THE BOTTOM LINE

Simply put, sustainable living is doing more using less energy. Based on the promise of cheap energy, our manufacturers have built entire industries which are totally inefficient, Very few of our products are energy efficient, and this is by design. For example, cars could easily get 40+ miles per gallon, but industry has chosen not to make these. Refrigerators could use 1 amp but instead use 5-10+ amps. Overall, our homes are the chief consumers of this energy. So what can we do about this?

Appliances: There seems to be no end to which American manufacturers will go not to produce energy efficient devices. Planetary Systems, Inc. and other renewable energy dealers offer many energy efficient devices for washing, refrigeration, and the many other tasks which are required in the normal home. These generally cost slightly more but are worth it in the long run. We have found only one brand to date: LG refrigerators seem to be a good energy efficient solution with several models in 2-3 amps range. Model LRBP1031TT is one LG model that works at only 1 amp.

Heating: In regions where heating is required, hot water heating or hydronic heating is the only efficient way and the fuel of choice should be propane or natural gas where available. Oil may be used where the application utilizes state-of-the-art oil burning equipment which today produces less pollution than the average car in terms of Nox, CO2 and particulate. There is no such thing as an efficient electrical heating system of any kind...this includes heat pumps. A better choice would be In-floor hydronics, radiators and other versions using a gas or solid fuel boiler and where the heating medium is water. These systems water will save millions of watts in electricity, and are very frugal where Propane or Natural gas is used. THERE IS A CATCH: IF YOUR HOUSE IS NOT INSULATED PROPERLY, NO HEATING SYSTEM WILL WORK WELL. Maximum insulation will vary with climate, but R-30 is a minimum.

Water Heating: Heating water electrically is so inefficient, it boggles the imagination. Even tank type gas water heaters are only marginally effective or efficient. Instantaneous heaters are a better route, but, there are tradeoffs in how you use the hot water they produce and the size of piping required. Tanks should only be used in Solar Hot Water systems as the storage medium.

Water Supply: Many well drillers or well supply houses recommend a very large, high volume well pump to provide pressure to your house. From a logical standpoint, this is merely tradition, not based on fact. A smaller well pump will generally use less electricity because the electrical surge of starting the motor is smaller. Consider gravity feed for pressure where applicable. For a gravity feed system, the water storage must be at least 70 feet above the point of use, and be insulated from freezing where this may occur.

Waste water: There are many systems available which can catch, retain and filter some of the grey-water produced from a home for reuse in flushing toilets or watering lawns. We waste billions of gallons of precious pure water every day by flushing toilets alone. Ask your local code officials if this is an option in your area...if it is not - ask why?

Garbage: Need I say this....RECYCLE!!!

Lighting: Most of the lighting in the USA is wasteful in that you pay a heavy price in electrical consumption for every lumen of actual light given off. Here are some real alternatives: Compact Fluorescent, Halogen and Sodium lighting come in many forms and designs-ask your local lighting supply store for suggestions. LED lighting is now available at a slightly higher cost but lasts longer and is more efficient than CFL.

Many people seem to think that being GREEN in their choice of appliances and efficient use of available energy must be somewhat uncomfortable or may affect their lifestyle. In many cases this is true. There is some lifestyle adjustment involved in making changes which will affect our future ability to survive on this planet. They are very short-lived and so far I have never known anyone who changed over and could not get in tune with the new way of living. It takes personal courage, persistence and attitude to make any sort of change work, and people don't like change. The bottom line is, what are you willing to do to make things a bit better for everyone? We think you will make the right decision.

Something to think about...

A single coal-fired power plant is equal to 80,000 cars in terms of pollution entering the atmosphere. At present, there are tons of spent Nuclear fuel rods waiting for a permanent home. Our aging Dams and Coal fired plants are in need of serious upgrades and repair, and coal, which used to be inexpensive but is not anymore, is still the single largest contributor to global pollution Coal is second only to cars in this respect. Most important, the climate is beginning to change as you read this, and weather continues to be more unpredictable, damaging and downright dangerous. Renewable energy systems given their longevity, life-cycle energy output and above all, storage capability, are the only answer.