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6 Ways to Go Green in the New Year

Posted on January 13, 2023

At Mariposa in Rio Rancho, residents are focused on good stewardship of the land, including regularly gathering to remove any extraneous trash within the community, on Unser Blvd and beyond. Like these good neighbors, if your New Year’s resolutions include making a “green impact”, here are six* ideas to consider that can help reduce your carbon footprint as you honor the beauty that makes New Mexico the Land of Enchantment.

1. Walk, bike or take public transportation when possible: Walking or biking instead of driving will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, plus it’s healthy! Carpooling is also a great option. Reach out to Mariposa neighbors to check on the latest carpool groups into Albuquerque.
2. Eat vegetables: Producing plant-based foods generally results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions and requires less energy, land, and water. The Sandoval County Master Gardeners are a great resource with classes and online tips specific to this region.
3. Save energy at home: Lower your heating and cooling, switch to LED light bulbs and energy-efficient appliances.
4. Throw away less food: When food decays in a landfill, it produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. So, use what you buy and compost any leftovers. The New Mexico Health Soil Working Group and New Mexico Composting Coalition has some great tips for composting indoors or in urban New Mexico settings.
5. Reduce, reuse, repair and recycle: To protect our climate, buy fewer things, shop second-hand, repair what you can, and recycle. Goodwill and Savers in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho are good options for thrift stores as is Secondhand Treasures in Coralles. Better yet, its proceeds benefit the Southwest Animal Rescue Fund.
6. Buy a new home or remodel your home to be more energy efficient: For those concerned about climate change, Richmond American Homes will offer ENERGY STAR® certified homes at Mariposa in 2023. ENERGY STAR® certified is a way of building new homes that cuts energy and water waste without cutting comfort and convenience.

Richmond American Homes at Mariposa ENERGY STAR® details

• When compared to standard homes, a RAH reduces utility bills through reduced energy waste
• Improved indoor air quality due to fresh-air systems and high-performance filters that reduce dust, pollen and other pollutants
• More consistent temperatures throughout the home, thanks to high-efficiency heating and cooling systems
• Fewer leaks and drafts through comprehensive air sealing, proper insulation and high-performance windows and doors
• Increased protection from moisture intrusion via a comprehensive water management system
• Greater peace of mind because homes are held to strict government standards and independently inspected by trained and certified professionals
• Additionally, solar power systems will be available in Richmond American Homes at Mariposa, harnessing the power of the sun and reducing reliance on fossil fuels

Be sure to talk to your Richmond American Homes representative for more details on these energy-saving benefits. Whether big or small, take the steps today toward a healthier 2023 and keeping #NMTrue.

For more information about Mariposa’s new neighborhood of Richmond American Homes: https://liveinmariposa.com/harvard-investments-breaks-ground-on-new-174-home-seasons-at-monarch-neighborhood-in-mariposa/

Looking for a new home in New Mexico? Mariposa is a master-planned community 30 minutes north of Albuquerque in the appealing town of Rio Rancho. Near so much of what New Mexico offers, Mariposa is designed for living naturally. Mariposa offers a fully equipped fitness center, indoor lap pool and outdoor pools, parks, sports courts, miles of trails, abundant open space and endless views at the 2,200-acre Mariposa Preserve and surrounding mountains. Learn more at https://liveinmariposa.com/

*The first six tips above are recommended by the United Nations.