5 easy tips to live greener!

There's a big buzz around "living green" right now. And hundreds of ways to do it! Here's a few easy steps you can take to start living to be more environmentally friendly!

1. Use less hot hair
Your clothes dryer uses a lot of energy to get your clothing dry. But now that summer's here, consider putting your clothes outside to dry. Not only will it save electricity or gas, but your clothes will smell wonderful and will last longer! If you do need to use your dryer, throw in some dryer balls, which will fluff clothing and can cut drying time by 25%!

2. Use EnergyStar appliances
As you build your new home, shop around for appliances that comply with EnergyStar efficiency standards. These can save you about 30% in energy costs per year (compared to a normal appliance.) You can find more information at http://www.energystar.gov/.

3. Don't idle
If your car is stopped for longer than 15 seconds, turn it off. Letting it idle will use more gas and emit toxic fumes. Not idling could have a significant impact on greenhouse gases - just ask Burlington, VT's mayor Bob Kiss. They've had a law against idling on the books since 1990. So just turn your car off when you're stopped and you'll save money and the planet.

4. Use eco-friendly cleaners
Next time you start to pull out the industrial strength window cleaner, ask yourself if you have anything in the house that's eco-friendly to clean with. Chances are you do. Warm water coupled with a microfiber towel or scrubber will clean up most messes. Add a little white vinegar or baking soda and you've got an environmentally friendly solution that's tough on messes. For more homemade cleaning ideas, visit http://organizedhome.com/pantry-recipes-homemade-cleaning-products

5. Check over your vehicle before heading out on your summer vacation
Millions of people will hit the road this summer and if you're one of them there's a few things you can do to get the most out of your road trip.

• First, check your tire pressure. Tires with low air pressure will mean you get a lower mpg. Fill up those tires and watch your mpg rise!



• You can also pack lighter. Vehicles that are loaded down with luggage and weight will be less efficient than the same vehicles that are carrying less cargo.



• Tune up your car before you leave. Replacing your vehicles air filter, changing the oil and regular maintenance will help cut down on emissions.



• Visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/maintain.shtml for more tips for keeping your vehicle in shape

Remember, living green isn't about taking a huge leap. It's about all the little things that we can do every day to make our lives more environmentally friendly!

Tell us your story...

Your dream home is finished! It's gorgeous, and the landscaping is finally completed! Now you want to show it off!

We're looking for Beaver Mountain homes to photograph, include in our Naturally Home newsletter, on our website and even to feature in one of the top national log home magazines! To submit your home, e-mail us:

• Interior and exterior photos


• Your name


• Phone number we can reach you at


• When the home was completed


• Where your home is located


• A short explanation of your dream home journey, how you found Beaver Mountain and why you chose us

Send your e-mails to kcprochazka@beavermtn.com. We can't wait to see your pictures and hear your story!

So You've Decided to Build Your Dream Home

You may have been getting those glossy log home magazines for years and glanced at the advertisements from the various log home manufactures. But the question is, “How do you research all those companies and where do you start?!” This is a big question, as there are over 400 log home companies in North America and there just isn’t a “Log Home Consumer Reports” to help you with sorting them all out.

The recommendation that I like to give is to start with those companies who are members of the “Log Home Council.” To qualify for and maintain membership status, a log home manufacturer must:

• Conduct or participate in a certified log grading program. This insures that customers will get only graded logs when purchasing from a council member. The Log Homes Council recognizes three third-party certified log grading programs: One administered by the Council, Timber Products Inspection and VTT.
• Subscribe to a rigid Code of Ethics developed to ensure well- constructed, code-complying structures and fair business dealings.
• Agree to provide interested persons with truthful and accurate information and educational materials about log home building systems.
• Follow the recommendations provided in the "Log Homes Council construction manual guideline" designed to address issues unique to log home construction as they relate to their individual system.
• Participate in and sponsor research, training and marketing programs committed to raising log home industry standards.
• Make a continuing commitment to professionalism and customer service. Be an active member of their local NAHB chapter.

Remember, companies that do not belong to the Log Home Council do not necessarily follow these standards. When you keep your research list narrowed to only council members you have the reassurance that those companies are committed to the above. For your first research assignment, visit the Log Home Council’s website at http://www.loghomes.org/.

-Frank Myka, Beaver Mountain Sales Consultant