11 April 2010

Green is the New Cool...

Hello All! Happy SPRING!!

Due to the mainstream "green movement" many of us have switched to reusable grocery bags and maybe even aluminum water bottles, but did you know that "going green" can save you money? Did you know devices plugged up to power sources ("Phantom Load") but not turned on STILL use power and are actually on stand-by?

With a few minor changes, you can save money on utility bills and home/office supplies!

Read below for a few tips to make your home/office more energy efficient!

Cleaning

  • Use old toothbrushes for scrubbing small areas--like the grout between tiles. Soak the toothbrush in vinegar first to disinfect. 
  • Clean light bulbs to remove dust which reduces the brightness of the bulb. 
  • Take shoes off at the door. You will spend less time cleaning and fewer allergens will be tracked in. 
  • Use old shirts/cloth or reusable rags instead of paper towel for cleaning. 
Heating/Cooling
  • Close shades or use heavier drapes in the summer to keep heat outside of the home. 
  • Grill and plan dinners that create less heat inside the home. Your A/C will have to work harder when you use the oven. 
  • Adjust your in-home clothes with the temperature. Wear more clothes in the winter and less in the summer. 
  • Check doors for drafts. Use weather stripping to keep hot or cool air from seeping out. 
Work
  • Print on the back of sheets. 
  • Refrain from printing things that will be outdated soon. 
  • Use natural light, in place of artificial, when possible. 
  • Bring lunch in reusable containers. 
Energy
  • Use more natural light, even if you must rearrange furniture. Use mirrors to reflect the light. 
  • Purchase compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) or LED light bulbs, they last longer than the normal, incandescent bulb. A LED bulb lasts for 60,000 hours. 
  • Use the sleep function on your computer instead of letting it stay on all night. Set it to "go to sleep" after 30 minutes or 1 hour of inactivity.  
  • Eliminate "Phantom Load"/"Vampire Power" (electricity that is wasted by "standby" devices) by using a power strip and switching it "off" when the items plugged to it are not in use. 
If you are interested in learning how to make YOUR home or office more energy efficient and eco-friendly, contact BeSpoken Spaces for a FREE consultation. We will assess your energy and resource consumption to help you create a more streamlined, "green", and efficient lifestyle/daily routine!

Until Next Time, 

~Lauren