So you want to upgrade the house, or the car. Using less energy can cost you more money up front, although the idea is that the savings over time will pay you back ... and then some. What about renting? Traditionally, that's a sucker's bet. You should buy, as in a home. Or maybe that advice is from a long time ago, when people used to make money on the real estate market. Here's a way to find out what efficiency and technology is all about, however, without forking over the cash right away: Renting green.
This may be something to think about the next time you plan your adventure (like right now). I've done vacation rentals with the family, including one fabulous cabin in the woods that sported a kennel for the dog. Vacation Rentals by Owner is a super resource for finding a home away from home.
The post at Traveling Greener takes it one step further, suggesting the Top 5 Green Holiday Rentals.
The rental ideas here, from Italy, Costa Rica, Bali, Venice and Austin (Texas), include pads with outdoor ovens, near biking paths and organic markets, that feature natural light and opportunities for birdwatching, nature walks and wildlife cruises.
One idea the post didn't touch on was renting to "try before you buy." Find a place that uses solar panels or wind turbines to offset its power needs. Here's one in Alaska with sun power AND a composting toilet.
What about an off-the-grid rental? Besides Alaska, It turns out there's an Off the Grid Timber Frame Retreat on Gilbert Lake near Traverse City, Michigan, only a few hours away for me. So add Trip Advisor to your searching list, too.
If you really wanted to go all out, you also could travel there in a hybrid or electric car. Rental car companies like Hertz are offering hybrids and electrics like the Nissan Leaf. Enterprise rents the Chevy Volt, which would go over much better at Gilbert Lake.
Photo by Shane Adams
Has anyone out there tried renting green? Did it turn into a purchase? We'd like to know. Maybe you're looking to trade up, and there's more to say about buying used, or as a savvy salesman would say, "pre-owned green."
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