by
dale
17. December 2008 10:03
Public transportation is here for a reason, so use it! Public buses, subways, and trains are all wonderful methods of public transportation for many different reasons. Most obviously, they have a significantly positive impact on the environment. Think about this for just a moment: If just 10% of U.S. car travel were transferred to public transportation, we would save a staggering 75 million tons of CO² from being emitted into the atmosphere. The benefits don't stop at reduced greenhouse emissions, however. If you choose public transportation, the great thing is, you don't have to drive! You are free to read, listen to music, or talk to your friends, all the while not being overly annoyed with traffic, directions, and other driving nuisances. So give it a try, maybe start taking public transportation to work once a week. You'll be surprised at how convenient it actually is! You'll save money on gas, reduce your stress level, and be making a positive contribution to combating greenhouse gas emissions.
by
dale
17. December 2008 09:46
While it is true that all washing machines, even Energy Star Washers, have a hot or warm water setting, do we really need to use it? Sure, maybe to help us get rid of that really tough stain, but for normal, everyday washing? Wash your clothes in cold water to save money and energy. The more you wash in cold water, the less energy it takes to heat up the water, and the more you save on your electric and gas bill. Although your current detergent should work just fine, if you are still concerned, there are many different brands now that have formulas designed specifically for cold water washing. Your clothes will be just as clean as before and you will definitely appreciate it when you see your electric or gas bill.
by
dale
17. December 2008 09:31
The internet is a lovely and fantastic thing, and we know you all have it because you are loyal Greenovations@Home visitors. Why not continue to take FULL advantage of it to help our Earth and yourself? Many banks and businesses are now offering online banking and billing for your financial needs. Why do it online? Well, the less paper statements you receive, the less paper checks that you write, and the less personal information that needs to be translated to paper, the less that has to be processed through recycling or shredding. Also think about the personal convenience of online banking and billing: No more long lines at the bank, no sifting through 20 pieces of mail to find those important bills, and you save the gas it would take to drive to that crowded bank. It is completely understandable that some may still fear the prospect of online banking and billing, but not to fret, you can still do your part. Just request electronic statements and bills from your banks and service providers, you can still pay them with paper checks, but you will be saving all that paper from your statements and bills.
by
dale
17. December 2008 09:20
Do you want a quick, easy, and painless way to reduce your carbon footprint? Sure! We all do! So do the Earth a favor and make the switch to rechargeable batteries today. You may be surprised when you start to discover the staggering amount of devices and gadgets that are battery powered. Just run down to your local electronics supplier or hit the internet and grab yourself some batteries and a charger. You'll be reducing the materials necessary to make new batteries, saving landfill space, and contributing to renewable energy. If for some strange reason you just can't bring yourself to do this simple task, remember that disposable batteries can be recycled. Take the extra few minutes of research and effort to dispose of them in an eco-friendly manner.
by
dale
17. December 2008 08:53
It can be assumed that we all know how to recycle a newspaper or a soda can, but how do you recycle laminate wood flooring? Or ice cube trays? Or printer cartridges? If you don't know the answers to these questions, it's no problem! Just go straight to RecycleThis.co.uk and start your search! Chances are, that no matter how obscure the material is that you are trying to get recycled, someone has already brought it up for discussion. If you happen upon something that has not been previously discussed, however, just post a suggestion and wait for the answer. The authors of the website post new items every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, so who knows, maybe your item will have already been chosen by them!
by
dale
17. December 2008 08:42
Alright everyone, I know this may be hard to believe, but did you know that Christmas cards alone generate up to 20,000 tons of waste per year!?!?! That is a whole lot of landfill space that is filled for the purpose of sending Holiday Greetings! So am I advocating to abolish the practice of sending cards? Of course not! But there is certainly a more eco-friendly way to send your Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday, and Congratulations cards. In this magnificent 21st century filled with all sorts of technology, the computer and email has become almost essential to our daily interactions. As a result, many traditional card companies as well as new ones are turning to e-cards, or electronic cards. Think of the possibilities! If, starting this Christmas, people sent e-cards instead of the traditional paper cards, we would save on 20,000 tons of waste! What is even better, is that e-cards can still be personalized and many of them are joyfully animated with moving pictures and sound! So, the next time that you want to send that family member or friend a warm greeting, jump on the computer and do it electronically! You will be saving the environment and having a great time while doing so! Try these sites for some e-card options: www.hallmark.com, www.e-cards.com, www.bluemountain.com
by
dale
17. December 2008 08:20
Whether you enjoy it before work, between classes at school, or with Sunday brunch, there is no doubting that coffee is one of the most popular beverages in countries throughout the world. It just so happens that it is the most commonly traded commodity as well. So why would we be talking about coffee? Well, North America uses approximately 60% of the world's paper cups, which corresponds to about 130 billion each year, requiring 50 million trees and about 33 billion gallons of water. So does your daily trip to Starbuck's for that Chai Latte have an impact on the environment? You bet it does. The problem is that most cups are lined with polyethelene to prevent leaking and, as a result, they cannot be recycled...ouch! So where do these disposable cups end up? You guessed it, in our landfills. Alright, so if we have identified the problem, then how do we solve it? Simple, and some of you may already be helping without even realizing it, buy a to-go coffee mug that you can refill on every visit to your favorite coffee shop! You'll be helping save space in our landfills, helping to save trees and water, and best of all, you'll never be ridiculed again for buying your coffee from the "wrong" place! Check out this site that offers eco-friendly to-go coffee cups that can be personalized! www.pics-usa.com
by
dale
17. December 2008 08:15
So, you are concerned about the environment and want to know where to go to find out what is going on? Sure, you could go to Yahoo! News or Google News and sift through the top stories about the Federal Bailout and what Brittany Spears wore yesterday, or you could go straight to the source. The website Environmental News Network is a one-stop shop for everything up to date concerning out environment. You can find articles on anything from the latest species that is in danger of extinction to that new Green Gadget you have been hearing about. So, go visit their website and be sure to bookmark it next to this one! www.enn.com
by
dale
17. December 2008 08:05
Yes, it is true that An Inconvenient Truth, the documentary on global warming and climate change, was released in 2006. Yes, it is true that its creator is none other than Al Gore. Yes, it is true that this is an award winning film. Regardless of your biases, political affiliations, or preconceived notions, do yourself a favor and go down to your local video store and give it a shot. It is extremely informative, very interesting, and well worth the watch. Put aside for just a minute the fact that you may think Al Gore is the most boring man alive, for his presentation and content is riveting. If you choose to purchase the DVD, which I will more than likely do now that I have seen it in all its glory, even better, for the packaging it is contained in is made from 100% recycled material. So go forth, inform yourself on the Inconvenient Truth of global warming and impress your friends at your next party. Give the website a visit to find out more about the film and about global warming and climate change: www.climatecrisis.net
by
dale
16. December 2008 15:08
The heat from the sun that is absorbed through windows and roofs can greatly contribute to increased air conditioner use. A simple change in your landscape design can dramatically reduce your cooling costs. The process of landscape shading and evapotranspiration (the process of a plant actively moving and releasing water vapor) from trees can reduce surrounding air temperatures by up to 9 degrees! For virtually all of your shading needs, in any climate, and for all seasons, a landscape can be designed to incorporate shade and evapotranspiration by using trees, shrubs, and plants of various sizes, densities, and shapes. Again, it may seem self-explanatory, but the less you use your air conditioner, the less power you use, and that leads to less power that your plant has to generate. Check out more about landscape shading and much more at the U.S. Department of Energy's website: www.energy.gov
Subscribe