Eco Buttons for Cars

If you've been looking for a new car in the past year or two, you may have noticed a new feature that's quickly becoming a standard into all models: the "eco button." Carmakers are installing the little, illuminated buttons everywhere, from hybrids to coupes, from high-horsepower sedans to massive SUVs.

This new feature allows you to transform your car into a green machine, selecting a driving mode that puts your machine’s abilities on a short leash - but only when you choose to. How does it work? Well, by pressing the eco button you tweak the accelerator (the throttle won't be as responsive or the transmission will shift into a higher gear at lower RPMs) which in turn optimizes the climate control, making the vehicle more environment-friendly.  Also, the electric systems will be tuned to reduce their energy consumption, and so on.

Here are a few examples of how these eco driving modes affect the car:

Honda: the two hybrids, CR-Z and Insight, have eco buttons and the feature will also be present in the Fit EV to increase battery range. In economy mode the electric motor assist prioritizes fuel efficiency, while the air conditioning system will reduce its overall load. The drive-by-wire throttle is optimized for smoother acceleration and maintains the lowest possible engine RPM; power and torque go down by 4% (except at wide-open throttle, which still gives full feed-back); on the CVT-equipped models the transmission ratios are optimized to be higher relative to engine RPM, and when using cruise control the throttle employs a smaller opening angle.

Infiniti: the new V8 Infiniti M comes standard with an eco button, but its efficacy can be increased if a buyer chooses the optional Technology Package. The standard setting changes throttle positioning and shift points. As an upgrade drivers can get the "Eco Pedal" that "provides feedback to encourage the driver to optimize fuel efficiency." The accelerator pedal resists a bit and vibrates underfoot when the driver gives it the lead boot. The feedback is slight, and can be easily overridden by the driver depressing further on the pedal.

Nissan: the Juke crossover’s Eco button adjusts throttle responsiveness and transmission mapping for the CVT. The new electric Nissan Leaf also has an eco button; pressing it has the same effect as for the Juke, but, since it doesn't have a traditional transmission, it provides more aggressive braking, as well as reducing the use of the air conditioning compressor.

Chevrolet: the Equinox, four-cylinder equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, comes with an eco button that locks the transmission's torque converter at lower speeds and shifts the transmission to a higher gear earlier. It has no affect on throttle response however.

Dodge: the Grand Caravan will smooth out, when in eco mode, the throttle response and shift up sooner in order to save fuel.

Toyota and Lexus: the Toyota Prius and Highlander Hybrid, and Lexus HS250, RX 450h, LS 600 hL and the new CT 200h have eco modes that tweak accelerator response and optimize the climate control. The Camry Hybrid also has a dedicated green mode, but it doesn't affect the throttle, it only adjusts the HVAC system in order to improve fuel efficiency.

Hyundai: the Sonata has an Active Eco button and so will the new Veloster. This eco button modifies the transmission shifting schedule.

Your mileage, of course, will vary, as is the case with all measures of fuel efficiency.  What are the rough results though, in numbers? Manufacturers usually estimate a 5-10% improvement, with Dodge claiming that the eco mode in the Grand Caravan is good for about one more mile per gallon. We can see that a vehicle rated at 10 combined km/L will then get anywhere from 11.20 to 11.75 km/L. That's roughly the same improvement most people would achieve if they kept their car in a proper state, with the tires inflated, or if they just drove a little less aggressively.

Buyers are asking for features that will let them spend less on gas, and eco buttons can help them do that by allowing savings. If oil prices continue their climb, these requests will surely turn into strong demands. Nevertheless, drivers don't want to sacrifice speed or comfort or ride, at least not all the time. Hence the eco button, so you can go further, if a little bit slower.

What the Eco Button adds really is the option of choice; you will be able to make a decision based on the vehicles on the market as to whether you desire speed, comfort or the feeling of saving the world. However, whatever vehicle you drive, don’t forget to have Car Insurance! ;)

Water saving tips – for yard and garden

As I promised in my previous post, here are some tips about yard and garden water saving.

Plant drought-resistant lawns, shrubs and plants: If you are planting a new lawn, or overseeding an existing lawn, use drought-resistant grasses such as the new "Eco-Lawn". Many beautiful shrubs and plants thrive with far less watering than other species. Replace herbaceous perennial borders with native plants. Native plants will use less water and be more resistant to local plant diseases. Consider applying the principles of xeriscape for a low-maintenance, drought resistant yard. Plant slopes with plants that will retain water and help reduce runoff. Group plants according to their watering needs.

Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants: Mulch will slow evaporation of moisture while discouraging weed growth. Adding 2 - 4 inches of organic material such as compost or bark mulch will increase the ability of the soil to retain moisture. Press the mulch down around the dripline of each plant to form a slight depression which will prevent or minimize water runoff.

Don't water the gutter: Position your sprinklers so water lands on the lawn or garden, not on paved areas. Also, avoid watering on windy days.

Water your lawn only when it needs it: A good way to see if your lawn needs watering is to step on the grass. If it springs back up when you move, it doesn't need water. If it stays flat, the lawn is ready for watering. Letting the grass grow taller (to 3") will also promote water retention in the soil. Most lawns only need about 1" of water each week. During dry spells, you can stop watering altogether and the lawn will go brown and dormant. Once cooler weather arrives, the morning dew and rainfall will bring the lawn back to its usual vigor. This may result in a brown summer lawn, but it saves a lot of water.

Deep-soak your lawn: When watering the lawn, do it long enough for the moisture to soak down to the roots where it will do the most good:A light sprinkling can evaporate quickly and tends to encourage shallow root systems. Put an empty tuna can on your lawn - when it's full, you've watered about the right amount.

Water during the early parts of the day; avoid watering when it's windy: Early morning is generally better than dusk since it helps prevent the growth of fungus. Early watering, and late watering, also reduce water loss to evaporation. Watering early in the day is also the best defence against slugs and other garden pests. Try not to water when it's windy - wind can blow sprinklers off target and speed evaporation.

Add organic matter and use efficient watering systems for shrubs, flower beds and lawns: Adding organic material to your soil will help increase its absorption and water retention. Areas which are already planted can be 'top dressed' with compost or organic matter. You can greatly reduce the amount of water used for shrubs, beds and lawns by the strategic placement of soaker hoses, installing a rain barrel water catchment system and installing a simple drip-irrigation system. Avoid over-watering plants and shrubs, as this can actually diminish plant health and cause yellowing of the leaves. When hand watering, use a variable spray nozzle for targeted watering.

Don't run the hose while washing your car: Clean the car using a pail of soapy water. Use the hose only for rinsing - this simple practice can save as much as 150 gallons when washing a car. Use a spray nozzle when rinsing for more efficient use of water. Better yet, use a waterless car washing system; there are several brands, such as EcoTouch, which are now on the market.

Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks

Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets and couplings: Leaks outside the house may not seem as bad since they're not as visible. But they can be just as wasteful as leaks indoors. Check frequently to keep them drip-free. Use hose washers at spigots and hose connections to eliminate leaks.

Water conservation comes naturally when everyone in the family is aware of its importance, and parents take the time to teach children some of the simple water-saving methods around the home which can make a big difference.

Water saving in the house - tips and tricks

I would like to present in this article several tips and tricks on water saving. The water system affects the energy consumption in many ways: heating, cooling, sterilizing, pumping it, and also through the hydroelectric plants.

In addition to saving money on your utility bill, water conservation helps prevent water pollution in nearby lakes, rivers and local watersheds. Conserving water can also extend the life of your septic system by reducing soil saturation, and reducing any pollution due to leaks. Overloading municipal sewer systems can also cause untreated sewage to flow to lakes and rivers. In some communities, costly sewage system expansion has been avoided by communitywide household water conservation.

Now, for a checklist:

Check faucets and pipes for leaks: A small drip from a worn faucet washer can waste 20 gallons of water per day. Larger leaks can waste hundreds of gallons.

Don't use the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket: Every time you flush a cigarette butt, facial tissue or other small bit of trash, five to seven gallons of water is wasted.

Check your toilets for leaks: Put a little food coloring in your toilet tank. If, without flushing, the color begins to appear in the bowl within 30 minutes, you have a leak that should be repaired immediately. Most replacement parts are inexpensive and easy to install.

 Use your water meter to check for hidden water leaks: Read the house water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak.

Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators: Inexpensive water-saving low-flow shower heads or restrictors are easy for the homeowner to install. Also, long, hot showers can use five to ten gallons every unneeded minute. Limit your showers to the time it takes to soap up, wash down and rinse off. "Low-flow" means it uses less than 2.5 gallons per minute. You can easily install a ShowerStart showerhead, or add a ShowerStart converter to existing showerheads, which automatically pauses a running shower once it gets warm. Also, all household faucets should be fit with aerators. This single best home water conservation method is also the cheapest!

Put plastic bottles or float booster in your toilet tank: To cut down on water waste, put an inch or two of sand or pebbles inside each of two plastic bottles to weigh them down. Fill the bottles with water, screw the lids on, and put them in your toilet tank, safely away from the operating mechanisms. Or, buy an inexpensive tank bank or float booster. This may save ten or more gallons of water per day.  Be sure at least 3 gallons of water remain in the tank so it will flush properly. If there is not enough water to get a proper flush, users will hold the lever down too long or do multiple flushes to get rid of waste. Two flushings at 1.4 gallons is worse than a single 2.0 gallon flush. A better suggestion would be to buy an adjustable toilet flapper that allow for adjustment of their per flush use.  Then the user can adjust the flush rate to the minimum per flush setting that achieves a single good flush each time. For new installations, consider buying "low flush" toilets, which use 1 to 2 gallons per flush instead of the usual 3 to 5 gallons. Replacing an 18 liter per flush toilet with an ultra-low volume (ULV) 6 liter flush model represents a 70% savings in water flushed and will cut indoor water use by about 30%.

Insulate your water pipes: It's easy and inexpensive to insulate your water pipes with pre-slit foam pipe insulation. You'll get hot water faster plus avoid wasting water while it heats up.

Take shorter showers: One way to cut down on water use is to turn off the shower after soaping up, then turn it back on to rinse. A four-minute shower uses approximately 20 to 40 gallons of water.

Turn off the water after you wet your toothbrush: There is no need to keep the water running while brushing your teeth. Just wet your brush and fill a glass for mouth rinsing.

Rinse your razor in the sink: Fill the sink with a few inches of warm water. This will rinse your razor just as well as running water, with far less waste of water.

Use your dishwasher and clothes washer for only full loads: Automatic dishwashers and clothes washers should be fully loaded for optimum water conservation. Most makers of dishwashing soap recomend not pre-rinsing dishes which is a big water savings.  With clothes washers, avoid the permanent press cycle, which uses an added 20 liters (5 gallons) for the extra rinse. For partial loads, adjust water levels to match the size of the load. Replace old clothes washers. New Energy Star rated washers use 35 - 50% less water and 50% less energy per load. If you're in the market for a new clothes washer, consider buying a water-saving frontload washer.

Minimize use of kitchen sink garbage disposal units: In-sink 'garburators' require lots of water to operate properly, and also add considerably to the volume of solids in a septic tank which can lead to maintenance problems. Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing food waste.

When washing dishes by hand, don't leave the water running for rinsing: If your have a double-basin, fill one with soapy water and one with rinse water. If you have a single-basin sink, gather washed dishes in a dish rack and rinse them with a spray device or a panful of hot water. Dual-swivel aerators are available to make this easier. If using a dishwasher, there is usually no need to pre-rinse the dishes.

Don't let the faucet run while you clean vegetables: Just rinse them in a stoppered sink or a pan of clean water. Use a dual-setting aerator.

Keep a bottle of drinking water in the fridge: Running tap water to cool it off for drinking water is wasteful. Store drinking water in the fridge in a safe drinking bottle.

On my next article I will give you tips and tricks about saving water the yard and garden. Stay tuned! J

Join us at the National Sustainable Food Summit in Melbourne

Saving energy is important, but we must remember that conserving energy and limiting electricity consumption is but one item on the checklist. There are many other steps to take, and we, at EnergySaver Australia support green initiatives and recognize the synergistic effect that they bring.

The next event we will be promoting is the National Sustainable Food Summit that will take place in Melbourne, from the 5^th to the 6^th of April this year. The event will bring together some of food and agriculture's biggest players and leading experts in a two-day exchange of knowledge and ideas. This event focuses on recent policy developments, with emphasis on food security and resilience and how these relate to the National Food Plan.

The organizers aim to map a strategy for food security and resilience and also to answer several questions regarding the National Food Plan and its challenges in the near future.

The event will also be focused on a participative process, drawing on the collective expertise at the summit, through lively interactive discussions, small facilitated working groups and sessions designed to generate sets of working principles for policy and industry.

A list of speakers can be found here : http://www.3pillarsnetwork.com.au/p3_Events-Resources.html?&event=68&page=7

For more information and registration, we encourage you to visit http://www.3pillarsnetwork.com.au/p3_Events-Resources.html?&event=68 .

We will also be keeping you updated with details from the conference, pictures, and excerpts from the speeches. Make sure to visit us and to get first-hand information and insight into the challenges and solutions for the 21^st Century Food Strategy for Australia.

Weather stations - great educational tools!

An understanding of your local weather is very easy to obtain these days: from traditional thermometers and barometers to state of the art multi-sensor wireless weather stations, observing, interpreting and forecasting local weather patterns has never been simpler.

The best use for weather stations, besides, of course, forecasting weather, is as educational tools for children. Ever think of building a backyard weather station with your kids? It's fun, easy, and makes a great family project! Your kids will learn the basics of scientific observation and record-keeping while satisfying their natural curiosity about weather.

A weather station is a set of devices for measuring elements like temperature, rainfall, wind speed, and pressure. You can buy these devices easily online (http://www.energysaver.net.au/) and I'll guarantee they will provide you with tremendous fun family time .

Hint: Numerical data can also be entered into a simple spreadsheet-type program and manipulated  to create impressive visual charts and graphs to display data. Your kids can also take a crack at creating a wall chart to create a stunning data display. It would make a great science project or extra-credit work in any earth science course.

Show support for the Greenhouse 2011 event!

Scientists and representatives from industry and all levels of government will have the opportunity to hear about the latest in climate change science from leading researchers from Australia and around the world. Delegates at the Greenhouse 2011 will hear the latest from leaders in climate change science from across Australia and around the world. There will also be ample opportunity for networking and information sharing.

We will be present at the convention and will be sending live feedback from it. Greenhouse 2011 will be hosted at the award-winning Cairns Convention Center, only ten minutes from the Cairns International Airport, and surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef and ancient tropical rainforests.

Media registration is free so we encourage other bloggers involved in the sustainability industry to come and join us at the event. The conference will provide a rare opportunity to interact with some of the world's leading researchers in climate change science.

For more information, please visit http://www.greenhouse2011.com/.

How to save energy?

Most people, when trying to save energy, usually think of turning off the light when unnecessarily turned on, or the occasional energy saving light bulb. However, the key to making big savings on your home energy bills is to see your home as a living energy system with individual parts that affect each other:

Insulation:  Checking your home's insulation is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to use a whole-house approach to reduce energy waste and make the most of your energy dollars. It includes a combination of products and construction techniques that protect a home from outside hot or cold temperatures, protect it against air leaks, and control moisture. You can easily increase the comfort of your home while reducing your heating and cooling needs by investing in proper insulation and sealing air leaks.
For example, if you install energy efficient double glazed windows and loft insulation, when it's time to replace your boiler and heating system, you may be able to manage with a smaller one that costs less, because the windows and walls will retain the heated air inside better than a home without efficient windows and insulation.

Heating and Cooling: Heating and cooling your home uses more energy and drains more energy dollars than any other system in your home. Typically, 43% of your utility bill goes for heating and cooling. No matter what kind of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system you have in your house, you can save money and increase your comfort by properly maintaining and upgrading your equipment. But remember, an energy-efficient device alone will not have as great an impact on your energy bills as using the whole-house approach. By combining proper equipment maintenance and upgrades with appropriate insulation, air sealing, and thermostat settings, you can cut your energy use for heating and cooling, and reduce environmental emissions, from 20% to 50%.

Water heating: Water heating is the third largest energy expense in your home. It typically accounts for about 12% of your utility bill. There are four ways to cut your water heating bills: use less hot water ( :) ), turn down the thermostat on your water heater, insulate your water heater, or buy a new, more efficient model.

Windows: Windows can be one of your home's most attractive features. Windows provide views, daylighting, ventilation and solar heating. Unfortunately, they can also account for 10% to 25% of your heating bill. During the summer, your air conditioner must work harder to cool hot air from sunny windows. Install energy efficient  windows and use curtains and shade to give your air conditioner and energy bill a break. If you live in the hotter areas, look into low-e windows, which can cut the cooling load by 10% to 15%. If you decide not to replace your windows, the simpler, less costly measures listed here can improve their performance.

Lighting: Making improvements to your lighting is one of the fastest ways to cut your energy bills. An average household dedicates 11% of its energy budget to lighting. Using new lighting technologies can reduce lighting energy use in your home by 50% to 75%. Advances in lighting controls offer further energy savings by reducing the amount of time lights are on but not being used.

Appliances: they usually account for about 17% of your household's energy consumption, with refrigerators, clothes washers, and clothes dryers at the top of the consumption list. When you're shopping for appliances, think of two price tags: the first one covers the purchase price—think of it as a down payment; the second price tag is the cost of operating the appliance during its lifetime. You'll be paying on that second price tag every month with your utility bill for the next 10 to 20 years, depending on the appliance. Refrigerators last an average of 14 years; clothes washers about 11 years; dishwashers about 10 years; and room air conditioners last 9 years.

Home Office and Home Electronics: Working from home saves energy and time by cutting out the commute, but it may increase your home energy bills a lot unless you use energy-saving office equipment. Energy efficient office equipment is widely available: it provides users with dramatic savings, as much as 90% savings for some products. Overall, these kind of office products use about half the electricity of standard equipment. Along with saving energy directly, this equipment can reduce air-conditioning loads, noise from fans and transformers, and electromagnetic field emissions from monitors.

Renewable Energy: You have many options for using renewable energy at home—from solar-powered outdoor lights to buying renewable energy from your utility to even producing solar electricity at home with photovoltaic (PV) cells.