As Reno's only real estate agency where 100% of the agents are Ecobroker certified, NAR Green designees, or both, Humphrey Home Connections is on a mission to inspire our friends and neighbors to help make Reno a "greener" place. Going green isn't just about "tree-hugging" or being an aging hippie. It is more a lifestyle and philosophy of living in harmony with our surroundings. As physicians promise to "above all, do no harm", so should we humans attempt to make choices that limit the harm we inflict on our planet and fellow man. The best news is that often these choices result in cost savings, superior quality, and numerous other benefits. In this section and in our green blog, we hope to bring these choices and benefits to your attention. Even small changes added together over many years and many adherents can make a huge difference for our children, grandchildren, and future generations to enjoy.  

Northern Nevada, with our generally sunny skies, is ideally suited to the use of solar-generated energy. Traditionally, solar power has been most often associated with living off the grid or providing power in remote areas inaccessible to usual power delivery methods, for example to light street signs. Because of the expense, it is only gradually making its way into more typical on-the-grid residences.

Using solar power to provide your home's energy needs requires several components: a series of photovoltaic (PV) panels, an inverter to convert PV-generated DC power to AC for use in your home, and if you are connected to the grid, a safety cut-off switch installed by NV Energy to protect their employees in case of a power outage. If the power goes out during the day, your system will likely continue to produce energy and, in the absence of a cut-off switch, to feed it back into the grid where it puts linemen making repairs at risk. All this technology is not inexpensive, but the good news is that various rebate programs from the state and federal government can help defray the cost. Several companies offer solar installation locally; see the links in the right-hand column.

Even without going totally solar, smaller solar energy powered devices are becoming more and more common and many are quite cost-effective. For instance, solar-powered landscape lights, solar-powered fountains and water features, and solar-powered Christmas decorations are all instances of devices that will easily have their energy needs met by a small, unobtrusive PV panel. An added benefit is the absence of an unsightly power cord.

This popular Reno store has recently moved to 1095 South Virginia St. at Vassar, next to India Kabob and Curry. They carry an eclectic mix of products, from nontoxic and biodegradable soaps and cleaning products to composting containers. Holiday shopping? Try their collection of gifts made from sustainable and/or recycled materials, or browse their collection of books on living the green life.

Here are some great energy-saving tips as we move into shorter, cooler fall days. None of these are expensive and all can be quickly and easily implemented.

We are fortunate to have a recently-established branch of Slow Food^®  here in Reno. It was created by a group of people who are passionate about food, especially fresh, locally-grown or -raised food that tastes the way food is supposed to taste. Their stated mission is to promote "wholesome, clean and flavorful food" and support "agricultural biodiversity, sustainable practices, and humane animal treatment". They support and promote our local farmers and the Northern Nevada Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) project. Plus they have some truly memorable potlucks!

EcoReno: www.goecoreno.com.

Slow Food^® Reno: www.slowfoodreno.com.

Solar Contractors:

Hamilton Solar: www.hamiltonsolarnevada.com.

Independent Power Corporation: www.ipc-solar.com.

Interstate Plumbing & Air Conditioning: www.interstatenv.com/clean-energy.

Life With Solar: www.lifewithsolar.com.