John Willoner’s Eco-House at Findhorn (UK). Turf roof, passive solar, solar panel.

“Is it possible to affect the environment?”

That was one of the questions that confronted me on one on-line questionnaire I took over a year ago.

As a naturalist and former instructor of natural science and ecology (grades 1 – 9), I found this questions to be the most provocative of all. My initial response took the form of another question: How do you mean–positively or negatively? From the radical environmental perspective, all we can do is have a negative impact on the ecology/biosphere–just by existing as we do.

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“We know that paper coupons will not be completely replaced, but providing consumers and retailers with an outlet for mobile coupons is a positive start towards reducing the waste created by the mountains of mail we all receive,” said Luke Knowles, who created Coupon Sherpa with his brother Jesse Knowles. “In the future, an increasing amount of coupons will be presented on mobile devices, and that will be great for the environment.”

Read more at their website.

But we also understand that very few of us Americans can afford $20,000+ for an installation of a solar PV system– especially these days!  That’s why we’re always on the look out for ways people can save on solar. So when I heard about what 1 Block Off the Grid (1BOG) is trying to do, I was intrigued.

1 Block Off the Grid (1BOG) is based in San Francisco, but they are launching a nationwide effort to create community-based buying clubs for solar power.  They claim that, “By aggregating consumers and negotiating on their behalf we take the fear out of buying new green technologies, decrease the purchase price, and increase the adoption rate of these technologies.”

If you’ve ever gotten and compared quotes for a solar installation, you know it can indeed be confusing and intimidating. Having a group discount negotiated by a third party sounds like a great idea to us.

1BOG did one set of installations in San Francisco in 2008, and they are just getting their 2009 group ready for another round. They are working with SolarCity for the new installations there.  The 1BOG website says they are launching a group for Los Angeles in February 2009.  Sign up quick!

I did some research and it seems that one of the participants in 1BOG’s inaugural program in San Francisco cut 43 percent off list price, according to co-founder Sylvia Ventura. But that is not necessarily a standard savings. For the average participant it would probably be closer to about 20 percent off.  For a $25,000 solar system, you could save $5,000 — and you’ll get additional goverment rebates as well.  Not too shabby!

We also want to remind everyone to always consider a solar hot water system if a solar electric system is too expensive.  Solar hot water systems cost in the $4-6K range and will still save you a TON off of your power bills.

Also, to find a solar installer near you click here.  You can also get quotes for wind power and geothermal power, depending on where you live.

From subqns at Flickr under a Creative Commons License

As the mercury drops this winter season, the Grande Latte is in vogue again - but will set you back almost $4.  Here are 5 tips for how to have your cup o’ Joe without breaking the bank.

While I sat sipping my Grande Latte on a cold December day, I was taken aback by how much lighter my wallet felt as a result.  In between sips I managed to calculate that at the rate of 20 sips per cup, each sip  was costing me $0.20!  The realization that I could just as easily down a gallon of crude oil instead and still have some left over for a biscotti, made me vow to do whatever it took to ween myself from my addiction - here’s my story:

1. Bring your own mug

At first I went easy, and brought my own travel mug to the store.  At Starbucks this will save you a paltry $0.10 a visit, but I figured it was better than nothing.  Besides, I found my spiffy Starbucks Mug made me feel ultra cool since I was saving trees by not using paper cups.  I also discovered that I wasn’t re-heating my coffee in the microwave, an extra boon in my book.

2. Skip the milk

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The Holiday season is just around the corner, and if you take a gander in any store it will appear that we are already in its midst. For many families, the economy is making us think about saving money this holiday season. We should always be looking for ways to have less impact on Mother Earth. The good news, being green this holiday season will accomplish both.

Here’s how to save money and help the earth this holiday:

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Use the correct amount of product. For laundry soap, this is usually 2 ounces or about HALF the cap. Many of us naturally fill the cap, isn’t that what it’s for? Shampoo and conditioner usually require only a teaspoon or two. Better yet, if you can, switch to a shampoo bar. Store your soap out of the water spray, otherwise it will be shrinking while not in use. Ration your children’s shampoo and body wash supply by giving them small portions (use a shot glass size container) of products at bath time.

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First let’s talk about how to improve a water heater that you already have. For less than $20, you can hit your local DIY hub/ home improvement store and buy a water heater blanket with quick and easy assembly instructions. If Internet testimonials are true, it will probably take more time to drive to the store and buy one, than it will to install it. If your water heater already has a blanket, bravo! Just keep in mind that the big sticker on the front of your water heater has some important information. You might want to tape it to the blanket for easy reference. While you’re at it, you could also consider insulating some of your pipes or ducts (see first link in this paragraph) for even more savings.

As for the yawn-factor on water heater tanks, check out my favorite Myth Busters episode from the Discovery Channel. (Please don’t try at home, duh)

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March begs for a dash of newness and, in the spirit of greening our lives and recycling, there’s no better food for fodder (literally) than revisiting the things we see everyday, probing for a nugget of inspiration. From dusting off old cookbooks (I’m amazed at how I can always rekindle an old favorite I haven’t made in a while from our B&B cookbook, Edible Earth: Savoring the Good Life with Vegetarian Recipes from Inn Serendipity) to foraging to the back of the pantry and finding that jar of grape leaves in brine (foodie impulse buy?), there’s a good shot of ideas nearby.

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