Today’s solor panels convert only a small spectrum of light into energy.  Roof installations can be tricky in strong winds. Today’s solar cells are generally layered to increase output.  But still, energy outputs are around 18-25%. A lot to trail blazing is going on in US labs. Efficiency and outputs are likely to increase sharply  Read More

Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times writes “Fuel is a vital superbly assembled documentary that presents an insightful overview of America’s troubled relationship with oil and how alternative and sustainable energies can reduce our country’s – and the world’s – addictive dependence on fossil fuels.” Free showing at the Henry Carter Hull Library in Clinton, CT  Read More

Spring is in the air – time to freshen up your home. Most homeowners think of painting a room to bring in a “fresh” look.  But when it comes to kitchens and baths, take a closer look at the tile in both spaces.  There are so many fun styles, colors, materials and finishes in stone  Read More

Both Home Depot and Lowe’s delivered better that expected earnings in Q4 2010.  This suggests the home improvement sector is back.  Especially noteworthy are Home Depot’s high-ticket sales ($900+) which posted a strong 9.6% increase. Home Depot’s management spoke of consumer spending in spite of the continued weak housing market suggesting a de-coupling of the  Read More

With the looming phasing out of incandescent light bulbs manufacturers are stepping up.  Viable LED options will soon be available so dreaded mercury-filled energy efficient bulbs will not become the replacement option – let’s hope…since mercury pollution is whole other complication. Phillips predicts LED’s will account of 50% of the light bulb market by 2015.  Read More

The number of truly revolutionary inventions soon to be on home supplier shelves is remarkable. EFCI stands for “Electrical Fault Circuit Interrupter”.  It is an intelligent outlet which shuts down when too much current is drawn.  This prevents the leading cause of house fires.  It is turned OFF until something is plugged in.  In turn,  Read More

Bio-degradable vs. toxic waste….this should not even be a discussion. Packing material to compost and create new topsoil from vs. Styrene, a known cancer causing material. This mushroom product can be grown into ANY shape. Thank great minds like Eben Bayer, the creator, and swing into action: lean on manufacturers and shippers to make this  Read More

Home Depot just announced its expansion of their relationship with Martha Stewart.  A recent survey from Troy-Bilt, a manufacturer of outdoor power equipment, shows 44% of women now are influencing purchasing decisions around outdoor power equipment and 21% is purchased by women.   Tool manufacturers too are rapidly reshaping their tools to make them more  Read More