Green Renewable Energy

The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that between 1992 and 2002, Australians spent over $1.6 billion on home renovation. And with the current economic downturn, more and more homeowners are considering hanging on to their residents and giving them a new look instead of buying a new one.

One of the first renovation considerations for most homeowners is remodelling the bathroom. That salmon colour scheme with sea foam green might have been a great look for the 50s, but it just might not be your cup of tea.

For the eco minded renovation, there are many sustainable options for the bathroom. From tips to save water, energy - and some precious cleaning time - here are some Green Pages eco tips for going eco in your bathroom:

Eco Home Tip # 1 - Upcycle/Recycle - Consider second hand pieces for furniture. An old dresser or buffet could make a great vanity. By visiting some great recycle shops, you may find a treasure trove to inspire the ecomagination.

Eco Home Tip # 2 - Lighting au natural - consider installing a skylight to let in natural light during the day. Many skylights can also be ventilated which will save on cleaning (see Eco Tip 5). For artificial, opt for energy efficient globes and fixtures.

Eco Home Tip # 3 - Hey you, try a watersaving loo - Australians were the first to pioneer dual flush toilets, let’s all be proud. The unique shape of the bowl is the secret behind this ingenious invention, which can save on average 35,000 litres of water a year. There’s also the option of installing a waterless urinal in your home, the perfect water saving solution for a house of growing boys.

Eco Home Tip # 4 - Low flow taps and showerheads - Get your fittings measured up and put in flow restrictors or install some low flow fittings. When getting your plumbing put in, call certified Green Plumber who can answer many of our eco bathroom questions.

Eco Home Tip # 5 - Ventilation Revolution - Hate cleaning the bathroom? Here’s a quick tip - by installing a fan or ceiling ventilation, you reduce the build up of mould, mildew and foul odours. This means less cleaning, especially with those harsh bleach based chemical cleaners. (which you should ditch for eco cleaning ideas)

Eco Home Tip # 6 - Eco IS a material change - there are eco option for practically everything, solvent free eco paint, sustainable timber or bamboo cabinetry, recycled glass tiles, screens, blinds, windows, everything you can think of. Do your research on sustainable architecture and eco home products such as those listed on the Green Pages green directory for the green home.

And don’t forget, once you have eco bathroom of your dreams, stock it up with some great eco home products. Delectably scented beeswax candles, luxurious organic cotton or bathroom towels, organic hemp shower curtains and organic soaps (and of course recycled loo paper!) are just some great items you can use to give the your own personal eco touch.

The Green Pages green directory has all the best green products to help you go green.

Great place for Alternative Energy ideas

1. Start by switching to green power

   The easiest way to switch to green energy is to call your current provider and see if they offer an alternative. An increasing number of companies do, harnessing renewable sources like wind and solar power to offer electric service in their markets. This costs more for the consumer, since you’ll pay a premium to offset the money involved in tapping the alternative source, but the price varies: in Sacramento, you’ll pay 5 cents per kilowatt hour or $30 a month for solar, and in Oregon you’ll shell out only .8 cents per kilowatt hour for wind, geothermal, or hydropower. Curious about the options in your state?

2. Plug in to solar power

   There are two kinds of solar power you can use in your home: active and passive. Active solar power is captured through solar cells (also known as photovoltaics), and then stored to later provide heat or electricity-or to supplement a traditional heating or electrical system. But before you buy a solar system for your house, keep a few points in mind: many towns have restrictions on the size and type of collectors they’ll allow; the annual number of sunny days in your climate will affect how much power you can collect (the Southwest usually has the best luck with solar collection); and the system’s cost efficiency varies based on its size, your location, and the amount of power you plan to get from it.

3. Get passive solar to work for you

   The second kind of solar power, passive solar, doesn’t involve the (expensive) photovoltaic cells and mechanical systems of active solar, but still takes advantage of the sun to heat your home in one of three ways: direct gain, which collects light through the windows; indirect gain, which stores thermal energy within the walls; and isolated gain, more commonly put to use in a solarium or sun room setup. By thinking about window placement, insulation, and even landscaping–trees can be the ultimate passive solar helpers, since they soak up solar in the hot summer, and let the sun through in the winter—it’s possible to help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

4. Opt for solar hot water

   You can also use solar power to heat the water for your showers, dishwasher, and laundry (though why aren’t you using cold water for that?) by installing a solar hot water system. If you live in a place where freezing temps aren’t a concern, look for a direct circulation system-this cycles water through the solar heater and into the home; otherwise, go for an indirect circulation system, which runs a freeze-proof fluid through the system to prevent icing. Both those active systems are generally more efficient than passive solar heaters, which don’t have the same pumps and controls but can be more dependable. No matter which system you choose, you’ll want to consider a (smaller) more traditional hot water heater for backup on days when the sun won’t come out or for showering during peak times.

5. Tap into the earth’s natural geo-energy

   The terms “geothermal” and “ground source heat pump” are nearly interchangeable in casual conversation-but they shouldn’t be, since they’re not the same. Geothermal energy comes right from the ground-think hot springs, geysers, and volcanic areas—while ground source heat pumps use the relatively steady temperature of the Earth (as compared to the air) to heat and cool buildings. These heat pumps use as little as half as much electricity as traditional systems, and generally last between 25 and 50 years; while they are more expensive to install than other systems, you can expect the system to pay for itself in energy savings in less than 10 years.

6. Replace oil with biofuel

   You can also heat your home using biofuels—nontoxic, biodegradable, and renewable power sources, like those made from animal and vegetable fats and oils or wood. If you’re using oil heat, have a technician take a look at your furnace and get the okay to switch to a blend of 20%-99% biodiesel; in most cases, you won’t need any additional parts or service to make the switch. Using a woodstove to heat your home is an age-old solution, but the more modern version is the pellet stove: The pellets of compressed sawdust take up less storage space than a wood pile, and burn with so few emissions that they aren’t required to get EPA certification. (One tip: if you’re going this route, find a local source for inexpensive pellets first.)

7. Harness the power of the wind

   Wind energy is one of the cleanest forms of alternative energy available, and using it can cut your electricity bill by as much as 90 percent. Once you make sure your area is zoned to allow wind turbines, you’ll want to make sure you have enough space—the Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy suggests at least one acre of rural land—and a climate that affords a steady breeze. Run an energy audit on your home to determine what size turbine you’ll need; most houses require between 5 and 15 kilowatts to produce an average of 780 kilowatt hours every each month. And wind turbine systems aren’t cheap, so run the numbers to figure out if you’ll save enough to make the 20-year investment worth it.

8. Capture small-scale hydropower

   Before you can use hydropower for residential energy, you’ll need one very important jumping-off point: running water on your property. If you are lucky enough to have a creek, stream, or river in your backyard, then a micro hydropower system may be a good alternative energy solution. By diverting a portion of the water through a wheel or turbine, you allow a shaft to spin; the spinning allows immediate results, like pumping water, or more indirect usage, like powering a generator. These calculations from the Department of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy can help you figure out if your water source will provide enough energy to significantly offset your electric bill.

9. Make a smart start

   If you’re in the process of buying a home, it’s easier to make alternative energy work for you, by buying a property that comes with running water or room for wind turbines, for example. If you’re designing from the ground up, choose a roof that’s specially fitted for solar panels; place your house on the lot so it takes advantage of the sun; build with passive solar materials; and use daylighting technology by installing windows and doors in places that allow you to get the most out of natural light sources,and to go green.

10. Think smaller

    If you can’t make the jump to powering your entire house with alternative energy, start by focusing on one room at a time. Or look even more closely at your life, and get small solar cells to charge your laptop, cell phone, iPod, and other small gadgets—every little bit helps!

Great place for Alternative Energy ideas

eco friendly products
Ever heard the term ‘biodegradable’? We have all heard it in science classes, but most of us may have listened to it half-heartedly. Today, however, this term is whipping up loads of emotions all over the world. While a large section of the population is vociferously supporting the cause of biodegradable products, a few still believe that this is a case of much ado about nothing. When it comes to making the decision to go green by changing your lifestyle, most people are hesitant to take the first step. Many feel that it is a chore; others think that one person simply cannot make a difference.

If you happen to be perched on the wall regarding this debate, then, here are the top reasons why it is necessary that you take a pro-environment stand – Now!

Many developed countries like America and Europe suffer from severe consumption addiction. They use non-biodegradable products, which will never be recycled or reused. For instance, it is believed that millions of used mobile phones finding their way to landfills everyday. These phones will stay there for thousands of years. Products like Styrofoam, plastic, PVC and cadmium
choke the environment. People have long been using plastic bags for shopping. It is believed that America alone produces billions of polybags every year. When you consider the total volume of plastic waste generated by the expanding populations of the world, you will realize that it is enough to make major changes to the planet.

Unfortunately, the majority of such wastes are made from toxic, non-biodegradable materials that release hazardous waste into the air and earth. By opting to switch over from plastic bags to environment friendly products like bamboo and hemp products, you drastically reduce the non-biodegradable waste in the environment.

Eco friendly products encourage and enable healthy lifestyles for people who care enough for the society and environment they live in. Thus, they encourage safe living for future generations.

Eco friendly products are made with fewer raw materials. That means there is comparatively lesser destruction of forests and trees.

Sustainable, eco friendly products are typically cheaper and they last longer. The cost of most products is dependent on the kind of materials used. However, it is important to remember that some organic products may be expensive because they are grown in a pesticide-free environment. Even so, sustainable products have a longer payback period and represent the correct use of resources.

Eco friendly products are generally manufactured in an environmentally sound process. So, there is less emission of toxic waste and harmful chemicals. There is also a significant reduction of waste in the production process.

There is greater variety in eco friendly products because they are made from materials that are widely available. Also, many of these products are ingenuously manufactured. So they have special textures, feel and look. Add to that the feel-good factor associated with doing the right thing and you have a perfect package of longevity, health and total return on your investment.

eco friendly products

GOING GREEN and GIVING UP ALL THOSE CHEMICALS

the great living site - is for natural product for the home - for the kids - for the family - for gifts .. for anything and everything in your life ..

Five advantages of going Certified Organic:
1. Beneficial to the Soil - Organic systems use a modern yet scientific knowledge of ecology and soil science, while using traditional techniques of crop rotations to provide fertility, weed as well as pest control.
2. Beneficial to the Environment - Organic systems try to lessen usage of non-renewable resources. Organic production tries all the while to provide sustenance and supports the optimum handling of the environment and wildlife as a precedence.
3. Beneficial to People - Organic products have been proven to possess more vitamins, nutrients and cancer-combating antioxidants as compared to non-organic products.
4. Absence of artificial Chemicals - Organic products ban using the synthetic chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers.
5. Absence of GMOs - Certified Organic products do not GMOs (genetically modified organisms), as they are banned as per standards laid down for organic food and farming. You can buy something that claims organic or natural but if there is no certified organic label they can use genetically modified components.

the great living site - is for natural product for the home - for the kids - for the family - for gifts .. for anything and everything in your life ..

Five advantages of going Certified Organic:
1. Beneficial to the Soil - Organic systems use a modern yet scientific knowledge of ecology and soil science, while using traditional techniques of crop rotations to provide fertility, weed as well as pest control.
2. Beneficial to the Environment - Organic systems try to lessen usage of non-renewable resources. Organic production tries all the while to provide sustenance and supports the optimum handling of the environment and wildlife as a precedence.
3. Beneficial to People - Organic products have been proven to possess more vitamins, nutrients and cancer-combating antioxidants as compared to non-organic products.
4. Absence of artificial Chemicals - Organic products ban using the synthetic chemicals, pesticides and fertilizers.
5. Absence of GMOs - Certified Organic products do not GMOs (genetically modified organisms), as they are banned as per standards laid down for organic food and farming. You can buy something that claims organic or natural but if there is no certified organic label they can use genetically modified components.
GOING GREEN

GOING GREEN and GIVING UP ALL THOSE CHEMICALS

the great living site - is for natural product for the home - for the kids - for the family - for gifts .. for anything and everything in your life ..

Five advantages of going Certified Organic:
1. Beneficial to the Soil - Organic systems use a modern yet scientific knowledge of ecology and soil science, while using traditional techniques of crop rotations to provide fertility, weed as well as pest control.
2. Beneficial to the Environment - Organic systems try to lessen usage of non-renewable resources. Organic production tries all the while to provide sustenance and supports the optimum handling of the environment and wildlife as a precedence.

Eco friendly products are back with a bang. They are not only cheap and eco friendly but also fashionable. The best feature of such products is they are not harmful to nature and can be recycled. What more can we ask for in the present scenario when climatic change is taking its toll on every aspect of our life?

If you are planning to construct a house of your own, you must take into consideration various factors - the feasibility in terms of cost, nature friendly and comfort. You can find all these aspects in eco friendly house. Rather than exposing your house to harmful gases, you can use natural products. Eco friendly products used to construct houses will do much good to your house and environment.

Lend an earthy look to your house by opting for eco green homes. Such homes will add a fresh look and allow you to breathe in a healthy atmosphere. Various natural products can be used to construct such houses. In context of global warming, such houses will help reduce the extent of damage done. It is also our moral responsibility to contribute towards the cause of nature. You can follow green home building plans and build a house at a lower cost as compared to conventional methods. You can adopt non-polluting practices to build green houses. Such houses are cool in summer and warm in winter. Bio degradable products can be reused and are not harmful too.

Following such practices will also affect your lifestyle and budget positively. If this practice was to be followed by everyone, the extent of damage can definitely be undone. Over a longer period of time, this will improve the quality of life, and also lower skyrocketing energy costs. Creating an awareness among people for the need to opt for such means will help the cause of nature.

The trend is fast catching up with builders too. They are building greener homes. These homes are available at the same cost and are affordable by all. If you have a choice of a traditional home and traditional home, or an energy efficient home which is available at the same price, you can opt for green homes. This will boost energy savings. Using natural products like bamboo is a good option as compared to conventional products like cement, marble. These products are not nature friendly and also harmful. These houses will certainly an earthy touch to the ambience. Green homes are built with higher environmental standards and don’t burn a hole in your pocket too.

About the Author:

Sadhana D, Expert author, Platinum status. Eco friendly house advice and tips: Eco Friendly House

Free guide or assistance on green homes: Green Homes for Sale

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Save Money With Eco Green Homes!

Author: Katrina

Nowadays, modern artificial lights are being used to sustain man’s demand for illumination. Who would not want modern artificial lights? In the absence of the sun, people are able to use light with convenience. They can have bright, quality lights by simply turning on the switch. Just as long as you have electricity, you can have limitless use of light.

Since modern artificial lights are being used all the time, energy consumption has also risen. Before, when improvements to lighting systems were not made, artificial lights consumed too much energy. Example is the incandescent light bulb. The problem with this item is that it could not even last for long. Most of the old lighting devices were inefficient and they do not last for a long time.

However, the trend in lighting systems has changed due to the introduction of energy-efficient lights. Since old devices have so many downsides, this new line of lighting systems have been introduced to the market to create quality lighting with minimal consequences.

Saving energy is of great importance to every person. The use of energy-efficient lives paves way for this. Every person in the world should start using them for its enormous benefits. Below are some of the reasons.

Environmental Importance

Global warming has been accelerated due to the high emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere. The emission of GHG has been attributed to excessive use of energy in various establishments, including your homes.

Although the use of energy lighting system is not only solution to reduction of GHG emissions, but it is definitely one of the measures you can apply. To be certain if you have an energy efficient lighting device, check for the energy star rating. If they have this, it means Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy guarantees its rating.

Financial Importance

The use of energy-efficient lighting has helped people in saving money. Since devices used consume less energy, this could also mean cheaper electrical bills. Now, you can get a chance to use it for your other spending.

Savings could also be attained through tax credits. Since the economic downturn, the government has given people a chance to reduce their federal taxes by implementing energy-saving practices. This includes use of energy-efficient appliances, as well as improvements. So the next time you make changes in your homes, you might want to include in your list the installation of solar panels or use of florescent lamps and compact florescent bulbs.

Energy efficient lights are the best way to meet your lighting requirements with lesser impact to the environment and to yourself. It can give the same quality (or even better) of light as the old lighting systems but it has benefits that an old device could never compete with. If you do a cost-benefit analysis, it is no doubt that the use of energy efficient lights will show a positive result.

So do not allow yourself to miss these benefits. Make the change now and be a happier homeowner.

About the Author:

Find more eco-friendly properties in Active-Adult Communities in Metro Phoenix Arizona and Retirement Property in Arizona.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Eco-friendly Lights: Reasons Why You Should Have Them

What comes to mind when you hear the term “eco-friendly homes”? Energy efficiency is something that people most often equate with this term and that is certainly an important part of eco-friendly homes, but there is more to being eco-friendly than just saving energy, a whole lot more. True eco-friendly homes should be created from materials that are either recycled or at least are not made from fossil fuels. Eco-friendly homes are about reducing waste, making better use of space and keeping things clean. Reduce, re-use, recycle is the mantra of the eco-friendly home builder.

Green Building Techniques

In fact, even the building techniques used to make a home can be easier on the environment. Builders are starting to think about building homes on fewer square feet of land (more earth left for plants to grow) and even including roof top gardens that help to insulate the home, while making more room for carbon monoxide-loving oxygen-producing plants, to grow. That is an example of what it truly means to “go green” with eco-friendly homes. Even small things like building the home in a south facing position can help to make better use of natural sunlight which can help the home to be more energy efficient.

Eco-friendly Building Materials

Building materials that do not result in deforestation of the earth, especially the delicate rain forests also help make eco-friendly homes. This can be anything from reclaimed wood that comes from river beds, standing dead wood or even from buildings or homes that are being torn down. So long as no living tree was cut down to build a home, that home is more eco-friendly. Mud, stones and even straw are natural building materials that are commonly being used in eco-friendly homes along with renewable resources like bamboo. Nowadays many types of products are being made from bamboo, a member of the grass family, from flooring to cabinets, to wall coverings.

Energy Efficiency

Of course, energy efficiency is an important part of eco-friendly homes. A well-insulated home with low E glass, double glazed windows, will help save energy and adding solar panels can help you create energy. Some eco-friendly homes even add power into the power grid and make money back from the electric companies by using solar or wind power. And adding solar panels to a home isn’t nearly as expensive as it used to be, you can even make your own solar panels with simple instructions and a kit that you can purchase. Some choose to heat their water with solar panel, thereby reducing their need for gas or electricity.

Making the Earth a Better Place

More and more people are realizing the importance and benefits of creating eco-friendly homes to better manage the earth’s natural resources so it can be a better place for future generations. More homes are being built with green building materials and techniques and people are even taking steps to make their current homes more environmentally sound. As building eco-friendly homes becomes more popular, these techniques will likely become more commonplace and actually become the standard for the home building industry. Meanwhile, a people who are looking to purchase or build a new homes should seriously consider “going green” with eco-friendly homes.

If you want to search for Santa Cruz eco-friendly homes or find out where the most energy efficient homes in Santa Cruz are, go to PropertyInSantaCruz.com and find yourself a great home by the beach.