	Recycling Tip:Remove Plastic Wrap Labels Many companies are using shrink-wrap plastic labels on their plastic packaging. These labels must be removed before recycling!
	Human-Powered Clothes Washers The Yerigo Drumi and the Laundry POD are two small non-electric washing machines, perfect for off-grid,tiny homes, camping, RVs...anywhere!.
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	Walk for Water 2016 Help those around the world without access to clean water...by walking! Learn more.
	Orison Plug-and-Play Home Battery: Orison has introduced a simple to use home battery system.
	Arcadia Power Clean Energy: Arcadia Power helps you lower your house, apartment, or business with clean energy in just 5 minutes.
	Niagara Conservation Toilet Tank Bag: An inexpensive, simple way to cut your home's water usage without replacing your toilets.
	Google's Project Sunroof: A new internet tool from Google helps homeowners decide whether solar power is right for their home.
	Composting in the City: A new book shows how to successfully compost in very limited spaces, and with little time!
	Solar Paper iPhone Charger:The new Solar Panel Charger by YOLK is the thinnest and fastest smartphone charger ever! As small as an iPhone 6, it will charge a phone in only 2.5 hours in the sun.
	The Tesla PowerWall Home Battery:Tesla is poised to revolutionize home energy just as they've revolutionized the automobile with their new PowerWall battery. PowerWall stores solar energy during the day for use at night.
	The Nerdalize eRadiator Home Server:The eRadiator from Nerdalizer offers cloud computing servers for commercial use, and places them in residential homes to offer free home heating.
	The Luci Inflatable Solar Lantern:MPOWERD's Luci inflatable solar lantern provides reliable light powered by the sun in a portable, inflatable package.
	Tesla Developing a Home Battery:Tesla has developed a home battery system that will begin production in the next few months capable of powering an entire residential home, charged with solar power.
	Rainforest Automation Energy Monitoring:Rainforest Automation energy monitoring products allow users to watch their energy usage in real time, as well as how much money it's costing them.
	The Problem With Plastic Microbeads in Cosmetics:Many cosmetic products contain tiny plastic microbeads. And that's a problem.
	Cree Connected Smart LED BulbCree enters the Smart Home market with their new $15 Connected smart LED light bulb.
	Monster GreenPower Surge ProtectorsMonster GreenPower surge protectors eliminate phantom load power use automatically.
	New Vintage LED Light BulbsThese beautiful new LED bulbs recreate the warm glow of vintage incandescent bulbs while using only 5 watts of electricity.
	Renewable Wood EnergyBurning wood for heat can be an environmental mixed-bag, but is typically considered a renewable energy source.
	Kohler Whitehaven Self-Trimming Apron Front SinksThese highly-functional,durable, and beautiful farmhouse style sinks are made from at least 80 % recycled material, and are completely recyclable.
	Next Generation Cree LED Light BulbCree introduces its newest LED bulbs, which are super-efficient, long-lasting, affordable, and look just like traditional light bulbs, and are assembled in the USA.
	Stuff We Like: Dirtball Eco-Friendly ClothesDirtball has an entire line of clothes made entirely from 100% recycled materials, and it's all 100% Made in the USA.
	Solarade Portable USB Solar ChargerThis new solar charger is very small and very powerful, allowing you to charge any USB device from anywhere, using only the sun.
	LG Eco-Hybrid Heat Pump Clothes DryerThe new LG Eco-Hybrid Clothes Dryer incorporates heat pump technology to drastically reduce the energy required to dry your clothes!
	Detroit Bikes: Go Green the Motown Way! Bicycles are the most eco-friendly mode of transportation. Detroit Bikes aims to make them greener by manufacturing quality, simple bikes in downtown Detroit.
	New Device Reduces Lawn Mower Pollution by 93%:Students at UC Riverside have created an inexpensive device that effectively reduces pollution by 93% in gas-fueled lawn mowers.
	The Hydros Smart Irrigation Controller:Reduce outdoor water usage by up to 60% with the Hydros Smart Irrigation Control System.
	The UrbMat by UrbnEarth:The UrbMat by UrbnEarth is an all-in-one garden system solution, perfect for first-time gardeners or those with limited gardening space.
	Bonide Garden Naturals:Bonide's Garden Naturals is a full line of natural, organic gardening products to help your garden grow and thrive.
	The Kerflight:The new Kerflight line of lamps,by design studio Graypants, uses recycled corrugated cardboard to create distinctive, reversible shades.
	Archimedes Liam F1 Small Wind Turbine:Archimedes introduces the Liam F1, a small wind turbine that is extremely efficient and virtually silent.
	Energy Star Clothes Dryers:Starting with 2015 models, Energy Star will now certify clothes dryers. New models will be 20% more energy-efficient than the minimum energy standard.
	Dog Waste: Eco-Options:Searching for greener alternatives to throwing out dog waste with the trash.
	Cree T8 LED Linear Lamp The new Cree T8 LED Lamp easily replaces 4-foot fluorescent tube lamps. They are 30% more energy-efficient, and rated for 50,000 hours. Compatible with over 90% of existing ballasts.
	Stuff We Love: S'Well Bottle S'Well Bottles are a wonderful way to replace the throwaway plastic bottle. Insulated to keep liquids hot for 12 hours or cold for 24!!
	Tesla Motors Tesla is leading the way into a greener, cleaner, electric vehicle future. Tesla is the official vehicle of Green Home Source and Gen1 Architectural Group. Hey, we can dream, can't we?
	Green Lifestyle: Pikolinos Shoes Take a look at why Pikolinos are our favorite shoes!
	Green Home Product Source's Guide to Green Gadgets Our favorite green gadgets are not always essential, but they are energy-saving, super-cool and fun!
	SnapRay Guide Lights SnapRay Guide Lights provide safe, efficient LED lights wherever you have electrical outlets in your home,without batteries or wiring required.
	Envirolet Composting Toilet Systems Envirolet is an industry-leading manufacturer of composting toilet systems.
	SolarCity and Best Buy Team Up to Offer Solar Power to Consumers SolarCity and Best Buy announce an agreement to bring affordable solar power to millions of residential customers.
	Panasonic WhisperGreen Vent Fan The ultra-quiet WhisperGreen vent fan from Panasonic exceeds Energy Star requirements by 871%.
	Fireclay 100% Recycled CRT Glass Tiles This new tile from Fireclay is a beautiful, handcrafted glass tile made from 100% recycled glass from CRTs.
	Whirlpool 4.3 Duet High Efficiency Washer The Whirlpool 4.3 Duet Washer gets your clothes super-clean while using water and energy very efficiently.
	Philips SlimStyle LED Light Bulb Philips breaks the $10 price point for quality LED bulbs with the distinctive-looking, super-efficient SlimStyle.
	Whirlpool EveryDrop Portable Water Filter The Whirlpool EveryDrop portable water filter gives you clean, delicious water wherever you are, without the need for expensive, wasteful plastic water bottles.
	WakaWaka POWER Solar Smartphone Charger The WakaWaka POWER solar smartphone charger will charge smartphones and other devices in only two hours, as well as providing a bright light with 5 different light modes.
	100-Watt Equivalent LED Light Bulbs New designs are allowing super-efficient LED bulbs to be as bright as 100 watt incandescent bulbs while using up to 80% less energy!
	Niagara Tri Max Low Flow Showerhead The Niagara Tri Max Low Flow Showerhead has 3 water-saving settings and a satisfying stream.
	Niagara Stealth Ultra-High Efficiency Toilet The Niagara Stealth toilet provides flushing power using only 0.8 gallons of water per flush.
	Armstrong Tin Look Ceiling Tile The Tin Look ceiling tile from Armstrong creates the detailed look of a tin ceiling while using 55% recycled materials.
	Nest Protect Smart Smoke Detector The new Nest Protect smoke detector is a high-tech connected way to keep your family safe.
	Recycling Old CDs and DVDs Throwing out old CDs and DVDs should always be the last resort. Reuse or recycle them! Find out more here.
	Home Composting ProductsMake home composting quick and easy with these convenient composting products.
	BoxWave Rejuva Solar PowerPackThis solar smartphone charger is perfect for charging devices with clean solar power anywhere you go.
	High Sierra Low Flow Shower HeadHigh Sierra low flow shower heads use only 1.5 gpm to save water and energy! All-metal construction and 100% made in the U.S.A.
	Klean Kanteen Stainless Steel BottlesWhen you're on the go, don't bother with throwaway plastic water bottles. Stay green with Klean Kanteen bottles. BPA-free, toxin-free, 100% stainless steel containers built to last. And beautiful!
	Superior Walls Foundation SystemsPre-cast, foam insulated concrete foundation panels from Superior Walls form a durable, energy-efficient foundation wall that insulates and keeps basements dry.
	Halcyon Mini-Split HVAC by FujitsuHalcyon efficiently heats and cools all or part of your home without ducts.
	BuildBlock ICFsBuildBlock is the industry leader in Insulated Concrete Form wall systems, which provide strength, comfort, and excellent energy-efficiency to any green home.
	Nylodeck by NyloboardNylodeck is a beautiful, durable decking material made from recycled carpet fibers. It contains no PVC or wood.
	Cree LED Light BulbsThese new LED light bulbs from Cree have the look of traditional incandescent bulbs while using 85% less energy.
	Halfback H2O Siding InsulationHalfback H2O Siding Insulation from Progressive Foam adds durability, moisture protection, and energy-saving insulation to any home siding material.
	Hwam Freestanding Wood FireplaceHwam makes a line of freestanding wood fireplaces that allow owners to have the functionality and beauty of an efficient wood fire anywhere.
	Haiku Ceiling FanThe Haiku ceiling fan, made from sustainable bamboo, is Energy Star rated as the most efficient ceiling fan available.
	Trex Transcend Composite DeckingTrex Transcend is a line of high-quality composite decking material built to provide decades of low-maintenance use, made from recycled plastic and sawdust waste.
	Evolve ShowerStartEvolve ShoweStart products automatically shut off warming-up water in the shower once the water temp has reached 95 degrees to save water and energy.
	Stramit CAFboardStramit's CAFboard offers superior wallboard performance in products made from sustainable, all-natural wheat straw.
	Switch LED Light BulbSwitch offers superior energy-efficiency and light quality in a revolutionary LED design.
	When to Replace an Aging Refrigerator?Should you replace an aging fridge with a newer energy-efficient model, or hang on to it for a bit longer?
	2nd Chance Wood Co.: 2nd Chance Wood Co. is a Michigan based company offering beautiful furniture, flooring, and other products made from wood salvaged from old structures.
	CertainTeed Asphalt Shingles: Discover the beauty, durability, and sustainability of CertainTeed residential asphalt shingles.
	Ipe Hardwood Decking from Mataverde: Mataverdes' Ipe decking is a beautiful, durable, and sustainably-harvested hardwood, naturally resistant to insects and decay.
	Tyvek HomeWrap Weather Barrier: Tyvek HomeWrap weather barrier helps any home become more energy-efficient by protecting it from water and air infiltration while allowing the home to breathe for healthier indoor air quality.
	WaterFurnace Geothermal Systems: WaterFurnace Geothermal Systems efficiently heat and cool a home using energy from the ground beneath our feet rather than polluting fossil fuels.
	EcoSmart Fireplace: EcoSmart fireplaces use a clean-burning, completely renewable fuel to create fire features that require no chimney, flue, electrical or gas connections.
	2nd Generation Nest Thermostat: Nest has introduced the next generation learning thermostat, which features a slimmer design, updated software, and more apps and functions.
	PorterSIPS: PorterSIPS are a high quality structural insulated panel wall system that can lower your homes' heating and cooling costs by over 50% and reduce construction costs as well.
	Hortech LiveWall System: The Hortech LiveWall system is an easily-installed, easily-maintained living wall system that provides all the benefits of a living wall without the trouble.
	Hortech LiveRoof System: Hortechs' LiveRoof System creates a beautiful, sustainable, energy-saving living roof for your green home.
	NuWool Wallseal Insulation: Reduce your homes' energy usage and save money with NuWools' outstanding, environmentally-friendly Wallseal insulation.
	Bosch 800 Series High-Efficiency Dishwasher: Get your dishes squeaky clean with this super-efficient dishwasher from Bosch.
	ZIP System Wall Sheathing: Give your green home the protection and energy-efficiency it deserves with durable ZIP wall sheathing.
	Whirlpool Efficient Refrigerators: These amazingly-efficient Whirlpool refrigerators use only as much power as a 40 watt light bulb!
	Nest Learning Thermostat: The Nest Learning Thermostat learns your schedule and preferences to keep you comfortable and your energy bills down.
	Philips BR30 LED Indoor Flood Light: An efficient, dimmable LED flood for your green home!
	Dow Solar Shingles: Protect your homes' roof and create power from the sun at the same time!
	Zip System Roof Sheathing: Check out the Zip Sheating System for use on your green homes' roof.
	Sheathing - An Overview: Sheathing is an important element in green home construction today.
	Bryant Evolution System Energy-Efficient Gas Furnaces: Bryant has some of the more energy efficient furnaces on the market today.
	Benjamin Moore Aura Paint: Check out the great eco-friendly paint products from Benjamin Moore.
	Paints and Coatings: Keep the VOC's at bay with these great zero and low VOC paints and coating products for your green home.
	Eco Countertop Materials: Here are some of the eco-friendly countertop materials offered for green homebuilding.
	Green Kitchen Cabinets: Among the areas of any home that get the most use, traffic, and abuse are the kitchen and the bathroom.
	Energy Star Refrigerators: Today's efficient refrigerators can save you a great deal of energy, and money.
	Trane Furnaces: Trane has an entire line of Energy Star-certified furnaces that will deliver some of the highest efficiencies in the industry.
	Energy Star Appliances: Choosing energy-efficient appliances will help you keep energy use down and save you money.
	Philips EnduraLED Bulbs: Efficient, long-lasting line of products designed for the energy-efficient green home.
	Energy Efficient Light Bulbs: With new CFL's and LED's on the market, now is the time for you to switch.
	Lighting Systems: Lighting is one of the largest energy uses in the home. Consider these products.
	Caulking and Adhesives: Give these products consideration for a pollution-free interior environment.
	GREENchoice: Sealing gaps, cracks, and other small gaps with GREENchoice caulks from Titebond.
	3M Window Film: 3M offers great insulating options for your existing windows.
	Bricor Showerheads: Give these high-quality, low-flow showerheads a try.
	Toto Toilets: Toto offers a full line of attractive, high-performance toilets designed to save water without sacrificing performance.
	Home HVAC Systems: Design and selection of the proper HVAC system is probably one of the biggest decisions you can make for your home.
	Broan Attic Fan: Broan offers some great options for their solar attic ventilators. Read our reviews about them right here.
	Insulation and Ventilation: Reviews of the latest and greatest green technology for insulation and ventilation products.
	RainXchange Rainwater Harvesting: High quality rail collection barrels with supporting accessories for fast, efficient water collection.
	Bushman Rainwater Harvesting: Bushman offers a full line of rainwater collection systems to fit any size home.
	Fiskars Rain Barrel: Harvesting rainwater from a home's roof for watering gardens and lawn areas.
	Irrigation Systems: Most of us use the greatest proportion of water to irrigate our landscape. This is a big conservation opportunity.
	bioLime Stucco Siding: An all-natural lime-based exterior plaster, providing durability, energy efficiency, and beauty for your home.
	Pella Windows: Pella's Designer Series windows offer the beauty of natural wood windows with exceptional energy efficiency.
	CertainTeed Siding - Fiber Cement: CertainTeed WeatherBoard Fiber Cement Siding is an excellent choice for siding your green home.
	Nichiha Siding: Nichiha offers a wide variety of extremely durable , environmentally-friendly fiber cement siding styles, textures, and colors.
	Therma Tru Doors: For energy efficiency and attractiveness, Green Home Source uses ThermaTru fiberglass exterior doors.
	Andersen Windows: The Andersen 400 Series of windows is the #1 choice in windows for Green Home Source for their beauty and energy efficiency.
	Doors And Windows: Our latest reviews on green rated doors and windows to increase the durability of your green home.
	CertainTeed Vinyl Siding: Vinyl siding that offers an attractive, durable option for your home's exterior while minimizing the environmental impact.
	James Hardie Siding: Fiber cement products with the look of wood and the durability and maintenance-free attributes of cement.
	Exterior Finish and Trim: Opportunities abound for green products on the home exterior. Check out our reviews of these exciting products.
	Milorganite Lawn Fertilizer: Since 1925, Milorganite has been providing customers with a high-quality, easy-to-use, 100% all natural fertilizer.
	Clay Roof Tiles - US Tile: Check Out The Great Green Aspects of US Tile's ClayLite and ClayMax Roofing Tiles.
	GAF Shingles - Cool Series: Interested In a Green Friendly Asphalt Shingle? Check Out the GAF Timberline Cool Series.
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	Worm Factory 360: Worm Composting Is A Great Way To Produce Rich Organic Soil For Your Landscape.
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	Unilock Pavers: One of The Best Interlocking Pavers You Will Find. Numerous Designs, Colors and Options.
	Sitework and Landscaping: All Kinds of Product Reviews to Make Your Outdoor Living Experience More Enjoyable and Eco-Friendly.
	Bosch Tankless Water Heater: Bosch Has A System to Fulfill Your Hot Water Needs - See What They Offer.
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	Heliodyne Cool Climate: All You Add Is Your Water Storage Tank For A Complete Solar Water. Heating Package.
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	Sunearth Sunsiphon: Solar Hot Water Heating With Integral Storage Tank Located Above Panels.

Rainforest Automation Energy Monitoring Devices

The Rainforest Automation EMU-2 Energy Monitor

We’re all trying to save energy; at least we should be. Over the past several years, power companies have been busy installing new ‘smart meters’ on residential homes around the country in an attempt to both better monitor energy usage, but also to help us learn how to use energy more efficiently.
Smart meters are a great idea, and there’s currently around 50 million of them (43% of U.S. homes) installed nationwide, but they only go so far. Most of us still take a quick glance at the monthly bill, now a bit more detailed with the smart meter technology) and send a check off to the power company.

Smart meters give us a much more concise, detailed look at our energy usage, but if we’re not really paying attention and doing something about it, what good are they? What if there was a different kind of smart meter out there that would speak to us in terms we can understand, and be much more visible on a daily basis? Would that work to lower our energy use? A new company, Rainforest Automation, thinks the answer to these questions is ‘Yes.’

Rainforest Automation: Dollars and Sense Instead of Kilowatt Hours

Our power bills and smart meters on the side of our homes (seriously, how often do YOU go out to check the stats on your power meter?) speak the language of electricity, of kilowatt hours (kWh), which most of us really don’t understand. But the more of those kWh’s we use, the more we pay out each month, and the more carbon and pollution gets pumped into the air (unless you live in an area utilizing renewable energy, you lucky dog you.) The ‘Amount Due’ number on the bill is the only information we really look at or care about.

Enter Rainforest Automation and their revolutionary (in my opinion) new energy monitoring products. These devices, paired with your utility, give users energy usage in a language anybody can understand: Money. Better yet, they allow users to monitor their energy usage wherever they are, in real-time. This real-time data is constantly compiled, giving users a clear record of their energy usage right now, and historically, in both kWh’s AND dollar amounts.

Rainforest Automation EMU-2 Energy Monitoring Unit

The EMU-2 is Rainforest Automation’s flagship product. Pictured above, it’s a simple little device that can be plugged in anywhere in the house. Once it’s registered with your utility’s smart meter, it displays the home’s real-time usage, and tallies averages over time. It’s simple to use, easy to read, and retails for about $70.It can be ordered online HERE.

Rainforest Automation RAVEn USB Stick Monitoring Device

The Rainforest Automation RAVEn USB Stick

The RAVEn USB stick allows users to view their real-time energy usage (and bill) via computer or server. Again, the stick is registered with the utility, then is ready to use. Plugged into any USB port, it automatically connects to the home’s smart meter; opening the free Personal Meter Reader app on the computer allows users to view energy usage as it’s actually happening.

The RAVEn retails for around $50, and can be ordered online HERE.

EAGLE Energy Smart Meter Gateway

The Rainforest Automation EAGLE

For energy monitoring anywhere on the planet, Rainforest Automation offers the EAGLE Energy Gateway. Once registered, it automatically connects to the home’s smart meter, and allows energy data to be viewed wirelessly in a variety of ways: a web browser, iPhone or Android apps, as well as various cloud services (currently Bigly and Wattvision).

The Rainforest Automation EAGLE is an open platform with an internal webserver; it's not locked in to any particular service.

The Rainforest Automation EAGLE retails for $100, and can be ordered online HERE.

Real-Time Energy Monitoring: The Carrot Approach to Using Less Energy

Rainforest Automation’s line of products bring out the true potential of smart meter technology. By allowing users to constantly monitor their energy use, and see that usage translated to dollars, these energy monitoring devices provide feedback that can be used to lower energy usage, and live more efficiently.

As with hybrid cars that give drivers constant real-time mileage data that turn efficient driving into a game (I can personally attest to this,) Rainforest Automation products and their real-time data encourages good energy habits. By easily seeing how much energy is costing, users will want to see how low their can get that dollar amount. Less money = less energy. It’s kind of a brilliant idea.

For homeowners wanting to integrate these products into an overall Smart Home, Rainforest Automation products are all Zigbee Smart Energy 1.1 Certified.

Rainforest Automation is compatible with a growing number of utility companies. Check HERE to check on service availability where you live!

Learn more about Rainforest Automation products at their official website HERE.

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