Archive for November, 2009

100 ways to save energy-Part 10

Monday, November 30th, 2009

This information is reprinted from a booklet called “100+ Ways To Improve Your Electric Bill.” These simple, low- or no-cost tips can assist you in making your energy decisions and in gaining greater control over your electric bill. By following these tips, you also will improve the comfort and convenience of your home. And you’ll help to protect the environment by using energy wisely. Compiled by the Edison Electric Institute 2008© Washington, D. C. www.eei.org

DISHWASHING

Soak or pre-wash only in the cases of burned-on or dried-on foods.

Be sure that the dishwasher is full, but not overloaded.

Don’t use the “rinse hold” feature on your dishwasher when you only have a few soiled dishes.

Overall, dishwashers use less water than washing dishes by hand. For a full load of dishes in the dishwasher, washing the same dishes by hand would typically use at least 6 more gallons of hot water.

Look for dishwashers with internal booster heaters, so that you can set your water heater thermostat at 1200 F (rather than 1400 F or higher for dishwashing purposes). Most new dishwashers have this feature.

Look for the ENERGY STAR® label when purchasing a new dishwasher. New criteria went into effect on January 1, 2007, which made ENERGY STAR® units more than 35 percent more efficient than baseline units.

New federal efficiency standards for standard-size and compact dishwashers will take effect on January 1, 2010. For standard-size units, the efficiency standards are 6.5 gallons of water used per cycle and a maximum usage of 355 kilowatt-hours per year.

For more information on high-efficiency dishwashers, check out the following Web sites: www.aham.org and www.energystar.gov

OTHER APPLIANCES

In the market for a new television? Once you decide on the size, remember that an LCD TV will typically use much less electricity than a plasma TV. Rear projection TVs are typically more efficient than LCDs and plasmas.

Screen savers may save screens, but they do not save energy. Make sure that the screen saver does not deactivate your computer’s sleep mode. You can set the computer to operate the screen saver, then go into the sleep mode.

Look for the ENERGY STAR® label when shopping for a variety of appliances, such as dehumidifiers, ceiling fans, battery chargers, compact fluorescent lamps, a new television, VCR, DVD player/recorder, cordless phone, or home stereo system such as a “boom box.”

The ENERGY STAR® label is also used for computers. Look for it when shopping for a new computer, computer monitor, printer, scanner, or fax machine. Information on ENERGY STAR® computers is detailed at the www.energystar.gov Web site.

Note: New federal standards for dehumidifiers took effect in 2007, and higher efficiency standards will take effect in October 2012.

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100 ways to save energy-Part 9

Sunday, November 29th, 2009

This information is reprinted from a booklet called “100+ Ways To Improve Your Electric Bill.” These simple, low- or no-cost tips can assist you in making your energy decisions and in gaining greater control over your electric bill. By following these tips, you also will improve the comfort and convenience of your home. And you’ll help to protect the environment by using energy wisely. Compiled by the Edison Electric Institute 2008© Washington, D. C. www.eei.org

CLOTHES WASHING

A new federal efficiency standard for clothes washers took effect in January 2007. Make sure your new clothes washer meets or exceeds this standard, which is a Modified Energy Factor, or MEF, of 1.26, and a water factor of 9.5 or less.

(A water factor is the number of gallons of water used per cubic feet of clothes washed. For example, if a clothes washer uses 21 gallons and washes 3.0 cubic feet of clothes, the water factor is 7.0.)

Follow detergent instructions carefully. Over-sudsing actually hampers effective washing action and may require more energy in the form of extra rinses.

If you are in the market for a new washing machine, consider using a front-loading or horizontal axis washing machine. According to studies by the U.S. Department of Energy, these new units use at least 30 percent less water and 50 percent less energy to make hot water and wash clothes than regular washing machines. They are also gentler on fabrics.

Set the wash temperature selector to cold or warm and the rinse temperature to cold as often as possible. Sort laundry and schedule washes so that a complete job can be done with a few cycles of the machine carrying its full capacity rather than a greater number of cycles with light loads.

In terms of features, when shopping for a clothes washer, look for several water level options (to adjust to different loads). Also, look for pre-soaking and suds-saver options.

Washing machines with higher spin speeds can extract more water and reduce drying time, which saves more energy.

Energy You’ll Save: Using new horizontal-axis clothes washers (also called “front loaders”) will reduce water usage by at least 30 percent and lower energy used for washing and making hot water by 50 percent.

Clothes Drying

Avoid over-drying. This not only represents a waste of energy but harms fabrics as well.

Many dryers have settings that allow an automated moisture sensor to reduce the drying time. Dryers with automated moisture sensors may have a buzzer or other sound system to let you know when clothes are dry. Use the sound system to minimize drying time.

To save energy, try not to run the electric dryer unless it is carrying its rated poundage of clothes. Don’t overload, however, since this causes excessive wrinkling and perhaps requires an added amount of ironing.

Dry towels and heavier cottons in a separate load from clothes with lighter weights.

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Ewwwwwwww, dust mites!

Sunday, November 29th, 2009

Ewwwwwww, Dust Mites:

The other day a friend and I were watching the television show “the Doctors” where a team of good looking people in scrubs and white lab coats answer a myriad of medical related questions and dispense seemingly valuable advice. In this particular episode an “expert” on allergens claimed that ‘dust mites can cause a pillow to double its weight in five years”. Yecch!

One of the doctors conveniently brought along a pillow he’d been using for over ten years. The expert cut open the pillow to display the disgusting, oily, mite-ridden interior. To the panel’s and expert’s chagrin, the interior of the pillow was a pristine white downy fluff. They immediately cut to commercial. The problems are many-fold and I’m surprised the producers (and this so-called expert) didn’t do the proper research.

First: Dust mites are invisible because they only measure 420 micrometers in length and 250 to 320 micrometers in width! An average feather pillow weighs approximately one pound. Imagine how many dust mites it would take to make up a pound (16 ounces)? Millions upon millions. These little creatures are lighter than air, floating around in currents and then using their eight tiny legs to grab onto fibers. Yes, they are arachnids, like spiders!

Second: The average life cycle for a male house dust mite is 10 to 19 days. A mated female house dust mite can live for 70 days, laying 60 to 100 eggs in the last 5 weeks of her life. So the imagined weight increase of the pillow would have to be made up of dead mites, which would weigh significantly less. Even the accumulation of their feces and dead bodies together plus our old skin cells couldn’t make up such weight.
Third: It’s complete poppycock! The Wall Street Journal even reported this false-hood, about the increased weight of pillows. The reporter quoted a scientist from Ohio State University as her source for the information. However, the website: The Straight Dope, from April 7, 2000 says:

“Just heard from a somewhat ticked-off Emmett Glass, the OSU research associate that the Wall Street Journal reporter said was the source of the claim that a mattress will double its weight due to dust mites: Emmett writes: “I never quoted that statistic. I told [the reporter] that Internet web sites have statistics that try to strike fear in the consumer, thus promoting their products…She asked me if any of these statistics have any scientific merit and I told her…NO! In fact I asked the Wall Street Journal writer to call an expert on mattresses at the internal sleep products association. She did and was told that the statistic on mattresses doubling in weight was far from the truth. The journalist chose to include it in the story anyway. She liked the statistic because it made her story more interesting.”

There is a lot of misinformation like this out there. A Google search will come up with this heading: “Dust Mites, Everything You Might Not Want to Know!!!” which takes you to (www.ehso.com/ehshome/dustmites.php). This website repeats the same mistaken information as the Wall Street reporter, but it even goes further. It claims that in order to avoid dust mites one should: “Replace feather and down pillows with those having synthetic fillings. Replace woolen blankets with nylon or cotton cellulose ones.” Here’s an answer to this from Wikipedia: “Allergy and asthma sufferers are also often advised to avoid feather pillows due to the presumed increased presence of the house dust mite [allergen]. The reverse, however, is true. A 1996 study from the British Medical Journal has shown that polyester fiber pillows contained more than 8 times the total weight of [the allergen] and 3.57 times more micrograms of [the allergen] per gram of fine dust than feather pillows”

Now for some other facts:

Dust mites primarily eat old skin cells which humans (and our pets) slough off at a rate of about 1.5g every day. They can produce approximately 2000 fecal particles and partially digested enzyme-covered dust particles during their 10 week life spans. It’s these particles people are allergic to, or to be precise, it’s the enzymes. Dust mites can’t directly digest the skin cells; like a cow they have enzymes in their gut (proteases) which they regularly cough back up for later snacking. They only eat moist cells which have begun being broken down by fungi, hence they can’t eat dry skin cells at all. They require moisture, which is present in humid houses, especially on mattresses and pillows due to our breathing and perspiration.

Dust mites can be killed by exposing them to 140degrees for an hour, freezing them, or even exposing them to 68 degrees or less for a period of time. You should always uncover the sheets after sleeping in them in order to dry them out. Ten minutes in a household clothes dryer on high heat will usually kill them. UV light (sunlight) also kills them along with many other tiny household bacteria and pests.

So, although these little creatures are not quite as bad as many websites or television shows would have us believe, they are still ewwwwww inspiring!

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100 ways to save energy-Part 8

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

This information is reprinted from a booklet called “100+ Ways To Improve Your Electric Bill.” These simple, low- or no-cost tips can assist you in making your energy decisions and in gaining greater control over your electric bill. By following these tips, you also will improve the comfort and convenience of your home. And you’ll help to protect the environment by using energy wisely. Compiled by the Edison Electric Institute 2008© Washington, D. C. www.eei.org

LIGHTING

Provide “task” lighting (over desks, tool benches, craft tables, etc.) so that work and leisure activities can be carried on without illuminating entire rooms.

Select the type of light bulb on the basis of its efficiency. Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) will give an incandescent bulb’s warm soft light, while using 75 percent less electricity. They also last about 8 to 10 times longer. Use these bulbs in fixtures or lamps that are on for more than two hours each day.

Some compact fluorescent bulbs can be used with dimmer switches. Check the package to make sure they can be used with dimmers. Where possible, consider using dimmable compact fluorescent bulbs.

Instead of using a 190-watt halogen torchiere to light up a room, consider a compact fluorescent torchiere that will produce as much light, and use less than 80 watts.

The reflectance of interior surfaces has an important bearing on lighting efficiency. In home decoration, therefore, choose lighter colors for walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture. Dark colors absorb light and require higher lamp wattage for a given level of illumination. Light-colored surfaces should be kept clean to keep reflectance levels high.

In lamps and fixtures having two or more sockets for incandescent bulbs, consider using a single large bulb in one socket rather than filling all sockets with bulbs of smaller wattage. A 100-watt bulb, for instance, produces 50 percent more light than four 25-watt bulbs for the same amount of energy. Using compact fluorescent bulbs will save more energy. Typically, a 23-watt compact fluorescent bulb can replace a 90- or 100-watt bulb.

Many so-called “long life” bulbs emit significantly less light than a standard incandescent bulb of the same wattage. They should be used only where the long-life feature is advantageous, as in hard-to-reach places, or where it is not possible to use compact fluorescent bulbs.

When possible, locate floor, table, and hanging lamps in the corner of a room rather than against a flat wall. Lamps in corners reflect light from two wall surfaces instead of one and, therefore, give more usable light.

Clean lighting fixtures regularly. Dust on lamps and reflectors impairs lighting efficiency.

For large areas such as family recreation rooms, where high levels of lighting are required periodically but not 100 percent of the time, install fixtures on two or three separate circuits so illumination can be controlled by switching circuits on and off.

When purchasing light bulbs, the watt-age ratings tell you only the amount of power it takes to make a bulb work. The amount of brightness is measured in lu-mens.

Larger wattage bulbs are usually more efficient, whether incandescent or compact fluorescent, producing more lumens per watt than smaller bulbs.

To make sure that outdoor lighting is turned off during the daytime, install photoelectric controls or timers.

Consider using compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) in outdoor fixtures. Many bulbs will produce light down to an outdoor temperature of 00F. Check to see if they are compatible with photoelectric controls or timers.

If you are on vacation, and have a timer on a lamp for security reasons, use a compact fluorescent bulb to save energy. Make sure the timer is compatible with the bulb.

For holiday lighting, consider using Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology. Not only will LED lights reduce electric use by more than 90 percent, they will last up to 50,000 hours.

Note: As of January 1, 2006, federal law mandates that the maximum power use of torchiere light fixtures can be no more than 190 watts. If you purchase a torchiere, make sure that your fixture meets the new requirements.

Note: Starting in 2012, new federal efficiency standards will take effect for incandescent lighting.

More information about high-efficiency lighting is available through lighting manufacturer Web sites and at www.energystar.gov.

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100 ways to save energy-Part 7

Friday, November 27th, 2009

This information is reprinted from a booklet called “100+ Ways To Improve Your Electric Bill.” These simple, low- or no-cost tips can assist you in making your energy decisions and in gaining greater control over your electric bill. By following these tips, you also will improve the comfort and convenience of your home. And you’ll help to protect the environment by using energy wisely. Compiled by the Edison Electric Institute 2008© Washington, D. C. www.eei.org

WATER HEATING

One of the biggest energy users in your home, next to heating and cooling systems, is your hot water system.

New federal efficiency standards for electric and gas water heaters took effect in January 2004. Make sure your new water heater meets or exceeds the new Energy Factor (EF) standard. (Examples: 0.90 EF for an electric 50-gallon unit, 0.59 EF for a gas 40-gallon unit.)

It is important to keep the system properly maintained. Once or twice a year, drain a bucket of water out of the bottom of the heater tank because it is sometimes full of sediment. The sediment insulates the water in the tank from the heating element, which wastes energy.

In addition, you might want to investi-gate a relatively inexpensive water heater insulation kit. Older hot water tanks (ex-cept super-insulated tanks) generally are not insulated very well, so an extra layer of protection will keep the heat from being lost through the walls of the tank. Be sure to read the instructions on the kit carefully. Do not insulate over any doors, vents, or relief valves.

When buying a water heater, it is wise to correctly estimate your needs. Don’t buy a water heater that is too large for your family, but you should consider your future needs as well as your present requirements.

Demands for hot water will be greater as the size of your household increases, as your children become older and begin to take showers or soak for hours in a full tub of water, and as certain new appliances (such as hot tubs or Jacuzzis) are added.

Some water heaters now have solid state controls (such as a “vacation” setting) that allow you to lower temperature settings. Look for and take advantage of these features.

In sprawling ranch houses or in resi-dences with two or three levels, the rooms requiring hot water may be widely separated. It may be possible to get better hot water service with less use of electric-ity by having two or more water heaters—one heater in each principal water-using area—instead of one heater in a
central location.

Repair leaky faucets promptly.
A steady drip of hot water can waste many gallons of water per month, plus the energy needed to heat the water.

Consult with a plumber to determine if your water heater meets the needs of your family.

Letting the water run while shaving or when washing dishes by hand is needless waste. Avoid this by using sink stoppers and dishpans.

Encourage family members to take showers rather than baths. The average person will use about half as much hot water in a shower as in a bath.

The standby heat loss of a water heater increases with temperature. So, set the temperature control of your water heater at a moderate 1200 F, or as low as possible without running out of hot water. If you need hotter water for certain functions, such as dishwashing, consider a dual-temperature system. Such sys-tems employ a central unit supplying 1200 F or lower temperature water for general purposes, plus a second, smaller water heater set for a higher temperature.

Locate water heaters as close to the points of hot water use as possible. The reason for this is that any hot water that remains in a supply pipe after a tap or valve is closed eventually cools off and is wasted. The longer the supply pipe, the more heat lost.

When long lengths of hot water supply pipe are unavoidable, insulate them to reduce losses. Hardware stores sell hot water pipe insulation kits.

For more information on water heating, check out the following Web sites: www.ahrinet.org and www.energystar.gov.

Energy You’ll Save: Lowering your water heater temperature setting from 1400 F to 1200 F can reduce your water heating energy bill by more than 10 percent.

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100 ways to save energy-Part 6

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

This information is reprinted from a booklet called “100+ Ways To Improve Your Electric Bill.” These simple, low- or no-cost tips can assist you in making your energy decisions and in gaining greater control over your electric bill. By following these tips, you also will improve the comfort and convenience of your home. And you’ll help to protect the environment by using energy wisely. Compiled by the Edison Electric Institute 2008© Washington, D. C. www.eei.org

COOKING

Range Tops

To cook efficiently, heat must be trans-ferred from the electric cooking element to the food with minimum loss to the surroundings. To help do this, select pots and pans with absolutely flat bottoms. Spherical bottoms leave an air gap that provides a ready escape route for heat.

Expand your family’s menus to include stews and other single-dish meals that can be prepared in a slow cooker. Such meals require far less energy than those calling for the simultaneous use of the oven plus two or three surface units.

Develop the habit of “lids-on” cooking. Tightly fitted lids help keep heat within pots and pans, permitting the use of lower temperature settings and shorter cooking times.

Reflector pans beneath stovetop-heating elements should be kept bright and clean. Shiny pans help focus heat rays on utensil bottoms; dull or soiled pans absorb heat wastefully.

Begin cooking on highest heat until liquid begins to boil. Then lower the heat control setting and allow food to simmer until fully cooked.

Ovens

Use your microwave oven whenever possible. Microwave ovens draw less than half the power of their conventional counterparts and cook for a much shorter period of time. For example, an item that needs to be cooked in a full-sized oven at 3500 F for one hour will take only 15 minutes to cook in a microwave on the “high” setting.

Rather than using the oven for preparing small quantities of food, consider cooking in small portable electric appliances such as a frying pan, grill, or toaster oven. On average, these use only about one-third of the electric power of an oven broiler.

When operating an electric oven, at-tempt to cook as much of the meal in it at one time as possible. Foods with different cooking temperatures can often be cooked simultaneously at one temperature—variations of 25 degrees in either direction still produce good results and save energy.

When preheating an oven for baking, time the preheat period carefully. Five to eight minutes should be sufficient. There is no need to preheat for broiling or roasting.

Rearrange oven shelves before turning the oven on. To do this after the oven has preheated not only allows wasteful escape of heat but poses a burn hazard as well.

When roasting or baking, avoid making frequent progress checks that entail opening the oven door. Each time the door is opened, a considerable portion of the oven’s heat escapes.

Energy You’ll Save: Using a microwave oven can reduce your energy used for cooking by more than 50 percent.

Activate the self-cleaning cycle on an electric oven only for major cleaning jobs. Wipe up minor spills and splatters with a damp cloth. When self-cleaning is neces-sary, start the cycle right after cooking, while the oven is still hot, or wait until late evening hours when use of electricity is lowest.

Never use an open electric oven as a room heater or as a source of warm air for drying rain-dampened outerwear. If the kitchen is furnished with the type of refrigerator or freezer that exhausts warm air through a front floor-level grille, damp shoes can be dried quite nicely and at no extra energy cost by placing them on the floor near the grille.

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The real meaning of Thanksgiving…

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

For most of us, Thanksgiving is about family and friends and stuffing ourselves silly, while planning out our Black Friday shopping sprees. But when you have no home, no food, and no one who cares, Thanksgiving is just one more day to try and keep out the cold. Luckily there are shelters, churches and missions out there for those less fortunate, and they take this day to try and give back. But I just spent an hour with some folks who are reaching out on their own.

I wrote about the Feed a Friend program. I call it a program, but it is just some folks who have big hearts. Familiar with the homeless in their neighborhood, they know many of them will not visit a shelter today. Rather than let them go without, they decided to do something. They got on the phone and made some calls. They started with friends and family. Then they called some stores and some vendors at the market. Next thing you know, they had a real meal going. The plan was to invite a couple of homeless people in to have a meal, but the outpouring of love and support was so great that they had to think bigger. Why not go to them?

I was so privileged to be asked to join them. I already had plans, but thought, “I can squeeze out an hour and a hlf.” I am so glad I did. I knocked on the door of my new friends Tracey and Mischelle at about 10am. I was so warmly greeted that you would have thought we were related. On the stove was a beautifully prepared turkey. At the table were family, prepping containers for the holiday meal. We were joined by more volunteers. Young kids diligently carved the turkey while the adults ladled gravy over dressing and scooped up cranberry sauce and veggies-all prepared by friends out of the goodness of their hearts. I was given the easy task of doling things into the 25 reusable shopping bags. I meted out toiletries like soap, mouthwash, shampoo, disposable washcloths, napkins, and cleanser. Then came apples, bottled water, snack packs and the like. We even raided the fridge and cupboard for more fruit and granola bars. When I left they were brewing the coffee donated by a local Starbuck’s and wrapping the dinners in foil. More people were arriving as I pulled away-ready to chip in help with the deliveries. The outpouring of love and support was simply amazing! They even had enough food to do a follow up run on Saturday with sandwiches and soup.

The response to this idea was so overwhelming, that these gals decided to see how much more they could do. They are planning now for a Christmas dinner. They want to start a coat and clothing drive. Now when you live under a bridge, you may only have the clothes on your back. They are gladly going to start taking in donations of clean usable coats, hats, blankets, gloves and the like for these neighbors without an address.

How can you help? Got an old warm coat? How about a pair of gloves? When you pass those cheap scarves at Marc’s, why not pick up one for someone less fortunate. If you live in or around Ohio City, then you are directly helping out your secret neighbors. Why not ask your favorite retailer if they have anything? Stores often have rolls of toilet tissue or paper towels that arrive in broken packaging. What about dented cans? Most retailers are going to be closed on Christmas, so ask them if they would be willing to donate their left over bakery items on Christmas eve? These are tough economic times, as we all know, so why not try a do one small thing to help someone else? If everyone that reads this blog post were to give one loaf of bread, think of how many people would be fed. You don’t have to be a saint. You just have to be human and reach out. Who knows how much can happen.

Feed a Friend is a grassroots community outreach that is designed to remember and help our friends in need this holiday season. As we prepare to spend time with our friends and family, we ask that you take time to remember those in our community who are not as fortunate. These are friends that many of us have yet to meet but they live in our community, on our streets and in our hearts. If you have it in your heart to help with your time or a donation of food or funds, please call Tracey Dillard at 216-210-9069.

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It’s not weird, its Bizarre!

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

Wouldn’t it be nice to have a holiday season that didn’t involve using a ton of extra energy to light the lights, filling our landfills with cards and wrapping paper, and export more of our dollars to China as we buy cheap crap to shove under the tree? While I know that I won’t get most people to stop the commercial shopping experience that is Christmas (or Hannukah, or solstice, Kwanzaa, whatever). As “Black Friday” approaches, I am hoping that everyone will put out the effort to support local businesses. There are plenty of events around town that will allow you to help the local economy, while still getting your shopping fix.
bazbiz2009image
Bizarre Bazaar
This event was one of my favorite last year. Billed as an “indie craft show” we really didn’t know what to expect. We wondered what we would see at a show that promised “not to be your grandma’s craft show.” We were so pleasantly surprised. The place was packed with people-shoppers and stalls alike. The wares were all across the board. Not only was there jewelry and hand sewn goodies, but T-shirts, soaps, and all kinds of things that I have seen nowhere else. So popular was this show, in fact, that they added a second show on the East Side this year. The East Side show is Black Friday Weekend (this Friday and Saturday) 12635 Larchmere (across from Vine & Bean) during the Larchmere Holiday Stroll. 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. There are 50 vendors for this event. The West Side event is once again at the 78th st studios 1300 W. 78th St to 1305 W. 80th St., north parking lot, north entrance (behind the building) — accessible from W. 78th OR W 80th St. Saturday December 12th from noon to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday December 13th from noon to 6:00 p.m.

artshowThe 22nd annual Holiday Open Studio and Sale
If you have ever gone to Sparks Gallery Hop, then you know just how great some of the artists are that are housed in this building. If you haven’t, then you should definitely find out. This show has over 20 downtown artists and 30 regional artists working in fine arts and crafts, working in a whole range of media. If you want something outstanding for giving this year, then this is the spot! For fine arts and crafts, this is billed as the largest collection of artists for the holiday season.
Saturday, December 5, 2009, from 11am to 8pm and Sunday, December 6, 2009, from 11am to 5pm.
The Art Craft Building is at 2570 Superior Avenue, Cleveland 44114 Studios on the 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th floors.
Free Parking available. Elevator access.

TerraVista Studios 10th Annual Holiday Sale
Friday, December 4: 11am – 4pm. Saturday, December 5: 12-7pm. Sunday, December 6: 12 – 4pm
Just down the street at 1400 East 30th St. #401 216.523.1382

n204488826702_7908 Detroit Shoreway After Thanksgiving Shopping Weekend

A great way to shop and support local retailers is to check out the newly refurbished Detroit Shoreway neighborhood. The retailers here are great! Get something locally made or hand crafted at Room Service, the shop that started the whole Made in 216 event! Get something wacky, funny and unique at Kitsch City, I mean where else can you buy a rubber ducky shaped like Elvis or the Pope? Be sure to stop in at Duo Home, a fantastic home store. I would love to get anything from this store, and they have a yummy selection of some of my favorite gourmet food lines. So much good taste in one shop, you think you are in heaven. Shopping wear you out? Not to worry! Get a quick pick me up at Gypsy Beans with a mocha and a hand made pastry. Round off the day with a nice meal at Luxe, Latitude 41, or the newly reopened Big Egg! Since you finished all your shopping in one day, celebrate with a drink at the Happy Dog, or Stone Mad pub! Come see all this great area has to offer.

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100 ways to save energy-Part 5

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

This information is reprinted from a booklet called “100+ Ways To Improve Your Electric Bill.” These simple, low- or no-cost tips can assist you in making your energy decisions and in gaining greater control over your electric bill. By following these tips, you also will improve the comfort and convenience of your home. And you’ll help to protect the environment by using energy wisely. Compiled by the Edison Electric Institute 2008© Washington, D. C. www.eei.org

FOOD REFRIGERATION

Select refrigerator and freezer sizes that are just large enough for your family’s needs. Operating energy is proportional to cubic feet of refrigerated space, regardless of whether all of the space is utilized.

Consider replacing your refrigerator or freezer BEFORE it breaks down. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label when shopping for refrigerators or freezers. On average, ENERGY STAR® refrigerators use at least 12 percent less energy. New federal energy efficiency standards for refrigerators took effect on July 1, 2001.

NEVER put a second refrigerator in the garage. In the winter months, frozen foods may melt (as the temperature sensor in the refrigerator will not activate the compressor if the temperature in the garage is 420 F or lower). In the summer months, the temperature in the garage can easily exceed 1000 F, and the refrigerator has to work extra hard to keep food cold. If you need a second unit, place it in your basement.

On older units, vacuum clean the con-denser coils of refrigerators and freezers (in the back or at the bottom of cabinets) every three months or so. Dust-covered coils impair the efficiency of compressor operation and increase energy usage.

Door gaskets on refrigerators and freezers should seal tightly against the frames to prevent infiltration of warm air. To check the condition of the gasket, place a dollar bill against the frame and close the door. If the bill can be pulled out with a very gentle tug or, worse still, simply drops out on its own, the door requires adjustment, or the gasket needs replacing.

Some older refrigerators are furnished with a power-saver switch. A heating ele-ment provides a small amount of heat that prevents moisture condensation around the edges of the door. Try turning the switch off; condensation, if any, may be slight and unobjectionable. If this is the case, save energy by keeping the switch off.

When buying a new refrigerator, look for new energy-saving features such as improved insulation materials. These features can save as much as 10 percent in annual consumption of electricity.

Do not place uncovered liquids in refrigerators. In addition to absorbing undesirable flavors, the liquids give off vapors that add to the compressor work-load.

Allow hot foods or liquids to cool off before placing them in the refrigerator. The cooling-off period should not hurt the taste of the food and will reduce the load on the refrigerator. Discard any un-cooked food that has remained at room temperature for more than two hours.

Plan ahead and remove all ingredients for each meal at one time. Each time the door of a refrigerator or freezer is opened, its compressor has to run a bit longer to replace the cold air that spills out.

Chest-type freezers are less likely to lose cold air when doors are opened than upright freezers.

For the same storage capacity, chest-type freezers use anywhere from 11 to 27 percent less energy than upright freezers.

For further information on refrigeration, check out the following Web sites: www.aham.org and www.energystar.gov.

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Seven tips for a greener holiday

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

Here are some simple tips to help make your impact on the environment just a little bit less, during this holiday season.

1. Travel smart: Make shopping lists and try to buy as many things as you can in a single trip. Not only will you save on time and energy getting your shopping done, you will spend less in gas and lessen your emissions driving around and around the parking lots looking for a space.

2. Use less gift wrap: Consider using something usable as wrapping paper. Some great ideas are dish towels, diapers, blankets, or even garbage bags. Small items can be stuck in a stocking cap or a pair of socks that is tied off with string, and reusable shopping bags can be used all year round. If you must wrap with paper, try using materials from your recycling bin: newsprint is always great, as are paper shopping bags. One year I even used a pizza box tied shut with butcher’s twine.

3. Send less greeting cards: In this digital age, sending a nice personal email can be even better than the old fashioned card. Besides all the paper that is used (most of which goes into the landfill), you can save time aggravation and expense. Why not make a nice holiday email with a picture that can be saved as a holiday wallpaper for your loved ones. Chances are they will see it more than the card that is lost among the hundred others they got, anyway. If you are not convinced, lessen your impact by buying the smallest card you can find. The smaller the card the less paper needed. The last time I sent cards,, I sent postcards-less paper and no envelope. You can even make your own by cutting down the fronts of card you received last year! Look for card & envelopes that use recycled content.

4. Buy Local: Local businesses need your support now more than ever. Try and buy local products and support local artists and artisans, but at least spend your dollars at a local retailer. They are the backbone of the local economy and need your money far more than Wal-Mart or Target. Besides, you may find something unique and special that you cannot get from a chain store.

5. Use timers: Putting your holiday lights on timers means they will not burn all night and day. Have them on only when they can be truly enjoyed.

6. Recycle: Paper, cards, bows, even your tree can be reused or recycled.

7. Buy gifts that are useful: Gifts that can be used are far more green than something that sits on a shelf. Even an ugly sweater can be donated to a homeless shelter, but what can you really do with another vase? Consider gifts of food. Charities are in dire need in tough economic times, so think about making a donation to charity in the name of a loved one. It is a gift that gives twice.

Of course there are many more, but these are all pretty simple ideas that anyone can do. They can be incorporated into your holiday plans without too much effort and without taking away from your holiday traditions.

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