Buying Green

Greening Your Shopping

August 2010

Back to School Green

Chances are, a school supply shopping list is magneted to your fridge right now. How about greening up that list? From recycled denim pencils and recycled money rulers, to juice-pouch lunch boxes and reusable sandwich wraps, we’ve found links that will appeal to you, your kids and the environment. More

June/July 2010

Sunscreen and bug spray the natural way

Whether it’s the threat of skin cancer from sun exposure or West Nile Virus from mosquitoes, most of us understand we need to protect our skin, especially in the summer months. If the lists of chemicals in sunscreen and insect repellent ‘bug’ you, there are natural alternatives.

• Natural Sunscreen
• Green Bug Spray

Green Vacations

Eco-vacations, staycations, or greening up your traditional vacation - we have ideas and tips to lighten your carbon footprint when you travel. Check out the green travel quiz, too. More

May 2010 - Green shopping

How to get your purchases home, tips on packaging, ideas for being more green at your favorite coffee shop and more. We’ve also included links to ideas related to food shopping. Find out how to cut food waste. Also, how about adding a few more “green” greens to your diet? Check out the farmers’ market finder. More

April 2010 - Green remodeling

Redecorating or remodeling your home? Before you buy materials and supplies, consider the three "R’s": Reduce, reuse and recycle.  More

Before You Buy
Plug Load and Phantom Energy The more devices you plug into your outlets, the more energy you’re using. Find out what you should know before you go shopping.

Appliance Calculator How much does it cost to run the appliances in your home?

Appliance Energy Operating Costs [PDF] from Alliant Energy

Appliances and Electronics Fact Sheet [PDF] from Focus on Energy

Tools & Calculators How much money can you save by upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, heating and cooling equipment and lighting? Find out with Alliant Energy’s energy-efficiency calculators.