On Friday, the Associated Press identified a number of energy saving tips as either fact or fiction. For example, do screen savers really save energy? Does it really make a difference how full you keep your refigerator? AP consulted with multiple sources, including the Department of Energy and General Electric, to cut through the confusion [...]

If you’re considering purchasing bamboo flooring, it’s crucial that you do some research prior to selecting a specific product. To guarantee that you choose durable and healthful flooring, you need to ask some fundamental questions, including the following: 1. Was the bamboo harvested at an appropriate maturity (roughly 5 – 6 years)? Flooring produced with [...]

Many electronics, including computers and DVD players, use ‘phantom energy’ (e.g., to power digital clocks) when in standby. You can cut your energy costs by unplugging these electronics when they remain unused for an extended period of time (e.g., at night). This also can help keep electronics from overheaing. Further, by lowering your energy consumption, [...]

You can improve your indoor air quality with a variety of common plants. NASA scientists have identified 10 plants that are most effective in removing formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide. They are: Bamboo Palm, Chinese Evergreen, English Ivy, Gerbera Daisy, Janet Craig, Marginata, Mass Cane/Corn Plant, Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, Pot Mum, Peace Lily, and Warneckii. So, [...]

Green Guide writes: Many consumers are turning to “eco-friendly” paints for both the environmental benefits and also out of concern for their own health. Type Opt for latex paints, if you have to buy a synthetic paint. The majority of household paints today are either alkyd (solvent/oil) or water (latex/plastic/emulsion) based. Alkyd paints, which are [...]

This simple and inexpensive installation can help prevent the flow of hot and cold drafts, which leak through interior switches and outlets. Blocking the infiltration of these drafts can help reduce your energy consumption, thereby reducing your heating/cooling costs.