Porter County Consumer & Family Science

and were afraid to ask….

One common example of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is the pass - like the E-Z Pass - that some drivers keep in their cars so they can drive through tollbooths without having to stop to pay.  The chip in the pass sends information to a reader located in the toll booth, and this information, the location, time, and date of the reading are transmitted to a computer system that links to databases containing other information such as the fee for going through the toll and the bank account that’s set up to automatically pay the fee.

RFID technology is also used by companies to track products as they travel from manufacturer to distributor to retailer and many points in between.  This helps ensure that safety and quality requirements are met.

RFID, Radio Frequency Identification, involves three components.  First it has a tag consisting of a microchip and radio antenna.  Second is a reader.  And third is a computer system.  The tag is attached to or embedded in an item such as an employees’ building entrance pass.  Information contained in the chip is sent to the reader by radio signals.  The device translates those signals and delivers the information to the computer system.  The computer system can use the information in a variety of ways, depending on what it’s set up to do.  Depending on their intended use, RFID systems vary in the amount and sensitivity of information that the chips contain and the distance from which readers can pick up the signals from the tags.  Keep your eye on this blog for more fascinating information on RFID.  

You have undoubtedly already used RFID several times in your lifetime already - you just didn’t know it’s name!  Every day, consumers use RFID, sometimes without even realizing it.  From the passes employees use to access buildings to the car keys that drivers use to unlock their vehicles, RFID technology has become a part of our lives.  And it’s helpful to know what it is and how it works.  Keep your eyes on this blog for the skinny on this in the next blog!

Anything we can do to help save money these days is a good idea.  Here are a few ideas from Purdue Extension document CFS-704-9-W, “Economize when your income drops”.  Try planting a garden.  You don’t need to own land to do this.  A window sill container garden can provide delicious, flavorful herbs that you can harvest all year round.  If you’ve never gardened in your life, ask around - you will discover that there are people everywhere who are knowledgeable.  And one thing about gardeners is that they love sharing not only their knowledge, but also plant cuttings and seeds. 

Another idea is canning and freezing your produce.  There is wonderful information on the internet on this topic put out by all the extension offices around the country.  You should be able to find the extension website for your state and that will have further contact information for your questions.  And even if you don’t grow the produce yourself, you can simply buy it in season very economically at the nearest Farmers Market and then can or freeze it.  Or, one step up, go pick it yourself at the nearest local strawberry patch or orchard.  This would be extra wonderful because then you are being environmentally sound by buying and eating locally grown food.  That cuts out the cost to the environment of shipping it from other countries and trucking it to your grocery store. On top of all these rewards is the incredibly wonderful taste of home canned food - absolutely superior to most commercial brands in my opinion. 

OK, another idea, entertain at home.  Many of us are already doing this and have great home theatres set up for that special sports event.  But what about preparing a special meal for the family or the roommates on Friday evenings or Sunday noon.  You could take turns doing it.  Wonderful food unites people like almost nothing else.  If  you check with your family and friends, I’m sure they will have more ideas on fun evenings to plan. 

This one is pretty universally suggested, “Brown Bag It” at work.  If you plan your grocery list, buy some stuff that will travel well, and cook over the weekend, you can come up with creative, delicious lunches that are better than what you would buy.  And whatever you do, don’t spend a ridiculous amount of money on those commercial “health bars”.  If you bake a pan of cranberry oatmeal bars over the weekend, everyone in the family can take them for lunch all week.  They are simple, healthy and totally delicious!  Follow the link to see Liz at Iowa State Extension whipping these up. http://www.extension.iastate.edu/foodsavings/prepare/cranberry_bars.htm