http://newlygreens.com Walking Green for a Sustainable Garden State Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:30:15 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 http://newlygreens.com/feed/ Stories of green living from the early adopters walking the walk. Produced in NJ just outside New York City the show gives an East Coast flavor to implementing more balanced choices. Hosts Greg and Connie, "newlygreens" and not so newlywed, try take the stories to heart and and bring practical change into their own lives. It may not be about being the ideal, but it is definitely about finding inspiration and working toward something better. Kaizen Productions LLC clean Kaizen Productions LLC info@newlygreens.com info@newlygreens.com (Kaizen Productions LLC) 2010 Kaizen Productions LLC Eco Friendly Tales of Going Green from the Northeast sustainable, environmental, earth, nature, solar, wind, recycle, organic, green, eco, eco-friendly http://newlygreens.com/_content/_images/powered_by_podpress_small.jpg http://newlygreens.com http://newlygreens.com/podcasts/ng4_home-improvements-boiler/ http://newlygreens.com/podcasts/ng4_home-improvements-boiler/#comments Sat, 19 Feb 2011 21:50:50 +0000 cmatti http://newlygreens.com/?p=3216 http://newlygreens.com/podcasts/ng4_home-improvements-boiler/feed/ 1 antique radiator,Beta American Services,Boiler,Condensing,Conservation,efficiency,heating,heating bill,hot water,money saving,Pete Monahan,radiator Wow, what a busy year 2010 was for us!  And now, continuing with our series inspired by our home energy audit, in this segment we sit down with Pete Monahan from Beta American.  So how did we increase our home heating efficiency from 50% to 94% and... Wow, what a busy year 2010 was for us!  And now, continuing with our series inspired by our home energy audit, in this segment we sit down with Pete Monahan from Beta American.  So how did we increase our home heating efficiency from 50% to 94% and decrease our heating bill by 47%?! Watch and learn as Beta American replaces our old boiler with a brand new super high efficiency model.... [jwplayer config="NGplayer" file="http://newlygreens.com/_content/podcasts/NG_4_1_Boiler_640x360_1100k_720p.mp4" hd.file="http://newlygreens.com/_content/podcasts/NG_4_1_Boiler_1280x720_2200k_720p.mp4" image="http://newlygreens.com/_content/podcasts/NG_4_1_Boiler.jpg" plugins="viral-2,hd" viral.functions=share,embed viral.email_subject="Great vid from Newlygreens.com" viral.email_footer=http://newlygreens.com/podcasts] If you like our show please consider making a donation: Show Summary and Highlights: Our old boiler was a 405,000 BTU model. Our old boiler kept hot water in the radiators and only ran at the 50% efficient mark. The new boiler will change the temperature of the water in the radiators based on outside air temperatures.  This, among other design strategies, will allow it to run at 94% efficient and that is some serious savings! The positives of our old system?  Big antique radiators are an efficient way to heat a house and the existing piping system can be utilized with the new design.   In addition, those big radiators bank heat energy, just as the old stonewalls did in earlier homes.   That was a smart design, but the boiler itself, not so much. Our old boiler was meant to accommodate the coldest day of the year but when it is warmer than zero degrees we don’t need all of that horsepower.  In addition, our old system was designed with the idea that the house would not have insulation.   If you’ve been watching past episodes, you know that since our energy audit, we installed insulation!! So, based on our new information and circumstances, we can reduce the boiler capacity from 405,000 BTUs to only 250,000 BTUs, and that’s just the start because our new system will modulate down even further.   In other words, our new boiler has a brain. It will only use the energy it needs to heat the house as opposed to an all or nothing solution. What cool tricks will you see in this segment? Men on the roof. Pipes up the chimney. Pipes installed that will bring outside air directly in to the new boiler.  This prevents it from searching for air by sucking it in through the cracks in the house, which would make the house cooler. A heat recovery system.  Our new boiler will reuse heat from the flu gas as opposed to letting it escape up the chimney.  Conservation, conservation, conservation. Zones, zones and more zones!   Tell me again why our old boiler only had one? And of course, the results.   Did the combined efforts of insulation and a high efficiency boiler make a difference?    And the answer is…. YES!   We are warm in the house and we have reduced our heating bills by 47%! If you combine this with the rebate we got back from the state, these improvements will pay for themselves in about 5 years.    Not bad! That’s it for now.  Thanks again for joining us.  And thank you to all who continue to contact us with such wonderful feedback. We are thrilled to hear that people are watching and that so many of you are looking for new episodes.  We will continue to do them and get them out as fast as we can! Kaizen Productions LLC clean 9:24 http://newlygreens.com/podcasts/newlygreens-3-our-house-the-hummer-prt-1/ http://newlygreens.com/podcasts/newlygreens-3-our-house-the-hummer-prt-1/#comments Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:41:43 +0000 mattisong http://newlygreens.com/?p=2579 After about 5 years of picking the low-hanging fruit, (the easy weekend projects, the CFL replacements, the digital thermostats, the window caulking and so on) we’ve come to the realization that in order for us [...]]]> http://newlygreens.com/podcasts/newlygreens-3-our-house-the-hummer-prt-1/feed/ 3 audit,Blower Door,BPU,DIY,Ed Schwartz,efficiency,Energy,Gray Russell,Green Living Solutions,Home Energy Diagnostics,Home Improvement,Home Performance with Energy Star [part 1 of 4] The Home Energy Audit After about 5 years of picking the low-hanging fruit, (the easy weekend projects, the CFL replacements, the digital thermostats, the window caulking and so on) we've come to the realization that in order for us ... [part 1 of 4] The Home Energy Audit After about 5 years of picking the low-hanging fruit, (the easy weekend projects, the CFL replacements, the digital thermostats, the window caulking and so on) we've come to the realization that in order for us to make further efficiency improvements we are going to need to graduate to some big time projects that require professional assistance. The good news for us is that NJ has a program to help homeowners, like us, make improvements in insulation and heating equipment called Home Performance with Energy Star. The next few episodes of Newlygreens are going to detail our experience with the program and the showcase the results we achieve (or fail to achieve) The process starts with a Home Energy/ Safety Audit and that's what we will be sharing in part 1 starting at our friend Zorina's. Guests in the episode: Ed Schwartz - Green Living Solutions Gray Russell - Green Living Solutions Tom Testa - Home Energy Diagnostics Zorina - A long-time family friend Kaizen Productions LLC clean http://newlygreens.com/podcasts/ed-schwartz-green-living-solutions/ http://newlygreens.com/podcasts/ed-schwartz-green-living-solutions/#comments Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:00:45 +0000 mattisong http://newlygreens.com/?p=1962 Our guest today is the owner of Green Living Solutions, an obvious fit for Newlygreens on the Morning Blend.  The company specializes in energy audits but they can also go much farther to actually consulting on sustainable living.  He is going to talk to us today about some [...]]]> http://newlygreens.com/podcasts/ed-schwartz-green-living-solutions/feed/ 3 audit,buildings,Ed Schwartz,efficiency,Energy Star for Homes,Green Living Solutions,Home Energy Audit,Incentives,rebates Our guest today is the owner of Green Living Solutions, an obvious fit for Newlygreens on the Morning Blend.  The company specializes in energy audits but they can also go much farther to actually consulting on sustainable living. Our guest today is the owner of Green Living Solutions, an obvious fit for Newlygreens on the Morning Blend.  The company specializes in energy audits but they can also go much farther to actually consulting on sustainable living.  He is going to talk to us today about some of the things our listeners can do to save some money and some of the great programs available to the residents of NJ.  Welcome to Newlygreens on the morning blend, Ed Schwartz. For more information about arranging a home energy audit I recommend visiting the Home Performance with Energy Star for Homes site.  Here you can find certified contractors and auditors like Ed. The process starts with an energy audit.  This qualifies you for the State incentive package; currently up to 50% back on home energy improvements, up to $10,000 back ($20,000 in improvements).  In addition there are up to $2500 in federal incentives for efficiency.  An additional 30% rebate on the installation of qualifying renewable energy installations is also available. You can contact Ed here:  (201) 390-4280 info@greenlivingsolutionsnj.com Questions discussed in this episode: What is an energy audit? How are residential audits different from industrial or educational audits? What are some of the most common things you find in your walk throughs? Is this something people have to repeat? Health and safety is a big part of what you look at, have you surprised anyone with what you have found? What incentives are currently available to people at the state and then at the federal level? How do people get started in the program? You have a really nicely put together website with some good introductory information.  On of the things I noticed was a few top ten energy and sustainable tips lists.  Would you like to share one of your top ten lists with our listeners?  More of Green Living Solutions top 10 lists in this week's Green Sprouts Episode. Kaizen Productions LLC clean 19:45 http://newlygreens.com/podcasts/green-sprouts-4-quick-tips/ http://newlygreens.com/podcasts/green-sprouts-4-quick-tips/#comments Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:27:44 +0000 Greg http://newlygreens.com/?p=1366 Green Sprouts for the 8th of January, 2009 Make the Yearly Rounds 1) Vacuum out the dryer - Go beyond just gathering the lint from the trap. The trap will get caked with soap residue, run it under hot water. 2) Vacuum the fridge – the cooling fins [...]]]> http://newlygreens.com/podcasts/green-sprouts-4-quick-tips/feed/ 0 Carbon Monoxide,Dryer,efficiency,Refridgerator,Water Filter Green Sprouts for the 8th of January, 2009 Make the Yearly Rounds 1) Vacuum out the dryer - Go beyond just gathering the lint from the trap. The trap will get caked with soap residue, run it under hot water. Green Sprouts for the 8th of January, 2009 Make the Yearly Rounds 1) Vacuum out the dryer - Go beyond just gathering the lint from the trap. The trap will get caked with soap residue, run it under hot water. 2) Vacuum the fridge - the cooling fins dissipate heat. They are compromised by dust and pet hair by as much as 8%. 3) Change the water filters - Many filter systems have pre and post filters. The Pre-filter is the most important particularly in reverse osmosis systems. Change them every 6 months. January and June make for an easy to remember schedule. 4) Check the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors - Not really a green tip but we do want everyone to live to be green. As homes become tighter the need for reliable CO detectors increases. In Local News William Paterson University Facts: American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment - signed June 6, 2007 Goal: WPUNJ to become carbon neutral by 2050 Pursuing a POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT(PPA), a 3-4 MW PV Lease Feasibility study underway for a geothermal system, funded by NJ Clean Energy Commission. Looks promising for Hunziker Hall & Wing. 4 electric vehicles 0 emission 50 miles, tie into solar when installed Pioneer Express $500 credit gets students a stainless steel drink container Campus targets recycling for improvement.  15% of the garbage at WPU is recycled could be 50-80% RecycleMania (January, 18 – March 28, 2009) http://www.recyclemaniacs.org Student environmental club will be formed this semester Kaizen Productions LLC clean 7:50 http://newlygreens.com/podcasts/episode-2-basf-2-of-4/ http://newlygreens.com/podcasts/episode-2-basf-2-of-4/#comments Sun, 17 Jun 2007 02:43:20 +0000 Greg http://newlygreens.com/podcasts/episode-2-basf-2-of-4/ Part 2 of our tour of a high-efficiency home in Paterson, NJ with Jack Armstrong. Our friend Damon stops by to help us seal up the air gaps around our house and make for a [...]]]> http://newlygreens.com/podcasts/episode-2-basf-2-of-4/feed/ 0 Caulking,efficiency,insulation [part 2 of 4] (2008 Telly Award Winner) Part 2 of our tour of a high-efficiency home in Paterson, NJ with Jack Armstrong. Our friend Damon stops by to help us seal up the air gaps around our house and make for a tight building envelope. [part 2 of 4] (2008 Telly Award Winner) Part 2 of our tour of a high-efficiency home in Paterson, NJ with Jack Armstrong. Our friend Damon stops by to help us seal up the air gaps around our house and make for a tight building envelope.  When choosing the right caulk for your job you may find this guide useful. Kaizen Productions LLC clean http://newlygreens.com/podcasts/episode-2-basf-near-zero-home/ http://newlygreens.com/podcasts/episode-2-basf-near-zero-home/#comments Wed, 06 Jun 2007 18:49:53 +0000 Greg http://newlygreens.com/podcasts/episode-2-basf-near-zero-home/ BASF Near Zero Energy Home Natural Cleaning Products and Repellents Insect Repellent Challenge Results Show #2 – Air Date: June 2007 Extreme Green Segment: The BASF Near Zero Energy Home, Paterson, NJ Interview: Jack Armstrong, [...]]]> http://newlygreens.com/podcasts/episode-2-basf-near-zero-home/feed/ 0 animal,audit,BASF,buildings,carbon,cleaning,cost,dogs,efficiency,Energy,essential,Green [part 1 of 4] (2008 Telly Award Winner) BASF Near Zero Energy Home Natural Cleaning Products and Repellents Insect Repellent Challenge Results Show #2 - Air Date: June 2007 Extreme Green Segment: The BASF Near Zero Energy Home, Paterson, NJ [part 1 of 4] (2008 Telly Award Winner) BASF Near Zero Energy Home Natural Cleaning Products and Repellents Insect Repellent Challenge Results Show #2 - Air Date: June 2007 Extreme Green Segment: The BASF Near Zero Energy Home, Paterson, NJ Interview: Jack Armstrong, BASF Director, Building & Construction Markets This episode of the Newly Greens focuses on green building with a close look at the BASF Corporation and their Near Zero Energy Home in Paterson NJ. We speak to Jack Armstrong, BASF’s Director of Building and Construction Markets. Check this show out for great information and inspiration if you are thinking about building a sustainable home. Or just to discover its great story and hear about the Paterson family who will get this house upon completion as a donation from BASF. To get started on building your sustainable home, or simply to get more information, follow the links below. betterhomebetterplanet.com eere.energy.gov usgbc.org pathnet.org Greg and I used this website to begin formulating our own strategy for making our existing home more efficient. Look for updates on our progress coming soon… energystar.gov “O” Goods Segment: Natural cleaning and insect repellent Special Guest: Margaret (Mags) Lucas. The “O” Goods segments strive to illustrate that for every choice we make, or product we buy, there is usually an alternative available that is healthier for people and the environment. Whether it is organic, less toxic, or provides fair trade for people around the world, these healthier alternatives are the choices we seek! This segment of “O” Goods put the spotlight on more natural versions of cleaning products and insect repellent. We feel it is important to get heavy chemicals out of our home, and ultimately the environment. So we did some research and began experimenting with alternatives. Below are the recipes for some we liked and featured on the show. There are lots of great ideas out there and the Internet is a good resource. But there are also a lot of great products available in stores today. Our friend Mags happens to loves the Method line of products. Experiment to see what you like the best! And keep us posted. We’d love to know!! We found the following sites useful and formulated our recipes from a combination of these sites and from the book, “The Humble Art of Zen-Cleaning” by Michael de Jong. eartheasy.com stretcher.com lowchensaustralia.com Please also check out the results of our flea repellent challenge by clicking on the “Our Transition” tab! *Remember to always keep cleaning and repellent mixtures away from kids and animals. They are more natural versions, but are still not meant to be ingested! Cleaning Recipes Our Kitchen Cleaner 1/2 gallon water 1/2 cup vinegar 1/4 cup baking soda 5 or 6 drops of tea tree essential oil (adds a disinfectant quality) 5 or 6 drops of lemon essential oil (adds a nice scent) Pour into a spray bottle, shake and use! Our Bathroom Cleaner 1/2 gallon water 1/2 cup vinegar 2 teaspoons borax (adds a bleaching and disinfectant quality) 5 or 6 drops of orange essential oil (adds a nice scent) Pour into a spray bottle, shake and use! Our Window and Glass Cleaner 1 part water 1 part vinegar (smell disappears as soon as it dries) Pour into a spray bottle, shake and use! A Word on Bleach Note: baking soda and real lemon juice are good for scrubbing as an alternative to bleach. Research also indicates that bleach, in moderation, is not a bad thing where you must sterilize. Most people just over use it. It is harmful to the good bacteria in our sewers and can aggravate asthma by degrading indoor air quality. Cutting boards or flooded basements are a good example where you might consider using bleach. Bleach is generally unnecessary in bathrooms but its use there is widely promoted through advertising. Tea Tree oil is an alternative mold remediator. Repellent Recipes Our Flea and Mosquito Repellent Kaizen Productions LLC clean