Conserving Electricity in the House

Conserving electricity in the house not only help you reduce your household electricity bill, but contribute towards a cleaner and sustainable living space to our true home – planet Earth. While most of us may already aware that fossil fuels become scarcer and electricity is the prime source of energy we use in our day-to-day life, to be more conscious about our power consumption has become something that is inevitable.

Flick the switch, turn the key, press the button and then pay the bill. Multiply that by six billion and you’ve got a picture of energy consumption on Earth today. Set aside those benefits of conventional energy system and how that this system is regrettably depleting our resources, polluting our air and affecting global climate change for a moment. Let’s start contribute a little bit as a single person, each of us, NOW…

Why Conserving Electricity in the House?

Because our house is one of the place we spend most of our time at! Home sweet home, imagine living in a energy efficient green house, and still having a good and healthy lifestyle. There had been many proven concepts and products that not only able to conserve the energy usage but also giving a healthier lifestyle in the market. You may want to check out tools like Google Power Meter or trendy concepts of Archipod for SOHO people mentioned in Better Homes and Gardens | Green Office Archipod.

People power. Just as energy usage or wastage could be huge when you multiply it by six billion people, the savings could be in equal scale. Never think that you are too small to change the world, it all starts with you and me. A sustainable eco system for our children and mankind is not something that could be overlooked.

10 Tips For Conserving Electricity in the House

1. Turn off unnecessary lights, appliances and electronic equipment. Put appliances that don’t need to be left on during the day onto power strips, and turn off the strip when not in use to avoid “phantom” energy drain.

2. Set the air conditioning thermostat to appropriate degrees. Just a few degrees can add up to big savings. (For those observing enough, you may find that most people are wearing jackets or clothing to keep them warm enough just because their office’s air conditioning temperature is too cold)

3. It is important to use conventional materials to block out heat and sunlight during summer months, as it will result in requiring less energy to cool your space. Never underestimate the use of blinds and curtains with black-out panels.

4. Use energy efficient appliances. Don’t buy new appliances instantly, only replace those old one with energy efficient appliances when it is necessary. Do you know that fluorescent light bulbs are more efficient than tungsten ones, and LCD monitors and TVs are more efficient than cathode ray tube (CRT) ones?

5. When it comes to washing, wash only full loads of laundry and try washing on cold or warm rather than hot. Use the dishwasher only when full and rather than heat drying, let the dishes air dry.

6. Minimize leakage. Sealing leakages in the house and in appliances helps to improve energy efficiency. Check the exhaust fans, ductwork, electrical wiring, furnace flues, warm-air registers, windows, electrical outlets, switch plates, etc. for leakages and fix them, if any.

7. Use your appliances in the most efficient way. This not only give your appliances a longer lifespan, but conserving electricity at the same time. For example, allow warm food to cool off to room temperature before refrigerating them, and make sure that you remove all the ingredients at one time when opening your refrigerator to prepare for meals because the more times you open your refrigerator door, the more power you consume.

8. When it comes to cooking and food, try to plan meals that can be cooked in the oven all at once, thereby making use of all of the energy it takes to heat your oven. Try cooking on the grill too as it saves energy and prevents heating up your kitchen (thus requiring more air conditioning).

9. Use the “traditional” ways. Don’t be too rely on modern days appliances just because you are a bit lazy. For example, rather than vacuuming, try sweeping the floor with a broom and mop the floor clean, you not only be able to save the electricity bill but exercise at the same time, keeping you fit and healthy too!

10. Check out more resources on how to improve the electricity consumption to a more efficient stage. You can learn and improve through the internet, the media, and sharing among like minded people.

Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed. If it is good for the environment and better for your wallet, what is stopping you from conserving electricity in the house?

Better Homes and Gardens | Green Office Archipod

Want something a bit different for your home office? Live and work in better homes and gardens with a Green Office Archipod! While the cost and inconvenience of commuting to work everyday is increasing, the advances in computer and networking technology are making the viability of working from home a realistic alternative to travelling to an office everyday – one of the way commuters can offset their carbon footprint. Like the idea of commuting to your office every day by just walking to the end of your garden?…

Idea for Better Homes and Gardens : Green Office Archipod

Constructed predominantly from timber (the world’s most replenishable construction material, where all the timber comes from either FSC registered suppliers, or is reused from surplus manufacturing), and is insulated to a standard exceeding that of current Building Regulations (heat loss is minimised by the use of high standards of insulation and air tightness), this unique design features a pleasing roof dome that lets in natural light to conserve the energy required for artificial lighting.

The design and size is optimised to minimise wastage in production. Heating is by way of an electric panel radiator, which is the most efficient way to heat a small, independent and highly insulated space such as a garden office. One advantage of working in a separate garden office is that it may be unnecessary to heat the main house during the day. A good news is, the company is currently reviewing using air source heat pumps for heating and cooling!

Why Green Office Archipod is Good for Better Homes and Gardens

There is more to working from home than just convenience and lifestyle improvements, there can be huge benefits to working in an Archipod garden office, including:

* Saving on travel time and costs.
* Reducing road congestion.
* Separating ‘Work’ time from ‘Family/Home’ time.
* Reduced heating bills (you will only need to heat the pod whilst you work, rather than a whole house).
* Very quiet space – outside noise is minimised.
* Minimal bureaucracy – unlikely to need Planning Permission or Building Control Approval.

Now working from home can be easier than you think when you have better homes and gardens with a Green Office Archipod!

Fuel Economy Chart

The two most common ways to measure automobile fuel usage are Fuel Consumption and Fuel Economy. Either way, it is important because it saves you money, reduces climate change, reduces oil dependence costs, and increase energy sustainability. Understanding the fuel economy chart enables you to do your part to reduce climate change, which is to reduce your carbon footprint with green vehicles and getting the best gas mileage your car can deliver!

Fuel Economy Chart

Commuters can offset their carbon footprint if they are well educated and concern about the real home we have – Earth. All great journeys start with small little steps. Let’s check out what is Fuel Consumption and what is Fuel Economy, and the 4 Gas Mileage Tips that could help you to getting the best gas mileage your car can deliver!

What is Fuel Consumption?

Fuel Consumption is the amount of fuel used per unit distance, most commonly measured in litres per 100 kilometres (L/100 km). Widely used in Europe, China, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the lower values mean better fuel consumption, as it means you use less fuel to travel the same distance.

What is Fuel Economy?

Fuel Economy is the distance traveled per unit of fuel used, most commonly measured in miles per gallon (mpg) or kilometres per litre (km/L). Widely used in market areas affecting the largest number of vehicles worldwide, including the UK, U.S. (mpg) and Japan, Korea, India, Pakistan, parts of Africa, The Netherlands, Denmark and Latin America (km/L). Higher values of mpg means travelling further for the same amount of fuel.

Fuel economy and fuel consumption are reciprocal quantities. A related measure is the amount of carbon dioxide produced as a result of the combustion process, typically measured in grams of CO2 per kilometre (CO2 g/km).

4 Gas Mileage Tips to Fuel Economy

You may already know how to offset your carbon footprint as a commuter, let’s look at the 4 useful tips that could help you reduce the amount of gas you use.

1. Drive more efficiently.
Drive sensibly and observe the speed limit – this will not only safe you gas, but also safer for you and others. (Fuel Economy Benefit: 7–23%)
Remove Excess Weight – Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2 percent. (Fuel Economy Benefit: 1–2%/100 lbs)

Avoid Excessive Idling as idling gets 0 miles per gallon. Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas. When you use overdrive gearing, your car’s engine speed goes down. This saves gas and reduces engine wear.

2. Keeping your car in shape.
Though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it is done, fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent. (Fuel Economy Benefit: 4%)

Keep Tires Properly Inflated – Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer. The proper tire pressure for your vehicle is usually found on a sticker in the driver’s side door jamb or the glove box and in your owner’s manual. Do not use the maximum pressure printed on the tire’s sidewall. (Fuel Economy Benefit: Up to 3%)

Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil, and look for motor oil that says “Energy Conserving” on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives. (Fuel Economy Benefit: 1–2%)

3. Planning & Combining Trips not only ensures that traveling is done when the engine is warmed-up and efficient, but also reduce the distance you travel.
When commuting, drive your most fuel-efficient vehicle, take advantage of carpools and ride-share programs, and stagger your work hours to avoid peak rush hours. Consider telecommuting (working from home) if your employer permits it. Consider using public transit if it is available and convenient for you.

When traveling, reduce aerodynamic drag and improve your fuel economy by placing items inside the trunk whenever possible. Avoid carrying unneeded items, especially heavy ones because an extra 100 lbs in the trunk reduces a typical car’s fuel economy by 1-2 percent.

4. Choosing a more efficient vehicle.
Do you know that the difference between a car that gets 20 MPG and one that gets 30 MPG amounts to $718 per year (assuming 15,000 miles of driving annually and a fuel cost of $2.87)? That’s $3,588 extra in fuel costs over five years!

www.fueleconomy.gov has gas mileage estimates and more information for 1984-2011 model year cars. Selecting which vehicle to purchase is the most important fuel economy decision you’ll make! http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/choosing.shtml

For more resources, refer to fueleconomy.gov, the official U.S. government source for fuel economy information.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint with Green Vehicles

Do you know that you can reduce your carbon footprint with green vehicles? Even though commuters can offset their carbon footprint through biking and walking, when driving a car is inevitable, consider green vehicles. It is evident that industry and government efforts to develop and commercialize electric, hybrid, alternative fuel, and cleaner-running gasoline and diesel vehicles would be successful only if consumers understood the benefits of these fuels and technologies…

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint with Green Vehicles

Potential buyers needed to become comfortable with the concept of advanced technology vehicles before they would be willing to buy them in significant numbers. Resources such as the Green Car Institute, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that encourages the development and widespread use of alternative and clean fuel vehicles, and EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide that gives information about the environmental performance of vehicles and provides the user with dynamic search and sort capabilities, will foster greater understanding of the relationship between low emission, clean fuel, and energy efficient vehicles and the environment.

What is a carbon footprint?

A carbon footprint is “the total set of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions caused by an organization, event or product” . For simplicity of reporting, it is often expressed in terms of the amount of carbon dioxide, or its equivalent of other GHGs, emitted. It is a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide produced by a person, organization or state in a given time.
If you would like to check out your estimated monthly and yearly cost of commuting, enter your commute and vehicle cost information into the Commute Cost Calculator to get your monthly cost for commuting. It might be more than you think!

What is a green vehicle?

A green vehicle or environmentally friendly vehicle is a road motor vehicle that produces less harmful impacts to the environment than comparable conventional internal combustion engine vehicles running on gasoline or diesel. These vehicles are powered by alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies and include hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, battery electric vehicles, compressed-air vehicles, hydrogen and fuel-cell vehicles, neat ethanol vehicles, flexible-fuel vehicles, natural gas vehicles, clean diesel vehicles, and some sources also include vehicles using blends of biodiesel and ethanol fuel or gasohol.

How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint with Green Vehicles

In order to reduce your carbon footprint, you must know how to offset your carbon footprint. In fact, commuters can offset their carbon footprint not only through biking and walking, but changing to a more environmental friendly green vehicles (you may want to check out Green Car of The Year 2011, or a concept car for the future as listed below)

Facile: A Multi-Dimensional Green Vehicle For Future Roads

As a vehicle that can use wind, solar and human energy in various forms to act as a future urban commuter, the Peugeot Facile is one of the best green vehicles of the future that will allow you to both choose your mode of transport and the clean energy that will power it. Depending on the requirement of the commuter, the vehicle can be powered by solar power with integrated panels or human pedal-power, where it can act as a tricycle, monocycle and even a car!

Green Car of The Year 2011

Green Car of The Year 2011 goes to Chevrolet Volt Electric Car, an all-new type of electric car that offers extended range with electricity created by its on-board internal combustion generator. The Volt’s revolutionary Voltec propulsion system is capable of delivering 25 to 50 miles of all-electric driving on a single charge before a gasoline-powered on-board generator provides electricity to power the wheels for an additional 300 miles. This ability to allow extended electric drive range after the car’s batteries are exhausted is an important element that helps address the “range anxiety” that some fear with battery-powered electric cars…

Green Car of The Year 2011 Finalists

Besides the winner, all Green Car of The Year 2011 Finalists raise the bar in environmental performance to such a degree they stand apart from their peers.

Green Car Journal’s Top 5 Green Cars for 2011

* The Volt – an all-new type of electric car that offers extended range with electricity created by its on-board internal combustion generator.
* Ford Fiesta – a sporty, high efficiency gasoline internal combustion hatchback that achieves 40 mpg.
* Hyundai Sonata Hybrid – the brand’s first-ever hybrid, which features unique front and rear styling plus many high-end touches.
* Lincoln MKZ Hybrid – an exciting, efficient, and fun-to-drive luxury car using Ford’s second-generation hybrid technology.
* Nissan LEAF – an all-new, high-tech battery electric car that provides 100 miles of zero-emission driving.

Green Car of The Year 2011 Winners

The winners for the past years were:

Green Car of the Year 2010 – Audi A3 TDI. Clean Diesel Reigns!
Green Car of the Year 2009 – VW Jetta Clean Diesel.
Green Car of the Year 2008 – Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

* GreenCar.com is a leading website dedicated to providing avid car enthusiasts, environmentalists and everyday consumers with information about green vehicles, green energy and technologies.

Commuters Can Offset Their Carbon Footprint

If the public and employers are properly educated on the health, environmental and economic benefits of alternative transportation modes and commuter practices, commuters can offset their carbon footprint. While you check out how to offset your carbon footprint with a Carbon and Lifestyle Calculator, this article is more about alternative solutions to those that pollute the environment when it comes to commute solution – a method of travel back and forth regularly, as between one’s place of work and home, without the use of a single occupancy vehicle…

How Can Commuters Can Offset Their Carbon Footprint

All journeys create a carbon footprint, from the electricity that powers Tube trains to the manufacture and distribution of riding gear and equipment worn by cyclists. Drivers, rail or bus passengers and even cyclists can now go online and calculate the impact their journey is making on the environment, then contribute towards offsetting the effect.

How much is your commute?
If you would like to check out your estimated monthly and yearly cost of commuting, enter your commute and vehicle cost information into the Commute Cost Calculator to get your monthly cost for commuting. It might be more than you think!

Commuters Can Offset Their Carbon Footprint with Biking and Walking

You were born with a fully-equipped gym. Your legs. Walking is more than a routine. It burns calories, strengthens and tones your body and de-stresses your mind too. A walk to wellness, a habit that could be fun.

“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments. Here was a machine of precision and balance for the convenience of man. And (unlike subsequent inventions for man’s convenience) the more he used it, the fitter his body became. Here, for once, was a product of man’s brain that was entirely beneficial to those who used it, and of no harm or irritation to others.” ~ Elizabeth West, Hovel in the Hills

Example of How Commuters Can Offset Their Carbon Footprint with Bicycles

Bikes At Work manufactures a broad line of utilitarian human-powered transportation products including heavy-duty cargo bicycle trailers and custom cargo bikes while continuing to provide a mix of human-powered services to our community. This mix of products and services allows us both to test, refine, and develop our equipment while providing a positive example of what can be done using human power alone.

Antares Lift is an innovative foldable and space saving bicycle concept that was intended for the cycling lovers and green commuter. Some remarkable features includes single-speed drive, rear and front brakes and an integrated set of energy efficient LED tail and headlamps. You can fold the bike by simply lifting up the center frame, let the rear and front wheels roll in near each other and click.