Washers

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a washing machine with an Energy Star rating uses roughly 30% less energy and 50% less water than a traditional washer. Green washers have larger tubs, making it possible to wash more clothing in fewer loads. Top-load models don't have an agitator; instead of spinning clothing to clean it, the machine flips the clothes, allowing them to turn repeatedly while in the water. This 'flip' process eliminates the need to fill the entire washer tub, saving on the amount of water that is emptied from the world's waterways. Less water and electricity usage make for an appliance that has less of an impact on the planet. Consumers will also benefit from savings on their utility bills.

Dryers

Having a clothes dryer is a wonderful convenience but the appliance also drains energy. Luckily, green dryers often feature sensors that let the machine know when clothes have dried, preventing them from being all but cooked before the machine shuts off or a homeowner stops the cycle. Most users will still want to have a dryer on hand for large and/or bulky items like duvets and towels, but many smaller items from jeans to button-down shirts for the office can be air-dried. Doing so simply takes a little extra time… and an abundance of hangers.

Refrigerators

Today's refrigerators are designed more energy efficient than their older counterparts. Green refrigerators often feature better insulation in the walls and doors, preventing cold air from escaping or room temperature air from getting inside. Refrigerators with an automatic defrost function will use more energy than green models, which can use up to 50% less energy during the manual defrost process. Although side-by-side refrigerators seem to be all the rage, models with freezers above or below the fridge are more energy-efficient and still get the job done.

Water heaters

Responsible for an average of 20% of total home energy use, water heaters use nearly as much power as heating and cooling systems. Switching to a green water heater (also known as a tankless or on-demand water heater) will heat water only when necessary, instead of keeping the water hot throughout the day. Green water heaters also emit less carbon monoxide, reducing greenhouse gasses and lessening the effects of global warming.

In addition to helping the planet, consumers who switch to green appliances may benefit from tax credits. Although not all Energy Star-rated appliances are eligible for this deduction, appliance seekers who go green will still benefit from lower utility bills and the knowledge that they're making a responsible and effortless contribution to the planet.

Holly is an avid energy saver. When she isn’t blogging on behalf of Sears and her other favorites brands, she’s making her own cleaning products and reusable products.

Making some significant overhauls to regular routines is usually not the best way to make long term changes. One of the best ways to begin being more eco friendly is to small adjustments at our homes and apartments. Taking advantage of simple and sustainable fixes around the house can end up kick starting a long term plan for being more sustainable.

One of the most common and known ways to conserve more and make the home more sustainable is simply to use fluorescent light bulbs as an alternative to regular versions. Even though this is known by many and a small alteration to the home, it will likely be one of the best changes you can make. Fluorescent bulbs take up about 75 percent less energy and last extensively more than your common light bulbs.

Replacing normal light bulbs around the house is a very common eco friendly switch, but making some smaller and unknown adjustments can end up having a great long term effect on the sustainability of a house. Computers have become a household staple, with many families having four or five of them throughout their homes. Powering down the computers will not only be good for their battery life, but also in saving energy overnight.

Cutting down on ads and junk type mail is another great way to make the home more sustainable. There are a number of online services which allow you to no longer receive hoards of advertisements and catalogs all the time. You can also have the phone book cancelled online as well. Doing either will save hundreds of pages of paper waste from your own home every year.

Switching to eco friendly cleaners may be a bit of a bigger project than some other eco friendly changes, but it can certainly have a great effect on the home. Many of today’s common cleaners can be loaded with toxins and most grocery stores offer a number of green alternatives these days. If you’re feeling extra determined, you can even make some of your own cleaners with one of the many resources online.

There are a number of other simple steps to look into which will make the house more eco friendly. These aren’t limited to actions such as adjusting the thermostat, unplugging cell phone chargers, and refraining from running the water while brushing teeth. Of course there are numerous ways to maintain long term sustainability at home, but taking advantage of a few of these simple steps can help lay the early groundwork for an eco friendly lifestyle.

Energy-efficient appliances come in many forms, including water heaters, washers, dryers, and refrigerators. Water heaters in particular use about 20% of the total energy in the home, making them second only to the energy used by heating and cooling systems. Using cold water for housework provides a nice boost in the budget while still allowing for effectual cleaning.

Nowadays, washers use less water, including that which is heated. Washing clothes in cold water rather than warm or hot is an additional bonus to make life a little greener. Front-loading machines are better than their top-loading counterparts as the latter requires more time to spin water from clothes. Adopting green appliances can see homeowners benefitting from tax credits and rebates on qualifying models.

Dryers are well known for draining energy. Newer models feature sensors that turn off the machine when clothes are dry, which prevents clothes from being proverbially baked and their life shortened. The best option when it comes to drying clothes, however, is to hang clothes on a clothesline or drying rack. Doing so eliminates the energy a dryer would use, especially with an older model sans timer or sensor to turn off the machine when it's done. Keep in mind that a laundry explosion can be quite the conversation starter while also providing the gentle aroma of fabric-softener-scented air.

New federal standards have made appliances like refrigerators more energy-friendly. Models manufactured in the past 10 years beat out their predecessors given updated designs that include better insulation in fridge walls and doors. The best choices are those featuring freezers above or below the fridge, rather than side-by-side models. Similarly, refrigerators with a manual defrost component can use up to 50% less energy than those with an automatic defrost function.

While a homeowner's initial investment may be more than a standard appliance, long-term savings can be realized while remembering that a green machine eases environmental impact. Homeowners should keep an eye out for appliances that feature an Energy Star rating, which will allow consumers to be environmentally-conscious without sacrifice.

Holly Lee is an avid yogi, animal lover, and vegan. She enjoys blogging on behalf of Sears and other brands she loves. Holly hates winter but enjoys wool socks, warm mugs and other comforts of home the season affords her.

In developing countries, according to UNICEF more than 884 million people lack easy access to safe, clean water, and this number is still growing. This means that only about one in every eight people has water when and where they need it. Along with this using water, particularly hot water, contributes to global warming by increasing the emissions of greenhouse gases. Furthermore according to the UK Environment Agency the average family in the developed world uses about 500 litres of water per day, which produces around 1.5 tons of greenhouse gasses every year.

In Australia the average family wastes according to the Environment Protection Authority based in Queensland about 60000 litres of water a year, this alarming figure needs to be cut down and it is therefore, extremely important that you try to conserve water. You will find that it pays to save water, and if you follow these five simple tips for water conservation you will soon see your water bills decrease significantly.

For example it may be a well know piece of advice but leaving the water running while you brush your teeth or massage the shampoo into your hair is not only entirely unnecessary, it can also waste hundreds of litres of water. By simply turning off the tap while doing these things, you can save money and the environment.

1. Invest in Water Efficient Shower Heads and Faucets as well as a Low Flow Toilet

According to Environment Canada today, we use nearly 50% more water than we used to. This is partly down to the fact that showers have become more powerful and household appliances use more water to run. Showers and faucets make up about 35% of our total daily water consumption. By using more efficient faucets and shower heads, you can still enjoy your showers, but with the knowledge that you are not using more water than you need to.
Toilets use about 40% of the total daily water consumption in a household. Using a more efficient flush system for your toilet could greatly reduce that percentage and save you a lot of money in the long run.

2. Outside Water Tanks

Collect any rain water that falls (after all its free!) into a water tank to store for use around the garden, this is a great way to save and store water so that it can be used for the gardening or even washing the car therefore saving you from taking the water from the tap.

3. Toilet Gadgets!

Ok so these may not be at the top of many must have gadgets lists but there are an increasing number of gadgets you can use in the tank of your toilet that help to cut down on water supply. Some of these gadgets use polyethylene to reduce the amount of water flushed away and can save up to 2.5 litres per flush! That equates to a lot of saved water by the end of the year!

4. Be Smart when using water in the garden!

Maintaining a garden especially throughout the summer takes up a lot of time and water, however there are ways to limit the water that you do use. As mentioned above outside water tanks help to save but other simple tips such as leaving your grass to go slightly brown or not cutting it short (longer grass needs less water) can save tips. Checking the weather forecast and waiting for rain, using a watering can instead of a hosepipe all saves a lot of water. Finally the planning of your garden to make sure plants get some shade during part of the day is an excellent way to cut down on watering needs

5. Fix Leaks and Insulate Your Homes Water Pipes

You may not think that a leaky faucet or shower head wastes a lot of water, but all those drops add up and a leaky faucet could waste up to 75 litres of water per day. So just imagine how much water a larger leak can waste.

When taking a shower, you probably need to leave the water running for a few minutes to warm up before you get in. By insulating your water pipes, the water will heat up much faster, and you can save water by not leaving the water on for longer than you have to. It also pays to have your water heater checked at least yearly, to ensure that it is working as efficiently as possible.

By Trent Bardon, a writer for Sydney Water Tanks

1. Good earth, good health

Ditching store-bought cleansers in favor of green cleaning products is good for the planet and the wellness of your employees. Rather than polluting waterways – and your employees' lungs – with toxic chemicals, switch to natural cleansers like baking soda and vinegar to keep things looking shiny and new around the office. Fewer sick days for your employees means higher productivity and happier clients.

2. Easy to do

There's little effort involved in going a little greener. You can easily mix up a bottle of cleanser for use around the break room or kitchen (especially helpful for office microwaves). Make the switch interactive by getting employees involved. Encourage them, for instance, to mention your 'gone green' policies on Facebook or Twitter and see if you can't influence others in and outside your industry.

3. Cost-effective

Rather than pouring money into buying cleansers from your favorite major retailer, give some thought to buying supplies like baking soda in bulk. Some companies will sell the product in quantities up to a ton. When it comes time to scour the office, consider hiring a green cleaning service. The cost of doing so is comparable to working with a traditional service. Any additional cost your company might incur will pay off in the long run with a safer working environment and the knowledge that you've contributed to sustainable efforts.

4. Reap rewards

Companies who go green can realize incentives from organizations like the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System and the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star® program. Companies can qualify for LEED points, which is a certification system for buildings that have gone green. Businesses who can provide clear evidence that they are working greener may even be eligible for tax credits.

Quick tips for going a little greener around the office:

• Don't just throw away toxic cleansers. Pouring chemicals down the drain is not good for the water supply and you don't want cleanser bottles crowding out a landfill. Keep an eye out for 'tox drop' days in your community where harmful substances can be properly disposed of.

• Improve your indoor air quality and decorate public areas, offices, or cubicles with plants. They're excellent for filtering out pollutants, such as those left over from store-bought chemicals that can make your employees sick. Likewise, a nice selection of plants will be visually appealing to employees and visitors alike.

Now that you know some of the benefits of switching to green cleaning, hopefully you can join the revolution against toxins that are harming the planet. Educate, engage, and be extolled!

Holly Lee is an avid yogi, animal lover, and vegan. She enjoys blogging on behalf of Sears and other brands she loves. Holly hates winter but enjoys wool socks, warm mugs and other comforts of home the seasons forces on her.

Warm food really hits the spot in the winter but a stove is the biggest energy user in the kitchen. Employ a microwave for anything that doesn't need to be done stovetop. Microwaves use 1/5 to 1/2 the energy that stoves require for the same job. Many people worry about microwave cooking giving their food rubbery textures or heating unevenly. Texture and even cooking are issues for stove cooking too. The solution is the same with a microwave—experiment and you'll get better at it. There are also lots of great resources for tips on microwave cooking online and with a little adaptation you'll be surprised how quickly a variety of foods can be prepared.

I spent many years of my life without a dishwasher. Now that I have one, I love it but many people do all the work even if they own a washer. The point of a dishwasher is to wash your dishes. You should not wash them beforehand. Scrap? Yes. Rinse? Maybe. But washing your dishes before you run them through the dishwasher is a waste of water, time and energy. Yes, this may mean that your dishes end-up a little cloudier and there can be food particles left after a wash. But it is much more efficient to run a wash and then spot clean a few offending items than to wash the whole load twice. Additionally, you should only run your dishwasher when it is completely full. The same amount of energy and water is used either way—don't waste it!

One-pot meals are not just for college students. Cooking with unnecessary dishes and steps requires multiple burners to be on and produces more dirty dishes. This is a huge energy waster. Delicious meals can be cooked in just one pan. Your options for one-pot cooking are diverse, as most balanced dinners can be adapted. Select a carb or starch--pasta, potatoes and rice are all great options. Then you add a protein. Seasoning and vegetables go in last. One-pot cooking is all about layers and putting items that take longer to cook on the bottom. Keep plenty of water, oil or sauce in the pan and you won't have to worry about burning. Follow this guide to think up your own one-pot creations.

Holly Lee is an avid yogi, animal lover, and vegan. She enjoys blogging on behalf of Sears and other brands she loves. Holly hates winter but enjoys wool socks, warm mugs and other comforts of home the seasons forces on her.

Green the wash

In the past 20 years, washers have become much more energy efficient than older models. To live greener at home, invest in a more efficient model and consider saving the washer for bulky and/or large items like denim, towels and comforters, all of which take considerable effort to wash and rinse by hand, negating the Earth-saving measures you were undertaking in the first place. Hand-wash smaller items with a washing board and homemade detergent and let air dry on drying racks or clothesline.

Power down

Appliances use a lot of power, even when they're shut off. Energy-sucking culprits include computers, printers, televisions, DVD players and TiVo. Plugging items into one power strip will make it easier to shut them on and off when you're leaving for the workday or going to sleep at night. Though it might initially take a little practice, it will become second nature to unplug rather than switch off, perhaps more so when you notice a difference with your utility bill.

Also make sure you unplug phone chargers when you're done charging your phone, as they too will draw power that you need not pay for. What starts as small increments can really add up and unnecessarily inflate your utility bills.

Around the house

Installing a low-flow showerhead can reduce your average water use by up to 50%. On average, a regular showerhead uses four gallons of water per minute. If installing a new showerhead is not an option, get wet in the shower and then shut off the water off while you soap up. You'll accomplish the same result without wasting needless gallons of water. As good as it feels to linger, keep in mind that an average 10-minute shower can use more than 40 gallons of water.

Use natural ingredients to clean up around your house. A plethora of cleansers can be made using non-toxic materials like baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar. These handy household items will efficiently clean your house without exposing you or the environment to toxins.

You can make a number of green health and beauty aids, including alcohol-free mouthwash. Mix together 1 ¼ cups of mineral water (such as Evian or Perrier) with six drops each of peppermint oil and tea-tree oil. Pour into a sterilized bottle, shake well before each use and gargle as you would with a store-bought mouthwash.

Thankfully, this list of 'go green' suggestions isn't exhaustive. If you're new to greening your lifestyle, be sure to start small. Giving yourself time to adjust to your new habits will help you succeed down the line. Before long, you'll probably be advising friends about steps they can take to green their lives.

Holly Lee is an avid yogi, animal lover, and vegan. She enjoys blogging on behalf of Sears and other brands she loves.

Here are 7 ways of going green and saving money while you're at it:

1. Scale Back Your Energy Usage

Cutting back your energy use is one of the easiest ways to go green and save boatloads of money. If you set your thermostat just a few degrees higher during the summer and just a few degrees lower in the winter, you can save on heating and air conditioning without sacrificing too much comfort.

Instead of round incandescent bulbs, use compact fluorescent light bulbs which last for years longer than incandescent bulbs and use less energy. Your energy bill will thank you.

Be vigilant about turning off lights and appliances when you aren't using them. Buy an eco-friendly power strip that eliminates "vampire" electricity use.

Instead of warm or hot water, cold water will suffice most of the time when washing clothes. This can cut the energy costs of your washing machine by up to 85 percent. Consider using a clothesline or drying rack instead of a dryer.

2. Cut Back Your Water Use

The less water you use, the less your water and heating bills will be and the less you will impact the environment and water supplies.

Instead of baths, take showers, and be quick. If you do like longer showers, try a low-flow showerhead which limits the water flow. They are cheap and you'll barely notice the difference.

On your home's many faucets, install a faucet aerator. They change the stream of water coming out of the faucet by dividing the stream, which helps to conserve water. They can also reduce the amount of heat needed to make hot water and can help keep water pressure high.

3. Change the Way You Commute

If you drive to work but could walk or bike, give it a try. You will save on gas, parking, and car payments. It's also healthier as it can improve your cardiovascular health and diminish your chances of becoming obese, which can lead to a wide range of diseases that are expensive to treat.

Ask your boss if you can telecommute to work if you live too far away to bike or walk. If you do live very far away from work, consider moving closer. The savings in the long run could outweigh the costs of moving and of extra rent.

If you must drive, consider trading in your car for a more fuel-efficient car, a hybrid car, or an electric car. These will save you money on gas and will be cleaner for the environment.

4. Changing the Way You Eat

If you are a meat eater, consider cutting some amount of meat from your diet. Pound for pound, meat is more expensive than most other types of food including fruits and vegetables. The environmental impact of meat production is significant and contributes to water, air, and land pollution. Eating excessive meat also increases your risk of cardiovascular disease in the future.

Buy sustainable produce, meat, and eggs that are locally grown or raised. Not only is this cheaper because it eliminates the middleman, local food does not have the same environmental impact as food that has been shipped or trucked into town.

5. Saying No to Bottled Water

Bottled water is more expensive than tap water and most of the time isn't as pure. Instead of buying bottled water, filter your tap water and use reusable aluminum bottles. Water bottles become container waste and contribute to landfills and pollution.

6. Seeking Alternatives to Buying

For some purchases, buying shouldn't be the first thing that comes to your mind.

Instead of buying books and movies, borrow them from a library instead. Books and movies can get expensive, and you get a chance to try before you buy. Also, the plastic used in DVDs and the ink and paper used in new books all have a negative environmental impact.

When in the market for furniture or appliances, consider secondhand or used products for the cheap. Barter on Craigslist or use eBay to bid for a great deal.

When shopping for clothing, try out thrift or consignment stores. They often have better deals on brand-name clothing that could have been worn just a few times. These clothes usually would have ended up in a landfill somewhere.

7. Making Smart Purchases

What products you buy and how you buy them both have an impact on the environment. Going green when making purchases is relatively easy.

Evaluate what kind of goods you buy a lot of and buy them in bulk. When buying food in bulk you'll often save money and cut down on packaging you take home with you. Don't buy anything that is packaged in Styrofoam, which doesn't biodegrade and ends up stuck in landfills.

Since dry cleaning chemicals are toxic, buy clothes that don't need to be dry-cleaned.

Do your research and target products that are long-lasting, durable, and high-quality.

Andy is the co-founder of CreditCardCompare.com.au, one of Australia's top credit card comparison services. He also edits their blog, The Credit Letter.

1. Tackle allergens with Dyson vacuums

Dyson vacuums have become well known for their powerful cleaning abilities, which is something all homeowners – especially pet lovers – can appreciate. Anything that helps keep dust, pet hair 'tumbleweeds,' and other irritants to a minimum is welcome, especially if your family is susceptible to allergies. Dyson vacuums include a HEPA filter, which isolates small particles that can cause conditions like asthma to flare up.

2. Make your own cleansers

Recipes abound for household cleansers that you can make using lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar. It's not necessary to buy prepackaged cleansers at the store, even if they're labeled as being biodegradable. Many are full of toxic chemicals that needlessly pollute the air in your home and cause health issues. Save money – and your lungs – by making your own products like these:

General household cleaner: Mix one cup of water with one cup of white vinegar and use around the house to clean countertops, floors, sinks, and more. Adding a cup of lemon juice can cut down on the vinegary smell, although it will fade once dry. You can also make an all-purpose cleanser using 1/4 cup of baking soda (an excellent scouring agent) and 1/2 cup of white vinegar in one gallon of hot water.

Glass cleaner: Add 1/4 cup of undiluted white vinegar to one quart of warm water and spray on mirrors to keep them clean and streak-free.

Air freshener: Add several drops of your favorite essential oil to a spray bottle full of warm water. Shake well and use around your home to invigorate your living space or create a relaxing atmosphere prior to sleeping. Jasmine, lemon, and rosemary oil are good for perking you up, while lavender and chamomile oil are good for calm surroundings.

3. Green clean your carpets

Many people have rugs in their homes which have probably been cleaned using steam cleaners. Consider instead dry carpet cleaning, which uses a humidified organic powder to remove stains and soil from carpets. The green process keeps moisture low, meaning that carpets can be walked on as soon as cleaning is done, rather than having to wait hours for the rug to dry. Reduce the chance that you'll have to deal with mold later and protect your family by keeping unnecessary chemical residue out of your home.

You need not breathe chemical fumes or go to considerable expense just to live in a clean home. Stay green at home with these tips and see your environmentally-friendly efforts start to affect other areas of your life.

Holly Lee is an avid yogi, animal lover, and vegan. She enjoys blogging on behalf of Sears and other brands she loves, especially Dyson vacuums.

Taking a flight to Australia may not be the most carbon-friendly way to travel, but in this case there aren’t any other options. That doesn’t mean you have to stop travelling though, it’s simply a case of finding the best ways to explore Australia while minimising your carbon footprint.

Chose certified travel agents

Australia is lucky to have a variety of travel agents who care about the planet, so it should be possible for you to source experiences and accommodation from conscientious providers. Find out about the ECO Certification program or check the latest Green Travel Guide for Australia to make sure you’re booking with the best.

Camping options

One of the best ways to stay on top of your own output is to consider camping holidays. Allowing you to make your own choices about what you eat, where you stay and the power you use, camping is ideal if you want to maintain your green credentials. Check the government’s list of camping spots to find out which could offer you’re the best eco-friendly opportunities for your break.

Consider electric vehicles

If you’re planning on visiting somewhere far from home or are thinking of a backpacking tour, why not see if you can hire an eco-friendly electric car for your Australia trips? Cut your emissions without having to give up your plans of exploring the outback. Be even more eco-friendly by finding out if there are any people planning the same trip who’d like to car-share with you.

Get green gadgets

You can also keep protecting the planet on the go by choosing some gadgets to help you along the way Some favourites are solar chargers that allow you to keep your phone and other essentials powered up on the go, water powered travel alarm clocks or usb powered rechargeable batteries.

Book eco-trips

Hoping to more for the planet than simply minimise your own damage? You could choose volunteering holidays that give you the chance to do your bit for the planet, as well as enjoy some truly inspiring sights. From working with koalas to helping conserve some of Australia’s spectacular wildlife, there are plenty of amazing opportunities out there. Just be certain to research your potential places to make sure you choose a holiday that will genuinely allow you to carry out conservation work, as some companies are known to set up vanity eco-holidays as a way to make money.

Hit the road and stay green on your next holiday in Australia and you’ll feel good inside and out.

Look for a System that Suits Your Home

Many solar panel buyers assume that all photovoltaic systems are alike. This assumption is incorrect. Several different configurations exist. A home with unobstructed roof space that gets a lot of sunlight might call for a roof-mounted system. These systems can be attached with pole mounts or ballasted footing mounts. A home that has ample roof space but inconsistent sunlight might benefit from a system with solar trackers. Trackers rotate panels to follow the sun as it moves through the sky. While trackers tend to increase costs, they can be well worth the expense in some cases. Homes without good roof space can still achieve energy efficiency with ground-mounted systems. Before purchasing any solar panels, buyers should have a clear idea of the system that best suits their needs.

Look for the Best Panels You Can Afford

It is tempting to buy the cheapest panels on the market, but doing so can be a bad idea. The cheapest panels might be based on outdated solar technology. Buying older panels can sometimes make sense, but buyers should know what they are getting into. Cheap but modern panels often have poor materials and inferior construction. Such panels will not last as long as quality panels. They can also be more prone to weather damage. Additionally, they tend to work less efficiently. Inefficient solar panels translate to less energy production. Buyers should resist the urge to jump at the lowest price without first considering quality.

Look for Incentives to Decrease Initial Costs

To encourage green initiatives, there are rebates and incentives on solar panel purchases. There's no saying what the government will do with the subsidy and feed in tariff in the future, but for now it makes installing solar a whole lot more affordable. Buyers should seize every opportunity that applies to them, so take it while it's there for the taking.

Look for a Reputable Supplier

Solar panel buyers should take time to carefully choose a supplier. Understandably, many buyers are eager to get their systems installed as soon as possible, but a little due diligence goes a long way. As in any profitable field, dishonest companies sometimes try to cut corners or unjustly raise their prices. Choosing the wrong company can ruin an investment. Smart buyers always verify that the company they are dealing with is reputable. Buyers can check national and local company rankings as well as looking into what past customers have said.

Look for Free Estimates and Consultations

Many solar panel supply and installation companies are happy to offer free estimates and consultations to potential clients. Smart buyers will take advantage of these opportunities because they understand the benefit of interacting with a company's representatives before they agree to anything. If they get a bad feeling, they can simply walk away.

Contributed by David at Solar Panel Free Quotes, where you can get three free quotes from local solar panel installation professionals.

One of the many things that you will have to decide on when you are about to start keeping bees is what kind of beehive design you want. There are three major types of beehives to choose from, but you will have to decide which design works for you. There is the movable frame hive, top bar hive, and fixed come hive. There are also variations of each of these types of hives.

The fixed comb hive is the oldest type of beehive design. Within this design, the combs cannot be removed without destroying the hive itself. All of the original hives that were kept in ancient times were fixed comb hives. Unfortunately, this hive is not the best for keeping bees. Fixed comb hives are no longer used commonly and are illegal in some places.

Top bar hives are commonly found in Africa. These hives were originally used in Vietnam and Greece. Once the honey combs are removed from the hive, they are not replaced, making them less efficient than the movable frame hive, but superior to the fixed comb hive. The initial cost of owning a top bar hive is relatively low and they are easy to work with. There are a few well known types of top bar hives such as the Kenyan Top Bar Hive, the Tanzanian Top Bar Hive, and the Vertical Top Bar Hive.

The most commonly used beehive design in modern times is the movable frame hive. This type was developed as a way to preserve the hives when it was time to extract the honey. Lorenzo Langstroth is credited with perfecting the movable comb hives. After this, many beekeepers began creating their own version of these hives. Within this design, the frames are movable and it is opened at the top. Langstroth hives are the most common in the United States. England, France, Germany, and Scotland have found ways to create their own versions of the Langstroth movable hive, changing different aspects of the hive design to match the characteristics of the bees in their respective areas.

To build your own beehive, see these beehive plans.

The chemicals use for non-organic vegetable cultivation are not the kind of thing you want to be feeding your family. But what's are the options? Organically grown vegetables are expensive, and you never really know if they are truly organically certified. And isn't growing organic vegetables time consuming? Not according to Jonothan White, Environmental Scientist, Horticulturalist and author of Food for Wealth.

Jonathon's guide to growing organic vegetables will show you how to build and maintain a high yield veggie patch with as little as 8 hours maintenance per year.

Enough dreaming, before you can taste your own succulent home grown honey or even keep your own bees, you need to build your own beehive.

Beekeeping is literally as old as the Egyptians with records of domestic beekeeping going back to around 2500 BC. Beehive design has come a long way since then too with the invention of the moveable comb hive in the 18th century.

Beehive design has continued to improve with innovations continuing in the 20th century. You can even download the best beehive plans and build your own hive.

Designed and built by professional beekeepers, these DIY beehive plans will have you keeping your own honey bees in no time.

Sustainable building is a method of reducing the total resource and energy usage of a structure as much as possible. This means considering the impact of everything involved, not just tacking some solar panels onto an existing building. This doesn't necessarily mean new construction: Many of these techniques can be applied to existing homes.

A sustainable home will have the following:

Materials that are recycled, locally sourced, use little energy to produce, or a combination of the three.

Passive technologies that reduce the need for resources like electricity and water.

Active technologies that help replace unsustainable resources.

Interior design which maximized the use of space, making smaller homes more livable. A smaller home has a smaller footprint.

Remember: Using sustainable building techniques is about making the home uncomfortable, it's about keeping it comfortable while using fewer resources.

What can I do to make a home sustainable?

Southern exposure - If you are looking for a place to put a house, having the front face the south will lower the building's exposure to heat. Awning-shaded windows will block the sun in the summer, but allow it to heat the house when it passes lower in the sky during the winter.

Cool roof - Everyone knows that lighter colors reflect more light and heat, yet few consider that by choosing a lighter colored roof they can decrease their air conditioning usage.

Insulation - In older homes, insulation was only placed between wall beams. Fully sealing the wall interiors will greatly increase the effectiveness of insulation. Argon-filled double pane windows also increase insulation, and some companies can even rebuild old wooden frames to use this glass.

Thermal mass - This catch-all term covers any large mass that takes a while to heat or cool. Underground homes and earthships use large quantities as dirt as an insulator, while clay tiles can absorb sunlight through open windows to be released during the night.

Scavenged hardware - Repurposed wood may be trendy, but it can be difficult to track down for a specific project. It is now common practice to remove light fixtures, knobs, and other pieces from older houses that are being torn down. Reusing these doesn't require the energy needed to make new pieces, and it gives the house a unique look.

Lighting - Compact fluorescents may be standard soon, but LEDs use about half the electricity of CFLs and has an extremely long lifespan.

Rain collection - “Gray” water may not be fit for drinking, but it’s great for watering plants. This can be as simple as having gutters drain into a barrel.

For even more information on how to make your home sustainable, why not request a home sustainability assessment?

They will give you specific advice on inexpensive adjustments you can utilize, making your home more comfortable, saving you money, and improving the environment. A helpful, qualified expert can give you information about the most advanced and affordable environmental enhancements your home can use, like photovoltaic panels and hot water heaters that are solar powered. They are knowledgeable regarding energy, cooling, heating, and water use.

Personal Habits do Effect the Environment

Most of us do not realize the daily habits we have that significantly effect the environment. Individuals in their homes consume one third of all the energy used in Australia. Now, people do not have to give up all the comforts of life in order to live for the earth's ecosystem. Still, just the water used in normal toilets is phenomenal. One third of the water used in the country goes down the toilet. Another thing that happens every day is that each person disposes about 1.8 kilos of waste and garbage. Households yearly dispose of at least 39 kilos of plastic products. Then, think about the landfills where garbage just sits for an average of thirty years without decomposing.

The shocking truth is that about 84% of the items thrown away at home are recyclable. For instance, seventeen trees are saved for every ton of paper recycled. Next, recycling aluminium cans uses about 90% less energy than to manufacture new ones.

Benefits for You

A brief visit by the certified expert can show you easy, effective and affordable ways to better your life and make your home more snug and energy efficient. Working for green living by enhancing the home's effect on the environment helps you do three things: do something to better your environment, save yourself money and add to your home's worth and value.

For more information, visit Green Homes Sustainability Assessments.

For the new homeowner, figuring out where to turn for services in installing a solar water heater for the property can be a potentially daunting prospect. An individual is faced with such questions as, 'How legitimate is this company I am looking at?' or 'How can I be sure that the job will be done right?'. The answer to these two questions is actually quite simple. Allow 'FindSolar.com.au' to help you find the best professional solar hot water heater installer for your situation.

FindSolar has taken care of the most difficult aspects of locating a good company for the job by personally undertaking a reviewal process on all local businesses that specify services in solar water heater installation. On the customer's end, this eliminates the issue of having to look up, research, review and even price search on various companies. The easy-to-use directory format on the FindSolar home page makes locating local solar hot water installers far more convenient and less time consuming for the user while bringing the best results to your fingertips in the blink of an eye.

Simply explore the directory list that is provided to the user on FindSolar's home page. Along with a small description of a company's services, the information provided on a business profile will include a telephone number, physical address and visual map location. Another great advantage that places FindSolar at the top of its field is the easily accessible search bar option. The search bar is located on the top right corner of the site's home page. If one does not immediately see what they are looking for on the home page, they must simply key in their preferred location to bring up the desired results. If a user desires additional help in their search, there is also a FindSolar contact form available to them for use.

Photo by Seattle.Mushroamer

The easiest part to the project is – surprisingly perhaps – installing the solar collector and ensuring that it functions correctly. The solar collector is usually a large tub that is painted black on the outside, in order to easily absorb heat and therefore heat the water that it contains. It should also include insulation inside, which will prevent the heat from escaping once it has been trapped.

As well as this simple design, it is also possible to purchase a flat collector, which is more expensive but will work far more efficiently. The difference between the two is that instead of a tub of water, the flat design has pipes going through it that are filled with water. This allows a far greater amount of water to be exposed to the heat and therefore to heat up far more quickly.

Deciding on the placement of the collector is probably the most vital decision that a person can make, as it must be positioned perfectly to extract the maximum amount of use from it. As the collector needs to be privy to as much solar energy as possible, it is best to place it on a part of the roof that constantly receives sunlight throughout the day, with the most normal place for this being south facing.

This placement of the collector needs to be balanced with the distance that it is from the boiler though, as the water will lose heat as it travels through the plumbing system. This means that the closer it is to the boiler, the hotter the water will be when it reaches it. Working out the optimum place can be a somewhat laborious process, but it is essential that the right balance is found.

Once the catcher has been placed, the only step left is to connect it to the plumbing system, which is probably the most difficult part of the job. Plenty of time should be allowed for this as there are many different pipes and joints that will need to be played with. If in doubt an experienced plumber will be able to easily sort this issue out for the homeowner.

After the pipes are connected, the system is ready. Any person with this system in their home will be amazed at how well it functions, as well as being equally amazed regarding the amount of money it can save.

The app contains 214 entries for various categories of produce, including categories beyond fruits and vegetables such as herbs, mushrooms, nuts, and salad leaves. Information includes local growing season, import season and the growing seasons for other areas of the world, a picture of the produce, and a short blurb of background information that can be used to search for more in depth information if the user desires more.

When planning the produce shopping, users can utilize search tools and browsing options to locate the freshest options to put on the table. Consumers seeking fresh local food can provide a boost to the local economy and improve their own daily health and living with consumption of the fresher and healthier local options. To make finding the fresh picks even easier, a map tool provides graphical information about the location of farmers' markets in the user's vicinity. Creators of the app have gathered this local information in Australia and the United States through information gathered from the Australian Farmers Market Association, Local Food Advisor, Qype, and the United States Department of Agriculture.

Other changes with the latest version of Seasons include localized Spanish language options, support for Retina display, and new entries for 43 products. To locate the newest version of this iPhone app, simply search in the "Lifestyle" category or search directly for "Seasons." For users wishing to reconnect with nature, support the local agricultural centers, stimulate the local economy, eat fresh produce, or simply know where produce originates before it hits the table, this app can satisfy all of those cravings.

Seasonal iPhone App.

Since the plants and fish have a symbiotic relationship, this process happens over and over. Although this method of raising fish dates as far back as the height of the Aztec civilization, when it was used as a form of agriculture, aquaponics as we know it today is still in its early stages. Gaining popularity in urban areas, it’s a new way to “go green.”

The benefits of aquaponics are numerous. It’s excellent for creating food at home. Not only do you save money by raising the fish yourself, but this method also only needs 10%–20% of the water than what’s needed for most other growing methods.

If you’re environmentally-responsible, then there’s the bonus that water is always being reused and recycled. It’s a good way to grow fish for people that don’t have a lot of land, such as city folk. Because aquaponics doesn’t require cropland, these systems are relatively easy to maintain. You don’t have to do much cleaning and the ongoing garden expenses are low.

Other advantages are the decrease in diseases that typically trouble aquacultural systems and the organic fertilization of plants. Microbes and insects change fish feces into humus, which becomes soil. This soil, of course, can then be used to grow organic vegetables. The resulting food is natural and healthy. You get to reduce your carbon footprint, and you won’t need to drive as often to get food if you’re growing it at home. With this sustainable process, aquaponics doesn’t need as many resources as traditional farming after the initial cost of equipment.

So, how do you find and use an aquaponics system? There are a number of sites that sell kits online and guides. We recommend you check out the Aquaponics 4 You guide.

You can also call your local gardening supplies store to see if they sell aquaponics supplies, and ask the clerk for advice. For beginners, it’s been recommended that you set up a medium-fill grow bed in your backyard. Be sure to research how much space you’ll need before making any purchases, as the kits have a range of materials and sizes.

Find out more about the Aquaponics 4 You guide.