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Going green is becoming much more than just a trendy alternative, in some places it's the law.
In California, it's now a requirement that all flat rooftops on new buildings be painted white to deflect the sun and save on energy costs.
Last year, we told you about a local man who made that move all on his own, and this year he's now taken it a step further.
For several months Jack Marino spent most his time in an RV, planning how to make more than 90 acres of green pastures and trees even more green.
'I'm building a new house, might as well take advantage of all the new technology,' Gause Resident Jack Marino said.
So Jack began compiling a to do list for his new home.
'Put in fluorescent lighting, I put in foam insulations, solar hot water heater, solar lights,' Marino said.
A very lengthy list of all green additions.
'I got a solar light on my barn, and of course these panels behind us I put in,' Marino said turning to look at several vertical solar panels. 'With our utilities doubling every five to seven years it won't take long to get that payback, so one of these days when I do retire I don't want to have an electric bill.'
Marino has invested thousands of dollars not only on solar panels, but also everything from yard lights, game cameras, and even a hot water heater, all powered by the sun.
'We've been getting our water, I guess you could say it's free, we had to buy the system,' Marino said. 'This will take care of about 2.5 bathrooms.'
So far it seems to be working for Marino.
'110 degrees, we're holding at a 112 right now. Oh yeah that's pretty hot,' Marino said.
Since moving into his green home from the RV he stayed in while his was building, his bills have gone from $157.00 to as low as $94.00. Those prices include powering his barn.
The lower price was even without the help of his solar panels, which he just put in.
Last billing cycle, Jack relied solely on a secret up in his attic, foam insulation.
'You're going to get the payback by having a small utility bill,' Marino said.
To make sure he's getting the most bang for his buck, Jack keeps a daily log of what energy is coming in and what's going out.
'Number one I can use it and two I can sell what I don't need. I can sell it back to the utility company,' Marino said.
Jack believes by the end of the year his green house, could be saving him a lot of green by taking his utility bills down to zero.
'We've done the calculations so I feel like it's going to happen,' Marino said.
Jack Marino still has plans to add more solar panels which he thinks is what will help him get that utility bill down to zero.
This type of green project, is not an undertaking for everyone, but Jack Marino says some more affordable options to start off with are CFL light bulbs, utilizing ceiling fans to circulate air, and going with a lighter roof the next time you need a repair.
The government is also now offering incentives for consumers making their homes more energy efficient. In some cases you can even receive up to 30 percent tax credit.
For more information, and going green tips click on the links below:
Related Links
* Going Green Business Tips
* Going Green Home Tips
* Additional Going Green Ideas
* Going Green Tax Breaks"
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