In this rather concise TED video, Kamal Meattle explains that there are three common plants that can be used to grow all the fresh air needed to maintain human health. Research suggests that these plants can help with tight, energy-efficient structures to mitigate what’s commonly referred to as sick building syndrome. The plants are:
For the holiday, I mozied down to Home Depot to get some replacement lights and to generally just walk around. I noticed more green products on the shelves and was surprised to see this WaterSense Glacier Bay toilet with Niagara’s Flapperless flush system selling for $88. On the way out, I was given a copy of The Green Guide with these 10 suggestions for saving money, energy, and water.
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Some folks are stockpiling light bulbs in anticipation of the future phase-out of standard incandescents, according to USA Today. It seems hoarders are doing it for one or two reasons: cost and/or lighting concerns. But these shouldn’t be concerns. With a little bit of math (initial cost + operating cost) and an understanding of basic lighting terms (lumen, watt, color accuracy, color temperature), I think the switch is a no-brainer. So here’s a five-step program for the hoarder:
In my experience, it seems most people compare appliance models based on cost, appearance, and brand. Some individuals consult the yellow-and-black EnergyGuide label for estimated operating cost and energy use information. Others research models online through the Energy Star products database.
But there’s a new resource for locating the most energy efficient products on the market: Top Ten USA.
A few days after Christmas, the EPA issued updated guidance on how to clean up a broken compact fluorescent lamp (“CFL”) bulb. CFLs are made with a small amount of mercury that can be released as vapor when broken. That vapor is a health risk, although the EPA still encourages the use of CFLs to save energy and reduce GHG emissions. Here’s an outline of the EPA’s CFL cleanup guidance:
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