Where is America headed on her journey to become a greener, healthier nation? It’s hard for many to see progress being made with congress invested in special interest groups and our nation’s dependency on foreign oil. But slowly communities all across the country are wising up to the benefits and advantages of building green, sustainable communities.

President Obama’s energy plan was a great start to getting the country on the right track with the environment and our energy consumption but unfortunately the plan is being held up in congress. The plan outlined ways to reduce our nation’s reliance on fossil fuels and create new jobs in green industries.

One of the main goals of the plan was to get twenty-five percent of our power from renewable, alternative energy by the year 2025 and to reduce carbon emissions by eighty percent by 2050. Another reachable goal is to bring the carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. These goals are achieved by installing a cap and trade program for carbon emissions.

The premise of the program would be mandated government caps on emissions; the cap would be based on allowances that would be bought in auctions. The companies who need higher allowances will have to pay for their emissions instead of just being given the right to pollute. Companies that have reduced their emissions can sell their allowance to other companies stimulating the market between businesses. Part of the revenue the government earns in these auctions will be put directly into research and technology for alternative energy strategies.

Along with the emissions cap the plan also outlined several incentive programs to get communities involved in improving the environment. The “cash for clunkers” program gives money to those replacing their old fuel burning vehicles for cars that are more fuel efficient. Tax credits would be given to those who install energy efficient appliances and alternative energy systems in their homes. Overall the plan was looking to invest $100 billion (that’s only one seventh of the financial sector’s bailout) and create 2 million new jobs.

Whether the plan passes through congress or not it’s clear that communities in America are choosing to show initiative and take matters in their own hands. A growing number of developments are appearing that adhere to strict green guidelines. These communities are proving that not only is living green possible but it can happen without a struggle when properly planned.

Green communities establish guidelines and use smart planning to grow. They carefully design and plan the layout of the community, paying close attention to environmental impacts and smart growth. They locate themselves within existing developments to revitalize brown fields and run down areas. This keeps the growth from spreading to undeveloped areas and preserves the existing environment (preventing urban sprawl).

The communities are designed to encourage alternative transportation and are walk-able and bike-friendly. Clean, well-lit paths are abundant throughout the area and encourage citizens to get out and enjoy their surroundings. One green community in Florida is even providing electric cars at various charging stations in place of allowing traditional vehicles on their roads.

Water conservation is also a top priority using smart irrigation and native landscaping. It goes without saying that these communities use only energy efficient appliances. Several developments are even going completely off-grid relying solely on solar and wind power.

In these neighborhoods the structures are built using renewable, recyclable materials with emphasis on compact and efficient designs. The area leaders ensure that criteria are met before building can begin and before the structures pass inspection. All of these ideas integrate into a community that illustrates green living is entirely possible.

Cities across the nation are adopting these guidelines and smart development is taking place of giant conglomerates greedily consuming land in areas that don’t need excessive expansion. Citizens are fighting back. In Lake Billy Chinook, OR the town operates completely of the grid and they like it that way.

Online forums and groups attract more and more members every day. The number of homeowners switching to renewable power grows by a third every year. Currently there are about 180,000 people living totally off the power grid. People are communicating with each other and learning we can make an impact with or without the help of congress.

Citizens are working with each other to spread awareness about the dangers of our inexcusable wastefulness of energy. Whether the government gets behind the people or not changes are being made and while they may seem small at first, overtime the citizens of this country can be heard. It’s time our officials start listening to the people who pay their salaries and realize we cannot continue down the path we are on.

For more information on green communities and to connect with others passionate about change join our solar forum. Here you can discuss ideas and views with other people interested in solar power and green living. Even those just looking to save money on energy during these trying times will find useful information on becoming more energy efficient homeowners.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background also includes teaching, gardening, and fashion. For more information about the solar revolution, please visit Solar Forum, a gathering place for the environmentally conscious.

Author: Anne Clarke
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Healing food: natural way to cure cancer

Gordon Brown has set targets for 5 new eco-towns accounting for 100,000 homes. Thankfully these developments are ear marked for old industrial or brownfield sites. However, due to population increases and lack of space it is likely that there will be a case for high density housing.

Key living roofs commentators such as Dusty Gedge would argue that designers should make green space a top priority in early design stages to help ensure that high density housing maximizes green space. Living green roofs can help to maximise green space in such developments. We often forget about the amount of roof space available which can be used as sky gardens. With so much space being taken up by the footprint of buildings, calls for sky gardens or green roofs are now high on the agenda.

Green roof systems not only are an aesthetic feature but they help significantly reduce the urban heat island affect. Many of us will be well aware that inner city temperatures are often 5 degree’s higher than our rural neighbors. Green roofs lock in moisture giving a cooling affect to our inner city concrete jungles. They act as a haven for wildlife and importantly reduce surface water run off. So in turn helping to reduce strains on drainage systems.

Large schemes incorporating green space are not uncommon and one well known example is the BedZED eco-homes. The Beddington Zero Energy Development (BedZED) recognized the importance of roof terraces and balcony’s including green roofs to maximize green space. Not to mention the improved insulation properties that green roofs can achieve.

Burdens Environmental (http://www.burdensenvironmental.com)

Author: Nicola B Sampson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
US Dollar credit card

We’re bombarded daily with exhortations to live green and use green technologies in order to reduce our carbon footprint. (By the way, the debate on greenhouse gasses and climate change is apparently NOT over, since some 30,000 scientists, including the founder of the Weather Channel are all suing Al Gore and associates for fraud.) But have you ever asked yourself, “What is a carbon footprint, anyway?” and “Is it really that bad?” Those answers may surprise you. You may also be surprised to learn that some popular “solutions” amount to little more than green-washing – a term that refers to disguising something as environmentally safe or friendly when in fact, it’s the same old garbage (or something even worse) in a green wrapper.

The term “carbon footprint” encompasses everything from exhaling and flatulating to anything made from or that uses fossil fuels, coal, or hydro-electric dams in production, shipment, or both. By that definition, everything on earth leaves a carbon footprint. That’s actually the fact upon which carbon dating relies. If ancient civilizations and dinosaurs had been as obsessed with their carbon footprints (carbon residue left behind) as we are told we must be today, there would be little if any evidence of their existence. Additionally, if carbon dioxide was the pollutant that the EPA declared it to be in December of ’09, then this planet would have been uninhabitable eons ago and you and I would not be here now to worry about it.

The real inconvenient truth (to Al Gore, GE, the EPA, et. al. that is,) is that unlike carbon MONoxide, which IS a man-made toxic gas, carbon DIoxide is NOT a pollutant. If you’ll recall your fourth grade science, carbon dioxide is what every land animal, including humans, exhales; while carbon MONoxide is one of the gases that comes out of the exhaust pipe of most internal combustion engines and natural gas appliances. Carbon MONoxide is why we’re told to have detectors for it in our homes so we don’t die in our sleep on cold winter days.

When you really analyze it, increasing greenhouse gases is exactly what the term says: green. In fact, greenhouse growers actually used tanks of carbon dioxide to speed up growth and increase production of plants. Having been in many a greenhouse myself, I can tell you they’re one of my favorite places to be. I breathe better and feel better in a greenhouse than in just about any other place.

Plants need carbon dioxide to live, so what could be greener than producing it? If we eliminate or drastically reduce carbon dioxide, aren’t we killing off plant life? What’s more, plants give us oxygen, which we need to live, so if we kill off plants, aren’t we killing ourselves? What exactly are the hyper-environmentalist carbon alarmists shooting for here? A depopulated desert planet? Kind of looks that way. It would seem that the exact opposite of their mantra would be true then: continuing to produce carbon dioxide is actually the green thing to do.

According to Al Gore and his buddies, other than figuring out a way to keep from exhaling, certain “green” alternatives are an imperative must: hybrid cars, CF bulbs, and solar panels. These are but three of the solutions I refer to as green-washed. They’re promoted to the general public as solutions to a pollution problem that doesn’t really exist, and then contribute at least as much, if not more hazardous pollution to the environment as the technologies they’re supposed to replace. Not that we don’t have a pollution problem – we most certainly do. But carbon dioxide and other so-called “greenhouse gases” are NOT it.

Let’s start with hybrid cars – one of which Al Gore had personally delivered to one of his three palatial homes, (none of which are powered by any of the alternative energies he’s trying to cram down our throats at great expense to us, the tax-paying public.) For all the fossil fuels that were burned to get it to his ostentatious Tennessee spread, he will never be able to drive that car enough miles to make up for the pollution that was created getting it to him, not to mention the pollution that was created just in the manufacturing process. And that rechargeable battery, 500 pounds worth in each vehicle, will never be a candidate for curbside recycling; not just for the sheer weight factor, but for the toxic chemicals it contains. And then there’s the electrical generation. Where’s that all going to come from? The same people who want to rip out all the dams, so that leaves what? Fossil fuel? Coal? (FYI, there’s no such thing as clean coal.)

While I certainly advocate for alternative cleaner fuels to petroleum, the fact is, there won’t ever be a truly clean and viable alternative as long as the industrial governmental complex continues to reap a 25% tax from oil revenue profits. The technology exists to run vehicles literally on water – and has for some time. But for now, there’s no tax and power structure to accommodate it, so don’t look for that anytime soon.

And then there are those compact fluorescent bulbs that we’re all supposed to be using since incandescent bulbs were outlawed by the Bush administration. At an energy savings of up to 2/3, this would indeed seem to be a great alternative to an incandescent bulb. By some estimations, compact fluorescent bulbs, while containing mercury that incandescent bulbs don’t have, actually reduce the mercury pollution from the single largest U.S. source: coal-fired power plants. Unfortunately, in the hands of the average consumer nationwide, (and dare I say, worldwide?) that savings may be greatly mitigated to the point of being disastrously UN-green.

According to the Federal Government’s ‘Energy Star’ website, the tiny amount of mercury in the bulbs — described as being the equivalent size of the ball point on a pen — can create harmful vapors if the bulb is broken.

Typical packaging on the bulbs simply states that they contain mercury and should be disposed of properly. But the labels don’t go into any detail about what constitutes ‘proper’ disposal or clean up if one breaks. The EPA recommends the following clean up and disposal guidelines:

1. Open a window and leave the room (restrict access) for at least 15 minutes.

2. Remove all materials you can without using a vacuum cleaner. Wear disposable rubber gloves, if available (do not use your bare hands). Carefully scoop up the fragments and powder with stiff paper or cardboard. Wipe the area clean with a damp paper towel or disposable wet wipe. Sticky tape (such as duct tape) can be used to pick up small pieces and powder.

3. Place all cleanup materials in a plastic bag and seal it. (That includes the rubber gloves you’re supposed to wear to do the clean up.) If your state permits you to put used or broken CFL’s in the garbage, seal the CFL in two plastic bags and put into the outside trash (if no other disposal or recycling options are available). Wash your hands after disposing of the bag.

4. The first time you vacuum the area where the bulb was broken, remove the vacuum bag once done cleaning the area (or empty and wipe the canister) and put the bag and/or vacuum debris, as well as the cleaning materials, in two sealed plastic bags in the outdoor trash or protected outdoor location for normal disposal.

Call me crazy, but I count a recommended FOUR plastic bags for the disposal of just one CFL. So now we’ve got highly toxic mercury enclosed in double plastic bags. (They have to be doubled, because as it turns out, plastic isn’t a very good mercury vapor barrier.) Do we really need more plastic bags deposited into the environment? Not to mention the rubber gloves, adhesive tape, and disposal of a vacuum cleaner bag, which may or may not be full and ready to be disposed of. What do you think the odds are that every single person who breaks or replaces a CFL follows these recommendations? Apparently not very good. Currently only 2% of these bulbs, broken or otherwise, are recycled or disposed of properly from residential sources. Exactly how is that more “green” than the incandescent bulbs that essentially get ground to powder and eventually disintegrate in a landfill?

One of my favorite “green” solutions is solar panels. I won’t even discuss the pollution caused by their manufacturing process, so let’s just stick to the consumer end. Solar panels are very expensive, but eventually they pay for themselves – just about the time they have to be replaced. Why? Because they’ve deteriorated and are no longer efficient due to…. wait for it…. EXPOSURE TO THE SUN! Yes, I know they’re “improving” on this technology, but we’ve heard that before. The “improvements” often come with their own set of pitfalls and pollution.

I know the title says “3″ things, but I have to include this. It’s one of my favorite ironic green-wash examples: the SC Johnson ad that shows the CEO standing between a landfill and an SC Johnson manufacturing facility. We’re supposed to be impressed with how environmentally conscientious this company is because they use wind, palm nutshells, and methane generated from the landfill to power their plant.

I suspect that if I had the time to do a John Stossel type expose’ on what all the facts really are, the picture would probably be much less “green” than the ad would have us believe. However, it isn’t really necessary to look that far or dig that deep to see the “green-wash” in this campaign. Just look at the products that are being manufactured in this green energy fueled plant: Windex, Pledge, Shout, and Scrubbing Bubbles. The combined ingredients in these products include petroleum distillates, solvents, ammonia, dyes, propellants like propane, isobutene, hydrocarbons, polydimethylsiloxanes, alcohol, detergents, etc. And that doesn’t include the packaging for these products, most of which are plastic bottles, (ie. petroleum products.)

The overriding message of the ad is that we can help “reduce our carbon footprint” and be more “green” if we switch over to or keep using products made by SC Johnson. We’re supposed to feel good that this toxic chemical-soup factory is powered by methane, thereby reducing greenhouse emissions. What happened to reducing our consumption of oil? Do we really need petroleum distillates, propane, (a by-product of petroleum refining,) and hydrocarbons to have clean windows, a clean bathroom, and shiny wood furniture? Wouldn’t it be greener if we just used vinegar water, baking soda, and (here’s a revolutionary idea) a plain dust rag?

Author: Vincent DiAngelo
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Guest blogger

Green interior design takes advantage of recyclable materials, furnishings, and leftovers, to create a one in a million space. This style uses long-lasting and non-toxic materials, as well as renewable energy sources. When you redecorate your home with new materials every five years that is the opposite from green interior design.

The heart of green interior design is to restore and reuse everything that’s possible. Today, there is a great variety of green floor options that allow you to refinish, sand, or paint without employing toxic materials. The main materials employed in green interior design are cork, bamboo, and eucalyptus, because no destruction occurs when taking them from nature. In the same way, there are woods that have been approved and certified by environmental groups as appropriate for construction and decoration because they do not carry the devastation of millenary forests.

Green interior design cares to the core. It even pays attention to what glues and finishes are eco-friendly, since these commonly contain toxic synthetic resins that are extremely harmful. Green design is all about non-toxic cleaners, polishes, finishes, refinishing, and adhesive products, resulting in better air quality and a healthier environment at home.

The idea behind going green is to use as few chemicals as possible in everything we use and in our surroundings, while living in harmony and taking advantage of the green exterior. So it is important to use a lot of glass windows, doors, and skylights to let in natural light, helping to lower energy consumption and to avoid moisture accumulation.

Nothing is more in today than concrete floors. They are used in different colors, textures, polishes, and patterns, and are not harmful to your health because they are free from glues and finishes with chemicals. Green kitchens, bathrooms and fireplaces also showcase concrete counter tops that give a natural look and appear thoroughly modern.

Now there’s the option of recycled glass. It is very beautiful and can be found in many colors and forms to match your space and necessities.

Another important aspect of selecting a green design is in the appliances you choose. Besides budget, it is necessary to think about their functionality, style and energy efficiency. Select the ones that use less water, and recycle all your old appliances correctly. Ask for advice if necessary.

Green home designs provide for lots of ceiling and wall eco-friendly insulation throughout the entire house, turning your home into an energy-efficient one. Look for high performance windows and doors that help preserve energy very effectively.

The current global condition begs for smart choices in home interior design. Green design is such a choice, resulting in an economic and environmental advantage. Green enthusiasts think of future money savings, reduced exposure to toxic materials, and living in harmony with the environment, however, living green is not easy. It is a lifestyle that demands deep changes in your life philosophy and priorities, but it is worth it!

If you’re interested in this kind of interior design, research, ask, and learn all you can about it before deciding to implement it. Interior designers in Seattle are a great source of information and guidance, one that you should consider in order to go green all the way and in the right way.

If you liked this article, tell all your friends about it. They’ll thank you for it. If you have a blog or website, you can link to it or even post it to your own site (don’t forget to mention amelydesigns.com as the original source).

Interior design in Seattle – http://www.amelydesigns.com/

Author: Amely Wurmbrand
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Smiling shark

Well, now I have seen all. The Christian TV ministers wishing to get more time on the nationally syndicated television news have now joined the environmentalists in declaring that global warming is real. Who made it real; God? At the same time we have 2000 scientists who all already believe in global warming meeting in Paris France to declare global warming is official. Who made it official a bunch of people who believe the same thing? Where are all the dissenting scientists?

Well, it turns out that all the dissenting scientists whom do not believe in global warming have found themselves lambasted and publicly humiliated or even fired from research facilities there been funded to prove the global warming exists. What a complete sham?

The global warming rhetoric is out of control and how we have politicians who are promoting movies using this to scare people into voting for them in their attempt to take the power structure away from the current powers that be. The mindless masses who have surrendered their minds to their television set were recently surveyed and it appears that 90% of the people believe in global warming.

It is surprising what humans can be led to believe if they are told the same thing over and over again. It is similar to fundamentalist religious indoctrination and it is indeed an excellent study on the human mind, but does that mean we must all fear global warming? You can live your life as a sheep if you want to and you can go with the flow and see where it leads or you can live your life and use your brain to know it’s not real.

If you want to live like a stupid cow, be my guest. I certainly hope this article is of interest and that is has propelled thought. The goal is simple; to help you in your quest to be the best in 2007. I thank you for reading my many articles on diverse subjects, which interest you.

“Lance Winslow” – Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is an online writer in retirement.

Author: Lance Winslow
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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It’s easy to go with a green interior decoration design and after all it does help our environment too. Green also goes a step further by contributing to our own sense of well being. Earth-friendly lifestyles are becoming more and more accepted and understood. This is actually a lifestyle that can be used in our entire home. Here is how you start a green makeover in your bedroom.

Organic flooring can be easily achieved by using an wool carpet, wood, or stone. The floor is important since it is the building block for the whole room. Natural wood is a great choice as long as the floor finish is eco friendly. The wool carpet and stone flooring can be expensive and it might be cheaper to strip down and refinish an existing wood floor. Carpet might be the best option for a child’s room.

The bedding in a green bedroom is also crucial. The mattress should be organic and made from either wool or cotton. Organic bedding is used which is made from materials that are free of toxins. The fabric for this type of bedding is made of either organic cotton or bamboo fabric. While these bedding sets can be a bit pricey, they are available and easy to find at most department stores.

It is time to get rid of the old drapes, curtains, and shades. Replace them with untreated wood blinds or organic fabric shades. Make sure that you include organic fiber when planning your green interior decoration design. Don’t use anything on your windows that has been treated. Doing this not only looks great but it also eliminated dust mites and allergens from your bedroom.

Even your paint must be eco friendly. Every color that you could want to redecorate your bedroom with is available in paint that is green friendly. Traditional paint can interfere with the air quality of your home because it is filled with toxins. This paint can actually be dangerous for as long as five years so always choose paint that has no VOC’s. You can also select a paint that is all natural for the same effect.

Select the lighting for your bedroom based on the style that you like and what will go well with your decor. If your light selection includes a lamp shade then make sure that it is eco friendly and made of organic materials. Never use regular light bulbs but rather use compact fluorescent bulbs. These bulbs are a great way to contribute to green living and still be able to stay within the perimeters of your interior decoration design. They last a lot longer and they cost less to use.

Interior decoration design has a few concepts that should be followed. However, once you understand and embrace those concepts you will be turning rooms into masterpieces!

To learn more, sign up for your FREE mini e-course here: Interior Decoration Design. And don’t forget to check out the latest interior design information here: http://www.interiordesignmadeeasy.net.

Author: Bowe Packer
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
US State tax list

You see, conserving water is not only great for the environment, it’s also a big money saver and one where relatively small (and painless) changes can have huge impacts on your wallet!

Perhaps this sounds like a great idea to you (after all, why wouldn’t it?) but you may be less sure how to make it happen. In order to avoid overwhelm, I suggest you begin your conservation efforts outside, since many experts agree that landscaping accounts for more than 50% of a typical homeowner’s water usage.

Next, use the following six tips to help guide you; while there are many more, these are among my favorites because they’re all trouble-free, very affordable (or free) and they’ll save you loads of money.

1. Use gutters, grates, and channel drains to collect storm water. Then redirect it to capture apparatus like rain barrels, catch basins, and cisterns. This is a great way to have plenty of clean, fresh water for your plants, flowers, and grass. And you can also use it to wash off your deck or patio and give your auto a good cleaning.

2. Avoid watering your plants, flower, and grass during the hottest part of the day (10 am – 4 pm). Rather, water them in the early morning or wait until evening. This will cut back on the amount of water wasted due to evaporation.

3. Fix leaking hoses, sprinkler heads, and outside faucets fast. This is one of the easiest ways to save lots and lots of water 24/7, so take the time (5-10 minutes) to continually – and regularly – check to make sure nothing’s dripping.

4. Stop spraying and start sweeping. Trade in your hose for a broom and sweep away dead leaves, sticks, dirt, and other outdoorsy “stuff.” It does a perfectly acceptable job and it’s a “kinder” way to treat your wooden furniture. And if you need a little more “elbow grease” use household cleaners like Windex to help you get up those tougher spots.

5. Purchase a smart water controller. Water controllers are one of the most valuable outdoor gadgets around (what’s more they’re inexpensive little gems and you can buy them at places like Home Depot). They’re similar to traditional automatic “set-it-and-forget-it” sprinkler systems – only better. Why? Because they have internal sensors that collect soil and atmospheric information (real time) and virtual (web-based) weather data, which are used to automate and optimize watering schedules. These calculations are performed daily and also ensure that the exact right amount of water needed is delivered to your plants. And that means your plants won’t die of thirst or drown.

6. Rain sensors = Good Sense. Rain sensors often work hand-in-hand with water controllers (they’re sold separately or along with the controllers) in that they can add another “dimension” to your water-saving efforts (and they’re also very inexpensive and can even be wired to existing irrigation systems).

Here’s why… Rain sensors contain disks that enlarge when they come contact with moisture. When this happens a negative wire is tripped, and this stops the pump relay’s operation, and prevents the system from functioning; that is, until the disk dries out (which is close to the same drying rate as soil.) These are also readily available at places like Home Depot or you can order them on the Internet. If possible, however, I suggest that you check them out in person. This way you can discuss options with someone knowledgeable and get the one that best suits your needs (it’s also easier to exchange them if needed).

As I said earlier, these are just a few of the many ways you can help lessen the demand for fresh water (it starts one person at a time) and thereby, help yourself, your community, and the world. As a result, you’ll feel better, save money, and still enjoy a beautiful yard. So, why wait another minute, when there’s never been a better day to start? I promise, it will be one of the best decisions you ever made.

Tiffany Guerra, BA, MS, is an environmentalist, strategic marketing manager, and a freelance writer. Tiffany is passionate about helping people reduce their carbon footprints using practical, affordable, and uncomplicated methods. As such, she regularly contributes articles on topics such as the benefits of green spaces, the conservation of water, and more, to her company’s website ( http://www.NDSPro.com ) and other online publications. If you’d like to learn more about ways to use landscaping to conserve water, add value to your home, and save money visit: http://www.ndspro.com/articles/library/7-money-saving-ways-to-conserve-water-outside-and-be-kinder-to-mother-earth/.

Author: Tiffany Guerra
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Programmable Multi-cooker

Why are building green solutions so important and why is it such a special opportunity for us. Yes, I said us.

Amazing things have happened on planet earth in the past couple hundred years, especially for industrialized society. There are great challenges for the many people of the third world but for most of us,

We live and work in air conditioned spaces, use transportation that turns hours into minutes, enjoy comforts, food choices, merchandize and services that were previously available only to the very wealthy.

We are at an interesting crossroads at this time however. We have exhausted some of the resources that make this life possible. Most of our current energy resources have side effects that are dangerous for coming generations. Some of the boundless opportunity that appeared in our nation’s youth has been replaced with difficult choices and job insecurity. We are ushering in a generation that for the first time will probably see a decrease in their standard of living.

What does building green solutions have to do with all these ostensibly, unrelated issues? In the pitch of the Great Depression one attempt to feed the economy was provided with a jobs program, road works that provided jobs in the short run. Government ‘created’ jobs to stimulate the economy and some believe this had a measure of success. This was job creation at it’s most direct level, not exactly supply and demand.

There is a consensus that ‘stimulating’ the economy in the form of lower interest rates and greater government spending is a proven way to revive a struggling economy. This too has really nothing to do with the fundamentals of capitalism, supply and demand.

Now we have a call on multiple fronts to find solutions, solutions that speak to many issues, find energy solutions that are economical yet do not create hazardous waste, solutions that are affordable and accessible to most of the population.

Building green solutions addresses all these issues while also creating new technology, new expertise, a whole new area of employment that simply did not exist before. It is exactly, supply and demand. Our greatest sense of creativity, our greatest sense of invention does indeed respond to need and respond to special circumstances requiring special solutions.

It is not a government program design to ‘create’ work but rather a response to a need whose specialty will create jobs in research, production, and implementation. The United States is challenged to compete in factory production with third world countries. Our high standard of living has also made it difficult to compete in large production and agriculture with countries whose labor cost is a mere fraction. Yet we still lead in technology and the technology of living green is in high demand all over the world.

What else is special about ‘green technology’ and green solutions?

Everybody wins. Resources that are kinder to our environment reduce the impact of our lifestyle and begin to reverse global warming. Countries such as China with fast growing economies and faster growing populations now more than ever need solutions to provide their people energy consuming amenities without destroying their environment.

What else will building green solutions provide? This could be the fun part. We don’t know.

We have witnessed a digital revolution in the past decade, an information revolution that has changed life all over the world. It brought with it new energy, new research, new products, new possibilities, and new jobs. Who would have thought they would be sending a picture from the Zoo as they are talking to their friend across the country? Who would have thought they would be carrying more data on their key chain than all the banks in New York in our last century?

We have every reason to believe this same innovation and same new invention will accompany our ‘green revolution’. New ideas are rarely stale and very rarely solutions unto themselves. Rather they open up new pathways, new ways of thinking, new solution that open even more possibility.

Should our government subsidize this research, subsidize this possibility for self-reliance and true economic growth? Of course it should but the green revolution is here and with or without the assistance from our government, energy solutions for the planet will define the 21st Century.

T Boone Pickens has cited ‘the greatest transfer of wealth’ in mankind. It is difficult to imagine the relief for our deficit and the savings we would appreciate if our cars did not require fossil fuel. This same shift away from global warming and pollution makes you wonder why this hasn’t already happened.

It would be wonderful if the United States became a leader in renewable energy, creating new industry, new income, and great employment opportunity. It would be wonderful to see our economic recovery reach America beyond the first few blocks of Wall Street.

This is an industry that will touch every other whether it is better insulated housing or more fuel efficient automobiles. We have reevaluated our lifestyle and the assumptions and extra costs of fifty years of ‘suburbia’. More energy efficient lifestyle villages are common now, offering most of what any family needs within blocks instead of miles. This in turn will significantly reduce driving time, fuel consumption and the pollution it creates.

As we begin to implement greener living, the common cause for all nations will begin to surface. Green solutions belong to lifestyle not geography and can be implemented and enjoyed anywhere. This ‘common cause’ can easily foster cooperation versus conflict which will reduce the enormous expenditure on defense and security systems.

Think globally, act locally.

Would you like to participate? There are literally hundreds of resources and links to how you can learn more, access more, and do more from your home, in your lifestyle decisions. From issues as diverse as green roofs to space heaters, solar lamps to rainwater harvesting, you may be surprised just how easy it can be to make your contribution.

One of our favorite resources on how individuals can learn and do more is the ‘Green Guide’ provide by the National Geographic, www.thegreenguide.com.

Bon Appetit.

Full Moons, Dog Creek, think globally, act locally

Author Tommy Womack is a Web Designer, nature lover, and environmentalist. Living by Dog Creek in Kingston Springs, TN, much of his work is devoted to images borrowed from nature using Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro and other applications from the Adobe Design Suite, and much inspiration from Henry Thoreau.

http://www.prexactly.com
http://www.prexactly.com/EarthBlog

Author: Tommy Womack
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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If you were to teach your kids how turning off the lights in their room when they are out is important. Explain to them that electricity actually uses a lot of energy and makes the Earth hot. Remember to use simple words as I have here and not overcomplicated words so that they can understand. The next part in helping to teach global warming for kids is to help remind them what a difference they are making by turning off their lights in their room and how you are doing it too.

Remember to repeat your teaching, best by example, as repeated teaching makes memory and good habits are base on memory. So what they remember, they will practice and do. I believe this method of teaching global warming for kids to be productive and fruitful.

The next thing you can teach them as was with lights can be on the other appliances in the house. You could start with refrigerator. It should be simple enough to explain to them how refrigerator also uses electricity in their light bulbs. Then you could go on to explain how electricity is used in refrigerator to keep it cold. So leaving the light bulbs on when the fridge is open causes the refrigerator to become less cold and for it to be colder the refrigerator will expand more electricity for this. Thus like the explanation on how light uses electricity, it is the same for refrigerator. As electricity takes up a lot of energy this makes the Earth hot. Remember when teaching global warming for kids to understand, you have to use simple words they already know.

Another helpful topic on teaching global warming for kids by example would be about water usage. Teach them how turning off the tap water while brushing their teeth helps save water. Explain to them how it takes up a lot of energy to bring in water into the house as energy is used to make the water clean and warm. The increase of energy usage will makes the Earth hotter. You should do the same for yourself by turning off the water when brushing your teeth as you want to be a role model for the kids.

Other household related habit that is suitable for teaching global warming for kids can is learning about recycling. Try to teach your kids to recycle all the tin cans, glass bottles and paper waste that are no longer needed. Explain to them how recycling actually helps save energy and this helps make Earth cooler.

If you are interested in teaching global warming for kids to help make Earth cooler, there is still another thing or two you could teach them that they could do. If you have the time, place and you understand gardening, you could plant some trees. Then you could teach them how to do it too and have them help plant trees as well. It is possible for them to find this exciting and enjoyable especially if they are not strongly rooted in any hobby yet. You may then explain to them how trees help eat up all the stinky and black smokes that make our mother Earth hot.

If it is practical, have them walk or ride a bike if they are headed to a destination nearby. If you happen to be wanting to go to a place close by, you could walk or ride your bike with them there instead of taking your family car. Remember, cars puff out smokes that make the Earth hotter. You may also like to teach your kids how taking buses and trains help reduce the contribution of smokes that makes Earth hot.

Get more information and materials to teach your kids at Global Warming For Kids

Author: James Marny
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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TURN OFF/UNPLUG

This is the hardest one in my opinion. When you leave a room turn out the lights, that’s the hard part. If your like me this simple task is nearly impossible, why, I don’t know. Other things that go along with this are, TV. I noticed the other day that both my TV’s were on and I was using the computer and I was the only one home. Simply turning these things off when you don’t need them is a big step to saving a lot of energy and money. Also just unplugging appliances that are not in use saves a lot too.

DRIVE LESS

About a month ago, we went to our neighbors to have dinner, 2 blocks down the street. I drove. When we got there my wife said “I guess we could have walked”. That’s what I mean when I say drive less. You could also ride your bike to work, save gas and get in shape. Another way is to limit your shopping to only a couple times a month (we do this and it saves money both in gas and in shopping). Watch TV instead of going to the movie or ride your bike to the theater. There are many ways to drive less it just depends on the person.

GREEN BAGS

You know, the ones at the grocery store. Some are actually green, the color. The ones we got cost a dollar a piece. We use them for many other things than to haul grocery’s, very handy. Plus, their cool.

WATER BOTTLE

Ah yes the water bottle. There are many different kinds to suit your personality. I suggest getting 2, keep one half full in the freezer, that way you can fill it the rest of the way and it will stay cold, and one in the fridge. If you have bad water, get a water purifier. I have done the math and this is less expensive than buying bottled water. The big, main reason for the water bottle is the landfill The plastic bottles that water comes in take a long time to degrade. Before long all that will be in the landfills will be plastic water bottles. Not good.

THOUGHTS

OK, my thoughts on living green are waste not want not (my grandma has told me that many times). The way society is living these days is messy. Look at all the trash everywhere, we pollute our precess air with exhaust. We are a very wasteful bunch. Think of it this way, remember when your mom would say “keep your room clean in case somebody comes over”. Well think about how the aliens look at the mess we’ve made.

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These are just a few ways to live green. There are many other ways. You just need to find the green living that suits you best.

TRAVIS G TURNER
http://pensiveblog.com/

Author: Travis G Turner
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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