New PG&E rebates have been added for 2025. Most expire December 31.

Our local utility Pacific Gas and Electric – PG&E has cash rebates and ways to go green and save money. Here are some PG&E Energy Efficiency Rebates

PG&E Rebates

• Rebate Catalog
• Add a portable backup power system and apply for $300 rebate
• Get up to $4000 back on a used EV
• California Clean Vehicle Savings – Rebate Project
• Business Rebate Catalog
• Upgrade our AC and more with financing support by the state of CA
• Solar Water Heater rebates up to $4366 7/31/2020 is last application date
• Multi-Family Property PG&E Rebates

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Last Update: January 2025

Get a Free Solar Power Estimate from a local vendor

2025 continues the very popular residential Solar Federal Tax Credit or Investment Tax Credit first enacted in 2009.  With the new credit, you can claim up to 30% of solar power costs for a new solar electric system off your Federal taxes. Existing homes & new construction qualify. Both principal residences and second homes qualify. Rental properties do not qualify. 

In August 2022, Congress passed an extension of the ITC, raising it to 30% for the installation of which was between 2022-2032. (Systems installed on or before December 31, 2019 were also eligible for a 30% tax credit.) Read the rest of this entry »

New rebates have been added.

Utility Company Florida Power and Light has a bunch of cash rebates and ways to go green.

• • Energy efficient air conditioners save up to $2150
    – new A/C system that has a minimum SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) of 14
  • Save up to $90 a year with the On Call® Savings Program
  • Save with new ceiling insulation

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Recently I found a friend who was using Chinese Miraculous Insecticide Chalk otherwise known as Pretty Baby Chalk, Ant Chalk, Roach Chalk and Chinese Chalk.  Tres Pasitos is a Spanish name for this product.

The product is illegal and dangerous. The EPA has a warning on it too. We tried it in the past and found that it didn’t really work. I found this stuff being sold all over San Francisco’s Chinatown and it is for sale on eBay.

A check on amazon in 2022 found no insecticide chalk.

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The holidays are here!  The media has reported that the average person gains 7 to 10 pounds between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Ouch. Big dinners, more alcohol, more snacks, more finger foods, tempting desserts, and appetizers. How can we work to combat those pounds?

Small Packages of Food

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Fall coming and a chill is in the air.  It is time to get prepared for colder and wetter weather. Not only can we make our  home more comfortable, we can save on our energy bill.

1. Conduct an energy assessment or energy audit
2. Get your heater or furnace serviced or upgraded. Replace air filters on heaters and air conditioners.
3. Setup your programmable thermostat
4. Check Your smoke detectors and change their batteries. Install carbon monoxide detectors if you don’t have any. They are now required in certain states.
5. Seal air leaks, add insulation, fix leaky air ducts. Also insulate any exposed outdoor plumbing
6. Clean your gutters and drain pipe
7. Tune your sprinkler system or install a Smart controller
8. Take advantage of the Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency for wind, geothermal, solar, and more.
9. Cut back any tree branches or foliage that is in danger of falling
10. Check and fix your deck for leaks, cracks, and nails in need of repair
11. If you live in the North and have a lawn, it may be time to fertilize your lawn

Going green makes the cold season more bearable and easier on the wallet.

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April 27, 2004 10am local time, is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.

The DEA is promoting this day for people to turn in your unused or expired medication for safe disposal. They have a local collection site locator on their website. Over 5600 sites will take back items. Several cities near me are participating with most drop of locations at police stations. Last year 324 tons was taken back and recycled.

It is important to recycle drugs and recycle medicine properly!

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Last Update: 1/18/2025

Before Considering Recycling

Lets get real, recycling is the last resort for getting rid of waste.  The vast majority of items do not get recycled. Plastics break down into microplastics that pollute our environment and animals. We’ve grown to understand that REDUCE is far more important.

We should instead: Read the rest of this entry »

Everyone wants to look good and feel good about their body!

• Did you know that many cosmetics that women use on a daily basis may contain toxic ingredients?
• Most cosmetics don’t even have an ingredients list on them!

It’s time people know what they are putting on their body.

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Electronics eventually break down.  The dilemma is then repair or replace the item. If you item is under warranty, the decision is easy – get it fixed. Recycling electronics does not address the issue.

• China stopped taking our waste
• Irresponsible recyclers add to toxic waste problem
• Fix, do not replace

Remember that many credit cards will double your manufacturer’s warranty.  Check your credit card’s fine print.

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