Five New Year's Resolutions That Can Have a Direct, Green, Impact

Add a GreenLiving Focus to 2017

The holiday season is coming to an end, and New Year's Eve is only a few days away.  This year, pick out a resolution, or resolutions, that support a GreenLiving lifestyle.  Several eco-friendly resolution ideas include:

1) Pick up one piece of litter per day:  There are more than 300 million people in the United States.  If everyone in America picked up at least one piece of litter each day, that would be 300 million pieces of trash and waste that would ultimately not damage ecosystems or enter waterways.  This year, strive to not litter.

2) Recycle one can, bottle, or item per day:  Recycling can have numerous positive effects on the environment.  In 2017, strive to recycle at least one item per day.  Make the extra trip to find a recycling bin instead of tossing cans and newspapers into the trash.

Holiday Recycling: Five Do's and Do Not's

GreenLiving Tips During The Holidays

The holidays are only several days away.  For some, this is a time of giving and receiving gifts.  

This season, make sure you know what holiday gift items can be recycled and what needs to be disposed as waste.

Can the following items be recycled?  Find out here...

1) Tape: No!  Tape, and most other adhesive products, cannot be recycled.  Throw away tape and/ or put tape into a standard waste basket to dispose of it.

2) Boxes with tape: Yes!  Even though tape cannot, typically, be recycled, cardboard boxes or decorative boxes with little/ some tape on it can be recycled.  Fold boxes up to properly recycle them.

Giving Green Cheer: Five GreenLiving Gift Ideas

Eco-Friendly Gift Giving Tips

Planning to give or receive gifts this holiday season?  With only a few days left before the holidays, plan a green spin on any remaining holiday gift shopping.  Several green shopping methods include:

1) Bring Re-usable Bags: If shopping for presents in department stores or mall, remember to bring a re-usable bag instead of using a wasteful plastic bag.  Plastic bags can take more than 100 years to decompose in landfills.

2) Save Gas and Shop Online: Want to skip long lines and preserve the environment?  Save on gas and complete holiday shopping online.  If shopping in stores are preferable, try to utilize public transportation.

3) Donate Instead: Instead of a traditional gift, donate money in someone's name as their gift for the holidays.  This memorable gift will save time and resources.

Five Holiday Items That Can Be Recycled

What Holiday Items Can Be Recycled or Reused?

It's officially the holiday season: a time to plan for various holidays and/ or seasonal celebrations.  This year, add a green focus to the holidays by adopting several eco-friendly practices.  An easy way to be "green" during the holidays is to continue to recycle- several holiday items that can be recycled or reused include:

1. Decorations: Decorating for the holidays?  If properly stored, many holiday and/ or seasonal decorations can be saved and used again next year.  Examples of decorations that can be reused include: holiday lights, banners and signage, candles, and more.

2. Wrapping paper and gift packaging: Planning on buying new gift bags and gift wrap?  There might be plenty of gift bags and/ or wrapping paper left over from last year.  Designate a place in the home to store usable gift packaging.  If buying new gift bags, boxes, and wrapping paper, set the extra, unused materials aside for next year.  If receiving gifts, handle the packaging with care to recycle and reuse for next year.

Three Steps for Making a Recycled Blanket

Recycling Clothes and/ or Fabric to Make a Comfortable Blanket

This upcoming winter is a great time to experiment with green ways to stay warm.

One green craft this time of year could be to make a recycled blanket or quilt out of materials already available around the house.  In order to create a blanket or quilt, three methods include:

1) Pick the Fabrics: Choose a surplus fabric around the home that can be used as the centerpiece for the new blanket or quilt.  Options could range from college tee shirts, old sweaters, or worn-out jeans for the top of the blanket and another, sturdy, fabric, such as older blankets or fleeces, for the base.

Five Easy Ways to Have a Green Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Is Only Two Days Away

Though it can be a challenge, the holidays can be a good time to practice several GreenLiving skills and lifestyle choices.  Several ways to stay "green" during Thanksgiving include:

1) Manage food waste: A big component in many Thanksgiving celebrations is a meal shared by family and/ or friends.  If hosting this year, try to set up a buffet style meal so that everyone can get the portion of food they would like, instead of being served too much (or too little!) and wasting excess food.  If attending a Thanksgiving celebration: try to wait between courses before getting more food, to avoid getting too much and wasting excess.

2) Compost when possible: After the Thanksgiving meal, some of the food scraps can be composted.  Remember: avoid dairy products and bones, but any organic material such as shells, vegetables, and fruits can be put in the compost bin.  Learn more about composting here.

America Recycles Day 2016: Facts and Tips

A "Keep America Beautiful" Initiative

Today, November 15, is a green holiday: America Recycles Day, a day to take a pledge to recycle more and become more environmentally focused.

There are several ways to celebrate and honor America Recycles Day, including:

Attend an Event: More than 2,000 recycling themed events are taking place this year for America Recycles Day.  Visit the interactive map on the website to filter events by state, city, and/ or zipcode.

Take the Official Pledge: According to the America Recycles Day website, the national recycling rate has steadily increased throughout the past 30 years.  Currently, approximately 34 percent of individuals in America recycles.  Take the #BeRecycled pledge to commit to recycling.

Four Budget-Friendly GreenLiving Ideas

Live Green With Less Financial Worry

Want to live a green life but are concerned about the financial impact?  This is a common concern, especially around the holidays!  However, there are plenty of ways to live a green lifestyle and stay on a budget.  Several ideas include:

1) Clean green: Many people don't realize that their home can look immaculately clean by using natural products that already sit in a pantry shelf rather than buying cleaners in a store.  Not only are cleaners expensive, but they often are damaging to the air and water.  Here are some great natural products:

• White Wine Vinegar: vinegar is excellent for cleaning stains, especially on fabrics!
• Baking soda: baking soda is great at removing dirt and stains.  Did you know it is also good to mix baking soda with toothpaste to get a sparkling, white smile?
• Lemon and orange peels: instead of throwing fruit peels away, they are excellent to scrub dirt and grime from pots and pans.

Grady's GreenLiving Tips recently ran a series on a "green clean": view the posts here.

2) Unplug extra appliances: A previous GreenLiving blog discussed energy vampires , which is an occurrence where energy is drained from leaving plugs in outlets, even when the appliance is not in use.  One of the easiest ways to live a green life and save money on the electric bill is to remove plugs from outlets prior to leaving the house.  Chargers, coffeemakers, lamps: many appliances do not need to be plugged in when leaving the home.

Compost 101: Facts and Advice

Several Tips on How To Compost

Want to find a creative way to eliminate food waste?  Composting is a green method to dispose of some, but not all, excess food and natural waste.

What are methods to successfully compost?  Read a few tips below:

1) Create a compost bin: Composting only works if it becomes part of the daily routine.  Much like a recycling bin or trash can, select a container that can be identified as the "compost bin".  Ensure it is a portable container and has drainage/ ventilation holes or can be altered to create drainage and ventilation (such as a plastic container).

2) Decide on a location: Will the bin be placed inside or outside?  A compost bin needs biodegraders to break down the products placed inside into compost.  This could be earthworms, or bacteria, or fungus: depending on the climate and environment.

A Green Clean, Part III: Baking Soda

How To Use Baking Soda To Clean a Home

Last week, Grady's GreenLiving Tips discussed methods to clean the home with vinegar.  The week prior, the focus was on lemons.  This week, the third, and final, green tip in this series is about the cleaning power of baking soda.  Baking soda is a green product with no harsh chemicals that can effectively clean several areas of the home.  Several benefits of baking soda include:

1) Eradicate unpleasant odors: Baking soda is a great odor eliminator.  Place baking soda in the refrigerator to neutralize food odor.  Sprinkle on the rug or furniture and let sit for a few minutes, and then vacuum: unpleasant smells will be removed from those areas.  Use baking soda to wash out food containers to remove odor as well.

2) Remove food stains: Rub baking soda in ovens (unless it is a self-cleaning oven), grills, pots, and pans to removed baked on food debris.

3) Clean hairbrushes: A mixture of baking soda and water will help clean dirt and debris from combs and hairbrushes if the brushes are left in a cup or basin of the mixture for several minutes and then rinsed clean.

A Green Clean, Part II: Vinegar

The Natural Cleaning Power of Vinegar

Last week, Grady's GreenLiving Tips detailed the natural cleaning power of lemons and highlighted areas in the home that can be cleaned with lemons and lemon juice.  This week's blog will focus on the cleaning power of vinegar.  Vinegar is available at any grocery store and many home good stores.  Unlike lemons, vinegar can be saved and stored for repeated uses.  Read about several ways to clean with vinegar here:

1. Unclog drains: Vinegar is great at cleaning out blockages.  Mixed with a little baking soda and poured down the drain, the drain should clear faster than before.

2. Eliminate stains: Different types of vinegar are great at getting stains out of the carpet or clothing items.  Vinegar can remove coffee, grass, rust, even ink stains- and many more.  Several stain removing tips are provided in the article "How To Remove Laundry Stains With Vinegar" from The Balance at thebalance.com.

A Green Clean, Part I: All About Lemons

A Focus on The Natural Cleaning Power of Lemons

Embracing a green life entails finding creative ways to preserve the environment.  One way could be to utilize everyday household products for cleaning supplies in lieu of buying cleaning chemicals that can be dangerous for the air and surrounding environment.

In the next few weeks, Grady's GreenLiving Tips will explore the multiple ways that common household products can be used as cleaning supplies.  This week, the blog will focus on lemons.  Easy to buy at a local grocery store or farmer's market, lemons have multiple natural cleaning powers.  Explore a few of these methods here:

1. Remove stains: Lemon juice is a powerful, natural stain remover.  Squeeze lemon juice over stains and if necessary let sit overnight, before washing off with water.

Five Ways To Recycle a Pumpkin

October Themed GreenLiving Tips

Pumpkins are a staple of the autumn season, especially in the days leading up to and including Halloween.  But what are ways to utilize leftover pumpkins after this season?  In this blog, Grady Management explores five ways to use a leftover pumpkin:

1) Utilize pumpkins for food and baked goods: Leftover pumpkins can be cut up and made into pies, cakes, and/ or jams.  Pumpkin seeds can also be scooped out and baked as well.

Learn more pumpkin recipes on in the All Recipes article "19 Healthy Pumpkin Recipes".

2) Compost old and/ or leftover pumpkins: Pumpkins are primarily made of water and, because of this, are easily broken down into compost.

These Items Are Not Recyclable (But Are Often Thought To Be)

Beware of Simply Lumping all Paper, Aluminum, or Plastic Products Together

Paper and plastic.  Aluminum and tin.  Glass and cardboard.  All of these materials are, primarily, recyclable.  However, restrictions and limitations apply to some materials in the recycling bin that eventually could be rejected by recycling facilities.  Learn more about products that cannot be recycled below:

1) Plastic food wrappers: Any product that has leftover food particles attached can be rejected by recycling plants.  Food, leftover grease, and oil can interrupt the recycling process, so often those handling recycling are trained to treat those items as waste.

Autumn 2016: Three GreenLiving Tips

Start The Season Off Right- The Green Way!

Autumn begins in just two days on Thursday, September 22.  Need a refresher on how to live a green lifestyle in the fall?  Below are several simple greenliving tips for the home perfect for this season:

1) Bring in plants from outdoors: The summer is a great time to plant gardens and keep plants.  When the weather turns colder, however, remember to bring cold intolerant plants inside.  Not only will this save the plant, but the plant will help rid the air inside the home of toxins and bad chemicals.

2) Utilize leafs- leafs are not waste: Don't rake up or sweep away leafs to just toss them aside.  Leafs are perfect fertilizer for plants and flowers and also provide great lining for compost bins.  One thing you can't use leafs for, though, is for bonfires.  Burning leaves result in harmful toxins or allergens, such a pollen, releasing into the air.

Five Green Resources for Apartment Renters

Expert GreenLiving Advice

Knowing where to find greenliving and eco-friendly advice and information is often at the cornerstone of a green lifestyle.

Grady Management compiled several pertinent links to guides and online articles that highlight some practical and helpful green advice for apartment renters:

1) "Top 10 Tips for Renters" by Energy Star: this comprehensive guide covers ways to save energy, and money, during all seasons.

2) "5 Ways to Reduce Your Electric Bill" by ApartmentGuide Blog: this post specifically details methods and examples of how an apartment renter can decrease the monthly electric bill.

Second Anniversary of Grady's GreenLiving Tips

Green News and Tips Posted Weekly

On Friday, September 2, Grady's GreenLiving Tips blog celebrated an anniversary.  This blog was created two years ago as a platform to share greenliving information and help others learn about Grady Management's commitment to green initiatives.

Looking back throughout the past two years, here are the top five posts that are featured on the GreenLiving blog:

1. "Spring is in the Air: Green Resources"- This post was published on February 24, 2014 and details many resources you can use any time of the year that makes it very easy to "go green."  Remind yourself of the resources by reading the post again!  This is our most popular post with more than 100 total views.

2. "Green Tips For A Clean Car"- Published on March 10, 2014 this post describes natural, chemical free, car cleaners to give your vehicle a great shine!  Read it again here.

Recycling For The Whole Family: Three Ways To Engage

Recycling Is A Team Effort

People adopting a greenliving lifestyle need to change many, if not all, aspects of their life and their community.  For example, when choosing to be conscientious about recycling: it is important to recycle in all environments: in the home, in the workplace, on vacation, etc.

Making the change to live green comes more naturally and easily if a group or team is also making that shift.  Oftentimes, it is best to start small and start focusing one one aspect of a green lifestyle at a time.  Some ways to get the whole family involved with recycling, one of the easiest ways to "go green", includes:

1) Create family or household goals for recycling efforts: Perhaps it is filling up the recycling bin every week.  It could be sorting all plastic soda bottles or mixed paper products from the trash and putting those items in the recycling bin.  The best way to start recycling effectively is to start with manageable and track-able goals.

Adjusting The Thermostat Based on the Season: Three Tips

Saving Energy By Monitoring The Thermostat

In many homes, staying comfortable in any season or weather depends greatly on adjusting heat or air flow with the thermostat.  But is there a proper way to utilize the thermostat?  Below are three green ways to use the thermostat and reduce excess energy:

1) Adjust before leaving: Not adjusting the thermostat before leaving the house for a long period of time, for work, trips, or appointments, is one of the easiest ways to waste energy.  Adjust the thermostat to a few degrees higher or lower (depending on the season) when leaving the house or even turn the thermostat off completely.

2) Find a comfortable setting: Instead of cranking up the heat or air conditioning, try to find a setting that is personally comfortable.  For instance, a person may just turn on their air conditioning set at 70 degrees.  However, that same person may still feel comfortable and cool in a home that is 74 degrees.  Finding a comfortable temperature will reduce energy and strain on the thermostat.

The Green Way to Help Those In Need

Aiding Those Impacted by Disaster

Last week, the apartment community of Flower Branch Apartments in Silver Spring, Maryland experienced a disaster when a fire ravaged the apartments resulting in several dead and wounded and many others displaced from their homes.

The Grady Management team wanted to express our sympathies for the Flower Branch Apartments community while also highlighting how to help after a disaster situation:

1) Use caution if volunteering to help in disaster clean up situations.  Specialists are trained to handle disaster situations.  If volunteers are needed, remember to remain cognizant of debris and waste such as stray electrical wires and broken glass.  Often waste needs to be handled in a particular way to reduce personal and environmental harm.

The Importance of Supporting Local Food Banks

Grady Management Team Members and Residents Support Capital Area Food Bank

Food waste is a big problem in America, as revealed in the statistics presented in last week's blog post about refrigerator organization and storage.

What are other ways to prevent and combat food waste?

Donating food to local food banks is a great way to live a green life while also providing resources to those in need and combating hunger.

Several Grady Management communities are participating in AOBA's food drive to support the Capital Area Food Bank.  Residents and team members are encouraged to donate food items to the food bank.  Several of the most needed items include: canned fruits, vegetables, juices, and cereal.

Read more about the most needed food items for food banks on the Capital Area Food bank website.

Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

Five Steps To Organizing The Refrigerator

Prevent Food Waste By Following Simple Household Tips

According to CNN and the Natural Resources Defense Council, America annually wastes up to 40 percent of food resources annually.

How can this be?  Too often, people will throw away excess food or leave leftovers to spoil.  Knowing how to organize the refrigerator is one of the best tools to combat food waste:

1) Fridge door:The refrigerator door is the warmest section of the refrigerator.  Use the door to keep condiments, dressings, and butter: food items and products that do not need to be kept very cold.  This is not a good location to place eggs: they will spoil faster.

2) Bottom drawers: Refrigerators with bottom drawers serve as the ultimate place to store fruits and vegetables.  Fruits and vegetables keep best in a naturally humid environment, such as a closed off drawer.  For additional shelf life, wrap fruits and veggies in plastic wrap or a plastic covering.

Five Ways To Reuse Plastic Bags

Reuuse, Don't Throw Away

Grocery shopping?  Going on a lunch break?  Packing for a vacation?  Instead of simply throwing away plastic bags after a shopping trip, which can cause lasting and severely damaging effects on the environment, below are five ways to re-use them:

1. Small trash can liners: plastic bags are the perfect size to line small trash cans in bathrooms and guest rooms.
2. Pet waste bag or glove: when walking the dog or cleaning up a cat's litter box, it never hurts to be prepared.  Utilizing the plastic grocery bag as a pet waste glove is a perfect way to save resources.
3. Car trip trash: keep plastic bags in the glove compartment on longer car road trips in case anyone needs a place to dispose of trash or waste on the way.
4. Plant protector: Cover outdoor potted plants during the evening or storms with old grocery store bags.
5. Suitcase or box buffer: For those moving homes or storing items in closets or storage bins, always use plastic bags to act as a buffer for delicate items.

Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

Five Easy Ways to Tarnish Your GreenLiving Lifestyle

GreenLiving is Something to Continually Work at Accomplishing 

GreenLiving is a lifestyle choice that requires time and dedication to sustain.  Five common elements that can hinder a green lifestyle include:

1) Remember to always recycle: Recycling is one of the easiest ways to "go green" but choosing selectively recycle or to recycle only when convenient is not the best green choice.  Remeber to recycle not just at home, but at social gatherings, parties, vacations, and elsewhere.

2) Choose to pick up waste: Walking over trash, waste, or debris and not collecting it to throw away can cause everlasting damage on the local environment.  Try to pick up solid debris, such as old newspapers,and dispose properly when possible.

3) Turn off the tap: Water is a precious resource.  Letting the tap run when brushing teeth, washing dishes, or cleaning is not eco-friendly: even if just for a few minutes.  Keep water use low whenever possible.

Three Tips To Conserve Water in your Apartment and/ or Home

Water is a precious resource- and finding new or creative ways to conserve water in your household is the corner stone to living an eco-friendly life!  Learn three water conservation tips here:

1. Maintain You Dishwasher and Washing Machine

Don’t run your washing machine or dishwasher if it is only half-full.  Similarly, try to do less laundry by wearing your clothes more before washing. While this might be different than you are used to, there is no hygienic reason to wash clothes after only one wear.  This process also means less wear and tear on your clothes.

Five Steps To Create a Bottle Garden for the Summer

Green Crafts for this Season

Last year, Grady's GreenLiving tips shared information on how to create a bottle garden: an ecosystem in a bottle or series of bottles that is the perfect size for an apartment patio or balcony.  Read below for a reminder, step by step guide on how to create bottle garden this summer:

1. Select an appropriate container: This really depends on the size of the plant desired.  For small plants, like basil or a small flower, a two liter bottle should suffice.  Bigger plants in turn would require a bigger container, like an old laundry detergent bin.
2. Cut holes for drainage: Any flower pot has a hole cut on the bottom for drainage.  Do not forget to do this for your bottle garden or the plant will quickly deteriorate due to improper drainage.

In Focus: Bike Riding for Apartment Residents

Visit the Grady Management website to discover three benefits of bike riding, including a focus on green living, for apartment residents.  Click here to read the full article.

Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

Three Green Pet Adoption Tips

The Dos and Don'ts of Adopting a Four-Legged Family Member

Many aspects of your lifestyle can be eco-friendly.  For example, if you live in a pet-friendly apartment community (view the Grady Management website to view our pet friendly communities) you might want to bring a four-legged friend into your household.  Before purchasing a cat or dog from a pet store, consider adopting a pet!  In the same spirit of taking care of the environment and practicing eco-friendly lifestyle changes, consider these reasons for pet adoption:

1. Think of finding the perfect pet: not all animals are perfect for every lifestyle, but there may be a particular breed that works best for your home and routine. When recycling bottles and cans, reusable resources are then allowed to be made "new".  The animals in shelters can make the perfect companion, they just need another chance to prove that they are wonderful pets.
2. Realize the numbers: According to the Humane Society's official website, over two million pets in shelters are not adopted each year!  One of those pets are statistically likely to be the perfect match and adoption helps to save an animal's life.  If possible, consider an older animal- one that is less likely to be adopted.  Just be sure to check out apartment guidelines on weight or other restrictions before bringing the pet home!
3. Discover how easy it is to adopt: Adopting a pet can be easy by using the numerous online resources available to find local shelters and even browse the animals available for adoption.  One resource, The Shelter Pet Project, even has numerous social sites to connect you instantaneously to updates on animals!

If you want a pet, consider saving time and money by adopting the newest addition of the family!

A similar post, "Your Green Lifestyle: Adopting a Pet" was posted on this blog last year in July 2015.

Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more from our website or Facebook page.

Three Car Alternatives To Explore In Nice Weather

This Summer: Experience Other Ways To Get Around

In frequent past blog posts, the dangers of cars on the environment are touched upon when discussing greenliving.  Cars utilize gas, emit exhaust, and destroy the ozone layer and air.

When the weather is nice this summer, explore some other means of transportation including:

1) Public transportation:

Buses and trains are great ways to commute to work or head into a nearby city instead of using a car.  Similarly, utilizing a city Metro rail is a simple, convenient method of traveling long distances without wasting gas.  Several Grady managed communities are located very close to MARC trains or Metro stations, and many communities are located adjacent to bus stops, such as Dulles Center and Yorkshire Apartments.

A Clean Beach: Three Examples of the Cleanest Beaches in America

The Cleanest Beaches And How To Sustain These Resources

This summer, many families and individuals enjoy traveling to the beach for vacation.  Do you know some of the top-ranked beaches determined by their beauty and cleanliness?  Below, Grady Management highlights some of the cleanest identified beaches by the U.S. News and World Report and subsequently discuss tips and strategies to protect these beaches:

1) Maui: Located in the Pacific Ocean, Maui is an island of the Hawaiian Island Chain.  The island as a whole is known for beauty and idyllic scenery, with lush valleys and waterfalls.  The many beaches on Maui even feature, in some cases, different toned sand.

2) Outer Banks: The Outer Banks, located off the coast of North Carolina and a small portion of Virginia, separate the Atlantic Ocean from the mainland of North Carolina.  In addition to the beautiful beaches that line the islands and peninsulas, The Outer Bank has a vibrant history as well: for example, the Southern Outer Banks served as the final hideout of infamous pirate Edward Teach- better known by the identity of Blackbeard.

Beach Etiquette: Four Green Beach Tips

Remember This During Your Beach Vacation

Visiting the beach this summer?  The ocean is a precious resource and all natural resources deserve to be treated with respect.

Below are several green tips for beach etiquette to remember this summer season:

1) Pack light for beach excursions:

When going to the beach, some families or groups bring a huge meal, toys, games, and more.  Try to pack as light as possible when spending time at the beach so nothing is forgotten and subsequently left behind.  Food wrappers, napkins, and other small items can often be left behind and/ or blow away in the wind.

2) Collect garbage and deposit accordingly:

At the beach, food waste, recyclables, and general garbage are literally steps away from the ocean.  Collecting all waste to dispose of properly later is a huge help for the local ecosystem.

Three Dangers of Not Going Green

What Are The Challenges of Environmental Negligence?

Those who live a green life care about the environment and the effects of harmful chemicals and damaging practices on natural resources.

Past blog posts detail the positive outcomes of eco-friendly living.  This post will detail the opposite and highlight the areas of harm that directly stem from ignoring a green lifestyle.

1) Damage to Waterways, Lakes, and Other Bodies of Water

Harmful chemicals will eventually, due to rain, water pollution, or a direct dump of products or chemicals, enter water systems and negatively impact the water quality.  Not only does this effect the water, but the animals and plants in the water as well suffer health concerns and other dangers.

Paper or Plastic? Recycling Dos and Don'ts

Properly Organize Your Recycling Bin

For regular recycle-rs: the ability to organize the recycling bin is an important step in allowing resources the chance to get re-used.  Gathering and dumping recyclables into the recycling bin is inconvenient and can even result in negative consequences for the recycling process.  To recycle effectively

1) Newspapers are the first items you should load into your recycling bin.  If you have a stack of newspapers, put the entire contents on the bottom of the bin.  Not only will this help with organization, but it will weight down the bin and create a stable foundation for the rest of your recyclables.

2) Junk mail and light pamphlets should go in your recycling bin next, on top of the newspaper.  This loose paper should take up very little space in your bin.

Spring Cleaning 2016: Tips and Ideas

Clean in a Truly Green Way and Protect the Environment

Do you know the benefits of spring cleaning?  Taking time to go through a household and clean and organize is an extremely effective way to find clothes, decor, or other supplies that can be donated and re-purposed.  

However, not all cleaning supplies are good for the environment.  In fact, some cleaning products can infiltrate and severely damage grass, shrubbery, and waterways. 

In order to avoid harmful chemicals, it is possible to purchase green cleaners.  It is also easy and economical to create efficient cleaners from everyday supplies...

Some common supplies you can easily make effective cleaners from include:

• Distilled white vinegar (sold in the cooking section of most supermarkets),
• Baking soda,
• Olive oil,
• Microfiber cleaning cloths, and
• Newspaper

Enjoy Biking? Participate in Bike To Work Day! #BTWD

Bike To Work Day is a Great Holiday to Promote Green Living

The annual Bike to Work Day event will take place this year on Friday, May 20 across Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia.  For first time event riders, Bike to Work Day began in 2001 as a way to encourage commuters to ride their bicycle to work, when applicable, instead of simply driving in a car.  This event is organized by Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association.

The Benefits:

A main reason for Bike to Work Day stems from the environmental benefits of biking.  Cars, trucks, and motorized transportation create excess air pollutants that damage the ozone layer.  Biking creates no pollutants and is an effective and reliable form of transportation.

In addition to the green benefits, biking is cheaper than driving and also a healthier form of transportation.

What is the Safer Choice? Find a Green Alternative.

The EPA Provides Online Green Resources

When in doubt, oftentimes turning to reliable online resources is the most efficient way to answer questions or find solutions to problems.  When living a green lifestyle, it is important to realize what resources are available online that can answer any eco-friendly questions with just a click of a button.

The Environmental Protection Agency offers several online resources to allow those living a green lifestyle the ability to utilize the safest, eco-friendliest products offered.  Some of these resources include:

1) Safer Choices for You Community: This interactive map will detail green products to use in various common community sectors, such as in the home, school, and office.

2) Safer Chemical Ingredients List: This complete and comprehensive list offers a breakdown of safer chemical ingredients.

3) Safer Choices Label: The EPA Safer Choices Label identifies products that are the "greener", safer choice not only for the environment, but for overall health benefits as well.  Learn more about this label [pictured above] on the EPA website.

Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more about Grady Management on our website or Facebook page.

Earth Day 2016: History of a Green Movement

1970- 2016: Past and Present

If you live a green life, or want to start, a great day to celebrate is Earth Day!  Held annually on April 22, Earth Day is a holiday to celebrate and promote environmental advocacy.

What is the history of Earth Day?

The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970.  Roughly 20 million people attended various Earth Day celebrations around the United States.  The largest Earth Day celebrations occurred in New York City and Philadelphia.

Earth Day is often credited with starting the modern environmental movement.  Many groundbreaking environmentally-conscious laws followed the first Earth Day, including the Clean Air Act that was signed by president Richard Nixon on December 31, 1970.

Everything You Can Recycle

Recycling: Donating and Re-purposing

Last week's blog post detailed how Grady Management recycled computers to the local organization RecycleMyComputer.  Recycling is not just about placing plastic, paper, and glass in a green bin once a week. Many household products can be "recycled" and re-purposed, including:

1) Tech equipment: Similar to RecycleMyComputer, many organizations will accept donations of computers, printers, mice, and other technical equipment.  These donations will be cleaned and refurbished, and then given to people or families in need.  Companies that make the computers, such as Dell or Apple, will often take back your computers as well if the equipment is simply old and in need to be disposed of properly.

Grady Management, Inc. Recycled Computers for Local Organization

Gently Used Computers Were Donated to RecycleMyComputer

Do you ever wonder how you can make the most out of gently used computers, monitors, and other technical equipment?  Many organizations will accept donations of  computers, cell phones, and other devices still in working condition to "recycle" and give back to others.

Grady Management recently recycled computers from the corporate office to the organization RecycleMyComputer, learn more by visiting our website.

Grady Management was founded in 1965 and continues to provide a full service residential, commercial, and consulting real estate firm in the greater Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area.  Learn more about Grady Management on our website or Facebook page.

Live Green, Decorate Green: Apartment Decor Tips

Create a Mini Garden for an Apartment

It is officially springtime- spring cleaning is a must!  Clear out old clothes, furniture, and supplies and donate resources no longer needed.

Once spring cleaning is completed, a nice spring project for the whole family would be to build and maintain a garden either inside or apartment or outside on the balcony or patio area.  Not all gardens need to be the same size, they can fit a variety of needs and lifestyles.

Some examples of ideal garden styles for an apartment include:

1) Inside- Interior Design: Use flowers and plants to spruce up apartment interiors.  Some plants, like the spider plant or bamboo plant, do well in interiors with little to no direct sunlight.  Bare tables, bookshelves, or under windows are great locations to place plants to spruce an apartment.  For added flair, plant herbs like basil in pots arranged in your kitchen.

Green Facts : Not All GreenLiving Practices Help The Environment

Not All Green Tips are Helpful for Your New Lifestyle

Embarking in a green lifestyle is a total shift in practices and habits.  In order to live a truly green life, using guides, such as this blog, are good resources for understanding the full components of eco-friendly living.  However, not all resources explain the many facets of a green lifestyle.

In fact, many products people think help the environment actually are not that much better than the standard version:

Learn more below as Grady debunks some green myths:

1) "Go vegetarian- it helps the environment!": This is a common myth that floats around the GreenLiving community.  While changing to a vegetarian diet certainly helps animals- a major component of a green focus- it does not account for dairy which is a major cause of chemical emissions during the processing of dairy products.  To truly help the environment this way, one would need to go totally vegan.

2) "Turn off that light, you are wasting energy!":  Many people, from mothers to roommates, are guilty of saying this command.  While turning off lights and appliances might reduce the energy bill, it does practically nothing for energy expenditure or emissions.  To live in a green household, it is necessary to un-plug all appliances in order to reduce energy emissions.  Appliances still use energy even when not plugged in to the outlet.

Grady Management Communities Practice GreenLiving Initiatives

In Focus: East of Market Apartments in Frederick Maryland

Learn About Frederick City's First LEED Certified Community

As a real estate management company, Grady Management actively cares about GreenLiving and promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle for our valued customers: clients and residents.  Alongside this weekly blog, Grady Management tries to promote an eco-friendly lifestyle in a variety of ways, such as allowing Grady's Green Initiatives and Green Tips to be accessible to current or perspective residents on the official Grady Management Inc. website.  Further, several Grady managed communities, such as 3350 at Alterra in Hyattsville, Maryland, hosts a community recycling program for residents.

One Grady managed community, East of Market Apartments in Frederick, Maryland, that opened in 2015 received recognition throughout the last year for green initiatives.  For example:

1) LEED Gold Rating: In December 2015, East of Market was honored with a "Gold Rating" after the apartment buildings were tested in categories such as water efficiency, energy expenditure, and more. The Gold rating is one of the higest standars of LEED certification that can be achieved.  Learn more about this rating system and the developers of LEED, the United States Green Building Council by clicking here.

Daylight Savings: A Green Perspective

Three Eco-Friendly Ways to "Spring Ahead" This Year

Don't forget: Daylight Savings Time begins at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 13 and lasts until November!  Set all clocks ahead to "spring forward" for the springtime and summer seasons!

Benjamin Franklin originally suggested Daylight Savings as a way to gain an additional hour of sunlight primarily for farmers to make the most of the day.  In 2016, try to use the extra hour to practice green living initiatives in your every day life.  Some examples include:

1) Set Thermostats Accordingly: Now that it is springtime, remember to adjust the household thermostat.  Even though it might be chilly in the mornings or a little warm in the afternoons, don't turn on the heat or blast the air  for just an hour or two.  Try to turn off the thermostat and open up windows for some natural ventilation.

Looking Foward To: Farmers' Markets

The Benefits of Farmers' Markets

On the first day of March, it is tempting to think ahead to the spring season.  With the flowers blooming, sun shining, and weather warming- it is easy to romanticize spring and look forward to all the season offers.  This spring, try to schedule some time to visit local Farmers' Markets.  not only are Farmers' Markets a great way to spend time outside, other benefits include:

1) Local Focus: Buying from or even visiting a Farmers' Market supports local business and industry, instead of chain stores and restaurants.  The vendors sell their own goods and services and often boast quality assurance.

2) Preparation and Health: Visiting Farmers' Markets allows patrons to directly ask what goes into locally grown produce, baked goods, or other products.  This allows the customer to ensure the food is grown and prepared in a fresh, clean environment, away from harmful chemicals.

2016 Green Resources to Remember

Everyday Green Living Resources

The most popular post last year was Grady Management's list of green living resources that are user-friendly and perfect for every member of the family.

1) Want to recycle or visit a recycling center?  Find local recycling centers here.

2) Spring is on its way!  Do you want to bike to work instead of drive?  You can track your bike miles on plenty of online resources, including mapmyride.

3) Like farmers markets?  Find the one closest to you here!

Random Acts of Kindness Week: Environmental Focus

Direct Some Kindness to the Environment This Week 

February 14-20 is Random Acts of Kindness Week.  This week is centered on looking beyond oneself and genuinely helping out other people and performing actions in an altruistic manner.  Along with assisting a neighbor or donating to a charity, consider several other green ways to show kindness during this week:

1) Throw away a piece of discarded litter when stopping to discard trash.

2) Plant a tree or a garden.

3) Volunteer to sort the recyclables for roommates or neighbors.

Valentine's Day 2016: Green Tips and Tricks

Eco-Friendly Holiday Ideas

Valentine's Day is typically a time to spend times with a spouse or significant other, exchange gifts, and profess declarations of love.  This year, share affection with the planet and try to organize some plans that promote green living ideals.

Valentine's Day Date Ideas:

1) Take a hike or walk: If the weather is nice, it might be the perfect day to take a stroll through a state park or mountain trail and appreciate all of the natural beauty.

2) Visit a museum or art gallery: Take a bus or Metro over to the nearest museum to spend an afternoon looking at works of art.  Besides for saving gas, the visit will be a truly memorable experience.

Heat Pumps: Report and Review

Geothermal Heat Pumps

A Guide To Understanding Heat Pumps and Utilizing Heat Pumps More Effectively

Last year, a GreenLiving blog post detailed important facts about heat pumps that apartment renters and homeowners alike should know to be better able to understand the heat pump and how the device impacts a home.

Essentially, heat pumps are energy efficient devices that pump air from one location to another.  Read below to find out more about how heat pumps work:

What Are Heat Pumps?

A heat pump is a device that provides heat energy to a specific and desired location.  This procedure is referred to as "heat sink".  In the process, heat pumps absorb heat, or the thermal energy, from a cold location and release that energy to warm space.

Air conditioners and freezers are common examples of heat pumps.  A common heat pump is an "air source heat pump" which shifts air from inside to the outside.  Thus, heat pumps are effective in moving hot air in the home (during winter months) and outside the home (during summer months).

Winter Storm? Snow and Ice Removal Tips

Green Ways To Efficiently Clean After a Blizzard

Winter storm Jonas just hit the DC Metro area this past weekend.  For those that live in an apartment building or community, the entire apartment team works hard to clear off sidewalks and pathways for resident safety.  However, those that live in apartment communities still might need to clear of their cars if they park in open lots.

Below are a few tips for green, easy snow removal:

1) Skip the rock salt: Nothing is worse for the environment than rock salt which seeps into the roads and soil, damaging plans and ecosystems.  Instead, try natural ice melting products such as alfalfa meal and coffee grinds.