South Bay Environmental Services Center (SBESC)

Give up your second vehicle. Years ago, it was uncommon to have two or more vehicles per household. In some cities, it is uncommon to only have one vehicle, but you will save gas if you can embrace it. If you combine the cost of licensing, insuring, maintaining, and buying gasoline, it costs thousan...

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It is important to maintain moisture and air in the compost pile. Keep your pile as damp as a well-wrung sponge. Be sure to check moisture on hot summer or windy days. Sprinkle with water when dry. Add air to your pile every two to three weeks. Poke holes through the pile with a broom handle and loo...

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Reuse your used margarine and butter tubs by cleaning them and keeping them for leftovers (free ziploc containers!).

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Don’t set the temperature colder than necessary. Set the refrigerator temperature between 36° F and 42° F. Set the freezer control so the temperature is between -5° F and +6° F. A small thermometer placed in the refrigerator or freezer will help you set it correctly. Give SBESC a call (310) 37...

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Earth Day is celebrated on April 22 each year, a date designated as International Mother Earth Day by a consensus resolution adopted by the United Nations in 2009. Events are held worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection. Do one environmentally-friendly activity (i.e. take a 5...

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Vanpools are similar to carpools, except they generally involve more people. A vanpool is a group of 5 to 15 people who regularly travel together to work 30 miles or more (roundtrip) in a comfortable van. Typically, riders pay a monthly fare and maintenance fee, while drivers ride at a discounted ra...

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For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain. Give us a call (310) 371-7222 to learn how West Basin Municipal Water District is conserving water for South Bay residents. 

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There is no Green Tip this week.....April Fools! A couple of quick calls to mail order catalog companies can free your mailbox from piles of junk. Switch to online bill paying to cut down on even more paper waste. Give us a call at (310) 371-7222 and find out when and where we will be in your South ...

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Use a waste bin instead of flushing trash down the toilet and save up to 5 gallons per flush.

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A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment, and in particular climate change. It relates to the amount of greenhouse gases produced in our day-to-day lives through burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating and transportation etc. 

The carbon footprin...

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Plant trees and shrubs on the south and west side of your residence. The vegetation acts as insulation and provides shading, reducing thermal gain in a building.

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Install an ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat – It can save up to $100 per year in coastal areas and over $150 inland and pays for itself in less than 12 months. Make sure to install it away from natural cool and hot spots.

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Use your auto's accessories—such as air conditioning, heater fan, and power windows or seats—as little as possible, since they all draw energy from the car's engine and battery.

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Installing faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads will cut water heating costs by 50% and save up to $300 per year. It will also cut water use by up to 50%. As much as 19% of California electricity is used to pump, transport and treat water. Attention all commercial kitchens & restaraunts, take a...

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eCycle it! Take your old computer, DVD player, or other electronics to an electronics recycling center. Reusing and recycling materials like copper, gold, and others saves natural resources and reduces mining and processing. eCycling also helps avoid land, air, and water pollution by capturing and r...

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It takes some practice to change the habit of using our vehicles, but think before you head out. Can you walk or bike instead? It's a great way to save gas. It will not only prevent creating greenhouse gasses but it is also good for your health. It’s a win-win for everyone. Give us a call to learn...

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Water your plants either early morning or evening to reduce evaporation and wind interference and save from 20-25 gallons per day. To learn more about rebates and incentives for water conservation, give us a call: (310) 371-7222. 

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Reuse old glass containers with lids and save them for leftovers, or, make your own jam or jelly. Food safe airtight glass containers are great for storing rice, pasta, sugar and flour.

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Trade in your SUV for a fuel-efficient car.

In the late 1990’s, SUVs started to become a status symbol. Today, people are beginning to see them as luxury that pollutes. SUV’s require large engines due to their weight and are designed for pulling heavy loads. In most cases, people use them as pa...

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If you have limited space for composting, then there are alternate small space options, such as vermicomposting. You can vermicompost, right under your kitchen sink, in a five gallon bucket from the home center. You can add just about any non-meat, non-dairy, not-greasy food you have on hand. Fruit ...

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Start off your New Year with a couple reuse resolutions:

• Reuse pens and art supplies by donating them to local schools.
• Reuse your old carpet. Even slightly dirty carpets can have a second life.
• Reuse your old food scraps by composting them.

Give us a call to learn more about what you can ...

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10 Tips for Reuse: 

1. Reuse your blankets and towels. Bring them to a local shelter that will be glad to put them to good use and give animals a soft, warm place to sit.

2. Reuse seeds from fruit and vegetables and try to grow them!

3. Reuse old plastic bags. There are 10 creative ways to reus...

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Water your lawn only 2-3 days/week instead of 5 days a week or invest in a weather based irrigation timer that bases watering schedule/frequency on  temperature and weather data.  This can save thousands of gallons per month. To learn about water conservation programs and rebates/incentives, give...

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Spread a layer of organic mulch around plants to help retain moisture and save water, time & money.  This can save up to 20-30 gallons per day. Give us a call to learn more about Ocean Friendly Gardening tips and workshops: (310) 371-7222.

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Switch over to water efficient clothes washers, showerheads and toilets.  Water-efficient showerheads can save up to 750 gallons per month.  High-efficiency model toilets can save up to 17,500 gallons per year.  A newer more efficient clothes washer can save 20-30 gallons per load over an older m...

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Run dishwashers and clothes washers only with full loads and save up to 50 gallons per week. To learn about more water conservation tips and workshops available, call us: (310) 371-7222.

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           Inflate tires to their maximum recommended limit. The slightly softer ride gained by keeping those rubber "shoes" cushiony can play havoc with gasoline mileage. Also, if you're in the market for new tires, consider a radial-ply design—or at least a larger-diameter tire—since su...

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Think different. Could some of your short trips be made on public transportation or by walking or riding a bike? Combining trips helps, as does carpooling with friends. Give us a call for more information and to learn about Metro's Vanpooling programs - (310) 371-7222.

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Clear the clutter. Every 100 pounds you carry inside your car lowers its fuel economy by 1 to 2 percent. So if you don't need it, don't have it in your trunk.

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Mind your maintenance. A well-tuned car burns less gasoline, so get your oil and air filters changed regularly.

• Not sure if your filter needs changing? Take it out and hold it up. If you can't see any light coming through, it's too dirty.
• Check your tire pressure monthly (you'll get the most cons...

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October has been Energy Awareness Month since a presidential proclamation in 1991. For more than 15 years, government organizations — in partnership with businesses, associations, and concerned citizens — have observed this month with activities and programs to promote public understanding of ou...

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        Fix defective plumbing or dripping faucets. A single dripping hot water faucet can waste 212 gallons of water a month. That not only increases water bills, but   also increases the gas or electric bill for heating the water.

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Nearly 20% of household energy use comes from appliances. Choose EnergyStar appliances to save big every month on  your bills!

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The next time you wash your car, bring it to your local commercial car wash. Commercial car washes use less than half the water that you'd use when you do it yourself. Contact SBESC at (310) 371-7222 for carwash coupons for Hermosa Beach Carwash or Gardena Carwash.

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Local officials who want to help youth and young adults connect with the emerging green technology and sustainability workforce can consider the following ideas.

• Find out if your local community college offers green job training or internships.
• Are there opportunities for your agency to offer an i...

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Green this year’s back-to-school shopping by reusing last year’s supplies, buying items that contain recycled materials, and packing a waste-free lunch.

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A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment, and in particular climate change. It relates to the amount of greenhouse gases produced in our day-to-day lives through burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating and transportation etc. Here's a list of simple ...

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Leaving a computer on all day can cost about 21 cents per day, or about $75 per year. Unplug electronics and appliances when not in use – a task made easier by using multiple-outlet strips, which can turn everything off with the flip of a switch.

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Programmable thermostats can save up to $150 a year on energy costs when used properly. Use one that can automatically turn off your cooling system when you are not home, and turn your system on in time for you to arrive home to a cooled house.

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If you use air conditioning, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort. Just make sure to turn it off when you leave the room (fans cool people, not rooms).

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On average, households lose about 20 percent of their heated and cooled air through the duct system to the outside. To avoid wasting energy, have your ducts inspected to ensure they’re sealed properly and insulated if necessary.

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Running your air conditioning at 78°F instead of 72°F can save between 6 and 18 percent on your cooling bill. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be, so set your thermostat as high as possible during the summer months.

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Well-planned landscaping isn’t just for aesthetics -- properly placed trees around the house can save between $100 and $250 annually.

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Placing lamps or TV sets near your room's air-conditioning thermostat can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary because the thermostat senses heat from the appliances. Set them apart and save energy.

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Here are some ways you can stay cool without using your home’s air conditioning, courtesy of Southern California Edison:

• Take a cool shower or bath
• Wear lightweight, loose, light-colored clothing and a head covering
• Stay out of direct sunlight and limit outdoor activity to covered or shaded are...

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One of the easiest ways to honor the earth is to stop flushing prescription, over-the-counter medications and veterinary medicines down the toilet.  Unused portions of legal and illegal drugs, including needles and sharps, should be taken to a special South Bay drop off location.  The locations are in Manhattan Beach, Gardena, Lomita, Carson and South Los Angeles.  For more information please call SBESC at (310) 371-7222, or click here for a list with addresses and other details.

The filtration system for swimming pools is powered by an electric pump, which consumes a lot of energy.Because it consumes a lot of energy, there is opportunity there to SAVE a lot of energy.The motor should be replaced every five or six years, and when it’s time, consider an energy efficient poo...

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The LA Metro website is a great place to visit and compare driving costs vs. vanpool costs.The Commute Cost Calculator does all the calculations . . . just type in the trip data and compare the results. Sample questions: “How many days per week do you normally work? And “What is your daily round trip to and from work?” Very simple!  Metro vanpools can save you hundreds of dollars over the cost of driving alone, and the calculator will prove it in black and white.Any questions, call (310) 371-7222.

Despite the rainfall this winter, drought conditions still exist in California.Unlike past droughts, the limited water supply may continue over the next decade.It is so important that we all practice the judicious use of clean drinking water, a limited resource we cannot afford to waste. You can achieve substantial savings by following simple conservation practices. Check with your city for local ordinances and conservation programs, and check this website and our calendar for conservation workshops, or give us a call at                (310) 371-7222.

Memorial Day weekend is prime time for shopping for new appliances. There are sales going on everywhere in the local “big box” stores as well as smaller appliance retail outlets. How old is the refrigerator at your house? If it’s more than 10 years old it’s past its prime and has turned into an energy-guzzler. Southern California Edison (SCE) has rebates of $50 on qualified Energy Star models, plus SCE will give $35 to pick up the old one - - don’t put it in the garage to store leftovers or beverages!. For more information, give us a call at SBESC (310) 371-7222 and we’ll help you find the list of qualifying models.

An old toilet can use up to seven gallons of water every time you flush. New ones use 1.6 gallons or less. Single-family residents have access to FREE high-efficiency toilets through West Basin's high-efficiency toilet (HET) give-away program events throughout the year. Call SBESC at (310) 371-7222 for locations. Program subject to funding.

Los Angeles County homeowners, click here to enter a Sweepstakes to win a Greenpoint Rating for your home worth $2,000.  Click here for the flyer.   The deadline is Wednesday, May 9 at 12:01 a.m.   Tell your friends and neighbors about this exciting opportunity to increase the value and comfort of your home.

Hiring a Contractor 101:  Once you’ve picked your contractor, the California State License board advises homeowners: 1) Don’t pay cash, 2) Don’t pay in full up-front, don’t let the payments get ahead of the work, and 3) Make sure you have a written contract and don’t sign it until you fully understand the terms and what’s included or not included. Get more information and tips about hiring a contractor at www.cslb.ca.gov.   Of course, you can be sure you are choosing a qualified contractor if they are an official participating contractor in Energy Upgrade California.  Give SBESC a call at (310) 371-7222 for more information.

Hiring a Contractor 101:   Considering hiring a contractor for Energy Upgrade California or any home improvement project? California’s Contractors State License Board (CSLB) recommends homeowners take these steps before selecting a contractor: 1) Check out the contractor’s license status at with CSLB, 2) Get at least three bids, 3) Ask for references on work done in the local area, and 4) Ask to see the contractor’s “Pocket License” or their representative’s “Home Improvement Sales Registration” and to see an additional form of ID so you can confirm their identity.  When in doubt, you can always call SBESC for information at (310) 371-7222.

15,000 South Bay commuters who use the MAX (Municipal Area Express) may be affected by route eliminations, or at least fare hikes.  Vanpools are an excellent alternative.  Qualified vanpools receive a $400 subsidy every month to help defray the cost; they are an efficient and economical way of commuting to work and they save the participants money!  Metro will help coordinate the details.  It doesn't cost anything to find out about how it works.   So why wait?  To schedule a vanpool meeting at your business, please call SBESC at (310) 371-7222 and ask for either Martha (x 209) or Grace (x 206).

Take a look in the garage . . . . if there are old paint cans, old containers of turpentine, paint remover, or other unusable and possibly unstable household chemicals, the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles will be hosting three local Household Hazardous Waste Roundups here in the South Bay this spring.  Why wait?  Place the old containers in a box, put the box in the trunk the night before the event and drop them off on April 28 in Hawthorne, May 5 in Rancho Palos Verdes, or June 16 in Torrance.  Participants don’t even have to leave the car, just pull into the drive queue and pop the trunk.  Check the calendar  for locations and a list of what to leave home.

The Gas Company has quite a few opportunities for rebates in 2012. Homeowners may take advantage of rebates on Energy Star qualified clothes washers ($35) and dishwashers ($30) as well as attic and wall insulation ($.15 sq ft). Replacing an old gas storage water heater for one with an Energy Factor (EF) of .62-.66, earns a $30 rebate, whereas an Energy Star qualified model with an EF of .67 or greater earns a rebate of $75. A new gas furnace with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 92 is good for a $200 rebate. Residents who participate in Energy Upgrade California’s Flex Path option (link), may collect Gas Company rebates as well as the rebate from Los Angeles County.

The South Bay Environmental Services Center (SBESC) offers volunteer opportunities for adults as well as college and high school students. Activities range from office support, inventory control, data entry, community outreach, and preparing materials for workshops and events regarding educating South Bay businesses, residents, and public agencies about energy efficiency and water conservation.

Anyone interested in volunteering as a way to learn about and promote innovative green programs are asked to contact Volunteer Coordinator Martha Segovia at (310) 371-7222 ext 209. Volunteer applications can be found at http://www.sbesc.com/programs/volunteers. A new volunteer training will be conducted on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 from 5:00-6:30 pm at the SBESC offices. The South Bay Environmental Services Center welcomes all participation and is happy to accommodate regular hours or flexible schedules.

A whole house fan installed in the attic will pull hot air up and out, quickly and efficiently cooling the entire house - an ancient principle with modern rewards.  Whole house fans use about 1/10th the electricity of comparably sized air conditioners. SCE will help pay for the installation with a $50 rebate. Using a whole house fan to pre-cool or cool the home instead of using central A/C is good for the pocketbook and good for the environment (a lot less greenhouse gas).  Some conditions apply . . . call SBESC at (310) 371-7222 for further details and the rebate form

The state water system that moves water here from northern California was designed to serve 18 million people and today it serves 37 million people. The hub of the water system, the Bay Delta, is broken and there is no quick solution in sight.  To reduce dependence on less reliable imported water to coastal Los Angeles by one third by the year 2020, West Basin Municipal Water District has a program called “Water Reliability 2020”.  Call SBESC at (310) 371-7222 today to arrange for a Water Reliability 2020 speaker to come to your next club or organization’s meeting and talk about this vitally important issue.

The South Bay Cities Council of Governments will hold it’s 13th Annual General Assembly on Friday, February 24 at the Juanita Millender-McDonald Community Center in Carson.  The chosen topic is important to all of us here in the South Bay:  Be Prepared:  Preventing Disasters / Planning for Recovery.”  Natural events or manmade disasters usually come with little or no warning.  Earthquakes, wind storms, tsunamis, levee breaks, water or oil shortages are all potential threats.  Speakers from the Red Cross, LA County Emergency Management, US Geological Survey, the Port of Los Angeles, and many more will be on hand to provide insight about what to do.  For more information, go to www.southbaycities.org.

Valentine’s Day has passed, but loved ones aren’t the only ones who deserve something special on Valentine's Day. Give a gift to the earth, too, by not throwing out valentines, reuse them instead!  Click here for clever ways to recycle valentines - developed by the City of El Segundo.

A word about water leaks in bathrooms, kitchens and where the garden hose connects:   A drop of water down the drain seems insignificant.   A drip the width of the tip of a ballpoint pen (1 mm) can waste up to 750 gallons of water per month.  A drool (1.5 mm) can waste 3,000 gallons in a month, and a drool (3mm stream) can waste 12,000 gallons per month.  These little drips, dribbles, and drools of water can add up to a flood, which can typically be fixed easily by replacing a bad rubber washer

SBESC will be hosting a workshop about Energy Upgrade California conducted entirely in Spanish on this Tuesday, January 31 at the Hawthorne Memorial Center.   A copy of the presentation in English will be available as a handout.  Additional workshops will be conducted in Spanish for our other programs and partnerships, and will be held quarterly.  Check our calendar regularly for all of our workshops, and help us pass the word along to Spanish speaking friends and neighbors! 

Southern California Edison's 2012 Home Energy Effciency Rebate Form is now available.  Featured are rebates on new energy efficient refrigerators ($50), whole house fans ($50), portable room air conditioners ($200), electric water heaters ($30), hybrid electric heat pumps ($30), variable speed pool pumps ($200), and single stage or dual stage ducted evaporative cooling systems ($300).  Some conditions apply, so be sure to follow the required energy ratings before you consider a purchase.   Take a look at the form, and if you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call at (310) 371-7222.  As always, the rebate funds are first come, first served.

SBESC is actively looking for volunteers interested in office support, inventory control, community outreach, photography, creative services, advance team/set up and material preparation for workshops and events regarding educating South Bay businesses, residents and public agencies about energy efficiency and water conservation.   We will work with your schedule, no problem.   We love our volunteers and we celebrate them with an annual recognition reception.  Without our volunteers we couldn't do half of what we do!

If you are interested in getting involved and taking action to save energy, water and this planet, the SBESC would love to have you as part of the family.

Please take a look at our brief volunteer application,  or call Martha Segovia at (310) 371-7222, x 209 for more information.

During this cold winter, both Southern California Edison and The Gas Company have assistance programs that can help you pay your utility bills.   The CARE Program and Medical Baseline Allowance are just two of the programs.  Give us a call and we will help get you started.  Call us at (310) 371-7222.

Christmas Tree Blues - Please check with your city to find out the proper way to dispose of your Christmas tree.   Many cities in the South Bay have a curbside recycling program.  Retail stores are having post-holiday sales on LED holiday lights; take advantage and stock up and you will be way ahead 11 months from now.  Be sure to check our new Green Tip of the week every Monday of the coming year.  Check out our Green Archive Library for a whole year’s worth of Green Tips!   Happy New Year!

Last chance for rebates for 2011!   Southern California Edison is offering a $50 rebate for energy efficient refrigerators, in addition to another $50 to pick up your old working model.  If your water heater needs to be replaced (don’t wait for it to fail – if it’s several years old it’s probably time to replace it) the Gas Company will give a $75/unit on models that have an Energy Factor (EF) of 0.67 or greater.  Make and model number must be included with a copy of the receipt.   Call us for the rebate application form at (310) 371-7222, or with any other rebate questions.   Happy Holidays!

Give the gift of Savings – Someone once said you should never give your loved one something with a plug.  Not true!!   Always buy EnergyStar qualified products and you will save money throughout the life of the product. An EnergyStar gift says “you are special to me.”   Anything with a plug probably has an EnergyStar equivalent, but if you’re not sure, check the EnergyStar website.  You might be surprised at what you find!  The website also has valuable information regarding tax credits.  You can give us a call, too, for ideas at (310) 371-7222.

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Green Tips for the Holidays in the Kitchen – Buy an oven thermometer and hang it in the oven where you can see it without having to open up the oven door, and it will reach the desired temperature sooner.   Bake your holiday cookies in batches, and cover your pots and pans while they are simmering to keep the heat in.  Pre-heat the oven only when the recipe calls for it, and turn the oven off five minutes early and allow your dish to remain there for a few minutes. Choose the economy settings on your dishwasher (air dry for example.)  The Gas Company has a $30 rebate on new energy efficient dishwashers until December 31.  Pick out a model and call us at (310) 371-7222 to verify that it qualifies.

Green Tips for the Holidays:  Fireplaces are not the best choice for heat during cold weather.   They look pretty and cozy but they are really just a hole in the wall that lets the heat escape.  They don’t do much for air quality, either, because particulate matter blows down the chimney and into your lungs when down drafts occur.  Give the Gas Company a call and schedule a tune-up for your furnace.   And don’t forget the Energy Star-rated programmable thermostat.   You have one, don’t you?   Set it to heat the house half an hour before you get up and half an hour before you are due home.  The rest of the time, keep it at 65 degrees.  If you need to replace your furnace, the Gas Company is offering a $200 rebate on qualified units, or consider participating in Energy Upgrade CA while rebates up to $8,000 are still available.   Call us at (310) 371-7222 for more information

HOLIDAY LIGHT EXCHANGE – On Wednesday, November 30, SBESC – in conjunction with Southern California Edison – will hold a holiday light exchange in two locations and at two different times.   Just bring up to TEN (working) energy-guzzling incandescent light strands of any size, shape or color,  and exchange them for up to TEN new multi-colored energy-efficient 100 light LED strands.   Yes, you read it correctly – TEN strands of new ones for your old strands, and we will take icicles, minis, or strands of any length.    Bring your ID or SCE bill with you and look for the SCE tent at the Torrance City Hall parking lot at 7:30 am, then again at Palos Verdes City Hall parking lot at 1:00 pm.    Must be an SCE customer, and as always, first come, first served, while supplies last

Thanksgiving is only a few days away!   You still have time to visit your local Farmer's Market and opt for foods that are produced locally for your Thanksgiving table this week.   On Tuesday, visit one in Manhattan Beach or Old Torrance, and on Wednesday you can visit Farmers Markets in Gardena or Lawndale.  By purchasing from a local vendor, you're not only getting fresher food but you are reducing your family's carbon footprint by eliminating the energy used to truck food in from faraway places, as well as the need for packing materials - which is not only very cool but a very good reason to give thanks.  Click here for a list of all the Certified Farmers Markets in Southern California.   Happy Thanksgiving!

SBESC will be celebrating our volunteers this week with a special reception.   We love our volunteers.   If it weren’t for all the hours they give us, we couldn’t do half the work we do.   We have fulfilling projects, from office work to manning our booth at exhibits and environmental fairs.  A new training class starts soon, so consider becoming one of our volunteers.   We will train you in the concepts of energy and water efficiency, and you can take that information home with you and apply it to your own household.  It’s a win-win for everybody.   Give our Volunteer Coordinator, Martha Segovia, a call at (310) 371-7222 x 209

YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR A UTILITY DISCOUNT:  Medical Baseline Allowance - If a member of your household has a medical condition that requires a sustained level of heat or the use of electricity-powered life-support equipment, both Southern California Edison and The Gas Company offer allowances on kilowatt hours and therms billed at a lower rate to help with the utility bills.  Currently 50,000 SCE customers are receiving the medical baseline allocation.  Visit sce.com and socalgas.com, or just give SBESC a call at (310) 371-7222.

Your home has invisible “energy vampires” that could account for as much as 10% of your bill.  Electronic devices at your home are sucking energy right now even if you think they are turned OFF!  They are not OFF - they are in “standby” mode.  Anything with a clock, timer, or remote control is still drawing power. This includes computers, multifunction printers, power tools, hand-held vacuums, flat screen TVs, CD players, VCRs, and DVDs. The solution is to plug your devices into a surge-protected energy strip and turn it off when the devices are not in use.  Energy strips do not draw standby power (don’t plug an energy strip into another energy strip!)  If you have any questions, call us at (310) 371-7222.  Check out our kiosk at the Promenade on the Peninsula Shopping Center's "A Spooktacular Halloween" from 3-6 on the 31st!

Southern California Gas and Southern California Edison have a comprehensive mobile home program of free energy upgrades, which can include sealing air ducts, wrapping water heaters and pipes, installing energy efficient light fixtures and CFLs, and other gas and water saving upgrades.  There are also upgrades available for common areas of a mobile-home community.  These could include LED exit signs, sensors and controls and fluorescent lighting.  To qualify your mobile home or mobile home community must have an active SCE service account and be fully-constructed and occupied.  For more information, call SBESC at (310) 371-7222.
Source:  www.sce.com

October is Energy Awareness Month!  The theme for 2011 is Turn Words into Action; Turn Action into Results.   The U.S. Department of Energy reminds everyone to switch to CFL’s; purchase Energy Star appliances and equipment; “flip the switch” off when lights are not in use; beware the energy “vampires” (more about that later this month) combine trips, share rides, use mass transportation (check out our vanpool and Local Use Vehicle pages) and reduce your consumption, reuse or repurpose discards, and recycle.  Click here for the 2011 Energy Awareness poster.

Do you own or manage a restaurant?   This would be a perfect time for you to replace old inefficient equipment – before your holiday rush begins.   Southern California Gas currently has cash rebates for a variety of equipment to help you lower the initial cost, including double rack ovens ($2,000), pressureless steamers ($2,000), commercial convection ovens ($500) and large-vat fryers ($500.)  Energy efficient equipment costs less to operate every month so that increases your savings.   The FREE Cash for Kitchens program through West Basin Municipal Water District has been extended – call (310) 371-7222 x 209 to schedule an appointment for your free water and energy audit.

It’s already October and soon the weather will be cold enough to start turning on your gas furnace to keep your family warm.  For many cash-strapped families there will be difficult choices between spending the money on heat or other necessities.   Both Southern California Edison and The Gas Company  offer bill assistance programs to help families in need.   The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program offers income-qualified customers a discount of 20% or more off their monthly bills.  When you sign up with one utility, you are automatically signed up with both.  SBESC can help you find other assistance programs from the utilities, too.  Just give us a call at (310) 371-7222.

Cities, special districts, large non-profits, and public colleges and universities may qualify for energy efficiency rebates to improve their buildings, parking lots, and garages through the Energy Technology Assistance Program (ETAP). ETAP is an Energy Upgrade California Program funded through the California Energy Commission and by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.  The program is scheduled to wrap in March, and they still have money left to spend!  Click here for more information.

Fall is the best time to plant in Southern California and Friday the 23rd is the official first day of Fall!   Before digging, you should know that pipelines may be located anywhere-including under streets, sidewalks and private property, sometimes just inches below the surface. Excavation, landscaping and other forms of digging are major causes of pipeline damage. Regardless of the size or scope of the work you're planning, call Underground Service Alert at 811 at least two business days before you dig.  For more safety tips, go to http://socalgas.com/safety/dig-alert.shtml    Source:  Southern California Gas Company.

High utility bills?  Get up to $8,000 back for home energy upgrades!   The rebate depends on how much energy your improvements save.  You can receive (on a first-come, first-serve basis) up to $2,000 for basic sealing and insulating, or up to $8,000 for more extensive energy saving upgrades.  Additional rebates may be available for specific upgrades -- go to www.energyupgradeca.org/lacounty and click on the "Rebates and Incentives" tab.  Rebates may vary depending on utility provider.   Click here for a flyer. 

Mark your calendars for the 13th Annual West Basin Water Harvest on Saturday, October 8 from 10am to 2pm at the Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility, 1935 S. Hughes Way at Sepulveda in El Segundo.  There will be lots of interesting things to see and do for the whole family:  stage shows, carnival games, costume contest, free tours of the facility, and learn about our most precious resource, WATER.    The Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility is a world class, state of the art water recycling facility.   Parking is EASY and FREE.  Park at 1960 E. Grand Avenue and take the shuttle over to the Water Harvest.< Segundo, El Sepulveda), (near Way Hughes S. 1935 Facility, Recycling Water Little C.)

This is the last week to take advantage of the Summer Bonus offered by Los Angeles County.   Add the $2,000 rebate from Los Angeles County to the up to $4,000 already offered by the utilities, and if you haven’t called a participating contractor by now, $6,000 in rebates will slip right through your fingers.  Visit EnergyUpgradeCA.org and pick out one of the participating BPI Certified contractors for an evaluation.   For questions, give us a call at (310) 371-7222.

Only TWO MORE WEEKS until Labor Day.   Checklist: hot dogs, buns, lemonade, grill . . . . what about Energy Upgrade California?  Is that on your list?   Up to $6,000 in rebates will buy enough picnic supplies to fund your next fifteen Labor Day celebrations!   Not to mention the savings every month on your utility bills.  So don’t delay any longer - - visit EnergyUpgradeCA.org and pick out one of the participating BPI Certified contractors and get this Energy Upgrade party started!   For questions, give us a call at (310) 371-7222.

Only THREE MORE WEEKS until Labor Day. This is the perfect time of year to be planning upgrades to your home’s wall insulation, energy efficient heating and energy efficient windows in anticipation of cold weather (and you know it’s coming).  Take advantage of the up to $6,000 in rebates currently being offered by the utilities and Los Angeles County.  For questions, give us a call at (310) 371-7222.

Only FOUR MORE WEEKS until Labor Day.   Pick up the phone and call one of the Energy Upgrade California participating contractors and make an appointment for a consultation and estimate.  They are all BPI Certified building performance specialists and can easily spot what your home needs.  Don’t let the up to $6,000 in rebates currently being offered slip through your fingers.  Just go to EnergyUpgradeCA.org, pick out a contractor, and make that call.  For questions, give us a call at (310) 371-7222.

Only FIVE MORE WEEKS until Labor Day.    You have between now and September 5 to qualify for up to $6,000 in rebates offered by Southern California Edison, The Gas Company, and Los Angeles County for qualified upgrades to your home through Energy Upgrade California.  Take the first step.  Just go to EnergyUpgradeCA.org, pick out a contractor.  Don’t let that generous rebate slip through your fingers.  For questions, give us a call at (310) 371-7222.

The dog days of summer are almost upon us.  Labor Day is only SIX WEEKS AWAY.  You have between now and Labor Day to qualify for up to $6,000 in rebates offered by Southern California Edison, The Gas Company, and Los Angeles County for qualified upgrades to your home through Energy Upgrade California.  What are you waiting for?   Get on the phone and call one of the Energy Upgrade participating contractors and schedule a visit for an estimate.   Don’t let that generous rebate slip through your fingers.  Act today.  For questions, give us a call at (310) 371-7222.

We are rapidly approaching the middle of summer.  Energy efficient air conditioning systems, cool roofs, and whole house fans are all listed as eligible measures in the Advanced Upgrade Package for Energy Upgrade California.    Visit the website at EnergyUpgradeCA.org  and pick out a contractor to come to your home and give you an estimate.  No more “sweatin’ to the oldies” when your utility bills show up in the mailbox, plus you could qualify for up to $6,000 in rebates if you act now. For questions, give us a call at (310) 371-7222.

The Energy Upgrade California Program has two components:  The Basic Package and the Advanced Package.   The Basic Package consists of a few basic measures that will help reduce your energy consumption by at least 10%.  The Advanced Package will reduce your energy consumption even more.  How much more?   You won’t know unless you contact a participating Energy Upgrade Contractor and make an appointment for a consultation.  All the contractors are BPI Certified and have been specially trained in Energy Upgrade details.   They will give you the straight scoop.  Pick one out at www.EnergyUpgradeCA.org.  For questions, give us a call at (310) 371-7222.

Do you think Thomas Jefferson ever thought of indoor air quality?  In all of his writings did he ever mention “cool roof”, “tankless water heater” or “double-pane windows?”    We think Jefferson would jump at the chance to take advantage of Energy Upgrade California and earn up to $6,000 in rebates at the same time!    As we celebrate our nation’s Independence this July 4 – would you like to break free of those high utility bills and improve the quality of your home and use these generous rebates to help pay for it?    Visit the Energy Upgrade California website and take the first step.  For questions, give us a call at (310) 371-7222.

Have you visited the Energy Upgrade California website yet?   Check out the stories of the Energy Upgrade Makeover Contest winners and see if their stories seem familiar to you.  Each family has their own set of circumstances, but they all have the same goal of wanting to see smaller energy bills without sacrificing their families’ comfort.   While you are on the website, check out the list of contractors and give one a call and make an appointment.  Energy Upgrade California is the way to go, and you can earn up to $6,000 in rebates if you act now.  For questions, give us a call at (310) 371-7222.

Do you have several energy upgrade projects in mind for your home but don’t think you can afford to do them all?   Energy Upgrade California is the solution for you.  Depending on the amount of energy you save, you can earn up to $4,000 in rebates from Southern California Edison and The Gas Company, and between now and Labor Day, earn an additional $2,000 in rebates from Los Angeles County.   That’s $6,000 in rebates!  The first step is to go onto the energyupgradeca.org website, pick out a contractor and give them a call.  Don’t wait - - Labor Day will be here before you know it!  For further questions, give us a call at (310) 371-7222.

Homeowners who complete qualifying energy-saving home upgrade projects can receive incentives of up to $6,000 through Energy Upgrade California - special summer rebate increase from LA County available until Labor Day. Click here­­­­­ www.energyupgradeCA.org.   Components of an Energy Upgrade California home energy audit:   Appliance Combustion Safety Testing.  This part of the audit will ensure that all of your natural gas appliances, such as your stove, water heater, and furnace are venting correctly and not back-drafting carbon monoxide back into your home.  This test is done twice:  before the audit and after the audit.   End result:  safety for your family and peace of mind for you.   Act now for your $6,000 rebate!

Components of an Energy Upgrade California home energy audit:   Air Quality Issues.   Properly operating bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans correctly exhausted to the outdoors can reduce the overall energy use of a home and add to the indoor air quality.   Leaking attic ducts can contribute to air quality problems, and can be uncovered with a duct leakage test.  Leaks can also cost a lot of money if you have an air conditioning system. More importantly, breathing air containing mold, allergens and other toxins can cause all sorts of health problems. Soot is one more reason to seal up your fireplace!    Your home performance contractor will include air quality in his report.  Next Week:  Safety Testing of Gas Appliances

Components of an Energy Upgrade California home energy audit:   The Infra-Red Camera.   The quickest way to spot heat loss is to do a thermographic inspection with an infrared scanner or camera.    Sometimes they are used at the same time a blower door test is running because the blower door highlights air leaks through the building envelope.   Infrared cameras can spot lapses in wall insulation, the absence of insulation, and can also spot moisture in the walls, which could suggest roof or plumbing leaks.  The cameras can see heat loss around windows and doors, and can also be use after insulation is installed to make sure it has been installed correctly.  They can look from the inside out or the outside in.  Next week:  Air Quality Issues

Components of an Energy Upgrade California home energy audit:   The Blower Door Test.  The Blower Door Test will determine if there are any existing air leaks in the walls, ceilings, and floors, which is the envelope of the house.  All interior doors are opened (except closets), windows and exterior doors closed and locked, gas appliances off, damper closed in the fireplace, furnace off.  A large fan, sealed into an outside door opening, is turned on and air is drawn out of the house, pulling with it air streams from leaks.   The contractor goes from room to room and feels for air flow either with his hand or a smoke puffer.    Once the air leaks are located, he will be able to determine their types and the best way to seal them.  The test is safe and you don’t have to leave . . . its kind of interesting to watch!   Next week:  the Infra-Red Camera

The very first step to make your home more efficient is a professional home energy audit done by an Energy Upgrade California participating home performance contractor.  The audit will establish a baseline of how much energy your home uses and will help the contractor prepare a plan of action to fine-tune your home into a well-running energy-efficient machine!  You will receive an estimate of the costs, how long the project may take, and the amount of energy saved after the project is done and going forward, which will help determine your payback period.  The EUC participating contractor will also inform you of qualifying rebates and incentives.  What is included in a home energy audit?  Next week:  Blower Door Testing

Are you tired of paying over $4.00 a gallon for gasoline?  And with no end in sight?  Then Metro’s Vanpool is for you!  People who participate in the Metro Vanpool program can save 20% to 30% off the cost of vanpooling (Metro provides an on-going monthly subsidy of up to $400 for qualified vanpools) – and up to 70% off their usual commute costs if they switch from driving alone.  SBESC can help EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS get started vanpooling right away!  For more information, please contact Grace or Martha at SBESC (310) 371-7222 or email grace@sbesc.com or martha@sbesc.com.

Know a great contractor who should become a participating Energy Upgrade California contractor? Refer him or her to the Energy Upgrade California website at www.energyupgradeca.org to find out about the qualifications, how to get training,  and how to get listed on the website.  If you have any question, please don't hesitate to call SBESC at (310) 371-7222.

Hiring a Contractor 101:  Once you’ve picked your contractor, CSLB also advises homeowners: 1) Don’t pay cash, 2) Don’t pay in full up-front and don’t let the payments get ahead of the work, and 3) Make sure you have a written contract and don’t sign it until you fully understand the terms and what’s included or not included. Get more information and tips about hiring a contractor at www.cslb.ca.gov or by calling 800 321-CSLB (2752).  Next week:   Keep our contractors working.

Hiring a Contractor 101:   Considering hiring a contractor for Energy Upgrade California or any home improvement project? California’s Contractors State License Board (CSLB) recommends homeowners take these steps before selecting a contractor: 1) Check out the contractor’s license status at with CSLB, 2) Get at least three bids, 3) Ask for references on work done in the local area, and 4) Ask to see the contractor’s “Pocket License” or their representative’s “Home Improvement Sales Registration” and to see an additional form of ID so you can confirm their identity.  Next week:  You’ve picked your contractor, now what?

The first step in Energy Upgrade California is to contact a participating contractor. He will explain the Basic Package to you, which may include air sealing, attic insulation, duct sealing, hot water pipe insulation, a thermostatic shut-off valve, a low flow showerhead, and combustion appliance safety testing, including installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) monitor. Take action today and you may qualify for a $1,000 rebate.   If you know a contractor who wants to become an Energy Upgrade contractor, click here.   Call SBESC for more information at (310) 371-7222 or visit www.energyupgradeCA.org.

During the month of April we celebrate Earth Day and our environment.   One of the easiest ways to honor our environment is to stop flushing prescription, over-the-counter medications and veterinary medicines down the toilet.  Check with your local law enforcement agency to see if they have the S...

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ENTER THE $100,000 HOME ENERGY MAKEOVER CONTEST!   The deadline to enter the Home Energy Makeover Contest is THIS WEEK!  Last Day is THURSDAY, March 31, 2011.  ONE $50,000 “TOWARD NET ZERO ENERGY” Winning Home receives up to $50,000 in energy and water efficiency improvements, including solar.  Five $10,000 Winning Homes receive up to $10,000 each in home energy and water efficiency improvements.  Energy Upgrade California is here!   Click here to enter the contest.

ENTER THE $100,000 HOME ENERGY MAKEOVER CONTEST!   Only a few days left to enter the contest!  Last Day to enter is March 31, 2011.  ONE $50,000 “TOWARD NET ZERO ENERGY” Winning Home receives up to $50,000 in energy and water efficiency improvements, including solar.  Five $10,000 Winning Homes receive up to $10,000 each in home energy and water efficiency improvements.  Energy Upgrade California is here!   Click here to enter the contest.

ENTER THE $100,000 HOME ENERGY MAKEOVER CONTEST!   Only a couple of weeks left to enter the contest!  Last Day to enter is March 31, 2011.  ONE $50,000 “TOWARD NET ZERO ENERGY” Winning Home receives up to $50,000 in energy and water efficiency improvements, including solar.  Five $10,000 Winning Homes receive up to $10,000 each in home energy and water efficiency improvements.  Energy Upgrade California is here!   Click here to enter the contest.

ENTER THE $100,000 HOME ENERGY MAKEOVER CONTEST!   Last Day to enter March 31, 2011.  ONE $50,000 “TOWARD NET ZERO ENERGY” Winning Home receives up to $50,000 in energy and water efficiency improvements, including solar.  Five $10,000 Winning Homes receive up to $10,000 each in home energy and water efficiency improvements.  Energy Upgrade California is here!   Click here to enter the contest.

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To restaurant owners and managers:   green your kitchen and lower the total in the expense column of your budget.  Call us for a FREE water survey and energy audit through the Cash for Kitchens program offered by West Basin Municipal Water District.   We will bring a Customer Service Technician from The Gas Company and without disturbing your staff, do the survey in about 30 minutes.  We will make water and energy saving recommendations and give you a personalized training manual for your staff.   You may qualify for a new pre-rinse spray valve, faucet aerators, flow restrictors, or more.  Call Martha Segovia at (310) 371-7222, x 209 to set up an appointment

Valentine’s Day!  There is an old wives’ tale that says “never give your sweetheart something with a plug .” But, if the plug is attached to an EnergyStar® qualified product, what better way to say “you are very special to me.” Your loved one isn't the only one who deserves something special on Valentine's Day. Give a gift to the earth, too, by not throwing out your valentines, reuse them instead!  Click here for clever ways to recycle your valentines - developed by the City of El Segundo.  Coming soon . . . Energy Upgrade California!

During this cold winter, both Southern California Edison and The Gas Company have assistance programs that can help you pay your utility bills.   The CARE Program and Medical Baseline Allowance are just two of the programs.  Give us a call and we will help get you started.  Call us at (310) 371-7222.

Southern California Edison is offering a $30 rebate for homeowners who replace their old, inefficient electric water heater with a new one that has an energy factor of 0.93 or greater.   The EF rating does not always appear on the water heater label, so look for it on the specification sheet or on the packaging box.    The unit must be 30 gallons or more and tankless water heaters do not qualify.   If you are getting your pool ready for summer, SCE is also offering a $200 rebate for a new variable-speed pump and motor.   Call us for more details at (310) 371-7222

If you replaced your refrigerator in December to take advantage of holiday sales, take advantage of Southern California Edison's recycling program. SCE will pay you $50 to come to your home and haul the old one away. Why are they willing to do this? Because old refrigerators use too much energy and it's time to get them out of your garage and off the grid. Give us a call at (310) 371-7222 for more information.

The Gas Company has rebates for multifamily dwellings, including duplexes, through 2011.   For example, a new dishwasher with an energy efficiency rating of ≥ .68 for an in-house tenant will qualify for a $50 rebate.   A new 80 gallon or more central system natural gas water heater with a minimum efficiency rating of 82% will qualify for a $500 rebate.  A central system natural gas boiler for space heating and hot water heating, or water heating only, will earn a whopping $1,500 rebate.  Some restrictions apply.   Give us a call at  (310) 371-7222 for more information.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!   Please check with your city to find out the proper way to dispose of your Christmas tree.   Many cities in the South Bay have a curbside recycling program.  Retail stores are having post-holiday sales on LED holiday lights.  Take advantage and stock up and you will be way ahead 11 months from now.  Be sure to check our new Green Tip of the week every Monday of the coming year.  Check out our Green Archive Library for a whole year’s worth of Green Tips!

Last chance for rebates for 2010!   Southern California Edison is offering a $50 rebate for energy efficient refrigerators, in addition to another $50 to pick up your old working model.  If your water heater needs to be replaced (don’t wait for it to fail – if it’s several years old it’s probably time to replace it) the Gas Company will give a $30/unit on models that have an Energy Factor (EF) of 0.62 or greater.  Make and model number must be included with a copy of the receipt.   Call us for the rebate application form at (310) 371-7222, or with any other rebate questions.    Happy New Year!

Give the gift of Savings – Someone once said you should never give your loved one something with a plug.  Not true!!   Always buy EnergyStar qualified products. An EnergyStar gift says “you are special to me.”   Anything with a plug probably has an EnergyStar equivalent, but if you’re not sure, check the EnergyStar website.  You might be surprised at what you find!  The website also has valuable information regarding tax credits.  You can give us a call, too, for ideas at (310) 371-7222.

Green Tips for the Holidays in the Kitchen – Buy an oven thermometer and hang it in the oven where you can see it without having to open up the oven door, and it will reach the desired temperature sooner.   Bake your holiday cookies in batches, and cover your pots and pans while they are simmering to keep the heat in.  Choose the economy settings on your dishwasher (air dry for example.)  The Gas Company has a $30 rebate on new energy efficient dishwashers until December 31.  Pick out a model and call us at (310) 371-7222 to verify that it qualifies.

Green Tips for the Holidays – Keeping Your House Warm – Fireplaces are not the best choice for heat during cold snaps.   They look cozy but they are really just a hole in the house that lets the heat escape.  Plus they don’t do much for air quality, either.   Particulate matter gets blown about the house when down drafts occur.  Better to seal up the opening and tune-up your furnace.   And don’t forget the programmable thermostat.  Set it to heat the house half an hour before you get up and half an hour before you are due home.  The rest of the time, keep it at 65 degrees (or less).  If you need to replace your unit, the Gas Company is still offering a $200 rebate on qualified units.   Call us at (310) 371-7222 for more information.

Why not give the most precious gift of all - - your time.   If it weren’t for all of our wonderful volunteers we couldn’t do half the work we do.   We have all kinds of jobs and projects, from labeling brochures to manning our booth at exhibits and environmental fairs.   We will train you in the concepts of energy and water efficiency, and you can take that information home with you and apply it to your own household.  It’s a win-win for everybody.   Give our Volunteer Coordinator, Martha Segovia, a call at (310) 371-7222 x 209

Participate in the annual holiday light exchange and brighten up your holidays.   Trade up to two working strings of old electricity-guzzling incandescent holiday lights for two new, energy-efficient LED strings.  Trade-ins are first-come, first served.  Quantities are limited – while supplies last.   Only SCE customers qualify for this program.  This program is funded by California utility customers and administered by Southern California Edison under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission.  Terms and conditions apply.   Location:  15901 Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 400, Lawndale.  Hours:  M-F  10 am – 4 pm.

You still have time to visit your local Farmer's Market and opt for foods that are produced locally for your Thanksgiving table this week.     On Tuesday, visit one in Manhattan Beach or Torrance, and on Wednesday you can visit Farmers Markets in Gardena or Lawndale.  By purchasing from a local vendor, you're not only getting fresher food but you are reducing your family's carbon footprint by eliminating the energy used to truck food in from faraway places, as well as the need for packing materials - which is very cool.   Click here for a link for a list of all the Certified Farmers Markets in Los Angeles County.    Happy Thanksgiving!

Reduce Water Leaks, Save Money - Have you done the “food coloring in the toilet” experiment yet?   Put food coloring in the toilet tank and see if it enters the bowl without flushing. If it does, go on down to the hardware store and purchase a new flapper.   A leaky toilet wastes 30-50 gallons per day!  By the way, if you do call a plumber instead, ask them to check your household water pressure, and if it is more than 80 psi, ask the plumber to install a pressure regulator.  High water pressure can result in dripping faucets and water pipes, and it can also damage appliances.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and now Rethink - Before you make your next purchase, ask these questions:    Is the product made from renewable, recycled or post-consumer materials?   Does the manufacturer practice sound sustainable manufacturing?  After the product’s useful life can it be recycled, composted, re-used or donated?  Is the packaging recyclable or biodegradable?  Is there a low carbon and energy use from transporting the product?

Fall and winter weather is just around the corner. The Gas Company offers $.15 per sq.ft. for attic or wall insulation and $200 per unit for a new EnergyStar Central Natural Gas Furnace with a 92% AFUE.  Your C-20 contractor (specializes in warm-air heating, ventilating and air-conditioning) will be able to assist you in choosing the qualified equipment, or you can visit the EnergyStar.org website.   Don’t forget . . . December 31 is the last day to be eligible for a 2010 tax credit (30% of the cost, up to $1500), so get those new HVAC orders in soon!

Own or manage a restaurant?   Southern California Gas currently has cash rebates for a variety of equipment, including double rack ovens ($2,000), pressureless steamers ($2,000), boilers (up to .50 per Mbtuh), and pipe insulation (up to $3.00 per sq. ft.)  We can help you determine the most energy efficient model before you buy. Give us a call at (310) 371-7222 and we'll introduce you to the Cash for Kitchens program and help you get the most value for the money you spend.

West Basin Municipal Water District’s 12^th Annual Water Harvest will be held on Saturday, October 16.  This is a free community event, and in addition to free food, there will be a petting zoo, stage shows, games, pony rides and a costume contest.   You can also learn about where your water comes from, take a tour of the state-of-the-art water recycling facility, and stroll through the new California native plant demonstration garden.  The event will be held at the Edward C. Little Water Recycling facility at 1935 S. Hughes Way in El Segundo.  Click here for a flyer.

October is Energy Awareness Month! The theme is Powering America; We're On Target.   The U.S. Department of Energy reminds everyone to switch to CFL’s; purchase Energy Star appliances and equipment; turn off lights when not in use; combine trips, share rides, and use mass transportation (check out our Vanpool and LUV vehicle pages), and reduce your consumption, reuse or repurpose discards, and recycle.  Click here for the poster.

Heatwave!  SCE is offering a $50 rebate on a qualified room air conditioner and $50 on a whole house fan.   If you cannot tolerate heat extremes, Torrance has two volunteer "cooling stations" for residents who need to get out of the heat:   1)  The Bartlett Senior Citizens Center - 1318 Cravens Ave - cross streets Post and Engracia - 310-320-5918.  2)  The Katy Geissert Civic Center Library - 3301 Torrance Blvd - between Madrona & Maple - 310-618-5959.  Click here for a .pdf listing of community cooling centers in Los Angeles County.

How can you make your kitchen and laundry energy and water efficient?  If your refrigerator is old, replace it with an ENERGY STAR qualified model and call SCE to pick up your old one (free) and receive $50 from SCE.  Replace your old clothes washer with ENERGY STAR qualified models and get a $35 rebate from The Gas Company.   New high-efficiency washers can use less than half the water of older inefficient models (use full loads!) Rebates are also available on ENERGY STAR dishwashers (ditto full loads.) CFL's work great in the kitchen, too.  If you have recessed can lights, look for the CFL models made especially to fit those fixtures.  Finally, install water aerators at the sink.

SCE will conduct a lamp exchange in Torrance at the Kmart parking lot on Hawthorne Blvd. this weekend, September 18-19 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm each day.   Bring up to 10 incandescent lamps and exchange them like-for-like.  For example, trade an old table lamp for a new energy efficient table lamp; trade a desk lamp for a new desk lamp.  First come first served, while supplies last.  Check out the event on our calendar for more information.

Southern California is using water RESERVES to supply everyday water!  California's main water sources have been severely impacted by record dry conditions despite the rainfall this past spring.  To reduce dependence on less reliable imported water to coastal Los Angeles by one third by the year 2020, West Basin Municipal Water District has a new program called “Water Reliability 2020”.  Call SBESC at (310) 371-7222 today to arrange for a Water Reliability 2020 speaker to come to your next club or organization’s meeting and talk about this important issue.

Summer is prime time for appliance sales. If this is on your to-do list be sure to purchase ENERGY STAR qualified models. They may cost a little bit more than other lesser models, but the price tag isn't the only number to consider. Your new appliance will pay you back over its lifetime by giving you a reason to celebrate every month when your utility bills arrive. Call us if you need help finding ENERGY STAR qualified models.

If you replace your refrigerator to take advantage of Labor Day sales, remember Southern California Edison's recycling program is still going strong. SCE will pay you $50 to come to your home and haul the old one away. Why are they willing to do this? Because old refrigerators use too much energy and it's time to get them off the grid. Give us a call at (310) 371-7222 for more information.

Please observe your cities’ ordinances regarding watering your landscaped areas during the dog days of summer.   Potable water is a precious resource that we can’t afford to waste.  Click here for some easy ways your family members can save water.

The California Energy Commission has expanded the Cash for Appliances Rebate program giving you even more ways to save money and energy. The rebate program now includes high energy efficient dishwashers, freezers, water heaters, and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.   Eligible energy efficient appliances and rebate amounts available are: refrigerators $200, clothes washers $100, and room air conditioners up to $50. California Cash for Appliance PLUS rebates include: dishwashers $100, freezers $50, water heaters $300-$750, and HVAC systems: $500-$1000.  For more information, call SBESC at (310) 371-7222.

Visit the Bixby Marshland this Saturday, August 7 from 8 am – 12 pm, and observe birds, animals, amphibians, fish and a diverse group of native plants in this wetland habitat.  It is located on Figueroa just south of Sepulveda - very local!   The Bixby Marshland was recently restored by the Sanitation Districts and through this restoration effort, the site has been rejuvenated, renewing the marshland’s health and increasing its value to wildlife.  The site is open one Saturday per month.  Self-guided tours are fine, but if you have a group going call (562) 908-4288.

Southern California Gas currently has cash rebates for its business customers in the food industry including qualifying ovens, fryers and other foodservice equipment. We can help you determine the most energy efficient model before you buy. Give us a call at (310) 371-7222 and we'll help you get the most value for the money you spend in these tough economic times.

There are several things you can do during a heat wave to save money and energy.  Use less electricity!   Avoid using household appliances (ie. dishwashers, washers, dryers and air conditioners) during the peak hours of 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.  You can also:  Turn off all unnecessary lights, use electric fans instead of air conditioning if practical, avoid cooling unoccupied rooms, limit the reopening of a refrigerator or freezer, which are major users of electricity in most homes, use drapes and blinds to keep out direct sunlight, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and that goes for kids and pets, too.

If you have an electric storage water heater and are planning to replace it with another electric unit, purchase one with an Energy Factor of .93 or greater, and you can receive a $30 rebate from Southern California Edison.    If you replace a gas storage water heater, you can receive  a $30 rebate from the Gas Company if the energy rating of the new unit has an Energy Factor of .62 or greater.   Call us for details at (310) 371-7222.

If you have central air conditioning, it’s not too late to take advantage of SCE's Summer Discount Plan during the summer season (June 1 – Sept 30) and receive a credit on your energy bill up to $200 every summer! Sign up and SCE will install (at no cost to you) a remote-controlled device on the A/C.   During periods of peak demand or a power emergency, they will cycle it on and off based on the intervals you choose.   Give us a call to find out how to enroll at (310) 371-7222.

Despite the rainfall this winter, drought conditions still exist in California.  Unlike past droughts, the limited water supply may continue over the next decade.    It is so important that we all practice the wise use of clean drinking water, a limited resource we cannot afford to waste.  You can achieve substantial savings by following simple conservation practices.   Check with your city for local ordinances and conservation programs, and check this website and our calendar for conservation workshops, or give us a call at (310) 371-7222.

The Gas Company is offering a $200/unit rebate on Energy Star® qualified central natural gas furnaces.   The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of the new unit needs to be a minimum of 92%.  If your water heater needs to be replaced (don’t wait for it to fail – if it’s several years old it’s probably time to replace it) the Gas Company will give a $30/unit on models that have an Energy Factor (EF) of 0.62 or greater.  For both rebates, make and model number must be included with a copy of the receipt.   Call us for the rebate application form at (310) 371-7222.

A whole house fan installed in your attic will pull hot air up and out, allowing you to quickly and efficiently cool your entire house - an ancient principle with modern rewards.  Whole house fans use about 1/10th the electricity of comparably sized air conditioners. SCE will help you pay for the installation with a $50 rebate. Using a whole house fan to pre-cool or cool your home instead of using central A/C is good for your pocketbook and good for the environment (a lot less greenhouse gas.)

What do you do with your unused prescriptions?  It was once common practice to flush unused or expired prescription, over-the-counter, and pet medications down the toilet.  Medications can include hormones, antidepressants, antibiotics, pain relievers, cold/flu remedies and antiseptics.   We learned the hard way that this practice is very bad because they end up in our ground water and ruin our environment.   Now you can safely and anonymously dispose of unused drugs and sharps (needles) at specified drop off points in the South Bay, no questions asked.   For the nearest location, give us a call at (310) 371-7222.

Southern California is using water reserves to supply everyday water. California's main water sources have been severely impacted by record dry conditions despite the rainfall this winter.  To reduce dependence on less reliable imported water to coastal Los Angeles by one third by the year 2020, West Basin Municipal Water District has a new program called “Water Reliability 2020”.  Call SBESC at (310) 371-7222 today to arrange for a Water Reliability 2020 speaker to come to your next club or organization’s meeting and talk about this important issue.

Ceiling fans have been around for almost 150 years for one good reason:  they work!  During hot sticky weather they circulate the air and help achieve a comfortable environment even if you don’t have air conditioning.  If you do have an air conditioner, you can set it at a low fan setting and let the ceiling fan do the rest of the work at a much lower rate ($$).  SBESC will have a booth at FIESTA HERMOSA over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend and will raffle off a ceiling fan.  Be sure to stop by our booth and enter the FREE drawing!

The federal government is offering residents of California some very healthy rebates through the State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program (SEEARP) to purchase qualified clothes washers (rebate $100), refrigerators (rebate $200), and room/window air conditioners (rebate $50). These rebates are...

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Everyone should try to conserve at least 20 gallons of water a day. We are already using our water reserves to supply our everyday water because California's main water sources have been severely impacted by record dry conditions. This sortage is extremely critical.   Check this website for our list of things you can do to save water and energy, or give us a call at (310) 371-7222.

As we come to the end of April and attend the last Earth Day event, ask yourself if you are following the three R's (let’s use a plastic milk container as an example):  Are you reducing - Buy only what you need and use all of it;  Are you reusing - use it as a watering can for indoor plants or cut it in half and use the bottom half to hold small items;  Are you recycling - take the cap off the container and toss both into the recycle bin, where they’ll be made into something else that’s useful rather than be buried in a landfill for thousands of years.

Despite the rainfall this winter, drought conditions still exist in California.  Unlike past droughts, the limited water supply may continue over the next decade.    It is so important that we all practice the wise use of clean drinking water, a limited resource we cannot afford to waste.  You can achieve substantial savings by following simple conservation practices.   Check with your city for local ordinances and conservation programs, and check this website and our calendar for conservation workshops, or give us a call at (310) 371-7222.

Gas Company customers can receive a $200 rebate for a tankless water heater.  Tankless will save you money every month on your utility bill, but the downside is it doesn’t necessarily save water.  Is tankless the best way for your family to heat water?   Give us a call at (310) 371-7222 before you start your project and we will give you information that will help you make the best decision possible.

During the month of April we celebrate Earth Day and our environment.   One of the easiest ways to honor our environment is to stop flushing prescription, over-the-counter medications and veterinary medicines down the toilet.  Check with your local law enforcement agency to see if they have the Safe Drug Drop-off containers for your use.   Unused portions could also be taken to a household hazardous waste collection center or event (no controlled substances allowed) or put in a sturdy, securely sealed container, then in a trash can where children and animals can't reach them. Check our calendar for local HHW roundups or give us a call at (310) 371-7222.

If your water heater is more than 10 years old, replace it with a new EnergyStar qualified natural gas water storage unit, and get a $30 rebate. It must have an Energy Factor of .62 or greater. To save even more money on your monthly bill, wrap the unit and hot water pipes with an insulating blanket. Call us before you buy and we'll send you a list of qualified models (not all EnergyStar qualified units qualify for a rebate.)

Do you own or manage a restaurant? The Gas Company is offering generous rebates on energy efficient commercial foodservice equipment in 2010. The rebate for a double rack oven with a cooking efficiency rating of equal to or greater than 50% is $2,000 per unit . The single rack oven with the same rating has a rebate of $1,000 per unit . That's a lot of biscuits! Call us for a complete list of qualified products at (310) 371-7222.

A whole house fan installed in your attic will pull hot air up and out, allowing you to quickly and efficiently cool your entire house - an ancient principle with modern rewards.  Whole house fans use about 1/10th the electricity of comparably sized air conditioners. SCE will help you pay for the installation with a $50 rebate. Using a whole house fan to pre-cool or cool your home instead of using central A/C is good for your pocketbook and good for the environment (a lot less greenhouse gas.)

The Gas Company is offering a $200 per unit rebate on Energy Star qualified natural gas furnaces. They must have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 92%. Your C-20 contractor will be able to assist you in choosing the qualified equipment. Or, give us a call at (310) 371-7222 and we can provide a list.

If you have an electric storage water heater and are planning to replace it in 2010, purchase one with an Energy Factor of .93 or greater, and you can receive a $30 rebate from Southern California Edison. Call us before you purchase for a list of qualifying EnergyStar models (310) 371-7222.

A drop of water down the drain seems insignificant.   A drip the width of the tip of a ballpoint pen (1 mm) can waste up to 750 gallons of water per month.  A drool (1.5 mm) can waste 3,000 gallons in a month, and a drool (3mm stream) can waste 12,000 gallons per month.  These little drips, dribbles, and drools of water can add up to a flood, which can typically be fixed by replacing a bad rubber washer!

Commercial Kitchen Owners/Managers:  Did you know if you lower the lid and cover braising pans and steam kettles, you will save up to 40% of the energy used.  Residents AND commercial kitchen managers:   Heat only to the temperature required; do not turn thermostats on high in an attempt to get equipment to heat up to cook food faster.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. There is an old wives’ tale that says “never give your sweetheart something with a plug .” But, if the plug is attached to an EnergyStar® qualified product, what better way to say “you are very special to me.” Your loved one isn't the only one who deserves something special on Valentine's Day. Give a gift to the earth, too, by not throwing out your valentines, reuse them instead!

Were you chagrined to hear your sprinklers come on during the recent rains we've been having?  Call SBESC and find out about landscaping with "Smart Controllers."  Smart Controllers have sensors built in that measure the moisture of the soil, and do not come on during rainy periods.  Call us at (310) 371-7222 to find out how you may be qualified to receive a free controller through a program of West Basin Municipal Water District.

If you replaced your refrigerator to take advantage of holiday sales, remember Southern California Edison's recycling program is still going strong. SCE will pay you $50 to come to your home and haul the old one away. Why are they willing to do this? Because old refrigerators use too much energy and it's time to get them off the grid. Give us a call at (310) 371-7222 for more information.

On Tuesday SBESC will begin the 2009 Holiday Light Exchange in our Lawndale office at 15901 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 400.  Simply bring in two strands of old, working incandescent holiday light strings and receive two new LED strings, FREE.   You have the choice of multi-color or bright white strands of EnergyStar rated, 33 ft long, 100 bulb strings.  As always, while supplies last it is first come, first served.

Washing clothes is a weekly task for most households. If a new washing machine is on your holiday wish list, there are currently rebates for you to consider. The Gas Company offers a $35 rebate for high efficiency (HE) washing machines for residents, and there are also rebates for HE washers used in a business such as a hotel or hospital. Additionally, water agencies are also offering concurrent rebates. Pick out your model and call us (310-371-7122) before you buy and we will help you determine rebate eligibility.

Did you know . . . if you have a swamp cooler, or evaporative cooler, at work to keep the place comfortable, you can make the unit more energy efficient by adding an evaporative fan controller. SCE Express Efficiency has a cool $75 rebate. Click here for more information.

Feel the chill in the air recently? Fall and winter weather is almost here. The Gas Company offers $.15 per sq.ft. for attic or wall insulation and $200 per unit for a new EnergyStar Central Natural Gas Furnace with a 92% AFUE. Do you see dirt streaks around your register? Could be a sign of a leak somewhere in the ducting. Better get it checked out. No reason to keep the spiders in the attic warm this winter while your kids shiver.

October is Energy Awareness Month! This year's theme encourages everyone to see themselves as a piece of the puzzle fitting into the big picture. Download the 2009 poster to promote energy awareness all year long. Where do you fit into this puzzle? You can start by having your family take an on-line survey for your energy usage at home. There is even a website where you can calculate your own carbon footprint. Scroll down to the bottom of this page to find these links. Send an email to SBESC and let us know what you found out.

Here are more tips for water-wise living in Southern California. The next time a plumber visits, have them check your household water pressure, and if it is more than 80 psi, ask the plumber to install a pressure regulator. Secondly, put food coloring in the toilet tank and see if it enters the bowl without flushing. If it does, replace the flapper. A leaky toilet wastes 30-50 gallons per day. Last, use the garbage disposal less and garbage can more. Consider composting. Look for composting workshops on your city's calendar.

Here are five tips about your dishwasher. First, don't pre-rinse - uses extra water and energy and will make your glassware cloudy when the detergent finally works on it. Next, the amount of detergent you use should depend on how dirty the dishes are, not how many there are. Third, you may think you know how to load, but check the manual anyway because, Four, when a load doesn't come out clean its usually because the dishwasher wasn't loaded correctly. Lastly, use the normal cycle because it is the most efficient one of all.

Room by room: Energy efficiency in bathrooms and bedrooms uses many of the same techniques found in other parts of the house. CFL's, faucet aerators, low-flush toilets, caulking around exterior windows and doors all play a part. Additionally, by installing a ceiling fan in the bedroom you might not need the central air conditioner in the summer, and if you reverse it during the cold months it will help push the warm air down to where you are. If you place lamps in the corners of the room, the light will bounce off two walls, not just one. Next week: Five things you never knew about dishwashers.

Room by room: How can you make your kitchen and laundry energy and water efficient? If your refrigerator is old, replace it with an ENERGY STAR qualified model and get $50 from SCE and free pickup. Replace your 10 years old or older clothes washer with ENERGY STAR qualified models and get a $35 rebate from The Gas Company. New high-efficiency washers can use less than half the water of older inefficient models (use full loads!) Rebates are also available on ENERGY STAR dishwashers (ditto full loads.) CFL's work great in the kitchen, too. Finally, install water aerators at the sink. Next week: Bathrooms and bedrooms.

Room by room: How can you make your living room energy efficient? Start with the front door. Go outside after dark and if you can see light around the edges when it's closed, it needs weather stripping. Make sure your windows are adequately caulked. Replace light fixtures and lamps with ENERGY STAR qualified CFL bulbs, keep the fireplace damper closed when not in use, and when you replace your television, do not purchase a plasma screen. LCD flat panels use way less energy. Next Week: Kitchen and Laundry with water saving tips.

Labor Day Weekend is coming up and lots of stores will be having appliance sales. Be sure you purchase EnergyStar qualified models because they will save you money over the life of the appliance. If you are replacing your refrigerator, call us to find out how to collect $50 for your old (working) one, including FREE pickup! We also have rebate information on new dishwashers.

Southern California Gas currently has cash rebates for its business customers covering a variety of equipment, including space heating boilers, tankless water heaters, storage water heaters, commercial pool heaters, steam traps and more. We can help you determine the most energy efficient model before you buy. Give us a call at (310) 371-7222 and we'll help you get the most value for the money you spend.

Everyone should try to conserve at least 20 gallons of water a day. We are already using our water reserves to supply our everyday water because California's main water sources have been severely impacted by record dry conditions. This is serious! Click here to go to our list of things you can do to save water and energy. If you have any questions, call us at (310) 371-7222.

Here are some basic safety tips for seniors from Southern California Edison: Have a battery-operated flashlight easily available at all times; place electrical cords out of the flow of traffic to avoid tripping; be sure that your electrical outlets and switches have cover plates to avoid being shocked by exposed wires; unplug small appliances when not in use; if you use a heating pad, turn it off before going to sleep. For information on special programs that can help reduce your monthly bill, give us a call at (310) 371-7222.

Here in California, homeowner "Bob" has a 2,800 s.f. home and spends $3,000 in a six month period using a central air conditioner to cool his home. His neighbor, homeowner "Nancy" uses a whole house fan instead and spends $300 during the same six month period. SCE has a $50 rebate on a whole house fan for homeowners with central air conditioning or a heat pump system. Call us at (310) 371-7222 to find out more information.

When it's hot, people like ice in their beverages. Commercial ice machines use 20-25 gallons of water to produce 100 pounds of ice cubes; some models can use up to 90 gallons to produce 100 pounds of ice cubes. Machines that make ice flakes , on the other hand, consume far less, about 15-20 gallons of water to produce 100 pounds of ice flakes. There are rebates available for new ice machines. If you are considering a replacement, call us at (310) 371-7222 for more information.

Here are some tips for saving water during this drought: Set lawn mower blades one notch higher because longer grass means less evaporation. Check to see if your toilets are leaking by putting a few drops of food color in the tank. If the water in the bowl turns color without flushing , you have a leak and it needs to be fixed. Finally, when eating out turn your water glass upside down if you don't want water. This not only saves the water you don't drink, but also the water (and energy) used to wash your used glass.

Programmable thermostats aren't just for heating your home during winter months. They can also help you keep a lid on your central air conditioning cooling costs during the summer. Take it a step further and sign up for SCE's Summer Discount Plan to save even more. Give us a call at (310) 371-7222 and we will show you how.

The 4th of July is prime time for appliance sales. If this is on your to-do list be sure to purchase ENERGY STAR qualified models. They will cost more than other lesser models, but the price tag isn't the only number to consider. Your new appliance will pay you back over its lifetime by giving you a reason to celebrate every month when your utility bills arrive. Call us if you need help finding ENERGY STAR qualified models. Speaking of celebration, have a safe and happy 4th of July, and be sure to observe your local fireworks ordinances.

Visit our booth this weekend, June 27 and 28, at the Riviera Village Summer Festival (corner Avenue I and Catalina Avenue). In addition to all the latest information on water conservation and tips about saving energy, including rebates, we will have two electric Local Use Vehicles (LUV) and information about how you can participate in the upcoming LUV demonstration project.

If you have central air conditioning, take advantage of SCE's Summer Discount Plan and receive a credit on your energy bill up to $200 every summer! Sign up and SCE will install (at no cost to you) a remote-controlled device on the A/C. During periods of peak demand they will cycle it on and off based on the intervals you choose. Give us a call to find out how to enroll at (310) 371-7222.

Installing a programmable thermostat will allow you to set the temperature for comfort while you're at home and save energy when you're away. For example, Monday through Friday program the heat to come on half an hour before you rise and to shut off about the time you leave. Set it to come on half an hour before you are due to come home, then turn off just as you retire. Saturday and Sunday schedules can be programmed, too. Set it, and forget it!

An old toilet can use up to seven gallons of water every time you flush. New ones use 1.6 gallons or less. Single-family residents have access to FREE high-efficiency toilets through West Basin's high-efficiency toilet (HET) give-away program events throughout the year sponsored by the District Directors. Call us at (310) 371-7222 for the next event in your District. Certain restrictions apply.

Do you own or manage a restaurant? The Gas Company is offering tremendous rebates on commercial foodservice equipment in 2009. The rebate for a double rack oven with a cooking efficiency rating of equal to or greater than 50% is $2,000 per unit . The single rack oven with the same rating has a rebate of $1,000 per unit . That's a lot of biscuits! Call us for a complete list of qualified products at (310) 371-7222.

If your water heater is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with a new EnergyStar qualified natural gas water storage unit, and get a $30 rebate. It must have an Energy Factor of .62 or greater. To save even more money on your monthly bill, wrap the unit with an insulating blanket. Call us before you buy and we'll send you a list of qualified models.

With lingering drought conditions in California it is so important that we all practice the wise use of clean drinking water, a limited resource we cannot afford to waste. Unlike past droughts, the limited water supply may continue over the next decade. You can achieve substantial savings by following simple conservation practices. Check with your city for local ordinances and conservation programs, and check our calendar for conservation workshops.

Hot weather is coming, and we all know heat rises. A whole house fan installed in your attic will pull that hot air up and out, allowing you to quickly and efficiently cool your entire house. Whole house fans use about 1/10th the electricity of comparably sized air conditioners. SCE will help you pay for the installation with a $100 rebate. Using a whole house fan to pre-cool or cool your home instead of using central A/C could save you up to $50 on your summer bills and prevent 172 pounds of carbon dioxide from being released into the air. Now, that's hot!

Wednesday is Earth Day. Celebrate our planet by following the three R's (using a 2-liter soda bottle as an example): Reduce - Buy only what you need and use all of it; Reuse - use it as a watering can for indoor plants or cut it in half and use the bottom half to hold items; Recycle - instead of trashing the top, take it with other recyclables to a collection point where it will be made into something else.

During spring break buy your movie and event tickets online and print them at home. Print-at-home tickets use plain copy paper, which is easier to make into recycled paper than the paperboard used for printed tickets. Some 1.4 billion movie tickets are sold annually in the U.S., and almost every one of them goes to waste. Source: "The Green Book", Three Rivers Press, and available for viewing in our library.

The Gas Company is offering a $200 per unit rebate on Energy Star qualified natural gas furnaces. They must have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 92%. Your C-20 contractor will be able to assist you in choosing the qualified equipment. Or, give us a call at (310) 371-7222 and we can provide a list.

The Gas Company's expanded array of new energy-efficient equipment rebates for restaurants and other food service customers offer significant savings on the purchase of new equipment, and long-term savings on energy bills. Southern California Edison also has generous programs available. Additionally, West Basin has a Cash for Kitchens program which offers a free water audit to qualifying facilities. Call SBESC at (310) 371-7222 for more information on these programs and to schedule a FREE water audit.

There is an Irish urban myth that says the tops of plastic bottles should not go in the recycle bin. The truth is, plastic tops can go into the bin separately, just don't screw them back on the bottle. When a sealed plastic bottle goes through the crushing machine at a recycling facility, the pressure can cause it to explode. So, caps off, and toss both the bottle and the lid into the recycle bin separately

Statistics show that as much as 50% of commercial water is used for irrigation. New technology such as Smart Controllers and Rotating Nozzles are a common sense solution to over-watering and excessive run-off, proving it is possible to conserve water and still enhance the health and beauth of our landscapes. REBATES for smart irrigation system controllers and rotating nozzles for pop-up spray heads are available. It's easy to participate. Call us at (310) 371-7222 for more information.

Unused prescription and over-the-counter medications that are put in drains or flushed down the toilet pollute the environment. Unused portions should be taken to a household hazardous waste collection center or event (no controlled substances allowed) or put in a sturdy, securely sealed container, then in a trash can where children and animals can't reach them. Check our calendar for local HHW roundups.

If you have an electric storage water heater and are planning to replace it with another electric unit in 2009, purchase one with an Energy Factor of .93 or greater, and you can receive a $30 rebate from Southern California Edison. Call us for details

Join us at the FREE Lamp Exchange at the South Bay Galleria this coming weekend, February 21 and 22. If you are an SCE customer you may bring up to ten lamps (leave the shades at home) and exchange them for the same type of lamp. For example, exchange a desk lamp for a new energy efficient desk lamp. Click here for more details.

Reuse and recycle - even your Valentine's Day cards. The City of El Segundo has cleverly come up with things you can do to recycle your cards. Click here for the flyer.

If you will be remodeling any part of your home this year, and your walls are not currently insulated, The Gas Company is offering a rebate of $.15 per sq ft for new R-13 (minimum) wall insulation. Kitchen remodels are particularly good candidates because often they are stripped down to the studs, making new wall insulation a no-brainer.

"More light for less money" makes ENERGY STAR qualified lighting a bright idea. ENERGY STAR qualified torchieres remain cooler than halogen torchieres making them safer, use less energy than halogen torchieres and can save you up to $125 over the life of one bulb. Always look for the ENERGY STAR symbol.

Scroll down our home page and find the links to the home on-line surveys for SCE and The Gas Company. Calculating how much you can save is an excellent way to start the year!

SCE is offering a $50 rebate on ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator. In addition, they will pick up your old, working one and give you a check for another $50.00! Click here for details.

While doing your post-holiday clean up, put all your hazardous household waste material (HHW) in a box and take it to one of the HHW and E-waste round-ups scheduled for this month. This could include old batteries and spent cfls as well as old computers and television sets. Check our January calendar for days and locations.

Only a couple of days left in 2008, but you still have time to collect a rebate from The Gas Company if you buy and install before December 31! $35/unit for an EnergyStar qualified clothes washer or $30 for an EnergyStar qualified dishwasher and $.15 / sq. ft. for wall and attic insulation. Happy New Year!

Are you gifting your sweetie with a new clothes washer or a new dishwasher this year over the holidays? You still have time to collect a rebate from The Gas Company if you buy and install before December 31! $35/unit for an EnergyStar qualified clothes washer or $30 for an EnergyStar qualified dishwasher will buy you a nice dinner for Valentine's Day.

Still time to purchase and install insulation and get some of it back from the Gas Company through rebates. Attic insulation must be R-30 and the rebate is $0.15 per square foot. Wall insulation must achieve a minimum rating of R-13 and the rebate is $0.15 per square foot also. Call us at (310) 543-3022 and we can explain the conditions and direct you to a rebate form.

Still time to receive a $30 per unit 2008 rebate from the Gas Company if you just replaced your gas water heater. If it has an Energy Factor (EF) of greater or equal to .62, and it was purchased and installed in 2008, you qualify. Call us at (310) 543-3022 and we can direct you to a rebate form.

If you're buying candles this year, consider those made from soy, palm, or pure beeswax instead of paraffin wax candles. Since paraffin is a petroleum product, they may contain benezene or acetone which can pollute indoor air with unhealthy fumes and soot. Naturally based candles are the green choice because they're made with renewable resources, burn cleanly, and are biodegradable.

Visit a Farmer's Market and opt for foods that are produced locally for your Thanksgiving table this week. By purchasing from a local vendor, you're not only getting fresher food but you are reducing your family's carbon footprint by eliminating the energy used to truck food in from faraway places, as well as the need for packing materials - which is very cool. Happy Thanksgiving!

Stay hydrated! Bring your own reusable water bottle filled with filtered water from home every time you go to the gym. You could save an average of $200 per year as well as 14 pounds of plastic.

If you are planning to upgrade your television to a flat screen, chose a 32" LCD panel over an equal sized plasma screen and you will save about 275 kilowatt-hours of energy and $25 per year.

Bring us two old strands of energy-guzzling incandescent holiday lights, miniatures are ok, too, and we'll exchange them for two FREE strands of LED holiday lights.

We have some big dinners coming up with friends and family over the holiday season. Be sure your dishwasher is completely full before you run it, and don't pre-rinse your dishes before putting them in. Set on the air-dry setting, and if you do all of these things you will not only save energy, but also up to 20 gallons of water per dish load, or 7,300 gallons over a year. (If you don't have a dishwasher, turn off the tap while you scrub.) If you are looking to replace your dishwasher, give us a call for rebate information.

If you have an electric storage water heater and are planning to replace it with another electric unit, purchase one with an Energy Factor of .93 or greater, and you can receive a $30 rebate from Southern California Edison. Call us for details.

Feel the chill in the air recently? Fall and winter weather will soon be here and it's time to evaluate how well your home will protect your family against the elements. The Gas Company offers $.15 per sq.ft. for attic insulation and $200 per unit for a new EnergyStar Central Natural Gas Furnace with a 92% AFUE. If you do nothing else, clean or replace your furnace filter. It's a simple and effective solution to fix energy INefficiency.

For 100 years we've used "incandescent" bulbs to light our homes. They are incredibly inefficient. Only about 5% of the energy supplied to them is convered into light, the rest goes to making heat. Every time you switch to a CFL you save 62 pounds of C02 emissions and $45 in energy costs over the life of the bulb. Many stores have "point of purchase" incentives. Pick up a pack and start saving money and the environment!

You will lower your electric bill by washing your clothes in cold water. Front loading washing machines use 30 gallons of water less per load than top loading models.

An old toilet can use up to seven gallons of water every time you flush. New ones use 1.6 gallons or less. Single-family residents have access to FREE high-efficiency toilets through West Basin's high-efficiency toilet (HET) give-away program events throughout the year. Call for locations. Program subject to funding.

Labor Day Weekend is coming up and lots of stores will be having appliance sales. Be sure you purchase EnergyStar qualified models because they will save you money over the life of the appliance. If you are replacing your refrigerator, call us to find out how to collect $50 for your old (working) one, including FREE pickup! We also have rebate information on new dishwashers.