Energise Africa offers a 5% return and allows you to help support low-income families

Fight the climate crisis and earn a return of 5% at the same time, plus enjoy a guarantee on your investment.

That’s the offer from an ethical investment scheme that allows people to put money into companies providing African families with access to clean, affordable solar energy.

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Read more: theguardian.com

Have you heard about green technology, but you are unsure what it is? If you don’t know where to start to lead a greener, more environmentally conscious life, you must read this article. Learn how to make your home greener by using the tips below.

There are government grants available for investing in renewable energy. Check with the local government and find out about any possible programs you may be eligible for. You might qualify for a solar or wind installation at no cost, or at least be able to deduct your expenses from your taxes.

Become a better energy consumer, and save electricity in your home by unplugging chargers for your electronic devices when you are not using them. Mp3, cell phone, laptop, and various other device chargers draw power when they’re plugged in, no matter if it’s charging or not.

Do you have a farm? If you do happen to own some farmland, try renting some of the land to a power company that specializes in wind energy solutions. You could take advantage of the energy offered and the space requirements are minimal.

You can consider getting solar water heaters to heat your water. If you live in a place with normally warm temperatures, try installing a system that uses a solar heater. However, it’s best to keep a traditional heater for times when you need a lot of heated water, or if the sun does not come out.

Power Strip

Turn off appliances if you are not using them. Whenever you leave a room, get into the habit of turning off lights, televisions, and computers. The easiest way to do this is to plug everything into a power strip and then just switch that power strip to the off position whenever you need to.

Never run a dishwasher that is partly empty. You will use just as much water and energy to run a half-empty dishwasher as a full one. Run your dishwasher using the energy-saving mode so that you can air-dry dishes and save energy.

When installing solar panels, ensure that the energy-storing batteries are installed as close to the cells as possible. Doing this will help prevent power loss within the cable. This also prevents long cables from casting shadows over the PV cells.

Solar Power

Research solar panels to see if an active or passive set-up is right for your needs. Using active power means storing energy for later use, while passive energy is about benefiting from the warmth or light of the sun rays right away. Active solar power requires a lot of involvement in the form of installation, mechanics, and power cells. Passive solar power uses the heat of the sun to hold thermal energy within your home.

Before you decide on large energy-saving projects for your home, get a professional evaluation of your existing appliances, windows and insulation and your heating and cooling systems. They’ll tell you the amount you’re losing due to inefficiency, and they will provide estimates on the cost to upgrade.

If you would like to make your life greener like many people do, there are plenty of steps you can take. You might not be capable of spending lots of money in going green, but there are simple things that you could do such as cleaning your furnace’s filters each month or by setting your heat at sixty degrees when you are not at home. Setting your water heater’s temperature to a maximum 120 degrees will also save money. Every little thing you can do will help.

Now that you’re informed on green energy, you are ready to begin using it in your home. If you want to make your home more eco-friendly, try some of the tips you just read. Your finances, as well as the environment, will be improved as a result of going green.

Redoing a room from top to bottom can be a big undertaking. Many people focus on big bunches of fabric and brand new floors. You can, though, begin with small things. The changes included here can be made now.

Consider the main function of a room or area before you start on a new design project. For example, if you are designing a child’s room, you might consider bright and lively hues to inspire creativity or to match the child’s personality. These colors are less appropriate in a library.

When decorating small spaces, be sure the furniture you use is versatile. For example, use an ottoman in lieu of a sofa or chair. The ottoman can be used for seating or table space, thus making the most out of your limited space. Dual-purpose items are always great choices.

Interior Planning

Only listen to some of what professionals say regarding interior planning. You can create a space that you will like living in if you trust yourself and your interior planning knowledge.

Pay attention to everything including the little details. You can create a very interesting look by using small elements of decors or creating color patterns with different small items. You can, for example, select your decor, window treatments and fixture based on a specific theme, instead of focusing on the big picture and buying brand new furniture pieces.

Replacing your kitchen cabinets can be a cost effective and easy way to drastically change the look of your kitchen. Among other options, you can change your cabinet doors to glass doors to make them more vibrant. Finish off your look with some decorative accents inside the cabinets for a great feel in your space.

Paint is something that you will want to invest in, as you should purchase a high quality product to do the job right. Cheaper paint will wear away over time. Cheaper paint can also have an adverse effect on your walls and create more cost later. Unless you are planning to move out soon, invest in a great quality paint to make your work last longer.

You probably have at least one small room that you would like to be bigger. Light colored walls and ceilings create the illusion of a larger space. Dark colors absorb available light and can close a space off.

Once the decision is made about what you wish to do, you can begin buying the things needed for the change. Once you get started, there will be no stopping you. Make changes a few at a time to discover how easy it is to make your home look better.

Have you considered using green energy before, but do not know how to begin? It can often seem too expensive or difficult to try. Modernize your philosophy and your home today through the use of the tips and advice in this article that will help you change how your home uses energy in a very good way.

If you’re designing any kind of outdoor lighting, you may want to think about installing solar-powered lamps. These lamps aren’t very expensive and can save you on power bills because they’re powered by the sun. This will save you a ton of energy. It also means you do not to have string up those outdoor lights.

Take advantage of government grants if you plan to invest in renewable energy sources. Talk to your local government and figure out what programs are in the area. Who knows, you may qualify for low or no-cost wind or solar installation. Even if you don’t qualify for a grant, you can still use these items as a tax deduction.

Whenever possible, use cold water to wash your clothing. Almost ninety percent of the energy used by a washing machine comes from heating the water for a warm or hot cycle. If your detergent is of good quality, you should have no problems using cold water. Don’t forget to wait until you have a full load of laundry to wash; that is the energy efficient way.

If you use fuel oil to heat your home, ask a professional if you can use biodiesel. You might even find that you can switch your system to partial biodiesel without having to purchase parts or hire a contractor to perform modifications. Bio-diesel is more efficient and burns cleaner than conventional petroleum, which in turn, reduces the environmental impact from your home during the winter.

When away from home, cover the windows. This cools down your house and lowers energy use. South-facing windows get maximum sun. Window coverings such as roller shades, roman shades or dark curtains can be used on all windows.

Consider solar water heaters to make your home more energy efficient. If you live in an area where freezing temperatures are not a problem, you can purchase a system that heats water through a heater that is solar before it pumps it in your home. As is true with many solar options, you should keep your traditional water heater for times when there is not enough sun, or in case you need to use a lot of water.

Winter Months

If you are considering the installation of home solar energy, make sure you are aware of how much energy you will receive during the winter months. This prevents any unanticipated effects from a winter months, and it keeps you ahead of the game for summer months. An even better benefit is that you can sell your energy back to the grid in the sunniest of times!

Put the solar energy system’s batteries close to its cells during installation. Power can be lost over long cables so this will lessen the impact. This also prevents the long cables from casting shadows over the PV cells.

Do maintenance on your fridge to save money. With the fridge being a top energy consumer in the home, maintenance is important for efficiency. Keep heating coils dust free. Also, make sure that the seal around the door is clean and tight.

Air flow is better controlled in home that has stormed doors and windows installed. Storm doors and windows dramatically reduce the amount of drafts and cold air that get into your home. Homeowners will see a significant savings on their electric bill and will benefit from an increase in the energy efficiency of their home by up to 45 percent once stormed windows and doors are installed in their homes.

Electric heaters should only be used when necessary in order to be more green. You can invest in warmer clothes and take advantage of your fireplace or pellet stove in order to heat your living areas. You want to remember that sleeping in cooler air is better for your breathing, and it also prevents the airways from becoming dry.

Don’t turn the thermostat up higher than needed in your home. When the temperature drops, reach for a sweater instead of the thermostat. You waste a lot of energy if you put the heat on higher than necessary.

You can actually use biofuels to add heat for your home. Biofuels contain wood, oil and fat. In many cases, if your furnace is propane, a professional can make the necessary changes that will allow you to heat with a blend of fuels. These changes would let you use biofuels is between 20 percent and 90 percent of the fuel used in the furnace. Make sure you consult an energy professional before using biofuels in your home.

A lot of people wonder what exactly it means to “go green” and change their home. You have the necessary information, now it’s time to put it to use in your life. Once you start, you’ll be amazed by the results!

Many people want to do their part to save the environment, but have no clue what actions they need to take to do so. There are a myriad of solutions available to help customers protect the environment through the use of alternative, renewable energy sources. Keep reading to find out how you can do your part and make the right choices.

Solar water heaters are a great option for your home. The heater uses solar energy to heat water before sending it to your home. This can be useful if your home isn’t located in an area with cold temperatures. You still should keep your regular water heater as a backup because there may be times when there isn’t a lot of sun or you have to use a lot of water that’s hot.

Only run your dishwasher when it is completely full. Don’t run it with just a few dishes. Your dishwasher can probably hold a lot more dishes than you think. Line up the same types of dishes, such as plates and cups so you are filling it completely.

If you clean your dishes using a dishwasher, do not operate before it fills up. The dishwasher uses the same energy when full that it uses when empty, but you’ll have to run it less often. Run your dishwasher using the energy-saving mode so that you can air-dry dishes and save energy.

Save on water heating costs by using solar energy. Consider a solar water heater. There are direct circulation systems and also direct ones. Most individuals will find the indirect option to be their best choice, as this option has methods in place to alleviate the problem of pipes freezing in the coldest months of winter.

Replace your tank-style water heater with a green, tankless model. Although they still use gas or electricity, they only heat on demand rather than maintaining an entire tank of hot water at all times. You can purchase tankless water heaters that are small enough to heat one faucet, or large enough to heat your entire house.

Make use of energy-efficient products to save both money and energy. Certain green items, such as eco-friendly windows and doors and double glazed windows, cut down on energy you need to keep your home going efficiently. Using these products is a great way to save money on heating and cooling.

Use a laptop instead of a desktop computer. By doing this you could be saving around 75% off your electric bill, especially if you constantly use the Internet or type up papers. Plus you can take your laptop anywhere.

Be aware of federal and state rebates for updating your home with renewable energy. Local utility companies may even offer rebates or other assistance with upgrades. Tax deductions are also available from the government, sometimes. You can lower the cost of putting green energy into your home by using these credits or rebates.

A great way to save energy is to switch your boiler. Most oil boilers weren’t made to consider saving energy, whereas new boilers are made to be a lot more energy efficient. Newer boilers don’t produce as much carbon dioxide and use less energy, which saves on your energy costs and promotes better health.

Use the microwave as much as you can to save energy while cooking. Stoves and ovens use a lot more energy than microwaves. If popping items in the microwave can save some energy and time, it is a viable option.

You should turn off all appliances, lights, and any other devices when they’re not in use. Most people could probably save a ton on utility bills by getting in this habit. Think in advance about what you need to do, and make it a habit to turn off anything that you are no longer using.

One of the key topics facing our government is finding alternative options for our energy sources as we are forced to turn away from oil. Learning how to properly take advantage of renewable energy is an important step to decreasing our dependence on oil. Armed with the right information, turning “green” is much easier than you think. By using this article’s advice, you can start being greener today!

You can fix up your home with little effort so the interior of your home can look like new. Applying a new coat of paint, putting up new curtains and installing more lighting can make a dull room fabulous. Read this article for some great tips on updating the look of your home!

Choose the mood you want for your room before you actually start designing its decor. Moods can vary, depending on how you feel as it can be wild or someplace that is nice and relaxing. Picking a mood before you begin will help inform the decisions that go into planning for the space, and will create a more cohesive feel in the end.

De-cluttering is the best way to get prepared for doing interior planning. Nearly all homes can benefit from adequate cleanups and emptying drawers and closets to dispose of rusty things that are of no use. You may even find some old decorations that are in style again.

If your floors are concrete, stone, or tile, use attractive area rugs to give your rooms a cozier feel. Rotate your rugs as the seasons change to incorporate a fresh and coordinated aspect to your room. Increase the life of your rugs by moving them around or turning them.

“Ceiling white” is a wonderful shade to consider when improving the decor of a room. This particular kind of paint has a smooth, glossy surface that is good at reflecting light. Try it, and you will notice a positive effect on the quality of the light in the room.

Place the furniture in your rooms so that it is still easy for people to walk around. You want enough space for the furniture and people to have plenty of room. You don’t need traffic jams when you want to relax.

Think about the feel you want your surroundings to have. If you want a home that feels bright and full of energy, powerful or softer and inviting, there are easy ways to make that happen. Considering the lighting and furniture could make a huge difference. The ideas in this article should get you ready to start on your interior planning project.

If you don’t know very much about green energy, this article will help you realize just how helpful green energy is, not only to the environment but to you as well. There are a lot of things you can start doing around the house to use green energy, and here are a few tips for just that purpose.

Switch to water heating systems that use solar power to heat hot tubs, pools and indoor water. Solar water heaters tap into the abundant and free energy offered by the sun. Water heated by other methods, like natural gas, propane, or electricity, is not an efficient method. Some of these upgrades, while more expensive up-front, may qualify for green energy tax deductions.

To reduce energy usage, sahe your windows to keep out sunlight. Installing blinds and curtains will also help. When you do these things, you then make your house cooler and reduce the amount of air conditioning you use during the summer. The result is a significant energy savings and money in your pocket!

Instead of turning on the air conditioner, wear fabrics made of natural materials. Fabrics, such as cotton, draw the moisture further from your skin and let it stay cooler. Wear light colors; dark colors tend to make you feel warm and you will be likelier to turn on the air conditioner.

Solar panels are an easy addition to your home that helps you and your family go green. However, before you do this, there are a few things that you need to take care of. Think about the amount of sunlight that hits your house on an average day. You can’t take as much advantage of solar energy if your house gets a lot of shade rather than sun.

If you have a farm try some energy saving alternatives. If so, you can rent some property to energy companies for installing wind turbines. The wind turbine will provide free energy without taking up much room. Your neighbors will also benefit from this energy source.

Replace or clean your furnace filter at least once every 90 days, and check it once per month for build-up. Also, put filters on vents that dispense warm air. This will help keep debris from clogging up heating ducts and becoming inoperable.

Solar water heaters are a great option for your home. If you live where freezing temperatures aren’t prevalent, you can purchase a system that can circulate water via a solar heater prior to being pumped to your home. As is true with many solar options, you should keep your traditional water heater for times when there is not enough sun, or in case you need to use a lot of water.

Consider how many hours of sunlight you can expect in the winter as you plan your solar system, so that you know how much energy you can expect it to generate. This will ensure that you are not caught short during winter, and you have excess during the summer. Net usage plans let you receive money for generated energy!

Install batteries very close to cells when you are putting together a solar energy system. By doing so, energy loss through the cable is reduced. This also prevents the long cables from casting shadows over the PV cells.

You can get rid of your old, tank style water heater and switch it out with a new, greener, tankless one. Tankless versions still need electricity or gas to heat water, but they are more effective in heating solely the water necessary instead of a huge tank of water constantly. Tankless heaters are available in models that supply the entire house or a single faucet with hot water.

Convert your home into a more efficient place by investing into energy saving products. Examples of these include windows, light bulbs, and appliances, all of which have been designed to run efficiently on reduced energy. The use of these types of technologies can drastically reduce both your cooling and heating costs.

Keep the heat as low as you can, unless you absolutely have to raise it. If you feel cold, put on a sweater or blanket instead. When your heat is running it uses more energy than necessary.

There are countless things you can do it you want to live a environmentally friendly lifestyle. Many of these options will not cost you money, but will instead save you money, like cleaning your furnace filter monthly and turning down your thermostat when you are leaving your home. Reduce your water heat temperature to one hundred twenty degrees to save money as well. Every little thing you do helps!

Less Energy

Energy Star rated appliances should be used in the home. This is your guarantee that your new appliances will use less energy, and therefore cost you less to run. Appliances like fridges and freezers can use up to 20% less energy, while washing machines can save up to 50%.

Make use of the microwave when possible to cut down on energy usage. Any time you cook something on the stove or in the oven it tends to use up a ton of energy. So, whenever you can “nuke” something in the microwave, take advantage of it and tremendously cut down the energy output.

Turn off the lights when you exit a room. You could save quite a bit of energy if you are diligent about turning off the lights. The money that you will save is an added bonus.

Now that you know a few ways to use green energy in your home, you will soon see how much it benefits you and your family. Green energy is, of course, great for the environment as well. Try some of these tips around your home to see how simple and fast going green can be.

Many people find the prospect of making their home more green to be a daunting one. Knowing where to start and what changes to make can be terribly difficult. The advice in this article will allow you to find exactly what works for your living situation.

You can cut your energy consumption by a lot if you just cut back on the electricity you use. When not using a certain appliance, unplug it from the outlet. Always turn off the television and lights when you are not using them. This is an easy way to save cash as well.

You could easily have solar panels in your house to collect energy from the sun for you to use. Before undertaking this project however, there are a few things to consider. The biggest thing to consider is how much sun does your house get on average? If your home is shaded, or you live in a relatively cloudy area, your power savings will not be as much.

Save on the use of electricity in your home, and become a better consumer of energy by unplugging your electronic devices and gadgets when they are not in use. Chargers for laptops, mp3 players, cell phones and other devices use power when they’re plugged in. This happens regardless of whether you’re using the device or not.

Wind Turbine

Do you have a farm? If you or someone you know does, you can rent a piece of your land to a company looking to put in a wind turbine. You will benefit from the wind turbine’s free energy and it will take up minimal space.

Discover all the different sources of energy in your community. Compare the costs of operating your home using several of these utilities, making sure to take into consideration any legislation with regard to energy costs that has recently been passed. For example, it may be cheaper for you to heat your home with natural gas as opposed to electricity, or use well water instead of city water.

Solar energy can heat water for a lesser cost. Look into hot water systems that run by solar power. You could choose of having an indirect or direct circulation system. Indirect systems are the best if you have frozen pipes during the winter.

Electric heaters should only be used when necessary in order to be more green. A fireplace for the living area, wearing warmer clothing and purchasing some slippers are all greener ways of keeping the family warm. Keep in mind, cooler air while sleeping makes your breathing better, and keeps your airways from getting too dry.

If you want to live a life that is greener, there are many things that can be done to save the planet’s energy. Start with the simplest methods, such as setting your heating thermostat to 60 degrees while you are away from home, and cleaning your furnace filters every few months. Keep the water heater temperature around 120 degrees and save energy costs. Even the smallest amount of effort can help.

Use LED lights to decorate for the holidays instead of traditional strand lights. According to research by the United States Two billion KWh if everyone made the change, to be exact! That is enough electricity to power 200 thousand homes for a whole year. You could reduce the amount of your own utility bill as well.

If you really want to take a bit out of your fuel consumption, try making more extensive use of carpools, even to destinations other than the office. If you are a parent, carpool with other adults. Also, create a joint grocery shopping day with friends or family.

One easy, common sense tip to save energy is to shot off all the lights when you exit a room. Do this at all times. You can actually save a lot of energy if you just take the time to turn off all the lights in your house when you aren’t using them. There’s also the extra benefit of having a lower electric bill.

It may be common sense, but most people do not turn off machines, lights, and other equipment when not in use. If you make this a habit, your energy bills could be greatly reduced. Think before you act, and turn things off when not using them.

Turn your thermostat to 60 when you are away from home and also at bedtime. Setting the thermostat to 60 degrees will help cut energy usage. As a result, you can minimize the energy you use, and save money.

You can increase the energy efficiency of your home with proper weatherization procedures. Seal the ducts, add insulation and install energy-efficient windows, and you will consume much less energy. Also, you will greatly reduce your energy bill.

By using your lights more responsibly, you can make your home greener. In the months with more sunshine and longer days, try not to turn on lights until it is past a certain hour. Try installing timers and dimmers to control your light usage so that you don’t use lights unnecessarily or turn on brighter lights than you need.

Though you may not be ready to convert your entire home to a more energy efficient power source, you can start by trying it on some areas of your home. For instance, you may purchase enough panels to heat your home’s water.

Keep track of how much electricity is used in your home with a home energy monitoring device. These devices can provide you real-time measurements of the amount of electricity usage and they can estimate how much you’ll pay on your bill. Research showed that customers are more eager to reduce costs when they know the current cost of doing so.

Each home is in a unique location and can be laid out in numerous designs. Because each home is different, the green energy tips that will be appropriate will differ as well. Some will work for any home, and some are site-specific. Find tips that work for you and your lifestyle, and implement these at home.

If you’re in the mood to do some interior planning, you’ve landed on the right article. You need to plan and consult with design pros, especially if you’re on a budget. The following article is chock full of tips for the perfect interior design.

Think about mixing in different colors and patterns to your design to make the space more vibrant. This type of variety adds detail to your rooms and helps to accent different objects throughout it. If you want your space to look more modern, textures and patterns can help.

How much light does the room get? If a room lacks windows, you should choose a paint color or wall covering in light shades so your room will not feel like a cave.

Professionals have strong opinions about design, and sometimes they are worth listening to. You will not be able to enjoy your house truly unless you know how to use your own judgement in creating a design that greatly reflects your personality.

If you are thinking about redecorating your kitchen, come up with ideas that are outside the box, especially with the counter tops. While granite is popular, using materials like cork, wood or concrete can be great options too. These choices also can be less costly, while giving your kitchen a nice, unique look.

Pay close attention to the little details. You can come up with a great new look by changing around different color patterns and adding new elements to a room. You could use cupboard knobs, fixtures and try to have a theme that contributes to a larger picture. It is much cheaper than purchasing new furniture or changing your floors.

Avoid clutter at all costs. Too much furniture or accessories can make your room look cramped and smaller than it really is. Use only a select few pieces of key furniture, and keep plenty of open space.

If you have floors that are made of tile, stone or concrete, the use of stylish area rugs will make your room seem cozier and warmer to your feet. Rotate your rugs on a regular schedule so that they do not become worn out quickly. You can easily remove dust and debris by hanging your rugs outside and hitting them with a stick.

For some, when they hear interior design, they think lots and lots of money and time. But it doesn’t need to be this way. By investing a little time and effort, you can make great things happen for a minimal amount of money. Ensure you get exactly the home you want by heeding this advice.

It doesn’t take all that much time and money to go green these days. It can be as easy and cheap as making a few home modifications that save electricity. Use the tips in this article to start living green and help the environment.

Just start using less energy every day. For example, when an appliance is not in use unplug it. Turn off your TV and lights once you leave a room. This is an excellent way of saving yourself some money.

Lower the cost of heating your indoor water, pools and hot tubs by switching to solar water heating systems. Using natural gas or electricity is not as efficient as solar power, and solar water heaters can keep the water temperature steady. In the United States there are many tax deductions for energy efficient green products.

There are government grants available for investing in renewable energy. Ask your local authorities what kinds of programs are available in your area. You may qualify for free wind or solar installation, or you may find that you can deduct some of your expenses on your taxes.

Use window treatments to shade the inside of your home when you aren’t home. The result will be a cooler house because the window’s admit less heat. Generally, your home’s south-facing walls and windows receive the most sun exposure. Try to cover the windows using coverings like roman shades, roller shades, and dark curtains.

A solar water heater may be a viable option in your home. If you live where freezing temperatures aren’t prevalent, you can purchase a system that can circulate water via a solar heater prior to being pumped to your home. It’s a good idea to use a supplemental water heater, however, if you cannot count on constant sunshine or if your hot water consumption is high.

Check what other energy sources are available in your neighborhood. Be sure to look at the legislation and incentives available for using green utilities. For example, you might see a savings if you switch from electricity to natural gas, or even switch from electricity to solar or wind power.

Maintaining your refrigerator is an easy way to save energy. Because refrigerators use so much energy, it really pays to keep them working as efficiently as possible. Regularly make sure the heating coils are dust-free. You should also be sure that the door has a clean and tight seal.

Upgrading your water heater to a tankless style saves a lot of energy. These still use gas and electricity to heat water, but they heat only what you use instead of continuously heating the whole tank. Tankless heaters can supply the entire home or certain faucets.

Rather than using an energy-hogging desktop computer, switch to a laptop. You can reduce your energy use by three-quarters if you use the internet a lot or do a lot of word processing. The other benefit to using laptop over a desktop is that it is portable, so it can be taken anywhere!

Monitor how many watts you’re using. You can do this by using Kill-A-Watt or Watt Minder gadgets. These will help you find where your energy is being consumed. You can plug in various devices into these devices and see how much energy that item uses for periods of time including a hour, month, and even a year. It gives concrete information about how much energy the appliance is wasting.

There are a lot of things you can do if you want reduce your environmental footprint on the planet. You might not have the capacity to invest all of the money to go green immediately, but one can clean furnace filters and adjust the heat at home to be more green. Reduce your water heater to 120 degrees, this can save you a lot of money. Every little bit helps!

Everyone can benefit somehow from green energy use in their homes. With just a few minor alterations to your daily routine, you can realize significant savings on your energy bill.