[Energy Efficiency]
Change a Light, Change the World
Monday, September 29, 2008
Once again, your electric cooperative makes it easier for you to save energy dollars. Instant rebate on CFLs beginning October 1 at local retailers.
Save money and energy when you participate in the national 2008 Energy Star Change a Light, Change the World campaign. The program challenges YOU to take one step in saving energy by replacing light bulbs in five of your home’s most frequently used light fixtures. Take out the energy-wasting i...
[Ask Mr. Tight-Watt]
Ask Mr. Tight-Watt: CFL bulbs and dimmer switches
Monday, September 29, 2008
Dimmable CFLs: Our expert tells you how to do it right by answering a reader's question.
Q: I have 5 ceiling can lights at 120v that use 65watt bulbs. This is not enough light and I can’t use CFL (compact fluorescent light) bulbs because of a dimmer switch. Using regular light bulbs, how many watts can I safely increase to? From Herb, a Smart Choices reader
A: Mr. Tight Wa...
[Ask Mr. Tight-Watt]
Ask Mr. Tight-Watt: Insulate when replacing siding
Monday, September 29, 2008
Mr. Tight Watt calls on an expert for advice about a question from a Smart Choices subscriber.
Q: We are going to have to have some siding work done and we are thinking about beefing up the insulation when we do the siding replacement/repair. One insulation company told me by using their product, I can decrease energy use by 30–60 % and have a payback in 2 to 3 years. This sounds too go...
[Kids Stuff]
Energy Awareness Month
Monday, September 29, 2008
Oct. is Energy Awareness Month. Celebrate energy efficiency with the kids in October by visiting these cool Web sites.
Halloween isn’t the only event to celebrate in October.
This month, encourage your kids to join in the fun of Energy Awareness Month by promoting energy efficiency at home. “Energy Awareness Month is a reminder to all Americans that we need to work together to ensure that energy is abun...
[Energy Efficiency]
Insulation insights from an expert
Thursday, September 25, 2008
National expert Jim Dulley answers a reader's question about insulation.
Dear Jim: My utility bills are high and I am adding a room to my house. I want to insulate the room properly and also add more insulation in rest of the house. What type of insulation is best and is this worthwhile? - Gary M.
Dear Gary: Having proper insulation throughout your house is imperative i...
[Health]
Radon: What you should know
Thursday, September 25, 2008
$6 could save your life - DIY test for radon
Radon gas, it’s colorless, odorless, and you feel fine, so what’s the problem? It’s a leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers, the second leading cause overall, and present at dangerous levels in more than 70 percent of Iowa homes.
According to the EPA, radon causes u...
[Food & Nutrition]
The Power of Pumpkin
Monday, September 29, 2008
Reap the benefits of autumn harvest by enjoying tasty and healthy pumpkin.
Who says pumpkins are just for carving? When you head to the pumpkin patch to select your jack-o’-lantern pumpkins this fall, you may want to purchase extras for eating.
Consider this: Pumpkin is a nutritional powerhouse packed with essential nutrients. One cup of pumpkin pulp contain...
[Family Fun]
Go Green for Halloween
Saturday, September 27, 2008
A few tips for an eco-friendly and healthier holiday.
Candy apples, jack-o’-lanterns, and trick-or-treating on a crisp October evening. There’s no holiday more fun for kids than Halloween.
Unfortunately, there are some “scary” holiday traditions. Expensive costumes worn once and discarded; bags and bags full of high-calorie, no...
[Seasonal Topics]
October holidays and observances
Thursday, September 25, 2008
October is rife with intriguing anniversaries.
October 4
Fabled passenger train the Orient Express (originally called "L'express d'Orient") completed the first run of its route linking Europe to Turkey on this day in 1883. The train departed Paris' Gare de l'Est and finished its journey in Giurgiu, Romania. Passengers could then cont...
[Energy Costs]
Fossil fuel prices
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Iowa fuel prices hold steady as peak travel season winds down, says Iowa Office of Energy Independence.
According to the Energy Information Administration, national fuel prices remain nearly even with levels seen in July. “Iowa gas prices have not moved much all summer and with August prices at nearly the same level as Iowans experienced in June, Iowa remains about $0.05 below the national avera...
[Agriculture]
Planeview Enterprises: A diverse Iowa farm
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Raspberries eaten locally and Berkshires bound for Japan are mainstays of this farming operation
Larry Thomsen of Jefferson had a long-held dream to go into business with his children. “I always loved it when I saw a sign that said ‘…and Sons’ or ‘…and Family.’ I wanted that experience, too.” Give the man an A for trying, even though his dream h...
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