Solar Hot Water Heaters

The Glen Rock Apartments in Asheville, North Carolina will utilize solar hot water panel technology by incorporating at least 63 panels onto the roof. Each one of these panels will heat a 40 gallon water tank. By our estimations, this will be the largest solar hot water panel application in Western North Carolina to date.

"Surprising as it may seem, analysts believe that the annual total CO2 produced by residential water heaters throughout North America is roughly equal to that produced by all of the cars and light trucks driving around the continent." - Larry West, www.about.com

By going solar, the Glen Rock Apartments will not only reduce CO2 emissions, it will help to save on energy costs. Despite the initial cost difference of these systems, solar hot water heaters typically pay for themselves in 4-8 years. Tax credits are also offered in many locations, encouraging people everywhere to consider more environmental alternatives to everyday energy consumption.

Solar Hot Water Heater Explanation- U.S. Department of Energy

Solar Hot Water Heater Provider- FLS Energy

Our Entry for AFH-Charlotte Community Garden Design Competition

http://www.afhcharlotte.org/Projects.html

Smart Programmable Thermostat

This thermostat takes programmable thermostats one step further, allowing you to connect to it wirelessly from anywhere you get internet access. Not only does it link to your central heat and air conditioning, it can also control a central humidifier or de-humidifier. This would allow the user to customize the conditions in their home or workplace according to specific days, times, or weather conditions more easily than before. For more information, follow this link: http://www.ecobee.com/

Please note: We have no experience using this product, and just think it is interesting. If you know of any similar products or have used this one, please feel free to leave a comment to share with us!

Community Gardens

Community Gardens are gaining popularity around the US, allowing residents to explore their "green thumb" and benefit from locally grown produce. Successful community gardens can also lower grocery bills, beautify the neighborhood, and stimulate community activism/ development.

Fayetteville, NC's plan for a new Community Garden:

Here are some Community Garden links if you are interested in becoming involved in Charlotte:

http://slowfoodcharlotte.org/group/communitygardencollaborative

http://urbanministrygarden.wordpress.com/about/

http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/Park+and+Rec/Facilities/Community+Gardens.htm

Make Your Own Re-Usable Plastic Bags!

Did You Know...

Last year, the United States used over 88.5 billion plastic bags.

Less than 1% of those were recycled.

It takes 1000 years for a typical plastic bag to decompose.

With statistics like this, it is refreshing to see innovations like the one to the left. A re-usable plastic bag, made from bags that would most likely otherwise get thrown away. These bags are easily customizable, and can be made into whatever size you like.

To see how to make these bags, please see the links below!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-your-own-plastic-tote-bag-from-recycled-plast/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Fusing_Plastic_Bags_the_eclipse_way/