Responsible Fundraising

Cnet’s green tech blog sent one of it’s writers on a mission to live a greener life for a year. It is probably safe to say that everyone on staff at an eco-blog makes efforts to be more green all the time, regardless of assignment, but what made this different is that he participated in the Energy Smackdown. This competition is a “Community Outreach Program to Reduce Carbon Emissions.” While participating, Martin LaMonica learned just how much running an extra fridge in the house can cost ($50 a month), what a blower door is, and just how much of a difference you can make just by using a caulk gun.

Read his account here: http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10221933-54.html?tag=rtcol;inTheNewsNow

Why use dangerous chemicals in your daily household cleaning when there are more natural and non-toxic options sitting in your fridge and pantry? Baking soda, borax, lemon juice, and others are all much less toxic and can be combined or used on their own to create powerful cleaners.

For example, use baking soda and white vinegar to clean stainless steel appliances and surfaces. Apply the baking soda with a damp cloth to clean the majority of the surface and white vinegar to clean spots.

More info and cleaning “recipes”:

http://www.thegreenguide.com/home-garden/cleaning/diy-cleaners

Passive Solar is concept that homeowners can use to reduce the energy required to cool or heat a home. By shielding windows from the sun in summer, uncovering certain windows in the winter, strategically opening windows to maximize airflow through the house, and taking the suns rays into consideration when designing landscaping, energy usage and bills can be drastically reduced. From: http://green.msn.com/Green-Living/Green-Dictionary-Passive-Solar