When building your dream home one must consider a variety of issues that were not relevant just a few years ago. In this sluggish economy there is increased emphasis on efficiency in everything Air Vapormax Off White Sale , including construction. Today’s dream home will have to enjoy the optimal level of energy efficiency, in some cases having no dependence at all on outside energy sources. This allows home owners to substantially save on energy costs as well as contribute to the sustainable development of environmentally friendly practices and thus a better future.


If you are planning a renovation to your new home, consider the financial value in making it eco-friendly.


Not only will a green home reduce your environmental impact, a home that costs less to run will be worth more on the market. Modifications such as adding solar panels to the roof will reduce the amount of electricity you will have to buy.


But if you don’t have the investment to make in large renovations, even small adjustments can help save money and energy. Simple tasks such as dusting off light bulbs to keep them glowing brightly or ensuring you match the size of the pot to the appropriate sized element on the stove can help. Even better Air Vapormax Pink Sale , consider changing the incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) blubs which last longer and require less energy.


Blinds and drapes can also help save energy. In the winter, open the blinds during the day to allow sunlight to heat your home then close them at night to minimize heat loss. In the summer, keep them closed during the day to block out the heat.


Checking a refrigerator’s door is another key step to greening your home. Try closing the door on a $5 bill. If the bill is held in place, the seal is OK. If not, either replace the seal or adjust the door.


Hot water can be a drain on the environment. Showers account for up to 40% of hot water usage in a household. Try to use less wherever possible Air Vapormax Grey Sale , and consider installing a low-flow showerhead to reduce water consumption by as much as 50%.


Other tried and true methods of eco-helping your home include insulating windows and doors, using a programmable thermostat that reduces the temperature at night when you are sleeping and unplugging appliances that aren’t in use to avoid them drawing power even when they are switched off. And don’t forget to wash all clothes in cold water.


If you need to purchase new appliances, give consideration to ENERGY STAR-certified appliances. This equipment meets or exceeds the Government of Canada’s standards for energy efficiency. They use less energy over their lifetime, saving you money.


Green Homes | Energy Efficient Homes | Eco Homes


WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- For umpteen times Professor Qing Gao has been asked by Americans why China's global effort to promote the Chinese language and culture singles out Confucianism among all the other Chinese philosophies to teach.


"The truth is people still know little about the Confucius Institute Air Vapormax White Sale , just as they know little about China," said Gao, director of the Confucius Institute at George Mason University, here in a recent interview.


"For a long time, the Confucius Institutes have probably been one of the most effective channels to bring China and Chinese culture to the world Air Vapormax Black Sale ," Gao added. "And it will continue to be that channel to introduce China and Chinese to the Americans."


Deriving its name from the renowned ancient Chinese educator and philosopher Confucius (551-479 BC), the Confucius Institutes are non-profit institutions under China's Ministry of Education that aim to promote Chinese language and culture abroad.


"There are few people now who would underestimate the importance of healthy China-U.S. relations to the world," said Gao. "For a healthy bilateral relationship, the public understanding of each other's country is vital and that's what the Confucius Institutes here are aiming for: to introduce Chinese culture to the Americans."


Since the first Confucius Institute on American soil was established at the University of Maryland in 2004, the rapid development of the institutes in the country surprised many with about 100 U.S. universities now housing the institute and about 360 Confucius Classrooms offering lessons about Chinese language and culture across the United States.


The rapid development of the Confucius Institutes is inevitable Air Vapormax Sale , said Gao, adding that the program is a win-win situation for both the United States and China.


"In today's world, China plays a vital role in global economy, politics and culture. Therefore, for a person to pursue an ambitious career Off White Nike Vapormax White Sale , he or she has to at least know about China and its culture," said Gao.


Before the Confucius Institute at George Mason University started to offer degrees in Chinese languages learning in 2011, Gao said only about a dozen of local students enrolled in the university's Chinese learning school.


Now, more than 300 full-time students are currently working on their Bachelor degrees in Chinese language.


"Our first batch of graduates graduated this year, and most of them have landed satisfactory jobs Off White Nike Vapormax Black Sale , including the U.S. State Department," said Gao. "Their proficiency in Chinese language and knowledge of the culture of a major power is definitely a booster for their career."


Though George Mason University already had its school of Chinese learning before the arrival of the Confucius Institute, Gao said the two entities cooperate with each other, with the Confucius Institute playing an auxiliary role and offering teacher training and cultural lessons.


"One major feature of the Confucius Institute program here in the United States is that the institutes adjust themselves to local conditions," said Gao.


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