Decorating Your Workplace for Christmas

When it pertains Christmas decorations, there are numerous who only decorate their homes, but there are other people who wish to do more. If you're one of those people, there's a good chance that you may be interested in decorating your workplace for Christmas. If you're interested in decorating your workplace or even just your workspace, you'll find that there are a number of different ways that you can go about doing so; ways that can help you find affordable Christmas decorations or the ones that look the best.

 

Before you are able to begin to familiarize yourself with simple and low-cost ways to decorate your workplace for Christmas, you may prefer to keep a number of important things in mind. One of those things is the fact that not everybody celebrates Christmas as a holiday. There are some people who opt not to celebrate Christmas on their own, but there are other people who are following the views and beliefs of their religion. Since there's a good chance that you may be working with somebody who doesn't celebrate Christmas, you may want to ask your supervisors or your other employees before you begin decorating, even if you're only decorating your own personal workspace.

 

Although there's a good chance that you may be shopping for Christmas decorations on a budget, there's also a chance that cost may not be a concern of yours. If you're looking to have the best decorated workspace in your building, you may be shopping for beautiful, elegant, or trendy Christmas decorations. If that is the case, you may want to think about shopping at a local specialty Christmas shop or online. These browsing methods will likely give you the biggest selection of Christmas decorations to choose from. They may cost a little bit more, but they're almost always worth the price. Whether you're looking for porcelain or ceramic Christmas figurines, tabletop fiber optic Christmas decorations, or small Christmas trees that you could decorate, you should be able to find what you're looking for online or at a specialty Christmas shop.

 

As mentioned above, it was advised that you speak to your coworkers and supervisors before you decorate for Christmas. Even if you know of somebody in your workplace who doesn't celebrate Christmas you are able to still decorate your workspace for Christmas; however, you'll need to take a little bit different of an approach. Instead of decorating your workspace or workplace with Christmas decorations that symbolize Christmas, such as decorations that have Christmas trees, Santa, or reindeers on them, you could take a simpler approach. Simply by purchasing a red and green tablecloth for your desk or an artificial bouquet of red and green flowers, you could still bring the holiday spirit into your workplace, without having to worry about offending one of your coworkers.

 

By keeping the above-mentioned points in mind, you should easily be able to decorate your workplace or workspace for Christmas, no matter what you had in mind. Christmas season is all about sharing, giving, and spreading the holiday joy, so, if you want, start spreading that joy to your coworkers today!

 

Decorating Your Home with Elegant Christmas Decorations

Each year, millions of Americans grace their homes for the approaching holiday season, namely Christmas. Are you one of those people? If so, which type of Christmas decorations do you plan on using? While you might not necessarily think that there's a difference in Christmas decorations, there is. This difference is often the overall quality, also as the design. If you have yet to start decorating for Christmas, you may want to think of decorating your home with elegant Christmas decorations, you'll find that there will be a number of benefits to doing so. 

 

Also, the appearance of elegant Christmas decorations, you'll also find that their price is quite different. In most cases, you'll find that elegant Christmas decorations cost more than most traditional decorations. Aside from the better quality, you will find that this has to do with where the decorations can be purchased from. Most elegant Christmas decorations can be purchased online, from specialty retailers, or from specialty Christmas stores. These retailers are almost always priced higher than most others. One of the reasons for that is because most elegant Christmas decorations are handcrafted. A large amount of time, skill, and money go into creating handcrafted Christmas decorations; thus the increase in costs. 

 

Now that you know what elegant Christmas decorations are and where they can be purchased from, you are able to begin to start focusing on the benefits of using them to decorate your home. Perhaps, the greatest benefit of using elegant Christmas decorations to decorate your home is the feel that will be created. As you likely assumed, elegant Christmas decorations tend to create an elegant feel or environment. If you take great pride in your home, especially the design and cleanliness of it, you may also be proud with the results created by elegant Christmas decorations, as your guests will likely be as well.

 

Despite the fact that we often associate Christmas decorations with personal home use, that is not their only purpose. If you're planning having a Christmas party or dinner in your home, you and all of your guests can greatly benefit from having elegant Christmas decorations, especially if your party or dinner will be elegant or formal in nature. It's no secret that decorations are the key to any party. The decorations that you use will likely have an impact on the mood of your party; thus, if formal and elegant is what you were trying for, elegant Christmas decorations may do just the trick.

 

Although there are a number of benefits to decorating for Christmas with elegant Christmas decorations, you do not have to. Since your home is your home, your own individual space, you're advised to decorate with what makes you feel the most comfortable. If elegant Christmas decorations are that then great, but if they're not, you have a limitless number of other Christmas decorations to choose form.

Decorating for Christmas: Your Buying Options

As the holiday season comes around, many people start getting into the holiday spirit. One of the many ways that you may do this is by decorating your home for Christmas. If you're interested in decorating for Christmas, you'll need Christmas decorations. If you have yet to purchase your Christmas decorations, do you know where you are able to get them? Despite what you may believe, there are actually an unlimited number of places where you are able to buy Christmas decorations from.

 

When it comes to buying Christmas decorations, many people head to their local department store. Shopping at one of your local department stores for Christmas decorations is a good way to save time and sometimes even money. What is nice about department stores, as you likely already know, is that they carry a wide range of products. This means that you are able to combine your Christmas decorating shopping with your other weekly errands; thus, saving you time. You'll also find that most department stores have their Christmas decorations reasonably priced.

 

While it's nice to shop for Christmas decorations at your local department store, you have a number of other options; options that you may not have considered before. One of those options is getting your Christmas decorations from one of your local dollar stores. Regrettably, when it concerns dollar stores, many shoppers mistakenly believe that the items found inside dollar stores are poor in quality and not worth their time. The fact is that this isn't always true. You are able to easily find a number of quality Christmas decorations, at an affordable price, at dollar stores. 

 

If you would like to have access to a wide selection of Christmas decorations, but you don't have access to a local Christmas store, you're advised to give online shopping some thought. Online, you should be able to find a collection of retailers who specialize in selling Christmas decorations, maybe even handcrafted Christmas decorations. What is nice about shopping online is that you are able to easily shop for a particular type of Christmas decoration or you are able to shop affordably, the choice is yours to make. Maybe the easiest way to find Christmas decorations online is by performing a standard internet search. 

 

Christmas decorations are an important part of the holiday. That's why you're urged to decorate your home for Christmas. Whether you choose to shop online, at a specialty Christmas store, department store, discount store, or dollar store, you're sure to find the decorations that you need to bring the Christmas spirit into your home.

Decorating for Christmas: Using What You Already Have Inside Your Home

Are you planning on becoming one the millions of Americans who decorate their houses for Christmas? If so, where do you plan on getting your Christmas decorations from? When it comes to Christmas decorations, there are many people who choose to buy new Christmas decorations annually. While it's nice to have new Christmas decorations every year, you may not have or want to spend the additional money. If so, you're lucky because there are a number of different ways that you can go about decorating your home for Christmas by using the things that can already be found inside your home.

 

When it concerns using the items that you already have inside your home, to create Christmas decorations, you'll, in a way, be creating your own decorations. You are able to do this by taking items that you already have, such as a bowl, and adding other items that you may already have inside your home, such as artificial flowers or something similar, to create a Christmas decoration. One of the many advantages to doing this is the fact that you can save yourself a fairly large amount of money. While it's possible to purchase Christmas decorations for an affordable price, it can get quite expensive. That is why you may want to think about decorating your home for Christmas with the items that can already be found inside of it.

 

Above, a bowl and artificial flowers was used as an example of how you can create your own Christmas decorations. That example was just a couple of the many that exist. You can also use candleholders to create your own Christmas themed centerpieces. Also, table centerpieces, Christmas pictures and drawings are also commonly used as Christmas decorations. If you have paper, colored pencils, markers, or even crayons inside your home, you could easily create your own Christmas pictures. If you own a collection of picture frames, you could easily turn your Christmas picture or drawing into a framed work of art; a work of art that may look well displayed in your bathroom, the living room, or even the entrance to your home.

 

There's a great chance that you may already have Christmas decorations inside your home, from previous years. If this is the case, you may want to think about using the same Christmas decorations again. If you would like to spice things up a little, you can easily rearrange the decorations and how they're displayed in your home to prevent them from looking the same as before. You may also prefer to alter the decorations that you have. You are able to easily do this by adding a Christmas bow to a wreath and so forth. 

 

Why spend money on new Christmas decorations if you do not have to, especially if you don't have the additional money to spend? By keeping the above-named points in mind, you could easily save your money for something better, such as your Christmas dinner or Christmas gifts for your friends and loved ones.

Christmas Tree Themes: Are They Really Worth It?

Before you are able to start to determine whether or not it would be worth it for you to decorate your Christmas tree with a theme, it's important to note that different people have different views on themes. There are several Christmas tree owners that choose to theme their Christmas trees by having everything a special color. For example, there are a few who decide to have a white Christmas tree with gold and red decorations. All of the decorations typically match. While many take this easy approach, there are other people who take it a step further. There are some parents who tend to focus their Christmas tree theme around an animated cartoon character or something else that their children enjoy. The decorations used are all typically associated in one way or another.

 

The type of theme that you would like to use, if you choose to use one, will help to determine whether or not you should go through the hassle of decorating your Christmas tree with a particular theme. For instance, it was mentioned above that many just theme their Christmas trees with a particular set of colors. While this can still be difficult to do, it's one of the easier ways to have a Christmas tree theme, especially if the colors are traditional holiday colors. Anything different and you may spend days or even weeks looking for Christmas tree decorations; Christmas tree decorations that may be more than you're willing to pay for. So, if you're interested in decorating your Christmas tree with a theme, but without having to go through all of the hassle, you're advised to take the simplest approach. 

 

If you do decide to decorate your Christmas tree with a special theme, you may want to think about shopping for your Christmas tree decorations early. Around the months of October and November, the majority of individuals start shopping for Christmas decorations. When this occurs, the selection of decorations available drastically decreases. When you want to theme your Christmas tree, there's a good chance that you'll want certain types of Christmas tree decorations, such as lights and ornaments. If you want to be sure that you get exactly the Christmas tree decorations that you were looking for, you're advised to start purchasing Christmas decorations as soon as they become available or as soon as you make the decision do decorate your Christmas tree a certain way.

 

Also, everything that was mentioned above, it's also important to examine the time that it will take to theme a Christmas tree. When it comes to themed Christmas trees, most tree owners want to get their Christmas trees exactly as they envisioned it in their minds. Regrettably, that can take a lot of time and experimenting. It does not mean that you shouldn’t theme your Christmas tree this year, it just means that you many want to examine whether or not you really have the time to do so.

Getting Comfy: Temperature, Touch, Sound & Scent

It’s time for bed and you’re ready to get comfy and drift off to sleep. The more conductive you can make your bed and your bedroom to sleeping, the easier it will be to rest and actually fall asleep. Let’s talk about a few simple things you can do to create a better sleep environment. 

 

One of the easiest things to change and improve for most of us is the temperature. It’s easier to sleep at cooler temperatures. Turn down your central heat or air down a degree or two when you head to bed. Make sure you’re dressed appropriately. Light pajamas when it’s warm and a blanket that will keep you warm enough, but not sweating in the middle of the night. If it’s cool outside, consider opening the windows for a bit before you go to bed to let some fresh air into the room, or consider sleeping with the window cracked open. There’s something about it that makes for a restful night. Of course you should ignore this advice if you have allergies and fresh air causes you to sneeze or gives you a stuffy nose. 

 

Next, let’s think about touch. What makes you comfortable? Is it the sleek cool feel of satin sheets? The comfort of flannel and a heavy quilt on top of you? How about soft cotton that you can wrap up in? Find your perfect sheets and bedding. Don’t forget about what you are wearing to bed. The clothes should be comfortable, because when you are, it's easier to fall asleep and you’ll sleep deeper. 

 

If you’re having trouble falling asleep because the slightest noise from outside alerts you or you can’t shut off your mind, give white or brown noise a try. Turn on a fan, play some soft sounds, or try a bedtime meditation. There are plenty of options out there. The sound can be soothing and it will cover up anything going on outside that keeps you from drifting off to sleep. 

 

Last but not least, there are calming scents that will help slow down your body and mind when it’s time to go to sleep. Light a scented candle for a little while or diffuse some oils. Lavender has long been a favorite at bedtime. You can even create a fun linen spray by combining distilled water with a few drops of lavender oil. Spritz it on your sheets and your pillow before bed. The aroma will carry you off to dreamland in no time. 

 

Don’t be afraid to play around with any of these suggestions. Come up with what works for you and create your very own bedtime routine. 

Why You Should Ban Screens From Your Bedroom

You know it’s better to avoid using your phone or tablet in the hours before you go to bed. I hope you’re making strides towards putting your phone away at night, but I would like to suggest taking it a step further and banning all screens from your bedroom. Instead, make it a sanctuary designed for sleep and maybe another bedroom activity. 

 

There are some very good reasons why you should keep screens out of your bedroom. First, let’s talk about what type of screens. The obvious one is a TV or computer. Unless there is no other way, keep them out of your bedroom. If you need to have a computer in there because the bedroom is also your home office, power everything off and unplug it before bedtime. There will be no blinking lights or fans coming on that could disrupt your much deserved rest. You also won’t be tempted to sneak one last check of email or to turn on the TV to catch up on your favorite TV show when you should be sleeping. 

 

Of course, keeping your smartphone on your bedside table can cause much of the same problem. Even if you silence your phone, there’s a good chance it will blink or the screen will light up in the night. And if nothing else, you’ll be tempted to check what time it is or if you’ve gotten any messages if and when you wake up in the middle of the night. Having your phone within arm’s reach makes it too tempting to turn it on. This in turn will not only flood your eyes with intense light that mimics sunlight. It also gets your brain going when you see a few email subject lines or alerts on the screen. Both will make it much harder to fall back asleep. 

 

What if you need your phone because you use it as an alarm clock? Simple. Buy an old-fashioned alarm clock and leave your phone in the kitchen or living room. It can charge there without you, trust me. One of the best things you can do for a better night's sleep is to stop looking at your phone an hour or two before bed. And don’t even think about replacing it with a tablet or e-reader. 

 

One of the big problems with any type of screen is something I alluded to earlier. Screens put off a type of blue light that when it hits the back of your eyes, tricks the brain into thinking it’s daytime instead of night time. Filters and blue-light blocking glasses can help some, but it’s best to avoid using them late at night and definitely if you wake up in the middle of the night. Try it and see for yourself how much of a difference it makes. 

Tips for Buying Used or Discount Solar Panel

One of the main drawbacks of solar panels is their cost. Recouping their cost can often take as long as twenty years. That means that you'll essentially have earned zero profit in twenty years - you only start saving money from that point forward.

 

Instead of buying retail-priced solar panels, a great way to get more bang for your buck is to invest in used or discount solar panels instead.

 

Here are a few tips for finding and acquiring below retail rate solar panels.

 

Talk to Realtors in High Net Worth Areas

 

Look for areas where there are many homes with solar panels. If you can find homes for sale that have solar panels on them, so much the better. But even if you can't, talk to realtors in the area anyway.

 

Make them an offer to purchase any solar panel that's on a property they're trying to sell. Realtors often find that prospective buyers don't want solar panels on their home because of aesthetic reasons, or they just don't want the extra cost.

 

It's a burden on selling a home, which means it can often convert into prime opportunity for buying a cheap panel.

 

Look for Out-of-Date Models

 

Another method for finding used solar panels is to contact manufacturers and distributors directly and ask for older models of their products.

 

Often times when a manufacturer updates their product line, they'll try to sell off all their old products at discount prices.

 

In fact, if you can find a distributor or manufacturer who still has solar panels from two models back, chances are you'll be able to get a steep discount on those solar panels.

 

Join a Discount Buying Group

 

Buying just one set of solar panels can be quite expensive. However, if you're buying ten to twenty sets of solar panels, you can get a much better deal.

 

Naturally, you're not going to buy that many solar panels on your own. However, if you join a solar panel buying group, you can often buy these panels together instead and get a nice discount off the price.

 

Always Get the Panel Tested

 

Before you pay for a used or discount solar panel, make sure you have a trained professional test it out. Often times the manufacturer or installer will be happy to administer the test for you for free.

 

Also check the solar panels for any clear damage. Check both the front and the back of the solar panels. In some panels, damage to the back is actually much more important than damage to the front, so don't make the mistake of only checking the front panels.

 

Seriously consider buying a warranty for any used or discounted solar panels.

 

Finding discounted or used solar panels isn't as easy as buying retail, but you can save a lot of money doing so.

The Benefits of Energy-Efficient LEDs

Did you know that lighting costs account for about 25% of the average American's energy bill? That cost, when multiplied over a year, becomes an astronomical figure.

 

CFL and LED light bulbs have helped change that. Using energy saving technology, you can reduce your energy bill by 1/3rd to 1/25th of your original lighting costs.

 

Though LED lights used to be incredibly expensive, breakthroughs over the last few years have brought their cost down dramatically. Today, they're a better value than both CFL and everyday light bulbs.

 

Here are some of the many benefits of energy-efficient LEDs.

 

Generates Twenty Times Less Heat

 

Heat energy is dissipated from an average light bulb. That heat energy uses up electricity to generate itself, energy that you're paying for.

 

In addition, many Americans then have to spend even more electricity to cool their homes in part because of the heat generated from light bulbs.

 

LEDs on the other hand generate almost no heat - twenty times less than a standard light bulb.

 

Much Longer Lasting 

 

A regular light bulb works by heating up a filament in an oxygen-free environment. Unfortunately, the light bulb dies when the filament burns out.

 

An LED light on the other hand has no filament. As a result, they last much longer.

 

A good LED light can last as much as ten times longer than the average light bulb.

 

Reduced Lifetime Costs

 

The standard light bulb costs five to ten times more in energy than its upfront costs. 

 

An LED light on the other hand costs more upfront, but conserves a lot more energy in the long run.

 

In terms of total dollars invested over its lifetime, LED lights are better value than standard light bulbs and CFL light bulbs.

 

Better for the Environment

 

Standard light bulbs are terrible for the environment because mercury is used in the manufacturing process.

 

The chemical waste problem is compounded by the sheer volume of light bulbs that need to be produced. 

 

Because standard light bulbs burn out so often and need to be replaced, the waste the standard household produces is astronomical.

 

LED lights are much better for the environment, because no mercury is used in the production process. You also need to replace them much less often, which means less waste.

 

These are some of the many benefits of energy-efficient LEDs. Replacing the light bulbs in your home is as easy as noting the wattage and going down to your local hardware store to buy LED lights. 

 

There are quite a few choices you can choose from. You can get diffused bulbs, which take the concentrated light and turn it into a more spread out kind of light. You can get high power diffused, which are similar to 100 watt standard bulbs. You can also get them in track lighting, spotlight and floodlight forms.

Simple Improvements for a Greener Home

Want to make your home greener without having to spend too much time and energy on it? There are a few simple things you can do that'll make your home more green literally overnight with very little effort.

 

Here are a few simple improvements you can make for a greener home.

 

Invest in Auto-Off Lights

 

Getting a light switch system that automatically turns off is a great way to save energy and help the environment.

 

This is an especially good idea if you have a hard time remembering to turn off the light or have children who aren't in the habit of turning the lights off.

 

Purchase Energy Saving Light Bulbs

 

Energy saving light bulbs use much less energy than the typical light bulb. They generate less heat and produce just as much light as your typical light bulb.

 

Yes, they are slightly more expensive than a run-of-the-mill light bulb. However, if you care about going green, this is a really simple way to do so.

 

Water Conserving Shower Heads

 

Water conserving shower heads are very affordable, easy to install and can help you save a lot of money on your water bills.

 

Essentially what they do is inject air inside the streams of water. It still feels like you're getting a full blast of water on your body when you shower, but you're actually using a lot less water.

 

Improve Your House's Insulation

 

Improving your home's insulation can save you a lot of energy in the long run. It might take a bit of upfront investment, but it'll easily pay for itself.

 

Insulation will help you keep the heat in during winter and the heat out in summer. It'll help you reduce both your air conditioning and heating bills.

 

Different kinds of homes and different climates work best with different kinds of insulation. Talk to a local expert to figure out your exact cost to benefit ratio.

 

Use Green Products Wherever Possible

 

There are many places you can opt to go green in your house. You can buy green dishwashing soap instead of commercial detergents. You can buy organic soap in your local Whole Foods instead of mass produced soap.

 

You can buy biodegradable plastics instead of plastics that clog up landfills. You can buy products made from recyclable products or which are themselves recyclable instead of products that contribute to our unsustainable waste growth.

 

These are just some of the many ways you can go green. Just about every room in your house can benefit from going green. Often times going green means not only helping the environment, but also saving money. It takes a little bit of effort in the beginning to set up your home properly, but the rewards more than justify the effort.

Reducing Household Waste and Helping the Environment

Reducing household waste is everyone's responsibility. By reducing waste, you'll reduce your environmental impact, influence the people around you to do the same and improve the planet as a whole.

 

Here are a few ways you can quickly cut down your household waste.

 

Compost Instead of Throwing Out Foods

 

Did you know that compostable foods account for as much as 25% of our solid waste?

 

Instead of throwing away those carrot peels and orange peels, learn to compost them. It's not difficult. All you need to do is save up your compostable foods in a separate bin, then throw them into the dirt to compost.

 

It'll enrich your soil while simultaneously reducing your waste.

 

Bring Your Own Bags and Cups

 

Whenever you go shopping, bring your own bag(s) to avoid having to use a plastic bag. If you get your whole family in the habit of doing this, you'll save over a hundred plastic bags per year.

 

When you go out for coffee, make it a habit to bring your own cup. Often times coffee shops will even give you a discount or a larger portion if you bring your own cup.

 

If you swing by Starbucks every morning, that's 30 cups a month, 365 cups a year that you're saving the environment.

 

Buy Recyclable and Recycle

 

Check to see if the products you're buying are made out of recyclable materials before you buy them. If there's a choice between buying recyclable and non-recyclable, go with the recyclable materials every time.

 

Set up your own recycling bin and make sure your neighborhood recycles. If they don't, see what you can do about getting a recycling program set up.

 

Buy Whole Foods

 

Instead of buying pre-packaged foods, opt to buy whole foods instead.

 

For example, instead of buying canned tomatoes, buy whole tomatoes. You instantly save yourself a can.

 

Avoid canned fish, pre-packaged mushrooms, fruit packages, etc. and opt for their whole food counterparts instead.

 

Donate or Sell Old Stuff

 

Instead of throwing out things that have been collecting dust, make it a habit of donating them or selling them off.

 

Something that you might have no interest in anymore may be worth something to someone else at a garage sale or on eBay. 

 

If you have things that aren't really suitable for sale, donate them to Goodwill or your local charity instead.

 

Buy in Large Quantities

 

A lot of things in the household will take less packaging if you buy in larger quantities.

 

For example, instead of buying many containers of small detergent boxes, buy one big box.

 

Whenever you see a choice between buying bigger or smaller, try to pick the bigger (provided that you will eventually use it all). You'll also usually be paying less per ounce.

 

These are a few of the many ways you can reduce your household waste and help the environment. Remember: the environment is everyone's responsibility. By reducing your waste, you're doing your part to help the planet.

Passive Solar Windows for Different Climates

Passive solar windows are a one-time investment that can help you save energy over a long period of time. During summer, it can help keep the heat out and the cool in. During winter, it can help keep the heat in and maximize the heating rays of the sun.

 

Different climates means that people need to position and install their windows differently to take advantage of solar windows' various properties.

 

Passive Solar Windows for Hot and Sunny Climates

 

In hot and sunny climates, glazed windows should be installed towards the south of the house.

 

This allows the windows to collect heat when the sun is low in the sky during the day. That means the heat won't overheat by allowing the sun's rays into the house during peak hours.

 

You can also use a number of shielding devices such as awnings or overhangs to prevent overheating during summer.

 

Other windows in the house can still be installed, but they should have a shade or glaze installed so they let less light into the house. Having north facing windows in a hot and sunny climate can lead to overheating.

 

Passive Solar Windows for Cool Climates

 

There are two main strategies for heating up a home with passive solar windows in cold climates: trombe walls and using a greenhouse methodology.

 

A trombe wall is a big wall, usually painted black, which allows you to absorb heat into the house without heat leaking out.

 

The main concern with using a big window is that while the sun's rays can come into the home and heat up the air, the glass conducts heat so well that it can all escape back through the glass.

 

The trombe wall solves this issue by trapping the heated air between the glass and the trombe wall, then circulating it into the house before the heat has a chance to escape through the glass. 

 

The greenhouse approach uses similar technology to a greenhouse to keep heated air in the house. You use a large number of windows to let the sun's rays into your house, then you use a controlled timer to circulate the air within your house in a way that optimizes the heat and reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the same glass windows that let the heat in.

 

Are Passive Solar Windows for You?

 

Passive solar windows can work for both hot and cold climates, whether there's a lot of sun or just a little bit of sun.

 

To determine whether or not your home qualifies for passive solar windows, talk to an environmental contractor in your area. Make sure you get several different opinions to get a definitive sense of whether or not it's worth the investment.

Making Green Energy Affordable: Steps towards the Future

Making green energy affordable and scalable is going to be one of the most important topics of the next century. Fossil fuels will run out - it's only a matter of time - and we need to be prepared for that eventuality when it happens.

 

How do we make green energy affordable? Let's take a look at the primary challenges, possible solutions and what you personally can do to help.

 

The Primary Challenges

 

The primary challenge of green energy is its cost. At the moment, energy invested into green sources yields a return that's anywhere between three to ten times more expensive than fossil fuels.

 

That's why there's so much more money to be made in fossil fuels than green energy. The return on capital is much higher.

 

The intermittent nature of green energy is also a big challenge. For example, wind doesn't always blow and the sun doesn't always shine, making wind and solar power difficult to handle consistently.

 

In order for wind and solar power to be competitive, there needs to be significant breakthroughs in battery technology, both in price and in storage capabilities.

 

Working Towards a Solution

 

How does one overcome these challenges?

 

Green energy venture capitalist Vinod Khosla has looked at the issue as a matter of experimentation. 

 

In order to make green energy scalable, a new technology that's as profitable (or close to as profitable) as fossil fuels and coal needs to be discovered.

 

As long as green energy is only profitable when subsidized by governments, it won't take off to the scale of fossil fuels. The reason fossil fuels is such a huge industry is because so much money can be poured into it profitably. In order for green energy to get the same amount of investment, it needs to offer the same level of profitability.

 

Khosla views getting green energy to that level as a matter of stepping up to the plate and doing as many ambitious experiments as possible. 

 

The assumption is that nine out of ten experiments will fail and only one will succeed. But the one that succeeds can have a big impact on the planet. 

 

What Can You Personally Do?

 

Chances are, you're not a banker or scientist who's actively working in the green energy industry. How can you personally help progress our future?

 

There are a couple things you can do.

 

The first is to get involved in local politics to get more green energy subsidies. Yes, it's true that energy subsidies are not a scalable way to grow green energy. 

 

However, the more money the green energy earns as a whole, the more money they'll have to experiment with. Subsidies might not be scalable, but they'll help companies get themselves to scalability.

 

Another thing you can do is to vote with your wallet. Buy energy-saving light bulbs, invest in home solar panels and buy a hybrid car rather than a gas guzzler.

 

Getting our planet to a green future doesn't happen overnight. It'll take major breakthroughs, but it'll also take a collective effort on all of our parts.

Energy-Efficient Roofs: Things to Consider

Energy-efficient roofs are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, keep your home cool and save energy all at once. If your roof is getting to the point where it needs to be maintained anyway, getting energy-efficient roofing could turn out to be a lucrative investment.

 

Here are a few things to consider when you're getting energy-efficient roofs.

 

Rebates and Tax Cuts

 

At the moment, PG&E is offering a $200 rebate for every 1,000 square foot of energy-efficient roof installations. Various states also offer tax breaks. 

 

You may also qualify for the Energy Efficient Tax Breaks with energy-efficient roofing.

 

The tax incentives vary from state to state. If you're on a different utility provider, talk to them about potential rebates. These can go a long way towards offsetting the cost of the roofing.

 

The Different Types of Energy: Efficient Roofs

 

There are a few different common types of energy-efficient roofs.

 

First you have metal roofing. These metal roofs are reflective and will divert the sun's rays from your house, effectively cooling your home without taking up any energy.

 

They're also extremely durable and can survive even in harsh weather conditions.

 

Next you have clay tiling. Clay tiles aren't as reflective as metal, but a special coating can be added to increase their heat reflecting capabilities.

 

Often times clay tiles can be made in a sustainable manner to help reduce your environmental footprint even further.

 

Finally you have membranes. Membrane installation is much easier than the other types and can even be done without a contractor. Unfortunately, the material is much more expensive than other types.

 

Membranes are often used on commercial buildings rather than residential buildings.

 

The Process of Getting Energy: Efficient Roofs

 

The best way to get top-notch energy-efficient roofs at a good price is to talk to several contractors before making your decision.

 

Get at least three different bids for the job before you make your pick. Make sure you talk to the contractor about what roof type will work best for your house.

 

Do you get the sense that this contractor is really knowledgeable about their craft? Remember, doing a roof is a big project. Only hire someone that you really feel you can trust.

 

Try to negotiate a per-job rate rather than a per-hour rate. Per-hour projects almost always go over budget.

 

Energy-Efficient Roofs: Wrap Up

 

In summary, getting energy-efficient roofs can be a great way to help conserve energy and save money. There is a significant upfront investment, but it'll more than pay for itself in the long run. This is especially true if your roofing needs to be replaced anyway. If you're getting a new roof, seriously consider making the extra investment to help your planet and conserve energy.