Category: Energy
Posted by Kisha Dunn (The Detroit News) on Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 1:00 AMDo-it-yourself energy audit
For tips on cutting energy consumption, check out the Home Energy Saver, an online tool that provides data about energy use in your ZIP code. Enter details about your home and the site issues a report and tips based on your answers.
Category: Energy
Posted by Kisha Dunn (The Detroit News) on Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 1:00 AMUnplug idle gadgets
Unplug electronics, cell phone chargers and appliances when they are not in use. Appliances consume energy, or standby power, even when they're not being used. Think of the clock on your microwave or the digital display on your DVD player that is always on, whether you're using it or not. They can account for up to 13 percent of household energy use, by some estimates.
Category: Reduce, re-use, recycle
Posted by Kisha Dunn (The Detroit News) on Fri, Jan 2, 2008 at 1:00 AMRecycle aluminum foil
Think twice before throwing used aluminum foil into the trash. It's just as recyclable as your aluminum pop cans, jar lids and takeout containers. Just make sure it's clean before you put it in the recycling bin.
Category: Reduce, re-use, recycle
Posted by Kisha Dunn (The Detroit News) on Mon, Dec 29, 2008 at 1:00 AMResolve to be greener in 2009
The new year is upon us, so what better time than now to resolve to put a little more green in your life? If you're overwhelmed by all the different things you can do, start by finding ways to recycle more and consume less. If recycling is already old hat and you can't consume any less, consider making a bigger change, like installing a rain barrel or starting a compost heap.
Category: Reduce, re-use, recycle
Posted by Kisha Dunn (The Detroit News) on Fri, Dec 26, 2008 at 1:00 AMRecycle your Christmas tree
Instead of tossing old Tennenbaum into the trash, recycle it instead. Earth911 has a locator to help you find Christmas Tree recycling programs in your area.
Category: Environment
Posted by Kisha Dunn (The Detroit News) on Tue, Dec 23, 2008 at 1:00 AMSkip the wrapping paper, give a tree
If you're looking for a sustainable stocking stuffer, consider planting a tree in a friend or loved one's name. For $1, Mokugift.com plants a tree in one of 12 nations in Africa, Central America or Asia that face deforestation. The company notifies your loved one of the gift through an e-card. Mokugift aims to plant seven billion trees by the end of 2009.
Category: Energy
Posted by Kisha Dunn (The Detroit News) on Mon, Dec 22, 2008 at 1:00 AMReduce water heater temperature
Lower the temperature on your water heater to conserve energy, save money and lower mineral buildup in your plumbing. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save 3-5 percent in energy costs for each 10 degrees you lower your thermostat. While most manufacturers set heater thermostats at 140 degrees Fahrenheit, the average consumer requires only about 120 degrees.
Category: Environment
Posted by Kisha Dunn (The Detroit News) on Fri, Dec 19, 2008 at 1:00 AMBuy carbon offsets for holiday trips
Flying to see relatives this holiday season? Consider buying carbon offsets to compensate for the extra carbon dioxide your flight will produce. Purchasing offsets allows you to neutralize your emissions by funding projects that reduce an equal amount of carbon somewhere else. Projects range from wind farms to solar power projects to reforestation. Carbon Catalog offers a comparison of various firms that offer carbon offsets and rates them based on various criteria, including how much of your money goes to climate projects, management and financial health. Check them out at carboncatalog.org.
Category: Reduce, re-use, recycle
Posted by Kisha Dunn (The Detroit News) on Thu, Dec 18, 2008 at 1:00 AMMake your toilet more water-efficient
Installing a low-flow toilet can save about 2.5 gallons per flush. If you don't have one, you can still save water by putting a plastic bottle filled with water in your toilet tank. The displacement will reduce the amount of water per flush.
Category: Reduce, re-use, recycle
Posted by Kisha Dunn (The Detroit News) on Wed, Dec 17, 2008 at 1:00 AMBag up your gifts
Instead of using wrapping paper or disposable gift bags, put family gifts in a cloth sack. You can decorate a plain cotton or canvas bag with a glue gun and bits of fabric, or fabric paint -- or use a holiday-themed pillowcase. If you're handy with a sewing machine, you can sew your own customized bags for use year after year. If you're not willing to go the cloth route yet, conventional paper gift bags can be an earth-friendly way to give presents if you reuse them instead of discarding after one use. Just be sure to recycle them when they get worn out.
