Get Clean reminder

Dusty condenser coils cause a refrigerator to work harder; which translates into bigger energy bills and a shorter life expectancy for the fridge – not good. To prevent this from happening, use a vacuum or broom to remove dust build up from the coils every three months (once a month if you have pets). The coils will either be located behind the refrigerator or underneath the refrigerator. To access coils located underneath, remove the grill at the bottom front of the fridge.

DIY appliance fixes

We can often save resources and money by repairing our appliances when they break instead of throwing them out and buying new ones (with the exception of some inefficient older appliances). You can save even more money by fixing things yourself instead of calling a repairman. Here is a site that has some tutorials. http://home.howstuffworks.com/appliance-repair.htm 

Biking, biking, biking

Save some money, the planet and get some exercise this is month. This year's Bike to Work Week is May 14-18 and Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 18. Get out on those bikes!

Story of Stuff

The "Story of Electronics" is very informative about how electronics affect the environment. Always recycle your old electronics, care for the ones you have (so they last longer), and purchase from companies that use recycled materials in their products, if possible. http://www.storyofstuff.org/movies-all/story-of-electronics/ 

a little mid winter cleaning can help you save

A refrigerator with dirty coils works harder, and uses 25 percent more energy compared with a fridge with clean coils.   To clean the coils: Disconnect the power; pull the unit away from the wall (if the coils are behind the refrigerator); remove the grill covering the coils (possibly in front at the bottom); and use a vacuum cleaner or a bottle brush to clean. It doesn't take long and is pretty easy to do.

living in the dark???

Here are 5 ways to save money and the environment this summer: close the shades, upgrade to an energy star air conditioner or rely on passive cooling, shade your air conditioner, line dry your laundry and get an energy audit.

What's hiding under your refridgerator?

Don't wait until you lose something under the fridge to clean under there . . .
A refrigerator with dirty coils works harder, and uses 25 percent more energy compared with a fridge with clean coils. To clean the coils: Disconnect the power; pull the unit away from the wall; remove the grill covering the coils; and use a vacuum cleaner or a bottle brush to clean.

Energy in Common

The team at EIC has developed a quick and easy process that allows absolutely anyone to help fight poverty, to help fight climate change, and to help create their own carbon offsets – all from the comfort of their own home or their office or anywhere with internet, actually. http://www.energyincommon.org/

Keeping your Fridge Alive!

Save energy by keeping your refrigerator full, but there should still be enough empty space around your items for the air to circulate efficiently. The freezer should be more tightly packed, since your items will help to keep each other cool. If you don't have enough food to fill the space, you can use water filled containers.