Archive for the ‘Energy’ Category

Tip of the Week – Switch to a Corded Phone

retro_phoneHere’s an easy tip to save big on electricity…Switch that cordless phone to an old-fashioned corded version.

How is this eco you ask?

Well, cordless phones are energy vampires, just sitting in a recharging cradle they suck up power. Cordless phones use between 2 and 3 watts in both active & standby modes, according to tests by Lawrence Berkeley National Labs, and about 60% of cordless phone energy use occurs during standby time.

Conventional corded phones use only a trickle of electricity, and that comes through the phone line. Plus, such phones will work even if the power supply to your home is cut off in a storm or another emergency.

So stop wasting electricity today & switch out those cordless phones.

Tip of the Week – Only Wash Full Loads Of Laundry

Only Wash Full Loads Of LaundryThis may seam super obvious to some, but the best way to save money on laundry is by only washing full loads. This will maximize energy efficiency and conserve water. By only washing full loads you’ll be using less water per item.

It’s really easy! Just put off doing laundry as long as possible.

Tip of the Week – Recycle Aluminum Foil

Aluminum FoilA lot of your favorite household products are recyclable. Products such as aluminum foil are often overlooked, but can be thrown in the recycling bin along with the cans, newspapers & glass.

According to the Aluminum Association, Americans toss out enough aluminum every 3 months to rebuild our entire commercial air fleet.

So, the next time you use aluminum foil…don’t forget to toss it into the recycling bin!

100+ Sites For Eco-Friendly Living

Want to know just about everything & anything Green? Well, now you can with this incredible list by Mashable.

The list includes 100+ sites that give information on everything green. Things like how to lower your carbon footprint, places to find eco-friendly shopping, communities to meet others & discuss the current topics and even dating sites where you can find other tree-huggers that are looking to mingle.

This list is pretty awesome & a great resource for anyone looking for a little Green knowledge. Check it out:  100+ Sites for Green Living

Tip of the Week – Avoid Drive Through Lines

Avoid Drive Through LinesSave gas by avoiding drive through lines at restaurants & coffee shops. Instead park your vehicle, go inside, and to order your food & drink.

In many cases, this is the fastest way anyway. Think about how many times you have gone inside and came back out only to see people were still waiting in line idling.

For more gas saving tips check out 20 Under $5 Tips to Improve Your Cars Gas Mileage.

Tip of the Week – Clean Your Furnace Filter

Eco Furnace FilterThe simple task of changing or cleaning your furnace filter can really improve the efficiency of your furnace, as well as improve your indoor air quality.

Top 5 Green Holiday Travel Tips

Green Holiday Travel TipsTraveling this holiday season? Consider these top 5 easy, eco-effective travel tips:

1- Pack Lightly.
The more weight you carry on, the more fuel the train, plane, automobile, or boat will use. So don’t pack unnecessarily stuff. If you are traveling with companions only bring one of something that can be shared, like toothpaste & shaving cream. Also, find out if the hotel or host has a hairdryer or other appliances, to avoid packing them. And remember, shoes & boots add major weight to a bag, so try to keep extras to a minimum.

2- Take The Bus Or Train.

  • According to the UCS, a couple who go by bus instead of flying coach will reduce their carbon dioxde emissions by 55 to 75%, depending upon the distance traveled. Even if 2 travelers use a fuel-efficient hybrid car, a bus trip will cut their trip emissions in half.
  • UCS researchers report that a train emits 60% less carbon per passenger mile than a car with a single occupant. Compared to a 500-mile trip on a small jet plane, a train emits 30% less carbon.

3- Choose A Direct Flight.
If you are flying this holiday try to find a non-stop flight. Not only will it save you time, it is a greener choice.

4- Go Before You Fly.
Use the airport lavatory, not the one on the plane, since, believe it or not, the fuel used for every mile-high flush could run a car for six miles.

5- Look For Green Hotels.
Look around for eco-friendly lodging that has efficient lighting and water fixtures, alternative fuel vehicles, and that recycles. 

Tip of the Week – Only Burn Dry Wood

wood burning fireWhen you start a fire in your hearth, at campground, or in your back yard pit – only burn dry wood. That’s becasue wet wood doesn’t burn as completely as dry wood, meaning it releases more pollutants into the air.

The biggest concern with this is particulate pollution, or solid particles smaller than a red blood cell that can cause and irritate, asthma and allergies, as well as lung problems.

By sticking to dry wood, you’ll help reduce particulate air pollution and breathe easier.

Product of the Week – DSI Power Strip

DSI Power StripDSI Power Strip is a new kind of power strip that offers great savings on electricity.

How is a DSI Power Strip different?
By using a master socket that controls the other outlets on the power strip.

On a normal power strip, you have to actually turn off the strip to prevent any power from being drained. With the DSI Power Strip you prevent this and actually cut off all power to the secondary sockets when the device plugged into the primary socket is shut down.

What does this all mean?
When a device such as a TV is plugged into the master socket and then turned on, the other sockets with your cable box, DVD player, and sound system will then be powered on. The reverse happens when you power down your TV turning off the power to the other sockets and preventing any power from being drained.

Buy Now!

Check out this video where the DSI Power Strip is being unboxed.

Tip of the Week – Shovel The Snow

shoveling-snowThis winter when it comes time to clear the driveway of the latest snow dusting, use a shovel instead of a snowblower. This is not only quieter but it is also more eco-friendly, plus cost less money in fuel. And not to mention it gives you a good work out, so you can skip the gym.