By Juliann Cappa, Grants and Resource Development Officer

GIVE GREEN

While many people think about giving during the holiday season, nonprofit organizations like Rebuilding Together New Orleans still need funding year round. With the country still in the midst of a recession, RTNO recognizes that the need for home repair in New Orleans persists. Keeping this need in mind RTNO has increased its output goal from last year and is committed to completing 160 homes this year.

To reach this goal, RTNO is asking its supporters to make a donation this month to help us bring families home. Regardless of amount, every donation RTNO receives brings another home closer to completion. Below are some examples of how a few of your St. Patrick’s Day dollars can help rebuild an RTNO home.

You don’t need a pot of gold to make a difference.

Two $4 pints of Guinness = 4 square feet of flooring
One $12 “Kiss Me I’m Irish” t-shirt = Installation of a hand rail
One $7 pair of shamrock sunglasses = 7 square feet of vinyl siding

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with RNTO

During the month of March, with a minimum online donation of $10, you will receive a RTNO koozie and a limited edition “Kiss Me I Support Rebuilding Together New Orleans” sticker. Your friends will be green with envy!

GO GREEN

While you are wearing your green on St. Patrick’s Day, think about how you can be more environmentally green in March. For some simple tips, we have outlined a few practices you can implement in your own home to increase your greenness. RTNO is proud to use environmentally conscious construction materials and techniques in our projects and hope you too will see the benefits of being green.

How you can use RTNO’s green construction practices to save money and the environment

+ Weatherize – Weatherstripping or caulking cracks around doors and windows and insulating your attic and basement are great ways to lower energy consumption year round (and bill) by retaining heat in the winter and keeping cool air in during the summer.

+ Try Bamboo – if you are refinishing your floors or redecorating your house consider using bamboo. It is a great alternative to the traditional hardwood flooring – providing the same look in an inexpensive and an environmentally sustainable fashion.

+ Shop used – save money and landfill space by buying on consignment or recycled. If you are local to New Orleans come visit the Salvage Store. If you live outside of the Greater New Orleans area you can search for similar retail spaces near you and look on Craigslist for great deals.

+ Use low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint instead of regular paint. Low-VOC paint releases less toxic emissions into the air and is better for your health and the environment.

+ Buy Energy Star appliances and compact fluorescent light bulbs – they may cost more, but they save energy and money over time.

+ If you’re looking to purchase a home consider fixing up an existing one – it’s cheaper, adds value to the neighborhood and often allows you to save money by doing your own repairs and customization. Remember that the greenest house is the one already built!