It is publicized all over the nation that unemployment rates are rising, homes are still going into foreclosures and prices are increasing on necessary goods. During these times it really seems hard to find something to be thankful for. Our minds tend to remember the bad things much more easily than the good, but there are many blessings in everyone’s life.
I took a quick poll of a few friends, just to see what others will be giving thanks for this year. The most important thing I can say I am grateful for is family and friends. And I’m not alone. The overall consensus of what to be thankful for this year wasn’t about money. It was about good health for you and your family, pets, friends, community outreach programs as well as giving back to the community.
So while times are tough, it’s important to remember what you are thankful for, especially this year. Take a moment to really think about all the little blessings in your life. It can be something as simple as a child’s smile or a green light when you’re running late. Whatever it is, I hope you take the time to really appreciate it. On behalf of For Rent Media Solutions, I wish you a very happy and appreciative Thanksgiving!
Do you know why Tucson is dubbed “The Greenest of Deserts?” Well, that would be because of its eco-friendly stage. There are a variety of farmer’s markets, hundreds of miles of bike paths and smart water usage like xeriscaping. Did you know that in 2007, Tucson was named one of 13 “Solar Cities” in the United States, and awarded a half-million-dollar grant to better implement solar energy? Yup! It was also ranked the 17th lowest carbon emitter in a list of 100 largest metro cities in the country, according to the Washington DC thinktank The Brookings Institution!
And that’s not all! They also host many ‘green’ events throughout the year to help reinforce the green living lifestyle. And how could we forget the numerous ‘green’ parks that fight to conserve and protect Southern Arizona’s resources. They really are a community taking it to next level in protecting our environment.
If this “green” place seems like the location for you, we’d recommend you taking a look at these apartment communities on ForRent.com:
Did you attend the Florida Apartment Association (FAA) tradeshow this year? It was held from August 26th -28th at the Caribe Royale Orlando All-Suites Hotel in Orlando, Florida. This year was a huge success as the Florida Apartment Association (FAA) conference opened its doors to more than 450 multi-housing professionals. The conference encouraged attendees to “Catch the Next Wave” of industry innovations. Multi-housing professionals learned more about technology, customer service, green initiatives, marketing, and training. Check out this 2009 Florida Apartment Association Conference and Trade Show highlight video which captures moments from the successful education conference and trade show!
And of course, you know your friendly For Rent Media Solutions staff was there representing! Corporate and Florida employees were decked out in bright colored t-shirts with icon graphics to include ways we reach consumers: text, mobile, social media, video and much more!
Listen to a testimonial from one of our clients Lori Donnelly, VP CFH Group with For Rent Media Solutions to Dori Rones, South Florida GSM of For Rent Media Solutions.
Last year I wrote about the Bottled Water Debate and the stats about how consuming water from packaged water bottles was bad for the environment, you can read it here. When I was sitting on my plane from Miami to Atlanta, delayed from my glorious vacation in Key West, Florida, I stumbled on an article in the Delta SkyMagazine regarding American’s love affair with water bottles. It goes through the trends of Americans and their water bottle consumption.
We went from drinking from water fountains at schools, homes and parks to spending almost $6 billion in water bottles alone in 2007. It all started with beautiful green French water bottles that arrived to the United States in 1976. From there the trend materialized. Many more makers started entering the field and sleeker designs appeared; sales skyrocketed and our landfills have increased in size.
Though there was a ripple in water bottle sales in the mid 80s, sales didn’t actually take a decline until last year. I’m pleased to say that according to The Nielson Company, total U.S. sales (excluding Walmart) in bottled water from 2007 to 2008 dropped 3.6%. This can be attributed to many things such as the economy; no one wants to spend money on bottled water when there is perfectly safe drinking water at home! The ‘going green’ movement is also another motivator. Americans have become much more concerned with the environment and the ‘carbon foot print’ we leave on it. In response, companies are coming out with ‘eco-shape’ bottles, reducing emissions in their manufacturing processes as well as with home purification systems.
Even with a drop in sales, water bottles will always have a presence in America. According to Tom Lauria, vice president of communications for the International Bottled Water Association, this leeway extends for emergencies like Hurricane Katrina and the need of joggers. Or, “You’re on an airplane. You can’t just go to the tap.” There is a time and place for everything and the key is always moderation! In places where tap is accessible, it should be used. And when it’s needed, bottled water is an option.
So for my flight back home, my bottled water is suitable. But when I return home to Norfolk, Virginia tap water it is!
Source: “Has Our Love Affair with Bottled Water Gone Tepid?”By Jennifer Vogel. http://www.deltaskymag.com/ May 2009
In the world of apartment living, we all know how important it is to create a multifunctional space. I can’t tell you how many pieces of furniture I have purchased with the thought of ‘hey, that can double as this!’ or something to that effect. When you’re living in a one or two bedroom apartment, it’s essential to get all the practicality you can out of the space provided. So here are a few tips for those of you sharing a spare bedroom between an office and guest bedroom.
Office Space:
You will need a few key items for your office space in this room. Obviously a work station, a chair, office utensils, maybe a computer, books, etc. Depending on whether you want your work area to be seen or not will determine what type of work station you get, either an armoire or a desk. Be sure and have handy storage items for your pens, paper, personal mail, notes, etc. so that when guests do stay they are hidden. Having decorative storage containers will serve two functions as it is practical and eye catching!
You can also have larger office supplies stored on a bookshelf near the work station or inside the closet.
Guest Bedroom:
Think about how you would feel as a guest in your multifunctional guest bedroom. You know you will want a sleeping area that is practical for during the day and at night. So a day bed or a futon would be the best option here-sofa by day, bed by night. Be sure to purchase one that is comfortable for your guest to sleep on. Also purchase plenty of blankets, sheets, pillows, toiletries, etc. A creative way to store those items is: a few small storage containers to slip under the day bed/futon so it is out of the way or for a more decorative option (but only if you have the space) is a nice trunk or storage ottoman. Storage cubes and chests can triple as seating, storage, and end tables. A night stand would be nice with a lamp. And of course a few hangers inside your closet for guests to hang their garments would be appreciated.
Décor:
Now the décor for this space needs to be planned out as well. You want something you can live with everyday while using your work station but also something that is appealing to guests when they are visiting. I personally have a cool color palette (see pictures). The walls are a nice blue, the futon is a light brown and the sheet set/blanket is a cream and green pattern. The pattern isn’t too overwhelming for the space and it isn’t too girly. Color blocked trimmings (silver office supplies, hardware, and photo frames) help tie it together.
Wall-mounted accessories make the best use of the room. Floating shelves is a good way to use height for space by storing trinkets or books on the wall. As we’ve mentioned in our ‘How to Decorate Walls Without Painting’ blog, mirrors help give the illusion of more space. Thoughtful art choices help warm the room.
And don’t forget to add a vase with fresh flowers as a nice touch. It’ll have guests wanting to visit you over and over again!
I had an interesting conversation with Mike Whaling and Lisa Trosien on Twitter last week regarding the benefits for apartment communities going green during this economy. A question was posed whether renters will actually see the benefit of apartment properties going green and therefore, pay the extra premiums associated with it. According to the key findings from a Conscious Consumer Report (2009), 51% polled said they are “willing to pay more” for ‘green’ products. Confirming that study, Apartments.com published a survey stating “apartment communities that offer environmentally-friendly amenities are more likely to turn undecided renters into residents. Additionally, more than half of renters surveyed indicated they would take an apartment community’s commitment to environmental issues into consideration.” However, 66% polled in the Conscious Consumer Report said that price is very important in the purchase decision, implying that price can be the deciding factor.
Therefore, management companies that want to go ‘green’ need to consider factors that will help their bottom line in addition to the prospective renter. You may ask, as Mike did, how can the bottom line in a community with sub-metered utilities be helped? Well, I called the one person I knew would know; that was my father, Scott Bucheister. He is a salesman at Coastal Insulation and was recently certified by Earth Craft Virginia. He commented that “going green can have a direct impact for property manager’s finances by saving money on energy and maintenance costs.” Curious in what ways? Here are a few he mentioned:
Solar Lighting or CFL Bulbs: The benefits of using solar lighting on an apartment property are abundant. First off, it has low energy costs. It has very little maintenance. And it comes from a renewable resource as it is powered by the sun. Another benefit is that solar lights continue working even if there has been a power outage. Because the energy isn’t coming off of an electrical grid, power outages make no difference. Installing solar lighting for your landscaping needs, wall lights, security lights, etc. around the apartment community will save money. Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs will also prove beneficial to properties in common areas such as community centers, unit hallways, management and maintenance offices, etc.
Low Flow Water Devices:
Water and money can be saved by installing low-flow water devices around the apartment community. In community laundry mats, replace old washers with front-loading ENERGY-STAR washers that conserve water. In the community center install faucet aerators on your bathroom taps. Replace old toilets with new low-flow or ultra-low flow toilets or, in the kitchen, replace old dishwashers with ENERGY-STAR dishwashers that conserve water.
Xeriscaping & WeatherTrak Irrigation Systems:
Xeriscaping refers to landscaping and gardening in ways that reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental irrigation. The specific plants used in xeriscaping depend upon the climate. Some common plants used in Western xeriscaping are agave, cactus, lavender, juniper, sedum and thyme. Advantages of xeriscaping include lower water bills, less time and work needed for maintenance, and there is little or no lawn mowing (saves energy). Xeriscape plants, along with proper bed design, tends to take full advantage of rainfall and when water restrictions are implemented, xeriscape plants will tend to survive, while more traditional plants may be unable to adapt. “If you think about it, most apartment communities completely redo their landscaping every year with the flower beds, lawns, trees, etc. If they use native plants that are drought resistant they don’t have to replant every year to attract new renters,” said Mr. Bucheister. “In fact, I was so impressed with the idea of xeriscaping that I actually implemented this in my garden at home! It’s extremely convenient as I have little to no maintenance compared to beforehand.”
Besides xeriscaping, there are other irrigation systems that are environmentally friendly. While ordinary irrigation systems overwater your landscape, leaving you with high water bills, WeatherTRAK® smart irrigation systems help you save water, money and time by eliminating overwatering. Drawing on information delivered wirelessly from 40,000 weather stations, the irrigation is automatically scheduled based on individual landscaping needs and local weather conditions. And catching rainwater using a rain barrel or other rainwater harvesting system can be used to water outdoor plants.
Energy efficient appliances, windows and light bulbs in apartments tend to help out the renters, yes. They can also be a great selling point in convincing a prospective renter to live at a community. And in my opinion should be done by all apartment communities. However, in the current economic situation property managers should also incorporate environmentally friendly ideas that will help their bottom line as well. Do you agree?
smart water usage like xeriscaping. Did you know that in 2007, Tucson was named one of 13 “Solar Cities” in the United States, and awarded a half-million-dollar grant to better implement solar energy? Yup! It was also ranked the 17th lowest carbon emitter in a list of 100 largest metro cities in the country, according to the Washington DC thinktank The Brookings Institution!
Though there was a ripple in water bottle sales in the mid 80s, sales didn’t actually take a decline until last year. I’m pleased to say that according to The Nielson Company, total U.S. sales (excluding Walmart) in bottled water from 2007 to 2008 dropped 3.6%. This can be attributed to many things such as the economy; no one wants to spend money on bottled water when there is perfectly safe drinking water at home! The ‘going green’ movement is also another motivator. Americans have become much more concerned with the environment and the ‘carbon foot print’ we leave on it. In response, companies are coming out with ‘eco-shape’ bottles, reducing emissions in their manufacturing processes as well as with home purification systems.
