What to do about Recycling Electronics
With all the buzz around the release of Apple’s new iPad, you may be giving some thought to buying a new electronic device. Or maybe this is the year that you upgrade your mobile phone to a smartphone. Let’s face it, there are plenty of new electronics out there to make even a self-acknowledged geek get a crush.
Electronics are part of our daily lives. We couldn’t live without them. But have you given much thought as to how to properly dispose of your old electronics after you have purchased new?
Computers, televisions, mobile phones, game players — we upgrade and toss out the old ones fast. But these gadgets can’t go into the garbage because they’re filled with toxic materials. Many manufacturers and retailers are starting to take their electronics back, so you don’t have to deal with it.
So if you are looking for hints and tips regarding recycling electronics, look no further than Earth911.com. And they don’t just do electronics; they have categories ranging from Hazardous to Households and from Metal to Garden. We found it to be an excellent recycling reference. It’s nice to find a spot that tells you how to dispose of that 1/16 gallon of paint that is left over from painting your den. They even have their own free iPhone app. Of course they do, right?
Other sites to reference:
ZippGo – The Green Moving Box
Gables End is selling…..fast! Gables End has only one home remaining in its current phase. Our next phase homes, including the popular E2 – 4 bedroom plan, already have a number of reservations.
Since there are so many new homeowners at Gables End, moving is on everyone’s mind. If you have an upcoming move and are looking for an alternative to traditional methods, we’d like to introduce you to a local company that delivers sustainable moving supplies to you – ZippGo. ZippGo is convenient, cost-effective and sustainable, plus Ash (ZippGo’s owner), is an all around nice guy. Not only does ZippGo use 100% recycled plastic re-usable boxes, their delivery trucks are also fueled by local biofuel stations. And ZippGo is affordable! Move green, save green…
ZippGo’s three bedroom package includes a 2 week rental, free delivery and pickup, 50 reusable moving boxes, and a dolly to help move the boxes. This package is only $199 and the rental can be increased from 2 weeks to 3 or 4 for a small increase in total price. A complete list of ZippGo’s package pricing can be found here. You can also find ZippGo on Twitter and Facebook.
Googletopia in Mountain View?
Tech Crunch recently reported that our very own Google HQ in Mountain View wants to change its nearby zoning to create a Googletopia, a campus that extends its work –live atmosphere and solidifies Mountain View as a premium destination and leader in both technology and sustainability……
Here’s an excerpt from the copy of the letter to the City of Mountain View
(Recently posted on Tech Crunch):
“We are writing you to express our preferences for the future of Google s continued growth in the City of Mountain View We would encourage you to provide opportunities for the North Bayshore area to continue to be the center of sustainable development for Google’s HQ campus
Our goals for Google s HQ are to provide a future redevelopment that is nurturing and regenerative to the environment provide a vibrant community and worklife balance for all and efficiently manage transportation and pedestrian access needs. This must include mixed uses office retail and residential along with the kind of land use development described in the Final Report by the Mountain View Environmental Sustainability Task Force. We encourage you to be the model Silicon Valley community leading the way with visionary development opportunities to create the most efficient sustainable and fiscally supportive plan to the community of Mountain View and the North Bayshore area.”
Having Google in Mountain View has been very good for those living in our city. Besides the employment opportunities, Google supplied free Wi-Fi throughout Mountain View back in 2006, making Mountain View the first city in the nation with free Wi-Fi citywide access. Click here to see coverage. And now with Google’s vision for Googletopia, a massive expansion and sustainable undertaking, Mountain View is poised to lead the nation in innovation and livability.
Financial Trimming is Easier than Sit-Ups
Did you start of the New Year with a “Diet Resolution”, only to be tempted by all the great eats we have in downtown Mountain View? (Not to mention a few extra tastings at local brew houses in celebration of SF Beer Week.)
So you haven’t given up desserts or hit the gym yet. You can still trim-up financially. Let’s face it…taxes are just around the corner and budget are on our mind. By adjusting your insurance policies, you may be able to save hundreds annually on your premiums! Plus, cutting costs gives you quicker results than those sit-ups you’ve been working up the courage to start.
We recently stumbled upon this clever guide via insuranceagents.com, outlining 4 simple steps homeowners can take to cut out the extra calories and fat in their budgets spent on home insurance.
The article’s four recommended ways to trim up include boosting the policy deductible, living in low-risk areas, and demonstrating selectivity when insuring content in the home.
<Read Article Here> Or See the 4 steps summarized below:
1. Before purchasing home insurance policies, homeowners should take an inventory of personal belongings and home content. Being selective when insuring contents in the home may help you save.
2. Raise your deductible and put the extra cash in an interest bearing account. If you need to file a claim, the amount in the account may be much more than your deductible.*
3. Shop Around. Shopping online for insurance quotes is fast, free and easy for homeowners looking to save a little money. Check with a local agent who may be able to provide a better policy and match the best rate you find online.
4. Check to see if you live in low risk areas. If you live on a river and are more likely to flood (flood zone) insurance rates may increase significantly.
*This posting is intended for informational purposes only. Advice from the article’s author in no way reflects or represents planning advice by Regis Homes or Gables End team.
Gables End is Pet Friendly! Fido will love Doggieville…
Gables End is pet friendly! With Sierra Vista Park just steps from your front door and easy access to many city park’s, along with Shoreline Regional Park, it’s easy to see why so many pet-owners can make Fido’s dreams come true by owning a home at Gables End in Mountain View. Since many of our homeowners are active professionals and work often takes them away from home, we thought we’d share a local business that we stumbled across: Doggieville.
Looking for someone to take care of your best friend while you’re away on your next business trip? Somewhere where your four-legged friend can spend time with other doggie pals in a pet-friendly environment?
Look no further than Doggieville! They offer a wide variety of services for all your pet’s needs, whether it is daycare, sleepover, grooming or training. They provide a full range of services.
A complete list of services and rates can be found on the Doggieville website. They offer evaluations, which helps to determine if their facility is a good fit for you and your dog, and how to provide the best care for your dog. Evaluations are held Tues-Thurs, between 9a-12p, and between 2-4p. An appointment to schedule a Saturday evaluation is also available, if necessary.
We’ve never personally used Doggieville, but you can easily see that they are a Mountain View favorite. Check out their reviews on YELP. Doggieville – giving you the peace of mind that your best friend is well taken care of until you see them again.
For those of you looking for a spot to walk and play with your buddy, here’s a list of local parks nearby our community at Gables End in Mountain View. Rules for Dogs in City Parks
- Shoreline Park (dog-run area)
Northeast corner of Shoreline Blvd. and North Road (east of Shoreline Park entry gate)
For more information visit the Mountain View Dog Park Place or call the Shoreline Park office at 650/903-6392.
- Sylvan Park
- Charleston Park
- Rengstorff Park
- Eagle Park
- Whisman Sports
Farmers’ Market in Mountain View
Nothing beats the experience of a Farmers’ Market….the sights, the smells and colors are all a welcome escape from our daily, hectic lives. Our Gables End community is very fortunate to have one of the best farmers’ markets right here in downtown Mountain View.
The Certified Farmers’ Market in Mountain View is big and has an excellent selection of flowers, cheese, fruit, veggies, fresh meat, fresh bread and pastries, ethnic food and even entertainment for the little ones! The best part: you can enjoy it year-round!
Check out all of the positive reviews from locals and visitors who have had great things to say about the farmers’ market on YELP
Next Sunday, after your morning cup-o-joe, venture out and have a look! The Mountain View Farmers’ Market is less than 3 miles from your front door at Gables End. Just one more reason that living at Gables End is one of the best decisions you can make regarding housing options on the Peninsula.
Mountain View Farmers Market – California Farmers’ Markets Association
Day: Open all Sundays
Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Features: Approx. 70 growers and food purveyors at peak season.
Location: Downtown Mountain View Caltrain Station Parking Lot – 600 West Evelyn
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Phase 6 Already 60% Sold! New 4 Bedroom Unit!
The brand new 4-bedroom E-plan at Gables End is a huge hit! Phase 6 was just released and is already 60% sold out!
If you are looking for extra room in Mountain View, stop by for a tour of our community and a look at the new 4 bedroom floor plan (limited quantity).
Strike in Cupertino – Bowling Reinvented
We’ve been going stir crazy with long computer hours and this rainy winter. Are you looking for some indoor activity this wet winter season too? Look no further than Strike Cupertino.
Strike boasts 40,000 sq. ft. of entertainment and dining pleasure. You will find something for everyone:
- 32 lanes of high-energy bowling in a unique architecturally stunning setting
- State of the art A/V and a huge video wall spanning the lanes
- Enjoy cocktails and gourmet cuisine right at your lane or at our opulent bar
- Full Arcade
- Billiards
Strike is the ideal spot for private events, or just a great night out nearby. Strike has already made its mark on the east coast and has recently made its way to the west coast not too far from our community at Gables End!
Get your retro look going and have some fun! Bowling is hip again at Strike. You can also follow them on Twitter or fan them on Facebook for events and specials.