My family has always tried to be eco-friendly. When we were renters, there was only so much we could do. We could put a brick in the toilets, but not replace them with low-flow toilets.
Thanks to the Obama admin., we were able to become homeowners in 2009. (Whenever any GOPers asked me in 2011-2012, "What has he done for you?" the FIRST thing I answered was, "Helped me to buy my home!") We were determined to lead by example in an eco-friendly lifestyle. Below the orange doo-hickey is an interim progress report--and, trust me, the politics are there, too.
Since we are lower-middle class, we purchased a home built in the 1930s. Improvements had been made, including a finished basement turned into a second floor, complete with 2 extra bedrooms (1 became a study), a second bath, a second kitchen area. I think the previous owner had been planning to rent this as 2 apartments, but was caught in the Housing crisis. I feel sad for her loss, but it led to our purchase.
In our first year in this house, we used TARP money to trade in our old car for a more fuel-efficient one--though after buying the house, we didn't have enough for a hybrid or electric. We then used more TARP tax credits to buy more energy efficient appliances--washer, dryer, and fridge. In year 3, we used our end-of-year tax returns to finally get those low-flow toilets--along with a far more efficient water heater, low-flow showerheads, and adding a layer of insulation to our attic.
We have a small garden to help eat healthier and without pesticides. Our daughters, as a school project, rounded up our old computers and electronics, along with many others in the neighborhood, for green recycling. The program was successful enough that the city (Louisville, KY) adopted it, complete with PSAs to keep computers out of landfills.
Our family has been very involved in the fight against mountaintop removal, the particularly vicious form of strip mining that coal companies are using to wage war on the Appalachian mountains. It is an ongoing struggle, but we did get Louisville Gas & Electric (LG&E) and Kentucky Energy to agree to give "green credits," which allow consumers to buy some of their energy from solar and hydro-electric sources rather than coal. And the city gave us larger recycling bins (the same size as our trash cans) because we always have more recycling than we do unrecyclable trash. Some of our neighbors have begun following suit.
Last summer, we were finally able to purchase a hybrid (the Ford C-Max which has room for a family of 4, groceries, and 2 dogs) and we now average 40mpg. city. I hope to soon pick up a cheap electric as a 2nd car. I'd rather go American, but I love the price of Mitsubishi's electric--just $12K!
This year, we got a bonus opportunity. We live in the landing flight path of the Louisville airport (Standiford Field or SDF). When it expanded, the city had to make a deal to soundproof homes for free. In the past 2 weeks, "Quieter Homes Louisville) finally got to us. We got $10K worth of work for free. The goal is to make our home less susceptible to airport noise pollution, but it ALSO makes it far more energy efficient. All our windows (attic, main floor, finished basement) were replaced with 4-planed glass windows. Our attic got FAR more insulation. And our front and back doors (which, being old, REALLY leaked air) were replaced with very solid, tightfitting doors--and a security door in front and storm door in back.
Now we are ready for my dream project: rooftop solar. Unfortunately, Elon Musk's Solar City company has not yet reached KY, so we can't try his business model (which makes solar a reality even for the poor). But, we have contacted several local solar companies for estimates. We want it to get it done BEFORE the federal tax credits end at the end of 2016 (unless we get a Dem Congress and renew them). But there are also state and local incentives which should enable us to go solar without any money down (thanks to having a Democratic mayor and governor--even though the latter is too coal-friendly). And by going with a local rooftop company, we create local green jobs. When these are installed and we are selling power BACK to LG &E, I'll let folks know.
At every step of the way, we are quick to tell people the economic benefits as well as the environmental. And, we point out that public-private partnerships make these things affordable to the non-rich. We point out that if the likes of McConnell and Paul have their way, the rebates and tax credits, etc. which make many of these changes affordable would disappear--along with the green jobs they create.
Personal responsibility is not a substitute for collective action. But it has the advantage of not waiting until you have the clout to force collective action--and to helping to build that power as well as speak to "hearts and minds."
I'm looking forward to more adventures to come in "Green Homeownership."