Proper Insulation can Help Save Energy

Many households are appalled at their electricity bills, and wish that they could find a way to help reduce their expenses without cutting back on their daily necessities. For example, during hot weather, nobody would want to turn off the air conditioning even if it means energy savings; similarly, in the winter, turning the heater on is a basic given.

Do you know that you can actually realize great savings in energy when your home is properly insulated? Homes are generally already well-insulated to some extent, but there are ways you can make sure you maximize this insulation.

1. First, check your ceiling. Unless you live in the attic or a garage apartment, you will most likely have a good ceiling made of wood. These days, there are Styrofoam ceiling tiles that many people are discovering. These ceiling tiles can be attached directly onto your existing ceiling. Styrofoam is well known to be a better insulator than most materials, so spending a little on this add-on will definitely translate into big savings in the long run. You can even find them in nice designs if you would rather not sacrifice the aesthetic feel of your home. When you have picked your design, you can even opt to install them yourself when you have the right do-it-yourself directions.

2. Check possible entry and exit points around your home. In other words, scour around for holes. This is because these holes will result in the cool air from your air conditioning escaping or the cool air from outside entering your home, putting added pressure on your temperature regulating device. If you find even the slightest gaps between your windowsill and wall, it might be a good idea to fill up the gap with plaster. If you have a broken window pane and are experiencing a draft, it might be a good investment to have that window pane replaced as soon as possible. Likewise, a hole on your roof might irk you when it rains, as you get drips, but it also means air might actually be passing through those holes. As such it is wise to seal them up as soon as possible. A refrigerator that does not seal up properly also works in a similar way of eating up your energy.

3. Ventilation is also closely related to insulation needs: having a few electric fans might give you a much more refreshing feel as it blows the cool air to you instead of just letting it lie dormant. This is especially helpful during hot weather.

These things might seem simple but are actually the most often overlooked aspects of home repair. Now that you understand how critical they are to helping you save energy, you had best get started fixing up these things!

10 Ways To Fortify The Environment For Under $10

America’s beautiful landscape represents the natural brilliance of a nation founded on truth, freedom, and the well-being of all its citizens.

As technology progresses, America’s ecosystem has suffers the greatest toll. Automobiles, industrial parks, and consumer waste have grown in record numbers over the past twenty years. It is essential that we seek to ensure conditions favorable to the renewal of our country’s natural splendor.

Here are ten ways you can fortify your local ecosystem for $10 or less:

1. Don’t litter. It’s just one cigarette butt, pop can, or plastic wrapper out the window – but with over 200 million motorists in America, that can add up to a lot of litter. Repairing existing damage to the environment begins one piece of potential litter at a time.

2. Recycle the basics. Many communities have recycling programs in place, yet some people find it too difficult or time consuming to make use of them. Basics such as aluminum cans or newspapers are easy to sort from the rest of the trash. To locate your community’s recycling pick-up schedule or drop-off locations, see below.

3. Join the National Arbor Day Foundation. The Arbor Day Foundation promotes the preservation and growth of tress, both in national forests and residential settings. A membership is $10 and includes ten free tree seedlings sent by U.S. mail for planting in your yard or community. Donations are also accepted, used for planting trees in America’s national forests affected by fire or insect infestation. Visit the National Arbor Day Foundation web site.

4. Conserve gasoline. Now more than ever, conserving gas should be an easy-to-implement method for both aiding the environment and saving money. Try running errands during a morning or afternoon stroll, or walking to your lunch spot. Not only are the health benefits significant, there is immense natural beauty to be experienced that oftentimes goes unnoticed in the car.

5. Purchase ink-jet or toner refills for your printer. Instead of purchasing new printer cartridges, look for refill kits. Refilling printer cartridges can be significantly cheaper, and require less resources than new cartridges. When purchasing a new ink jet or laser printer, be sure cartridges accept biodegradable inks.

6. Plant a garden. Growing your own fruits and vegetables can be a rewarding, inexpensive experience for yourself and your family. Gardening also saves money at the grocery store, offers fresher produce, and increases the nation’s food supply. If you live in an apartment, consider planting a windowsill herb garden.

7. Participate in Internet banking. Internet banking (and on-line bill payment) is a great way to reduce the amount of monthly paperwork received by U.S. mail. With great progressions in on-line security, Internet banking is a safe, reliable way to review statements and make payments. A free service for many customers, visit your bank’s web site to find out if Internet banking/on-line bill payment is available.

8. Install timers on outdoor lighting. Purchasing and installing timers for outdoor lighting fixtures is an effective, inexpensive way to conserve electricity. Dusk-to-dawn or motion timers will keep your lights from staying lit after daybreak. Timers are also great for indoor lighting and televisions.

9. Replace furnace filters regularly. Although typically a home maintenance reminder, replacing furnace filters every six months can help maintain the efficiency of your furnace, conserving energy. Filters that aren’t changed regularly can become clogged with debris, causing your furnace to operate longer than necessary.

10. Pass this list to a friend. The best way to fortify the environment is to spread of knowledge that will increase efforts to protect it. Share this helpful reminder list with a friend, or e-mail it to colleagues and friends. An increased awareness will ensure America’s future environment is healthy and strong.

Jim D. Ray is a parapsychologist with a diverse background in multiple subject concentrations, including business, psychology and parapsychology, criminal justice, philosophy, education, internet technology, physics, and vocal performance arts.

Wise Choices for Green Living

The increasing concern over helping the environment by cutting down on energy waste has taught people of this generation many helpful habits. This includes being wary about possible exit points of waste energy consumption. Of course, identifying points where your home is losing most of its energy may be a good starting point for living green, but it certainly does not stop there.

Once you have pinpointed these possible causes, prioritizing the issue is an important next step. If you do not know how to proceed, you can ask yourselves the following questions:

1. How much money do you typically pay for energy?
2. Which part of the house incurs the most losses in terms of energy?
3. Can you go about fixing the problem of wasted energy or will you need to hire an expert to fix it for you?
4. How much budget do you have for fixing up these energy wasters?
5. Do you have enough time for the repair and succeeding maintenance?

When you settle these questions in your heart, you will find that there are many ways to reduce electricity use. For example, not only can you learn to conserve on the different parts of your home, you can also opt for small renewable energy systems that can help you make your own electricity and reduce your electricity bill.

Prioritizing green living is not limited to the general, though. Once you have fixed the exit points of lost energy, you can still go a step further and find these tips useful for helping you minimize electricity use in these particular areas:

1. Home Appliances and Electronics

Purchase energy-efficient products and operate them properly. For example, you can turn your refrigerator down while still having it serve you well. Also, make sure that the energy saver mode is turned on. For washing machines, set the water to warm or cold, not hot. Dishwashers also typically come with energy-saving settings; use them. Also use the dishwasher on a full load. When the time comes to replace an old appliance, select the most energy-efficient model.

2. Lighting

Opt for energy-efficient lighting products and operate them efficiently. Alternatively, installing lighting controls such as dimmers can also help reduce energy consumption.

3. Space heating and cooling appliances.

Properly air-sealing your home could spell a tremendous difference in the energy consumption of air conditioners and heaters. Also, learning how to properly ventilate your space can also contribute to the overall effect of air conditioners. For example, many have realized that having an electric fan turned on at the same time can improve the cooling effect without sacrificing electricity costs.

These simple ways allow you to choose the more efficient choices and are a great step towards giving green living high priority on your lifestyle choice. In the long run, this will spell a great savings in your utility bill, and will allow you to say proudly that you live green and are happy about it!

How to Make Recycled Paper

Although there are many pollutants contributing to the problem of global warming, the basic ones are those that even young children can understand and address. This includes the problem of wasted paper, which not only pose a garbage problem but consequently results in more trees being cut down to meet the need for more paper. As such it can be a very rewarding experience to guide young children through the process of making recycled paper so that they can grasp more fully how trees are related to the waste paper problem.

For this project, you will need: used paper, one rectangular wooden frame, a second rectangular wooden frame with screen backing, an electric egg beater, a pail of water, a large basin, blotting cloth, and a heavy weight.

To make the process a way of instilling consciousness of the environment in young children, it would be best if you already started collecting waste paper at least a few weeks in advance. You can compile scrap paper from school assignments that are no longer needed, old newspapers, and table napkins that have been used to wipe down dry areas, among others. Magazines do not work as well because the pages are glossy and are difficult to mesh together for this project. This preparation time can be a great way to hype up the excitement for the project, as they can spend a couple of weekends scouring around the house for possible pieces of paper to use.

You will also need two wooden frames, one of which has a screen backing. If you do not have time to have one made, buying a silkscreen frame can suffice. Make sure the other frame, the one without the screen backing, is slightly smaller, as you will be using it to form the piece of paper.

Step 1. Tear up the used pieces of paper and soak them in the pail of water overnight. Try not to cut them up as the straight cuts of the scissors destroy the fibers. But if you have access to a shredder, shredded paper works best.

Step 2. Use the electric egg beater to mash the soaked paper bits into a pulp. The smoother you make the pulp, the better will be the consistency of your finished product. Remember to clean the egg beater thoroughly after use or else you might find paper bits sticking to your next scrambled eggs.

Step 3. Pour the pulpy mixture into the basin with water. Hold the two wooden frames together, the screen backing meeting the other frame tightly. Submerge them into the basin and bring it back up quickly. You will see the pulp being carried up by the screen. Give the frames a quick shake top to bottom and left to right to settle the pulp pieces.

Step 4. Quickly turn the flat pulp mixture over onto your blotting cloth, and blot behind the screen to transfer the wet sheet. Cover on top with another blotting cloth. Repeat the process until you have set all the pulp into thin sheets, and cover the entire thing with a heavy weight.

Step 5. By the next day or two, you should be able to hang the blotting cloths up to dry, and you can peel off the recycled paper after another day or two. This can make for a great ingredient in crafts project, as little ones will appreciate how the pulp actually formed bonds to form the piece of paper they are now holding!

Eco-Friendly Bathroom Tips

There’s no doubt that the bathroom is where you use and waste the most water. There’s also no question that the most of the soap and shampoo used in the bathroom have harmful effects to the environment. This is not necessary and there are actually many things you can do to convert your bathroom into an eco-friendly one.

First of all, you might want to check the bulbs you are using. If you are still using incandescent bulbs to light your bathroom, you should switch to energy-saving fluorescent today. Unlike incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs allow you to conserve more energy. They are also safer to use since they do not convert their energy into heat and increase your risk for fire. There are many energy-efficient lightings available today that even though with low wattage, can provide enough lighting for your entire bathroom.

You might also want to check your faucets for leaks. Each year, millions of liters of water are wasted due to leaky faucets. The worst part is that it wastes your money to water bill as well. To conserve water in the bathroom, get rid of your old model faucets and replace them with ones that can be turned on and off with the press of a button. If you can afford it, have sensor-activated auto faucets on your sink as well. This way, you will be able to control the amount of water you use since water-conserving faucets are designed to shut off at the instant that you release the button or keep your hands away from the sensor.

Aside from water-conserving faucets, there are also dual-flush toilets that give users the option to flush either solid or liquid waste. With conventional toilets, you can use up to 9 liters of water just for flushing. With dual-flush toilets, though, you only use up 7 liters. Today, more and more people are switching to these new types of toilets simply because of their ability to make a bathroom more environment-friendly.

When it comes to using hygiene products such as soap and shampoo, you have to be aware that these kinds of stuff contain chemicals that can be considered toxic to the environment. Aside from that, some of these chemical contents can also be harmful to your health. Therefore, select your bathroom products carefully and choose only those can be considered nontoxic or natural. When choosing soap or shampoo, pick one that does not contain artificial fragrances and mineral oil. Choose instead those that contain essential oil and other natural ingredients. Take note of the packaging as well, and avoid products that use unnecessary packaging.

It’s very possible to help fight the effects of global warming simply by starting with your bathroom. As you have read, while the task may seem to be intimidating at first glance, it is actually something that can be done by any homeowner. You don’t have to remodel your entire bathroom if you don’t want to, but start with the little things like a simple fixture as a faucet and you will realize that even that can contribute a lot in saving the environment.

Tips to Fight Global Warming in the Workplace

Giant companies are starting to realize the significance of helping fight global warming. They now understand that by saving the environment, they are actually also helping themselves save money in the long-run. Even small offices can join in the campaign against global warming. Since an office is one of the busiest places in the world, it is safe to say that it is a major contributor to global warming. And when offices and small business take the step in helping reduce global warming, a significant change will be seen not only in the environment but also in the businesses themselves. Here are a few simple actions you can take for your office to help save the planet:

1. Consider starting a telecommuting program

Telecommuting is one of the best ways to save on transportation and fuel expenditures. Instead of driving all the way to an office, you can have the option to work from the comfort of your own home or from a comfortable location nearby. Studies suggest that we could save up to 1,200,00 gallons of gasoline if ten percent of the people can work from home even for just once a week.

2. Prefer laptops over desktop computers

Laptops are obviously more energy-efficient than old model desktop computers. According to experts, using laptops instead of desktop computers would help you save up to 70 percent on electricity. Laptops also emit less heat, which means less work for your air-condition.

3. Use real plants as decoration

If you want to put plants as decoration inside the office, you might as well get the real ones. Fake plants may be easier to maintain since they don’t need constant watering and pruning but they don’t have the benefits that live plants provide. Aside from adding beauty to a room, live plants also release oxygen and eliminate carbon dioxide at the same time.

4. Give the air-conditioner some time off

The air-conditioner can use a lot of energy in keeping a whole room cool, so if you feel like the temperature is downright freezing, you might want to give the A/C a break. You might not realize it but an increase in the room temperature can help save up to 8 percent of energy per degree.

5. Impose a lights-out rule

Electrical appliances will continue to use energy even when they are turned off but still plugged to the source. Encourage workers to turn off and unplug computers and other appliances when they are not in use. If they will leave the desk for a few minutes, ask them to put the computer in hibernate or sleep mode. This way, you can save both on energy and electrical cost.

It may not seem to be a big deal to most people, but even the little things and the simple steps they take can actually go a long way in the fight to reduce global warming. Demonstrate your concern for the environment by applying these tips in your workplace.

Prince Of The Environment Chills His Palace

Climate change has been a much talked about subject in royal circles since Prince Charles started to use his position to push it up the agenda.

But a new royal has entered the debate, and Monaco's Prince Albert recently joined Prince Charles at his innovative Poundbury village in Dorset.

The significance that it was Charles' 58th birthday wasn't overlooked by a Monaco travel guide, YourMonaco.com

'Since Albert came to power he has made the environment his number one priority. And just as Prince Charles has become known for his views on everything from architecture to climate change, so has Prince Albert. Of course Albert's position isn't as important as Charles' as future King of England, but where he can he tries to champion the environmental cause'.

In April 2006 Prince Albert made a trip to the North Pole to highlight the issue of global warming, and since then has taken part in other initiatives to try and push the environment up the political agenda of fellow world leaders, including involving Monaco more at the United Nations and for the first time calculating the tax haven's GDP, which will allow Monaco to commit money towards developing countries.

'As soon as he came to power he signed Monaco up to the Kyoto Treaty designed to cut the world's greenhouse emissions', add yourmonaco.com, 'and he has established his own foundation to promote better understanding of the issues of the rise in sea levels and quality of water'.

With the threat of rising sea levels, it's easy to see that Monaco could be affected as it sits on the shores of the Mediterranean. The world's second smallest country, and the best known tax haven, Monaco has in the past increased her size by reclaiming land from the sea, resulting in area where the district of Fontvieille now stands, and one of the best known Monaco hotels, the Columbus, is situated.

But there is a danger that by championing the environmental cause that Prince Albert could turn off his people before he turns off the warming of the planet.

'Monaco is home to the world's wealthy', say the travel guide, 'And it's a place of fun. The Monaco Grand Prix, the casino and the fact that it's the most sought after tax haven in Europe might not sit comfortably with heavy politics. Happily the environment is an issue that has moved from the fringe to mainstream, and is something that nearly everyone is concerned about. Luckily for Prince Albert he has identified himself with an issue that is just as important to the tax exiles and business people who bring their money to Monaco as it is to everyone else. In the past Prince Charles has been slightly ridiculed with his views on the environment and organic farming, but now with hindsight a lot of people think he was ahead of his time.'

Referring to Monaco's tax haven status YourMonaco.com add 'Prince Albert needs to be careful not to kill the goose that lays the golden egg. Monaco is to start asking businesses in strict confidentiality for finance figures so Monaco can do more at the United Nations and on environmental issues. If he looks down from his palace and sees the wealth surrounding him he might be tempted to tap into it for environmental causes as he believes in it in such a genuine and sincere way. There have been press reports of some of his staff leaving, and if true it can only be hoped that it wasn't over fiscal matters. From the European royal families on environment issues we would view Charles as the king, and hopefully Albert will be the prince!'.

Monte Carlo Map

Prince Albert's father, Prince Rainier, was Europe's longest reigning Monarch until his death in April 2005. Known affectionately as the 'builder prince' he transformed Monaco into the world's favourite tax haven and ensured the Monaco Grand Prix became one of the best known annual sporting events. The Principality Albert succeeded to was a country known throughout the world for money and glamour, and the Monte Carlo casino only added to its legendary status.

Albert has continued in his father's footsteps with a plan to develop an island off Monte Carlo, and like his father with the reclaimed land in Fontvieille the Monaco map will change again.

In keeping with his stance on the environment, it is thought that a successful bid to build the island will need to be seen to be environmentally friendly, with the possibility of lower rise buildings than some parts of Monaco have endured to create more living space.

Monte Carlo has long been associated with glamour, heightened throughout the world in 1956 when Prince Albert's father married his mother, US actress Grace Kelly.

Speculation was rife earlier this year that Prince Albert would be announcing his own engagement to South African swimmer Charlene Wittstock.

'Things have gone quiet recently on the Charlene front', comment YourMonaco, 'Monaco is all about glitz and glamour and perhaps a surprise announcement will be made soon. But it's possible that Albert is more interested in environmental affairs than affairs of the heart'.

Monaco has been making the news recently as Monaco real estate prices have escalated, and are on a level with London and New York.

Even the cheapest studios are edging towards the million Euro level according to Monaco property specialists Tribune Properties.

'Increasing taxes elsewhere in Europe, especially in the UK, have seen inquiries increase significantly over the last twelve months,' they say, 'and it's not the weather in Monaco that's drawing buyers, but the income tax free status of being a resident, and the security that goes with living in Monaco. There's one policeman for every one hundred residents and has to be the safest country to live in Europe'.

The 2007 Monaco Grand Prix, the possibility of a royal engagement and Prince Albert's continuing campaign for the environment make the year ahead an exciting one for residents and visitors to Monaco alike.

How to Save Energy while You are Away

You can be in complete control of your carbon footprint when you’re at home, but when you’re going away for a vacation, that could not be the case. However, there are certain things you can do to at least reduce your use of energy while preparing for a long trip. Leave your house without worrying about using up excessive amounts of energy while you’re enjoying a vacation by following these eco-friendly vacation preparation tips:

1. Unplug Unused Appliances

Electrical appliances sap energy whether or not they are turned on as long as they are plugged into the main line. Before leaving for a vacation, make sure you turn off and unplug any appliance and gadget you have at home. In the living room, make sure you unplug the television, DVD player, stereo, computers, printers/scanners, fax machine, and other appliances you might be using there. In the kitchen, unplug appliances like the oven, microwave, blender, food processor, coffee maker, toaster, rice cooker, and refrigerator. If you don’t want to turn your refrigerator off, you can raise the temperature up to 38 degrees.

2. Shut off your Heating and Cooling Systems

You can save tons of energy simply by shutting your heating and cooling system off. You won’t actually need any of these while you’re away, unless you have someone staying to take care of your house for you. Otherwise, you would want to turn down your thermostat or completely shut it off. You would also want to turn off all your air conditioning units, in the living room and in bedrooms. Unplug and turn off ceiling fans as well.

3. Use Motion Sensor Outdoor Lights

People who do not have anyone to watch their homes for them while they are away would usually leave the outside lights on 24/7 to discourage potential intruders. The thing is that you don’t need these outside lights during day time, and leaving them on 24 hours a day is a real waste of energy and money. To solve this problem, install some motion sensor outside lights, so that the lights only turn on at nighttime. There are many types of lamps and lighting fixtures like these that do not even need to be plugged into the main line since they run on batteries.

4. Be Creative in Other Eco-Friendly Ways to Prepare

There are also other ways you can save on energy while preparing for a long vacation. Since you’re probably going shopping along the road, you might also want to take your own shopping bag with you to eliminate the use of too many plastic bags. In the same manner, bring your own water just so that you won’t have to buy bottled water when you need to get a drink.

These are very simple eco-friendly tips but there are too many people who do not practice them. If you can apply them personally, you will be amazed at the end of the month at how much energy and money you have saved.

Educating Your Children about Global Warming

Most people do not realize this but it is our children who will be most affected by the effects of global warming today. Therefore, it is the responsibility of every parent to educate their children about global warming so that they will not commit the same mistakes that the past generations have committed. It may seem difficult at first especially when you do not have any idea where to start, but the truth is, you can start educating your children straight from your home. There are many causes of global warming that come from activities you do at home, so it is just impossible for you not to find any way to teach your children concerning the subject.

1. Explain Global Warming Using Simple Words and Illustration.

While the subject on global warming may be too complicated for a young kid’s mind, there are many ways to help children understand it using simple illustrations. Children as young as four years already have the capacity to understand the concept of cause and effect. Explain to them the things that cause global warming and what their effects to the people, plants, animals, and the entire planet are, using terms they will easily grasp. For example, instead of explaining global warming using scientific terms, tell them that when the earth gets too hot, plants, animals, and even people will die. At the same time, encourage them by telling them that a huge problem as global warming can be solved.

2. Teach Them What They Can Do as Children to Help Fight the Problem.

Once you’ve explained global warming to your children and make them understand that there are many solutions to such a problem, show them next what these solutions are. At the same time, explain to them that as young as they are, their simple contribution can make significant changes that will help save the environment. Some of the things you can teach your children that will help combat global warming include:

A. Encouraging Them to Ride a Bicycle. Let your children know that learning how to ride a bike is more than just learning a hobby or a skill, but is actually something they can do to help minimize the need for riding cars when travelling near distances.

B. Teaching Them How to Plant Trees. Every kid will learn how to plant a tree at some point in his or her life, but not all will understand its real significance. Teach your kids that one of the causes of global warming is deforestation and one way to solve that problem is by planting trees today.

C. Teaching Them the Importance of Recycling. Most families would simply throw unused objects at home, but in your case, teach your children that recycling and reusing old objects such as clothes, plastic/paper bags, and electronic gadgets will have a significant impact on the environment. Explain most especially what will happen if people will keep on using and throwing plastic materials.

Keeping your children informed is one of the best ways to fight global warming and give them the bright future that they deserve. It doesn’t matter if you start small as long as you can start today, your efforts will go a long way.