EcoBroker Conference Denver 2008

Denver was the location of the latest EcoBroker conference. Over 300 real estate professionals attended two days of sessions where we discussed the latest innovations in green technology available to home buyers. Many of the sessions were led by industry experts from Finance to Green Manufacturers and Innovators. It was a thrill to be with a group of like minded individuals from the US and Canada. 

One of easiest changes we learned to improve indoor air quality, which is usually about 4 times more polluted then outdoor air, is the simple addition of easily found plants which filter the air effectively. The best plants to include in your home include: Palm Bamboo, English Ivy, Gebber Daisies, and Peace Lili. However, should you have pets or children always check out the toxicity of any plant you add to your garden or home.

One of the most interesting things I found among the suppliers was a restorer of wooden windows. This was of particular interest to me because my home has all of its original wooden single pane windows from the 1920's and I'm in the process of restoring them. Her simple solution is install small therma-panes by routering out a little of the wood. It is a simple and perfect restoration.  I'm going to try and convince one of local window people to do this work. 

There were countless other interesting developments, and as I go over my notes, I'll keep you informed. If you every have question please just email me, and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Muskoka?

During the last couple of weeks, I've been restoring a window in my 1920's bungalow. It has taken me a little longer then I had hoped, but now that the first window is stripped and ready to be painted. There had to be at least 20 layers of paint. I'll post a picture when I'm done. If you're considering doing this, I would suggest that you set aside some serious time, but at least I'm recycling them. If I had to pay someone to actually build them, it would cost a couple of thousand no doubt. 

On Sunday, Laura and I went paddling on the 16 Mile Creek. It was my first time paddling on the creek, and once we left the power boats behind, it was like being in up north. We saw turtles sunning themselves, ducklings, and a great blue heron catching fish. Such a beautiful spot right in town. The posted pic is the from a home on Trafalgar Road. You really don't need to leave home to enjoy great outdoor spaces. 

I also want to thank "Oakville Today" for their kind article about my EcoBroker certification.

Happy Canada Day 2008!

What a great day, though I have to say I was just a little nervous starting out. I was interviewed for a feature article about my EcoBroker certification for the Oakville Beaver. I've set up interviews for authors several times, and thought nothing of it; however, when it was me being the subject of the interview it was just a little different. The interviewer was kind and intelligent, so it made the experience fun to do. Hopefully, the article will be just as pleasant for me to read. 

The rest of the day was spent by the pool relaxing with Jacob and Laura, and enjoying warm temperatures with virtually no humidity and unusual experience for a summer day in Oakville. As per usual when I'm by the pool, I seem to know several people. Occassionally Jacob, my son asks if I just know everyone in town. Sometimes, it feels that way, but that is one of the reasons I like Oakville so much. It is a town where people actually get to know each other. 

Today we chatted with Andrea and her husband Mark. Andrea is a great interior designer, who was mentioning that in her field , green options are being expected by her clients. It was interesting to learn from her about some of the green options dealing with paint to fabrics and furniture that people are wanting green to be part of their day to day environment. 

If you are interest speaking to Andrea you can reach her at: Andrea Gardner Designs and Interiors, Oakville, ON.

HAPPY CANADA DAY!