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Natural DIY Cleaners for Your Home: The Everyday Cleaner

So you're looking for a non-toxic, all natural cleaner that biodegrades, is non-polluting, and cheap to make from safe substances in your own home. Sounds impossible? Believe it or not, it's simple! We're starting an ongoing series on making natural cleaners at home. This week we're showing you how to make an everyday spray cleaner that's naturally antibacterial and antifungal.

What's the most toxic place in your home? For most of us it's probably the cleaning cabinet. We have a myriad of cleaners that have long warnings about its toxicity, that we use almost daily. An easy way to go green would be to ditch these chemical laden cleaners and opt to make your own. Here's a simple spray cleaner for everyday use!

Most ingredients for a general cleanser start off with half a cup of distilled water. While it sounds a little ultra-purist, the rational is that tap water contains things like lime and dissolved metals that can interact with other ingredients and reduce their effectiveness. For example, soaps form insoluble salts (soap scum clumps) in acidic or hard water.

By far the most common and most effective ingredient for your home cleanser is 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar. Vinegar has a long history of cleanser use and in 1998, a National Institutes of Health Study found that vinegar was effective against some strains of E.coli, adding "The combined use of vinegar and sodium chloride [salt], with use of an appropriate treatment temperature, was found to be markedly effective for the prevention of bacterial food poisoning."

A third ingredient found in most general cleansers is castile soap. Castile soap is made with only with all natural vegetable-based fats (including olive oil). These fatty oils help break up and dissolve grease and oil stains. The tricky part is balance the mix of vinegar and soap. Too much vinegar will make the mixture too acidic and convert the soap into those insoluble salt clumps. Therefore, avoid mixing vinegar and castile soaps directly together. Mix them in water and in small amounts. If clumps do form, you'll need to temporarily empty the cleaner from your spray bottle and wash it out with hot water. The clumps can clog the spray bottle's nozzle. A favorite castile soap for many is the inexpensive Dr. Bronner's Magic Pure Castile Classic Soap which you can typically find at any health food store and now in most grocery stores.

Essential oils are the fourth common ingredient. Concentrated and strong smelling, use only a few drops (up to half a teaspoon) at a time. All essential oils (a distilled oil containing the essence of the plant) have good disinfectants with antibacterial, anti fungal and even antiviral qualities. The most common essential oils used in cleaning solutions are eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, orange, and tea tree oil. Tea tree has been shown to be highly effective with clinical results against Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA. Be careful with tea tree oil if you plan to use this cleaner around your pets as it may be toxic for your dog or cat.

Essential oils also impart a lovely perfume to the cleaning solution so as you clean, you'll notice aromas of eucalyptus, lavender, lemon if you add these to your mixture. Eucalyptus oil, for example, can also help repel insects. A cleaning solution with this in it can be used for natural pest control on house plants.

Are you looking for an enzymatic cleaner to help with some of those organic stains around your home? Try this recipe for a natural enzyme cleanser:

(Recipe courtesy of Eco Karen)

You’ll Need:

2 Liter Wide Mouth Plastic Bottle

2 C or Enough citrus fruit peels to fit half the bottle. Oranges, Lemons, Lime,

1/2 C Brown Sugar

1 Tsp of active yeast

1 Liter of water

Funnel – to add brown sugar

Strainer or cheese cloth

1 C Apple Cider Vinegar AFTER the enzyme is done fermenting

Instructions:

Pick a bottle that has a wide mouth and make sure to follow the proportions in this recipe. Do NOT double the recipe in this bottle. Chop up any citrus fruit scraps into chunks that will fit into the opening of the bottle. Add water, sugar, yeast, and shake for about 30 seconds. Then, close the cap LOOSELY so the trapped air can escape and not build up in the bottle.

You’ll see the foam on the top in a day or two because of yeast fermentation. Shake the bottle daily for the first few days to mix the yeast and let out the air.

After about 2 weeks, the enzyme will look opaque like the first picture. Strain the pulp and the peel.

Add apple cider vinegar to the liquid and store the liquid in a glass jar. You can create an all-purpose cleaner spray bottle with 1:10 ratio to water and clean away to your heart’s content!

You can also check out our Pinterest boards for more natural cleaning products and tips!

(Photo by Diego3336)

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6 of the Best Green Chart Topping Colleges

With so much emphasis on going green, it’s no wonder that more and more colleges are making the effort too. Not only are some colleges taking on greener practices like starting organic gardens and farms and installing green roofs and solar panels, but they are inspiring and molding bright young minds to inherit safe environmental practices too. If you’re looking to gain some eco-friendly knowledge, here are some of the top green colleges in the U.S.

Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ). ASU is in the top among green colleges primarily due to its School of Sustainability. The program started in 2007, and is the first sustainability degree-granting institution in the U.S. In addition, the building itself earned a LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Silver certification due to its recycled flooring, rooftop wind turbines and energy and water efficient fixtures.

College of the Atlantic (Bar Harbor, ME). COA lives and breathes sustainability. It is home to only a few hundred students who are all enrolled in one field – human ecology (study of our species relationship to the planet).  According to The Daily Green, COA “is committed to green building, historic preservation, land conservation and elimination of toxins.” And if that wasn’t enough, they provide each meal of the day from locally sourced, organic food.  There are even compost bins in student residences and dining hall.  

Evergreen State College (Olympia, WA).  This college focuses heavily on sustainability projects and also provides campus food service with produce from the on-site 13-acre organic farm.  One of their buildings is Gold LEED certified and the college buys 100% “green” electricity.

Harvard (Cambridge, MA). No stranger to the top of academic charts, now Harvard is working to top the green charts too. After installing motion sensors and other energy efficient devices, its school buildings have reduced waste up to 73%. It has also converted school trucks to run on spare vegetable oil from dining halls and is one of the top purchasers of renewable energy.

University of California (Santa Cruz, CA).  This green university started its own “trayless dining program” which successfully reduced food waste by 40% and saves approximately 30,000 gallons of water each month! Also, food waste is composted and about a fourth of the produce served in dining halls is organic.

Warren Wilson College (Swannanoa, N.C.). Built in 2003, Warren Wilson’s EcoDorm was the first college building to earn the highest LEED rating - Platinum certification, for existing buildings. Its vehicles run on biodiesel and own solar-charged carts and hybrids. Not to mention the school is primarily supported by its own organic gardens.

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The Negatives of Recycling?

Recycling is nothing new, but it has gained prominence in recent years, as people have become more conscious about trying to help the environment. Furthermore, recycling is a good thing when done right; unfortunately, many people are not recycling correctly, while others have the wrong idea about what it really means to recycle.

One of the key mission statements of the environmental movement remains the three-pronged phrase: "Reduce. Reuse. Recycle." Thus, the first step to proper recycling reducing the quantity of items that need to be recycled, followed by finding ways to reuse certain items as opposed to tossing them in a trash can or recycling bin automatically. In short, if people make a conscious effort to reduce what they use and then reuse items whenever and however possible, then the amount of products we need to recycle will be greatly diminished.

The idea of recycling has been around for a couple of generations now. There are nearly 12,000 recycling programs in the United States, and they've mostly arisen in the past 30-40 years. However, many people still wonder whether recycling is worth the effort. Are we really saving energy? With the growing size of old-school landfills, have people really embraced recycling? And most importantly, are all of our efforts to recycle really helping the environment, when in essence, shouldn't we just learn to use less?

Cons to recycling:

It may take more energy to recycle a given product than it did to make it originally.

Recycling is hard work for the consumer, don't let anyone fool you into thinking recycling is an easy task. Before containers can be recycled, they must be washed clean and the labels need to be removed. This uses up more energy in the form of water used and heating the water for the washing. Also, it takes extra gas in the car to make recycling trips

Some plastic bottles and materials (like wrappers, for example) cannot be recycled, and some people do not know the difference. Only clean plastic bottles are recyclable. Not only that, but some recycling centers will not recycled certain plastics such as Polyvinyl Chloride (3) or Polystyrene (6) as these are typically non-recyclable plastics.

Not everyone knows that you cannot recycle electronics at the normal recycling centers because of certain heavy metals used in the manufacturing of certain electronic products and parts. Instead, the consumer will have to find special E-Cycling facility, which means more gas use and more recycling trips.

It costs a substantial amount of energy and time to recycle paper products properly. The recycling industry requires more water and certain expensive chemicals to remove the ink from paper so that the product can then be recycled.

Pros of Recycling:

Many people are making a concerted effort to recycle, and these efforts do help the environment. Recycling means that a lot less waste is going into our landfill, and less recycling means less money spent on new products.

Recycling decreases the amount of raw materials harvested from the environment needed to manufacture new products. When glass is recycled, it is reconstituted as sand, road building materials, decorator bricks and similar products. When plastic is recycled, it is made into items like carpets and plastic wood-like products such as decking materials, clothing materials, and fencing.

It takes a lot less energy to recycle plastic then it does to make new plastic containers.

Recycling is not the first thing that needs to be done to make a difference for our environment.

The first thing that needs to be done is to reduce the need to buy so much of a given product. Everyone should then try to reuse items as much as possible to recycle, whether as the same product or in a different mode.

Thinking of creative ways to reuse as much paper as possible in the home can be a rewarding challenge. Shredded paper can be used for packing and mailing fragile items. Newspapers and old magazines make for unique gift wrapping options. Reuse paper with writing only on one side when possible. Use paper as compost. Put only leftover paper into the recycling bin. You can also get your kids involved and try making crafts and other activities out of recyclable materials.

Try to get rid of recycling as much as possible by purchasing groceries that don't require lots of extraneous packaging. Buying in bulk is a good way cut down on packaging (and the food is typically fresher and tastes better). We all know that using reusable shopping bags helps cut down on waste plastic, but did you know you can also use reusable produce bags as another way to cut back on your plastic use? There are also reusable sandwich and snack bags currently on the market to help you cut back on packaging waste.

In short, we should always think of ways we can reduce and reuse recyclable items before they make their way to the recycling bin. We should recycle in a bin as the last resort.

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Ten Most Energy Efficient TVs

With all the innovations in TV flat panel technology and decreasing prices, now is a great time to buy a new TV. However, the amount of energy some TVs gobble up can really add to your electric bill, especially during this summer's sweltering temps when the AC is running almost non-stop. Some of the biggest TVs, for example, can use as much electricity as a 500 kWh refrigerator (and put out almost as much heat).

Fortunately, you're not alone. Energystar has a guide to help you choose the most Energy Efficient TV no matter what size you are looking for. Of course, it's good to have a basic idea how the TVs work. To be sure, TVs have come a long way from the bulky consoles of the 1960s and 1970s.

 Electron guns vs Pixels

Old cathode ray tube (CRTs) TVs had big glass vacuum picture tubes. Each one had an electron gun that fired electrons down the glass barrel and fluoresced when they hit the coating on the back of the picture tube. CRTs used lots of energy, gave off lots of heat, weighed a lot, and took up lots of room. One thing they didn't have was a lot of resolution. New flat panel TVs have nearly 2 1/2 times the resolution and screen size, plus many have micro processors that smooth-out the frame rates on old Hollywood movies that made them look jerky on old CRT TVs.

Currently, there are three screen technologies contending in the flat panel ring: LCD, LED, and plasma. These flat screens have largely out-competed big Digital Light Processing (DLP) TVs. DLPs used a single lamp and micro-mirrors to project light through a color wheel. They are still available but hard to find since manufactures are concentrating on developing LCD, LED, and plasma products. LCD panels create a digital image on a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and uses a cold cathode fluorescent lamp mounted on a panel behind it to illuminate the screen. LED flat panels use the same LCD screen to present the image, but instead us Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) to light up the screen (either from behind or the sides). Technically, they're LED-backlit LCD TVs. The difference is that LCD flat panels with the one fluorescent lamps have a fairly static picture. LED TV's have hundreds of LEDs that can be controlled independently and thus can offer a more dynamic and adaptable picture.

Plasma TVs use neon and xenon gas in tiny trios of capsules that form a pixel. When a pixel is zapped by electricity, the gas in each capsules turns into plasma. As soon as the zapping stops, the pixel emits ultraviolet light that hit red, green, or blue phosphors and thus creates the color of that pixel. In an HD 1920 x 1080 plasma TV there are 3,000 pixels. Of course, the image color and the speed of the screen is the reason to buy them. Plasma sets have better contrast ratios, provide wider viewing angles, handle fast action with better clarity, and produce richer levels of black.

While every TV model has its issues but there are some general things to keep in mind:

Size matters. The bigger the TV, the more energy it will use.

Plasma TV's tend to run hotter. After all, they are making colors by charging gas into plasma. They even have small fans mounted on the inside to exhaust hot air. Energy.gov rates the energy efficiency of plasma sets from 127.3 kWh/year for a 42 inch TV up to 194.14 kWh/year for a 60 inch. While high when compared to LED back lit sets, they are roughly 3 times more miserly with their usage than earlier plasma sets.

Plasma sets are somewhat usually heavier —so keep it in mind when considering mounting it on the wall.

All the current top-rated energy efficient TVs are LED back-lit LCD screens. These use use less energy than the cold florescent tubes.

Under-powered sound systems. Some energy efficient TVs sacrifice audio power.  While you might have a great looking set, you might need to turn the volume all the way up to hear anything. Always remember to consider the audio specs.

So, without any further adieu, the 2012 Energy.gov Energy Efficiency winners are:

For Small TVs (22, 24, and 27 inch diagonal screen measurement):

Magnavox 22ME601B/F7 (LED) LCD, 21.6 inch, 29.922 kWh/year

Insignia NS-24E730A12 (LED) LCD, 23.6 inch, 42.1 kWh/year

LG T27B350ND (LED) LCD, 27 inch, 72.22 kWh/year

Medium sized TVs (32, 37, 40, 42 inch diagonal screen measurement):

Samsung H32B (LED) LCD, 32 inch, 50.67 kWh/year

Panasonic TC-L37E3 (LED) LCD, 37 inch, 72.6 kWh/year

Samsung UN40EH5300F (LED) LCD, 40 inch, 60.92 kWh/year

LG 42LS56## (LED) LCD, 42 inch, 83 kWh/year

Large sized TVs (46, 50, 60 inch diagonal screen measurement); multiple series models listed:

Samsung UN46EH5300F (LED) LCD, 46 inch, 77.34 kWh/year

Samsung UN50EH5000F, UN50EH5050F, UN50EH5070F, UN50EH5300F (LED) LCD, 50 inch, 87.16 kWh/year

Sharp LC-60C8470U, LC-60LE845U, LC-60LE847U (LED) LCD, 60 inch, 104.51 kWh/year

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Plan a Camping Trip This Summer Using These 5 Green Tips



With travel costs so high, a camping trip can be an entertaining and cheap way to spend your summer vacation. Not only is camping an inexpensive vacation option, but it can be a green one as well. Here are some tips to make your next camping trip both fun and green.

Use reusable cutlery and linens. Using disposable cutlery and linens while camping is not only bad for the environment, but for your wallet too. You can get a lot of use out of most reusable items which will lessen the amount of waste and help save money.

Borrow a tent and/or sleeping bag. Instead of buying a tent or sleeping bag, take the green approach and ask a friend if you can borrow one, especially if it's your first trip. Many people think they'll enjoy camping, but then end up storing their newly purchased camping items in the attic, never to use them again.

Pack a Nalgene or other BPA free water bottle for each camper. Opt for the green option rather than using environmentally unfriendly plastic bottles. This will lessen the waste amount and is safer for you.

Bring a first aid kit. There's always the chance for minor emergency, scrape, or cut, so it's smart to have bandages, gauze, medical tape, small scissors, disinfectant, antibiotic cream, antihistamine, and insect repellent. 

Use natural fire starters. Using natural items like dry grass or pine needles is a green way to start your fire. Just be sure to keep a watch on it and look for any campground restrictions on what can be used in a fire ring.

(Photo by king damus)

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What's All the Buzz About Homemade Laundry Detergent?

If you're a big pinner on Pinterest, you'll notice a lot of pins going around on making homemade laundry detergent. There's a big reason why it's so popular, when you make your own laundry detergent it costs about 1¢/load! There's no laundry detergent sold in stores that can match that price! You're also controlling what goes into your laundry detergent since it's made with such few and mostly natural ingredients. Many people have commented that this type of homemade laundry detergent is also safe for all high efficiency (HE) washing machines as it contains no sudsing agents. If you don't prefer scent-free laundry detergent you can always add a few drops of essential oils such as lemon or lavender to the detergent to give your clothes a fresh scent.

Ingredients:

A two gallon plastic bucket, preferably with a spout for pouring.

1/3 bar of Fels Naptha soap (but you can also use Ivory or castile bar soap)

1/2 cup of borax (Water softening and laundry booster. It also interacts with ferrous surfaces to form a coating that protects the metal from corrosion. For fun, you and your kids can make Slime with it.)

1/2 cup of washing soda (removes grease, oil, and helps soften water)

Two gallon jugs (old detergent bottles are perfect)

2 gallons of water.  (Unless you have a water softener, distilled water works best. Tap water can usually contain lime and dissolved metals that can interact with the soap ingredients and reduce their effectiveness. For example, soaps form insoluble salts (soap scum clumps) in acidic or hard water and this can weaken the ability of this soap concentrate to mix smoothly.)

Directions:

Grate 1/3 bar of Fels Naptha soap. NOTE: Wear rubber gloves when grating the soap! It is very concentrated and will irritate your skin.

In a sauce pan, warm 6 cups of water. Stir in the soap shreds until they dissolve.

Add borax and washing soda until they also disolve. Remove from heat.

Pour 4 cups of hot water into the bucket then add the soap mixture. Stir this in the bucket until it has a uniform consistancy.

Fill bucket with more water. Let stand for 24 hours to gel. Pour into plastic jugs.

Use 1/2 cup per load. ALWAYS shake the jug before you use it as the detergent ingredients will separate when left to stand.

This version of this recipe does about 64 loads and is safe for septic systems and high efficiency washers. Your results may differ so tweak the ingredient concentrations until you find the best one for you.

Is there a homemade alternative to fabric softener? Though it doesn't give you snuggly-soft towels or blankets that you're used to with commercial fabric softener, you can use distilled white vinegar . It will remove static cling, help fix dyes to new clothes, rinses excess soap from your washer, and breaks down smelly protein-chains (like urine). It also dissolves lime deposits from the rinse water that can make fabric stiff and uncomfortable. Plus, it's non-allergenic because it doesn't contain whiteners or perfumes. If you're worried about your clothes smelling like pickles, don't fret! The smell dissipates very quickly and all you're left with is clean, soft clothes.

Have any of you guys tried making your own homemade natural laundry detergent or fabric softener? Tell is in the comments if you loved or hated it! You can also tweet us about your experience with homemade laundry detergent at @BounceEnergy.

(Photo by Magic Madzik)

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Going Green-- There's An App For That!

Conservation has always been important, and every subject that touches on it, from recycling to acid rain and pollution, has been on the forefront of forward thinkers since the 60's. What has changed is how we refer to it. It's no longer a subheading under conservation, but it's all "green". This new buzzword refers to how we would like our world to be; green and friendly and healthy and happy. Oddly enough, our smart devices and phones have apps for that.

Green Apps For Free

Go Green (iTunes, Android) by Webworks and Applications: This one is loaded with tips about going green and making the changes that are needed every day to help you "be part of the solution and not the problem". Every time a user visits this app a new tip appears and a daily visit gets you a daily tip!

GoodGuide by GoodGuide, Inc.: If you are unsure if your purchases meet the criteria to be called "green", this app informs you of what products you can buy or substitute with that would make you a more socially conscious consumer.

PopSci.com by Popular Science Media Group: Those familiar with Popular Science know what this is mainly about, although this app regularly publishes content on green inventions and cutting edge green science.

iRecycle by Earth911: This app boasts 1,000,000 ways to recycle everything and read all about the places and means to go green.

PaperKarma by Readabl, Inc.: Transform the tons of paper mail you receive by using this app to decide what it is and how to get rid of it or end it from coming to your snail mailbox to begin with. It will also tell you how and where to recycle different kinds of paper to best benefit the earth.

Treehugger by Treehugger.com: Yes, that is what it is; an app targeting sustainability and striving to turn it mainstream. This app has had a lot of air time on popular talk shows, as it is essentially a news media station for green living.

Paid Apps For Under $5

Green Mountain Digital Audobon Series: This app company in conjunction with the Audobon Society takes nature recognition to a whole new level. Everything you ever wanted to know about every living species of tree, insect, animal, plant, flower and regional wildlife is purchasable for under $5, unless you opt for a package deal of several apps rolled into one for $14.99.

Green Genie by HeistDevice: One hundred plus projects and tips for turning your life and environment into the greenest it can be. For 99 cents, this app is a pretty good deal.

Al Gore-Our Choice: For a more political stance on the green society, this is the app for you. Al Gore discusses many topics of the green boom and suggests books that are noteworthy accompaniments to the topic.

Green Kitchen by Amazing Applications AB: An app that helps you shop, cook and eat the healthiest, most organic, vegetarian and green recipes around.

Gorgeously Green Survival Guide by Optimum Drama, Inc.: A fun little app just for busy women on the go who still want to be part of the green movement but don't have time to even think about it when faced with real life choices.

Green Outlet, by Key Lime 314, LLC: A guide to saving electricity and energy which in turn contributes to clean and green living and decreases the monthly bills for energy expended. A must have app for anyone that is still using traditional light bulbs and lets the water run while brushing their teeth!

Kid Apps For Free

Green Farm (iTunes, Android) by Gameloft: Teach kids the benefits of growing their own fruits and vegetables and tending the land and caring for animals by letting them play a fun app that simulates having their own farm!

Rescue Reef by SGN: Kids help a little clownfish rescue the endangered reefs and keep them clean in this fun and clever app. Kids learn about green living through the simulated care and concern for the ocean and its habitats.

Go Green Game by VideoHooHaa.com: Developed by socially conscious parents for children and their socially conscious parents, this game teaches youngsters about choices and consequences and rewards them for making positive impact choices.

Kids Paid Apps

The Lorax by Dr. Suess, brought to you by Oceanhouse Media: The original environmental tale for children written by a man way ahead of his time, this is still a childhood favorite, renewed by the recent movie release. A lite version is available for free.

Arthur Turns Green, by Marc Brown and brought to you by ScrollMotion: Not just a a conservation/ green living story, this app introduces kids to the ways they can have a positive impact on the world around them through stories, puzzles, coloring pages and other interactive activities. There is a lite version for free, but it's limited to just the story.

The Recycler by Square One: A handy little app that teaches little ones how to recycle and what to recycle through simple game play. It rewards them for their efforts with each new level they play.

There are hundreds more apps out there for any and every smart device and phone, but these are just some of the best. Top rated apps are listed here, as well as some lesser known ones, and all have a worthwhile contribution to the green living buzz. For more, try exploring on your own by typing "green apps" into your smartphone or pad and see what comes up. Happy green hunting!

 (Photo by NJ..)

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Should I Buy a Smart Car as an Extra Vehicle?

It's safe to say that Americans love driving big, powerful cars. But when it comes to fuel economy, bigger is not necessarily better. That 8 cylinder 4.6 liter engine may be enough hit 60 mph in 4 seconds but it still only gets around 15 miles per gallon (mpg) in city driving. In order to get higher gas mileage, you have to sacrifice engine size and, consequently, power. Both of which tend to invite sneers from interstate expressway drivers.

Even so, with gas spiking into the $4 dollar range more often, many drivers are looking at the Smart Car by Mercedes-Benz. The Smart was invented by Nicholas Hayek, the inventor of the stylish 1980's Swatch watch. His goal was to build an "ultra-urban" car; a little two-seater that could zip about old European cities, park anywhere, used little gas and produced few emissions. Introduced in 1998, 36 other countries tried it out before the car was introduced to the US in 2008 —just as gas prices were forcing Americans to abandon their SUV's for something more frugal at the pump.

The Smart Car is an odd fit in the American market. Some love its style, some can't get around its European-ish-ness. Several reviewers complain the car on the interstate is noisy, barely able to manage 80 mph, and risks being blown off the road like a piece of paper when passed by a tractor trailer. Well, DUH! The car isn't designed for interstate driving. Sure, it's irresistibly cute and great for cramped urban driving. But beyond narrow city streets or suburban parkways, it is out of its element.

I own a 2009 Smart Passion. Admittedly, some of the reviews are on target but some of the broad assumptions go wide because the car challenges our traditional driving habits. So, it's not for everyone. But, provided you're not intimidated by pulling up to a stop light and seeing chrome pickup truck grill fill your rear view mirror, it is fun to drive.

If you are thinking about getting a Smart Car for an extra vehicle, you need to seriously consider how you are going to use it and your driving habits. If you plan to commute in this car on the interstate or expressway, do not expect lightning fast acceleration. If your commute regularly takes you at sustained speeds faster than 60 mph, you won't like the 1 liter engine. If you plan on bobbing and weaving at 75 mph between tractor trailers to make it to the exit ramp first, don't because...well, that would be really dumb. As I said, the Smart is at home navigating downtown streets, suburban parkways, and residential streets. If you plan on using one to make short trips to the grocery, run errands, or get the kids to appointments, then this car will do all that and save you money at the pump. There is also a surprising amount of storage space. In other words, if you use the smart car intelligently for what it was designed for, it can be a smart buy.

Some Smart Car Specs:

engine block: aluminum

3 in-line cylinders; each with 4 valves

five-speed automated manual transmission

weight: 1,808 lbs

payload: 507 lbs

wheelbase 73.5 inches

turning circle: 28.7 feet

length: 8.8 feet

width: 5.1 feet

height: 5.1 feet

fuel: 8.7 gal (reserve 1.3 gal)

Fueleconomy.gov ratings: 34 mpg City, 38 mpg highway.

 Smart Car owners can rely on a vibrant on-line community for tips and information.

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Natural Remedies for 5 Common Summer Ailments

Summer is the perfect time for exploring and enjoying the outdoors. Spending time in the park or swimming pool can be fun, but it also puts you at risk for developing a number of irritating or uncomfortable summer ailments. These issues range in severity, with some common summer sicknesses endangering your long-term health. Take care of yourself and your family throughout the warmest months by using the right natural cures. 1) Insect Bites And Stings Effects: The symptoms and effects of stings and bites from insects can vary widely depending on the sensitivities of the affected person. Minor bites from mosquitoes, gnats and fleas usually cause minor swelling and itching. Bee and wasp stings ache even after the stinging insect has flown away and leave a red mark. Bee stings can lead to a serious allergic reaction, while most other insect bites have no serious consequences. Natural Remedies: Treat any itchy bites with a paste made from baking soda and water. Dab the paste onto the affected area and allow it to dry before brushing it off. Over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams can also put a stop to the itching. If you are stung by a bee or wasp, carefully remove the stinger with a pair of tweezers or by scraping the site with a credit card. For bee stings you always wants to scrape away the stinger instead of just pulling out as you would a splinter. Since the bee's venom sac is still attached to the stinger, if you try to pull it out you will only cause the stinger to inject more venom, by scraping it off you can avoid this. If possible you'll want to try ti limit scratching at any insect bites or stings to prevent infection. If a sting or bite remains painful after removal of the stinger, use a paste of meat tenderizer and water to soothe the area. In the case of a severe allergic reaction, seek a doctor's help ASAP. 2) Sunburns Effects: A day out in the sun often leaves you with bright red skin that is hot to the touch and very sensitive. Severe overexposure can create water-filled blisters and permanent damage. People with very light skin tones and red or blond hair tend to burn the quickest in direct sunlight. Serious burns increase your risk for skin cancer and speed up the aging process of the skin. Natural Remedies: Cool off with a towel dipped in lukewarm water. Avoid the urge to take a cold shower which may irritate the skin further. Cover the affected skin in aloe vera gel to help keep in any remaining moisture as this will speed up the healing process. If you or your family tends to burn easily, you can freeze the aloe vera in an ice cube tray for extra soothing. You can also try an aloe vera gel with a topical pain killer, such as lidocaine, mixed in if the sensitivity of your sunburned skin keeps you awake at night. Don't pick at the skin as it begins to thicken and flake off. Blisters should also be allowed to form and pop on their own to avoid infection. 3) Dehydration Effects: Sweating keeps your body cool through the evaporation process, but it also leads to dehydration if you aren't drinking enough water during your summer time activities. Severe dehydration can cause organ damage, brain damage and even death. People who are suffering from mild to moderate dehydration experience stomach cramps, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Anyone that suddenly stops sweating while still in a hot environment is experiencing severe dehydration and needs immediate medical attention. Natural Remedies: Get out of the sun immediately and head for a cool and shady area. Start re-hydrating yourself as quickly as possible, but don't guzzle ice cold water (sugary drinks may make you vomit, so be sure to drink just water). Sip some cool, plain water and aim to consume at least 16 ounces over the course of 10 minutes. Drinking too much water throws off your body's natural balance of electrolytes and can cause further shock. Once you've brought your base level of fluids back up, drink a sports drink or other electrolyte fluid to complete re-hydration. Keep activities to a minimum for the rest of the day to avoid becoming dehydrated again. 4) Poison Oak And Poison Ivy Effects: A hike through the forest or a walk in the park may leave you with an itchy, red rash on any skin exposed to the plants around you. Poison ivy and poison oak are two common plants that contain chemicals known for irritating the skin. Many people find the itchiness of the rash to be the worst part, but others experienced swelling and small blisters as well. The rash can spread across your body if you touch the affected area and fail to wash your hands, but within 15 minutes after contact with the plant the irritating chemical will become inactive. Both plants are also a little tricky to identify, be sure to check out this page for many examples of poison ivy and poison oak so you can better identify them. Natural Remedies: This summer sickness is tricky to treat. Baking soda paste will stop the itching, but there are few natural treatments for the swelling and blisters. Keep the area clean and uncovered to allow air to circulate around it if possible. Another plant known as Jewelweed, or Impatiens capensis, has a sap that can reduce the symptoms of poison ivy and oak. Look for soaps and salves containing the plant's sap or learn to identify it and rub a fresh leaf on your rash. 5) Swimmer's Ear Effects: Swimming in your favorite lake or pool lets water gather in your ear canal. Any bacteria or fungi living in that water can cause an irritating and painful infection to grow, especially if the water remains trapped in your ear canal for more than a day. Symptoms include itchiness and pain in the ear canal, green or yellow discharge and disorientation. Some people are highly prone to swimmer's ear due to the slope and shape of their ear canal. Natural Remedies: Vinegar ear drops will help kill any bacteria or fungi trying to colonize the ear. These drops must be properly diluted with rubbing alcohol to avoid damage to the ear canal and work best when used after each swim as a preventative measure.

(Photo by z0xx)

[timmypro-blog]

Ditch the Car and Grab the Bike This Summer

It’s summertime, which means that now is the perfect time to get out your bicycle, tune it up, and go for a ride! Riding your bike in the summer is a great way to enjoy the weather, the beautiful scenery, and a healthy, stress-reducing activity. If those weren’t enough reasons to ride your bicycle, you're being green (and saving money) while having fun!

If your bicycle has been in storage for awhile, you should take a couple of hours to prepare it for your first ride of the summer. Wipe it off well with a damp cloth and look at each part of the bike as you do so. Make sure that every bolt is as tight as it should be, check that the handlebars are lined up with the front wheel, check for bent or broken spokes. Also check the tires and fill with air if needed. Have someone lift up the rear of the bike and turn the crank while watching the chain move to make sure that the chain and rear wheel move easily and do not bind or sag. You can also put a small amount of chain oil on a cloth and wipe it on the chain as you rotate the crank.

There are many things you can do at home yourself to get your bicycle ready for that summer ride. If you kept your bike inside away from the weather, there is probably little you need to do. But don’t compromise your safety! If something doesn’t look right or work right on your bike and you don’t understand it, please have a bike shop look ir over. You don’t want the feeling of being unsafe to take away from enjoying your ride.

Now that the bicycle is ready, let’s get you ready for your summer ride! You don’t need expensive cycling gear to enjoy your bicycle. If you do a lot of racing, then you could be the exception, but for a casual ride or short hop to the market, think comfortable and ease of movement.

A heavy cotton t-shirt is a perfect start. They allow you to enjoy the sun and the breeze while giving some protection from sunburn. With the variety of colors and printed sayings, there is bound to be the right t-shirt for your ride. Loose fitting shorts with plenty of room around the thighs for leg movement are ideal in warmer weather. Your favorite jeans are also good as long as they are not too baggy around the lower leg and ankles.

Try a visor instead of a hat on your bike ride. Hat’s can blow off in the wind and your instinct will be to reach up and catch it. It’s better to keep both hands on the bike for safety! You’ll get as much protection from the sun on your face with a visor as you would a hat.

Comfortable sandals or sneakers work well, but you should avoid flip-flops! Something that can fall off of your foot can and will do so at just the wrong time. Sandals that strap onto the foot are best, or sneakers if you will be riding for a long time. Consider taking an extra pair of shoes with you in a backpack. That way you can stop at your favorite park and take a walk while you continue to enjoy the summer weather.

Don’t forget to be safe. While bicycling is a safe sport, accidents do happen and being prepared is much wiser than reacting to an injury. A well-fitting bike helmet is your best protection should you take a fall from your bike. Head injuries are the most challenging situations from which to recover. Protect yourself and always wear your helmet, even if you are just riding down the street to get the mail. Make sure you're informed about the biking laws in your city, and be sure to stay alert for motorists if you plan to do a lot of street cycling.

Riding your bicycle is great for your body. It’s a fun way to stay in shape. It combines a cardio workout, improves your balance and stamina, and burns calories. It’s an enjoyable exercise that people of all ages can do.

It’s also a great tool for relaxing the mind. While people in their cars are zipping past you, eyes forward looking at other traffic, you can take in all of the sights around you in a leisurely fashion. Say “Hi” to the neighbors, enjoy the smell of the freshly-cut grass, and check out the hours on the door of the new shop down the street, all of which are things your driving counterparts can’t do.

You can also save money by biking. The price of gas, maintenance, licenses, and taxes all factor into even a short car drive down the street. Your bicycle will allow you to run those errands for next to nothing. A trip to the market, post office, library, or dry cleaners is easy to do on your bicycle. With your bike ride, you will create no pollution, cause less wear and tear on the road, and save money with all of the gasoline you won't buy.

Summertime is a great time to reconnect with your bicycle, get some healthy exercise, enjoy great weather, and save some money. The more you bike this summer, the more ways you will discover how you can use your bicycle for the health of your mind, body, and pocketbook!

(Photo by Tabsinthe)

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Breaking Down Sugar Substitutes and Artificial Sweeteners

What causes our obsession with sugar? Our sense of taste is programmed from birth; in fact, the taste of sweet is the very first taste we know and oddly enough, the very last to leave us at the ends our lives. It should come as no surprise then that little ones and the elderly prefer sweet things to any other flavor and will often refuse other taste sensations. Sugar then, seems like a natural choice to flavor our foods, but is it all that healthy for us?

As you would expect, moderation is key. In the case of sugar, miniscule amounts are allowed, but most Americans consume around 25.7 teaspoons of sugara day , twice the USDA recommended amount for consumption. If you do the math, that means every American consumes, on average, one hundred thirty pounds of sugar a year! This doesn't include other natural sweeteners like corn syrup or beet sugar.

That much sugar leads to tooth decay, obesity, diabetes, and other metabolism related diseases and health issues. All of these are preventable if less sugar is consumed and more exercise and a healthier diet is followed. Old habits die hard, however, and sometimes substitution is the only way out. Because the body does need a little sugar for certain processes in the body, you simply can't cut sugar altogether, and cutting back on the sweetening of your foods can be difficult.

So what about all those sugar replacement options? Is there really a sugar substitute that is healthy and natural? What are the drawbacks to artificial sweeteners? In order to answer those questions, let's take a look at what exists on the market currently.

Saccharin -- Out of all the artificial sweeteners on the market, this one has had the largest share of health bumps and infamy. More commonly known as "Sweet'N'Low", this product has been placed on the dangerous food lists several times, only to be removed later. More concern was aroused when it produced bladder cancer in rats, but was disproved as having the same effect on humans. As of 2010, the FDA has approved it for completely safe human consumption, although most people prefer not to use it because of its bitter aftertaste when used in larger quantities.

Aspartame -- "Equal" or "Nutra-Sweet" on your local grocery shelves, this product has also received a bad rap. However, the FDA and health specialists alike agree that the only cause for concern with this artificial sweetener resides with people who were born with PKU, or Phenylketonuria. These folks have a rare disorder that can not process aspartame and the basic compound of phenylalanine, which builds up in their system as a toxin and can do severe damage. If you have been diagnosed with PKU, you already know to stay away from this artificial sweetener. The rest of us may indulge as needed.

Sucralose -- A much newer sugar substitute on the market, "Splenda" replaces sugar and even other sugar substitutes, because it tastes much better, is even sweeter than sugar, and mixes exceedingly well in recipes. Currently there is no negative news or side effects regarding Splenda, making it one of the safest sugar substitutes.

Stevioside -- In the last couple of years, "Stevia" has received much publicity and critical acclaim as a healthy sugar substitute. It's derived from the stevia plant and is three hundred times sweeter than sugar/sucrose itself. While it's marketed as a substitute for sugar, the FDA actually categorizes it as a dietary supplement due to its completely organic origins. So far, this is the healthiest choice.

Thaumatin -- Even though "TalinTM" is currently being used in a variety of food products in America, not many Americans have heard of it. Taken from an African fruit, it is mostly a mixture of proteins and is two to three thousand times sweeter than sugar.

Honey-- Yes, honey is a very reasonable sugar substitute. It's all natural and has been scientifically shown to break down quickly in the digestive tract, because most of the process has already been done for us by the bees. The compounds, levulose and dextrose, found in honey make it easy for people with weaker digestive systems to break down these remaining sugars, and this causes less strain on the digestive system overall. It cooks and bakes well and easily satisfies the craving for sweets.

Agave nectar or syrup -- Extracted from the agave plant, agave syrup is sweeter than honey and less viscous. It is approximately one and one half times sweeter than sucrose, but is mostly categorized as a fructose and dextrose combo. It cooks and blends exceedingly well, and most vegans use it in place of honey and sugar. It actually helps modulate blood sugar, which makes it diabetic friendly.

Others -- Many other sugar alcohols exist, ranging from Xylitol by name to corn sweeteners and sweeteners more commonly used but derived from other chemical compounds or extracts. Reading the food labels while you shop will help determine what sweetens your food and whether or not it's an acceptable replacement for you.

As Americans try to pursue a healthier lifestyle and look for ways to reduce the amount of sugar in their diet, these facts about natural sugar substitutes and artificial sweeteners are vital bits of information. It's extremely important that we all examine our options closely and pick the one that is not only right for us as individuals, but healthy and tasteful too. While none of the above pose any serious health risks (except for PKU) and none have been found to raise blood sugar levels or increase production of insulin, it's still important to note that not just sugars and sugar substitutes may cause obesity and other diseases. Intake of excess calories and other carbohydrates unrelated to sugar as well as unhealthy dietary habits can also be responsible. While it is well and good to choose a sugar substitute to decrease the amount of sugar intake and thus prevent the previously mentioned health issues, it is also important to change habits, otherwise the sugar substitutes aren't much help. They are not an excuse to continue binge eating, and should not be treated as such. Responsible dieting only helps the sugar substitutes and artificial sweeteners do what they were intended to do; without the combo working in tandem, the consumption of these replacements serves no purpose.

(Photo by Mykl Roventine

[timmypro-blog]

Are Your Windows Making Your Home Less Energy Efficient?

Did you know that the windows in your home if haven’t been treated properly to conserve energy, you may be using more electricity each month than necessary. By following these green window tips, you’ll be able to save 20% or more on your electricity bill each month.

The weather will greatly impact how your electric bill operates. In the summer, you may have the air conditioning running. If your windows aren’t treated properly, you could be losing a great deal of air out of the window, which means you’re paying more to cool down your home. In the winter, you may end up running the heat to stay warm. Again, if your windows aren’t in the best condition, cold air could still be coming through, making it harder for your home’s heating system to maintain a good temperature.

Buying New Windows

When you have the money, you may want to consider buying new windows all together. While this is a slightly expensive undertaking, you will ultimately save money because the savings you will see will eventually cover the cost of the windows.

You can talk to your utility company and see if they have any kind of rebates or incentives for a window replacement. There are many companies that will pay you to install these, which makes it even more affordable. Some companies will also recommend brands for you to buy.

Look for a high-performance window that has at least two panes of glass. To ensure you are going green, it should also have the ENERGY STAR label on it. A low e-coating and a low u-factor will ensure that you are getting the best insulation for your home.

Installing windows can actually be very easy. There are instructions online, and you can have them in and out faster than you might think. If you’re not as handy as you’d like to be, buy the windows and then have a professional install them so you can cut down on some of the costs.

If you’re unable to replace all the windows in the house with the higher performance style, focus on the ones that have the most sunlight hitting them throughout the day. You will likely see a dramatic difference in your electric bill within the first month of having them installed.

Fixing Your Current Windows

You may be able to be energy efficient simply by fixing your current windows. Take a good look at the condition of your windows, and it may surprise you to see how in need of TLC they are. With some weather stripping from the home improvement store and a caulking gun, you can make a dramatic improvement to the amount of air coming in and out of your windows.

Open the windows of your home and look at the stripping. If it’s virtually non-existent, you need to peel what’s left of it off and put some new stripping in its place. You can find what you need at any home improvement, store and a store clerk can help you choose the kind that is right for you based on where you live.

Now take your caulking gun and go around the entire perimeter of your window. Caulk will wear over time. As the sun heats up the outside of your home, it can take its toll on the caulk. Find a good outdoor caulk and place a thick line around the entire perimeter of your windows. This will ensure that there isn’t any air escaping or entering that shouldn’t be.

More Ways to Save Energy

Your windows may be in great shape. If they’re the fancy double-paned high performance windows or if they’re all caulked and sealed tightly, you are in a very good position. However, there are more ways to save energy beyond just fixing up your windows. Various treatments can be done to the windows to prevent even more heat from coming in or leaving.

The less your air conditioning system has to work, the better for your electric bill. You will start to use less energy, which in turn means you are taking a greener approach to running your home.

There are rolls of window film that you can purchase for your windows. These are adhesive and very easy to install. With a utility knife, you can cut the rolls to fit the size of your windows and have them installed in a matter of minutes. The benefit of this is that it will help to reflect some of the sunlight so that the sun isn’t heating up your home so quickly in the middle of the day. Many types of window films exist. When you’re shopping at your home improvement store, check out your options. Depending on the type of weather you’re dealing with, one kind may be better than another. You may also want to get two different kinds of film to place on windows in different areas of the home based on the way the sunlight hits your house.

In the cold weather, you want to pay attention to your curtains and shades. You can install tight-fitting window shades, as they will help to insulate the window and keep any drafts from coming into your home. You also want to make sure to close the curtains at night to fight off drafts. Opening the curtains in the day will also ensure the warm sunlight is getting in the rooms of your house.

In the warm weather, you may want to do as much as you can to prevent too much sun from getting into your home. White drapes or blinds on the windows can be advantageous because they will reflect the heat away from your house. You may also want to install awnings on windows that face south and west to help shield some of the sun.

You can be very energy efficient without spending a lot of money. The more you do for your windows, the easier it will be to cut down on your electricity bill and run a green household.

For more tips, check out this video we did with Blinds.com for more ways to make your windows more energy efficient:

  (Photo by M Glasgow)

[timmypro-blog]

What is the Best Natural Sunscreen for my Family?

Nothing ruins a summer day quicker than a nasty sunburn . This ruining of your fun, among other major reasons (um, skin cancer!), is why the proper use of sunscreen is so important for you and your family. But with so many sunscreen options available, how do you know which ones will actually protect you and are safe for your skin? Today, many of the standard sunscreens don't provide the full protection needed to protect you from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, and they contain harsh chemicals too.

An alternative to standard sunscreens is a natural sunscreen made with minerals like zinc or titanium. Many of the natural sunscreens on the market can be pretty expensive, and others feel that the nanotechnology used to create most of them is inadequately regulated. Still, many consider mineral sunscreens to be the safest on the market. TheDailyGreen.com did a price comparison on the best-rated mineral sunscreens found from the Environmental Working Group's annual Sunscreen Guide. Here are some of their findings:

MexiTan & Tropical Sands - Both brands are made by MexiTan, but MexiTan is the cheapest natural sunscreen they could find. At $2.19 an ounce for SPF 30, this sunscreen protects you from both UVA and UVB radiation while having a low hazard rating for its ingredients.

Purple Prairie SunStuff Natural Sunscreen - Available in SPF 30, it’s among the best affordable ($2.31 an ounce) natural sunscreens on the market.

Solbar Zinc Sun Protection Cream - If you are looking for a higher SPF, check this product out. With an SPF 38, this sunscreen is among the most affordable ($2.46 an ounce) on the best list for natural sunscreens.

Nature’s Gate Mineral Kid’s block - This is the most affordable top-rated natural sunscreen for kids. At $1.45 an ounce and a SPF of 20 it will protect your kids and your wallet.

Caribbean Solutions Sol Kid Kare Sunscreen - This SPF 25 sunscreen is among the most affordable ($2.24 an ounce) for kids on the Environmental Working Group’s “best” list for natural sunscreens.

Sunbow Dora the Explorer Sunscreen - This SPF 30 mineral sunscreen is also among the most affordable on the best list at $2.60 an ounce.

BabyGanics Cover-Up Baby Sunscreen - With a 50+ SPF, its protective and the most affordable ($1.96 an ounce) natural baby sunscreen available on the market.

Eco Skin Care Baby Sunscreen - It’s among the most affordable ($4.62 an ounce) on the best list for natural baby sunscreens and has a SPF of 30+.

California Baby Sunscreen -This fragrance free sunscreen is among the most affordable ($5.17 an ounce) of the top-rated natural baby sunscreens and also has a SPF of 30+.

(Photo by FutUndBeidl)

*Prices reflect an article written in June 2011.

Resources: www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/natural-baby-sunscreen#fbIndex1 www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/natural-sunscreens-460608#fbIndex1

[timmypro-blog]

Make Your Lawn Greener With These Organic Tips

clipper mower

clover lawn

home composting

watering tips

http://eartheasy.com/grow_lawn_care.htm

http://eartheasy.com/blog/2011/06/grasscycling-%E2%80%93-the-easiest-way-to-nurture-your-lawn/

http://www.richsoil.com/lawn-care.jsp

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stopdown/2642046273/

http://cloverlawn.org/

http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/lawn-watering-tips-47071404

http://www.projectgreenify.com/2011/10/composting-101-.html

[timmypro-blog]

10 Quick and Easy Ways to Conserve Energy This Summer

Summer has arrived! It's time to pull out the sunscreen, swimming suits, and shorts! Most people love the fun that summertime brings, but they dread the electricity bills that they will be receiving in the next few months. Luckily, there are many small things that you can do every day that will add up to big savings for your family. These 10 summer energy efficiency tips will allow you to stop stressing about the bills and just enjoy everything that summer has to offer.

Reuse and air dry your beach towels - After you get out of the pool, you are essentially clean. The chlorine has killed any germs that may have existed before, so all your towel is doing is removing the water. That means that you can easily use the same beach towel several times before washing it. When you start to notice a smell coming from the towel, it is definitely time to wash it. However, when you do wash your beach towels, you should still let them air dry. Plus, the sight of beach towels drying in the wind are bound to make you more than slightly nostalgic.

Stock up your fridge - The more food that you have in your fridge, the better. That is because when you open the door the cold air is quickly replaced by warm air. The more food that is in the fridge, the less air there is to replace. By keeping your fridge full, it will not have to use as much energy to work as hard to cool the food back down after you close the door. As a bonus, you get to keep a fridge full of food all summer, which can't be a bad thing.

Install ceiling fans in the rooms where you spend most of your time - Ceiling fans work by circulating the cool air in a room. In fact, if you use a ceiling fan, you can raise the temperature of your air conditioner's thermostat by four degrees, and the room will still feel like it is the same temperature. Just don't forget to turn off the fan when you leave the room. A ceiling fan that is running in an empty room is a complete waste of energy, as it is not actually cooling the air in any way.

Shade your windows - When your windows are shaded, that means that less sun can get into your home, and less sun means less heat. There are many different ways for you to shade your windows. First, you always want to keep your blinds and curtains closed when the sun is out. This alone will make a dramatic difference in the temperature of your home. If you would like additional shade, we recommend that you install sun shades or awnings on your windows. Another environmentally-friendly option is to plant some trees. They will not be able to provide you with some shade for a few years, but when they do, you will be glad you planted them.

Replace your air filters monthly - This tip is short and sweet: When your air filter is not clean, your air conditioner is not operating at its maximum efficiency. If you keep the air filter clean, your air conditioner can run like it is supposed to, saving you some money in the process.

Keep closet and bathroom doors closed - The cold air from your A/C is going to fill any space it can find. You may as well keep this air in the rooms that you actually use. By closing the doors to closets, bathrooms, and unused bedrooms, you will maximize the amount of cold air that is in your actual living spaces.

Shorten your showers - Think about how much time you spend actually scrubbing and washing in the shower. Now think about how much time you spend just standing there enjoying the warm water on your back. Okay, now imagine all that warm water as money going down the drain. Makes you want to take shorter showers, doesn't it?

Use your appliances in the evenings - Your washer and dryer, dishwasher, and oven produce a lot of heat. This heat makes your air conditioner work overtime to keep your home cool. Instead, try to save the laundry and dishes for when the sun goes down. If you do need to cook something, opt for the microwave. Not only does the microwave produce a lot less heat, it also uses a lot less energy than your oven does. Bonus tip: It is still more energy efficient to use a dishwasher to wash your dishes instead of hand-washing them; however, you should still let them air-dry for maximum efficiency.

Use individual fans when possible - There is no need to cool an entire house when you are only in one room. An individual fan pointed right at your face can even keep you cooler than your air conditioner can, and it uses a lot less electricity.

Stock up on ice cream and popsicles - How is this energy efficient? Well, when you eat ice cream and popsicles, your core temperature decreases. When you are colder, you will not to keep your air conditioner on as high. Plus, you can create many fun memories eating popsicles and ice cream with your family.

Now that you are armed with 10 new ways to conserve energy at home, you can continue having fun summer without worrying about how high the next electricity bill is going to be. And as usual, every penny saved is a penny earned.

(Photo by bjaglin)