The state is close to launching a new incentive program for commercial fleet operators to transition trucks and other vehicles to models powered by electric or hydrogen, the Washington State Standard recently reported. This spring, the Washington Zero-Emission Incentive Program, also known as WAZIP, is expected to launch, the article said. The program is designed […]
energy
Posted inAt Home
Is Wood Pellet Heating Right for Your Home?
Wood pellet heating is growing in popularity as more people discover its cost-saving, environmental and efficiency benefits. To understand exactly what wood pellet heating is and whether it’s the right fit for your home, consider these answers to commonly asked questions. What is wood pellet heating? Wood pellet heating is a method of warming homes […]
Posted inAt Home
Why You Need to Audit Your Power Bill
Nobody likes getting their electric bill — especially when their energy costs are higher than expected. Worst of all is when individual households can’t pinpoint exactly how they spent so much energy when there’s no immediately obvious underlying cause. The fact is that sometimes energy costs go up because of factors that have nothing to […]
Posted inAt Home
How the Inflation Reduction Act and Simple Steps Can Boost Energy Savings This Summer
As Americans prepare to spend more cold cash to stay cool this summer, it’s more important than ever to learn how to leverage the benefits of The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Combining these offerings with some simple tips and tricks will help optimize energy-efficiency and minimize utility bills this summer and all year-round. The […]
Posted inFood & Entertainment
Induction Cooking — The Wave of the Future
Induction cooktops are taking the food-preparation appliance market by storm. Nearly every cooktop manufacturer — from the high-end La Cornue range models that cost thousands of dollars, to small portable single-burners for RVs and restaurants selling for only $100 or so — is available through appliance showrooms and online. Offering a safe and energy-efficient way […]
Posted inAt Home
7 Ways to Reduce Home Energy Costs
When building your budget, utility bills — especially the electric bill — are likely one of your largest monthly expenditures. One of the biggest culprits: home heating and cooling, which account for more than half of the average American household’s annual energy consumption, according to estimates from the Energy Information Administration. More than 80% of […]
Posted inAt Home
Why Email Spam Is Bad News for the Planet
Editor’s note: This EarthTalk column is provided courtesy of E – The Environmental Magazine and published with permission. Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that spam email takes a huge toll on the environment? – P.L., Bern, NC If you are among the 92 percent of Americans who use email as a means of communication, you […]
Posted inAt Home
Using Wood Pellets? Prep for Potential Supply Shortage
Between the Russian invasion of Ukraine and sky-high oil and gas prices, a significant pellet fuel supply shortage is likely this winter season. Industry experts say you should plan ahead and secure your fuel now for the cold winter months. The good news is that, currently, there is plenty of supply to stock up. As […]
Posted inHome
Solar Energy Enhances Northwest Gardening
Did you know that in Washington state, owners of solar panels get paid extra for the electricity their systems generate? To make the deal even sweeter, they can save by not needing electricity from the power company in the first place. The Northwest has a great deal of sunlight for about seven months of the […]