Pensacola's Certified EcoBroker Specialist

Attack of the Blow-up Pool

Patricia Sarfert — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 18:41:00 GMT

In my family’s quest to be more eco-friendly, we’ve made a few sacrifices (good-bye salon hair care products, hello Burt’s Bees). We’ve had to make some not-so-popular choices with the kids as well. This time, we had to decide if they would get to use the blow-up pool this year. Okay, it’s made of plastic, but since it was given to us, that’s re-using it rather than having it go to a landfill-Point #1 for the pool. But what about all the water use? So, we decided that as long as the water was reclaimed and used throughout the yard, we’d give it a go. The kids played in it for a couple days and had a lot of fun-Point #2 for the pool. Then it was time to empty it and clean it out before the lawn became completely scorched. Kids at school and empty watering cans in hand, away I go to complete this simple task…

On trip numbers 1-5 back and forth from pool to plant, I’m thinking, “This is great- I’m doing my part to conserve water.” Trip numbers 6-8 hit the plants in the far back corner of the yard- plants that don’t always get enough water- good for me. Trip #9 I start getting a little thirsty and wonder how much longer this is going to take. Trips 10-14 I’m hoping these plants really appreciate all this effort, as the sweat pours down my armpits and soaks my shirt. If anyone sees me, I can tell them I spilled some water (On your armpits? Yeah, right…). By the time I get back to the pool to fill up for Trip # 15, and the pool is about half empty, I’m wondering where I’m going to put the rest of this water??? I’m sure as heck not walking all the way to the front yard! I’ve already abandoned waiting for the water to come out the spout of the watering can in favor of the “dump it out the top as quickly as possible” method. On about Trip # 20 (I’ve lost count by now) I start trying to remember which plants have been watered already and which have been drowned. Finally, the pool reaches a level where the watering cans can no longer be filled (don’t talk to me about pulling up one side so the other will fill!). So I gracefully dump the remaining water on the grass (you’re welcome, grass). Then, I realize the pool is covered in mud & grass (#!%*). Out comes the hose- but that’s wasting more water, isn’t it? So I haul the pool to another part of the lawn which is looking pretty dry (smart thinking!) and hose down the pool. Drape the pool over the swing set, and we’re all done.

So, was it worth the effort? Well, the kids had fun, the plants are (mostly) happy-especially the tomatoes and cucumbers- I lost a couple pounds (water weight- go figure!), and all the water got reused. So I’d have to say it was a worthwhile endeavor. I’m feeling pretty “Green” right now. Boy, could I use a shower…

Expedited Building Department Services For 'Green" Builders in Escambia County

Patricia Sarfert — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:34:00 GMT

Good news for Escambia County Builders who want to build 'Green'! Escambia County is instituting a Green Building program whereby a builder who signs up with the county as a green builder with the

"ESCAMBIA COUNTY GREEN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (EGDP)"

and has green projects will get expedited services from the building department. This resolution is set to be adopted in May 2009. Here are the program highlights:

Escambia Green Development Program (EGDP)

· A Green Team comprised of County personnel began meeting monthly and gathering information for the program. The team is searching out ways to use County resources and local private resources to gather information for a program.

· Project managers from a local construction company were invited and attended the December 5^th meeting and provided much needed information from the contractor’s point of view.

· The team members desire to have a county booth at the Green Coast Convention to provide the public information, permitting process, expedited permitting and all facets of the county’s program.

· The team developed an “Escambia Green Development Program” resolution for consideration by the Board of County Commissioners in 2009.

· The County is currently a member of United States Green Building Council. A membership application has been submitted to the Florida Green Building Coalition.

· A separate green team has met to determine the best ways to supply green information to the public at the new green central office complex. Individual information centers or carousels will be placed where public counters are located.

· Brochures are being developed which will provide contact information for expedited permitting. (All on recycled paper, of course) Grants for project recognition plaques are also being researched. Green projects will be recognized on the County web page.

· The team has added a Green Building link to the Building Inspections Division web page.

The team has been impressed with the momentum of the program and the willingness of employees and private contractors to assist in the implementation of the program.

Single Story For Sale in Klondyke

Patricia Sarfert — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:00:00 GMT

Energy Efficient!

• 3,474 sq. ft., 4 bath, 4 bdrm single story - MLS® $599,900 - Certified Green Home!

Klondyke, Pensacola - Southeast Building Conference Award Winner in 5 categories, "Best Custom Home Design, Best Interior Detail, Best Energy Efficiency, Best Green Construction, and Best Water Wise. Number 1 when compared with over 500 competitors! 2008 "The American Dream Home" for the Homebuilders of West Florida Parade of Homes. The Dream Home this year is a 'Green' Dream Home that has been designed and built to display new and innovative ideas. It is a Certified Green Home so designated by the Florida Green Building Coalition and has the Energy Star designation. This year's Dream Home is located in beautiful Nature Trail subdivision located on nearly 750 acres with more than half devoted to preservation efforts. This gated community allows residents to find serenity while living conveniently close to shopping, dining, and entertainment. The subdivision is locate on the south side of Nine Mile Road one mile west of I-10 Exit 5. The list of detail of this wonderful home is too long to list here. Please click on the photo for a complete news release that provides details for the home and this year's Parade of Homes.

Property information