Thursday, November 08, 2012

Staying Warm, Paying Less


As temperatures are dropping, you may notice your heating and electric bills rising. For those of you looking to keep your living space warm while avoiding increased heating costs this season, try making things “snug” instead. 

Windows, doors, and exterior walls are common places to lose heat. Try adding an extra level of insulation in these areas to block out cold and keep in warmth. Adding weather stripping under doors and windows is an inexpensive way to block drafts, or a rolled-up towel can be used for the same purpose. Covering your windows with a plastic seal is one way to stop drafts. If you don’t want to lose your view, try using duct tape or clear packaging tape to cover just the cracks around the frame instead. 

Some other options for making things “snug” include hanging a vinyl shower curtain between your drapes and the window, hanging quilts or decorative blankets over exterior windows or walls, and keeping doors to exterior rooms and closets shut.

Increasing the humidity in your living space will make it feel warmer, and you can do this without the cost of running a humidifier by placing shallow dishes of water throughout your apartment or home.  As the water evaporates, you only need to refill the dishes every few days.

For other great winter tips, read these suggestions from Consumers Energy and The Daily Green.

Monday, November 05, 2012

2006 Chevy Impala LS - G27


Friday, November 02, 2012

Go Green this weekend

The MSU Football team potentially changed their season by winning at Wisconsin last week. Finishing atop the Legends Division for a second straight year is still a long-shot, but beating Nebraska on Saturday could make it a bit more realistic.

Regardless of the outcome on the field, MSU can still win the Game Day Challenge, a national recycling competition to see who can be the greenest on game day. Over 70 schools are competing, including 8 of the 12 Big Ten universities, as well as CMU and Grand Valley. We were originally scheduled to compete on Homecoming, but the rain kept us from having a chance. Instead, when The Sea of Red invades East Lansing this weekend, let's show them how we GO GREEN! Keep an eye out for student-athlete volunteers across campus, and please do your best to recycle at and around Spartan Stadium.