"Going green" is a term we are starting to hear more and more often and from all types of sources, from insurance companies to car manufacturers to restaurants and home builders. The big question is, what the heck does it mean!?!?!? Being "green" is used as a general term for being more energy efficient, less harmful, or more earth friendly. Like most things, being green means something different for everyone. I have a neighbor who just installed his first compact fluorescent light bulb and is touting to be "green." At the same time I know a gentleman who rides his bike to work, has solar panels on his house, buys local produce whenever possible, and built his shed from reclaimed lumber. Now, is one person more green than the other? Yes, but making a small change can be the first step. When it comes down to it, the most important issue is that people are recognizing that there is an energy and environmental situation that needs to be addressed, and it is going to take every one of us to make a difference. Whether you start with a single energy efficient bulb, or make a drastic life change....it is a step towards what we need to do.
Attention needs to be paid to the products we are buying that claim to be green. As this green movement gains popularity (which it has and will continue to do) coorporate America is going to try and capitalize on it, and I hope they do. Without the support of these large companies, the road to inexpensive/affordable green products will be long. The issue we need to look at is regulation. We need to hold these companies to a standard, and ask that they do their part, much like you are doing yours, to make this a cleaner, safer, more sustainable place to live.

I challenge you to do something "green" today, however small or large the change may be. It could be as simple as taking your coffee mug to the coffee stand instead of using one of their paper cups, carpooling with a neighbor, or looking into the possibility of installing solar panels on the house you are building. Small steps can make a big difference. Act local, think global.

Nick

 

Nicholas Munson

REALTOR, ECOBROKER

Office: (406) 755-2100

Email: nickmunson@century21.com
http://www.montanagreenrealestate.com/