Home & Garden Blog

Green living focuses on two things:  sustainability of the planet and healthy, sustainable living of its inhabitants.  Unfortunately, harmful and unhealthy products are usually more inexpensive.  That’s why it’s important and savvy to think of ways you can help save the planet and leave healthy without breaking the bank. 

Here’s a great little side tip before we get to the main product, which I came across while searching for a good green product to share today: buying individually wrapped and packaged items may be convenient for your on-the-go family, but buying in bulk helps eliminate waste and is cheaper, too!  Buy reusable plastic containers for your kids to pack their sandwiches and snacks for school, instead of the already individually packaged Graham Crackers or PB&J.  It’s a great way to save the planet and your pocket, and really doesn’t require any sacrifice.  Which brings me to the main product of today’s blog, something that’s received a lot of hype for the past year: Green light bulbs!

First, some facts you didn’t know about light bulbs, and how Green lighting can help you eliminate waste and save money:

1. Green lightbulbs save electricity and save the environment by using Compact Fluorescent Light, otherwise known as “CFL”.
2. A fact provided by CBS News : “If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an Energy Star qualified bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars.”
3. On average, each CFL light bulb saves you about $30 in it’s lifetime

Still need convincing? CFL light bulbs may cost a little more than the average light bulb when first purchased, but thrifty, stylish department store IKEA offers CFL lightbulbs for sale in bulk.  Check out the 2-pack SPARSAM energy-efficient light bulb: 2 for $8.99.  IKEA boasts that this light bulb has a 10x’s longer lifespan than the standard incandescent light bulb.

One downfall: Standard energy-efficient CFL light bulbs do not work with dimmers.  GE, invented a special dimming CFL that works with dimmer setups, however the company warns you that the practice of using dimmers shortens light bulbs lifespans and therefore, your savings.  This light bulb is called GE Longlife Plus Soft White Energy Saving Bulb and sells for the special discounted price at LampsPlus.com of $2.69/2-pack.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more CFL light bulbs.

The free standing Chimo burns Ethanol for an eco-friendly and very cozy experience that won’t break the bank. Shown here are the two models, round $1389, and square $1480.. finish reading at FurnitureStoreBlog.com!

Not all Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL’s) are created equal! As many converts to the energy-sipping bulb are aware, some are simply better than others; at warming up more quickly, providing good light quality, and lasting as long as advertised…continue reading at Treehugger.com!

Drink up! So unabashedly unadorned, the Liquid Serving Set by Fusionware soars to the top of my mental list of top designs. The slim proportions and warmth of the stoneware make these vessels perfect for serving up almost anything, see more at Pure Contemporary.

This week in Smarter Home & Garden we covered:

• See the sofa that every AA member dreads….“An Alchoholic’s Fantasy Chair!”
• Grow your very own fresh herbs at home to perfectly season all your home cuisine..
• Discover the multiply uses for discount paper lanterns.
• Spend $100 get $100 back on all products and Christmas Decorations at Frontgate.com!
• Check out the Sketchy Furniture Youtube clip that will boggle your mind!
• Save money on our Deal of the Day! Discount serving pieces for only $14.99 that will surely be a hit at your next Holiday party.