Solar Trash Compacting In The Fruitvale

In the revitalized Fruitvale District; where the La Farrine sits across the street from Farmer Joe’s, in front of the Peets Coffee, there is a solar trash can that generates its own power to compact the trash. I love to see the City setting this example, serving as a reminder every time we see it, to reduce and reuse.

What's Your Berkeley Oakland Home's Energy IQ?

Weather Proof Your Home!

There's nothing like cold weather to remind you about the cost savings of energy proofing. During the spring and summer months when the temperature indoors is similar or cooler than the temperature outdoors, we tend not to notice the relative draftiness of our homes. Particularly in our area, where most housing stock is more than fifty years old, taking a close look at weather proofing for both summer and winter months can make a big difference.


I was showing a Berkeley Historic home the other day. The weather was cold and clear. When we got inside the house, the radiant heat from the sun beating down on the west facing windows made the home comfortable if a little warm, but when we stood in the foyer and chatting about the home, the gaps under the heavy front door and around the hinges were leaking lots of cold air inside. In this case, sealing the door could be remedied for about $5.00 with weather stripping material.


This is BEFORE the heat is turned on. When you use the furnace, leaky ducts are the cause of lots more lost heat. If a new furnace isn't in the budget this year, have your ducts checked for leaks and heat your home with confidence.

Visit PGE's Smart Home Site to get more information about saving energy!