Source: Source for Alternative Energy

Many people make a final pass through their homes before heading to work – turning off lights and, perhaps, unplugging appliances in an effort to conserve energy and save money. But few actually know how effective this ritual is in saving energy, reports a new study on people’s perceptions of energy savings from researchers at Columbia, Ohio State and Carnegie Mellon universities. But wait, didn’t everyone say turning off the lights would save the planet – and our checking accounts? For years, people have been bombarded with ads on television, in print, in train cars and even on the sides of buses that practically promise turning off the lights and unplugging your cell phone charger will help global warming and lower your power bill. But, it turns out all that light-switch flipping and unplugging gadgets does little to conserve energy – or save money – for individual households. Click here to learn why and how you can make a difference in your energy costs!

Source: The Laundry Lounge

The cost of caring for your clothing may not jump out at you the same way your food, housing and auto bills do, but that doesn’t mean you can’t save money on laundry expenses. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American family does nearly 400 loads of laundry each year. Along the way, they spend hundreds of dollars on electricity, water, detergent, fabric softener and other costs associated with cleaning their garments. Fortunately, a few small changes can dramatically reduce your annual outlay on laundry costs while helping to reduce its financial impact on your household. Click here to find out how today!

Source: Tim Mueller, USAT

Lisa Covington grew up in government-subsidized housing, as did her mom and grandmom. But her 6-year old daughter won’t. In March, Covington bought her first home. ”I can’t really believe it,” Covington, 46, a single mom and Department of Motor Vehicles office supervisor says about her three-bedroom, two-bath house. “I’m still pinching myself.” Covington says she could not have bought the $135,000 home without Builders of Hope, a non-profit group that saved it from demolition in nearby Durham. The Raleigh-based group has rescued dozens of entire homes by trucking them to new lots, where it gives them a green makeover and sells them at cost to people with modest incomes. The whole-house recycling program is starting to take off nationwide. Click here to read more about this recycled homes program and how it is positively affecting people’s live around the country!