Earth Day is April 22nd.

As Earth Day 2010 approaches, it’s a good opportunity to look back at how Silverock was built with sustainability in mind and how we can preserve the natural beauty of Smith Lake and the surrounding environment.

Scott Hughes and the rest of the design team developed the site with one idea in mind: “Don’t mess with what God gave you.” Each tree was flagged and the builders took care to disturb the surroundings as little as possible. The team also incorporated green building principles into the design of the homes. Some examples of these elements are:

• All building materials come from within a close proximity of Silverock, limiting emissions from trucking, etc.
• The windows selected are Low-E glass and incorporate as much natural light as possible.
• All water fixtures are high-efficiency.
• High-Efficiency HVAC units are used.
• Fluorescent lighting installed throughout the property.
• Implementation of a storm water management system that limits erosion and preserves the natural landscape.
• Recycled railroad ties used for footpaths throughout Silverock.

Here are some more Environmentally-friendly tips to help keep Silverock in pristine condition.

• If every American home replaced just one conventional light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes a year.
• Are you about to upgrade your cell phone? Visit collectivegood.com to donate your old one and it will be reused to benefit a charity of your choice… (and you receive a tax credit–the website has all the info).
• We mentioned that Silverock offers highly efficient water fixtures, but you can do your part to reduce your water use by only running the dishwasher when you have a full load, taking a shower instead of a bath, and checking to make sure you are washing the appropriate load size on your washing machine. Every bit helps.
• When shopping, consider buying durable products such as reusable batteries. Buying used products can help conserve resources when possible. And make a concerted effort to take reusable shopping bags with you to the store (or better yet, leave some in your car).
• Come out to the Smith Lake Advocacy Clean-Up on April 21-22 to pick up litter and clean up the area around Rock Creek, Crooked Creek and White Oak. Details can be found here…
• Lastly, consider recycling. Currently, there is no structured recycling program in Cullman County, but we are looking into ways that we could facilitate a program at Silverock Cove. Any ideas to get the project off the ground would be appreciated.

The more we make an effort to reduce litter and pollution, we’ll be able to maintain the environment that makes Silverock Cove a special place. Have a great weekend and a great Earth Week!