Think Green in Catawba County

Catawba County winter electronics collection day Saturday, February 4

2012-02-01T09:37:00.001-05:00

Catawba County will offer its citizens a free opportunity to properly dispose of computers, televisions and other electronic devices on Saturday February 4, 2012, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Blackburn Landfill, off Highway 10 west of Newton. This will be the third of four collection days offered in this fiscal year following a ban of computer equipment and televisions from disposal in North Carolina landfills that took effect on July 1.

If severely inclement weather prevents the collection on February 4, it will be held on February 11, 2012.

Materials that will be accepted will include, but are not limited to, televisions, computers, laptops, keyboards, mice, cables, printers, VCRs, DVD players, scanners, stereos, cell phones, telephones, copiers, pagers, calculators, fax machines, projection equipment, headphones, speakers, cameras, palm pilots, GPS units, iPods, MP3 players, power supplies, and movie and video equipment.

Paint will also be accepted at the February 4 collection.

To reach the Blackburn Landfill, travel to the intersection of Highway 10 and Hickory-Lincolnton Highway, then turn south onto Hickory-Lincolnton Highway and bear left onto Rocky Ford Road.

All data and data-bearing devices on electronic equipment will be destroyed. The County cannot guarantee the non-disclosure of any information left on equipment, so citizens bringing data-bearing devices are advised to make sure personal data is removed or erased.

“Catawba County will contract with an electronics recycling company that has received all certifications needed to comply with the requirements of the State of North Carolina, to make sure this equipment is properly recycled,” said Amanda Kain, Catawba County’s Waste Reduction Coordinator. “Electronic equipment of this type often contains materials that should not be released into the environment.”

Other electronic waste and paint collections will be held during this fiscal year:

February 4th, 2012 Blackburn Landfill, 4017 Rocky Ford Road, Newton

May 5th, 2012 Catawba County Government Center, 100-A Southwest Blvd., Newton

The May 5 event will be held in conjunction with the County’s twice-a-year Household Hazardous Waste Collection days, during which all types of household hazardous waste will be accepted.

Only paint and electronic wastes will be accepted on February 4, 2012.

According to a release from the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the new landfill ban will also help divert usable materials to a growing electronics recycling industry, which exceeds $50 million and employs more than 300 North Carolinians.

For more information, call the Blackburn Landfill at 704-462-1348 or the County Recycling and Waste Reduction office at 828-465-8217.

/AK

Catawba County to offer cooking oil recycling opportunity beginning today!

2012-02-01T09:34:00.001-05:00

Catawba County has been ranked second among North Carolina’s 100 counties in the amount of materials recycled, per person, for several years. The County is expanding its extensive recycling program to accept used cooking oil for proper recycling beginning on February 1, 2012.

The cooking oil will be accepted only at the Blackburn Solidwaste Convenience Center at 3864 Rocky Ford Road, Newton, NC 28658. The program is free of charge to Catawba County residents and is open to residents of Catawba County only. No business waste accepted. The Blackburn Solidwaste Convenience Center is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

"We encourage everyone to help further reduce the amount of used cooking oil that is being improperly disposed by recycling it at the Blackburn Solidwaste Convenience Center" said Amanda Kain, Catawba County’s Waste Reduction Coordinator. “A special container is reserved at the Blackburn Convenience Center just for used cooking oil. We ask citizens to pour their used cooking oil in the specially marked container and then dispose of their empty container onsite or take it with them." Proper recycling will not only contribute to a clean environment, it also helps prevent a serious problem for home owners.

The used cooking oil collected by the County will be sent to the Catawba County/Appalachian State University Biodiesel Research, Development and Production Facility located at the County’s EcoComplex and will be used to produce biodiesel fuel.

“Used cooking oil is one of the major causes of costly sewer system maintenance,” Kain said. “They are a potential threat to the environment and are unnecessary costs from the budgets of local public works departments. Sewer overflows, due to clogs from used cooking oil, can also threaten the water system. Catawba County’s Cooking Oil Recycling Program targets used cooking oil, fat and grease before they become issues.”

When cooking oil is poured down the drain, it solidifies into thick layers inside drainpipes, constricting water flow similar to the blood flow in arteries. Over time, clogged sewers result in unsanitary conditions including overflows in the street, foul-smelling odors, and irreversible damage to sewer pipes.

Dry wiping pots and pans before they’re washed can also make a significant difference in how much oil and grease collects in a home’s sewer collection system.

If you have questions about the new cooking oil recycling program or other Catawba County recycling programs please call the County Waste Reduction Office at 828-465-8217 or the Blackburn Landfill at 704-462-1348.

Local television station WBTV Channel 3 recently did a story on this new program. You can watch the news clip here: http://www.wbtv.com/story/16592254/from-the-frying-pan-to-the-fuel-tank

/AK

2011-09-04T14:24:00.003-04:00

Today is a great day to take a tour of your yard and empty anything that has standing water. These nice rains we've been having are great for our landscaping but they can bring a nice crop of mosquitoes. It's pretty easy to eliminate most of their potential breeding sites with just a little walk through the yard.
Also, if you haven't been using your compost bins this summer it is time to get them ready for all of those fall leaves. Composted leaves make great mulch and soil amendments for our clay soils. And best of all, they are free! If you need help with a compost bin check out the following information leaflet: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/pdf/ag-467.pdf
If you have questions about composting, call the Extension Office at 465-8240.

Being Green for the Holidays

2010-12-15T11:54:00.003-05:00

Many of us get overwhelmed during this time of year and make decisions based on convenience. I have a challenge for you: Try to be Green this season. Here are some tips to help you along!

1. Choose reusable gift wrap or packaging when wrapping gifts. Use a pretty scarf, decorative hat box, pretty basket, or a reusable shopping tote to wrap presents rather than disposable wrapping paper. Yes, you'll have to plan ahead a little more, but it's simple enough to do. Be creative! Got another suggestion? Post them below and share. My goal this year is to wrap everything with something that can be used again. It's like having an extra gift!

2. Choose gifts that aren't packaged in excess packaging. More companies are doing a better job of reducing packaging. Lets let our dollars encourage them along. If you are looking for a gift basket for someone, make it yourself rather than purchasing one with 12 layers of packaging. Choose wisely.

3. Get in the habit of carrying a reusable tote with you in your car all the time. Everyone has errands to run and stores to pop in and out of. Bring your bag with you. If you stop at 8 stores in one trip, you probably don't need all of those bags to do do something with when you get home. (PS. If you do end up with shopping bags, remember to recycle them! Many stores offer shopping bag recycling now)

4. Recycle gift boxes after the holidays. Most types of boxes can be recycled. Make it your goal to recycle them rather than putting them in the trash.

5. Use the good dishes rather than disposable ones. Wouldn't you rather eat off of a nice plate anyway??

Share your other suggestions below. Let's see how many other green ideas we can come up with.

Happy Holidays!

Raised Bed Gardening Workshop

2010-04-30T10:20:00.003-04:00

Do you think you don’t have enough space to grow a vegetable garden? Almost everyone has room for a raised bed or a few containers. Come learn how to build and plant your own compact vegetable garden on Tuesday, May 4, at 6 PM at the Agricultural Resources Center in Newton. We’ll show you how to build a raised bed and choose suitable containers, what sort of soil to put in them and how to plant a variety of vegetables. You can grow a lot of vegetables in a very small space. This class will give you the tools you need to plant your own vegetable garden at your home. Bring a friend with you and plant a garden together. We’ll have a few door prizes to give away to get you started with your garden. If you have questions, contact the Catawba County Extension Center at 465-8240 or email Kelly Groves at kgroves@catawbacountync.gov.

Bring a friend!

Celebrate Earth Day!

2010-04-22T09:06:00.002-04:00

Today is the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day. What are you going to do to celebrate this milestone? Take some time today to consider how you interact with our Earth and make a commitment to be a little nicer to our planet.

If you are looking for an activity to participate in, form a Litter Sweep team and pick up trash in your community or along a road you travel often. I'm sure you know a place where there is litter that needs to be picked up. This is one small thing you can do to make a difference and show a little kindness to the earth! If you want to register a team and to get supplies for your litter sweep, contact Kelly Groves at 828-465-8246. Lets all work to Keep Catawba County Beautiful! Litter sweep officially ends on May 1, so make your plans today!

Have a beautiful Earth Day!

CES

Rethink your bag!

2010-02-24T11:48:00.003-05:00

Did you know that one of the most seen pieces of litter in our community is discarded shopping bags? Look around when you are out and about and you'll see for yourself. You can help this problem by rethinking your bag!

Do you really need a bag? If you are just purchasing one or two things, carry them to the car in your hands. Get in the habit of keeping a reusable bag in the car for those trips to the store. You can even use them at the drug store or at the mall. Those bags count too!

Be a good steward of the environment and properly dispose of, recycle, or reuse the plastic bags you have.

These small steps will help us all take a part in preventing litter!

New widgets

2009-06-03T17:01:00.003-04:00

Check out the widgets in the right column for tips that you can use. The first one offers tips to help combat climate change. The second is basic environmental tips and has a link at the bottom of the box so you can click to learn more information.

They change daily, so come back and keep learning!

Which flowers should you plant in your yard?

2009-05-07T10:15:00.002-04:00

The obvious answer is, plant the ones you like! But you can make good choices for the environment while you are making your plant selection.

Choose the right plant for the right place. If you have shade, choose shade loving plants. If you have sun, choose plants that thrive in sun. Most all flowers have tags that tell you which environment the plant prefers. There are tons of other sources of information you can use to make your flower selection. One you may not know about is NC Cooperative Extension. Master Gardeners operate a call-in hotline weekdays, April-September from 9-12 AM. You can reach the Extension office at 465-8240. (If you don't live in Catawba County, you can find your local Extension office in the phone book.) You can also do your research on our website: http://catawba.ces.ncsu.edu/

So, how does your choice impact the environment? Plants that are planted in the places they prefer grow better and have less problems with disease and insects, which reduces the need to use pesticides. In addition, when plants are growing poorly, the tendancy is to apply fertilizer. Fertilizer that isn't used by the plant is leached away to the nearest body of water.

By choosing the right plant for the right place, you can have a nice landscape, and you'll help keep our environment free of excess landscape chemicals.

Happy gardening!

Its that time of year....

2009-04-15T15:27:00.002-04:00

Time for Litter Sweep!

Litter Sweep sponsored by the NC DOT runs April 18 - May 2 this spring. Organize a group to pick up litter somewhere. Any sort of group is ok and any location that needs a little TLC is a good choice. You can pick up trash bags, vests, and gloves from the NC DOT Maintenance Office or from Kelly at the Agricultural Resources Center (call first to make sure our supply isn't gone).

If these next two weeks are too soon for you to get a group together.... no worries! The Great American Cleanup sponsored by Keep America Beautiful runs til the end of May. That gives you 6 weeks to organize and have a cleanup.

If you do plan a cleanup event, we would like to know about it. We keep track of clean up efforts in Catawba County. Lets hope for a long list of cleanups this spring! No experience necessary. It just takes someone willing to make a difference in the community!

For more information about either of these two programs, contact Kelly: kgroves@catawbacountync.gov

Re-think your fast food

2009-04-01T18:33:00.004-04:00

When you eat out do you think about all the "disposable" stuff you use? Eating out is convenient, but it often generates a lot of waste.

Here are some ways you can reduce the amount of waste you generate when you eat out:

Skip the straw and drink lid. You don't use them at home, so you can skip them when you eat out. (If you are getting your food to go, you probably still need the lid so you don't make a mess in the car)
Choose things from the menu that have less packaging. Sandwiches are often wrapped in one simple paper wrap. Salads have a lot of packaging: the salad container, dressing, croutons, fork and all the other extra stuff.
Use condiments from the large pump containers rather than asking for individually packaged ones.

What other ways can you think of to reduce waste when you eat out?

NC Solar Center

2009-03-18T09:11:00.002-04:00

Located on the NC State University campus, the NC Solar Center offers information on renewable energy to consumers and businesses. The Center's goals are to stabilize energy costs for consumers, stimulate local economies, reduce dependence on foreign fuels, and lessen the environmental impacts associated with fossil fuels.

The Center offers many programs that homeowners will find useful. The Center's Solar House is a demonstration showcase of active and passive solar technologies and other energy efficient innovations. The Center's Healthy Built Homes program assists residential builders in creating energy efficient housing. For business and industry, the Center provides educational programs in renewable energy technologies, "green" building, and clean transportation, among others. For more information on the Center, see www.ncsc.ncsu.edu

Where does all that fertilizer go?

2009-03-04T11:30:00.006-05:00

If your plants don’t use it, it washes away and ends up in the local streams, rivers and lakes. Most of us don’t intend for our fertilizers to become water pollution, but it can happen to even well meaning gardeners.

Fertilizing your yard is a common spring activity, but did you ever stop to think about why you fertilize or how much you should use? Excess fertilizers and other lawn care chemicals can end up in our water. Anything that you use in your yard that plants don’t use and isn’t held by soil particles can wash away. Rain water and irrigation will take these excess materials directly to the nearest creek or stream where they are pollutants.

Your yard may not need any fertilizer at all! Mature trees and shrubs rarely need fertilizing. If they are growing well, have good color, and seem to be thriving you don’t need to add fertilizer. Applying extra fertilizer may make your plants grow too fast. You may have to prune them more frequently and these plants will need more water too, which is an important consideration during our recent droughts. If the plants look nice and are growing well, why ruin a good thing?

Flower and vegetable gardens will need fertilizer to look their best. Using a slow release fertilizer is ideal. These kinds of fertilizers release nutrients slowly allowing plants to use them over time. Faster acting fertilizers can be carried off with rain or irrigation if the plants don’t use them. Fertilizer that ends up in the stream or lake is water pollution, and is a waste of your money too. Follow the following links for information about how much fertilizer your vegetables and flowers need: Vegetables and Flowers.

What about your lawn? Lawns do benefit from fertilizing, especially when they are young. It is recommended that you fertilize your fescue lawns 3 times a year, once in September, November, and February. Fertilizing at these times is when your lawn will use it and benefit the most. Fertilizing in the spring and summer can lead to overly lush lawns that are susceptible to disease and not hardy enough to withstand drought. Use slow release fertilizers on your lawn also. Leaving your grass clippings on the lawn can reduce the lawn’s fertilizer needs by 30%. For more detailed information about lawn care see Carolina Lawns.

Think before you fertilize this spring. Remember that excess fertilizer is washed away and eventually ends up in our water.

Let’s all be better stewards of our environment.

Choose to Reuse

2009-02-18T08:55:00.002-05:00

You are familiar with the three Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. The second R, reuse, means taking products that would otherwise be discarded and using them again in their current form, or with few repairs or changes. People often say they are recycling something when they are actually reusing it.
Reuse operations have been in place throughout the United States for many ears. Here are some examples:
Swap Shops-take used materials that would normally be discarded and make them available to employees or the public at little or no cost. Businesses and industries can designate areas where employees can collect extra supplies and materials for later use. Local governments can set up swap shops at landfills or collection centers where the public can drop off nonhazardous reusable items and pick up things they can use.
Surplus Stores-accept unwanted items and make them available internally or for sale to other agencies or to the public.
Scrap Exchanges-accept industrial scrap or printer overruns and distribute them for free or sell them at a nominal cost to schools, daycare centers, senior centers, and nonprofit organizations with arts programming.
Salvage Operations-are usually private firms that sell reusable building materials at a fraction of the current market price.
Industrial Materials Exchange Services-link businesses and industries that generate reusable products with other companies that can use those items or materials.
Secondhand Stores-can be private or nonprofit. Some own the materials they sell; others take items on consignment. Although secondhand stores are not traditionally considered a waste reduction operation, they provide an outlet for products that can be reused instead of discarded.
You can help by looking for ways to reuse before you make a new purchase. Everything you do makes a difference.

What's the Cost of Your Shower?

2009-02-05T10:09:00.002-05:00

Showerheads manufactured after 1992 are required to use less water than their predecessors ( a maximum of 2.5 gallons per minute). If your showerhead was manufactured before 1992, consider replacing it with a higher efficiency model. Use this test to find out whether a new showerhead could save water, energy, and money:

Place a bucket (marked in gallons) under your shower head.
Turn on the shower at the normal water pressure you use.
Time how many seconds it takes to fill the bucket to the one-gallon mark.
If it takes less than 20 seconds to reach the one-gallon mark, you could benefit from a low-flow shower head.

The U. S. Department of Energy also offers a cost calculator to help determine water usage:

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/procurement/eep_faucets_showerheads_calc.html

The calculator factors in expected usage, power and water costs and flow rates..

Consider replacing kitchen and bathroom faucets with low-flow models to further reduce water usage. Similar to low-flow showerheads, these are also inexpensive and easy to install. When purchasing a high-efficiency showerhead or faucet, look for a flow rate of 2.75 gallons per minute or less. When replacing a non-conserving fixture, take the old showerhead or faucet with you to the store to make sure that the new fixture is compatible.

For a relatively small investment of time, money and effort, the average household with non-conserving showerheads and faucets could significantly reduce its water use and energy bills.

Products and Practices

2009-01-07T10:54:00.002-05:00

While exploring ways to find a greener environment, many of us hear new terms relative to our search. Sustainability, as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA), means "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." Good sustainable practices integrate the environment, the economy, and the social system.

One area linked to the environmental aspect of sustainability that has received a lot of attention is reducing our carbon footprint. According to the website www.carbonfootprint.com, a carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment, and in particular, climate change. It relates to the amount of greenhouse gases produced in our day-to-day lives through burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating, and transportation, for example. Each of us has a carbon footprint that can be divided into two categories.

Our primary carbon footprint includes direct emissions from domestic energy use such as using a dishwasher, washing machine, clothes dryer, air conditioner as well as daily transportation issues.

Our secondary carbon footprint is a result of our buying habits. For example, do we buy when we could reuse? Do we pay attention to how much packaging the product has? How far did the product have to travel to get to us? Are we conscious of recycling whenever and whatever we can? Visit www.carbonfootprint.com to calculate your carbon footprint and get ideas for making improvements.

What can do you as you go about the activities of your daily life that will make a difference?
How much do the choices we make affect the environment? How can you become more mindful of the products you use and the practices you choose?

Stay Warm and Save Energy

2008-12-17T16:32:00.002-05:00

A cozy home is also a less expensive home when insulation is doing its job. A well-insulated home acts much like a blanket--keeping warm conditioned are in. Heat naturally moves from warmer to cooler spaces so in winter months indoor air flows toward unheated spaces such as a garage, and in summer months the hot outdoor air flows toward a home's cooled interior.

Space conditioning or heating and cooling accounts for 50 to 70 percent of a homeowner's utility bill. Unless your home was constructed with energy efficiency in mind, adding insulation can likely reduce your heating and cooling costs. You can install insulation yourself if your home's structural framing is accessible, or you can hire an insulation contractor. Either way, it is important to choose the appropriate insulation and to ensure that it is properly installed.

What will you do?

2008-12-05T13:40:00.002-05:00

Between Thanksgiving and the New Year you are seeing and hearing many tips and suggestions for making the holidays greener. Now is the time to decide what you will do. You do not have to make huge changes--small changes can make a BIG difference. Post one or two ways that you plan to conserve energy and protect the environment this season. Just click on comments below and add your thoughts to the list.

Make Your Holidays Green

2008-11-20T15:12:00.003-05:00

Holidays are full of festivities, friends, family, food...and trash. Often the parties and meals result in a large amount of waste for the landfill. This year make a plan to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Here are some tips to get you started:

Take your own reusable bags when you go shopping so you will not add to the number of plastic bags that are used.

Purchase items that have a minimal amount of packaging.

Be creative with gift wrapping so that you do not waste resources.

Think before you buy. Select items that are durable and useful.

Send electronic greetings to your family and friends.

Choose plates, glasses, bowls, and utensils that are reusable instead of disposable.

Plan carefully so that you do not prepare excessive amounts of food.

Select holiday decorations that can be saved and reused.

Donate unwanted or unneeded gifts to an organization that can use them.

Make it easier to recycle by having bins for recyclable materials conveniently located.

What will you do to make your holidays green? Add your suggestions to this list.

Laundry and the Environment

2008-11-04T14:46:00.002-05:00

Often protecting the environment involves a few simple changes in the ways we accomplish daily chores. Here are some ways to make laundry tasks environmentally friendly:

Pretreat or presoak stains and heavy soils before washing to get the best stain removal without using extra hot water or rewashing.
A full load is the most energy-efficient use of your washing machine. If that is not practical, adjust the water level to correspond to the size of your load.
Read and follow the label directions for the recommended amount of detergent. Heavily-soiled loads or hard water may require slightly more than the recommended amount; slightly less than the recommended amount can be used in soft water or for lightly soiled loads. Measure, do not guess!
Ultra detergents are concentrated detergents in liquid or powder form. They come in smaller packages yet are designed to offer the same cleaning power as similar products in larger packages. You will need less ultra detergent than with an unconcentrated product so follow label instructions and use the measuring cap or scoop that comes with the product.
Heating water eats up energy so whenever possible, switch to the warm, or even better, the cold setting. If your hot water supply is limited, start with the hot-water-wash loads, then follow with warm, then cold. Rinse all loads in cold water.
If your washer has a water-return system, re-use the wash water for additional loads. Start with hot water, lightly soiled items and the recommended amount of detergent. Add more detergent for each additional load.
If you are in the market for a new washing machine, high efficiency (HE) washers are designed to provide major savings when compared to traditional agitator machines. They use less water--from 20% to 66% less. They use less energy--from 20% to 50% less because there is much less water to heat. They extract more water from the clothes which reduces drying time.
Unlike traditional agitator washers, most HE washers use a tumbler system with no agitator. In a front-loading HE washer, the laundry tumbles back and forth as the tub rotates clockwise, then counterclockwise. In a top-loading HE washer, a gentle combination of spinning, rotating and/or wobbling wheels, plates or disks are used to move the items as they are cleaned.
For best cleaning performance, use only HE detergents in an HE washing machine. They are formulated to be low-sudsing and quick dispersing. Using a traditional detergent in an HE washer creates an excess of suds which can interfere with the tumbling action and redeposit soil onto clean clothes.

In the world of clothes dryers, there is no equivalent to the HE dryer for energy savings. If you are in the market for a new one, be sure it has a moisture sensor that automatically shuts off the machine when clothes are dry.

There are also some simple guidelines to follow for maximum energy efficiency.

1. Dry full loads--Just don't overdo it. You want air to be able to circulate around the clothes.

2. Utilize retained heat--Drying two loads or more in a row will cut down on individual drying time.

3. Be lint free--To improve drying efficiency, clean the lint filter before each load.

4. Air dry--Not everything has to go into the dryer.

Reusable Shipping Containers

2008-10-16T11:24:00.002-04:00

One of the biggest impacts business and industry can make on reducing discards to landfills is to replace single-use shipping containers with reusable ones. Over the course of its lifetime, a two-cubic-foot plastic, reusable shipping container making 250 trips will replace 250 single-use cardboard boxes, reducing waste by 98.5 percent and costs by up to 92 percent per use. Reusable containers may have additional benefits, including reduced shipping damage due to sturdier containers and lower labor costs associated with assembling and breaking down single-use boxes. Deterrents to reusable shipping containers include higher initial costs, aesthetics of containers after several uses, the need to return containers, and storage room for containers.

Source: Before You Recycle, Choose to Reuse, NC Cooperative Extension

Dealing with the Gas Shortage

2008-10-02T10:47:00.002-04:00

With our recent shortage of gas, you may be asking yourself what else you can do to save gas. For money saving gas tips and ways to help improve your gas mileage visit DriveSmarterChallenge.org

You can take the Drive Smarter Challenge and receive some coupons for various automotive supplies. Catawba County is participating in a national competition to see which county in the nation can encourage their residents to take the challenge. Visit the site and register today.

This information is provided by Kelly Groves, Environment and Natural Resources Agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension in Catawba County. Contact her at 828-465-8250.

Look below to find a poll and register your opinion. Your comments are welcome too.

Phantom Energy Use

2008-09-18T15:52:00.005-04:00

The average American home is spilling over with appliances--televisions, DVD players, sound systems, kitchen gadgets--the list goes on. All of these appliances are wonderful to have when they are needed, but they can add to a home's power bill even when turned off. Up to 40 percent of the energy these appliances require is used when they are NOT running. While altering the energy requirements of existing appliances is not possible, replacing them with Energy Star models as they wear out will significantly reduce the amount of energy required for a given appliance. Those bearing the logo of Energy Star--a joint program of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U. S. Department of Energy--have been designed to meet strict standards for energy efficiency.

For example, an Energy Star computer monitor uses up to 85 percent less electricity than a standard model. To earn the Energy Star label, a monitor must be designed to run extremely efficiently in On, Sleep, and Off modes. Requiring less power in Sleep and Off modes ensures that the monitor operates cooler and lasts longer. In an average home, using Energy Star office equipment (computer, monitor, printer, fax) could conserve enough electricity to light a home for more than four years.

Lower energy consumption not only means smaller power bills, but also a cleaner environment. The less energy we consume, the less greenhouse gasses are emitted, and the cleaner the air will be. Being mindful of the energy efficiency of any appliance purchased benefits homeowners, business owners, and the community at large.

Paper - Number One

2008-09-03T16:24:00.002-04:00

Paper is still the number one material in the solid waste stream. We use a lot of paper everyday--packaging, posters, handouts, flyers, hardcopies of emails. For every 100 pounds of garbage we throw away, 35 pounds is paper. Newspaper takes up about 14 percent of landfill space, and paper in packaging accounts for another 20 percent.

The good news is that paper is recyclable. All paper can be recycled, but some kinds are harder to recycle than others.

Recycling paper saves energy and natural resources. A ton of paper made from recycled content fibers instead of virgin fibers conserves 7000 gallons of water, 17 to 31 trees, 400 KWh of electricity, and 60 pounds of air pollutants.

Paper cannot be recycled over and over again. Eventually the fibers become too weak and short to be used again. Virgin paper fiber is usually mixed with recycled paper when new products are made. Most cardboard boxes are a mixture of 50% new and 50% recycled fibers.

Home Sealing is Important

2008-08-25T11:20:00.004-04:00

Properly sealing your home can ensure a warm, comfortable environment in the winter and a cool, pleasant environment in the summer--all while reducing the cost of power bills and reducing demand on America's energy resources. Making sure all cracks, gaps, and leaks are sealed also makes a house more durable and helps ensure that the indoor environment is as healthy as possible. Sealing leaks reduces moisture in the air, which in turn, inhibits mold growth.

A professional or do-it-yourself home energy audit will help determine where air is leaking out of a home. In addition to identifying the leaks to seal, a homeowner needs to ensure that the home is still properly ventilated after sealing. Improper ventilation (air exchange from indoors to outdoors) can invite air quality problems such as moisture, mold, air pollutants, and odor.

Once the leaks have been identified, a professional or homeowner can begin sealing them by caulking or weatherstripping. Use caulk for a flexible seal of leaks smaller than one-quarter inch wide. Caulking compounds are sold in different strengths and properties. More information on choosing and applying an appropriate caulk is available at www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11270.

Weatherstripping, a flexible, resilient material used to seal leaks around windows and doors, can also improve the energy efficiency of a home. Determine the appropriate type of weatherstripping by the size of the leak and how often the window or door is used. More information on selecting weather stripping is available at www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11280.

Home Sealing is Important

2008-08-25T11:20:00.001-04:00

CES

Small Choices Make Big Differences

2008-08-12T09:18:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to the folks who took advantage of the opportunity to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions! Each one will receive an energy conservation kit.

Now let's measure your ecological footprint. Have you made behavioral changes in your energy consumption? Are you selecting EnergyStar appliances and making other green choices? Click on http://www.myfootprint.org/ and measure your environmental foot print. Enter your comment about what you learn by clicking on "Comments" in this blog. You will be surprised at how much your choices matter.

How Big is Your Footprint?

2008-07-16T13:34:00.002-04:00

If you've ever wondered about the difference you can make, take advantage of this opportunity.

1. Calculate your personal greenhouse gas emissions by using this calculator:

www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_calculator.html.

2. Send your name and results to glennie_daniels@ncsu.edu.

3. Find out what you can do to improve your score and make as many changes as you can.

4. On August 12, return to the web site and re-calculate your score.

5. Report your new score.

The first ten people who report a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions will receive an energy conservation gift.

Keeping The Power Bill Low

2008-07-03T10:13:00.002-04:00

There are ways that you can help lower your cooling bill simply by changing family behaviors. Reducing your energy demands this summer is easy, and many times, free.

In the summer,set your thermostat to 78 degrees F, or your highest comfortable setting. For each degree you raise your thermostat, you can reduce your cooling costs by as much as 3 to 5 percent.

Use ceiling fans and other cooling fans to circulate air. Remember to turn fans off when no one is in the room. Adjust the home's thermostat higher to take into account the cooling effect of the fans.

Educate family members about energy conservation--keep doors and windows closed while the air conditioner is on.

Cook during temperate hours. On hot days, try not to prepare meals that require extensive use of the range or oven.

Clean or replace HVAC unit filters every month.

Keep air registers clean and opened in all rooms.

Keep furniture away from the registers and air returns of your home. Placing furniture on top or against them will cause loss of air circulation.

Use kitchen and bathroom ventilation fans wisely--use them for short periods to draw moisture and odor out of your home. Running them for extended periods can allow cool air to escape outside.

Use shade trees and other landscape features and awnings to keep the sun from overheating your home.

Reducing your energy usage in the summer benefits you the consumer and the larger community. Keep your cooling bill under control means greater saving and reducing your energy needs translates into cleaner air for everyone.

Answer the questions below to assess how you are using your power to control what you spend.

(Almost) Free Ways to Save Energy

2008-06-19T11:03:00.002-04:00

As incandescent lights burn out, replace them with CFLs (compact fluorescent lights) that will last ten times longer.
When you leave a room, turn off the lights.
Avoid light pollution. Use only as much light as you need both inside and outside.
Unplug appliances and other electronics that continue to use power even after you turn them off. Anything with a LED (light emitting diode) that shines even after you turn off the device is a phantom power user. Your TV, cell phone charger, and printer are likely culprits. Plug them into a power strip and turn off the strip.
When you replace electronics, look for a charity that can use the old ones. Check mygreenelectronics.org to locate a recycling source. Take advantage of Catawba County's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days for unusable ones.
Calculate your personal greenhouse gas emissions by using this calculator: www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_calculator.html. Find out what you can do to improve your score.
Shop locally for food. Go to catawba.ces.ncsu.edu and click on Foothills Fresh to find out about local food sources.
Be mindful of water use. Fix a leaky toilet and save up to 200 gallons of water a day. Repair a leaking faucet and save up to 74 gallons of water a day.
Let your grass grow. Tall fescue thrives when it is cut to a height of 3 inches. Visit tarheelgardening.com to find other simple steps for a beautiful landscape using water efficient, environmentally friendly techniques.
Return wire hangers to your dry cleaner or laundry.
Turn off the water while you brush your teeth.
Turn off the TV unless you are sitting down and watching.
Operate your dishwasher and clothes washer only when fully loaded.
Check the air pressure in your car's tires.
Return plastic grocery bags to the store. Usually the collection site is just inside the front door.

Whether big or small, every change you make, makes a difference. Which tips will you use? See the poll below.

Save Water and Money

2008-06-04T10:45:00.002-04:00

Low-flow showerheads can nearly halve water usage and lower power bills--an impressive savings at a time when drought conditions are limiting water and energy costs are rising. A typical five-minute shower with a non-conserving showerhead can use up to 40 gallons of water; a low-flow head would use about 28 gallons for that same shower; an ultra-low-flow head would require only 7.5 gallons. Many low-flow showerheads are inexpensive, easy to install, and designed to maintain pressure so that it seems as if more water is being used per shower. Similarly, low-flow sink faucets are available to further reduce water usage.

Simply installing a high-efficiency (low-flow) showerhead and faucets could save the average household up to 7,800 gallons of water per year. And because 73 percent of the water used for showering is hot water, replacing a non-conserving showerhead and faucets with low-flow models will reduce the amount of power needed to heat the water thus reducing a household's power bill. High-efficiency showerheads can cost from $8 to $50 and can reduce water usage by 25 percent to 60 percent. Low-flow faucets can cost as little as $5 to $10 each.

The two main types of low-flow showerheads and faucets are aerating (adds air to the water stream to maintain steady pressure and keep the spray full) or non-aerating (adds pulses to the water stream to deliver a strong spray). Aerating showerheads either draw the air into the water stream or inject compressed air. There can be significant differences in spray quality from model to model even with the same flow rate. Check with a resource such as Consumer Reports for specific information on how different models function.

Showerheads manufactured after 1992 are required to use less water than their predecessors (a maximum of 2.5 gallons per minute). If your showerhead was manufactured before 1992, consider replacing it with a high efficiency model. Use this easy test to see if a new showerhead could save you water, energy, and money:

Place a bucket, marked in gallons, under your shower head.
Turn on the shower at the normal water pressure you use.
Time how many seconds it takes to fill the bucket to the 1-gallon mark. If it takes less than 20 seconds to reach the 1-gallon mark, you could benefit from a low-flow shower head.

Reuse Strategies for the Workplace

2008-05-21T08:48:00.002-04:00

There are many reuse techniques you can use in your workplace. Here are some suggestions:

Ask suppliers to use reusable cartons, pallets, and crates.
Order binders with slip-in spine and cover pockets so they can be reused.
Repair old furniture and equipment or donate it to charitable organizations.
Establish giveaway programs for damaged inventory, pallets, and lumber.
Buy refillable pens.
Turn manilla folders inside out so they can be reused.
Use outdated letterhead for in-house memos.
Use shredded paper when packing for shipping.
Reuse packing materials.
Use an erasable memo board for messages.
Use mugs instead of disposable cups.
Reuse paper printed on one side.
Buy erasable, reusable wall calendars.
Convert scrap paper and overruns into memo pads.
Create an office supply swap area.

Choose to Reuse

2008-05-05T16:37:00.002-04:00

CES Reduce, reuse, and recycle--the three Rs of solid waste management--are listed in order of importance for actions that should be taken to manage solid waste. Reduce means eliminating or decreasing the amount of waste we produce or reducing the toxicity of the materials. Reuse means taking products that would otherwise be discarded and using them again in their current form, or with few repairs or changes. People often say they are recycling something when they are actually reusing it. Recycling involves collecting used materials, processing them mechanically and chemically, and re-manufacturing them into new products. It is important to recycle, but we must remember that recycling is the third choice. We should consider reducing and reusing before recycling.

The process of reuse begins with the attitude that products and materials have usefulness beyond the owner's original intention. Reusing allows you to take responsibility for the waste you create.

Here are some reuse ideas for individuals and households:

Keep empty containers for storing household and shop items.
Install reusable furnace and air conditioner filters.
Repair, rather than replace, broken or worn-out products.
Donate usable, unwanted items to thrift shops, charities, and social service organizations.
Transform empty plastic bottles into bird feeders, scoops, terrariums, or watering cans.
Take reusable tote bags on shopping trips.
Make dust cloths from old towels and sheets.
Donate magazines to hospital waiting rooms.
Make wrapping paper from comics and magazine pages or reuse old gift wrap.
Donate newspapers to pet shops.
Reupholster or slipcover outdated furniture.
Hold a yard sale.
Donate paper that has been used on one side to daycare centers.
Use packing materials again or donate them to shipping shops.
Rent or borrow things you use infrequently.
Buy rechargeable batteries and appliances.
Use old toothbrushes for household cleaning.
Use old sheets and shower curtains as drop cloths.

What can you add to the list? Post your idea.

Everyday Water Saving Tips

2008-04-16T09:47:00.002-04:00

For a tour of your home to investigate water saving opportunities, visit www.h2ouse.net. You will get facts and specific advice for every room. You can also visit the Garden Guide to learn about water conserving gardens.

We'd like to hear about any strategies that you adopt for using water wisely at your home.

Keep Water Clean

2008-04-02T09:07:00.003-04:00

What you can do to prevent water pollution:

Fertilizer

Sweep and collect any fertilizer from driveways and walkways.
Avoid overusing fertilizers. Contact Cooperative Extension for assistance in learning correct amounts.
Donate unwanted fertilizer to someone who can use it up.

Motor Oil

Repair any leaks in your vehicle.
Properly dispose of motor oil. Each year do-it-yourself motor oil changers improperly dispose of millions of gallons of used motor oil.

Paint

Don't rinse painting equipment where the water can run into storm drains.
Donate usable paint to a friend or a community group.
If the paint is unusable or more than 10 years old, save it for a household hazardous waste collection.

Pesticides

Minimize the use of pesticides. Contact Cooperative Extension to learn about Integrated Pest Management.
Use the right pesticide for the right job.
Follow label directions very carefully.
Don't rinse pesticide application equipment where the water will run into a storm drain.

Pet Waste

Pet waste is raw sewage. Dispose of it by flushing down the toilet or by burying it away from food-growing locations.

Street Litter and Plastics

Don't throw garbage into the street or down storm drains.
Put cigarette butts, fast food containers and other garbage into proper containers.
Keep your property free of garbage and ask your family, friends and neighbors to do the same.

Yard Wastes

Leaves and grass clippings can clog storm drains and cause flooding. Don't allow soil, leaves or grass clippings to accumulate on your driveway, sidewalk, or in the street.
Collect leaves and grass clippings and compost them.
If you wash your car at home, wash it in a grassy area.

Medications

Don't flush prescription or over-the-counter medications down the toilet. Double-bag them and put them in the garbage.

Conserving clean water includes simple solutions so start doing your part today.

Keep Water Clean

2008-03-26T17:08:00.001-04:00

CES

2008-03-26T16:59:00.000-04:00

CES

Tips for Your Gasoline Woes

2008-02-28T09:15:00.007-05:00

Is the cost of gasoline breaking your budget? Here are some tips for saving money and energy.

www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/energysavings/savegas/flash.html

Energy Savings All Over The House

2008-02-05T13:59:00.000-05:00

Check out this Website to learn ways you can save energy all over your house.

www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/energysavings/index.html

CFLS: Mercury and Disposal

2008-01-23T10:59:00.000-05:00

With the rise in national media attention to energy supply and cost issues has come increased attention on energy savings measures especially compact fluorescent lamps or CFLs. With this attention also has come concern about the safety of these types of light bulbs. Fluorescent lamps -- including CFLs--contain trace amounts of vaporized mercury, a heavy metal and known neurotoxin. The mercury content of CFLs is typically in the range of 4mg. To provide comparison, a typical industry-standard T-12 commercial fluorescent lamp contains approximately 20mg of vaporized mercury. Older, glass thermometers for home use typically contain 500mg of liquid mercury.

While in operation and as long as the bulb is intact, CFLs do not release mercury, and their use actually leads to an overall decrease in mercury in the environment through reductions in electricity generated by the combustion of coal. CFLs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs resulting in average savings per bulb of $35. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also estimates that if every American changed at least five incandescent bulbs to CFLs, greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to that from nearly 10 million cars would be avoided.

Consumers should exercise the same caution in changing CFLs as with incandescent blbs. The EPA's EnergyStar program recommends using the following procedure in the event of CFL breakage:

1. Open a window and leave the room (restrict access) for at least 15 minutes.

2. Remove all materials you can without using a vacuum cleaner.

Wear disposable gloves, if available (do not use your bare hands).

Carefully scoop up the fragments and powder with stiff paper or cardboard.

Wipe the area clean with a damp paper towel or a disposable wet wipe.

Sticky tape (such as duct tape) can be used to pick up small pieces and powder.

3. Place all cleanup materials in two plastic bags seal them, and put them in the trash if no other disposal or recycling option is available. Wash your hands after disposing of the bags.

4. The first time you vacuum the area where the bulb was broken, remove the vacuum bag after cleaning the area (or empty and clean the canister) and put the bag and/or vacuum debris as well as cleaning materials in two sealed plastic bags in the outdoor trash or protected outdoor location for normal disposal.

Many consumers have questions about disposal of CFLs. Mercury is an environmental contaminant. While lamps generated as household waste are exempt from federal and state regulation as hazardous waste, it is recommended that consumers dispose of these bulbs at a hazardous waste disposal facility.

For more information on this topic, visit www.p2pays.org/mercury/lights.asp. For answers to questions about energy issues and services in North Carolina, contact the information and referral center of NC State Energy Office at 1-800-662-7131 or energyinfo@ncmail.net.

A Big Holiday Mess

2007-12-19T11:36:00.000-05:00

The day after Christmas is marked as a day of the year when the biggest pile of trash is created. In many cases this results in big loads being hauled to the landfill. What can you do this year to make that trash pile smaller? Get creative. Recycle, Reduce, Reuse. Post your suggestions by adding to the list below. The three entries judged to be the most creative will receive an energy conservation kits. Winners will be selected January 18.

Save large pieces of wrapping paper to reuse next year.

Save bows to reuse.

Present the gift without extra wrappings.

ENERGY SAVING TIPS FOR THE OFFICE

2007-11-30T13:29:00.000-05:00

LIGHTING
Turn off the lights in your office when you are away even for a minute and even if you use CFLs.
Use only the lights you need. Remove unnecessary lights.
Use compact fluorescent light bulbs in the most frequently used spots.
Change incandescent bulbs in Exit signs to LED bulbs.

HEATING AND COOLING
Consider setting the thermostat to 68 degrees in winter and 78 degrees in summer.
If your office and cold and drafty, find out why and fix it.
Don't block the air flow around vents. Keep furniture and other large items away from the vents so air isn't blocked or absorbed.
Use programmable thermostats especially in infrequently used spaces.
Turn down the heat in hallways.
Stop air leaks. Look for simple ways to block drafts.

COMPUTERS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT
Use computer power management features. Be sure your computer will go into the sleep mode when not in use. Screen savers do not save energy.
Turn off monitors when not in use.
Turn off computer equipment at the end of the day.
Look for the Energy Star when purchasing computers, monitors, printers, fax machines, copiers and other equipment.

APPLIANCES
Maintain appliances in the breakroom. Replace old ones.
Remove unneeded or unused appliances.
Clean refrigerator coils regularly.

GET EVERYONE INVOLVED
Publicize energy costs and savings so your co-workers can see the advantage of making the effort to be energy efficient.

HOME WINTER WEATHERIZATION

2007-11-20T09:17:00.000-05:00

Cold temperatures and high heating bills usually encourage homeowners to look for ways to weatherize their homes. While each individual improvement makes a difference, a whole-house strategy for improving energy performance is the best approach to significantly reduce utility bills.

Here is a basic winter weatherization checklist prepared by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Roof
Check for broken, damaged or loose shingles; small holes; and loose nails.
Check flashing around dormers, vent pipes, chimneys, and any other projections where the roof covering meets an adjoining surface.
Gutters and Downspouts
Clean out leaves, dirt, and debris.
Check supports.
Exterior
Repair cracks in stucco or masonry walls.
Spot-repair and paint any defective areas to prevent damage from freezing and thawing.
Clean leaves, dirt, and debris out of window wells.
Interior
Remove or winterize air conditioners.
Check the hot water heater for leaks.
Install insulating kits behind electrical plugs that are on exterior-facing walls.
Have chimney inspected and cleaned.
Close the fireplace damper when not in use.
Windows and Doors
Check weatherstripping around windows, doors, and between foundation and siding; replace where needed.
Check metal weatherstripping for dents, bends, breaks, loss of tension, or other damage that could make it less effective; repair or replace where needed.
Repair and paint storm windows if necessary.
Replace worn doorstops at bottom of doors.
Install storm doors and windows.
Heating System
Have a qualified service technician clean and check the home heating system.
Vacuum vents, registers, and other heating components.
Install a programmable thermostat that automatically regulates the temperature throughout the day.

Gray Water Facts

2007-11-01T08:45:00.000-04:00

Untreated Gray Water in North Carolina is Wastewater/Sewage

The North Carolina Plumbing Code defines gray water as “waste discharged from lavatories, bathtubs, showers, clothes washers and laundry sinks.” This type of household wastewater may contain disease-producing organisms and should not be used to water plants such as trees, vegetable gardens or flowers. By law, this wastewater must be disposed of through a permitted treatment system, either a public owned treatment plant or a permitted septic tank system.

The Law
The disposal of sewage/wastewater is regulated by North Carolina law, which can be found online at http://www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/osww_new/new1//images/Rules/1900RulesJune2006.pdf.
15A NCAC 18A .1935 DEFINITIONS: "Sewage" means the liquid and solid human waste and liquid waste generated by water-using fixtures and appliances, including those associated with food handling. The term does not include industrial process wastewater or sewage that is combined with industrial process wastewater.
15A NCAC 18A .1937 PERMITS: (a)Any person owning or controlling a residence, place of business, or place of public assembly containing water-using fixtures connected to a water supply source shall discharge all wastewater directly to an approved wastewater system permitted for that specific use.
North Carolina State Building Code - 2006 Plumbing Code: Current version Code 301.3 requires all plumbing fixtures, drains and appliances that receive or discharge liquid wastes or sewage to discharge to the sanitary drainage system of the structure. Exceptions include bathtubs, showers, sinks, washing machines and laundry sinks as long as they discharge to an approved gray water recycling system. Appendix C of the 2006 N.C. Plumbing Code allows for limited uses of treated or recycled gray water; details are provided below.
The Facts
Fact #1: Using untreated wastewater for watering is both illegal and unhealthy.
Throwing untreated, household wastewater on top of the ground in North Carolina is illegal as it is considered sewage by law and must be disposed of through a permitted sewage treatment system. It is also considered unhealthy to use untreated wastewater for any other uses that might bring it in contact with humans.

Although soaps are used in the dish and bath water, it is still wastewater as is water from washing your vegetables, dishes, hands, body or clothing. These types of wastewaters may contain disease-producing organisms, called pathogens, from fecal material or from on the body (e.g. staph), which are infectious! Waste has always been buried or disposed of in other ways for basic human sanitation. Countries that do not dispose of wastes away from human contact have higher disease rates and sometimes epidemics.

Fact #2: Untreated wastewater attracts animals and pests that can spread diseases.
People are not the only animals in North Carolina looking for water sources during a drought. Flies, pets, wildlife and other animals that transport diseases would be attracted to water that someone tossed on the ground. When these transport animals touch and drink the wastewater, they become contaminated and may get sick. They may also spread the disease-causing germs to local residents and the community.

Gray water can be recycled for home use.
According to the 2006 N.C. Plumbing Code, treated household gray water may be permitted for use for specific purposes if treated according to Code Standards. In Appendix C, Section C101.1 allows for recycled gray water to be used for flushing of toilets that are located in the same building as the gray water recycling systems. These recycling systems can also be used for irrigation purposes when approved by the authority having jurisdiction. Appendix C includes information regarding the installation, filtration, disinfection, drainage and identification of gray water recycling systems. Gray water used in a gray water recycling system must be filtered and disinfected before it can be recycled for flushing of toilets or irrigation as stated in Appendix C.

Suggested ways to conserve water is to fix leaks and other good water management practices in the home.
It is okay to collect clean water from faucets or showers in a clean bucket while waiting for it to get hot!
For more water conservation tips, visit http://www.p2pays.org/water/.

For questions on the current Plumbing Code or gray water recycling systems, contact the N.C. Building Code Council at (919) 661-5880 or the N.C. Department of Insurance at (800) 546-5664. For more information about gray water, contact Dr. Barbara Hartley Grimes, Non-Point Source Pollution Program coordinator for the Division of Environmental Health, at (919) 715-0141 or by e-mail at barbara.grimes@ncmail.net. You can also check with local plumbing inspectors, and obtain the proper permits, before installing a gray water recycling system.

Water Conservation in the Home

2007-10-23T10:08:00.000-04:00

SAVE WATER IN THE BATHROOM

Check your toilet for leaks.

Take off the toilet tank cover and add 10 drops of food coloring to the water in the tank. Wait 15 minutes then check for color in the toilet bowl. Any color in the bowl indicates a leak which should be fixed immediately. Remember also to check the flapper periodically to make sure it has a tight fit.

A leaking toilet can waste 15 gallons of water a day.

Check the water level in the toilet tank.

The fill line in the tank should be about 1/2 in ch below the overflow tube.

Water spilling over this line can waste hundreds of gallons each day.

Do not use your toilet as a wastebasket.

Drop tissues and other trash in the wastebasket and save the water you would use with each flush.

Each flush of a standard toilet uses 3.5 to 7 gallons.

Turn off the water when brushing your teeth.

Wet your brush then turn off the water while brushing. Rinse briefly when finished. You will save more than 9 gallons of water each time you brush.

Leaving the water running can use 10 gallons of water each time you brush.

Take shorter showers or take a bath if you want a long soak.

Shorter showers save water and energy. Note that some new tubs can hold up to 50 gallons.

A 10-minute shower can use up to 70 gallons. A full standard size tub uses about 20 gallons.

Fix dripping or leaking faucets.

Fix drips and leaks immediately. Often the fix is as simple as a new washer.

A faucet that drips 1 time each second will waste almost 9 gallons per day (over 3000 gallons per year).

Install water saving shower heads, faucets, and toilets.

Water saving shower heads use 2.5 gallons per minuet or less. You also save in energy cost by using less hot water. These shower heads are available at most hardware stores and are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

Save 25 to 50 gallons of water during a 10 minute shower.

Low flow toilets (required in all new construction) use 1.6 gallons per flush.

This saves 2 to 5 gallons per flush complare to an older toilet.

Faucet aerators can be attached to most existing faucets and use 1.5 gallons per minute.

Aerators can save 1 to 5 gallons per minute compared to older faucets.

Information compiled by Sandra Head, FCS Agent, NC Cooperative Extention-Wayne County

NC GreenPower

2007-10-10T12:26:00.000-04:00

NC GreenPower offers cleaner energy options for consumers in North Carolina. This voluntary program allows consumers to help utility companies replace electricity from traditional sources, such as fossil fuels, with electrcity generated from renewable sources such as the sun, wind, and organic matter. Renewable energy sources produce little or no pollution and much less environmental impact than traditional sources.

NC GreenPower's typical consumer contribution of $4 per month adds 100 kilowatt hours of green energy to the state's power supply and is tax deductible. NC GreenPower is a nonprofit organization supported by the state's utilities and administered by an independent nonprofit organization in Raleigh. Contact your local utility company to participate in the program or contact NC GreenPower, 866-533-NCGP or http://www.ncgreenpower.org/.

FREE WORKSHOPS OFFERED TO HELP LOCAL RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES REDUCE ENERGY COSTS

2007-09-21T08:38:00.000-04:00

CONTACT: Jim Burke
NC Cooperative Extension Service
Natural Resources Extension Agent
(704) 922-2119

State Energy Office and NC Cooperative Extension to recommend no- and low-cost measures to save energy

As thermometers drop and energy prices climb this fall, local residents and businesses can learn no- and low-cost ways to save on energy bills by attending the free educational workshops “Reducing Energy Expenses at Your Home and Business,” sponsored by the State Energy Office (SEO) of the N.C. Department of Administration and the E-Conservation Program of North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.

Homeowners and renters are invited to attend the residentially-focused workshop, October 8, 2007, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Gaston County’s Lucile Tatum Center, located at 959 Osceola Street in Gastonia. Personnel from businesses and non-profits are invited to attend a commercially-focused workshop, October 9, 2007, from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm at the Lucile Tatum Center.

The workshops will include energy-saving tips and case studies, as well as information on no- and low-cost assistance offered by the E-Conservation Program and SEO, to help residents and businesses reduce their energy costs. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear about local examples of energy-saving measures and how they can incorporate them into their own lifestyle.

“We believe these workshops are an excellent opportunity for North Carolinians to learn more about the economic benefits of energy efficiency,” said Larry Shirley, SEO Director. “We will offer important information that can help homeowners significantly cut their utility bills and help businesses maintain their edge in an increasingly competitive global economy.”

The SEO is North Carolina’s lead agency for energy programs and information, managing nearly 70 statewide projects focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy, alternative fuels and energy policy. The office assists homeowners, business owners, schools, public and private agencies, communities and individuals through these programs.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service gives county residents easy access to the resources and expertise of N.C. State University and N.C. A&T State University. Through educational programs, publications and events, Cooperative Extension agents deliver unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina residents.

Information on energy efficiency programs offered by the SEO and Cooperative Extension, including many no- and low-cost energy-saving tips, is available on the SEO Web site at www.energync.net.

A limited number of home energy audits will be available to attendees of the residential workshop. There is a fee for the audit. More information on the audits will be available at the workshop.

Once again the above workshops are free, however space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please contact Jim Burke with the Gaston County Cooperative Extension Service at (704) 922-2119 or e-mail your request to jim_burke@ncsu.edu if you would like to register for a workshop.

Ceiling Fans: Cool Breezes and Cost Savings

2007-09-05T14:52:00.000-04:00

Summer Meals and Energy Post-Test

Ceiling Fan Pre-Test

In the heat of the summer, we look forward to any kind of breeze, inside or out. Ceiling fans not only provide that relief from the heat, but also can help homeowners save money and energy all year long. To get the most our of your ceiling fan:

Make sure that it is installed properly. The UL-listed metal box in the ceiling should be marked "For use with ceiling fans."
Ensure that the blades are properly balanced. (A balancing kit may have been included in the original packaging or may be available from the manufacturer without charge.)
Turn off the fan when not in the room.
Use the fan to move cool air in the summer (blades rotate counter-clockwise) and warm air in the winter (reverse the motor so that the blades rotate clockwise). In the summer, the fan creates a "wind-chill" effect, making you feel cooler. In the winter, the rotation of the blades creates a slight updraft which moves the warmer air at the ceiling downward to warm the room.
Adjust the household thermostat to account for the ceiling fan's cooling or heating effect.

If you are purchasing a ceiling fan, look for the Energy Star label to ensure energy efficiency. A 36- or 44-inch diameter fan will cool rooms up to 225 square feet, while a fan with a diameter of 52 inches or greater should be used in a larger room. Multiple fans work best in rooms longer than 18 feet. Small- and medium-sized fans will provide efficient cooling in a 4- to 6- foot diameter area, while larger fans are effective up to 10 feet.

Additional resources:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=ceiling_fans.pr_ceiling_fans

http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12355

Keeping Summer Power Bills Low

2007-08-14T09:14:00.000-04:00

Computer Equipment Post-Test

Summer Meals and Energy Pre-Test

Reducing your energy demands this summer will save money and conserve energy, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves our environment. Here are some easy, free ways to be energy conscious:

In the summer, set your thermostat to 78 degrees F, or your highest comfortable setting.
Use shade trees and other landscape features and awnings to keep the sun from overheating your home.
Use ceiling fans and other cooling fans to circulate air. Turn fans off when no one is in the room.
On hot days, try to prepare meals that don't require the range or oven. Use the microwave oven.
Check and replace if necessary HVAC unit filters approximately every 6-8 weeks or as they become dirty. Keep air registers clean and free of furniture, carpeting, and drapes.
Use kitchen and bathroom ventilation fans wisely - excess running will cause you to waste energy and lose cool air to the outdoors. Turn them off as soon as their job is complete.

More cost-free energy saving tips are available at http://www.ase.org/content/article/detail/965.

Appliances use energy - even when they're off

2007-08-01T09:40:00.000-04:00

Computer Equipment Pre-Survey

The average American home is brimming with consumer electronics and appliances - televisions, DVD players, stereos, and kitchen gadgets - the list goes on. All of these appliances are great to have when you need them, but they can add to your power bill even when they are turned off. These types of appliances can account for 15 percent of your power bill, and up to 40 percent of the energy they require is used when they are not running. Called "phantom" energy use, the power that clock displays, remote controls, and other features use in Off mode can really add up.

While altering the energy requirements of existing appliances is not possible, using consumer electronics mindfully or replacing them with energy efficient models will significantly reduce the amount of energy they require. Following are several ways to reduce the energy consumption of existing appliances:

unplug chargers for cell phones and other electronics when the equipment is fully charged
use a power strip as a central power supply for computers and peripheral equipment, video games, and other electronics. Turn off the power strip when the equipment is not in use.
enable power management features on your computer, monitor, and other office equipment
avoid using a screen saver on your computer's monitor; allow the monitor to switch to Sleep mode or turn it off when not in use

When it is time to replace an appliance, look for the Energy Star logo. Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. Appliances and other household goods (such as light bulbs) bearing this logo have been designed to meet strict standards for energy efficiency.

Consumer electronics engineers today design not only for functionality, but for energy efficiency. For example, an Energy Star computer monitor uses up to 85 percent less electricity than a standard model. To earn the Energy Star label, a monitor must be desined to run extremely efficiently in On, Sleep, and Off modes. Requiring less power in Sleep and Off modes ensures that the monitor operates cooler and lasts longer than a standard model. According toe Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star Program, in an average home, using Energy Star office equipment (computer, monitor, printer, fax) could conserve enough electricity to light a home for more than four years.

Lowering energy consumption not only means smaller power bills, but a cleaner environment. The less energy we consume, the less greenhouse gasses are emitted, and the healthier the environment will be. Being mindful of the energy efficiency of any appliance purchased benefits homeowners, business owners, and the community at large.

For more information on minimizing phantom energy use, see http://www.energystar.gov/ or http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product.showProductGroup&pgw_code=MO. Several podcasts about reducing the environmental impact of consumer electronics are available from Energy Star: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_podcasts. You can also visit the U.S. Department of Energy at http://eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/appliances/index.cfm/mytopic=10040

Landscaping for Energy Efficiency

2007-07-19T09:28:00.000-04:00

Conserving energy is just as important outside of a home as it is inside. Careful landscaping can reduce heating and cooling costs all year long and save energy, which ultimately will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help protect the environment. An investment in energy efficient landscaping can pay for itself in fewer than eight years.

For landscaping, homowners need to know the characteristics of their regional climate. North Carolina is part of the country's Hot-Humid region, and homeowners here should plan to take advantage of shade in their landscapes. Homeowners should also look at the property's microclimate - the climate of the area immediately surrounding the home, which may offer different amounts of moisture, wind, or other climate features.

Shade trees and other foliage can lower air temperatures by up to 9 degrees, which can reduce home cooling costs. When choosing foliage for the Hot-Humid region:

Look for trees and other foliage that provide shade but still allow low-angle winter sun to reach the home and yard. Plant deciduous trees that offer shade in the summer time yet allow the sun's warm rays to reach the home in winter.
Plant a tree to shade the home's air conditioning unit. This can increase the unit's efficiency by up to 10 percent.

Shrubs and vines can also provide shade to a home or areas surrounding it, such as walkways or other pavement. Shading the pavement cools the air surrounding it before that air reaches your home's walls and windows. In the winter, trees (especially dense evergreens) planted as windbreaks can cut the wind chill of the air around your home.

Illuminate your landscape with solar outdoor lighting. These lights use solar cells to convert sunlight into electricity, which is stored in batteries to illuminate the lights when skies darken.

While outdoor solar lights will work in almost any area of the United States, it is important to pay attention to the number of hours of sunlight required for each fixture and ensure that the fixture is placed such that it will receive enough sunlight. When placing and maintaining outdoor solar lighting, watch for landscape features, such as vines or shrubs that may reduce the amount of sunlight the fixture receives. Also make sure to clean off dirt, bird droppings, or anything else that may keep sunlight from reaching the solar unit.

See http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/landscaping/ for more information on energy conscious landscaping.

TAKE THE SUMMER ENERGY EFFICIENCY SELF-TEST