Get to know your Greener Milwaukee members: Ryan Thompson

Hello,

This is the first entry is a special part of Greener Milwaukee that will showcase different members of Greener Milwaukee and why they want to be part of the Greener Milwaukee Movement.

Please click here to join!

So as I have helped interview local business owners before, such as here. iThink it might be fun to let you know a little bit about myself regarding the green movement.

First thing to know... it's coming.

iLike to think of the Green movement as an artistic rendering of human efficiency and design. Humanity has reached a point where engineering, communication, and social thought have achieved levels where we can again as humans measure and perfect systems to work as one eco-system.

Within that framework of system, one item I find so very, very fascinating about it is the possibility. And we have to start locally first. But where and what questions should be ask before we begin the task of rendering a cleaner, more efficient, albeit "greener" Milwaukee?

Is it a good idea to put giant wind turbines off the shores of the Great lakes? Or should we think smaller and they be nestled under the hone bridge? Heck, will the hone bridge still even be there? Will mass transit and parks be put in its place?

Like you, iHave no idea - however iDo have a grasp of how to get there - and iAm going to need a lot of help. iAm going to need the help of the government, small, big business, the media, individuals exactly like you. There is no better place than here, no better time than now. Please join up at our website and meet us for meetings as we discuss as the organic seeds of ideas and  iHope to get to know you better in person.

iF you want to know why iWrite in this style, check out my technology blog, Thunk Different.

iF you want to join us, or contact us, Greener Milwaukee is much bigger than me, it's you, so click here or the video for the Greener Milwaukee Movement

Abrazos,

Ryan Thompson

Follow us on Twitter! = www.Twitter.com/GreenerMKE

Follow me on Twitter = www.Twitter.com/WebMedia

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Winterize Your House & Be Green!

As the first real snowfall covers the ground this morning on this post-Thanksgiving December dawn, we now all have to turn our attention to the next season at hand... the red and green one.

This involves buying gifts for those that you love & those you don't, this is either the most wonderful time of the year, or if you have bad insulation in your rented apartment, the most feared. So this year, I decided to take action instead of cowering in candlelight over a dusty Charles Dickens novel. I decided to educate myself of some simple tips to be green, save money, and gift the gift of knowledge in lieu of spending a few bucks.

1. Know the Facts – The average family spends $1,400 a year on energy bills, with nearly half of that spent on heating and cooling. Energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment, sized and installed correctly, with properly sealed ducts, can save homeowners as much as 20 percent on their annual energy costs.

2. Keep it Clean – A dirty air filter can increase your energy costs and lead to early equipment failure. Clean or change the air filter in your heating and cooling system monthly. Some filters only need to be changed every 3 months. Also, have your equipment checked seasonally to make sure it’s operating efficiently and safely – check-ups can identify problems early. Dirt and neglect are the #1 causes of system failure.
3. Bundle Up Your Home – Hidden gaps and cracks in a home can add up to as much airflow as an open window. The more heat that escapes, the more cold air enters, causing your system to work harder and use more energy. Home Sealing can improve your home “envelope” – the outer walls, ceiling, windows and floors -- and can save up to 10 percent in energy costs. Start by sealing air leaks and adding insulation—pay special attention to your attic and basement, where the biggest gaps and cracks are often found. If replacing windows, choose ENERGY STAR qualified ones.

4.Tighten Your Ducts – If you have a forced air furnace or heat pump, then a duct system is responsible for circulating warm air throughout your home. Leaky ducts can reduce your system’s overall efficiency by 20 percent. Sealing your ducts can save up to $140 annually on energy bills and help you consistently heat every room.

5. Don’t Oversize – If you’re replacing old equipment, make sure your new equipment is properly sized for your home -- bigger isn’t always better. An oversized system will cost more to buy and operate and will cycle on and off too frequently, reducing your comfort and leading to early system failures and repair costs. Correct size and proper airflow will ensure that your equipment works efficiently, saves you money, and helps protect our environment.

6. Put Your Home to the Test – Doing a home improvement project this fall or winter? ENERGY STAR has online tools to evaluate your home’s energy performance and offer solutions to increase comfort and energy efficiency. Visit www.energystar.gov/homeimprovement. Have your utility bills handy for savings calculations.

7. Consult a Professional – Find an experienced, licensed contractor before embarking on any heating and cooling overhaul. Visit http://www.natex.org/ to find a contractor whose technicians are certified by NATE (North American Technician Excellence), the leading industry-supported testing and certification program. Your contractor should properly size your equipment, test airflow, and perform a quality installation.

So if you are interested in more funky, fun fact, feel free to join the Greener milwaukee community online. Until then, stay warm and be green.

(Photo: JDCow, St. Francis, Wisconsin)

Greener Milwaukee Business Cards...

Great News!

I received my Greener Milwaukee Business cards today. They look pretty sharp and will be integral in getting the word out there about this new video blog show and a community. Please send Greener Milwaukee to friends, family, students, teachers, and those you value in your community that are looking to make a difference in your urban environment. 

Thanks -Ryan

Greener Milwaukee Video Intro

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Eco Tips for a Greener Milwaukee

This video showcases local green and sustainable living and renewable energy savings that help both the earth and the pocketbook.