This may be an idea that is in left field, but we are going to throw it out there anyways, and see if we can get a response from it.  What if we could only use power that we created?  What if, we were completely free from a power plant, and we had to create our own power?  Let’s say we each had a battery system stored away in the garage somewhere and you had to save up the energy created in order to do the things we love.  You have a solar panel on the roof, perhaps a wind turbine in the backyard.    One day there isn’t enough wind or sun to generate enough power for you to watch your favorite television show, LOST.  What about self made energy?

One of those types would be pedal powered energy.  A lot of people like to work out right?  You are creating so much energy when you work out, why waste it?  THIS guy has created a pedal powered generator.  We think it is an awesome idea.  People who work out, whether it be treadmills or stationary bikes or even stair steppers.  We know, some of you have a Nordic Track stored under your bed that you got and forgot about.  How awesome would it be to generate your own energy.  Think about it.

HERE is a CNN article intended to make you think.  Think about the things you do that use energy.  Watching T.V., computer, xbox.  It all uses electricity.  Like CNN’s first line, what if you had to cycle for a specified time in order to do some of things that are mainly for entertainment.  Are those things important enough for you now?

Lastly, we want to show you a video of what a simple pedal powered generator looks like.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgRFPpZGx8Y&hl=en&fs=1]

This article will be mostly about Compact Flourescent bulbs or “CFLs”.   Here are some common tips that we got from “The Family Handyman.”

CFLs have come a long way.  They used to be almost $15 dollars a piece with many problems.  That is the past, and now you can buy a CFL for as little as $3 a piece and is the easiest way to save money on energy.  These bulbs are still hard to understand at times when you are purchasing, so here are a few buying guides.

First, how to chooce a bulb:

When purchasing bulbs, typically we as consumers refer to the wattage of the bulb.  You typically look at 60-watt or 100-watt bulbs.  This can be confusing when purchasing CFL bulbs.  You should look more at the lumens when purchasing CFL bubls.  Typically, you should buy a CFL with 20% more lumens than that of your standard bulb.   As an example, to replace a 60-watt bulb that has 870 lumens, you you should but a bulb with 1050 lumens.  That should give you the same output you are looking for.

Best (and worst) place to use:

CFLs can last up to 10 times as long as a typical incandescent bulb, so you may want to consider putting CFLs in places that are hard to reach.  You may only have to get in the rafters once every five years instead of every year.  Also, they do well in a place that is constantly on more than 3 hours a day.

CFLs don’t do as well in on-off switching, excessive vibration near doors or stairways,  or high-humidity.  The things may shorten the life span of the CFL.

These are just some simple things that you can do to cut-back on energy useage.  Next time you go buy light bulbs, which we all do, and sometimes often, think twice before you pick up those incandescent bulbs.

Take a small stand…