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I just changed the desktop photo on my computer to this one of the courtyard at the Copley Square Boston Public Library.
With freezing rain and sleet outside, I'd rather look at a warm day in a beautiful place.
If you've resolved to improve your green credentials in 2009, think about precycling.
Wikipedia defines precycling as:
"... the practice of reducing waste by attempting to avoid bringing into the home or business items which will generate waste."
This topic came about in a conversation with Tammy over at Boston Food and Whine. (link below) She came up with some ideas and set me to thinking about more ways to reduce the packaging that comes into our home.
You
might have begun this process if you decided to use fewer bottles of
water and began using a filter and refillable water bottle. Carrying
your own coffee mug puts you another step along the way.
Shopping the bulk section of the supermarket, buying the largest package you can use and choosing items that come without packaging are more steps. (Mason jars are great for storing staples like rice once you have them home.)
Shop farmers' markets and you achieve multi-level pre-cycling. Most market vendors reuse the packaging in which they bring their goods to the market. And, since shipping is minimal and always in caring hands, there is need for less bulk to protect the products. Market shoppers tend to tuck purchases into their own reusable bags for the trip home.
When you choose products you can opt for local companies. If
it's someone like Taza Chocolate from Somerville you get a few bonuses.
They earn environmental points by delivering their products by bike.
They also pay attention to the packaging they use and make sure it is
simple and fully recyclable.
Buying preowned goods is yet another way to eliminate, not only the packaging, but also the environmental damage that would be done by disposing of the item you will now own and by manufacturing, packaging, and shipping the new item you might have purchased instead.
Tammy was already doing a good job with her recycling
efforts. Now she's off to take on the next level in waste minimization.
Details:
Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waste_minimisation
Boston Food and Whine
http://bostonfoodandwhine.blogspot.com/2009/01/happy-new-year-we-just-got-back-from.html
Taza Chocolate
http://www.tazachocolate.com/index.php
Those shopping for Boston real estate can gain some important insight by walking around their target neighborhood after a snow storm.
The care (or lack of it) that a building takes in clearing their sidewalks is an indication of how a property is maintained.
If living in a well managed building is important to you, jot down the addresses of buildings with icy sidewalks. You can then decide if you want to avoid them or do some serious investigation before you rent or buy there.
These places may have lower condo fees, purchase prices, or rents; but they may also have deferred maintenance that will lead to hefty special assessments or rent increases when emergencies occur. You might also find yourself living with daily problems like icy stairs and walks.
As we approach the Spring real estate market, we'll add more tips to help those looking for a home in the city.
You'll find all of these in our new Real Estate Category.
If you're thinking about moving to the city or buying a condo, we recommend that you do your homework first. Here's a highly rated book on the topic. This small investment could save you money and heartache.
