With the global green movement converting people left and right, large corporate companies are finding that eco-friendly operations can co-exist with business growth. It may be a nudge from the media, or the need to please popular demands, either way this is great news in the corporate world; especially since some major companies have been ridiculed in the past for dumping waste and using not so friendly tactics. Here are how some corporate companies are going green.

Bank of America: This banking company reduced their paper usage by about 32% from the year 2000 through 2005. This was done even though they experienced a 24% growth in customers. The company works hard to be green as they run an internal recycling program that recycles about 30,000 tons of paper a year which saves about 200,000 of our earth’s trees. They also reward their employees with a $3,000 bonus if they purchase a hybrid vehicle.

General Electric: Since 2006, General Electric has sold about $12 billion of its Ecomagination products to the general public. This includes solar panels and LED lighting options. To apologize for polluting the Hudson River with polychlorinated biphenyls, this corporate company is also setting up rigorous cleanup operations in that area as we speak.

McDonalds: The increasing public shift in environmental friendliness definitely pushed this popular fast-food chain to go green. Instead of rummaging through natural habitats of animals, Mickey D’s is now working closely with PETA to develop more humane and environmentally friendly practices.

Anheuser-Busch- Budweiser: This top selling beer company has decided to trim about an eighth of an inch from each beer can to save about 21 million pounds of metal per year. The best thing about this product transformation is that it does not reduce the amount of beer per can by any means.

Starbucks Coffee: This popular coffee company decided to switch to recycled paper for its coffee cup sleeves which saves about 78,000 trees in one year.

Walmart: This nationally recognized store has just released its long-term plan to operate green. They have stated that they will begin to power each and every Walmart store using 100% renewable energy sources.

Dell: While computer equipment has always been one of the most difficult and costliest products to dispose of safely, Dell has come up with a way to make this task less difficult. Through the “no computer should go to waste” recycling initiative, Dell allows each customer to return any of their brands products to the company for free. That way the company can work to dispose of each computer safely.

Other corporate companies that are going green include Toyota, Target, Honda, Continental Airlines, Hewlett-Packard, Dupont, Home Depot, and many, many more. As you can see, every niche market can go green. From hid conversion kit to LED headlights, car makers all over the world are beginning to release environmentally friendly cars more and more in recent years. If you want to help as a consumer buy a hybrid and do our earth proud.

Author: Autumn L Rose
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Duty tariff

No matter how strong its eco-credentials, a “green” building is not truly sustainable unless it is woven into a community fabric that supports sustainable lifestyles. You can have the most environmentally-friendly construction process for the most efficient and healthy home, but if the house is located somewhere that forces occupants to drive for every errand, then you have not created a truly sustainable home. Regardless of how eco-friendly they may feel, denizens of buildings like this cannot avoid adding lots of earth-warming carbon to the atmosphere as part of their daily routine.

Instead, truly green homes are woven into a built environment that supports sustainable living – less driving, less energy consumption, a smaller ecological footprint. Portland’s Urban Growth Boundary helps shape this kind of urban form and context. The UGB refocuses development on the region’s urban core and creates a more compact urban form scaled to people (walking, biking, taking transit) not just cars. This provides Portlanders with green options. We can still drive where we need to go, but there are other good choices for getting around as well.

Now, responsible home builders build with the earth in mind, reclaiming and recycling materials, striving for LEED and Passive House standards, making careful materials choices, etc. But what can we do, as would-be green-dwellers and builders, to ensure that our homes and businesses become part of sustainable patterns of community life?

It is not an easy question. But there are at least three ways we can ensure that green structures do not go gray:

1. Fill It In.

Infill development maximizes existing infrastructure, supports walkable neighborhoods, and preserves greenfields on the region’s periphery by concentrating development in existing communities. Infill structures built to eco-standards can therefore achieve the more elusive goal of “sustainability”.


2. Granny Flats.

An Accessory Dwelling Unit can be a converted garage, a basement or attic addition, or a new standalone backyard cottage. These compact living units, complete with kitchen, bath and all living amenities, add a distinct second residential unit to an existing property. Perfect for sustainable, efficient living embedded in community.


3. Remodel.

That’s right. Following environmentally-responsible remodeling principles, re-purpose that old house to 21-century needs. Existing structures contain tons of embodied energy. By remodeling these homes, we are “upcycling” today’s neighborhoods one house at a time, preserving precious embodied energy and weaving these households into existing neighborhood fabric.

By pursuing these three strategies, we can build sustainable homes that sustain community.

Hammer and Hand is a Portland builder and remodeler that has helped the people of Portland live better in their homes and businesses since 1995. The firm’s remodels, restorations, and environmentally responsible building practices maintain the aesthetic of eras past while creating the living spaces of the future. Work includes Passive House, LEED-certified homes, infill projects, and Accessory Dwelling Units.

Author: Zachary Semke
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Benefits of electric pressure cooker

Protecting the environment is an international concern. Driven by the power of the Internet and the world media, it’s not just about “green”, “organic” or the environment anymore. Today, it all connects with “fair trade”, “sweatshop free”, “positive or sustainable lifestyles” and “…positive political and social movement…”. Nonprofit organizations like Green America have even established screening and approval processes for green companies to assure consumers of “… social justice and environmental sustainability”.

However, despite the current green movement’s clamor for social justice and passion for a better quality of life, green is still rooted with typical consumers. Without their sincere concern and continuing commitment to keeping our environment healthy and clean, the new green ethical considerations would not have evolved. Consumers continue to buy a wide range of products that are available in eco-friendly alternatives including toys, food products, bedding and clothing.

The multi-billion dollar clothing industry is still one of the green pioneers. They have produced eco-fashion styles made from organic agriculture such as cotton, hemp, silk and bamboo. Many of these apparel companies have now connected social justice with protecting the environment. They are also committing to charitable giving and community involvement. Some apparel companies have actually translated the current rage for social justice and positive life styles into new components on their clothing. These special features on their brand of apparel reflect their company’s commitment to social justice and a better quality of life.

The Baltimore Sun, in its Sunday Supplement “Green: Your Lifestyle. Our World” (April 20, 2008), included a number of articles on companies producing green products. They understand all too well that their readership is looking for ways to become more socially responsible while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. Consequently, buying apparel solely based on the fact that cotton, bamboo, hemp or silk fabrics are organically grown is simply not enough. Elimination of toxic pesticides and the use of natural fertilizers in organic farming is certainly essential and commendable. But the consumer needs to insure that the dyes used to create color or print on organic apparel are also non-toxic or eco-friendly. Although more expensive, many Green America Companies, go well beyond minimum requirements by using eco-friendly dyes, thus producing a safer and better organic product to protect you and planet Earth.

Bob Folkart is Vice-President of Live Life Organics, a company devoted to encouraging the living of a passionate life through environmental awareness. Live Life Organics has created a range of organic clothing containing positive inspirational messages, that does not use toxic dyes, and includes a plantable hang tag that grows wild flowers. To view these organic products, go to http://www.livelifeorganics.com.

Author: Bob Folkart
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Android tablet, netbook

Understanding the long-term benefits of a LEED home encourages many Floridians to take the plunge and go green. In fact, Miami has ranked in the top 50 cities in the country for LEED structures for several years. It is expected that in the next few years green homes, like hybrid cars, will become more common. As popularity rises, upfront costs to go green will go down, allowing more people to enjoy the benefits of living this way. To achieve certification, a home must meet many criteria and be rated by a professional in the LEED industry. They will ensure that the home will operate under certain guidelines before they can deem it a green home.

Some of the qualities necessary to becoming a LEED home are water efficiency, energy efficiency, indoor environment quality, and innovation in design. It’s also important that the home meet certain sustainability standards, meaning it is built on land that was already developed and doesn’t impact the environment in a negative way. Going green is something people all over the country are considering, and the Sunshine state is in the forefront of the movement to go green. With so much opportunity for solar energy, it’s no wonder Miami and Fort Lauderdale continue to see more people opting to build LEED homes.

The benefits of a green home are numerous. For many people, the fact that they are making a positive impact on the environment is incentive enough, but it’s nice to consider the other things that one can enjoy with a LEED home. Lower energy bills, less risk of certain toxins, and improved resale value are some of the benefits. It’s no wonder so many people are trying to go green in all areas of their lives. From recycling to living green, you can save money and have a clear conscience at the same time.

Sunny Realty of South Florida features technologically advanced and Internet savvy realtors. They specialize in Sunny Isles real estate, Miami real estate and luxury condominiums. SunnyIslesMiamiRealEstate.com provides instant access to the best in Miami Beach condos.

Author: L. Belenky
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Digital economy, mobile technology

Everyone has a personal responsibility for keeping the planet green and healthy. So, what can we do to assist in greening the planet? Massive change is necessary but if we’re not capable of that small adjustments add up to profound shifts. Leave the big changes to those with the resources to implement them.

We can make small advancements simply by starting in our homes and businesses. If you have never thought about working for yourself then re-think this possibility. If you consider the benefits of working for yourself doing what you love to do, the benefits spill over in so many ways.

Have you considered starting a home based business? Do you realize the positive planetary and personal gains to be realized by doing this? Consider the following…

1. By working from home you reduce the amount of time in your vehicle which relieves the already congested traffic in most major cities.
2. It reduces green house gases which contribute to the warming of the planet.
3. It reduces our dependency on oil to allow the introduction of other technologies such as electric cars.
4. Big business knows what makes them money. The planet must go green they know this.
5. Staying at home to work allows more personal time with family which also greens the planet by bringing families back together.
6. Take the time to research the many ways to start your own business from home doing what you know and love. Building a business based on your personal knowledge and genuine interest sparks passion that fuels the process to levels of success far surpassed by working at what you don’t like.
7. If you’re thinking this is easy, well it isn’t. But I assure you working hard for yourself beats working hard for someone else any day. What you will find is that the time you put in building your business really doesn’t seem difficult until you look back after your success and say “How did I do that?”
8. Working from home is not for everyone. But it may be for you.
9. Working from home allows for personal time to sneak away to enjoy life doing whatever else you love to do. Keeping your own hours is very freeing.
10. Working at home essentially puts you back in control of your life.
11. Knowledge is power. Use your personal experiences and passions to enlighten anyone who wants to listen. Believe me, there are a lot of people who are seeking information. Share.

Greening your home also includes greening your body. Endorse and promote companies and lifestyle that sell organic and sustainable resources. Eat organically grown produce and restrict our use of packaged fast and frozen foods. Buy products that are eco-friendly by being biodegradable. By displaying our desire to use and promote these resources we send a message to everyone.

The way of the future is green. The future of business is eco-commerce. Live well, Live Green.

The health of ourselves and the planet should be our top priority. Spread the eco-word through business and personal endeavors.

[http://www.ecoroomdecorating.com]

Author: Margaret Zobatar
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Beading Necklace

Let’s take a look at three ways to achieve green living while still enjoying modern spaces where any family would love to live.

Alternate Energy As The Foundation Of Green Buildings

Homes in America account for about one fifth of the total electricity used within the country. When it comes to reducing dependence on foreign energy and lowering our use of fossil fuels, alternate home energy sources are essential in green buildings. One of the most clean and abundant sources of energy without burning fossil fuels is wind power.

Incorporating wind power can be very easy; homeowners do not have to install a 150 foot tall wind turbine in neighborhood common areas! Many metropolitan areas already have wind power being pumped into the grid. Many electricity providers offer the ability to purchase wind power exclusively for use in the home. If the option isn’t offered, ask your provider to do so! This service usually entails a small, flat fee to help expand the amount of wind turbines in use. In return, homeowners know that any electricity they use does not result in more greenhouse gas emissions.

Reducing the carbon footprint of green buildings could not be any easier.

Windows In Modern Spaces

Windows are one of the worst culprits when it comes to inefficient heating and cooling in a home. With some smart design choices and energy efficient windows, it is easy to create green buildings that use less energy for heating and cooling and keep their owners comfortable during the hot summer days and cold winter nights.

These windows are excellent investments as well. With tax credits and savings, they will often pay for themselves over the years. With the wide array of bold designs available, homeowners can still enjoy modern spaces in their homes.

Building Materials

New home and building construction is the best time to get involved in constructing green buildings. There are many opportunities to use natural resources, recycled materials, and good building practices starting from the ground up.

Building construction waste piles into landfills year-round. Utilizing recycled concrete blocks, steel, masonry, timber, and rubber keeps these materials out of landfills without depleting our natural resources. Inside, there are a number of eco-friendly options for construction and furnishing. Bamboo flooring combines a soft feeling underfoot and excellent heat and noise insulation with a renewable resource for the perfect blend of responsible living and modern spaces.

These three tips only scratch the surface of responsible building that can be used in creating modern spaces. Feel free to include Energy Star appliances to further enhance your new or renovated living space.

Chris Harmen is an author for Solarium in Long Island City, a community that focuses on responsible living through incorporating green buildings in LIC with modern spaces.

Author: Chris A. Harmen
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Panasonic Lumix G2

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

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

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

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.

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Author: Tommy Womack
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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