Friday, Feb. 13, 2009

Got2BeGreen

The momentum of the Green movement has been slowed by everyone's preoccupation with the economic downturn, which is a shame, since Green done right can help save the other kind of green. Got2BeGreen is a blog devoted to highlighting ideas and products that are friendly not only to the planet but to your budget. For instance, did you know that the economic stimulus package includes dozens of tax credits for energy efficient products, everything from a $150 credit for a new furnace or boiler to $2,000 for a ground source heat pump? Or that you could be saving up to $100 by plugging your computer and electronics into a switchable power strip instead of letting components suck up electricity in standby mode? Or that you should never place hot food in the fridge because it uses up more energy? Got2BeGreen is a daily reminder that being eco-friendly is just plain smart.

Sample Got2BeGreen post: On average, 14 percent of the air leaking in and out of a house flows through the chimney. If you use your fireplace infrequently, seal it with an inflatable draft stopper or make your own with a garbage bag stuffed with fiberglass insulation.

Entry you'll never see: Contrary to what you may have read elsewhere, used motor oil can be safely disposed of by pouring it down the nearest sink or storm drain.