Energy Efficiency | Eco-Mothering

Tips for Greening Your Home in Winter

When people talk about going green in winter, what usually comes to mind is weatherizing your home: sealing cracks, and insulating attics, pipes and heaters. But there also are other household tips to help make your winter more eco-friendly. Circulate those ceiling fans. It sounds odd, but if you change the direction of your ceiling fan so that it runs clockwise, it creates an updraft that allows the fan to circulate the warm air that gathers at the ceiling down to the space you inhabit. This simple act can save up to 10 percent on heating costs. Make your ice removal non-toxic. Chemical deicers come with caution warnings on them for a reason — they’re harmful to humans, pets and the environment. The impurities and added chemicals in road salt have been linked to aquatic dead zones, poisoned pets and plants, and increased risk of cancer in humans. Forget trying … Continue reading →

Tips for Conserving Electricity (an Acrostic)

By Donna DeForbes | April 29, 2014 - 5:00 am | Home and Garden, The Eco Lifestyle

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The other week we received a notice from National Grid, our energy company, reporting that we are in the top 20% of energy efficiency among our neighbors. Woohoo! Even though I’m eco-minded, I was surprised by the report. It was quite validating to know that the energy updates we’ve made in our home are actually working! It inspired me to write this post, offering an acrostic of 10 ways to save electricity. Switch all light bulbs to CFLs or LEDs. Always cook using the smallest pot necessary and keep a lid on it. Ventilate sparingly in the bathroom — open a window if possible; otherwise run the fan for no more than 20 minutes after a shower. Energy-Star appliances are the way to go! Embrace natural light by opening shades. Not using it? Turn it off or unplug it. Employ timers and motion detectors for light fixtures. Reduce your … Continue reading →

6 Simple Energy-Saving Habits for Your Family

By Donna DeForbes | October 22, 2013 - 5:30 am | Home and Garden

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This is a guest post from Kevin Bumgardner. Some easy energy-saving habits can help reduce carbon emissions. When you stick with these habits and use energy-saving services, appliances and optimal energy providers, you will increase your efficiency and save money. You — and the earth — are going to reap the benefits. When you become a good role model to your kids by making simple earth-friendly habits normal, you not only help them but pave the way for an environmentally responsible future generation. Turn Off Your Lights This is one of the most common (and easy) energy-saving habits. It takes several weeks to fully form a habit, so the more you are reminded to turn off the lights, the more likely you will do so on a consistent basis. Your lights might not draw a lot of power individually, but when you leave your entire house lit up for hours … Continue reading →