinguished closets, from footwear to sunglass and everything in between. To Be Continued has many high-end inventories in pristine or near-new condition. This boutique is definite to find the perfect classic Channel suit, trendy pair of Off-White kicks, or for your next shopping excursion of Gucci, Dior, and the list goes on. With several locations in Arizona, California, and Texas, you will find a fabulous addition to your fashion needs.

Vintage by Misty
Vintage by Misty is a boutique in the heart of Scottsdale, packed with rare vintage finds. With an array of high fashion from Goyard to Alaia to Jean Paul Gaultier and Versace, the list is endless in finding your next fashion treasure.

Wang’s Closet
Wang’s Closet is a buy/sell/trade shop known for its unique premium resale streetwear collection. From labels like Supreme, Palace, and Bape to Nike and Adidas, the list goes on for their constantly changing selection.

Well Suited
Well, Suited is a men’s consignment store and the sister brand to My Sister’s Closet. With several locations throughout Arizona and California, Well Suited is a great shop filled with top-designer clothes, shoes, and bags for men. From Valentino to Nike, Well Suited covers all your menswear wants and needs. Like My Sister’s Closet, Well Suited also offers same-day payment the day your unwanted drop-off sells.

Resale Revolution
Resale Revolution is the trendier sister company of To Be Continued. With two fantastic locations, Resale Revolution offers vintage and contemporary styles with extravagant classics. No matter what you are shopping for, from head to toe, you are sure to find your discounted treasure in your hunt for fabulous fashion at either of the Revolution locations.

Urban Exchange
Urban Exchange is an upscale consignment resale shop in Scottsdale for women of all ages. Known for its variety of high fashion bags, shoes, and rags from Christian Louboutin, YSL, and Fendi, Urban Exchange is one not to miss.

Now that you have your fashion resale list get your shopping cardio on while helping save the planet!

Fun Things to Do in Prescott, Arizona

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Prescott Arizona

There are so many fun things to do in Prescott and its surrounding area that you may be overwhelmed by all the options. However, there are some key things that you should not miss when visiting this beautiful town in Arizona.

Hiking
If you are a fan of hiking, then there is no better place to go than Prescott National Forest. This park is known for its incredible mountains, forests, granite boulders, and lakes. It is a fantastic location for hiking or camping and offers some lovely picnic areas.

Historic Downtown
Strolling through this area will make you feel like you have stepped back into the wild west. Several historic buildings, shops, and beautiful restaurants and galleries will be found.

Visit Sharlot Hall Museum
If you want to learn more about the fascinating history of Prescott and the surrounding area, you should stop by the Sharlot Hall Museum. It is a fascinating open-air museum that covers the town’s history and will teach you plenty of interesting facts about Prescott and its past.

You can take a guided tour of the museum and see the old Governor’s Mansion and other historic structures and buildings that played a role in Prescott’s evolution. You will be able to learn about the city’s past and its fascinating people in a very interactive, fun, and informative way.

Cortez Street Emporium
If you want unique items to bring home from your trip, check out the Cortez Street Emporium. It is owned by a local family and has a wide variety of unique and antique items for sale.

Phippen Museum
If you love art, visiting this fantastic gallery is something you should not miss in Prescott. The museum focuses on Native American art and is well worth a visit.

Located within the town, this museum is a great place to learn about the history of the area and its Native American people. Several exhibits and artworks will leave you feeling inspired.

The museum is free to visit; you can even have a picnic or buy souvenirs from the gift shop. It’s a fun and educational experience for all of the family.

Heritage Park Zoo
For 32 years, the Heritage Park Zoo has been a source of entertainment and education for visitors worldwide. They have a lot of animals and offer a variety of different activities for the entire family to enjoy.

Buckys & Yavapai Casinos
If you love gambling, check out the Buckys and Yavapai Casinos on the 1400-acre Yavapai-Prescott Indian Reservation. They have a full-service bar and several restaurants, and they also have slots and other games available for you to play.

Tips for Using Recyclable Materials in Your Building Plans

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Recyclable Materials in Building Your Home

Using recycled materials in green homes and buildings is one of the most common ways to show sustainability. Aside from economic benefits, seeing recycled or salvaged materials never fail to imbibe a feel-good factor into one’s mood. Here are some tips on incorporating recycled materials into your green home.

Recycled woods are as effective as finished wood but are generally cheaper. Recycled timbers, aside from structural uses in walls and windows, can seamlessly find services in drawers, cabinets, and shelves.

Old newspapers should not only find their way into paper mache. They can be used as insulation. Carton egg trays also serve this very same purpose. Hundreds of dollars can be saved from your pockets with this simple act.

Raid your kitchen with empty wine bottles and mason jars. If you think they can be used only as pen holders and organizers of tiny tots, you’ll be surprised that they can be used to build a house. Search for various inspirations on the internet and see a wine farm in Australia that used abu 13500 wine bottles to design a water-heating facility. Similarly, a Canadian man used 25000 wine bottles to create his house.

Dating back to the 1900s, empty wine bottles have various uses in building homes. In the United States, you can find several homes with walls with embedded bottles. The idea is like hitting two birds with one stone, as it serves aesthetic and structural purposes.

Reimagine your bathroom by using sea-sourced materials. If you’re living near the shorelines, it is a wise idea to use natural materials you can find and pick from them. Shells and pebbles of various colors, shapes, and sizes can be perfect inclusions in the walls and floors of your bathroom. Isn’t this idea very refreshing to embrace? This one can also save you from the usual high costs of bathroom tiles in home depots.

Sustainable living is an idea that one may find very difficult to embrace and carry out. But with proper thinking and inspiration, it is an endeavor that can become an easy reality. Start exercising your environment-friendly minds. And always remember that your very own household bins can become first-hand sources of recycled materials you can use to realize a green home.

Tips for Making Your Neighborhood More Eco-Friendly

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More Eco-Friendly Neighborhood

It’s not just your house that you should be concerned enough to turn green. After exerting efforts to make your place as sustainable and eco-friendly as possible, why don’t you do homework with your neighbors and turn your neighborhood into eco-friendly too? Here are some tips.

I am sharing garden space. Why would I share my garden with my neighbors? There are various benefits you can get from this act. First, your new garden can be a space that supports plant and flower life. It can be turned into one that yields fruits and vegetables. Some organizations are willing to give seeds in return for the favor of using your garden for their activities.

You are establishing neighborhood cooperatives. Many success stories have been told about the establishment of neighborhood cooperatives. These can range from types that support the collection of recyclable wastes from the neighborhood and turn them over to more extensive recycling facilities in exchange for cash. The recyclers can often drop by at your designated place at specific intervals to pick up what you have collected. This is an efficient way of teaching your neighbors the importance of solid waste reduction.

Neighborhood coops can also be the types that produce processed or bottled foods, baked goodies, and other small-scale profitable ventures.

Encourage the holding of swap days. It takes a lot of energy to make new things. It will also involve natural raw materials to make things you usually like. Taking inspiration from the old barter system of our ancestors, why don’t you initiate the staging of swap days among your neighbors every weekend?

This is an excellent opportunity to score the stuff you like and make friends with your neighbors. It will strengthen cooperation among neighbors while allowing everyone in your community to partake in conservation efforts.

If you’re good at baking, why not bring in some goodies?? You can exchange it for a fit vase for your center table. There are a lot of possible trades that can happen. You can even make it a swap party anchored with a weekly theme so things for swaps will have some variety.

Making your neighborhood eco-friendly can also be a goal for developing a pleasant place where people are always willing to exert an extra dose of helpfulness.

Your local real estate agent is just a call away for other real estate concerns. They have expert advice that can help you own an eco-friendly house.

Best Thrift Shops Not to Miss in Phoenix

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Thrifting in Phoenix

If you’re looking for a good deal on clothes, bags, shoes, home goods, and furnishings, or you want to go back in time, thrift stores are the place to go. Thrift shopping is a great way to save money on your needs while doing some good for the environment. Thrifting is part of being kind to the earth by keeping unwanted items out of landfills.

Some thrift stores are social enterprises selling secondhand items for a good cause and raising money for nonprofit organizations that help overcome challenges.

1. HALO Animal Rescue Thrift Boutique
If you want severe thrift shopping in Phoenix, HALO Animal Rescue Thrift Boutique is among the best places. Not only is the shop full of fabulous clothes, accessories, and shoes, but the proceeds go to HALO Animal Rescue, a shelter that helps homeless pets find their forever homes. Since HALO began in 1994, over 75,000 dogs and cats have found a new home.

2. The Bee’s Knees
The Bee’s Knees is an eclectic, trendy little thrift shop in the Hive Art Gallery in Phoenix. This sweet thrifty boutique has an array of clothing and accessories, with a pop of artisan jewelry and handbags crafted by local artists. You’re sure to find a treasure of any kind here.

3. Assistance League of Phoenix Thrift Boutique
Located in Central Phoenix, the Assistance League of Phoenix Thrift Shop has all your needs, from fashion for everyone in your family with clothing, shoes, and accessories to home goods, furniture, decor, and even sports equipment. All sales benefit children of the valley.

4. Maggie’s Thrift Store
Maggie’s Thrift Store has a large variety of affordable clothing, home goods, and furniture. Thrifting with a purpose, at Maggie’s Thrift Shop, they raise money for Maggie’s Place, a nonprofit that provides support and housing to pregnant women and women with their children.

5. Antique Sugar
Antique Sugar is a quality vintage clothing shop with an overflowing inventory for all your needs from the 1920s to the 1980s. You are sure to find a treasure here. They are located in the Roosevelt Arts District in Downtown Phoenix.

6. Thrift to Thrive
Thrift to Thrive has a variety of items at affordable prices, from quality clothing for everyone in your family to home decor, furnishings, electronics, books, and toys. All proceeds benefit Thrive AZ’s Safe Sleep Program, which provides beds to needy children and youth.

7. Buffalo Exchange
Buffalo Exchange is a famous thrift shop that allows customers to trade their clothes on the spot for cash or in-store credit. They have an extensive inventory of fashion clothing and accessories on a budget. With more than 40 locations nationwide, they have donated to national and local charities.