A Greener House

[lost_angel]

Here are a list of changes we have made both recently and over the last five years to make our house and our way of life more "green". Some changes have been successful; others have been difficult.

Recent changes
1. Stopped buying paper plates, solo cups, or plastic utensils.In my kitchen the following conversation can be heard at least once

Comments

[alcamar]

I've tried using the rechargeable batteries at home, but it seems that if I leave them in the charger, forgetting to take them out when they're done, that they're dead when I want to go use them. They're fine if I take them out in time and just have them sitting in whatever device, but leave them in the charger and they will drain

[lost_angel]

Wow! That is so interesting. The only thing that we'd use concrete for the the coming years would be digging footers for the deck, which would put the concrete underground and bricked over in the exposed areas. We could also repour the walkway up to the front door, so that's an option, too.

[jopasm]

About the batteries - check out the new generation of non-self-discharging NIMH batteries. Sanyo Eneloops and Rayovac hybrids are a couple of brand names. Basically they combine the shelf life and ready-to-go-ness of alkaline w/ the rechargeable capabilities of NIMH. It's what I use in everything - digital cameras, GPS, and voice recorder, these days. I keep alkalines on hand as emergency spares in case I burn through all the rechargeables, but it's made a difference - I spent $20 up front for AA batts for my camera, that's probably saved me a good bit over buying alkalines every week!

[alcamar]

Yeah, I don't use batteries really all that much. Remotes, my wiimotes, and that's about it. If I just remember to take them off before they drain, they last nearly forever anyways(low drain, all that). I don't use my camera much, and that's really the only high drain usage that I'd get.

But next time I am in the market for batteries, I will check them out. Thanks.

[lost_angel]

There was a great review I read online (a negative review for Energizer batteries, actually) that recommended the new Rayovac hybrids. In fact, that's the kind I told Jimmy about and that we are discussing buying. I am glad to hear some confirmation by someone I know. :)

Hope you're doing well!

[jopasm]

I'm doing pretty good, been in the news for a couple of small projects, learning to play nice with mayors and town managers, and all sorts of good stuff.

Don't know when I'll make it home, but I'll let you guys know next time I'm in the neighborhood.