Lake Norman Real Estate and NC Homes for Sale

I dont know about you, but sometimes all of the talk about the environment and "going green" seems like something too big for us as individuals to even begin to make a difference. I have been building a file of environment related articles and during this process realized how every much I still have to learn.  But I also understand that even one small change we make in our daily lives can and will make a difference.  

 First, lets look at Lake Norman. Clearly, right now our water levels are frighteningly low.  But what about long term problems and solutions?  According to a Charlotte Observer article on May 4, 2006,  lakeside buffers are not only extremely beneficial but are now required for all new waterfront construction.   Those of you who live on the lake might find ways to improve your buffer.  

What is a lake buffer? It is a buffer of trees and other natural vegetation, typically 50 or more wide on the land closest to the shoreline.

·         They filter runoff: Tree canopies slow down the speed at which rain/water hits the ground thereby allowing it time to soak into the spongy mulch and act as a filter to keep sediment, nutrients and other pollutants out of the water

·         They halt erosion: Tree roots hold the soil on banks 

·         They capture nutrients: such as nitrogen and phosphorus that shouldnt go in the water

·         They serve secondary roles: allowing water to seep into the soil thereby recharging ground water, providing shade, food and habitat for wildlife  

The bottom line is the more trees the better. You can add from an approved list of native plants but not subtract trees. Ground covers, leaf litter and pine needles must be left to filter sediment and pollutants. 

Recycling is probably the second most important way we can help the environment and once you get a system going it's not that hard!   

What else can we do? 

1. Stop Smoking: This one is easy for us because we dont smoke.  Did you know that it takes 10 years for a butt to degrade?
2. Cut down on miles driven: Telecommuting, carpooling and use our school buses! (This will help our traffic as well. )
3. Get a tune-up: Keep tires inflated properly, avoid heavy breaking, lighten the load...every little bit helps!
4. Garden: Use soaker hoses or drip systems whenever possible. Mulch around plants to prevent erosion and conserve moisture
5. Plastic or Paper? Neither! Bring your own. I must admit I have yet to be willing to do this but we do recycle the plastic bags
6. No more plastic bottles for water and beverages: This is another one we are finding hard to do after years of drinking bottled water but its on my list.
7. Turn off lights when not needed
8. Save a tree: Go digital or email whenever possible
9. Energy efficiency: Program thermostats, caulking and weather-stripping and proper insulation all cut down on heating and AC. 

wecanlivegreen

blogaction.org/resources 

greenlivingonline

Island Keepers    (Join the effort to keep Lake Norman Clean!) 

Lake Norman Covekeepers  

Duke Energy