We all can save more of our drinking water, by doing little things that we take for granted, like flushing the toilet, washing the car, taking showers, watering grass, brushing your teeth and so on. This a list of things I did in the past 2 years and the things that are in progress or being planned at our home here in Raleigh NC.

1. We take shorter showers, about 7 minutes long or less.
2. All the water we use to rinse dishes in the sink is collected and use to water plants.
3. Old or dirty ice cubes that has fallen or gotten stall, we use to water plants.
4. We bought a new water saving toilet plus we got a rebate $100.00 for buying this water conserving toilet. The City Of Raleigh NC Watersense toilet rebate program.
The program runs from July, 01-2011 To June, 01-2012 or until funds are exhausted.
5. Rain barrels for watering garden and plants, you can find food grade barrels online for about $15.00 to $20.00 and buy the supplies to make your rain barrels at hardware, home improvement, farm and gardening stores all here in Raleigh NC and surrounding areas. This something you the homeowner can do or you can purchase at one of the stores above or online.
6. Water your garden and yard of grass early in the morning and late evenings water it deep, for you can get by with 1 inch of rain a week.
7. Invest in a soak er hose to save even more.
8. Use less dry fertilizer and more compost and also mulch where possible.
Using some or all these ideas not only conserve water but can even save you some money

(NAPSI)—There’s good news for homeowners who want the grass to grow greener on their side of the fence.

Throughout May, lawn, garden and equipment experts will provide free, one-on-one advice on everything from how to control pests and finally win the battle against weeds to troubleshooting a lawn mower that won’t start.

“We’ll help everyone who calls and take as long as necessary to get homeowners the answers they need,” says Trey Rogers, an internationally known expert on lawn and yard care and leader of the hotline, which is sponsored by Briggs & Stratton Corporation.

For example, if your grass is brown or dying where it should be green, he advises, there may be a simple solution.

1. Can you blame it on the dog? The nitrogen in dog urine can burn your lawn and cause a widespread brown patch problem. You can create a special gravel or mulch area and train Fido to go there.

2. Is your mower blade dull? Dull blades tear rather than cleanly cut the grass, which can weaken and damage the lawn. Have the blade sharpened once a year.

3. Did you spill fertilizer or overfeed your lawn? Too much fertilizer is a well-known grass-burning culprit. Always follow package instructions when applying fertilizer. If your spreader drops too much in one place, water that spot on the lawn generously.

4. What about too much water? If you overwater or if water pools in certain areas on your lawn, you can drown the grass roots, causing areas to die out. Survey your lawn for dips you want to avoid dousing.

5. How do I grow grass in the shade? In deep shade, put down mulch instead. In partial shade, seed the area in the spring and fall, when leaves don’t block the sunlight.

From May 1 to 31, anyone can get a free online or phone consultation with a lawn, garden or equipment expert on any problem by visiting www.YardSmarts.com or calling 1-866-YARD-TIPS (1-866-927-3847). Photo submissions are welcome if the problem is difficult to describe.

In addition, every Friday during the month of May, experts will be available for livechats to share information more broadly with homeowners. The top lawn and garden questions will be posted on the website, www.yardsmarts.com, where you can also find expert advice and information related to yard care and equipment.

The Yard Smarts Hotline is sponsored by Briggs & Stratton, the largest maker of engines for outdoor power equipment.

If getting your yard in the best shape ever isn’t enough motivation to check out the hotline, the company will give away a $300 gift certificate each week to one homeowner to purchase a new lawn mower or other needed yard care equipment.

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(NAPSI)—The next time you start up your lawn mower, string trimmer or other equipment powered by a gas engine, think about adding a fuel preservative to protect your investment from the harmful effects of ethanol fuel blends.

According to engine experts, ethanol fuels begin to deteriorate almost the moment they are pumped, and can break down in the fuel tank causing rust, corrosion, buildup and even significant engine damage. This is particularly an issue in engines only used occasionally—like those on lawn mowers, generators and snow throwers, as well as engines powering sporting equipment such as boats, snowmobiles and ATVs.

A potent new fuel preservative developed by Briggs & Stratton, the largest maker of gas engines for outdoor power equipment, provides an easy and inexpensive way to prevent damage caused by ethanol-blended gas while also keeping the fuel fresh for up to three years.

The Advanced Formula Fuel Treatment & Stabilizer protects any gas engine, including 2-cycle engines like those on trimmers, which use a blend of oil and gasoline. This protection may be more important than ever?ethanol-blended fuels now account for nearly 90 percent of all fuel sold in the U.S., according to the Renewable Fuels Association. The longer these blends sit in the fuel tank, the more damage they can do, resulting in starting issues, rough running and even severe engine damage.

“Ethanol-based fuels attract moisture, which eventually separates from the fuel, forming a layer of ethanol-enriched water at the bottom of the tank where it does its damage,” explains Eric Risse, fuel systems engineer at Briggs & Stratton.

A Solution

Briggs & Stratton’s Advanced Formula Fuel Treatment & Stabilizer combines a proprietary “triple antioxidant” formula with other ingredients to fight water separation and protect the entire fuel system. Corrosion inhibitors form a protective barrier on metal parts while detergent ingredients help prevent gum and varnish buildup.

A metal deactivator works to stop the aggressive chemical reactions caused by dissolved metal ions in the fuel. The net result: extreme protection against fuel-related problems.

The company cautions consumers to avoid certain fuels altogether in small gas engines because of their damaging effects. These include fuels containing more than 10 percent ethanol (such as E15 or E85 gasoline) and gasoline containing other alcohol blends.

Learn More

For more information on products for outdoor power equipment, visit www.briggsandstratton.com or call (800) 444-7774.

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Splurge vs. save: Which home improvement projects are worth the expense?


(ARA) – There’s no place like home. It’s this sense of pride that drives so many of us to embark on home improvement projects each year, some of which can be extensive and expensive.

Before investing in any project, there are several things you should ask yourself to help you evaluate how you’ll live in the space. Think about how long you intend to live in the home, what the space will be used for now and in the future, how the size and dynamic of your family might change and what rooms you use the most. It’s also important to get a handle on your budget from the get-go.

After considering some of these things, educate yourself on the actual remodeling process. As you’ll quickly discover, there are countless online resources with ideas and tools to help plan out each step of the remodel. Merillat, known for its innovative and functional cabinetry and storage, offers some helpful resources to help you visualize and plan a new kitchen or bath space at www.merillat.com.

For most of us, budget constraints give us pause as we consider where to splurge and where to save. Here are a few things to think about as you determine which projects to begin and which you might consider delaying or scaling back on.

* What can you do yourself? There are some projects you can handle on your own, assuming you do the proper research and preparation. For example, painting is a relatively easy do-it-yourself project that can dramatically change a space. While many homeowners dread the tedious process and prep that goes into it, the decision to do it yourself could save you thousands of dollars.

* What can wait? Think of your home as ever-changing and always improving. For the average person who doesn’t have an unlimited budget, it means having to bench some projects for a while. Sarah Reep, director of designer relations and education for Merillat, encourages homeowners to come up with a project priority list, starting with “must-haves” and ending with “nice-to-haves.” For example, projects like landscaping, basement renovations and luxuries like an electric fireplace typically fall into the “nice-to-have” category and could be delayed or completed in phases.

* Where should you invest? Consider how you’ll live in the space. Kitchens and bathrooms are investment worthy because they always serve the same purpose and are two of the most lived-in spaces of the home. Cabinetry, countertops and appliances designed to support the ways you’ll use these spaces are a solid investment both for resell value and everyday enjoyment. For example, choose a countertop material such as DeNova’s Natural Quartz surfacing that stands up to heat, resists chips and cracks better than other materials and is mold-, mildew- and stain-resistant — all characteristics important in these areas of the home. In addition, invest in cabinetry “extras” like Merillat’s storage and organizational solutions to make life in the kitchen easier and adaptable as your needs change.

No matter what the project, professional designers are a great resource. Consider engaging one early on in the process.

“One of the biggest advantages to working with a designer on a home project is that they really understand functionality, while accomplishing your desired style,” says Reep. “Designers can also help you determine your priorities and offer advice on which projects should be a focus and where you might be able to cut costs.”

For more home remodeling ideas and tips, visit www.merillat.com.

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(NAPSI)—If your lawn mower is more than 10 years old, it may be time to consider a replacement. In the past decade, engineering advances have produced gas-powered lawn mowers that run cleaner, start easier and are more fuel efficient than ever before, while providing a variety of options that make yard care easier.

Gas-powered mowers remain the No. 1 choice among homeowners, accounting for four out of every five mowers sold in theUnited States, according to The Stevenson Company, a leading consumer research organization. Lawn care experts say they aren’t surprised because gas mowers give consumers so many choices when it comes to power, price and options—something they don’t get with electric and battery-powered mowers, which are mainly an option for homeowners with small yards.

“Gas mowers provide a range of power to reliably mow any size yard and even tall, thick grass,” explains Rick Zeckmeister, a vice president at Briggs & Stratton Corporation, which engineers and manufactures gas engines for outdoor power equipment.

Today’s gas-powered lawn mowers, he points out, are also in tune with today’s environmentally conscious lifestyles. Since 1995, Briggs & Stratton has reduced carbon emissions produced by its gas engines by 75 percent. According to EPA statistics, all gas-powered outdoor power equipment combined accounts for less than half a percent of all carbon emissions in theU.S.(Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the U.S. Transportation Sector 1990?2003, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, EPA 420 R06 003, March 2006). Based on EPA statistics, if a family replaced a single 75-watt incandescent lightbulb with an equivalent compact fluorescent bulb in their home, it would more than offset the carbon emissions from using a gas walk-behind mower for an entire mowing season.

“Gas mowers have improved dramatically over the years in every way,” says Zeckmeister. “It would be like comparing a television from the 1990s to a new flat- screen LCD TV you would buy today.”

Other innovations and benefits of the newest gas mowers include:

• Easy starting, with a single pull of the starter rope or the push of a button, like in the newest cars;

• Improved fuel efficiency and advanced muffler systems that produce a more pleasant sound quality and less vibration;

• Ample engine power to mulch grass clippings while mowing, turning them into a natural fertilizer for the lawn;

• A variety of options to make mowing easier, from mowers that automatically adjust to the walking pace of the person mowing to digital dashboards that show the time, fuel level, maintenance reminders and other information.

Briggs & Stratton provides an online tutorial on how to select a lawn mower at www.yardsmarts.com.

For information on environmental and product performance considerations when choosing a new lawn mower, visit www.briggsandstratton.com.

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NAPSI)—Even as federal tax credits for traditional heating and cooling systems have decreased, incentives for geothermal systems remain considerably higher—at 30 percent of the installed cost of the system with no limit. In fact, homeowners can take advantage of the federal residential renewable energy tax credit through December 31, 2016. What’s more, the credit is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2009 and can be used in combination with utility rebates and state tax incentives to make geothermal systems more affordable than ever.

The savings associated with operating a geothermal system are just as attractive. By taking advantage of the abundant source of free solar energy stored in the earth to heat and cool a home, a geothermal heating and cooling system can save homeowners as much as 70 percent on their cooling bills in summer. The system can also provide supplemental hot water, saving homeowners even more. Instead of being extracted from the ground to preheat hot water, the heat comes from the house.

A geothermal system offers a number of other benefits, including even distribution of heating and cooling for improved comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, improved indoor air quality, quiet operation, little to no maintenance and a life span that exceeds 24 years.

To qualify for the tax credit, residential systems must meet ENERGY STAR requirements. Homeowners can file for the credit by completing the Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit, Form 5695. A copy of the form, as well as an informative brochure that explains the federal tax incentive and a listing of those products that qualify for the tax credit, is available on the WaterFurnace website at www.waterfurnace.com.

To learn more about federal tax credits and the many other benefits that a geothermal system offers, visit the site or talk to a WaterFurnace expert at (800) GEO-SAVE.

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Energy Tips

(NAPSI)—There’s a new resource to help keep older adults safe and warm during the cold weather months.

A new brochure, “Winter Warmth and Safety: Home Energy Tips for Older Adults,” provides tips about preparing a home for winter weather and saving money on energy expenses, including:

• Make sure your home is energy efficient by installing a programmable thermostat and sealing and insulating ducts. More advice is available from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program at www.energystar.gov.

• Take advantage of special heating assistance funds and utility no-cutoff programs.

Learn More

For a free copy of the brochure, call (800) 677-1116 or download it at www.eldercare.gov.

The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, administered by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.

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Save money with an ‘enlightened’ roof – and decorate too

(ARA) – Enlightenment isn’t just a state of mind – it can also be an important energy-saving state of being for your home’s roof. By “enlightening” your roof, you can use less energy, save money, and dress up the interior of your home at the same time.

All roofs protect us, and the interiors of our homes, but they can do so much more. They can be the collection and distribution point for an inexhaustible supply of free natural light and energy.  

A roof that uses Energy Star qualified venting skylights, for instance, admits healthful natural light while providing passive ventilation through the natural “chimney effect” of rising air. This is not an insignificant consideration especially in kitchens and baths that have higher moisture and humidity levels than other areas of the home.  

Another kitchen- and bath-specific issue that skylights help address is the need for privacy. Many modern homes are built on small lots, in very close proximity to neighboring houses. “Light from windows is rarely enough, especially in places where lot sizes are small,” says Jennifer Powers of design firm Scott-Ulmann.

Areas of the home where traditional skylights with blinds might not work – such as hallways, closets and small, interior baths – can still admit natural light through less expensive Sun Tunnel tubular skylights. And optional light kits turn these units into 24-hour sources of light.  Low-profile flat glass models that blend unobtrusively with the roof, and domed models, all offer a fast, easy, less expensive way to transform a home with natural light.

In addition to light and ventilation from above, if you add an Energy Star-qualified solar water heating system your roof will work even harder for you. And, in addition to monthly power bill savings, these solar thermal systems qualify for tax credits and other savings that significantly reduce the payback time it takes to recover the initial cost.

Solar power attic fans are also a cost-effective roof addition that helps to reduce mechanical cooling costs while removing damaging moisture from the home.

In addition to the functional qualities these and other roof improvements offer, there are also aesthetic considerations.

Skylights offer room-changing drama and decorating flair while adding natural light from above.  And skylight blinds are now available in colors and pattern choices to mix and match with room decor giving homeowners another interior design tool. Blinds not only dress up a room but also provide light control while increasing the energy efficiency and usefulness of skylights.  

According to skylight manufacturer, Velux America, the addition of blinds can increase the overall energy efficiency of the units by 37 percent. They recommend closing the blinds on high heat/sun days in the summer to reduce potential solar heat gain and, on cold winter nights, closing them to provide an extra layer of thermal insulation to keep warm air indoors. Skylight blinds, as well as the units themselves, can be controlled manually or with a remote.

Modern, low profile skylights are unobtrusive and as dependable as vertical windows.  Information about units with a 10-year no-leak installation warranty, plus an installer locator, is available at veluxusa.com. There’s also a free mobile phone app there to help homeowners see how skylights and blinds would look in rooms in their own homes.

The Velux Skylight Planner App is available for iPhones, iPods, iPads and Android phones.

For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit energystar.gov, and for independent agency information visit nfrc.org or efficientwindows.org. For remodeling information visit nahb.org/remodel or greenhomeguide.org.

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On World Food Day, thank a farmer

(ARA) – Fewer than 3 percent of Americans work in farming. Yet, this sector of our workforce not only feeds our country, it also provides a wealth of grain and food exports that feed millions of people around the world. In fact, America’s agriculture sector is so productive that Americans spend less for food, as a percentage of their total income, than do most other people around the world.

October 16 is World Food Day, a day set aside to call global attention to the need to alleviate hunger around the world. Here in America, it is a day to recognize the achievement of our agricultural productivity.

Thanks to our farmers and food makers, Americans can count on a consistent, affordable and safe food supply. But our farmers are so productive, in part, because they have access to scientific advances in agricultural biotechnology – seed varieties that have improved the productivity of our most important staple crops, such as corn and soybeans. For example, the average yields of biotech corn varieties in 2010 were 30 percent higher than average corn yields prior to 1996 – the year biotech varieties were first planted.

Beyond America, a different picture emerges. An estimated 3 billion people in Asia, Latin America and Africa are today moving up the food chain into grain-intensive livestock and protein-based diets. This presents new strains on the world’s available farm lands and ocean resources. Urbanization is also contributing to food supply and demand pressures. Today, for the first time in history, more than half of the world’s population lives in cities.

As a result, farmers are having difficulty keeping pace with the rising population. World population is projected to increase from nearly 7 billion today to 9 billion by 2050, according to the United Nations. To feed this growing population, farmers will need to grow even more crops on about the same amount of land, and with the same soil and water inputs that are available today.

Global farm production must also increase during a time of uncertain climate change. Changes in global and regional temperature, humidity and rainfall patterns will impact soil quality, water availability, pests and other factors that determine farm productivity – making it even more difficult for farmers to keep up with rising demand.

These are the fundamental challenges of sustainable agriculture. How will farmers grow the crops and commodities needed to feed an increasing world population? One answer will come through even more breakthrough agricultural biotechnology solutions – such as the introduction of drought-tolerant and flood-tolerant seeds. Another solution is to ensure that farmers around the world have the same access to these important scientific tools and resources as do American growers. And finally, agriculture biotechnology will also need to discover new seed varieties to help farmers adapt to the world’s changing climate.

Another challenge is rising food prices. Global supply and demand pressures have sharply increased prices for wheat, corn, sugar, soybeans and other crops. This means more people are at risk of falling into poverty. In a report released this month, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and World Food Programme (WFP) warned that today’s high and volatile food prices are likely to continue and possibly even increase. All three organizations called on the international community to address this situation by working to improve farm productivity through better seeds.

Almost 1 billion people around the world go to bed hungry each night. To help alleviate world hunger, it is critical we provide farmers around the world with the same scientific tools and knowledge available to American farmers. On World Food Day, remember to thank your local farmer, legislator, or neighbor for doing their part to ensure a plentiful food supply here at home. But remember, also, that farmers everywhere need access to the same biotechnology solutions that benefit America’s economy and contribute to our growing, sustainable food supply. For more information on the benefits of agricultural biotechnology, visit www.whybiotech.com.

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Slowing the gas price roller coaster

(ARA) – Gas prices are on a roller coaster ride again. A bargain these days is anything under $4 a gallon, which is especially difficult since it’s summer and everyone’s hitting the road for vacations. Inching closer is fall’s “back-to-school” drive cycle. In short, there is a lot of driving ahead and higher gas prices are now the norm, so it’s time to look at ways to alleviate the pain at the pumps.

A good place to start is eye-level with your feet – your car’s tires. You may look at tires as black, round utilitarian objects, but truth be told, these technical wonders – when properly maintained – are gas saviors that can slice hundreds of dollars off your annual gasoline bill, according to Dan King, Yokohama Tire Corporation’s senior vice president of sales and marketing.

“The first thing is to always make sure your tires are properly inflated,” says King. “Tires that are underinflated by eight pounds per square inch (psi), for example, can reduce vehicle fuel economy by as much as 2 percent and tire tread life can also be reduced by as much as 25 percent.”

King says for the best driving savings and safety results, make checking the tire pressure a monthly routine. “It only takes five minutes,” he says. “If you’re not doing it once a month, chances are you’re driving on under-inflated tires.”

Use the tire inflation numbers usually labeled inside the driver’s door, fuel door, glove box or in the owner’s manual. (The number on the tire’s sidewall is the maximum inflation pressure.) Over-inflation reduces the tire’s contact patch with the road, while under-inflation puts extra weight on its sidewalls and causes an unsafe increase in tire temperature.

Certain types of tires – ones with low rolling resistance (LRR) – can help save fuel, too. “LRR tires are designed to minimize the energy wasted as heat while the tire rolls down the road,” King says. “That results in improved fuel efficiency. Studies show driving on LRR tires alone can save about $100 annually.”

Yokohama’s AVID ENVigor tire is a good example of the expanding LRR tire technology. “It’s an excellent low rolling resistant tire that saves fuel and combines performance, comfort and long treadlife,” King says.

King also offers other fuel-saving tips:

* Keep your tires properly inflated. Once a month, when the tires are cold (at least three to four hours after the vehicle has been driven), check tire pressure with a reliable tire gauge. Be sure that the valve stems have a plastic or metal cap to keep dirt out and seal against leakage.

* Replace your air filter. A clogged air filter blocks the air needed to burn fuel efficiently and wastes gas.

* Keep your car tuned-up according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule to keep all systems in good working order, which can optimize your mileage.

* To prevent skidding and hydroplaning, tires must be replaced when the tread is worn down to 1/16 of an inch. An easy test: place a penny into a tread groove. If part of Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread, you’re driving with the proper amount of tread. If you can see all of his head, you should buy a new tire.

* Built-in treadwear indicators, or “wear bars,” which look like narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread will appear on the tire when the tread is worn down to 1/16 of an inch. When you see these wear bars, the tire is worn out and should be replaced.

* Visually check your tires for signs of uneven wear. You may have irregular tread wear if there are high and low areas or unusually smooth areas. Consult your tire dealer as soon as possible.

* Tires should be rotated at least every 6,000 to 8,000 miles and the alignment should be checked once a year. Misaligned tires can cause the car to scrub, which lowers mileage and causes unnecessary tire wear.

* Slow down. For every five mph you go above 60 mph, you’re using more gas, and, ultimately, paying even more for each gallon of gas.

For additional tire care and safety tips, visit www.yokohamatire.com or www.rma.org.

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