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Going Green Tips to Help the Earth and Save You Money

Conserving natural resources, the environment and saving energy and reducing pollution are all a major part of the going green movement. Here are some tips about what we can all do to help.
Recycle
Recycle plastic bottles and aluminum cans. They say that a hard plastic bottle buried in a landfill can last for over a thousand years! However, I don't think that anybody has tried it yet. Recycle newspapers, plastics and glass too. Please do it for the environment.
Check your tire pressure
Keep your tire pressure at it's recommended pressure. Having your tire pressure at the correct psi can reduce wear on the tires and significantly increase your gas mileage.
Conserve your radiant energy
Replace your regular light bulbs with the energy star type. Compact fluorescent bulbs last longer and use less energy regular light bulbs and LED light bulbs are even better. Keep a frugal eye on your heater, air conditioner, and electric stove usage and turn off all appliances and lights when not in use.
Your computer
Configure your computer to hibernate, sleep or turn off after it is left alone for a while, unless it is a server. Your computer will last longer too. Turn off your power strips or use smart power strips.
Laundry
Wash a full loads of clothes in cold water. Save the hot water for oily or excessively soiled clothing. Switching your temperature setting from hot to warm may cut a load's energy use in half. If you are washing a small load, use the lower water level setting. Use your own judgement to make frugal choices.
Your motor vehicle
Keep your motor vehicle in excellent running condition with regular tune ups, filter changes, etcetera. This will save fuel and save you money in the long run too.
Run your car with water
This is for real! Have an HHO system installed in your motor vehicle. The engine doesn't actually burn the water, but it breaks it into hydrogen and oxygen (HHO gas), mixes it with gasoline-air mixture in the carburator and burns that. You will get better performance, stronger acceleration, and best of all, you will save money because you will get better mileage. An HHO system uses the electrical system of the vehicle to break down water into a highly explosive mixture of hydrogen and oxygen then feeds the mixture of gasses into the air intake of the engine. It reduces emissions because when the HHO gas burns it turns back into only water and heat. You will still need gasoline, but not nearly as much.
Renewable energy
Install a renewable energy system such as a wind turbine or a solar power system for your home or business. It will pay for itself many times over.
Coming soon: fuel free electric generators
There have been several patents recently for magnetic energy driven motor/generators. They can run nonstop for years with no fuel by using the magnetic fields of permanent magnets to spin the motor and drive the generator. The Howard Johnson motor, the Perendev motor and many others rely on this principle. Some designs have the motor and generator combined into one compact device. The rotoverter and John Searle's motor/generator are good examples. Similar devices are already available for purchase in some countries such as Australia, China and Japan. However, they are expensive and the supply is very limited at this time.

Read reviews of the 3 best guides for converting your vehicle to run on water from a certified mechanic. Make informed decisions. Read consumer reviews of popular online products by experts in their field at the Review Guru Online website. You can leave comments or questions on the blog there too. Http://reviewguruonlinereviews.com

Going Green With Your Home

The new trends that are a part of lifestyle needs are combined with planning with the environment in mind. If you are looking for new options for your home, then considering home plans allows you to tap into your green side while finding new ways to save on energy and contribute to the environment. There are a variety of alternatives that are available for your home, all which allow you to change the way you work with the environment while keeping comfort within your home.
The home plans that are available are based on sustainability that is required for the environment. This begins with finding simple solutions to save on water as well as on the electricity in your home. Adding in technological solutions as well as changing gadgets and plans in your home alters the way that you are able to live. The main approach and goal is to save while you are in your home while offering more to the environment and saving in your home.
Not only do the plans allow you to create the perfect option with the indoors. If you want even more with the environment of your home, then you can look at affordable green house plans. This allows you to have the plants and food that interests you most in your backyard. You can find smaller or larger plans that are available. Whether you are interested in growing flowers or adding in edible foods is the ability to create the perfect space for everything you are interested in growing.
The affordable green house plans that are available are inclusive of smaller or larger areas that are either attached to your home or which come as separate buildings for your home. These are combined with different shapes and sizes that help to compliment the architecture of your home. You can find different roof areas and designs, all which allow you to use the natural sunlight in various ways. The interior of the plans combine with this to contribute water and to help with the growth of anything green for the environment.
If you are interested in different alternatives for your home that contribute to the environment, then looking at various plans can help you to change the way you live. Looking at green house plans as well as options for your home can help you to make small changes that make a large contribution to the environment. By doing this, you will easily be able to develop the specific options required for your home while moving forward with new environmental approaches for living.

Author an experienced Content writer and publisher on the topics related to affordable green house plans and home plans she has done post graduation in English literature and regularly writes content for print media such as magazines, newspapers etc.

Going 'Green' in Your Facility

In the past decade the world has recognized the need to employ green measures in almost every sphere of life. Many organizations are now embracing facility sustainability and other 'green' measures in different facets of their operations and maintenance of their facilities. Green Management is a major focus of these reforms, particularly as the award of LEED certifications are being recognized by industry, clients, and building occupants.

What is a Green Building?

The U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes a green building as the process of using environmentally responsible and resource efficient methods in a building from the design phase right through the ongoing maintenance. This encompasses the economy, durability, utility, and comfort of the building.

The Importance of Green Maintenance

Even though the design and construction phase of a building are important, it can't be described as a green building unless the methods incorporated into the maintenance of the building are also green. This involves such aspects as the indoor air quality, the cleaning products used in maintaining the building, and conservation of basic resources such as energy and water, amongst others.

In other words, the ongoing maintenance of the building needs to be sustainable. In order to achieve this level of sustainability, it is important to establish a method of measuring and controlling the assets and resources of the facility. Although there are a number of methods for achieving this, the most efficient is through the use of Computerized Maintenance Management Software, or CMMS.

Why You Need to Go Green

It is becoming impractical for a facility manager to employ facility maintenance techniques that are not sustainable or considered green. The commitment made by most organizations is not only to improve their work environment, but to remain competitive with innovative companies who have embraced green methods. Some of the benefits of being green are:

    Higher Employee Productivity: When the indoor air is healthier, fewer employees become sick, reducing the need to take sick leave. In addition, when building occupants feel tired or "off", their productivity suffers.

    Industry Recognition: With a number of prestigious awards such as the U.S Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED award, an organization that employs sustainable measures and meets green standards gets recognition from our industry and their peers.

    Client Appreciation: Clients and building occupants have become more aware of the necessity for healthier facilities and this often reflects in their leasing, hiring and contracting decisions.

The Importance of Water Conservation

As a facility manager, one of your chief responsibilities is to ensure that the facility runs at optimal level while reducing costs. There are several components of a facility that can bleed resources out of a company, and one the more traditional culprits is water. Water is a huge resource and is vital for every facility, but it is a resource that is easily wasted.

Water Conservation Tips for Facility Managers

Water conservation is a hot topic right now for various reasons. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that by 2013 several states in the U.S will be experiencing water shortage. A report from the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International states that commercial buildings are responsible for the consumption of one-sixth of the world's fresh water supply.

Each year water costs seem to increase, and with high consumption in most facilities, water is becoming a major factor to consider. With this in mind, implementing a few tips will go a long way to achieving that end.

Have a Water Conservation Goal

Without a goal, you have no way to measure your progress. The easiest place to start is reviewing the last few years of water consumption by month, and look for trends that may indicate seasonal and occupant factors that have changed. Once you have this baseline, you can begin evaluating the different consumption points within the facility and track specific consumption from these points over time. You may need to install water meters in some of these points to improve your understanding of consumption. This is a worthwhile cost, because there may be unexpected consumption that can be corrected easily once understood. Some water conservation goals include environmental protection, sustainability, energy conservation, and cost effectiveness.

Use Reclaimed or "Gray" Water

Gray water is waste water which is usually made up of wash water from kitchen, bathroom and laundry sinks, washers and tubs that are not suitable for drinking, but can be used for other purposes. Instead of throwing water from these sources down the drain, they may be efficiently reclaimed and reused for other purposes around the facility.

One of those purposes is the use of gray water for cooling systems. Cooling systems are a huge source of water consumption, and gray water may be reclaimed, treated, and used in these systems.

Make Use of Water Efficient Fixtures

Next to cooling systems, restroom plumbing fixtures can be the largest consumers of water in a facility. There are a number of fixture choices that conserve water without decreasing user value. Even drinking fountains can be optimized to lower wasted water, such as models with instant on cooling that minimizes the amount of water people use before they take a drink.

Sources of Poor Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

Once construction is completed on a facility, a major source of poor IAQ is the type of cleaning agents and solvents that are used to maintain the facility. These are not the only culprits however, as indoor smoking, the use of pesticides, faulty HVAC, and poor ventilation can also generate problems.

Health Problems Associated with Poor Indoor Air Quality

The health related problems that can ensue from breathing poor air include asthma, headaches, dizziness, itchy eyes and allergies, among others. Sometimes these problems do not show up till much later and while some can easily be treated, others are often long term problems.

Some researchers have also suggested that heart diseases and some forms of cancer can be traced to poor indoor air quality.

Where the Facility Manager Comes In

It is the duty of the facility manager to identify where indoor pollution might be emanating from and take steps to diminish and control the sources. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) one way to minimize the indoor pollution is to utilize low vapor emitting products. Because sprays and aerosols can contribute significantly to indoor air pollution, they also should be minimized where possible.

There should be a well stated smoking policy to eliminate that source of pollution. It is important to frequently educate the occupants of a building about the importance of keeping the IAQ high and steps they can take to ensure that the indoor air is kept as clean as possible.

Preventing or Eliminating 'Sick Building' Syndrome

Cleaning agents, solvents, airborne particles, and mold spores can build up in a building that is not effectively employing green methods. Since facility occupants spend at least 35% of their day inside a building, constant exposure to harmful agents builds up in their bodies, and can lead to serious illness.

What is Sick Building Syndrome?

The U.S. Environmental Protection agency (EPA) defines SBS as a situation "in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified." The EPS goes on to explain that SBS could occur when a building is not operated or maintained in line with its original design; the design itself was not done properly or as a result of maintenance, cleaning, or occupant activities.

Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome

One thing to note is that the symptoms of SBS will vary from one building to another. However, you know that your building is suffering from SBS when you hear from the occupants several complaints of a combination of the following symptoms listed by the World Health Organization (WHO):

    Headaches
    Eye, nose and throat irritation
    Mental fatigue
    Hoarseness, wheezing, itching and unspecified hypersensitivity
    Sensation of dry mucous membranes and skin
    Nausea
    Dizziness
    Erythema of the Skin
    High frequency of airway infection and cough

The main indicator though is that when sufferers of these symptoms are not in the building, they immediately feel better.

The Role of CMMS in Going Green

The proper use of CMMS software ensures a smooth running facility at cost efficient levels, which lead to increased sustainability:

    Energy Efficiency: One area where maintenance sustainability is measured is the level of energy used by a building. When a computerized maintenance management system is properly employed, it can efficiently track and measure the amounts of energy generated and document any unexpected spikes in consumption. This makes it easier to make essential decisions on repair or replacement of assets, and possibly using higher energy efficient models in their place.

    Water Consumption: You can determine baseline use by month and evaluate any unusual water consumption far easier when using a modern maintenance management software. Facility equipment doesn't always remain efficient, and deviations in water consumption can indicate a change in operating condition that can lead to significant cost savings.

    Filter Changes: How often air filters are changed can have a large impact in airborne particles and mold spores. Documentation of filter changes can help maintain healthy indoor air quality levels.

    Tracking System Maintenance and Repairs: As systems degrade, they may consume more energy and contribute to poor air quality. Tracking and repairing systems is a key advantage when using web based CMMS products. Facility managers will also be able to evaluate if it is time to replace aging equipment instead of limping along to improve costs while also improving the indoor environment.

    Going Paperless: Perhaps one of the more sublime qualities of a web based asset management systems in the quest for a green building is the elimination of paperwork by automating the entire maintenance procedure. The integration of mobile technology in most CMMS programs further enhances this quality.

The path to Going Green is not as easy as it appears. However, with careful consideration of the conditions within your facility, it is easy to get started down the path. You know your facility. Pick an area where you feel there could be an issue and pursue opportunities to improve it. Your employees, clients, and facility occupants will be healthier and thank you for it.

John Harris is the Sr. Vice President of PSIwebware, providing innovative software solutions to help facility managers improve efficiency, accountability, and safety. PSIwebware is the developer of web based CMMS, EAM, Janitorial Software, Security Software, and Landscaping Software.

Practical Ways To Go Green And Earn Health

There's plenty of evidence that going green helps to reduce your impact on nature and environment - but did you know that going green can also be great for your health? For example, one way to go green is to walk instead of drive whenever possible. Walking, for example, uses no fossil fuels and is a great way to boost your overall fitness and health.
But there's another less obvious consequence to going green. What's good for the environment is also good for our health. In the example above, because walking doesn't burn any fossil fuels, it doesn't cause any noise or air pollution, which is also better for our health. This has already been proved in a 2008 study about the association of combustion emissions and diseases.
Here are a few tips on how to go green and be healthy:
1. Choose Organic
Organic food is typically grown without pesticides, antibiotics and other toxic chemicals. Not only is eating pesticide-free fruit and vegetables better for your health, organic farms produce a lot less pollution as the chemicals used in conventional farming can seep into the water supply. According to US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), some pesticides can cause cancer, birth defects and even result in kidney, brain and liver changes.
2. Eat Less Meat
You don't have to be a vegetarian to get the benefits. Even skipping meat just once a week on "Meatless Tuesday", for example, can help to boost your health. Eating too much red met can be bad for your heart and can also predispose you to painful attacks of gout. What's more, a study by Environmental Defense in the US showed that if every American skipped one meal of chicken a week and ate vegetable instead, the carbon dioxide savings would be the same as taking more than half a million cars off American roads!
3. Use A Greener Cleaner
Most cleaning products are filled with harsh chemicals - so go green by riding your home of toxins that pollute your indoor air and contaminate the water supply. Household chemicals, according to the EPA, can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders and memory impairment. So save the Earth, and your health by choosing non-toxic biodegradable cleaners instead.
4. Embrace Eco Chic
Bamboo clothing is all the rage, not only is the light fabric great for countries with hot and humid temperatures or during summer, it can be a sustainable and organic choice as well. Bamboo and other organic fabrics such as jute, hemp, silk or unbleached cotton are kinder to the environment than other conventional; and synthetic fabrics, which cause pollution, thanks to the dying, bleaching and chemical processing required to produce them. Synthetic materials can also cause health problems as wearers react to the traces of petrochemicals and solvents in the materials.
These are the 4 tips such are not that difficult to practise. People often say that going green is to make life more difficult for themselves, however, as you can see, it is just choice of want or not and also the responsibility of loving this planet for the sake of the future generations of mankind and all living creatives that share the space with us.

Ken encourages everyone of us to eat a meal without meat just once a week for a start. Too much meat consumption raises the acidic level and there is a need to flush the toxins out. A good method is drink Aloe Vera juice. Here are some aloe vera juice recipes which are very simple to follow.

Going Green Articles

Going green articles are all over the internet. Which ones do you read? Who do you believe? You'll see articles about going green in your home and business which is now called "environmental sustainability". Green living can pertain to your health, home, politics, family and transportation. In fact, almost any topic you can think of has a green side to it.

Reading through these sites will give you a baseline of information so you can make up your own mind on what works for you, giving you the freedom to contribute and learn about green living. There are so many ways to live a sustainable lifestyle. It's important to know all your options that you can pick and choose from. Green articles are a great way to educate yourself about environmental sustainability. Let's look at some site's that have articles I believe in.

1. I'm going to start with the White House site. It doesn't matter whether you believe in what they are saying, this just gives you a baseline on our country's government regulations about "environmental sustainability". You will find different categories for greening up. White House site

2. World Changing is a web site that takes a broad stroke at environmental sustainability. Trying to stay ahead of the curve on ideas about greening up. The site has many books and videos about world changing.

3. The Daily Green has used a multi approach to helping people learn about going green. Video's, podcasts, articles and community participation has grown the site into a real green encyclopedia. Daily Green

4. I have a favorite green site of my own. Green and Clean Mom. It's a source about daily living from a working woman's perspective. Many guest writers are on board and give excellent green information. You have the ability to give your opinion and learn about sustainable living at the same time.

5. Environmental Directory's also hook you up with multiple websites that have the same focus. One of the better ones that is human approved is Best Green Blogs Directory.

As you read from the above sites you will find they have friends and friends of friends. You will be able to get an earnest education about sustainability. You can make it a point everyday to just read one article from any of the above sites or Google and find some of your own. What ever you choose sustainable awareness and green living can be an easy addition to your life.

Kathy Bampfield is editor of Green Guide Tips. A green community website dedicated to helping people live a environmentally sustainable lifestyle one small step at a time... http://www.greenguidetips.com

Going Green With LED Lights

Home improvements have always been a popular topic as everyone is continuously working on their dream house. There is always something to change, build and improve. Energy efficiency was not a major concern a few years ago. Today, the technological advances have added a new category in the home improvement business to include energy efficiency and cost reduction of utility bills. Unfortunately, means like solar panels or wind harvested energy are very expensive. A more affordable power saving method is using switching to low-voltage light bulbs. It is impressive how efficient 12V LED lights are.

What Are They?

A LED is a solid state component also known as a diode that can generate light with the aid of special dielectric material. To obtain a white light, the diode combines red, blue and green colors. Using a single LED diode does not generate enough lumens to illuminate an entire room. Manufacturers need to put together multiple diodes connected in a single PCB to increase the luminosity of the bulb. The number of LEDs will determine the luminosity and power consumption of the bulb. Also the quality of the diodes determines the efficiency of the finished product.

The Benefits Of Using LEDs

The first thing that needs to be mentioned about them is that they have an amazing lifespan. Simple 12V LED lights can last even 5 years of continuous usage. The highest quality light bulbs can be used for 20 years without being replaced. However, these lights are a bit more expensive but after a few months, the saving on the energy bill will cover the investment. After the lights pay for themselves, the true effectiveness of these low-voltage diodes will truly impact the budget allocated for utility bills. If we were to look at the numbers, a 12V LED can generate just as much light as a 150 watt halogen light bulb. The numbers become more impressive when compared to classic iridescent bulbs. In the end, it all sums up to significant saving and since in a home there are an average of 20 light bulbs, switching to LEDs is the best way to improve energy efficiency is a regular household.

Household Usage

These technological wonders can be used almost anywhere around and inside a home. They can be used to light the entire interior of a house including wall spots, ambient lightning and so on. If there is a yard or pool around the house, they can also be illuminated with LEDs. Let us not forget that it is recommended to have lights around a pool as a safety measure to prevent accidents, especially if there are kids around.

The Bottom Line

LEDs are the most cost-effective home improvement option out there. It can save a lot of money by reducing energy consumption, they reduce the risk of electrocution and last longer than iridescent bulbs. Since they do not need changing that often, extra money is saved by not being forced to buy new ones regularly. 12V LED lights are the most popular bulbs used these days due to the amount of lumens generated. Judging by the fact that their consumer demand increases constantly, the price of such a bulb should decrease in the near future as the industry is starting to make the production process more cost-effective.

S Ali is a writer who specialises in Led Lights. You can check out his latest website on 12V Led Lights where he provides unbiased buyer information and reviews on various Led Lights, including Strip Lights and more...

Going Green: Environment Friendly Window Ideas

Window coverings help to reduce the costs of heating and cooling a home and fortunately many affordable and eco-friendly window treatments are available.
One way to go green with your window treatments is by creating draperies or curtains from natural hemp or linen. These materials are easily recycled and harmless to the environment. Choosing fabrics that are made from recycled materials like plastic bottles reduces non-biodegradable waste. For years, harmful fumes wreaked havoc on allergy sufferers, creating the demand for materials that were chemical free and environmentally safe. In fact, a vast majority of traditional fabrics contained herbicides, pesticides or carcinogens in the finishing process. But today the options for dye-free fabrics or those that use eco-safe dyes are endless. And many allergy sufferers are choosing non-toxic fabrics with anti-microbial and anti-fungal traits woven into the yarn as well as those that are stain-resistant, mildew and mold-resistant.
Today's ever increasing energy costs are a constant reminder to all of us to reduce our electricity and natural gas consumption as much as possible. One way to reduce energy consumption is through window coverings. When windows are uncovered, they are not energy efficient and increase the need to raise or lower thermostat settings. An uncovered window in the hottest weather can increase an air conditioner's workload by 50%.
Installing high-performance windows is one way to combat this problem. High performance windows help reduce energy costs, condensation and color fading due to sunlight. Another option is light-controlled motorized shades. Controlled by a hand-held remote control or through wall electrical switches, light-controlled motorized shades are ideal for large windows or skylights because the homeowner can open or close the window treatments by simply pushing a button.
If you're considering energy-efficient window shades, you'll want to consider the "shading coefficient," a measure of the window treatment's ability to reduce solar heat gain. The lower the number, the less solar heat entering your home and the lower your cooling and heating bills will be. Honeycomb cell shades, wood and faux wood blinds are better at energy conservation than aluminum blinds or roller shades.
Made of natural materials, bamboo blinds and shades are an eco-friendly option that gives rooms an Asian look and feel while controlling the light and heat in a home. Wood and faux wood blinds, shades and shutters also insulate windows, preventing heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer.
When it comes to designing home interiors, more and more homeowners today are interested in going green. Many accomplish this by choosing window coverings made out of environmentally sustainable raw materials like bamboo, linen, silk and other natural fibers that haven't been treated with chemicals harmful to the environment.

Installing high-performance windows, light-controlled motorized shades or energy-efficient window treatments or shutters are ways homeowners can conserve energy and save money on their energy bills in addition to protecting furniture, framed photographs, flooring and other belongings from the sun's harmful rays.

Tips For Going Green

Being very passionate about my planet I chose to Go Green. I will list some tips here for you that can make a huge difference in your health, your electric bills and most of all your planet. I know that many of you are concerned with Global Warming and would love to do your part, I am going to help you with that today.

Paper Or Plastic?

The answer to that is neither. Most people answer this question saying paper, that is a wrong answer. Use re-usable bags that you can buy online or from stores in your area. Keep your bags in your vehicle so that if you make an unexpected stop to purchase something you have your own bag with you. You can Google cloth bags and find a choice for yourself.

Cleaning Products

Not only do cleaning products put toxins in your home for you, your children and your pets to breathe they are also not environmentally friendly. I use products that are natural and organic, have no warning labels so I know if my toddlers get them I am not going to have to rush them to the emergency room to have their stomachs pumped or call the poison control center. Women that work at home run a higher risk of cancer than women that work away from home. The risk is 54% higher. As I work from home and have children and pets I switched to all natural products. Shaklee not only has all natural products they are also the first company in the world to be certified Climate Neutral meaning they leave no footprint on the planet.

Packaging

When you are buying look at the packaging, things that are packaged inside of packaging cause too much waste. Buy things that are minimally packaged.

Paper Plates Or Plastic Plates?

Of course it is best not to use either but there are times when we must. When you are faced with this situation buy plastic plates that are 100% recycled. You can wash these, in an all natural dish detergent and use them over and over. Once done they are recyclable.

Organic Produce:

Buy produce that is organic. This means that it was grown with no pesticides which makes it healthier for you and for the planet. It costs a little more but is well worth the price. You can find a place near you where you can purchase organic produce online. Local Harvest is a great place to look, type in your zip code to find a farmer near you.

Reusable Water Bottles:

Instead of buying bottled water buy reusable water bottles. With the money you save from buying bottled water you can afford to buy a water filtration system for your home. Or you can buy reusable water bottles with a filter built in to them.

Look at your local landfill:

If you go take a look at a landfill in your area it will give you a wake up call. Most of the things there are not bio degradable and the ones that are will not be gone in your lifetime or the lifetime of your children and grand children.

Light Bulbs:

Buy energy efficient light bulbs. They are higher than the regular light bulbs you have been purchasing but they last for 5-10 years so the cost is minimal in reality. G E makes some great CFL bulbs. You will not only be helping the planet you will also find that you save on your electric bill. If everyone changed just one light bulb it would be equivalent to saving the carbon emissions on 800,000 cars. I switched all light bulbs in my home so I know this has made a huge difference to the planet.

Re-Cycle

The average person creates 4.5 pounds of trash per day. Think how much is going into the landfills if you are not re-cycling. You can re-cycle aluminum cans and foil, glass, but please rinse all containers before re-cycling, paper, a 4ft stack of recycled newspaper is equivalent to a 40 ft. fir tree, cardboard, such as cardboard boxes but if you have a cardboard container that pizza came in it can not be recycled as they can not use it if it is dirty, take your packing peanuts to your local shipping store, most will take them from you happily. I re-use my aluminum foil over and over before recycling it. I also buy foods packaged in containers that I can use to put left overs in when possible.

Water Consumption:

When showering or taking a bath spend less time in the shower and do not fill your tub to capacity when taking a bath. This will save a lot of water and if we all did this we could save enough water to ensure that everyone in the world could have water. Also fill up your sink when shaving instead of running the water for the duration of the time it takes you to shave.

Re-cycled Products:

Use re-cycled toilet paper and paper towels. I know it is not as easy to shop when you have to check packaging but think of the good you are doing for the environment.

Napkins:

The average person uses 6 paper napkins a day. That is a lot of waste going into our landfills. I switched to cloth napkins and then I just wash them in my environmentally friendly laundry product and re use them. I love the feel of the cloth napkin as opposed to paper also, it adds a nice touch to the meal.

Smart Power Strips:

Plug your small appliances, tv's and clocks into smart power strips. When not in use turn them off from the strip, this will save you a lot of money on your electric bill and is very healthy for the environment.

Candles:

Most of us love candles. Use an all natural candle made from soy, they burn clean and clean up with soap and water. I know I love the smell of candles in my home.

Printer Ink:

Instead of buying a new cartridge each time you need ink take your cartridge to a store where they re-fill them. I get mine done at CVS Pharmacies.

Gift Wrap:

Buy gift wrap that is made of 100% recycled paper.

Computers:

Instead of throwing your old computer away donate it. You can also find people that buy them to re-build them.

If each of you will incorporate one of these tips into your daily life the difference you make will be huge. I do all the things I have listed, as I said I am very passionate about my planet and especially the health of my family. It is difficult in the beginning to make all these changes but it becomes routine before long as anything you practice all the time does. How passionate are you about the planet? Thank you for being here and I hope I have given you some great tips you have not thought of before.

Cheryl C McNeil

1-05-08

Cheryl C McNeil is a life coach who enjoys helping people create changes in all areas of their life.

Trained at the beginning of her career by Ellie Drake, Cheryl has much to offer. Receive a free 30 minute consultation by contacting Cheryl at 817-902-2580.

Visit [http://cherylcmcneil.com] for all natural products

How A Roofing Company Going Green Saves Energy Consumption

A roofing company that uses green products not only saves energy but their leftover materials can be used in other industries. Summer starts the busy season for roofing companies in Florida. But did you know that the materials used by most roofers are not environmentally friendly? The leftover roofing materials usually are taken to the local landfill. In fact, it is reported each year hundreds of thousands of tons of leftover roofing materials are poured into landfills putting a strain on our environment. One roofing company is helping to lead an initiative to go green by using green products in both their commercial and residential roofing projects. There our some practical benefits to adopting green roofing methods on top of helping the environment. Let us take a closer look at the impact the environmentally friendly materials have not only on the tops of homes but in surrounding industries.

One of the benefits is fuel efficiency. What does fuel efficiency have to do with roofing materials? The roofing materials are first ordered by the roofing companies. Then the materials are hauled in on semi-the trucks to the companies from roofing materials manufacturers all over the country into different states. The heavier the roofing materials are the more fuel that is consumed during the haul across the country. Green roofing products such as vents are especially light weight, top loaded onto a pallet and save gas consumption.

Another significant benefit green roofing products boast is energy efficiency or electric costs. When the attic in your home has sufficient ventilation the life of your roof will be extended. The roof becomes protected from the natural elements that can harm the roof's structure and further reduce the life of the, which eliminates the energy waste. A third important benefit to using green materials concerns the manufacturing processes. Plastic overage from green roofing materials is ground up and made into floor sweep and underground corrugated piping, minimizing plastic waste during the manufacturing process. Later, the excess plastic grind product is sold off to other industries such as lawn care, drainage pipe and plumbing businesses. In addition, 30% of the grind plastic is used in the new roofing products.

When we view the big picture of using green roofing products it indeed has a significant impact on not only helping the environment but saving on energy in several different ways. In summary, using green roofing products seems a wise move for all roofing companies.

St. Petersburg Roofing Company American Professional Roofing can be contacted for more information at http://www.roofingclearwater.org/

Potential Benefits to Going Green

The environment needs just a bit of assistance these days. We are not currently being too familiar with various ways we can reduce our amount of use and we are utilising so many resources. "Going Green" won't just benefit the natural world, it ought to also benefit you.

You could possibly switch your current devices with ones that have been Energy Star rated. Quite a lot of house appliances and electronic devices now hold this kind of rating. You might be reluctant to put that amount of money into new things when your other appliances continue to be operating fine. Sadly eventually you'll pay even more because at some point they will break-down and employ progressively more electrical power to keep working. Over the lifetime of Energy Star home appliances, they will regain the investment. Also you can get yourself a rebate that can be used following your purchase. You might be eligible for a tax credit as well. Look into changing your machine if it is greater than twenty years old. In cases where your current washer is old, swapping it with an Energy Star ranked type is often advocated since it could reduce both your water and electrical payments.

Solar panels are only getting more economical lately. Research options and rates to discover if you're able to obtain a good package on solar energy panels for your own home. You might just track down discounts. Also a brief online search could very well help. In the end solar energy panels could save you a lot of money on electricity, it is therefore definitely worth the expense.

However, if solar panel products are not an option for your needs then you're likely to want to change many of the appliance and lighting inside the house. Obtain energy saving products, and consider utilizing items like re-chargeable batteries. To make sure you do not have to waste so much electrical energy within your home you could add dimmer light fixtures to every room of your home.

Changing conventional roofing with a green roof will assist an individual together with the environment. A extensive green roof is going to reflect more of the sun's radiation from the property. It in addition provides shade as well as heat insulation that keeps the premises below it much cooler in Summer months but warmer in The winter months, which signifies reduced energy bills. Producing your own fruits and vegetables on your living rooftop might end up being advantageous to our own bank accounts and our own carbon footprints.

Going green could help save you a great deal of money on your current electricity charges and fuel expenses in the long run along with helping our world. We could make a genuine difference with a little bit of effort.

Going Green With a Cat Back System

The poisonous emissions from car exhausts are increasing by the day and the government is ever so keen on the issue. Catalytic converters are becoming a necessity and with them cat back systems all in the interest of our environment. This article illustrates the working of this exhaust components and how they can be used to improve the quality of our atmosphere.

Catalytic converter

This is part of a vehicle exhaust system and its function is to convert the byproducts of combustion into less toxic substances that can be emitted into the environment. This is done through various chemical processes that include oxidation carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water and reduction of oxides of nitrogen into nitrogen and water. There are two types of catalytic converters, two-way and three-way.

The two-way converter was the earlier model produced between 1975 and 1980 and its name was derived from its function. It had the capability of oxidizing carbon monoxide and partially burnt carbons (hydrocarbons) into water and carbon dioxide. This model had one shortcoming, that it could not deal with the toxic nitrogen oxides that gasoline produces hence the invention of the three-way converter. This is a newer model that cannot only convert carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons but also nitrogen oxides through reduction into nitrogen and water.

From the discussion, you can understand why the law in some states is so keen on the presence of a catalytic converter. The absence of these would result to very harmful emissions into the atmosphere causing numerous health hazards. The catalytic converters go hand in hand with cat back systems discussed below.

Cat back system

The 'cat' stands for catalytic converter and was created to make use of legally required catalytic converters. It is the part of the exhaust system from the catalytic converter to the tip. It consists of the pipe from the converter to the muffler, the muffler and the exhaust tip. Its Function is to guide the gases safely out as well as to muffle the noise made by the high pressure gases.

There are two reasons that you should get a vehicle that has these components. The first and most important reason is for our environment. Modern life is consistently adding hazards and more so to the environment. Needless to say, fresh air is life and we need to preserve it. Two, the law in various states requires it. Due to excessive emission of smog, various states are making it a requirement for all the vehicle owners and soon this will most likely be the case in all states. Save yourself the trouble and get one.

The good news is that if you can get a cat back system in various outlets such as MagnaFlow for Acura, Audi, BMW, Ford, Land Rover, Jeep you name it. Just check out their products and help keep the environment clean.

The author is an expert writer on vehicle accessories with a keen interest on exhaust systems. For more information check out magnaflow exhaust products.

Going Green With Modular Homes

There are more products in the marketplace that allow consumers to be environmentally responsible than ever before. These products range from cleaning products to modular homes. Homes can actually be constructed with a green initiative in mind. This includes everything from the construction of the panels to the energy efficiency of the finished home.

Many of the modern modular homes are built to use less energy. There may be solar panels on the roof or thicker layers of insulation on the sides of the home. When there is less heat being absorbed into the home, the AC doesn't have to work as hard. As a result, the electricity bills are considerably less. This has a direct result on the environment in a positive way.

Builders are creating green modular homes that use sustainable materials. In a standard construction home, a lot of materials are being taken directly from natural resources. This includes lumber and many other items. It's not good for the planet, yet they are used anyway. The use of sustainable materials in construction is much more environmentally friendly. When these products are used, it creates a smaller environmental impact than traditional building materials. For example, a roof may be constructed of metal, slate shingles, or some other sustainable product instead of traditional asphalt shingles.

With modular homes, a homeowner often has more control over certain aspects of the home. There are endless floor plans available. Adjustments can be made to the floor plan based on individual preferences. Once the panels are constructed off site, they are then brought to where the home will reside. As the construction crew assembles the panels, other decisions and changes can be made.

The piping, hardware, and appliances will need to be selected. Many homes going green are built specifically to be energy efficient. There are faucets and shower heads that will reduce water flow. In addition, energy efficient appliances can be selected that will use less energy in their operation throughout the home.

Modern modular homes are being decorated with the green initiative in mind as well. Instead of carpet or tile, the flooring may be bamboo or cork. The walls will be painted with organic paints. Even the curtains on the windows may be made of organically-produced fabrics.

A standard construction home is expensive to build. Add green initiatives to it and it may be cost prohibitive for the average homeowner to build. Green modular homes are typically more affordable for home buyers because in general, they are less expensive to build. Those who are looking to embrace the green initiative in every way now have an affordable way to own an environmentally friendly home.

There are many companies that offer modular home specs. Choosing one should be based on the available floor plans, the materials used in construction, as well as the cost. Every company has a different way of doing business and a different set of offerings. Do your research and speak to a variety of companies before making your final decision on which company to purchase your new home from.

Ecotourism: Going Green on the Go

Summer is almost here and for most of us that means vacation time. Great news, we can vacation and still maintain our green principles. It's called ecotourism. Ecotourism, according to the World English Dictionary, is traveling to destinations that celebrate nature and vacationing in a way that protects or minimizes our impact on the world around us. You are probably thinking this means camping out. While ecotourism can involve camping out it does not have to mean sacrificing the comforts of indoor plumbing or any other comfort for that matter. Here are some steps you can take to create the green vacation of your dreams.
Make informed decisions
Research is always a great place to start before embarking on any new adventure. Ecotourism has become popular in the last few years, so just about any destination you chose will have eco-friendly options. If you are traveling inside the United States an Internet search for the Department of Environmental Protection in the state you are visiting will list hotels engaged in green activities. There are also plenty of hotels internationally that cater to patrons interested in going green while on the go. Websites such as Greenloons promote destinations around the world that specialize in ecotourism. There are green hotels and travel to fit just about any budget.
Ask Questions
However you chose to travel by plane, train, or automobile earth friendly options may be available. Asking questions can unlock all kinds of previously unknown options. Many car rental agencies offer hybrids. Since they are considered to be specialty cars the price is significantly higher than economy cars but the price range is generally in the middle range of all the cars offered.
Airlines such as Virgin America, Delta, and a few others are praised as being more eco-conscious than most. They go beyond recycling. Like airplanes trains have made many improvements within the last decade. They are cleaner, lighter, and emit less greenhouse gases than they did in the past.
Plan Ahead
Since ecotourism is becoming more popular planning ahead and booking ahead is a great way to get the eco-options that you want. It will help you get first choice options and save money.
Beware of Greenwashing
Beware of greenwashing. Greenwashing is when businesses deceptively promote the idea that the business engages in earth friendly policies. Doing your research and asking questions can help you make the right decisions when it comes to enjoying an earth friendly vacation.

Kimberly Winston is a doctoral candidate at Walden University. Her website http://www.greenlivingsavings.com is dedicated to green living and saving green. GreenLivingsSavings.com informs readers on green issues and provides tips for going green.

Going Green, The Economy and The 2012 Election

What are the buzz topics currently appearing over and over again in the marketplace? When that question popped into my mind the answers were immediate:

1) Going Green

2) The state of the economy and

3) The 2012 Election for President of the United States

Sure there are other water cooler topics that you hear your co-workers discussing, like the final four, spring training and vacation plans for Spring and Summer. The Entertainment news topics, like the death of Whitney Houston and the latest episode of American Idol and The Bachelor and what big concert is coming to town or what sporting event is this weekend... so why would I think of "Going Green", "The Economy" and "The 2012 Elections"? Well, because if you have not already noticed, every newspaper, magazine and online news story mentions these topics. I recently browsed through a parent magazine and bam -these three topics. I flipped through an industry publication and once again same three topics. Glancing through Yahoo and MSN news stories, try it, and my guess is you will find the same thing.

So what is everyone saying on these burning issues? We need to be greener, the economy is slowly, very slowly showing signs of improvement and that the Republicans better stop fighting and decide on the best candidate to oppose President Obama. My take on these topics? Green is good if it truly a green program and the company is green, as well, otherwise it is just talk. The economy will improve when we start reinvesting in ourselves and stop expecting the Government to take care of us. Voters need to actually vote and make informed decisions and stop relying on what the mud-slinging ads say or the 5 o'clock news... check the facts yourself, do research on the candidates and make your decisions based on facts not on slanted ads or biased news reports. Most of all we actually have to cast a vote to have a say so, in other countries people will give their lives to be able to vote and here where we have the freedom to make such decisions, I fear that so many take this precious freedom that our forefathers fought to keep, for granted.

Bottom line is be self suffucient if you are able, do not take what other people say as fact, verify facts yourself and make sure that you do not forget that freedom was never free and is definitely not something we should take for granted. If you do not like the State of US affairs then cast your vote and make a difference.

The Benefits of Going Green!

The concept of green homes is a trend that is here to stay and is slowly but surely catching up in India. In the modern version of living, cities, towns and even villages are witnessing an increased preference towards building homes and creating an environment that contributes to the preservation of the ecosystem.

As far as application of this thought process to modern homes is concerned, the primary motivating factor that seems to help in making some positive progress in this direction, is the fact that going green can give home owners the ability to save on living expenses. Everybody who has lived in big towns and cities knows that life here can get overwhelmingly tough. It is not just the struggle to bring food to the table but also the desire to live comfortably. This is the reason why today every home has an AC, a refrigerator and so on. People don't want to compromise on comfort but at the same time they don't want to end up paying hefty energy consumption bills!

Green homes help such home owners get the best of both worlds by helping them cut down significantly on living expenses. By adopting green practices and by exercising the green philosophy, home owners can actually build on their goal to save.

Both builders and buyers are more aware of the benefits of going green, than ever before! Home owners in particular are seeing results in the form of reduced monthly expenses. So, everyone who is part of the equation is reaping benefits and this is reassuring to green enthusiasts who are trying their best to promote and sustain their efforts to build a greener planet.

As far as durability of home and home interiors go, the concept seems to play a big role. Homes that are built from green materials as part of building and furnishings tend to last longer and create significant real estate value. For instance, windows and walls that are designed and built to sustain this concept, don't let outside temperature alter the conditions inside. For instance, one of the green concepts include circulating water pipes sandwiched between two walls running all around the house. This keeps the interiors cool thus negating or limiting the need for an air conditioner. Also, the AC and appliances like the refrigerator function on optimum mode and expend less energy due to the cool environment, which shows up as significant savings on the bill!

When does a house become a green home?

When great care and attention is taken to optimally utilise energy and other natural resources for the healthy functioning of a house hold a house can qualify as a green home!

In India a building is certified as green when it is rated by Leadership in Energy and Environment Design, India advocated by Indian Green Building Council and The Energy and Resource Institute Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment. These systems have been created to award ratings based on the concept of design, construction and impact on the immediate environment. Accordingly a building can be certified with a gold, silver or platinum rating depending on how evolved it is on the green parameter.

Is going green more expensive?

Specially treated construction materials and innovative systems have to be painstakingly incorporated during the construction stages to help achieve the objective of optimal use of energy, managing waste, optimally utilising renewable resources like water. For instance green homes might use high performance glass among other innovations to keep the interiors cooler or LED lighting that is three times the cost of normal lighting might be used to create an energy-efficient environment. However take heart from the fact that even if initial costs seem high, you will start recovering it within a couple of years of usage due to the enormous amount of energy-saving and reduction. Remember that every green element need not be expensive, you can utilise a number of low-cost construction methods to enable significant energy-saving as well. An ideal green home should be a combination of various methods, both expensive and inexpensive!

Here is a sample of possible green elements that can be part of your house construction!

Solar heaters: These use solar panels to optimally make use of sun rays to heat the water collected in an insulated tank. Depending on the capacity of the tank and water usage, you can heat water if there is sufficient sunlight just twice a week for a week's water supply!

Benefits: This directly reduces the consumption of electricity worth rupees 600- 800 a month and helps recover installation cost in the span of 3-5 years. The cost of installation can amount anywhere between 7,000-12,000 Indian rupees.

Photovoltaic Panels: These use the energy from the sun to store electricity! You can actually live off the grid without any power supply if you integrate these panels with your building structure and create sufficient back up.

Some low-cost construction methods that help keep interiors cool during summer:

Thick walls with cavity: Such walls use up less number of bricks and leave a cavity within the wall and help in keeping the interiors cool.

Another effective low-cost construction method involves usage of soil and cement instead of just bricks to ensure nearly 15-20% cost saving and a cooler home!

Filler slabs and pre-cast elements for roofing is yet another effective construction method utilised for building roofs, which also help in keeping the interiors cool and results in 25% cost saving!

Rain water harvesting is a key element in renewing a water resource and helps in reaping long-term rewards and significant cost savings! This is nothing but an effective way to collect rain water and utilise it. This can be added as a provision in already constructed homes or incorporated while construction happens.

Though the concept of green homes is still in its nascent stages, many real estate authorities and builders are utilising the concept to educate their customers and use the same as a promotional tool to up their sales!

BankBazaar is a marketplace where you can instantly get the lowest loan rates, compare and apply online for your personal loan, car loan and home loan from India's leading banks and NBFCs.

Commercial Cleaning Companies Going Green in Cleaning

People are increasingly becoming more conscious and concerned about the environment. They opt to choose products or services that mean no harm to the environment. Green products are made from natural ingredients that are non-toxic and harmless to the environment as well as to people. Innovating and integrating the green habit is a worldwide trend since everyone is aware of the current global issues all of us are facing. Even commercial cleaning companies now use green non-toxic products when they clean. There are a number of reasons why most cleaning services take the initiative to go green, here's why:

Green Cleaning Products Easily Breaks Down

Regular cleaning products contain chemicals such as ammonia, phosphates and hydrochloric acid that are harmful to people's health and once these toxins and chemicals get to the water supply it poses a serious threat to everyone. Commercial cleaning companies that use green cleaning products will not pollute the air as well as the cleaning solution that ends up in the sewer system. These are harmless to the environment as well as to the people because it is biodegradable.

Toxins Released in a Closed Environment

Commercial buildings' design and structure have improved greatly in recent years and became much more energy-efficient. But as windows are sealed tight, warmth or cooling has no way of escaping and dangerous toxins stay trapped inside the building. Anyone who enters such a building could experience "sick building syndrome". A commercial cleaning company could worsen the scenario by using strong cleaning products instead of green cleaning products. A person in the building could end up breathing in these toxins and if the air-conditioning system is not cleaned or cannot properly filter such chemicals, these toxins can spread throughout the entire building.

Better and Improved Health

Office workers can become ill if exposed to toxins coming from strong cleaning solutions. Using environmentally friendly, non-toxic, low-allergen cleaning product will improve the health and well-being of your staff. Healthy staff mean less sick days and higher productivity. This is good news for any business.

An Environmental Responsibility

Being green is better. By choosing to use green cleaning products you not only show how responsible you are as a business owner. Choosing green means that you care about the environment and you support the campaign for a better Earth.

When seeking a commercial cleaning service, always look for a company that utilizes green products. In doing so you are helping yourself, your family and the environment.

Metal Plating Companies Are Going Green

Many believe that the metal plating industry is one of the top contributors to the worsening of environment. While everyone has his own reasons to be skeptic, it seems that statistical data from different studies support this claim. But the good news is, despite this 'unpopular image' given to this particular industry segment, a lot of metal plating companies now are working to go green - by setting standards for a cleaner and greener environment, which are integrated to their metal plating processes.

Lots of companies in the industry have taken the necessary steps for the attainment of a cleaner and greener environment. In fact, these measures can be considered a 'milestone' undertaking, which others should follow.

Below are some example of environmental measures set by metal plating companies that are dedicated to going green:

'Improvement on general housekeeping'

Metal plating companies take measure to keep the plating environment clean, keeping foreign matters away to reduce contamination of the process bath. These companies have also replaced the traditional tanks with ones that are corrosion-resistant.

'The use of additives'

The use of additives is also popular as this helps to aid the metal plating process, by waste generation reduction. Some additives being used are wetting agents, non-chelated process chemicals.

'Equipment enhancement'

Lots of metal companies dedicated to going green continue to work on enhancing their plating and other process equipment (e.g. replacing machines with new ones that consume lesser fuel or electricity). Equipment enhancement does not only help in controlling pollution but it also a way to prevent contamination of the process bath and extend its life.

'Chemical substitution'

The use of alternative chemicals in the metal plating process is also being practiced by these metal plating companies. As an example, they replace cyanide-based plating with non-cyanide-based processes. This is aimed at reducing toxic disposals that are usually produced by common chemicals.

'Waste segregation'

Removing impurities from baths can also improve wastes management process. This can include techniques including filtration, carbonate freezing, precipitation, electrolysis, and carbon treatment.

'On-site recycling and recovery'

Reusing of bath solutions is also being practiced as this can reduce wastes discharge. Acid solution regeneration and spent acid bath reuse are some examples that can be applied in the process.

True indeed that there is still a long way to go and a lot of work to do to be able to achieve a kind of environment we are aiming to have. But it is nice to know that there are companies in the industry that have taken a bold step towards the attainment of this goal.

Riza is an Internet enthusiast who loves to write and share an array of topics - including industry-related info. For more on this topic, visit: GMP Plating, Inc - a metal plating company in Bayarea.

Ways to Go Green As a Family

One of the excuses that many people use for not going green is that it takes too much time. Who has time these days to recycle and reuse and grow their own garden? Well, you can find many ways to go green made easy when you do it as a family. Children of all ages can participate in going green at home in simple ways. If you start teaching them when they are young, they will be more likely to carry it forth into their adult years.

So, the key to going green as a family is to make it fun and to focus on activities that will let you have a good time together. Kids love having the attention of their parents and when you are teaching then how they can go green in their lives they will love the conversation that goes with it.

Here are some great ways that you can go green as a family:

Go Hiking

Take the kids on a nature hike. It is a great time to have some conversation about the animals that live in your area and their needs and safety. Talk about how you can make their homes better to live in by taking care of the environment. You can talk about the cleaning products you use and the chemicals that go into landfills. Even better, bring along a garbage bag and some gloves and let them help clean up the hiking trail. You'll be amazed to see how much garbage people pick up. Then you can take the recyclables to the recycling center when your hike is over.

Gardening

The younger kids are when you start them the more fun they get out of gardening. When you go green with a garden you have many opportunities to give each child attention and to help educate them. They can pick their own vegetables to be responsible for, weed their area, and fertilize it (with mulch from the compost!). Kids can feel like they are contributing towards the health of the Earth and they can learn and enjoy spending time with you.

Recycling

While it is obvious that recycling should be part of your efforts to go green at home, some people forget how much children can enjoy this activity. Think about the fun that they can have jumping up and down on cardboard boxes and plastic containers so that they will fit better into the recycling containers! They love this kind of thing and you can even make a game out of it.

What are some other easy ways to go green that you might get your kids to help with? What alternatives to going green would you recommend?

Going Green With Your Energy For The Future

Switching to green sounds onerous, but it's easier than you think. You can help protect the environment will any change you make, large or small. In the following paragraphs, you'll find tips that will help you switch to sources of green energy.

Cease bottle water usage. Bottled water usually is just filtered tap water, and a lot of energy is used in the bottling process. Buy a metal water bottle and a filter if you don't like tap water.

A programmable thermostat will help your green energy effort in your home. You can program them so your heating and cooling are minimized when you are sleeping or not at home. The newer devices permit programs to be used so you can start and stop power at various times throughout the day.

Upgrade your home's electronics and appliances to save yourself some cash in the future. Green technologies cost a little more initially, but you will save money on your utility bills, making them a wise investment. It also has the long-term benefit of saving the planet.

When buying wood, think about buying bamboo. Bamboo is a very green product and is technically a grass, but it is stronger than many commercially available woods. Many items are now available in bamboo. Try bamboo in your flooring, utensils, or cutting surfaces instead of traditional woods. This can save energy in the manufacturing process, as well as saving in recycling costs later.

Are you lucky enough to own a farm? If you own a farm, consider installing an energy turbine on your property, or renting land to a utility company for that purpose. You and the neighbors can relish in the free energy and installation, if it doesn't require too much space.

Switch to water heating systems that use solar power to heat hot tubs, pools and indoor water. Using electricity or gas to heat water is not terribly efficient, but water heaters that use solar power maintain water temperatures using only the sun's rays by way of solar panels. Many of these improvements will cost you a bit up front, but the cost savings and tax deductions will usually more than offset that cost.

Don't use a lot of heat during the winter if it's not absolutely necessary. If you feel cold, put on a sweater or blanket instead. Having your heat turned up too high will consume a great deal of unnecessary energy.

Rather than using standard batteries to power your devices, you should try to utilize rechargeable batteries. Traditional batteries often get thrown into the regular garbage, which ends up polluting our environment. Rechargeable batteries are good for the environment and your wallet. You may save hundreds of dollars if you use rechargeable batteries.

Thawing frozen food in your fridge is another good energy saver. This can thaw food safely and reduce energy consumption for the refrigerator.

Try drying your laundry outside in the sun whenever possible, rather than using a dryer. The smell of clothes dried in the fresh air cannot be topped. They will feel and smell fresher than machine-dried clothes. You will also save money on utility bills by doing this.

You can heat your home using biofuels. This type of fuel is usually made with a combination of animal fat, vegetable oil and wood. You can find a professional to change your furnace if it is propane so that it can heat with the blend of fuels. This could be anywhere up to 99% of biodiesel. Schedule a consultation with a professional prior to making the switch to biofuels in your home.

Find someone who is qualified to work with. Gain as much knowledge about these systems before you decide to buy them. Think twice about buying from shady salespeople who try to push something on you without providing evidence that it is actually effective.

If you are a business owner, you are certainly aware of how much electricity costs can eat into your profits. Think about solar panels for the business and use this for a marketing strategy. Many people enjoy charities and programs that invest in sustainable, green technology. The extra money you make from attracting new customers can pay for the cost of solar panels, while you save additional money in the form of lower electric bills.

Get rid of your old tank-style water heater, and replace it with a modern tankless model. Although tankless heaters require electricity or gas to heat water, they only do this on the amount you need as opposed to storing it in a large tank that is kept hot all the time. You can find tankless heaters that either supply an entire house, or just a single faucet.

Use a laptop computer instead of desktop, which uses much more energy. This can cut up to 75% of your electrical use, especially if you are frequently on the Internet or using word processing software. Another benefit of the laptop is that it's portable, so it can be used anywhere.

Weatherize your home, and it will become more energy-efficient. Weatherization involves retrofitting the heating and cooling systems for energy efficiency, upgrading the insulation, sealing ducts, and installing energy-efficient windows. All of these things make your home more energy efficient. You will also enjoy a decreased energy bill.

Consider solar water heaters to make your home more energy efficient. This works best in areas where the temperature doesn't drop below freezing. Solar energy systems circulate water through solar heaters and then pump it into the house. Though you can use this system, it's best to have a regular water heater for backup purposes, just in case there is a day with little sunlight or more water usage than normal.

Going green can be very simple. As seen in this article, there are a lot of simple ways in order to live your life greener. Remember to use what you learned in this article. Although going green may not take much effort, it can result in a lot of benefits to you.

Read my article about Buy Solar Cells.

Tips for Going Green in Everyday Life

When people think about going green, they think that it is difficult and that they do not have either the time or the money to be green. But this is further from the truth than you may think. If this sounds like you, keep reading for ideas to help you be environmentally friendly without spending a lot of money or time.
Use CFL Bulbs - An easy change is to swap out your existing light bulbs for CFL bulbs. But, there is no reason you need to do this right now if your current bulbs are still working. But as they burn out, you can change them to CFL's. There are a variety of different types available now so that you can get the type of light you want. This type of bulb has come down in price so that are fairly affordable and if you watch prices, you can likely find them on sale.
Have Recycling Bins - Having recycling bins set up around your house or your workplace will make it easier for you to actual recycle. You might want a paper bin by the front door to throw flyers and newspapers into if you get a lot of mail you do not look at or a box in the kitchen for tin cans or drink bottles.
Giveaway - If you have items that you no longer need but are still in good condition, give them away or sell them. If you are not sure where to get rid of them, look for free cycle groups or list them on the local classifieds. If you do not want the bother, there is a good chance you can find local charities that will take these off your hands.
Recycle Electronics - With more and more electronic devices out there, many programs have been established to deal with electronics past their prime. Check with your phone company if you have a cell phone you no longer use; the office supply store to deal with printer cartridges; and see if the local recycling depots can do something with the computers and televisions. It is also a good idea to check your city's website as they likely list places where you can recycle a wide variety of items including these electronics.
So many things can be recycled in today's world but you may have to look around and see how to deal with it. Ask at stores that carry the product if they have some sort of recycling program. You will be surprised what you can turn in!

If you're looking for ways to go green made easy you'll be glad to know that there are many options available to you. You can even go green on vacation without much of a problem!

Why Going Green Helps to Reduce Energy Bills

Consumers can easily observe the gradual rise of energy costs which happens continuously throughout the world. If the energy prices of the past decade are compared with today's, the change in price is simply incredible. However, the advancements in technology has found many alternative ways to help reduce energy costs and produce a more eco friendly electric generator. So far, green technology is the best solution for this problem. Going green is a popular option for people who are concerned with energy reduction and taking better care of the environment. It is also commercially advertised by different organizations along with the government itself. Basically, green technology can cut down on energy bills through power usage efficiency (PUE) and renewable fuels.

An electric car is the greener version of an oil fueled car. This car eliminates the use of gasoline and diesel as its source of fuel. Since electricity can be made through the help of naturally occurring energies such as wind and water, using it as a fuel would be more practical and cost efficient. With its power usage efficiency, the car won't consume huge amounts of electricity but most importantly, having to pay for expensive gasoline can be avoided.

The thing with gasoline is that its price isn't about to go down any time soon. Expect that in the coming years, the price of diesel and gasoline will continue to rise as supply gets lower. However, electric cars are not yet accepted by the public. They are very used to driving their cars and that's why they see electric cars as a bothersome option. If the public only knew how buying electric cars can be much more cost efficient in the long run, everyone would probably own an electric car by now.

Solar panels, wind turbines and water turbines are today's most practical energy producing machines. They can provide homes with the energy they need without using commercially produced electricity. Households would be able to produce their own electricity by using the electrical & mechanical energy they receive from solar, wind and water energies. These mechanical energies are then converted into electricity using certain mechanics. What's even better is that most homes can install any of these machines in their backyard. This can really lower the costs of energy bills and they can even act as a battery replacement or an electric generator when electricity is cut off for some reason.

The entire world will sooner or later have to rely on green technologies. The benefits people can get from it will greatly help the world become a greener and more energy efficient place. Green technology is one way for people to adapt to the worsening energy crisis around the globe. It is simply the best and most efficient way to lower energy costs and increase the power usage efficiency of every establishment. Once everyone decides to use this better option, the price of different services and products will also go down along with energy bills.

http://www.energy-maintenance.com/ (EMC) are an energy efficiency based engineering organisation that operate in 6 interconnected fields. We endeavor to offer the most cost effective energy efficient solution that enables the lowest possible operating cost with every system we offer. EMC are a leading independent specialist provider of critical power, power quality and power management solutions, including:

- Eco data centres
- Electric car chargers
- Smart metering
- Energy reduction solutions
- Uninterruptible Power Supplies, Battery Systems and Generators
- Power Quality Analysis and Improvement
- Metering and monitoring systems
EMC engineers have over 150 years combined experience in the specialist areas of our business. We use these skills to provide the best technical and most commercially viable solutions available from a range of leading manufacturers.

The Advantages of Solar Energy - Why Going Green Is Not Only About Protecting the Environment

There is no doubt that reduced pollution is one of the greatest advantages of using solar panels. You do not need to be a fervent ecologist to realize the severity of the environmental problems that affect out world today. The fuel crisis, the pollution, climate changes, all these issues affect us one way or the other. There is no point in denying either their importance, or our responsibility in triggering and maintaining them.

But the advantages do not limit to environmental effects, although they are incredibly relevant. There are many other benefits of using solar energy that refer to costs, maintenance or energy independence. Whether you are interested in this energy source because of a profound environmental concern, or you are more attracted to the idea of low-cost energy and money saving, going solar can prove to be a remarkably smart idea.

Below you will find a comprehensive list containing the most relevant reasons why using solar energy is beneficial, so you can have a more complex image of the reason that makes it a viable and attractive alternative to fossil fuel energy. With a wider perspective than before, you might be able to make a wiser and more informed decision.

1. Protecting the environment

We start the list of advantages with the most prominent one, the environmental benefit. There is no secret in the fact that overexploitation of the Earth's non-renewable resources will eventually lead to their paucity, to higher costs and extreme pollution. We cannot rely forever on fossil fuels to create energy, because this resource will eventually disappear. On top of that, continuing to burn fossil fuels will lead to even more pollution than today, and this will affect the climate and people's health. Turning to a clean, safe, healthy and renewable source or energy becomes imperative.

a) Solar energy is renewable

One of the first advantages is the fact that it is a renewable source of energy that we can count on for billions of years from now. The sun will keep shining. Using its power will not diminish it, like in the case of fossil fuels. When the Earth will not be able to count on fossil fuels for energy, the Sun will still provide enough power for the whole world.

b) Solar energy is clean

Unlike fossil fuels, it is not polluting. No gas emissions, no unpleasant smells, no smoke - it is totally clean. Considering the growing problem of the greenhouse effect and the climate changes it triggers, finding cleaner sources of energy is the best way to protect the environment and reduce the negative effects fossil fuel energy has on the atmosphere. Choosing solar energy over non-renewable energy means more than simply protecting the environment. It means protecting ourselves and the generations to come. Fighting for a healthy, safe world implies stopping climate changes, global warming and air pollution.

2. Low costs

Certainly, solar energy is environmentally friendly. But, as we already mentioned, the advantages do not end there. Probably the most appealing advantage of all is the low cost. Several factors contribute to this conclusion:

a) Solar energy is free

Once you install a solar system, you can enjoy free energy as long as the Sun is up in the sky. It's for everybody, you don't have to pay for it. You can just enjoy its benefits. While fossil fuel energy is brought to you by different energy suppliers you have to pay serious money to, the sun's energy is there for free.

Yes, the cost of installing such technologies can prove to be a substantial investment, but in time, you will save a lot of money on energy. If you think long-term, the benefits are considerable.

Fossil fuel energy is expensive, and you can see that on your monthly bills. It seems like every year energy prices increase and you have to pay more on the bills. It is obviously not convenient to continue like this. The cost efficiency balance of fossil fuel energy starts to lose its equilibrium in favor of the costs. Until when will you be able to continue paying expensive bills?

Looking at it this way, abandoning fossil fuel energy in favor of a low-cost type of energy is common sense. Relying on solar energy, which is free, will lower electricity bills to an affordable level. In case you choose to produce all the energy your house needs using the power of the sun, you will save serious money on bills.

b) Governmental incentives

Another one of the economic benefits of solar energy is provided by the government. You can save money by using various financial incentives. Tax incentives, various credits and rebates encourage people to go green. Learn about the incentives available in your state, and the costs of installing solar panel systems will substantially lower.

c) Low maintenance costs

The maintenance of a solar system is easy and cheap. After the initial investment in installing the solar system, the chances of spending money on it will be quite limited.

d) Fast recuperation of the initial investment

After you install the solar energy system, you will recuperate your investment in a few years, and you will be able to enjoy its benefits sooner than you thought. When it comes to the long-term advantages of solar power, cost efficiency clearly differentiates this energy source from the rest.

e) Net metering

In case your system produces more energy than you need, you can sell it to your utility company. You can not only save money, but also make money with the help of your solar panels.

f) DIY solutions

You can reduce the initial investment with the help of a "Do It Yourself" kit. You can either learn to build solar panels by yourself, or just learn to install the solar panel. Enjoy the advantages of solar energy while learning something new and exciting.

3. Energy independence

a) Solar energy is self-sufficient

The perspective of energy independence is one of the most appealing reasons to choose this source of energy. Depending on another entity is always frustrating for a human being who likes to have full control over his life. Many times we have to endure power black-outs, accept increasing prices, or wait for somebody from the utility company to come to fix a problem of the energy system.

Have you ever though of the possibility of becoming completely energy independent? Having a house that provides all the energy it needs by itself spares you the frustration of depending on various energy suppliers. Once your solar energy system is able to produce all the necessary energy, your house will become self-sufficient, your bills will lower, and you will have the certainty of a constantly available source of energy.

b) Solar energy is available anywhere

No matter how remote the area where you live is, if the Sun shines, your house will enjoy solar energy. Among the many other advantages, the fact that it can provide energy wherever it is needed is an enormous benefit. It will be able to bring light to locations where power lines cannot be installed.

A solar energy system can be easily installed in any location. Therefore, for people who would like to build vacation houses in the mountains or other remote areas, it provides a viable solution.

4. Flexibility

Probably the most appealing benefits are its low costs and its environmentally friendly character. The economic benefits solar energy brings are undeniable. So is the fact that it helps you contribute to protecting the environment and becoming energy independent.

Related to the idea of independence, there are other advantages that are worth mentioning. For example, solar energy systems are very flexible and adaptable to basically any situation. You can choose the solar technology that suits your needs best, install it where it fits, and invest in it depending on your budget. You can produce only a part of the energy you consume, or you can produce all the energy your house needs.

Installing the system can be done at your own pace. If you cannot buy all the solar panels at once, you can start with smaller investments, and when you have the money, you can install some more panels. If you have a small house, you can install a small system, and so on. Solar energy is flexible, comfortable and convenient.

To learn more about the disadvantages of solar energy, go to http://advantagesanddisadvantagessolarenergy.com
You'll discover...

    The facts about solar energy
    Exactly how solar energy works
    The price of installing solar energy
    Solar energy for home and business
    How to build a solar energy system
    How to make a solar oven

...and lots more! The information is ideal for students learning about solar energy and home owners who are looking into installing solar panels in their home.

Please email any questions to support@advantagesanddisadvantagessolarenergy.com

Tips For Saving Money Around Your House By Going Green

If there are two things that just about every single person likes (even though many people will not necessarily think about the fact that they "like" these two things - or, at least, will not think about the fact that they like both of these things), it is money and this planet; after all, money is necessary in order for us to get by in life and do the things we want to do, and this planet is necessary in order for us to stay alive! And because of the fact that so many people like (or, at least, depend on) these two things, it is of great benefit to explore ways by which we can save money while also protecting the planet!

One of the main things you should make sure you understand about saving money and protecting the environment in your home is the fact that you do not have to do "big things" in order to accomplish these goals - and in fact, the things you do can be as simple as keeping your blinds closed whenever you are not using a window to enjoy the view. After all, more air tends to be transferred through your windows than through any other part of your house, and when you make certain to minimize the exchange of air in this area, you will be able to keep the air in your house that you want to keep in, and keep out the air from outside you want to keep out!

Another key to being more energy-efficient in your home is to simply unplug appliances you are not using, as these appliances will still be using energy if you fail to do so; furthermore, you can start using fans in the summer to cool your home whenever reasonable, and can switch to as many energy-saving appliances as you can, as such changes will save you lots of money and make a big difference over time.

And finally, if you are looking for a way to save big money (and make a truly massive difference) in the long run, you should consider switching to solar energy; although the initial costs of making this switch will certainly make you think twice, the truth is - as long as you plan on living in the same house for the foreseeable future - you will save a whole lot of money in this way, and will be able to make a major impact on the preservation of the planet.

There is definitely plenty of debate these days regarding the current state of the environment, but amidst all this debate, the important factor being pushed aside is the fact that this planet is undeniably a gift, and each of us should be doing what we can to make sure we are taking care of this planet; start doing your part to keep Earth green - and even though it may seem like the things you are doing are not big enough to make a difference, these "too small" things will start to add up, until you are truly impacting the direction of the world!

~Esther Ingram

Do your part to take care of the planet!
http://www.beautisticgreenoffers.com