*Leave a comment below through the end of Friday, April 1, 2011, to be considered for a random giveaway of a voucher to receive a ProHome Soil Sensor System to be connected to an existing sprinkler system.

Depending on where you are on the Pyramid of Water Conservation, you may still have turf grass or an irrigation system, or both.  And these things guzzle water like crazy through Spring and Summer.  If you’re thinking about using less water and saving more money at the same time, perhaps UgMO Technologies — short for underground monitoring — could help out with their water-saving UgMO ProHome system.

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Today Lighting Science Group unveiled a new 60-watt replacement LED bulb that “meets or exceeds all of the criteria for the L Prize,” according to CTO Fred Maxik.  If you’re not familiar with the competition, in order to win, the lamp must run better than 90 watts per lumen, produce more than 900 lumens, use less than 10 watts, last more than 25,000 hours, have more than a 90 color rendering index, and have a color between 2700-3000 K.

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If you’re thinking about collecting rain at home, there’s a chance this product — the RainPerfect solar-powered pump system — could come in handy.  Once you have rainwater in the barrel, you’ll want to get it out and that can be done with the help of solar energy, a pump, and a garden hose.

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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:

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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.

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