Small electronics boost energy savings
As technology allows us to work on the go, the idea of sitting at a desk with a desktop computer to work is slowly becoming obsolete. If you’re in the market for new technology, you might want to consider downsizing to smaller electronics. When you replace an energy-hogging desktop computer with a tablet, you reduce the energy usage by as much as 35 percent. And if you need a bit more computer speed and drive, even choosing a laptop over a desktop can be much more energy-efficient — not to mention more portable.
ENERGY GUZZLERS
Modern-day game consoles like the Xbox and Play -Station 4 can do more than just play games. In fact, many of them can stream movies, TV shows and internet video through the console to your TV. While convenient, it is also a disaster when it comes to energy efficiency. Streaming this way makes the console eat up 30 times more energy in comparison to watching programming on your TV. Instead, opt for
on-demand shows and internet-ready devices for the convenience without the waste of electricity.
PEROXIDE POWER
When you find vintage plates and other tableware at thrift stores or flea markets, there’s a simple step you can take to disinfect them and remove tough stains. The secret ingredient is hydrogen peroxide. But rather than drugstore peroxide that’s 3 percent strength, ask the pharmacist for 20 percent hydrogen peroxide for your plates. The stronger solution will remove stubborn stains and act like a bleaching agent, all without harsh chemicals. Just pour the hydrogen peroxide onto your plates, bowls or cups and wait a few minutes, then rinse and dry.
DISINFECTING WOOD
A green and money-saving way to furnish your home is to look for secondhand furniture at thrift stores, flea markets and through online sites like Craigslist or newspaper classifieds. Since you don’t know where or how the furniture was stored, you should consider giving it a thorough cleaning before bringing it into your home. For wood furniture, pour 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda, 1 cup ammonia and a gallon of warm water into a bucket. This mixture will remove grime and dirt and completely disinfect the piece of furniture. Just use a damp towel with the mixture and wipe thoroughly. It’ll clean and disinfect, and it won’t damage the finish of the wood.
NECKTIE QUILTS
Is your closet full of neckties that you no longer wear? As our workplace attire becomes more casual, neckties can do more than gather dust. The organization Prairie Moon Quilts wants your old ties. It upcycles the ties and uses the silky fabric to make beautiful color-blocked quilts. When the handmade blankets are finished, the organization donates them to charity. You’ll even be acknowledged as a tie donor when the quilt is donated! Donate ties at prairiemoonquilts.com.
PROTECT YOUR PHONE
With the hot summer months finally here, there’s one thing you should never leave in your car: your smartphone. According to Apple, its phones perform best in room temperature ranges between 62 to 72 degrees, and extreme cold and extreme heat can really impact your phone. When your phone is in an environment hotter than 93 degrees, not only can it impact your phone’s performance, it can also damage it permanently. So leaving a phone charging in a hot car can be a quick way to break it for good. Luckily, when it comes to freezing temps, it won’t ruin the phone; once it warms up to the ideal temperature, it should perform as good as new.
UTILITY REBATES
Are you looking to go green in a big way, like getting a new energy-efficient refrigerator, or in a smaller way, like swapping out a few lightbulbs for LED ones? Your good deed can lead to immediate cash savings in the form of rebates with your local utility company. On the Energy Star Rebate Finder website (energystar.gov/ rebate-finder), type in the ZIP code of your home, and the site will generate all the rebates from your local utility providers. A search for this author resulted in 47 offers ranging from a $400 rebate on the purchase of a heatpump system for my home to $2 when I replaced my inefficient Christmas lights with LED versions.