Green Homes

Fresh Eyes Mission: To promote the purchase and use of environmentally friendly products that will minimize our carbon footprint. Recycling and Donating back into our community is incredibly important. As profiled in the Vancouver Sun, here is the link for downloading the new "Sustainability at Home - a Toolkit". Very user friendly and informative.

In creating your beautiful new living environment, you will be faced with many choices. Lynette from Fresh Eyes can provide ideas on Green options that have long term payback for your family, the environment and your wallet. Use of such products have many benefits.

Continuing training/education is very important in my field. New technology in flooring, manufacturing of products used in our homes is constantly changing. I keep up to date as much as I can so I can pass on this information to you (i.e. tankless hot water systems are the way to go!)

Health: Many household items emit off-gases that are harmful to our health. Synthetic carpeting is a major offender. Wool & Jute are great alternatives! Low or no VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paint is a must. Immediate benefits are a virtually no odor paint job but the rewards last much longer. Those with allergies, asthma and sensitivities will thank you.

Environment: By purchasing energy efficient products and items that are made of recycled materials we can support energy, water and material conservation. Look for appliances with an Energy Star rating. Cleaning supplies can be a major offender, look for those that have a "Green" or similar rating.

Pocket Book: Energy efficient appliances lower monthly bills. Government rebates are available for qualifying purchases. Tankless hot water heating systems not only save you money but you have endless hot water in your home! For more information please visit www.bchydro.com/powersmart and www.energystar.nrcan.gc.ca for full information on products and services offered.

Recycling: Everyone who is selling their home will have household items they come across and know they will never use again. It is in all of our best interest to recycle as much as possible. Adding to our landfills only adds to our problems. Please be environmentally conscious when you are "lightening your life."

Donating: An excellent way to give back to your community! Be it furniture, clothing, dishes, small appliances or décor items. Unfortunately, there are many in need. You can help with your donations to a local food bank, women's shelters, Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity. When Renovating, many otherwise disposable items such as cabinets, doors and knobs, wood trim etc. can be donated to Habitat for Humanity "ReStore".