WS, I'm all for that. One question. When you say energy efficient bulbs, you're not referring to the CFL bulbs are you ?

Hi, Janice,

Yes CFLs are one form of more efficient bulbs. Regular noncompact tube fluorescents are also more energy efficient than our standard incandescent bulbs,

Okay, Here is what I am going to do this week. A while back we bought a little solar panel for lap tops but it just got stuffed away in the closet. I'm going to pull that out and figure how it works. I spend lots of time at the computer and although it may not pull that much power, being able to use the panel will reduce energy use a little.

Hi, I'm new to this discussion.

I like to hear new ideas about this topic.

I was going to wait & ask my husband tonight, but decided instead to ask my question here.

In the list of your ideas - #4 - you talk about power strips - could you please give me more details. I really don't understand.

We have begun most of the other suggestions. We took a major step in January by replacing fridge & stove to more energy efficient units - as well as bought a front loader washer & dryer. Our hydro consumption just in two months decreased significantly. I'm really impressed with the difference they've made.

I'm also setting up an organization in our community to connect people who have things to give away with people who could use them - keeps items out of our landfill - as well as helps others who can't afford to buy such things. In the past couple of months - the ideas for this project are infinite.

-I use reusable sheets in my dryer instead of disposable ones - wish there was space for an outdoor clothes line

-buy large cans of fruit instead of the individual cups

-take my travel mug for my treat coffee's

-decided not to install an air conditioner - use fans

Thanks for posting this discussion, take care, Deb

Hi, Durqu,

Because all those little cords with the black boxes on them have what are called phantom loads (and have three pronged plugs), I plug them into one of those larger power strip electrical plugs, (They plug into the all and have sockets for 4 to 6 plugs), then when I want to use one of those devices I turn on the power strip and I turn it off when I am through. (I try to avoid appliances with clocks because they steal energy (and how many clocks does one really need?))

Of course some things, like the Videorecorder, I leave plugged in because it is such a bother to reprogram, but the television, the stereo, my phone charger, my computer etc are all plugged into power strips and I do a walking circuit every night to make sure that I have turned all the power strips off. I hope this helps!!

Hi, totally get that now. I too use power bars - most nights they're shut down - I'm working at getting better at remembering to turn them off.

Thanks for explaining, take care, Deb

Hi, I'm a little late but this last 2 months I've traded in for a hybrid and gettin 34 or better in the city, driving the truck a lot less, planted about 30 trees and have about 50 more to put in, planted better pasture, composting, compulsively recycling. I also am using wood from a forest fire to use the wood stove more, and making them into fenceposts and lumber around the ranchette.

Something all can easily do is ask for paper not plastic in the stores. Plastic is a petroleum product and doesn't break down well. Paper is easily recycled and a benefit in the garbage. And it may help a logger keep a job rather than giving an Arab sheik moe money for ammo.

Finall, in 2 days the "Ecodepot" expert on alternate energy is giving me a quote to replace my electric power with solar power.

I will leave the positive stamp on our green effort, "earth stewardship"

teddybear