For those still on the edge about switching over from standard lighting to energy efficient light bulbs, Eco-Hatchery has just released an app that can provide the final push over that edge. Their Bulb Finder app allows you to calculate an approximation of the money you would save by switching the light bulbs in your house with a variety of different energy efficient bulbs. The app is available on the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and Android devices.
The app begins by asking you which type of fixture you want to put an energy efficient bulb in. There are a ton of different options, including lamp, torchere, ceiling, chandelier, fan, both covered and exposed outdoor fixtures, and many more. Once you have told the app which fixture, it will ask you what type of bulb is already in there, including the style, the base type, the wattage, and if there are any special features, such as if it is a dimmable bulb. It will then ask you how long, approximately, the bulb is on per day.
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blockage), by all means, do it. A simple beach umbrella would do the trick.
The Austin/Round Rock Metro area was named seventh for cities with high sustainability rankings. The ranking was based on a number of criteria that included the number of LEED certified projects, renewable energy generation per capita, incentives available for green projects, alternative vehicles in use, and renewable energy manufacturing and associated businesses.
ic arrays on homes. The goal is to encourage the use of solar electricity across Texas by making it affordable and hassle free to get started. The program, launched today, is called Renewable Rewards® Solar Lease program. It includes service provisions, financing, and an energy buy back program. You do not have to be a current customer to use the program, and you can find out more at 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) just announced a strategy to promote the use of domestic wood as a green building material. US Forest Service studies show that wood compares favorably to competing materials, including yeilding fewer emissions to process (including greenhouse gases) and can require significantly less energy for manufacture. This plan is part of a larger effort by the Obama administration to conserve and restore forests in order to create jobs, protect watersheds, and promote recreation.
footprint by making renewable energy a significant portion of its electric portfolio. The Department has entered into a competitive based energy savings agreement to procure clean energy that is expected to be cost-neutral over the term of the agreement. This action supports the Department’s commitment to be a responsible environmental steward under Executive Order 13514 and enables the Department to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30~35% compared to FY2008 by December 2012, far surpassing our previous stated goal of 20% by 2020. Under this agreement the Department is tapping into the nation’s growing renewable energy market through Constellation Energy, which is investing in wind and solar photovoltaic energy. This innovative solution is a joint effort with Unicor/Federal Prison Industries utilizing their unique contracting and renewable energy expertise — providing reliable clean energy to the Sta
te Department at set prices for the next 20 years. The joint effort exemplifies how effective and innovative federal agencies can be when they work together and leverage public-private partnerships. The President announced during the State of the Union the goal of promoting new sources of renewable energy and utilizing the purchasing power of the government to advance this objective — including a goal of 80% clean energy for the nation by 2035. This energy savings agreement demonstrates a concrete example of our nation’s commitment to clean energy technologies and leading by example.”
July—from curiosity to awe to confusion. Twenty-four solar panels line the metal roof of their 1,440-square-foot house, the most noticeable feature in their efforts to conserve energy. Almost every aspect of the couple’s home—down to their choice of paint, appliances, faucets and light bulbs—was created with the goal of reducing their carbon footprint.