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How To Recycle Old Tech Gear

admin — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

With technology constantly developing, there are many ways that you can recycle your old tech gear and help out someone in need as well as the environment. You will be doing something good by donating your old tech gear to a community church or to those who are less fortunate. You can visit local donation stores that will provide you with a tax return for the donations made. You will not only help someone in need, but feel good about your good deeds.

In addition to donating to your local community, there are also online websites that you can trade in your old tech goods. By trading in your gadgets, you will receive a credit for purchase on the website or partner sites. This way, you can stay up to date with the latest technology when on a budget. For smaller items like ink cartridges and such, you can bring it into your local stationary store and refill these cartridges to save money. Some stores even offer a discount off new ink by bringing in your empty cartridges.

There is also the option of selling old technology online which will consist of reimbursed cash which everyone needs now a days. It is always great to check where and what you can do with your old tech gadgets before trashing it and harming the environment.

Your DVR Box And Your Energy Use

admin — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

DVR boxes use more energy than most people think they do. They use approximately six percent of home energy use. This is equivalent to how much energy an air conditioner, refrigerator or a television uses. The higher the definition of the DVR box, the more energy it will use.

Most people are not aware that DVR boxes use energy even when the box is in standby mode or isn’t in use at all. This is wasted energy that costs households plenty of money. It is also very wasteful. However, most of us have on demand TVs that require DVR boxes. In addition, most households have more than one DVR box. A DVR box is required in each room of the home where one wants to record programs. Unfortunately, DVR boxes cannot be shared within the entire household.

Unplugging a DVR box will certainly save lots of energy per household. If a TV is not used often, it makes sense to unplug the DVR box and plug it back in when ready to use. This is not as inconvenient as most people would assume. It literally only takes a few seconds to reboot a DVR box once it’s plugged back in.The information doesn’t stop now. Keep looking: Your DVR’s dirty little secret: It’s an energy hog

Car Sharing The New Mass Transit?

admin — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Car sharing is a fairly new idea. While the idea of car sharing may be new its benefits are rapidly being adopted in cities nationwide. There are many important benefits that make car sharing a worthy program.

One of the single greatest benefits of car sharing is the impact on the environment. The reduction of fossil fuel usage means that polluted cities are emitting less carbon dioxide gases into the air. Some scientists are claiming that using car sharing in a city reduces the number of cars by a many as 5 private cars. Convenience is a benefit that many overlook when they talk about car sharing. Car sharing is simply having a car when you need one. Many consumers are opting to use car sharing programs in lieu of owning a second car.

Cost is always an issue for consumers and car owners. Car sharing cuts down on the cost of ownership that even the most reliable car. All cars will need oil changes as well as other important routine maintenance performed. Car sharing programs mean you no longer worry about any of the headaches when owning a car. You are using a car only when you need one.

Water Usage: In the Bathroom

admin — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

You may be doing your research on getting green – finding out about Electric Companies in Texas and switching to energy efficient light blubs but did you know the bathroom is where we waste most? Water is a huge drain on the energy costs in this country and we’ve got a few ways to help you cut back:
Go low-flow – Many makes and models of low-flow shower heads are now available to help you limit the amount of water you use when bathing. Don’t fret, these models have just as much power as your old one and remember that showering actually uses less water than bathing.
Switch your tank – If you’re due for a new toilet, choose a model that saves water. Many states now require new construction to use low-flow toilets but they’re a great money saver if you live in an old home, too.
Tankless Hot water – It’s a big expense upfront but if you’re planning on living in your home for at least 5 years it will pay off in the long run. A Tankless heater is more efficient and takes up less space and it will save you lots of money over time.

Solar Power And Wind Energy Devices

admin — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Alternative energy becomes more popular as the cost of established energy sources become more expensive, and awareness of utilizing solar power and wind energy devices continues to grow. Wind turbines and solar panels have become very popular in recent years. Solar panels are sized to serve residential homes, but wind turbines have always been massive structures that required a great deal of area.

There is an up and coming energy generating device that combines both solar power and wind energy to create a hybrid solar wind power generator. The device is geared toward the use on residential homes, but it can be used on almost any building type. The low-profile device is small and compact and weighs about 60 pounds with a solar panel integrated into the turbine fin. The device generates electricity with winds anywhere from 6 mph to 60 mph and in low-light conditions.

The device can be mounted on a flat or pitched roof and bolted or ballasted in place. The energy generating device works with DC/AC inverters. The design takes advantage of multiple energy sources combined into one unit for maximum efficiency. This device can be used in combination with other solar devices to maximize energy output.

Use Your Energy Save Options On Appliances

admin — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Now is the time to use your energy save options on appliances. Many families are searching for ways to save money. It’s important to shop for the most energy-efficient refrigerators, dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers.

Newer appliances are designed to use far less energy than their earlier counterparts. If you’re using a major appliance that’s at least a decade old, you’re wasting energy and money. Today’s appliances are manufactured according to federal energy efficiency standards. If your refrigerator is at least 12 years old you could easily use half the energy by using an energy saving model. That translates in to big savings for your family.

Not only do the energy save options save you money, they’re good for our environment. This is because they use less electricity, cause less of a demand on power plants and greatly reduce air pollution. They also use a lot less water, one of our most important natural resources.

Look for energy star labels and read energy star guides when shopping for an appliance. Some states offer rebate incentives. Check with your local utility company to see if your state has an incentive program in place. Researching online also saves you time and money.

Quick Tips To Cut Down Your Energy Costs

admin — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

In a controversial measure, the House recently approved higher standards that will make the nation more energy efficient. The traditional 100-watt bulbs will go off the market next year, followed over the next two years by lower-wattage bulbs.
If you want to go a step forward on your own, replace old incandescent bulbs with the compact fluorescent ones to save up to 40 a year.
And now that you are into replacing bulbs, save some more energy, and help the environment by following these other quick tips.The whole story can be found at http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/07/incandescent-light-bulb-hoarder-confesses-error-ways.php?campaignth_rss
Turn off lights and fans when leaving a room and don’t forget to turn off the TV when nobody is watching it.
Use a sweater instead of turning your A/C up. If away from home, make sure to set the temperature at 65 or cooler in the winter and 82 or warmer in the summer. Switching the A/C to auto can also save you a few bucks
And what about those little lights on your cell phone charger, iPod charger, your digital clocks and other electrical devices? They can add up to 5 percent of your energy cost.
Take a time each month to check your A/C filters. A clean filter keeps your unit running more efficiently. And then reduce your water heater temperature from 140 to 120 degrees, to save about 7 a month.

The Benefits To Joining A Car Pool

admin — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Maybe you’ve thought about joining a carpool in the past, but for whatever reason set the idea aside. But the benefits of carpooling are so many and varied, you might want to think again and make the decision to car pool.
Of course it’s more environmentally friendly, and as a carpooler you would be doing your part to reduce carbon emissions, petroleum consumption, traffic congestion, and the need for more parking spaces. You could feel really good about being a good citizen of the Earth.
There are other great benefits to carpooling as well.I found some more information here. Sharing a ride reduces travel costs, and with gas prices sky high, having a bit more jingle in your jeans is a really nice thing at the end of the month. Also, not only might you have the opportunity to cut down on parking expenses, but some insurance companies offer discounts their ride-sharing customers.
There can also be a social component to ride sharing. If you share a ride with your spouse, that can become precious time together to connect before or after a busy day. If you share with people you know it can be a lot of fun. If you carpool with people you don’t, you have a chance to make new friends.