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Energy Savings Ideas, Cutting Electricity Costs, Appliances, Efficiencies, Phantom Loads

There are some nasty rumors of late that electrical rates in New England, and elsewhere, may go up 20% - 50% over the next few months. There is an organization called Efficiency Maine www.efficiencymaine.org.  Their mission is to help Maine businesses and citizens consume electricity more wisely. In a recent newsletter they suggest:

  > Replace Incandescent bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs) - CFLs give the same amount and quality light as traditional bulbs, using 1/3 the amount of energy and last ten times longer. A CFL can save over $30 in electricity costs over the lamp’s lifetime and save 2000 times their own weight in green house gases.

  > Reduce Phantom Load - Many appliances continue to draw power when they are switched off. This is referred to as a “phantom” load and can be found in such appliances such as VCR, TV, computers, stereos, etc. In fact 75% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the appliance if “off”.

  > Wash cold - I read this many years ago and have been doing it ever since. And,  it’s big. Use lower temperature settings on your washing machine, preferably the cold cycle and always use cold for rinses. The temperature of the rinse water does not affect cleaning. Load the washer to capacity (fewer washes). The real energy zapper is the dryer. Take clothes outfox the dryer while they are slightly damp to reduce the need to iron. Over-drying can cause shrinkage, generate static electricity and shortens fabric life. Recently, I started using a “dry rack” for towels. they cost $20 - $40 and if you have the room, it completes the dry.

  > Use the smallest pan. I am a big pan guy until today. Use the smallest pan to do the job. Smaller surfaces require less energy. Match the pan to the element size. A 6″ pan on an 8″ burner wastes over 40% of the heat produced by the burner. Don’t preheat your oven - the tendency is to let it heat beyond the necessary temperature. And, cook several dishes at the simultaneously in the oven.

by pgeiger
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Marigolds, Healing, Natural Cures, Farmers’ Almanac Television

I always enjoy hearing from either readers or fans of FATV when they question a fact, picture or concept. If it is in the Farmers’ Almanac and we are “caught”, I will salute the sharp-eyed reader in the next edition.

Here is a great question regarding an item on natural cures. I was just watching some of the videos about natural cures.  When I saw the one about using marigold petals, thought I ought to ask you about it.  You picture the kind of marigold flowers many of us grow in our flower gardens.  From all the reading I have done about herbs I think that you probably should have pictured calendula marigold.  That is the healing herb that I have read about so many times.  If I am wrong about this and any marigold petal would work, I’d like to know that too.

Thanks,Marilyn

There is always too much information on any subject. This item below offers the best insights into  the healing powers of Marigolds. It seems that “Calendula” encompasses many varieties of Marigold.

Calendula

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - Cite This Source

Calendula (Ca-lén-du-la, pot marigold) is a genus of about 12-20 species of annual or perennial herbaceous plants in the daisy family Asteraceae, native to the area from Macaronesia east through the Mediterranean region to Iran. Calendula should not be confused with the true marigolds (Tagetes species, see marigold). It is also the flower of the month October.

The name Calendula stems from the Latin kalendae, meaning first day of the month, presumably because pot marigolds are in bloom at the start of most months of the year. The common name marigold probably refers to the Virgin Mary, or its old Saxon name ‘ymbglidegold’, which means ‘it turns with the sun’. Marigolds typically bloom quickly (in under two months) in bright yellows, reds, and oranges throughout the summer and well into the fall.

Marigolds are considered by many gardening experts as one of the most versatile flowers to grow in a garden, especially since it is easy to grow. Seeds sown in the spring, in most soils, will germinate freely in sunny or half-sunny locations. They do best, however, if planted in sunny locations with rich, well-drained soil. The leaves are spirally arranged, 5-18 cm long, simple, and slightly hairy. The flower heads range from pastel yellow to deep orange, and are 3-7 cm across, with both ray florets and disc florets. They have a spicy aroma and are produced from spring to autumn in temperate climates. It is recommended to deadhead (removal of dying flower heads) the plants regularly to maintain even blossom production.

Marigolds are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Cabbage Moth, The Gothic, Large Yellow Underwing and Setaceous Hebrew Character.

Marigold petals are considered edible. They are often used to add color to salads, and marigold extract is commonly added to chicken feed to produce darker egg yolks. Their aroma, however, is not sweet, and resembles the smell of hops in beer. The oil from its seed contains calendic acid.

Medicinal effects

The ointment of this herb is thought to cure a range of skin problems from burns to acne as it has properties that reduces inflammation, controls bleeding and soothes irritated tissue. Use externally or topically for minor wounds, eczemas and cysts as well as diaper rash and cradle cap in infants.

Clinical evidence is scanty but one study suggests that calendula can speed wound healing. Another study found that calendula helps prevent rashes caused by radiation therapy.

Selected species

• Calendula arvensis – Field Marigold
• Calendula bicolor
• Calendula eckerleinii
• Calendula lanzae
• Calendula maderensis – Madeiran Marigold
• Calendula maritima – Sea Marigold
• Calendula maroccana
• Calendula meuselii
• Calendula officinalis – Pot Marigold
• Calendula stellata
• Calendula suffruticosa
• Calendula tripterocarpa

by pgeiger
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Ants, Trex, Wood Damage, Hey, Litle Ant

I hate to complain about ants. In the bigger scheme of life, they seem so small and harmless. But this summer is the first year that I have seen ants in my home (ever). In earlier blogs, I have offered advise on dealing with these little critters. This weekend, I have come to understand why this year. As it turns out the early snow we received in northern states last November, protected the ants from severe frost  penetration and expected winter  kill. I also discovered some rotted wood under a deck which puts two evils together.   Ant’s don’t eat wood but they tunnel their way through and create damage that can be noticed if you walk around your home.  So what to do?

  > Walk around you house - look for  wet wood or sawdust.

  >  If you have rotted wood, replace it. In fact, there is a wood substitute that has lasting power called Trex. Ant’s don’t bother it.

  > Breathing space - leave space between your shrubs and house. If air flows, it won’t rot.

  > Trim your trees and bushes - eliminate any potential bridge for the ants to climb into your house. 

  > A healthy lawn will resist an infestation of ants. the healthier the grass, the less likely you will have ants.

Our first instinct is to kill ants upon contact. You really want to kill them in their nests. There are certain gels and ant traps that do the trick.  Ants carry this substance back to their nests and it is destroyed. If you can determine where they are coming from, sprinkle powdered soap around and they will bring it back to the nest. When moisture hits the soap, (pow) it expands and the nest is history.

There is a very cute book called Hey, Little Ant by Phillip Hoose. It is a story of an ant and a boy who is about to squash it. The ensuing conversation is a must for any child. Check it out at your bookstore or at amazon.com.  

by pgeiger
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Thunderstorms, Weird Weather, Tornadoes

What a year for weird weather. From floods to hurricanes to tornadoes to hot and sultry temps, 2008  has had it all. While tornadoes are not unusual for the Midwest, for the first time in my memory, Androscoggin County in Maine had tornado alerts yesterday afternoon. This is so uncommon, that no one knew exactly what to do (unless they read the Farmers’ Almanac or spend time on our website). Up here, we plan for fire evacuations, ice storms and Nor’easters  but never tornadoes??.

The alert came and went and there were a few swaths of damage to trees and a couple homes, but nothing like we see in other parts of the country. Nonetheless, this has been a summer with power in its storms. And, it isn’t over yet. We are in the midst of hurricane season and while July has been referred to as Thunder Month, August heat and storms pack lots of clout.

In late August, we will release our predictions for fall and next winter…. so stay tuned. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

by pgeiger
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Firewood, Heating Instructions, Safety, Tips to Dry Wood

If you live in the Northern US or Canada, there is a bit of a frenzy going on about heating your home this winter. Insulation is a must but how one heats can lead to a comfortable season or a disaster.  Wood stoves, inserts and other heating systems that supplement oil and natural gas  are selling like hot cakes. I think the dealers are encouraging people to buy now before they run out.  I like that. Order your 2009 Farmers’ Almanac before we run out. Nice tone to it.

Here are a few suggestions as you prepare for winter and plan to use wood.

   > If you buy firewood and it is “green” or wet, stack it so the pile looks like a tee pee. Air flows from the bottom up and dries the wood more quickly.

  > One “old” Maine wood cutter tells me that he makes a cut around a dying tree 360 degrees without toppling it. He comes back a couple months later and the wood is dry. He takes it down and cuts to size. Not sure how well this works.

  > Get your chimney inspected making sure the inside is clean and the bricks are secure.

  > Clear any tree branches or leaves that overhang the house and chimney. It could catch fire or impact the chimney’s ability to discharge fumes efficiently.

  > Be sure to burn wood that is either seasoned or dry. Seasoned is usual cut 6 months or more and dry has a full year of “airing”. You can tell by the weight and density of the wood whether it is dry enough to use. Don’t burn pine or treated woods.

  >  Keep items away from the fireplace that might be combustible including newspapers, matches, fuel, etc.

   > Keep a 2009 Farmers’ Almanac on hand to prepare for whatever is coming your way. And, yes, keep it away from the fireplace!! 

We has a sad situation in my town last weekend when a father was carrying a can of diesel fuel to help start a fire. Somehow the can exploded and engulfed his 6 year old son in flames. The boy is in Children’s Hospital in Boston but expect the unexpected when it comes to  fire, combustibles and preparing for winter. Have smoke detectors operational.

Now is the time to get ready for winter. The better you prepare, the more comfortable and manageable your fuel bill will be this winter.

by pgeiger
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Ticks, Hiking

Recently, a close friend sat on the grass watching  her granddaughter play baseball. Several days later she became extremely ill. She had a tick lodged in the middle of her back which she could not see. She wasn’t hiking in the woods and sat on a blanket to watch the game..A quick trip to the emergency room and treatments later she is fine. But, the danger of ticks remains very much a concern. Pulling from  previous articles in the Farmers’ Almanac and from the Maine Department of Heath website, here are the things you want to know about ticks:

  * Wear light colored clothing so you can see ticks.

  * Wear long pants and shirts when hiking. Tuck the pants into the socks to “tick proof” your skin.

  * Use tick repellent - spray skin and clothing.

  * After hiking, shower and inspect for any possible ticks. Carefully check your child’s skin top to bottom.

  * As you put clothes into the washing machine, see if any ticks are hidden in the fabric.

  * If you do find a tick, remove with a pair of tweezers - don’t use your fingers.

  * If a tick is on you and is now removed, save it in case you become ill.

Sounds horrible. I have hiked all my life. I even spent 18 summers at a children’s camp and have never seen a tick. But, as the deer population grows, it is smart to be weary of these little critters.  For additional information check our website - www.farmersalmanac.com/natural_cures/a/timely-tips-about-ticks

by pgeiger
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Buck Full Moon, Thunder Full Moon, Conserve Gas

As you may have noticed on our home page, today is  a Full Moon. It is  known as the Full Buck Moon because bucks shed their antlers this month or the Full Thunder Full Moon, because  the number of thunderstorms peak  this month.. But, what do you think about a Full Moon. Does it make people a little weirder? Does it impact your sleep or lack thereof.

Last year, I was told that maternity wards  are packed on Full Moon nights. I called 10 hospitals and my scientific research told me that no, they are not packed on a Full Moon night, but you can be sure, they are extremely busy for the next 2 - 3 days. Maybe the Full Moon jump starts the delivery process?

I do think people are more careful during a Full Moon. There is lots of lore about what happens during a Full Moon. Maybe I’ve  watched the American Werewolf in London one too many times. Or, if you are a romantic, maybe you and your sweetheart just enjoy being outdoors watching the golden globe rise over the horizon. At any rate, the Full Buck Moon was totally full at 3:59am (Eastern) today. What is your take on Full Moons? Does it impact your behavior?

Last week, I mentioned driving slower to conserve gas. I know it is suppose to help but didn’t have any stats at the time. Herb mentions that there is a website www.mpgplus.com . This site mentions that there is a 25% gas savings if you travel at 55 vs. 75. I remember driving at 55 in the 70s. But, unless everyone else does this, it is probably a road hazard of sorts. Good to see oil prices drop yesterday. Let’s hope it is a freefall!

by pgeiger
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Upcoming Winter Weather, Being Green, Frugality, Resourceful Living

Today on my desk was a present that I have looked forward to for many months now – the brand new, hot off the press 2009 Farmers’ Almanac. Its pages are overflowing with new tips, articles, weather predictions and trivia. It’s certainly another bestseller in the making.

Your Guide to Resourceful Living
While most of you probably know that the Farmers’ Almanac is a great weather source, but it also contains valuable content on ways to save money, conserve gas and water, feel better about the environment, your health and your home, plus recipes, astronomical data and the all-important planting and fishing guides.

And WAIT UNTIL YOU SEE WHAT WE’RE PREDICTING FOR THE UPCOMING WINTER!
I am sworn to secrecy until the 2009 Farmers’ Almanac hits the store shelves (August 26, 2008), but I will tell you it’s one everyone is going to be talking about!

The new edition is a must-have . You can preorder your copy here – http://store.farmersalmanac.com/category/283 (and get a free gift if you order before August 1). In addition to the long-range weather, a few of my favorite articles in the 2009 edition include:

• 7 Survivor lessons in any situation
• 7 Ways to conserve water
• 5 ways you may inadvertently be hurting the earth
• 10 Green lessons from Farmers’ Almanac TV
• Ways to garden without a yard
• Natural cures for common ailments
• Regional recipes from around the country

Don’t let the name fool you. The Farmers’ Almanac isn’t just for farmers or for people who live in very rural areas. It’s a guide to good, simple living and provides resourceful ideas on ways to live a more frugal, happy, and green life.

Watch for our green and orange almanac in stores next month or order your copies now! If you already have a subscription, the 2009 Farmers’ Almanac will be shipped around August 15, and start showing up in stores around the 26th.

Keep coming back to our site too – we’ll reveal interesting tidbits and must-know ideas about the upcoming, newest Farmers’ Almanac.

by pgeiger
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Gas Mileage, Reduce Oil Consumption, Speed

In the early ’70s, gas prices skyrocketed from $.33 to $.60 per gallon and higher. Reports in Time Magazine (and elsewhere) indicated  that the world supply of oil was depleted and we’d have to take drastic steps to “survive”. Consumers switched to smaller and more energy efficient cars. We also reduced consumption of oil via a mandated reduction of the highway speed limits from 70 mpg to 55mph. When speeds were set at 70 mpg, it was not unheard of to drive 80+ mpg. At 55 mpg, people might stretch it to 70. But, the point (or theory) is that 55  mpg is the most efficient driving speed.

Since then, the speed limit is back to 70 mpg or higher in some western states. With drastically higher gas prices, the question is should we reduce speed limits to reduce gas consumption??  And, is 55  mpg the ideal speed or is it 60, 65 or other?  What are your thoughts? Were you driving in the 1970s. Are you willing to go slower to consume less gas and  reduce the demand and prices?  Love to hear your thoughts? Gas is currently $4.11 in Maine. What is it in your community?

Contact me at pgeiger@farmersalmanac.com.

by pgeiger
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Biodeisel Fuel, Energy Savings, Oil Prices, Ingenuity, Farmers’ Almanac Television

A couple of years ago, Farmers’ Almanac Television aired a segment on biodiesel fuels - growing soy and other crops to power trucks and cars. By definition, biodiesel  is a non petroleum, alternative fuel that comes from 100% renewable sources.  At the time, I received a blistering e-mail from a woman who chastised us for the segment; she was worried about what this would do to food prices. Fast forward two years and, sure enough, soy, corn and other crops are being grown for fuel and there are plenty of pros and cons. For the first time in a long time farmers are making money but at what cost. If you have a chance, go to our home page www.farmersalmanac.com  and read about biodiesel fuels. You can also watch the original segment that aired in 2006 at  www.farmersalmanac.com/video/featured-stories/biodiesel.

Over the holiday weekend, I spoke with a gentleman from North Carolina who owns a chain of truck stops. He recently built a biodiesel fuel plant and has engaged 20 farmers to grow crops to turn into fuel for his truck stops. Thinking about the “lecture” I’d received earlier, I asked what the farmers had been growing before. The answer was “tobacco.” With the decline in smoking, growing other crops has become a necessity for tobacco growers. Growing crops for biofuels was a golden opportunity for those farmers. As the push for new fuels continues, so will the number of ways we tackle the problem.
 
Generally speaking, I don’t have tremendous faith in our government to solve all problems, but there is no question in my mind that federal intervention is needed to control oil prices. While I recognize that world demand affects prices, speculation has clearly run amok. On June 1, the media reported it was the beginning of the hurricane season and predicted that just one major storm could disrupt the oil supply. Even though there have so far been no hurricane strikes, this manufactured fear resulted in a jump in gas prices that day. Within the last week, home heating oil prices jumped from $4.49/gallon to $4.59/gallon. People currently hoping to lock in a price for next winter in Maine are looking at paying $4.72/gallon. And these high prices persist despite two days of dropping oil barrel prices, a decrease in the number of miles being driven by Americans, and the fact that there is no demand for heating oil now. Speculations seems to be heading in one direction only: straight up.
 
If there is any silver lining to all of this, it’s that the high cost of fuel will spark the kinds of ingenuity that will eventually wean us off of our dependence to foreign oil. Let’s hope!
 
The type of winter we have – frigid, average, or mild – will either exacerbate the problem or offer relief. We’ll be issuing our winter predictions later this summer. Stay tuned!

by pgeiger
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