have had posterous for a year now,never used it, time to start checking it out....
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Another cool tool to figure out
have had posterous for a year now,never used it, time to start checking it out....
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Green Home Tips
The responsibility of a greener environment rests on all of us. But it's easier than you think to make your home a little greener, and get back a little green in your pocketbook in the process. Below, please find some simple tips for greener living at home.
Simple Tips for Promoting Sustainability at Home:
- Replace your light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs to save energy and money on your electric bill. Make your life a little easier by putting CFLs in hard to reach places, such as ceiling fixtures and enclosed outdoor fixtures. Compact fluorescent lights use a fraction of the energy and last up to 10 times longer than traditional bulbs, allowing you the convenience of changing bulbs less frequently.If one million households changed four light bulbs each, 900,000 tons of greenhouse gases would be eliminated.
- Plant a tree. By planting trees near your home you can reduce home cooling costs by as much as 50 percent.
A single tree can absorb more than one ton of CO2 over its lifetime.
- Bank online and pay bills online.
If every U.S. home received and paid its bills online, annual greenhouse gas emissions would drop by 2.1 tons.
- Recycle.You can make 20 new cans from recycled material with the same energy it takes to make one from scratch.
- Share the driving.The average commuter burns 340 gallons a year, creating a 3.4-ton cloud of CO2. Ride with one extra passenger and you've cut that figure in half. Find one more and you've cut it by two-thirds.
- Recycle paper and use recycled paper products.One ton of recycled paper uses 17 fewer trees and 67 percent less energy than non-recycled paper. Every ton of recycled paper saves enough electricity to power a three bedroom house for an entire year.
- Bring reusable bags to do your grocery shopping.The average American family of four tosses out about 1,500 plastic bags a year and each one can take up to 1,000 years to decompose. The bags are manufactured from about 12 million barrels per year of crude oil and natural-gas derivatives.
- Buy eco-friendly household products.If every American household used just one box of an eco-friendly powdered detergent instead of the petroleum-based kind, we'd save 217,000 barrels of oil a year – that's about 90,000 tons of CO2.
- Use the cold cycle in the washing machine.Wash your clothes in cold water and save yourself up to $400 a year in utility bills.
- Buying ENERGY STAR electronics, refrigerators, washers, and air-conditioners will make your house more efficient, cut your emissions and save money on your utility bills. Make your house more efficient by wrapping your hot water heater in a cozy blanket; it can reduce your emissions by 1,000 pounds of CO2 a year. Blanket insulation kits can be purchased for less than $20.
- Unplug electronics, battery chargers and other equipment when not in use.Taken together, these small items can use as much power as your refrigerator.
- A five degree higher setting on your air conditioning thermostat will save about 10 percent on cooling costs.
- Install an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat and save as much as $115 per year.The thermostat also provides more flexibility than standard models, such as the ability to program daily settings and adjust heating or air conditioning turn-on times as the outside temperature changes.
- Reduce the amount of hot water used by installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators.Older showerheads deliver four to five gallons of water per minute. A new, two-and-a-half-gallon-per-minute showerhead will reduce your water consumption by one-third to one-half. A typical bathtub holds about 60 gallons. A top-quality, low-flow showerhead will cost $10 to $20 and pay for itself in energy saved within four months.
- Use microwave ovens to save energy.Microwave ovens are about 33 percent more efficient than convection ovens and 66 percent more efficient than conventional ovens.
- When landscaping your yard consider bamboo.Bamboo stores more CO2 and generates 35 percent more oxygen than an equivalent stand of trees.
- Reuse plastic containers.1.5 million tons of plastic are used to make bottles every year, a waste that could instead power electricity in 250,000 homes.
- To Read the full Story Thank you University of Phoenix
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Bring Your Buyer’s Representatives with you, a Realtor. Valley of the Sun Phoenix, AZ
New Home Buyers Goodyear AZ 85395 - Bring Your Buyer’s Representatives with you, a Realtor.
by Linda Wieczorek published May 18, 2010
One important, if difficult, growth area is new home sales and here in the Phoenix Area buyers who are searching for a Newly Constructed or yet-to-be-constructed home. Unlike conventional home buyers, these buyers are generally less knowledgeable about real estate than the HOME SELLER ARE, since the sellers of NEW HOMES are DEVELOPERS and that's what they do for a living. Because of the special complexities of a new home purchase, BUYERS are in desperate need of representation and counseling. Buyers NEED there OWN Representation.
Don't be fooled into believing that dealing directly with a builder will offer big discounts. It is a rare case in which this is true. Most builders who ask to work directly with a buyer will park the price of a new home up to include what would have been paid to the Realtor. Buyers who take advantage of these "deals" direct from a builder's representative will pay the same as they would when using a Realtor, but will lose the benefit of having an experienced voice working to help them with their purchase and any issues that may come up with the builder.
Realtors Are Your Advocate During the Process * Bring A REALTOR * The new Home Builder has you sign a waver leting you know that THEY represent THE BUILDER NOT YOU!
Employing the services of a Realtor, particularly when purchasing a newly constructed home, will give buyers an extra line of defense against many of the common issues that arise during the buying process.
Rather than battling the builder ALONE when problems arise during construction, your Realtor will take matters into their own hands and work to assure that any problem is corrected in a way that is suitable to you.
With plenty of mediating experience between buyers and builders, an experienced Realtor knows what needs to be done to get the desired results.
Realtors are also experienced in contracts and contract negotiations. While the wording of a contract may be somewhat cryptic to the buyer, a Realtor can clarify any wording that is confusing and work to get changes made to contract stipulations that are unsuitable. This will help to prevent misunderstandings and misleading contract terms that are binding, once a purchase agreement is signed.
Still Want to Go It Alone?
While some have successfully purchased homes directly from a builder, buyers should ask themselves if this is a risk that they are willing to take. In most cases, the peace of mind and protecting that is given by using a Realtor is well worth their commission. By choosing to purchase a newly constructed home through a Realtor, the likelihood of a positive outcome is almost assured, from start to finish. Call Linda Wieczorek 602-391-8246- AZhomes4u@gmail.com WebSite
by Linda Wieczorek published May 18, 2010
One important, if difficult, growth area is new home sales and here in the Phoenix Area buyers who are searching for a Newly Constructed or yet-to-be-constructed home. Unlike conventional home buyers, these buyers are generally less knowledgeable about real estate than the HOME SELLER ARE, since the sellers of NEW HOMES are DEVELOPERS and that's what they do for a living. Because of the special complexities of a new home purchase, BUYERS are in desperate need of representation and counseling. Buyers NEED there OWN Representation.
Don't be fooled into believing that dealing directly with a builder will offer big discounts. It is a rare case in which this is true. Most builders who ask to work directly with a buyer will park the price of a new home up to include what would have been paid to the Realtor. Buyers who take advantage of these "deals" direct from a builder's representative will pay the same as they would when using a Realtor, but will lose the benefit of having an experienced voice working to help them with their purchase and any issues that may come up with the builder.
Realtors Are Your Advocate During the Process * Bring A REALTOR * The new Home Builder has you sign a waver leting you know that THEY represent THE BUILDER NOT YOU!
Employing the services of a Realtor, particularly when purchasing a newly constructed home, will give buyers an extra line of defense against many of the common issues that arise during the buying process.
Rather than battling the builder ALONE when problems arise during construction, your Realtor will take matters into their own hands and work to assure that any problem is corrected in a way that is suitable to you.
Realtors are also experienced in contracts and contract negotiations. While the wording of a contract may be somewhat cryptic to the buyer, a Realtor can clarify any wording that is confusing and work to get changes made to contract stipulations that are unsuitable. This will help to prevent misunderstandings and misleading contract terms that are binding, once a purchase agreement is signed.
Still Want to Go It Alone?
While some have successfully purchased homes directly from a builder, buyers should ask themselves if this is a risk that they are willing to take. In most cases, the peace of mind and protecting that is given by using a Realtor is well worth their commission. By choosing to purchase a newly constructed home through a Realtor, the likelihood of a positive outcome is almost assured, from start to finish. Call Linda Wieczorek 602-391-8246- AZhomes4u@gmail.com WebSite
Monday, May 17, 2010
Housing market diagnosis: Bipolar, and Yes it Is
The article, Housing market diagnosis: Bipolar, from CNNMoney.com, reports that bipolar is what comes to mind when diagnosing the post-home buyer tax credit market. There are two separate forces pulling it in opposite directions, and experts aren't yet sure which path the market will take. On one hand, sales and prices are rising, indicating recovery. On the other hand, so are interest rates and repossessions, which most certainly do not. And then there are the millions of foreclosures that need to be sold but haven't yet been listed -- so-called shadow inventory -- that could derail a real recovery if they hit the market in floods.
The prognosis? Negative short term but turning positive by the end of 2010. One of market's biggest hurdles is getting beyond the lapse of the $8,000 home buyer tax credit. Thanks to the incentive, buyers scrambled to beat the April 30 deadline, pushing new home sales up nearly 30% in March. "In the months immediately following the expiration of the tax credit, we expect measurably lower sales," said Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR). But there is one factor that has experts really scared: homes that are ready to be sold but haven't been put on the market. Right now, there could be more than 4.5 million homes in "shadow inventory," according to a recent report by Barclays Capital. This so-called shadow inventory is a recent phenomenon. In the past, inventory was either tight or it wasn't. But now, with home prices so low and so many foreclosures on the market, both homeowners and banks have been waiting to put properties on the market. But as more sellers put their homes up for sale, supplies increase, which will depress prices again. Rinse and repeat ad infinitum.
Here is a link to the article
http://money.cnn.com/2010/05/17/real_estate/housing_market_direction/index.htm
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Kitchen Compost
If you're a composer then you know that sometimes it's feel like a chore to take your kitchen scraps out to the compost bin. Are trips to the compost bin getting you down? No one wants to run outside every time they eat an apple or chop some onions. Well you won't have to anymore if you get a compost crock. Well there is a great way to do just that and it’s a called a compost crock.
Compost crocks will blend right in on your kitchen counter top. They look more like cookie jars than a container to store your garbage in. And you're going to want it right there in your kitchen so that it's easy to fill. Peel a carrot or a cucumber, toss in the peels. Making coffee, toss in the grinds and even the filter too. Are you a fan of watermelon? The rinds can go right in your compost crock where they will wait until you have a free moment to dump them into your outside compost bin.
If storing stuff on your counter that you're used to putting in the trash doesn't sounds like a great idea to you, don't worry. Kitchen compost crocks come with replaceable carbon filters. They fit neatly into the lid of the crock and eliminate odors. No one will ever know that it's filled with stuff all of your kitchen waste.
Compost crocks come in different colors and are even made from different materials. It will be easy to find one that will look good in your kitchen. There's stainless steel models and also ceramic ones too. Now just because you have a compost crock doesn't mean that you can let the contents sits for weeks on end. Be sure to empty your crock at least once a week.
Compost crocks are easy to empty and clean. You can use a hose from the garden to give it a quick rinse over your compost bin. Or you can bring it back inside with you and wash it out in the sink. Getting a dishwasher safe compost crock makes it even easier to clean.
Stop feeling guilty about throwing away your kitchen scraps. With a compost crock in your kitchen you're on your way to making the most nutrient rich, good for your plants, compost that you've ever made. All you'll owe it all to your compost crock.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
FREE FORECLOSURE SEARCH Phoenix Metro Area
Search REO, Foreclosure, Pre-Foreclosure, Short Sale Properties in Phoenix by map, by zip code, city, community, school and styles.
Welcome to the AZPrideProperty.com foreclosure / lender owned & pre-foreclosure / short-sale home search.
This search has been segregated already to only include pre-foreclosures and foreclosed properties.
Overall REO home prices are lower then normal homes for sale but often the REO properties are sold "as is" and they almost all need some work: some need lots of work while others just a bit of cosmetic improvements.
The process of buying an REO properties is a bit different then a normal sale but its still easier then a short-sale which has lots of risks for the buyer.
Call Linda Wieczorek to view Foreclosures 602-391-8246 or email AZhomes4u@gmail.com.
SEARCH FORECLOSURES
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Hiring a realtor
Whether you're buying, or selling real estate, it is beneficial on a personal level and in a financial capacity that you consider hiring a realtor.
Hiring a real estate professional when buying or selling a home, especially in an uncertain economic climate, means that you can take advantage of their market knowledge, researching skills, and their comparative pricing analytics, as well as their negotiating skills, so that you get the best possible deal.
In today's world of realty where real estate transactions are becoming more complex and negotiations are becoming more aggressive, it is vital for home buyers and sellers have professional representation, otherwise they risk the ability to secure future investment opportunities.
When you search for a realtor consider these aspects:
1) Local Knowledge - look for a realtor that is familiar with your neighborhood, as they will have valuable insight into the region, possible opportunities for growth and what suburbs represent the best value in terms of investment appreciation.
2) Experience - the more experience your realtor has, the better, because they will be experts at negotiation, and be able to offer you sound advice.
3) Communication - a realtor with little or no communication skills is not a good choice. Find a realtor who you can talk to, and one that you actually enjoy being around, because you will spend a fair bit of time with them discussing your wants and needs.
Linda Wieczorek your Phoenix Realtor AZPrideProperty.Com
Article Source: Krueger, Michelle (2009) Local Experts Find Success in Today's Challenging Real Estate Market
Hiring a real estate professional when buying or selling a home, especially in an uncertain economic climate, means that you can take advantage of their market knowledge, researching skills, and their comparative pricing analytics, as well as their negotiating skills, so that you get the best possible deal.
In today's world of realty where real estate transactions are becoming more complex and negotiations are becoming more aggressive, it is vital for home buyers and sellers have professional representation, otherwise they risk the ability to secure future investment opportunities.
When you search for a realtor consider these aspects:
1) Local Knowledge - look for a realtor that is familiar with your neighborhood, as they will have valuable insight into the region, possible opportunities for growth and what suburbs represent the best value in terms of investment appreciation.
2) Experience - the more experience your realtor has, the better, because they will be experts at negotiation, and be able to offer you sound advice.
3) Communication - a realtor with little or no communication skills is not a good choice. Find a realtor who you can talk to, and one that you actually enjoy being around, because you will spend a fair bit of time with them discussing your wants and needs.
Linda Wieczorek your Phoenix Realtor AZPrideProperty.Com
Article Source: Krueger, Michelle (2009) Local Experts Find Success in Today's Challenging Real Estate Market
Thursday, May 7, 2009
How to Green your Kitchen a surge in Green Remodeling.
Face it, the odds of energy costs coming down in the near future are Not going to happen. I would say Combine that with a stagnant housing market, but that is not the case here in Phoenix for the last few months. The investors are here and have been here purchang those 2nd homes and rentals. What we have is a surge in Green Remodeling.
The Green movement has always been a fringe element of society as long as it was not affecting the pocketbooks of the American consumer. We tend to think right but act based upon our pocketbooks and what is good for our families.
However, when energy prices soar, the right thing to do for our families is now concentrate on energy efficient choices that will benefit us all. Add to that technological innovations that have improved efficiency while lowering cost on energy savings projects you have the perfect storm.
A few Tips on Hoe to Green your Kitchen:
1. Love Your Appliances
Energy-efficiency upgrades are coming fast and furious to many new appliances. An efficient dishwasher, for instance, can use a lot less water than washing the dishes by hand in the sink. But before you jump the gun and make a hasty appliance purchase, however, first check to make sure that a repair isn't in order. When buying or replacing appliances, choose energy-efficient models. Federal ENERGY STAR-rated appliances are designed to use 10-50 percent less energy and water than standard appliances and save an average of 30 percent over standard models. Dont forget to recycle the old one.
2.Bulk Up
Buy in bulk and cook in bulk; just make sure you can consume what you purchase * it's often cheaper because you're skipping all that packaging;
* it's often healthier than the alternatives because the products you're buying tend to be less processed than packaged products; and
* last but not least, it feels really good to bypass all that unnecessary paper and plastic
Buying in bulk can be very gratifying. Purchasing from the bulk bins mean less packaging, and fewer trips to the store, and can also mean financial savings. It's not just for groceries, either: for example, you can buy bulk packages of towels intended for cleaning and detailing cars, and use them in the kitchen. They're extremely sturdy and a lot cheaper than most kitchen towels (not to mention much less disposable than paper towels). Bulk cooking is a more efficient use of appliance energy and your time, (and a great excuse to throw a party), so cook up a nice big pot of soup and anticipate saving and eating lots of leftovers. And plan ahead; planning meals that can feed you and your family for a few days is a great way to shop efficiently and free up your precious leisure time.
3. No More Antibacterials
Studies show that antibacterial soap is no more effective than regular soap at killing bacteria and getting things clean and neither can kill viruses. The same is true of antibacterial hand cleaning gels, lotions, cutting boards, sponges, etc. If you're not convinced, check out what the CDC says.
In addition, there is a good possibility that using anti-bacterial products may encourage the growth of antibiotic-resistant "superbugs" against which modern medicine has no defense. That is some scary sh*t! And there are rumors that using antibacterial soap and other products may actually increase your risk of infection over time by killing off "good" bacteria and weakening your immune system. This has not been definitively proven yet but I can't think of a single reason to keep on using this junk until it is...
Despite all the technological advancements, there is just no replacement for washing your hands and surfaces well with plain old soap and water .
Just a few easy tips make all the differance.... grab the Green
The Green movement has always been a fringe element of society as long as it was not affecting the pocketbooks of the American consumer. We tend to think right but act based upon our pocketbooks and what is good for our families.
However, when energy prices soar, the right thing to do for our families is now concentrate on energy efficient choices that will benefit us all. Add to that technological innovations that have improved efficiency while lowering cost on energy savings projects you have the perfect storm.
A few Tips on Hoe to Green your Kitchen:
1. Love Your Appliances
Energy-efficiency upgrades are coming fast and furious to many new appliances. An efficient dishwasher, for instance, can use a lot less water than washing the dishes by hand in the sink. But before you jump the gun and make a hasty appliance purchase, however, first check to make sure that a repair isn't in order. When buying or replacing appliances, choose energy-efficient models. Federal ENERGY STAR-rated appliances are designed to use 10-50 percent less energy and water than standard appliances and save an average of 30 percent over standard models. Dont forget to recycle the old one.
2.Bulk Up
Buy in bulk and cook in bulk; just make sure you can consume what you purchase * it's often cheaper because you're skipping all that packaging;
* it's often healthier than the alternatives because the products you're buying tend to be less processed than packaged products; and
* last but not least, it feels really good to bypass all that unnecessary paper and plastic
Buying in bulk can be very gratifying. Purchasing from the bulk bins mean less packaging, and fewer trips to the store, and can also mean financial savings. It's not just for groceries, either: for example, you can buy bulk packages of towels intended for cleaning and detailing cars, and use them in the kitchen. They're extremely sturdy and a lot cheaper than most kitchen towels (not to mention much less disposable than paper towels). Bulk cooking is a more efficient use of appliance energy and your time, (and a great excuse to throw a party), so cook up a nice big pot of soup and anticipate saving and eating lots of leftovers. And plan ahead; planning meals that can feed you and your family for a few days is a great way to shop efficiently and free up your precious leisure time.
3. No More Antibacterials
Studies show that antibacterial soap is no more effective than regular soap at killing bacteria and getting things clean and neither can kill viruses. The same is true of antibacterial hand cleaning gels, lotions, cutting boards, sponges, etc. If you're not convinced, check out what the CDC says.
In addition, there is a good possibility that using anti-bacterial products may encourage the growth of antibiotic-resistant "superbugs" against which modern medicine has no defense. That is some scary sh*t! And there are rumors that using antibacterial soap and other products may actually increase your risk of infection over time by killing off "good" bacteria and weakening your immune system. This has not been definitively proven yet but I can't think of a single reason to keep on using this junk until it is...
Despite all the technological advancements, there is just no replacement for washing your hands and surfaces well with plain old soap and water .
Just a few easy tips make all the differance.... grab the Green
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Some simple adjustments to a bathroom can reduce its impact on the environment
Installing aerators on the faucet and showerhead will reduce the amount of water used.
Using a low-flow toilet will use less water.
Replacing a tanked water heater with a tankless model will reduce the amount of energy consumed and the cost to heat water. A tankless water heater will heat only what is needed, when it’s needed. Plus, it doesn’t require a pilot light, so it emits less carbon dioxide and improves indoor air quality.
Compact fluorescent bulbs use less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer.
When redecorating, look for paint with a low volatile organic compounds (VOC) label. These paints are less toxic.
Even little things like selecting all-natural fabrics can help make your bathroom more green.
Extra Green Bathroom Tips:
Faucets and showerheads with aerators use half the water flow with twice the power. If they were used nationwide, aerators could save 250 million gallons of water a year.
Traditional hot-water circulating systems use a pump to send hot water from the water heater, to the faucets and back again. This type of system provides nearly instant hot water, but it wastes a tremendous amount of energy heating the water and moving it around. Thank you H.G.TV
Eco-frendly kitchen Video
it's all about Eco-frendly, let do our part.
Thank you REALTOR.ORG/realtormag
Thank you REALTOR.ORG/realtormag
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Earth MONTH April
April is Earth Month, so let’s make the effort to go a little more “green.” Here are some simple tips to do your part in keeping the environmental healthy and waste-free:
1. GO Paperless - As a Phoenix realtor the paperwork is amazing.
Not only are you helping to reduce paper waste, but many people report being more organized and timely in their bill paying when they say no to a mailed paper bills, and request to only receive bank statements and bills via email. When you receive your bills in your email, make those payments online and you also save yourself the postage cost.
2. Energy Upgrades - It might cost more than those new granite counter tops, and it certainly not as fun, but investing in energy upgrades is starting to pay off, now that federal tax credits are back in 2009 (and available til 2016) on installing energy-efficient systems in your home. Solar is the big winner 30 percent of the cost of qualified systems is a tax break. See www.energystar.gov for more information about this.
3. Stop With the Water Bottles - If you drink lots of water (like you should be doing!) opt for a reusable water bottle rather than using up dozens of disposable plastic bottles. Some work places are banning plastic waster bottles and insisting that employees use reusable bottles that they can fill up with filtered water or water from the water cooler. There are some absolutely adorable waster bottles out there, so you’ll look good while reducing your carbon footprint. See www.nalgenechoice.com for cute bottle options.
1. GO Paperless - As a Phoenix realtor the paperwork is amazing.
Not only are you helping to reduce paper waste, but many people report being more organized and timely in their bill paying when they say no to a mailed paper bills, and request to only receive bank statements and bills via email. When you receive your bills in your email, make those payments online and you also save yourself the postage cost.
2. Energy Upgrades - It might cost more than those new granite counter tops, and it certainly not as fun, but investing in energy upgrades is starting to pay off, now that federal tax credits are back in 2009 (and available til 2016) on installing energy-efficient systems in your home. Solar is the big winner 30 percent of the cost of qualified systems is a tax break. See www.energystar.gov for more information about this.
3. Stop With the Water Bottles - If you drink lots of water (like you should be doing!) opt for a reusable water bottle rather than using up dozens of disposable plastic bottles. Some work places are banning plastic waster bottles and insisting that employees use reusable bottles that they can fill up with filtered water or water from the water cooler. There are some absolutely adorable waster bottles out there, so you’ll look good while reducing your carbon footprint. See www.nalgenechoice.com for cute bottle options.
Paper or Plastic - NEITHER.
When I go grocery shopping, farmers market I bring my reusable bag along. It's good for lightweight objects, and it's nice and sturdy. If you don't like carrying all the same color go to different stores and get different colors. It's fun to try to collect them all! Trader Joe has a great selection and Sprouts has a bright green bag. Something so small as using your own bag does have an impact.
Half Price Books=green
Walmart=black, blue
Kroger=blue
Target=red and white
Tom Thumb=pink and black
Small Steps can lead to BIG Impact !!!
Check out this GREAT web-site I found Welcome to Layz Green People..
and make your pledge....
and make your pledge....
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Arizona Solar Power Society conference focuses on ways to get funding for energy efficiency
The Arizona Solar Power Society is holding a conference April 16 to help businesses and individuals tap into stimulus money and other funding for energy-efficiency programs.
The conference, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix, focuses on more than $240 million available for energy-efficiency programs throughout the state.
Some of that money comes from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. Roughly $63 million is available through the U.S. Department of Energy’s energy efficiency and conservation block grants, and $112 million is available from the state for weatherization.
“There has never been a better time for consumers and businesses to reduce their energy consumption via home and business energy-efficiency upgrades,” said Jeff Schlegel, Arizona representative for the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, a public interest organization.
About $65 million is available through utility company programs.
“Smart choices based on overall energy efficiency and total carbon footprint will benefit all Arizonans and can make us the model for the rest of the nation,” said Don Soderberg, vice president for external affairs at Southwest Gas Corp.
The conference, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix, focuses on more than $240 million available for energy-efficiency programs throughout the state.
Some of that money comes from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. Roughly $63 million is available through the U.S. Department of Energy’s energy efficiency and conservation block grants, and $112 million is available from the state for weatherization.
“There has never been a better time for consumers and businesses to reduce their energy consumption via home and business energy-efficiency upgrades,” said Jeff Schlegel, Arizona representative for the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project, a public interest organization.
About $65 million is available through utility company programs.
“Smart choices based on overall energy efficiency and total carbon footprint will benefit all Arizonans and can make us the model for the rest of the nation,” said Don Soderberg, vice president for external affairs at Southwest Gas Corp.
Ways to Go Green in the Kitchen
1. Drink Clean
Filter contaminants such as lead and chloroform, along with the taste of chlorine, from your tap water with a water-filtering pitcher or a faucet-mounted system. You'll also save money over buying bottled water, and the energy used -- and the pollution created -- to produce, ship, and dispose of all those plastic containers. Try the Brita Deluxe Pitcher (shown; Target.com, $24.99). Other models include the PUR Ultimate and the Shaklee Perfect pitchers. Faucet-mounted filters ($20 to $60 at home centers) are easy to install; they simply screw onto the faucet, and a valve lets you choose to bypass the filter (for example, when washing dishes).
2.Slow the Flow
Attach a low-flow aerator to your kitchen faucet to mix air into the stream and cut water usage without affecting pressure. Find aerators at hardware stores and home centers for under $10. Look for one with a flow rate of 2.2 gallons per minute or less, saving from 1.4 to 2.7 gallons each day.
3. Work Your Dishwasher
No need to feel guilty about running your dishwasher; it actually uses less water than doing dishes by hand. Run it only when full and use the most efficient setting -- light rather than heavy wash and air dry instead of heat. Don't bother to pre-rinse before loading. Tests by the Consumers Union show that rinsing is unnecessary and wastes up to 20 gallons of water per load
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