Archive for October, 2009

Health Hazards of Flea and Tick Products

Several studies throughout the years have indicated that there are several health hazards of flea and tick products that we use on our pets, in our homes, and around our homes.  In a number of instances, we purchase products that are sold in stores that we know and trust because we feel as if the products are safe.  We believe that when it comes to certain types of chemicals and substances that we purchase to control pests such as fleas and ticks that they are carefully monitored, regulated, and even approved by the Federal Government.  Unfortunately, this is a false assumption.  In this informative article, you will be introduced to the health hazards of flea and tick products. Annually, pet owners in the United States spend millions of dollars on products that are suppose to eliminate the pests of fleas and ticks on animals, in the home, and even in the structures and lawn that surrounds the home.  While the poisons are typically quite effective in eliminating the nuisance pests, it is believed that these products also subject the animal, the adults, and the children in the home to the ...

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Small Wind: Powering Your Home With A Wind Turbine

The windiest states in the nation are: -North Dakota -Texas -Kansas -South Dakota -Montana Which I don’t need to tell you if you live there! Other states that have locations that are pretty windy are Rhode Island, Wyoming (the area around Caspar and Cheyenne), the area around Erie, Pennsylvania, and areas around Mansfield and Cleveland, Ohio to name just a few. If you live in a chronically windy location, why not consider purchasing a small wind-turbine to provide your electricity needs? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, it makes economic sense to have a wind turbine if the following conditions are met: •    Your average monthly electric bill is over $150 •    Your property has a good wind resource •    Your home or business is located on at least one acre of rural land •    Your local zoning codes or covenants allow wind turbines •    You are comfortable with long-term investments It makes sense to purchase a wind-turbine now, as the Federal government is currently offering a 30% tax credit to those who purchase a turbine from a dealer participating in the program, up to $4,000 for either residential or business use.  The tax credit will be available until 2016. In addition, a few states will also offer you rebates!  ...

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Solar Power – On Grid or Off Grid

There are two main users of solar power.  There are those individuals who have solar panels on their home, but remain connected to their town or city’s utility system.  They generate their own power, and typically have much lower electricity bills than those people who don’t generate their own power.  Of course, in times when sunlight is scarce, such as if you go through a week or so of nothing but rain, or during the wintertime, your solar panels can’t generate quite as much electricity, but you have no problems because at this point, you receive power from your utility.  However, on those especially sunny days when your solar panels are creating more electricity than you need, it’s being fed to your utility, who gives you a credit on your bill for the appropriate amount. However, it’s important to be aware that if your utility loses power for a day or so… so will your home, regardless of whether or not you’ve got solar panels.  This is because if your home continues to generate electricity, it could cause problems – even deadly problems, in other areas. People who use this type of solar power typically save about ...

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How to Make Your Family Go Greener

Sometimes within our homes, it's easy to get lazy and start going back to habits that make us wasteful and some habits that may even have negative impacts on our environment.  If you are trying to go green in your own home, it can be frustrating if you don't have the cooperation of your family.  Getting your family involved can take some time, and you definitely don't want to stress them out about it.  Here are some simple ideas that you can try to help make your family go greener. Try a Bit of Simple Education More than likely the people in your family don't appreciate being told to do things without knowing why they should do it.  This is where some simple education can come in handy.  When you make them understand why you are asking them to do something, they are more likely to do it.  Just telling them it's just the right environmental thing to do is probably not going to work.  Take times to actually explain the logic behind things you ask them to do at family times, such ...

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Practical Tips for Saving on Water Heating Costs

Did you know that water heating expenses in our homes account for 20-30 percent of our annual residential energy costs?  And even if you can afford to pay the bills, you must also consider whether you can afford, in the name of environmental protection and conservation, the waste water costs that come with it. When we take appropriate measures to lower our heating expenses and waste water costs, we are taking the right steps towards energy and water sustainability.  You need not even worry about sacrificing your comfort and convenience when you do so, not with these practical tips. Water Heaters One of the best ways to conserve water heating costs is, obviously, to start with the right water heater.  You should ask professionals to explain the concepts of the Energy Guide and the Energy Factor labels so that you can make an informed decision.  Also, it helps to know about the least expensive energy in your area that will power your water heater - electric, propane or gas.  For example, in California, it is often less expensive to purchase a gas-powered water heater. Once you have chosen the best water heater for your needs, you must adopt other ...

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