Tag: Madison

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Going Green: The Madison Homeowner’s Guide (Part 2 of 2)

In the last post we discussed some tips on how to be a greener Madison homeowner. A good resource to help you out with the greening of your home is www.energystar.gov. Energy Star is a government-backed joint effort between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy that helps Americans save money and protect the environment by practicing energy efficiency. The results have been impressive: In 2007 alone, with the help of Energy Star, Americans saved enough energy to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equal to those from 27 million cars. At the same time, we were able to save a collective $16 billion on our utility bills!

…Remember: being environmentally conscious doesn’t mean that you have to turn your lifestyle around. You don’t have to sacrifice features, style, or comfort. Making a few small changes can make a huge difference to the environment. As a homeowner, do your part to keep up Madison’s reputation as a green destination!

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Going Green: The Madison Homeowner’s Guide (Part1 of 2)

With all the alarming publicity regarding the climate crisis and global warming, we should all be proud to live in and around the “green” city of Madison. Over the years, Madison has gained a reputation as a green destination, much of which is due to its population’s dedication to the maintenance and protection of the green space throughout the area. Within the City of Madison alone, you can find over 6,000 acres of parkland in almost 300 different parks! The 150+ miles of bike trails also add to the “greenness” of the city, as you can find easy ways to travel without leaving a carbon footprint.

However, are you personally doing enough for the environment? Here are some tips on how to be a greener homeowner:

  1. Madison offered the nation’s first curbside recycling program in 1968. USE IT! Recycle paper, cardboard, metal, plastic, glass, and more.
  2. Consider using solar energy. Madison is one of 13 U.S. cities that will share $2.5 million in new federal money to advance solar power projects. The city’s goal is to double solar use by 2009… and you can help!
  3. Replace your old, energy-guzzling incandescent light bulbs with new, energy-saving fluorescent light bulbs. This will even help to decrease your electric bill!
  4. Reduce your energy intake! Turn off lights when you’re not in the room, unplug appliances after use, bundle up instead of turning up the heat in the winter, and dress for the summer warmth as opposed to using wasteful air conditioning.
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Madison Homeowners, Staying Local On The Fourth Of July

Summer is the time of year that so many people in Madison plan their annual vacations.  They pack up the car and drive to those sought after destinations that seems to be offering the most fun or relaxation.  As you probably know, the fourth of July is usually one of the biggest vacation weekends and weeks of the year. 

Things are going to be different for many Madison homeowners and residents this year as they take a closer look at their gas expenditures and look for some fun and relaxtion a little closer to Madison.  Luckily, we live in a fantastic city, that really knows how to throw an AMAZING fourth of July celebration!  So feel good about staying home, saving money on gas, being green and having a WONDERFUL time right here in your hometown.  

Take a quick look at some of the upcoming events happening this week and weekend right here in the Madison area.

July 2nd – Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra kicks off its summer concert series on the square with some great music followed up by fireworks.

July 3rd –  Live Reggae at the Edgewater with no cover.  The band Gibraltar Rockets will play from 5 to 7 PM.

July 3rd and 4th – Deforest 4th of July Celebration with beer tents, the Freedom Run, live music and fireworks.

July 3rd and 4th – Monona Community 4th of July Festival with an Art Fair, Carnival, Food and Beer Tent, Hole in One Contest, Live Music, Crafts, The “Wife Carry Race” (HOW CAN YOU MISS THAT!!) and fireworks.

July 4th – Elver Park Fireworks in Madison, they start around 9:30 PM.

July 6th – Visit the Theatre in the Woodsto see Ah, Wildnerness.  it will be the 4th of July in 1906 in a small Connecticut town right here in Wisconsin! 

Also, for a more detailed listing of other area fireworks visit nbc15 for the 2008 schedule

Happy Fourth of July!!

 

 

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Madison Homeowners, Tips To Combat The Rising Fuel Prices

Summer is here and it is hot!  I can hear the screams of joy by some and the sighs of disgust by others.  For many this is the time of year that their electricity bills soar as they run their air conditioner units almost 24/7 in an attempt to keep their Madison homes cool.  Unfortunately, as the fuel prices rise so does the electricity costs, making it even more costly to stay cool.   Between the oil, gas and electricity expense, many Madison homeowners are feeling a bit pinched financially.  I therefore wanted to share some ways to keep your home cooler while saving some money and minimizing your impact on the earth’s atmosphere. (Yeah a chance to be green!)

Some passive cooling techniques for your Madison home:

1. Try to prevent the heat from entering your home.  On very sunny days, keep the blinds closed.  You can also plant bushes and trees in strategic places so they provide extra shade for your home and direct breezes towards your Madison home and windows.

2. Look into some heat reflective film for your windows where the sun shines the strongest.  This will help keep the temperature down in a big way.

3. Keep in mind that the accent pieces on your home should be lighter in color so they will reflect the sun rays.  Examples of this are shutters and roof shingles for the next time they need to be replaced.

4. Utilize fans to circulate incoming breezes.  This is much less expensive than running an AC.  (Also when done in conjunction with an AC for those days that an AC is a must for you, it can minimize the amount of time it has to run.

5. If the heat is really getting you down, just remember you own a home in Madison.  Chances are it will be snowing again before you know it!

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Summer and The Games Starting in Madison

In less than 24 hours, Summer will officially begin.  The Wisconsin Sports Development Center didn’t bother waiting for the “official” start of the season though.  The Summer Badge State Games will begin today.  These wonderful games have become a favorite Wisconsin tradition for many.  I love telling new buyers moving to the area about them!   

 

The games began in 1985 right here in Madison.  They started as, and continue to be, a great community event for the whole state providing athletes of all ages and the abilities to participate in an Olympics style competition.  In order to participate you must be a resident of Wisconsin.  Currently 35 counties participate and host events. 

 

Some highlights that will be held in Madison 

  1. Rowing on Lake Wingra at Vilas Park in Madison. 
  2. Tennis at the Cherokee Country Club in Madison.
  3. Bowling at Bowl-A-Vard Lanes, Madison.
  4. Dodgeball at Pooley’s in Madison.
  5. Closing Ceremony is going to be held at the Rhythm & Booms – Madison (Fireworks Display).