Articles to help you Make a green home
Have you purchased cleanser lately? How about light bulbs? Maybe you needed to replenish your laundry detergent or buy a new comforter. Most everything you use in the home can be found as an earth friendly product. Tried some 'green products' and thought, "this stuff #%$&*" Not to worry, effectiveness and affordability of earth friendly products has increased exponentially in the last few years. Explore our site to learn how to make a green home and take a look at our green products page to find what your looking for.
There are four significant benefits for PV, both for residential and commercial applications: Utility cost savings, increased reliability, environmental benefits, and state and federal financial incentives.
Reducing long-term utility costs
Electricity in the PG&E utility region have increased an average of 6 percent a year over the last thirty years. To the extent that you “own” rather than “rent” your electricity you are buffered against price increases.
Environmental and social benefits
In California, extensive use of PV power will offset the need to build new natural gas–powered “peaker” electricity plants. These plants are designed to come online during the peak periods of energy demand (e.g. summer afternoons) in order to stabilize the electricity grid. The more PV systems are reducing the peak demand, the fewer peaker plants will be burning natural gas, which releases global-warming carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. On an annual “per kilowatt” basis, PV typically offsets or saves up to 16 kilograms of nitrous oxides (NOx), nine kilograms of sulfurous oxides (SOx), and 0.6 kilogram of other particulates. In addition, a typical 2.5kW residential PV system will offset 4,050 lbs. of CO2 per year. These savings, of course, vary depending on how much fossil fuel is used to produce local power, and the amount of sunlight falling in the area.
Muir Woods Co-housing in Davis, CA.10kW system installed by residents and Cooperative Community Energy.
Reliability
PV technology is very reliable and has been tested for more than thirty years in both laboratory and real-world applications. There are no moving parts to the basic system components.
Availability of State and Federal Incentives
The initial investment in a PV system is significant—however, financial incentives are often available at the federal, state, and sometimes the local government levels. California has an incentive program available to customers of PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E (see the California Solar Initiative Fact Sheet ). Municipal utilities will be offering PV incentives by 2008 if they aren’t already. The federal tax credit available for non-commercial customers is currently capped at $2,000, but expected to rise soon. The federal tax credit for commercial PV systems is 30 percent of the cost, with no cap, and includes a five-year accelerated depreciation schedule. Both commercial and non-commercial PV customers benefit significantly from California’s net metering laws and and time-of-use rate agreements (available in most utility areas).
Thanks to our Northern California Solar Energy Association for the above article!
An integrated photovoltaic system can save you thousands of dollars over time and with state and federal incentives and the advancement of technology ever evolving, tapping the power of the sun is accessible to everyone. To learn more about PV technology and applications, read our Photovoltaic Systems article.
Composting Basics
By Bobby Donick
Composting is mother natures’ way of recycling dead organic plant material. You can use this natural process to reduce the volume of your daily household waste and increase the satisfaction of gardening and landscape maintenance. When the right mixture of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, water and time are met, you create what master gardeners call ‘black gold’ or compost. This material is excellent for jumpstarting new plantings and periodically feeding established ones. To get started, you need some sort of gathering area for your material. Usually, this takes the shape of a bin or some sort of tumbler. A good size to shoot for is around 3x3 feet or one cubic yard. This will help you accumulate enough material for the pile to heat up to the point where the organic waste will decompose efficiently. Before you begin piling up your material, make sure the pieces are not to big as too much surface area decreases the efficiency of your pile. A good rule of thumb is 10” or shorter. Keep a one gallon bucket under your sink to collect kitchen scraps and empty it to your bin throughout the week as needed.
Having the right mixture in your bin can reap quite fruitful rewards. Composting is a kin to cooking in that with the right ingredients and procedures, a super soil is produced. Nitrogen in the form of greens such as grass clippings, leaves, or fruit and vegetable trimmings coupled with carbon rich dried leaves, twigs, branches or saw-dust are idea to compose the majority of mass to your pile. Most organic plant material will suffice, but try to avoid dairy products and meats as they will attract flies and make it much more stinky than necessary. Turning your pile often is crucial to oxygenate the material and give the beneficial organisms that break it down what they need to keep working. Every 4-6 days is a good rule of thumb. Keeping the moisture content just right is crucial to assuring that the most effective decomposition is occurring. Your pile should have about 50% moisture content. To test this, reach down in the middle of your pile and grab a handful squeezing it until a few drops or water appears. If no water shows, add some and if too much water is present, add some more carbon material. Patience is a virtue and giving your pile time to ‘cook’ is key in reaching ‘black gold’. It can take anywhere from 2-4 months to get it going, but once it turns, your turn-over time should be cut in half.
To get the edge on your waste try adding some worms after your pile has turned into usable compost. This will aerate your mixture and add some more beneficial material for decomposition in the form of digested material from your worms. Over time you will find that your worms will multiply exponentially and increase the efficiency of your pile. If you drink coffee, add your coffee grinds with biodegradable filters to your pile and this will help with the pH level of your soil and add to its overall richness. Using a tumbling composter or stacking bin can also give you that edge over your waste.
Go green - dump your greens
In the United States each person produces and average of 3.5 pounds of trash a day. Twenty five percent of this food is biodegradable. Add this up and you have around 3.75 million pounds of biodegradable trash every day! When this is put in a landfill, it can take years to decades to decompose. Using a compost bin can diminish the stress on our landfills and reduce your household waste anywhere from 15-30%. This saves money by reducing the number of trash bags needed and not having to purchase soil for your gardening, not to mention the emissions avoided by having to produce and transport this material for your gardening. Take a look at our green products page for an overview of quality bins for every application. Good luck composting and enjoy some extra room in your trash.
Can you really use cork for construction? How can cork, like that which is used for wine, be durable enough for a construction application? It turns out that cork as a sustainable material is quite durable and very useful in many construction applications. Before looking at this however, let’s investigate where it comes from, how it’s processed and how this can benefit your construction project.
The origin of cork
Cork comes from tree bark. Most tree bark has multiple layers, one of which is made up of cork. What makes cork bark special is that it acts as a water resistant barrier which gives the tree an adaptative advantage over other foliage. It does not rot, is non-flammable, termite resistant, and non-porous to gas and harsh chemicals. These properties give cork a huge advantage as a durable usable building material. Most cork that is processed comes from the Cork Oak that grows in the Mediterranean area. This particular tree has thicker bark than most due to its harsh climate. The tree can not be harvested until it is at least 25 years old. However, once it reaches maturity it can be harvested every 7-15 years for as long as it survives which can be over 300 years. Now that’s sustainability!
How cork is processed
To harvest a Cork Oak, the outer layer of bark is stripped down to the sensitive inner layer leaving you with huge slabs of ‘cork’ bark which is then boiled away from the rougher exterior bark. This material is then processed primarily into cork stoppers for wine bottles and the like. Once a slab has been used up the leftover ‘waste material’ is ground up and re-distributed in the marketplace as usable building products like cork tile and cork underlayment making it a fabulous sustainable building material.
Benefits of using cork
Using cork tile to spruce up a space is increasing in popularity and its sustainability makes it that much more attractive. Naturally occurring ‘suberin’, a waxy substance excreted by enzymes in the corks makeup gives it a ready to go seal which eliminates the use of harsh ozone depleting chemicals and cuts back on overall install time. The tight non-permeable cellular makeup of cork creates a perfect underlayment which doubles as a sound barrier for upper floors and a wonderful vapor barrier/insulation on concrete slabs. Corks use as an eco-friendly building material is further supported by its inability to absorb dander & dust and the fact that no irritants are emitted or out-gassed after installation. This makes cork a great choice for hypoallergenic applications.
Cork is here – cork is there – cork is everywhere
The variety of cork products seems endless. Cork flooring, wall and ceiling coverings, accessories, furniture, arts, crafts, lampshade material, rolls, sheets and acoustic insulation, just to name a few, gives you an endless array of products to spruce up your project any way you like. Finding the right place to search for the right product may seem daunting with all of the options available. Check out our green products page for quick access to great resources. Building green has many avenues, and using cork can put you on the sustainable road to the future. If your a builder, using cork will certainly give you an edge to qualify for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Rating System. Cork is a 100% sustainable and renewable natural resource which is here to stay.
By Andy Machin
One of the big signs of a healthy, happy dog is a dog with good digestion. And one of the by products to a dog able to digest his food well is that he won’t be as prone to an outbreak of embarrassing dog flatulence.
Your dog’s diet and the quality of food you feed him will naturally have a direct bearing on his digestion powers and general health as well as having a bearing on how prone he is to flatulence. In general terms the better quality of food you feed your best buddy the less frequent the flatulence attacks.
A good quality diet alone might not be enough to help your pooch to prevent the odd gassy episode. Vitamin supplements and mineral supplements used in addition to a good diet can help in a big way not only with the general health and well being of your pet but also as a prevention against dog flatulence.
Keep the vitamin and mineral supplements in proportion and balance. Do a little research or have a word with your vet to obtain professional advice on what vitamins and minerals would be best for your dog.
For example thiamine and pyridoxine can help the dog’s nervous system. Vitamin A deficiency can contribute to skin lesions whereas a lack of vitamin D in the dog’s diet can result in bone weakness.
These problems are many a time encountered by the dog owners. Among these, vitamin A toxicities may occur if you feed them in excessive amounts, like vitamin D. Hence, give emphasis on this while you are using these vitamins in the dogs. Cod liver oil from selected fishes has more vitamin A in them and are universally good feed for dogs.
The age of your dog will have a direct bearing on what to fed him. A puppy needs a much different diet to an older more mature animal for example.
Take these factors in to account to prepare and feed your dog food which is right for him, of a good quality feed including the proper vitamins and supplements fed to him at the right time in the right amounts.
Such steps will benefit your dog by aiding his powers of digestion and general health. This in turn may help to cut down on or prevent flatulence in your dog if he is prone to the odd bout of wind.
For further information on dog flatulence, please visit http://www.dogflatulence.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andy_Machin http://EzineArticles.com/?Dog-Flatulence---How-Vitamin-Supplements-May-Help-Prevent-It&id=664778
Do you have a pet? Thinking of adding to your family? Earth friendly pet choices help make a green home while providing optimum health and nutritional benefits for your pets. Learn about how these choices can translate to a greener path for your household and a happier healthier pet
If you have a pet, you know the joys of including an animal as part of the family, but you may not know how this delightful addition contributes to your homes carbon footprint? According to the (APPMA) who tracks hundreds of pet ownership trends, Americans own approximately 74.8 million dogs, 88.3 million cats, 139 million freshwater fish, 9 million saltwater fish, 16 million birds, 18 small animals and 11 million reptiles. That's alot of pets! These numbers are for the United States. Reflect on the worlds population (around 6.7 billion), and you get the picture.
Considering a single dog and cat can produce an average of almost 3 tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year, making earth friendly pet choices is paramount in creating a truly sustainable household for you and your family. Where do you start?
Pet Food
Pet food is the primary contributor to waste when looking at your pets carbon footprint. Manufacturing of these foods contributes substantial toxins into the environment through the addition of chemical preservatives and additives. Natural, holistic or certified organic foods virtually eliminate any waste in the manufacturing process linked to these chemicals and provide the advantage of a healthier diet. How do you know what's what? An easy check is to make sure the list of ingredients is short and sweet.
Picking up after your buddy
The (EPA) Environmental Protection Agency, classifies pet waste as a non point source of pollution which puts it in the same category as many toxic chemicals. A major contributor to e-coli bacteria from storm water run-off is animal droppings, while the (CDC) U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains that pet feces can contribute to diseases animals pass to humans. While all of this may seem overwhelming, all you have to do is your part. There are a number of biodegradable doggy clean up bags available in the market place and if that doesn't suit your fancy, try the myriad of doggy-doo-doo clean up services offered.
Sustainable Pet Toys & Accessories
Creating creature comforts in your home takes on a new meaning when purchasing pet accessories for your loved one. Eventually, your pets play thing wears out or is discarded. Make an effort to buy toys and accessories from biodegradable materials such as organic cotton and hemp whenever possible. Can't do without that plastic toy or nylon accessory? Try to purchase products made from recycled materials.
Farmers Market mentality
Purchasing your pet food, accessories, vitamins and supplements from local pet suppliers cuts down on emissions from transportation of these goods and gives back to your community. Choosing organic ingredients gives more confidence that products were produced from sustainable sources which helps reduce waste and contributes to a earth friendly environment. Recruiting your pet to help make a green home is simple and effective and your best friend is sure to be by your side on your journey to sustainable living.
Time to take a Vacation
Working long hours, for weeks and months on end, puts a heavy strain on an individual's balance and overall mental and physical health. To reduce this strain and recharge our batteries, we have numerous coping mechanisms. Exercising, either in the gym or taking a bike ride, hike, surf, run, etc., can give us what we need to sustain the day to day. Picking up some habits that let us escape like family night, date night, movie night, reading hour, playing music, board games, arts & crafts and so on can also give us some extra juice to get through the week. Attending to our health by eating right and getting plenty of rest is usually adequate to refuel for the month to month. After a while these things need a re-boot themselves. Time to go on a Holiday!
Enjoying your stay On The Green
We all need to go on a holiday or take a vacation to re-charge our batteries and create a new healthy balance for our general well being. This need brings with it many strains to our natural environment. Most holidays are taken away from home, so traveling is inevitable. Unfortunately, cars, cruise lines, trains, planes and buses emit carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and other greenhouse gases that build up in our atmosphere. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't go on a vacation. By taking steps that go easy on the earth, you can enjoy your stay with eco-friendly travel companies popping up everywhere. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts spearheaded the effort in the early 90's when they started to recycle materials in hotel rooms and offer patrons the choice of using sheets and towels multiple times to help reduce water consumption. This effort has moved on to other companies such as Marriot Hotels & Resorts, and the Hilton group of companies. Keep your eyes open and your sure to find more.
Getting there On The Green
Airplanes, such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, coming in mid '09, will use 20% less fuel than today's similar sized aircraft. Continental Airlines received an award from The (EPA) Environmental Protection Agency in April of 2008 for being the first carrier to use an environmentally friendly pretreatment on its aircraft. Lufthansa Airlines plans to cut nitrogen oxide levels by 80 percent from their year 2000 figures by 2020, and easyJet Airlines, a low fair European carrier, plans to reduce mono-nitrogen oxide emissions by 25 percent on all of its Airbus A319s. Choosing any of these carriers and keeping your eyes out for more is sure to keep you traveling in comfort and with confidence that you've done your part to get there on the green. Don't need to go that far? Rent an eco friendly car with the numerous companies renting hybrid and green alternatives. Visiting Hawaii, try a Bio-Beetle, which runs on bio-diesel. Alamo, National & Enterprise-car-rental accommodate more than 4,000 gas/electric hybrid models. If your thinking about buying a hybrid, this is a great way to give it a whirl and try before you buy.
Quick Facts to Stay Green while on Holiday
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Going somewhere tropical? Maybe a ski vacation? Turn off your air conditioning or heat when leaving your room. Most modern hotels are built and designed to sustain a comfortable temperature when you are out and about. Close your curtains and return with confidence that your room will stay cozy or cool when your heat or air is not in use.
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Visit a State or National Park. State and national parks offer buildings designed for minimum environmental impact, while making it easy to go green on Holiday with low-flow water fixtures and recycling bins to further our effort to sustain an eco friendly vacation. Visit http://www.nps.gov/ for more information.
- Pack light when traveling. Not only will this save you money when traveling, 'extra charges for baggage over a certain weight', but it will make your journey more comfortable and satisfying knowing that your contributing to less fuel consumption while in transit. Also, giving you less stuff to lug around!
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Care to Conserve. Don't let water run while brushing your teeth. Even though your not 'paying the water bill', this wastes an average of 10litres a day or 600 million gallons daily for the U.S. The same goes for hitting the lights every time you leave a room. Your accomodations don't offer an option to use towels or sheets more than once? It never hurts to ask. Maybe you can start a trend and finish your holiday re-charged and assured that you took steps that went easy on the earth.
By Renee Rutledge
Green cleaning is safer for the environment and your health. You will prevent harmful chemicals from running off in the water or affecting your surrounding plants and neighborhood critters. You will help keep your indoor air free of harmful pollutants and safe to breathe. Green cleaning is also another way to lead a more conscious lifestyle exemplified by today's shift toward sustainable remodeling and organic shopping. Because of the high demand for green cleaning products from consumers, many major brands now offer green cleaning lines. Here are some of them:
Clorox has a line of natural cleaners called GreenWorks. Greenworks cleaners are slightly more affordable than other natural cleaning options. The line includes an all-purpose cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, bathroom cleaner, and glass and surface cleaner. All the ingredients used to make these cleaners are made from renewable resources, biodegradable, and free of chemicals.
The Seventh Generation. has been around longer and is widely recognized. In addition to the cleaning agents, the natural or recycled cleaning products offered by this line include paper towels and napkins.
Green Seal recommendations. If you'd like a more comprehensive list, go to Greenseal, a non-profit company that applies science-based environmental standards testing to household cleaning manufacturers. Green Seal checks ingredients to ensure they don't contain lead, carcinogens, mutagens, or other toxins and they that don't deplete the ozone, contribute to poor air quality, or display a host of other dangers. Green Seal's website offers a list of household cleaners that pass their stringent inspection.
But buying household cleaners isn't the only way to clean green. You can also use homemade cleaning remedies made from vinegar, baking soda, water, and other items in your kitchen. On the exterior of your home, you can use a hose or a pressure washer when needed, utilizes nothing else but water and force. In other areas around the home, simply sweeping the driveway, de-greasing the grill with citrus, or using mild soap and water on your windows may do the trick.
Renee Rutledge writes for CalFinder Home Improvement where they often write articles about greening the home while referring licensed and certified green remodeling contractors to homeowners for free.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Renee_Rutledge
The 'other' Hardwood
Bamboo is the largest member of the grass family with over 1,000 species representing this sustainable building material. Bamboo's growth rate gives it an edge over hardwoods in that some species grow to almost 4 feet in a 24 hour period with the right climate and soil conditions. Bamboo reaches maturity at around 5 years. This far surpasses the growth rate of any hardwood commonly used as a flooring material. Bamboo is native to Asia and central China, but can easily be grown in most temperate and semi-tropical climates which makes for a wide range of available habitats.
Bamboo Uses
Bamboo has been very popular as a flooring product during the past decade. The sheer speed at which it grows to maturity as compared to an old growth hardwood gives it a well earned edge as a premier sustainable building product. The magnificent density of bamboo adds to its durability and exquisite look as a floor covering. The increasing use of Bamboo as a construction material was no doubt spurred by its many uses throughout history as the primary material for things like furniture, chopsticks, fences, fly fishing rods, boats, paper, musical instruments and fabric.
Bamboo Vs. Hardwood
The strength, density and durability of bamboo is far superior to traditional hardwoods like maple or oak. Improper installation of a hardwood floor can lead to imperfections caused by bulging or cupping when exposed to excessive moisture and temperature change, but bamboos cell structure gives it the capacity to repel moisture and avoid shrinking or swelling like that of its counterparts. The unique look of bamboo is available in a range of different shades and grain patterns which makes it adaptable to most interior designs.
Diversity and Affordability of Bamboo
Green cleaning products are non-toxic, biodegradable, and environmentally safer than conventional cleaning products. Although you can purchase green cleaning products in grocery stores and natural grocers, it is also possible to mix your own cleaning concoctions. Following are a few simple recipes for creating homemade cleaning products:
All-purpose household cleaner
Dissolve 2 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 pint of warm water. Use in a spray bottle as an all-purpose cleaner. Use pure vinegar to clean and shine bathroom fixtures and stainless steel.
Window cleaner
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Household cleaner
Sprinkle salt or baking soda on the surface or on a damp sponge then scour and rinse.
Bathroom cleaner
For cleaning your tub or tile, apply vinegar to a sponge and wipe the surface. Then sprinkle baking powder on the surface and rub with a damp sponge, followed by rinsing.
Pet stain and odor remover
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray directly on the stain. After a few minutes, clean with a sponge or brush using warm soapy water. For tougher stains, mix 2 tablespoons each of salt, vinegar and borax. Rub the pasty mixture into the carpet and leave the mixture on for several minutes. Wipe clean with a damp rag and vacuum.
Air freshener
Mix 1 pint of water with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vanilla extract in a spray bottle. Spray into the air around your home to freshen. For a stovetop air freshener, place 1 tablespoon of whole cloves, 2 cinnamon sticks and 1 teaspoon nutmeg in a pot of water. Simmer uncovered for an hour or two.
Surface disinfectant
Mix ¼ cup vinegar and 2 tablespoons baking soda with 1 quart water.
Furniture polish
Mix 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Apply a small amount to a cotton cloth. Rub the cloth to spread the mixture then use to polish furniture. Both ingredients are perishable, thus the mixture should be made fresh each time you polish.
Mix natural household cleaners and fresheners compliments of Mother Nature!
Hilary Basile is a writer for MyGuidesUSA.com. At http://www.myguidesusa.com, you will find valuable tips and resources for handling life's major events. Whether you're planning a wedding, buying your first home, anxiously awaiting the birth of a child, contending with a divorce, searching for a new job, or planning for your retirement, you'll find answers to your questions at MyGuidesUSA.com.
Find home improvement tips and resources at http://homeimprovement.myguidesusa.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hilary_Basil
LED Lights
When I hear the word led, a fishing weight comes to mind or the old nasty pencil led material that could poison you if you poked yourself with it in school. Luckily, today pencil led is made of graphite and when the word led is used it most likely stands for something completely different than that good ole fishing weight. These days it’s most likely led lights or ‘light emitting diodes’. Believe it or not, a LED is nothing like a light bulb, it’s more like a mutated appendage that happens to work better thanks to its mutation!
Why are led lights good?
LED’s or ‘light emitting diodes’ originated from the computer and worked as diodes with different functions to help the computer run. These diodes all give off a certain amount of light, but it is usually absorbed by the material they are made of. Luckily, some genius figured out that if we arrange these diodes in a certain way, with the right material and in the right container, you can re-direct the light to ‘emit’ it outward and low and behold, you have light! So, Why are LED lights good?
- Unlike light bulbs, LED’s rarely burn out unless their current range is violated.
- They have been around for quite a while used in things like digital clocks, remote controls, watches, traffic lights and televisions so the technology is proven and it works!
- Up to 90% efficiency and virtually no loss of energy in the form of heat
- Much more durable then a conventional incandescent light bulb
- Saves you heaps of money in the long run
- No harmful chemicals used in their production like the trace amounts of mercury found in most fluorescent lights.
Where Can You Use LED Lights?
You can use led lights pretty much anywhere. They are readily available for use in the home as ceiling fixtures, wall fixtures and stand alone lights. Miniature can lights are a popular choice for new construction or remodels while hanging mini pendants can spruce up the breakfast nook or wet bar to give you the perfect ambience. The availability and affordability of these options is just now making it into the marketplace.
Led replacement light bulbs
Can I change my standard incandescent light bulbs with led replacement bulbs? You bet you can. In fact, the technology is advancing so quickly that before we know it, you will be able to run down to the local hardware store and pick them up for cheap. Unfortunately, that’s not the case just yet, but you can find led replacement light bulbs with a little effort. When you find what you need, you may discover that they are not cheap. Why spend the extra money now? Recently, I realized that a $15.00 bulb can save me over $200.00 dollars in the long run. Let me explain. Last year I spent the night at anchor on my boat at a local island. There were lots of boats near me and it seemed like it would be a busy weekend so using my anchor light was essential. For those of you that aren't familiar with an anchor light, it's kind of like a night light for a boat so other boaters can see you in the pitch dark and not run into or over you! Anyhow, after 4-5 hours my batteries 'I have two' were running low, so I had to keep starting the engine up to keep my batteries charged all night long. My relaxing weekend was tiring, and when I got home I had to replace my batteries which cost me over $200.00. Replacing the incandescent light bulb with an LED uses 10 times less energy, allows me to sleep all night and saves my batteries which saves me money in the long run. Awesome!
How Small Solar Electric Systems Work
Solar electric systems, also known as photovoltaic (PV) systems, convert sunlight into electricity.
Solar cells—the basic building blocks of a PV system—consist of semiconductor materials. When sunlight is absorbed by these materials, the solar energy knocks electrons loose from their atoms. This phenomenon is called the "photoelectric effect." These free electrons then travel into a circuit built into the solar cell to form electrical current. To see a simulation of the photoelectric effect, please view our animation. Only sunlight of certain wavelengths will work efficiently to create electricity. PV systems can still produce electricity on cloudy days, but not as much as on a sunny day.
The basic PV or solar cell typically produces only a small amount of power. To produce more power, solar cells (about 40) can be interconnected to form panels or modules. PV modules range in output from 10 to 300 watts. If more power is needed, several modules can be installed on a building or at ground-level in a rack to form a PV array. About 10–20 PV arrays can provide enough power for a household.
PV arrays can be mounted at a fixed angle facing south, or they can be mounted on a tracking device that follows the sun, allowing them to capture the most sunlight over the course of a day.
Because of their modularity, PV systems can be designed to meet any electrical requirement, no matter how large or how small. You also can connect them to an electric distribution system (grid-connected), or they can stand alone (off-grid).
Thanks to our U.S. Department of Energy EERE web site for the above article!
Solar energy can be utilized in many ways. There are countless options available to tap into the power of the sun. Some simple solutions are outlined below.
Solar Charged Exterior Lights
This lighting does the trick when you are looking to light a walkway, accent some foliage or create a frame for your garden in the evening. The beauty of these lights is that you have no wires to mess with and no worries about changing out light bulbs. The most reliable cost effective choices include high efficiency LED bulbs which give you a brighter light using less power than a traditional bulb.
Solar Powered Holiday Cheer
You can decorate your solar charged exterior lights with solar holiday covers which come in a variety of themes from between $10-$20 per set of four. Ace that extension cord and move to solar charged string lights which can be found at most lawn and garden stores.
Solar Chargers
Has your cell phone ever died? Couldn't start your boat because the battery died while it was sitting over the winter? Missed that perfect shot because your camera went dead? Solar chargers are available for many different electronic devices. You no longer have to look for an outlet to charge your phone, camera or ipod. Jump on board and get your juice from the sun. Take 15% of at Solio.com today! Use coupon code: HOLIDAY08
Solar Fountain Pumps
Thinking about installing a fountain, pond or bird bath in your property? Having access to some juice is no longer a concern when thinking about where to install your water feature. The power of the sun is your outlet and with no exposed wiring or circuits to mess with, you can be rest assured that your installation will be safe and beautiful for the whole family.
Floor, wall and countertop materials range from wood & stone to ceramic and porcelain tile. Many of these products are used on a regular basis in the building trades. Looking for a sustainable alternative that can give you that special pizzazz and make your project pop? Look no further. Recycled glass tile is the way to go.
The ‘Greening’ of your project
Using recycled glass tile in your project can be a fantastic way for you to sustain the environment while adding a unique look and feel to your home. A lot of products are touted as ‘being green’, but only a select few can truly be considered green. 100% recycled glass is definitely one of them. Utilizing recycled glass tiles is an excellent way to keep glass products from building up in our landfills and they make a zero – VOC, durable sanitary surface. You can use these unique tiles for backsplashes, walls, pools, hot tubs, countertops, floors and anything your creativity will allow for. Breaking up used glass tiles works great for mosaic’s as you can orient the material to your needs, unlike a ceramic or porcelain fired tile.
The Beauty & the Beast
Recycled glass tiles are available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, both shimmering iridescent or glossy and low sheen matte colors. Naturally resistant to water and freeze-thaw cycles, these tiles give you years of trouble free and durable style for any surface. The saying, ‘you can’t get something for nothing’ finds its home with the installation of glass tile. Probably one of the most difficult types of tile to install, it takes patience, the right tools and a lot of determination to get the job done. Of course, when it’s all said and done, the pay-off is a brilliant design addition to any space and a helpful boost to your homes market value.
Glass Tile Overview
Most Common types of tiles available: 1"x 1" up to 8"x 8" tiles. Sold individually or in face mounted sheets and come in a wide variety of shapes & textures.
Installation: Install like you would a stone tile. Make sure backing/float is level and true as you can’t see the actual tile until removing the face sheet after it has set. Use a wet saw to cut and a sanding stone to finish the edges. Set with typical mortar and use sanded or un-sanded grout.
Care & Maintenance: Seal grout when dry and clean with glass cleaner!
Average Price: Anywhere from $2.50 to $60.00 per square foot. Tiles can sometimes be purchased individually to be used as accents.
Green Home - Green Wallet
Find inspiration and methods to create momentum towards a greener lifestyle. Learn how simple choices can create a way of life that transforms the ordinary to the extrodinary and helps make a green home while going easy on the earth and light on your wallet.
Ready to take the plunge? Not sure if it's affordable? Saving money goes hand-in-hand with producing an energy efficient home. See where you stand and visit the Environmental Protection Agency's Home Energy Yardstick at www.energystar.gov. Not interested in doing it yourself? Try a professional auditor ($200-$500 fee) which typically produces a 30% savings on energy bills. Short on time? a three minute test at www.earthlab.com will produce your earth-impact score; then you can track and reduce your score over time which adds up to money in your pocket.
Sunlight Sun Bright
Solar panels can be a powerful way to effect your households footprint. The amount of energy and green house gas emissions you save depends on your geography and climate. A 1 kilowatt photovoltaic system in Colorado, for example, saves 150 pounds of coal and 300 pounds of carbon emissions each month, according to Solar Energy International. For a solid plan of action and to determine the possibilities for a system in your area, visit the solar calculator at www.findsolar.com. They will tally the estimated cost to install a home solar system, determine whether state or other rebates apply, and calculate how quickly the savings on your electricity bill will pay back the cost of your system.
Seal The Deal
An unsealed home can cost you an average of 30% more than necessary and some very simple steps can eliminate this waste. Start with windows & doors. Look for any cracks or seams that have gaps or have been worn and need to be replaced. Scrape out any loose material and re-apply with a good quality non-toxic caulking compound. Regularly replace old weather stripping around exterior doorways and check for good seals on all door sweeps. Give your baseboards a once over and make sure there are no gaps between your floor and walls. Don't forget to check your heating/cooling ducts and vents assuring that they are taped and connected properly. Once you cover these basics, close all windows and doors, light a candle and walk around taking note of any areas that cause your candle to flicker and re-seal accordingly.
Eco Living Gurus
Looking for more inspiration? Eliminate your reliance on the grid and do what Doug Fine chronicles in his adventures of off-grid living in his book, Farewell, my Subaru; an epic adventure in local living.
Building isn't just the act of creating new space, it also stands for developing and maintaining the one your currently in. Building on the choices you make each and every day helps shape what defines a green building for you and your family. Deciding what these things should be can be challenging, but once you make an informed choice, acting on these choices develops what a green building can be.
However, if you are creating a new space then you know that homeowners strive to attain the highest quality of materials and craftsmanship at the most reasonable price when building, remodeling, or repairing a dwelling. Something that seldom gets addressed is the effect of this process on the environment.
Building and construction activities worldwide consume 3 billion tons of raw materials each year or 40 percent of total global use (Roodman and Lenssen, 1995). One of the largest burdens to our environment is development and the proliferation of our species across the landscape. Can there be a balance between the impact of construction and the maintenance of an eco-friendly environment?
The overwhelming answer is yes, of course! Providing access to reliable information and resources with input from the consumer can help get the job done. What makes your home a green building / earth friendly home or EarthCastle? Many factors can play a role;
Choosing wisely while building by reducing the ~
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Energy to produce building materials
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Energy to transport building materials
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Energy to construct the material
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Energy to heat, cool and operate the building
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Energy to maintain the building
Simple Changes To Standard Practices ~
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The use of innovative technologies to light your home and power your appliances.
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The use of natural and recyclable or renewable materials such as bamboo, cork or recycled glass tile.
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Purchasing indigenous or locally grown / manufactured materials to promote regional development and help reduce carbon emissions from transportation.
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The use of new technological knowledge while planning and positioning on the landscape and the application of traditional knowledge such as orienting towards the sun for additions or new construction.
It's really pretty simple and feels good when you do it. Implementing these things plays a vital role in creating and maintaining an eco friendly homestead. As the need for sustainable construction increases, discovering new and improved methods and materials has become a priority. Improve your capacity to enjoy a green building every day by making choices that make you smile, keep your wallet fat and go easy on the earth.