The average family spends $1,400 a year on energy bills, with nearly half of that spent on heating and cooling. Energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment, sized and installed correctly, with properly sealed ducts, can save homeowners as much as 20 percent on their annual energy costs.
Hidden gaps and cracks in a home can add up to as much airflow as an open window. The more heat that escapes, the more cold air enters, causing your system to work harder and use more energy. Home Sealing can improve your home "envelope" - the outer walls, ceiling, windows and floors -- and can save up to 10 percent in energy costs. Start by sealing air leaks and adding insulation—pay special attention to your attic and basement, where the biggest gaps and cracks are often found.
Did you know that simply wrapping your water heater with an insulating blanket cuts the cost (both financial and environmental) of heating the water? And depending on where you live, if you go tankless or solar, you might be eligible for a tax rebate too.
Likewise, if you or one of your family members feels cold while at home, revert to getting snug in a blanket or coat before cranking up the heat -- and the heating bill.
Suzi Istvan recently wrote about how you can "green your grill" this summer. The entry went up on Posh Mama Magazine and then also on the Green Mommy Guide. Clearly she rocks!
One of the tips I found most helpful was "Replace traditional charcoal with natural hardwood lump charcoal which burns at a lower temperature and does not contain the worrisome chemicals of the former." I have known people to do this and it definitely "flaunts" their green and gourmet efforts of fabulousness. Can't beat that!
I have also heard it is important to avoid lighter fuel and self-lighting briquettes, which give off petrochemical volatile organic compounds. Eeek sounds scary doesn't it!?
Electric grills are very, emitting 99 percent less carbon monoxide than charcoal grills. But with the cost of electric I understand why these are not used often.
Gas grilling is one of the most energy-efficient methods and, if you use natural gas, the cleanest-burning fossil fuel, you'll release fewer harmful pollutants.
So it's up to you friends. Do your part in helping our environment while you have fun out in the sun for a summer BBQ.
Perhaps you have an enormous supply of vodka on hand and you want to know other ways to use it other than just drinking it?
Well, that is part of what "being green" is all about; finding several different ways to use one item.
According to thedailygreen.com, "Many people have reported that if they immediately pour vodka over an area that has contacted poison ivy, the alcohol will wash away the culprit, urushiol oil, and they won't experience an uncomfortable reaction. Some have said that the vodka needs to be at least 100 proof to work."
Another interesting thing you can do with vodka is to spray it on your clothes. Apparently spraying the alcohol on your clothes will keep them smelling fresh. Simply spritz your clothes, then hang to dry in a well-ventilated area. (Do a spot-test first to be safe.)
Vodka kills odor-causing bacteria, but doesn't leave a scent when dry.
Kind of makes you wonder who pondered and than tested these interesting rules of thumb. =o)
Concern about the environment and global warming is not only influencing how consumers live their lives, but also impacting their buying habits.
In a consumer survey taken in advance of Earth Day (April 22) by BuzzBack Market Research, 72 percent of those asked said they used energy efficient light bulbs and 57 percent said they purchased recycled products. But much work still needs to be done to change attitudes among consumers as less than 10 percent say they buy products only from "green" companies.
My guess is they buy what they can afford to buy. It is understandable to know you need to buy items which are better for your health and better for the environment, but those products are not always better for your pocket full of lint.
My husband and I have been trying our best to buy organic, buy green, eat healthy and turn off electric items which are not being used. When you see your bank account drop to 98 cents you sort of have to rethink things.
When it comes to using products to improve the environment, US consumers say they do the following more often than not:
-- 72% use energy efficient light bulbs -- 70% turn down the thermostat -- 71% recycle paper -- 68% turn off electric appliances rather than leave them on stand-by -- 67% take more showers than baths to conserve water -- 57% recycle glass -- 57% purchase recycled products -- 55% purchase recycled paper -- 51% purchase refill products -- 38% use less household chemicals -- 36% walk short distances rather than drive -- 31% buy organic fruit or vegetables -- 20% take fewer flights -- 15% buy organic meat -- 6% only buy products from companies they consider Green -- 4% use a hybrid car
