Brought to you by the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

Solar Christmas Lights: Should You Make the Switch?

By: Alyson McNutt English

Solar Christmas lights don’t cost anything to operate, but the high purchase price might not add up to savings.

Now there’s a new kid in the string-light neighborhood: LED solar Christmas lights are appearing at retailers around the country, promising grid-free festive lighting for holiday-happy consumers. 

Powering up solar Christmas lights

A string of solar Christmas lights uses a small solar panel for power; there are no extension cords that must be plugged into outlets. The panel — about the size of a hockey puck — powers rechargeable batteries that illuminate a 25- to 100-bulb string of LED lights.

Panels come with small stakes so you can put them in the ground, where they can take advantage of the sun. A fully-charged string of lights should glow for 6 to 8 hours after the sun goes down.

Solar lights vs. LED plug-in costs

Most consumers expect new technologies to cost more, but if saving energy and money is your main reason for considering solar-powered LED holiday lights, solar lights may not offer enough cost-saving to offset the higher initial purchase price.

Compare purchase prices:

• The average cost for a 100-light string of miniature solar-powered LED lights is about $0.30 per bulb, or about $30 per string.

• The average cost for a 100-light string of miniature plug-in LED lights is $0.08 per bulb, or about $8 per string.

Compare costs to operate:

• Operating a string of plug-in LED Christmas lights for 300 hours — more than enough hours for an entire holiday season — costs about $0.30, using an average energy cost of $0.11 per kilowatt hour.

• Solar-powered Christmas lights, of course, don’t cost anything to operate. That means you’re saving 30 cents per year in energy costs.

Do the math, and you’ll see that it’ll take about 45 years for the energy savings from solar-power to equal the difference in purchase price between a plug-in string and a solar-powered string.

Advantages of solar lights

• no extension cords

• no need for exterior electrical outlets

• withstand cold temperatures and precipitation

• zero cost to operate

• light output comparable to plug-in lighting

• a green option

Disadvantages

• higher initial cost to purchase

• may not operate under cloudy skies

• unproven longevity (too new on the market for results)

Talking Points

• Homeowners can reduce their energy bills by lowering the thermostat setting on their water heater.  Most manufacturers set water heater thermostats at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but most households don’t need water hotter than 120 degrees.  Households with water heaters older than 12 years should consider replacing it with a new unit for energy savings and reduced utility bills.
  
  
• To help lower the cost of heating a home this winter, homeowners can weatherstrip their homes.  According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, there are many kinds of weatherstripping products on the market.  Since each product is designed to work in a different area of the home, homeowners should read product packaging carefully to determine if it is best suited for windows or doors, as well as indoor or outdoor use.
  
  
• Another tip for “winterizing” a home is to get a furnace or heating system inspection, which most professionals recommend homeowners do at least once a year.  An inspection of the working parts can ensure that the house has heat when needed and can prevent costly repairs in the future.

 

Home Maintenance Tip

How to Keep Wintry Pests Outside

Colder temperatures send wintry pests, such as rodents, spiders and cockroaches, searching for food, water and shelter inside our homes. Mice are a common winter nuisance and only need a space the size of a nickel to enter a home.

To keep these pests outside:

• Seal any cracks and holes on the outside of the home, including utility and pipe entrances.
• Put screens on vents and openings to chimneys.
• Replace loose mortar and weather-stripping around the basement foundation and windows, and at all entry doors.
• Keep attics, basements and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.

Home Maintenance

• Examine Your Roof & Gutters. It is best to inspect and clean the gutters a few times during the fall, especially if there are many leafy trees surrounding your home. Clear away leaves, dirt, and pine needles from your gutters.
• Drain Your Hot Water Heater. If you live in an area with hard water, extra amounts of sediments could be building up in your tank. Fall is the perfect time to drain and make sure rust is not developing in your tank as well.
• Clean & Store Outdoor Furniture. Summer is over which means it's time to wash outdoor furniture and cushions. Once dry, store cushions in a dry area to prevent cracking and fading over the fall and winter months.
• Check Out Your Chimney. Have your chimney professionally cleaned and inspected before using your fireplace. It's important to remove built up soot, nests, and other materials that could present a fire hazard.
• Check for Gaps. To test for gaps, insert a dollar bill in the gaps around your windows and doors. If the dollar bill goes in, then you know your money is going out the window due to energy loss.

Go Green with These Energy Saving Tips

• Turn Down Your Thermostat. Heating accounts for approximately 70% of a home's energy bill. The simple act of turning down your thermostat at night or while you are gone during the day will go a long way to reducing your energy bills.
• Save On Your Water Bill. Using less water and on the cold water setting will still clean your clothes as well as using warm or hot water, and you'll save money by not heating water to wash clothes.
• Compost in the Fall. Compost is a rich, organic soil conditioner for your lawn and garden. Put raked leaves and other yard wastes in a compost bin and keep these materials out of landfills.
• Buy Recyclable Fall Items. When stocking up on cold-weather gear, buy recycled-content items such as fleece clothing and blankets made from recycled soda bottles and snow shovels made from recycled plastic.
• Go Green in the Garage. Empty out unused fuel from any gas-powered equipment stored in the garage, such as a lawnmower, because sediment can build up and clog the fuel lines.

Lighting Tips

No Cost

• Disconnect or remove lamps in multiple lamp fixtures. Use task lighting where needed. Use up to 50% less in lighting energy.
• Make sure you are getting the best possible light by cleaning fixtures and replacing any yellowed or hazy lenses and diffusers twice a year.
• Open blinds and shades. Turn off lights in unoccupied areas or in spaces with sufficient natural lighting.
• Turn off the lights when not needed. It is a myth that leaving them on uses less energy than turning them off. Turn off signage and other lights not necessary for security and safety.

Low Cost

• Buy fixtures that have a dimmer, which allow you to manually adjust the intensity of light in a room. Because most lights use less electricity at lower settings, you do not need to pay for more light than you need. Dimmers can be used with incandescent lights, including low-voltage systems, but only with new-screw-based dimmable fluorescent bulbs. Other fluorescent lights must have their own dimmable ballasts.
• Rooms that have several kinds of lights i.e. overhead and counter lights in a kitchen should have separate switches for the various types. A three-level switch on table and floor lamps is an easy way to use one fixture for several lighting needs.
• Use task lighting; instead of brightly lighting an entire room, focus the light where you need it. For example, use fluorescent under-cabinet lighting for kitchen sinks and countertops.

Good Investment

• Before going to buy compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), write down the light output of the standard A-shaped incandescent bulbs you want to replace. Then check the lumens rating on the CFL package and buy lamps that provide approximately the same amount of light. For example, most 60-watt incandescents provide around 800 lumens, so look for ENERGY STAR CFLs that provide 800 lumens or more.
• Consider using 4-Watt mini-fluorescent or electro-luminescent night-lights. Both are much more efficient lights than regular low-wattage night-lights. The luminescent lights are cool to the touch.
• If you have torchiere fixtures with halogen lamps, replace them with ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent torchieres. Halogen lamps generate excessive heat that can create fire hazards. Compact fluorescents are cooler, use 60% to 80% less energy.
• Install ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) in the fixtures you use most frequently. CFLs are most efficient when they operate for two or more hours at a time. CFLs use at least 66% less energy and last 10 times longer than incandescent lights. Replacing four of the most often used incandescent light bulbs with CFLs can save you $35 annually.
• Use ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) in the fixtures that are hard to reach such as ceiling fans, other ceiling fixtures and enclosed outdoor fixtures. Because CFLs last longer, you enjoy the convenience of buying and changing bulbs less frequently.

Refrigerator Tips

No Cost

• Adjust the refrigerator temperature settings. Optimum refrigerator range is 37 to 40F and freezer range is 0 to 5F. If the temperature control system does not specify degrees, check the manual for corresponding settings.
• Keep the refrigerator full. A full refrigerator retains cold better than an empty one. If the refrigerator is nearly empty, store water-filled containers inside. The mass of cold items will enable the refrigerator to recover more quickly after the door has been opened. On the other hand, don't overfill it, since that will interfere with the circulation of cold air inside.
• Keep your refrigerator away from heat sources, such as an oven, a dishwasher and direct sunlight from a window. A 10F increase in surrounding temperature can result in 20% higher energy consumption.
• Minimize door openings as much as possible. Every time the refrigerator door is opened, cooled air escapes. The unit must then work harder to replace the air. Try to keep the door open no longer than necessary. Be sure to close the door completely.

Good Investment

• Choose top-freezer models instead of side-by-side refrigerators, which use approximately 10 to 25% more energy.
• Refrigerators with anti-sweat heaters (which prevent condensation) consume 5 to 10% more energy. Look for models with an "energy saver" switch that lets you turn down or off the heaters.
• Select a refrigerator that is the right size for the household's needs. Larger models use more energy, as do refrigerators that are under-utilized or overly full.

Cooling Tips

No Cost

• Check the settings on the room air conditioner. Make sure the "fresh air" vent on the air conditioner is closed so you are not cooling outside air.
• Close drapes, blinds and shades to keep sun's rays out of the home during the warmer months, particularly for south-facing windows.
• Move the room air conditioner. If possible, put the air conditioner in a north-facing or shaded window; direct sunlight reduces efficiency. Remove and store the air conditioner during the winter rather than keeping it in the window.
• On hot days, avoid using the oven; cook on the stove, use a microwave oven, or grill outside.
• Open windows at night. If you live in a climate where it cools off at night, turn off your cooling system and open your windows while sleeping. When you wake in the morning, shut the windows and blinds to capture the cool air.
• Turn off fans when you leave the room. Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind chill effect.
• When you shower or take a bath, use the bathroom fan to remove the heat and humidity from your home. Your laundry room might also benefit from spot ventilation. Make sure bathroom and kitchen fans are vented to the outside (not just to the attic).

Low Cost

• Remove and clean room air conditioner filters monthly. Dirty filters reduce the efficiency of the air conditioner.
• Seal any holes with caulk or spray foam where TV/cable wires, pipes, bathroom plumbing, ductwork, or vents enter or exit your home.
• Use ceiling fans or other circulating fans, (such as table and floor fans) to improve your comfort level and reduce air conditioning costs.

Good Investment

• Caulk and weather-strip around windows and door frames that leak air. If replacing windows, choose ENERGY STAR qualified models designed for your area, and save $20$95 each year in energy costs.
• Consider installing a whole house fan. An attic whole house fan draws cooler air into the home and forces hot air out through attic vents. Use it when the air is cool outside, such as in the early morning. Whole house fans typically use about one-third of the electricity of a central air conditioner.
• Consider installing a whole-house evaporative cooler if you live in a dry climate. An evaporative cooler uses as much as 75% less electricity as an air conditioner, saving approximately $150 a year. For hotter desert climates, the savings can be much more.
• Consider planting trees and shrubs in strategic locations to help reduce the temperature and airflow in your house. Deciduous trees planted on the west and south sides of your home help to keep the house shaded during the season's peak heating times.
• If your old central air conditioner is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR model, which uses 20% less energy than a standard new model. Look for a SEER rating of at least 12.
• If your room air conditioner unit is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR room air conditioner, which uses at least 10% less energy than a standard new model. Select the unit with the highest Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) for greater savings. Ask a trained salesperson for help choosing the size that's right for your needs.
• Install a door sweep on the door to your garage to seal the gap between the bottom of your door and the threshold. This prevents warm air from coming in and cool air from escaping your home.
• Install an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat away from natural cool and hot spots. An ENERGY STAR thermostat can save as much as $115 per year, provide more flexibility than standard models and perform one or more of the following functions: Save and repeat multiple daily settings, which you can change when needed without affecting the rest of the daily or weekly program; store four or more temperature settings a day; and adjust heating or air conditioning turn-on times as the outside temperature changes.
• Install awnings on south- and west-facing windows. Apply sun-control or other reflective films on south-facing windows to reduce solar gain.
• Look for a room air conditioner with a filter that slides out easily for regular cleaning. Clean filters help keep the unit in good working condition.
• When buying an air conditioner, enlist the services of a qualified technician to ensure your unit is properly sized and installed for your home/building. A unit that is too large will not only cost you more up front, but will actually work less efficiently, costing you more to operate over its lifetime.

Heating Tips

No Cost

• Close drapes, blinds and shades to help retain heat at night or during unoccupied periods. Keep them open during the day to let light in, particularly for south-facing windows.
• If you have an air conditioner, remove and store it during the winter rather than keeping it in the window.
• In the winter, reverse your ceiling fan motor so that the blades push air up toward the ceiling, where hot air normally rises. The fan will drive the warm air back down around the edges of the room, which can result in more even heating. Better heat circulation will help combat the problem of sweating windows that some homes experience in the wintertime because of condensation on the glass.
• Keep the fireplace damper closed when the fireplace is not in use. Closing the damper prevents up to 8% of furnace-heated air from going up the chimney. If the fireplace is never used, the damper should be sealed with weather-stripping and the chimney stuffed with fiberglass insulation. Remove this material from the chimney before a fire is lit in the fireplace.
• Set the temperature lower in the winter when your home is unoccupied. Use a programmable thermostat to automatically lower and raise the temperature according to your settings.
• Set the thermostat as low as comfortably possible in the winter. The less difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall heating bill will be.

Low Cost

• Clean furnace filters monthly. Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase energy use. Keep the furnace clean, lubricated and properly adjusted to save up to 5% of heating costs.
• During the winter months use a heavy-duty, clear plastic sheet on a frame or tape clear plastic film to the inside of your window frame. Hardware and home improvement stores sell products specifically for this. Remember, the plastic must be sealed tightly to the frame to help reduce infiltration.
• During the winter months, replace your screens with storm windows to provide an extra barrier to the cold outside air. This can reduce heat loss through the windows by 25% to 50%.
• If your home has radiators, place heat-resistant reflectors between radiators and walls. This can even be done by covering a piece of cardboard with tinfoil. Be sure that the reflector does not touch the unit itself. In the winter, this will help heat the room instead of the wall.
• Install an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat away from natural cool and hot spots. An ENERGY STAR thermostat can save as much as $115 per year, provide more flexibility than standard models and perform one or more of the following functions: Save and repeat multiple daily settings, which you can change when needed without affecting the rest of the daily or weekly program; store four or more temperature settings a day; and adjust heating or air conditioning turn-on times as the outside temperature changes.
• Seal any holes with caulk or spray foam where TV/cable wires, pipes, bathroom plumbing, ductwork, or vents enter or exit your home.

Good Investment

• Caulk and weather-strip around windows and door frames that leak air. If replacing windows, choose ENERGY STAR qualified models designed for your area, and save $20$95 each year in energy costs.
• Fireplace inserts or wood stoves are available to fit into an existing fireplace. These inserts are equipped with glass or metal doors, outside combustion air vents, and heat circulation blowers. Fireplace inserts dramatically improve fireplace efficiency by blowing heat from the fire into the room and limiting the amount of heat and conditioned air lost up the chimney. Fireplace inserts are recommended for fireplaces that are regularly used. Before installing a fireplace insert, be sure to check the manufacturer's safety specifications and make sure the fireplace insert is compatible with the existing chimney or vent flue.
• If you use electricity to heat your home, consider installing an energy-efficient heat pump system. Heat pumps are the most efficient form of electric heating in moderate climates, providing up to three times more heating than the equivalent amount of electrical energy it consumes. A heat pump cools your home by collecting the heat inside your house and effectively pumping it outside. A heat pump can trim the amount of electricity you use for heating as much as 30 to 40%.
• If your furnace is more than 15 years old, replace it with an ENERGY STAR qualified furnace, which is 15% more efficient than a conventional furnace. If you have a boiler, consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR qualified boiler that is 10% more efficient than a new, standard model.
• If your heat pump is more than 10 years old, replace it with an ENERGY STAR heat pump, which uses at least 20% less energy than a standard new model.
• In cold climates, install tight fitting window shades and insulating curtains.
• Install a door sweep on the door to your garage to seal the gap between the bottom of your door and the threshold. This prevents cold air from coming in and warm air from escaping your home.
• Install glass doors on fireplaces, which act as a barrier against warmed air returning up the chimney. Some models of glass doors are equipped with small vents along the bottom or sides to allow a controlled amount of combustion airflow into the fireplace. The glass allows the heat from the fire to radiate into the room. Because glass doors reduce the amount of conditioned air that is drawn up the chimney, they also reduce infiltration of outside air into the home.

Laundry Tips

No Cost

• Clean the lint from the clothes dryer after every load. The efficiency of the dryer goes down when lint collects over the dryer filter. Run full loads and use the moisture-sensing setting. Save 5% on your electric bill.
• Dry similar types of fabrics together. For example, put towels together in one load. A lower dryer temperature may be used for certain clothes. See the owner's manual for more information.
• Keep the clothes dryer's outside exhaust clean. A clogged exhaust lengthens drying time and increases energy use.
• Line-dry clothes whenever possible. This can save up to 5% of your energy costs.
• Presoak or use the soak cycle when washing heavily soiled garments. You will avoid two washings and save energy.

Good Investment

• Buy an ENERGY STAR clothes washer, which uses 50% less energy and 40% less water per load than a conventional machine. Save as much as $113 annually.
• Choose a clothes washer with a "mini-basket." A mini-basket is a small tub that fits over the agitator, allowing you to wash very small loads.
• Choose the right size clothes washer for your needs. ENERGY STAR clothes washers are available in many sizes, ranging in capacity from 1.6 to 3.8 cubic feet.
• Install high-efficiency commercial washers, including but not limited to front-loading machines, which can cut energy costs up to 50% and use about 30% less water (18 to 25 gallons of water per load, compared to 40 gallons used by a standard machine). Energy-efficient and front-loading commercial clothes washers also last five to 10 years longer than standard, top-loading machines.
• Select a gas clothes dryer if possible. Gas dryers cost on average 15 to 20 cents per load to operate, while electric dryers cost on average 30 to 40 cents per load.
• When shopping for energy-efficient appliances, don't be misled by labels such as "Energy Miser," "Energy Saver" and "Fuel Saver." The best way to determine energy efficiency of appliances is to compare information provided by EnergyGuide labels.

Dishwasher Tips

No Cost

• Avoid using the "rinse hold" setting on your dishwasher. "Rinse hold" uses three to seven gallons of hot water for each use, and heating water takes extra energy. Never use "rinse hold" for just a few dirty dishes.
• Check and clean the dishwasher drain as necessary. Solid pieces of food waste can build up over the dishwasher drain and cause the dishwasher to work harder.
• If your dishwasher has an air-dry setting, use it instead of the heat-dry setting. You will cut the dishwasher's energy use 15 to 50%. If there is no air-dry setting, turn the dishwasher off after its final rinse and open the door. The dishes will dry without using extra electricity.
• Load dishes in their proper locations to ensure maximum cleaning efficiency. See the dishwasher owner's manual for instructions on proper loading.
• Reduce hot water temperature. Set the water heater to the "normal" setting or 120F, unless the owner's manual for the dishwasher requires a higher setting. Savings are 7 to 11% of water heating costs.
• Run the dishwasher only when fully loaded. If necessary, scrape dirty dishes (with cold rather than hot water) and store them in the dishwasher until you have a full load.
• Run your dishwasher after 7 p.m. Wash only full loads and use the shortest possible cycle.
• Scrape don't rinse dishes before loading the dishwasher. Pre-rinsing can use up to 20 gallons of water.

Good Investment

• Buy an ENERGY STAR dishwasher with energy-saving settings, such as partial load setting (which uses less hot water) and energy-efficient drying cycles.
• Choose a dishwasher that gives you the option of air-drying the dishes, instead of heat-drying, which consumes more energy.
• Switching from hand washing to an ENERGY STAR dishwasher could potentially result in substantial water and energy savings. If you leave the water running when washing dishes by hand, you can use up to 24 gallons of water. ENERGY STAR dishwasher uses roughly 7 gallons of water. You can also save energy by reducing the need to heat water.

Cooking Tips

No Cost

• Cook during temperate hours. Avoid preparing meals that require you to use the range or oven extensively on hot days. This helps to reduce the load on your air conditioner and makes you feel more comfortable in your home.
• Cook with a full oven. Prepare dishes together when possible. If you have three dishes to be cooked in the oven at slightly different temperatures (325F, 350F and 375F, for example), pick the average temperature (350F in this case) to cook all three.
• Don't peek. Every time you open the oven door to look at the food, the oven temperature is lowered by 25F to 75F. Use a timer if the oven door does not have a window.
• Keep oven and burners clean and kitchen ventilated. A clean oven uses energy more efficiently.
• Minimize or eliminate preheating. Don't preheat the oven if the food requires more than one hour of cooking time.
• Use cooking time wisely. Turn off the electric range two to three minutes before the task is done and allow the residual heat to finish the job.
• Use leftover heat as a food warmer. Turn off oven immediately when finished cooking. Ovens retain heat for up to 30 minutes after they have been turned off.
• Use microwave ovens to save energy. Microwave ovens are about 33% more efficient than convection ovens and 66% more efficient than conventional ovens.
• Use the broiler when possible. The broiler uses less energy, and preheating is not required.
• Use the right sized pot on stove burners. A 6" pot on an 8" burner wastes over 40% of the burner's heat. Also, cover pots and pans to keep heat in.

Low Cost

• Double your recipe and freeze half for later. Reheating uses less energy.

Good Investment

• Choose a stove range with burners that fit a variety of pan sizes. Energy is wasted if you use a small pan on a large burner.
• Electric ranges containing ceramic, halogen or induction range elements are more efficient than the type containing electric coils. They are also easier to clean and allow for greater temperature control.
• Select a self-cleaning oven. It's better insulated than other models, so they are more energy-efficient when used appropriately.
• Select ovens with windows. This allows you to check food without opening the door. Look for self-cleaning features (ensures additional insulation) and electronic or programmable models with timers (for a more precise use of cooking energy).
• Use convection units in combination with conventional ovens. This combination cooks faster at lower temperatures.

Office Equipment Tips

No Cost

• Configure your computer to sleep mode. For ideal savings, set your power management to turn off your monitor after 10 minutes and your hard disks after 20 minutes.
• Do not leave equipment in sleep mode overnight because it will continue to draw a small amount of power. Turn off all equipment every night especially monitors and printers. Monitors usually consume twice the electricity as CPUs.
• Turn off your screen savers. There is a common misconception that screen savers reduce energy use by monitors; they do not. Today's screen savers actually waste power by keeping your computer active.
• Unplug chargers and other office electronics or plug them into a power strip which can be turned off with the flick of a switch. Laptop and other plug-in chargers continue to draw power even when they are not in use.

Good Investment

• Look for energy-saving ENERGY STAR labeled home electronics, including computers. An ENERGY STAR labeled computer uses 70% less electricity than computers without this designation.
• Save energy and space with an ENERGY STAR qualified multi-function device that combines several capabilities (print, fax, copy, scan). Make sure power management features are enabled for additional savings.
• Use laptop computers. Laptops use up to 90% less energy than a desktop computer.

Water Heater Tips

No Cost

• Like dishwashers, up to 90% of the cost of operating washing machines is associated with the energy needed to heat the water. Reduce the amount of hot water used by washing clothes in cold water, instead of hot or warm water. You can save up to 10% on water heating costs by washing and rinsing your clothes in cold water. Select a laundry detergent formulated to clean effectively in cold water. Washing only full loads will also reduce hot-water consumption.
• Reduce the amount of hot water used by turning the hot-water faucet off while shaving or brushing your teeth.
• Use off-peak power to heat water. For those who have an electric water heater, this usage contributes to the electric utility company's "peak load," or the largest amount of power demand that they have to meet on a daily basis.

  Some utilities are required to offer their customers "time of use" rates that vary according to the demand on their system. Lower rates may be charged at "off-peak" times and higher rates at "on-peak" times.

  Check with your local electric utility to find out if it offers time-of-use rates for residential customers. Some utilities even offer incentives for customers who allow their utility to install control devices that shut off electric water heaters during peak demand periods.

• When you plan to be away from home for three or more days, turn the water heater thermostat down to the lowest setting, or turn the heater off completely. Be sure you know how to relight the pilot light on the gas heater before you turn it off.

Low Cost

• For electric water heaters, install a timer that can automatically turn the heater off at night and on in the morning. A simple timer can pay for itself in energy saved in about one year. More expensive, multisetting timers are also available.

  Timers for gas water heaters are not as useful or cost effective as those designed for electric water heaters. This is because the pilot light supplies some heat during the night, offsetting some of the energy savings achieved by using the timer.

  Add "heat traps" to the water heater, if not already installed. Heat traps, also called one-way valves, allow water to flow into the tank and prevent unwanted hot-water flow out of the tank. Heat traps may require professional installation, which could be expensive. But if it is installed at the same time as a new water heater, heat traps are much more cost effective. Most new water heaters have factory installed traps, saving you the time and expense of installing one yourself.

• Insulate the first 6 feet of the hot and cold water pipes connected to the water heater.
• Insulate your hot-water storage tank, but be careful not to cover the thermostat. For natural gas or oil heaters, also be careful not to cover the heater's top, bottom, or burner compartment. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations; when in doubt, get professional help.
• Reduce the amount of hot water used by installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators.

  Older showerheads deliver four to five gallons of water per minute. A new, two-and-a-half-gallon-per-minute showerhead will reduce your water consumption by one-third to one-half. A typical bathtub holds about 60 gallons. A top-quality, low-flow showerhead will cost $10 to $20 and pay for itself in energy saved within four months.

  For bathroom faucets, aerators that deliver 0.5 to 1 gallon of water per minute may be sufficient. Kitchen faucets may require a higher flow rate of 2 to 4 gallons per minute if you regularly fill the sink for washing dishes. On the other hand, if you tend to let the water run when washing dishes, the lower flow rate of 0.5 to 1 gallon per minute may be more appropriate. Some aerators come with shut-off valves that allow you to stop the flow of water without affecting the temperature.

Water Conservation

Water conservation means a reduction in water loss, water waste, and water use. Taking measures to reduce water usage ensures that water will be available for future generations. Additionally, water facilities, such as water pumping, delivery, and waste treatment facilities, consume a tremendous amount of energy; reducing water usage also means a reduction in energy usage. Within residential and commercial buildings, water conservation can be accomplished by installing items such as low-flush toilets, faucet aerators, low-flow shower heads, and more.

Reusable packing crates

When packing, take advantage of companies that offer reusable packing crates, which can eliminate excessive waste. One such outfit that rents sturdy packing crates made of recycled plastic bottles is California-based Earth Friendly Moving. The company drops off the crates before you move and picks them up afterward in its fleet of bio-diesel trucks. Another company is Rent-A-Crate, a nationwide firm that offers moving crates made of recyclable high density polypropylene.

Use smaller trash cans

Most people have a garbage can in the kitchen and one in the bath at the very least. If you go with a smaller garbage can, youll be more likely to recycle because there wont be as much room for trash. Look for a small can with a lid, which can make you stop and think before you toss and encourage better recycling habits. A smaller can also saves you money as their bag refills cost less.

Unplug and save

Turning off the lights saves energy, but unplugging unused appliances, cell phone chargers, and lights saves more, because these devices draw energy even when plugged in.

Reduce fireplace heat loss

Reduce heat loss from a fireplace by opening dampers in the bottom of the firebox (if provided) or opening the nearest window slightly - only about an inch - and closing doors leading into the room.

Bring your own to-go containers

Americans throw out more than 2.1 million tons of paper and plastic plates and cups every year, and many restaurants still use Styrofoam to-go containers. Bring your own to-go containers and ask restaurants to consider eco-friendlier options like compostable containers.

Blankets for heaters?

Have an old water heater and not ready to upgrade? Put a hot water heater blanket around your water heater and save on heating costs. A hot water heater blanket will set you back $15 to $25, but you could save more in the long run.

Green apps

Search more than 56,000 green and sustainable businesses to make everyday choices that will reduce your environmental impact. FindGreen finds everything from yoga centers to bicycle shops to organic restaurants near you.

Mobile coupons

Ditch the pounds of coupon pages cluttering your refrigerator and wallet with Coupon Sherpa. This free app provides hundreds of in-store mobile coupons to streamline your savings and provide access to the hottest deals on clothing, shoes, restaurants, electronics, travel, jewelry, sporting goods, books and more.

Search for Coupon Sherpa in the App Store and download this free mobile app.

Free app locates local farmers markets

Localistas have their very own iPhone app for updated news and blog posts on local-oriented and even city-specific events and products. iLocavore sends notifications of local farmers' market, gardening tips, and community garden volunteer opportunities, and has a guide to vendors that carry local foods. The app also has a handy new feature that displays the mileage of an item in relation to your location.

Recycle your Christmas tree

An estimated 30 million "fresh-cut" Christmas trees are sold in the United States every year. Christmas tree recycling helps return a renewable resource back to the environment. Many California communities have Christmas tree recycling programs.

To find a program in your city, please visit http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Organics/Events/XmasRecycle/Default.htm.

Green Resolutions

As the new year rolls around, think about making some environmentally friendly New Years resolutions. Some examples include: Reducing the amount of trash you put out, cutting down on energy consumption, recycling, and buying eco-friendly products.

12/17/10

Cutting power to devices not in use

A New York-based company, ThinkEco, has developed the modlet, a modern, two-plug outlet that automatically cuts power to plugged-in devices when not in use. The modlet goes on sale to consumers next year and will retail for approximately $40.

12/15/10

Green greetings

This holiday season, try online greeting cards or opt for recycled paper and cards that get second lives in the garden. Some are infused with seeds, and recipients can plant the cards.

12/14/10

Green tax credits expiring soon

Tax credits are available for homeowners who make upgrades that help save energy and reduce utility bills such as energy-efficient windows and doors, insulation, and heating and cooling equipment. Homeowners have until Dec. 31 to qualify for tax credits of up to $1,500.

11/29/10

Download music

Whenever you can, download your music instead of purchasing a CD. If you want to recycle your CDs and DVDs, visit the Compact Disc Recycling Center of America at http://www.cdrecyclingcenter.com to find the nearest recycling center or visit http://www.cdrecyclingforfree.com. The latter accepts mailed CDs and DVDs; you pay the postage.

11/29/10

Green by design

Design your mailings to be recyclable by printing with water-based inks, on uncoated paper stocks, and sending windowless envelopes. Print on both sides of the paper to save resources and reduce mailing costs.

10/31/10

Share a box

If you are preparing to move, you need boxes. If you recently moved, then you need someone to haul those pesky boxes.Shareabox.com does both, connecting people and boxes. Share a Box was created by two green-minded REALTORS who believe every box is begging to be used again, again, and again. Visit http://www.shareabox.com/ for more details.

10/30/10

Windows 'R' U.S.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has created a bulk-purchasing program for homeowners and builders in order to make high-efficiency windows more affordable. More than 30 manufacturers list their windows with insulation values of R-5 or better at www.WindowsVolumePurchase.org.

10/20/10

Formaldehyde standards to clear air

President Obama signed into law The Formaldehyde Standards for Composite Wood Products Act, establishing standards for formaldehyde in composite wood products. The law will comply with California s standards; currently, California stores can sell furniture and cabinetry with formaldehyde limits that surpass the legal limits until Dec. 31, 2011.

10/20/10

Speaking about spokes

when choosing a bike, choose one with a steel frame versus aluminum and you will conserve 25 kilowatt hours of energy. Steel frames can be made from recycled materials, but aluminum frames must be manufactured from virgin ore.

10/10/10

Bun in the oven

Self-cleaning ovens are better insulated than conventional ovens and, thus, are more energy efficient

10/10/10

Steeling home plate

Aluminum is one of the most energy-intensive materials manufactured in the U.S. , so if you have an option, select a steel bat or one made from renewable wood or bamboo. Youll save the energy equivalent of a gallon of gas with the substitution

10/05/10

Rough walks

Consider wood chips, nutshells, gravel, or other materials for your patios, walkways, and paths. These porous materials allow water to seep back into the earth, preventing runoff, erosion, and water pollution.

09/09/10

Here, comes the brides footprint?

As if seating and flower arrangements werent enough to worry about, now couples can use the Wedding Carbon Footprint Calculator to determine the ecological toll that their nuptials will leave (http://www.terrapass.com/wedding/).

09/03/10

Water footprint

You can learn your homes water footprint at the H2O Conserve Web site (www.h2oconserve.org).

09/02/10

Lights out for IKEA

Starting in August, IKEA will begin phasing out incandescent light bulbs at its North American stores. The intent is to sell only energy-efficient bulbs by January 2011. Thats ahead of California s scheduled 2018 phase out. Cuba, Brazil, and Venezuela already have stopped using incandescent bulbs. Canada and India will phase out incandescent bulbs by 2012.

09/01/10

Speaking about spokes

When choosing a bike, choose one with a steel frame versus aluminum and you will conserve 25 kilowatt hours of energy. Steel frames can be made from recycled materials, but aluminum frames must be manufactured from virgin ore.*

* The Green Book by Elizabeth Rogers and Thomas M. Kostigen.

09/01/10

Thanksgiving grease

Recycling cooking grease, especially if you're a fan of those giant turkey fryers, is a better option than clogging sinks and sewers. One use for the goo is powering biodiesel vehicles. Type in cooking oils at www.earth911.com to find recycling centers.

08/18/10

Unplug and save

Turning off the lights saves energy, but unplugging unused appliances, cell phone chargers, and lights saves more, because these devices draw energy even when plugged in.

08/17/10

Convectional idea

A toaster oven uses one-third the energy of a full-size oven and is ideal for heating small items.

08/08/10

iPhone reads meters

MeterRead (http://zerogate.com/) is a money-saving, eco-friendly iPhone app that makes it easy to read a homes electric meter and provides feedback on energy use with each reading. Monitoring the kilowatt-hours of power that have been used since the last reading will encourage homeowners to save power and money. Its $2.99 well spent.

07/07/10

Ceiling fans versus air conditioners

Instead of running an air conditioner at a cost of 16 cents per hour or 43 cents per hour for central air, use a ceiling fan. If you use an air conditioner, select an ENERGY STAR variety, which will save 20 to 40 percent in energy consumption as compared with conventional air conditioners.

07/01/10

Reel in the Summer

A conventional gas powered lawn mower spews on average nearly 90 pounds of carbon dioxide and over 50 pounds of other pollutants into our air every year according to the EPA. A lightweight manual reel mower can cut your lawn maintenance related carbon footprint and help the environment; while providing you with some added exercise.

06/30/10

Junk King

If your latest listing or rental property is stuffed to the rafters with clutter, call Junk King. The firm will haul away furniture, yard waste, abandoned automobile parts, and scrap metal. The expanding franchise is based in the Bay Area and has a reputation for recycling 60 percent of the waste it removes from properties. Find them at www.junk-king.com.

06/29/10

Earn car royalties

San Francisco-based Spride Share lets car owners rent their idle cars to other trusted drivers and earn money. The company will outfit a car with car-sharing hardware and rent a car out when it is not being used by the owner. Visit http://www.spride.com/works for more information.

06/28/10

Install Blackout Curtains and Save Money

Blackout curtains just aren't for blocking light. 33% of home heating and cooling energy loss occurs through your windows. Blackout curtains can help insulate your home which saves money in heating and cooling costs. Plus, blackout curtains are much heavier than normal curtains and tend to last a long time.

06/18/10

Keep Your Grass Green and Save Money

You can save money and keep your grass green by taking simple steps this summer:

If water runs off your lawn, reduce your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption.

Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped.

06/16/10

Blu-ray discs shred

Blu-ray discs hold five times more content than traditional compact discs and are composed of 50 percent paper, allowing them to be shredded and making them easier to dispose of than traditional discs.

06/14/10

Test Your Showerhead

Looking for a quick and easy way to conserve water and save money. If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a water-efficient model.

06/12/10

Pool loss

Install a pool or spa cover and save 30 gallons of water daily instead of losing the water to evaporation and filter backwash.

06/10/10

Be GREEN With Your Groceries

Bring your own bags to the grocery store. Given a choice between plastic and paper, opt for paper. If you choose plastic bags, recycle them for doggie poop bags or for small trashcan liners.

06/06/10

Stop ants

Natural deterrents to ants include dry Cream of Wheat, which they cannot digest and is lethal to them, as well as powdered borax mixed with maple syrup (dont use the latter if you have children or pets). If the aim simply is to deter, but not kill, then sprinkle the substances they dont like to cross, such as ground black pepper, chalk, or cinnamon, near doors.
See 1001 All-Natural Secrets to Pest-Free Property by Myles H. Bader for more natural solutions.

06/01/10

Schedule Your Thermostat

Install a programmable thermostat that lets you automatically lower the temperature when no one is home or when the family is asleep. The Energy Star people say this device can save a family budget up to $150 a year.

05/24/10

Recycle Toner and Ink Cartridges

Recycle toner and ink cartridges and buy remanufactured ones. According to Office Depot, each remanufactured toner cartridge "keeps approximately 2.5 pounds of metal and plastic out of landfills and conserves about a half gallon of oil."

05/18/10

B.Y.O.P.

Bring your own plates and cutlery to work. Paper plates, paper napkins and plastic cutlery (forks, spoons and knives) have been a mainstay in most offices for a long time. Reusable dishes and cutlery can significantly cut down on paper waste and pollution.

05/18/10

Save By Working Less Days & More Hours

If you can arrange it with your boss, try working four 10-hour days instead of five 8-hour days. This is not only a great way to have a longer weekend, but it'll save you some cash too! You'll save 20% on whatever you spend for commuting, coffee, lunch, and any other daily expenses you incur by dragging yourself into the office.

Annual Savings: $500

05/15/10

E-recycling earns retailers gift cards

RadioShacks online electronics trade-in program allows customers to exchange used, portable electronics for a RadioShack gift card. Accepted items include GPS devices, MP3 players, notebooks, and game consoles. Visit http://radioshack.cexchange.com/online/home/index.rails to learn the trade-in value and download the prepaid shipping labels. Gift cards arrive within 10 to 14 days.

05/10/10

Love that linoleum

If its time to change the break room floor, opt for linoleum instead of vinyl. Linoleum is made from all-natural resources, while vinyl is made from petroleum.

05/05/10

Cool Off and Save $$$

Turn down the temperature of your hot water heater to around 120 degrees and reduce your home heating bill by 6 - 10 percent.

05/02/10

Paxil in the pipes

For years, doctors advised patients to flush unused or outdated medications down the toilet. Today, scientists are urging us to stop this practice because waste water treatment plants cannot remove these substances and everything from hormones to codeine have been detected in streams and lakes. The health risks to animals and humans are unclear. For guidelines on safe disposal of medications, visit http://nodrugsdownthedrain.com/disposal.html.

05/01/10

Recycled paint

What happens to all the latex paint dropped off at hazardous waste centers? Its recycled and resold at local paint distributors, such as Dunn-Edwards and Kelly-Moore. Recycled paint sells for less, but the quality and viscosity is augmented by blending it with virgin materials. For more information and a complete list of distributors, visit
http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/ConDemo/Paint/.

04/29/10

Confused about plastics?

Experts have reached a consensus and recommend consumers avoid these varieties of plastics--identified by a triangle and number on the bottom of most containers--for the following reasons:

#3 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) commonly contains di-2-ehtylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), an endocrine disruptor and probable human carcinogen, as a softener.

#6 Polystyrene (PS) may leach styrene, a possible endocrine disruptor and human carcinogen, into water and food.

#7 Polycarbonate contains the hormone disruptor bisphenol-A, which can leach out as bottles age, are heated, or exposed to acidic solutions. Unfortunately, #7 is used in most baby bottles and five-gallon water jugs and in many reusable sports bottles.

*Source: http://www.thegreenguide.com/

04/27/10

Save Water in the Bathroom

Over half of the water use inside a house takes place in the bathroom. Save water by taking short showers instead of tub baths. If you must use a tub, close the drain before turning on the water and fill the tub only half full. Do not let the water run while shaving or brushing teeth. Never use your toilet as a wastebasket.

04/19/10

Wash your car

Commercial car washes are more water efficient than garden hoses. A typical commercial car wash uses 100 gallons less water and, often, professional washes reuse and recycle the rinse water.

04/04/10

Post Office recycles electronics

Next time youre in the post office, ask the postal clerk for an envelope to recycle your cell phones, PDAs, MP3 players, ink jet cartridges, digital cameras, and small electronics. The post office provides this free service, and all you have to do is peel the label of this 6-inch by 5.5-inch envelope and drop in your mail box.

04/01/10

Use your cell phone

Text messaging and e-mailing from a cell phone or hand-held device uses about 30 percent less electricity per message than sending an e-mail from a computer.

03/28/10

You dont need a stinking compost container

Who needs a decorative pail on the counter to collect compostand odorswhen you can use a castoff container, such as a margarine container or a cardboard milk carton? Put the container in your freezer, add kitchen scraps until full, dispose scraps (and milk carton) on the compost pile, and repeat. No odors.

03/16/10

Purpose vodka

Poison oak, ivy, and sumac are spreading thanks to global warming, but your liquor cabinet holds an effective treatment: Vodka. Turns out, 100-proof vodka can be used as an analgesia, clothes whitener, chrome cleaner. Visit http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/vodka-uses-460424#ixzz0dCKu6Gzn for more green uses for vodka.

03/16/10

Pillowcase treatment

Fill an old pillowcase with compost-ready materials from your kitchen, tie the top with string, and submerge the pillowcase for 24 hours in a five-gallon bucket filled with water. Spread the nutrient-drenched contents on your garden the next day and use the watery brine to water other plants.

03/10/10

If You Don't Love Something, Let it Go

Lots of charities welcome your donations. Give away clothes that don't fit, the boxes you used in your last house move, or scented soaps that don't appeal to your sensibilities. Make it a rule in your house that nothing useable goes in the trash until you've given the community a fair shot at it.

03/03/10

Power optimize your PC

Power optimizing computer settings can save energy and money. From the start menu, click on "settings" and then "control panel." To power optimize a PC, double click on "power management." Under "power schemes," choose "always on" from the drop-down list. Then, find two more drop-down lists, labeled "turn off monitor" and "turn off hard disks," and input the desired time for each.

02/22/10

Deciduous shield

Did you know that planting deciduous trees on the east and west sides of your house can help you save on utility bills? Because they drop their leaves in the fall, deciduous trees allow the sun to warm a home in the cold months and shield it from the sun in the summer months.

02/02/10

Clean cold

Only 10 to 15 percent of the energy your washing machine uses is for actually washing your clothes. The majority of the energy goes toward heating the water. Throw cold water on your clothes and you save on your utility bill.

01/27/10

State adopts greenest building codes

Dubbed Calgreen, the greenest building code in the nation will take effect January 2011 in California and will require builders to install plumbing that cuts indoor water use, diverts 50 percent of construction waste from landfills to recycling, and uses low-pollutant paints, carpets, and floorings among other provisions. Click here for complete details.

01/25/10

Get Unplugged

Unplug your charger from the outlet when your device is fully recharged. Leaving the charger plugged in, even if the device isn't connected, consumes energy. By unplugging unconnected chargers, you save money and energy.

01/24/10

Paperboard is recyclable

Paperboard is a thicker form of paper used in consumer packaging. Examples include cereal containers, tissue boxes, drink boxes, detergent packaging, and shoe boxes. Paperboard is recyclable--often at curbside--if the plastic liner has been removed and it has not been stained with cooking oil or water. While paperboard often is coated with kaolin clay to improve its printing surface, its still recyclable.

01/23/10

Recycled paint

What happens to all the latex paint that is dropped off at hazard waste centers? Its recycled and is being resold at your local paint distributors, Dunn-Edwards and Kelly-Moore, for instance. Recycled paint sells for less, but the quality and viscosity is augmented by blending it with virgin materials. For more information and a complete list of distributors, visit
http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/ConDemo/Paint/.

01/22/10

Keep Your Laundry on Ice

Washing machines use a ton of energy, but did you know that 90% of that energy goes into heating the water? Forget the warm and hot wash cycles, and instead keep the dial on cold and rub a little eco-friendly detergent on those harder-to-clean stains. Not only are you saving the environment, but using less energy means a lower electric bill at the end of the month.

01/21/10

Put Your Mailbox on a Diet

Every year, 19 billion catalogs are mailed to American consumers. All those catalogs require more than 53 million trees and 56 billion gallons of wastewater to produce -- and many of us don't even know how we got on so many mailing lists! Visit http://www.catalogchoice.org to stop unwanted catalogs from arriving. Within 10 weeks, your mailbox will be empty of these unwanted publications. A less cluttered mailbox means less pollution, less waste and less of the pollution that cause global warming.

01/20/10

MORE ON RECYCLING PLASTIC BOTTLE CAPS

Because plastic bottle caps are made from a different grade of plastic (one that requires more heat to melt) than the actual bottles they seal, they should be removed before being placed in a recycling bin. Otherwise, someone at the recycling center will have to manually remove the caps. For this reason, many municipalities do not collect the caps. Check with your municipality and, if it doesn't accept the caps, contact earth911.org to find a location that does.

01/19/10

GREEN FONTS' HOLES SAVE INK

Ecofont claims it can extend the life of your ink and toner cartridges by up to 20 percent. Ecofont adds small holes to the letters (which are visible in large font sizes but barely noticeable in most office documents), thus striking the perfect balance between a legibility and less ink. Ecofont is free (http://www.ecofont.eu/ecofont_en.html), and works best with OpenOffice, AppleWorks, and MS Office 2007.

01/18/10

PERMANENT FILTERS

Instead of replacing your air conditioner or furnace filter several times a year, consider replacing the disposable filter with a permanent filter. These filters can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or garden hose and mild household detergents. Plus, these filters carry a lifetime warranty, saving you money in the long-term.

01/01/10

GOOD-BYE PRINT METERS

Shave your business expenses -- postage meter, maintenance, and ink -- by printing your stamps online. Printing your stamps online requires less ink and overhead.

12/24/09

Clean your fridges coils

Cleaning the back of your fridge--the coils and electric circuitry--increases energy efficiency. A refrigerator with dirty coils works harder, and uses 25 percent more energy compared with a fridge with clean coils. To clean the coils: Disconnect the power; pull the unit away from the wall; remove the grill covering the coils; and use a vacuum cleaner or a bottle brush to clean

12/12/09

Rechargeable batteries

Want an alternative to using disposable batteries, which leak toxic wastes into landfills and ground water? Switch to USB rechargeable AA batteries that do not require adapters or cables, but instead can be inserted into your laptops USB portor other USB portand be recharged hundreds of times.

Visit http://www.usbcell.com/ for more info.

12/09/09

Green greetings

This holiday season, try online greeting cards or opt for recycled paper and cards that get second lives in the garden. Some cards are infused with seeds, which recipients can plant. Visit http://www.greenfieldpaper.com to learn more about these and other eco-friendly greeting cards.

11/11/09

Stop junk mail

You can put a stop to receiving your predecessors mail and save a lot of trees in one stroke. The service is free, so ask your broker to sign up. Visit http://www.ecologicalmail.org/ or call (800) 620-3975.

11/09/09

Thanksgiving grease

Recycling cooking grease, especially if you're a fan of those giant turkey fryers, is a better option than clogging sinks and sewers. One use for it is powering biodiesel vehicles. To find recycling centers, visit www.earth911.com and type in cooking oils.

10/10/09

It's flu season

Its flu season and you know youre supposed to wash your hands, but dont neglect your feet and your homes indoor air quality. The germs on your shoes find their way into your home and carpets. According to one study, 27 percent of the bacteria in the home are the E. Coli virus. For a healthy home, leave your shoes at the door.

10/09/09

Sustainable Sleeps

If you're traveling, consider staying at green hotels. Hunt for green lodging at http://www.istaygreen.org/.

09/09/09

Drought natives

Save 30 to 60 gallons of water each time you water per 1,000 square feet by planting drought-resistant trees and plants.

08/09/09

Green by design

You can design your mailings to be recyclable by printing with water-based inks, on uncoated paper stocks, and sending windowless envelopes. Heres another idea: Print on both sides of the paper to save resources and reduce

08/08/09

Update your database

Regularly update and improve your mailing lists to limit duplication and waste.

07/09/09

Shower Power

To maximize showering efficiency make sure that you have installed a low-flow showerhead in all of your bathrooms. All showerheads manufactured in the U.S. must restrict flow to 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) or less. Some models are designed to use even less water.

07/07/09

Get out of the kitchen

Keep in mind this summer that your oven and stove generate a lot of heat, which causes your air-conditioning to turn on more frequently. Consider cooking outside on the grill or cook in a microwave.

06/09/09

Sweep versus hose

Save eight to 18 gallons of water per minute by using a broom to clean sidewalks, patios, and driveways.

06/06/09

The two-minute test

If you arent sure about the flow rate of your showerhead, you can test it using a five-gallon bucket and a stopwatch. Turn the shower on full blast (hot and cold). Place a five-gallon bucket under the shower and capture all of the flow. Fill the bucket for exactly two minutes. If your showerhead uses 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) or less, the bucket will not overflow during the two-minute test. If the bucket overflows during the test, you do not have a functioning low-flow showerhead.

05/09/09

No dumping allowed

Sure, its convenient, but you can save 1.6 to 5 gallons of water when you dont use your toilet as a wastebasket.

05/05/09

Drought tips for trees

Californians may face water rationing this summer. In response, the California Landscape Contractors Association has provided the following tip for use by homeowners and businesses: Water trees first. If trees are lost, it increases the surrounding temperature, making everything hotter. Trees also are expensive to replace. Many surrounding plants depend on them, because trees offer shade and protection for some lawns and other plants that may not survive the hot sun without them. In addition, trees often are homes, shelter and/or food to birds and animals, which could possibly die if they perish.

04/09/09

More drought tips

Californians may face water rationing this summer. In response, the California Landscape Contractors Association has provided tips for use by homeowners and businesses.

. Do not use high nitrogen fertilizers during a drought. They encourage growth but the plants will need more water.

. Heavily mulch all flower and soil beds. Mulch helps keep water in the soil. Do not use rocks/gravel because they add heat to the soil and moisture evaporates faster.

. Mow grass higher to promote deeper root growth and hold more moisture. Aerate the lawn and fill the holes with compost so the water can infiltrate deeper.

04/04/09

Use a swimming pool cover

If you have a swimming pool, add a cover. You'll reduce evaporation by 90 percent. If your pool is heated, reduce the water temperature. Warmer water evaporates more quickly. For more water conservation tips, visit www.drinktap.org and http://www.h2ouse.org/index.cfm.

03/20/09

LIGHTS OUT! EARTH HOUR

Around the globe on March 28, when the clock strikes 8:30 p.m. local time, Earth Hour will begin. At this time, people around the globe will switch off their lights to demonstrate their support to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. The Eiffel Tower and other Parisian landmarks will fade to black, as Paris, the City of Light, heads a list of cities and towns that will join the world in making a visual vote for decisive action on climate change during Earth Hour 2009. For more information, visit http://www.earthhour.org.

03/09/09

Forget about clipping coupons and go paperless.

Coupon Sherpa (www.couponsherpa.com), a new iPhone app, allows shoppers to access in-store coupons for more than 100 retailers on an iPhone or iPod Touch. Available for $1.99, the Coupon Sherpa app offers discounts for more than 100 participating retailers including Bloomingdales, GNC, JCPenney, Kmart, Office Depot, TGI Fridays, and Walgreens.

03/03/09

Water, Use It Wisely

In February Governor Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency because of a severe drought and warned of possible water rationing. For 100 water-saving tips for use by you, your business, and your clients, visit the Water Use It Wisely Web site (www.wateruseitwisely.com/index.php).

02/09/09

Natural gas dryers

Consider switching to a natural gas clothes dryer, which is typically less expensive to operate than electric dryers, often by as much as 50 percent.

02/02/09

Pool Loss

Install a pool or spa cover and save 30 gallons of water daily instead of losing the water to evaporation and filter backwash.

01/09/09

Save time, energy in the dryer

Add tennis balls or dryer balls to your dryer. They will speed up drying time and save you electricity.

01/01/09

Whats your water footprint?

To learn how water-intensive your lifestyle is and how to lessen your water footprint, visit Waterfootprint.org.

12/12/08

Southern California Gas Co. customers can request a free water-saving kit that includes three faucet aerators and a low-flow showerhead.

11/11/08

Install faucet aerator

Installing faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads will cut water heating costs by 50 percent and save up to $300 per year.

10/10/08

Use a swimming pool cover

If you have a swimming pool, add a cover. You'll reduce evaporation by 90 percent. If your pool is heated, reduce the water temperature. Warmer water evaporates more quickly.

09/09/08

Check for leaky faucets

Leaky faucets that drip at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water each year. Not sure if you have a leak? Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, you probably have a leak.

08/08/08

Mulch slows down evaporation

Planting a layer of mulch around trees and plants, such as chunks of bark, peat moss or gravel slows down evaporation. By doing so, 750 to 1,500 gallons of water can be saved a month.

07/07/08

Write stuff

Disposable plastic pens arent recyclable or biodegradable. The greener choice is refillable pens, marker, and pencils. When choosing a printer, opt for an inkjet printer, which uses 20 watts of electricity versus 300 watts for a laser printer.

06/06/08

READ, RESPOND, RECYCLE IN THE POST OFFICE

The U.S. Postal Service is unveiling a Post Office Box Lobby Recycling program that places secure recycling bins in Post Office lobbies. All bins are locked with a key and the opening is slim-about the width of a news magazine. Customers are encouraged to remove and open their mail (read), take whatever action is necessary (respond), and simply place the rest of their mail into the bin (recycle).

05/05/08

MORE ON RECYCLING PLASTIC BOTTLE CAPS

Because plastic bottle caps are made from a different grade of plastic (one that requires more heat to melt) than the actual bottles they seal, they should be removed before being placed in a recycling bin. Otherwise, someone at the recycling center will have to manually remove the caps. For this reason, many municipalities do not collect the caps. Check with your municipality and, if it doesn't accept the caps, contact earth911.org to find a location that does.

04/04/08

LOCALGOVERNMENTGREENBUILDING ORDINANCES IN CALIFORNIA

In recent years, numerous local governments in California have implemented "green" building ordinances. To learn what ordinances are in effect in your area, see this document, released by California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr.:
http://ag.ca.gov/globalwarming/pdf/green_building.pdf.

03/03/08

PAPERBOARD IS RECYCLABLE

Paperboard is a thicker form of paper used in consumer packaging. Examples include cereal containers, tissue boxes, drink boxes, detergent packaging, and shoe boxes. Paperboard is recyclable--often at curbside--if the plastic liner has been removed and it has not been stained with cooking oil or water. While paperboard often is coated with kaolin clay to improve its printing surface, it's still recyclable.

02/02/08

USE BEFORE RECYCLING

Collect 8.5- by 11-inch paper that's been printed on one side by your printers and fax machines, designate a paper drawer on each printer, or as many printers as practical, for this paper, and use it to print drafts.

01/01/08

TELECONFERENCE ONLINE AND SAVE

Log in and save money, drive time, and gasoline when a face-to-face meeting is not necessary. There are many ways to conference online, including using Skype, which offers free calls and free conferencing. If visuals are required, try GoToMeeting , a provider of online meeting and collaboration software.

1212/07

NUMBER 7 PLASTIC DEFINED

Any plastic that does not fit into the other six rather well-defined categories of material earns a number 7. Ironically, this category also includes the new bio-based plastics that use corn, potato, or sugar derivatives. However, the most infamous type of number 7 plastic is polycarbonate, a building block in bisphenol-A (BPA), which gained headlines as an endocrine disrupter and health concerns. Because this category of plastics is composed of several types of materials, few municipal or commercial programs accept number 7 plastic.

11/11/07

CONFUSED ABOUT PLASTICS?

You're not alone. Experts have reached a consensus and recommend that you avoid these varieties -- identified by a triangle and number on the bottom of most containers -- for the following reasons:

#3 Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) commonly contains di-2-ehtylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), an endocrine disruptor and probable human carcinogen, as a softener.

#6 Polystyrene (PS) may leach styrene, a possible endocrine disruptor and human carcinogen, into water and food.

#7 Polycarbonate contains the hormone disruptor bisphenol-A, which can leach out as bottles age, are heated, or exposed to acidic solutions. Unfortunately, #7 is used in most baby bottles and five-gallon water jugs and in many reusable sports bottles.

10/10/07

DONT THROW OUT YOUR TV

The roughly 110 million U.S. households with televisions are preparing for the switch to digital television reception (postponed until June 12, 2009) by adding a converter box or upgrading to a digital-ready television. The old set may contain as much as five pounds of lead and, in some locales, it may be illegal to simply leave your old set at curbside. Visit the EPA's eCycling site (www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/ecycling/tv-convert.htm) to learn your local recycling options.

09/09/07

TOILET DAMS

If water-saving or dual-flush toilets are not in your office or home improvement budget, then place one or two plastic containers filled with stones in your toilet's tank. This intermediary step will displace a significant amount of water use over the course of a year.

08/08/07

DOWNLOAD MUSIC

Whenever you can, download your music, instead of purchasing a CD. If you want to recycle your CDs and DVDs, visit the Compact Disc Recycling Center of America at http://www.cdrecyclingcenter.com/to find the nearest recycling center, or visithttp://www.cdrecyclingforfree.com/. The latter accepts your mailed CDs and DVDs; you pay the postage.

07/07/07

PLASTIC LININGS IN CANS

Bisphenol-A, the hormone-disrupting chemical found in plastic bottles, is present in the majority of canned foods. The thin plastic lining found in canned goods contains traces of BPA that can migrate into food. One way to avoid BPA-lined cans is to purchase foods packaged in Tetra Paks, aseptic cartons made from layers of paper, aluminum, and polyethylene.

06/06/07

LIGHT-EMITTING NOEL

It's a fact: Christmas decorations will cause a spike in your electricity bill.

This year, consider purchasing strings and strands that contain light-emitting diodes, which use 99 percent less electricity than traditional bulbs.

05/05/07

Inflate Your Tires

Under-inflated tires can lower gas lower gas mileage by 0.4 percent for every pound drop in pressure of all four tires. So keep'em pumped!

04/04/07

FRONT-LOADED SAVINGS

In the market for a new washing machine? Choose an ENERGY STAR variety, of course, but also opt for an horizontal-axis (front-loader) washing machine, which uses far less water and 60 percent less energy than top-loaders. For more green real-estate-related tips and discussion

03/03/07

CLEAN YOUR FRIDGE'S COILS

Cleaning the back of your office fridge--the coils and electric circuitry--increases energy efficiency. A refrigerator with dirty coils works harder, and that means an extra 25 percent more energy use and CO2 emissions as compared with a fridge with clean coil.

02/02/07
Be Reasonable with the Thermostat

You don't have to be uncomfortable in your home to save energy or reduce emissions, but try to keep it as warm as you can stand it in the summer, and turn it down to 68 or below in the winter.

01/01//07

RECYCLE WITHOUT RESERVATIONS

If you've ever wondered if paper clips, staples, envelopes with adhesive, metal latches, or even plastic windows are recyclable, the answer is yes!

12/12/06

RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES PLUG INTO USB PORTS

Want an alternative to using disposable batteries, which leak toxic wastes into landfills and ground water? USB Cell produces rechargeable AA batteries that do not require adapters or cables, but instead can be inserted into your laptop's USB port, or other USB port, and be recharged hundreds of times. Visit http://usbcell.com/or
http://www.terrapass.com/green-store/gadgets-chargers/ for more info.

11/11/06

Try a Meatless Monday

According to the New Dream Foundation, for every 1,000 people who cut out just one beef meal a week, we would save over 70,000 pounds of grain, 70,000 pounds of topsoil, and 40 million gallon of water each year.

10/10/06

LOVE THAT LINOLEUM

If it's time to change the break room floor, opt for linoleum instead of vinyl. Linoleum is made from all-natural resources, while vinyl is made from petroleum.

09/09/06

RECYCLING NO-NOS

Here are five things that, will contaminate or thwart paper mills' attempts to recycle paper and cardboard:

- Oil and water don't mix. That large pizza box with the oil imprint will become recycled paper with an oil stain.

- Did your napkin or paper towel blot up a water spill or nail polish remover? It could have been the latter, and, for this reason, napkins and paper towels are not recyclable.

- Plastic linings added to paper products; a perfect example is paper cups.

- Wet newspapers.

- Pressure-sensitive adhesives, such as sticky notes, postage stamps, and address labels.

08/08/06

REMOVE LIGHT BULBS FROM THE VENDING MACHINES

You can save approximately $100 annually simply by removing the light bulbs in your office vending machines.

07/07/06

Displace Water

Put a plastic bottle or a plastic bag weighted with pebbles and filled with water in your toilet tank. Displacing water in this manner saves five to 10 gallons of water a day. That isup to 300 gallons a month, even more for large families.

06/06/06

KEEP THE CORD

When purchasing a phone for your home or office, consider buying one with a cord. Cordless models draw power in charging and standby modes, while older models use very little power. The savings per phone: 28 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. If 5 percent of households opted for one phone with a cord, the savings would amount to 140 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually, according to "The Green Book: The Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a Time.

05/05/06

CHOOSE A LEAD-FREE PDA

Your PDAs, cell phones, and batteries contain lead that can end up in the groundwater supply if not disposed of properly. The next time you are updating your PDA, consider gigabytes and lead. Look for devices that are RoHS- (Restriction of Hazardous Substance Directive) compliant. These devices adhere to directives that ban the use of hazardous materials in their manufacture--lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. For more information, seehttp://www.rohsguide.com/

04/04/06

BRING YOUR OWN MUG

Each year, Americans discard more than 14 billion paper cups. For instance, that Styrofoam cup you use at your office meeting will linger nine generations before decomposing. Instead, bring a ceramic cup. Same goes for your daily Starbucks or Coffee Bean brew: consider bringing your own cup.

03/03/06

Whats Lurking in Your Countertop?

By KATE MURPHY

SHORTLY before Lynn Sugarman of Teaneck, N.J. , bought her summer home in Lake George, N.Y. , two years ago, a routine inspection revealed it had elevated levels of radon, a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. So she called a radon measurement and mitigation technician to find the source.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/24/garden/24granite.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&no_interstitial

02/02/06

BLU-RAY DISCS SHRED:

Blu-ray discs hold five times more content than traditional compact discs and are composed of 50 percent paper, allowing them to be shredded, and making them easier to dispose of than traditional compact discs.

Did you know that the average household receives 1.5 trees' worth of junk mail annually? If you've ever wondered, as you tossed the unsolicited catalogs and direct mail materials directly into the recycling bin, if there is a way to stop this waste of paper, fuel, printing, etc., there is. Simply log ontohttps://www.directmail.com/directory/mail_preference/and opt out of direct mail lists at no cost.

The site also allows you to select the materials you want to receive, such as credit card offers and catalogs. Another site,www.dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailinglist allows you to opt out, but charges $1 for the service.

408-275-1798

408-275-1798