This blog is the beginning of what I hope will be an ECO-education for me, and also those who are looking to build, remodel, or find existing ECO-friendly homes in the Blue Ridge High Country of western North Carolina. The High Country, in the NW corner of the state, boasts the highest average elevations in the eastern US. From the lively college town of Boone at its heart, home of Appalachian State University, to the quaint villages of Blowing Rock, Valle Crucis, and Banner Elk, the High Country offers a backdrop of gorgeous mountains, diverse forests, clean waters, and rugged farmland. There now are several local area organizations working hard to protect the future of this fast-growing area by offering "win-win" conservation options to both local landowners and developers. No longer is clear-cutting and other irresponsible development practices acceptable. For local residents, and those looking to move here, there are now now viable and economical options for all of us who have a keen interest in conscientious growth and ways that each of us can reduce our energy consumption.
The now-popular "green movement," with regards to home building and new development, has been relatively slow to gain momentum here, in comparison to the Asheville area to our South. I say relatively because there are people in the area: Builders, Architects, Designers and other businesses striving to offer ECO-friendly, energy-saving products and services that are economically feasible. The problem I've found, is that even though these resources exist, to most of us it is still under the radar. The real movement won't start until people learn what their options are and actively seek out those offering environmentally friendly solutions. It is neither realistic or necessary to think that the general public will full-heartedly embrace the ECO movement by trading their dream homes and SUVs for solar-powered adobe huts and hybrid cars. But the point is, extreme measures aren't necessary. All of us, doing even the smallest things, can make a difference. Most people have the general innate desire to make environmentally sound choices when it avoids sacrifice, is easy on the wallet and promotes health. Reducing our personal energy consumption, at home and on the road, just makes sense. The opportunity for change is just as great in fixing up an old house as it is building a new one.
My goal here is to try and have a local forum where people come for information and discussion. I am in the process of putting together a database of ECO-friendly businesses and organizations that are already out there providing services and resources in the High Country. Whether you are planning to build/remodel, or just want to read about various conservation efforts and ways to get involved, I hope you find it here. If you have something you'd like to add, just email me and I'll try and post it. Thanks for visiting and thinking GREEN!
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