Check Department of Energy Wind Resource Maps at: http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/wind_maps.asp
Tax credits are available for small wind generators at 30% of the cost, with no upper limit through 2016 for existing homes and new residential construction.
The aerodynamic properties of many commercial buildings can create natural acceleration in wind speeds of up to 50%
Many utility companies offer energy that is produced by renewable resources, which can be purchased as a percent of total energy used or in blocks of kilowatts. Buying green energy supports the development and use of renewable resources while helping reduce global warming!
About 47% of the average household's annual energy bills stem from heating and cooling. Every degree you raise your thermostat in the summer will reduce air conditioning bills by about 2%. Lowering the temperature by one degree in winter will save you 3% on heating bills. A programmable thermostat starts about $30 and produces an annual savings of about $100.
Cook food as quickly as possible! Meaning, after you get your local ingredients, pick the recipe that takes 15 minutes instead of the recipe that takes 45. Less energy required and more time to do other things. A win for you and a win for the environment!
Energy audits evaluate your home and look for ways to improve energy efficiency. You can hire a professional, or in some areas your gas or electric utility will do the audit for you. Inspectors often use thermography and other technologies to evaluate hidden leaks and insulation problems.
Trees are not only good for the environment but they can block winds, provide shade from the sun, and act as a sound barrier for your home!
There’s nothing like relaxing in a hammock with a good book, a cold drink and a warm breeze to kick-off summer.
Look for options such as buses or trains instead of driving to and from the airport. These options are more efficient because they move more people per mile per gallon than just driving the family car!
Some people believe that bags made of trees (e.g. paper bags) are less harmful to the earth than bags made of chemicals (e.g. plastic bags). The fact is, making both types of bags creates a lot of pollution, and both paper and plastic bags use a lot of resources. The best solution is not to use any bags at all or to use a mesh bag that can be used over and over. If you must use a paper or plastic bag, don't throw it away! Try to re-use the bag as many times as you can.
You can get refurbs for a steal, often for less than 50% of the retail price! Before they're resold to the public, they go through an intense defect-testing process and the warranties usually remain intact, so you can save money and help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills!
A misaligned tire will use around two per cent more fuel and cause premature tire wear. The worn tires aren't easily disposed of either.
Cut down on pollution and energy by choosing ground transportation for your deliveries! Whenever possible, go with ground transportation instead of rush air delivery for your mailing needs. On average, ground shipping is more than six times more energy efficient than air. Plan ahead so overnight or next day air shipping doesn’t become a necessity. This will also help save on additional rush delivery costs and burn less fossil fuel per shipment!