Seeing green through new energy efficient windows

(ARA) - Now that spring is here, many homeowners are thinking about remodeling projects that will improve the home this season and year-round. Whether you're planning a few do-it-yourself improvements or a major renovation, it's important to think "green." One way to enhance the beauty and comfort of your home while saving on energy is by installing highly energy efficient windows.

Energy efficient windows with high insulating values, such as R-5, can result in significant savings on energy needed to heat and cool a home. Up until now, such windows have been cost prohibitive to most consumers. But thanks to programs like the Department of Energy (DOE)'s High Performance Windows Volume Program, homeowners can now purchase energy efficient R-5 windows at a more affordable price.

"The ultimate goal of such initiatives is to increase the awareness of R-5 windows and make purchasing more attainable for home and commercial building owners," says Terry Mapes, energy efficiency engineer and principal investigator, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). "R-5 windows are some of the most insulating available on today's market, and with so many manufacturers now producing such windows, it's getting easier to find prices that suit every need and budget."

So, what exactly does R-5 mean and why is it beneficial? An "R" value of a window means greater resistance to weather - making it ideal in winter to keep warm air in the home and cold air out and vice versa in the summer. This compares to common ENERGY STAR windows with an R-value of 3. Increasing the R-value from 3 to 5 reduces average heat loss through the windows by more than 30 percent, according to the DOE.

"We want consumers to know that although window technology has become more advanced through the years, it doesn't mean they have to sacrifice beauty with ordinary-looking windows," says Chris Pickering, vice president, marketing, Ply Gem Windows. "In combination with other energy efficiency upgrades such as insulated siding, these windows can dramatically improve curb appeal and home comfort in both the warm and cold months."

Qualifying windows within the DOE program are available in different colors and styles to match a variety of home decor. Ply Gem Windows, for example, offers R-5 windows and patio doors for both new construction and retrofit projects that come in a choice of two solid interior colors, three wood grain interior options and four exterior colors. Multiple grille, screen and frame styles can be selected for a more personalized look.

If you're looking to make a change this spring that will beautify your home while protecting the environment, consider installing energy efficient windows. For more detailed information, visit websites such as www.plygemwindows.com/R5 and www.windowsvolumepurchase.org, which are geared to help consumers better understand the benefits of R-5 windows and select styles that suit their needs.

Home 'eco'-nomics

Home 'eco'-nomics
(ARA) - Of the 13 recessions since the Great Depression, none has presented a combination of length, breadth and depth more significant than that of the current economic downturn. However, there is a bit of a bright spot among all of the doom and gloom. But perhaps it should be called a "green" spot.


While many expected American consumers to lose interest in the green movement, what has surfaced is a new pragmatism about the environment that embraces restraint, simplicity and cost-savings. As a result, consumers are re-evaluating what green really means.


"Today's green consumers are really savvy. They're now smarter about what they buy and they're looking for a direct return on investment through energy and utility savings," says Jack Suvak, senior director of research and insights at Moen.


Home is where it all begins
From organic produce to low-phosphate detergents, home is the heart of all things green. Whatever touches the kitchen and bath has become the first place for consumer evaluation and potential adoption.

Raising children to be environmental heroes

(ARA) - For modern families, being eco-friendly can be a big priority. That's why it's important to plant the recycling seeds in children early so their love for the environment grows as they do. However, because students spend significant hours in the classroom, teachers must partner with parents to develop habits that are relevant at home as well as at school.

The United States generated more than 243 million tons of material waste in 2009, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. However, Americans recycled only 34 percent of that waste. Statistics such as these present ample opportunities for teachers and parents to implement recycling programs  through which young children can make real contributions to saving the planet.

Green ways to 'master' the bath

(ARA) - You can easily turn your master bathroom into a green retreat - without breaking the bank. By making smart, sustainable updates, you can transform your space into one that's both eco-friendly and stylish.

Save where - and what - you can

The ultimate green act when remodeling is to repurpose materials you already have, instead of buying new. Spruce up your existing vanity instead of purchasing a new one by refinishing cabinets and drawers with a fresh coat of stain or paint. If you have a glass shower door, try to save the existing structure and reinstall it once your new tile is in place. By using what's already in the space, you'll help the environment and your wallet, you'll save a lot of money and prevent those materials from winding up in landfills.

The most important type of "savings" in any eco-friendly makeover is reducing the amount of natural resources used. In order to make an impact, replace the standard elements in the space with sustainable ones: Switch incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescents (CFLs), replace your current toilet with a high-efficiency model and install new eco-performance fixtures in the shower and at the sink.

The new Method bathroom collection from Moen is a stylish, eco-friendly solution. Method lavatory faucets feature clean lines and soft curves and are certified to meet WaterSense criteria. That means the fixtures meet the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) guidelines as environmentally responsible and efficient by reducing water usage by up to 32 percent, without sacrificing performance. An Eco-Performance showerhead that flows at 1.75 gallons per minute - 30 percent less than the industry standard - is also available within the Method collection, allowing you to continue your water savings in the shower.

Take a cue from the outdoors

Before starting your green updates in the master bath, gather some inspiration from the most natural space there is - the great outdoors. Try a rustic-meets-modern style. Neutral colors are the perfect backdrop for graphic, contemporary linens and sleek accents. Look for tiles in shades of brown and taupe, and install them around the entire surround of your shower or tub for an airy and expansive feel.

What's more outdoorsy and natural-looking than rich wood floors? Sustainable wood flooring is just as affordable, more eco-friendly and even easier to install than most tile. If you can, run the flooring through the master bedroom right into the bath. Not only will it visually expand the bathroom, but it also creates the feeling of a unified master suite. Add to your inviting, luxurious space with statement linens - like bold, leaf-patterned towels made from organic cotton and all-natural bathmats. Sleek glass canisters and bamboo accessories are the perfect finishing touches.

With the right environmentally-conscious products, you can "master" a sustainable bath that will easily save you resources - and money. For more information on the latest eco-performance products from Moen, visit moen.com/eco-performance or call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636).

Spring greening tips for your home

(ARA) - As the weather warms, are you thinking about spring cleaning? Or, maybe you're planning to spruce up your home with some improvements and upgrades. This year, why not add "spring greening" to your home-freshening routine?

Making your home a "greener" place to live can improve its energy efficiency, reduce waste and make you feel more in harmony with the natural world springing to life around you. Green efforts can be as simple as switching out old incandescent light bulbs for more energy-efficient ones, or as energetic as adding skylights in the house or a vegetable garden in the backyard.

If you're looking for ways to make your home environment more earth-friendly this spring, here are some ideas to consider:

Powering down

No matter how eager you are for warm weather, you're probably not too excited about the electric bills that come with summer heat. Heating and cooling account for the largest portion of a home's energy bill. Fortunately, you can do a lot to reduce electric use - and waste - to trim costs and still keep your home comfortable.

If you're up for some minor improvement work that can pay off big in terms of energy savings, make your home feel more connected to nature, and add decorating flair, consider adding a skylight. The abundant natural light admitted to your home by skylights can help reduce the need to power artificial light sources. Plus, the natural chimney effect of venting skylights is a great way to passively vent moisture, fumes and potentially harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In spring and fall, when it's too warm for comfort, but not hot enough to justify turning on the air conditioning, venting skylights can let in cool breezes and lower cooling costs. And they can close automatically in case of rain. You can learn more about No Leak Skylights and their energy-efficient benefits at www.veluxusa.com.

You can also reduce energy costs in warmer months with some simple maintenance. During summer, when your cooling system works harder, be sure to change the air filter on your home's HVAC system every month. EnergyStar.gov also recommends a yearly tune-up of your system.

Greening up

Some of the most popular home improvements can be accomplished in ways that are environmentally friendly. For example, painting is a common spring spruce-up. Many paints, however, contain VOCs and give off fumes that can irritate allergies and asthma. You can make your redecorating more eco-conscious by opting for low-VOC paints. And always be sure to open plenty of windows before painting, even if you're using a low-VOC selection. The fresh air will help the paint dry faster and ensure that any unpleasant odors vent quickly.

Another common spring activity is lawn care. As warm weather approaches, many homeowners begin applying weed killer and fertilizer to their lawns in the hopes of having a lush, green carpet of grass come summer. Many lawn care products, however, can adversely affect the environment. If it's a priority for you to green your lawn - and not just to have green grass - it's possible to find plenty of eco-friendly lawn care products. Websites like www.OMRI.org, the home page of the Organic Materials Review Institute, can provide information on products that are environmentally friendly.

Finally, as you're undertaking your spring cleaning, keep in mind the need to reduce waste. When you clean out your garage or attic and purge closets, evaluate items before you toss them in the trash. You may find that many of the things you were going to throw away can be donated, sold or recycled - anything to get them out of your house without adding to the waste stream.

Conservation tips for every family member, whatever their age

(ARA) - The "going green" trend may be just a few years old in America, but it's definitely not a movement reserved for only the young. Involving all members of the family in a greener lifestyle, no matter their age, is not only a good thing to do for the environment; it can also be a great way to bond with children, parents and grandparents.

"We see families with multiple generations come into our restaurants and stores, and age is definitely no barrier to their passion for environmental consciousness," says DeAnna Fry of Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. The company emphasizes conservation in its 599 locations, and encourages its stores and their staff to share their environmental knowledge with guests, Fry says. "Young children, senior citizens, teens and tweens, middle-aged couples, young families - they're all eager to embrace greener products, services and practices."

Just as businesses implement conservation steps across all levels of their organizations, you can incorporate environmentally friendly habits into your daily life - and encourage all members of your household to participate. From steps as simple as a team approach to recycling to ones as fun and adventurous as growing your own herbs and vegetables, greening your lifestyle can definitely be a "family affair." Fry and the Green Team at Cracker Barrel offer families some tips:

Lighten your electric load

Reducing the amount of electricity your household uses is good for the environment and it can save you money, too. The average American household spends more than $100 a month for electricity, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reports.

* Turn off lights - Parents and grandparents aren't the only ones who can do this. As soon as they're old enough to reach the switch, children should be taught to turn off lights when they leave a room.

* Look for EnergyStar ratings - When adults buy new household appliances, they can look for the EnergyStar ratings that tell them how energy efficient an item is. As a bonus, you can use the shopping experience to help children improve their math and reading skills by encouraging them to read and discuss the EnergyStar labels on items you're considering for purchase.

* Unplug - Appliances and electronic items drain energy as long as they're plugged in, even if they're not turned on. Whenever practical, unplug any device you're not using. Parents can lead the way by unplugging cell phone chargers when they're not in use. Grandparents can pitch in by unplugging toasters and other appliances.

What to do about water

* Kids can learn to conserve water by turning off the tap while brushing their teeth or washing their hands.

* Get the whole family involved in water conservation by setting up a rain barrel that can be used to water the family vegetable garden, irrigate the lawn or even wash the car.

* Repair leaky faucets and running toilets immediately. A single drip can waste a great deal of water each day.

Playing it cool

Heating and cooling costs account for the largest portion of a home's overall energy use. Even the youngest members of the family can help conserve energy by using heating and cooling wisely.

* Parents, be sure ceiling fans are set properly to help maximize your heating, ventilation and cooling system's efficiency. In the summer, fan blades should rotate left to aid in cooling, and to the right in winter to push down the warm air that collects at the ceiling.

* Adults can help children remember to close doors quickly so that cool air doesn't escape in the summer and warm air stays inside the house in the winter.

* A programmable thermostat can help reduce energy costs by turning your HVAC system on when you need it and off when you don't. Parents can help grandparents learn to program these easy-to-use devices to help lower energy bills.

Preserve the past

Cracker Barrel uses preserved farming implements and household wares to decorate its stores. Each location is adorned with about 1,000 items that the company has purchased and preserved. You can borrow this page in your own home. Tired of the same old wall decor and accessories in your home? Why not consider visiting grandma's attic and asking her to share with you some of the items she treasured as a child or young wife and mother? Identifying, cleaning up and refurbishing memorabilia to incorporate into your household decor can be a great family project.

"The desire to care for our environment really does span all age groups," Fry says. "And caring for the environment is something that the entire family can do together."  

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store name is a registered trademark of CBOCS Properties, Inc., Reg. USPTO.

Going green on your next remodel? Add tile to your green product list

(ARA) - Are you planning an upcoming remodel for your home? Going green and using sustainable building materials continues to be a top trend in home improvement. Remodeling green isn't just about using products with recycled content, it's also about using superior products that will stand the test of time and reduce energy costs.

You can choose from a number of options when remodeling green, including modern energy-efficient appliances and low-VOC paints. Traditional products can also be environmentally friendly. For example, many homeowners choosing to go green are selecting ceramic tile for a variety of reasons.

Ceramic tile is inherently a sustainable product. It's a great choice because it lasts up to four times longer than carpet and wood flooring. It never needs to be refinished like wood floors do, contributing to a low lifecycle cost. To clean, all you have to use is hot water which means no harsh chemicals are flushed into the ecosystem.

Tile also doesn't release fumes or fibers into the air like carpet can. Many people dislike carpet because it houses microbes and other germs, and dirt can become deeply embedded, requiring a costly cleaning by a professional. Tile eliminates these issues entirely.

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LIPA to Help Businesses Save Money by Going Green

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The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), NYS Small Business Development (SBDC), NYS Empire State Development, National Grid and Nassau and Suffolk Counties are sponsoring free informational seminars on how to access financial incentives and achieve cost savings through energy efficiency, process efficiency, and technical assistance programs.

Three seminars will be held separately in Uniondale, Melville, and Wading River and will educate business owners on how to obtain incentives for energy & process efficiency improvements to help lower your carbon footprint, energy use and electric bills and to find out what other businesses have done to successfully win incentives, and implement cost-saving measures. 

All three events are free, but reservations are required so if you plan on attending you must register immediately.

For all events: Registration, continental breakfast and networking is from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM. Program will begin promptly at 8:30 AM and end at 10:30 AM. For more information please visit  http://www.lipower.org/commercial/rsvp/

Going Green is not only good for the environment, but also for your wallet so try to go to one of these free events ! 

Source: http://www.lipower.org/newscenter/pr/2011/030711-green.html

Get smart about your living environment: Five trends that will make your home truly your own

(ARA) - If you're looking to purchase or remodel a home, you likely are building a long list of "must-haves," "must-dos" and "must-includes" for your new space. There's no question the housing market is in a different place than it was as recently as five years ago. Of course, a tough economy has been the prevailing factor, but other things - an aging population and a tough job market - are influencing how people are living today and possibly into the future. If you're like most home seekers and remodelers, you may find that your requirements fall in line with these five growing trends:

Bigger isn't always better: As interest grows in living more efficiently, people are building smaller homes. In fact, new homes are now 7 percent smaller than they were the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Just my style: Homeowners are aiming to make their home fit their personal visions of the best investment on the dollar, and 20 percent of new homes are currently custom-built, according to the American Institute of Architects. This trend to customize is in part made possible by the parallel trend to build a smaller home. Smaller spaces free up dollars to put toward the products that fill it. Color, decor and products that help make a home feel one-of-a-kind versus one-of-many are becoming king.

Multigenerational: Homeowners also are seeking spaces that accommodate residents of all ages. One-third of baby boomers report they have adult children still living at home or likely moving back home at some point, and 8 percent of Americans report their parents already live with them or will in the future, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. With more people living under one roof - some possibly in diminishing health - you may be among the homeowners seeking products that will help ensure a healthier, cleaner environment. This may range from a programmable thermostat to help you bring comfortable temps to all ages, to an air filter to help keep germs and airborne particles at bay.

In for the long haul: As life expectancy increases, Americans are building homes that will allow them to "age in place." Smart technology and system installations that will address future sight, hearing and dexterity-related limitations are becoming increasingly popular as a result.

Energy-efficient: As homeowner concerns about energy costs continue to mount, so too does their attention to home design and products that will help lower their energy bills and decrease their carbon footprint. As a result, homeowners are showing increased attention to factors such as insulation and window quality.

In the end, there are many products and services on the market to help meet these homeowner needs, but there's one you may have not considered, tucked away in your basement. It's your home heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) system, and it actually plays a role in meeting each of these growing homeowner trends.

* If it's a smaller home you seek, HVAC manufacturers such as Trane continue to rollout product solutions that offer you the size you need to fit your space.

* Heating and cooling alone accounts for half of the energy used in a home, according the Alliance to Save Energy, so it's important to install a HVAC system that will deliver optimal performance. A product such as the Trane XC95m furnace is among the most energy efficient on the market, and is equipped with technology that allows it to communicate with all other components of a heating and cooling system.

* If smart technology and a customized home experience are what you need, consider remote home energy management systems. With a solution like Schlage LiNK, a remote access solution that provides home control from a cell phone or any computer with Internet access, you can adjust your home's thermostat, even when you are not there.

* Your heating and cooling system can also help keep your home a clean and healthy environment for all ages. Many manufacturers offer whole-house air filtration systems, and some of these systems can filter up to 99.98 percent of particles and allergens from your home's air.

If any of these home trends apply to the "must have" list for your new or remodeled home, your heating and cooling system might be a good place to begin in your planning. Visit www.trane.com to get started. With the right HVAC system, you'll be on your way to creating your picture-perfect home environment, however small, unique, diverse, long-lasting or energy-efficient you need it to be.

King of the 'green' road

(ARA) - These days, consumers are more aware of the need to protect our fragile planet. They buy products that are environmentally friendly: solar-powered wrist watches, reusable coffee sleeves, designer sunglasses made with renewable materials and even an "eco" beer. What they may not realize is that the commercial trucks that carry the same goods they buy are themselves green.

"Commercial truckers, like everyone else, do care about the environment," says Rick Phillips, director of commercial sales at Yokohama Tire Corporation, which makes "green" truck tires. "I know because they want tires that last longer, perform better, use less fuel and minimize the impact on the environment.

"Truckers can drive more than 100,000 miles a year transporting goods," says Phillips about eco truck tires. "By using the right tires, they can improve fuel economy from 3 to 5 percent in over-the-road applications, and every gallon of gas saved means 20 fewer pounds of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. So being green can pay off and help the planet."

Phillips says Yokohama is no stranger to manufacturing eco-friendly tires. "We also make passenger car and race car tires that use sustainable materials like orange oil to replace much of the petroleum in the tire. You don't normally put racing and environment in the same sentence, but we do at Yokohama."

So what makes a truck tire green? The way it's designed is a big factor, plus low rolling resistance - features that result in reduced material consumption and pollution, and contribute to a healthy environment.

Low rolling resistance tires improve fuel efficiency because they provide less friction as the tire rolls down the road. Less energy is wasted, and for eco-conscious and budget-conscious truck drivers who want to maximize their mileage, the shift to low rolling resistance tires is a popular upgrade.

Recycle Around The World 3

Why green schools benefit your kids - and the environment

(ARA) - We're becoming increasingly aware of the impact that our actions have on the environment and our quality of life, but sadly while many of our homes and buildings are being built and modernized to be greener, many of our children's schools continue to waste energy and contain materials that are toxic to kids health. In fact most schools spend more on electricity bills than on books and computers.

Schools are beginning to join the charge to use less and be more efficient. But did you know that schools that make strides to become more environmentally friendly are often also providing better learning environments for students?

While helping the environment is definitely a key motivator, green improvements can also improve student performance by creating a healthier, more productive learning environment, providing hands-on lessons for students, and saving schools money that they can use on classroom initiatives.

Pureology has teamed up with Global Green USA to create a "green school" makeover competition where schools can enter to help improve the lives of students while educating parents, teachers, students and the public about the importance of creating healthy green classrooms. Pureology Serious Colour Care are the makers of hair care products that are 100 percent Vegan and contain organic botanicals.

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