Eco Friendly Home Furniture Design Ideas

Beginning late this fall, the new “Cash for Clunker Appliances” program will allow rebates of $50 to $200 for purchases of high-efficiency household appliances. The money is part of the economic stimulus bill passed earlier this year in which the Energy Dept. has set a deadline of Oct. 15 for states to file formal applications. The Energy Department expects that most of the $300 million to be awarded by the end of November. Unlike the cash for clunkers auto program, people won’t have to trade in their old appliances. It remains to be seen if this new Cash For Appliances program will just give people an excuse for a second deep freezer at a discount.

“These rebates will help families make the transition to more efficient appliances, making purchases that will directly stimulate the economy,” Energy Secretary Steven Chu said in a statement announcing the plan. Only appliances covered by the Energy Star seal will qualify. In 2008, about 55% of newly produced major household appliances met those standards, which are set by the Energy Dept. and Environmental Protection Agency.

Taking a shower is better for the environment, and your wallet, than having a bath (which uses 80 to 100 liters of water). But a new power shower can use twenty liters of water a minute, easily putting out 100 litres in five minutes. Different showers mean water use varies from home to home, so while timing your shower is a good step, it doesn’t tell you how much water is being used.

The ECO Showerdrop is a low cost universal shower meter that is designed to let you know how much water you’re using and alert you when the recommended amount of water has been dispensed. The savings can be substantial in terms of water and energy: a family of four could save over $400 per year, as well as 40,000 liters of water and 2/3 tonne of CO2.

This incredible washing machine, which could save billions of liters of water each year, has been designed at the University of Leeds. It uses less than 10% of the water of regular washing machines and 30% less energy by replacing most of the water with thousands of tiny reusable plastic beads to attract and absorb dirt under humid conditions.

Xeros, who developed the technology, will start selling the washing machine to commercial customers such as hotels and dry cleaners before bringing the product household consumers.A tiny amount of water and detergent is needed to dampen the clothes, loosen stains and create the water vapour that allows the beads to work. After the cycle is finished, the beads fall through a mesh in the machine’s drum and can be re-used up to a hundred times. Xeros has signed a deal with GreenEarth Cleaning, an environmentally friendly dry-cleaning business, to sell the technology across North America.

Hello tropical island paradise! That is the inspiration for this Outdoor Bamboo Ceiling Fan in Bahia Bronze. Trimmed in a signature Bahia Bronze finish with wonderfully crafted aged bamboo blades, this piece is truly an exotic gem among ceiling fans that will fill your room with a soft and rejuvenating breeze.

Taking inspiration from an exotic land where craftsmanship creates works of art from the bamboo and wood of the land, and where a breeze is welcome in this tropical setting, the Bronzed Ceiling Fan with Sun Bleached Bamboo Blades makes you a willing castaway in any room.

This is an original ceiling fan, for an original setting. The Antique Brass Dual Ceiling Fan with Woven Bamboo Blades offers a new spin on the traditional ceiling fan. With an antique brass finish, and antique finish wide oval woven bamboo blades, this ceiling fan features a hand-painted parrot glass bowl shade. Perfect for adding an exotic touch, to an already original space.

Contemporary and modern, with a red / blue finish this ceiling fan comes with an Energy Star rating. Constructed of just 1 blade, the Energy Star Enigma Ceiling Fan will end up being a focal point in any area it is placed. COmpletely current, this is not your typical ceiling fan! With three counter-clockwise fan speeds, non-reversing, this Energy Star Enigma Ceiling Fan is a winner!

This five blade Ceiling Fan with Woven Bamboo Blades is sure to be a hit in your home. The antique brass, white or rust finish will add a tropical elegance to your room, in addition to the wondrous breeze felt by the blades. The fan can also reverse its course, allowing the air to move evenly throughout your home. If you prefer the outdoors, the Windpointe rust finish is suitable for damp locations.

This KitchenAid Refrigerator in Brushed Aluminum features first class performance options that will change the way you look at refrigerating your food. Some features include a wine rack, SatinGlide System for drawers and adjustable door bins and racks. With custom panels and handles, you can change the look of your refrigerator to match surrounding cabinetry. Also, look for the ENERGY STAR Qualified Rating!

This is the industry’s first French Door with external ice/ water dispenser and bottom freezer. The Maytag Energy Star French Door Refrigerator w/ Ice and Water Dispenser has a tonne of performance features like largest fresh food capacity of most refrigerators, vacation mode, temperature alarm, door ajar alarm, electronic ice and water dispenser and more than 10 different organizational features! Not to mention, this unit is eco friendly and has an Energy Star rating!