In This Issue:
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year's!
Thank you for your kind comments about our newsletters, for the real estate business, for the referrals, friendships and ideas.
2009 was a much better year than 2008 and we are confident that 2010 will be even better!
We continue to work hard to grow the green real estate niche in the Santa Barbara area
and know that with the help of all of you, we can continue to focus on this sustainable business model and make a substantial impact on our community.
We are very blessed and wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all!
Sincerely,
Elizabeth and DeAnn
LATEST & GREATEST...
SANTA BARBARA REAL ESTATE SNAPSHOT:
In June of 2008 there were 127 sales.
In June of 2009 there were 158 sales.
In July of 2008 there were 115 sales.
In July of 2009 there were 144 sales.
In August of 2008 there were 121 sales.
In August of 2009 there were 121 sales.
In September of 2008 there were 116 sales.
In September of 2009 there were 132 sales.
In October of 2008 there were 126 sales.
In October of 2009 there were 145 sales.
In November of 2008 there were 79 sales.
In November of 2009 there were 141 sales.
For Nov. that's 80% better than one year ago! And 2010 is going to be even better!
This is a look at statistics provided through the Santa Barbara Multiple Listing Service over the past month. They include single family residences and condos, from Carpinteria to Goleta.
November 16 - December 13, 2009
GREEN NEWS:
Cash For Caulkers Could Mean
$12,000 Per Home
President Obama proposed a new program Tuesday that would reimburse homeowners for energy-efficient appliances and insulation, part of a broader plan to stimulate the economy.
The administration didn't provide immediate details, but said it would work with Congress on crafting legislation. Steve Nadel, director at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, who's helping write the bill, said a homeowner could receive up to $12,000 in rebates. The proposal is part of the President's larger
spending plan, which also includes money for
small businesses, renewable energy manufacturing, and infrastructure.
We know energy efficiency "creates jobs, saves money for families, and reduces the pollution that threatens our environment," Obama said. "With additional resources, in areas like advanced manufacturing of wind turbines and solar panels, for instance, we can help turn good ideas into good private-sector jobs." The program contains two parts: money for homeowners for efficiency projects, and money for companies in the renewable energy and efficiency space.
More of the article by Steve Hargreaves, CNNMoney.! com staff writer.
These eco-films are sure to shock, inspire and entertain movie buffs this holiday season.
COMMUNITY:
Organic Living Santa Barbara launches and began delivery service on October 6th and are a new and innovative Santa Barbara-owned company that will revolutionize the way you eat. They offer fresh, organic, healthy, and delicious lunches that will be delivered to your door. They also provide catering for your business meetings and functions.
www.organiclivingsb.com
GET INVOLVED:
Donate to a local environmental non-profit in your friend or family member's name.
VOCABULARY LESSON:
The Planning Group of the Zero Waste International Alliance adopted the following definition of Zero Waste on November 29, 2004.
"Zero Waste is a goal that is ethical, economical, efficient and visionary, to guide people in changing their lifestyles and practices to emulate sustainable natural cycles, where all discarded materials are designed to become resources for others to use.
Zero Waste means designing and managing products and processes to systematically avoid and eliminate the volume and toxicity of waste and materials, conserve and recover all resources, and not burn or bury them.
Implementing Zero Waste will eliminate all discharges to land, water or air that are a threat to planetary, human, animal or plant health
COOL WEBSITE (S) OF THE MONTH:
Weekend Hippie was born Santa Barbara, California, and is all about living a full, responsible life on this planet—and having fun while doing so. First, and foremost, loving life and living it with passion while making conscious choices, even small ones, that make a difference.
Go ahead, make a small statement—change your light bulbs, wear TOMS shoes, give a micro loan to a Kiva entrepreneur, travel eco-mindfully, shop at your local farmers’ market, pick-up Patagonia clothes made from recycled plastic or an organic cotton t-shirt from Weekend Hippie! Give 1% to the earth; do what you can, but do something.
Be a Weekend Hippie—seven days a week!
Looking for a sustainable way to throw a party? Don’t have time or simply don’t want to go shopping for the service ware? Hate the after party cleanup? Let GreenProject Consultants help with all of this!
With GPC’s Zero Waste Party Kit* you can feel good about throwing those plates in the “trash”. Included in your zero waste kit you will receive compostable service ware (i.e., cups, plates, bowls, forks, spoons, knives, and napkins), signage explaining to you and your guests what a zero waste party is and a custom box lined with a compostable bag to make cleanup a snap!
Put everything in the box at the end of your party. Yes, we did say everything! GPC will drop off the kit and pick up the aftermath right at your door and with that the majority of the cleanup is done!
