How to Live Sustainably

These days, sustainability has become more than just a sporadic practice—it's an integral part of our daily lives. From the food we eat to the decor in our homes, the concept of sustainable living is at the forefront of our decision-making. The evolving landscape of sustainability was recently explored at Hearst Magazines' second annual Sustainability Summit, titled "The Future Of Eco-Conscious Living." The summit brought together experts from the realms of interior design, fabrication, and retail to discuss the current state of sustainable living, its trajectory, and its growing significance.

The increased amount of time people spend at home for work, living, and leisure has heightened awareness of our surroundings. According to New York-based interior designer Laurence Carr, this has led to a greater sensitivity to environments and a better understanding of the importance of healthy materials. Consumers today are more conscious than ever, desiring transparency about the products they purchase—wanting to know where it came from and how it was made. Jaimee Seabury, vice president of business development and strategy at Williams-Sonoma, emphasized the importance of being transparent about the origins and production processes of products.

Living sustainably goes beyond aesthetics; designers now prioritize the sustainability of materials. Eco-chic options like TENCEL fibers, reclaimed wood, and recycled glass are increasingly used to enhance the ambiance of homes. Sustainable textiles, such as those made with TENCEL Lyocell fibers, are being employed in everything from rugs to upholstery due to their eco-friendly and low-impact nature. Walter Bridgham from the Lenzing Group, TENCEL's parent company, highlighted the superior color retention and environmental benefits of TENCEL fibers.

From foundations to facades, homeowners and builders are incorporating chemical-free and low-impact materials. The demand for standard certification in products and materials is growing, with an emphasis on certifications for wood, bamboo, cork, low-VOC paints, and water-based finishes. Low-embodied carbon materials, like brick and fiberglass, are gaining popularity in mainstream building practices.

Green fabrics have evolved significantly, with companies like Pottery Barn using TENCEL Lyocell fibers for bedding collections. These fibers are not only sustainable but also offer smoothness, strength, efficient moisture management, and detailing normally found in percale or linen. The focus is on creating products that are not only eco-friendly during production but also reusable and recyclable.

A critical aspect of sustainability is responsible consumerism, which involves understanding the language on product labels. Third-party certifications play a vital role in validating a product's sustainability claims. Examples highlighted at the summit include Cradle to Cradle, Green Guard, and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), each emphasizing different aspects of sustainability—from material health and recyclability to indoor-air quality and socially responsible manufacturing.

The Sustainability Summit underscored the evolving nature of sustainable living and its increasing relevance in our daily choices. As consumers become more educated and demand transparency, the industry is responding by incorporating eco-friendly materials and practices, paving the way for a more sustainable and responsible future.

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Homebuilder Confidence Surges as Mortgage Rates Fall: A Glimpse into a Resilient Housing Market

In a positive turn of events, homebuilder confidence experienced a noteworthy improvement in December, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index released on Monday. This resurgence in confidence comes as mortgage rates continued to decline, offering a glimmer of optimism for the housing market in 2024.

For the first time in four months, builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes rose, reaching a score of 37 on the index. The boost in confidence is attributed to the combination of lower mortgage rates and improved economic data, fostering a sense of positivity among builders as they enter the new year.

The monthly index examines various factors, including current sales, buyer traffic, and the outlook for sales of new-construction homes over the next six months. Builder sentiment began to decline in August, and by September, the index had fallen below the break-even measure of 50, remaining there since.

Robert Dietz, Chief Economist at NAHB, noted, "The housing market appears to have passed peak mortgage rates for this cycle, and this should help to spur homebuyer demand in the coming months, with the HMI component measuring future sales expectations up six points in December."

Despite the fall in builder confidence in recent months, there have been notable gains in the pace of single-family building permits and new construction housing starts. Dietz explained that a temporary and outsized gap between builder sentiment and housing starts can occur after interest rates rise dramatically, leading to increased costs for builders in areas such as land development and builder loans.

Dietz emphasized the need for state and local policymakers to alleviate regulatory burdens on the cost of land development and homebuilding, especially in a market where higher financing costs add to the challenges of housing supply.

"Looking forward, as rates moderate, this temporary difference between sentiment and construction activity will decline," Dietz expressed.

Even during the typically slow season for the housing market, the index revealed positive trends. The traffic of prospective buyers looking at new homes rose by three points to 27. Sales expectations for the next six months increased by six points to 45, and the component measuring current sales conditions held steady at 40.

Alicia Huey, NAHB Chairman, highlighted the impact of lower mortgage rates, stating, "With mortgage rates down roughly 50 basis points over the past month, builders are reporting an uptick in traffic as some prospective buyers who previously felt priced out of the market are taking a second look."

In the face of a considerable housing shortage, the consensus among industry leaders is that boosting new home production is crucial for easing the affordability crisis, expanding housing inventory, and mitigating inflation. As the Federal Reserve addresses inflation concerns, the collaboration of policymakers at various levels could play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable and attainable housing supply for the market.

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Ways To Add Great Curb Appeal

 The old saying “never judge a book by its cover” can ring true when it comes to a home. The exterior of a home and its landscaping can make or break the impression it gives. Your home’s curb appeal is essential as it can increase your home’s value. Here are some ways to incorporate Hardie Panel fiber cement into your home’s additions.

Facade facelift

A way to dramatically change the appearance of the outside of your home is to add Hardie Plank lap siding. Adding a vertical look to your siding sets your home apart. You can have a classic wood panel look that is long-lasting and sustainable. Hardie Plank is fire-resistant and pest-resistant and will not warp or fade.

Decked out

Building a deck or patio to add living space to your home will increase your living space and add value to your home. If you are concerned about wrecking your greenspace, you can elevate your deck. Another way to preserve your greenspace is to use paved stone which gives you a natural look.

Beyond the grill

When you think of an outdoor kitchen space these days, you don’t just think of a grill in the backyard. A full-service outdoor kitchen has become very popular. When building an outdoor kitchen area, you want to use durable stone for your countertops, composite or stainless cabinets, and built-in appliances. This allows you to do everything from meal prep to clean up outside.

Forever friends

If you want to dramatically transform your outdoor space but do not want to get carried away, try planting a garden with low-maintenance perennials. You will want to check your hardiness zone to make sure you are planting something that will hold up in your zone. Planting perennials means that they will come back each year and grow more impressive each year.

Pooled resources

If you have some space left over in your yard, think about adding a swimming pool. A swimming pool can be built in-ground or above ground and can increase your home’s value. This sought-after amenity great fun feature for friends and family during those hot summer months.

Remember adding something that you love can help add value to your home. The ouside of your home and its features can be enjoyed and used like any other space in the interior of your home.

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And so the Work on River District Begins…

 River District is an awesome project that will bring a lot of positivity to the already up-and-coming area. This development will sit along the Mississippi Riverfront and include many features such as a music museum, soccer stadium, and concert venue.

The project has been in the work stages for around two and a half years due to lease negotiations with Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. “This whole process has taken a lot longer than anybody thought,” said CEO Chris Maguire of Cypress Equities, which is leading the project with local real estate developer Louis Lauricella. But, he added, “the city of New Orleans hasn’t seen a project like this in decades, and we want to get it right.”

New Orleans has not seen such a big project as this one. There is progress due to the lease agreement with Shell Oil as the anchor tenant for the complex. Top Golf will also be part of the development with construction on this starting soon.

Still, slow going is the Music and Heritage Experience museum which would be housed in a 120,000-square-foot-venue. The backed money was lost for the venture. “If we made a mistake in the last year, I’d say that it was that we didn’t talk to enough people,” he said. “We need to make the case that this is a music museum that will benefit the whole state and will pay for itself over and over.”

The soccer stadium is another stagnant project that has faced many obstacles. The project be built where a parking lot for the convention center now sits. The CEO of the convention center, Michael Sawaya does not like the idea of the soccer stadium. “I’m looking for something a little more exciting,” Sawaya said.

“What we really think makes sense there is entertainment-based retail and experiential concepts that are popping up all over the world,” Maguire said. “It’s concepts like the indoor putting, ax throwing, shuffleboard — all of those type of experiential entertainment.”

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Celebration in the Oaks Preview Party with Jingle Bells & Beer

 This holiday season, two of New Orleans’ popular holiday events will combine into one. The Celebration in the Oaks Preview Party and Jingle Bells & Beer combined into one big festive event to start the holiday season off. This is an event that is fun for the twenty-one and over crowd and is an annual fundraiser. Patrons will enjoy entertainment, rides, and all-you-can-imbibe brew in both the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and the Botanical Garden.

“Jingle Bells & Beer was already one of the most-anticipated events of the year, so why not add more to the mix,” said Celebration in the Oaks Director Julie LaCour. “Joining forces with the Preview Party is really going to kick the holidays off in style.”

You get both the fun of the amusement park with the elegant experience of the garden. Your general admission ticket will include unlimited beer, Amusement Park rides – including the iconic City Park Train – and snacks within the confines of Carousel Gardens. If you will go VIP you will enjoy a full bar and food from Acme Oyster House, Casa Borrega, Gris-Gris and Saint John, Katie’s Restaurant and Bar, Legacy Kitchen, Rosemary & Roux, Sala NOLA, Short Stop Poboys, and more.

Come be a part of this celebration as it goes to a very good cause.  City Park Conservancy’s annual operating budget is largely reliant on self-generated activities, often weather-dependent, and Celebration in the Oaks plays a key role in funding the Park’s continued maintenance and beauty each year. The public’s investment and attendance at Celebration in the Oaks supports City Park’s success going forward.

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The Housing Market This Holiday Season

 As the holiday season begins the housing real estate market is seeing some changes. Mortgage rates are high peaking at around 7.23% as of late September. As the year comes to and end, here is what the housing market looks like.

There is a decrease in demand due to everyone focusing on the festivities during the holiday season. With the focus on the holidays, there are fewer new listings and fewer interested buyers looking. This can present a unique advantage if you are willing to work with the market during the holiday season.

If you want to list, your home could sell quicker during this time and if you are a buyer, there will not be as much competition. Buyers and sellers that are doing transactions during the holidays are very motivated. Often times this could be due to relocation for a new job, an unexpected growth in your family or a big life-changing event.

Investors are always on the clock even during the holidays. Investors know the slower months are a great time to snag a good deal. During the holiday season, sellers are very motivated. Since the market is slow, this is also a good time for a local real estate agent to connect with any local investors.

A digital age with virtual tours makes it easier to shop for a house during the holiday season. In fact, ever since the pandemic, virtual home tours have become the norm. Nowadays a buyer can tour a home 24/y in this digital age.

Negotiations and pricing adjustments are another benefit to holiday home buying. The decreased activity in the market, makes it a great time for those who decide to trudge on. The end of the year can be a great time for a financial transaction. There are benefits for taxes when you buy at the end of the year. It’s also notable that historically, interest rates tend to drop during the holiday season. While interest rate fluctuations are dependent on a variety of factors, the decrease in demand around this time can sometimes prompt lenders to offer more favorable terms to incentivize purchases.

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Swamp Fête Celebrating South Louisiana Culture

Louisiana’s Audubon Zoo will host Swamp Fête this November. The event celebrates South Louisiana culture. There will be fun activities for all ages including Cajun and Zydeco music, dancing, a Cajun menu and native Louisiana animals.

The live music will be at both the Capital One Stage and in the Cajun Dance Hall. The lineup for the Capital One Stage includes Roots of Music, The Pine Leaf Boys, Sunpie and the Louisiana Sunspots, and Lost Bayou Ramblers. The Cajun Ballroom lineup includes Cajun Music Preservation Society, Sarah Jayde Williams, and T’Monde.

Patrons will learn about wetlands and wildlife conservation through presentations. The Swamp Exhibit will be the popular spot where you will see Sassafras the Louisiana black bear cub along with his friends two North American black bear cubs from Alaska.

Due to efforts of the wildlife experts the Lousiana black bear is now off the endangered list. This is good news for Louisiana’s official state mammal.

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