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I titled this blog Serenity Jen for one reason. 'Serenity' is one of my favorite words. It is even prettier en Francais: Sérénité. The reason I have brought you here is to offer a outlet of peace and quiet on the blogosphere.
This is an exercise of my own serenity as well. If I can share an idea that saves you money or time (and time is money after all) I can share something you hadn't thought about before or didn't know. If I can save you some money or time (and time is money after all), while promoting green and simple living then I will have accomplished what I'm setting out to do.
Namaste
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
The 10-second rule
I see it all the time - drivers parked in grocery store parking lots with the engine idling, while talking on a cell phone. Or a driver waiting to pick someone up, engine idling. Ever wondered how long does a modern car have to idle before it makes more sense to turn it off? The surprising answer: only 10 seconds! Here is an interesting article describing "The 10-second rule."
http://www.slate.com/id/2192187/
http://www.slate.com/id/2192187/
Thursday, May 15, 2008
How I lowered my electricity bill by over 10%
Simply by plugging my appliances into power strips and turning them off every night, I have reduced my electricity bill by over 10%! I have a surge-protecting power strip in the following rooms, supporting electronics that would otherwise drain power constantly even while turned off.
Kitchen
Microwave, electic hot water kettle, coffee maker.
Office
Computers, printer, router, lamp, paper shredder.
Living Room
TV, VHS/DVD player, stereo receiver, aromatherapy diffuser.
National Geographic has a video on these "Voltage Vampires." Make this simple change in your habits and save money while reduing your carbon footprint.
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/environment/green-guide/low-carbon-diet/voltage-vampires-env.html
Kitchen
Microwave, electic hot water kettle, coffee maker.
Office
Computers, printer, router, lamp, paper shredder.
Living Room
TV, VHS/DVD player, stereo receiver, aromatherapy diffuser.
National Geographic has a video on these "Voltage Vampires." Make this simple change in your habits and save money while reduing your carbon footprint.
http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/environment/green-guide/low-carbon-diet/voltage-vampires-env.html
Friday, May 2, 2008
The best commute is free
With escalating gas prices and complex schedules, many commuters would like to car pool but find it challenging. Family events, errands, and unexpected work hours can keep many from exploring carpooling or vanpooling because it can seem daunting. Carpooling once or twice a week can not only cut your carbon emissions, you may even have the opportuntiy to relax and enjoy the ride once in awhile. Here are a few tips to make the transition - and a free program to keep you from worrying about what you would do if a transportation emergency should arise.
Sources for carpool partners
Ask around at work to see if anyone lives in your area, and ask your neighbors around home where they work. Consider meeting at a park-and-ride a few times per week or alternating picking each other up at home. Going a few miles out of your way one day to pick someone up will be ultimately cheaper and more efficient than two seperate vehicles driving every single day. Take turns driving and you can take turns not having to stress out in traffic.
Your employer can coordinate a company-wide Commuter Challenge. If you work for a smaller company, contact neighborhing business and see if they have a carpool program that you can join in on. If you and your carpool partner plan well, you could even combine errands on the way home from work once a week or every-other week to save you both time, fuel and money.
Guaranteed Ride Home
If you live in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul area, and you ride the bus or train, carpool, vanpool, bicycle or walk at least three days a week to work or school - you are eligible for the Guaranteed Ride Home program. This free program is administered by Metro Transit, A service of the Metropolitan Council.
If something unexpected should arise on a day you have carpooled, for example you have to work late, or leave early unexpectedly, the Guaranteed Ride Home makes sure you have a ride. This program can help alieveate some of the fears a person may have about carpooling. Go to www.metrotransit.org to register. In the mail you will receive two coupons every six months good for free emergency bus or train fare, or taxi cab fare reimbursement up to $25.
The bus will take the coupon instead of paying the regular fare. With the train, you will have to purchase a ticket and then send it along with your coupon in for reimbursement. The reimbursement policy also pertains to taxis - simply get a receipt from the driver and then mail it, along with a coupon, in and you will get your money back. From personal experience - the Guaranteed Ride Home program works!
Sources for carpool partners
Ask around at work to see if anyone lives in your area, and ask your neighbors around home where they work. Consider meeting at a park-and-ride a few times per week or alternating picking each other up at home. Going a few miles out of your way one day to pick someone up will be ultimately cheaper and more efficient than two seperate vehicles driving every single day. Take turns driving and you can take turns not having to stress out in traffic.
Your employer can coordinate a company-wide Commuter Challenge. If you work for a smaller company, contact neighborhing business and see if they have a carpool program that you can join in on. If you and your carpool partner plan well, you could even combine errands on the way home from work once a week or every-other week to save you both time, fuel and money.
Guaranteed Ride Home
If you live in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul area, and you ride the bus or train, carpool, vanpool, bicycle or walk at least three days a week to work or school - you are eligible for the Guaranteed Ride Home program. This free program is administered by Metro Transit, A service of the Metropolitan Council.
If something unexpected should arise on a day you have carpooled, for example you have to work late, or leave early unexpectedly, the Guaranteed Ride Home makes sure you have a ride. This program can help alieveate some of the fears a person may have about carpooling. Go to www.metrotransit.org to register. In the mail you will receive two coupons every six months good for free emergency bus or train fare, or taxi cab fare reimbursement up to $25.
The bus will take the coupon instead of paying the regular fare. With the train, you will have to purchase a ticket and then send it along with your coupon in for reimbursement. The reimbursement policy also pertains to taxis - simply get a receipt from the driver and then mail it, along with a coupon, in and you will get your money back. From personal experience - the Guaranteed Ride Home program works!
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