Are the bills piling up?

by Ethan Ewing, www.bills.com

If you’re like many Americans, you’re probably looking for ways to trim costs while the economy is in a down turn.  According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average American home will spend $990 on heating this year.  Create a little breathing room in your budget with these 7 tips for lowering your winter energy bills.

1. Protect your system. Change furnace filters regularly to keep your air clean and to ensure maximum air flow. If your home, apartment or condo unit has an individual furnace or boiler, have it inspected by a professional. A furnace that works properly will be more efficient and less likely to fail. For maximum savings, ask the service person for tips on ways you can maintain your system yourself.
2. Turn down the heat.
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   If your health permits, lower the thermostat to 68 degrees (or even lower). For every one degree the thermostat is lowered, heating costs decrease by up to 5 percent. At night, or when the home is empty, lower the temperature as far as possible while protecting your health and the safety of pipes. If necessary, stay cozy with an electric blanket.

3. Program the temperature. Make furnace settings automatic by installing a programmable thermostat. These devices cost about $40 and are simple to install.
4. Save hot water energy. Turn the temperature on the hot water heater to 120 degrees – or, if yours is equipped only with a scale, turn it down a notch. Most people can save up to 10 percent of water heating costs, maintaining plenty of hot water (and the water will be less likely to cause accidental scalding). If the hot water heater is situated in a cool area, consider adding an insulating jacket to help maintain water temperatures and reduce heating time. Insulate the first few feet of pipe that transport hot water from the water heater. If you need to replace a water heater, consider a tankless or “on-demand” unit. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates these appliances are 8 percent to 34 percent more efficient than conventional hot water tanks.
5. Insulate. Carefully inspect your home for drafty spots where cold air can enter. The most common culprits are doors and windows. Install weather stripping and door sweeps to block drafts. Add old-fashioned “draft dodgers” for a quick fix at exterior doors. Other common areas for air leaks are locks, outlets, air conditioning units and recessed light fixtures.  Cover outside vents, including air conditioning units. If possible, install insulated electrical outlet boxes and light fixtures. Check out The Energy Star program’s free guide to home insulation.
6. Shop around. Those who purchase fuel oil have a choice of energy providers. Do compare prices to obtain the lowest rates.
7. Take a tax credit. In 2009, homeowners who add certain efficiency measures to their homes can take a tax credit of up to 10 percent of the cost of the materials used, up to $500 per home. Learn more about tax credits here.

Photo by woodsy

The Green Parent Pick: Go get a real tree. Sure, it means cutting down a tree. But these days nearly all Christmas trees are grown on tree farms. So deforestation is not an issue and it is really no different than harvesting corn or any other crop. From a global warming perspective, sustainable tree farms actually provide a continued “sink” for carbon dioxide emissions. And real trees are not made from PVC plastics that are harmful to the planet. Just be selective about the tree farm you choose to buy from and look for one that does not use an excess of pesticides and other chemicals.

Green Parent Tip: Get the family together and head out to your local tree farm to cut your own Christmas tree. Surf over to to see if there is an organic tree farm in your area. When the holidays are over, toss your undecorated tree in the backyard to provide wildlife habitat or in the compost bin for next year’s mulch.

Live Trees: A live, potted Christmas trees may seem like a good option for Green Parents, however, you have to make sure that you live in an area where your tree will thrive once it is planted. In addition, live trees are truly not meant to endure the warm temperatures inside your home. So it’s best to either leave it outside or bring it in for only a few days during the season.

Green Parent Tip: If you really want a live tree, your best bet would be to find a suitable tree in your backyard, and decorate it (with eco-friendly decorations, of course) right where it stands.

Artificial trees: Artificial trees require the use of a significant amount of energy and petroleum-based (PVC) resources in their manufacture. In addition, most artificial trees today are manufactured in China, and are literally shipped halfway around the world to their destinations. And there are also some new concerns about residues of lead and other chemicals on artificial trees.

However, if you are going to buy one tree that you are sure you will use and reuse year after year for the next few decades, the environmental damage caused by producing and shipping your tree would be minimal when averaged out over the lifespan of the tree. And just think of all the gas and energy you will save from year to year by not having to head out to the local Christmas tree farm.

Green Parent Tip: Purchase an artifical tree that is made in the U.S.A to minimize the pollution and resource consumption caused by shipping. (Check out and for aritificial trees that are 100% lead free and made in the U.S.A.) Reuse the same tree from year to year.

There’s still time to enter to win a Weatherproofing Kit from Niagara Conservation.  Click here to enter.

Weatherproofing 101: Doors

by Mark Furst, Grading Spaces

Most issues with doors are due to gasket problems, either missing pieces or the door itself being poorly adjusted and not hitting the gasket right. A common leak point is at the top corners where the vertical and horizontal gaskets don’t meet up accurately and leaves a gap. Often, I find that the latch of the door isl oose and I’m not able to pull the door tight up to the gasket. Sometimes this assembly can be simply tightened, other times it makes sense just to install a new latching mechanism as cheaper latches tend to loosen up internally. Cats and dogs can be hard on a gasket if they claw at it. A simple fix I have done to my own back door is to stick a foam strip to the door that hits the existing gasket and seals up any voids in it. This is simpler and cheaper than replacing the gasket itself, just make sure not to use a foam that is too stiff to allow the door to close properly.

The threshold at the bottom of the door is an area that often leaks. Many quality doors have adjustable thresholds that can be raised or lowered to touch the door and create a seal, but is sometimes not adjusted after installation. If the door does not have this, the fix can be a bit more involved. Simply sticking a gasket to the bottom of the door will fail quickly. Usually the best fix is to install a sweep strip on the inside of the door that touches the back of the threshold. These usually have oval slots so you can slope the sweep to accommodate for doors that were installed out of square, or a floor that’s not level.

If the gasket at the bottom of the door is failing, sometimes the culprit is the hinges and their attachment to the framing itself. With the door open, push on the edge of the door towards the hinges. IF there is any movement, the hinges screws need to be tightened. Sometimes inexperienced door installers will not run a screw through the hinge and jamb (frame) and then on into the framing which holds the door in place much more securely than the screws only in the jamb. Occasionally, the screws will be stripped out and need replacing. Getting the next screw size up usually can work, just make sure that the screw head will fit flush into the hinge or else it will not allow the door to close completely.

Sometimes I find an interior door being used as an exterior one. This will be very inefficient, both thermally (it will be uninsulated) and airwise (gaskets will, typically, not be adequate) and if you have this, I would recommend replacement rather than trying to fix it up. The best exterior steel or fiberglass doors can be very efficient with R values up to R15, which is comparable to the walls into which they are installed.

As with windows, the area around the unit can be as leaky as the unit itself. Check the gap between the jamb and the framing. It should be filled with low expansion foam to prevent air movement.

Hybrid Vehicle Tax Credits: Hybrid cars purchased after December 31, 2005 may be elegible for federal tax credit of up to $3400 depending on the make, model, and year of your ride. Check out the U.S. Department of Energy’s New Energy Tax Credits for Hybrids to see if your’s qualifies.

Energy Efficiency Tax Credits: You may qualify for a tax credit for investing in energy efficient products around your house such as insulation, a tankless water heater, exterior windows, sky lights, and exterior doors. Check out this I.R.S. Energy Policy Act fact sheet for more info.

Solar Energy and Fuel Cell Tax Credits: If you installed a solar panel, solar water heater, or fuel cell in your home last year, you may qualify for a tax credit of up to 30% of the product cost (up to $2000 for solar and $500 per 0.5kW for fuel cells).

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Supports a cap-and-trade system to cut U.S. emissions 80% below 1990 levels by 2050

Renewable Energy: Proposes $50 billion 10-year fund to invest in renewable energy. Aims for 25% of U.S. energy to come from renewables by 2025

Fuel-Economy Standards for Cars: Supports fleetwide standard of 40 mpg by 2020 and 55 mpg by 2030

Coal:

Proposes a “phased-in” requirement to require new coal plants to trap and store carbon emissions. Supports “clean-coal” technologies that produce fewer emissions than conventional.

Nuclear Energy: “Agnostic” regarding nuclear power
Barack Obama

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Supports a cap-and-trade system to cut U.S. emissions 80% below 1990 levels by 2050

Renewable Energy: Proposes $150 billion over 10-years in investments in renewable energy. Calls for 25% of U.S. energy to come from renewables by 2025 and 30% of the federal government’s electricity to come from renewables by 2020.

Fuel-Economy Standards for Cars: Supports standard for cars of 40 mpg and light trucks of 32 mpg by 2020.

Coal: Would consider a moratorium on new coal plants unless they trap and store carbon emissions as long as this moratorium does not slow the construction of new plants. Supports “clean-coal” technologies that produce fewer emissions than conventional.

Nuclear Energy: Supports nuclear power

John McCain

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Coauthor of the Climate Stewardship and Innovation Act, which would reduce emissions 65% by 2050. Supports a cap-and-trade system.

Renewable Energy: Supports renewables but does not have an articulated plan for investments or standards. Voted against a 10% standard in 2005 and a 20% standard in 2002.

Fuel-Economy Standards for Cars: Supports raising standards but has not stated a target.

Coal: Supports U.S. use of coal.

Nuclear Energy: Supports nuclear power

Mitt Romney

Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Does not support a cap-and-trade system unless it is enacted globally.

Renewable Energy: Supports renewables but does not have an articulated plan for investments or standards.

Fuel-Economy Standards for Cars: Opposes raising standards and calls for “other steps” to make cars more efficient

Coal: Supports U.S. use of coal.

Nuclear Energy: Supports nuclear power.

Knowledge is Power

Need more info? Check out these sites for comprehensive info about each candidate’s environmental voting records.

League of Conservation Voters
Grist: How Green Is Your Candidate?

Need to Register?

It’s not too late! Click the link below to register and then get out and vote!

In the typical American household, 35 to 45% of all of the drinkable (or potable) water is used to flush the toilet. Older model toilets are the worst offenders, using 7-10 gallons of water with each flush. Newer models are slightly more conservative, using between 3-5 gallons. Flushing gallons of water down the toilet is not only a waste of the water itself, but also of the energy and resources used to filter that water and transport it to and from your house. It also costs you money twice: once on your water bill and again on your sewer bill.

So save yourself some money and help keep the environment from going down the toilet with these easy green parenting tips:

• Use The Can:Don’t use your toilet as a trash can. Toss tissues, dead bugs, and cigarette butts (make sure they’re out…better yet, don’t smoke!) in the garbage to avoid unnecessary flushes.
• Gotta Leak? Not sure if the toilet at your house is leaking? Drop a little food coloring in the toilet tank. If the color seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, there is a leak.
• Dam It! You only need about 2 gallons of water to successfully flush your toilet. If your toilet uses more than that, make a toilet dam by filling a plastic water bottle with pebbles or water and place it in your toilet tank. This will reduce the overall volume of the tank and cut down on the amount of water flushed down the drain.
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  If you have an active toilet (and if you have kids it’s likely that you do), this can save you roughly 300 gallons of water each month.

Isn’t there are greener way for kids to help raise money for their school without trashing the planet? Here are some great ideas for greening your child’s next school fundraiser:

Sell Green Stuff: A number of upcoming organizations, such as Greenraising (www.greenraising.com) and Lets Go Green (www.letsgogreen.biz) now offer eco-friendly fundraising opportunities. Both offer a range of products to choose from such as SIGG water bottles, eco-friendly cleaning products, and recycled office supplies that can support and protect the eco-friendly cause while also raising some much needed green for your child’s school. Another great green option is to sell reusable grocery bags through companies such as Chico Bag (www.chicobag.com) or ReuseThisBag.com (www.reusethisbag.com). Imprint your school or club’s logo on these eco-friendly bags to show-off your school spirit.

Host A Green Event: You can raise a pot of cash for your school with a green, waste-free event such as a spaghetti dinner or pancake breakfast. Hold the event in your school’s cafeteria or your local fire hall and hit up local businesses to donate food, reusable napkins, and compostable dishes.

Pledge To Be Green: Kids can raise money and get a little exercise with a green fundraiser such as a walk-a-thon or obstacle course. Pledgers can donate cash for every lap walked or obstacle achieved. The only resource your kids will use is their own boundless energy!

Photo credit: André Menegatti

1. Park It: Make every effort to walk, bike, or take public transit instead of driving you car. For inspiration, check out Alan Durning’s Year of Living Car-Lessly to read about his family of five’s car-free adventures.

1. Eat Local Foods: According to a recent report by the Natural Resource Defense Council, the average American meal contains ingredients from at least five countries outside the U.S. These ingredients are shipped by boat, train, and plane to our dinner plates, leaving a path of pollution and resource depletion in their wake. Make an effort this year to eat foods that are grown closer to home. Check out Sustainable Table for a state-by-state list of the seasonal foods that are found near you.

1. Trim Your Trash: Why put yourself on a diet when you can make a resolution to put your trash on one instead? The average American produces roughly 4.5 pounds of trash each day (that’s 17 pounds of trash thrown away each day for a family of four!) Trim that waste-line by practicing the three R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) Check out these posts for great ways to reduce waste:

1. Turn Off A Light: There’s nothing worse than heading out the door with your arms full of kids, diaper bags, sippy cups, and snacks, only to realize that every light in the house is still burning. Make it your New Year’s resolution to turn off lights as you leave a room…better yet, put your kids in charge of “light patrol.” You’ll save a bundle in energy bills and light bulbs!

1. Vote Green: 2008 promises to be a big year at the ballot box, both at the national and local level.

   So before you cast your vote, check out the League of Conservation Voters to see where you favorite (and not so favorite) candidates stand on the environment.

]]> http://www.thegreenparent.com/2007/12/28/top-5-green-parent-new-year%e2%80%99s-resolutions/feed/ 10 http://www.thegreenparent.com/2007/12/14/green-your-christmas-with-low-energy-holiday-lights/ http://www.thegreenparent.com/2007/12/14/green-your-christmas-with-low-energy-holiday-lights/#comments Fri, 14 Dec 2007 14:52:00 +0000 Jenn Savedge http://www.thegreenparent.com/?p=83

Whether you like lights that are white or multi-colored, make them green with LED lights that use 90% less energy and last much longer than traditional bulbs. LEDs don’t heat up like standard bulbs…so they stay cooler, are safer for kids, and pose less risk of fires. And if one bulb does break or burn out, the rest of the lights in the strand will keep glowing.

If you can’t find LED Christmas lights at your local store, check out Holiday LEDs or Forever Brights from Christmas Treasures to light up your holidays while going easy on the planet. To get even more green from your outdoor Christmas lights, try Solar Illuminations for solar-powered Christmas LEDs.

Photo credit: Graham Soult

Sure, you could argue that Hanukkah, even at it’s most elaborately festive, does not even come close to eliciting the same commercial over-consumption and environmental damage as Christmas. But the fact remains that there are a number of things that you can do to celebrate Hanukkah with your family while minimizing your impact on the environment. Here’s a few ideas:

1. Raid your recycling bin to make your own “green” menorah
2. Check out The Green Parent Holiday Gift Guide for low-impact, eco-friendly gift ideas.
3. Save paper by sending your holiday cheer via ecards and slideshows instead of by mail.
4. Surf over the COEJL website for blessings, energy saving tips, games, and kid-friendly craft ideas to help you celebrate an eco-savvy Festival of Lights.