EnvironmentLA - The City's official site for information about projects and programs that are making Los Angeles more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power - LADWP offers environmental Green LA programs, including Trees for a Green LA, Energy Efficiency for a Green LA, Solar Energy for a Green LA, Electric Vehicles for a Green LA, Green Power for a Green LA, Recycling for a Green LA and Educational Services for a Green LA.
Green LA Action Plan - The City's official plan to improve energy conservation, transition to renewable power sources, and change the ways citizens commute to work and school.
US Green Building Council-LA - A resource for agencies, municipalities, professionals and companies interested in sustainable, green buildings.
We would, and we’d be concerned about the costs on our water bill too.
A Philadelphia-area company feels our pain. The company, nth Solutions, has invented the Leak Alertor to let you know when the water closet is out of control, so you can get in there and fix the flap or that other thinga-majig that makes the toilet behave.
It’s not always easy being green. Lourdes Rodriguez learned that the hard way. Earlier this year, the Round Rock, Texas, resident decided to replace a rickety cedar fence with a stylish new bamboo one.
Attracted by its eco-friendly qualities (only three to four years between harvests vs. cedar trees, which take up to 30 years to grow back), its durability and its ability to withstand the high winds and intense heat typical in her town, Rodriguez researched the project and eventually purchased the bamboo from Backyard X-scapes, a San Diego outfit. She paid approximately $3,000 for the bamboo, posts, stain and other materials needed for her 150-foot-long structure. She and her significant other, Doyce Jones, were excited by the prospect of an elegant-looking fence that was good for the environment, would last at least five times longer than a traditional wood fence and was significantly less expensive than cedar (those bids came in around $7,000).
Looking to replace your windows this year? Well, look out, you may qualify for newly increased tax credits of up to $1,500 if you install an energy-saving product.
The new government stimulus package includes tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements such as installing new exterior windows, doors, air conditioning systems or insulation. The new legislation extends tax credits through 2010. Most of these improvements were increased from $500 to the new $1500 cap; a cap of $200 for windows was removed.
If windows are on your mind, SeriousWindows, of Sunnyvale, Calif., is promoting energy efficient models that it claims are 200 to 400 percent more efficient than regular old Energy Star rated windows.
Many other firms sell windows, and many of those meet the Energy Star designation; windows must at least meet that test to qualify for receiving a tax credit.
Low-flow toilets use 1.6 gallons of water per flush, compared to the conventional toilet that uses 3.5 to 5 gallons. According to the EPA, low-flow toilets also pay for themselves within 5 years with the amount of water conserved.
Showers account for 20 percent of indoor water use, according to the Enviornmental Protection Agency. Replacing a standard 4.5-gallon showerhead, with a 2.5-gallon flow can save a family of four 20,000 gallons a year.
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