A fireplace with an open flue creates a sizeable hole in your house, allowing heat to escape in the winter and enter in the summer. Close the damper when you don't have a fire burning and save energy.
Do your part: An open fireplace damper can allow as much as 8 percent of the heat from your furnace to escape through the chimney.
Participation is pretty easy. By flipping off your light switch on March 27th at 8:30 p.m. local time you will be casting your vote for action on climate change.
Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million homes and businesses turned their lights off for one hour to make their stand against climate change. Only a year later and Earth Hour had become a global sustainability movement with more than 50 million people across 35 countries participating. Global landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the CN Tower in Toronto, Rome’s Coliseum, and our very own Golden Gate Bridge all stood in darkness, as symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the hour.
To be counted in the numbers, go here and register.
On a related note, the following photo shows the world at night. As you can see, we shine the brightest. In this case, not exactly the best thing.
FILL'ER UP: A freezer operates most efficiently when full. When a packed freezer is opened, there's less space for warm outside air to invade. If you don't keep enough food on hand to fill the space, make up the difference with water-filled plastic jugs.
Thursday March 4th 12:00pm - 1:30pm 50 Post Street (Promenade level) San Francisco Hosted by Green Zebra http://thegreenzebra.org
Confused about what material goes into which bin? Want to find out how to get your property manager to begin composting and recycling in your building? The Mandatory Recycling and Composting Ordinance requires everyone in San Francisco to separate their refuse into recyclables, compostables, and trash. All property owners are required to maintain and pay for adequate refuse service.
Go check out this short, interactive training to learn all about SF Environment's programs and environmental campaigns. Green Zebra can save you 10 % on your lunch at the San Francisco Soup Company and have it ready when you arrive. If interested, RSVP to heath@thegreenzebra.org by 3/2/10.
Growing Biodiversity: Historically, humans have relied on 7,000 species of plants for food. Today, 90% of our diet is drawn from just 20 species. Organic grower Seeds of Change (www.seedsofchange.com) has undertaken the special mission of helping preserve heirloom and traditional flower, herb & vegetable varieties. Their efforts contribute to the maintenance of biodiversity, an essential element of conservation.
Do your Part: You don't have to be an organic farmer to do your part; their unusual seeds are available for planting right in your garden.
POWER DOWN: Contrary to office legend, turning off your computer when you go home at night does no harm. the good it does, according to a study from Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, is substantial - one workstation (computer & monitor) left on all night for a year is responsible for one ton of carbon dioxide emissions. Switching it off at night and setting it to sleep when idle during the day can reduce energy use by 80 percent.
Do your part: If every computer and monitor in the country were off at night, we'd emit seven million less tons of CO2 per year.
Jekyll and Hide: Keep your leather accessories and upholstery in great shape without using chemical petroleum-based products. Pour a quarter cup of flaxseed oil (available at natural food stores), half a cup of white vinegar, and a drop or two of food-grade orange oil in a glass jar with a lid. shake it up and rub it on the leather with a clean, dry cloth, one small area at a time; buff dry.
February 3rd - 7th. Theatre 39 | Pier 39 San Francisco
More than 50 Films have been selected for the 2010 San Francisco Ocean Film Festival, coming up February 3-7, 2010 at Theatre 39. This event was the first film festival of its kind in North America and the second in the world. This year will feature an expanded education program and continue its tradition of Festival Awards for works featuring the magnificence of our oceans, threats to marine life, and the human connection with the marine environment.
The Festival is divided into 12 action-packed programs, which each feature 3-5 films as well as the opportunity to interact with filmmakers. Highlights in the 2010 lineup include: • New program dedicated to surfing films • The return of the Festival favorite shark program • Feature-length films that have generated international attention and acclaim, including "The Cove" and "The End of the Line."
Individual program tickets, Film Program, Festival Passes and VIP Passes are now available to purchase online.
1 thing 1 fireplace
1 thing 1 freezer
1 thing 1 seed
1 thing 1 computer
1 thing 1 leather