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1. Purchase Energy Star certified products.

If you’re looking for new household products, look for ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR. They meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and US Department of Energy. If your washing machine is more than 10 years old, replacing it with an Energy Star certified machine will save the average family $135 a year on their electric bill, and 6800 gallons of water per year. (The average family does 400 loads of laundry per year) For more info, visit www.energystar.gov

2. Replace your incandescent light bulbs

Compact fluorescent light bulbs, also known as CFLs, use approximately 75% less energy than a standard incandescent bulb, and last 10 times longer. A 27 watt compact fluorescent bulb gives off the same light as a standard 100 watt incandescent bulb, yet it will burn 10,000 hours longer! (Make sure you dispose of burned out or broken bulbs at hazardous waste collection center or retailer offering a collection program such as Home Depot, as they contain minute amounts of Mercury)

3. Maintain the right temperature in your refrigerator and freezer

Refrigerators can use up to 20 percent of total electricity in your home. To keep your power bills low, use only as much energy as is necessary. The refrigerator should be set between 38º F and 42º F. The freezer should be set between 0º F and 5º F. A 1 degree reduction in temperature is equal to an 8% reduction in energy consumption. Keeping your refrigerator and freezer as full as possible will also cut down on energy consumption.

4. Set Your Water Heater to 120ºF

You can reduce your water heating costs by simply lowering the thermostat setting on your water heater. For each 10ºF reduction in water temperature, you can save between 3%–5% in energy costs.

Although some manufacturers set water heater thermostats at 140ºF, most households usually only require them set at 120ºF. Water heated at 140ºF also poses a safety hazard—scalding.

Reducing your water temperature to 120ºF also slows mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes. This helps your water heater last longer and operate at its maximum efficiency.

5. Wash clothes in cold water

With today's cold temperature detergents, most modern clothing cleans just as well in cold water. Wash in cold water on economy cycles and always have a full load. Keep in mind, 15 minutes of pre-soaking and 5 minutes of agitation get clothes cleaner than 15 minutes of agitation. About 90% of the energy used for washing clothes in a conventional top-load washer is for heating the water!

6. Save the running for your exercise program!

Don’t let water run when brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing hands. Not running the water when brushing teeth alone saves 1095 gallons a year! Below is a link to request a free energy and water savings kit that includes a low flow shower head and three faucet aerators. http://www.socalgas.com/residential/EE_kit_promo/

7. Use the dishwasher

Doing a full load in your dishwasher is far more efficient than washing the same number of dishes by hand. This is especially true if you have an Energy Star dishwasher which requires an average of 4 gallons of water per load, compared with the 24 gallons it takes to do them in the sink. Using one will save you 5,000 gallons of water, $40 in utility costs, and 230 hours of your time each year.

8. Scrape, don’t rinse your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.

Rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher uses and extra 25 gallons of water per load. Today’s dishwashers are designed to get dishes clean without pre-rinsing. On average, dishwashers clean 250 loads of dishes per year for an annual water savings of 6,250 gallons of water.

9. Take 5 instead of 8

Try limiting your showers to 5 minutes. Not only will it save you time, but cutting your shower time from the average 8 minutes to 5 minutes will save 7200 gallons of water per year!

10. The double whammy (an excuse to go to the beach)

Put a half gallon plastic milk/juice container in the toilet. Not only will it keep a plastic bottle out of a landfill, it will also save a ton of water. The New York Times reported that a sealed half gallon container will save half a gallon on each flush. If you, like most Americans, flush 5 times daily, your family of 5 will save 4200 gallons of water per year! (Fill plastic container with sand, pebbles, or gravel before putting into the toilet)

On average, people spend 90% of their time indoors (65% of that time is spent at home). Indoor pollutant levels can be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoors. – Environmental Protection Agency

1. Lose the toxic cleaning products!

Conventional cleaning products such as all purpose tub/tile, oven and drain cleaner contain hazardous and unhealthful ingredients that pollute both air and water.  Today there are many non-toxic cleaning products available from such companies as Mrs. Meyers, 7th Generation, and Method.  Make the change today for healthier indoor air and ocean water! 

2. Get rid of the balls! (moth balls that is) 

Moth balls contain naphthalene.   Naphthalene was recently listed as a registered carcinogen by the U.S. government.  Acute (short-term) exposure of humans to naphthalene by inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact is associated with hemolytic anemia, damage to the liver, and neurological damage. 

Here is how to make an easy and effective moth repellent sachet (compliments of Annie B. Bond):

This recipe will fill about a dozen sachets. You can buy herbs in bulk at almost any health food store:

2 ounces each dried rosemary and mint
1 ounce each dried thyme and American ginseng
8 ounces whole cloves

Mix herbs and place some in the center of a bandanna or handkerchief (or in a muslin tea-bag, available at health food stores). Tie with a ribbon.

3. Painting project on the horizon?  Make sure to use Zero VOC paint!

The use of no-VOC/eco-friendly paint reduces toxins that cause allergy and chemical sensitivities, reduces contaminant concentrations in landfill, groundwater and the ozone, provides easy cleanup with soap and water, and produces lower odor. With increased legislation and support from environmentally conscious organizations such as the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), plus advances in paint technology, the paint industry has come a long way in developing an array of environmentally responsible products with higher performance levels. New paints have become more durable, cost-effective and less harmful to humans and the environment.

Finding VOC-free paint is now as easy as making a trip to Home Depot! They now carry a line of no-VOC paint called The Freshaire Choice. Today just about every paint manufacturer offers a VOC-free line of paint. Two manufacturers specializing in zero-VOC paint include Yolo Colorhouse and Safecoat. VOC-free paints typically cost about the same as a manufacturer's premium line of paints.

4. Minimize or eliminate wall to wall carpeting!

Wall to wall carpeting is a catchall for dust mites, pet dander, dirt, and pollutants.  At a minimum, try to eliminate carpet from bedrooms.  Washable area rugs over a solid surface such as hardwood will greatly improve indoor air quality.  Old carpet when removed weights significantly more than when it is new, proof of it's dirt and pollutant housing nature.

5. Open your windows and let the fresh air in!

Try to make a habit of opening your windows on a daily basis to let the stale air out, and the fresh air in. 

6. Add houseplants!

You can cleanse the air in your home by simply adding certain types of houseplants. NASA tests show that common houseplants remove toxins through the natural process of photosynthesis - as they take up carbon dioxide, they also pick up airborne pollutants through their leaves. Examples of such plants include English ivy, peace lily, golden pothos, and spider plants.

We spend a lot of time here at AirAdvice talking about how to save energy.  That means a lot of research, too.  One of the things we’ve discovered is that over time, some older wisdom about energy conservation just isn’t relevant anymore.  Here are a few “energy myths” we think you need to know:

Myth #1:  Cranking the temperature way down will cool your house faster, saving energy (or vice versa with heat).  Thermostats just don’t work that way.  Your air conditioner or furnace delivers air at the same rate, regardless of how many degrees it has to change the temperature.  In fact, you’re more likely to waste energy by overshooting the comfortable temperature or forgetting to set the thermostat back to a comfortable level once it’s where you want it.  Just set the thermostat to the temperature you actually want.

Myth #2:  You can save energy by closing the registers in unused rooms.  In reality, closing all the registers in the unused half of the house can potentially cost you more due to increased pressure in the duct system.  Leaky ductwork will suddenly have air forced through it at a higher rate, increasing leakage and costing you money.  In addition, this extra pressure can put stress on your furnace or air conditioner, leading to eventual system failure!

Myth #3:  Electronics and appliances don’t use energy when they’re turned off. 
This doesn’t apply to most home electronics these days.  Many devices, like cell phone chargers, TVs, ceiling fans, microwaves and others use what is called “standby power”.  Standby power is what allows your TV to respond when you press the ON button of the remote control, or the clock on your microwave to keep time.  How can we combat this?  Unplug any power transformers, like cell phone chargers, when you’re not using them.  Also, set up electronics on a surge protecting power strip so that you can turn off a whole row of devices by turning off the power strip.  Surge protectors still protect against power spikes when they are switched off.  Of course, keep practicality in mind.  I never want to have to program the clock on my DVD player again and I’m sure you don’t, either.

Myth #4: It uses more energy to turn a computer off and on every day than to just leave it on all the time, and it wears the computer out faster, too.  While this myth used to be true, it does not hold true for modern computers.  They’re a lot tougher than older machines and the “wear and tear” concept from a decade ago is no longer true.  There is a very, very tiny surge of electricity when you turn on your computer (or any other electronic device), but it lasts for a fraction of a second, doesn’t cost you a penny, and doesn’t harm the device in any way.  That being said, you will always save more energy by turning off a device when you are not using it.  And on a related note…

Myth #5:  It takes more energy to cool a house where the A/C has been turned off all day than it does to cool one where the thermostat has been turned way up.  This last one usually generates some heated arguments (no pun intended).  The myth goes like this:  Some people believe that letting your house get sweltering hot by turning off the A/C during the day is a waste of energy because of how hard the A/C has to work to make you comfortable once you get home and turn it on.  They believe that the best course of action is to leave the A/C on, but turned way up to say, 80 or 85 degrees.  This one even seems to make sense on the surface, but based on Myths 2 and 4 I think you can see why this is not actually true.  Running your air conditioner all day uses energy, period.  Even if it is not often calling for cooling, the unit is operating and drawing power.  Remember, you will always save more energy by turning off a device when you are not using

Thinking about freshening up the walls in your home with a new coat of paint? Repainting the interior of your home is a home improvement project offering big bang for the buck! Just as important as color selection is ensuring you choose a paint that is VOC-free! Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are the solvents released into the air as the paint dries, producing that "new-paint smell."

Recent EPA studies estimate indoor air quality to be 3 to 5 times more toxic than outdoor air, largely caused by toxic emissions of paints and finishes.

The use of no-VOC/eco-friendly paint reduces toxins that cause allergy and chemical sensitivities, reduces contaminant concentrations in landfill, groundwater and the ozone, provides easy cleanup with soap and water, and produces lower odor. With increased legislation and support from environmentally conscious organizations such as the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), plus advances in paint technology, the paint industry has come a long way in developing an array of environmentally responsible products with higher performance levels. New paints have become more durable, cost-effective and less harmful to humans and the environment.

"There's never been a better time to buy environmentally responsible products," says Mark Petruzzi, Vice President of Green Seal. "It's a lot easier to be green now. If you've tried green in the past, give it a fresh look.

This is good news for consumers concerned about the interior air quality in their home, as finding VOC-free paint is as easy as making a trip to Home Depot! They now carry a line of no-VOC paint called The Freshaire Choice. Today just about every paint manufacturer offers a VOC-free line of paint. Two manufacturers specializing in zero-VOC paint include Yolo Colorhouse and Safecoat. VOC-free paints typically cost about the same as a manufacturer's premium line of paints.

If you plan on having custom colors made by a paint store, make sure that the colorants they are using to tint the paint are also no-VOC. Some paint stores might offer a base color that is no-VOC, but do not have the no-VOC colorants needed to create a custom color.

If you must use products containing VOC’s, take the following precautions to reduce overall exposure to these harmful compounds.

· Increase ventilation when using products that emit VOCs,

· Try to buy products that contain VOCs in quantities that can be used quickly,

· Use products only according to manufacturer's directions,

· Adhere to all product warnings,

· Dispose of products containing VOCs properly.

So the next time you are in the planning stages of an interior home painting project, don’t forget about the importance of selecting a zero-VOC paint! In doing so, you can breathe easy as you admire your nice new eco-friendly paint job!

With “going green” now becoming more mainstream, fashionable, and affordable, it is important to do your homework when considering a “green” home upgrade.

One product that is often touted as being “green” is bamboo flooring. But not all bamboo flooring is created equal, and genuine “green” bamboo flooring is more the exception than the rule.

A key element of a “green” natural wood flooring product is the sourcing of that product.

Until just a couple of months ago, FSC certified bamboo flooring did not exist. (In a nutshell, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification indicates that the bamboo has been harvested in an environmentally responsible fashion). Unfortunately, it is common practice to cut down existing trees and replace them with bamboo.” In May, Smith & Fong, a San Francisco based company, secured the first FSC certification for bamboo flooring!

Indoor air quality and product off-gassing also needs to be taken into consideration when determining if a product qualifies as “green”. A recent California Air Resources Board sponsored study found that Californians spend an average of 87 percent of their 24-hour day indoors. They also estimate that indoor pollutant levels are 25-62% greater than outside levels and can pose serious health problems. Many building materials and furniture contain formaldehyde, a colorless, flammable, strong-smelling gas and known human carcinogen. Most bamboo flooring is made with formaldehyde glue. The Smith & Fong bamboo flooring also passes the “green” test in the indoor air quality category by using a formaldehyde free glue.

Another factor to consider is that most bamboo is grown in China. It could be argued FSC certified flooring made from maple trees grown in the United States is “greener” than FSC certified bamboo flooring from China due to the fuel consumed and emissions generated getting it here.

But the “greenest” flooring products are reclaimed products, or floors that have been removed from an existing structure and re-installed in another. Common sources include school gymnasiums, churches, and barns. Not only does the use of a reclaimed floor eliminate the sourcing and production of new material and the environmental detriment resulting from those activities, but it also reduces the amount of waste that goes into our landfills. Not to mention some of the nicest floors I’ve seen were on their second life, having been removed from another building.

“Green” home upgrades are a great way to make your home more valuable, comfortable, healthy, and energy efficient. But before you invest your hard earned greenbacks in “green” home upgrades, make sure you are getting a truly “green” product!

Written by John Wilcox, Realtor/Ecobroker specializing in eco-friendly real estate. For more information on “green” home upgrades and “green” homes for sale, contact John at 310-386-5646, or email him at johnwilcoxreatly@verizon.net. You can also visit his web site, www.johnwilcoxrealty.com

Snapshot & Benefits:
Home energy ratings are performed on new and existing homes to evaluate each home's energy performance. Home energy ratings are performed on new homes to verify energy performance for programs such as Energy Start Qualified homes. Existing homes may benefit from energy ratings by identifying cost-effective energy-efficiency improvements for the home. Additionally, home energy ratings are utilized by many financial institutions to qualify homes for energy-efficient mortgages.

Estimated Cost Savings:
Home energy ratings can identify cost-effective improvements that potentially save homeowners hundreds of dollars each year.

Issues:
Please be careful not to assume that your home inspector can perform an energy rating. In fact, many do not.

Getting It Done:
Energy ratings are performed by Certified Home Energy Raters. Find a list of qualified raters at the Residential Energy Services Network's (RESNET's) online Certified Rater Directory.

When it comes to going green, what a better place to start than right in your own home! Minor changes can add up to major savings, while at the same time making your home more healthy, comfortable, and valuable! A study published in The Appraisal Journal showed that energy efficiency upgrades can increase home value by more than the cost of the upgrade, especially in the face of rising utility costs. The study found that home value increases by $20 for every $1 in reduction in annual utility bills. Below are 5 things that can be done quickly, easily, and inexpensively that will allow you to take advantage of the many benefits of “going green”!

1. Install a programmable thermostat – These can be purchased for under $50.00 and can result in a 20% reduction in energy usage. This is possible by programming the thermostat so that your heater and air conditioner run less when you are asleep or at work.
2. Replace your light bulbs – Compact fluorescent light bulbs, also known as CFLs, use approximately 75% less energy than a standard incandescent bulb, and last 10 times longer. A 27 watt compact fluorescent bulb gives of the same light as a standard 100 watt incandescent bulb, yet it will burn 10,000 hours longer!
3. Add houseplants – You can cleanse the air in your home by simply adding certain types of houseplants. NASA tests show that common houseplants remove toxins through the natural process of photosynthesis - as they take up carbon dioxide, they also pick up airborne pollutants through their leaves. Examples of such plants include English ivy, peace lily, golden pothos, and spider plants.
4. Install ceiling fans – Ceiling fans are an inexpensive way to reduce energy costs, while at the same time making your home more comfortable. Multi-speed and reversible motor ceiling fans can save you 25- 40% on your electrical bills in summer and up to 10% on heating bills in the winter. The airflow produced creates a wind-chill effect, making you “feel” cooler. In the winter, reverse the motor and operate the ceiling fan at low speed in the clockwise direction. This produces a gentle updraft, which forces warm air near the ceiling down into the occupied space. Remember to adjust your thermostat when using your ceiling fan — additional energy and dollar savings could be realized with this simple step! Keep in mind that a ceiling fan cools or heats the body not the room, so for added energy savings turn the fan off when you leave the room.
5. Install low flow faucets - Low flow faucets have aerators in them to cut your water usage. These faucets use as much as 40% less water than conventional faucets, or about 2.5 gallons per minute compared to 4. For additional water savings, turn the water off when shaving and brushing your teeth, and save approximately 500 gallons a month!

When possible, purchase products that have the ENERGY STAR label, as they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and US Department of Energy. According to the ENERGY STAR web site, through the purchase of ENERGY STAR LABELED products, Americans saved enough energy in 2007 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 27 million cars — all while saving $16 billion on their utility bills.