One more “green” idea.  Are you aware that corn is also being used to make carpeting?  It is a renewable source and creates a very soft, great-wearing carpet.  We have samples of it at Hennen Furniture and it is worth a stop to see it.  Keep thinking green and if you have any more suggestions/ideas, please respond to this post.

I was watching Good Morning America this morning and they had an interesting segment on planet earth.  This segment will run for a week with new “green” ideas and products.  One this morning was the carpeting made by Mohawk from recycled plastic bottles.  It takes 30 bottles to make 1 sq. ft. of very soft carpet.  If you want to check this out stop in at Hennen’s - we can show you.  And that is just ONE idea.  There were several more.  So…keep recycling because it is being used!!! 

So. Just recently Australia declared that they plan on phasing out incandescent light bulbs by 2010. Doing so will significantly reduce the amount of power used on the continent. So does that mean we should to? Well in my humble opinion, I say, “Sure, why not?!” If it saves as much power as they say it does, then of course we should. Now most people reading this might be thinking but those bulbs are quite expensive. Well yeah, some places they are. But if you wait to find a deal, like I did, it will greatly reduce the cost. I just bought an 8-pack of 60W equivalent bulbs at Sam’s Club for around $12. That’s only $1.50 a bulb. Heck, even if you pay full price the energy savings and 4X bulb life will easily pay for the bulb. Take my advice or leave it but I’ve got the feeling that if a whole country is doing it to save energy, so can my house.

Australia’s Bright Idea

Energy Star

European countries have had bidets in most of their bathrooms but in North America the bidet is just coming into popularity.  I always thought that if I ever built a home, I would have a bidet installed.  But, alas, I bought a home and it does not or rather did not have a bidet.  Now, anyone can transform a regular toilet into a bidet with the innovative system from Bidex.  The Bidex allows both men and women to feel fresh and clean at all times.  They are very easy to install, and both temperature and flow are controlled.  For order information or additional information, email ORDERBIDEX@QSM-XPERT.COM or call 888-818-5666.  You will love it! 

We are constantly hearing how using the new fluorescent light bulbs can save energy and I agree.  It is extremely important that we save energy whenever and wherever possible.  However, be aware that fluorescent bulbs can skew colors, especially tan or light beige.  These colors can take on a green hue when using fluorescent lighting.  We have seen it happen in the store - a lot!  Personally, I use reveal light bulbs to get the truest color in my rooms.  Another choice is to use the lighting that gives you a look AND FEEL of sunshine.  Go to www.sunbulbs.com and take a look.  These bulbs are also energy efficient and give you truer color in your home as well as a feel good atmosphere. 

Have you been complaining about your energy bill lately? Well, you could continue to complain forever or you could just complain for the next 8 years. If I had some extra cash lying around I’d choose the eight year route. At least then an end to the bickering is in sight. What am I talking about? Windmill Energy. For about $8500, you could purchase a Skystream 3.7, a windmill that sits upon your house and twirls away providing almost all of the energy a house could need. According to the geeks at The Simple Dollar, it would take about 8 years for the device to pay for itself. Not too bad if you consider the fact that your children will most likely never pay for themselves.

SkyStream

To find more ways to save money with gadgets visit this article on The Simple Dollar.

Here I am sitting at my desk with NO idea what I should write for my very first entry on this, the launch weekend for the newly designed Hennen Furniture website. What could I write about that would aptly fit my direction for future blogging? Well first I’ll tell you what my direction will be. I hope to hit home technology and home renovation for the most part. Yeah, I may branch out, this IS the first day. So what about my current house is something that people talk about and probably say, “Wow, you’re a dork and you’re lazy……..but that’s cool.” Well that item is something as simple as an infrared light switch. How many times have you been sitting on the sofa wishing you didn’t have to get up to turn off the light or even simply dim that light? For as little as $29.99 your regular old remote control can turn your lights on, off or dim them for you while you rest yourself underneath that blanket. You only need some basic electrical knowledge for the installation as you will have to replace the switch that you would like to operate. But after that, choose a button on your remote that you don’t use very often and program that button with the switch and you’re good to go. You’ll probably end up wanting one for every room with a tv. click here to learn more!