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If 10,000 Biters wear layers to warm up instead of turning on the heat, in a year we'll avert the CO2 caused by 873 paddy wagons over the same time.

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In one of the longest car chases ever, German bank robbers were pursued for 620 miles, through several countries, before Ukrainian police caught them.

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home ›   tip library ›   Wearing Layers

Are you on a high-speed chase for lower energy bills?

The Bite

Pullover. Either put one on or take one off, that is. Instead of reaching for the heat or A/C switch, regulate your temp by wearing layers, and get the energy-bill pigs (not to mention CO2 emissions) off your tail.

The Benefits

  • Bill savings at home. Wearing appropriate clothes avoids indecent exposure to the elements and can save you $250 per year.
  • Less CO2. Adopting this tip helps avoid 1,000 lb of CO2 per Biter, per year.
  • Less nagging. Wearing layers when you go to your BFF's or the office means you won't have to ask if you can turn the A/C up or down depending on the outfit you're wearing.
  • Snuggling up. If you're lookin' for a cuddle, pretend like you can't find any layers and cozy up to someone sexy.

Personally Speaking

The SF Biter team are experts in the fine art of layering but spent most of the unusually warm summer toting their jackets under their arms.

Wanna Try?

Oct 12,2007


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All editorial suggestions in this tip are the result of testing and a preference for the tip topic. No advertiser has paid to have its company referenced in the tip. For more information, please read our Editorial Policy.


Long Johns are Hot
Recently, my roommate's ex-girlfriend informed me that long johns are not hot. I own two pairs, and I beg to differ.

When I spent a few weeks in Beijing during the dead of winter, the long johns (worn simultaneously) were the only thing between me and an ice statue.

As a result, I completely tune out when people complain about the cold here in San Francisco. In the states, I've had to wear the long johns only very occasionally, one at a time, and lucky for me, apparently, rarely during dates.

-Toshio...off to strip down to jeans and a t-shirt...

Biter Comments...
Here in NW PA it gets pretty darn cold in winter (not quite Minnesota-like, but down to -20F or so). I couldn't make it through the winter without my flannel-lined jeans and wool sweaters over turtlenecks. I can keep the house around 65F without getting sick if I'm bundled like that. However, don't lower the thermostat too much if you've got small children or elderly folks living with you - their immune systems can't handle the dry, chilly air as well as a healthy young adult's immune system can. If you're all healthy adults in your abode, then this is a fantastic tip.
I too wear layers here in the KC area because in the winter it can get pretty darned COLD! However, I sit at my computer all day long, typing - and I haven't found anything to layer ON MY FINGERS! LOL. The rest of me is nice and warm but my poor fingers get stiff when they get cold! I can still speed-type and wear gloves or mittens but my accuracy goes WAY DOWN! I live in an apartment where the gas is a 'shared' expense, the windows are drafty and the walls have virtually no insulation. I tape up the windows with film but it still gets pretty chilly in here. Any ideas for keeping my fingers warm would be welcomed!!
Wow, $100+ for a sweatshirt??!! I just found out about this site, and I like the idea of "quick and easy greeniness", but if anything is really going to change in the overall society, sites like this have got to stop pitching to the wealthy. Otherwise, it just comes across as some fad that "liberal elites" care about. As for fingers and typing, you could get a pair of "fingerless" gloves. Usually they are a thinner material and you'd still have the use of individual fingertips for typing.
Once again here ya'll are talking to the rich with these over priced hoodies and the like. Ridiculous! If ya'll don't cease with pushing your rich products websites I am going to delete myself from idealbite. It's tiresome and stupid.
I LOVE MY KIDS ZI'ON AND ZI'ASIA VERY MUCH.
Just thought I would mention that two of the companies mentioned in the tip (Stewart+Brown and Sameunderneath) will be showing their Spring collections at Portland Fashion Week which starts on October 19th and runs until the 24th. Anna Cohen will also be showing (she has also been mentioned in past tips.) The cool thing about it is that the whole week is focusing on sustainablity. Everything from the clothing to the runway to the hair and make-up. If you live in the Portland area I highly recommend checking it out. Go to portlandfashionweek.net for more info.
Don't bother with their products. You can easily find comfortable and earth-friendly wear near your home that is affordable. You probably have everything you need to implement this tip already. I mean it isn't really new knowledge these days. Everyone who has been in cold weather layers their clothing. Just toss on some socks and a sweater at home to save a few dollars on your heating costs. Of course again, if you own your home, proper insulation is the best thing you can do. I woke up today and it was 53 degrees outside and a nice 70 degrees inside. I won't even turn the heater on under November. Works the opposite way as well. When it is 95 degrees outside, it is 78-80 degrees inside.
i have had a lot of luck layering with items from the thrift store, where sweatshirts cost $1.
I AGREE with the fact that you can utilize the layers without the expensive taste. I can find exactly what I need at the nearest thrift store or goodwill! The only product I ever spent a ton of money on was five years ago when I purchased a pair of sub-zero snow boots that I will probably own for the rest of my natural life :)
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