10 Quick Water Saving Tips

Here are ten quick water saving tips that can save significant amounts of water over the year and don’t take a lot to implement.

1. Do Not Over-Water Plants and Lawns. Avoid water runoff into streets and gutters and use a moisture meter to monitor waterings.
2. For Best Results Try Morning Watering. Before 9am is best as evaporation loss is at a minimum.
3. Avoid Washing Down Paved Areas. Sweep driveway and sidewalks in garden cleanup. You’ll save water and burn a few extra calories.
4. When Washing the Car… Use a bucket of water. Hose off only to rinse. Use a biodegradable soap and do it on the lawn - maximum efficiency!
5. Repair Faucet Leaks. As much as 15 gallons of water can be lost each day with a slow drip. Dripping water also damages sinks by encouraging rust and mildew.
6. Avoid Toilet Water Waste. Use a toilet tank bank to save water and don’t use the toilet as a trash disposal. Invest in a composter.
7. Don’t Fall Asleep in the Shower. You’ll hurt yourself. Plus, an extra five minutes in the shower could mean another 50 gallons down the drain. Use a moderate stream or, better yet, a low-flow shower head that has maximum force using minimal water.
8. The Automatic Dishwasher… Use it Wisely. Half loads cheat you out of full water use. Who likes being cheated?
9. Watch Those Laundry Loads, Too. Some 50 gallons of water are used to wash a load of clothes. Make every load count.
10. Avoid the Running Faucet. Don’t run water continuously while shaving, brushing teeth, peeling vegetables, or washing dishes. Turn it off! Or, use a handy dandy sink aerator with a nifty flow control to temporarily halt water without losing temperature. Cool!

Energy Efficient Kitchens

Efficiency is becoming a hot topic in many modern households. Not only do we know that saving energy helps our environment, but rising power prices also means that it makes fiscal sense to invest in an energy-conscious home. The kitchen is one of the top places where homes waste energy. This guide will help you determine whether your kitchen is energy efficient, and give you tips on how to improve your power usage.

Energy Efficient Refrigeration

Refrigerators are one of the leading sources of energy waste in the kitchen. Not only does it take a lot of power to keep our foods cool, but every time we open the door an influx of warm air makes the process start over again. Some tips for more energy efficient refrigeration include:

• Make sure that your refrigerator is in good working condition and well-sealed.
• When buying a new refrigerator, look for a model that’s rated for good energy efficiency.
• Keep your refrigerator full. The less empty space, the less cool air will be lost when the doors are open.
• Allow foods to cool before placing them in the refrigerator.
• Avoid opening the refrigerator doors more often than necessary.

Energy Efficient Cooking

The stovetop and oven can also be major sources of power waste in the kitchen. By being mindful of how you cook, you can save money and conserve power. Here are some tips:

• When cooking on the range, use as few burners as possible. A one-pan dish needs only half as much energy as a meal that needs to be cooked on two burners.
• Turn the heat down once you have reached the boiling point. Usually you don’t need full heat to maintain the boil.
• Don’t open the door of the oven to check progress. This loses significant heat, which requires more energy to replace.
• Don’t preheat unless necessary.

Energy Efficient Washing

Dishwashers are a huge boon to cleaning, but they can also suck up unnecessary energy. Some tips for using dishwashers more sparingly include:

• Rinse dishes to avoid the chances of having to put them through a second cycle.
• Wait until the dishwasher is full before running it.
• Consider drying the dishes yourself. The drying cycle of the dishwasher uses a lot of energy, whereas letting them air dry or toweling them off by hand uses none at all.

Prevent Your Kitchen Appliances from Wasting Energy

Even if they are not turned on, your kitchen appliances may be using up low levels of energy for no useful purpose. Items like microwaves, coffee machines, and bread makers use up a little bit of energy per hour even when not in use. This slow energy drain adds up, so unplug your kitchen appliances when not in use.

These simple tips to make your kitchen more energy efficient can help save the environment while saving you money at the same time, so why not get started today?

Lighter roofs can save energy.

According to the Los Angeles Times, light roofs can save up to $1 Billion per year in energy costs. Since 2005, California has required lighter roofs on all new and retrofitted commercial buildings with flat roofs. Starting next year, this requirement will be placed on all commercial buildings as well new and retrofitted residential developments, including those with sloped roofs.

Going Green

The phrase ” going green” is something that we hear frequently these days. It seems everywhere we turn we are bombarded with products and suggestions that promise to help our families live a more green lifestyle. Unfortunately, it is not always economically feasible for every family to make some of the more obvious large changes. However, there are many small simple changes everyone can make that will have a big impact on the environment over time. Read more