We spend 90 percent of our lives indoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. A typical day can include traveling from home to work and back home again with a few periodic trips to schools, the grocery store, the bank, malls and entertainment venues. We depend on our homes, offices, retail stores and other structures to keep us safe; but can buildings also help keep us healthy?
New moms working to save the environment and some money
Diapers. They are a way of life for new parents. But how many parents really think about their diapering decision? In these tough economic times, more budget-strapped parents are considering making the switch to cloth diapers to save money.
Three tips to make your utility meter run backward
(ARA) - What would you do with an extra $2,200 per year? That is the annual energy bill for a typical American home, according to the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE). Dramatically reducing that cost, or even selling power back to the utility company, could mean having enough money for a vacation, a down payment on a car or a boost to your child's college savings.
With the economy making a slow rebound, homeowners continue to look for cost-effective options when building or renovating their homes. Natural exterior building materials are often very expensive and require both time and money to maintain. Choosing vinyl and polymeric siding is one way people are saving on building materials. Both siding options, which many considered at one time to be fake-looking or boring, have become one of the most versatile, detailed and eco-friendly home exterior products available on the market today.
For most people, the start of cooling temperatures in the back half of the year means more time spent at home. Take advantage of the time you're spending at home by making sure you're not using any more energy than you need to. Fortunately, there are many options to cutting down on energy use and with the tax credits expiring at the end of 2010, now is the time to take action.
Save money with green renovations and creative decorating
The idea of doing home renovations in order to save money may seem like an oxymoron. However, that's exactly what green renovations are supposed to do. By purchasing energy-efficient appliances, windows, doors and more, your energy costs will decrease, and you can save significant amounts of money.
The trend for gardening at home continues to grow - and people are taking a particular interest in raising their flowers and vegetables organically. With such prominent figures as Michelle Obama taking public initiatives in organic gardening, more and more products that cater to the trend are appearing.
Low water flow leads to high satisfaction and savings
In the United States, Americans consume 3.7 billion gallons of water every year that are not replaced, leaving a huge water deficit - a result of growing demand on finite water supplies. In fact, at least 36 states are anticipating local, regional or statewide water shortages within the next five years. Everyone has the power to change the water equation in the United States and put more money in their own pockets, while helping hydrate the planet.
With so many products claiming to be green these days, it's hard to know which ones are the real deal. A great indicator for certified sustainability in the bathroom is the WaterSense label, which is granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). By learning how (and which) products meet the criteria, you can easily incorporate the best - and most eco-friendly - products into your bath.
Five innovations to make your home more energy-efficient this winter
Old Man Winter brings a variety of gifts for us each year - cold winds, snow and, of course, higher energy bills. You can't control the cold and the snow, but you do have a little control over how much energy you will use this winter. With today's technological advances, it has never been easier to lessen your impact on the power grid and reduce your heating bills.
WUTV files and maintains quarterly Children's Television Reports and DTV Consumer Education Activity Reports in its Public File.
The Public File is available to the public at 699 Hertel Ave., Suite 100 Buffalo, NY 14207,
weekdays from 8:30am. to 5:30pm.
