Fireplaces

Fireplaces by Tulikivi
pronounced: TOO-lee-KEE-vee

Technically known as masonry fireplaces, or heat-storing fireplaces, there is no better material for building a fireplace than soapstone, nature’s most heat-retentive material.

Long used in their native Finland and the surrounding Scandinavian countries, Tulikivis are catching on in the United States, as people discover the efficiency and environmental friendliness of this form of heating.

Wood-burning fireplaces have been around since, well, man discovered fire, but a lot of government jurisdictions are banning them because they are polluting. The way we look at fireplaces, or biomass-burning appliances, science speak for a fireplace that burns wood or other living or once-living material, is rapidly changing.

There are several reasons why masonry heaters like Tulikivi are winning converts and approval. At its core is the way it burns the wood. A fire burns hot and fast inside the Tulikivi, causing the near total consumption of the wood, thus resulting in very little smoke and particulate matter, and Tulikivis surpass the toughest air quality standards in the world.

In a Tulikivi, the fireplace will generate sufficient heat to warm the room for as much as 24 hours after a two hour fire is out.

Earlier this year President Obama signed into law a 30% tax credit up to $1500 for consumers who purchase a biomass-burning appliance of at least 75% efficiency. The key word in this new legislation is efficient; hence, Tulikivis qualify for the tax credit.

For more information visit www.tulikivi.com.

16 Ways to be Green and Save Green

Check out these simple ways to save without sacrificing

By Heidi DeCoux

1. Go out for dessert instead of dinner. Dinners out can get expensive but it’s no fun to stay in every night. Eat dinner at home and go out for dessert. To save time and reduce the temptation to go out to eat, make up large batches of food and freeze it in individual serving containers. This way you can heat up a homemade gourmet meal in minutes, then go out for a yummy dessert afterwards.

2. Reuse and borrow instead of buy. Need a special tool for a project or maybe a hedge trimmer or tent? Go to www.neighborrow.com to find someone near you who will happily lend you theirs, free of charge.

3. Turn down (or up, depending on the season and climate) your thermostat before you leave your house. Shut the vents off in rooms that you do not use during the day, such as bedrooms or family room and keep the doors closed. No sense in wasting energy heating or cooling rooms that are not being used.

4. Have a clothing swap with friends. Invite your friends to clean out their closets, bring over their unwanted clothing and accessories along with a dish to pass. Lay out everyone’s clothes. Eat, mingle and shop — for FREE! You’ll probably leave with at least a couple of new fun pieces to add to your wardrobe, and you’ll have a fun and free night out. Simply donate all of the leftover items to charity, and at the end you’ll have saved and feel good about finding a home for the things you were “done” with.

5. Unplug items you are not using. Even if they are off they are still pulling current. This cost savings will add up to more than you think. If you don’t want to continually be unplugging items, invest in a Smart Strip, which is different from standard power strips because it doesn’t pull electric current when off. You will probably cut your electric bill in half and definitely make Mother Nature happy. Visit www.clearsimpleliving.com/cutyourelectricbill for more details.

6. Be a miser. Don’t run your water continuously when washing dishes or brushing your teeth. Wash all your clothes in cold. It’s better on your clothes and they typically come out just as clean. Use a little pre-spot if needed. If you are replacing any of your appliances, purchase energy and water efficient models.

7. Before paying full retail price or even sale price for anything, check Craigslist.com, eBay.com and HandMeDowns.com.
Added bonus: It’s great for our environment when we redistribute items instead of tossing things out and remanufacturing new things. For examples of what you can get for super cheap, visit www.clearsimpleliving.com/buyused.

8. Get cash-back rewards on all of your purchases. How much do you spend at Target or Walmart each month? We spend about $100 a week. Target offers a 3.5% cash-back reward (I’ll share with you the secret on how to get it). For us, that’s a savings of $182 a year. I can get three massages for that! Target is just one of 600 stores that offer cash-back rewards.

To find out more visit www.clearsimpleliving.com/cashbackrewards. You can get a cash-back reward at just about every store you shop in. That can add up to huge savings at the end of the year.

BONUS: The rewards are automatic, no paperwork to fill out. Some of them are even given in the form of a discount when you check out.

9. Get your hair cut and colored at a school. It will save you a bundle (especially on color services). The student is monitored closely by an instructor. The Aveda Institutes and Juut Academies are great places to go and they utilize the best in natural products. At the Juut New Artist Academy its students have graduated from cosmetology school but are in a 30-week advanced training course required by all Juut Salons. Haircuts at the Juut Academy are a little more expensive than the Aveda Institute, but you get a more trained cosmetologist cutting or coloring your hair. Haircuts at Juut Academy run about $25 www.juut.com/locations.aspx. Haircuts at Aveda Institute (www.avedainstitutemn.com)run about $15 and usually include a scalp massage and make-up application. These schools also provide color, facials, waxing and massage treatments.

10. Save on travel! Instead of skipping your vacation, just learn to travel better for less. For the guaranteed cheapest hotel rate and cheapest Carnival Cruise rates, book your travel through www.GreatDestinationDeals.com.Bookmark the website on your computer so you have it handy when you need it. They also offer incredible (and usually unbeatable) last-minute deals. There is no magic bullet for the cheapest airfare, but www.Orbitz.com and www.PriceLine.com are usually good bets. Package deals are almost always cheaper. If you need hotel and/or car with your flight, then www.GreatDestinationDeals.com is usually your best bet for getting the cheapest rate on a package deal.

11. Use alternative healthcare options. Health care is a huge expense for many of us and there are cheaper and better options. For some examples visit www.clearsimpleliving.com/alternativehealthcare.

12. Hire it out! I know, it seems counterintuitive. The reality is, if you focus on what you are really good at and hire out all of the little “tasks” that need to get done you will be more efficient, probably more happy and will earn more money. Consider hiring out your yard work, snow removal, housekeeping, laundry, errand-running and any other chore you despise. Leave it to the professionals who love to do your chores and can probably do them better and faster than you can. To find a professional in your area, visit the www.PreferredVendorNetwork.com. This is a directory of the “best of the best” professionals. Professionals do not pay to be listed. They get listed based on the services they provide. Another great resource is Angie’s List.

13. Save with coupon codes. Find current coupon codes for the items on your shopping list at www.currentcodes.com. In the market for a new personal paper shredder? www.ShredYourPapers.com offers a Best Price Guarantee, plus you can use coupon code “Friends” to save 10% on your order.

14. Save on groceries without clipping a hundred coupons and still being able to buy organic and local. For details visit www.clearsimpleliving.com/saveongroceries.

15. Trade labor. Have a project that needs to get done? Trade labor with a friend. Think about what skills you have and who you can offer them to in exchange for their skills on your project.

16. The number one way to save money is to be organized. How many times have you lost paperwork that has cost you time and money, lost a receipt for an item you wanted to return, lost rebate paperwork, had to pay to get an important document replaced, and so on. If you want to be able to find any piece of paper in your home in 30 seconds or less, get my Fast-Filing Method audio program. This home filing system is inexpensive and easy to implement. Spend your life being productive and doing what you love, not searching for paperwork.
Enter coupon code “Article” to save 25% on your order – www.ClearSimpleLiving.com

Heidi DeCoux is a professional organizer, public speaker and presenter of the Fast-Filing Method audio program. For tips and solutions on how to make your life easier, calmer and more organized, sign up for her FREE e-newsletter. Just go to www.heididecoux.com and click on e-solutions.

Fully Charged

We use them everyday without a second thought, but what most people don’t realize is that household batteries are a dangerous source of pollution. Americans throw out 2.5 billion of them every year. And while batteries make up a small percentage of waste by volume, they contribute a much higher percentage of toxic material than other trash. In fact, it’s been reported that over 80 percent of the mercury found in the waste stream can be traced to discarded batteries. And that can leach into your drinking water.

So what can you do? Give up your iPod or TV remote? Not likely. Fortunately, there are greener battery technologies coming onto the market every year that will make this problem a thing of the past. But until you can run your iPod on tap water, here’s what you can do today:

+ Reduce the number of batteries you use. Switch off electronics when not in use and buy non-electronic products when possible.

+ Use rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable batteries can be recharged hundreds of times and new technology gives you all the performance of alkalines.

+ Dispose of old batteries properly. Treat them as hazardous waste: never throw them in the trash or regular recycling bins. Check with your city for specified drop-off locations. Some large retail electronic and home improvement stores also have drop-off boxes.

+ Start a battery recycling program at work. The Big Green Box battery recycling program will remove the cadmium from your used batteries so it can be used again. The $60 fee will get you a UN approved shipping container that holds about 40 pounds of used batteries, plus pays for two-way shipping. The best part is your old batteries won’t end up in a landfill. Get more information at www.biggreenbox.com

The New Rechargeables

The best rechargeable batteries available today are the new hybrid nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) cells. They come fully charged in the package (just like alkalines), and they will stay charged over many months. And because they can hold their charge for so long, they are perfect for devices like remote controls, but they can also deliver the power needed for digital cameras and music players.

The new batteries are sold under brand names like Pure Energy, Eneloop, Hybrio, and Rayovac Hybrid and cost around $12 for a four-pack. Hybrid Ni-MH batteries and chargers are available at BatteriesPlus locations, Whole Foods Markets and many national retailers. Visit www.pureenergybattery.com or rayovac.com/recharge for more information.

Warm Your Home

Warm Boots
Ski and snowboard boots normally take longer than one night to dry. The DryGuy Widebody uses gently warmed “Forced Air” technology to dry boots, gloves, shoes and accessories in about one hour.  ($80) Available at www.amazon.com.

Hot Foot
Made from heavy-duty recycled rubber, this heated floor mat emits gentle radiant heat to warm feet and legs directly. The waterproof mat uses one-tenth the energy of a space heater. ($55) Visit www.cozywinters.com for more information.

Triple Play
Advanced Energy Panels triple the insulation value of your existing windows, sealing out drafts without the expense of replacement windows. Do-it-yourself kits come in a variety of sizes and styles to match your windows. ($20 and up) Visit www.windotherm.com for details.

Safer Walkways
HeatTrak mats melt the snow and ice on your walkways so you don’t have to shovel. Made from non-slip rubber, the mats are designed for sidewalks, stair treads or handicap ramps ($99 and up). Visit www.heattrak.com or www.northamericanmat.com for more information.

Green Jeans
Bonded Logic turns blue jeans and other recycled cotton fibers into a variety of insulation and acoustical products. (77 cents per sq. ft. and up) Visit www.bondedlogic.com for more information. You can also find UltraTouch products in Minneapolis at www.naturalbuilthome.com.

Rural Energy
Minnesota’s Rual Renewable Energy Alliance fights rural poverty with solar heating technologies. The non-profit has installed dozens of solar heating systems in the homes of low-income homes at no cost to the families.  For more information, visit www.rreal.org.

Take the Minnesota Energy Challenge!
The Center for Energy and Environment challenges you to reduce CO2 emissions and save money on your utility bills by participating in this exercise. Get tips and information from online forums and ask energy experts for advice. Visit www.mnenergychallenge.org to register. (Free)

Energy Audit

Make the most of your energy dollars with an energy audit. A state-certified energy auditor can conduct an analysis of your home and tell you about specific actions you can take to improve your home’s energy efficiency. ($25 to $50) Contact your local utility company or an independent audit company for more information.
Neighborhood Energy Connection • www.thenec.org
Enervision • www.enervision-web.com
Center Point Energy • www.centerpointenergy.com
Xcel Energy • www.xcelenergy.com
Minnesota Energy Resources • www.minnesotaenergyresources.com
Alliant Energy • www.alliantenergy.com

Furry Love

Valentines Day may be over, but you can still spread the love.  Here’s some great finds that will help you love your furry friend and mother earth!

1 Worldwise turns recycled plastic water bottles into fiber fill for its PoochPlanet® and SmartyKat® pet beds. Besides providing a market for recycled plastic, other Worldwise products are made from natural, recycled, reclaimed or certified organic materials and are available in retail stores including Walmart and Sam’s Clubs nationwide. ($10 and up) Visit www.worldwise.com for more information.

2 Bark for Peace turns recycled wool from sweaters into ecofriendly chew toys for dogs of all sizes. ($8 $12) They also make a line of organic treats including Sweet Potato Jerky Chews which are good for dogs and their owners ($4 and $13). Shop online at www.barkforpeace.com.

3 K&H Manufacturing makes heated and nonheated pet beds to keep your dogs and cats warm during cold weather. The Memory Sleeper is made from orthopedic memory foam with a removable cover. ($40 and up) Visit www.khmfg.com for more information and to find local retailers.

4 Pet Hot Pack makes all-natural hot packs for pets and people too. Warm the 2 lb. pack in your microwave for a few minutes, and it stays warm for up to two hours. They also work in the summer as a cold pack. Just put them in the freezer. ($20) Visit www.pethotpack.com for more information.

5 Green Pet Products offers a full line of premium litter and bedding products made from corn cobs for small animals, birds and reptiles. The company specializes in environmentally safe pet products which utilize renewable, readily available resources. Available at Petco, PetSmart and local retail locations. ($9 to $25) or visit www.greenpet.com.

Easy as 1-2-3

Earth friendly doesn’t have to be painful, it really can be as easy as 1-2-3. Try incorporating these 3 simple (and eco chic) substitutions into your routine and let’s make it a shiny green new year!

1. Bring your own bag

Plastic has no end life in a landfill and paper consumes more resources to produce. Fact is both paper and plastic bags consume large amounts of natural resources and the majority will eventually end up in the landfill. Grab the $1 bags when you check out. If you can’t remember to bring them with you, Chico has a nylon bag small enough to tuck in your purse. Find local Chico retailers.

2. Invest in refillable bottles

In the U.S. alone over 100 million plastic bottles wind up in the landfill each day! With less than 20% being recycled. Single use water bottles create billions of tons of unnecessary waste each year and it is estimated that 90% of the environmental impact of plastic bottles starts before they reach the landfill. They’re big, sanitary and come in many different sizes. Buy a couple and kick the bottle habit. Express yourself with one of Sigg’s graphic bottles and show some attitude. Find local Sigg retailers.

3. Use natural cleaners

Hard to believe, but chemical cleaners contain hazardous chemicals that endanger the environment by contaminating our groundwater, lakes and oceans. In addition, chemical levels inside the home can be up to 70 times higher than outside the home. Made with formulas that contain biodegradable ingredients derived from natural materials like soy, coconut and palm oils and packaging is made from the most readily recyclable materials. Method is one really good option for a greener cleaner. Find local Method retailers.