Branden Schroeder's Blog: Meaningful "green" living tips

As compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) have increased in popularity due to their significant energy saving attributes (they consume about 75% less electricity and can last almost 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs), concern has arisen about the mercury content within the bulb. 

It is true that CFLs do contain mercury.  According to a 2007 paper issued by the EPA’s Energy Star program, each CFL bulb tube contains about 5 milligrams of mercury, which is an element essential for the cool-burning functionality of the bulb. 

Although mercury is a naturally occurring element, accumulation at certain levels in humans can be toxic. Efforts are underway to reduce the necessary amounts of mercury in these bulbs, but the nature of CFLs will likely always…

All Maryland residents can now receive special discounts on compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs through a unique mark-down program sponsored by Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE). 

The program provides an automatic $1.50 markdown on each CFL bulb purchase and $3.00 on multipacks.  The great thing is, there are no coupons, mail-in-rebate forms, etc., involved in receiving this discount.  The discount is already reflected in the price of the bulbs paid at the register when purchased at participating retailers, which include The Home Depot and Costco.   

Given the fact that CFLs use about 75% less energy and can last as much as 10 times longer than conventional incandescent bulbs, buying CFLs makes good sense for homeowners from a monetary perspective… Read Full Post

If you are thinking about a remodeling project or are perhaps just considering ways to lower your electric bill by making small home improvements, all the available options now being discussed in the media may seem a bit overwhelming.  As “green” issues have become recently in vogue many people are holding themselves out to be experts and the array of recommendations and sources of information have grown considerably. 

To help remodelers, whether homeowners or contractors, make decisions that will actually make a proven difference in terms of energy efficiency and natural resource conservation, the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH) recently issued a “Top 10” List for Remodeling.  PATH, which is a joint venture between various… Read Full Post