From insulation that looks like green shaving cream to geothermal heat pumps, the Live Green Expo at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center offers a chance to see the latest products and tips that put the environment and energy conservation first.
Untapped energy
There isn't an oil rig next to the swing set in your backyard, but Econar believes there are resources underneath the surface waiting to be harnessed in the form of geothermal energy.
A series of coils buried below ground draws heat from the earth in winter and converts it through a pump into heating for your home. In summer it works in reverse to cool your home.
"It's like having an oil field in your backyard," said Econar representative Mark Kennedy.
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The electric-based systems, built in Minnesota, cost between $12,000 and $16,000 for a typical home.
Green foam for a green life
In the course of a day, your home can add a green layer of insulation to assist in maintaining temperature and driving down energy costs.
Through a hole in your siding, J.A.K. Insulation will feed nontoxic, expanding insulation through a hose into the walls.
Sweep your Chimney
A wood or gas fireplace is thought of as an energy source, but more often it's an energy sap.
While it's not in use, a fireplace can allow mass amounts of heat to escape.
Black Goose Chimney and Duct provides dampers for the top of the chimney, air-tight glass doors for the base and other products to reduce heat loss and improve your home's efficiency.
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Water logging
Installing a low-flow shower head can cut water consumption by 30 percent, a water heater that works only when needed could produce energy savings of 40 percent, and LaundryPure could cut the need for detergent all together.
Those estimates and ideas stem from All Service Plumbing, a promoter of green plumbing.
The concept behind LaundryPure is the treatment of wash water with silver ions to kill bacteria and peroxides to clean clothes.
Window dressing
A relatively easy way to reduce both heat and air conditioning from leaving your home through windows is to install tinted film to the glass.
Sun Solutions can provide more than 100 shades to your windows.
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If your old VCR is gathering dust, recycle it at the expo. John's Twin Ports Recycling will take up to five electronic items off your hands.
Live Green Expo
* 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today in Pioneer Hall, Duluth Entertainment Convention Center.
* Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children and seniors. The event is free for children 12 and younger.
