5 Tips to be a Green Geek

You don’t have to look hard to find different ways to be to Green. Magazines, commercials, even entire television channels have been dedicated to the subject. Personally, I think everyone should try to take a few a few steps to being green, and geeks are certainly no exception.

Since geeks have a natural inclination towards gadgets, going Green as a geek is actually quite easy. Here are 5 easy ways to take the geek approach to being Green:
Note: You don’t have to be a geek to use these tips!

Use Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
CFL’s, or Compact Fluorescent Lights, are an excellent way to conserve energy and lower your electric bill. Yes, they are more expensive than conventional incandescent bulbs, but they last up to ten times longer. In fact, each fluorescent bulb installed can save you $30 to $40 dollars over the life of the bulb.

You should be aware that CFL’s wattage rating will always be lower than what you’re used to (about one third). Here’s a quick wattage reference:

• 25 watt incandescent = 7 watt compact fluorescent
• 40 watt incandescent = 11 watt compact fluorescent
• 60 watt incandescent = 15 watt compact fluorescent
• 75 watt incandescent = 18 watt compact fluorescent

Give LEDs A Try
If you thought compact fluorescent lights lasted, check out LED’s (Light Emitting Diodes). LED’s can last up to 10 times longer than CFL’s (up to 100 times longer than conventional incandescent bulbs). Also, LED’s are super efficient, so they use very little energy).

LED’s have been around for a good while, but since their production costs have become so inexpensive, they are showing up in all sorts of devices. I recently bought a couple of LED headlamps, one for late reading (so I wouldn’t disturb the wife) and the other for car repairs, checking out the kitchen sink, etc. Neither have more than 3 LED’s and they are super bright. Also, I can get a steady stream of light for 150 hours on only 3 AAA batteries.
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Install Motion Sensors In And Around Your Home

Now we’re really getting geeky. There is a wide assortment of motion sensors that you can purchase for inside and outside the home. On the inside, install them in place of your standard light switches to always make sure the lights go out behind you (works great for rooms you don’t lounge in, like walk-in closets and bathrooms). On the outside, install light fixtures that only come on when someone walks by. This can be useful for making sure your family and friends don’t trip and fall when walking to your door as well as illuminating those dark places where would-be burglars might lurk.

Just a few months ago, I replaced my standard flood lights with those that have a built-in motion sensor. This particular model allowed me to aim the sensor separately from the flood lights, adjust the sensitivity to motion, and the amount of time the lights stay on once triggered. It also had a light sensor so that it would never turn on during daylight hours! So once I installed them, I just flipped the switch and walked away knowing that the light will only turn on when it’s supposed to.

Switch Over To Programmable Thermostats
If you have use a thermostat to control the heat and cooling levels in your home, you should seriously consider getting a programmable thermostat. You can make a huge difference in your summer-time electric bills by programming your thermostat to allow your house to become warmer during the day (while you’re at work). Do the opposite in the winter to save year round.

Some models have a one-touch override so that you can have manual control over the thermostat (for the unexpected day off) and most allow you to set a different schedule for the weekend. Of course, you realize these savings by adjusting the thermostat each day yourself. But if you’re like me, you’ll rush out of the house and forget to make the adjustments two or three days out of the week.

Cut Down On Deliveries
The popular pizza restaurants probably won’t like this, but you can be a little more green by cutting down on your food deliveries. Now, I love being able to log into a website and order my favorite pizza and waiting for it’s arrival. Imagine all the trips back and forth between customers’ homes and the restaurant. How efficient can that be?

If you’re craving your favorite large 3-topping from across town, plan to pick it up yourself on your way home. If you’re throwing a party, ask a friend to pick it up for your on her way over. Also, consider buying the ingredients when you make your typical grocery trip and making the pizza yourself. Or, *gasp* skip the pizza (or Chinese food, or whatever you tend to have delivered) altogether. Your wallet, your waist line, and the environment will thank you!