Unplug Small Appliances - Save Money and Energy

We were toasting bagels one morning when my sister was in town. As we all sat around the table to enjoy our breakfast, she mentioned to me that I should unplug my toaster oven since we weren't using it anymore. My response was, "I turned it off, it's OK."

No, it isn't OK. What I didn't understand then that I know now is that small appliances and electronics still draw electricity when they're plugged in - even if the power button is turned off. Common sense says if these items are drawing power when we're not using them, why keep them plugged in?

Exactly.

The biggest energy-drainers even when they are turned off are microwave ovens, televisions, DVD players, computers, game systems, and cable and satellite TV boxes. A good solution for these items is to plug several devices into a power strip that has an on/off switch. When you flick the switch off, the power strip no longer draws electricity from the outlet.

There are many reasons to keep your appliances and electronics unplugged when you're not using them. First and foremost, it is the responsible thing to do for the environment. Just think how good it will feel as you're unplugging your cell phone charger that you're doing something good for the environment today! It's a very simple and easy thing that EVERYONE can do. Imagine if everyone in your city decided to do this one small thing how much energy we could save? How about your state? The world?

Another main reason is the reduction in your electric bill. When my sister told me that she was saving $15 - $20 each month by unplugging her microwave, cell phone charger, and her TV my first thought was "yeah right - it can't be that much". Others might say that's not enough of a savings to even bother with. Oh really? Twenty dollars per month is $240 per year in savings. I can think of plenty of things I'd rather do with $240 than give it to the electric company for something I didn't use anyway.

The truth is that if you have 10 items in your home that are plugged in and not in use, you could be wasting as much as 450,000 watts (or 4,500 kilowatts) of electricity per year! Depending on your usage and local electricity rates, that could cost you anywhere between $200 and $600 each year! Also, most utility companies charge a higher rate when you use more than a certain amount of energy, and they also charge more during summer months when electric use is higher, so that becomes an even bigger savings when you keep your electronics unplugged.

So now I understand what my sister was talking about when she told me to unplug my toaster oven. Everything stays unplugged in my house now unless it's being used. I am happy to say that my electric bill has been reduced by a little more than $20 each month, but even prouder to say that I am doing something good for the environment today.

For more information on how to conserve energy and your utility bill, please visit my Go Green! Tips page at http://www.OurGreenEarthProducts.com

L Robinson

http://www.OurGreenEarthProducts.com

info@ourgreenearthproducts.com

Home Solar Power - The No Fail Secrets of Saving Money by Generating Your Own Power

With the rise in fuel prices, the need for home solar has given rise to increased dependency in terms of a suitable alternative source of energy. While home solar is often considered as a suitable option to cover your basic energy requirements, you need to fully understand that home solar is an energy source that needs to be procured and installed with utmost care. Taking cue from the above statement, let us discuss some secrets which are sure to succeed in terms of power saving.

Choose A Well Known Product

Even before you start to indulge in electricity generation, you need to ensure that the solar energy source which you have sought is from the best possible place. At the same time, you need to also make sure that your place of procurement has been acclaimed and assured by various other customers as well. It is best to go with tried and tested techniques.

Make Sure It Is Cost Effective

The second method to ensuring that your natural source of energy is picture perfect is to use it in accordance to your requirements. At the same time, you need to also ensure that your energy source is cost effective in nature. If in case it is expensive, you may need to choose a different product.

Kindly Cross check The Quality

The third step to ensuring that your solar powered electric grid is feasible is by checking its quality. If it is ideal in terms of quality, you can be rest assured that the purchase is ideal and vice verse.

Hi, I am Mark Morris and I am an energy conservationist. I have a secret to share.

The Recommendation: To adopt a widely approved Solar Energy Program, which allows you to permanently get rid of your recurring electric bills. It has helped COUNTLESS people worldwide-it is now your turn.

Who Is It For: Folks who are tired of polluting power programs and have lost thousands of dollars on wasted power bills. It is for any and everyone who wishes to see instant results and save money.

How To Get There: Simply click http://purelyfitness.com/earth4energy-review and join the successful campaign to save our environment from further pollution.

Using Sun Energy to Save Money on Energy and Put More Cash in Your Pocket

Do you know that by using sun energy you can save money on energy bills by an astronomical 80% per month? Think I'm kidding? Read on and learn why using solar power can put more money in your pocket than you would have ever imagine.

The Frugal Nature of Using Sun Energy

If you're one of those people that has to tighten their belts due to the high cost of energy, but most likely youon the hunt for ways to save money on energy -- immediately. Among the ripe alternative energy sources like nuclear, ethanol, bio diesel and solar, solar energy is currently the most readily available and of the most promising for the new technology that will be standard in the next decade. This is one of the best times to get started on trying to save money on energy by putting up a solar panel and what's great about solar panels now is that build your OWN.

How You Can Save Money on Energy by Creating Your Own Alternative Energy Source

We all know that depending on oil from other nations can be very costly and expensive, especially at the rate that we consume energy at the current moment. Some of them later, energy availability will draw down and this could mean disastrous effects for the world economy. Using sun energy for heating up your home can be one of the most cost-effective ways to combat this rising price of energy that has no end in sight. You can nearly wipe away your entire utility costs or at least cut it by 80%. You can construct your own solar energy panel yourself for just under $200 like I did and save money on energy like you never thought possible. If you're among those that are concerned about the environmental health of our earth and want alternative energy to begin working for you, then consider using sun energy and doing it by creating your very own home solar energy.

For in-depth detail on the advantages of using solar energy and access to a step-by-step guide to building your own solar energy panel for less than $200 you can visit my website here at http://www.CreateHomeEnergyNow.webs.com. Remember -- go green!

Energy Performance Certificates - Are They a Waste of Energy?

When EPC's were first launched for HIPS, many people in the Property Industry were of the mind that:
a) they are pointless and purchaser's or tenants won't look at them
b) just another hassle for Estate Agents, Vendors and Landlords to get over and
c) adding more cost the Homeowner.

Of course, this is only my opinion however, I would suggest that these thoughts are shared by at least half the UK population!

What are EPC's really all about? Do we really understand what the Government is trying to achieve. The answer I guess would be... no.

Direct.gov.uk states that "Buildings produce nearly half of the UK's carbon emissions! That's almost twice that of cars and planes. The way a building is constructed, insulated, heated, ventilated and the type of fuel used, all contribute to its carbon emissions."

If you think about it from a global perspective, the daunting facts about global warming is a serious issue and it is about time someone starts to act on it! Having done a little research into our current climate changes, my opinions about EPC's have changed, or at least, I try to see them from a different perspective.

The only difficulty now, is trying to change the perception of the Industry to actually act on the EPC's rather than seeing then as another "Tick in the Box" when renting a property.

A couple of facts regarding EPC's:

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) are now considered mandatory for all property to rent as from the 1st October 2008.

The Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) was introduced to provide Landlords with property to let, Home Owners, Tenants and Buyers of property with information relating to the energy efficiency of a property. The property will be graded on its standard energy and carbon emission efficiency and will receive an energy rating grade from 'A' - the most efficient through to 'G'. A grading of 'D' will be an average rating.

What do EPC's mean for Landlords?

Landlords will be able to make changes to the property to let based on the recommendations of the EPC report. The report will include information for the Landlord such as:

suggested improvements (such as fitting loft insulation)
the approximate cost of such improvements
possible cost savings per year if the improvements are made
how this would change the energy and carbon emission rating of the property

Landlords can use this information to:

Encourage Tenants to rent property based on potentially lower fuel costs
Cut your own fuel costs or standing charges for vacant properties
Improve energy performance in your house or flat to rent
Help cut carbon emissions from your property

Landlords are not required to act on the recommendations suggested from the report however, in order to promote the attractiveness of a property to let, a more energy efficient property should encourage price conscious tenants to make further enquiries.

All Landlords who rent property will be required to make the EPC available to prospective tenants the first time you let a property after the 1st of October 2008.

An EPC is only required for a property which is self-contained, and will be valid for 10 years.

An EPC is not required when a tenant rents a room and shares facilities.

What do EPC's mean for Tenants?

The energy efficiency of a property to let is measured by using the same calculations for all homes, houses and flats to rent. This allows Tenants to make an informed decision when they come to selecting a property to rent. A higher energy efficient property may be cheaper to run when calculating the cost of heating and fuel bills.

As a tenant, if you are interested in renting a property then an EPC must be made available to you free of charge by either the Landlord or the Letting Agent.

An EPC is only required for a rental property which is self-contained, and is valid for 10 years.

An EPC isn't required when you rent a room and share facilities.

Who is required to have an EPC?

The EPC is required by law when a building is constructed, sold or put up for rent.

EPC's only apply to England and Wales. Northern Ireland and Scotland are producing their own regulations.

Jonathan Daines (Jonathan@LettingaProperty.com) is Co - Director of http://www.LettingaProperty.com - a property search portal and information guide dedicated to the letting Industry. Advertising Letting Agents and Private Landlords' Properties to Let to thousands of Tenants every day. Visit http://www.LettingaProperty.com - and start your property search.

Homemade Solar Power Panels - Why You Should Build Your Own Solar Power System

Making your own solar power panels helps you save money on your utility bills by ensuring your alternative energy source is renewable and sustainable over the lifespan of the panels. In addition, you are protecting the environment as solar power does not emit harmful gases into the air in the process.

Contrary to general believe, assembling your solar panel is not as hard as it is made out to be and you do not need special technical skills. In fact, the components are easily bought from the local hardware store and the basic materials you need are very easily found tool kit items. The basic materials are namely plywood, salt, copper wire, sandpaper, metal scissors etc are very common and affordable.

Simply ensure that you have a rooftop which directly faces the sun and with extensive sunlight. Ensure that the angle and location where you place your homemade solar panels are in the position of capturing the optimal amount of sunlight. If you do not have a large sun facing rooftop, use your backyard or garden.

It is important to note that the solar panels absorb and collect the UV wavelengths of the sunlight for conversion into electricity. Hence, the cells are capable of collecting and storing energy, i.e. the UV wavelengths even in cloudy weather. The only difference is that in a sunny day, the solar panels work better and less hard.

At less than 200 dollars to build and install, your homemade solar power systems simply costs about 6 percent of a 3000 dollar professionally ready made panel. Not to mention that this is an initial setup cost will very quickly pay for itself almost in the first month of usage when the electricity cost savings you immediately gained more than off set the setup cost.

You will need a good guidebook for your homemade solar panels system which provides specific instructions and design diagrams. Make sure you choose one with member forums for discussion as well as step by step videos that walk you through the critical steps and you are good to go.

So start reducing your carbon footprint, start building your very own solar panels and Start cutting your utility bills by at least half.

Join the thousands of families tapping on Free Renewable Energy. Visit SolarWindEnergyDIY.com for Your Complete Solar Power Guide Review.

Also Find more information here to Build Your Own Solar Panels and Save 80 percent on Your Electricity Bills.

Energy Efficiency - Cradle to Cradle Recycling with Glass

When discussing green products "cradle to cradle" packaging is often discussed. What does cradle-to-cradle mean? Cradle to Cradle is a phrase coined by Walter R. Stahel in the 1970s, it became popular in 2002 thanks to the book titled Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things written by William McDonough and Michael Braungart.

What is Cradle to Cradle?

According to William McDonough and Michael Braungart, in cradle to cradle production all elements are viewed as either a technical nutrient or a biological nutrient. In their model, cradle to cradle, technical nutrients can be recycled or reused with no loss of quality and the biological nutrients can be either composted or consumed.

Why Glass?

In a world filled with plastic and paper packaging, glass still remains the most readily recyclable container on the market. Unlike other container such as plastic which are " downcycled" from food grade products to lower grades, glass can be recycled an infinite number of times. In cradle to cradle terms glass is compromised of 100% technical nutrients or is 100% recyclable and reusable.

Glass is actually so pure it does not require any additional processing to recycle and it can be used for the packaging of food and beverages again and again. Starting from the time you properly recycle a glass container it is possible the same raw glass can return to your local supermarket shelf in as little as four weeks time.

Choosing Glass Saves Energy

Did you know? Recycling a single glass bottle saves enough energy to power:

• A 60-watt light bulb for four hours
• A Computer for thirty minutes
• A Television for twenty minutes

Consider this, O-I, a large scale glass recycler, recycles over 5 million tons of glass a year. O-I estimates the total amount of energy they save yearly through glass recycling could power the all the streetlights in the New York City metro area for an entire year If our manufacturers offered more glass containers that were in turn properly recycled, what else could we provide power for?

The Importance of Recycling

By recycling your glass containers you save both energy and raw materials. You also prevent the greenhouse gas emissions that would be created when new glass is created from raw materials, as well as reduce landfill waste. Thanks to the purity of glass, 1 ton of recycled glass is equivalent to 1 ton of raw materials to manufacture new glass - there is no loss of materials when properly recycled.

The Dangers of Single-Stream Recycling

While it's clear to many that recycling glass is important to energy conservation efforts, many municipalities are still moving towards "single-stream" recycling. While it is true that single-stream recycling has been shown to boost overall recycling statistics it does not properly separate glass by color, and as such it effectively reduces the cradle to cradle qualities of glass. Unless glass is separated by color it is not being properly recycled.

If you live in an area that only offers single-stream recycling, I encourage you to separate your glass and recycle it yourself. Single-stream recycling is growing in popularity, so there is a good possibility your area has already signed up.

Glass Waste

Understanding how valuable glass in comparison to other packaging material it becomes frightening to consider the amount of glass we simply throw away each year. In the United States, we send more then 11 million tons of glass to landfills each year. That's more than twice what O-I actively recycles each year. To put it into a more personal perspective that about 500 lbs of glass each US citizen simple throws away each year.

Due to its cradle to cradle nature, glass, should be our packaging of choice. While it may be more expensive to transport because of it's weight when in comparison to plastic or paper packaging the infinite lifespan it offers greatly outweighs any short term costs. Recycling isn't just environmentally smart it's also economically sound. According to a study by George Goldman, a UC Cooperative Extension economist, "Recycling generates twice as much income and sales and twice as many jobs as trash disposal." Do your part to fight global warming by first purchasing glass packaged products and then properly recycling them.

Sam Greyhawk is an energy efficiency evangelist working with Cool-N-Save(tm), an Energy Star Partner, based in Huntington Beach, California.

Cool-N-Save(tm) is a brand new air conditioner add-on that can be installed in just 10 minutes with no tools required. In the hottest months, your air conditioner can be responsible for up to 90% of your monthly electrical bill. Cool-N-Save(tm) has been scientifically proven by Tulane University to improve air conditioner efficiency by up to 30% - which translates into real monthly savings for you. Saving energy helps fight global warming and Cool-N-Save(tm) is a cost-effective way to reduce your energy use.

Free Alternative Power

Would you like to learn how you can build systems to generate free alternative power to run your house? Free energy systems can be easily made at home today to generate free green power. Examples of such alternative power systems are wind mills and solar panels. Building them is very easy and can be done for a very low cost by following step by step guides and videos online. They do not emit any harmful chemicals into the environment and thus are great for environmental conservation purposes.

1. How to Generate your Own Free Alternative Power at Home?

The best solution in my opinion would be to construct homemade energy systems like the wind turbine or solar panels on the roof. They can generate electricity as well as the components bought commercially and from my experience, are very reliable and can work for many years with proper maintenance.

2. How Many Windmills Do You Need to Build?

This would depend on several factors like the total energy consumption in your home, the amount of wind around your house as well as the space that have around your house. If your systems generate more electrical power than what is required for your home, you can sell back the excess electricity to the grid company for a profit.

3. Why Don't More People Use Wind Energy to Run Their Homes?

Windmills were very commonly used during the 1930s to 1950 time when people were generally very conscious about the costs of energy. As time passed, people became less concerned about costs as times got better and did not mind paying their power company every month to supply them with electricity. However, with the economy in its current state, it would be wise for people to start making their own free electrical power again.

Want to learn how to create Free Alternative Power? Download the Best Step-By-Step Home Energy Guides at http://www.renewableenergysystemreview.com first!

The author has managed to reduce his energy bill by more than 80% by building his own renewable home energy system. Check out his website above to find out how to do it!