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Consumer Reports July 09 green roundup Here are the latest green highlights from the July 2009 issue of Consumer Reports. CARS Honda Insight hybrid: First Look. Our auto test engineers were impressed with the overall 38 mpg gas-mileage and $19,800 starting price of the all-new Honda Insight hybrid. But they also noted that the car achieves that price by sacrificing some comfort and refinement. Get the whole First Look. HOME & GARDEN How to keep cool and cut energy costs. CR says you might be able to save on a new central air-conditioning system or split ductless unit through a tax credit of 30 percent (up to $1,500), valid through 2010. The credit covers parts and labor, and the installed system must have a seasonal energy-efficiency ratio (SEER) of 14 or higher for packaged systems, or 16 for split and split ductless. You might also be able to get a utility rebate for an Energy Star-qualified window A/C. Read about other Ways to cut down on A/C use or check out the Air conditioner buying guide (full report available to subscribers). Ceiling fans can also help cut A/C cooling costs. Another way CR says you can save energy and money is by using a ceiling fan with or instead of an A/C. Just turn up the A/C's temperature a few degrees and let the fan do the rest. Or simply turn off the A/C when you don’t need both. Read Add a ceiling fan. Green laundry detergent claims. Among the detergents tested in CR’s most recent laundry detergent report were two that are said to have more plant-based ingredients than petroleum: Simplicity Hypoallergenic Non-Toxic 2X and Seventh Generation Natural Powdered HE. Both cleaned well and claim to be hypoallergenic. But manufacturers can make those claims without any checks or federal standards. In fact, safety warnings were found for all the detergents tested, including those. Get more advice on How to choose (full report available to subscribers). See all of the topics covered in the July 09 issue of Consumer Reports. |