Black Bear Spotted In Naples!!

Have a look at these great photos of a black bear that was spotted this week by a realtor and his client at Livingston and Vanderbilt.
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2009/jun/09/photos-black-bear-watches-traffic-pass-vanderbilt-/

The Living Zone: Sustainable Design

New To You:

Using preowned furniture in your home capitalizes on energy that has already been used.

Clean Green:

This one is simple, use nontxic cleaning materials and use them.
www.seventhgeneration.com
www.healthycleaning.com
www.treehuggingfamily.com

Off is the New On:

Unplug your small appliances, ie: phone chargers, i-pods when you are not home. Plug all of your electronic gear into power strips and you can turn them all off at once.

Check out this great post at www.naplesrealestate.blogspot.com on preserving Naples Bay.

Challenge Yourself By Going Green

Going green can be both more efficient and fun. Some of the steps we can take in our home are small and easily implemented, others are much greater. If you really want to make a difference environmentally, the challenge is to develop a personal strategy that balances our desire to live sustainably with the desire to live comfortably.

Look at your whole house and develop strategies to improve the performance of your home as a whole.

One of the first things that you can do is get an energy audit. A properly executed audit will identify your energy-loss flaws. The culprits of energy loss tend to be duct leakage, lack of insulation and outdoor air infiltration. Having an efficient and properly functioning, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system is often the most effective way to reduce your resource consumption.

Energy Efficient Home On Market in Naples, FL

Energy Efficient Features Of This Home Include:

Drip irrigation

Icyenene Isulation and Standing Seam Roof

CGI & Windoor Windows and Doors

Energy Star Miele Appliances throughout

For more information about this stunning home, please contact Meagan at 239-398-0186 or by email at mharris@naplesrealestate.com

Energy Saving Tips From The U.S. Department of Energy

We've had a few cold snaps here in Naples, Florida this winter, but nothing like up north. In many parts of the country, temperatures are COLD and heating bills are rising, but there are things you can do to keep warm AND lower your heating costs. 

Take advantage of heat from the sun. During the day, open curtains on windows with southern exposure to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home.

Cover drafty windows. Use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frames. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly.

Adjust the temperature. When you're home and awake, set your thermostat as low as is comfortable; when you're asleep or out of the house, turn your thermostat back 10 - 15 degrees for eight hours.

Lower water heating costs. Water heating can account for 14% to 25% of the energy consumed in your home. Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120 degrees F). 

Source: www.energysavers.gov

Emergency Econmic Stabilization Act of 2008

As of January 1, 2009 the federal law will expand and extend valuable tax credits to homeowners who make certain energy-efficient upgrades to their home. Benefits include lower energy bills, increased indoor comfort and reduced air pollution.

Energy efficient products eligible for the federal tax credits actually lower the amount of federal income taxes that you must pay.

*Please consult a tax advisor to ensure proper tax credits*

A Few Examples:

New Central Air or Heat Pump will give you a tax savings of $300 if Energy Star rated, but only some products qualify so be sure to check before making the big purchase.

New Windows will give you a tax savings of up to $200 if they are Energy Star rated.

A maximum tax credit of $500 can be given for home improvements.

In some parts of the country, consumers will also be eligible for utility or state rebates or state tax incentives for the same homes, vehicles and equipment.

The Naples Zoo Celebrates 40 Years

http://www.napleszoo.org/zoobilee/index.html

On Friday, February 20, 2009, join the Naples Zoo as it celebrates 40 years as a zoo. It's also their 55th anniversary open to the public and 90th as a botanical garden!

Discover a delightful evening with delicious food and beverages, live entertainment, dancing in the starlight beneath the canopy of historic trees, a live auction, and wildlife experiences that could only be offered at Naples Zoo. 

Plus, enjoy meeting Jim Fowler, international animal expert from Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. Funds raised from this event support the ongoing programs and exhibits in Naples Zoo! 

ZOObilee 2008 was a sell out event. 2009 promises to do so again as tickets are once again reasonably priced at $150. To enjoy the Patron Event the night before with Jim Fowler, tickets are just $250 and include a ZOObilee ticket as well.

Your Evening Itinerary

Amid the sounds of live entertainment, enter the historic garden. Wander the path past the National Wildlife Federation certified Backyard Wildlife Habitat on your way to Rainforest Grove where music and beverages await. 

Meet the professional keepers and their wild friends along the way. Between Malayan tigers and African lions, view a wild selection of silent auction items while enjoying festive beverages.

Best of all, Shula's Steak House is back for an encore performance of last year's much raved about cuisine. Delight in a delicious dinner-by-the-bite while meeting Executive Director David Tetzlaff and some of his wild friends near RainForest Grove.

Following his presentation, Jim Fowler will receive the inaugurual Lawrence and Nancy Jane Tetzlaff Distinguished Conservation Award. Immediately following, Naples Mayor Bill Barnett will host a lively auction.

Afterwards enjoy dessert and drinks and dancing under the starlight until 11 p.m. Get your tickets online today!