Reducing household water usage has big-time benefits for both homeowners and for the environment: reducing strain on local water resources, cutting demand on wastewater treatment facilities, and lowering both water and sewage utility bills, to name a few. Although this is by no means an exhaustive list, we’ve put together a collection of water-saving tips […]
Reduce Your Household Water Use Efficiently Read More »
When the summer sun starts beating down, homeowners need to use all the tools available to stay cool. We’ve put together the following list of products to help keep your favorite room cool and comfortable this season, while cutting your energy consumption and saving some money in the process.
Efficient Summertime Room-Cooling Products Read More »
Electric bikes are ideal for commuting because they allow you travel up to 30 miles in a stretch, and you are less likely to drenched in sweat when you arrive at your destination. Some models have motors that assist as you pedal, making your ride easier, especially when going up hills. Some models allow you
The Best Electric Bikes For Commuters Read More »
The slow cooker might have been around since the ‘70s, but this trusty kitchen essential has changed quite a bit over the past forty years. It’s faster, sleeker and more energy efficient and than its counter-top ancestors. No matter what your slow cook needs, there’s a top-rated model for you. And the best news? There’s
The Best Slow Cookers Read More »
A wall is one of the most deceptively complex elements of a home. A smart wall system utilizing efficiently designed and produced components will not only reduce energy consumption, it will make living in a home more pleasant. And it will be durable enough to help avoid the hassle of frequent or costly repairs. Read
Efficient Wall Design: Building In Energy Savings Read More »
Biking around town is a great way to cut pollution while getting a little exercise, especially now that springtime weather is upon us. So tune up your bike, buckle your helmet, and find a bike-friendly route with the new “Bicycling” option from Google Maps.
Google Maps – Efficient Commuting With Customized Bicycling Directions Read More »
LED light bulbs have some huge advantages over incandescent and compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. But they perform differently, so here’s your guide to understanding LED bulbs so you can enjoy their benefits and play to their strengths.
Efficient LED Light Bulbs For The Home Read More »
I’ve been testing some Looptwork products, and they are amazing. Here’s why: the company makes all their products from 100% industrial “excess” materials. That means every zipper, button and thread used in their designs was about to be thrown out. For example, the Hoptu Laptop Sleeve shown above is made with 100% upcycled nylon neoprene
Looptworks: Products Made Of 100% “Excess” Material Read More »
I’ve been testing an Ovopur water filter from Aquaovo, a company based in Montreal. This filter is certainly the most attractive I’ve come across. My eye is often drawn to its porcelain ovoid shape sitting in my ktichen. I’ve come to think of it as a piece of art that also happens to filter water.
Ovopur: The Art Of The Water Filter Read More »
There are a lot of misleading claims about water filters. Many filters are marketed with general statements like “improves taste and odor”. But filter manufacturers don’t mention the specific amount of pesticides or chloramines removed, for example.
The Best Water Filters Read More »
A MetaEfficient snack bar. Unlike other nutrient bars I’ve tasted, this one’s delicious. My topic pick is the Orange Cranberry Bar. It’s made by a company called PURE, based in Holland, Michigan.
The Most Efficient Snack: Pure Organic Bar Read More »
In this new series of posts, I will be reviewing the top MetaEfficient Products of 2010. For a product to be considered MetaEfficient it must be: green, functional, durable and reasonably priced. Where possible, the product should be made by a company with high environmental standards and good manufacturing ethics. Our featured Men’s Winter Outfit
A MetaEfficient Men’s Winter Outfit For 2010 Read More »
It’s no secret that cutting your household energy consumption is a great way to reduce your environmental footprint. It’s also a great way to save money on your utility bills. But to pinpoint the best places to reduce power use, you need to know exactly where your power is going – no small task considering
TED 5000 Household Power Meter – Improve Home Energy Efficiency Read More »
Energy efficient building designs and technologies are everywhere these days. In fact, the sheer number of options can seem a little overwhelming for those interested in sustainable construction techniques. But Southface Energy Institute, headquartered in Atlanta, can be a valuable resource for homeowners, commercial or residential builders, or individuals who simply want to learn more
Southface Energy Institute: A Resource For Sustainable Design Read More »
Composting is a great way to reduce the amount of waste your household generates, plus there’s the added benefit of free fertilizer for your yard or garden.
The Best Backyard Compost Tumblers Read More »
REI’s newest LEED certified retail stores are evidence that smart business and environmental responsibility sometimes lead down the same path. These new stores enjoy lower operating costs, and customers appreciate the company’s dedication to sustainable building.
REI’s LEED Certified Stores Read More »
Who says that a home with cutting-edge energy efficiency has to look like an ultra-modern pod? This recently completed Wisconsin home packs so much energy tech that it makes money by selling electricity back to the grid, and it still keeps a low neighborhood profile.
An Energy Producing Home In Disguise Read More »
Wind power holds great promise as a clean energy source, but current windmill generators aren’t appropriate for all locations. Italian firm Kite Gen hopes to change that with its innovative new generator designs, which use “kites” to capture strong high-altitude winds.
Kite Gen: The Future Of Wind Power? Read More »
This new home in Virginia was designed for optimal efficiency. It’s the first to receive LEED platinum in Virginia. Optimal elements that set it apart: an integrated rain water collection system (the site design features zero site runoff for a one-inch rain event), integrated geothermal wells, and exceptional indoor air quality. The home was built
Hyper-Efficient House Completed In Virginia Read More »
For “D.I.Y.”ers, using recycled construction products is a great way to reduce raw material consumption and lessen stress on landfills. But for retailers, the “Re I. Y.” trend (Re-use It Yourself) is taking the idea a step further, giving unused building products a new lease on life.
Efficient Home Improvement: Re-Using Materials Gets Easier Read More »
