News Room : Archives : August 2010

Crank-Powered Sidewinder Purifies Water With UV Light

Sunday, August 22nd, 2010

For outdoorsy people who hate bothering with packs of environmentally-unfriendly plastic water bottles, we’ve got a great alternative that’s sure to quench your thirst. Recently debuted at this year’s Outdoor Retailer Expo , SteriPEN’s new Sidewinder portable water purifier is an ingenious product that utilizes a crank-powered bacteria-killing UV light to create a full liter of perfectly potable water. Simple, practical, and potentially a way to build some arm muscles, look for the Sidewinder to hit shelves this September

Link:
Crank-Powered Sidewinder Purifies Water With UV Light

Most Efficient Large Refrigerators (greater than 24 cubic feet) Top 3 Picks

Sunday, July 11th, 2010

In the constant quest to save energy, you should never forget about your refrigerator. They run 24 hours per day. Appliances account for about 17 percent of your household’s energy consumption, with refrigerators, clothes washers, and clothes dryers at the top of the list, according to the Department of Energy.

We’ve taken a look at the Energy Star ratings of large refrigerators – the ones here are greater than 24 cubic feet. Based on the lowest use of KWH/year – these are the top three most efficient large refrigerators.

The LG LFC25776 is a french door style refrigerator with the freezer on the bottom. It has a volume of 25 cubic feet, uses 30% less energy, and uses 416 kilowatt hours per year. It’s available in white, black, and stainless steel – so there’s certainly one to match your kitchen.

If you’re a fan of ice makers, there’s not one on this refrigerator – that is a downfall. Other positives though include all LED-lighting, a 4-compartment crisper with deli storage center, and a bottom loading freezer.

The Samsung RF266AEBP is a 26 cubic foot refrigerator that is Energy Star rated. This refrigerator uses 23% less energy, and has a kwh/year usage of 462. It’s a bottom loading refrigerator, and much like the LG refrigerator – does not have an ice machine.

There are lots of great features on this refrigerator – from the cooling systems to the doors. It’s definitely a good one to check out.

This next refrigerator actually falls into a category with many other refrigerators. There are quite a few refrigerators that use 20% less energy at a rate of 476 kw/hr a year. Read below to see why we chose the one we did.

The Whirlpool GX5FHTXVY is a bottom freezer refrigerator that uses 20 percent less energy at a rate of 476 kwh/year. This particular fridge has a bunch of great features such as an interior water dispenser complete with PuR® 6-Month Water Filtration – which helps set it apart from some of the other refrigerators we have spoken of.

Freezer baskets, ice makers, can holder – all the bells and whistles are there. On top of it, it’s an energy star rated refrigerator. At a capacity of 24.8 Cubic Feet it’s still pretty big, and can chill and freeze a lot of your food. There’s nothing but positives to this refrigerator.

So if you’re looking for the most efficient large refrigerator, these are some great options.

Own one of these and like it or hate it? Feel that we should have covered a different model as the most efficient large refrigerator?

Let us know in the comments!

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Self-Sufficient Napevomo House Taps the Sun for Power and Hot Water

Sunday, June 27th, 2010

Water Wise Gardening – tips for low impact gardening

Sunday, May 2nd, 2010

Saving water and conserving energy are in vogue, but our culture has forgotten an amazing amount about how to get results while using fewer resources. There are hundreds of archaic methods that are worth revisiting to cut your utility bills. In the centuries before electric pumps, dams, and water towers, our ancestors employed a variety of low impact techniques to irrigate crops and nurture their yards. Some of these techniques are making a comeback.

For example, gardeners in the Southwest are rediscovering how to use the olla. Olla’s are unglazed pots that are partially buried in the ground. When filled with water, these pots allow moisture to seep into the surrounding soil. Ollas prevent water loss from run-off and evaporation, plus they prevent nutrients from washing away. They are also a cost effective alternative to expensive drip irrigation equipment, and installing Ollas is easy to do with simple hand tools:

Here are a few other time-tested ways to save water and electricity:

Slow down the flow of water: Match the flow of water to the speed that your landscape absorbs moisture. While an Olla is one of the most water efficient methods, other technologies include Multi-stream rotor sprinkler heads and soaker hoses. Low volume watering avoids runoff, preventing erosion and keeping nutrients from washing away.

Use shade to prevent evaporation: Sun visors, pipes, and sun screens are seeing renewed interest as water saving technologies. To prevent evaporation of standing water, it’s important to reduce sun exposure. Replacing open irrigation ditches with underground pipes can reduce evaporation by up to 50%. Uncovered swimming pools consume 35-50% more water than covered pools. Uncovered pools also consume more energy to heat, because evaporation cools the remaining water down:

It only takes 1 Btu (British thermal unit) to raise 1 pound of water 1 degree, but each pound of 80ºF water that evaporates takes a whopping 1,048 Btu of heat out of the pool.

Use mulch and compost: Natural fertilizers not only feed the soil, they also help the yard absorb moisture. Mulching with porous materials such as wood chips, grass clippings, and vermiculite can help turn the soil into a sponge.

Finished compost holds up to 200 times it’s weight in water, and its not necessary to go with fully decomposed compost to get the mulching effects. 100 pounds of horse manure holds approximately 195 pounds of water (just watch out – horses eat lots of wildflowers without digesting the seeds). Using layers of different types of mulch and compost can get even better results.

Irrigate with water spikes: Water spikes, like this one, help water penetrate deep into the soil and soak directly into the roots of trees or other targeted plants. They are an ideal way to help a new plant get established, or to ensure that a needy plant gets enough water.

Use native plants: If your lawn has plants that are growing outside of their usual habitat, instead of finding ways to water more, it’s also a good idea to replant with local species. These native plants are well adapted to local rainfall, and will only need additional water in drought conditions. As a bonus, native plants also require less pruning!

Re-use waste water: Water that is unfit for people to drink may be just right for plants. This so-called “gray water” can come from the dish washer, the shower, and the kitchen sink. When rinsing off fruit or washing dishes, grey water can even pick up nutrients.

Capture rain water: Rain is free source of water, and surprising amounts of rainwater can be collected even in the driest climate.

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US Department of Energy Announces Stricter Efficiency Standards for Water Heaters

Sunday, April 4th, 2010

Photo: Wikipedia, CC “Carbon dioxide emissions will be cut by 164 million metric tons over 30 years.”
Heating water is one of the most energy-intensive (and thus polluting) things that takes place in the average house or apartment building.

Photo: Flickr, CC

Beginning in 2015, New Water Heaters Will Have to be More Energy-Efficient
The second option is exactly what the U.S. Department of Energy is trying to do. It has just announced stricter energy efficiency standards for water heaters that can hold 55 gallons or more.

The new regulation will require electric water heaters to use 47% less energy starting in 2015, and gas water heaters will need to be at least 30% more efficient.

“Over three decades, DOE says the new rules will save a total of $10 billion and prevent up to 164 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions — the equivalent of taking 46 million cars off the road for one year.”

Looking Forward: Heating Water Without Heating the Planet
I’m happy that these new rules are stricter than those that were proposed late last year, but I wish the DOE had look a bit farther out in the future. It would’ve been great to have progressively more stringent targets for 2015, targets for 2020, 2025, etc. I also wish the same rules applied to units under 55 gallons (they’ll need to reduce energy-consumption too, but not as much), which is what a lot of houses have.

The greenest course of action is probably to progressively use more and more solar water heaters and on-demand (aka tankless) water heaters (even better if you can combined the two, though you’d require a tank to hold the pre-heated water so you’ lose some of the benefits of the on-demand unit).

Via DOE (pdf), USA Today

Original Post by Michael Graham Richard, Tree Hugger

Geothermal Heat Pumps from WaterFurnace International, Inc.

Sunday, March 21st, 2010

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Fort Wayne, IN – Water-to-water geothermal heat pumps from WaterFurnace International, Inc., a leading manufacturer of residential, commercial, industrial and institutional geothermal and water source heat pumps, now qualify for the ENERGY STAR® label thanks to a new ENERGY STAR specification for geothermal heat pumps that went into effect Dec. 1, 2009.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) stringent specifications for this category of geothermal heat pumps will help protect the environment and reduce energy costs, because geothermal heat pumps that meet the new standards will be up to 45 percent more efficient than conventional pumps.

“This is the first time geothermal water-to-water heat pumps are eligible for the ENERGY STAR label and comes in response to growing consumer interest in geothermal heating and cooling systems,” noted Andy Fracica, director of marketing at WaterFurnace. “At WaterFurnace, we’re proud of the extensive list of WaterFurnace products that meet efficiency standards established by the ENERGY STAR Program for Geothermal Heat Pumps.

In addition to significant energy savings, tax credits available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) make the purchase of an ENERGY STAR product even more attractive. “That’s because homeowners who install geothermal heat pumps with the ENERGY STAR label before Dec. 31, 2016, are eligible for a 30 percent renewable energy tax credit,” said Fracica. “In addition, homeowners can take advantage of utility rebates and state and local tax incentives, where available.”

To see the complete list of WaterFurnace ENERGY STAR-compliant water-to-water geothermal heat pumps, visit the company’s Web site at www.waterfurnace.com.

WaterFurnace International, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of residential, commercial, industrial and institutional geothermal and water source heat pumps. Products from WaterFurnace include energy-efficient and environmentally friendly geothermal comfort systems, indoor air quality products and pool heaters. WaterFurnace (TSX:WFI) was founded in 1983, the company is headquartered in Fort Wayne, Ind.

For additional information, please visit www.waterfurnace.com.

Original post:
Geothermal Heat Pumps from WaterFurnace International, Inc.

WaterSense ready to label showerheads

Saturday, March 6th, 2010

March 5th, 2010

 original source:
WaterSense ready to label showerheads

2010 Builders’ Show Products, Part 2: Green Products

Sunday, January 31st, 2010

Among the many products on display at last week’s International Builders’ Show were a number of introductions that can contribute to a sustainably built home. Here is a sampling of 10 eco-friendly finds from the show floor.

Leviton Mfg. Designed for use with a wide variety of dimmable CFL light bulbs, the Decora CFL Slide Dimmer optimizes the performance of dimmable CFL bulbs. Unlike standard dimmers that are not always compatible with dimmable CFLs, the CFL Slide Dimmer detects whether the bulb is an incandescent or a dimmable CFL, determines high- and low-end dimming capabilities, and adjusts the dimming range accordingly. The CFL Slide simmer helps eliminate problems dimming CFLs with standard dimmers, such as flickering or a small range of dimming. www.leviton.com. –Lauren Hunter

 

 

CertainTeed. EnerGen solar roofing features Uni-Solar thin-film laminates that install with no roof penetrations and lie flush with traditional shingles for a streamlined appearance. The shingles provide .5 kW per 100 square feet. Designed for installation by building and roofing pros, the system comes with in pre-engineered kits with all components. www.certainteed.com. –Katy Tomasulo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dow. The company previewed its Powerhouse solar shingles, building-integrated photovoltaics that install flat against the roof deck in the same manner as an asphalt shingle. The shingles require no on-roof wiring and can be installed by builders and roofers; the electrical circuitry is integrated into each shingle, the company says, and the shingles link to each other via plug-style connectors and then require only minimum roof penetration to connect to the home. Though specific specs are not yet available, Powerhouse, which will be available in 2011, is estimated to provide about 40 percent to 80 percent of a typical home’s energy needs. www.dow.com. –K.T.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sherwin-Williams. The company has enhanced its Harmony product with a formula that helps reduce odors in the air, similar to baking soda, even after a surface is painted, the maker says. The zero-VOC product now also sports better hide and more durability, the firm adds, and antimicrobial properties help it resist mildew. The latex paint is Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certified and Greenguard Certified for Children and Schools. www.sherwinwilliams.com. –Victoria Markovitz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delta. The Linden pull-out faucet offers consumers a choice of water-saving flow or traditional flow. When turned on, the unit operates at 1.5 gallons per minute for needs such as hand washing; a push button on the spout can be depressed for a faster flow for tasks that require a faster flow, such as pot filling. Linden features a transitional style, with clean lines and a flared wand. The company’s Diamond Seal technology reduces leak points and simplifies installation. www.deltafaucet.com. –K.T.

 

 

 

 

 

 

GE. Currently in testing, the company’s smart-grid-enabled appliances will communicate between the utility and the homeowner to ensure appliances are operating at the optimum time of day, lessening the load on the power grid and saving the homeowner money. For example, the refrigerator will hold the high-energy defrost cycle until off-peak hours; the water heater will operate in its most efficient mode during high-demand periods; and appliances will shift to power-saving modes until rates are lower. Accompanying this launch will be the introduction of a Home Energy Manager (shown), which will monitor energy use throughout the home. The 7-inch touchscreen display provides a graphical interface to view real-time and long-term energy consumption, as well as water consumption, solar energy generation (if applicable), weather forecasts, and more. www.ge.com. –K.T.

 

Broan-NuTone. The company’s recessed fan/lights now include a sensor that turns the fan on when it senses a quick rise in humidity then turns it off automatically. The Energy Star-rated unit looks like a traditional recessed light, but contains a concealed 70-cfm ventilation fan that operates at 1.5 sones. The auto shut-off feature is adjustable from five to 60 minutes or can be operated manually. The fan is UL listed for use over the tub or shower. www.broan.com. –K.T.

 

 

 

 

Georgia-Pacific. DryPly plywood subfloor has a water-repellant coating that absorbs up to 40% less water during the normal construction cycle than uncoated plywood, the maker says. Backed by a lifetime limited warranty, the product is also SFI certified. www.gp.com. –V.M.

 

 

 

 

Huber Engineered Woods. The company has refined the tape gun for its ZIP System of structural roof and wall sheathing, which feature a built-in air and moisture barrier to eliminate the need for felt and housewrap. The tape gun, which is used to seal panel seams, loads twice as fast as the original gun and is designed to be more durable on the jobsite. www.zipsystem.com. –K.T.

 

 

 

 

Amana. The Tandem laundry pair is designed to offer increased capacity, high efficiency, and a stylish look at a more affordable price point, says the firm. The Energy Star-rated washer uses 73 percent less water and 71 percent less energy than conventional top loaders, according to the company, and it is CEE Tier 3-qualified. Both units feature sound dampeners for quiet operation and “Touch and Go” controls for simple programming. www.insideadvantage.com. –K.T.

 

 

 

 

EarthTronics. By harvesting energy from the tips of the turbine blades, rather than through a mechanical center gear, the Honeywell Wind Turbine from WindTronics starts producing energy at 2 mph and remains operational through 42 mph, the maker says, unlike traditional turbines that start generating energy at 7.5 mph and shut down at 29 mph. The unit can produce 2,000 kWh a year in Class 3 winds and 2,752 kWh a year in Class 4 winds while operating at a height of 33 feet. www.windtronics.com. –V.M.

Read more here:
2010 Builders’ Show Products, Part 2: Green Products

Speakman Showerheads: A Water Saving, Low Flow Version

Sunday, January 24th, 2010

 

If you’ve ever stayed at a nice hotel, chances are you’ve used a Speakman showerhead. They’re the ones with multiple jets, and a little lever so that you can adjust the way that the showerhead sprays. They give you a nice, quality shower, and they look pretty fancy too.

But what about us environmentalists who want to save a little bit of water when we shower? The standard Speakman showerhead uses 2.5 gallons per minute. That’s much lower than showerheads manufactured in the 1980s and before, but it is the maximum amount of water allowed for a showerhead these days. Sort of eco-neutral in my book.

But Speakman now makes a 2 gallon per minute showerhead, in six different varieties.

That means that you can get the luxury of a real Speakman, and still meet LEED green building standards.

When you buy a showerhead that uses less water, you’re saving in two different ways.

First, you’re saving water, because the showerhead uses less of it. Duh, right?

Second, you’re also saving on your energy bill! It takes energy to make hot water, and I’m betting that you usually take a hot shower. Whether or not you have a gas or electric water heater, you’ll be using less hot water when you use a water saving showerhead, and that will help with your gas or electric bill.

And there’s the added benefit that your hot water lasts longer, which is important for homes with teenagers, or just several family members who all need to take a shower at the same time in the morning.

Anyone used one of these yet? I use a different brand of efficient showerhead, which I like.

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9 Unique & Eco Green Gift Ideas

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

 

Looking for unique eco friendly Christmas gifts for the environmentalist in your life? Here is a selection of green gifts to cover ideas from your office gift trade to your loved ones. Regardless who you are shopping for, remember a key to giving unique eco friendly gifts is to make sure they are both practical and usable gifts.

What’s the point of buying an eco friendly gift if it sits up on a shelf in the back of a closet? That’s a waste of energy to produce and ship the gift. If you choose usable eco friendly gifts wisely, you’ll be able to benefit the environment by your gift being used. It’s a win-win for the shopper and the receiver. Oh, and the environment, of course.

Here are 9 green gift ideas that will avoid storage in the back of the closet and you can feel good about giving!

1. Solio Portable Hybrid Solar Charger

This portable solar charger is pretty cool. It’s great for someone always on the go, and always saying the battery is dying. The solar charger is topped with a carabiner and has a durable Lexan shell. So, clip it on a belt loop, bike, or even a briefcase. You don’t have to be in a car or at the desk to charge that cell phone. This solar charger doesn’t have to actively be in the sun to charge a device. It holds the charge for up to one year.

2. Envirocycle Tumbling Composter

Here’s the ultimate gift for recycling—a composter. This Envirocycle Tumbling Composter for $ 149.99 spins to aerate and mix the compost. Tumbling composters produce finished compost faster than standard composters. It’s a great eco friendly choice for a gift since it recycles food and lawn wastes and produces a great organic fertilizer for the lawn and garden.

3. Roadrunner Low Flow Shower Head

The Roadrunner Low Flow Shower Head for $39.95 makes a perfect Christmas gift for the environmentalists. Help them save water and money on their utility bills! This low flow shower head even has a sensor to monitor water temperature. It pauses the water flow when it’s warm to prevent wasting water.

4. Raised Bed Garden Planter

Do you need any unique Christmas gift ideas for locavores? You know, shoppers at the weekend farmer’s market looking for local produce. Here’s an eco friendly gift so they can grow their own organic food. The Raised Bed Garden Planter for $299.99 is great for small spaces, even a patio, deck, rooftop or balcony. It’s a 4 x 4 growing space. That’s perfect for the grower to get a lot of produce in a confined space, especially if they use the square foot gardening method. It comes with a watering system, too.

5. Kleen Kanteen Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Do you know anyone still drinking out of plastic water bottles? This Kleen Kanteen stainless reusable water bottle is a great gift for $17.99, especially for the office Christmas party. Help folks cut down on trash, and give them a non-leaching, toxin-free way to hydrate.

6. Reel Mower

A reel push mower makes the perfect unique Christmas gift. If you’re shopping for the person that has everything, chances are they don’t have one of these reel mowers. Reel mowers, also, make great gifts to newly married or engaged couples, and new homeowners. Prices range based on models, but here’s a Brill push reel mower for $249.99.

7. Bamboo Kitchen Products

Bamboo is becoming more and more popular as a renewable resource. Check out this line of bamboo kitchen products from Bambu. Contemporary in design, responsibly made, and affordably priced. They’re great kitchen products for everyday use, and impressive for a green dinner party!

8. Donate Money for an Environmental Cause

Here’s another green gift — donate money to a good cause. There are a lot of agencies working for environmental issues that will be more than happy to put your dollars to work. Two agencies you could consider are the Nature Conservancy and Trees for the Future. You can donate in someone’s name to help preserve the rain forest or plant a tree. Now, it’s not a gift in hand, so to speak. But, it’s still an eco friendly gift and you can decide the dollar amount you want to give.

Or readers, what’s your favorite environmental charity?

9. Reusable Gift Wrap

Don’t forget to be eco friendly when it comes to wrapping the gift. Here’s a gift that is truly respectable to “regift”– Lyziwraps reusable gift wrap. We found this gift wrap to be festive for the holidays but reusable for any occasion. They come in four different sizes and range from $6.00 to $10.00. Let the wrapping become part of the gift.

When giving eco friendly gifts think about the big picture, too, of giving practical, usable gifts. Things people are sure to use and not stick up on a shelf. It prevents waste. Giving eco friendly gifts supports your green ideas, but also, continues environmental stewardship by the gifts being used.

Do you have other ideas about green gifts that you’d like to give or receive?

Leave us a comment and tell us!

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