During this economic crisis and continued global warming, the need for sustainable development has become a now issue instead of a later issue. Here’s a quick list of 10 items I’ve discovered that can make a world of a difference.
1. Heat-energy recovery system
Sensible Heat Energy Recovery System (SHERS) uses heat generated from an air-conditioner or refrigerator to heat water. Payback period is anywhere from six months to two years
2. The Eco Bio Block
Made of volcanic stones and beneficial bacteria, is used to purify water in home aquariums, water tanks and big bodies of water such as ponds, lakes and marshes. When placed in aquariums around 20 gallons or less, there is no need to filter, clean or change water for a period of one to three years.
3. Biowash ball
Washing clothes without using a detergent may seem strange. Introducing the Anabess biowash ball, it’s made of natural ceramics & alters the chemical composition of the water so it can wash clothes more effectively without liquid detergent. It should last over 3 years. Think of the savings in petro from never running to the store for more detergent.
4. Air-con with inverter technology
The Panasonic Envio series of air-conditioners makes use of an “inverter technology” that changes compressor operation speed to match a changing room temperature and adjust power output accordingly, which leads to reduced energy consumption of up to 50 percent, while product only costs about 14% more than the average AC. The payback period may be expected in about seven months..
5. Low Flow faucets
Moen has mother natures call for water conservation by coming up with a line of WaterSense-certified bathroom faucets. With the help of new aerator technology these Moen faucets use 30% less water than other models but still feel just as powerful on your hands.
6. Compact fluorescent lamp
Much has been said about the efficiency of compact fluorescent lamps or CFLs. They have a life expectancy that is 5x longer than incandescent lamps and consume 80% less energy with the same level of lumens. Companies such as Purely Products even carry CFLs that double as ionizers for the room, eliminating the need for an unsightly ionizer on the floor.
7. Reusable shopping bags
The impact of just one person changing to reusable bags over a two-year period is significant. Used twice a week for two years a consumer would save 832 plastic bags from going in a landfill.
8. Biodegradable Cellulose Sandwich bags
Typical plastic bags are derived from petroleum and take well over a lifespan to decompose. These biodegrade in 1-3 months in soil BUT actually keep food lasting longer, unlike evil plastic, they don’t release gases which spoil food taste.
9. Smart Surge Protector
Green Home introduced a smart surge protector. The power strip can ’sense’ the flow of electrical current through the strip’s control outlet. This new option enables the Smart Strip to completely deactivate selected items when it’s not in use saving you money and time!
A small electronic device inside the Smart Strip monitors the current on a single outlet. Let’s say the computer is plugged into that single outlet. When your PC is finished shutting down, the current draw from the computer drops to its idle current — and the Smart Strip monitors the current change, automatically powering down all of the computer peripherals.
The Smart Strip Power Strip is the only surge protector in existence with energy saving electronics. The 10 outlet version has 1 Control Outlet, 3 Constant Hot Outlets, and 6 Switched Outlets.
10. Compostable Trash Bags
These BioBags are made from GMO free starch and are 100% biodegradable and 100% compostable.
Now that you know about these products start using them daily. We each can do our part by changing our daily routines 1 item at the time.
Article by David Patterson
