So, we did it! We made our first major energy efficiency investment by purchasing new windows for our home… and despite having spent some cash, I’m actually very excited.
Home heating can account for approximately 27% of our carbon footprint and 25% of a home’s heat escapes through windows… pretty significant, I’d say. Our installation technician told us that he’s had customers that literally saved half on their home heating bill after installing new windows. Sure, the windows that had to be replaced were probably a disaster(!) but I’m excited to see what kind of savings are in store for us. It’s hard to forget that heating bill of $533 not so long ago.
We always put the most productive heating and cooling tips in place, (for my best home cooling tips click here or my best home heating tips click here) but I believe this is the final significant step of putting it all into place. The windows are Energy Star, Argon-filled, Double Glazed Low E glass and although those are a lot of fancy-schmancy terms, their combined definition is “efficiency!”
With the tax credit we’ll receive and projected annual heating and cooling savings, I’ve figured that the windows should pay for themselves in about five years. In addition, we purchased from a local owned and operated manufacturer so a minimal footprint was created to get those windows as well. I’m feeling mighty green today!
So, have you ever made a major replacement to “conserve”? What was the result? I’d love to know!



Okay, first of all, this is not my implication but this comes from
Fortunately we’ve just ended an oppressive heat wave and dry spell here in Cleveland, but I’m happy to say that our lawn held up amazingly well.
This past weekend I had a conversation about how truly excessive we’ve all gotten in our lives… not necessarily you and me, but people as a whole. I’m not sure where to place the blame. Perhaps it’s because we have too many choices. Maybe it’s because everything is so disposable, and convenience leads us to excess. Possibly it’s fabulous product marketing and advertising… or maybe just a
I bow to our elders for being green when they didn’t even know what “being green” would eventually represent… we can learn a lot from them.
This weekend is the mother of all “picnic times!” The 4th of July picnics, parties, cookouts and celebrations will go on all weekend! (I know they will for us!)
plastics and paper at all costs. And if you are away from home scrape off the food scraps, bring home the reusables and wash ‘em! You can even go crazy and choose some
Now that summer vacation for both of my kids has finally arrived, it’s time to compile that list of “to do’s” that has been taking a backseat to kid’s activities all school year long.
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While it’s true that since I personally hit an (unfortunate) milestone birthday not long ago (and I decided to start counting my chronological age backwards) I can actually (and truthfully) say that I’ve reached my toddler years as Mom Goes Green! Yes, MGG is TWO YEARS OLD!
Today I wish to celebrate the sacrifice and service of all those who have given their time to honor us and our country by serving in our armed forces and protecting our freedom… it is because of those men and women that we have the right to make choices.
(This giveaway is now closed for entries. See “comments” for winner announcement!) 
… because some days just need a little bit of “that”… and this: