Image by Ontario Power Generation

When it comes to large-scale alternative power, hydroelectric plants are currently the most common – supplying more than 80% of the word’s renewable energy.  While hydro power is much cleaner and more cost-efficient than the generation of electricity using fossil fuels, there are a number of disadvantages including the threat of dam failures, disturbance to the natural environment, and some greenhouse gas emissions.

Small hydroelectric power systems, however, create fewer threats and can be an excellent alternative energy source for residential use.  Could small-scale hydro power be a viable option for your home?  Keep reading to learn more…

Small hydroelectric projects are growing in popularity in the commercial energy sector, especially in China.  These plants generally range in capacity, generating up to 10 MW of power – enough to supply a small community.  Small-scale hydro power can also be a cost-efficient alternative for residential, off-grid living under the right conditions.

Requirements for Hydroelectric Power

Image by NeilsPhotography

To generate power with water, you’ll of course need an adequate supply of water – a flow of at least 2 gallons per minute with a substantial drop to create pressure.  A drop of just 2 feet would require a flow of 500 gallons per minute.  Mother Earth News offers some useful advice on site assessment for your homestead hydropower project.

You’ll also need the necessary hardware to harness the power generated by the flowing water and then convert the energy into a usable current for your home.  A hydro power generator is the heart of the system and can be purchased through a variety of suppliers.  You’ll also need a battery pack and inverter, as well as a sufficient amount of piping.  A complete hydroelectric power system will cost as little as $1000 up to as much as $10,000, depending on your needs.

DIY Hydro Power

If you’re mechanically inclined with a good supply of flowing water nearby, consider trying your hand at a homemade hydroelectric power system.  Build it Solar has a tremendous amount of resources to help with your hydro power planning and installation as well.

For those who prefer to start with a really small-scale hydro system, check out Sam Redfield’s bucket hydro generator – the perfect alternative energy gadget charger – or this faucet powered hydro turbine made of recycled CDs and auto parts.  If a rustic waterwheel is more your style, take a look at the DIY home energy projects we mentioned in a previous post.

If you’re considering an alternative source for residential power, hydroelectric may be an affordable and efficient option if you have a nearby supply of flowing water.  Be sure to look into local and state regulations regarding small hydro power systems before you get started.

Alternative Power: Hydroelectric Potential is a post from: Ecoble

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Small-scale renewable energy is a must for a sustainable home – but converting your home to clean energy options can carry a huge initial price tag.  We’ve scoured the web for some of the most innovative examples of homemade energy solutions to compile a collective list of DIY projects to make your home greener and more energy efficient without costing you a fortune.  From solar water heaters and gadget chargers to homemade super-efficient refrigerators, you’ll find links (with instructions) to some of the best projects you can make at home…

Homemade Energy-Save Fridge

The ‘Ambient Air Fridge’ isn’t quite a year-round green appliance but when things cool down in the winter, this homemade fridge will definitely shave a few dollars off the electric bill!  The insulated wood box fits snugly in an out-of-the-way doorway and even controls the temperature with an inexpensive thermostat and a couple of computer fans.  

DIY Electric Lawn Mower

A small DC motor, two 12-volt batteries, a circuit breaker, and wiring can transform your polluting, fossil-fuel dependent lawn mower into a clean, green, grass mowing machine!   The first version of Lee’s mower required an electric battery charger.  After a few more updates, Lee has created a completely eco-friendly solar powered electric mower.

Make Your Own Wind Turbine

It may not generate enough power to charge up your electric mower, but this mini-windmill from GotWind.org is a great way to operate small power tools or turn on your garden lights.  DIY wind turbine projects are a bit more complicated than some of the other renewable energy options available, but are well worth the effort when it comes to off-grid living.  There are an assortment of plans available for more powerful wind generators, but do some research before buying.  You’ll find a good selection of reasonably priced DIY wind power projects at GotWind.  

Low Cost Solar Water Heater

Imagine the savings on your electric bill – and the environmental benefits – if you no longer depended on fossil fuels to warm your water!  This DIY solar water heater is inexpensive to build and provides scalding hot water in just a couple hours.  This particular project requires a little scavenging if you want to keep things cheap and the 5-gallon bucket isn’t quite enough hot water for the average family, but the mirrored solar pre-heater found on Wired actually pumps the heated water into a household tank.

Pedal Powered Generator

From laptops to cell phones to blenders – bicycle generators eliminate the need for electricity to power your favorite gadgets and allow you to stay in shape at the same time.  This particular pedal-powered charger was created by the librarian at Phillips Elementary School in Virginia – shouldn’t all schools utilize these?!  You’ll also find free plans for a solar assisted bicycle generator here or can purchase plans from the pedal power generating master, David Butcher, for $50 – including photos and online support.

DIY Hydro Power

It’s scenic, it’s rustic, it’s tranquil – and it’s clean, renewable energy.  This DIY water wheel was created with many recycled materials and generates about half of the designer’s electrical needs – complementing the output of his solar panels at the New England home.  Hydro energy is an old, but not forgotten, sustainable energy option!

Human Powered Laundry Machine

Simple construction and easy, manual operation make this energy-free washing machine the perfect choice for developing countries, as well as off-grid living.  Designed by Michael Perdriel, the ‘think-small washer’ agitates clothes by pumping the mechanical arm and can clean a load of laundry in less than half an hour.  The machine is currently in use in Nepal and features a portable, wheeled design for convenient filling and emptying.

Homemade Solar Gadget Charger

A small DIY solar charger like this one is an ideal backup if the power goes out, but this project can easily be expanded to serve as much more than an emergency power source.  The version pictured here costs about $150 to build and can charge up cell phones, laptops, or iPods or could power a portable DVD player at the pool.  The 12-volt battery requires about 8 hours of sunlight for a full charge and the unit is perfect for camping use or at home.

8 Completely Awesome DIY Home Energy Projects is a post from: Ecoble

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Recycled jewelry by Wired

“One man’s trash is another woman’s treasure” – especially when that trash is made into jewelry! Recycled jewelry is popping up everywhere, and the materials used to create it is just as amazing as the jewelry itself. From industrial trash thrown away in Chicago to bicycle inner tubes in Holland, recycled jewelry is eco-chic, handmade, and planet-friendly

Yesterday’s News, Today’s Jewelry

Comic strip bracelet by NewspaperJewelry

Recycled newspaper comics are the start of this intriguing bracelet by NewspaperJewelry. The paper is sealed with a nontoxic, water-resistant coating and paired with Swarovski crystal and faceted glass. Holly Anne Mitchell creates an assortment of newspaper jewelry from old coupons, losing lottery tickets, stock listings, and sweetener packets.

Sprains and Fractures = New Earrings

X-ray earrings by UpcycledJewelry

Rescued computer components, remnant glass from windows and doors, and even abandoned x-rays are common materials for UpcycledJewelry designs. All materials are saved from the landfill by the designer and typically come from foreclosed homes that require cleanup.

New Use for an Old Board

Skateboard earrings by 2ReVert

The husband and wife team behind 2ReVert handcraft recycled jewelry from skateboards that are no longer travel-worthy. Each piece is unique and carries an unknown story of where it’s been and what it’s seen. Cuff links, skateboard coasters, and belt buckles are also part of the 2ReVert line.

Industrial Waste-Not

Indutrial waste and liquor bottles by Wired

Also available in black and white, these eco-chic earrings are handmade by Wired Jewelry. This piece is made from the rubber labels of liquor bottles, collected from a local club, and fastened with metal scraps from a nearby recycling facility. Wire, rubber, transistors, and other commercial junk are picked up from various businesses in Chicago before becoming the sole materials for Wired’s recycled jewelry.

Need a Pencil?

Pencil earrings by tomatedepingles

Buttons, feathers, fabric scraps, and photo negatives make up many of tomatedpingles’s recycled jewelry. This particular pair of earrings is obviously made from the top and bottom of a pencil – the cool thing is, both pieces work so you never have to worry about having a pencil (just be careful not to break the lead)!

What do You do with an Old Bike Tire?

Inner tube necklace by Sasja Saptenno Photo by Raoul Matulessy Photography

Sasja Saptenno of Holland makes recycled jewelry with them! Saptenno saves used bike tires from a life in the landfill, picking the tubes up from friends, family, and local shops, then creates unique necklaces and bracelets. She also crafts colorful, textured shawls from discarded plastic bottles.

Recycled Watch Rings

Steampunk line by dustDesignCo

dustDesignCo has found a creative way to give new life to vintage watches by handcrafting them into one-of-a-kind recycled jewelry. The Steampunk collection features 55 unique pieces, all made from the insides of classic timepieces. dustDesignCo also makes jewelry from lost LA transit tokens, vintage spirit labels, antique car parts, and other cool junk destined for the dirt.

Recycled Music

Recycled earrings by Lee Palmer

This intriguing design was an entry into the “Don’t Trash That Art!” contest sponsored by the Baton Rouge recycling office. The earrings salvage old vinyl records as well as used guitar strings. Materials used in other entries include lipstick lids, candy wrappers, bottle caps, fishing lure, and more.

Jewelry to Eat On

Recycled dish necklace by Olive Barn

Blue willow China was a fine dining staple in homes everywhere throughout the 20th century. This piece comes from a pink willow dish originally manufactured in the 1960’s. The Olive Barn features recycled glass jewelry, handmade by Laura Bergman. Each piece of glass is a rescued fragment from old dumping sites in Pennsylvania – pieces that are typically left behind by vintage collectors. Depression glass, antique Noxema bottles, and the above willow dishes are a few of her choice materials.

Retired Strings Transformed to Jewelry

Piano string choker by Strings - and a Dare

Another innovative design based on music, Strings…and a Dare creator Xavier Symown began her recycled jewelry career as a tribute to a musical colleague after his death. She brings new purpose to worn out instrument strings by crafting them into necklaces, bracelets, rings, and more. Xavier works with piano, guitar, and bass stings, as well as violin, viola, and cello strings.

Are you ready to make your own?

Check out Planet Green – How to Make Your Own Recycled Jewelry.

Wearing Trash? 10 Recycled Jewelry Designs That Demand Attention is a post from: Ecoble

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1. Clean energy – A clean furnace is an efficient furnace. Check your filters, check your ducts, dust off radiators (dust insulates them and keeps heat in). Replacing a furnace filter is cheap, and dirty filters cut your efficiency and can cut your furnace’s lifespan. Get your furnace inspected and maintained – a badly tuned furnace wastes $30 a month on average, so this pays for itself very quickly. And make sure your vents aren’t blocked by furniture – that cuts efficiency, too.  
2. Heat Smart – First, drop the temp; each degree you cut clips 3 to 8 percent from your bill. Next, get wet – moist air holds heat better and FEELs warmer. You can add a humidifier to your furnace, buy a freestanding one, or just keep a kettle on the stove pumping out steam. You’ll feel the difference within minutes.
3. Thermostat Timer – This is actually the only piece of high-tech on our list. Putting it in is an easy do-it-yourselfer; programming can be trickier, but once you get the hang of it you can save 10 percent or more. Many even now come pre-programmed to drop the temperature during down-times, like work hours during the day or when you’re all in bed at night, and then bring up the temp just before you come home or wake up, so you’re always comfy.

   

4. Circulation – Heat rises. Use your ceiling fans to circulate air (or install them if you don’t them, and get the cooling benefit in summer as well). Cut back on using kitchen and bathroom ventilation fans for the season – they suck your valuable warm air right out of the house. Also, close off rooms that aren’t being used, and shut the heat vents in there.

   

5. Insulate – Got insulation? Better check – bats can sag, leaving gaps, and animals can slip in, making holes. Now’s the time to make sure by taking a quick look. Also, make sure you’re covered all over – attics and crawl spaces might have been overlooked. Need insulation? This can be a big ticket item, but compared to the average $1900 cost of heating a home, it’s a no-brainer. And adding insulation doesn’t just save you money now – it adds to your home’s value. Along with replacing old drafty windows, and replacing an old, inefficient furnace, this is one investment that pays off both in the short term and the long term. Talk to your bank about an equity credit line…
6. Mind the gaps! – I’m sure by now you know to caulk and weather-strip around doors and windows, and make sure to cover gaps between doors and thresholds. But there are a few places you might not have thought of, like electrical outlets. On outside walls, these can make a gap in your insulation blanket – you can buy small foam inserts that go under the switchplates. You should also check around pipes under sinks, and fill any gaps with foam. Of course, you should make a point of keeping all doors and windows closed – and close garage doors as quickly as possible. And close the chimney damper! That alone can hit you 10 percent. Putting a blanket over your fireplace screen when the fireplace isn’t in use can also help cut drafts.  
7. Use the sun! – You don’t have to have an expensive passive solar setup installed (although that would be great) – you’ve got windows, so let the sun in during the day. It’ll warm the interior, providing free watts of energy.
8. Windows of opportunity – When the sun goes away at night (or on cloudy days) keep the blinds, shades and curtains closed to prevent heat from radiating out through the glass (you could lose 10 to 20 percent of your heat that way). Installing heavy drapes is good, but you can also install 2-mil plastic sheeting that ups the insulation factor hugely (put it up with blue painter’s tape, which leaves less residue). Replace those ancient windows if you can.  
9. Snug in your bed – A thick down comforter might cost a bit, but if you’re bundled up and cozy you can save a bundle by cutting the heat to 60 degrees while you snooze. 
10. Wood stove – Depending on where you live, installing a wood burning stove can save you quite a bit. Just make sure you run it efficiently (pointers here). And splitting wood warms you up like you wouldn’t believe.

One other important tip – get everyone in the family involved! Emphasize the planet-saving aspects, and the kids will be happy to join in. And that’s a lot easier than yelling at them 10 times a week to keep the darn door closed….

Image Credits:

• (Flickr Creative Commons image by Zeusandhera)
• (Flicker Creative Commons image by westy559)
• (Ceiling Fan by NorthernFan.com)
• Ultratouch Natural Cotton Fiber Insulation
• (Flicker Creative Commons image by Phototrope)
• (Flickr commons photo by sweet mandy kay)
• Woodstove by Quadrafire

10 Ways to Cut Your Home Heating Bill is a post from: Ecoble

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• Make their way to the ocean and kill thousands of marine creatures each year.
• Some float through the air, endangering birds and littering the streets.
• Others sit in landfills and decompose, contaminating the water, soil, and food supply with harmful micro-toxins.

It costs more to recycle a plastic bag than it does to make a new one. Photo by TimParkinson

Plastic bags also increase our dependency on nonrenewable oil – the material polyethylene is derived from oil and is used to manufacture bags. Some grocery chains are doing their part by offering a green alternative to disposable shopping bags at checkout lines while others have decided to add a fee for the use of bags to encourage shoppers to bring their own tote. A number of areas are banning plastic shopping bags completely.

How to Make Your Own Reusable Shopping Bag

Handmade eco-friendly bags make wonderful shopping companions and are just as much fun to make! Some are extremely simple – perfect kid-friendly crafts – while other shopping bag patterns are more time-consuming and require a little skill. From recycling harmful plastic bags to reusing old clothing, these do-it-yourself ideas are as eco friendly as they are creative.

Green shopping bags are stronger and roomier than their harmful disposable counterparts, not to mention much better looking. Be sure to make a few for friends and family too – consuming fewer bags saves oil, saves animals, and improves the landscape as well.

Make a Tee-Bag

A great use for your favorite old tshirt. Photo via WildOnion

This reusable shopping bag pattern is so easy a child could make it – in fact, the 10 year old behind Tee Bags contributed the simple steps needed to make your own eco friendly bag from a t-shirt!

A Rogan Gregory Exclusive

Show your eco-fashion sense with this unique bag design by Rogan Gregory. Photo via TeenVogue

A fashionable crocheted tunic can create a one of a kind reusable shopping bag that looks chic and sophisticated, even when its brimming with your favorite fruits and veggies. While this pattern is a bit more involved than the tee-bag above, its stylishness makes the extra effort worthwhile. Visit TeenVougue to learn how to make your own Rogan Gregory eco tote

Reuse Colorful Sheets to Make a Unique Shopping Bag

Turn your old curtains, sheets, and blankets into creative Morsbags. Photo by notsogoodphotography

Morsbags have taken homemade reusable shopping bags to a whole new level. Not only are these eco friendly bags easy to make, they cost next to nothing! Best of all, Morsbags encourages us to spread the environmental love by forming a pod and donating bags throughout the community.

Another Way to Reuse Your Favorite Tee

T-shirts make durable shopping bags that are easy to clean. Photo by Quartermane

Another way to reuse your old t-shirts, this green shopping bag pattern includes pocket designs to make your tote more functional. Durable straps and a fold-over flap add to the appeal; rescuing old t-shirts from the garbage makes it even better!

Reusable Totes Made From Recycled Bags

Colorful, intriguing, super strong, and removes up to 100 plastic bags from the waste stream per tote! Photo by Natalia Trico

There are hundreds of reusable shopping bag patterns available online – these are just 5 of our faves. Feel free to share your own resources and thoughts on eco friendly shopping bags in the comments!

No more paper or plastic – 5 Great DIY ideas for Reusable Shopping Bags is a post from: Ecoble

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