Greening your home can be tough, especially if it was built years, decades or even centuries ago. Older homes weren’t built with environmental sustainability in mind even if they will stand the test of time. Greening a home that wasn’t built green can be challenging but it’s an achievable goal that doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Here are 5 fabulous ways you can do to green your home right away.

1. Energy – The biggest impact a house has on the environment is usually its energy consumption. Most folks like to be able to see and stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer in their homes. That’s certainly understandable but how can those seemingly routine decisions about energy, heating and cooling impact the environment? There are many energy choices to make when heating, cooling and powering your home. The first best practice is conservation. That will help the planet and your wallet.

2. Cleaning/Painting/Repairing – Many people spend most of their weekends fixing up their homes. Improvements, additions, painting and repairing are all on the typical homeowners’ to-do list. But, how can these things help your home go green? Whether it’s materials or finishes, green choices abound. In order to cut through the confusion, look for products made as close to home as possible and consider non-toxic options. They will, generally speaking, cost you a little bit more, but it’s an investment with a great return.

3. Rainwater/Irrigation/Landscaping – Lots of rain falls on properties in the northeastern United States. But, instead of that rainwater being a drainage challenge to homeowners, what if you could turn all that rain into a resource you use that saves you money? Using rainwater for landscaping and irrigation is a smart move that will lessen your bills and your water consumption. Also, how water moves around and off your property will have a big impact on drainage issues and erosion.

4. Buying/Recycling/Composting – Many of us have been recycling for years. Those efforts have made a big difference in the waste-stream and have led to unprecedented levels of recycling. But, we should be mindful of recyciling twin sisters, reducing and reusing. Before we even have to recycle something, perhaps we should consider if it’s something we need to purchase at all. Assuming that is, is it possible to purchase a green version that has been manufactured from recycled materials. If not, is the material sustainable using renewable materials and non-toxic finishes and stains?

5. Water - Using water wisely means focusing on what comes out of your fixtures and what comes out of the sky. Conserving water is a smart move that will save money and have a positive impact on the environment. Reusing rain water is taking an extra step that will save money, protect precious natural resources and ensure your gardens and flower beds have plenty of life-giving water. Rain barrels and various ways to capture, collect and re-use rainwater are widely available at home improvement stores and on the Web.

Greening our homes is an ongoing process that involves not just how the house is powered, but what we bring into the house, how we dispose of it and how we manage the environmental resources around the house. All those factors will play a role in the greening of your home. For more tips, or if you have questions about any of the ideas mentioned above, then don’t hesitate to contact GreenWorks. We’d be happy to answer your questions, and don’t worry, we’ve heard them all before!

Are you ready for spring in your backyard? Ready or not, here it is! Homeowners are suddenly spending a lot more time in their backyards. As they head out and deal with the issues from a long, snowy winter they want cover and color and they want it fast.

We really only have about two weeks of growing season left in the our region of the northeast. You need to use the clock to your advantage because you need a solution now. Look to mature plants that require as little growth time as possible. Choosing flowers and plants such as Proven Winners means you’ll get to enjoy the benefits of the foliage without having to invest the energy and time – both of which are in short supply!

To get a head start for next time, while you’re working on the flowers and plants, turn to your lawn. It could be healthier and if it was, then it would look a lot better. Take just a few minutes and fertilize the lawn, overseed it and aerate/patch any bare areas. The results from just a few minutes of work are well worth the time you invest.

If you’re interested in going green in your backyard, the beginning of the season (right now!) is a great time to investigate organic lawncare options. There are many fertilizers and nutrients available that do the job well but aren’t harmful to other plants or animals and don’t pollute our local waterways. Runoff from residential developments and yard chemicals are major contributors to the degraded condition of the Barnegat Bay. Yes, the green lawn care products will cost you a little more today but like any good investment, they will pay dividends for many years to come.

If all this still sounds like more than you want to do, we understand. It may be to time to give us a call!

As April meets warm spring weather, our thoughts turn to Earth Day. This annual celebration of all things green is our favorite holiday (obviously!) and it serves as a great annual reminder of what’s important. Many have heard the slogan “Make Earth Day Every Day.” Well, that’s easier said than done. Most folks just don’t know where to start and are unsure of which actions will have the greatest impact and make the biggest difference to them and to the environment.

1. Driving – For most people, their car represents the biggest impact they have on the environment. From air-polluting emissions to Middle Eastern oil, our cars represent an environmental challenge, and along with it, an opportunity. To lesson you car’s impact on the world, drive less and drive efficiently. Consolidate trips so you’re not starting and stopping the car repeatedly, if possible. Keep you car tuned up and your tires properly inflated. Your gas mileage will improve, using less gas and saving you money – it’s a win-win-win!

2. Lighting – Replace all light incandescent light bulbs in your house with compact fluorescent (CFL) or light-emitting diode (LED) lights. The prices of such green lighting has dropped dramatically. Such upgrades will not only help green your home – they’ll also add some green to your bank account because they use less energy and last longer.

3. Eating – Eat foods grown locally. Not only will it help your local economy and keep money in town, it reduces the amount of trucks on the road needed to deliver food across the country. Try to eat as much food as you can that’s grown locally – starting in your own backyard! A backyard garden is a great way to save money, help the environment and eat healthier all at the same time.

4. Shopping – Don’t drive to the mall next time you need something. Ride a bike downtown and shop locally. You’ll improve air quality, the local economy and your own health. Talk about benefits!

5. Heating and Cooling – The heating and cooling system in your home is likely your second biggest impact on the environment after your car. There are many option available to homeowners, but first do the basics: weatherstripping to keep your heating and cooling in the house. Insulation serves the same purpose, and both put money back in your pocket.

6. Building – Green building is all the rage, but you don’t need to buy a new house to have a green home. From the outdoor landscaping to the back yard, green choices are available to suit nearly every homeowner’s vision. Going inside, everything from green “Energy Star” appliances to green furniture and paints are available to lessen the impact your home has on the world around it.

7. Printing – Printing documents is becoming increasingly unnecessary with the advent of electronic filing. Consider the environment before printing document and if you do need to print, then purchase recharged and reused cartridges. The environmental impacts on water quality alone would be enormous if we just kept more cartridges out of landfills.

8. Investing – Your retirement funds and other savings could be invested in polluting industries and unsustainable businesses, and you may not even know it. Review the holdings in your mutual funds and retirement accounts. There are a wealth of socially responsible, green investing opportunities all just a Google search away. Invest your green in green and watch both grow!

9. Cleaning – The cleaning products in the closet or under the kitchen sink likely contain the most toxic substances in your home. Changing to clean products will not only keep your home clean, they will keep your home and your family healthier.

10. Living – Living green is something you can choose to do every day. From your meals to your home to your car to your activities, your choices and even your thoughts. When taking action, choose the green path, the sustainable path. You will be richly rewarded for your green deeds!

This project is a great example of GreenWorks’ commitment to providing exceptional design & value, working with the environment and materials conservation. The project design was broken into phases to accommodate the Client’s budget and provide economies which, when completed, exceeded our client’s expectations and launched them into being advocates of green.

The 20 year old pool was rehabilitated, grading corrected, natural bluestone coping custom cut and old decking recycled to provide patio base material or re-used. What started out as an eye-sore that the client wanted “filled-in”, became the focal point of the project. In fact, using feng shui principles, a sun-spot area was identified that was also incorporated into the layout to serve as the Client’s landing area for their lounge chairs adding fire-energy to the water landscape.

The patio area was designed to accommodate gatherings, entertaining and cooking yet preserve the wild / natural feel provided by mature dogwoods and native landscapes. To accomplish this, pavers with blue stone edge accents were used to tie into the pool area + irregular blue-field stone was used to break up lines posed by excessive paver use and complement the natural feel of the site.

The terraced steps from the rear yard to the front were laid out to double as access to raised planting and vegetable bed borders, working with the natural grade and space constraints posed by the mature landscape.

Whenever possible, GreenWorks adds value and strives to exceed our client’s expectations. In this case, we were able to restore a hidden rear yard shed area into a garden-prep area complete with potting benches and storage. The decking area was accomplished by re-using found tables where the old 70’s masonry pool bricks were once acid-washed added to the charm of the space.

Well, spring is just a few weeks away! For those folks who still can’t see the ground due to all the snow, we promise…relief is coming soon! Temperatures are starting to inch upwards, a few of the very first spring buds are appearing and GreenWorks is ramping up its spring schedule. If you’re interested in spending more quality time in your backyard this spring and summer, now is the time to start planning. We’ve done initial consultative visits at a number of local homes in Monmouth and Ocean counties and have found a few common challenges in getting backyards ready for the spring and summer seasons.

1. Drainage – The grade of a plot of land has major impacts on drainage issues. Of course, drainage and moisture issues can have a major impact on dampness inside the home, maintaining a green, robust lawn and a healthy, vibrant backyard property. The bottom line: get the water away from the home. Unfortunately, gutters and other basic drainage and water-handling systems have been stressed to the max this winter which means some of those systems that just needed maintenance now need to be replaced. Such failures lead to escalating water and moisture issues that can turn into expensive headaches for homeowners. Avoid long-term structural issues involving moisture by checking your drainage system before spring hits and heavy rains come.

2. Patios – Let’s face it – people spend a lot of time relaxing, entertaining and simply enjoying their backyard patios. That simple pleasure usually goes beyond the design quirks we usually see on-site. Many homeowners are not getting the most enjoyment our of their backyard surroundings due to improper space planning, recreational and entertaining activity not correctly accounted for or just a design and layout that doesn’t make sense for the homeowner, their property or the patio’s intended use. For instance: does someone who cooks outside 2-3x during the summer need a fully-installed backyard kitchen? Probably not. Does someone who has no kids and often entertains in the backyard need more pavers? Quite possibly.

3. Pools, Ponds & Water Features – Nothing says “Ahhhhhhhhh” like the sound of moving water or a cool dip on a hot summer day. Whether you’re thinking of a pool or already have one, GreenWorks can help. If you have a pool that’s a bit tired, worn-out, needs a new liner or some concrete restoration, asses and begin to address the situation when we come and open your pool for the season, making sure it’s ready to go when the summertime fun heats up. Want a pool? Then let’s sit down and show you how to plan for that perfect backyard oasis. No one does water like GreenWorks!

4. Overgrowth – It’s easy to let trees, shrubs and hedges get overgrown without noticing. After all, they don’t grow very fast! The collective impact of such overgrowth can be hard for some homeowners to see or fully appreciate. Typically, when we conduct a spring backyard cleanup, overgrowth is one of the biggest issues we face. It leads to backyards that appear crowded and untidy, but for the overcrowded plants, it could be much worse. Typically, overcrowded plants fight for sunlight with neighboring plants, end up with portions of the plant getting choked out and grow unevenly and unattractively. Allowed to continue, such overgrowth will eventually lead to the death of many plants, an unkempt and ugly yard, and, in many cases, complaining neighbors. Don’t let it come to that this year. Call GreenWorks today.

Keeping your backyard and property properly drained, ensuring it is correctly designed for your needs and desires, having the perfect oasis and planting and maintaining greenery in such a way that it provides coverage, shade and enjoyment without being a burden are only a few of the reasons to call GreenWorks soon. Spring will be here before you know it. Enjoy it in a backyard you love!

For New Jersey property owners, the collapse of the housing market and the State’s budget woes have not translated into lower real estate taxes. Quite the contrary; they’re going up. What many property owners don’t realize is that environmentally constrained lands (like wetlands, certain types of easements or buffers, steep slopes, etc.) are considered “non-developable land” and could offer one a successful tax appeal strategy.

Every year in late January / early February a little postcard from your local tax assessor is sent out to advise you of this year’s property assessment that can have major long-term consequences on your tax bill. With New Jersey’s budget in turmoil and property taxes the principal source of revenue for cities, counties and school districts, property owners can be expect the Tax Man to come calling.

Your assessment is usually the same as the prior year’s assessment unless the municipality undergoes a revaluation or reassessment, which is becoming increasingly common. If you believe your assessment is excessive then you must file a tax appeal with the County Board of taxation on or before April 1st. If your assessment exceeds $1,000,000, then you have the option of filing your appeal with the County Board of Taxation or filing a direct appeal to the Tax Court of New Jersey by April 1st.

In these days of falling real estate values, many assessors are automatically reducing assessed values unilaterally to avoid an onslaught of tax appeals. Many times the assessed value may represent only 50% of the property’s value. But many municipalities switched to using “market rate” assessments during the real estate “boom” years to keep pace with escalating property values. Therefore before you can make a determination as to whether a tax appeal may be worthwhile, you need to determine the true value upon which the assessment is based.

GreenWorks has successfully assisted many types of property owners; from residential and investment properties to commercial and industrial sites through the tax appeal process. Of course, the proper “tax appeal team” is needed which can include a combination of appraiser, surveyor, engineer, planner and / or attorney depending upon the nature of the argument for the reduction. But regardless, everyone should have a better understanding of their real estate taxes and what can be done to protect their property from continued taxation in the State that has the highest property taxes in the country.

Green Design / Green Building is one of our areas of expertise at GreenWorks. But what does that translate into for homeowners?

Well, for one homeowner it meant the perfect koi pond for their backyard getaway.

We worked closely with the Wall Township homeowner using their ideas and vision as inspiration for a balanced backyard oasis, complete with a peaceful pond stocked with colorful koi fish. GreenWorks seamlessly integrated the pond into the area around the property owner’s raised patio. We added a natural filtration system, aquatic bench for plants and a koi chute for convenient, safe maintenance, among many other improvements.

The effect? A nearly natural pond that the homeowner can easily enjoy as part of their backyard and patio experience. Some koi ponds are located far from the actual outdoor living area, but both koi and their owners do better when they’re in close proximity! Working with the homeowner, we were able to blend the backyard, patio and pond to create a natural, unique environment for both land-based and aquatic species. We even built an observation window for people to watch the koi…or are the koi watching the people? Regardless, we installed the useful and fun window in a tiki-style hut which houses the natural filtration system for the 10,000 gallon pond.

Learn more about this visionary project and take a closer look at the GreenWorks by reviewing the koi pond project overview (pdf).

We hear that question a lot. Whether it’s from fellow business owners, friends or someone who’s curious about something on their property, it’s hard for most folks to get a handle on what it is we do. Let’s answer that pressing question!

GreenWorks is a business headquartered in Allenwood, which is located in beautiful Monmouth County, New Jersey. We are Jersey natives and proud of our Garden State roots! We are an “environmental services” firm with three main areas of focus.

1. Green Design and Build – If you’ve heard about green buildings, then you’re familiar with Green Design and Build. Or, if you have a backyard, then you’re familiar with Green Design and Build. Whether it’s buildings or backyards, GreenWorks uses natural materials, a holistic approach and scientific analysis to better serve people as they interact in their natural or built environments. From healthy, sustainable buildings to backyards that “just make sense” for their owners, we put people in their environments in a way that works for them…and for the environment.

2. Environmental Science – This is where things get technical. Basically, if a residential, commercial or public property has or could have environmental contamination, threatened or endangered species, coastal or wetlands issues, then we get the call. Usually, this part of our business works closely with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. It could be a permit for a coastal development, cleanup of contaminated soils or groundwater, or dealing with any of the myriad environmental issues that can occur when buying, selling, improving or developing property in New Jersey. Bottom line, if it involves environmental regulators at the local, county or state level, it involves GreenWorks’ Environmental Science division.

3. Land Planning – If it’s time to grow, then you’re likely dealing with some Land Planning issues. This GreenWorks’ division focuses on sustainable communities, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance issues, smart growth, subdivisions and site development plans. This area of focus also involves working with government regulators on a regular basis. Land Planning means planning for growth and that means growing in a way that ensures regulatory compliance and respects the environment.

Each of our divisions overlaps with the others. Our experience and background comes into account across all our projects – whether it’s a backyard, community park, site cleanup or anything else involving the environment, we call upon our team of experts to provide smart, sustainable solutions for business owners, businesses and elected officials every day.

So, that’s a look into what GreenWorks Environmental is all about. We promise you’ll learn a lot more about us (and the environment!) by following GreenWorks on Twitter or, if you think you may fall into one of the categories above, give us a call (732-223-2073) and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.

GreenWorks Environmental is going social! We’re rolling out a social media campaign in the coming weeks and months and we hope you’ll be a part of it.

We’re now on Twitter. You can follow us there @greenworksllc. We’re excited to be able to bring our expertise and experience directly to the people. We’ve dealt with a myriad of environmental issues for homeowners, business owners and towns throughout the course of our career, and we’re now sharing all the wisdom we collected along the way with our “Fans” and “Followers.”

In the coming weeks, we’ll announce our Facebook page, Flickr photo stream and other elements. But, for now, we hope you’ll follow us on Twitter, and if you’re already using Twitter, leave your Twitter @ handle in the comments of this post so we can follow you!