All Posts Tagged With: "save energy"

One of my favorite clients sent out long list of energy-saving tips after spending close to a year shaving her family’s energy use. Violaine Melancon is a musician who cares deeply about the environment and she got bitten by the energy efficiency bug. A good list is very satisfying, even if they have things you’re already doing, because that just makes you feel a bit smug. (Already doing! So in-the-know!)

A while back we wrote about this topic , aimed at reducing heating bills in winter. Here we present Violaine’s more comprehensive list, with links added by us for your convenience. Let us know what your experiences are with saving energy around your house.

1. Turn off lights! Use as little as you really need.

2. Change all the incandescent light bulbs you can to those funny-looking fluorescent ones.

3. Unplug appliances (washer, dryer, kitchen things like blender, toaster, hairdryer etc…) when not in use. This includes your cell-phone charger and any low-voltage lights that have those boxy AC adaptors on the plug end.

4. Turn off your computer when not in use and purchase a “smart strip" at SmartHomeUSA , which cuts the leaking current at the source. While you’re at it, purchase smart strips for the TV/DVD center and the sound system. All electronics still use a lot of power even when off. Continued

Elysian Energy LLC, which specializes in energy-use assessment, helps homeowners determine their home’s carbon footprint, gauge its amount of energy-use, and take cost-cutting and eco-friendly steps to curtail wasteful energy practices. With the mantra “Lower bills, lower impact, higher value”, Elysian Energy particulary seeks to offer renewable energy technologies to its clients, as well as carbon impact mitigation. Utilizing their services both reduces local pollution from the energy supply sector and supports a local small business focuses on sustainability.

GreenBuilders Inc. is a general contractor in Maryland, specializing in remodeling, additions, and the use of straw bale construction when feasible. Polly Bart, PhD, founder of Greenbuilders, is also a LEED accredited professional , frequently working in that capacity as an advisor to general contractors.

They specialize in "not-so-big" construction design to reduce costs; non-toxic, natural materials which will are safe for families; one-of-a-kind handcrafted beauty in finishes and trims; and sensible heating and cooling plans which provide more comfort and save energy.

Greenbuilders recycles, reuses, and donates. Clients get the tax deduction and the satisfaction of knowing that their renovation isn’t sending valuable materials to the landfill. In fact, Greenbuilders does not use dumpsters at all!

Over the years, Julie Gabrielli has done a number of projects with Polly, much to the delight and satisfaction of her clients. Polly always brings practicality, common sense, honesty, great craftsmanship, and a deep care of the earth to her work.