By Bill Cole

Green is the new black.  And for good reason.  Our planet, its resources and wildlife are all in jeopardy.  Americans have finally taken notice and are doing something about it.
 
Here at Cole Roofing we believe the push to “go green” isn’t just a trend.  It’s here to stay.  And we’re committed to providing our customers with sustainable roofing solutions that help our environment one roof at a time.
 
Non-profit organizations are the backbone of our country, committed to worthy causes, its employees working long hours, often doing without the latest and greatest technologies so funding can be directed towards the greater good.
 
We think it’s time to honor area non-profits, so we’ve launched an exciting contest http://www.greenroofgiveaway.com/ for one lucky non-profit to win a green roof—either a vegetated or solar integrated roof, both on the cutting-edge of sustainable roofing.  Along with the Green Roof Give Away we will have an online public vote to determine the charity most deserving and one with the most votes will be awarded a $5,000.00 donation from Cole Roofing.
 
Beyond honoring area non-profits, a mission of our green roof giveaway is to educate the public on today’s different green roofing solutions.  Many people are unaware of the environmentally friendly roofing options available today.  Average consumers may be confused or have misconceptions about vegetated, solar roofs and more.  We’d like to dispel myths and misinformation and give you the facts on green roofs.  After all, an educated consumer is a powerful consumer. 

 
On our contest site we have many educational blog posts that will provide all sorts of information.  Please don’t forget to check out the contest details and our blog posts at http://www.greenroofgiveaway.com/ or at www.facebook.com/coleroofing – click on the Green Roof tab for more info.  While you are there be sure to “like” us so you get updates on the contest!

The deadline of November 15th for entries is fast approaching so nominate your favorite non-profit for something truly valuable.  We can’t wait to see all the entries!

~ Bill Cole

William Robert Cole is Vice President, Cole Roofing Co., Inc. in Baltimore, MD. Contact  him at 410-242-0600 or billy@coleroofing.com, or visit www.coleroofing.com.

Did you know that yesterday, December 3, was “National Roof Over Your Head Day?”  I didn’t, but now I’ll put it on my calendar for 2010.  Similar, I guess, to Thanksgiving, on this day we are supposed to appreciate the things we have, starting literally with the roof over our heads.  For most of us, a roof over our head means living in a home that protects us from the elements, keeping us warm, dry, safe, and cozy.  Lots of us take this basic necessity of life for granted, forgetting that so many people in the world are homeless with no shelter.  We’re all about greenroofs here, but of course we have to have a roof first before we can green it!  As we enter the holiday season, let’s remember those less fortunate by contributing our time, goods, or money to those in need.

Ben from Listicles says we should be doing things to help others who aren’t so fortunate, like making a donation to a shelter.  But on a lighter note, he writes, “We should also be thankful for things we don’t have, like unwanted and inappropriate objects on those roofs over our heads.”  So they compiled some such examples of “10 Odd Things on Roofs” that you probably don’t want over your head, either, and I just had to share more of these:

See the rest of the Listicles photos here.  So how about a National Greenroof Day?  You never know, it could be coming one of these years!  Here’s one of my own favorite Odd Things You Don’t Want on a Roof:

~ Linda V.