Accent Magazine Blog

Renovating with the Green Alliance

March 23rd, 2009 at 11:47am Melissa

I woke up a little after midnight to what sounded like pouring rain, but mysteriously the noise seemed to be coming from inside the house. I looked in the bathroom to discover water gushing out from the overhead light. Downstairs, I found water pouring out from vents and lights in the living room, half bath, and dining room, where it flowed down from the chandelier onto the table and floor.

My water heater, which was unfortunately placed in the attic due to my townhouse’s lack of a basement, had sprung a major leak, damaging walls, floors, ceilings, and furniture in its self-destruction. Now, in the middle of an unplanned renovation, I’m using this mess as an opportunity to make some energy-efficient upgrades in my home.

But because I need to save money, I’m joining the Green Alliance. The alliance offers a “green card,” providing discounts to the 42 businesses that are members of the alliance. As their project director Sarah Brown points out, the card earns its $35 cost back even if you only use it at one of the member businesses.

The Green Alliance is not just some “green-washing” scheme. The group consults environmentalists and climatologists who issue report cards on how green the businesses are, information that is then posted on the alliance’s web site, greenalliance.biz. At the site you can read about each business’ report card and “green story”—what makes them green and what they are doing to improve their scores.

I’ve already called Seacoast Energy Alternatives (SEA) Solar Store to replace my hot water heater with a Rinnai in-demand water heater. Though the store’s discounts (5 percent off solar hot water hardware, and 10 percent off items less than $500) won’t apply to my purchase, their quote was considerably less than the plumber’s, and the store’s owner, Jack Bingham, is also very knowledgeable about his products, including the 30 percent tax credit I’ll be able to claim for choosing a more energy-efficient appliance!

The alliance’s businesses range from the expected—such as Simply Green, a pioneer in energy-efficiency that is offering 10 cents off each gallon of Bioheat and 10 percent off all products at its new Congreenience store in Dover —to the unexpected. Who knew a yoga studio could be green? The alliance has two, so when I’m feeling especially stressed during the weeks of renovations, I can stop by Empower Yoga, which offers a 15 percent discount on class cards and memberships, or Zev Yoga, where, as an alliance member the first five classes will only cost me $5 ($1 per class, and must be used within two weeks).

I’m hoping I can also find some materials at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore in Dover, which gives a 10 percent discount to cardholders. The store offers building materials that are donated by manufacturers, stores, contractors and individuals, which are either sold to the public or used in construction of houses for the Southeast New Hampshire Habitat for Humanity. All proceeds from the store support the program, which makes it a great way to save money, and help Seacoast families who need a home.

I’m also going to use my green card for making food and drink purchases. Beach Pea Bakery in Kittery, which composts 100 percent of its food waste, and packages its coffee and baked goods in biodegradable containers, offers members a free loaf of bread with a $20 purchase—a $5 savings each time. The Portsmouth Brewery gives members a 10 percent discount on all food and drink purchases.

If you’re also interested in making some green renovations, alliance member Seacoast Consulting Engineers offers cardholders a 10 percent discount on home and business energy audits so you can find out what areas of your home need improvements before you begin.

The alliance continues to grow so the card will only go up in value as more businesses join, increasing the number of discounts and special offers. New member the River, a radio station in Haverhill, Mass., is offering two free tickets to the River Music Hall, a recording studio, that has been home to shows by both local rising stars and famous artists alike, including Sting and Jack Johnson.

I’m also pleased to be able to mention that Accent Magazine is a member of the Green Alliance (we offer a discount for subscribers), but I’m also joining as an individual independent of the magazine because the savings are phenomenal, and worth the $35 yearly price.

You can find out more about the alliance, their members, and discounts on their website, greenalliance.biz.

Entry Filed under: energy, green, life in New England