jimzmichelle's Blog

• So, do you want to save some energy like us?  How about money as well?  And don't forget the that other thing call THE WORLD we can start saving!!

1. My wife and I save on electricity by changing every bulb to low energy bulbs.  These small compact fluorescent bulbs use much less energy than the conventional light bulb.  There are other bulbs out there that use even less energy like LED bulbs, but the fluorescents work for our needs.  We also don't leave any lights on anywhere we aren't using the light.  We have purchased low energy consuming appliances.  We unplug anything with a transformer inside the product when not in use.  And we will be adding a 3kwh solar  panel system on the house soon.  This system will be grid tied so the energy we don't use during the day will go to neighbors and we'll get paid for it from ComEd !!
2. Water is saved around out house by just simple steps like a new low water usage cloths washing machine and dish washer, not taking loooong showers, not watering the lawn, (if you know a little about plants, grass is a prairie plant and will go into hibernation under low water periods and will return lush and green just as before).  When we wash the car, and that's rare, we don't allow the hose to just run.  Fill a bucket, wash, rinse and be done. 
3. Natural Gas is saved buy not burning the fireplace just for the look.  Turning down the hot water tank temp a few degrees.  Not setting the heat at 75 in the winter.  Having extra insulation through-out the house,  Better windows with thermo insulating pains, just to name a few things.  We will be installing a solar heating system soon.
4. But the biggest was when I converted a 1994 Saturn SL1 to all electric.  There is no gas involved in this vehicle.  I get an equivalent of 150 miles per gallon (cost of electricity and battery replacement after 30,000 miles VS cost of gas at $3.00).  It is limited to 60-70 miles before I need to re-charge.  But it's a commuter.  I go to work, leave, do what I need to do  and drive home.  About 33 to 35 mile a day for me.  This is not a hybrid, but all electric.  We're also looking into getting a hybrid and then I'll convert it to a Plug-In hybrid.  We should be able to get up to 100 mpg.  That's correct,...100 MPG !!  and still be able to drive anywhere in the country because of the gas it can still burn if needed.  It's very real and possible.  Just do some homework and you can do the same.  Seeing $3.00 plus at the pump is no big deal to us.
5. Visit  www.fveaa.org  and www.jdelectricvehicles.com    

              So let me know what you think.  Have I given you some ideas?  Do you have any for me?