At Alure, we are increasingly seeing customers who have questions about justwhat it means to be green. What can I do to “green” my home? What products should I buy? How can I make better choices? Alure can provide guidance, services,
and products to help you be green.

There is no doubt that our industrialized society has had a profound impact on the environment. Carcinogens compromise our food and water supplies. Pollution contributes to an alarming increase in the incidence of asthma and other respiratory ailments. Most climate experts agree that global warming is a reality that may have profound implications for everything from agriculture to the ocean ecosystem. The availability of inexpensive energy sources is limited. By living green, we can reduce our impact the environment, mitigate negative changes in our planet’s climate, and be a self-sufficient society.

But how do we live green? Alure is taking a leadership role by providing green building projects and home performance audits with remodeling services to remedy any identified issues. These products and services enable our clients to be green by:

• Seeing eco-friendly products on display in the Alure Showroom and learning how these products minimize environmental impact and make your home
  healthier.
• Choosing sustainable materials for home remodeling projects done by Alure.
• Educating our clients about the cost of green products—today’s products
  can cost the same or less than older technologies.
• Providing tips on simple things you can do to green your home (see HOME
  TIPS below).
• Conducting Home Performance Assessments under the federal Energy Star Program to identify where your home is losing energy and how to stop it. See the Home Performance page on this web site for more information.

HOME TIPS FOR THE GREEN SEASON

Tips to help save money and keep the environment clean...

TIP 1 Use Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs. CFL’s are a big energy saver. Changing five
of the most frequently used light bulbs in your home/workplace can save $100 per year on electric bills.

TIP 2 Program your thermostat to reduce output when you are not at home or are asleep. When you are home, set the A/C at 75° or higher. Set the thermostat at 65° or lower in winter.

TIP 3 Plug air leaks around windows, doors, A/C, and other wall penetrations. Pluggings those leaks with weather stripping or caulking is a relatively simple task.

TIP 4 Be sure to clean A/C filters. Tune up heating systems regularly.

TIP 5 Choose ENERGY STAR appliances. Your energy bill could be reduced $50 or more per appliance.

TIP 6 Reduce water usage and groundwater pollution by incorporating native plants in your landscaping. Native plants have been evolving for eons and have adapted to local soils and climate. They will thrive with minimal care and will need less water, fertilizer, and pesticides.

TIP 7 Buy locally produced products. This reduces the amount of fossil fuel needed to transport the product to market. It also reduces the amount of plastic, and paper packaging. Buying local reduces consumption of valuable natural resources. It also supports the local economy.

TIP 8 Use low VOC (volatile organic compounds) products to reduce interior air pollution, including low VOC paints and cleaning products. You can make your own low VOC cleaning products from normal household materials like baking soda, vinegar and borax. VOCs are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.

TIP 9 Choose wood products from sustainably managed forests, such as certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FCS).

TIP 10 Make different transportation choices – carpool, walk, bicycle, train, bus, and fuel-efficient car.