From the Editor’s Desk The First of Many

I’m honored to be the first-ever editor of the first-ever edition of The Efficient Home. Now, that title is more than a little ironic. Truth be told, my home could be more efficient. My life could be much more efficient, but I guess that’s why we’re all here.

We began creating the pages you are about to experience with one very pointed mindset: Let’s get people from a good place to a better place. Eventually it evolved into the shorter, “Let’s get people from Good to Better.” You don’t have to be perfect. You can and should be grateful for where you are, and that thankful heart can be the launchpad for discovering new ways, both small and not-so-small, that get you to “Better.”

The road to energy efficiency is less expressway and more country road. And there is more than one way to get there. What works for me might not work for you. And that’s OK.

Because, after all, energy efficiency is more journey than destination. It’s a lifestyle. One that uses less energy, yes. But it’s so much more than that too. It saves you money doing everything you love at home. It makes every room more comfortable season after season. It provides much-needed relief to a warming planet. And it brings people together. (What else unites penny pinchers, technophiles and tree huggers so harmoniously?)

Our goal was to give you a sly smile as you breeze through this little magazine. We want you to enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed putting it together. The writers, editors and designers wanted to put a little bit of “Better” on every page. I think they’ve done a fantastic job, and I am thankful for all their hard work.

So, get going, get reading.

I hope you’ll find inspiration in these pages to seek out opportunities here and there in your own home to make the changes that make sense to you and how you live. And, I hope these changes get you closer to “Better” in your life and bring you moments of peace in our wonderful, beautiful, continually changing world.

Eric A. Riopko

Manager, Energy Efficiency Programs

Baltimore Gas and Electric Company