Many people have made a similar New Year's
resolution. That was to find a way to cut costs
on everything!
With the economy tanking and hearing of massive
job losses, we're scared witless. So the one thing
we CAN do is try to save in every area we can
in our own lives.
Electricity bills are a big money grabber, right? So
what better place to start? If you're not into solar
panels, wind generators or even going completely
off the grid, take heart.
You can start with the basics. Do what ever it
takes to cut your electric bill. And who better to
listen to but a guy who's been there and done that?
He worked in the movie industry for years. He
knows his stuff. Check him out...
How To Reduce Your Electricity Bill Without Spending A Lot Of Money!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Sunday, December 7, 2008
How To Build Your Own Solar Water Heater
Build Your Own Solar Water Heater!
I love hot water. And long showers. Deep
bubble baths. Well, I used to.
Now, I've been timing myself in the mornings.
How quickly can I get my hair washed and
rinsed and the body lathered and rinsed? It's
a record I had never thought I'd be going for.
Why? Because of having an electric hot water
heater. Dang! Those things are monsters for
using electricity.
So long, hot showers are a thing of the past.
That is until I build a solar water heater!
From instructions like the ones below...
Build Your Own Solar Water Heater!
I love hot water. And long showers. Deep
bubble baths. Well, I used to.
Now, I've been timing myself in the mornings.
How quickly can I get my hair washed and
rinsed and the body lathered and rinsed? It's
a record I had never thought I'd be going for.
Why? Because of having an electric hot water
heater. Dang! Those things are monsters for
using electricity.
So long, hot showers are a thing of the past.
That is until I build a solar water heater!
From instructions like the ones below...
Build Your Own Solar Water Heater!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Sustainable Living Becoming More Popular By The Day
Working in a library, I come into daily contact
with a wide variety of personalities. One thing
I've learned is to never ASSUME anything.
I'm still surprised by the numbers of people
who are requesting books about alternative
energy, renewable energy and sustainable
living. And talking about it! Heck, our town
is now into becoming a sustainable community!
I guess why I'm a little shocked is because up
until this past year, I have to confess, I didn't
pay as much attention to this subject as I should
have.
When we were hit with our 5th electricity rate
increase in 7 years, I just threw a plain old hissy
fit. Enough!
All of a sudden it's ME taking out those books.
Changing my lightbulbs to compact fluorescent.
Doing laundry in cold water. Checking for air leaks.
Watching how I use electricity. They are not
going to get a red cent more than they have to!
Two nights ago I was talking with someone who
has a brother who has gone totally off grid. Oh,
how I envied him!
If I were to build a home again, it would be using
solar energy. This doesn't stop me from dreaming
about solar panels, though. Or windmill generators.
Hmmm, what is possible is so exciting.
I'm looking forward to Obama taking office and
watching what he does with the "Green" plans.
Are YOU green? Do you wanna be?
with a wide variety of personalities. One thing
I've learned is to never ASSUME anything.
I'm still surprised by the numbers of people
who are requesting books about alternative
energy, renewable energy and sustainable
living. And talking about it! Heck, our town
is now into becoming a sustainable community!
I guess why I'm a little shocked is because up
until this past year, I have to confess, I didn't
pay as much attention to this subject as I should
have.
When we were hit with our 5th electricity rate
increase in 7 years, I just threw a plain old hissy
fit. Enough!
All of a sudden it's ME taking out those books.
Changing my lightbulbs to compact fluorescent.
Doing laundry in cold water. Checking for air leaks.
Watching how I use electricity. They are not
going to get a red cent more than they have to!
Two nights ago I was talking with someone who
has a brother who has gone totally off grid. Oh,
how I envied him!
If I were to build a home again, it would be using
solar energy. This doesn't stop me from dreaming
about solar panels, though. Or windmill generators.
Hmmm, what is possible is so exciting.
I'm looking forward to Obama taking office and
watching what he does with the "Green" plans.
Are YOU green? Do you wanna be?
Friday, November 7, 2008
Are You Fed Up With High Electricity Costs?
It's official. Our Review & Utility Board have
given the go-ahead for a 9.4% INCREASE
in our energy rates!
That makes it 5 increases in 7 years. Don't
get me started on the cost-of-living raises
that people get. If they even get them.
Everyone is astounded by this decision. We
would like to know what the CEO and other
upper management receive for pay, bonuses
and perks.
We need power to run our lives. They have us
over the proverbial barrel. I know there will
be very cold energy consumers soon.
Of course, the power corporation has no
problem with shutting off someone's power
when they fall behind.
What are we to do? I'm hearing more and more
people talking about alternative energy sources.
Folks that wouldn't have dreamed of renewable
energy resources just a year ago!
But it's getting serious. People have had it up
to here! And, they are fighting back by hitting
the energy corporations where it hurts them
the most. With the almighty dollar!
Heaven help us all!
given the go-ahead for a 9.4% INCREASE
in our energy rates!
That makes it 5 increases in 7 years. Don't
get me started on the cost-of-living raises
that people get. If they even get them.
Everyone is astounded by this decision. We
would like to know what the CEO and other
upper management receive for pay, bonuses
and perks.
We need power to run our lives. They have us
over the proverbial barrel. I know there will
be very cold energy consumers soon.
Of course, the power corporation has no
problem with shutting off someone's power
when they fall behind.
What are we to do? I'm hearing more and more
people talking about alternative energy sources.
Folks that wouldn't have dreamed of renewable
energy resources just a year ago!
But it's getting serious. People have had it up
to here! And, they are fighting back by hitting
the energy corporations where it hurts them
the most. With the almighty dollar!
Heaven help us all!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Californians Know More About Saving Energy Than The Rest Of Us!
Who knew? I love California and Californians
but...this surprised me. (I don't know why)
Read an excerpt of this article from today.
By TERENCE CHEA –
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — California has saved about
$56 billion in electricity costs and created 1.5 million
jobs over 35 years by using energy more efficiently
than other states, according to a new study.
The report released Monday by an economist at the
University of California at Berkeley found that state
policies that boost energy efficiency aren't just good
for the environment, they're also good for the economy.
"Energy efficiency is very good for real incomes,
purchasing power and job creation," said the study's
author, UC Berkeley economics professor
David Roland-Holst. "Energy efficiency has really
helped us stimulate the economy."
The average Californian now uses about 40 percent
less electricity than the average American. "
Shame on the rest of us. We have to do better with
saving energy. If you read through this blog, you'll find
some energy saving tips. They'll be more to come.
I'll be offline for awhile. In the process of moving.
And, yes! I'll be practicing what I preach. The first
thing that will be going in my new place are the
compact fluorescent light bulbs!
but...this surprised me. (I don't know why)
Read an excerpt of this article from today.
By TERENCE CHEA –
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — California has saved about
$56 billion in electricity costs and created 1.5 million
jobs over 35 years by using energy more efficiently
than other states, according to a new study.
The report released Monday by an economist at the
University of California at Berkeley found that state
policies that boost energy efficiency aren't just good
for the environment, they're also good for the economy.
"Energy efficiency is very good for real incomes,
purchasing power and job creation," said the study's
author, UC Berkeley economics professor
David Roland-Holst. "Energy efficiency has really
helped us stimulate the economy."
The average Californian now uses about 40 percent
less electricity than the average American. "
Shame on the rest of us. We have to do better with
saving energy. If you read through this blog, you'll find
some energy saving tips. They'll be more to come.
I'll be offline for awhile. In the process of moving.
And, yes! I'll be practicing what I preach. The first
thing that will be going in my new place are the
compact fluorescent light bulbs!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
How To Save Thousands Of Dollars On Your Energy Bills!
How To Save Thousands Of Dollars On Energy Costs!
By now you're probably sick of presidential debates.
Of the mud-slinging, back-stabbing, so-called campaign
strategies. Stick to the issues, will ya?
The only thing you are interested in is, "What are you
going to do for ME??"
We can only hope that our next president tackles the
issue of renewable energy. They have to look into and
implement alternative energy sources.
Not only for the sake of the planet. But for our energy
needs. We can't depend on fossil fuels forever. We cannot
keep paying the escalating costs of these fuels. While we
hear of the beyond-wealthy lifestyles of the rich and greedy
oil sheiks!
Until our government makes renewable energy as common
as apple pie, there is something we can do right now. If
you want to cut the costs of your energy bills, you can
start making your own energy. Right in your own backyard.
Utilizing solar energy or wind power, you can make your
own home made power plant. And it won't cost you a
fortune to do it! How about around $200? Imagine how long
it will take to make that amount back?
Check out our website right now. What do you have to
lose?
How To Save Thousands Of Dollars On Energy Costs!
By now you're probably sick of presidential debates.
Of the mud-slinging, back-stabbing, so-called campaign
strategies. Stick to the issues, will ya?
The only thing you are interested in is, "What are you
going to do for ME??"
We can only hope that our next president tackles the
issue of renewable energy. They have to look into and
implement alternative energy sources.
Not only for the sake of the planet. But for our energy
needs. We can't depend on fossil fuels forever. We cannot
keep paying the escalating costs of these fuels. While we
hear of the beyond-wealthy lifestyles of the rich and greedy
oil sheiks!
Until our government makes renewable energy as common
as apple pie, there is something we can do right now. If
you want to cut the costs of your energy bills, you can
start making your own energy. Right in your own backyard.
Utilizing solar energy or wind power, you can make your
own home made power plant. And it won't cost you a
fortune to do it! How about around $200? Imagine how long
it will take to make that amount back?
Check out our website right now. What do you have to
lose?
How To Save Thousands Of Dollars On Energy Costs!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Solar Water Heaters: Hooray For Hawaii!
Renewable Energy news to brighten your day...
Hawaii...Paradise is getting even better.
Starting in 2010, all new single-family homes in
the state of Hawaii will have to have solar water heaters,
or they will not be granted permits.
(There will be exceptions if your home is located under
a forest canopy)
Today, Hawaii already has 80,000 solar hot water
heaters in operation. Residents can already get a handy
35% state income tax credit, in addition to taking
advantage of the federal credit of 30% (up to $2,000)
-- but hurry, the federal incentive is set to expire by
the end of this year.
To sweeten the deal even further, several of Hawaii's
leading utilities are offering additional incentives
on a new system. Hawaii's progressive stance is
exciting and encouraging.
Solar water heaters, also known as
solar thermal systems, pay for themselves in four
to eight years. (not a DIY system)
In contrast to using the sun's free rays, the average
family's electric water heater uses 6,400 kilowatt-hours
of electricity per year, releasing eight tons of CO2.
There are different types of solar systems, including
passive ones and those with pumps.
Not surprisingly, as ENN reports, Hawaii must import
about 90% of its energy sources (mostly from fossil fuels),
which is part of the reason why the cost of living is
famously high.
Therefore, it makes a lot of sense for the gloriously
sunny island chain to take advantage of its clean natural
resources, and cut down on shipping and pollution.
Hawaii is known for its unique and spectacular beauty,
and helping preserve the ecosystem's fragile balance
is a top priority for the state's leadership.
Can we dream that all states and provinces will
someday do what Hawaii is doing?
Hawaii...Paradise is getting even better.
Starting in 2010, all new single-family homes in
the state of Hawaii will have to have solar water heaters,
or they will not be granted permits.
(There will be exceptions if your home is located under
a forest canopy)
Today, Hawaii already has 80,000 solar hot water
heaters in operation. Residents can already get a handy
35% state income tax credit, in addition to taking
advantage of the federal credit of 30% (up to $2,000)
-- but hurry, the federal incentive is set to expire by
the end of this year.
To sweeten the deal even further, several of Hawaii's
leading utilities are offering additional incentives
on a new system. Hawaii's progressive stance is
exciting and encouraging.
Solar water heaters, also known as
solar thermal systems, pay for themselves in four
to eight years. (not a DIY system)
In contrast to using the sun's free rays, the average
family's electric water heater uses 6,400 kilowatt-hours
of electricity per year, releasing eight tons of CO2.
There are different types of solar systems, including
passive ones and those with pumps.
Not surprisingly, as ENN reports, Hawaii must import
about 90% of its energy sources (mostly from fossil fuels),
which is part of the reason why the cost of living is
famously high.
Therefore, it makes a lot of sense for the gloriously
sunny island chain to take advantage of its clean natural
resources, and cut down on shipping and pollution.
Hawaii is known for its unique and spectacular beauty,
and helping preserve the ecosystem's fragile balance
is a top priority for the state's leadership.
Can we dream that all states and provinces will
someday do what Hawaii is doing?
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