Enjoy an Eco-Friendly Winter Season in Chicago's North Shore!

Living in Chicago’s North Shore means being a part of communities that truly care about the environment in which we live. From Glencoe to Winnetka and Northbrook to Highland Park and Deerfield; these North Shore communities take time each year to host events, and offer ways to get involved in helping to protect the environment.

As we’re in the middle of this season of giving with Christmas only a few days away; you may be thinking of ways to “give back” to the North Shore. One great idea is to recycle your Christmas tree! While you may not want to think about putting away your holiday cheer just yet; this service offered by many North Shore communities will gladly take your Christmas tree recycle it into mulch to be used around the city!

Looking for ways to go green in your North Shore home? Below are ways to “give back” by reducing your energy usage at home. While these may seem like small changes; they can produce big results! Not only will you save on your energy bill, you’ll enjoy knowing that you are doing your part in keeping your environment an eco-friendly place to live.

1. Set the Timer- Set your thermostat to lower temperatures while you’re away from your North Shore home or while you’re sleeping. This will automatically help reduce energy used as well as costs just by programming your thermostat.

2. Let the Sunshine In- During the day, be sure to leave blinds and curtains open to let in the sunlight and natural heat. At night, shut them to help “trap” the warmth.

3. Light a Fire- It’s amazing how a fire in your fireplace can heat up a room instantly! Consider lowering your thermostat on cooler evenings and lighting a fire instead. You’ll instantly feel cozier in the midst of Chicago’s chilly winters.

4. Bundle Up- Feeling chilled? Instead of turning up the thermostat, throw on a pair of socks or an extra layer. These small choices to not turn up the heat can really add up in energy savings!

5. Switch our Your Lights- From lamps to the Christmas tree, all of your lights can be changed out for energy efficient LED lights! With the sun setting earlier, you’ll be using your indoor lights more often. Also, the festivity of the season’s decorations can spike energy bill. LED Christmas lights can cut back on costs and energy usage.

6. Stop Leaks- Check all doors and windows for drafts. You can easily seal windows and doors to prevent the warm air from your North Shore home escaping while making sure the cool air doesn’t leak in!

7. Unplug- Not using an appliance? Unplug it! The Department of Energy notes that, even if appliances are not being used, they are still using energy. 40% of electricity used for your home electronics is used when they’re turned off, but still plugged in. Getting in the habit of unplugging will prove to be a smart habit in the long run!

I hope you can implement these tips or that they spark more ideas of ways you can reduce how much energy your North Shore home uses. I feel strongly that each of us can do our part, whether you’re a current North Shore resident or considering buying a home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Deerfield, Highland Park or Northbrook; we can all do our part to keep our environment healthy.

As you begin thinking about the start of a New Year, you may be considering selling or buying a home in the North Shore. If so, I would love to help you each step of the way! I have years of experience in the North Shore Real Estate market as a North Shore Real Estate agent, and can make the process as smooth and efficient as possible. Feel free to contact me anytime!

I appreciate your interest in my blog and my North Shore Real Estate services! 2010 was a great year and I’m expecting more great things for 2011!

Happy Holidays!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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Give Back This Holiday Season in Chicago's North Shore!

The holiday season in Chicago's North Shore is filled with beautifully decorated North Shore homes, endless events, concerts, and of course, shopping! And, while we all enjoy the festivities that Christmas brings; we all know there is so much more to the meaning and spirit of the holidays.

Giving back is a great part of this joyous season and there are many ways to do so! The North Shore has many opportunities throughout the year to volunteer and give back to its' communities of Winnetka, Deerfield, Glencoe, Northbrook and Highland Park. Each city understands the importance of helping out those in need within the community, especially during the holiday season! I've compiled five various ways of giving back in hopes of spurring on some ideas for how you can get involved and spread Christmas cheer this season!

1. Donate- Now is a great time to go through your closets and donate any clothes or shoes that you no longer need. Toys that have been outgrown, books and games can also be donated to various organizations around the North Shore communities and provide those in need with things they need and can use for gifts this season.

2. Volunteer- Many organizations in the North Shore are looking for additional help over the holiday season! Soup kitchens, retirement homes, homeless shelters and many others oftentimes host holiday parties or round up food, clothing and toys for those who are without this holiday season. Gather a few friends or family members to join you!

3. The Gift of Giving- Instead of buying another gift for a family member that they don't need; consider donating a gift on their behalf. Letting them know that one of their gifts went to someone with no Christmas gifts can be a very fulfilling gift!

4. Go Green- Give back to the North Shore environment by cutting back on the energy and resources you use this holiday season. Choose LED Christmas lights, wrap presents in recycled brown paper bags tied with festive string, turn down your thermostat and use your fireplace for added warmth and a cozy environement.

5. Feed the Hungry- The next time you go grocery shopping, stock up on canned goods and other non-perishable items that can be donated to a food pantry or homeless shelter. Gather with friends and family and put together Christmas food baskets that include cookies, hot chocolate, and other festive foods then donate to families you know who are in need or to a local shelter.

Ready to give back? There's a great opportunity taking place this weekend in the North Shore community of Deerfield!

This Saturday, December 18 from 10am to 2pm is the Deerfield Food Pantry and Toys for Tots Drive Through Drop-Off Day! Any new, unwrapped toys, canned food, personal care items and cleaning supplies can be dropped off at the parking lot at NWC Rosemary Terrace and Deerfield Road.

The toys will be given to children in need and the food and other items will be given to families, seniors and children in the Deerfield community who are without these items this holiday season. This events is sponsored by the West Deerfield Township, Deerfield Police Department, Marines - Toys for Tots, Deerfield Shopper's Court, Deerfield Bank & Trust, Italian Kitchen and Mutual Ace Hardware of Highland Park.

There are many other ways to get involved and give back to your North Shore community this festive season! One of the great things about living in Chicago’s North Shore is the heartfelt community spirit that each city provides. If you have been considering a move to any of the North Shore communities; please let me know! I’d be happy to show you around the available North Shore homes and answer any questions you may have about the North Shore Real Estate Market! I look forward to hearing from you!


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website
Email Me