Dawn Snider, eco-consultant with Green Irene
Dawn Snider, an eco-consultant affiliated with Green Irene, LLC, became acutely aware of the need for sustainability when she lived in the high desert of Santa Fe, N.M., where many residents, rely entirely on well water. “Being very careful of water usage in a desert environment raised my consciousness of conserving what we have and taking care of our responsibilities to the community and the planet,” says Dawn.
Today, Dawn is helping her clients—both individuals and small businesses—reduce their energy and water consumption and make their homes and businesses more earth-friendly. As Green Irene’s motto states, they are “Greening the world, one home and office at a time.”
Green Irene, LLC, based in Manhattan, is represented by a network of company-trained consultants, like Dawn, who offer the services and related eco-friendly products. The two primary services are the “Green Home Makeover” and the “Green Business Certification” in which Dawn reviews the client’s home or small business and suggests ways to improve in areas such as:
- Energy conservation
- Lighting
- Water usage and purity
- Toxins in the home
- Air quality
- Recycling and waste reduction
- Improved office sustainability
Islander Julie Riely is a recent client. She says Dawn “provided excellent modification suggestions without making me feel ‘ungreen.’ The most important aftermath of Dawn’s visit was the renewed focus it brought to our desire to green up our lives. Seeing our home through Dawn’s eyes, combined with her comments, helped us recommit to our goal.”
In addition, Green Irene offers “Go Green” workshops, in-home educational sessions where attendees can order Green Irene products. The catalog includes everything from enzyme-based cleaning products and LED lights to earth- and kid-friendly glue, markers, and paint. This year’s Chilly Hilly volunteers served chili in Green Irene compostable bowls, and the Rotary Auction used the compostable tableware for its volunteer meals in 2010.
The Green Irene product catalog is available to organizations such as schools and nonprofits for fundraising events. The sponsoring organization gets 20 percent of all sales.
Bainbridge Islanders who are participating in the energy assessments offered by the RePower Bainbridge program may find Dawn’s services and solutions to be a natural follow-up. Right now, here are some big, easy fixes you can make:
• Slay the “energy vampires” by putting your electronics on a master power strip and switching it off when you’re not using them.
• Turn down the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees (112 degrees burns the skin).
• Set your computer to go into a sleep or hibernate mode after 10 to 15 minutes of being idle.
“I want people to realize that they don’t have to reduce their comfort level to have a more sustainable lifestyle,” notes Dawn. “I wouldn’t ask anyone to make these changes if I wouldn’t do them. And you will see financial rewards.”
Besides the Bainbridge Business Women networking meetings, you may meet Dawn at Sustainable Bainbridge events such as Green Drinks or volunteering for its Zero Waste initiatives.
Written by freelance writer/editor Nancy Goll (www.nancygoll.com)
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