DIY Energy Savings - Quick & Easy Tips

Here are 5 things you can do to successfully reduce your home energy consumption and save money in the process courtesy of Washington Energy Services in Seattle, Washington:

1.Seal the leaks around windows and exterior doors. This is easy to do, and will help your home keep the heat in. Caulk, spray foam or use weather stripping and it will have an impact on improving your comfort and reducing utility bills. Don’t want to fuss with this – contact a handyman, or a reputable window, insulation or painting company. Many of them provide this service.

2.Fix your insulation situation. Insulation is typically the #1 way to save energy in your home. According to the Department of Energy (www.ornl.gov) “heating and cooling account for 50 to 70% of the energy used in the average American home. Inadequate insulation and air leakage are leading causes of energy waste in most homes.” And according to EnergyStar, you could “save up to 10% of your total annual energy bill” just by sealing and insulating.

3.Clean and seal heating ducts. Almost 20% of the air that moves through your duct system is lost due to leaks and poorly sealed connections. Over time, ducts can sag or collapse. Vermin and other animals can chew holes in crawl space ductwork. Ducts can also come apart at the seams. When this happens, any air that should be going to the rooms in your home is instead being wasted by ending up in your attic, your walls, or under your house. If duct tape was used on your ductwork originally, it's best to have it replaced with aluminum or foil tape. Traditional duct tape deteriorates quickly. Metal seams should be cleaned and then sealed with duct mastic, which doesn't crack. It creates a permanent seal.

4.Let your equipment breathe. Your heating and cooling systems depend on a flow of air to maximize their efficiency. Homeowners can take easy steps to help – change the furnace filter, and check for leaves/debris around an outside heat pump or air conditioner. A clogged air intake outside or dirty indoor furnace filter limits air flow to the equipment and causes it to function inefficiently. It can eventually lead to costly breakdowns and repairs. This is similar to changing the air filter in your car. Electronic filters typically need cleaning at least twice per year and paper filters need replacing. Check your product warranty for your manufacturer’s specific instructions.

5.Open those registers. Many people close floor registers to push heat into certain parts of their house. Since about the late 60's the products installed in homes have been forced air furnaces. These are designed for a specific amount of air to flow thru the furnace while operating. The ductwork is designed for this amount of air also. When air registers are closed it reduces the airflow and allows heat to buildup in the system. That heat has to go somewhere, and that somewhere is up the flue and out of your house. Closing 1 or 2 registers is fine in rooms that get too hot. Keep as many registers open as possible so your furnace can operate at maximum efficiency. This is the same for heat pumps and central air conditioning. Airflow is key to efficient heating and saving money.

Not sure where to start to make your home energy efficient? Consider a home energy audit. A certified audit uses the latest technology to analyze your house, measuring heat loss, combustion and air leakage. An audit will show you how your home uses and wastes energy. This will help you prioritize what you can do to get the most energy savings. Learn more about audits at washingtonenergy.com.

Energy-Saving & Environment Friendly Led Light Bulbs

Technological advancement is only possible through constant research and innovations. The latest example of such progress is the LED light bulb. Most research is carried out in order to find a way of improving the performance of an existing facility or to find a new product that will prove to be more economical and more efficient than the existing facility.

Positive Aspects of LED Light Bulbs

LED light bulbs have been developed to take the place of incandescent light bulbs or halogen light bulbs because they save energy, their efficiency is nearly double that of normal halogen bulbs and they do not have any harmful substance such as mercury. Moreover, these bulbs are environment-friendly because they can be recycled and they do not produce any heat. The durability and life expectancy of LED bulbs is in the region of 50,000 hours, which is much higher than that of the earlier bulbs. As such, once you have installed these LED light bulbs, you can forget about any cost of replacing them in the near future.

Energy-Saving Feature

The earlier incandescent or halogen light bulbs used to dissipate a large amount of energy by producing heat. This meant that the electricity bill was unnecessarily high. LED light bulbs have been created after a lot of research to eliminate the energy wasted due to heating, This has resulted in the creation of the latest innovative LED bulbs that do not produce any heat and consequently use much less energy to light up a room.

Whereas the halogen bulbs were using 85% of the electrical energy to produce heat and only the 15% balance was being used to produce light, the LED light bulbs utilize 90% of the electrical energy to produce light. Halogen bulbs were fitted with filaments through which electricity was passed in order to produce light but these filaments heat up and consume nearly 90% of the electricity for heating. In the case of LED bulbs, which use light emitting diodes for producing light, almost the entire electrical energy is converted into light energy without wasting any energy for heating. By using LED bulbs you can save 80% of your previous electricity bill. By using the LED bulbs you can make sure that you are contributing towards lessening global warming because no heating from the bulb is being dissipated into the atmosphere.

Cost Aspect

Although LED bulbs are more expensive than the halogen bulbs, it is almost a one-time expense because these bulbs have a long life, which means they do not need to be changed for a long time. The extra initial cost will easily pay for itself over the years. Moreover, since these bulbs use so little energy, they are environment friendly and do not add to pollution. The LED light bulbs have standard bulb fitting features making them convenient to install and replace anywhere.

GU10 LED Bulbs

GU10 LED bulbs are the most common replacement LED bulbs. Though they are similar to the normal LED bulbs, they have many similar LED lights placed in one fitting. GU10 LED bulbs have a specific type of fastening and in most commonwealth countries such as the UK, New Zealand and Australia; the standard fastening is the bayonet mount. These types of LED light bulbs are mostly used in offices, shops, commercial spaces and in showrooms. They are high in style and efficiency.

Waste Management and Recycling

Waste Management is the undisputed world leader in nearly all facets of waste treatment, including low-level nuclear, chemical, and asbestos cleanup; and daily garbage removal, waste reduction, and recycling. Waste Management has expanded its operations both technically and geographically, acquiring a host of sophisticated suppliers of trash-to-energy plants, pollution control equipment, and recycling services, while signing contracts with municipalities from Buenos Aires to Hong Kong. The company has frequently been attacked by governmental agencies and environmental groups for a variety of alleged failings, but its phenomenal growth and strenuous efforts in the recycling and pollution-control areas make it likely that in the future Waste Management will be perceived as a hero rather than villain by the world's increasingly polluted cities. Waste Management, it seems, is well on the way to becoming the planet's garbage collector. It was an exceedingly good time to join the waste-treatment industry. Not only was the national economy at the peak of its postwar prosperity, the U.S. consumer was just then beginning to be inundated with a wave of new packaging and convenience items designed to be used once and thrown away. The nation's production of garbage was growing much faster even than its population, and companies such as Ace Scavenger found themselves in great demand.

The company responded with characteristic energy. At each of its nine chemical dumps, WMI installed environmental-compliance officers with power to override the decisions of local plant managers. These watchdog foremen reported to WMI's new environmental-management head, Walter C. Barber, a former acting chief of the EPA. In addition, the Chemical Waste subsidiary in charge of most of the troubled sites was provided with a new president, Jerry E. Dempsey, former president of Borg-Warner Corporation. To smooth relations with Congress, WMI hired Frank B. Moore as its chief lobbyist. Moore had previously served as President Jimmy Carter's liaison officer with Congress. Finally, WMI adopted new advertising campaigns stressing the company's services on behalf of the environment and customers alike.

While such moves had not satisfied critics such as Greenpeace International, it appeared that WMI learned a lesson from its legal battles and took some pains to adopt more safety measures. As proof of its progress in these areas, WMI can point to the long-term contracts it won in the late 1980s to handle much of the waste from Portland, Oregon; and Seattle, Washington; two cities known for their strong environmental commitment. In both cases, the municipalities found that WMI's experience and resources made it the best choice for waste problems of great magnitude. Recycling is processing used materials (waste) into new products to prevent waste of potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, reduce energy usage, reduce air pollution (from incineration) and water pollution (from landfilling) by reducing the need for "conventional" waste disposal, and lower greenhouse gas emissions as compared to virgin production. Recycling is a key component of modern waste reduction and is the third component of the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" waste hierarchy.

Recyclable materials include many kinds of glass, paper, metal, plastic, textiles, and electronics. Although similar in effect, the composting or other reuse of biodegradable waste – such as food or garden waste – is not typically considered recycling.Materials to be recycled are either brought to a collection center or picked up from the curbside, then sorted, cleaned, and reprocessed into new materials bound for manufacturing.

Fight Global Warming ADGRPID:|SERVTYPE: The Obagi Review Hub

Article Summary: Obagi-Nu-Derm system was created by United States dermatologist; Dr.Obagi and the system not only reduce acne formation, but also reduce scars and uneven skin tones and redness which were created by acne scars. Obagi-Nu-Derm system will restore the damaged skin by applying vitamin C, retinoic acid, chemical peels and hydroquinone in gradual steps, and it will take approximately 60 to 90 days to complete the procedure.

Obagi system has gained its popularity in the world beauty market. Aside from its complete skin care system, it has become well known for its eye and facial creams that claim to get rid of fine lines, dark circles and spots, rough skin caused by the damaging UV rays of the sun, acne and other signs of aging.

TheObagi Nu Derm system is a line of skin care products that treats many skin conditions and may also prevent occurrence of other skin problems. Obagi- Nu- Derm is used altogether as a routine system that fights acne, skin aging and some other skin related problems like skin bleaching.

The system has 7 products in it and all are designed to give major transformation to your skin. The skin is revitalized and renewed by repairing the skin cells and helps in the treatment of moderate to severe damaged skin.

The Obagi Nu Derm components sometimes need prescription if you want to use the system correctly. Still you can purchase some non prescription elements yet the system would work best if it is used altogether.



The Obagi Nu Derm is designed for skin resurfacing by using skin renewal. The treatment process will take care of your skin that will help in renewing your skin cells leaving your skin only nothing but beautiful and radiant. The Obagi Nu Derm system should be used for at least 6 weeks using it once a day so that maximum results will be observed. It is best to use the system for 3 full cycles that is 2 to 3 weeks apart during the 6 weeks.

Research on Obagi Nu Derm Clear suggests:

With the use of the Obagi Clear during the first 2 to 3 weeks several users have already experienced soreness, redness and even severe peeling. This is because of the skin renewal process taking that is taking place. The pain and redness is noticeable.

For those people who used the Obagi Nu Derm Clear without the assistance of the skin care professional was discouraged about the effects.

The use of the skin line proved that it needs assistance and side effects are also expected to occur during the whole duration of use of the product. A great deal of side effects was noted in the users review. Unexpected blisters and sores are really expected to occur. The product needs to be discussed thoroughly and medical assistance is needed. While some people may have experienced bad skin condition during the process in just a day, others have experienced it for weeks!

- Gains

- Long term results

- Products are not easily purchased and so prescription medication is needed



The Obagi Clear Cream like any other skin lightening product would work for some and would not for others. What is discouraging about the product is that even if good results will be attained thereafter-which is still unsure- pain will still be experienced throughout the process. A skin care product line does not have to do let the user go through pain and redness during the process of skin renewal to achieve a fairer skin. Still it is not even guaranteed that after what has gone through, a better looking skin will be achieved

Bridal Weight Loss Diet Tips

Article Summary: You are preparing for your wedding, but there is one difficulty. You want to look great in your bridal gown. This is when bridal weight loss plans...

Have you already tried a bridal weight loss plan? Here are some useful tips to get started.



So you have arranged a date and you are preparing for your wedding, pleasure is overtaking your life, but there is one difficulty. You really need to shed some weight to look great in that gown that you want to wear, you know, the strapless number that shows a lot of back. This is when bridal weight loss plans appear into the picture.



First of all, you ought to try to start off with any bridal weight loss plan far enough in progress to lose the amount of weight that you want to take off in a safe and sensible way. If you lose weight too quickly, it will most likely come back afterwards, and you might even gain more weight than you initially lost.



Second, don't make too many drastic modifications or go on a crash or starvation diet plan. These varieties of actions can set you up for failure, and that is the last thing you want to face when you are trying a bridal weight loss plan.



Take a look at your diet, as in what do you eat every day? You need to have a look at the food pyramid and examine the daily food consumption suggestions for your age, weight and height. Examine this to what you will need to change the food intake to for effective bridal weight loss. If you begin with these modifications far enough in advance, it will not be as tough as if you were trying to shed all the weight in just a few short days.



improve your water intake and be sure that you are consuming at least 8 glasses of drinking water each and every day. intake is very important to feel yourself energized, hydrated and to keep your body working normally. In addition, most of the time when you feel "hungry", you are in fact thirsty and must be drinking more water.



Once you have made modifications to your diet and are drinking plenty of water, the next step in bridal weight loss involves getting physical exercise. If you are not big on the exercise side of things, try joining an activity that you take pleasure in. Maybe you can join a dance course or some other group activity where you will have other people around your for moral help. If you can enlist a friend in your bridal weight loss project, then you will have someone to inspire you when the going gets tough.



The basic act of walking can be one of the most helpful exercises out there. This doesn't mean sauntering slowly, it means going for a very brisk walk for at least 30 minutes each day. If you don't like to walk, then leave your car further away from your work and force yourself to walk to work. There are a lot of ways to incorporate exercise into your busy schedule, and getting enough exercise in your bridal weight loss plan.

Home fitness equipment - Your personal gym for a health life

Article Summary: Feel more energetic and vibrant by including physical workouts in your daily regime. Learn more about home fitness equipment can help you lose weight and burn more calories.

Are you confused about where to start your weight loss journey from? You need to keep your worries aside, as effective burning of the body fat is simple and straightforward method. Just remember that you need to burn more calories than you consume to get a slim body. The extra calories can get stored in the body, if nothing is done to burn them and maintain a balance between ‘consumed' and ‘burnt' calories. You can either decrease the amount of calorie intake or increase the level of physical workouts to block these unwanted fats building up in the body. A balance of both can do wonders for your weight loss goals. Most people think that starving can help them lose weight, but in fact, it can adversely affect their health. Simply put, in order to lose weight, you need to eat healthy. Your metabolism rate can slow down, if you do not take sufficient calories to keep it running. It is important to take small meals at regular intervals by making sure that these meals do not contain foods rich in fat and sugar. You can do these things at the comfort of your home by keeping your weight loss a secret.



Fitness begins at home



One of the most important benefits of exercising is it gives an energised feeling. It is also a good way to control your weight under normal levels. You can even enhance or intensify your workouts to reap effective health benefits in a considerable amount of time. If your heart rate is around 80% of your maximum heart rate, there is an increased chance of effective fat burning. It is always better to start exercising at a low intensity and build it up gradually to gain effective results for a longer period of time. You can increase your workout intensity as and when your endurance and fitness levels improve. Weight loss can not be gained overnight. You need to stick with your fitness programs to reap benefits for long term. Weight training can help you lose weight even while you are taking rest by enhancing your metabolic rate. To burn calories effectively, your body needs more oxygen. Cardio exercises can help your body get more oxygen to achieve fat burning goals. You need to devote approximately 30 minutes from your daily routine to achieve weight loss goals. People, who are having busy schedules, can spend at least 30 minutes on home fitness equipment. High intensity workouts such as cycling, sprinting and jogging can definitely help you lose more weight. You can also take the help of Air Climber fitness stepper, in order to blast off your extra calories and achieve effective weight loss goal. You can also epitomise weight loss by interval training. In this training, you need to bring variations in your workouts by switching from low to high intensity exercises and vice versa. You can do this by walking for 2 minutes and then running for another 2 minutes. You need to repeat these exercises for about 20 to 30 minutes. Remember, regularity is the key to achieve weight loss targets. It is advisable to try at least 3-4 exercising sessions a week, in order to reap positive changes and results. Your target should be to burn around 300 calories or more. Make out the best use of exercise equipment and be regular, in order to achieve faster progress in your weight loss efforts.

Fight Global Warming ADGRPID:|SERVTYPE: What Is the Raw Food Diet and Is It Right for You?

Article Summary: The raw food diet can be a great way for you to eat healthy and maintain your weight because it consists mainly of fruits and vegetables, but it is not for everyone as some people can have side effects from it .

Today, there is a large variety of diets available for people to choose from if they are seeking a way to lose weight. Currently, one of the more popular ones out there is the raw food diet and if you are asking yourself what this diet is, you are not alone. The raw food diet is said to have many health benefits for your body as it is made up primarily of unprocessed , uncooked and organic foods. There is a chance that you have already heard about this diet and you are wondering if it is a good fit for you. If this is the case, this article will show you everything that you need to know about the diet along with some great raw food recipes that you will definitely want to experience.



Basically, if you are participating in a raw food diet, you are not allowed to eat any type of food that has been cooked above 115 degrees Fahrenheit. The reasoning behind this is that it is believed that foods that have been cooked beyond this temperature will lose their goodness. Raw foods contain living enzymes and nutrients which are very good and healthy for your body.



One of the advantages of this diet is that you are not forced to eat 100% raw foods. A lot of people choose to eat 75% raw foods and that gives them the freedom to eat other things that they enjoy. On the other hand, you are not allowed to eat animal or most dairy products.



Weight loss is not the only good thing about being on this diet as raw foods contain much less saturated fat or trans-fats than other foods which is much healthier for your body and it is mainly based on fruits and vegetables and that is good news because you can usually eat as much as you want without worrying about gaining weight.



You will also notice that you will have increased energy levels and that is always a positive thing. Raw foods are also known to aid your digestive system as well as to improve the condition of your skin. If you are one of those people who suffer from anemia, you may want to stay away from this diet . You need to carefully weigh the pros and cons of the diet and decide whether or not it is right for you.



There are several raw food recipes that are available for you to try. Smoothies are one of the best as you can blend your favorite fruits and vegetables together to make yourself a good healthy drink. The best thing about smoothies is that there are so many different combinations that you can create that you will never get bored with the same old ones. Always remember that you are not allowed to add dairy products such as yogurt to your smoothies.



Another popular recipe is that of cauliflower soup. This is great to prepare during the cold winter months. Soups are like smoothies, there are many different recipes that you can create on the raw food diet that you will never have to eat the same old ones. You can create soups with tomato and fennel or you can spice them up with parsnip. You can find a lot of good recipes to prepare by searching online for them.



If you get the craving for something sweet, you can try something like chocolate pears or dehydrated sweet potato chips. You can also try recipes like sweet potato pasta, sweet potato bread or sweet potato casserole.



These are some of the more popular recipes that are available to make while on this diet. Even though dairy products are not allowed, you can still have nut milk and herbal teas. This can prove to be a great diet, but there is a chance that you could experience some side effects from it as some people experience nausea and headaches during the first few days that they are on it. The best thing for you to do is to thoroughly research the diet and make the choice whether or not it is right for you.



I hope that you enjoyed this article and if you would like some great free information on healthy living, than please visit my eating healthy web site where you will find some great free tips to help you live a long and healthy life.