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It’s All About Preservation
Realtor Encourages Recycling Resources from Doorknobs to Houses
Nov 12 | archive | subscribe
We all know how important it is to recycle bottles, cans and paper. But what about antique doorknobs, doors or even entire houses! Victorians often are in need of preservation. Restoration keeps this vital history alive for future generations. There are plenty of opportunities to rescue and reuse these resources from landfill, dumpsters, salvage yards and fixers. Bonnie Spindler, Zephyr Realtor®, can put you on an alternative path to green.
“Just imagine recycling while creating greater real estate returns,” said Spindler, who personally invests in environmentally and globally conscious businesses. She is also active locally in historic preservation and renovates properties with the intent to green them. “The fiscal rewards of recycling materials or an entire house are slightly more promising than five cents a can.”
As the City’s Victorian Specialist for more than 15 years, Spindler offers viable options to clients interested in preserving and recycling materials, as well as updating a property with green products and energy-saving appliances. She helps clients create and implement long-term financial goals for building wealth, while still doing the right thing for our planet.
The greener the better when it comes to buying, remodeling or renovating properties, said Spindler, who offers a six simple tips for going green.
1) Buy a home
Refurbish and save, try to avoid tearing down a house, especially Victorians since by definition there are no new ones being built.
2) Bulldoze a home
Recycle the materials and components, do not dump or add to landfills.
3) Remodel a home
Use green products whenever possible, items like recycled stone, bricks or wood are good for the environment and great to look at too. Pour concrete that includes recycled material. Use vintage items in the renovation: go to antique stores, flea markets and salvage yards.
4) Update a home to green
Insulate the attic, walls and floors, weatherproof the windows and doors. Install solar panels. Use energy-efficient and water-saving appliances, and add fluorescent lighting.
5) Temperature control
Set the thermostat on your furnace to 65-degrees, and your hot water heater to 120-degrees, or replace it with an “on demand” instant hot water heater. Put radiant heat in your floors.
6) Clean up
Wash your clothes in cold or warm water instead of hot. Don’t rinse dishes before loading them into the dishwasher.