Save your money and your planet by increasing the energy efficiency of your home. Here are three ways you can do so:

1. Green up your appliances. Appliance use comprises about 18% of a typical energy bill, with the fridge being one of the biggest energy drains. If any of your appliances are more than 10 years old, the EPA suggests replacing them with energy-efficient models that bear the "Energy Star" logo. Energy Star-rated appliances use 10%-50% less energy and water than standard models. According to the Energy Star website, if just 1 in 10 homes used energy-efficient appliances, it would be equivalent to planting 1.7 million new acres of trees.

2. Watch the temperature. Almost half a home's energy consumption is due to heating and cooling. Turn down the thermostat in cold weather and keep it higher in warm weather. Each degree below 68°F (20°C) during colder weather saves 3%-5% more heating energy, while keeping your thermostat at 78°F in warmer weather will save you energy and money. A programmable thermostat will make these temperature changes for you automatically.

Also, clean your furnace's air filter monthly during heavy usage. Depending on the age of your furnace, you may want to consider a new one. Today's furnaces are about 25% more efficient than they were in the 80s. If you're in the market for a new furnace, check out ones that have the Energy Star label.

To keep your home cool in warmer weather, shade your east and west windows and delay heat-generating activities, such as washing the dishes, until evening. Whenever possible, use ceiling fans instead of air conditioners. Light clothing in the summer is typically comfortable between 72°F and 78°F. Moving air feels cooler, so a slow-moving fan can easily extend that comfort range to 82°F.

3. Use energy-efficient light. Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs) use 66% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. Replacing a 100-watt incandescent bulb with a 32-watt CFL can save $30 in energy costs over the life of the bulb.
 
Environmentally conscious hosts can now relax! We've consulted with some hosting experts on how you can turn your next dinner party green. Many of our tips will add refinement to your dinner party, while keeping it sustainable for the planet.  Invite your guests to the wave of the future and you may convert some of them to a more sustainable lifestyle!
 
 
Cloth material: Use cloth tablecloths, napkins, and dishtowels. This elevates the elegance of the evening and saves a few trees in the process. Go one step further by purchasing these items in organic materials. 
 
Dishware: Even for casual barbecues, you should opt for non-disposable (and preferably non-plastic) silverware, glasses, plates and bowls. If this is not feasible, find compostable/biodegradable products. If you are stuck with the non-biodegradable variety, be sure everyone recycles. 
 
Ingredients: You go through a lot to prepare the appetizers and meals. Why not boost the flavor by buying local? The reduction in carbon emissions and the lack of pesticides on your guests' plates are carefully disguised in the unbeatable extra taste that comes with local food. 
 
Dishes: Use concentrated dish solution and energy-star rated appliances, or wash the dishes by hand using water conserved while waiting for your pre-party shower to heat up, or captured in your rain barrel. If you don't have this, then be mindful of the wasted running water. 
 
Laundry: When washing dishtowels, hand towels, napkins, and tablecloths, use concentrated laundry soap with an eco-friendly stain remover -- like borax or vinegar. You might also want to run the washing machine on the cold water cycle. This will reduce the amount of energy needed to heat water.

With these simple tips, now you can be the Hostess with the mostess, and throw a spectacular dinner party, ala green!
 
Container gardening is growing in popularity as more and more people realize that growing their own food is not only a great way to save money and eat healthy, but also an earth-friendly practice.  If you're living in an urban setting where you can't till up a nice big garden for yourself, don't despair.  You can grow a wonderful supply of fresh fruits and vegetables for yourself - all you need is sunlight and a few supplies!
 
The main limiting factor in growing fruiting plants is sunlight, so make sure that your plants will receive six to eight hours of bright sun each day.  If you don't have south-facing windows or a sunny corner, you can supplement with a plant light.  If you are starting from seed, purchase a seeding tray and keep the soil wet and warm until seeds germinate, then water regularly.  To stimulate root growth, allow the soil to dry out some between watering, as this will encourage the roots to grow in search of water, but not to the extent that the plant begins to wilt for lack of water.
 
Transplant your seedlings into more size-appropriate containers once they are strong and healthy.  Do your research so that you know how much space each plant will need - greens such as lettuce, chard, spinach, and kale aren't going to need nearly as deep a pot as a tomato or pepper plant will.  Feed your plant food designed for vegetable plants as they grow, and then for blooming plants as they begin to flower and bear fruit.  Consult a gardening center or book for tips on plant care so that you'll know all the tricks, such as pinching off suckers to increase fruit size.
 
If you do have outside space- a patio, deck, or balcony, the same applies to you.  Start your plants as seedlings indoors and then transition them into pots outdoors once it is safe. You may need to harden your plants up by putting them out for a few hours and then bringing them back in for a day or two.  Some plants can overwinter, but many need to be planted after the last danger of freezing or frost.  Just because your plants are outdoors doesn't mean you're done- make sure to check that they are getting watered regularly. 
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Largest Private Home in America: The Biltmore Estate

America's largest private home, the Biltmore Estate boasts 250 rooms and 175,000 square feet. Nestled among the Blue Ridge Mountains near Asheville, North Carolina, the home was also ranked eighth on the American Institute of Architects’ 2007 list of the top 150 favorite American structures. Join the more than 1 million visitors who visit the Biltmore Estate each year to enjoy the home's Gilded Age grandeur, 75 acres of formal gardens, and winery. Guests walking through the home marvel at unique features like the 70,000 gallon indoor swimming pool, the bowling alley, the two-story library, one-of-a-kind art and furniture, and 19th century rarities like elevators, indoor plumbing, fire alarm, and intercom systems. Out of town guests may enjoy a stay at the 123-room Inn on Biltmore Estate, an American Automobile Association (AAA) four-diamond hotel.


Patching holes in drywall is a simple process, so save yourself from hiring someone to do it for you. You don't even have to buy an expensive drywall kit from a home improvement store. All you'll need is:
  • one tub of joint compound
  • a plastic or metal spackle knife
  • light grade sandpaper
1. Using your putty knife, gently go over the hole that needs to be patched. This will smooth out the surface, cleaning up the area so it's ready for spackling.

2. Next, scoop out some joint compound with your putty knife and spread it over the hole. Don't worry about any excess compound that remains... you'll deal with it later.

3. Let the compound dry for 24 hours.

4. Using either sandpaper or a sanding block, sand the area until smooth.

5. Lastly, paint over the now smooth repaired drywall, to match the rest of the wall.
JBA Network • 311 Montford Ave • Asheville • NC • 28801

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