We hear it all the time as the media has embraced “Going Green” even more over the past few years.  Kids are taught the importance o the environment at school and we’re encouraged to recycle our plastic or turn off the faucet while brushing our teeth.  But, it seems that between our dental hygiene and spending a month in the Amazon learning about sustainable living; there’s got to be something in between that we can do within our community of Winchester. And, leave it to this great town to come up with practical ways to make a difference, not only in Winchester, but beyond North of Boston!

This coming week, October 10-16, is the Winchester Week of Environmental Awareness and Action hosted by non-profit organization, Sustainable Winchester.  Founded for the purpose of educating and raising awareness about sustainability, Sustainable Winchester educates residents and empowers them to take action in their everyday lives!   Winchester will celebrate this week through various events which you can learn more about on the Sustainable Winchester website. 

Have you wondered about the recent hype over Eco-Friendly homes?  It may seem that putting the time, energy and money into your Winchester home to make it a little greener may not be worth it.  Or so you think!  Below are 10 great ways, as pointed out by FrontDoor.com, that bringing a sustainable lifestyle to your North of Boston home and will prove to be beneficial for you!

1. You'll increase your North of Boston home's value- There's a growing buzz among buyers about eco-friendly homes. And what's not to like: Green homes use sustainable materials that are better for the environment, and have lower utility bills and healthful air. Which means, no matter what green changes you make; you’ll have better chances to sell your Winchester home.

2. The energy savings will add up- The U.S Department of Energy believes if current buildings were green-improved, the country would use $20 billion less in energy per year. while some green updates are more expensive, energy-savers can be cheaper than the power-hogging alternatives. For instance, many homes are built with HVAC systems that are too large. A properly sized system will be cheaper upfront and will save energy later.

3. You'll save money on your water bill, too- Inside your Winchester home, Energy Star appliances and water-saving plumbing systems will drastically cut water usage. You can also save money in the yard with a low-flow sprinkler or irrigation system.

4. Green homes are durable- Eco-friendly homes might use recycled products, but that doesn't mean they'll wear out sooner. Recycled-content decking, which is made from recycled plastic and wood fibers, can last five times longer than traditional wood decking, and it never needs to be treated or painted.

5. You'll breathe better air- Green homes have better indoor air quality than other brand-new and pre-owned homes, making the indoors physically healthier and more comfortable for homeowners. For example, using paints, cleaners and adhesives low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) reduces exposure to formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. With a few green updates, you can breathe easier knowing that your North of Boston home's air is clean.

6. You'll get more done- That's right: Cleaner air can help you be more productive. A U.S. Department of Energy study found that poor indoor air quality not only affects your health, it also affects your brain.

7. Your project will create less construction waste- Green remodeling and building focus on reducing the waste created during the project and reusing materials whenever possible. Don't ditch the wood from that old barn door; use it as a funky coffee table. Reusing materials will lower your costs, and give your home in Winchester some personality. If you really can't use something, find a recycled goods company that can.

8. Green homes preserve their surroundings- Building green involves more than just putting some solar panels on your rooftop. An eco-friendly North of Boston home aims to have the smallest possible impact on its environment. Green building means working with the land rather than against it. Forget clear-cutting the entire lot; take down only the trees and bushes that would interfere with construction. The remaining trees can help cool the house in the summer and act as a windbreak in the winter.

9. Green homes are designed to be adaptable- A home that's truly built green is built to last. Green homes contain typically open spaces, so it will be simpler to rearrange than remodel your Winchester home.

10. Conserving resources is a top priority- Another core value of green remodeling is conserving natural resources. Green building means looking for recycled or renewable materials that will have a minimal impact on the environment. For instance, traditional hardwood floors are beautiful, but they're often sawn from old-growth trees that take decades to grow. The supplies for a bamboo floor can grow in less than a year. Using the fewest possible resources makes environmental sense, and it'll be easier on your wallet, too.

Join Winchester in focusing on sustainable living during the Winchester Week of Environmental Awareness and Action all next week!  Start thinking about ways you can begin to make your home in Winchester a little more eco-friendly.  It will reap benefits for years to come! 

If you have questions about the North of Boston Real Estate market or are ready to start your home search; let me know!  

Searching for a new place in Winchester to call home? The Sven Andersen Team makes it easy for you to search for your new Winchester home. This FREE, NO-OBLIGATION service can help you find the home of your dreams! Simply visit http://www.northofbostonlistings.com/ and fill out the form to start your auto-email home search today! It's just that easy! The Sven Andersen Team is always willing to help and will always respect your privacy; we leave it up to you to contact US when you're ready to buy or sell in the Winchester area.

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If you, friends, relatives, or colleagues are considering buying or selling a home, condo, or land, please consider contacting Sven for assistance in your search. Sven coverage area includes: Winchester, Belmont, Medford, Woburn, Lexington, Arlington, Melrose, Stoneham, and Reading.  We also offer a complimentary referral service, called "Anywhere Agents," to assist folks who are looking to buy or sell outside our coverage area, including international locations. We will interview prospective agents in the area(s) you or a family member are considering to assure you get the most knowledgeable Real Estate Professional to assist in your home buying/selling needs.