Renewable Energy and Other Money-Saving Secrets for Your Home

February 25, 2011 By adminek Leave a Comment

Introduction

In today’s economy, there are more reasons than ever to cut your energy bill. One of the most popular ways to do so is to invest in green, renewable energy to power all or part of your home. But, even if you don’t have the resources or the time to install a full photovoltaic solar kit on your roof, there are dozens of other ways to cut your bills, save money, and generally be more kind to Mother Earth.

That’s what we’re going to talk about – the strategies that frugal home owners and green members of society are using to take a hack at their energy use once and for all. That includes cutting down on your power bill in as many ways as possible, installing green energy sources such as solar panels, solar heat, and windmills, or simply cutting back on your food bill and other expenses.

The nation has had a wakeup call when it comes to our financial future. We cannot sustain endless spending and debt. If you’ve joined the ever growing revolution and want to cut your bills, keep reading – it’s time to rethink what you use and how you use it. This isn’t just about your checkbook – it’s about your children’s future and the future of our planet and everyone on it. I can’t think of a better reason to start making changes.

The World’s Energy Crisis

Right now, we’re coming to terms with a hard truth that has been hanging over our heads for decades. The amount of energy in the world is finite. We have always known that – it’s fairly easy to understand when you consider that most of our energy is derived from fossil fuels. But, now more than ever we’re seeing the evidence that we only have so long until energy sources grow too rare and too expensive for average consumers like us to afford.

It’s a big problem because most consumers don’t realize their role in the crisis. When we see a problem this big we assume that the government is responsible for fixing it. But, in reality, the government is limited in its actions as long as human beings continue to devour energy in such high amounts. We need to learn how to cut back our energy use and then replace the fossil fuels with sustainable solutions.

If you’re not sure this is a problem you need to face, just look at the cost of oil, gas, and electricity compared to 10-15 years ago. Gasoline in the early 2000s was barely more than $1 per gallon in the United States. Today, it remains around $3 consistently and sometimes goes upwards of $4 per gallon. Heating oil and natural gas also continue to skyrocket in price, to the point that some families must choose between food and heat in the winter. No one should be forced to make that kind of choice.

How Long Do We Have?

Right now, we’re on the cusp of a major turning point. It’s believed that peak production will occur in the next 3-10 years. That means, after that point, production of fuel will not be able to increase with consumption any longer. With massive countries like China and India industrializing and growing at unheard of rates, this is a very bad thing for anyone that uses fossil fuels each day (as most of us do).

Scientists are not sure when fossil fuels will start to run out – having a clear idea of the earth’s contents is nearly impossible with current technology. But, conservative estimates put us at about halfway through the world’s oil reserves. That means we could conceivably run out of oil within 30-40 years at the current consumption rates. That’s the current rates. Year over year, oil consumption has rarely if ever gone down globally. So, we can expect it to increase…which means we could run out of oil even faster. Your children will almost surely live in a world where oil reserves dry up or deplete to a level where they can no longer afford it.

The Solutions

Right now, there are a lot of conversations going on around the world about what we should be doing about the energy crisis. Compounding it is the fact that our continued use of fossil fuels is creating a growing climate change problem. So, what does our government plan to do to provide energy and fuel for families and individuals in the coming years as costs rise and supplies decrease?

Right now, actions by the government aren’t going to make major dents in our fossil fuel use for years or even decades to come. But, as a consumer, you can do your own part to cut back on consumption. Not only will you help to reduce how much energy is used around the globe, you’ll be preparing for further price increases, reducing your bills and making it possible to survive in a world where energy costs dwarf other basic necessities.

That means finding alternative energy sources and implementing them in your home. Solar energy can be used to heat water and your home, as well as power your devices with the right installation. Wind power is another viable solution in many situations – providing a massive secondary source of power. Ultimately, though, whether you have the resources to install renewable energy for your home or not, the easiest way to save money is to reduce your energy consumption across the board.

This report is going to help you do just that – providing a bevy of options that will outline where your energy is currently going and how you can cut back that use immediately. With a world depending on us, it’s our responsibility to take action now, not when our kids are grown and the earth has already been sucked dry.

20 Ways to Cut Down Your Bills

Right now, your biggest concerns are the bills you have to pay, not the future of our earth’s energy sources. So, understandably, you’d rather hear what we can do right now to change what you spend, than what you should be doing with money you don’t have to replace that energy use.

To start with, understand that cutting your bills is not as easy as waving a wand and waiting for meters to run backwards. It takes hard work and sacrifice to reduce the bills you currently have. And if you have a family, cutting down on expenses is going to be even harder. Children and spouses are not always amenable to giving up their refrigerator gazing habits or their superhot showers. So, put on your gauntlets and buckle down because we’re about to do some serious slashing of your budget.

Before You Get Started

Before you invest any time into cutting back your bills, I want you to do something very important. Call a family meeting, sit down with your kids and spouse and discuss what’s about to happen. Many times, a backlash occurs because you don’t consult everyone before making changes. Putting up signs, unplugging appliances and canceling services can be frustrating for a family. So, instead of thrusting major changes into your lives without notice, sit down with everyone and ask them their opinions.

It may not change your decisions, but just by discussing it, you can layout clearly why the changes are being made and how they will benefit everyone in the long term. Mention what the savings will be spent on, how you’re helping the environment and why you feel it is a necessary step. If properly communicated, your family should understand why these changes are being made.

1. Replace Incandescent Bulbs – Old fashioned, incandescent bulbs are a huge money waster, both in energy and in the cost of the bulbs. Modern fluorescent bulbs can last up to 5 years and use a fraction of the energy. If you’re aiming for even bigger savings, go with LED light bulbs, which can last twenty-five times longer than incandescent bulbs and use even less energy than fluorescents.

2. Unplug Your Devices – Most people figure that when they hit the power button, their appliance or electronic stops sucking juice from the wall. Unfortunately, it doesn’t really work like that. Electricity may not be flowing and getting consumed, but it is very much being used. So, don’t just turn your devices off, unplug them when not in use.

3. Turn Off Lights – This is a simple one that you’ve likely heard since you were ten years old. Turn the lights off when not in the room. I’ll do it one further. Turn them off at all times unless you specifically need that light to do something.

4. Buy Energy Star Appliances – The Federal Government has a program that rates and labels appliances that are considered high efficiency in terms of energy use. Look for the Energy Star label and specifically the energy use statistics that must be labeled on all major appliances.

5. Wash Clothes Smartly – Washing machines and dryers make up a huge chunk of your monthly energy use. First off, cut down how often you do laundry. Only run the machines when you have a full load, and use cold water whenever possible. Additionally, check your exhaust vents and have your washer serviced to make sure it is working properly.

6. Change the Thermostat – In the winter, drop your thermostat to a bearable temperature around 68 degrees or so (60 degrees at night) and in the summer, raise it to 78 degrees. The small difference in temperature from the standard 72 degrees can save you hundreds of dollars a year, especially if you live in an extreme climate.

7. Turn Off Your Computer – Computers leach tremendous amounts of electricity, even when in hibernation modes. If you’re not using a computer, turn it off – simple as that. Additionally, make sure it is attached to a power strip that you can turn off whenever the computer is off.

8. Check for Leaks and Improper Insulation – Homes with poor insulation or leaks in air vents can bleed energy. Have an inspection done to check for thin walls, poorly sealed doors, leaking air vents, or other issues that can cause energy loss. In some cities, there are public programs for low income families and the elderly to provide free insulation. If nothing else, home insulation is a big tax write off.

9. Plant Trees Carefully – Trees around your home can provide much needed shade in the summer and sun in the winter. Southern and Western exposures are best, and you should plant deciduous trees so that the leaves are gone in the winter to let winter sun in. You can also install awnings each summer to reduce direct sunlight into your home.

10. Prewash and Load the Dishwasher – Dishwashers suck energy to heat water. To cut back on that energy use, scrape and pre-rinse your dishes, then use a lower cycle for your dishwasher.

11. Use Smaller Appliances for Small Meals – If you’re only making a small meal or feeding one or two people, avoid turning on your oven or stove. An energy star Microwave or toaster oven will provide plenty of heat to warm up a bowl of soup or cook a cheese sandwich.

12. Hang Your Clothes to Dry – If possible, avoid using your dryer altogether. Hang clothes lines in your basement and backyard. As long as it is not below freezing outside, wet clothes will dry in nearly any temperature.

13. Seal Windows in the Winter – Leaky windows can lead to a tremendous amount of lost heat in the winter. Make sure you install storm windows, and that the seals around your windows are properly caulked to avoid leakage.

14. Use Shades in the Summer – Instead of letting all that sunlight into your house and fighting it back with an air conditioner, use shades that can let in the cool air but block the sunlight. Again, you should also consider installing awnings to block direct sunlight.

15. Use Power Strips to Control Use – Use power strips on every outlet that you can. They not only reduce direct energy use, they allow you to turn off the power being used without having to unplug every appliance individually. It’s also a good idea to have power strips to avoid surges that can harm your devices.

16. Don’t Idle Your Car Unnecessarily – Idling a car wastes gasoline. Most cars can be warmed up by driving them. Instead of sitting in your car and idling without moving, drive it to warm it up while not on the highway. Additionally, avoid city streets whenever possible to improve gas mileage.

17. Tune Up Your Car Regularly – Regular tune ups and oil changes in your car will improve gas mileage and reduce the need for costly repairs. Even if you have a new car with no problems, make sure you stick to your regular maintenance schedule to reduce potentially massive bills.

18. Reduce Weight in the Car – Take out any unnecessary weight from your trunk or back seat. Extra weight reduces gas mileage and slows your car down, also putting a heavier burden on the engine which can cost you later.

19. Have Your Home Inspected – Have someone take a look at your home to find any leaks, insulation problems, old wiring, or other energy wasting issues. Many times, energy draining issues can be masked by walls, flooring, or a simple lack of knowledge. Look for an impartial third party that won’t try to sell you on unnecessary repairs.

20. Go Outside Instead of Watching TV – The more time you spend inside, the more electricity you use. So, instead of constantly watching TV, surfing the Internet, and playing video games, go outside and enjoy a sport or read a book.

Special Phone Bill Tips

Most of what we’ve discussed relates to your energy bills – the utilities that vary depending on use and energy rates. Another utility that can really add up and that many people don’t think about is the phone bill. It may not be related to renewable energy, but these tips can help you cut back a very hefty expense in most households:

Reconsider Long Distance – If you have a mobile phone with free long distance or you simply don’t use your long distance very often, you likely don’t need long distance service on your home phone.
Remove Package Features You Don’t Use – Other package features you don’t use like caller ID, offsite voicemail, 411, or voice activation are all unnecessary features for most people and can add up quickly on a phone bill.
Consider VoIP if You Have Internet Access – VoIP phone service costs as little as $25 a month without any taxes or fees and works directly over the Internet access you already pay for. It also has free long distance and all the other package features you are used to.
Review Your Mobile Bills – If you have a mobile phone or a number of phones, consider reducing your spending. Take a look at how many minutes you actually use, the text messaging you pay for, and the data plans. Children under 12 likely don’t need a mobile phone except for in emergencies either.
Get Unlimited Plans When Necessary – If your family regularly goes over the limit on certain features, such as text messages, minutes, or data use, upgrade your plan to include unlimited packages. Unlimited text messaging for a family of four is often far less than the overages a single teenager can rack up in a month.
Set Limits for Your Family – Be realistic about what you want to spend and communicate it to your children and spouse. If they are using hundreds of minutes and text messages each month, it’s likely not necessary. Set limits, check the bills often and make sure you follow through on the limits you set.

The average family spends between $100 and $300 a month on phone bills when you include mobile bills. That’s a LOT of money – enough to dwarf all other utilities combined. If you are smart about what you need and what you actually use, you can cut it back significantly and boost your energy savings almost two fold.

Secrets to Installing Solar Power in Your Home

When it comes to renewable energy, nothing gets more press than solar power; and for good reason. The sun is out there all day, every day. Even on cloudy days, the sun is showering us with energy that can be harnessed and used to heat our homes, power our appliances, and replace the expensive, fossil fuel burning energy companies. Every square meter of sunlight carries 1,000 watts of energy – a massive burst of raw power.

But, is solar power really an efficient option, and if so, is it affordable? Let’s take a closer look at what energy costs in your home can be replaced with solar and how effective they generally are.

Solar Hot Water and Space Heating

Solar hot water and space heating is one of the simplest ways to harness the power of the sun. It requires a solar collector, a tank on your roof, and the necessary connections to circulate heated water throughout your home. It’s about 80% cheaper than installing solar panels and can pay for itself within 2-3 years instead of 20.

What You Need for Solar Heating

There are two different types of solar heating installations – a passive installation that circulates water directly from the solar collector throughout your home without any pumps or motors, and an active installation that pumps cold water into the collector and hot water into your hot water tank where it can be stored for later use.

The simplest to install and least expensive is a passive system because it requires fewer parts, less maintenance and no permits. However, you should still be careful when installing a passive solar hot water system, if only because you’re working with active pipes in your home.

Types of Solar Collectors

A solar collector is a panel attached to your roof that will absorb energy from the sun and convert it to heat. In the case of a passive system, the collector will directly heat the water in a tank attached to your roof. Basically, it’s like a greenhouse for your home’s hot water.

However, not every home can benefit from a simple, flat plate solar collector. In colder climates where that water might freeze, you will need a more indirect system. In this case, you will need an evacuated tube system. What evacuated tubes do is surround the water pipes with glass tubes that have inert air in them. This counteracts the ambient air temperature so only the sun’s energy affects the overall temperature.

Additionally, those pipes will usually contain some kind of coolant rather than water. The heated coolant is then transferred to a separate water tank to heat potable water. The water never freezes, the pipes stay strong, and you have hot water even in the winter.

Implementation

Putting in a solar hot water system starts with analysis of your hot water needs. How much do you use and what do you currently pay for it? Likely, you will never be able to replace your entire hot water supply with solar hot water, but anything you do now will help your bills in the future.

Beyond the solar collector – which will be between 4 and 12 feet long – you’ll need the following parts to complete a solar heating installation:

Storage Tanks – For active systems using evacuated tubes, storage tanks will hold the potable water away from the roof. This allows you to heat the water in a separate location more safely in cold temperatures.
Water Heater – If you choose to remain connected to the grid, with the option for outside energy to heat your water, this is important. Most people remain connected to be sure they never run out of hot water. If the solar tank drains when you have company or it gets too cold outside, this will be welcome.
Heat Exchanger – If you are using coolant in your solar collectors, you’ll need pipes or coils to transfer the heat from the coolant to your water, usually inside your storage tanks.
Water Pumps – In an active system, you’ll need water pumps to move water to and from your solar collectors. Passive systems don’t use water pumps.
Valves and Controls – These are used in active systems as well. Controls will determine where water is pumped and when to turn on your hot water tank. You can also install an isolation valve to cut off your solar system if something goes wrong along with a tempering valve. If you’re using direct hot water from your solar collector, a tempering valve will make sure it doesn’t get too hot when you’re in the shower or washing dishes.

Hot Water or Heating

Of the two, hot water is considered the simplest to install because it uses less energy than heating and because it only requires two connections to existing plumbing. However, for many homes – especially new ones – it is viable to use a solar heating system for both hot water and heating. In the case of heating, you’ll need to install pipes and radiators throughout the house to transfer the heat to your rooms, which will require professional assistance.

Photovoltaic Solar Power

The second type of solar power – the one you’ve likely heard more about – is photovoltaic. Without getting too technical, photovoltaic solar power is the process of converting solar energy directly into electricity using a solar panel.

These panels are made with highly conductive materials like silicon, which can break apart the energy from the sun’s rays into electrons and then direct them into an electric current. That current is transmitted through wiring in your home, converted into usable electricity, and funneled to your outlets and lighting fixtures.

It’s not quite as simple as all that, but nor is it much more complicated. Solar power’s biggest drawback isn’t complexity, but cost.

Because solar panels are notoriously inefficient (the best panels convert between 10-15% of the solar energy that hits them), and because they take up so much space, a system that will fully power your home would be large and rather expensive.

Installation Secrets

Just because they’re expensive, though, doesn’t mean solar power isn’t feasible. There are in fact many ways to optimize your use of solar panels without having to pay through the nose.

Placement – First, your roof needs to be angled properly – ideally at about 45 degrees facing south. A southern exposure with no overlying shade will guarantee maximum sunshine throughout the year.
Energy Use – You’ll need to cut your energy use to make solar panels viable. Luckily, you’re reading this guide, which provides dozens of tips to cut your bills and energy use down dramatically. Keep in mind that it costs $9 per watt of electricity to install a solar system. Analyze what you use currently and compare it to your total kilowatt use at the moment.
Forecasting – You should also do some research to determine how much sun you can absorb throughout the year. What does the National Weather Service say about your annual sunlight? If you live in Seattle, PV cells probably won’t be of much use, but if you live in Arizona, you might be able to go off grid for a reasonable investment.
Power Sharing – If you’re in a state that supports it, remember that you can also resupply power back to the electric company through the power lines. This way, you can stay on the grid and access electricity if it’s extra gray outside for a few weeks.

Installing solar power is expensive to be sure, but if you do it right, you can cut down your electricity use and at least supplement a bit chunk of your power use.

What You’ll Need

There are quite a few parts involved in PV cell installation, but to give you a general idea of what you’re paying for and the scope of installation, here’s a run through of the parts:

Batteries – Without grid electricity, you’ll need batteries to store power when you’re not using it. This will help ensure you have power when the sun isn’t shining.
Charge Controller – To control how fast the battery charges and drains, a charge controller is needed. This will lengthen the battery’s life and efficiency.
Inverter – An inverter converts electricity you gather through your solar cells from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). This is necessary so you can use that electricity in your outlets.
Generator – A generator acts as a backup if you’re off grid and run out of battery power. A generator can also be wired to a battery to recharge it if it gets too low during peak use.
PV Cells – The actual solar cells you need will be available in many forms and costs. Higher end cells have been getting far better retention numbers, but the price rises drastically.
Additional Parts – There are a number of other important parts including wiring, junction boxes, disconnects, overcurrent protection, grounding equipment, and brackets for installation.

Overall, solar panels are a fun, effective way to supplement the electricity you use from the power company – and the source is free and abundant. Remember to thoroughly research local laws and building codes before starting a project. You may also want to contact a licensed contractor for consultation.

Installing Wind Power

Wind power is becoming increasingly popular as a source of energy for major power suppliers around the globe. The wind never dies and turbines are becoming less expensive and more efficient with each passing year. However, when you crane your neck up at the 200 foot high windmill along the highway, you must be wondering if you could possibly harness the same power efficiently. Luckily, the answer is yes.

What You Need for Wind Power

A lot of people assume that you need acres of space, dozens of windmills and high speed winds to generate enough power for your home. However, recent studies have shown that substantial energy production can occur at wind speeds as low as 11 miles per hour with 100 square feet to build on.

Due to building codes and space restrictions, a windmill might not be ideal if you live in a major city or a crowded suburb, but anyone with a little space in their backyard or who lives in a rural area can easily take advantage of this rapidly advancing technology.

Building Your Own Windmill

Of course, there is the cost issue. Luckily, there are a number of resources cropping up that offer plans for installing windmills by hand using homemade parts. Because a windmill’s basic design premise is so simple, homemade windmills are far easier than other renewable energy sources like solar panels.

Before you start a project in your backyard, it’s a good idea to do some thorough research about what your windmill should include. It does you little good to build a windmill if you don’t know how much power you need it to produce or how fast your wind speeds are. Here are some things to consider:

Energy Use – How much energy do you currently use each month and how much energy can you expect a residential sized windmill to produce? If you used 800 kWh each month, your windmill would need to produce at least 5 kilowatts to be effective in cutting your energy bill. That would cover roughly 40% of your energy bill. A windmill producing as much as 15 kilowatts would produce upwards of 90% of your power. These numbers vary depending on a number of geographical factors, and if you can lower your electricity use, your windmill will be far more effective.
Space – Review how much space you have to build your windmill. Ideally, you want your windmill to be tall enough to rise above any obstructions like trees or your home. However, if the wind source is substantial, it doesn’t need to go any higher than that. For some home owners, a 20-30 foot windmill is plenty tall enough to gather the power you need.
Building Materials – Your windmill will be tall, narrow, and jutting into the wind every day of the year. You will also depend on it to produce a large chunk of your electricity, so it can’t fall down on you during a storm. To combat these issues, make sure you buy only the strongest materials. A deep foundation, metal framing, and strong supports are all vital to keeping that windmill upright.
Electric Components – While you can build a large portion of your windmill on your own, including the frame, blades, foundation, and head, you’ll still need to buy certain parts. There are plans for creating your own turbines and transfer systems, but even if you go the homemade route there, you’ll still need inverters, batteries, a charge controller, disconnects, and other electrical materials. Make sure to research the market prices for each of these parts. Don’t skimp on anything when it comes to your windmill – this is your home we’re talking about.

Ideally, well before you start construction, you should know how big of a windmill you need, how much space you need, how many parts you need, and what it will all cost you. If any of those details are fuzzy, go back to the drawing board and start back up your research.

Plans and Parts for Your Windmill

When the time comes to start building, you’ll need to have plans that have been successfully used by other do-it-yourselfers for their windmills. Do a quick Google search and I guarantee you’ll find a LOT of plans, but how many of them meet our criteria? Not very many.

To start with, your plans should be easy to understand. I’m going to wager a guess and assume you’re not an electrical engineer. If you like to fix things, tinker in your shop, and do odds and ends around the house, a windmill is a big leap, so having solid, well written plans is important.

Beyond the writing, however, you’d better have clear illustrations outlining what to do at each step of the process. Look for clear measurements for braces, foundation settings, and blades. When it comes to anything that channels electricity, accuracy is vital. Don’t settle for instructions that leave you not quite clear on what to do next.

It’s also important that your guide outlines exactly what you’ll need to finish the project. A lot of the time, plans and guides written by do-it-yourselfers will skim over some details that they didn’t remember to mention. The last thing you want is for your windmill to come crashing down because you didn’t know about a joint you needed at the pinnacle of the braces. Not only should you know which parts you need, you should know sizes, brands, and styles that will match up with your windmill.

Catering to Your Home

Windmills are fantastic in almost any climate and region. There are very few places that have no wind. Even if you live in such an area, a windmill can produce enough power to help cut down your energy bill at least a bit. But, you still want to be sure that your final design will fit in with your environment.

The windmill should be air and water tight to avoid any leaks or electrical shortages. It should also be tall enough to get above the trees in your area, and if you live with neighbors nearby, you should be sure it won’t make too much noise. In the past, many do-it-yourselfers have had their windmills taken down due to noise ordinances in their area.

A good windmill can put a big dent in your power bill, but it needs to be built to fit your particular needs. Sit down, do some research into what your home needs to get off the power grid, and find plans that will specifically match up with your region, municipality, and energy needs.

30 Money Saving Tips You Can Use Right Now

Every year, there are millions of Americans struggling to make ends meet, and most of them never realize that they could save hundreds if not thousands of dollars by making some very simple changes. For those of you in search of money saving solutions that turn your life into an episode of Survivor, here are 30 simple, easy to follow tips you can implement today.

1. Combine Your Utilities – If you pay over $100 a month for cable TV, you can probably save a lot of money by adding in your cable Internet and phone bill to the same package. Many times, cable companies and phone companies are able to offer packages of all three for around $100 a month. You may lose some of the 500 channels you currently enjoy, but remember, we’re trying to save a few dollars.

2. Send in Rebates and Use Coupons – Remember all those rebates you got from Best Buy last year for your home office equipment? Did you send any of them in? Rebates may seem like a pain to deal with, but they are basically free money. If you receive rebates or coupons for things you already buy, put them in a folder somewhere and act on them at least once a week. This will ensure you never “forget” to send them out.

3. Refinance or Consolidate Loans – If you have loans or major debt, consider consolidating or refinancing to get better interest rates. Student loans and mortgages are great examples as they allow you to pay off the debt faster and with a fixed rate to reduce interest charges.

4. Borrow, Don’t Buy – If you want to read a book, watch a DVD, or listen to a CD, borrow it from the library or a friend instead of buying it brand new. The cost of entertainment alone can add up extremely quickly. Consider services like Netflix for DVDs or Pandora Internet radio for music – both of which have low subscription fees.

5. Magazine Subscriptions – If you currently buy magazines (or newspapers), replace those hefty monthly fees with a single subscription cost. Most magazines can be had for an 80% discount if you subscribe for the whole year.

6. Order or Buy Groceries Online – These days, you can buy nearly anything online. Add your groceries to that list. Services like Fresh Direct and websites like Amazon make it easier than ever to order food in bulk at big discounts. You not only cut back on what you spend on groceries, you cut down on how much you must drive to get them.

7. Pay Down Credit Card Debt – Debt is a big part of most people’s bills. Some people spend as much as half their income paying off loans, credit cards, and other debts. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars a month on interest charges, pay down those cards and stop using them to buy things you cannot afford.

8. Wait for a New Car – Unless your car is falling apart and can’t go over 45 miles per hour any more, you don’t need a new one. Avoid the urge to spend money on the flashy new sedan you saw on TV. It’s not necessary and you’re adding yet another bill to your list.

9. Pay Bills Annually – A lot of bills can be reduced by paying them in a lump sum up front. Car insurance, life insurance, phone bills, oil heat, and many others offer plans to pay up front and save as much as 25% of the total. It may seem like a lot to spend, but it’s far more cost efficient.

10. Cut Back on Gifts – Gift giving adds up significantly, especially around Christmas time when so many gifts go out. You don’t have to stop giving gifts, but cut back on them as much as you feel comfortable. Find ways to show your love without maxing out a $5,000 credit card every year – you’ll feel far less stressed come January 1^st.

11. Make Your Own Lunch – Lunch is a huge expense for many of us. If you work 5 days a week and spend $10 a day on lunch, that’s $2600 a year just to feed yourself while at work. What are the alternatives? Bring something from home. A brown bag lunch can cost as little as $2 and often includes more food than takeout – plus it’s healthier. Another tip: don’t spend so much money at coffee shops. That $5 latte could easily be replaced by a thermos of coffee from home that costs twenty-five cents.

12. Cook Meals for Dinner – Again, eating out is expensive, but now we’re talking about your whole family. What did it cost the last time you took the entire family out to your favorite restaurant? $50? $100? That same meal could be made at home with bulk foods and fresh ingredients for as little as $10 for four people.

13. Join a Wholesale Club like Costco – When it comes to buying food and household goods, no one has better deals than Costco. The membership is only $50 per year and you’ll be able to take massive discounts on everything from milk and vegetables to toilet paper and toothpaste. It may be a hefty monthly shopping trip, but it’s well worth the savings.

14. Use Free Software – If you have a home office or simply use your computer for a lot of personal projects, consider downloading and using free software options instead of pricy retail tools. Google Documents and Open Office are great replacements for Microsoft Office while Paint.net offers many of the basic tools that Photoshop does for $600 less than its pricy counterpart.

15. Cut Out Snacks and Drinks – A lot of what you spend on food could be completely cut out simply by eating less. Evaluate how much you spend on things like potato chips, candy, sodas, and other junk food and start cutting it out. Even if you replace it all with more expensive fruits and healthy snacks, I can guarantee you’ll spend less in the long run. Another big money waster: alcohol.

16. Exercise and Eat Healthy – By eating healthier and exercising regularly, you’ll save money in a number of ways. First, you’ll have more energy and get more done. Second, you won’t need to buy as many medications or see the doctor nearly as much. Finally, you’ll be happy going for a walk or talking with your family. You won’t need so many crutches and extra toys to keep you happy. A healthy body is a happy, inexpensive body.

17. Save Leftover Change – Don’t toss change away or leave it in your car. Get a change jar and start saving it for future use. By setting aside all the extra pennies and nickels you get, you can come away with hefty three figure paydays every few weeks.

18. Create Monthly Budgets – One of the easiest ways to save money is to know what you’re spending it on. A monthly budget is vital to help you understand what you actually need and what expenses are frivolous. Check in on your budget at least once a week, adjust as necessary and try to get as close to the minimum spend as possible.

19. Save Money in a Money Market Account – If you are trying to save money, make it work for you. Eventually, you’ll want that money going into CDs and IRAs, but for now at least get a money market savings account. Even just extra savings in your bank account will make small amounts of profit each week by staying here.

20. Plan Grocery Shopping Trips – The easiest way to waste money at the grocery store is to go in without a clear plan. Sit down once a week and make a list of everything you need, using recipes and your current needs as a guide. Then, when you go into the grocery story, don’t buy anything that’s not on your list. By limiting your trips to the store and cutting out unnecessary purchases, you’ll remove impulse buys from your budget immediately.

21. Don’t Pay Unnecessary Fees – There are so many fees out there that you may not even realize where your money is going. Of course there are credit card fees, but there are also late fees if you forget to pay a bill on time, transaction fees if you use the wrong ATM, and overage fees if your subscriptions don’t cover your service. Take a look at your last bank statement and try to cut out as many of those fees as possible.

22. Research Prices Online – Before you buy anything, sit down and look at the varying prices online. Impulse buys of major appliances or electronics can cost you hundreds of dollars.

23. Don’t Drink Bottled Water – Bottled Water is a massive waste of money, plus it’s awful for the environment. Get a stainless steel or plastic water bottle and fill it up instead. You can always get a filter if you don’t like your tap water.

24. Stop Smoking – Smoking is expensive. From $5 a pack in most states to $13 a pack in New York, you could be spending anywhere from $1500 to $5000 a year on this nasty habit, not to mention the future cost of health care.

25. Drive Your Car Less – Driving costs money. So, instead of driving three blocks to work each day, get a bicycle or start walking. Public transportation is also a great option, or you could car pool with people going your way.

26. Take Care of Your Pets At Home – Pets don’t have to be so expensive. Instead of spoiling them with expensive wet foods, stick with simple dry food from a reputable brand. They won’t know the difference and you’ll save money. Also, consider clipping nails, brushing teeth, and deworming at home – all feasible if your furry friend is well behaved.

27. Review Tax Savings – Take a closer look at your income tax return next year. You may be getting less back than you should. If you’re using any of the renewable energy tips in this guide, you can likely deduct them from your bill. Plus, there are plenty of deductions for children, green automobiles, and business expenses.

28. Have a Garage Sale – Get rid of your old stuff the best way possible – with a good old fashioned garage sale. If you’re not a fan of strangers on your lawn, go online and use eBay or craigslist instead. Throwing out old stuff is almost never necessary. Someone likely wants it.

29. Buy Used Items – Instead of buying brand new electronics, cars, clothing, or other goods, look for used options. Again, eBay is a great tool for finding used items, or you could talk to your friends and family to see if they have anything available.

30. Cut up the Credit Cards – Get rid of the credit cards. Paying for things with credit is the single fastest way to lose money. A $500 credit card would take 3 years to pay off if you paid the minimal balance and you would end up paying nearly 200% of the balance. Why do that when you could use cash and limit your spending?

This is only getting started, and don’t forget the 20 methods to save money on your utility bill and 6 methods to save money on your phone bill we already discussed. The opportunities to cut your bills, save money, and start saving for the future are nearly endless. The earlier you get started, the sooner you can relax and enjoy a life without hefty bills and massive energy consumption.

Conclusion

Some people never stop and think about where their money is going. They spend indiscriminately, throwing cash into the dustbin instead of setting it aside for retirement, college, or other expenses that are almost sure to come up in the future.

In today’s economy, with our energy sources running lower by the year, it won’t long be possible to ignore changes that you need to make in your spending habits. So, sit down with your family, review your expenses, and start slashing them down to size. Review the renewable energy you could be using right now and how much less energy you could be using with some simple, pain free changes.

Trust me, the grumbling will die down. Your family will be excited to do their part for the planet, and to cut down on how much money you’re spending every year. It might even mean an extra vacation or a few extra outings with the kids. Saving money is only a small part of the equation, but for your family, it can make all the difference.

So, stop waiting to take action because there isn’t much time left. As we speak, the world’s energy supplies are draining way, leaving a world for our children that will cost more, provide less, and take years to clean up. Eventually the higher ups will have no choice but to act. Would you rather be ready for it, or caught off guard without the money to make those changes?

The House as a System

Before we build a home (or hire a contractor to build it for us), we need to understand how the house works as a complete system. It is much easier to build a green home once we become familiar with some key principals such as how heat and cold gets transferred, and the reasons why moisture and air move throughout our homes. It is even more important to understand how a house works as a system; this saves both on energy losses through air leaks, and added moisture.

The transfer of heat

To understand heat flow it is best to look at the laws of thermodynamics (the study of energy) that is, thermo (heat) and dynamics (movement). Once we understand these principals, we come to understand that science plays a big role in building a home, as well as the more commonly thought-of nails, wood and hammers.

There are two laws of thermodynamics:

1) The first law of thermodynamics states that energy can be changed from one form to another, however it cannot be destroyed. Energy exists in many forms including solar, chemical and electrical. In fact, the total amount of energy available stays the same – it just changes to different forms.

2) The second law says that in all energy exchanges, the potential energy of that state will always be less than the initial state. In other words, whenever energy is converted it gets downgraded in the process. This process is what is referred to as entropy.

You may be thinking right about now, what do these laws have to do with me building a house? It’s just bricks and mortar. These laws of science actually play a rather large role because when building a home you want to make it as efficient as possible.

A house that is electrically heated is nowhere near as efficient as a home which takes advantage of passive solar design features. Homes that utilize electricity typically come from fossil fuels such as coal. Coal as an energy source requires much energy to change from one form to another. A big chunk of this energy ends up getting ‘lost in transit’ and therefore by the time the usable power is delivered to a house its energy potential is very low. Sometimes by the time useful energy reaches a house its net energy is only 15 per cent of its original. That is, electricity has lost 85 per cent of the potential energy coal used to make it through transportation, refinement, generation, transmission, and transformation by the time it reaches the end user. I don’t know about you, but in a world where the supply of fossil fuels is running out by the day, finding an alternative is very much a reality for me.

Instead of using fossil fuels i.e. non renewable energy, have you ever thought about passive solar design? Solar design uses the power of the sun to create energy and in the process reduces the amount of energy a house will consume. The sun as an energy resource is ever abundant and most areas in the world have enough sun energy to harness this energy. Even areas where the sun does not shine brightly every day, surprisingly there is still enough energy to power homes throughout that specific area.

Unlike with electricity conversion, solar conversion only uses one conversion process. That is, the sunlight shines through windows in your home and hits an object which is then radiated to human bodies giving us heat.

People find passive solar design a great way to reduce heating and cooling bills, and reduce wear and tear on heating and cooling equipment. These techniques are easy to apply when building new because you can control the placement of the home and were you put the windows (i.e. north facing, south facing etc). However, if you live in an existing home you can still take advantage of solar energy technologies. Some of these technologies include energy efficient windows, solar panels and rainwater catchment.

When we build a home and want to incorporate green elements, the process is easy once we have a clear understanding of entropy. We come to realize the role that well-designed windows play and the type of appliances we should use to make our homes run as smoothly as possible, using the least amount of fossil fuels.

How heat moves

The flow of heat is the flow from hot to cold, and is an important concept to understand. Heat is energy, and as long as there is a difference in temperature, heat will move. Ever notice how when it is cold outside and you have the heater or fire on, you leave the outside door open even briefly the warm air sneaks out the house? Heat always moves from hot to cold and keeping this warm air inside the home is imperative to keep you feeling comfortable as well as saving you money on utility bills. This concept is important when building a home in order to truly comprehend how to heat and cool our homes, and how to control added air and moisture in our homes.

There are three ways that heat can be transmitted and energy movement is always a combination of three movements of energy: conduction, convection and radiation.

1) Conduction

Heat conducts through solid substances in the conduction process. Conduction is usually measured in insulation terms. R-value is a measure of thermal conduction – the higher the number the greater the resistance to heat flow. This means that heat will move more slowly through the material. You will also find that anything that conducts electricity will have a low R-value. It is important to have good insulation in a home to limit the amount of heat loss. To do this we need to use low conducting materials.

2) Convection

Convection happens due to density differences between warmer and cooler parts of a fluid.

In simple terms, the hotter the fluid is the less dense it is. Hot air rises and this is why warm air remains in the upper levels of a home and the basement stays cold. Even using your morning coffee as an example: when you blow on your drink to cool it down, convective heat loss occurs between the drink and the air. It is important to understand convection because when not controlled, convection can result in a cold house and damp house. It’s not only utility bills that will sky rocket if you have a cold damp house, but dampness which can lead to mold and mildew which can have catastrophic effects on your family’s health as well.

3) Radiation

Radiation occurs when heat passes from one object to another. For instance, the sun radiates heat and when you stand next to a cold object such as a window, your body radiates heat towards that object, and that is the reason you feel cold. Radiant floor heating is often a popular choice for consumers and is often said to be the most energy efficient and comfortable heating method on offer today. With a forced air furnace, hotspots are created only where the air blows and in high ceiling areas, however radiant heating provides an even temperature throughout the house.

Not only will radiant floor heating increase the comfort levels of a home, it will cut the heating bills of a house more than other traditional heating methods can do.

Controlling heat flow

It is important to build a house in order for you to remain comfortable and keep the cold air outside and the warm air in. You need to make sure that you build your home to respond to the environment around you. Once this is achieved, no matter where you are in the country, you can design your house so that you can control the flow of heat.

When looking at controlling heat flow, insulation is the key element that you need to consider. There are a number of options when it comes to insulation choices and most are available from a home center store or large hardware retailer. Before going to the store to purchase insulation it is best that you measure the areas to be insulated beforehand so that you purchase the right amount of material.

Depending on where you live, the amount and R-value of insulation you require differs. However, remember that the more insulation you have, the warmer and more comfortable your home will be. The Department of Energy website which is regularly updated is a great resource for you to use and has a helpful insulation calculator www.ornl.gov/~roofs/zip/ziphome.html.

If your home was built before 1981 you will probably need to add insulation, and if you are currently remodeling your home there is an easy way to add insulation. When it comes to insulation people tend to know what `Pink Batts` are but most are unaware that there are other types of insulation as well. You need to realize that no type of insulation is the same and each different type is used for a different purpose and has a different R-value.

Batts are the most common form of insulation available. They come in either fiberglass batts, non-fiberglass batts or wool and cotton batts, and are often described as ‘fluffy blankets of insulation’. Batts are easy to install and sit easily in the space between the studs in a wall. As with all insulation choices there are tradeoffs in terms of performance, cost, and the amount of chemicals they contain. Avoid fiberglass batts if possible. However, if you do choose to go with fiber glass batts, choose formaldehyde free and make sure the installer knows what he/she is doing. There are three choices with batt insulation: foil-faced, kraft-faced and non-faced. They all have their benefits and limitations. Talk to your local insulation professional about what choice is best for you.

Loose fill insulation is another popular insulation choice and as the name suggests, loose fill is made up of small pieces of insulation that is blown into place using a special piece of equipment. Fiberglass and cellulose are the main loose fill options available, they are both cost competitive; however cellulose is a better insulator. Cellulose has a R-value of 3.7 whereas fiberglass has an R-value rating of 2.8. Loose fill insulation is a popular choice in small and hard to reach places such as in the attic. If you choose to install loose fill insulation into the walls, it needs to be held in place with netting or held in place while the wall is being completed.

Spray-in Insulation is similar to loose fill insulation. It expands into a foam, filling every possible area even in hard to reach places. Spray-in Insulation has high R-values, creates a super insulated area and is great for sealing tiny gaps. The one down side to spray-in insulation is that they are one of the most costly options and not an option you should consider if you are looking to save money. However, the one thing you need to keep in mind is that by spending up now, in the future you will be much better off and will be living in a warm and comfortable home.

Rigid foam is a stiff board and when applied to the outside of a framed wall is a great way to keep wall cavities dry and reduce the risk of mold. More expensive than batts and loose fill, rigid foam has more than double the R-value of batts and loose fill making it a great choice and especially effective where space is limited. If you are remodeling your home and you want to incorporate insulation in that process, you may want to consider rigid foam because it is easier to add insulation to the outside of a framed wall rather than removing a wall and adding insulation i.e. batts or loose foam, and replacing the wall again.

Air leakage

Air leaks can be responsible for approximately 25 per cent of the heat loss in a new home, and even more in older houses. Leaky Building Syndrome is an issue affecting homeowners worldwide. Air leaks are an important part of the equation, often causing mold and structural deterioration.

To determine whether your home is suffering from air leakage you can do a blower door test which must be performed by an energy auditor or a heating contractor. These tests shouldn’t cost you more than a few hundred dollars and are a great way to check if air leaking areas should be sealed.

Once you have all air leakage problems sorted out it is important to have good ventilation i.e. fresh air needs to be able to come into your home. Don’t ever think that you have tightened up your house too tight by sealing all potential air leaks, you haven’t. Mechanical ventilation is the next step that you should take to control the flow of fresh air in your home. Not only does mechanical ventilation control the flow of fresh air in your home, it also helps define the correct pressurization of a house.

Foundation and framing essentials

The foundations of a home are one of the most important things to take into consideration when building a home, yet the importance of the foundations for the efficiency and air quality of a house is often forgotten about. When looking at the foundations of a home there are three key factors that must be taken into account. These are: resource conservation, energy conservation and moisture control. I will discuss why these factors are so important in the chapter below.

The good performance of a home relies on a good foundation in order to cut down on heavy heating and cooling costs, as well as reducing the likelihood of any moisture and mold problems. The one thing which rings true for the foundation of all homes is that a foundation should not need to be replaced over the lifetime of a house – in other words, foundations need to be built to last.

Look at the foundation of a house as part of a whole system rather than as just one aspect of home construction. In this day in age it is important to build the foundation of your new home using sustainable building practices. For starters, you may want to consider substituting fly ash for cement. There are two main benefits for doing this, firstly using recycled product means you will be stopping the waste being dumped in landfills and secondly substituting fly ash actually improves the strength and durability of the concrete. Not all builders know that you can substitute fly ash in concrete, so the key is communication here. Do a little research and find a contractor who has experience working with fly ash.

Another important framing essential that you should be aware of when building your home is that foundations should be insulated. If the foundations of your home are not insulated, you will find that there will be heat loss throughout the home. This includes the foundation walls, crawl space and concrete slabs. It is best to insulate before you lay the foundations down as this will save you considerable savings in the long run, and add value to your home if you ever decide to sell.

It is best to insulate foundations on the outside in order to reduce any risk of condensation and mold development. The best way to do this is to insulate the exterior of the foundation wall by a process often referred to as backfilling. Two inches of rigid foam insulation should be used to insulate foundations, but you may need to increase it to 3 inches if you live in areas which are very cold. Once installed, this insulation will keep your basement at a steady temperature and in the future you may want to use the room as a fun room for the kids to play in or as an office.

Seeing as you are insulating foundations, it is also a good idea for you to insulate the slab. It is very important that you insulate slabs if you live in an area where the number of cooling degree days is high. In these instances you can gain approximately 15 per cent of cooling load. You can insulate the slab perimeter (this is a cheaper option), but I would recommend that you insulate the entire slab to avoid any heat loss.

As I have said before, you need to do everything you can to prevent moisture getting into your home and this means controlling moisture around your foundations as well. Even if your builder uses asphalt-based damp-proofing before back filling the foundation, it is still not enough to control moisture around foundations entirely. You may wish to discuss with your builder other options such as applying a rubber-based coating over the outside of the foundation wall to help keep your basement warm, dry and without mold.

Framing

I’m sure that there are many questions that you would like answered in terms of what materials and techniques you should use, and what you should do to make the framing of your new home as energy efficient as possible.

There are a range of materials that you could use for the framing of your home such as straw bale construction, blocks of aerated concrete and structured insulated panels. There are benefits for using all of these materials and they all play a role in sustainable building practices, however the real problem is that not all of these materials are widely used and to get hold of them is often difficult and a rather expensive process.

Despite the fact that there are a range of materials you can use to build your home, wood is still the most popular choice. In fact, wood is one of the most renewable materials that is used in the construction of a house. The one problem with typical house construction is that builders are using too much framing. If builders incorporated advanced framing techniques by using less wood and smarter joints, the amount of wood required to build a typical home will be chopped by at least half, if not more.

By taking advantage of advanced framing, cost savings will be significant as not as much wood will be required and you will be curbing some of the construction waste that gets thrown in landfills every year, at the same time cutting down on green house gas emissions. Having a home with less framing will mean that it is easier to install insulation as well.

Build with certified wood

As of now, global warming is a real threat to our environment and because of this, having trees planted in forests is beneficial to both us and the environment. Every year we chop down more than 32 million acres of forest to use the timber, but in the future it is going to be more beneficial to maintain forests that cut them done.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) was founded in 1993 as an international not for profit organization which certifies that wood has been harvested sustainably from forests. It is important that you use timber which has the FSC stamp of approval which means that the wood that you are using is from organizations that follow responsible forest management standards. Responsible forest management standards mean that the harvesting of the wood did not contribute to deforestation. There is no difference with wood which is FSC certified than the wood from a clear cut forest, apart from the fact that it doesn’t contribute to deforestation or global warming. It’s something to think about, because the more people that choose to use certified wood, the better it will be for the environment – and it will stop illegal logging practices as well.

FSC certification is the only way you know that the wood that you are using comes from a sustainably harvested forest.

Top ways to save on electricity bills

Taking stock of your utility bill is one way you can save money, but by following these tips you will also find you are more comfortable in your home and more energy efficient at the same time.

One way that you can instantly save money is by making sure that every time you leave the room you are turning off the light switch. It seems simple enough, but many people fail to do this simple task and pay the price for leaving the lights on in the next months’ power bill.

It is important that you get rid of any incandescent light bulbs that are used for more than two hours at a time and replace them with Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL’s). CFL’s only use 25% of the electricity of incandescents, which means a saving of several hundred dollars for the average household every year. They last at least eight times longer than incandescents which save you on replacement costs as well.

Turn off the screensaver on your desktop computer or laptop. By doing this you can save upwards of $100 a year. Sure screensavers look attractive but the reason they were developed was to prevent screens burning out, but now that technology has developed they are no longer required. Better yet, to save even more money I would suggest turning your computer off completely.

Look at the appliances that you use every day and look for ways to make them more efficient. For starters, when you replace your appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines, replace them with a new and more efficient model – make sure you look at the Energy Guide sticker and look for appliances with the lowest yearly operating cost. Visit the US Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy website www.eere.energy.gov/consumer and the ENERGY STAR website www.energystar.gov. I like to do my research before purchasing a new appliance and find both of these sites handy.

Choose to cook energy smart. There is no ENERGY STAR rating for ovens and stove tops, however there are a few things you can do to make sure these appliances are running as efficiently as possible. If you are cooking a small meal it is a good idea that you use a microwave or a toaster as an oven or stove top uses much more energy. Other things you should consider to cook energy smart is that when cooking on the stove top you match the size of the pots and pans with the size of the element. Avoid opening the oven door to check on food – instead trust the recipe, your instinct and the oven timer.

Cut down on how much water your shower uses. If you install a low flow showerhead you can save approximately 4,000 gal. of water a year. Apart from saving water you are saving gas and electricity as well by not having to heat that excess water. This is a project that you can do straight away, all you need to do is go to your local hardware or homestore and ask for a low-flow showerhead. Due to federal law, all showerheads will be no more than 2.5gpm but lower flow amounts are available as well.

Install a programmable thermostat. If you set the thermostat to your daily schedule you can have you home at a comfortable temperature at all times, for instance you can set the thermostat at a level you are comfortable with for when you first wake up in the morning and also for when you return home in the evening.

Take stock of your appliances and see which ones you really need and if you can do without them, get rid of them. A lot of the appliances that we now use are for convenience rather than as a necessity. Do you really need that spa pool or that dishwasher than you fill up with only a few dishes a day? Try going without the dishwasher for two weeks and see how you feel.

Front loader washing machines are gaining popularity and use much less electricity than standard top loader washing machines. Another benefit of front loaders is that they use far less soap than top loaders and spin the water faster with less vibration as well. If you are thinking about replacing your top loader washing machine why not replace it with a more efficient front loader.

Another way to instantly save money is to hang washing on the line outside or on racks to dry rather than placing the clothes in the machine. It requires no energy at all and is a task that can be completed in minutes.

Get rid of appliances which use large amounts of water and cost you a lot of electrical energy to run. These appliances include large aquariums, swimming pools and spas. If you do not need these appliances for your survival and you can’t afford to have them my best advice is to just get rid of them or sell them to someone who will make better use of them. A heated aquarium uses a lot of energy and most of that energy is for controlling the tank temperature. If you can’t fathom the thought of not having fish as pets then you could sell the aquarium and purchase a small glass fish tank and keep a few gold fish.

It’s a great idea to insulate your water heater if it is not already internally insulated with foam and it’s not so old that it will be replaced in the next 12 months. To find out if your water heater is internally insulated all you need to do is look at the opening of the water heater where the pipes emerge from the tank. Look at the pipe fitting and see if there is a plastic trim piece around the pipe. If you wrap your heater with a ‘tank wrap’ you will save some energy on your monthly utility bill.

Have you thought about installing a solar water heater? If you have some spare disposable income and have real interest in building sustainably then it is recommended that you install a solar water heater. At approximately $10,000 a pop it is a decision that takes a bit of thought. Solar water heaters are great if you have some wall area or an unshaded roof that faces south as you can reap the benefits for decades. It’s important that you speak to your solar expert who will be able to give you advice on the type and size of solar water heater that you should utilize depending on the size of your house, the location of your house and the number of people in your household.

If you have a furnace or an air conditioning unit in your home make sure that you always have clean filters i.e. make sure that you change the filters at least once a month the system is in use. If these systems are not used so much in the off season (spring and fall) then you don’t need to change the filters as often. The same rule applies when you have really dirty filters, change the filter more often.

Ventilation is important in a home as is an efficient air conditioner. Make sure that when you buy an air conditioner it is efficient. When you buy a new air conditioner, the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is the ratio of efficiency which you need to look for. Do your research and choose an air conditioner with the ENERGY STAR label.

Adding insulation to your home is one of the best ways to save on electricity bills. Whether you are building new or adding renovations to an existing home, there are a number of insulation options. Talk to an expert about ways you can add insulation to your home to save on electricity costs because heat loss through ceilings and walls can add 50% extra to your home’s utility bill in winter. To save money immediately, why not seal doors and windows and spray the roof with foam insulation. If your roof is already insulated with batt insulation you can add a layer of rigid foam in order to cut your energy bills down just that little bit more.

Many people find that windows and doors are one area of the home where the majority of heat is lost. The inefficiency of windows and doors adds to your utility bill; however there are a number of things that you can do to improve this situation. It is important that you install energy efficient windows in your home if you are replacing windows. Double glazed windows are a popular and great energy saving option because their inside surface is closer to room temperature. If replacing your windows is not an affordable option why not add weather stripping to old windows. At the same time you are weather stripping your windows why not weather strip your doors as well.

I could give you more great tips about what you can do to cut down your electricity bills but something that will benefit you tremendously is a bit of advice from the experts. Through discussing with an expert your home’s structure, the appliances you use, and the number of people in the household, you will come to an understanding of how and in what areas you can cut down your energy usage and your monthly power bill. Before you hire an ‘energy auditor’ I would suggest that you ask what services he/she provides and at what cost. Call a few different companies up so that you get the best deal. Most top quality auditors will spend a few hours with you at your home and go through your entire house including your attic and basement. They should conduct an air leakage ‘blower door’ test as well and will use an infrared camera to assess the insulation levels in your home, as well as test your ducts for leaks.

Install solar and wind power and save money

Solar and wind power are readily available power sources and the one reason why everybody is not using it (or at least not yet) is that up until now it has been too cost prohibitive. It is all a supply and demand thing and until more people choose to use renewable energy, the cost of producing those types of energy will remain high. However, at the moment governments worldwide are realizing the benefits of these technologies and thus offer incentives and paybacks for people who decide to use solar energy and wind power.

The Energy Policy Act makes installing solar and wind power affordable options through the use of tax credits which range from $50 to $2000. Aside from tax credits there are rebates available as well. There are a range of renewable energy incentive programs available for consumers. The North Carolina Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council were key developers of the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE). This database describes what resources and incentives are available for people who wish to consider renewable energy options.

A great thing about renewable energy is that if you generate enough you can sell it back to the utility company. The 1978 Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act states that if individuals or businesses generate excess amounts of power through renewable energy, the utility company must buy it at wholesale cost.

There is an abundance of sunlight available for people to harness and use to power their homes, but because of the heavy cost involved, very few people are taking advantage of solar energy – despite it being the cleanest source of energy that has ever existed.

Electricity can be generated from sunlight through the use of the PV Cell. The PV Cell converts light energy into electrical energy using the simple process called the photovoltaic effect. Sun light hits the PV cell and the cell then transforms light energy into an electrical signal. The electrical signal is then converted into electrical power. The same principles apply to a small solar power system as to a large scale solar power system.

If you have a large area (more than an acre) of land at your disposal then you may be able to turn that wind into power. For people who live in a rural location or on a lifestyle block, wind power is a cost effective and renewable source of power. Even if you only have minimal natural air movement, your home can at least produce some electricity and for many people it is often a cost effective option. Depending how much wind you have on your property you could possibly save 50 to 90 per cent on your electricity bill. Combining wind power with solar power could potentially mean that you never have to pay a power bill ever again.

It is almost a better idea to take advantage of both solar power and wind power. If you require the energy of the wind to power your home completely you may find that you don’t have enough wind to power your home for the entire year. To measure how much wind power you have available at your home you need to have the correct measuring equipment. Wind socks are available which indicate the speed of the wind as well. Equipment is available at a science or weather equipment store.

There are wind resource maps available which detail the estimated yearly electricity production available from a wind turbine. These maps are based on an average wind speed, but if you are going to rely fully on wind power you will want to make sure that you get consistent wind speeds at your wind power location. The Wind Energy Resource Atlas of the United States is available on the Wind Technology Center website at www.nrel.gov/wind. More than likely you will want to have on hand a battery system where you can store generated power.

If you are concerned about the damage that fossil fuels are doing to the environment and are looking for other options, then solar and wind energy are your best options. You do not have to fully commit to a wind power or solar powered system, instead think about the small changes you can make. For starters, you may want to install solar panels on your roof. There are a range of styles and cost ranges available which fit into any budget.

By combining both green-building techniques as well as active solar systems, you can actually create a home which produces as many kilowatts of energy a year as it uses. These active solar systems that you could use to create a `zero energy` home include such technologies as solar water collectors and photovoltaic panels. Passive solar design of a home is important when you wish to create a `zero energy` home.

Talk to an engineer who will be able to give you the best advice about how you should build your home to take advantage of both the sun and the wind. You need to make sure that your house is orientated in the right position, that your windows are in the right spot and that you have an overhang in the right position. A home which uses passive solar design can cut heating bills by up to 80 per cent and the extra energy cost can be minimized by utilizing wind power and solar power.

Plumbing tips to help with your water

If you are looking for ways to save money you may wish to consider using less hot water. Using less water means that you will be paying less on your energy bills because you will not need to pay for that extra water. There are a number of things you can do and the projects I am discussing in this chapter can be completed by any DIY enthusiast.

If you want to use less hot water you might want to install a low flow aerator on your faucet. To complete this project follow these steps:

1. Unlock the old aerator.

2. Screw the replacement aerator in. Makes sure it doesn’t leak when used, if it does leak use pliers to tighten.

After installing a low flow aerator you may wish to add an on/off lever for the aerator. I have a lever on the aerator in my kitchen and bathroom; they are helpful for when pouring a glass of water. The biggest benefit of an aerator with a lever is in the bathroom when you require intermittent hot water.

To save on hot water bills it is important that you replace showerheads. To complete this project follow these steps:

1. Unscrew the showerhead using pliers.

2. Wrap the threads of the shower arm clockwise for a few turns.

3. The next step is to screw in the new showerhead and tighten with pliers.

4. Turn the shower on and make sure that there are no leaks.

Get your toilet to use less water; you can do this by installing a flush adapter and Aqua system. But when the time does come for you to replace your toilet make sure that you buy a toilet with low flow. An easy thing you can do to save the amount of water that your toilet uses is to lower the tank float manually. It’s easy to do this, all you need to do is turn the adjustment screw to lower the float using a screwdriver.

To get your toilet to use less water you can also place a soda bottle in the back of the tank. Fill a soda bottle half to three quarters fill with sand and small pebbles, top it up with water and seal the lid. Place the bottle in the water tank; this process can actually save half a gallon of water per flush.

As well as stopping equipment using excess water it is also imperative that you fix leaks – otherwise you are pouring water (and money) down the drain.

Grey water is the left over water from sinks, showers and dishwashers EXCEPT toilet water which is referred to as black water. You may want to consider utilizing grey water for irrigation and to flush the toilet rather than watching it run down the drain. Grey water is a relatively new concept but there are some plumbing systems which already incorporate a way of capturing this used water. The big problem is that most cities do not have building codes which allow the use of grey water. The best advice I can give you is that if you are building a home, you should talk to a plumber about pre-plumbing for grey water for when building codes come into fruition for it. One of the reasons that there are no building codes for plumbing grey water at the moment is that there is a bit of fear that grey water and black water may get mixed up.

When you are looking at ways to save water, you need to make sure that the appliances that you wash clothes are dishes in are energy efficient. Did you know that a washing machine uses just as much water as your toilet does? If you use a model which is more efficient you may be able to cut down how much water you use per load. Front loader washing machines are a better option when it comes to water efficiency, but do your research as there are some energy efficient top loaders as well.

If you do need to use a dishwasher it is important that you use one which has an ENERGY STAR rating. You will find a good range of water-saving models available by most manufacturers. It is also important that you fill the dishwasher before turning it on otherwise you will just be wasting electricity and water. Choose to be water and energy efficient today and you will be doing your part to making this world a greener place.

Landscaping tips

Good green landscaping is important when you are building an energy efficient home. There are a number of things that you can do to incorporate plants into the overall design of a home that may reduce the need for insulation and reduce the flooding from rainwater runoff.

Even the correct placement of trees and shrubs can mean the difference of having a home which is cool in summer and warm in winter. The US Department of Environmental Protection says that planting trees can cut a home’s air conditioning cost and a home’s heating cost by approximately 25 per cent. That’s not bad for a tree that stands there and does nothing. Make sure that your landscaping plans take into consideration the way that plants can be used to save on both energy and water. By no means do these energy and water savings mean that your garden cannot be aesthetically pleasing.

When looking at your landscaping options you want to buy plants which require the least amount of water and little other maintenance such as fertilization.

When it comes to a lawn, you need to understand that the more lawn that you have the greater dependency you will have on water. The ultimate aim of a green home is the opposite of that; you want to conserve as much water as you possibly can. There are more options than simply going without a lawn and having a concrete slab as your front yard. For instance, you could plant many native plants as they require less water and are a plant drought tolerant species as well. If you still want to have a small lawn on your front yard, that can be accommodated for too.

Sprinklers are the biggest waste of water in a garden because the dispersed water only touches the plants rather than the soil where the roots of the plants and flowers are able to properly absorb the moisture. If your plants do require that little bit of extra water to remain healthy, you may want to consider in ground irrigation. In-ground irrigation uses less water, yields better results, and if you are concerned about wasting water you may want to place the irrigation system on a timer or on a rain meter.

As mentioned in the previous chapter grey water (used water) is a way to make use of water which is left over from other processes. Rainwater catchment systems are a way of utilizing rainwater and can be used to water your garden. It is actually really easy to make your own rainwater catchment system – all you need to do is place a rain barrel underneath the gutter spout from your home. If you want to get a bit more technical measure the size of your roof multiplied with the average yearly rainfall in the area to find out how much rainfall you can gain from the roof. Once you have calculated this figure you will be pleasantly surprised with how much water you can feed your garden without ever having to turn that tap on.

It is amazing how things have changed over the past decade or so, there was a time that having an outdoor swimming pool or spa added great value to a property – now it is just seen as a costly expense. Aside from needing hundreds of gallons of water to fill a pool, it is very expensive to heat and the chemicals required to purify the water add to this cost. As people are becoming more aware of the cost of resources they are realizing that despite being aesthetically pleasing and a fun activity, it has higher costs than people are willing to spend.

Follow these landscaping tips and combine them with the other advice in this book including framing, insulation, ventilation, electricity savings, plumbing and solar and wind energy advice about how to build a home green from the ground up. Remember that all of the projects discussed in this book you will be able to complete if you are keen and are willing to put a bit of hard work in.

Best of luck with your future projects.

Recommended Reading

MagniWork

~~The Magniwork guide will teach you how to create a magnetic power generator so you can power your home for free, and help save the energy crisis.~~

~~The zero point magnetic power generator uses magnets and magnetic force to induce continual energy by itself.~~

In other words, the magniwork power generator that you can construct using the Magniwork guide will give you the ability to generate FREE energy – without the need for renewable, or non-renewable sources to create that energy.

A magnetic power generator does not require a lot of space in your home, and it is reliable – working in all extreme weather conditions. The Magniwork free energy generator is a great eco-friendly solution, and the materials you need to build one are all very common – totaling less than $100.

We are aware of numerous reports that Magniwork doesn’t work and that the plans have been stolen from Naudin and Bedini. It is true that Magniwork can be built cheaply, for less than $, and it can be installed anywhere. As we are yet to receive a shred of evidence that the device generates more electricity than it consumes, we can’t endorse it as an over unity device, producing free energy. All claims that it does are false.

You can access the original Bedini plans for free here and examine if this device really works.

Organic Food Gardening Beginner’s Manual – By Julie Villani

http://thegreenfuel.com/admin/recommends/organicgardening

I recommend the Organic Food Gardening Beginner’s Manual by Julie Villani as a great place to start for growing your own organic food.

Do you enjoy gardening? Or consider it more of a chore and something you’d rather not spend time on?

If you agreed with the former, then you’re probably relishing the idea of successfully growing your own food (if you’re not already).

If you agreed with the latter, but you’re keen on having organic food, the Organic Food Gardening Beginner’s Manual will make it easy for you – and you’ll begin to realize it is not just a ‘chore’ after all.

Julie Villani didn’t begin life as a natural gardening enthusiast, but learnt with a lot of time and effort how to become a successful organic gardener.

She developed the Organic Food Gardening Beginner’s Manual so that everyone would be able to experience the same benefits she has – without wasting time and effort on trial and error.

Not only does growing your own fruit and vegetables reward you with a natural joy of accomplishment, and save you money, but Julie has made it easy for you to do.

And, don’t forget that growing your own organic food means you will be serving up you and your family chemical free, vitamin filled, fresh, natural foods that your body is really looking for.

Julie’s Beginner’s Manual is crammed full of information covering the best growing tips and instructions for never failing, written in simple steps.

She’s also giving away 4 bonus gifts with every purchase; these include a garden diary, an eBook on seed saving tips and techniques, plus more.

Filed Under: Living Green Tagged With: greenup, home, your

How to Live Green: Tips for Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

February 24, 2011 By adminek Leave a Comment

Chapter 1

Introduction

With all the information out there in the news and on the internet most people are at least aware of pollution problems. The issue is more serious in some areas but the fact remains that we all contribute to it. The concern is that with more people on Earth now and more pollution we are harming our environment.

Since we breath the air that is out there what is in it should be a top concern for each of us. Yet we often go about it without thinking twice about it. There are enough individuals suffering from health concerns due to what they have been breathing in for years.

With all of the pollutants out there right now, imagine what it will be like for future generations. You may don’t care must as you won’t be around. Yet you will have family who will need to deal with the problems. Even y our own children and grandchildren who are the next generations will be affected by it.

Each of us has the power to make some positive changes though. Some people believe that living green is a waste of time because you are only one person. Yet if the educational information out there about it could encourage many individuals to all do their part it would have quite a significant impact overall.

The efforts of only one person over the course of their lifetime will significantly reduce the amount of pollution out there. Teaching children from a young age what they can do and why will allow that process to continue being implemented in our society as well.

We also have the responsibility to let the government and businesses know that we expect them to take action. Buy what you can from companies that due have plenty of living green concepts incorporated for customers to take advantage of. At the same time you need to influence your government to place laws in effect that limit the amount of pollution that can be emitted by a company as well as by individual vehicles on the roads.

If you are ready to start living green and to do your part to reduce the carbon footprints you have placed on this Earth it is time to learn about the various ways you can do so. It is never too late to make some positive changes to your behaviors so that you can live healthier and so can everyone around you.

Chapter 2

Recycling

Recycling is one of the easiest as well as most effective ways that you can help the environment. There are plenty of different projects at home you can separate from your trash for this purpose. It is convenient if you buy plastic trash barrels and label them for individual products.

You should have one for glass, plastic, and cardboard. If you drink soda from cans then have one for those aluminum cans as well. Find out where you can take each of these full barrels to be recycled when you need to. There should be centers for them locally around town.

You will often find receptacles out there that allow you to place these items into at collection spots. They are just huge containers that will get emptied out on a regular basis. This is perfect when the community doesn’t have any other method for taking in the items to be recycled.

If your community doesn’t offer them you need to see what you can do to get them in place. You can contact your local officials in person or with a letter asking them to consider offering them. Explain your concerns that without such receptacles in place people won’t be encouraged to recycle in your area.

The concept of recycling can extend to your schools and place of employment as well. Do your best to get this important issue recognized everywhere you can. In many instances people just need to be educated and then reminded about the benefits of recycling for our environment.

Your information can motivate them to take part in it. Don’t overlook the importance of letting children know either. They are often very excited by recycling and find it to be thrilling. They can often help encourage their parents to take part in such efforts as well.

Buying products that have been recycled such as paper products is a great way to show your support for these efforts. You will notice some greeting cards are made from them. Even supplies such as napkins used in fast food restaurants can be made from recycled paper.

It is also very simple to carry around a large mesh bag when you are going to shop for a few items. Rather than getting a paper or plastic bag from them you can place your purchased items into your own bag. Look for one that is durable so it you can reuse it over and over again.

Chapter 3

Save as Much Power as Possible

We use electricity for many things in our lives, and often do so without thinking twice about it. We turn on the switch for lights in our home and to turn on electronic devices all the time. Yet we need to do our best to save as much power as we can.

The types of light bulbs that you are using can be a problem for the environment. There are many places that sell those that are energy efficient though. You can get them in any size you need for all the rooms in your home. They aren’t very expensive and what you do spend on them you will save with a lower electricity bill each month.

It is very simple to cut back on the amount of lighting you use at all though. During the day open curtains and allow the natural sunlight to shine through. Then you will only need to turn on the lights at night when the sun goes down or on cloudy days.

The use of sky lights has become very popular for businesses and even in newer homes. This allows the sun to be shining through the ceiling and so less electricity has to be used. Some of the larger retail stores such as Wal-Mart use this as much as possible.

Look up as you walk through one of their stores. You will notice during the day they don’t have very many lights on at all. Sometimes a cloud will roll in front of the sun and you will notice it immediately gets darker in the store than before. They are saving a huge amount of money on electricity and they are also helping the environment.

There are many ways in which you can generate electricity too that comes from alterative power. You can place solar panels on your roof which will collect electricity. That is the source your home will use for all of its needs when you turn the power on to something.

Should you run out of the solar power that has been collected it will immediately kick over to the regular electricity without any interruption to you at all. There is also the use of wind and water power in some areas. Take a look at these alternative methods and see what you can do with them for your own home.

A big waster of electricity that pollutes the environment is leaving light bulbs burning on your porch when you are away from home. You don’t have to go without lighting when you return but you don’t need to do it that way anymore. There are some great alternatives to consider.

You can place decorative solar lights along your driveway. Some of them are very short while others are tall lantern style. It is completely up to you which look you would like to have for the landscaping of your home. Since you don’t need to plug them in to an outlet you can place them anywhere you would like to out there.

These lights collect power from the sun in the day time and as soon as it gets dark they will illuminate your hard. When they run out of solar power they will turn off. Should they have enough to last all night then they will turn off when they sun comes up and start collecting energy to use all over again.

Another alternative is to install a motion light. This is a type that doesn’t have to be left on when you leave home. When you pull into your driveway it will turn on based on the movement it has detected. It will remain on for a short period of time which allows you to get safely into your home with the light you need.

The use of windmills in many areas to create energy is also being looked at. Sometimes water known as hydropower is available too. However, the light bulbs you use can help you get the most out of these benefits.

If from start to finish everything in your electricity gathering and using process is eco-friendly you won’t feel bad about consuming it to operate lights and the electronics that you use in your home and business.

Chapter 4

Cut Back on the Use of Paper Products

Paper products are used all the time in our society, and that means more trees are being cut down to keep up with that demand. The trees live off the carbon dioxide that is in the air we breath. As their numbers are depleted, there will be more carbon dioxide remaining in the oxygen we breathe.

There are many ways in which you can cut back on the use of paper both at home and at work. If you get a ton of junk mail each week it can become a chore to weed through all of it. Go online and sign up to opt out of receiving it that way the amount of paper waste in your home will be reduced by about 1/3 without you having to do much about it.

Find out which of your accounts you can get an online statement for. This way you further reduce the amount of paper that comes your way. Log on each month and find out what you owe as well as checking over your statements. If necessary print what information you do need instead of the entire statement.

You can also pay bills online which will save paper in the areas of checks and envelopes. It only takes a few minutes to set up such accounts and then you can do the process each month. If you don’t want to mess with that each month then have the bills taken directly out of your checking account. The fact that this is so convenient is also a terrific benefit that you will certainly want to take advantage of

Try to buy notebooks, greeting cards, and other products that you see have been made from recycled paper. You can even use napkins and paper towels that have been recycled. Keeping clothes in your kitchen though is often a great saver of paper towels.

Encourage everyone at your office to cut back on the use of paper when they can. In fact, you should talk to your boss about implementing some effective ideas. For example there can be a pile for waste paper that everyone can use for various needs. The back sides can be used to take down phone messages and other correspondence that doesn’t have to look professional.

With reports, make sure information is printed on both sides of the paper. It will still look very professional and it will cut the amount of paper used for the process in half. It is important to double check the information you plan to print as well first so you don’t view it, see a mistake, and then have to print it again.

Chapter 5

Transportation

With more vehicles on the road today than ever before transportation is a huge factor with pollution. Even with emissions laws in place that limit how much pollution a car can give out, the accumulative amount of it is unbelievable. Taking the time to do your part to cut down on it will ensure everyone is healthier and breathing cleaner air.

You may be saying that you have to use your car to get around so you aren’t going to read this section. It is agreed that being able to hop in your own car and go where you wish is important. However, it is also important that you understand there are still changes that can be made to reduce the amount of emissions that take place when you do.

Many of us are very attached to our vehicle as we see it to be a life line that keeps us going where we want to be. It is convenient to have your own vehicle and it offers you a way to get to work, take care of your errands, and to do leisurely activities that you enjoy.

It is important to take proper care of your vehicle to reduce pollution. If you have a damaged exhaust system or other problem you need to get it resolved right away. You can get a complete diagnosis for it from your local mechanic. Some people are able to fix such problems on their own and that is fine too.

Even though you do need your vehicle, you may be able to use it less. Can you walk to the store or the park? Can you carpool for work or to get the kids to their various activities? This will reduce the number of vehicles on the road each day by doing so.

Place a message on the bulletin board in the work lunch room, at your child’s dance class, and other such locations. This will be to inform other driver’s that you are interested in carpooling. In order for it to work though everyone involved must be committed to being ready on time and to driving at their specified times.

There are also modes of public transportation in many areas. You can commute by taking a bus, subway, or a train that many other people are on. This will save you the wear and tear on your vehicle as well. With the cost of gas these days it can prove to be more affordable for you as well. If you have a lengthy commute you can also use that time to get some work done both directions or to enjoy a good book.

There are some very good vehicles on the market that have been recognized as being environmentally friendly. Honda is a leader in this area the Civic. They also have a hybrid model which we will talk more about in a moment. They Toyota Prius is also variable in a standard or hybrid model. This is one of the top selling hybrid vehicles in the world.

There are some compact cars that are very eco-friendly and at the same time you can save money on fuel. If you can by comfortable with your lifestyle in a compact vehicle then check out the Mini Cooper, Ford Focus, and Honda Fit. Knowing that the vehicle you are driving is very environmentally friendly should make you feel good each time you drive it.

The hybrid models are those that have an alternate fuel source in addition to gas. They either operate with the use of electricity or solar power. This is the fuel source that is used first before any gas is accessed. When those sources are depleted then the vehicle switches to gas.

As soon as you recharge the main energy source the use of gas is stopped and it goes back to that alternative. Even when you are relying upon the gas for power though it is going to burn in a way that is very good for the environment. Hybrids can be quite expensive though so even with so much to offer many consumers have to pass them up.

Chapter 6

Organic Gardening & Lawn Care

Taking care of our home inside and out is something most of us do take plenty of pride in. We want to be able to make it the very best that it can be. The landscaping outside is what everyone who drives by and who stops to visit us will see. It is important to use to be able to arrive home and to feel welcomed there by what we see.

In order to get your garden and your grass to look its very best though you need to have the right tools and the right ingredients. Too many people assume this means you use pesticides and other chemicals to kill weeds and to keep pests out. Yet you can have a lovely garden and lawn organically so you won’t be harming the environment in the process.

Fertilizer for your grass has a great deal of chemicals in it. The two main chemicals found in them that are problematic are nitrates and phosphates. Since it takes several pounds of fertilizer to complete one yard you will be exposing your family and pets to unnecessary problems.

You may not realize it but the use of such fertilizers can trigger asthma, be linked to cancers, and even cause neurological problems for your pets and young children. These chemicals also get into the soil and then run downstream into water supplies.

Instead of using this switch to natural compost. You can buy it or you can even make your own. The process of making your own isn’t very difficult at all. You simply get a compost container and you place food scraps, the droppings from your pets, and even the leaves from your yard into the container.

This will become the compost you get the nutrients from for your lawn and your garden. You want to save your materials all year long to make enough compost. This is because the amount you end up with will be significantly compact compared to the volume of materials that you start out with.

With healthy soil to place your grass seed on, it will be able to grow much healthier. It will have longer roots which ensures survival. At the same time you will need to offer it less water to stay green. This is going to help you cut back on your water bill as well.

With many areas being on water restriction in the summer months, you want to be able to get as much use out of it as possible. By having the soil properly prepared you can still have a lovely green lawn even when you are restrained to only allocating water for certain periods of time on specific days of the week.

To get the most out of the water you put on your grass you need to take care of it in the early morning hours. This will result in more of it getting into the soil and less being lost to the process of evaporation. Many individuals believe that they can get the same results if they water at night. However, a big problem is that this leaves your grass very susceptible to various types of fungus growing.

To ensure your garden is able to benefit from the water you provide keep the ground level. You don’t want it to all run off and therefore not offer the items in your garden the water they need to thrive. A good option to think about is to place mulch in a nice layer over the top of the soil. This will prevent the water from evaporating so your plants and flowers will get to retain more of it.

If you plan to spend a great deal of time enjoying the grass you have grown you want to do so organically. This way your family won’t be at risk of anything. Look for type of grass that tends to grow well in your area. Not all of them are universal so selecting the wrong one can result in you being disappointed with the overall look of your lawn.

You also want a grass that is going to hold up well to people walking on it and playing on it. You don’t want to have to keep everyone off of your lawn in order for it to continue looking nice. This can be a sad outlook because it will be inviting, especially under the shade trees and not being able to go out there isn’t going to make your family happy.

Some individuals immediately reach for chemicals to kill off weeds that grown in their garden or their lawn. Yet this isn’t the right solution to turn to. First, find out what type of weeds you are growing. That will tell you what the problem may be in that area. Some weeds are actually good for your lawn and you will want to leave them.

They can serve as a natural fertilizer for your yard. The rest of them you want to pull out by hand or to use tools to remove them. Make sure you get them from the roots up so they can’t regrow as easily.

It is often a thought to just run them over with a mower and be done with them but avoid doing so. There are seeds in the weeds and when you do this they will spread all over the place. That will result in your lawn having more weeds than before and in various locations spread throughout it.

You may want to consider getting a different type of lawn mower too. Those that operate with the use of gas are placing pollutants into the air. If you have a very small lawn you may want to consider using a reel type.

These are hand propelled and use sharp blades underneath to cut the grass. You can adjust the blades to accommodate how short you wish to cut the grass. They are very simple to use and don’t make much noise.

That means you can be out there using this type of lawn mower any time of the day or day of the week without bothering your neighbors. You will also get some exercise as you walk around the yard cutting it. You can find a quality reel lawn mower for about $40 – $60.

If you don’t want to put your strength into using a reel mover you can look for an electric one. Many of the older models required you to use an extension cord to get a power supply though.

That was often annoying as you had to continually move the long cord out of your way as you moved along cutting the grass. Many heavy duty extension cords were lost in this process due to being ran over by the sharp blades of the lawn mower.

You will find that some significant improvements have been made to this type of lawn mower. Instead of using a cord to get the power source there is a small battery that provides it. They are extremely quite and that helps with noise pollution as well.

There are many models and sizes of electric lawn mowers that you can find out there. They range in price from $125 to $600 depending on how much power you want and what size you wish to buy. Take a look around to see what is going to be the perfect match for your own lawn care needs.

Chapter 7

Additional Tips to Help you Live Green

There are plenty of small areas where you can make some significant changes as well. The concepts here are very easy and anyone can implement then to start living greener right now. You will be proud to offer such benefits to the environment without having to give up anything you really need.

It is important to drink plenty of water each day. Yet you often see people carrying around plastic bottles of it. In many instances bottled water doesn’t taste any better than the tap water but manufacturers of bottled water want you to think there is.

Instead of getting a new bottle each time you drink water get some reusable containers. You can fill them up with water and even ice if you prefer and drink them everywhere you go. There are several sizes, colors, and designs that you can choose from. This process will significantly reduce the amount of plastic that is in our environment.

If you do live in an area where it isn’t safe to drink the tap water then you want to make sure you recycle those plastic bottles. That way they don’t end up in landfills. You can also get bottled water delivered to your home in large containers.

Then you can just fill up your own water bottles that you reuse from there. That is a great way to get healthy water and to eliminate waste at the same time. You will also find that getting bottled water this way is cheaper than buying those individual bottles at the store and from the vending machines.

When you complete projects in your home such as remodeling and painting you will likely have left over supplies. You aren’t going to be able to do much with most of them. Paint is a substance that you don’t want to place at landfills due to the chemicals found in them. They can get underground and do a great deal of damage. A better alternative is to donate that left over paint and supplies.

There are many organizations that collect such items to help others. This can be Church groups, community organizations, and specific programs so find out what is available in your area. You can even search online to find out how to donate such items to a worthy cause.

The left over paint can be mixed with many others that people have donated. It can be used to paint houses, paint schools, and to make your town look nicer by reducing fences and such. This is a great way to prevent those leftovers from being wasted and from harming the environment.

Make sure you properly dispose of pollutants that can be very dangerous for the Earth. It is common for people to change their oil at home to save money and to get the job done quickly. Never pour that oil on the ground as it will get into the soil. This is going to erode the ground of essential nutrients necessary in order for something to grow there.

When oil gets into the water it can result in aquatic life dying. This is very serious as it will upset the balance of the natural food chain. It can result in problems in that part of the water decades after it has taken place. It is also possible for the oil to get into drinking water if you aren’t careful.

We have all heard plenty of information about the warnings of skin cancer from being in the sun without proper sunscreen. What we often don’t realize though is that what is in that sunscreen can be polluting both the water and the air around us.

You want to avoid using chemical sunscreens as they aren’t good for the environment. They aren’t going to offer you any more protection than those made from titanium oxide or zinc oxide. Read the labels on the sunscreen products you purchase and make sure you get a high enough SPF that is right for your skin.

There are plenty of aerosol cans of sunscreen out there and you want to avoid using them as well. These types of dispensers can be very harmful to the ozone layers. Instead choose one you can spray on your body with a spray bottle nozzle or that you can dispense like a lotion and spray on your body.

Sunscreen isn’t the only type of aerosol that you should avoid though. Look for products to clean your home and even hairspray that isn’t going to be harming the environment. There are alternative dispensing sources to them so you aren’t limited to relying on anything in an aerosol form.

Chapter 8

Conclusion

Living Green is something we should all be concerned about. Making the world a better place for us and for future generations is very important. The damages we do today will have a significant impact on the rest of the world. Young children, adults, and even the elderly can all get involved in making the world a better place for all of us.

In the past decade there has been more information and education on this subject offered than ever before. Various types of organizations including the government, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the Environmental Protection Agency, and others have been attempting to share all they can about the concerns for our environment as well as ways to help.

There are plenty of celebrities involved in living green projects as well. Actors, musicians, and other prestigious figures tend to have quite a following around the world. People listen to what they have to say and therefore such public service announcements have proven to be extremely effective.

As a result more manufactures of products we use everyday are getting involved as well. They are offering more products that are safe for the environment and that offer you plenty of benefits. You can encourage other companies to follow their example by not buying them if they aren’t safe for the environment.

If they are losing sales they will find out why and make important changes to get those customers back. The demands of the consumer are extremely powerful and they will be able to generate a positive response from our manufacturers. As a result everyone wins and we will have a safer environment to live in. If you continue to buy what they are offering now though they won’t have the encouragement they need to take saving the environment seriously.

The amount of trash that the common household tosses out each day is unbelievable. It isn’t unusual for that to be at least on bag per day when all is said and done. All of that waste ends up at our landfills and just what comes from your household alone adds up to quite a bit over the course of a year.

Remove what you can from that trash and recycle it. This can be paper products, glass, plastic, and cardboard. You will be surprised at just how much of this you can separate and recycle. If you have a trash bin for each of them in the garage or in your backyard then it will be much easier to stay on task with this type of effort.

Be conscious of the paper products you are using as well. That way you can use some alternatives. For example cloth napkins instead of disposable ones are a great idea for a restaurant. Use both sides of paper so that you can reduce the amount of it that you use by 50%.

Take papers you don’t need and cut them into squares. You can create your own notepads this way for phone messages, quick family notes, and to write your grocery list or errands on. You can cut back paper by eliminating unnecessary mail as well.

We live in an electronic age due to technology and all of the advances that have come along with it. Yet from various types of light bulbs and sources there is damage being done to the environment. By changing the types that use to the more energy efficient ones on the market you can save money on your electric bill and help protect the environment.

Don’t forget to look into alternative sources of energy that will allow you to not use electricity as often. One of the easiest to implement for any home or business is the use of solar power. In some areas wind and water power are also available.

How you get around is one of the biggest areas where you can make a difference for the environment. The amount of pollutants that are emitted each day from vehicles is very high. Do all you can to make sure your vehicles are in compliance with the laws. Only use them when you need to so that you cut down on driving time.

Combine your activities so you can eliminate trips to town as well. Do your best to set up carpools or to access public transportation when available. If you are in the market for a new vehicle consider one that has been recognized as being environmentally friendly. There are many great ones to choose from so you won’t be limited in size or style.

You can also go with the hybrid models which will save you money on gas, they aren’t going to harm the environment, and they will need less routine maintenance. A hybrid is a very solid investment and something you will be extremely proud to drive. It shows that you do care about the environment in many ways.

There are several great hybrid vehicles out there right now. Most of them are compact and medium sized vehicles. However, for 2009 you will find more larger cars, a minivan, and even some full sized pickups emerging. This is due to the consumer demands for such vehicles as a hybrid. The manufacturers out there are listening so keep letting them know what your interested in.

Home is where the heart is and a place you want to be harm and inviting. Establishing a very beautiful lawn and garden is part of that image. You can accomplish your desire to have them without harming your family, pets, or the environment. Don’t use any types of chemicals as they have been linked to many ill effects you want to avoid.

Organic lawn care and gardening isn’t difficult it just takes a different approach. If you go about it the right way it will cost you less to get your lawn and garden ready each year too. You will be relying up natural items around your home and yard for the compost which will reduce the amount of your trash that ends up at the landfill.

A healthy lawn is one that is well cared for, and you can see yours thrive when you remove the chemicals from the equation. You can also look at environmentally friendly lawn mowers that won’t cause you to pollute the environment each time you turn them on.

You will feel great seeing the results of your efforts. At the same time you will know you know you are offering your friends and family a very safe lawn to play and relax on with you. That is a feeling that you will be very proud of even if no one around you has a clue why you are smiling from ear to ear.

There are plenty of tips and strategies offered in order to help us have an environment that is less polluted. It doesn’t take a great deal of time or effort in order to be a part of most of them. You simply have to be committed to being a part of the solution instead of the problem.

Continue to do your part by making changes where you can. Get your entire family involved and explain to them why it is so important. Share your views with friends and family members as well. They may not realize the importance of their efforts.

Once you enlighten them you will be able to encourage them in their efforts. In most regards individuals aren’t out there destroying the environment on purpose. It is often a lack of information or not feeling like they can really make a difference that leads to it.

If you find that a person or a business is polluting the environment with chemicals or other substances intentionally then you need to report it. This could be your neighbor or even the company that they work for. No one needs to know you are the person responsible for reporting it.

You can make a report with your local law enforcement or with your local health department. They will do an inspection and handle the situation based on what they find. There are laws in place to prevent this type of blatant disregard for the environment. Those found guilty of doing so can be fined, have to pay the cost of cleaning it up, and even face criminal charges that can result in jail time.

It is possible to live green and to reduce your carbon footprints on the environment. It is understandable why you want to leave a legacy behind you but do it in a positive manner. Each person has the choice of how they will live their life. Be proud of the efforts you make to keep our world in as good of shape as you possible can.

The rewards of doing so will come back to you as well as future generations. We all have the power and the ability to change what we are doing now in exchange for better ways of living. Decide now you want to modify your behaviors and feel good about your lifestyle choices. It doesn’t matter how long you have been doing things the other way.

Every bit of change that takes place out there is going to make a positive difference overall. Be a part of finding the solution for a better environment to live in. This will benefit your health as well as that of your children. Such efforts are definitely worth it in order to reap these types of rewards.

One person and one voice can unite with many more to create a significant effect that shows how much people care about the world in which they live in. Do all you can to make these efforts a part of your world. Pass them on to your children so the benefits can continue for them and their generation as well.

Helpful Links

1) Convert Your Car To Burn Water + Gasoline = Triple Your Mileage!

2) Renewable Energy Solutions : 1. Build A Wind Generator 2. Biodiesel 3. Install Solar Panels 4. Build Your Own Home 5. Renewable Energy Solutions For Home, Car And Business

3) Alternative Energy Resources. Understanding and Installing Your Own Solar Electric System. Includes Worksheets,& Resources.

4) Keeping My Earth Green. You Can Learn How To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint And Help Reverse The Effects Of Global Warming.

5) Solar Power Design Manual. Teach Yourself All About Solar Power. Comprehensive Manual By Genuine Expert. Spreadsheet Included.

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Renewable Energy and Other Money-Saving Secrets for Your Home

Introduction

The World’s Energy Crisis

How Long Do We Have?

The Solutions

20 Ways to Cut Down Your Bills

Before You Get Started

Special Phone Bill Tips

Secrets to Installing Solar Power in Your Home

Solar Hot Water and Space Heating

What You Need for Solar Heating

Types of Solar Collectors

Implementation

Hot Water or Heating

Photovoltaic Solar Power

Installation Secrets

What You’ll Need

Installing Wind Power

What You Need for Wind Power

Building Your Own Windmill

Plans and Parts for Your Windmill

Catering to Your Home

30 Money Saving Tips You Can Use Right Now

Conclusion

Recommended Reading

How To Green-Up Your Home

The House as a System

The transfer of heat

How heat moves

Controlling heat flow

Air leakage

Foundation and framing essentials

Framing

Build with certified wood

Top ways to save on electricity bills

Install solar and wind power and save money

Plumbing tips to help with your water

Landscaping tips

Recommended Reading

MagniWork

Organic Food Gardening Beginner’s Manual – By Julie Villani

How to Live Green: Tips for Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

FINALLY REVEALED!

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