The Hathaway's Solar House

This house rocks! It does not make sense to not do this.

LED Light Bulbs

LED Lights could reduce energy consumption by 29% by 2025. Read More here. With solar power added this has huge potential for developing countries

Standby: Using electricty for.... Well, for Nothing!

I have heard several reports recently about the UK cracking down on appliances that come with a standby mode. Millions of Pounds are lost each year by appliances that appear to be off, but because they are still in standby mode are using electricity. I can't even imagine how much energy is lost in the US. Read more about it here and here.

Addendum January 9, 2007- OK, I just want to be honest. After posting on this yesterday, I decided to go through my house last night and turn off any electrical items that had a standby mode or that I normally leave on at night even though they are not doing anything. My TV, DVD player and speakers for the TV all come with standby modes. I also turned off our main computer which I normally leave on for no good reason other than I'm lazy. I turned off two monitors, a printer, computer speakers, and an external hard-drive all of which have standby modes. We do get a more affordable rate on electricity at night, but that is still no reason to waste it. Also, I am not sure that we will notice a significant difference in our electric bills, but over the course of months and years I imagine this will make a difference.