Vampire Energy Sucks

I always thought that when I turned off a light, appliance or the TV that I was saving energy. Little did I know that when they were turned "off " they still expended energy costing me money. The term for this is vampire energy because of how much energy that is sucked out and wasted. The biggest vampire/energy wasters are audio equipment, DVD players, computers and cordless phones. The best way to save energy is to replace those electronics with "energy star" rated models.....Yeah...right...I have an endless supply of money, but more importantly, the audio equipment I own is just fine. Who can afford to replace what is not broken these days? For me, it is more economical to purchase the "Smart Strip" from Radio Shack (or any online retailer). It's unique in the fact that the Smart Strip monitors power consumption and can sense the difference between when computers and other devices are on or off. Upon figuring this out, it shuts off the power, eliminating the idle current drawn from them. So, get smart and buy the strip. It cost about $35 and you will see the return in as few as 3 weeks!


https://www.chooserenewables.com/xcart/home.php?cat=268&gclid=CPvsiLayyJkCFRCdnAod7W-Dtg

Think Green Widget

Indoor Polution

I've always thought of pollution as being only outside, large cities, behind the old school bus that is billowing with smoke. Apparently, the inside of our home can be dangerous too, especially for the young folks, known as our children! Plants actually clean the air we breathe.
Research has shown that the following plants are the most effective all-around in counteracting off gassed chemicals and contributing to balanced internal humidity.
* Areca palm
* Reed palm
* Dwarf date palm
* Boston fern
* Janet Craig dracaena
* English ivy
* Gerber Daisy
* Australian sword fern
* Peace Lily
* Rubber plant
My favorite flower is the Gerber daisy. That along with the mum are the most efficient at removing benzene. The peace lily and chrysanthemum (mum) removes the highest levels of trichoroethylene.
For the most effective use of house plants research has shown that one plant be allowed 10 square yards of floor space. Sounds like we need an addition to our home...not really that only equals to 2 or 3 plants per room to increase better air quality. The utilization of carbon happens during the growth of a plant, therefore effective in removing low levels of carbon monoxide.
All plants produce oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. Thus any plants you choose, in addition to the varieties named here, will increase the concentration of oxygen in their immediate surroundings.
Happy plants=Healthy homes!

Back in time on a Clothesline

Not everyone will love and accept you for hanging your clothes in your yard. Some will think it is tacky, but I think it's cool. There is a simple, homey feel to it that is actually quite charming. Between every other article of clothing I like to hang one hundred dollar bills to show that I can afford a clothes dryer, but choose not to in order to lessen my carbon foot print. Ellen and Steve were reprimanded by the neighborhood association for their backyard clothesline, so instead they hang theirs in a screened area of their porch. They save money, have fresh smelling laundry and are lessening their carbon foot print, and never worry about the rain!
Save about $25.00 a month on your electric bill with this little trick!
The link listed below shows advantages as well as disadvantages to different types of clotheslines.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2288067_choose-a-clothesline.html

Leaky Faucet

Do you know how much water is lost through a leaky faucet? I am reading from the EcoQuiz Deck from Sierra Club. The answer is a leaky faucet wastes about 2,700 gallons a year at a drip per second. I don't know about you, but I could swim a few laps in that much water!
Water is gold...well, not exactly , as you would think. In this economic down turn water is something to consider investing in. If you don't believe me, just take a peek at where Warren Buffet has invested some of his....(water rights!)...that Warren, he's a pretty smart fella.
So, check your home water meter for system leaks. Stop using your water in the house for 30 minutes, then take a second reading. If the dial has moved, you have a leak. It could be the toilet. If so, shut off its valve, add food coloring to the back of the tank, wait 30 minutes. If the colored water appears in the bowl you need to invest in water because you are wasting it in your home!
Actually, you need to replace your flapper valve. It is a simple fix that could help you save.

Cracks...(and not the plumbers...)

After losing power due to the snow, I was surprised at how fast the temperature dropped inside and how frigidly cold the house became. So, I decided to talk about it.
Did you know that a 1/8 opening around a exterior/interior door is equivalent to a 2 inch by 2 inch whole in an exterior wall of your house? I like that it is an easy fix and one that saves money! Just go to your local hardware store and purchase weather striping, peal off the self adhesive strip and apply it to the inside jam of the door and start saving some cash! Here is the link that gives the step by step instructions. Anyone can do this !
http://www.howcast.com/videos/11734-DIY-Tips-For-Installing-Weatherstripping
After you do this little project, start focusing on sealing all the cracks around your home because all those cracks total one open window all year round, and I don't know about you, but that is too much to throw "out the window"!

Water, water, Everywhere

On a rainy day like today, its hard not to wonder what we can do with rain that falls from the sky. Here is a link for rain barrels. If you have never heard of this concept, take a peek at them. I think you will love it!
http://www.composters.com/rain-barrels.php
When I Google recycle water here are some ideas I found that I am passing on to you!

Recycle water in your shower. Most people like to run the water until it warms up before getting into the shower. Get a bucket to put in your shower and catch the water so that it's not wasted. You can use this water for cooking.

Collect rainwater in order to recycle water. You can collect it in buckets. Or, you can catch rainwater from the downspout on your roof gutters. Attach a water butt to the end of the gutter or use some other kind of container that will catch the rainwater. You can use this water to water your vegetable or flower gardens. It's good to have in reserve also for watering your shrubs.

Think before you toss the leftover water out of water glasses. When you and your family drink water, there's often some left in glasses sitting around the house. Recycle that water by using it to water your indoor plants.

My favorite little trick is this:
If you drop ice cubes in the floor, do not throw them in the sink, toss them in a plant!
They will love you for this!