Sierra Club Green Home

Here are some tricks from Sierra Club Green Home to made the appliances you already have use less energy. First off, don’t use the timed setting on your clothes dryer. The automatic setting uses moisture sensors to tell when clothes are dry. Not only does this use less energy, it saves wear and tear on your clothes. (Photo )

SAN FRANCISCO—Recently SWITCH Lighting gave me a personal demonstration of their new LED bulbs, and it convinced me that incandescent light bulbs’ days are numbered with this new technology coming out next month. (Photo courtesy of SWITCH Lighting)

Studies conducted by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers show that windows can account for 25-30% of the total heating and cooling energy use in a home. Optimal window performance requires some research to determine the most appropriate units for a home based on energy efficiency, solar exposure, usability and aesthetics.

Utilities and energy providers across the nation are turning to personalized home electricity reports to help customers save money on their utility bills and reduce their carbon emissions. These easy-to-understand reports provide customers with information about their energy use compared to people with homes of similar square footage in similar climates. See how they work. (Photo by Jannoon028, Freedigitalphotos.net)

PHILIPPINES — Millions of people in the Philippines live in relative darkness. With the cost of electricity beyond the means of many, residents of poorer communities resort to using candles or kerosene lamps, which pose serious health and fire hazards. But, there is an incredibly simple solution that is both greener and safer. (Photo courtesy of ALiterofLight.org)

Japan is known for being high tech, and thanks to companies such as Panasonic, its high tech is going green. Take a look at Panasonic’s eco innovations for the smart home of the future and the smart city the company plans to complete by 2013. (Illustration courtesy of Panasonic)

In today’s economy many businesses are looking for ways to save money. Whether companies are drawn by economic or environmental concerns, many simply do not have the time or desire to investigate solutions. Hence you, the eco-hero, can use these five tips to guide your company towards effective environmental solutions. (Photo © Iqoncept | Dreamstime.com)

The one question that comes up time and time again from homeowners is: “What steps can I can take to lower my home energy costs?” Here are some tips to help you look at your energy consumption and things you can easily change.

Online retailers generally are not known for great customer service. Instead, they build their reputation on offering quality products and prompt delivery, and many carry a variety of eco-friendly or sustainable products.

One online retailer has figured out how to put all this together. Bucking the norm, Greenfeet strives to offer online shopping that is easy, fun, and steeped in customer service. (Photo courtesy of Greenfeet)

NEW YORK — Even if your favorite bakery’s goodies are not “green,” one place shows that you still can feel good about going there. Located in a Brooklyn neighborhood, Mrs. Maxwell’s Bakery has switched to energy-efficient lighting to cut down its utility costs … thereby making its cakes look even better under the brighter lights.