How to use the rain water constructively?

Recycling rainwater is certainly worth doing if you want to save water and reduce your water bills. There are many things that can be done with rain water, provided one has the means of collecting, storing and properly distributing rain water.


The first thing you need is water catchment and they have to be placed in an area which is free from falling debris, leaves, branches and tiles. You can find huge plastic container that comes in various shapes and sizes and can be covered with a lid when it is not raining. In fact, you can use any empty water jugs or gallons which are clean.

In the cities, capturing rainwater from the roof is a great way to supply water for various purposes including washing clothes, watering your garden and flushing toilets. The most effective way to save money on water bills is rainwater tanks, especially if you also use other water saving devices such as water-efficient showerheads, dual flush toilets, tap timers and trigger nozzles.

Before purchasing or installing a rain water tank, you should take care of the following:

1. Selecting the right tank for your need: Rain water tanks are available in various materials and comes in different shapes and sizes. The most common material used is synthetic polymers, but you should take care of the food-grade standard of the material. Tanks are also available made from galvanized steel and concrete. Fibreglass tanks suitable for collecting rainwater are manufactured with a food-grade coating on their interior surface.

2. Installation and maintenance: The size of roof will determine the volume of water you are able to collect. You may need to make changes to the position of your downpipes to maximise the volume of water flowing to your tank.

3. Safety and water quality: The quality of water collected depends on the correct installation of the tank. The tank should be properly covered when it is not raining.

4. Building regulations: Before purchasing the water tank, check with the local health or building council regarding the standards.

Many people collect water and save it for the period of water shortage, particularly dry months. After securing a tap to these catchments, they use it for watering the gardens, washing cars, cleaning their homes and pets. If you hook up a pipe from these catchments and route it to your kitchen and bathroom, you can install a dual system where you can switch between supplied water and rainwater for washing the dishes and flushing the toilet.

Recycling rain water contributes positively to the environment and saves you money. Rain is free, we will never run out of rain (In fact many countries are facing floods due to global warming) and clean empty containers are also free. So, what are you waiting for? 

What is a Biofuel?

Biofuel is derived from the biomass conversion and have been used since the start of the 20^th century. It is simply the energy derived from carbon fixation. The use of Biofuels has increased in recent times as the price of gasoline has increased. Along with, the need to combat the increased carbon dioxide emissions and government subsidies has led to increased usage of biofuels. This is evident from the fact that the production of biofuel has increased 17% in 2010 compared to the production in 2009.
Petrol and diesel are also ancient biofuels but they are considered as fossil fuel as the carbon in them has been out of the natural carbon cycle for a long period of time.  Biofuels are made from the plants that are nowadays available.


The most widely used biofuel is ethanol. USA and Brazil are the top producer and consumer of ethanol. It is made by fermenting alcohol, mostly from carbohydrates produced in sugar or starch crops such as corn or sugarcane. Ethanol is added to the gasoline to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and to increase the engine performance, though it can be used as a fuel in its pure form.


Another popular form of biofuel used is biodiesel. European Union is the biggest producer of biodiesel and biodiesel is the most common biofuel in Europe. It is produced from oils or fats and can be used as fuel to drive vehicles in its pure form but is added to the conventional diesel to reduce emissions.


The popularity of biofuels has soared in the recent years as they help to reduce emissions, reduces reliability on the conventional fossil fuels and is a renewable source of energy. But there has been increased debate on the benefits of biofuels. Some experts believe that the energy obtained from the biofuel is less than what is spend on the production of biofuel.


Therefore, it is imperative to improve the production process of biofuel and make them easily available to the general consumers with increased government subsidies. 

Ten ways to lower electricity bills.

The cost of living is escalating and with the rising expenses there arise a need to cut down utility bill expenses. By making some simple changes to your lifestyle this can be done. In fact, most of these tips are probably not new to you. If you make good use of them and follow these tips, you will find smaller electric bills.

1. Installing Programmable Thermostat: The Energy Information Administration report says that 40% of the home energy usage is used for heating and cooling spaces. As we forgot to turn appliances when they are not needed, installing a programmable thermostat could reduce energy usage. It can be programmed to switch off the appliances when they are not needed. According to the studies this can help you to save 10% of annual electricity bills.

2. Energy Saving Appliances: The home appliances used in the house such as air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators can save substantial amount of energy. The manufacturers had developed energy efficient appliances which use less electricity to help save some money for the consumers. The government agencies had certified these appliances to help consumer identify these products as energy savers such as Energy Star in America. Energy Star approved products help save you money through their advanced construction and design.

3. Consulting a local HVAC Technician: Consulting an HVAC (heat ventilation and air conditioning) technician can detect leaking ducts or malfunction filter can save a substantial amount on electricity bills. Inspecting filters of furnace and air conditioner can increase the efficiency of the unit.

 4. Proper Insulation: Properly insulated house can substantially save energy bills. A well insulated home keeps air cool in summer and warm in winter. Insulate home’s ductwork and exterior outlets and add sufficient amount of caulk around windows and doors. This will reduce the flow of air and prevents the HVAC system to work harder. Insulating hot water heaters and hot water pipes can also save some money.

5. Washing clothes in cold water throughout the year: By washing clothes in cold water can save a great deal of energy per cycle rather than washing on a hot setting.

6. Change light bulbs to CFL’s: Changing incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent light bulbs can save up to 25% on lighting costs. CFL”s not only uses less electricity but also last 10 times linger than conventional incandescent bulbs.

7. Unplug cords: Unplug cords such as mobile phone chargers and laptop when not using them. Before leaving the house for work, unplug major appliances. Doing so can lessen electricity use by up to 10 % and increase the life of appliance.

8. Use fans or alternative cooling options: Try not to use air conditioner and look for alternative cooling options. If possible, try to use electric fans. If you live in an arid and dry climate, you can use a swamp cooler. Compared to complete air conditioning units, swamp cooler units are inexpensive and can save you plenty on your power bills.

9.  Using a microwave to reheat food: Try to use a microwave to reheat food or to cook small portions. Although a microwave uses a lot of power, it does so over a very short time and so saves energy overall.

10. Planting Trees: Planting trees outside the house will reduce cooling costs in the longer run. Along with this Painting the roof of the house white keep homes cool in summer by letting less heat in and warm in winter by not allowing more heat escape than other roofs.

How to build an eco-friendly house?

How to build an eco-friendly house?

There has been a considerable improvement in the construction of the buildings which has reduced the negative impact on the environment. The eco-friendly construction techniques have reduced energy usage by using sustainable building materials and employing alternative sources of the energy in the house. The innovative water management techniques have also led to conservation of water.

Energy-Efficient Design

Eco-friendly houses should be designed to minimise energy losses. The design of the house should consider environment and local climate conditions to make best possible use of solar energy. The house should be properly insulated to ensure energy efficiency and minimise energy loss. Painting the roof of the house white keep homes cool in summer by letting less heat in and warm in winter by not allowing more heat escape than other roofs. The efficient building design should also consider properly placed windows to allow ventilation in the house.

 

Sustainable Building Materials

Sustainable building material is the one which reduce the energy usage and fits harmoniously within the ecosystem. Recycled wood can be used for making tables, planter, studs and headboard. The recycled plastic can be used to make water tanks, pipes and pet bottles. Recycled denim can be used for the insulation of the walls. The eco-friendly building materials emit low level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), low embodied energy (the sum energy inputs used to make any product) and are easy to recycle.

Energy-Efficient Appliances

The home appliances used in the house such as air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators can save substantial amount of energy. The manufacturers had developed energy efficient appliances which use less electricity to help save some money for the consumers. The government agencies had certified these appliances to help consumer identify these products as energy savers such as Energy Star in America.

Alternative Source of Energy

The incorporation of alternative sources of energy can also contribute to the environment. Installing solar panels is very common these days. Using the sun to heat the water for domestic use and also for space heating and cooling can also reduce energy usage.

Water Management

Water management is often overlooked in an eco-friendly house project. The rain water should be collected in the rain barrels and water from the shower can be used in lawn. Low flow toilets should be installed and leaks should be fixed.

Benefits to Homeowners

Eco-friendly houses not only save money for the owners but also conserve energy and are environment friendly. As the materials are toxin free it leads to increased occupant health and also reduce maintenance costs.