Device mimics leeches, ejects plug when gadget is done charging

Leeches drink blood until they're full and then fall off of their host, but our plugged-in gadgets keep drinking electricity even once they're fully charged.  The Outlet Regulator changes this by ejecting the plug from the electricity source once the gadget is done charging, turning vampire electronics into leeches. Designed by Conor Klein, a student at Rhode Island School of Design, this device solves a dilemma faced in every home.  We all want to prevent frivolous energy use by leaving gadgets plugged in too long, but it's almost impossible to unplug your devices at the exact point they're done charging.  The Outlet Regulator takes care of that for you as demonstrated in the video above. The product works by using a timer circuit and electromechanics to eject its plug which disconnects your device from the wall outlet, stopping electricity consumption. This is an example of a design where you think, "How has no one thought of this before?"  It's such an obvious solution and could easily be adopted by everyone.  Hopefully we'll see this product on shelves soon.  My only qualm is this:  Why must these things alway involve blood? via Engadget  Print This Post

When does “Cash for Refrigerators” start in your state?

The State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program, also known as "Cash for Refrigerators," has officially started, but whether you can get a rebate yet depends on where you live. The program is being funded with $300 million in federal stimulus money, but each state is operating its own program and has different start dates, budgets, and rules. In general, buyers can earn rebates of $50 to $250 for replacing older, inefficient appliances with Energy Star qualified products. If it's as popular as "Cash for Clunkers," money could run out fast. So if you want to participate, start now by finding out what the deal is in your state.  Programs in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Kansas, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, and Wisconsin are already in progress. All the rest begin over the next couple of months, according to a Department of Energy (DOE)-sponsored website. Look for these start dates:

• February: Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Maine, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

• March: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming, American Samoa, Northern Marianas Islands

• April: Alabama, California, District of Columbia, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Guam

Check the links above for your state's info before you head to the store. Each state has different rules, such as which appliances are eligible, whether you have to recycle your old appliance or prove that it was hauled away, and how long the program lasts.  Some states require that you buy from a participating retailer. Most programs have  mail-in rebates, but some require you to apply in person for a rebate voucher or allow you to reserve your rebate online before the program starts. For more info, check out EcoRebates, which links to local retailers and tracks the latest rebate news. An Energy Star stamp of approval doesn't guarantee that you are buying the most energy-efficient product in a category -- some appliances go beyond Energy Star criteria. Since Cash for Refrigerators offers an opportunity to cut down on monthly electric bills, it's worth it to do some research to find the most energy-efficient appliances that work for you. In fact, some states base rebate amounts on how efficient your particular product is, so you'll save more up front and over the life of the appliance. Ultimately, how much you save on operating costs by switching to a more efficient appliance depends on which new appliance you buy and the appliance you are replacing. Some examples from the DOE: Save up to $135 a year by replacing a clothes washer that was made before 2000 with a new Energy Star model. Replacing a refrigerator made before 1993 with a new Energy Star model can save you up to $65 a year. Consumer Reports offers tips for finding appliances that perform well and save money on energy. Environmental journalist Lori Bongiorno shares green-living tips and product reviews with Yahoo! Green's users. Send Lori a question or suggestion for potential use in a future column. Her book, Green Greener Greenest: A Practical Guide to Making Eco-smart Choices a Part of Your Life is available on Yahoo! Shopping and Amazon.com. Check out Yahoo! Green on Twitter and Facebook.  Print This Post

Scary Energy Bills? Rid yourself of vampire power in 2009

Is your energy bill scary? Slaying energy vampires during your remodel can help you and Americans save millions.

In the spirit of Halloween, the EPA today warns us all to be on the watch for lurking energy vampires – or vampire power. These are the electronics and adapters that consume electricity when they are not being used. Power adapters and phone chargers are easy vampires power suckers to spot, and also easy to slay. Every energy vampire you vanquish saves you money, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and helps in the fight against climate change.

“EPA encourages everyone to look for vampires in their home and get rid of this energy waste,” said Brian McLean, director of EPA’s Office of Atmospheric Protection. “Using less energy means Read more

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Eureka Envirovac: Can A Vacuum Really Be Green?

In today’s marketplace  greenwashing is rampant.  Many companies are purposefully misleading consumers to believe that their products are environmentally friendly in order to catch that ever-important environmentally aware segment of the population.  In such a day, I wondered if there was really a thing as a green vacuum cleaner.

Sure, I’d heard the green benefits of installing a central vacuum system.  Longer life and no bags both equal less impact on the landfills.  With my modest pocketbook, the upfront price of $2000 plus to install a central vacuum system was out of my league.  A portable vacuum was more my speed.

In my attempt to answer this question, the friendly people at Eureka offered to send me their new, green Envirovac to try for myself.  I explained to them that I live in a busy household with two energetic kids, a frantic husband and one crazy cat.   Carpet, hardwoods, linoleum, and drapes are all included in the household.  The brave people at Eureka didn’t seem the least bit concerned.  Game on.

The Eureka Envirovac arrived in a 100% recycled and unbleached box.  The vacuum boasted such environmentally responsible features as an 8 amp motor (33% less energy to operate) and a washable HEPA filter (cleaner air and less waste).  How very green!

Now for the real test.  My eight year-old’s Read more

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DirectBuy offering eco-friendly green products for your home remodel?

Can’t say that any of us on the GetWithGreen team used a DirectBuy membership for our remodels, but I will say that some of us definitely were solicited to do so.   This week DirectBuy issued a press release saying that their members have the opportunity to purchase a variety of green products and save by paying manufacturer-direct prices.

According to the announcement, some of the green products available to DirectBuy members include:

• Faucets and plumbing fixtures tat offer low consumption
• Natural cork flooring and underlayments
• Flooring made of renewable natural bamboo
• Lighting and ceiling fans with Energy Star ratings
• Energy Star compliant kitchen appliances, washers and dryers
• Cabinets treated with low-voc, LEED-compliant stains
• Bedroom, dining room, living furniture manufactured by members of the Sustainable Furniture Council; many of these pieces are made from natural fibers, use eco-friendly foam, and contain organic, halogen-free fire retardants.

Being in an urban area doesn’t mean you can’t make ‘greener’ purchases. Living in the city is probably an even better reason why people should be buying green. Unfortunately, there’s no real Read more

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Are you taking advantage of refrigerator & freezer recycle rebates?

As you are demo’ing your house in preparation for your remodel, stop before you take that used refrigerator or freezer to the dump! There are organizations that will haul away your refrigerator or freezer, pay you a rebate, and then recycle it!

Southern California Edison (SCE) is one such organization. They will pay you to recycle your old refrigerator or freezer. You will receive a $50 check for that working refrigerator or freezer. And, by swapping your old appliances with new, energy-efficient ones or disposing of a spare unit, you can save up to $292 per year on your energy bill says SCE (savings based on 2006, assuming average use and conditions. Actual savings may vary according to SCE).

To be eligible, you must be an SCE customer. The appliance must be picked up at your SCE service address. The appliance must be in working condition at the time of pick up. The size of the appliance must be between 10-27 cubic feet.

Check your local utility for similar rebate and recycle programs for appliances, such as refrigerators and freezers!

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Pacific Coast Builders Show Announces Top 5 Green Products

PCBC, the largest home builder show, is coming to San Francisco next week and the announcements are starting to flow.

Members of the home building industry have voted and named the “coolest” homebuilding products in the annual Cool Products contest. PCBC 2008, the largest PCBC, the largest home builder show is on it’s way to San Francisco, and the announcements are starting to flow. Today members of the home building industry have voted and named the “coolest” homebuildinghomebuilders show on the West Coast, organizes the annual Cool Products contest for the more than 600 exhibitors at the conference.

Exhibitors entered more than 125 products in three categories – Consumer, Green and Industry products. Five products were chosen for each category by 679 home building professionals who voted online. All companies, products and booth information is available at www.pcbc.com/cool.

Here are the Cool Products from the Green Category, and stay tuned as GetWithGreen writes live from PCBC in San Francisco…

2008 Cool Products – Green Category:

1. Rinnai Corporation’s Rinnai LS Series Tankless Water Heater – Offers 30% to 50% energy savings over traditional tank-style units and can supply hot water when you need it, for as long as you need it, while contributing to a greener environment.

2. Eagle Roofing Products’ Eagle Solar Roof powered by SolarSave Integrated Solutions – This solar system integrates seamlessly with Eagle concrete roof tile and maintains the aesthetics of the roof, maintains the integrity of the roof system, prevents leaks and protects the home or building.

3. Cree LED Lighting Solutions LR6 Light Bulb – Has a 20-year life span (50,000 hours under Read more

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REBATES: Save 10% on Memorial Day at Lowe’s

On Memorial Day, Lowe’s Stores will be giving 10% off your entire purchase (up to $5,000) for all Active, Reserve, Honorably Discharged, and Retired Military Personnel and Their Immediate Families.  

If you qualify for this, get out and save some money on greener alternative products at Lowe’s such as:

• Energy Star Appliances
• HET-low-flush toilets
• Ceiling Fans
• Insulation and Caulking
• Dimmers and HVAC Filters

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APPLIANCES: Bosch unveils new kitchen and laundry appliances

This week at the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show & Conference (K/BIS) in Chicago, Bosch unveiled new Energy Star laundry and dishwashing products. 

• Exclusive AQUASTOP Leak Protection System on Nexxt(R) Laundry
• New Category of Ascenta Dishwashers

Here is what Bosch has to say: 

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Premium appliance manufacturer Bosch continues to demonstrate that it delivers complete ECO solutions that any family can rely on with its new advancements debuting at the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show.

As the only U.S. manufacturer with the ENERGY STAR® qualification on all its washers, refrigerators and dishwashers, Bosch is introducing its industry exclusive AQUASTOP® leak protection system to its front-loading and high-efficiency Nexxt® Washer.

Nexxt Dryers receive MISTCARE?, a quick way to refresh clothes and remove wrinkles in minutes, as well as the popular ECOACTION? option to reduce energy consumption up to an additional 10%. Furthermore, Nexxt Washers add a convenient stain removal program that tackles 14 of the toughest stains.

A new category of dishwashers called Ascenta? now allows Read more

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APPLIANCES: The Best Washing Machines of 2008

At GetWithGreen.com we appreciate good solid investigative efforts, which brings real insight to all of homeowners who are remodeling.  Justin Thomas over at MetaEfficient.com just completed some serious investgation on 2008 washing machines, and it is excellent. 

MetaEfficient’s article digs deep into the ENERGY STAR website (saving you valuable time!), and exposes the most efficient machines by manufacturer.    If you are in the market for a new washing machine this is a must read!  

Check out:  The Most Efficient Washing Machines of 2008.

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