What could be more liberating than providing your own electricity, and not getting a bill each month? With a small renewable energy system, you can use alternative sources to create energy—maybe even enough to power your entire home.

There are several options to choose from when considering a renewable energy system, such as solar electric systems, which can gather sun even from scattered areas. Solar electric systems can also be used as outdoor lighting. If this perks your interest, read considerations for installing a small solar electric system for a helpful list of questions to ask when selecting a qualified contractor to install one in your home.

Another option is a wind electric system. Wind electric systems can be one of the cleanest options, and could provide as much as 90% of your electricity needs. To get an idea of the work and cost involved, check out our page on installing a small wind system for your home. [More]

Yes, this is energy related, very directly in my case. My household water comes from a well, and every drop of water that I use in the house has to be pumped out of the ground by an electrically operated pump; therefore, the less water I use, the less the pump has to operate, and the less electricity is used. (This is true for municipal water users too – there’s a lot of electricity involved in providing potable water to a city and treating the wastewater.)

This past summer I replaced my bathroom faucets with low-flow faucets (kitchen yet to be done). The showerheads are also low flow, as are the toilets, which were replaced years ago, which helps reduce water (and electricity) used. I also try to remember to turn the water off while I’m washing my hands or brushing my teeth and not directly using the water. [More]

Nearly six weeks ago I visited for the first time the paradise of Hawaii. While it’s easy for visitors to appreciate its sun-kissed beaches and warm ocean breezes, you may not realize Hawaii also is a renewable energy lover’s paradise. Sunshine and wind, especially, are in abundant supply.

The Aloha State is planning to utilize these renewable resources to achieve 70% clean energy by 2030. These are some of the most aggressive clean energy goals in the nation—and in my mind, another reason why Hawaii is such a special place. [More]

On Monday, Scott told you about World Toilet Day and how an efficient toilet can cut down on your family's water use. There are plenty of ways you can use less water, from turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth to taking shorter showers, and we know you probably have other ideas. So tell us:

What steps do you take to use less water?

Each Thursday, you have the chance to share your thoughts on a question about energy efficiency or renewable energy for consumers. Please comment with your answers, and also feel free to respond to other comments. [More]

Believe it or not, this Friday, November 19 is World Toilet Day, an annual event hosted by the World Toilet Organization since 2001 to raise awareness for proper sanitation world-wide.

From outhouses to water closets, humans devising creative ways to relieve themselves of nature's call can be traced back at least as far as 3,000 B.C., when Scottish settlements featured stone huts equipped with drains extending from recesses in their walls. Later, around 1,700 B.C., the Greeks built definite latrines featuring large, earthenware pans connected to a water supply that ran through terra-cotta pipes. And while ancient Rome had communal lavatories, medieval England castles had garderobes, and royalty had private privies with scented herbs and cushioned commodes. [More]