Energy Efficient Micro Appliances

There are a number of reasons why someone would want a smaller appliances or even dual usage for one purchased item.  Smaller living space, reduced number of steps needed to get things done, or simply to save money – multifunctional appliances definitely have their benefits. 

These nifty duos have seen a considerable growth in the market place, especially with increased penny-pinching, reduced energy consumption, and a cultural push for simple compact life.

Aside from being energy friendly, small appliances are great for not only smaller homes, but for bachelors and bachelorettes, those looking to downscale their appliance usage, and they make great wedding gifts.

Check out these space-saving gadgets that not only make your life more compact, but also more eco friendly and innovative

Microwave Duos  LG has come up with some clever ways to pair microwaves with other popular kitchen gadgets, such as a toaster and a coffee maker.  This stainless steel duo saves a ton of space, and is cleverly designed to be chic yet functional. Instead of running both your microwave and your coffee maker, you now need to flip only one switch

Tankless Water Heaters

Tankless water heaters are an absolute must have for homes with limited floor space and plumbing options. These electric heaters produce and supply endless streams of hot water to multiple outlets simultaneously without any fluctuation in temperature. They are 30%-50% percent more energy efficient than a traditional water heater, and the automatic shut-off features provides huge energy savings.

The Ottoman Bench Press

Though not an appliance, Ottoman’s are great for smaller spaces. They can be used as a coffee table or as additional seating. Interestingly enough the “Otto-Bench” also allows the Ottoman to be used as a bench press/weight lifting station.  This two-in-one decor gadget saves natural resources by combining two needs in one.  The amount of time, energy and resources that would have gone into building two separate products is cut in half! And if you consider the beginning to end process for a consumer good, especially logging and transport, you can rest assure that you’re doing your part for the environment.

The Revolving Kitchen

The original Circle Kitchen is an innovative high-tech compact kitchen. The 180° revolving kitchen features all the amenities of a traditional kitchen but takes up only 1.8 square meters of space.  They come in a number of styles and are great for either a small home, apartment, guest house, and garage homes.  Plus smaller fridge, smaller apliances, means reduced energy costs and needs.

Great Gadgets for Small Homes is written by Shireen Qudosi. For more, or to view our Heater Guide, visit us at http://www.heater-home.com. Follow us on Twitter @HeaterHome

Andersen Helps Conserve Natural Resources Through Increased Use of Fibrex® Material

Andersen Corporation, a durable goods manufacturer for over one hundred years and the leading brand of windows and doors, continues its commitment to environmental efforts through increased use of Fibrex® material. Fibrex material is the company’s patented, highly sustainable structural composite that blends the best attributes of thermoplastics and bio-fibers – much of it reclaimed directly from the company’s manufacturing plant operations.

Andersen began producing windows made from wood in 1903, and in 1966 introduced vinyl cladding to help reduce maintenance and increase durability. After decades of experience with these two materials, the company introduced Fibrex® material in 1994. It combines the strength and stability of wood with the low-maintenance features of vinyl.

Fibrex material not only reduces the company’s need for raw timber, but reclaims much of its wood wastestream, as well. It provides an efficient use of embodied energy in the reclaimed wood fiber and helps reduce volatile organic compound emissions, since no wood preservative treatment or painting is required. Additionally, converted Fibrex material can be reclaimed and reprocessed into new components. Andersen has saved hundreds of thousands of board feet of lumber since its introduction.

Wood is an important and renewable material that we’ve used in our products for more than 100 years,” said Shawn Aherns, product marketing manager at Andersen. “Combined with our preference to certified wood supplies, Fibrex material allows us to conserve natural resources and strive for continuous improvement of our environmental performance.”

Andersen uses Fibrex® material in the construction of many of its products including its Woodwright® double-hung windows, Renewal by Andersen® replacement windows, 200 Series basement windows and sill components for windows and patio doors.

Independent testing has found that the material has a low thermal expansion and contraction rate, is resistant to rotting and termites, and retains its rigidity and stability in high temperatures.

The design flexibility of Fibrex material allows us to research exciting product possibilities and applications,” said Aherns.

The Andersen® brand is the most recognized and most used brand in the window and patio door industry. For a local dealer, more information or a copy of the Andersen limited warranty, visit www.andersenwindows.com, or call 1-800-426-4261.

Abby’s Blog: My Pink Recyled Sink

Yesterday Dad took me to the new house and I got to see my new room and bathroom all clean for the first time! My favorite part of my shiny new bathroom is my pink sink. My mom and I picked it out together, but I got to pick out the color. The sink is by Kohler and it made from 93% recycled and reclaimed cast iron. My mom told me that all of our new sinks are Kohler cast iron. Max got white (boring!), the guest room has sky blue, the kitchen has a color called Vapour Green which looks like aqua and the big sink is sea salt which has a really cool crackled look.

 

I keep trying to keep count of all the recycled products in our house, and I think I’m going to share that list with everyone when I am done. Keep recycling!

 

Posted by Abby, age 6

 

Please Turn Your Engine Off…

My husband and I recently went on vacation in Vermont. On our drive up, we stopped at a rest area in New Hampshire where we came across this interesting sign posted in the rest area parking lot.

Even though I was on my honeymoon, I thought “this would make an awesome post!” (I’m either that dedicated or that crazy, I know).

When I got back, I decided to do some digging and get some information on the New Hampshire Idling Regulations and here is what I found:  

• When the temperature is above 0 ^oC (32 ^oF), a gasoline engine shall not idle for more than 5 consecutive minutes;
• When the temperature is -23 ^oC (-10 ^oF), 0 ^oC (32 ^oF), or anywhere in between the 2 temperatures, a gasoline engine shall not idle for more than 15 consecutive minutes; or
• When the temperature is below -23 ^oC (-10 ^oF), and where no nuisance is created, a gasoline engine shall not be subject to idling restrictions.

Above are the regulations for gasoline powered cars. Diesel engines have different standards. You can read the full regulations here.

This seems like such a good idea to me. Yes I am guilty of warming my car up in the winter, but never for more that 5-10 minutes. I think that every state should pass this kind of regulation.

What do you all think?

Posted by: Lauren

Support Your Local Shops and Artists This Holiday Season

The holidays are right around the corner and with that comes lots of holiday shopping. I am notorious for procrastinating and doing all of my shopping the week (or a day or two) before Christmas and I have vowed that I will not do that this year. I have also decided that this year I am going to give handmade gifts (don’t laugh – I make really cute stuff!), buy gifts at local shops or support my fellow etsy sellers.

Luckily for me to accomplish this, it isn’t too hard or painful.  I happen to live in one of the cutest towns I have ever visited – East Greenwich, RI.  I live right off Main Street and can walk to all the great restaurants and stores.  One in particular that is new this holiday season is Studio Main Street – it is owned by a group of girlfriends – each bringing their own unique personality and trade to the store.  This is a great place to find unique vases, mirrors or serving pieces – all at very reasonable prices.

On etsy I have one particular shop that I want to support for a couple of reasons – the store owner is local (East Greenwich) and her products are beautiful.  Awcombes store features brightly colored belt buckles on great quality leather belts.  I have had my eye on one belt in particular since the first time I saw it (hint hint hint for anyone needing gift ideas for me J).

Many of you who are reading this might not have the great selection that I have in my town but etsy is a great place if you want to still try to shop and support local people.  When you go onto the site you can search by your town or state and have it shipped right to your front door.  What better way to spend your holiday money then supporting a fellow resident or a nearby shop.  It will brighten your holiday spirit and those close to you as well.

Happy shopping!

Posted by: Becca