Saturday, October 22, 2011

Kilowatt Killing

Always looking for a new way to save energy… but often feel like I have ‘picked all the low hanging fruit’. Enter the Kill-a-Watt meter, which I was able to check out for free from my local library. It’s a small device that you plug your appliances into that gives you a read out of how many watts of power they draw… on or off. That’s the key here, there are so many appliances that are energy “vampires”, sucking power even when they’re turned off. I’ve got a few power strips for my television and cable and my desk, so that I can hit the kill switch when I’m done for the day, but for items plugged directly into the wall socket, I wanted to find out exactly what was up.

Reading Lamp with a 60 watt incandescent bulb: 57 watts,
With a compact fluorescent bulb (comparable luminance to 40 watt bulb): 9 watts
With a LED bulb (comparable luminance to 40 watt bulb): 6 watts
Verdict: it’s easy to see that the CFL and the LED bulbs are HUGE power savers. This was my first foray into the LED bulb and they are expensive (I got a deal for a $12 bulb, but the 60 watt equivalent would have been $40), but the power savings is considerable. The enclosed CFL I originally bought was too noisy but will switch some lamps to the coil versions. I now know that 40 watt equivalent is just not bright enough for my needs. Lesson learned.

Christmas Lights: regular incandescent 38 watts, LED version 3 watts.
Verdict: another considerable savings. I plug these in for a good 6-8 hours a day (I like the way the light it makes my house look!) The LED version aren’t cheap compared to the old fashioned kind (for a strand of 100: $25 versus $3!!) but again the energy savings will add up.

Refrigerator: as it sits idle: 0 watts, when running 400 watts.
Verdict: Can’t do much about that, living in a colder climate, it kicks off less frequently. But my next fridge will definitely be a more compact version and a higher Energy Star rating.

Computer on: 30 watts
and Printer: on but idle or off: 3 watts, printing: 15 watts
Verdict: No brainer here, unplug them both when not using!

Television: off 6 watts, on 150 watts.
Verdict: Another easy way to save, just unplug that TV when it’s not in use!

Dehumidifier: a necessity living in a damp climate with a finished basement…off: 1 watt, running: 390 watts.
Verdict: I’m most likely just going to keep this one plugged in all the time, since the unit has a humidity sensor telling it when it needs to run.

Electric Space Heater: Here’s the doozy: off: 0 watts, Running on low power: 860 watts, on high power: 1500+!
Verdict: easy to see here that electric isn’t the most efficient way to heat. I’m only using this one sporadically for little quick blasts of heating.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

What are you fighting for?

Today's a quick reminder...If you're looking for a few reasons why the Occupy Wall Street protesters continue to fight, (and why they may seem to have too many agendas) take a look at this list:

The US vs the 14 European Union countries, the US is in the top third for: GDP, average home size, health care spending, defense spending, lowest taxes, car ownership.

But we’re the WORST (as in dead last) in all of the following categories: child poverty, poverty rate, infant mortality, obesity, murder rate, incarceration rate, traffic fatalities per capita, ecological footprint, water usage per capita, CO2 emissions, voting rate, paid family leave/sick leave, vacation days per year.

(From page 205 of David Wann's fantastic The New Normal: An Agenda for Responsible Living, 2010...and I'm not just saying that because he was one of the people who helped me out of the ravine when I was hit by the tree. :) )

Sunday, October 02, 2011

Doc Review: Carbon Nation (2010)


I internalize my anguish over global warming more so than the average American…who am I kidding, if the average American was in anguish about global warming, we would have a lot more regulations in place… It’s hard to stay positive when there are just so many ecological failures lately. Frankly, some days all you want to do is curl up with a White Russian and watch episodes of “Always Sunny in Philadelphia”. So, It took me a full 3 weeks to finally watch the documentary Carbon Nation. I couldn’t psych myself up for yet another documentary that rehashes the same old doomsday prophesies and statistics that make you want to throw yourself off the non-solar-panel covered roof.

Fortunately, Carbon Nation paints a much more positive look at how we can combat the climate crisis. Yes, we’re still in dire straits, but even if you don’t believe in climate change, it presents solutions that just make good economical sense. (“So if you don’t give a damn about the environment, do it because you’re a greedy bastard and you just want cheap power.”—THE BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEER)

So if you’re still thinking there’s no hope and why bother, this documentary offers positive stories from dozens of positive voices who truly believe we can fix this problem. (My favorite of all the “characters” interviewed has to be Michael Dunham, the ex-rock n roll concert promoter who after a near death experience began a company that recycles old and inefficient refrigerators (JACO Environmental)…ironically, his father helped create the technology that helps keeps modern refrigerators cold! It also presents my 2 new favorite eco-enterprises: creating biodiesel from algae and using mycorrhizal fungi for carbon sequestration.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Reading List: In-N-Out Burger (A Behind-the-Counter Look at the Fast-Food Chain That Breaks All the Rules)


It’s no secret how much I love In-N-Out burgers… and after reading the In-N-Out Burger: (A Behind-the-Counter Look at the Fast-Food Chain That Breaks All the Rules
by Stacy Perman) I’m now head over heels. All super-fans have their quirks—I liked learning that like me, Julia Child used to keep a map of locations with her and that I’m not the only one who plans my travel according to how early I can get a Double Double (10:30A) and route myself around to hit up a location I haven’t been to yet.

The definition of corporate simplicity and amazing business model:
• “Do one thing and do it well”: A basic menu that includes no more than 10 choices (with a secret menu that makes variations limitless), choices that have changed minimally in their 60 years in business—a direct contrast to most fast food restaurants which trot out a new menu item several times a year (For a limited time only!) in hopes of bringing in more traffic.
• In-N-Out’s motto “Quality you can taste” should be followed with “Do what you love and have fun doing it”, as shown by the smiles and courteousness of their employees. Not once in 15 years have I noticed a bored or sullen employee.
• Their original expansions were done only when they had enough cash to buy new store locations. The In-N-Out dining experience remains special occasion because in 60 years, they’re only hitting 265 locations (in contrast, McDonalds now has over 32,000 locations.)
• Harry and Esther Snyder, the founders have always paid their employees a fair wage, often several dollars higher than the minimum wage.
• The company routinely makes the top of fast food customer satisfaction lists and was about the only chain that emerged from Eric Schlosser’s Fast Food Nation unscathed.
• Their online customer service is a dream…I sent a ‘hey thanks for all you do and could you open a new location’ email on a Sunday morning, I had a personalized response within 10 minutes.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Only nine easy ways to fit in more fitness??

9 Easy Ways to Fit in More Fitness

Caught this aol article about 9 ways to 'fit in more fitness'...

but ... how about taking the stairs instead of elevator/escalator, parking at the first available spot (instead of driving around for 15 min trying to find the closest to the store), better yet just walking there instead and carrying your purchases home in a backpack), raking your leaves instead of using a leaf blower, shoveling instead of a snow blower, push mower instead of a gas-powered mower... All of which are much better for the environment too!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Simple way to cut your paper usage by 75%

If you're like me and already use the backsides of pre-printed paper for draft printing, here's another simple way to get even more from a single sheet, if you're printing multiple page documents. PDF the document you want to print, then select 4 from the 'Images per page' drop down box (you can go up to 16 pages per sheet if your eyesight's that good!). Click on 'scale to fit' and 'fill entire paper' and voila, 4 pages for the price of one. A great and easy way to save paper.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Water water, everywhere, and not a drop to drink


So I’ve been holed up at the lake cabin for the last few weeks, and while it was raining for the first 10 days I was here, my plumbing has been hit or miss. After 2 visits from the plumber (and 1 by the well guy) I finally had something flowing out of all my taps…2 days later, it’s back to a trickle. The moral of the story here is, I need my water simplified here... Sure, I can count on 2 hands my water fixtures (kitchen sink, dishwasher, washing machine, bathroom sink, tub/shower, toilet, baseboard forced hot water heaters) but when something goes wrong, I have no idea how to fix it other than calling Jon the plumber over and handing over a check. My 7th grade industrial arts education did not adequately prepare me for this.

I’m proud that I was able to live for 2 weeks without running water (to answer the inevitable questions: bottled water for drinking/cooking, laundry at the Laundromat, shower at the gym, flush the toilet with buckets of lake water). But the best way to simplify is to be able to handle things yourself without having to call in the cavalry. It’s also a (very small scale) reminder that millions of people don’t have access to clean and safe drinking water and how important it is to keep water supplies clean and free of pollutants.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Reading List: More Good News (by David Suzuki & Holly Dressel)


I have to say, this book made me feel a little better about this world we live in... when I first began writing The Simplicity Connection 11 years ago, I was originally going to call it Who Gives a Damn because it was a period of time when it seemed no on cared about the environment or helping others. Now, a quick stroll through Twitter or popping the word “eco-conscious” into Google Search and you get a feeling that everyone and their brother has jumped on the eco-band wagon. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a very very long way to go, but I believe the country is poised to make so definitive changes to its environmental policy. Case in point, Suzuki’s book… (the revised and updated version his book Good News for a Change) they provide inspiring stories about how ordinary business people are changing the way they do business to become more sustainable and still be profitable. Amazing stories of a sustainable forestry company (Collins Pine), how micro-loans are changing entire economies of 3rd world countries $50 at a time (The Grameen Foundation) and an inner city food co-op that is not only keeping it’s constituents fed, but teaching them the benefits of organic farming and management of waste and energy usage (Growing Power). The future may be bleak if you only listen to the popular media outlets...instead when you learn to read deeper to find the hidden heroes, you find the hope.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

DO 1 THING FOR THE PLANET, TODAY...(now 110 quick tips)

(See the original post here)

1. Reposition sprinkler heads (and/or potted plants) to increase efficiency.
2. Choose refillable ink and toner cartridges
3. Think twice before deciding to replace an (still functional) cell phone.
4. Switch to rechargeable batteries for all your alkaline needs.
5. Learn to love spiders and bees, two of Mother Nature’s hardest working and most beneficial creatures.
6. Say no to traditional dry cleaning chemicals (perchloroethylene), use eco-friendly dry cleaners or hand wash instead.
7. Save the “paper shuffle”: Switch to online billing and paperless bills.
8. Remember variety is the spice of life, try local heirloom varieties of fruits and vegetables.
9. Use up everything “to the last drop” before buying more.
10. Increase your fuel efficiency by removing unnecessary items and weight from your trunk.
11. Say ‘no’ to plastic today.
12. Eat vegetarian instead today.
13. Use a bucket to collect your shower water to flush the toilet.
14. Take the bus to work or errands today.
15. Switch to cloth napkins instead of paper.
16. Eat something organic today.
17. Donate old books gathering dust to a library, school or Good Will.
18. Say ‘no’ to chemicals today.
19. Donate to a local charity today.
20.
21. Rake instead of leaf-blowing or shovel instead of snow-blowing.
22. Plant a tree today.
23. Walk to do your errands today.
24. Choose sustainable fabrics instead today.
25. Call and opt out of catalogues you don’t want.
26. Call and have your address removed from database of junk mail circulars.
27. Take your name off the yellow pages delivery.
28. Switch your print settings to use less toner and ink.
29. Properly recycle old batteries.
30. Skip the clothes dryer and hang clothes outdoors in the sun or indoors on hangers on your door frames.
31. Pick up trash in your neighborhood.
32. Use the back side of scrap paper in your printer.
33. Skip the carwash for the month.
34. If you have to buy, buy for durability.
35. Plug your electronics into a power strip that you can shut off before you go to bed each night.
36. Read an environmentally themed book instead of watching a TV show.
37. Sweep instead of vacuuming.
38. Set your print settings to print 2 or 4 pages to a single page.
39. Reuse glass jars for food storage instead of buying plastic baggies or containers.
40. Visit Terracycle.com for ideas on recycling items you might not have considered.
41. Investigate investing in socially responsible investments.
42. Consider buying used instead of new.
43. Stick a few reusable shopping bags in your trunk or purse so you won’t forget them next time you need them.
44. Bring a set of silverware and flatware to the office to replace single use plastic versions.
45. Create rags from old t-shirts to use instead of paper towels.
46. Visit the Salvation Army instead of the mall.
47. Find the people who nurture your spirit and support your dreams.
48. Gift a gift of time or service instead of a material possession.
49. Take a hike outdoors instead of being cooped up at the gym for a few hours.
50. Find the beauty in your public surroundings.
51. Opt for the natural fiber rather than ones made with petrochemicals.
52. Skip a shower for the day; a day of dirty won’t offend too much.
53. Switch any remaining incandescent light bulbs to CFLs.
54. Borrow a tool from a friend or neighbor rather than purchasing a new one.
55. Print your documents double-sided.
56. Run a load of laundry without using soap. Chances are if you’re washing at the Laundromat, there is plenty of soap already in the machine from the previous wash.
57. Donate old working electronics to those who may need them.
58. Say ‘no’ to genetically modified ingredients.
59. Too cold? Add a layer of clothing before turning on the heat.
60. Too hot? Remove a layer of clothing before turning on the AC!
61. Leave the computer and cell phone off and go have a conversation, in person, with an old friend!
62. Keep your immune system healthy by taking acidophilus.
63. Reuse plastic silverware at least twice before throwing away.
64. Think twice about whether you actually need to print something out.
65. Take a stand for something you truly believe in.
66. Don’t allow yourself to buy something just to solve a problem.
67. Adopt a local area or stretch or road and take care of it.
68. Donate old eyeglasses to Lion’s Clubs.
69. Think of mindfulness with all your decisions today.
70. Carry ‘waiting to warm up’ buckets of shower water to water your plants.
71. Skip the soda for today and have water instead.
72. Ask yourself, ‘do I really need this’?
73. Read by candlelight tonight instead of watching TV.
74. Unplug the hairdryer for the day.
75. If you’re not composting on your own yet, give your organic waste (fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, egg shells) to someone who is.
76. Buy in bulk.
77. Fix leaky faucets and toilets sooner rather than later.
78. Skip the chips and have a piece of organic fruit instead.
79. Bring your reusable mug to work (or Starbucks!) for your coffee or tea.
80. Leave everything a little neater than you found it.
81. Choose the version of a product packaged in glass over the one packaged in plastic.
82. Do something for someone, “just because.”
83. Choose organically grown flowers.
84. Gather all your hazardous waste products for proper disposal.
85. Opt out of deodorant for a day, even a little sweating helps rid the body of toxins.
86. Freecycle things you don’t use or need any longer to give them a second chance to those who may need them.
87. Read up on an issue that is near and dear to your heart. Make a decision to actively do something about it today.
88. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
89. Look for a little stress relief today.
90. Say ‘no’ to greed today.
91. Offset your yearly travel at terrapass.com or myclimate.org.
92. Maximize the daylight. Open the shades on a sunny day and leave the lights off.
93. Support handmade artisans!
94. Take a closer look at the ingredients of what you’re eating today.
95. Listen with an open mind today.
96. Before buying something you don’t really need, take 24 hours and sleep on it.
97. Before you pop a pain reliever, try a glass of water, a quick walk or a bit of acupressure.
98. Buy refillable products such as razor blades and cleaners.
99. Patronize local businesses to keep money in your community.
100. Skip the make up, perfume or cologne today, give your senses a chance to recharge.
101. Think twice about buying new jewelry and instead consider heirloom pieces.
102. Resist the urge to procrastinate!
103. Introduce a few houseplants into your home to help freshen and clean the air.
104. Call your credit card company and ask to be removed from their marketing list.
105. Say ‘no’ to water in plastic bottles. Always carry your own refillable glass or aluminum bottle with you.
106. Try a holiday free of ‘store bought’ presents.
107. Choose fair trade chocolate.
108. Say ‘no’ to free samples, boredom purchases and souvenirs today.
109. Clean out your closets and donate old clothes, shoes and accessories.
110. Forgive and forget.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

DO 1 THING FOR THE PLANET, TODAY.

I love lists. I've been feeling a little depressed lately that I'm not making a difference in the world, even though I feel that I do more than the average person to help the planet. I know that the hardest part of making a difference is getting (and keeping) the motivation to make a change and that's where this year's motto comes in.

Just do ONE thing for the planet today.

Because if everyone could just do one thing from this list every day, a major shift would occur. I tried to make the list as contagious as possible, little steps that are easy and painless to accomplish, and hopefully the little success of little steps will be encouraging enough for people to seek out bigger changes. I also left off the big stuff like slapping solar panels up on your roof and giving up your car permanently because if you're at that step already, you don't need me telling you to recycle your aluminum cans. But on the contrary, I tried to keep this list as a reminder to everyone-from the person who's never heard an organic apple to the person who actually grows the organic apples-that everyone can make a difference, it just takes a spark.

(This is just the tip of the iceberg to start with, just 100 quick tips jotted down in a fit of caffeine today. There will be more. Oh, will there ever be more!)

1. Say 'no' to plastic today.
2. Eat vegetarian instead today.
3. Use a bucket to collect your shower water to flush the toilet.
4. Take the bus to work or errands today.
5. Switch to cloth napkins instead of paper.
6. Eat something organic today.
7. Donate old books gathering dust to a library, school or Good Will.
8. Say 'no' to chemicals today.
9. Donate to a local charity today.
10.
11. Rake instead of leaf-blowing or shovel instead of snow-blowing.
12. Plant a tree today.
13. Walk to do your errands today.
14. Choose sustainable fabrics instead today.
15. Call and opt out of catalogues you don't want.
16. Call and have your address removed from database of junk mail circulars.
17. Take your name off the yellow pages delivery.
18. Switch your print settings to use less toner and ink.
19. Properly recycle old batteries.
20. Skip the clothes dryer and hang clothes outdoors in the sun or indoors on hangers on your door frames.
21. Pick up trash in your neighborhood.
22. Use the back side of scrap paper in your printer.
23. Skip the carwash for the month.
24. If you have to buy, buy for durability.
25. Plug your electronics into a power strip that you can shut off before you go to bed each night.
26. Read an environmentally themed book instead of watching a TV show.
27. Sweep instead of vacuuming.
28. Set your print settings to print 2 or 4 pages to a single page.
29. Reuse glass jars for food storage instead of buying plastic baggies or containers.
30. Visit Terracycle.com for ideas on recycling items you might not have considered.
31. Investigate investing in socially responsible investments.
32. Consider buying used instead of new.
33. Stick a few reusable shopping bags in your trunk or purse so you won't forget them next time you need them.
34. Bring a set of silverware and flatware to the office to replace single use plastic versions.
35. Create rags from old t-shirts to use instead of paper towels.
36. Visit the Salvation Army instead of the mall.
37. Find the people who nurture your spirit and support your dreams.
38. Gift a gift of time or service instead of a material possession.
39. Take a hike outdoors instead of being cooped up at the gym for a few hours.
40. Find the beauty in your public surroundings.
41. Opt for the natural fiber rather than ones made with petrochemicals.
42. Skip a shower for the day; a day of dirty won't offend too much.
43. Switch any remaining incandescent light bulbs to CFLs.
44. Borrow a tool from a friend or neighbor rather than purchasing a new one.
45. Print your documents double-sided.
46. Run a load of laundry without using soap. Chances are if you're washing at the Laundromat, there is plenty of soap already in the machine from the previous wash.
47. Donate old working electronics to those who may need them.
48. Say 'no' to genetically modified ingredients.
49. Too cold? Add a layer of clothing before turning on the heat.
50. Too hot? Remove a layer of clothing before turning on the AC!
51. Leave the computer and cell phone off and go have a conversation, in person, with an old friend!
52. Keep your immune system healthy by taking acidophilus.
53. Reuse plastic silverware at least twice before throwing away.
54. Think twice about whether you actually need to print something out.
55. Take a stand for something you truly believe in.
56. Don't allow yourself to buy something just to solve a problem.
57. Adopt a local area or stretch or road and take care of it.
58. Donate old eyeglasses to Lion's Clubs.
59. Think of mindfulness with all your decisions today.
60. Carry 'waiting to warm up' buckets of shower water to water your plants.
61. Skip the soda for today and have water instead.
62. Ask yourself, 'do I really need this'?
63. Read by candlelight tonight instead of watching TV.
64. Unplug the hairdryer for the day.
65. If you're not composting on your own yet, give your organic waste (fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, egg shells) to someone who is.
66. Buy in bulk.
67. Fix leaky faucets and toilets sooner rather than later.
68. Skip the chips and have a piece of organic fruit instead.
69. Bring your reusable mug to work (or Starbucks!) for your coffee or tea.
70. Leave everything a little neater than you found it.
71. Choose the version of a product packaged in glass over the one packaged in plastic.
72. Do something for someone, "just because."
73. Choose organically grown flowers.
74. Gather all your hazardous waste products for proper disposal.
75. Opt out of deodorant for a day, even a little sweating helps rid the body of toxins.
76. Freecycle things you don't use or need any longer to give them a second chance to those who may need them.
77. Read up on an issue that is near and dear to your heart. Make a decision to actively do something about it today.
78. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
79. Look for a little stress relief today.
80. Say 'no' to greed today.
81. Offset your yearly travel at terrapass.com or myclimate.org.
82. Maximize the daylight. Open the shades on a sunny day and leave the lights off.
83. Support handmade artisans!
84. Take a closer look at the ingredients of what you're eating today.
85. Listen with an open mind today.
86. Before buying something you don't really need, take 24 hours and sleep on it.
87. Before you pop a pain reliever, try a glass of water, a quick walk or a bit of acupressure.
88. Buy refillable products such as razor blades and cleaners.
89. Patronize local businesses to keep money in your community.
90. Skip the make up, perfume or cologne today, give your senses a chance to recharge.
91. Think twice about buying new jewelry and instead consider heirloom pieces.
92. Resist the urge to procrastinate!
93. Introduce a few houseplants into your home to help freshen and clean the air.
94. Call your credit card company and ask to be removed from their marketing list.
95. Say 'no' to water in plastic bottles. Always carry your own refillable glass or aluminum bottle with you.
96. Try a holiday free of 'store bought' presents.
97. Choose fair trade chocolate.
98. Say 'no' to free samples, boredom purchases and souvenirs today.
99. Clean out your closets and donate old clothes, shoes and accessories.
100. Forgive and forget.