Gimme (Efficient) Shelter
May 7, 2008
You’ve got thirst-quenching water and tasty treats, now it’s time to start thinking about your shelter. Psychologist Abraham Maslow famously decided that after the basics of survival are taken care of, we humans start worrying about our safety, but a recent survey of Canadian condo buyers may just turn his notions about the importance of that roof over our head (ahem) on their ear.
According to a 2008 poll conducted for TD Canada Trust by Angus Reid Strategies a building’s energy efficiency ranked equally with security, with 96 per cent of respondents saying it was the most important factor in buying a condo.
The report on the survey also showed an overall increase (quite a high rise actually) in the acceptability of condo living, something advocates of high-density housing have long desired, seeing more efficient urban spaces preserving those few strange, unpaved areas we’ve left outside.
There’s no indication this increasing fondness for condo living has anything to do with the next level up on Maslow’s hierarchy, that being our need for love and belonging, but maybe common walls will lead to getting to know your neighbour better.
Energy-efficient homes for under $100
May 7, 2008
| From water-saving bowls to biofuelled heaters, these eco-wiseguys are making energy-efficient homes for less money than you think. After we viewed this video, we thought we’d do some of our own research
Check out these regular household items – ‘betcha didn’t know they were helping you to conserve energy. Chances are you already have one, but if not, swing by your local hardware or department store. Who knew you could conserve this much energy for this little (it all adds up to less than $100). |
Toaster Oven ($39.99)
Heating food consumes a lot of electricity. Why not try cooking in a toaster oven? Food is heated with far less energy than using the oven or stove, yet the quality is not compromised.
Five-Watt Speakers ($19.99 for two)
Save on your bills and your hearing-health with low-watt speakers. How loud do you need your music anyway? You do the math; more watts = more energy.
Power Bar ($7.99)
Did you know that some electronic devices, like your cell-phone charger, continue to suck energy while plugged in? This is even when you’re not using them. So maybe it’s time to get a power bar strip with an off-and-on switch to plug in all those infrequently used appliances. Don’t forget to turn off the power bar when not in use!
Stainless Steal Bowl ($3.39)
These YouTube guys recommend washing your dishes in a stainless steal bowl. The steel doesn’t collect as many bacteria as plastic does, and the metal keeps hot water hot for longer. Heating water uses a lot of energy, so keep the taps off!
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs ($9.99 for two 13-watt bulbs)
We’ve all switched our light bulbs, right? Well if not, get into the groove! Bulbs are available in different sizes and watts to fit every lamp in your home.
Ice Packs ($2.99)
Ice packs or bottles of liquids can be used for more than camping trips. According to our friends on YouTube, you should keep bottles of water (or beer!) in your fridge to help stabilize the temperature when cold air rushes out upon opening the door. Because these liquids have a high thermal mass, they don’t change temperature readily so they will help the fridge recover lost temperature when opened.
Low-Flow Shower Heads ($12.00)
Let it rain, let it rain – but not on your wallet. Low-flow shower heads are an easy way to cut down, not only on your water bill, but your energy bill. Again, it takes a lot of energy to heat water – so try to cut your showers a little shorter too, that is, without compromising a good clean!
Obesity’s heavy environmental toll
May 6, 2008
Canada’s obese hardly need to be reminded that their extra weight is a potentially fatal burden. But if there’s one warning they probably haven’t heard, it’s this: obesity is also apparently an environmental hazard.
From the increased calorie consumption of a larger person to the amount of fuel required to drive them around, obese people require more energy than their lighter counterparts. And where more energy is required, more ends up being used.
If the connection between the environment and weight gain seems tenuous, it’s important to remember that the parallels between fitness and more efficient energy use are actually familiar refrains. Walking, rather than driving, shows up consistently on lists of small lifestyle changes that can reduce fuel use, just as it does on lists about improving your health. And like the cars that we’re advised to avoid, improving our own health is just another way of literally using energy more efficiently. It’s the biological equivalent of trading in an SUV for a compact hybrid, exchanging gas-guzzling guts for a well-maintained cardiovascular system.
