RiverWired

Residential Wind Turbines

Marcus — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Energy costs getting you down? Looking to cut down on bills, and get a little greener in the process? With energy bills rising by as much as fifty percent in recent years, chances are you’re eager for some alternatives. Which is where wind power comes in. Wind is a clean, efficient, sustainable and cost-effective source of energy, and it’s rapidly growing in popularity. A growing number of homes in the U.S. are opting to have residential wind turbines installed, and as a result are seeing dramatic reductions in their energy costs. Think wind power might be right for you? Keep reading to find out more.

Why wind?

First off, wind power will save you money—as much as 50-90 percent on your electric bill! Although wind turbines can cost from $6,000- $22,000, it’s an investment that usually pays for itself in around six to fifteen years. Once the cost of the turbine has been recouped, it’s not uncommon to see electric bills of $8- $15 dollars for up to nine months of the year! In addition, wind power is good for the environment—it produces zero pollution, and every kilowatt hour that is powered by wind will offset pollution that would have been generated by your utility company.

What kinds of residences are eligible for wind power?

Since a wind turbine is a relatively large structure, this type of power isn’t really suitable for small-lot suburban homes or anything in an urban setting. Usually, a house on an acre or more of land is desirable. It’s also important to consider wind speed in your area—in order for a turbine to be efficient, wind speed should be at an average of at least 10 miles per hour.

Where can I buy a residential wind turbine?

Take a look at this list of small wind turbine equipment providers.

Is there any way to benefit from wind power if I live in a small and/or urban location?

Why, yes, there is. In most areas, you can contact your energy company and switch to green power—that is, your energy company will purchase your power from sustainable energy sources in lieu of coal or oil. There is a minor charge, but it usually only amounts to a few extra dollars per month. This is a great alternative for city dwellers who wish they could install a massive wind tower on the top of their high rise.

Want to learn more about wind power?

Wind Turbine Power: Farmers Turning the Wind Into Gold

Inexpensive Residential Wind Turbine—Wind Power—Alternative Energy For Your Home

Can You Harness Wind Power or Not?

Home Wind-Power Turbines Going Mainstream

What YOU Should Know About Wind Power!

Can You Use Wind Turbines to Power Your Home?

Top 10 Green Products: From Solar Backpacks to Bamboo Bikes

RiverWired.com — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 02:04:24 -0400

Here at RiverWired, we pride ourselves in bringing you some of the most eco-friendly, economic, and all-around intriguing green items we can find. With that in mind, we’ve compiled this list (in no particular order) of 10 of some of our favorite products. Enjoy!

Click on each product for full description, price listing, and buying info.

1. Reware Solar Backpack

2. Vlatec CFL light bulb/air freshener

3. Baggu Reusable Shopping Bags

4. Calfee Designs Bamboo Bicycle

5. The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Living

6. Wine Trio From The Organic Wine Company

7. Beko Energy-Saving Washing Machine

8. Natalie Portman’s Té Casan Footwear

9. Organic Soy Briefs from 2(x)ist

10. Elephant Dung Stationery

Green Building Link Love

jchait — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 01:00:00 -0400

It's been a busy week - lots of cool new green building news and posts around the web and blogosphere. Let's see what some other green folks have been up to...

Of course the biggest news around town is that the HGTV Green Home 2008 contest finally kicked off - I'm so curious about how many entries they're going to get. It's going to be insane. If you missed this news entirely read: New HGTV Eco Home Television Special.

Mother Earth News has a great article about Wild Rose Timber Framers - at first, of course you may be thinking, "WOOD! That's not as sustainable as other material. However, Wild Rose offsets that with their methods and attitudes - go learn how.

You have to go see 10 Amazing Tree Houses from Around the World at WebUrbanist - many sustainable and unique designs.

In sort of bizarre news, the USAF has plans to go off-grid with Nuclear power. Rumors about the future of off-grid energy for all (including residential) abound. We'll see.

Terrapin Ridge, a brand new green housing community of 85 Energy Star homes in Greensboro, NC is launching. Which of course is better news if you're looking to build in NC, however, it's always good news to hear that entire communities will be built around green methods. Hopefully more to come.

Just a couple of hours a cool article about one super green building popped up - some great info is included about the newer composting toilets.

Right here at RiverWired we've got some awesome posts too. Not everyone is posting about building, but they are posting green. Check out:

Top 10 Recycling Resources

Can You Make Overconsumption Look Good?

Green Celebrity Round Up

Want to Recycle Your Running Shoes?

Green Jobs!

And so ends our weekly link love - I hope you all had a fab Easter your friends and family.