Why “Green” is the Color of Aging at Eskaton

Mention the word “aging” to most Americans and the color gray may come to mind as they anticipate gray hair or reflect on the graying of the nation’s population. But mention the same word to residents and clients of Eskaton, a LeadingAge member in Carmichael, CA, and they’ll most likely tell you that aging is all about being “green.”

Through a wide-ranging Ecology Initiative, Eskaton is embracing what it calls “generativity:” the philosophy that one generation helps the next by practicing comprehensive resource conservation. The organization is serious about this commitment to future generations. Its conservation efforts run the gamut from major housing design and construction initiatives to sustainable buying practices and urban gardening. Here’s a sampling: 

• Green Design Promotion: The Livable Design National Demonstration Home, which Eskaton built on its Roseville, CA campus, incorporates 100 universal design elements and includes such green design features as efficient lighting, low-flow plumbing and solar panels. The home has become a national showcase for the latest innovations in home design. More than 2,800 consumers and professionals have taken guided tours since the home opened in Oct. 2008. 

• Green Building Practices: Like the demonstration home, all of Eskaton’s new construction and remodeling projects incorporate green design standards developed through the organization’s Livable Design By Eskaton™ certification program. To increase the energy efficiency of its buildings, Eskaton will soon begin installing EnergyStar-rated appliances, adopting pilot projects to test energy-efficient technologies, and using solar energy to heat swimming pools. 

• Earth-Friendly Buying Practices: Eskaton’s purchasing standards specify the use of recycled paper for printed reports and marketing materials as well as biodegradable and “Earth-friendly” cleaning products and supplies when possible. The organization also puts a priority on fuel efficiency when adding to its fleet of vehicles. 

• Saving resources: All of Eskaton’s communities encourage the recycling of paper, cardboard and beverage containers, and some communities will soon be doing their own composting. That organic matter will come in handy when it’s time to fertilize the urban gardens which many Eskaton residents tend. The organization also plans to launch new water conservation strategies for in-home use and landscaping, and to give employees the incentive to rideshare.