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Earth homes are energy-efficient, making them eco-friendly and cost-saving

12/7/2022

 
​Many earth homes use passive solar design to reduce fuel consumption. The earth's temperature acts like a blanket to keep the home cooler than above ground. Similarly, an earth home is durable, lasting for centuries and even millennia. And because it is made of natural materials, it is airtight and insulated, causing less heat to escape.

In addition to reducing energy costs, earth-sheltered homes are also more aesthetically pleasing. 
These homes can be built into the landscape, leaving more space for yards and wildlife. They also require minimal maintenance. There is no need to paint exterior siding, or re-roof every few years. You won't even need to clean the gutters in the spring and summer.

Another benefit of earth-sheltered homes is their high thermal mass. Earth-sheltered houses can be built with rammed earth walls and a concrete slab. The rammed earth walls are thick and provide excellent insulation. The correct orientation and placement of windows can further help with insulation and proper temperature levels.

The cost of building an earth-sheltered home is higher than a traditional home, but in the long run, the savings will be substantial. This is because the earth absorbs heat and reduces outside air infiltration. This means that the indoor temperature stays consistent, thus reducing the need for central heating and cooling.

Earth-sheltered homes can also be cooler than conventional homes because of their sod covering. The temperature inside an earth-sheltered home stays in the low seventies even during the summer months, allowing people to enjoy a comfortable temperature without having to worry about astronomical utility bills. In addition to being cooler, earth-sheltered homes do not suffer from the humidity, which is commonly observed in conventional homes.

An Earth House home can use up to 20% less energy than a typical home, and it can reduce carbon output by one tonne per year. And it can save more by installing high-efficiency appliances. Adding a solar powered energy system can save an additional four tonnes of carbon each year.

Save money on Thanksgiving by turning the event into a potluck dinner

11/22/2022

 
​Despite rising prices of ingredients, you can still enjoy Thanksgiving without breaking the bank. This year, a number of food economists suggest using a potluck approach to a Thanksgiving dinner to save money.

A Thanksgiving potluck can save money because guests will not have to buy every dish. Instead, they can bring one of their favorite holiday dishes. And since guests are not required to make everything, it is less work for the host.
A Thanksgiving potluck is also a good way to get your friends involved. It gives them an opportunity to show off their favorite holiday dishes. If they don't enjoy cooking, they can bring an easy side dish. Another great idea is to serve frozen appetizers.

Another way to save money on Thanksgiving is to make your meal smaller. Instead of the traditional turkey and all the sides, you can serve a smaller turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and some fruit.

Another great idea is to serve a dessert that is not traditional on Thanksgiving. For example, a pumpkin and pecan cheesecake is a great alternative to a traditional pumpkin pie. Another idea is to serve a tart made from different fruit. You can use sweet potatoes instead of apples. 

Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate your community and give thanks for all that you have. It is also a time to spend time with family and friends. A potluck is a great way to do that. 

A Thanksgiving potluck can also be a fun event to bring employees together. For example, at your office, you can ask employees to contribute a dish to your Thanksgiving meal. You can create a sign-up sheet that lets guests know what they need to bring. This will help prevent guests from bringing the same dish twice.

A Thanksgiving potluck is also incredibly easy to make. You can create a spreadsheet with suggested sides and desserts. You can ask guests to bring their favorite holiday dishes and share them with the whole family.

Growing food can save you a lot of money!

11/18/2022

 
Food inflation has hit 7% globally, and it is expected to rise further due to the global climatic changes, on going floods & droughts in various arable regions along with increasing political conflicts in the world.

With prices skyrocketing, it is important to look for alternative ways to reduce your food expenses.​ By growing your own fruits and vegetables, you can reduce your monthly grocery bill, and get fresh produce that is much cheaper, not to mention of even better quality, than supermarket produce.
If you are a vegetarian or vegan, growing your own vegetables can be a cost-effective way to lower your grocery bill. Carrots are one of the most expensive vegetables, and growing them yourself can save you money by cutting down on the cost of buying them. 

Many people enjoy gardening for a variety of reasons. It is a relaxing hobby that helps connect you with nature. Growing your own food is also a smart move on the economic front, as homegrown produce is not only cheaper than grocery store produce, but also healthier for you. Regardless of your motivation, gardening can save you money and give you a better connection with nature.

Initially you will have to invest a little on seeds, pots, soil and a few garden supplies. But the returns you receive will far surpass this initial investment... not just in terms of money, but also joy and satisfaction of producing your own food.

If you are just starting out, it is important to choose easy-to-grow vegetables and herbs that require little or no extra care. Choose varieties that need minimal pesticides, and will produce the most for your investment. Herbs are among the easiest plants to grow, and they rarely require much water once established.

Growing your own vegetables and fruits will save you money for years to come. Homegrown produce tastes better than supermarket produce and is cooked within minutes after harvest. 

Also you can preserve and save your home grown harvest in a variety of ways. Right from dehydrating them or saving in in your freezer to canning. You can also pickle them, create sauces and other delicious treats to increase the shelf life of your home grown produce harvest.

Harvesting your own food can bring joy and satisfaction to your life
Growing your own foods is an ideal way to provide your family with fresh and healthy foods. Not only can you provide them with vitamins and minerals, but you can also harvest the fruits of your labor, which you can then share with friends and family. 

Food that has been grown in your own garden will have a unique flavor that will be hard to find anywhere else.

One of the most important benefits of growing your own food is that you can control the freshness of your food. Freshly picked vegetables and fruits are more flavorful, and have more nutrients. 

Once they are harvested, supermarket produce begins to lose moisture. Homegrown vegetables and fruits are fresher and contain no additional additives.

Growing your own foods is an eco-friendly hobby that will save you money and add flavor to your life. Growing your own food will also allow you to connect with nature and learn more about your food. However, it requires a quite some time and effort. Nevertheless, the rewards are worth it.

Four Ways to Reduce Your Heating Energy Bill

11/18/2022

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In addition to turning down the thermostat, there are other things you can do to lower your heating energy bill. For example, closing the blinds at night can prevent ten percent of heat from escaping your home. Changing a few habits can make a big difference in your overall heating bill.

Lower the temperature on your water heater
If you have a water heater, lowering the temperature can help you cut your heating energy bill by five to twenty percent.
In most houses, hot water heating accounts for around 25 percent of the total energy usage, so you will save a significant amount of money by doing this. To begin, turn off the electricity to your water heater, and measure the temperature of the water exiting the device. The water closest to the water heater will be the hottest. As the water travels farther, it cools significantly.

Many water heater manufacturers set the temperature at 140 degrees Fahrenheit by default, but lowering it by ten degrees could save you as much as $400 annually. A lower temperature will also reduce the risk of scalding, which can result in serious health consequences.

Another way to lower the temperature of your water heater is by setting the faucet lever in the cold position. When using only a small amount of water, you don't need a large volume of hot water. Otherwise, your faucet could fire up your hot water heater and you won't be able to use it. 

Also, according to DOE, lowering the temperature of your water heater by just five degrees can save you an average of five percent on your heating energy bill. 

But be careful when lowering the temperature of your water heater because you can invite opportunistic bacteria and legionella to multiply.

Insulate your home
Adding insulation to your home is a good way to reduce your heating and cooling costs. It will keep heat from escaping and improve your comfort. 

There are three main mechanisms that cause heat to flow through materials: conduction, convection, and radiation. Convection occurs when warmer air rises, and cooler air sinks. Radiation, on the other hand, occurs when heat transfers in a straight line.

One of the easiest ways to insulate your home is to add insulation between the studs of your home. You can also add insulation to your walls, which will improve the overall energy efficiency of your home. There are various types of insulation that can be installed, including fiberglass.

You can also install foam insulation to reduce your heating and cooling costs. Depending on your home's size and construction, this product can help you save a significant amount of money over time. The amount you save can vary, but in general, foam insulation can save you up to 50 percent.

It can be costly to insulate your home, but the energy savings will eventually offset the costs. A typical home that has a well-insulated attic can save around $280 per year in utility bills. 

The cost of well insulation your home could completely pay for itself within just a few months, given the current high energy costs! 

Draw the blinds at night
Drawing the blinds at night will reduce the amount of heat coming into your home and will lower your heating energy bill. You can find blinds in various styles and designs. Ideally, you should place them on windows facing the south or west. These types of blinds are more effective in blocking heat transmission from the sun than those placed on interior windows. Moreover, these blinds will help you in reducing the energy cost of your home by reducing the usage of air conditioners and fans.

If you have central heating, you can reduce your heating costs by opening the blinds in the mornings and then closing them in the evenings. Also, remember to close the blinds in the rooms where you do not spend much time.

Install a programmable thermostat
If you want to cut your heating energy bill, consider installing a programmable thermostat. The installation is a simple task that can take less than an hour. These devices are available at most home improvement and hardware stores. They can help you save money on your heating bill by reducing the time that your heating and cooling system runs.

You should also make sure that the batteries in your thermostat are changed at least once a year. By following these tips, you can decrease your heating and cooling energy bills and shrink your carbon footprint.

A programmable thermostat allows you to save money on your heating and cooling bills by keeping your entire home at the perfect temperature. It also gives you the ability to program the temperature settings for specific rooms. This prevents your heating system from wasting energy on empty rooms. Some models even have Wi-Fi capabilities and functions that track local weather patterns.

As our energy costs keep soaring, check out to see which of these energy saving tips, you can implement right away and which you can plan to do over the next few weeks and months, so that over time, your heating bills will reduce to their lowest possible amount.
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