Make every season greener with Green$ense

How to Go Green: Holidays

No time of the year is more emotional than the holiday season, whether you're bursting with the joy of baking and caroling or overwhelmed with the stress of shopping and wrapping. But even with all those other factors weighing on your mind, it's possible to put a green spin on your holidays; simple tips and easy substitutions mean you can come through this season of indulgence without leaving a massive carbon footprint.

Start with your gift list, where going green can mean anything from simply buying fewer gifts (the too-cluttered shelves at your giftee's house will thank you, we promise) to finding Fair Trade alternatives to holiday classics. Look for recycled paper goods, like cards and wrapping, or get creative and make your own versions of both. Green your Christmas dinner with seasonal, local ingredients and organic turkeys, and stock your bar with organic bubbly and other green cocktails. Then look for green greens for your home by choosing fresh wreaths and pesticide-free trees trimmed with energy-slashing LED lights. Put the money you saved on your electric bill toward a donation to environmental charities and let your greenbacks support green projects.

But most importantly, keep in mind that the holidays are not about the gifts, the errands, the trimmings; they're about celebrating with your family and friends and appreciating the blessings in your life. We happen to think Mother Earth is one of those blessings, so put these tips to work to help keep it that way.

Source: http://planetgreen.discovery.com/go-green/holidays/

Top Tips for Greening Your Gift Giving

The gift of green is one the entire planet can celebrate but this doesn't just mean a switch eco-consumerism. The perfect present can be defined in many ways and the greenest gifts can be found at Planet Green's "How to Go Green: Gift Giving."

Avoid Material Consumption: This is made possible, for example, by offering your services to baby-sit or giving a gift certificate or perhaps buying a green service like carbon offsets or a Zipcar membership.

Shop Wisely: When it comes to material gifts, there are many conscious shopping options: find items that are made or grown locally, items manufactured from recycled materials, items with minimal or zero packaging, durable items that will not be trashed any time soon, used items, and best of all: free items.

Think Globally: Through a program like World Gifts, you can choose "a range of alternative gifts that act as two presents in one; something for you to give to friends or relatives at special occasions, whilst the real gift can help change the life of someone living in poverty."

Did You Know?

• A 25% increase in trash is generated during the holiday season
• 97% of restaurant gift certificate receivers say they would like to receive a restaurant gift certificate again
• In the UK, 83,000,000 square meters of gift wrap wind up on rubbish heaps after the holiday season

Source: http://planetgreen.discovery.com/work-connect/green-gift-giving-guide3.html

Top Green New Year Resolutions

1. Save money without spending a dime
   It's easier than it sounds to save money while being green: unplug electronic equipment you aren't using; turn off the lights; lower your heat and wear an extra sweater. Switching from chemical cleaners to homemade baking soda/vinegar combos can save you $600 a year, and taking public transportation saves countless money on gas. Ready for more? Try these six green tips and save $1,000.
2. Save money by investing in efficiency
   Sometimes you have to spend to save-but you still don't have to spend much. Energy monitors—like Black & Decker's version for less than $100-show you where your home is wasting energy, while a programmable thermostat could have you saving as much as 15% on your energy bill. In other cases, you might have to invest just a bit more time-making your lunch ahead of time instead of ordering take-out, baking your own bread, or learn some simple home repair and skip that next call to the Maytag man.
3. Cut clutter
   We all have too much stuff—especially if your home just received an influx of gifts over the holidays. Unclutter and update your closet by hosting a clothing swap, and keep your foyer table clear by cutting junk mail. Getting rid of excess in your home by reusing it means less waste, fewer landfills, and—eventually—less energy spent on the production of a whole lot of unnecessary junk.
4. Lose weight
   Many classic weight loss tips—eat fresh vegetables, skip the processed food aisle, cut out red meat—line up perfectly with a green lifestyle. The bad-for-you foods that are so high in calories also pack a production wallop that uses lots of energy; the packaging just creates more waste. And trading even one meat-based meal each week for a vegetarian option can help curb the effects of global warming. If you're going less than one mile, trade driving for walking; for longer distances, brush off your old 10-speed and hit the bike lane-then watch the pounds fall off.
5. Quit smoking
   Cigarettes are a huge source of litter—plus there's nothing eco-friendly about the pesticides, deforestation, paper use, and waste output of cigarette production. If you're ready to quit, replace the habit with exercise, or snacks of fresh organic veggies.
6. Get involved
   There's a lot to be said for getting out of your house and focusing your energy on others-or on the environment. Join a community supported agriculture program and, in exchange for a few hours work, or a few bucks per week, you'll have fresh vegetables all summer; volunteer at an animal shelter or for an environmental charity and you can feel good about making a difference. The key is matching your interests and talents with the right organization, and sometimes that could be as simple as starting at home and greening your community.
7. Organize your office
   Whether in your work or home office, this is the perfect chance to go paperless. Filing documents electronically and using a scanner and paper shredder in tandem means a huge drop in wasted paper—plus it's easier to store and review important bills when you need them. Even better, convince your boss to let you work from home and save money, time, and carbon emissions by not having to commute, buy lunch, wrestle with your company's recycling policies, etc.
8. Learn to recycle something new
   Sure, you're a pro at putting glass, paper, and aluminum in the proper containers, and you never leave your newspaper on the subway—but what about all the other stuff you can recycle? Computers, DVD players, televisions, compact fluorescent light bulbs and cell phones all can and should be recycled, so the metals can be disposed of correctly or, even better, reused. If you're already doing this, consider starting a compost bin for your organic food scraps, capturing rainwater for watering plants and flushing the toilet, or buying clothes made from recyclable fibers.
9. Join a TreeHugger
   Last year, an informal poll of a few TreeHugger writers resulted in green resolutions that ranged from the easy, like remembering to take a reusable bag to the grocery store, to the difficult, like not buying anything new for all of 2008. Other suggestions: using the car one less day each week; spreading the environmental gospel by going up against climate change critics, or giving out copies of An Inconvenient Truth; swearing off factory-farmed meat and eating local, organic meat; and eating one fully locally-sourced meal each week. The point is, no matter what your lifestyle is like, there are enough green resolutions out there for you to choose the one that works for you.
10. Stick to it
    The most popular advice for keeping resolutions is to keep them simple: look at small changes you can make to reach your long term goals, like adding 30 minutes of bike riding to your daily routine or going to the farmer's market twice a month. And don't make too many—choose one, maybe two, goals and focus on those.

Source: http://planetgreen.discovery.com/go-green/new-years/new-year-resolutions.html

Teaching Kids about Green Energy

Since the holidays are a high energy use time of year, it is important to find ways to save energy and money in your home. There is no better time to teach your children about being energy efficient.

The Department of Energy has a fun and easy to navigate site for kids that includes tips, games, quizzes and an energy action list that will teach them about green energy.

The site is http://www.eere.energy.gov/kids/

Programmable Thermostats

Did You Know?

The average household spends more than $2,200 a year on energy bills - nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling. Homeowners can save about $180 a year by properly setting their programmable thermostats and maintaining those settings.
Did you know that properly using a programmable thermostat in your home is one of the easiest ways you can save energy, money, and help fight global warming? A programmable thermostat helps make it easy for you to save by offering four pre-programmed settings to regulate your home's temperature in both summer and winter - when you are asleep or away.

The pre-programmed settings that come with programmable thermostats are intended to deliver savings without sacrificing comfort. Depending on your family's schedule, you can see significant savings by sticking with those settings or adjust them as appropriate for your family.

The key is to establish a program that automatically reduces heating and cooling in your home when you don't need as much. Use the programmable thermostat calculator to see what you can save with set-back temperatures that work for your family.

The pre-programmed settings for a programmable thermostat are:

Simple Steps to Energy Savings with Programmable Thermostats

Achieve significant energy and money savings that are possible through the proper use of your programmable thermostat.
Installation: Here's what you need to know about proper and safe installation of your programmable thermostat, as well as when you should call a certified HVAC contractor to handle the installation for you.

• For starters, install your programmable thermostat unit on an interior wall, away from heating or cooling vents and other sources of heat or drafts (doorways, windows, skylights, direct sunlight or bright lamps).
• Remember: Read all instructions and proceed carefully! Programmable thermostats are a low voltage wiring installation and involve anywhere from 2–10 wires, depending on your type of heating and cooling system. However, you should shut down your electricity during any replacement. The previous attachment points will reconnect your new unit.
• If the job requires more than just a replacement, call your certified HVAC professional to ensure proper installation, as well as operation of your heating and cooling system. It's a good idea to upgrade an old manual thermostat to a programmable unit if you're replacing a CAC or heating system given that programmable thermostats are far more accurate and will maximize the efficiency of your new system. Heat pumps may require a special unit to maximize energy savings year-round. Talk to your retailer or HVAC contractor before selecting the thermostat.
• Also, if you're replacing a manual thermostat that has a mercury switch, be careful not to break the tube that holds this toxic substance. Contact your local recycling/hazardous materials center, or the manufacturer of your new thermostat, for advice on proper disposal.

Follow these guidelines to achieve savings.

Proper Use Guidelines for Programmable Thermostats: Follow these guidelines to achieve savings.
Through proper use of a programmable thermostat (using the 4 pre-programmed settings) you can save about $180* every year in energy costs.

Rules of Thumb for Proper Use:

1. Keep the temperature set at its energy savings set-points for long periods of time (at least eight hours), for example, during the day, when no one is at home, and through the night, after bedtime.
2. All thermostats let you temporarily make an area warmer or cooler, without erasing the pre-set programming. This override is cancelled automatically at the next program period. You use more energy (and end up paying more on energy bills) if you consistently “hold” or over-ride the pre-programmed settings.
3. Units typically have 2 types of hold features: (a) hold/permanent/vacation; (b) temporary. Avoid using the hold/permanent/vacation feature to manage day to day temperature settings. “Hold” or “vacation” features are best when you're planning to be away for an extended period. Set this feature at a constant, efficient temperature (i.e. several degrees warmer temperature in summer, several degrees cooler during winter), when going away for the weekend or on vacation. You'll waste energy and money if you leave the “hold” feature at the comfort setting while you're away.
4. Cranking your unit up to 90 degrees or down to 40 degrees, for example, will not heat or cool your house any faster. Most thermostats, including ENERGY STAR qualified units, begin to hear or cool at a set time, to reach setpoint temperatures sometime thereafter. Units with adaptive (smart/intelligent) recovery features are an exception to this rule — Adaptive recovery units are constantly calculating the amount of time required to heat or cool the house, so that it reaches that temperature when the homeowner programmed it. By “examining” the performance of the past few days the thermostat can keep track of the seasons. In this way, your house is always at the comfort levels when occupied, but saving the most energy when unoccupied.
5. Many homes use just one thermostat to control the whole house. If your home has multiple heating or cooling zones, you'll need a programmed setback thermostat for each zone to maximize comfort, convenience and energy savings throughout the house.
6. If your programmable thermostat runs on batteries, don't forget to change the batteries each year. Some units will indicate when batteries must be changed.

Save with Your Manual Thermostat: If you choose to keep your manual thermostat, here are recommendations to help you save, too.
You can still make the most of your manual thermostat by adjusting the temperatures daily before you leave the house and when you go to sleep at night. Typically, adjusting temperatures 5–8 degrees (down in winter, up in summer) can help save energy if you're going to be away from home for several hours.

Source: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=TH

How to Reuse Wrapping Paper

Wrapping paper is something worth keeping, for its beauty, its design, or just for sentimental reasons. There are many different ways to reuse wrapping paper. Here are just a few.

Instructions

1. Use small scraps of wrapping paper to line greeting card envelopes. Simply trace the outside flap shape onto the wrapping paper and cut out, leaving the wrapping paper lining just short enough to clear the glue seal on the envelope flap.
2. Use large pieces of wrapping paper to cover a shoe box and create a storage container.
3. Use in paper mache projects.
4. Cover small gift boxes and place a little note inside to make someone's day.
5. Shred leftover wrapping paper for package filler for another gift.
6. Create book covers.
7. Press used wrapping paper flat with an iron on low heat and use for background on scrap booking pages.
8. Use as a mat for framed objects.
9. Cut paper doll clothes from wrapping paper scraps.

Source: http://www.ehow.com/how_2037150_reuse-wrapping-paper.html

Clean Seasonally, Donate Wisely

When it comes to donating old items, tackling your space once a season can help those in need all year long.

Spring may be the traditional time for space revamps and clutter overhauls, but taking a more balanced season-by-season approach to your home has year-round benefits. Summer hits a particular high note for families in need, since many folks count on their kids getting at least one meal a day at school. Still, each season brings particular challenges; in fall, families are bracing for cooler weather and need coats, cold-weather shoes, backpacks and school supplies. Taking a day now to sort through those shirts you swore you'd wear this season (but haven't) or deciding whether your kids still need last year's must-have sneakers will clear out your space and help donation centers.

Tossing all of your give-aways in one donation drop box is better than pitching them to the curb, but donation centers appreciate when you separate and disburse these goods to various charitable groups. It not only spreads the wealth but ensures your belongings are making it into the homes of folks who need help most.

Here are some easy ways to make donating common household goods time efficient:

Clothing

For business attire that you no longer wear, look to Dress for Success, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting self-sufficiency and success for women. Check for the affiliate nearest you to donate all women's professional clothing, including suits, handbags, shoes and accessories in good condition (no casual or men's clothing, please). Or, mark your calendars for the annual Send One Suit weekend in partnership with Dress Barn drop-offs across the country. Note that plus-sized clothing is always in high demand.

Don't let an old prom dress gather dust in the back of a closet – donate it! DonateMyDress.org helps connect your lightly used prom and special occasion wear with girls in need. Tammy Tibbetts, founder of Donate My Dress, offers a few simple guidelines for what to donate:

• Dresses in all sizes are welcome, but there often tends to be a shortage of dresses in the smallest and the largest sizes.
• As for style, dresses from the last 2 to 3 years are best - no poofy sleeve dresses from the '80s!
• Bridesmaid dresses can sometimes double as pretty prom dresses, but wedding dresses and flower girl dresses aren't useful for prom.

For everyday basics The Salvation Army and Goodwill are always great options with the caveat that need varies by season and by region. "Winter coats and sweaters might really be needed at family stores during Minnesota winters, but not so much in Miami," says The Salvation Army's Jennifer Byrd.

Any and all clothing should be washed or dry-cleaned before donation. If clothing is stained or irreparably worn, consider cutting it up into earth-friendly cleaning rags or using it toward something crafty such as quilts or rag-dolls - if it's truly too ragged or stained for you to wear, it probably shouldn't be donated.

Electronics

The National Center for Electronics Recycling (NCER) is a resource for learning where to donate every electronic, from buyback programs to local electronics recyclers. Says Executive Director Jason Linnell, "It's a win-win situation," he says "it's a win for the environment, and it's a win for those receiving used but working equipment they may not be able to afford."

Linnell says that when recycling electronics be mindful of data security. Don't assume the charitable group you're donating to will strip the personal information stored on hard drives for you -- ask first. You can always use online tools to erase a hard drive's contents, or simply remove the hard drive and destroy it yourself.

Cell phones

You can donate phones to Cell Phones for Soldiers, a family-run, 501c3 nonprofit organization that has raised almost $2 million in donations and distributed more than 500,000 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas. Senior Business Development Manager Sue Koch cannot stress enough that, "It means [so much] to soldiers to hear their loved one's voice: It cannot even compare to email -- it's really a big morale booster."

In addition to giving calling cards to American troops, Cell Phones for Soldiers sends phones that can be refurbished to developing countries, providing many with their first personal phone. Non-repairable phones are also recycled, recovering raw materials used across the world. To donate your phone, simply print a free mailing label and drop it in the mail, or support the site's cost and ship your own.

Verizon's HopeLine gives domestic abuse victims phone access and support through donations of used cellphones. With drop-off bins in all Verizon stores plus online mailing labels, there's no excuse for letting unused phones go neglected. If your phone is broken, HopeLine will recycle it and donate the funds back to their domestic abuse support program; if your phone is still salvageable, they will refurbish and donate it to men and women in domestic violence situations.

Tip: Before donating your phone, consider first removing the data from your phone with an easy online data eraser – otherwise both programs will scrub the data for you.

Children's Gear

For gently-worn stuffed animals, children's books and blankets, consider donating to one of Project Night Night's many locations around the country; the group's mission is to help homeless children get a good (and comfy) night's sleep. Their Night Night Packages include like-new stuffed animals, books and blankets assembled in inviting tote bags and distributed for free to regional homeless shelters.

When it comes to school supplies, Cradles to Crayons, which services the Philadelphia and Boston area, serves as a great example of what to look for and expect. With the kids going back to school, Community Outreach Manager Josh Nespoli encourages donors to think: "When I was a kid getting ready to head back to class, what was I looking for?" Clothing, backpacks and shoes are essential year-round but even more so as soon as school hits. "Quality is really important -- it's really an issue of self esteem," Nespoli says, encouraging all items to be free of any stains or rips. "We want parents to be proud to give their kids these products, and for the kids to be proud to wear them."

For larger pieces of baby equipment (strollers, playpens, cribs), check freecycle.org to find someone in your local Freecycle group in need.

Bikes 

"A bicycle can get someone someplace...like from poverty to self-sufficiency," states the tagline adopted by the Baltimore-Washington area's Bikes for the World program, which has used community driven efforts to help collect and send 40,000 bicycles since 2005. Not only is it a great option to donate your bike, but also a "way to get Americans involved in very tangible, rewarding community service for groups," says director Keith Oberg. Bikes must be of good quality and condition and must be submitted with a $10 donation fee to help cover the cost of shipping. If interested in involvement or bringing Bikes for the World to your area, contact the program directly for volunteering and sponsorship opportunities. "We want to empower others to do it as well," Oberg says, "and are always open to lending advice and support."

For regions in the greater New York and Philadelphia area, Pedals for Progress is another great option for both bicycles and sewing machines, which David Schweidenback, President of Pedals for Progress, describes as "a job in a box." Likewise, donating your bike "is the one thing that can really change lives overseas," Schweidenback says. "It's not a hand out but a hand up -- it enables people to work. It allows people to help themselves." The organization accepts bicycles in repairable condition ("not super rusty or looks like it's been run over with a truck") and must be donated with a $10 shipping fee. All bicycle sizes count, says Schweidenback. "The little bikes get the kids to school; the larger bikes get adults to work."

Source: http://www.shelterpop.com/2010/09/02/clean-seasonally-donate-wisely

Green Halloween Shopping Tips

Whether buying food, treats, treasures or prizes for your Green Halloween party, thinking green is just as much about what you don't buy as what you do buy. Reducing the amount of waste we generate by cutting down on excessive shopping is not only better for our planet (and easier on our wallets) but reducing the number of products we purchase also teaches our children the art of simplicity as well the value of moderation.

When purchasing items for your Green Halloween, it may help to consider whether the items you're buying are of quality and can therefore be enjoyed past November 1st. If not, can the items be reused or recycled? In addition, look for products that meet one or more of the following green criteria:

*Kid Healthy

• Organic or pesticide-free
• Food items are made from healthy and whole ingredients and do not include hydrogenated oils, trans-fats, artificial colors or flavors. The items have limited or no salt, sugar or caffeine (including chocolate)
• Non-food items are made from safe materials and do not pose any suspected immediate or long-term health risks

*Planet Healthy

• Made with Earth-friendly practices, such as by organic farming
• Preference given to locally grown or made goods (which alleviates environmental impact from shipping.) Get to know your local farmers and shop with them as often as possible.
• Non-food items are made from Earth friendly materials such as sustainably harvested wood or recycled plastic
• The item contains as little packaging as possible

*People Friendly

• The people making the items earn fair wages and work in safe conditions (ideally, imported goods are certified Fair Trade)

It can be difficult to find products that meet all three criteria, so we suggest that parents try to consider one or more factors when shopping for Halloween. We also believe that when consumers continue to request that these items are readily available and affordable, businesses will step up to meet the rising demand.

Green shopping tips:Every little thing counts when it comes to making green choices.

• Always bring your own cloth or recycled plastic bags with you when shopping for food, gifts, treats or treasures.
• If you generally drive to do errands, try to get your shopping done all at once, rather than taking many short outings. You'll save on gas and money while reducing your contribution to pollution and global warming.
• Of course, if you can walk, ride your bike, carpool, or take public transportation, you'll leave an even smaller eco-footprint behind.
• Most importantly, if you can go without - do! Nothing could be greener than focusing on people rather than things.

Source: http://www.greenhalloween.org/content.php?page=host

How to Go Green: Summer

With the warm weather fully unfurled, you've got some free time and some hot days before you. That means time off to spend at the beach, with the kids, away on vacation, whatever… You've got backyard BBQs, ballgames, trips to the local zoo, and a whole lot more to squeeze in, but you're not so certain how to make sure your summer vacation is looking and feelings its greenest. So let's lotion up, put some beer on ice, and get down to business.

1. Steppin' light

Find local activities with low environmental impacts like a trip to the local park, woods, zoo, ballgame, or beach with friends to relax. Time spent with friends and family can be a great way to catch up and have fun. Picking up that new book you've been meaning to read while lounging on the deck is another great way to pass the time and leave a smaller footprint behind. The Deathly Hallows ought to keep you busy for a little while. Once you've gotten out of the city, check out our guide on How to Green Your Outdoor Sports.

2. Cool and Easy

Air conditioning can offer much-needed respite from the heat and can make sweaty nights bearable, but be sensitive to overuse. Turning up the thermostat a few degrees on your AC is a great way to save tons of cash while making the planet a cooler place at the same time.

3. Up in your grill

Love to BBQ? Propane burns much cleaner than either wood or charcoal briquettes. If you can't resist charcoal, try a natural product like those produced by Cowboy Charcoal-much cleaner than your traditional briquettes. Of course, when you're done grilling, use natural cleaning products such as SoyClean organic grill cleaner to keep your summer as chemical-free as possible. Tests show it's just as tough on grime as traditional cleaners, but won't leave that chemical residue behind to leach into your next burger or grilled tomato. Plus, if you want to give your neighbors something to gossip about, try a solar over from a company like Solar Cookers International. How to Green Your Meals has some tasty advise, as well.

4. The local roundup

Buy food locally. Farmers markets are great places to shop, and ensure that the veggies you're eating hot off the grill or mixed in a salad haven't traveled thousands of miles just to reach your plate. That cuts down on the use of fossil fuels, which leads to significantly reduced levels of pollution and resource depletion over your typical tomato bought at the local supermarket. Websites like Local Harvest can help you find one in your area, even if you've never seen one in your life.

5. The green plate special

Use reusable dishes rather than plastics or Styrofoam. If you absolutely must use disposables, make sure to pick up compostable varieties beforehand to put in the compost bin when you're through. For more, check out Where to Get This Stuff below.

6. Greenie bikini

You don't have to go so far as wearing a biodegradable or solar bikini to make your summer accoutrements more sustainable. Look for eco-friendly products like clothing, swimsuits, sandals, towels, and skin care. Each of them is a step in the right direction, and you might just fall in love with a product or style you never knew existed. Lots more to learn at How to Green Your Wardrobe.

7. Charge!

Pick up a solar backpack or device like the Freeloader or the Solio to take with you on day trips. That way, whether you're at the beach or on the go you'll be able to run and recharge a wide range of portable devices on solar energy. Save a buck by cutting out the electric company and giving your rechargeables the solar power they deserve. More green power tips and a roundup of solar chargers and other products can be found here.

8. No poison, please

Remember those carefree days of running alongside the DDT truck as it sprayed the happy townspeople and iced all the bugs? Well, we're a little smarter now, so use products like garlic barrier to ward off mosquitoes. Traditional products certainly do the job, but they can end up turning your backyard into a deathtrap for every other kind of living thing that drops by for a visit. That means birds, butterflies, ladybugs, and even the family dog gets an unhealthy dose. Not to mention yourself, the kids, the neighbors' kids, and even your bratty nephew who lives down the block. Make sure to apply it when you think it won't rain for several days, and the garlic alternative should treat you right. Planting rosemary is a natural and low-tech way to block skeeters. Then there are always the big guns like the Mosquito Magnet.

9. Wet and wise

Water usage levels are a big deal throughout much of the U.S. and the summer drought season can really make things tough. Be certain to watch what you use, water plants only when necessary, and take a few minutes to install a low-flow showerhead. They're simple steps that can make a big difference. For more, check out How to Green Your Water.

10. The greener road

Have to travel long distances to arrive at your dream destination this summer? Consider making it by road or rail rather than by plane, but be sure to offset your carbon emissions no matter what mode of transportation you choose. Companies and non-profit groups like Terrapass, Climate Care, MyClimate, Native Energy, and American Forests all offer ways to offset the damage done when you pick up and travel to places unknown. Our guide for How to Go Green: Carbon Offsets is a great launch pad.

Source: http://planetgreen.discovery.com/go-green/green-summer/green-summer-tips.html

Spring forward - How Daylight Savings Time Saved Energy.

One of the biggest reasons we change our clocks to Daylight Saving Time (DST) is that it saves energy. Energy use and the demand for electricity for lighting our homes is directly connected to when we go to bed and when we get up. Bedtime for most of us is late evening through the year. When we go to bed, we turn off the lights and TV.

In the average home, 25 percent of all the electricity we use is for lighting and small appliances, such as TVs, VCRs and stereos. A good percentage of energy consumed by lighting and appliances occurs in the evening when families are home. By moving the clock ahead one hour, we can cut the amount of electricity we consume each day.

Studies done in the 1970s by the U.S. Department of Transportation show that we trim the entire country's electricity usage by about one percent EACH DAY with Daylight Saving Time.

Daylight Saving Time "makes" the sun "set" one hour later and therefore reduces the period between sunset and bedtime by one hour. This means that less electricity would be used for lighting and appliances late in the day.

We also use less electricity because we are home fewer hours during the "longer" days of spring and summer. Most people plan outdoor activities in the extra daylight hours. When we are not at home, we don't turn on the appliances and lights. A poll done by the U.S. Department of Transportation indicated that Americans liked Daylight Saving Time because "there is more light in the evenings / can do more in the evenings."

While the amounts of energy saved per household are small...added up they can be very large.

In the winter, the afternoon Daylight Saving Time advantage is offset by the morning's need for more lighting. In spring and fall, the advantage is less than one hour. So, Daylight Saving Time saves energy for lighting in all seasons of the year except for the four darkest months of the year (November, December, January and February) when the afternoon advantage is offset by the need for lighting because of late sunrise..

Tax Time

The Free File program provides free federal income tax preparation and electronic filing for eligible taxpayers through a partnership between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Free File Alliance LLC, a group of private sector tax software companies.

How do you want to do your 2008 federal taxes?

- I want tax software with step-by-step help

• Free File supports preparation of Federal tax returns. However, many companies also offer state tax preparation though fees may apply.
• Free tax preparation and e-filing if your adjusted gross income is $56,000 or less in 2008.
• Asks simple questions, puts your answers on the right forms.
• Covers the most commonly filed Federal tax forms and schedules.
• Includes Federal e-file - get your refund in as little as 10 days with Direct Deposit.
• Does all the math or you.
• Receive a quick confirmation within 48 hours that your return was received by the IRS.
• Benefit from Free File's checks for accuracy.
• Available in Spanish.
• For more details, check the company's website.

- I want to fill in the tax forms and file them online without tax software.

• Looks like blank IRS forms. You choose, self-prepare, and e-file your 1040, 1040 A and 1040EZ return.
• Covers the most commonly filed Federal tax forms and schedules.
• Includes basic calculation capability.
• Does NOT support state forms or State e-file.
• There are no income limitations.

With all Free File options you can:

• File your taxes any hour of the day or night.
• Get a faster refund in as little as 10 days with Direct Deposit.
• Know that your return is safe and secure.
• Save paper - and that helps us all.
• All Free File options will be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through our network of partners, but it's important to remember that you must access Free File through the IRS website, IRS.gov.

Green Tax Guide: Make Your Home Energy Efficient and Save Taxes Too

If you paid for home improvements to make your home more energy efficient in 2007, you may be eligible for tax breaks as well. Federal Tax Credits are available for home improvements that include installing energy efficient windows and doors, roofing, insulation, central air conditioning, water heaters, solar energy systems and fuel cells.

Tax credits are subtracted from the amount of tax due, which can be a lot more valuable than a tax deduction. A tax deduction is subtracted from the amount of income earned and then you must pay whatever taxes are due on that income at your current tax rate.

Tax credits can total up to $500 for home improvements, but if you add a solar energy system or fuel cells the tax credit can be a lot higher. For solar energy systems you can write off up to 30% of the cost up to $2,000. For fuel cells the tax credit can be as high as 30% of costs paid up to $1,000. To get these credits you'll need to file Form 5695 with your tax return.

You may find that your state also offers additional tax incentives. Go to the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency at www.dsireusa.org and click on your state to find the incentives available to you.

(Source: www.greendaily.com/2008/01/22green-tax-guide-make-your-home-energy-efficient-and-save-taxes/)

Introduction to Tax Credits

The consumer tax credits for energy-efficiency home improvements have been revived with a few tweaks for the calendar year 2009. To be eligible, most qualifying products must be purchased and installed between January 1 and December 31, 2009. There also are some new eligible products. Please see below for additional details. Efforts to have Congress further extend the consumer tax credits continue!

A recent law expands and extends valuable federal tax credits for consumers who purchase fuel-efficient hybrid-electric or diesel vehicles and who make certain, specified energy-efficiency upgrades to their homes.

Consumers who employ energy-efficient products in their homes or drive fuel-efficient vehicles enjoy multiple benefits. At home, these benefits include lower home energy bills, increased indoor comfort, and reduced air pollution. On the road, consumers will increase their gas mileage so they lower their gasoline costs, and they will dramatically reduce the amount of air pollution from their vehicles.

In addition to helping savvy consumers lower their energy bills at home and on the road, the energy-efficient products eligible for the new federal tax credits actually lower the amount of federal income taxes that these taxpayers must pay Uncle Sam.

What is a tax credit?
You don’t receive an income tax credit when you buy the product, like an instant rebate. You claim the credit on your federal income tax form at the end of the year. The credit then increases the tax refund you receive or decreases the amount you have to pay.

Tax credits vs. tax deductions:
In general, a tax credit is more valuable than a similar tax deduction. A tax credit reduces the tax you pay, dollar-for-dollar. Tax deductions – such as those for home mortgages and charitable giving – lower your taxable income. If you are in the highest 35-percent tax bracket, the income tax you pay is reduced by 35 percent of the value of a tax deduction. But a tax credit reduces your federal income tax by 100 percent of the amount of the credit.

Please note: you should consult a tax professional regarding your individual tax situation.

Consumer Tax Credit Information
Details on the tax credits for hybrid vehicles and for home improvements are located below. In addition, there is a consumer tax credit for solar energy and fuel cells.

The tax credits took effect in January 2006. The credit for home improvements expired in December 2007 but now is reinstated for all of 2009. The hybrid vehicle tax credit phases out at a different time for each manufacturer.

Here is how much you could save on your taxes if you took advantage of some of these tax credits. But remember that your energy savings each year may be greater than the one-time tax savings.

Selected Tax Credits

* Maximum of $500 total for home improvements.

(Source: Alliance To Save Energy, www.ase.org/content/article/detail/2654 )