5 Tips for a Greener living

1. Use fluorescent light bulbs. Yes, they're more expensive than incandescent light bulbs ($2 vs. $.50), but switch out your incandescent bulb for compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) in your house, and you could save up to 30 percent on your energy bill.

2.  Going to the supermarket? Opt out of the paper/plastic debate and bring your own canvas tote bags.

3. Unplug phone chargers, computers, and other electronics when not in use. Things plugged into an outlet draw some electricity even when not turned on. 

4. If it's clear that a train or other barrier will block your vehicle for more than 30 seconds, turn off the engine. An idling vehicle burns more fuel than a simple restart. And you won't be polluting when the engine is off.

5. Proper insulation and sealing small gaps around your home will provide noticeable savings in your overall electricity consumption. 

Backdoor Playhouse Light/Sound Booth Remodel

    Experience doesn't usually find you. Gaining valuable experience takes initiative. When you see a potential opportunity for learning, experience, and character building you have to go for it.
    That is how I gained the chance to design the new light and sound booth for "The Backdoor Playhouse" theatre at Tennessee Tech University. My theater professor told the class that they would be getting a new light booth within the next year, so I quickly offered my free design assistance.
    An architect and project manager, Mary, has aided me through the design process, construction meetings, and decision making. This hands-on experience has taught me much more about the design process than reading it on paper ever could: the collaboration with contractors, clients, architects, and electricians, the changes made throughout, and the time involved.

 

Original Light Booth being torn down.                   

Internship

    I spent this summer interning at Habitat for Humanity.

    Helping in the design of the new Habitat subdivision named "New Hope"

                              Choosing exterior colors for homes. 

 

Created a brochure informing the public about Habitat's participation in Energy Star and Earth Craft building techniques

Other projects I worked on: 

• Inventory and organization of the construction warehouse.
• How to manuals for Habitat volunteers on shed and deck building. 
• A class for homeowners called "Decisions, Decisions" teaching good decision making skills and goal setting, that I will be teaching in the fall.
• Home maintenance calender for homeowners.

  I have more than enjoyed my experience a Habitat for Humanity. Everyone made me feel like part of the Habitat family from day one. I gained great experience and will continue to work with Habitat in the future.  

The why behind the what

      At first I fretted about how to start my first blog post, as it sets the tone for the whole experience. I suppose you would like to know something about me. I am a huge fan of lists, so I will tell you about me in the form of a list. 

•  My name is Jessica. I am 25 years old. 
• I have been married to my high school sweetheart since April 23, 2005. We have a cat named Latte.
• I am studying Housing and Design at Tennessee Tech University. I aspire to become an architect someday. 
• But for now I am finishing my bachelors degree and starting my Eco-Design Consultant business.
• Green by Design will specialize in eco-friendly home remodeling, building, and office designs. 

    Now you probably want to know why I am starting this blog. Again, I will list it for you.

• To document my adventures in turning my design education into a design career. 
• To see my progress laid out in chronological order.
• Spread the word about ways to make your life and home more environmentally friendly.
• Begin Green by Design.