Guest Post: Shane Shirley-Smith from Environmental Booty

I don’t know about you, but life seems to move very fast these days.  I seem to never have enough time in my day to finish all the things that I would like to. Trying to fit in a green lifestyle, though, doesn’t have to  be time consuming.  Here are 5 ways to start greening your life today…with very little effort.

1. Never leave a room with the light on - I have heard the argument that the power company will keep making as much power even if you turn off your lights, computer and electronics when not in use.  But it will save on your power bill and eventually, if we all reduce our electrical use, the power companies will be forced to produce less energy…or they will be forced out of business. (more…)

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Written by Brittany Mauriss and Taylen Peterson

If there’s one thing green bloggers can’t stand, it’s a half-cracked solar misconception. So let’s get a few things straight. Here are the solar myths and the facts that put those myths to shame.

#1 – Myth: Solar systems only work in really hot areas of the world

Photo Credit: About.com

Busted: Not only can solar systems work in most areas of the world, but Germany, the world leader in solar energy, lies farther north than most states in the EU. While solar panels will be able to gather more energy in super sunny areas, solar energy works even for people in Alaska, where the sky is crazy dark for months at a time. So whether you live in crispy Arizona or the cold, dark corners of the upper Midwest, solar power is always possible! (more…)

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Guest Writer Anja Atkinson from Solar Home Review

Is your home leaking money? OK yes, that’s a silly way of putting it, but essentially, if your home is not optimized for energy efficiency, you’ve got money-leaking problems. An energy-smart home not only saves you money, but is the foundation upon which a home solar system is fully optimized. If you’re considering a solar installation, you may qualify for both state or national incentives and tax credits. However, to qualify for some incentives, specific criteria must be met, often including a Home Energy Audit performed by a qualified professional. Clearly, making energy-smart home improvements increases your home’s value, prepares you for future clean energy decisions and cuts your total costs on home energy.

Now, some are more naturally inclined toward home maintenance than others. Regardless, you’ll find that this project can be a fun and valuable learning experience. With fall in the air, it’s the perfect time of year to power-smart your home before we head into the winter months, so let’s review the steps you can take to get started today.

Step 1 – Home Energy Audits

A great thing about Home Energy Audits is that they give you a clear snapshot of what needs to be improved, eliminating the guesswork and highlighting problems that you may not have otherwise identified. In researching this type of service, I will mention that some local power companies offer to conduct Home Energy Audits for free. It’s worth inquiring with your current power company to gather any advice they may offer about Audit options available in your area. Certified professional Home Energy Auditors will inspect your home at a fee that varies from state to state. For information about Home Energy Audits in your area, check the helpful Energy Star database. (more…)

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