Eco-broker suggests ways to ‘go green’

Once they’re handed the keys to a new home, some homeowners may think there isn’t much that can be done to make the home eco-friendly.

Yet, the choices and innovative ideas — functional as well as decorative — emerging in today’s environment are fun and fascinating to discover.

Certified eco-broker Joette Schenck with Long Realty at Continental Shopping Plaza says many people don’t realize that using antique furniture is one way of “going green.” It uses old wood versus new — and is in a word “recycling.”

Eco-broker certification came into vogue about five years ago and as the terms “going green” and “eco-friendly” become mainstream, so is the term “eco-broker.”

While not a necessary requirement for real estate professionals, Schenck says, it’s something one wants to do to learn more, that it’s part of something one is personally interested in.

Schenck, who completed the extensive and expensive certification coursework two years ago, is now well versed in advising home buyers on a wide variety of issues from healthy paints to insulation, floor and window coverings and energy-efficient appliances.

“There’s a lot you can do to already built homes ... just being aware, painting walls, changing the flooring. And it’s easy to go online to see what’s out there,” she says.

Because changing out old appliances is one way to make a home eco-friendly, Schenck says, “You want to buy Energy-Star¨ appliances and products, that’s the key. Older products are energy hogs; hanging on to old appliances can cost a homeowner a lot of money.”

The choices available in changing flooring are varied enough to suit many decorating styles. If replacing carpeting she advises wool or cotton; they’re non-toxic and are a great choice for people with chemical sensitivities.

“Bamboo flooring comes from a grass that replenishes itself in three to five years; cork flooring comes from the bark of the Mediterranean oak and is durable for up to 50 years,” she says, adding that solid wood that’s reused from building demolitions is another option.

She advocates avoiding paints with volatile organic compounds that are found in oil-based and traditional latex-based paints as VOCs can cause asthma attacks, eye irritation, nausea and dizziness. Prolonged exposure has been linked to kidney, liver disease and cancer, she said.

The alternative is using milk paint (realmilkpaint.com); Schenck’s personal favorite is Benjamin Moore.

In Southern Arizona’s climate, proper wall and roof insulation is key; so are dual-paned windows. Schenck adds that the choice of window coverings, using retractable awnings and movable umbrellas to block hot spots are other ways homeowners can be energy efficient and eco-friendly.

Rather that throwing out items that one no longer needs and filling up the landfill, she suggests donating the items. “Giving craft items to daycare and senior centers is one way; I donated a load of stuff and they squealed.” What to do with old washable blankets? She said animal rescue places are always in need of such items.

Asked what advice she has for homeowners planning to build, Schenck said, “Be concerned with the placement and position of the home and the sun. Do all the research, consider the level of insulation in the roof and walls.

“Look at no VOC paint; we spend a lot of time indoors here. Check into bamboo and cork floor coverings, look for buildings being demolished for old wood.”

Lastly, she suggests considering clear or colorful recycled glass tiles for use on backsplashes, while cautioning homeowners to buy as local as possible as shipping recycled products long distances defeats the green purpose with gas.

A suggested Web site for environmentally-sustainable products is Eartheasy.com. Schenck may be reached at 918-8105 or joettes@longrealty.com.

Ellen Sussman is a freelance writer in Green Valley. Contact her at ellen2414@cox.net.