In contemplating content for this article I pondered a while on the power of one. One idea, one person, one small step, one action, one will and the effects those things can have on the world – ONE-DERFUL
We hear many stories over the centuries of people who believed so passionately and spoke so strongly about an issue that they were able to raise the awareness of the social consciousness until everyone cared enough to help make strategic changes of significant proportion to help make the world a better place. Now the power of one is making a huge difference again. This time not only will it change the world but its goal is to save it.
“The era of procrastination is coming to a close. In its place we are entering a period of consequence” Winston Churchill
For decades the activist groups who have been ridiculed as “tree huggers” or considered weird by some, are finally having their day.
People in general are waking up and becoming aware that the latest environmental movement starts with them. They are taking notice and more importantly, starting to care enough to do something to help, however small the action may be. I am of course talking about the power of the GREEN movement.
There is a growing belief by many that we, as an individual power of one, can make changes to our day to day environment at home, at work, and at play which will contribute significantly to this universal quest of saving the planet and its resources to ensure the sustainability of the earth for generations to follow. Pretty powerful! I believe the power of Al Gore’s movie “An Inconvenient Truth” can really help raise the social consciousness.
Although some people look at the huge mess we have created by lack of good stewardship and perhaps think “someone else will take care of it”, or “ it’s too big of a problem for one person to make a difference”…. But they would be wrong. There are many small actions you can initiate in your life to help save a lot. Check out www.davidsuzuki.org to see what you can do to help make a difference where you live.
7 Easy things you can do to save the planet:
- Keep the tires on your car at the proper pressure improves gas mileage by 6%
- Insulate and weatherise your home to save up to 25% on heating bills
- Close your drapes and night to conserve heat and using a programmable thermostat can save $150 in energy bills
- Turn out lights when you leave a room
- Use sleep mode for your computer when its not in use can save a powerful $75 a year
- Unplug all electric devices when not in use – as they are energy drains even when not in use
- Plant a tree
One person who changed the world was J. Sterling Morton of Nebraska. As pioneers to Nebraska from Detroit he and his wife discovered it was a treeless plain. After building their house they quickly planted trees, shrubs and plants. He also encouraged his fellow pioneers to plant trees as well. The trees were pleasant to look at but more importantly, trees were needed as windbreaks to keep soil in place, for fuel, building materials, and for shade from the hot sun. Morton not only advocated tree planting by individuals, he also encouraged civic organizations and groups to join in. His prominence in the area increased, and he became secretary of the Nebraska Territory, which provided another opportunity to stress the value of trees. In 1872 National Arbor Day www.arborday.org was established; a green movement which has spread across the world and one which encourages the planting and nurturing of trees. One man certainly made a difference.
This year build your marketing campaign around this. You can make a difference by planting a tree or a bush for every listing your sell. Amazingly this one small action will not only help reduce your own carbon footprint on this earth but over its lifetime a tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide (which thins the ozone layer) help control soil erosion, generates oxygen and the shade it provides will reduce your air conditioning costs by 15%.alao in a 50 yr lifespan a tree will provide over $62,000 worth of air pollution control Think of that …. The power of one tree!
Manufacturers, stores, services, products etc are all racing to claim the green label and be adopted by the general public at large. Green is the in word if you want to sell anything. Little did we know back in September 2007 when CSP® launched an initiative called “EcoStaging® how timely and needed this would be. HomeGain.com states Green Staging provides 199% ROI. Find out more about EcoStaging certification at www.certfiedecoprofessional.com and how the CSP initiative can provide you as a real estate agent with a marketing edge. The process of Eco Staging will save energy for sellers and buyers and together we will green the planet one house at a time.
Learn More About Our Eco-Stager Courses and How You Can Help Do Your Part to Preserve Our Environment in Your Staging Career:
Is Staging Certification Necessary?
The home staging industry is unregulated and there is no “governing and regulating association”. Don’t let this alarm or dissuade you from pursing your dream. The Home Inspection industry is non- regulated also, in fact many industries are rooted in non-regulation. What it means is simply anyone can say they are a stager and anyone can provide a training course, online or in person………….. without ever having staged a home! Shocking isn’t it? We believe as a new business starting out you need as much ammunition and information as possible to position you as an expert instead of a newbie. Certification for a stager is as vital as a license is to a real estate agent.
HIGH PRAISE
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“If you are looking to start your own staging business or want to get into the industry, CSP is what you are looking for! Christine Rae has developed a stellar turnkey program for anyone who is serious about this business.”
Stephanie Matthews
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The first house I staged sold over asking last night!! Put on the market at $339K and sold 9 days later for 400K! The happiness I feel is so indescribable!! I just want to thank you so much for BEING CHRISTINE RAE! I don’t think I could ever have done this without your guidance and amazing program! CAN’T WAIT FOR MORE PROJECTS! The real estate agent wants to work with me too !! WOOHOO!
Yzabelle Sanico
CCSP -
I don’t know where to start. It was a fantastic class; it was such a pleasure to meet Christine and Lynelle…It was a lot of information in 3 days! I am happy and thrilled that I took this class – Thanks to everbody for their help!!
Mira B.
Mississauga, ON