Alternative And Herbal Remedies To Quit Smoking

Nicotine addiction is a serious condition and is one that is very difficult to let go of. Smokers who try to quit find that the withdrawal can be unbearable and so any type of aid that can ease the transition is not only helpful, but, can greatly improve the chances of success.

 

Here are some all natural and alternative remedies that can help. The best advice one can offer to those quitting smoking is to try everything and anything to rid yourself of this cancer causing addiction and to become cigarette free.

Acupuncture

 

Every year, smoking alone kills approximately 5 million people all over the world, according to World Health Organization (WHO). Acupuncture is an alternative form of medicine that can help one to quit smoking. 

 

For some, the thought of acupuncture, conjures images of excruciating pain caused by needles being inserted into various delicate points of the body, not a pretty picture for the squeamish.

 

As much as the word “acupuncture” conjures up such distressful images, rest assured that acupuncture needles are completely different from syringe needles to the point of being painless when inserted into the body. They are hair-thin needles made to shallowly prick the skin at specific points in the body, and the entire process is pain free. 

 

To help smokers to reduce their smoking or even to quit smoking, presuming they’re motivated to do so, acupuncture needles are inserted into multiple points in the ear. Those needles remain there for about 20 minutes. 

 

Amid sessions, acupuncturists use transparent tapes to affix tiny metal balls -- identical to that used in a ball point pen -- to the acupuncture points of the prospective quitters’ ears. They are instructed to lightly press those balls whenever yearning for smoking sets in. The gentle pressing of the balls stimulates respective acupuncture points.

 

A study, involving 141 participants, drew a conclusion that acupuncture plus education was four times more effective than acupuncture alone. Acupuncture is also commonly used for stress relief and relaxation, and of course, this can be indispensable when quitting smoking.

 

Hypnotherapy

 

The Cochrane Collaboration, a not-for-profit network of health practitioners, conducted a study in 2000 to gauge the efficacy of hypnotherapy in quitting smoking. 

 

The study concluded that hypnotherapy was not as effective as counselling therapy because it did not have any greater effects on 6 month quit rates than the other treatment methods or no treatment at all.

 

However, half a decade later in 2006, two studies showcased more promising results. The first study assigned a group of participants to hypnotherapy sessions. These participants had 1 hypnotherapy sessions once per week for 8 weeks, while the control group was placed on a waiting list. 

 

In week 8, at the end of the treatment, the rate of smoking cessation for the hypnotherapy group was 40%; 60% in week 12 after treatment, and 40% in week 26 after treatment. Even after 1 year, the quit rate was 60% for those who had the hypnosis treatment. 

 

Hypnosis is a very viable form of alternative medicine that is used not only for smoking, but, for weight loss, relaxation and motivation. It is definitely worth a try in your quitting efforts.

 

Meditation And Relaxation

 

One of the biggest obstacles to quitting smoking is the anxiety that results from nicotine withdrawal and this is where meditation and relaxation exercises can be of great help. Never underestimate the power of the mind in dictating what happens in the body. 

 

There are various relaxation CD’s that can be of great help, and also visualization and mindful meditation that can allow you to take your mind to another place, a peaceful journey that can alleviate anxiety and calm you as your body withdraws from cigarettes. 

 

Herbs That Help To Quit Smoking

 

Lobelia

 

The herb lobelia is used in many anti-smoking products, mainly because, lobeline, the herb’s active ingredient has similar effects on human body as nicotine. 

 

Studies have found that lobeline increases the level of the neurotransmitter dopamine in human brains, much in the same way cigarettes do. Dopamine is responsible for producing feelings of pleasure. 

 

Lobelia is a toxic herb; therefore it must be used only when prescribed by a qualified doctor, holistic medical practitioner, or trained herbalist. 

 

The herb’s toxicity, depending on the dosage variants, can cause several physical conditions, from dry mouth to convulsions to coma, and even death. What is more, people with heart conditions and high blood pressure, expectant mothers, nursing women and children should never use lobelia.  

 

St. John’s Wort

 

As much as St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is used to treat depression, some preliminary studies have validated the herb’s efficacy in smoking cessation. 

 

To put it into perspective, one study required all participants, who smoked at least one cigarette a day, to take 450 mg of St. John’s Wort twice a day parallel to taking anti-smoking counselling. At the end of 12 weeks, 9 out of 24 participants quit smoking, an impressive 37.5% cessation rate.

 

While not all studies had positive results, more than 24 studies have found that the herb was able to significantly reverse depressive moods, and that it can help with post-cessation emotional disorientation.

 

Up until now, all standard St. John’s Wort extract supplements were known to contain 0.3% of the active ingredient hypericin. A recent study suggests that another compound, hyperforin, found in the herb could be the reason why St. John’s Wort works as an antidepressant. 

 

On a cautionary note, St John’s Wort has the tendency to interfere with some prescription and over the counter drugs, such as, other antidepressants. HIV and AIDS treatment drugs, drugs to prevent organ rejection for transplant patients, and contraceptives. 

 

It is never recommended for pregnant or nursing women, kids, those suffering from liver or kidney disease and those with bipolar disorder.

 

Ginseng

 

Nicotine releases neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain and causes smokers to experience the feeling of pleasure, which, results in addiction. Ginseng prevents nicotine-induced release of dopamine, however, no concrete research has been carried out to establish the herb as an anti-smoking agent. Evidence does exist, however, that Ginseng can help.

 

Ginseng can help with side effects as both Asian (Panax ginseng) and American (P. quinquefolius) ginseng -- the former more aptly called “adaptogen” -- can help the body to deal with and adapt to the physical and mental stresses of quitting smoking. 

 

Ginseng’s positive effect on the brain is implicit. However studies have found that regular intake of ginseng significantly reduces reaction time to visual and auditory stimuli; increases respiratory quotient; enhances alertness, concentration and improves visual and motor coordination. All of which can become impaired during withdrawal from nicotine.

 

One criterion to select from the many ginseng products on the market is to pick the one that has been standardized to 4 to 7% ginsenosides. The next step is to follow the instructions on the label. Both standardized extracts and whole ginseng root will produce the most desired benefits. 

 

A daily dose of 1 or 2 grams of ginseng can be ingested by nibbling on the end of one root, which is soft and easy to digest. You can easily keep a root handy in a place of your choice, such as, in a car or in a drawer of your desk, and start nibbling whenever you feel like it.

 

Milk Thistle

 

The Liver plays an important role in filtering out the toxins created by smoking, it is, therefore, crucial to ensure that it functions properly. Seeds of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) can be used to produce extracts that support healthy liver functions. 

 

Silymarin, at 70% concentration, is central to standardized milk thistle extract. Studies prove that standardized extract of milk thistle changes the liver’s outer cell and prevents toxic chemicals from entering the liver’s inner cells. 

 

The extract also elevates the liver’s capacity to create new cells, which, activates the liver-specific antioxidants. These antioxidants then eliminate the notorious oxygen radicals residing in the liver.

 

A standardized milk-thistle product should be able to administer a total of 420 milligrams of silymarin over three doses per day. Upon experiencing the expected result, which, should occur in 6 to 8 weeks, the dose can be reduced to 280 milligrams per day. 

 

Apart from loose stools, no side effects are reported with the intake of milk-thistle extract.

 

Herbal Smoking Mixtures 

 

Coltsfoot is a traditional smoking herb. It can be found as the basis of many smoking blends. Smoking herb can serve as an alternative to smoking conventional tobacco, the latter containing tar and harmful additives. Coltsfoot helps in curing inflamed lung tissue, loosening secretions, and toning the lungs.

 

Herbs That Ease Nerves 

 

Herbs that are mildly sedating have two-fold benefits: they soothe nerves and curb nicotine withdrawal. Green oats are believed to have both sedating and tonic effects on the nervous system.

 

The post-cessation period will invariably call upon a varying degree of anxiety and panic attacks. While in such a state, passion flower can be used as a remedy.

 

Mood swings and depression brought on by smoking cessation can be cured by kava kava, which, is an effective antidote to such emotional disorientation. 

 

Anxiety that follows immediately after you give up smoking can be alleviated by skullcap. It should be taken alone during the day, and with valerian at night as a natural sleep aid. 

 

Valerian is known for relaxing tense muscles. It is highly effective for insomnia, if that happens to be one of your quitter’s symptom, and allows you to get a good night’s sleep.

 

Final Thoughts

 

It is imperative to remember that safety of supplements and herbs in expectant mothers, nursing mothers, children, and those with any medical conditions and/or are under any medications is yet to be established. 

 

It is a prudent decision to speak with a certified health/holistic practitioner before taking any alternative medicine in the form of herbs or supplements to quit smoking. 

 

Tips for Buying Used or Discount Solar Panel

One of the main drawbacks of solar panels is their cost. Recouping their cost can often take as long as twenty years. That means that you'll essentially have earned zero profit in twenty years - you only start saving money from that point forward.

 

Instead of buying retail-priced solar panels, a great way to get more bang for your buck is to invest in used or discount solar panels instead.

 

Here are a few tips for finding and acquiring below retail rate solar panels.

 

Talk to Realtors in High Net Worth Areas

 

Look for areas where there are many homes with solar panels. If you can find homes for sale that have solar panels on them, so much the better. But even if you can't, talk to realtors in the area anyway.

 

Make them an offer to purchase any solar panel that's on a property they're trying to sell. Realtors often find that prospective buyers don't want solar panels on their home because of aesthetic reasons, or they just don't want the extra cost.

 

It's a burden on selling a home, which means it can often convert into prime opportunity for buying a cheap panel.

 

Look for Out-of-Date Models

 

Another method for finding used solar panels is to contact manufacturers and distributors directly and ask for older models of their products.

 

Often times when a manufacturer updates their product line, they'll try to sell off all their old products at discount prices.

 

In fact, if you can find a distributor or manufacturer who still has solar panels from two models back, chances are you'll be able to get a steep discount on those solar panels.

 

Join a Discount Buying Group

 

Buying just one set of solar panels can be quite expensive. However, if you're buying ten to twenty sets of solar panels, you can get a much better deal.

 

Naturally, you're not going to buy that many solar panels on your own. However, if you join a solar panel buying group, you can often buy these panels together instead and get a nice discount off the price.

 

Always Get the Panel Tested

 

Before you pay for a used or discount solar panel, make sure you have a trained professional test it out. Often times the manufacturer or installer will be happy to administer the test for you for free.

 

Also check the solar panels for any clear damage. Check both the front and the back of the solar panels. In some panels, damage to the back is actually much more important than damage to the front, so don't make the mistake of only checking the front panels.

 

Seriously consider buying a warranty for any used or discounted solar panels.

 

Finding discounted or used solar panels isn't as easy as buying retail, but you can save a lot of money doing so.

The Benefits of Energy-Efficient LEDs

Did you know that lighting costs account for about 25% of the average American's energy bill? That cost, when multiplied over a year, becomes an astronomical figure.

 

CFL and LED light bulbs have helped change that. Using energy saving technology, you can reduce your energy bill by 1/3rd to 1/25th of your original lighting costs.

 

Though LED lights used to be incredibly expensive, breakthroughs over the last few years have brought their cost down dramatically. Today, they're a better value than both CFL and everyday light bulbs.

 

Here are some of the many benefits of energy-efficient LEDs.

 

Generates Twenty Times Less Heat

 

Heat energy is dissipated from an average light bulb. That heat energy uses up electricity to generate itself, energy that you're paying for.

 

In addition, many Americans then have to spend even more electricity to cool their homes in part because of the heat generated from light bulbs.

 

LEDs on the other hand generate almost no heat - twenty times less than a standard light bulb.

 

Much Longer Lasting 

 

A regular light bulb works by heating up a filament in an oxygen-free environment. Unfortunately, the light bulb dies when the filament burns out.

 

An LED light on the other hand has no filament. As a result, they last much longer.

 

A good LED light can last as much as ten times longer than the average light bulb.

 

Reduced Lifetime Costs

 

The standard light bulb costs five to ten times more in energy than its upfront costs. 

 

An LED light on the other hand costs more upfront, but conserves a lot more energy in the long run.

 

In terms of total dollars invested over its lifetime, LED lights are better value than standard light bulbs and CFL light bulbs.

 

Better for the Environment

 

Standard light bulbs are terrible for the environment because mercury is used in the manufacturing process.

 

The chemical waste problem is compounded by the sheer volume of light bulbs that need to be produced. 

 

Because standard light bulbs burn out so often and need to be replaced, the waste the standard household produces is astronomical.

 

LED lights are much better for the environment, because no mercury is used in the production process. You also need to replace them much less often, which means less waste.

 

These are some of the many benefits of energy-efficient LEDs. Replacing the light bulbs in your home is as easy as noting the wattage and going down to your local hardware store to buy LED lights. 

 

There are quite a few choices you can choose from. You can get diffused bulbs, which take the concentrated light and turn it into a more spread out kind of light. You can get high power diffused, which are similar to 100 watt standard bulbs. You can also get them in track lighting, spotlight and floodlight forms.

Simple Improvements for a Greener Home

Want to make your home greener without having to spend too much time and energy on it? There are a few simple things you can do that'll make your home more green literally overnight with very little effort.

 

Here are a few simple improvements you can make for a greener home.

 

Invest in Auto-Off Lights

 

Getting a light switch system that automatically turns off is a great way to save energy and help the environment.

 

This is an especially good idea if you have a hard time remembering to turn off the light or have children who aren't in the habit of turning the lights off.

 

Purchase Energy Saving Light Bulbs

 

Energy saving light bulbs use much less energy than the typical light bulb. They generate less heat and produce just as much light as your typical light bulb.

 

Yes, they are slightly more expensive than a run-of-the-mill light bulb. However, if you care about going green, this is a really simple way to do so.

 

Water Conserving Shower Heads

 

Water conserving shower heads are very affordable, easy to install and can help you save a lot of money on your water bills.

 

Essentially what they do is inject air inside the streams of water. It still feels like you're getting a full blast of water on your body when you shower, but you're actually using a lot less water.

 

Improve Your House's Insulation

 

Improving your home's insulation can save you a lot of energy in the long run. It might take a bit of upfront investment, but it'll easily pay for itself.

 

Insulation will help you keep the heat in during winter and the heat out in summer. It'll help you reduce both your air conditioning and heating bills.

 

Different kinds of homes and different climates work best with different kinds of insulation. Talk to a local expert to figure out your exact cost to benefit ratio.

 

Use Green Products Wherever Possible

 

There are many places you can opt to go green in your house. You can buy green dishwashing soap instead of commercial detergents. You can buy organic soap in your local Whole Foods instead of mass produced soap.

 

You can buy biodegradable plastics instead of plastics that clog up landfills. You can buy products made from recyclable products or which are themselves recyclable instead of products that contribute to our unsustainable waste growth.

 

These are just some of the many ways you can go green. Just about every room in your house can benefit from going green. Often times going green means not only helping the environment, but also saving money. It takes a little bit of effort in the beginning to set up your home properly, but the rewards more than justify the effort.

Reducing Household Waste and Helping the Environment

Reducing household waste is everyone's responsibility. By reducing waste, you'll reduce your environmental impact, influence the people around you to do the same and improve the planet as a whole.

 

Here are a few ways you can quickly cut down your household waste.

 

Compost Instead of Throwing Out Foods

 

Did you know that compostable foods account for as much as 25% of our solid waste?

 

Instead of throwing away those carrot peels and orange peels, learn to compost them. It's not difficult. All you need to do is save up your compostable foods in a separate bin, then throw them into the dirt to compost.

 

It'll enrich your soil while simultaneously reducing your waste.

 

Bring Your Own Bags and Cups

 

Whenever you go shopping, bring your own bag(s) to avoid having to use a plastic bag. If you get your whole family in the habit of doing this, you'll save over a hundred plastic bags per year.

 

When you go out for coffee, make it a habit to bring your own cup. Often times coffee shops will even give you a discount or a larger portion if you bring your own cup.

 

If you swing by Starbucks every morning, that's 30 cups a month, 365 cups a year that you're saving the environment.

 

Buy Recyclable and Recycle

 

Check to see if the products you're buying are made out of recyclable materials before you buy them. If there's a choice between buying recyclable and non-recyclable, go with the recyclable materials every time.

 

Set up your own recycling bin and make sure your neighborhood recycles. If they don't, see what you can do about getting a recycling program set up.

 

Buy Whole Foods

 

Instead of buying pre-packaged foods, opt to buy whole foods instead.

 

For example, instead of buying canned tomatoes, buy whole tomatoes. You instantly save yourself a can.

 

Avoid canned fish, pre-packaged mushrooms, fruit packages, etc. and opt for their whole food counterparts instead.

 

Donate or Sell Old Stuff

 

Instead of throwing out things that have been collecting dust, make it a habit of donating them or selling them off.

 

Something that you might have no interest in anymore may be worth something to someone else at a garage sale or on eBay. 

 

If you have things that aren't really suitable for sale, donate them to Goodwill or your local charity instead.

 

Buy in Large Quantities

 

A lot of things in the household will take less packaging if you buy in larger quantities.

 

For example, instead of buying many containers of small detergent boxes, buy one big box.

 

Whenever you see a choice between buying bigger or smaller, try to pick the bigger (provided that you will eventually use it all). You'll also usually be paying less per ounce.

 

These are a few of the many ways you can reduce your household waste and help the environment. Remember: the environment is everyone's responsibility. By reducing your waste, you're doing your part to help the planet.

Passive Solar Windows for Different Climates

Passive solar windows are a one-time investment that can help you save energy over a long period of time. During summer, it can help keep the heat out and the cool in. During winter, it can help keep the heat in and maximize the heating rays of the sun.

 

Different climates means that people need to position and install their windows differently to take advantage of solar windows' various properties.

 

Passive Solar Windows for Hot and Sunny Climates

 

In hot and sunny climates, glazed windows should be installed towards the south of the house.

 

This allows the windows to collect heat when the sun is low in the sky during the day. That means the heat won't overheat by allowing the sun's rays into the house during peak hours.

 

You can also use a number of shielding devices such as awnings or overhangs to prevent overheating during summer.

 

Other windows in the house can still be installed, but they should have a shade or glaze installed so they let less light into the house. Having north facing windows in a hot and sunny climate can lead to overheating.

 

Passive Solar Windows for Cool Climates

 

There are two main strategies for heating up a home with passive solar windows in cold climates: trombe walls and using a greenhouse methodology.

 

A trombe wall is a big wall, usually painted black, which allows you to absorb heat into the house without heat leaking out.

 

The main concern with using a big window is that while the sun's rays can come into the home and heat up the air, the glass conducts heat so well that it can all escape back through the glass.

 

The trombe wall solves this issue by trapping the heated air between the glass and the trombe wall, then circulating it into the house before the heat has a chance to escape through the glass. 

 

The greenhouse approach uses similar technology to a greenhouse to keep heated air in the house. You use a large number of windows to let the sun's rays into your house, then you use a controlled timer to circulate the air within your house in a way that optimizes the heat and reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the same glass windows that let the heat in.

 

Are Passive Solar Windows for You?

 

Passive solar windows can work for both hot and cold climates, whether there's a lot of sun or just a little bit of sun.

 

To determine whether or not your home qualifies for passive solar windows, talk to an environmental contractor in your area. Make sure you get several different opinions to get a definitive sense of whether or not it's worth the investment.

Organic Gardening and Easy Ways To Get Started Today

Growing your own herbs, vegetables, greens and fruit can be both incredibly rewarding and delicious. However, many gardeners rely on pesticides, herbicides and fungicides not to mention chemical fertilizers to help their garden grow. That’s not only unnecessary, it’s also unhealthy. All those nutritious veggies pack a much healthier punch if they’re sans harmful chemicals.

 

Step 1: Prepare your soil. Because your soil is the foundation of your garden, it is important to make sure it’s full of the right nutrients to feed your garden. Mix in organic material like compost or humus and consider having your soil tested. The proper soil conditions can make the difference between a sparse crop and award winning vegetables. 

 

Step 2: Choose your crop. The second step to build an organic garden is to choose your crop. What are you going to grow in your garden?  Initially, in addition to what you’re going to grow, you’ll want to decide if you want to purchase plants or start your garden from seeds. If you start early enough you can use seeds. If not, you can purchase organic plants from your local nursery.

 

Regardless of what you choose, seeds or plants, make sure they’re grown without chemicals.

 

Step 3: Organize your garden. Did you know some plants naturally protect other plants from disease and pests? It’s true. Marigolds for example, drive bugs away and if you plant them around the perimeter of your garden, they’ll help protect your herbs, greens and veggies. 

 

Before transferring your plants into your garden, mark where you’re going to plant them. Make sure there is plenty of room between plants so they have room to grow and thrive. A tiny tomato plant can grow several feet high and several feet wide. Leave room.

 

Step 4: Natural pesticides, herbicides and fungicides. It’s been said that home gardeners generally use more chemicals on their gardens than farmers do. That’s a lot of chemicals!  Interestingly enough, mild detergent and water protect many plants from harmful pests. Hot pepper sprays also work to fend off pests. And natural predators like frogs and ladybugs can keep your garden healthy and full.

 

Step 5: Maintenance. Watering and weeding are all you have in store for you until it’s time to harvest. Take care to not over water. Soil should be moist but not soaking. Weed on a regular basis to make sure your plants have all the nutrients and room in the soil they need to grow.

 

Organic gardening isn’t difficult when you start with a healthy foundation. Before you dive in and start a garden large enough to feed an army, choose a few plants you know your family will eat. Grow those successfully and next year you can grow a bigger garden. 

Making Green Energy Affordable: Steps towards the Future

Making green energy affordable and scalable is going to be one of the most important topics of the next century. Fossil fuels will run out - it's only a matter of time - and we need to be prepared for that eventuality when it happens.

 

How do we make green energy affordable? Let's take a look at the primary challenges, possible solutions and what you personally can do to help.

 

The Primary Challenges

 

The primary challenge of green energy is its cost. At the moment, energy invested into green sources yields a return that's anywhere between three to ten times more expensive than fossil fuels.

 

That's why there's so much more money to be made in fossil fuels than green energy. The return on capital is much higher.

 

The intermittent nature of green energy is also a big challenge. For example, wind doesn't always blow and the sun doesn't always shine, making wind and solar power difficult to handle consistently.

 

In order for wind and solar power to be competitive, there needs to be significant breakthroughs in battery technology, both in price and in storage capabilities.

 

Working Towards a Solution

 

How does one overcome these challenges?

 

Green energy venture capitalist Vinod Khosla has looked at the issue as a matter of experimentation. 

 

In order to make green energy scalable, a new technology that's as profitable (or close to as profitable) as fossil fuels and coal needs to be discovered.

 

As long as green energy is only profitable when subsidized by governments, it won't take off to the scale of fossil fuels. The reason fossil fuels is such a huge industry is because so much money can be poured into it profitably. In order for green energy to get the same amount of investment, it needs to offer the same level of profitability.

 

Khosla views getting green energy to that level as a matter of stepping up to the plate and doing as many ambitious experiments as possible. 

 

The assumption is that nine out of ten experiments will fail and only one will succeed. But the one that succeeds can have a big impact on the planet. 

 

What Can You Personally Do?

 

Chances are, you're not a banker or scientist who's actively working in the green energy industry. How can you personally help progress our future?

 

There are a couple things you can do.

 

The first is to get involved in local politics to get more green energy subsidies. Yes, it's true that energy subsidies are not a scalable way to grow green energy. 

 

However, the more money the green energy earns as a whole, the more money they'll have to experiment with. Subsidies might not be scalable, but they'll help companies get themselves to scalability.

 

Another thing you can do is to vote with your wallet. Buy energy-saving light bulbs, invest in home solar panels and buy a hybrid car rather than a gas guzzler.

 

Getting our planet to a green future doesn't happen overnight. It'll take major breakthroughs, but it'll also take a collective effort on all of our parts.

Green Energy and The Way of the Future

You may have heard a lot about green energy the past year or so. Whether you’ve jumped on the green energy bandwagon or not, it is definitely not a trend. Green energy is the way of the future. Let’s take a look at exactly what green energy is, why it’s important and how you can use it to improve your life and your environment.

 

What is Green Energy?

 

Green energy is energy that produces little if no by products that harm the environment. For example, fossil fuels like oil are expensive to mine, destructive to the environment during the actual drilling process and produce many toxic by-products. These very same by products have been directly contributing to greenhouse gases and global warming not to mention polluting our waterways and air. 

 

Green energy, like solar, wind, and geothermal do not cause destruction to the environment either during their harvesting stage or as a by-product. When you use solar cells for example to store and create energy, you’re using energy directly from the sun. There’s no by product create and no waste. 

 

Benefits of Green Energy 

 

The benefits of green energy are vast. Initially you may think about two primary environmental benefits. They include no waste or pollution from the energy sources or emissions. Eliminating harmful emissions would drastically improve our planet’s outlook and virtually eliminate global warming caused by greenhouse gasses. 

 

Additionally, green energy means no more destruction of the earth as we harvest fossil fuels. No more oil spills, digging in the midst of our pristine wilderness and destroying our natural resources. 

 

However, beyond the immediate and apparent environmental benefits, in the long run green energy is significantly more cost effective. Imagine if your entire home ran on energy from the sun?  How much a month would that save you in heating your home and in your electric bill?  

 

Over the course of a year you’d save a thousand dollars or more, right?  What about over the course of ten years?  Yes, initially it will cost to transfer your energy source from fossil fuels to green energy sources, but that initial expense is usually paid for within a few years. 

 

Green energy is infinitely sustainable and economically sound. That’s why it is the wave of the future.

 

How to Use Green Energy

 

The good news is that green energy can be utilized in smaller increments. You don’t have to change your entire home over to sustainable fuel sources in one fell swoop. You can add a few solar panels, use passive solar, and support sustainable practices. Some energy companies even offer a membership where you can specify a certain amount of your energy come from wind or solar. This depends on where you live but check it out. Finally, you can support businesses that use green energy. 

 

It may take a while to spread throughout the world, however green energy is more than a passing phase, it is the wave of the future.

Energy-Efficient Roofs: Things to Consider

Energy-efficient roofs are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, keep your home cool and save energy all at once. If your roof is getting to the point where it needs to be maintained anyway, getting energy-efficient roofing could turn out to be a lucrative investment.

 

Here are a few things to consider when you're getting energy-efficient roofs.

 

Rebates and Tax Cuts

 

At the moment, PG&E is offering a $200 rebate for every 1,000 square foot of energy-efficient roof installations. Various states also offer tax breaks. 

 

You may also qualify for the Energy Efficient Tax Breaks with energy-efficient roofing.

 

The tax incentives vary from state to state. If you're on a different utility provider, talk to them about potential rebates. These can go a long way towards offsetting the cost of the roofing.

 

The Different Types of Energy: Efficient Roofs

 

There are a few different common types of energy-efficient roofs.

 

First you have metal roofing. These metal roofs are reflective and will divert the sun's rays from your house, effectively cooling your home without taking up any energy.

 

They're also extremely durable and can survive even in harsh weather conditions.

 

Next you have clay tiling. Clay tiles aren't as reflective as metal, but a special coating can be added to increase their heat reflecting capabilities.

 

Often times clay tiles can be made in a sustainable manner to help reduce your environmental footprint even further.

 

Finally you have membranes. Membrane installation is much easier than the other types and can even be done without a contractor. Unfortunately, the material is much more expensive than other types.

 

Membranes are often used on commercial buildings rather than residential buildings.

 

The Process of Getting Energy: Efficient Roofs

 

The best way to get top-notch energy-efficient roofs at a good price is to talk to several contractors before making your decision.

 

Get at least three different bids for the job before you make your pick. Make sure you talk to the contractor about what roof type will work best for your house.

 

Do you get the sense that this contractor is really knowledgeable about their craft? Remember, doing a roof is a big project. Only hire someone that you really feel you can trust.

 

Try to negotiate a per-job rate rather than a per-hour rate. Per-hour projects almost always go over budget.

 

Energy-Efficient Roofs: Wrap Up

 

In summary, getting energy-efficient roofs can be a great way to help conserve energy and save money. There is a significant upfront investment, but it'll more than pay for itself in the long run. This is especially true if your roofing needs to be replaced anyway. If you're getting a new roof, seriously consider making the extra investment to help your planet and conserve energy.