Lifestyle

A few years ago, my wife told me about a group of people who make a pledge to not buy new things for a whole year. There are exceptions on their list, of course; there is no such thing as used food or fuel, or other consumables, and it is expected that certain important items like underwear will still be purchased new, but for the most part, the rule was to buy it used or do without.  Having been used to buying nearly everything new my whole life, with only a few exceptions, the idea did not sound particularly practical, or even feasible.

Why turn off the hot water?

Dishwashers vs hand washing is one of those debates that rages though the green community and you can find plenty of facts, research and evidence to support both sides.

Trouble is, that most people try to compare apples and (some un-specified fruit that proves the desired outcome) so we here at greenknowe.org set out to do our own first hand practical kitchen analysis.

Camamu Shampoo Bar 

Rosemary Nettle Bar

So being part of the riot4 austerity and just generally wanting to live a better, healthier life has led us to try and spend more time biking around.  Most of our local errands we accomplish on foot but what about errands that take us out of town but arnt so far that we need to take the car?  What about those intermediate distance shopping trips?  How to get the goods home?

First came incandescent bulbs, then CFLs now we are onto LEDs.  With this we have changed what sort of lighting fixture we look for in our home.

Windows, even double and triple pane are still one of the weakest parts of a building envelope.  A typical wall may be R13 while a good double pane window is only R-4.  Adding good insulation to your windows can greatly improve your over all insulation.

These instructions are for DIY insulating roman shades.