Save Money & Save The World - 22 Simple Steps for Energy Savings!

Here are 22 steps you can take -- each with the energy savings you can achieve each year. Pick the ones you'll do to get your first 10% energy savings. (These energy savings assume an average US home, which uses about 11,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year and 19,000 cubic feet of natural gas per year.) 1. Turn off lights you're not using – We even have switchplate reminders for you, downloadable on our Web site. (2% energy savings per year, assuming an average family's energy use) 2. Schedule an energy audit – Your local utility will probably provide an audit for free, and you may also get a more comprehensive audit (saving you more money in the long term) by paying for a whole-house audit. (Up to 50% energy savings per year) 3. Don't heat or cool empty rooms – If there is a room in your house that is rarely used, close off the vents to save on heating and cooling. (Varies by size of room.) 4. Give your dishwasher a rest – Skip the energy-intensive drying cycle on your dishwasher and choose the air-dry option, or open the door for zero-energy dish drying. (5% energy savings per year) 5. Shift your energy load to off-peak hours – Because power sources must produce electricity around the time of use (without capacity for long-term storage) it is our collective peak demand that triggers the building of more polluting power plants. (Varies) 6. Turn off your electronics – If you're going to be away from your computer or other appliance for more than an hour, turn it off. (5% energy savings per year) 7. Eliminate "phantom load" – Many electronics use energy even while turned off, so your best bet is to unplug them when not in use. (5% energy savings per year) 8. Make your fridge more efficient – Keep your refrigerator's coils clean to boost its overall power, and store jugs of water in any empty space inside, because water retains coldness better than air. (4% energy savings per year) 9. Wash clothes in cold water – Your clothes will get just as clean, on half the energy. (7% energy savings per year) 10. Give up your dryer – Hang your clothes to dry on a clothesline or indoor rack. (10% energy savings per year) 11. Plug your air leaks – Energy-efficient heating and cooling systems are wasted when you're leaking out the cool or warm air you're putting in. (5% energy savings per year) 12. Reduce your water use – Simple ways to save water include fixing any leaks and replacing faucets and showerheads with low-flow options. (3% energy savings per year) 13. Cut waste through windows – Properly seal window edges, cover windows with curtains to prevent heat loss, or coat windows with reflective "low-e" films that reduce heat loss while still allowing light to shine through. (10% energy savings per year) 14. Help your hot water heater – Add an insulating cover to reduce heat loss. (1% energy savings per year) 15. Install ceiling fans – Reduce your air conditioner usage with ceiling fans. Look for "Energy Star" models that use 50 percent less energy. (19% energy savings per year) 16. Get a programmable thermostat – Automate when your heating or cooling systems come on to save energy while you sleep or are away from home. (10% energy savings per year) 17. Upgrade your appliances – Look for the "Energy Star," and you may be eligible for a tax break. (3 - 12% energy savings per year) 18. Upgrade your hot water heater – Save energy and space by upgrading to a tankless or solar hot water heater. (14% energy savings per year) 19. Green your roof – Studies have found that a green roof on a typical one-story building can result in a 25 percent reduction in summer cooling needs. (12% energy savings per year) 20. Save energy through landscaping – The US Department of Energy found that the proper placement of as few as three shady trees will save an average household between $100 and $250 in energy costs annually. (12% energy savings per year) 21. Replace your windows – In step 13, we have recommendations for working with the windows you have. Replacing your windows with more energy-efficient versions can save you even more. (14% energy savings per year) 22. Don't waste energy on TV – With the switch to digital TV coming in 2009, many people are buying new, digital-ready TVs. If you must shop for a new television, look for an LCD (liquid crystal display) screen, which uses six times less energy than a plasma screen. (2% energy savings per year)

If you have a blog or a personal Web site, post or link to Co-op America's new Steps for Energy Efficiency and help us spread the word. E-mail us to let us know you've linked to our site‚ and we'll link back to you in an upcoming blogroll. Support our work to build a greener economy by donating to our Climate Action Program. Help us promote greener energy and energy efficiency, while working against the expansion of the polluting coal industry. Donate today » Not yet a supporting member? Join todayto begin receiving the Co-op America Quarterly (from which today's e-mail was adapted) by mail. Membership is only $20 and includes a subscription to our bi-monthly green-living newsletter Real Money, a copy of our National Green Pages™, and a copy of our Guide to Socially Responsible Investing. Your membership provides valuable support for our economic action programs for people and the planet. Join today »

JOIN CO-OP AMERICA | DONATE TODAY | SEND THIS TO A FRIEND

Co-op America, 1612 K St NW Suite 600, Washington DC 20006 - (800) 58 GREEN - www.coopamerica.org

Colin Hay - Men at Work - - Music Review

Are You Looking At Me? - Colin Hay's 2007 release has found it's way to my disc player. Let me just dispense with the suspense. Oh my god - I freaking love this disc. Holly smokes out of the blue comes a mature, sophisticated, smart, intelligent, sumptuous delight of audio, lyric, fun and contemplation from the former Men At Work front man. I can not rave about this disc enough. First off Colin's voice is still intact. Secondly, his sense of humor is as strong as ever tempered with age, wisdom, insight, humility, compassion, and yes love. The production is first rate. The tunes bounce along, float, rock, boogie and reflect. The syncopation isn't hurried but tempered and well I am so impressed - this is now my new favorite disc. He's out touring with Ringo - that's just completely perfect. If he comes to Virginia Beach I'll be the first to buy tickets.

Well done Colin well done and welcome back amigo!!!!!!!!!!

This time is different - this time we got you -- and I thank you for that!

Paul
Author- Journey Home

70 miles per gallon!!!!

Necessity is the mother of invention and the oil industry has plunged the stake into their own heart. Clean energy and sustainability is the wave of the future because it is the only way to survive. The status quo will not give up without a fight but when they finally WAKE UP and realize there is money to be made they will all jump on board the new green economy. Until then they are blocking all legislative initiatives, tax breaks and guarding their outrageous subsidies (your government at work) like any entrenched power might do - the unenlightened ones.

Paul
Author - Journey Home