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PRINCETON: Going green: Expo shows ways to get there

By Charley Falkenburg, Staff Writer
   Kermit the Frog might not find it easy being green, but that might be because he didn’t go to the Living Green Expo at the Princeton Airport on Saturday.
   The airport wasn’t packed with planes but with interested people who learned many ways they could live eco-friendly lives. From updating homes with recycled countertops and tankless water heaters to owning “drinkable air,” the crowd learned how to be kind to the environment — and their wallets.
   Sponsored by Packet Media Group, the publisher of this newspaper, the expo exhibited electric cars to home energy tips.
   Just by greening up the kitchen of an older home, said Debbie Carter, a broker for Century 21 based in Princeton, the owner could increase the value up to $15,000.
   ”The idea is to get your money back. We’re seeing more upgrades, especially in this area where there are a lot of older homes,” said Ms. Carter, who has been a broker for eight years. “People want to be green.”
   The people at the expo also were interested in lowering their energy bills. Many visited the Dogstar Energy Inc. stand to learn about the 3-year-old company’s home energy audits. The audit would yield a strategic plan on how to reduce energy consumption via energy upgrades such as air sealing and insulation.
   ”Events like this are important to get the word out and help people save money on energy efficiencies,” said company president Joseph Knoll. “Most people have no idea and are paying $2,000 a year on oil — if we can cut that cost in half, why not?”
   Right next to Mr. Knoll, people were over at Power Home Remodeling’s stand signing up for free at-home estimates on how to make their windows, siding and roofing more efficient. A business that has been around for 20 years, marketing manager Elijah Techanand finds that improving windows continues to be the best way to save energy.
   ”Energy efficiencies are important for all avenues, but a lot of energy is lost through windows,” said Mr. Techanand. “These improvements help the environment, save money and help save the planet.”
   Debbie Valazza of Belle Mead was particularly interested in Judd Mandell’s Landscape Better Company, where he designs, creates and constructs unique sustainable landscapes tailored to suit each customer.
   ”I’m always looking to get away from toxic chemicals and get closer to having more native plants,” explained Ms. Valazza. “I like to be eco-friendly.”
   She appeared impressed as Mr. Mandell showed her a few of his pieces of work such as indoor gardens and creative stone bridges.
   ”I reduce property maintenance and make it look cool along the way,” said Mr. Mandell, who started his business after traveling through Central America.
   ”I was inspired by the temples that were built to last; it impressed upon me a way to blend construction with art,” he added.
   Attendees also sampled organic sandwich spreads, learned how to upgrade their plumbing systems and grabbed pamphlets and fact sheets on solar panel installation from Trinity Solar. Brian Menshon, a sales consultant for Trinity, said he had solar panels installed in January 2011 and has so far saved $1,800.
   The crowd also munched on various refreshments from cupcakes and nachos to hot dogs and Italian ices. People even got the opportunity to take a sip of drinkable air.
   Representatives from Drinkable Air Northeast handed out tiny cups of water that came from a machine called the Chameleon 8. For $2,600, people can drink purified water that is enriched with oxygen made possible through an EnviroGuard Ozone System. Representative Eric Russell added that not only does the machine dispense pure, cool and oxygen enriched water, but produces clean air and decreases the demand on air conditioners.
   The expo also showed people the benefits of not only living green, but also riding green. Intrigued attendees headed toward the “auto alley,” which was filled with hybrid and all-electric cars. From Toyota Prius and Nissan Leafs to a Fisker Karma and a Tesla, people peered into the hoods, sat in the driver seats and listened on how solar energy recharging stations work.
   Ben Rich of Montclair stood by his 2012 all-electric motorcycle, with a license plate that read “NOCO2.” It was his second all-electric bike, which he bought in February.
   ”I hate gasoline and pollution. I can’t afford an electric car, but I could buy an electric motorcycle,” said Mr. Rich, who rides it everywhere. With a top speed of 91 mph, a 114 mile range and no need for maintenance upkeep — Mr. Rich’s bike gets serious respect on the road.
   ”The bike is almost silent — whenever I pull away, other motorcyclists’ jaws drop,” said Mr. Rich with a laugh. “They see this motorcycle carrying me away and they can’t hear anything.”
   Maybe all Kermit needs is a new set of zero-emission wheels for him to embrace the fun, cost efficient — and silent — benefits of being green.