Dear EarthTalk: What is the environmental impact of so many people now using sites like Facebook and spending so much time online? –Bob Yearling, Paris, TX The environmental impact of so much online time really boils down to energy usage, which in turn affects the amount of greenhouse...

If you are anything like myself and the rest of the one million billion trillion other viewers of HGTV – then you might be familiar with some of the swanky designs of Genevieve and the clean lines and zen-like feel that my favorite, Vern dishes up. The HGTV designers can inspire me to want...

Energy Effeciency: Home Market & Smart Grid by Richard Matthews The energy efficiency industry is undergoing unprecedented growth. This boom is driven by the increased participation of state and federal authorities, and movement toward a smarter grid. According to two new reports by...

Just recently I purchased a new laptop that is Energy Star rated.  At the end of the day I ensure that my computer is completed powered down, and I try to almost never use my printer.  These are just a few things that I’ve done to “green” up my office.  One of the last...

With the holiday season well under way, it’s easy to get engulfed in the hubbub of it all. Don’t be scared. I’m not going to warn you of the perils of excessive materialism. I’ll wait until next year for that. Right now, let’s discuss how we can engage in the...

Energy STAR and LED’s (light-emitting diodes) use 75 to 90 percent less energy than traditional lights, producing fewer gas emissions, and may last up to three years or up to 200,000 hours.  You’ll save even more cash if you equip your lights with automatic timers since there’s no point...

From the Editors of E/The Environmental Magazine Dear EarthTalk: I am considering upgrading some older appliances in my home. Where can I find information on which models are the most energy efficient? – Jonathan Duda, Olivebridge, NY There has never been a better time to upgrade...