Here’s to a green 2007! December 27, 2006

You’ve made quite a few New Year’s resolutions in the past, I’m sure, as have I and the majority of the world. Here’s one that is easy to keep: do something green in 2007. If you do just one thing this year to green your house, you will be that much healthier, not to mention help the planet.

Here are a few easy things you can do – I’m keeping the list to five, for starters:

1. Replace each bulb that goes out with a CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulb. These use 66% less energy than incandescent bulbs.

2. Clean green: Buy household cleaners that are non-toxic. It will decrease the toxins in your house and in the waterways.

3. Say no to plastic bags whenever you can. We throw away 100 billion polyurethane bags annually!! Bring a reusable bag with you when shopping.

4. Cut down on junk mail. Take your name off of mailing lists.

5. Buy Energy Star appliances.

Once you’ve mastered one or more of these, feel free to check back frequently for more tips and ideas.

Give the gift of smell December 21, 2006

Did you know synthetic fragrances can irritate the respiratory tract, trigger asthma attacks, and deaden your sense of smell? There are over 5,000 fragrances in products that we use daily. Most of the chemicals used in fragrances consist of volatile organic compounds, which are known to be respiratory irritants. However, because many fragrances are considered trade secrets, the chemical make-up does not need to be revealed.

If you’re considering giving gifts that have a fragrance this holiday season, such as aromatherapy candles, perfumes, and bath products, be sure that these are made of natural fragrances. Keep in mind, however, that the word ‘natural’ on the product label does not equate to a natural fragrance, so be sure to read the labels carefully. Here are some ways you can decrease the use of synthetic fragrances:

• Use natural cosmetics and personal care products. Review the following list of companies that have pledged not to use carcinogens and endocrine disruptors in their products.

• Switch to natural perfume oils.

• Use beeswax candles instead of paraffin and even soy.

• Replace air fresheners with natural essential oils.
  

• Use non-toxic laundry detergent, and lavender sachets instead of dryer sheets or fabric softener (available at natural food stores such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s) or forgo softeners altogether.

Energy suckers December 15, 2006

Did you know that your microwave oven consumes more electricity powering its digital clock than it does heating your food? It’s because we barely use the microwave, and 99% of the time, it is on standby mode. Same goes with other appliances in the house—a laptop computer consumes 34.1 watts when turned on, and 16.5 watts on standby. According to a Berkley Lab study, standby power accounts for 10% of our electricity consumption, not to mention that as Americans, we use 2.5 times more electricity that the Europeans and a little less than twice as much as the Japanese.

So what’s a caring consumer to do?

• If you’re considering buying a new appliance, choose one with low standby energy consumption (look for the Energy Star label). They use two to 10 times less electricity for the same functionality, and are better quality products for the most part.
• Get power strips and plug your devices into the strips. Turn the strips off when the devices are not in use.
• Unplug chargers and power supplies (yes, that phone charger that’s plugged into the wall but not into your phone is sucking energy)

For more info, check out the Berkley Lab site on standby power consumption.

Turn up the heat December 6, 2006

I don’t know about you, but I’m still recovering from the change in weather, from 70 to 35 degrees within the span of a week. Though the impact of global warming was clearly felt here in DC, I am happy to report that the temperature is back to what it should be for this time of year. That also means it’s time to turn up the heat indoors…and open the wallet…

Since you’re probably doing enough spending with the holidays, here are some quick ways to save energy and money while staying warm:

· Weatherize your home: if you haven’t already done so, get a caulk gun and weatherstripping and make sure the cracks are well sealed; this does for your apartment too!

· Switch your light bulbs to CFC bulbs: Compact fluorescent light bulbs last up to ten times more than incandescent, which more than offsets the slightly higher price. You can join the One Billion Lightbulbs campaign and see your savings.

· Use a programmable thermostat: Lower the temperature at night and when you’re not home and you will save over 10%; putting on a sweater and keeping the temperature lower will also help decrease your bills

· Clean your filters: maintain your heating equipment and be sure that you change the filters periodically

For more info, check out the EPA’s Energy Star @ home interactive site.