Topic: Energy Efficiency and Conservation

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Top 10 most expensive car repair mistakes

Better built cars and an uncertain economy mean that Americans are holding onto their cars for longer than ever and are doing more of their own repairs. Nearly half of those who already do their own auto repairs say they are doing more of them themselves this year; 3 in 4 of those who rely on a mechanic say that economic conditions are making them more likely to attempt their own repairs, according to a recent survey by AutoMD.com. But there are mistakes that even the most seasoned do-it-yourselfers can make. Whether you like to go under the hood or take your vehicle to the shop, here are 10 expensive repair and maintenance mistakes to avoid:
One World Trade Center and the four other tallest buildings in America

The new One World Trade Center tower is taking over as New York City’s tallest from the Empire State Building. But it’s not the country’s tallest. Here are the five tallest buildings in the country.
Earth Day: Five ways we affect the planet

The late Sen. Gaylord Nelson (D) of Wisconsin organized the first Earth Day in 1970 after the devastating oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, Calif. The event started as an environmental teach-in, with some 20 million Americans taking part on college campuses across the United States. Today, 500 million people in 175 countries observe Earth Day on April 22 as a way to celebrate the natural world and raise awareness of the environment. How much do humans affect the earth? Click below to find out.
10 snapshots of New York from celebrated diaries

From 'New York Diaries' edited by Teresa Carpenter, 10 stories of New York City through the centuries.
What can be done to create jobs? Six leading ideas.

The job market has shown some very welcome signs of improvement lately, but it still has a long way to go before approaching something Americans would call normal. Here’s a look at some of the proposed solutions out there.

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In Gear
Used car prices: Some models could plummet $900 in June

Used car prices have already begun to drop after a surge earlier this year. Easier credit, lower gas prices are among the factors easing still high used car prices.
Top 10 most expensive car repair mistakes

Better built cars and an uncertain economy mean that Americans are holding onto their cars for longer than ever and are doing more of their own repairs. Nearly half of those who already do their own auto repairs say they are doing more of them themselves this year; 3 in 4 of those who rely on a mechanic say that economic conditions are making them more likely to attempt their own repairs, according to a recent survey by AutoMD.com. But there are mistakes that even the most seasoned do-it-yourselfers can make. Whether you like to go under the hood or take your vehicle to the shop, here are 10 expensive repair and maintenance mistakes to avoid:
One World Trade Center and the four other tallest buildings in America

The new One World Trade Center tower is taking over as New York City’s tallest from the Empire State Building. But it’s not the country’s tallest. Here are the five tallest buildings in the country.
Modern Parenthood
Earth Day 2012: Tips to help your family go green this year

Earth Day 2012: A handy list of tips and tricks to help your family go green this year, from gardening to recycling.
Earth Day: Five ways we affect the planet

The late Sen. Gaylord Nelson (D) of Wisconsin organized the first Earth Day in 1970 after the devastating oil spill off the coast of Santa Barbara, Calif. The event started as an environmental teach-in, with some 20 million Americans taking part on college campuses across the United States. Today, 500 million people in 175 countries observe Earth Day on April 22 as a way to celebrate the natural world and raise awareness of the environment. How much do humans affect the earth? Click below to find out.
This Earth Day, let's focus on people

Environmentalists go on about the loss of endangered species and degraded coral reefs. But we barely mention people – nature's biggest beneficiaries. This Earth Day, let’s put human well-being at the center of things, and make explicit the value of nature to our everyday lives.
The Simple Dollar
For long road trips, is it cheaper to rent?

It depends on many factors, but a rental car may ultimately cheaper than using your own for a long trip.
New York's next-gen taxis: moonroofs and phone chargers

New York City unveiled the ‘Taxi of Tomorrow’ on Tuesday – the Nissan NV200 van, which will replace the city’s 13,000-plus fleet of yellow cabs. Will other cities follow suit?
Obama trails Romney in new poll. Are gas prices the key?

As gas prices have risen, President Obama has tried to defend his energy policies. The president's critics argue that he underplays the role that domestic energy production could play.
Japan tsunami brought home hard lessons for automakers

On the first anniversary of the Japan tsunami, the auto industry is returning to normal after some significant disruptions. But the face of the industry has shifted.
Tax deductions: Here are five for homeowners

Tax deductions for homeowners go way beyond interest on a mortgage. There are tax deductions for mortgage insurance and even energy-efficient improvements.
From Model T to Prius: 13 big moments in fuel efficiency history

It took a long time for America's average fuel efficiency to surpass the M.P.G. rating of the Model T.
Hybrid cars 101: How long should batteries last?

Owners complain that some hybrid-car batteries conk out early. What is the lifespan of a hybrid battery?
How student-built solar homes can help solve US housing and energy crisis

Few of the homes created by university teams in the Solar Decathlon are ever lived in – despite their extraordinary expense and tax on the environment. Instead of building temporary show houses, schools should build energy-efficient homes for local people who need them.
High gas prices will slow car sales, not stop them

Automakers are ready for surging gas prices with more fuel-efficient vehicles. Only if gas prices move above $5 a gallon could automakers face a big slowdown.
Americans' trend line on gasoline: Use less, spend more

US oil consumption is down, and fuel economy for new vehicles is at an all-time high. Despite these leaner ways, Americans are spending 65 percent more on gasoline since 2005. Why?
The Simple Dollar
The many fiscal wonders of cruise control

Cruise control increases your fuel efficiency and reduces your chances of a speeding ticket, saving you loads of money.
Green Economics
What's the future of energy economics?

How should researchers deal with the economics of energy in the future? Here are six ideas.
The Simple Dollar
Good gas conservation habits pay off

Making a few little changes to how you drive can save you a surprising amount of fuel without adding much time at all to your trip.
The Simple Dollar
Want to save gas? Clean out your car.

Lugging around even ten pounds of extra weight in your car can have a significant financial impact. Lightening the load will increase fuel efficiency and prolong the life of your car.
The Simple Dollar
Buying a car? Shop for reliability and fuel economy.

All of the luxury features you might want in a car should be completely secondary in your search. Focus instead on getting the best bang for your buck in terms of fuel efficiency and reliability.
10 snapshots of New York from celebrated diaries

From 'New York Diaries' edited by Teresa Carpenter, 10 stories of New York City through the centuries.
What can be done to create jobs? Six leading ideas.

The job market has shown some very welcome signs of improvement lately, but it still has a long way to go before approaching something Americans would call normal. Here’s a look at some of the proposed solutions out there.
Thirty ideas from people under 30: The Environmentalists

They are explorers and activists, artists and educators, farmers and faith leaders – even mayors. And they have trenchant suggestions on how to improve the world.
Six steps to choosing the best refrigerator

If you’ve had the pleasure of purchasing an appliance within the last 10 years you’re probably aware that things are not as simple as they once used to be. While technology has made many things in our lives easier, choosing the best refrigerator among hundreds of similar models isn’t one of them. Family size and lifestyle are only a few of the factors that influence a purchase. That said, armed with the right information and knowing what questions to ask can ease the process of finding the best refrigerator: