Use Clean Energy

EcoMetro Editors / Thursday, November 19, 2009 07:47 PM Buy Green Power
Portland General Electric (greenpoweroregon.com) Purchase 100% of your energy for .012 kWh (usually $9 per month) with Green Source, or buy units of wind power with Clean Wind for $2.50 per unit (about 25% average usage).

Clark Public Utilities (clarkpublicutilities.com) For $1.50 each, buy
100 kWh units of Green Lights power.

Pacific Power (pacificpower.net) Purchase Blue Sky power for $1.95 per 100 kWh block, or pay $.0089 per kWh for all your power. Add an additional $2.50 per month to support native fish habitat.

NW Natural (nwnatural.com) The Smart Energy program supports environmental projects, particularly biogas, for a set $6 per month or just under $.10 per therm. More... Read Post
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Make Your Cleaners

EcoMetro Editors / Thursday, November 19, 2009 04:18 PM Scrub the tub Mix baking soda with water for an abrasive scrubbing paste, or substitute castile soap such as Dr. Bronner’s in place of water for extra power. To disinfect the bathroom, spray with hydrogen peroxide and rinse with water.

Claim the drain Pour baking soda in the drain, add 1 cup white vinegar, and watch the volcano, just like in grade school. Flush with hot water and repeat if necessary.

All hands on the pans Mix white vinegar with enough salt to form a paste, and watch the grease slip away. Add 1 tsp lemon juice for scent and extra power. More... Read Post
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A Nutty New Hope for Soap: How to Save Money with Laundry Detergent Alternatives

Jennifer Morkunas, Celilo Group Media / Friday, September 25, 2009 07:29 PM When shopping for a laundry detergent, my primary concern is to choose a brand without a long list of chemicals or petroleum-based products. Despite my best intentions, my research occasionally leaves out additives or terms I'll come across that I’m not sure about, such as “optical brightener” or “surfactants.” Although these terms may sound "sciency", I have a feeling they're not the best for my skin or our water supply. Rather than expound on the various vagaries detergents list as containing (or claim they are free of) OR digress about how scary it is that companies are not required to disclose their chemical ingredients, I’ve decided to spotlight the little-known soapnut, also known as the soap pod.

You can order organic soapnuts online, as they are not common yet in the United States. Soapnuts have no chemical additives and make your clothes smell nice and clean! Although there are some good eco detergents out there, soapnuts are reusable for several washes, and are also much less expensive. They're also great if you have sensitive skin or allergies to other soaps- read on… More... Read Post
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Using Electricity to Save it with eBilling

Scott Thomsen / Tuesday, August 11, 2009 07:15 PM

Every now and then you run across a situation where instinct tells you to zig when you really ought to zag.

For saving electricity and keeping a few more dollars in your bank account, THIS SPACE is about to bend your mind around the idea of using electricity to save it.

This week’s ONE THING you can do to conserve energy is to try online billing for your utility bills and any other payments you need to make. The switch will increase your time on the computer, which would seem to increase your energy consumption, but this is a situation where one step back can lead to two or three steps forward.

Here’s why. More... Read Post
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You've Already Got a Solar Clothes Dryer, Use It

Scott Thomsen / Tuesday, June 9, 2009 01:27 PM After an extended, gray winter, Seattle is now enjoying the kind of summer that reminds us why we live here.

As the long-awaited sunshine pulls us from our fleece cocoons and recharges our vitamin D levels, THIS SPACE is here to remind you that sunshine also offers one of the simplest, low-investment opportunities for saving electricity -- the solar clothes dryer. You might recognize this energy-efficient technology better as a clothesline.

Hanging clothes to dry used to be a commonplace event, but largely disappeared with the arrival of affordable, convenient appliances.

That convenience comes with a cost, which you can turn into a savings. More... Read Post
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“I’m an Oregon Native,” Says Bosky Dell Nursery

Cheryl Janis / Wednesday, June 3, 2009 06:35 PM The sign post that read “I’m an Oregon Native” was the first thing that caught my eye as I drove up to the Oregon native plant nursery, Bosky Dell, located at 23321 SW Bosky Dell Lane in West Linn, Oregon (about 25 minutes southeast of Portland). 

I am a self-confessed city girl who like thousand of others heard the “Portland calling” and moved here on a whim. It’s now five years later and I’m starting to understand the concept of “native” as I appreciate all of Oregon’s natural surroundings. More... Read Post
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Mod Green Pod Organic Cottons and PVC-Free Wallpaper for Chic Projects

Carissa Wodehouse / Tuesday, June 2, 2009 06:53 PM I recently headed to the upholstery store to find fabric for an old rocking chair in need of rehab. Surely they would have organic fabrics to choose from...and yet the saleswoman shook her head. There just isn't much interesting green upholstery fabric, she said. So I was pleased to find Mod Green Pod, out of Austin (found via their Twitter), and revive my project.

Mod Green Pod's fabrics are 100% Organic cotton that is grown, woven, and printed with non-toxic dyes in the USA ($39.75/yard). The line of wallpaper is PVC-free and also uses non-toxic inks ($60/roll). Using organic cotton grown in the USA is especially impressive. And those patterns!

Pictured is the Room Creator, where you can play with prints and get an enthusiastic environmental message from the furniture (and the cat). See their blog for inspiring cover ups. More... Read Post
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DIY Idea: Make Dull Doors Fancy With Molding

EcoMetro Editors / Friday, May 29, 2009 06:57 PM

So many homes have cheap hollow wood doors, usually highly lacquered, almost always ugly. We spotted this makeover on Design Sponge, which comes complete with downloadable instructions. With some simple molding and a paint job, the homeowner made 12 dull doors look like beautiful, and kept them out of the salvage center.

If you take on this project, check out our coupons (in the book or online, above) for hardware store and paint discounts.

Image: Flickr/Creative Commons More... Read Post
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Lock Out ‘Butt Dialing,’ Lock In Energy Savings and Increase Phone Lifespan

Scott Thomsen / Tuesday, May 26, 2009 04:11 PM Anyone who can relate to the recent cell phone commercial about “butt dialing” knows how our dependence on technology can sometimes get in the way of our best intentions.

Beyond the inconvenience of dialing or answering some unintended calls, there’s an energy cost as well. More... Read Post
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Eco Labels Don’t Always Wash

Scott Thomsen / Friday, May 15, 2009 01:54 PM On a recent trip to the supermarket, my wife brought home a new detergent for the dishwashing machine. We both responded favorably to the “Eco” labeling on the soap, which indicated that it did not include phosphorous.

Increases in phosphorous in waterways can cause harmful algae blooms, so finding an opportunity to cut back can be a good thing. Unfortunately, the good feelings of reducing our impact on the water system faded with each new load of dishes. The soap left a lot of filmy residue, and more importantly failed to remove the food particles we wanted to wash off.

To get them clean, we had to run the dishes through a second cycle, which obviously brings us to the point of THIS SPACE: how to save electricity and keep a few more dollars in your bank account. More... Read Post
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The Harmonious Blending of Art and Plants at Artemisia

Cheryl Janis / Monday, May 4, 2009 02:35 PM Cheryl Janis explores local businesses, many with coupons in Chinook Book. Artemisia, a store of art and garden curios, has a coupon for $5 off and many surprises.

I had walked by Artemisia Garden Nursery and Gallery (110 SE 28th Avenue) a few times on my way to the grocery store before I actually ventured in.  

The dazzling window display is a design lover’s dream, and each time I looked in, I felt like a child gazing into the window of a candy store. It was a magic and wondrous moment.

I specifically remember standing outside of the store in the rain, my head moving from side to side, my eyes peering in the window, wanting to see more, and promising myself that I would return. Yet, somehow, I felt a bit intimidated. After all, while I am proficient in many things including design, I’ll be the first to admit that when it comes to things plants and garden, I have a beginner’s mind and a not-so-green thumb. More... Read Post
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Companion Planting: Fronds with Benefits

Jennifer Morkunas, Celilo Group Media / Tuesday, April 28, 2009 06:26 PM Did you know that some plants grow better when they grow next to other plants? The opposite is also true, where some plants just don’t get along. It is a little known secret in organic gardening and all has to do with one plant repelling pests that would attack the other plant, or attracting beneficial insects, providing nutrients, or in some cases simply offering shade and support. Celebrate this marvelous concept in biodiversity when planning your spring garden. More... Read Post
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Free Online Coupons to Cover Your Basics at RedPlum, Smart Source, and RetailMeNot

EcoMetro Editors / Thursday, April 2, 2009 02:46 PM Even if you used all your coupons from our book, we know you still need to buy things that we don't cover. Use these three sites to continue saving money while you shop for necessities.

RedPlum.com We found Tylenol, V8 Juice, and Renu contact solution coupons to download and print. Enter your zip code to begin searching.

Smart Source Both printable coupons and online coupons are available here. Right now they have a coupon for $2 off Seventh Generation baby wipes. Mac users will need Safari.

RetailMeNot.com Search here for discount codes from online stores including clothing companies, Walgreens, and Amazon. You can almost always find a free shipping code--search by store. More... Read Post
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Spring Home Remodeling: Plan Now for a Cheaper Winter Bill

Jennifer Morkunas, Celilo Group Media / Tuesday, March 31, 2009 06:30 PM Many houses have heaters, fireplaces, woodstoves or a combination of all three, yet are still uncomfortably cold inside. Aren’t we smart enough to keep ourselves warm? Even beavers build their dens to stay incredibly toasty and dry, so what’s going on with us? You may have taken one look at your heating bill over the last few months and wondered the same thing.

Spring is finally here and we can use this time to prepare and remodel for next winter. Here are some ways to manage staying warm, saving money and being green (besides wearing that green thrift store sweater you bought for St. Patrick's Day). More... Read Post
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Remodeling Dreams? It's Free to Analyze Your Home for Efficiency and Dig Up Deals

EcoMetro Editors / Tuesday, March 24, 2009 06:54 PM Your number one green building resource is the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, which is hosting an Ecoroof Vendor Fair free to the public on April 25th. But we know that these times call for cash, so we've gathered your top money back options to aid your green remodel.

4 Areas to Check
Have you used our Personal Energy Analyzer yet? If you don't own a Chinook Book, you can download it right here. Reducing your water heater temperature, lowering your thermostat (or raising it this summer), and eliminating phantom power suckers can save you money with zero cost up front.

Cash and Tax Incentives
Review the list of cash incentives from Energy Trust for home weatherization, heating and cooling, water heating, and renewable energy.
 Energy Trust can help you navigate the Oregon Residential Energy Tax Credit, where you can save up to $1000 on appliances and heating improvements. Finally, be sure to check the Energy Trust allies page for incentives on installation of windows, heaters, and more.

Using water also uses the electricity needed to pump it to you and through your home. Apply for a $100 WaterSense toilet rebate if you purchase a certified toilet and install free faucet aerators, low-flow showerheads, and toilet displacement bags from the Portland Water Bureau.

Get a Professional Audit
Get a free 1 hour home energy review, conducted by a professional, through Energy Trust. More... Read Post
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