How to Green Your Electricity

Dig Deeper Into TreeHugger

Dig deeper by perusing some of our thousands of posts.

Below is a selection of material that has appeared on TreeHugger. For even deeper digging, you can start by checking out the archives. For the interactive experience, be sure to take a look at the comments our diligent readers have left.

• For understanding your energy use at home and impact of individual devises, check out the Kill-a-Watt home energy monitor.
• A look into the technical specifics and more abstract joys of home wind power.
• TreeHugger polls the electorate on buying green energy credits for the home.
• Energy Star has an interactive guide to energy saving at home.
• Consumer Reports has a guide to reducing energy costs.
• How some people are making electricity with pedal power.
• Some practical advise on dealing with wall warts.
• The Wattson is a new breed of sleek, artsy energy-monitoring techno-art.
• The ins and outs of carbon trading.

More efficient appliances

• Guidance on replacing older appliances.
• Finding the most energy efficient TV and the most efficient refrigerator.
• Some options for greener air conditioners here, here, and here.

A look into home solar options …

• 4 out of 5 Americans want a solar option on new homes.
• A do-it-yourself solar electric system for around $600.
• The complete solar roof from SolarCentury.
• Home Depot takes home solar systems mainstream.
• Solar buds offer solar-powered outdoor walkway lighting.

Some home wind-power systems …

• We’ve looked at the Air-X, Skystream 3.7, and Sunforce are small wind turbines within the homeowner’s reach.
• Also, how to build your own 1,000-watt wind turbine.

Solar chargers
In addition to this concise roundup of small solar chargers, here are some solar chargers and integrated devises we’ve covered:

• Our own Justin Thomas uses a $20 solar charger for all his gizmos.
• Sanyo and Soldius1 offer portable chargers, and Sundance Solar’s folding charger does laptops.
• The Votaic solar backpack is a TreeHugger favorite.
• The foot-powered Freecharge will jumpstart your car or your iPod.
• And here's a wind up charger for cells.

Dig Deeper Into Other Sources

TreeHugger is one of many sources; here are some other great ones.

In addition to Treehugger.com, other organizations have put together resources that may be helpful as you continue to green your life.

• Energy Star
• Gotwind.org
• Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings (a book)
• US EPA eGrid
• US EPA Power Profiler
• Green-e
• Union of Concerned Scientists
• Home Energy Saver, a web-based energy audit tool.
• The Center for the New American Dream has practical guidance on green car choices, driving, and almost any of corner of your life.
• Buildgreen.com
• Home Power Magazine

Where to Get This Stuff

Vote with your dollars and help support the green revolution.

• Bonneville Energy Fund and Green Tags
• Affordable Solar
• Bullfrog Power
• Carbonfund.org
• The Chicago Climate Exchange
• Mr. Solar
• Native Energy
• Renewable Choice Energy
• Sterling Planet, Inc.
• TerraPass
• Zerofootprint