10 Ways that Going Green Can Help You Through the Recession

By Josh PetersonLos Angeles, CA, USA Wed Mar 11 13:30:00 EDT 2009

David De Lossy/Getty
READ MORE ABOUT:Get Recession-Ready Green On A Budget Less Is More Penny Pinching
Our economy is in a tight spot. The unemployment numbers are growing. Businesses are dissolving like wet paper dolls. The Dow Jones looks like an amusement park ride. These are uncertain times. Our country has ridden out worse, and I'm hopeful about the future. But until that hopeful future, we are going to have to grin and bear it.
A lot of people complain that going green is for the wealthy. That's because the most obvious green upgrades, solar panels, hybrids, wind generators and the like, are very expensive. No one really notices when you sew up a sweater or lower your thermostat. Going green is actually quite thrifty and those who aren‘t making a ton of dough are the ones who will benefit most.
Make RepairsWhy throw away something that costs $50 dollars when you can repair it for $15? Fix-it shops which have long been on the brink of extinction are seeing a resurgence. Repairing your gear is a lot greener than replacing it, because it uses fewer resources. You'll also save a bundle of money, especially if you take the time to repair things yourself.
Energy-EfficiencyYou don't have to buy solar panels to reduce your electric bills. Doing small things, like using CFL light bulbs, putting padded drapes, insulated blinds, plastic, or bubble wrap over the windows, turning off lights, putting appliances on power-saver mode, sewing draft snakesM and a host of other cheap solutions will save you a few hundred dollars a year.
Water ConservationThe water that flows to you home comes at a price. Reducing the amount of water you use, will reduce the amount of money you spend.
Gas MileageSimple things like keeping your tires inflated, taking heavy objects out of the car and not letting your car idle are all eco-friendly ways to reduce emissions. They will also save you money.
Renting/Borrowing/Buying UsedDo you really need a brand-new copy of 50 First Dates? I mean, how many times do you need to watch it to make it worth $24.99? A movie ticket doesn't even cost that much? You can watch movies online through NetFlix or you can find them used for a fraction of the price. You can also just borrow a copy from a friend and spend no money.
Make Your OwnWhy buy it when you can make your own? You can make your own shampoo, your own chair or just about anything if you put your mind to it.
ReuseWhy throw it in the trash bin if you can put it to practical use? You can reuse almost anything from old mittens to fingernail clippings.
Home-Cooked MealsYou can make a meal from scratch rather than buying a prepackaged one. Most meals are cheap if you make them out of their base materials, and you will be able to make more for less. It's also healthier than buying a lot of that processed junk.
Drink Tap WaterA filter on your tap is a relatively cheap investment. It reduces waste significantly. And if you're drinking five or so bottles of water a day, it will yield significant savings. You can also just drink straight from the tap with no filter, and you'll probably be fine. I mean, if there is a health problem with your water, your water provider is legally obligated to inform you.
Alternative TravelTraveling by plane is expensive, it's also not that great for the environment. Not vacationing, vacationing locally or taking the Greyhound and in some cases the train are all less expensive and eco-friendly ways to travel.
You don't have to buy anything to go green. You just have to put in a little effort.
More on Getting Recession Ready:Essential Money Skills for a bad economyHelp Out Those Who Have Fallen Victim to the RecessionGreen Ways to Use Your Home & Property to Avoid Foreclosure6 Eco-Friendly Ways to Make Extra Money During the RecessionKelly Rossiter's Top 10 Economical Dinner Recipes of 2008

How to Check for A Water Leak You can save water and money by checking for leaks.

Just Right Inc wrote2 seconds ago
By Josh PetersonLos Angeles, CA, USA Sat Mar 14 11:59:00 EDT 2009 READ MORE ABOUT:Green Home Water Water Conservation13.7% of potable drinking water is lost through leaky pipes. And 13.7% of your water bill can be wasted through leaks. You conserve water and save money by checking your home for leaks. Here is how you do it.1. Locate your water meter box.2. Turn off all water in your house.3. When you look at the meter, it shouldn't be moving. If it is moving, you have a fast leak. If it is not moving, wait ten minutes. If it has moved in ten minutes, you have a slow leak.4. If you have a leak, turn off the water to your house.5. After you've turned the water off to your house, check the meter. If your meter is still moving, there is a leak in the service line. Call the water company.6. If your service line is OK, check your home's irrigation system. Are there broken sprinkler heads or emitters? Is it unusually damp anywhere around your foundation? Check the space under your house.7. It is important to catch leaks that are inside your home. They can do severe damage to your home's structure. Leaks are most often caused by a faulty toilet flapper. They are cheap and easy to repair. Leaky compression faucets are also a problem. Other culprits may include swimming pools, fountains, washing machines, hot water heaters, ice makers and showers. Check them all for leaks.8. If you have access to your pipes, it is possible to turn the water off to different rooms. If are having trouble detecting your leak, this method may help you narrow it down before calling in professional help.More on Water Conservation:Set Your Green Home Priorities for Water ConservationPee OutsideCheap and Easy Toilet Hacks That Will Save WaterHow to Install a Low Flow Shower Head7 Ways to Reduce Your Shampoo Use

Carbon "Footprint", What is it?

What Is A Carbon Footprint?
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A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment, and in particular climate change. It relates to the amount of greenhouse gases produced in our day-to-day lives through burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating and transportation etc. The carbon footprint is a measurement of all greenhouse gases we individually produce and has units of tonnes (or kg) of carbon dioxide equivalent.

The pie chart above shows the main elements whichmake up the total of an typical person's carbon footprint in the developed world.

A carbon footprint is made up of the sum of two parts, the primary footprint (shown by the green slices of the pie chart) and the secondary footprint (shown as the yellow slices).

1. The primary footprint is a measure of our direct emissions of CO2 from the burning of fossil fuels including domestic energy consumption and transportation (e.g. car and plane). We have direct control of these.

2. The secondary footprint is a measure of the indirect CO2 emissions from the whole lifecycle of products we use - those associated with their manufacture and eventual breakdown. To put it very simply – the more we buy the more emissions will be caused on our behalf.

To calculate your carbon footprint - click here

For tips to reduce your footprint - click here

7 Best Ways to Charge Your iPod Without an Outlet

By Brian MerchantBrooklyn, NY, USA Thu Mar 12 14:30:00 EDT 2009

Tyler Edwards/Getty
READ MORE ABOUT:Gadgets Green Electronics Rechargeable Renewable Energy
iPods and iPhones are not just another gadget. They're so universal that even calling them a 'phenomenon' is inadequate. At least for now, iPods are a fact of life. They are simply how we listen to music in the 21st century (sorry, Zune).
Since that's the case, maybe it's time we stop powering them with chargers we plug into the wall—outlets are so 20th century, after all. And with so many options available to power our 'pods with innovative, clean energy, who wants to be stuck in the past?
These are the 7 best ways to power your iPod without plugging it into the wall. They all make for good ways to green your iPod.
Play with a yo-yo. Yes, the iYo-yo charger will generate power from a tiny battery that's charged as you yo.
Use portable solar power. There are more portable solar power chargers than ever—snag one like the Solio Solar Charger to power your iPod.
Swing a pretend golf club. Ecofriend reports that you can find a faux golf club that will charge and store energy every time you swing it, which you can then use to power your iPod.
Crank away. It's actually sort of surprising how many hand crank chargers have emerged in recent years—and many will handily (hello, bad pun) power your iPod.
Hit the dance floor. This one might seem ridiculous, if it wasn't preceded by a fake golf club and a yo-yo charger...but it is indeed true—Orange is set to unveil a dance charger that will generate power as you groove.
Do grip exercises. If you're doing hand workouts to fight carpel tunnel syndrome, or you'd just like to work up to a firmer handshake, kill two birds with one stone with this strange hand exercise iPod charger.
Harness wind power. A really tiny amount of wind power, that is—but that's all it'll take to keep the juice to your iPod flowing. This Mini Kin Green Generator is a really cool example, even if it costs around $50.
More on iPods:Green Your iPod in Three Easy StepsHow to Repair an iPod and Digital CameraSolar iPhone? Solar iPod? Solar Macbook?

Can't Afford to Live Off-Grid? Reduce Your Energy Consumption: 6 Ways

By Collin DunnCorvallis, OR, USA Fri Mar 13 14:44:00 EDT 2009

Christopher Gould / Getty Images
READ MORE ABOUT:Carbon Footprint Clean Energy Cooking Cooling Do It Yourself Eco-Friendly Kitchens Electricity Energy Green Electronics Green Home Home Energy Use Off The Grid Renewable Energy Saving Energy Solar Power
Living off-grid is a green dream for many of us. Liberation from the power grid, freedom from utility bills, and self-sufficient satisfaction that comes from generating all you need sure sounds great, but it isn't a slam dunk; turns out you gotta really want it. And, considering the setup of most conventional homes, it can require tens of thousands of dollars of investment: In solar panels, solar hot water equipment, geothermal or ground-source heating and cooling, and the list goes on. Happily, if going completely off the grid isn't in the cards for you just yet, you can still reduce your environmental impact in a big way by emulating the off-grid lifestyle. Here are six impactful things you can do.
Invest in energy efficiency
Successful off-grid life is all about energy efficiency. After all, one dollar worth of energy conservation can save three to five dollars in energy generation equipment costs, so the best investments you can make are in efficiency. Step one: Figuring out where all your energy use goes. By measuring your energy use, both by individual appliance with something like a Kill-a-Watt and in your entire house, you can figure out what needs upgrading, updating,or replacing.
Reduce your fossil fuel consumption
Once you have your consumption nailed down, reducing the amount of non-renewable dead dinosaurs you use for day-to-day activities comes next. While the phrase 'fossil fuel' tends to conjure images of cars burning gas first, when it comes to your home, electricity, natural gas, and other energy sources like heating oil or propane all can have a fossil fuel footprint. Electricity is probably the easiest of the bunch to cancel out -- more on that in a sec -- but fossil-free alternatives for gas aren't as widespread just yet. So instead of relying on utilities to do it, you can just do it yourself. Build a passive solar water heater, learn to maximize daylighting and passive solar heat, and you're well on your way to cutting back on the fossil fuels you need to use in your home.
Buy in to alternative energy
If you can't go off the grid, you can at least buy green energy that comes from the same renewable sources that you'd be using to power your off-grid abode. Many utilities (with more starting every day, it seems) offer green energy programs; for a small premium -- usually around 10 percent -- you can help them invest in solar, wind, and other alternatives to coal, and they send you some of that green energy back. And the best news: It's way cheaper than going off-grid, and has a huge green impact -- up to half of your carbon footprint can come from home energy use.
Replace grid energy with mechanical energy
Crank power, dynamos, and kinetic energy can do a lot of the work that you ordinarily rely on the grid for. Everything from consumer electronics to blenders don't need the grid to go, so unplug and put your muscle power to use.
Cook with minimal energy
The kitchen can be one of the more energy-intensive rooms in the house, so emulating off-grid life means cutting back on the energy you use to cook. This means doing things like cooking pasta with less water, and without pre-heating or pre-boiling water. You can also eschew traditional cooking methods and appliances and turn to off-grid technologies, like solar cooking -- here's how to make one of your own from a car shade.
Take a baby step toward off-grid
Just because you can't completely cut the wire from the grid doesn't mean you can't get started with a smaller amount of home-generated electricity. An investment of under $300 will get you started with solar power; for a little more, you can take one room in your house off-grid, and for a bit more than that -- say, $600 -- you can generate enough juice to run a 20-inch tv for 20 hours, a portable stereo for 100 hours, a laptop computer for 40 hours, or a 12-watt compact-fluorescent light bulb for 80 hours. Every little bit helps.
More about living off the gridHow to Go Green: Alternative EnergyIs Living Off the Grid Right For You?Generating Off - Grid Power: The Four Best WaysWhat Do Off Grid Homes Look Like? Here are 5 ExamplesMake Hot Water With Solar Power and Recycled BottlesMake Your Own Solar Cell Phone ChargerLiving Off-Grid: Solar Powered Blogging

Arbonne is a 'Green" alternative that produces results

The idea to provide skin care products unparalleled in quality and effectiveness developed in Switzerland in 1975, when one man, Petter Mørck, together with a group of leading bio-chemists, biologists and herbalists, fulfilled his vision and founded Arbonne.Arbonne's skin care products, based on botanical principles, became a reality in the United States in 1980 and are now shared throughout the world through Arbonne's network of Independent Consultants. Building on these same founding principles, Arbonne's product line has since grown to include both inner and outer health and beauty products that are unparalleled in quality, safety, value, benefits and results!
The wonderful thing about Arbonne is that it's not just about great products, it's also about great people. The Arbonne family is made up of thousands of individuals working to make their dreams come true. Through sales incentives and rewards, travel opportunities, a generous SuccessPlan and great products, Arbonne offers a unique opportunity that can help make anyone's vision for the future a reality.

Key Facts on Being "Green"

Green City Guide: Beijing

The sprawling capital of coal-fired China—a city known for air as thick as its traffic—might give green vacationers pause. But post-Olympic Beijing is cleaning up its act: With a healthy dose of curiosity and a spirit of adventure, the bedeviling capital of the People's Republic of China yields a wondrous view of a city rich in history, future-obsessed and surprisingly green.
Trepidation aside, the 2008 Olympic Games pushed Beijing to burnish its environmental cred. Since landing the Olympic bid in 2001, the city has upgraded to Euro IV emission standards for its automobiles, added 20 acres of green space, and raised its number of Blue Sky Days (when the Air Pollution Index is 100 or below, from under 180 to over 270). While Beijing continues to rely on coal for 40 per cent of its energy consumption, the government is seeking more clean energy options, limiting car use, and lending its support to environmental NGOs. And large-scale green experiments—from automobile restrictions to a ban on plastic bags—continue apace.
In some ways, Beijing's continued struggle with pollution and water shortages is argument enough for a visit: Nothing raises our environmental consciousness like a sky evocative of 1970s Los Angeles. But as the skies turn blue, Beijing turns beautiful.
Rent a Bicycle and Bike BeijingMore than 1,000 new cars are registered in Beijing daily, which is partly why the capital is still best experienced by bike. Don't be too fazed by the cars, and don't fret if you're not an expert bicyclist: from gliding across wide boulevards at rush hour in a sea of bikes to zipping through Beijing's scenic hutongs, (alleys formed by traditional courtyards) or along its waterways, there is simply no comparison. What's more, the bicycle has been proven to be the fastest way to get between point A and B in this city. A list of city maps is available at The Beijinger.Bike rental is slowly expanding across the city, thanks to a government-supported program that offers bikes for rent at small parking lots near large subway stations, including Dawanglu, Jianguomen, Chongwenmen, Yonghegong, Hepingmen, Xuanwumen, and others. Place a deposit for the bike—from 100 Yuan up to 1,000 Yuan (about $14-150) for electric and mountain bikes—and no matter what kind of bike it is, expect to pay less than 100 yuan per day ($15 for eight hours). Typical bikes, like Forever models, go for 5 yuan per hour (about $.75) or 20 yuan for the day (about $3). Recently, the Beijing government also announced plans, à la Paris, to make 40,000-50,000 bikes available for free to Beijing residents by the end of 2009. Remember to lock up well, and consider investing in or bringing a helmet—one biking accessory that has yet to hit the Beijing bicycle kingdom.
Take Public Transportation: Hop on a Bus or SubwayBeijing's rapidly expanding subway network isn't just a speedy, affordable way to get around—it offers a futuristic glimpse into underground transportation of tomorrow. Touch screen computers on the newer lines offer maps and station information (albeit only in Mandarin for now), while on-board flat screens deliver news and entertainment programming. Check out ExploreBeijing for an English map. The bus network ain't too shabby either, filling in the subway network's huge gaps with a modern fleet that runs on low-polluting CNG (compressed natural gas) and LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). Though English is slowly appearing on bus stop maps, visitors who cannot read Mandarin might consider asking their hotel concierge for help with routes, or consult the route generator at Google's Beijing map site (some Mandarin may be required).Beijing features some of the cheapest big city public transit in the world: A bus ticket costs 1 Yuan (about $.15) and a subway ride 2 Yuan (about $.30). Better yet: Fill up a subway card ("yikatong ka" in Mandarin) at any subway station (you pay an initial 20 RMB or about $3 refundable deposit) and ride the bus for only .4 RMB (about $.60), while avoiding ticket lines every time you ride the subway. For more information on Beijing's subways, see David Feng's Beijingology wiki.
Get Oriented at the Beijing Urban Planning HallA detailed 3,200-square-foot scale model of Beijing covers the floor of the main hall of the centrally-located Beijing Urban Planning Hall museum, offering visitors a breathtaking view of this mammoth metropolis. The city's lack of tall buildings (in contrast to Shanghai), especially at the city center, illustrates why such a view is so rare, and helps explain why Beijing is so sprawling. Aside from a worthwhile 3-D film on the capital's history and a "4-D" simulator ride about its future, the museum includes exhibits that ostensibly show how the government is trying to improve the urban planning mistakes of the past. There's also a special section on green living, a display about large-scale infrastructure projects like the South-North Water Divertification Project, and a model of a black and white plastic "future home" designed by Zaha Hadid.
Haunt the HutongThe futuristic ambitions of Beijing might lie in its edgy architecture, but the city's soul remains in its hutong alleys. Despite sweeping urban renovations, these labyrinthine streets still make up much of the inner city, just as they did some 500 years ago during the Ming dynasty. Wandering through some of the more famous hutong neighborhoods, like Dashila'r (Dazhalan), to the southwest of Tian'an'men Square, reveals a rich world of faded nobility, lavish government compounds and most often, ordinary Beijingers, who mingle with neighbors, shop for vegetables at outdoor stands, and tend to crickets. Perhaps the most popular hutong street these days is Nanluoguxiang, where the typical serene clatter of bicycle wheels and neighborly chats has given way to the din of tourist bars and cafés. This bohemian hutong lane can be fun, but for a more relaxing and authentic experience, head half a mile west to the hutongs around the three lakes of Shichahai (Beijing's first green NGO, Friends of Nature, offers a helpful "green map" of the area). Though the most famous hutong are nominally protected, ramshackle and large-scale renovations have turned them into an endangered species worth exploring before it's too late. For more on the hutong, see this Beijing municipal Web page, and get your hands on the handy and engaging index-card-guidebook Beijing by Foot at local English-language bookstores.
Check Out Beijing's Wild Green ArchitectureConsidering China's government-mandated rush to reduce energy consumption and its (until recently at least) energy-intensive construction market—which builds nearly half the world's new buildings every year—green buildings are a natural fit for Beijing. Fortunately they're rising at a steady pace. The massive Olympic Village, which has been converted into an apartment complex, has been billed as the world's largest green neighborhood. The energy-efficient bubble-wrap envelope of the "Water Cube" National Aquatics Center, also built for the Olympics, now plays host to community activities, while the GreenPix Media Wall displays a vivid pixilated video facade that's powered by solar panels built into its skin. Near the Central Business District, the mixed-use Parkview Green uses glass and the same plastic material that covers the Water Cube to create a unique microclimate that increases thermal insulation in winter and cooling in summer.
Explore Beijing's ParksTo escape the city rush, bike to one of Beijing's hundreds of beautiful parks—from the holy altars used by the emperors (Ritan and Ditan parks), to imperial gardens (Jingshan and Zhongshan parks, next to the Forbidden City), to smaller green gems (Rendinghu Park contains a replica of an ancient Roman garden and a space-age sculpture). For the Olympics, the city built one of China's largest parks, the Olympic Forest Park, to the north of the Olympic Green. The Baiwangshan Forest Park features wild birds and impressive scenery, and the Botanical Garden and Wofo Temple has a state-of-the-art greenhouse and the largest plant collection in China, with over 2,000 varieties of orchids, a 100-year-old bonsai, and, in the spring, gorgeous peach and pear blossoms (don't miss the reclining Buddha at Wofo). Bicycles are typically forbidden inside parks, but popular pastimes like early-morning tai qi, mid-day kite-flying, and evening-time ballroom dancing are encouraged.
Dine at a Vegetarian or Organic RestaurantThough it may have a bad rap when it comes to healthy, vegetarian, or organic offerings, Beijing is actually brimming with delicious green eating options. Vegetable stands are a fen-a-dozen, soy milk is ubiquitous and fake meat is a Buddhist specialty. A number of vegetarian and organic restaurants—including Zhang Ziyi's Japanese offering, Shan Zhai, the Buddhist favorite Pure Lotus and the simpler Vanilla Garden near the Lama temple—have lately been joined by China's first vegan restaurant, Vegan Hut.As you whip out your chopsticks—get a pair of non-disposable ones—remember to avoid dishes that use endangered species like shark's fin, turtle, and fish that are over-farmed, like albacore. And for your own health, avoid fish from the South China Sea, like clams, trout, tilapia, salmon, swordfish, tuna, and Mackerel, as they are often high in mercury content,. For good tips on healthy green eating in Beijing, consult the Beijing Organic Consumers Yahoo group and contact the Vegan Social Club.
Climb the Great Wall of ChinaIt may be a no-brainer, but going to the right part of the Great Wall of China requires some planning. Skip Badaling, where most tours go, for the Wall less traveled: Fantastic Mutianyu is about the same distance from town, while farther out, the pair of Jinshanling and Simatai offer breathtaking scenery with fewer crowds and the possibility of a thrilling (but strenuous) four-hour hike. A number of hostels and some hotels offer affordable day trips to both sections, but with some planning and time, a combination of public buses and minibuses can get you to both sections cheaply and enjoyably.
Enjoy Nature like an Emperor: Visit the Summer PalacesOn top of its wealth of public parks, Beijing offers an embarrassment of great day trips that will transport you far from the grit of the city. Two separate Summer Palaces—where emperors spent the summer months (and sometimes, other seasons too)—are staples of any serious Beijing tour. While the Old Summer Palace (Yuanming Yuan) is a sullen but romantic testament to Lord Elgin's 1860 military plundering, dotted with ruins of palace buildings covered in overgrown vegetation, the nearby New Summer Palace (Yihe Yuan) shows evidence of imperial excess, reconstructed in lavish style by Empress Cixi after it was also destroyed by European forces in 1860.
Take a Day Trip Out of BeijingFarther out, the Fragrant Hills, or Xiang Shan, yield relaxing hikes and expansive views of the city. Perhaps the best time to visit these former imperial hunting grounds is autumn, as the leaves are turning. Longer day trips include visits to Tanzhe Si and Jietai Si, two ancient Buddhist temples that feature lush bamboo gardens, and the serene courtyard house village of Chuan Di Xia, which can be combined with a trip to Tian Yi Mu, a cemetery for eunuchs on Beijing's western outskirts.The best way to reach most of these places is by public transportation. While slower than an organized tour, a public bus or train avoids dubious stops at gem shops and costs a fraction of the overpriced tours often offered by hotels. If you travel on the weekends you'll likely encounter heavy traffic—a reminder not only of Beijingers' passion for weekend getaways, but their growing love for the car.
Travel much? Check out more Green City Guides.

Smog Exposure Linked to Premature Death—Improve Your Air Quality Today

The first long-term, nationwide, study on the health effects of smog exposure has been released in the New England Journal of Medicine, and the results are not encouraging. The study shows that the chance of dying from respiratory disease is three times higher for those living in urban areas.
The study was also the first to separate the effects of particle pollution from those of ozone pollution. While previous studies have identified ozone as a potential cause of immediate health problems, like asthma and heart attacks, it had not been shown to have a long-term impact on health. Furthermore, the study shows that the current EPA-mandated limits on ozone are not strict enough to prevent health problems from long-term exposure.
While lowering ozone and smog levels in cities is a difficult and slow process, we can start at home by improving our indoor air quality.
The easiest way to do this is to keep our homes clean. Checking air filters, dusting oft-forgotten surfaces, and fighting dust mites are all simple things that can reduce allergies and generally make your home a safer, healthier, place.
Regularly testing for radon is also important for ensuring a healthy home atmosphere. Though radon is colorless and scentless, it is not harmless. Indeed, it is the second leading cause of cancer in the United States. While you're at it, banish the biggest cause of cancer, cigarette smoking, from your home as well.
While they may not prevent harmful ozone from sneaking in through your open windows, these simple steps are an excellent way to start improving your respiratory health.
Read more about improving indoor air quality:Improve the Environmental Health in Your HomeWhat You Need to Know About Caulking and Health10 Mold Prevention TipsHow to Dispose of Old Paint

How to Go Green: Coffee & टी(Top Green Coffee & Tea टिप्स)

Coffee is the world’s most commonly traded commodity after crude oil, and tea is the world’s most consumed beverage after water। So if tea and coffee are up there with oil and water on the world stage, we know there must be a lot at stake here. One thing that’s definitely at stake is our desire to get a tasty, healthy, perky, fairly-traded, and eco-friendly brew to sip. Read on for a spin through some of the finer points of green coffee and tea connoisseurship.

The local brewSeek out the coffee and tea that have traveled the least distance to reach you and also aim at supporting local, independent farms, cafés, and roasters.
Mug ShotsGo ahead, find that perfect mug and make the investment. Not only is a reusable mug more pleasurable to sip out of than a paper cup, but it will replace an untold number of disposable cups, plastic sippy tops, “java jackets,” and other disposable paraphernalia. If you've got a thing for paper cups and Greek art, try a more durable "We Are Happy to Serve You", the handy-work of TreeHugger founder Graham Hill. Make a quick tally of how many disposable coffee or tea cups you use in a month…yeah, it’s probably a lot.
OrganicCoffee and tea that bear organic certification are more eco-friendly because they are grown and processed without toxic chemicals, are cultivated and harvested in ways that protect sensitive ecosystems, and spare workers from exposure to harmful pesticides and herbicides. Shade grown coffee is another important category that preserves habitats for migratory birds on coffee farms, also letting beans mature more slowly and creating richer flavors.
Fair TradeNot only does certified fair trade coffee and tea help ensure living wages and safe working conditions for farmers, but TransFair and Rainforest Alliance both include rigorous environmental standards in their certification criteria.
Home brewThe local café is great. It’s got your friends, good food, free wireless. But if you think you can be greener in your own kitchen, give it a try. When you do it at home you know where the beans and leaves are coming from and also where they go when they’re spent. Plus, you can’t forget your mug, you can choose organic milk, and never toss out another paper sugar packet. Try a bit of quick math on the cost savings of making your morning cup-o-joe at home.
Loosen upTea bags and coffee filters can be useful but are mostly unnecessary. Great coffee can be made at home with a reusable filter or a stovetop espresso maker. A quality tea infuser can last a lifetime and replace an untold number of (questionably compostable) tea bags. If you do use filters and bags, look for biodegradable and unbleached ones.
Milk and sugarMost people put one thing or another in their hot beverage of choice. Don’t foul up your organic, fair trade, bird friendly, solar roasted brew with chemical and hormone-laden milk and sugar from a little paper packet. If you don’t do the cow thing, look for organic rice, soy, or almond milk to yin up your yang. In the US, TransFair also certifies sugar, so even your sugar can be fair trade. (Maple syrup in coffee is another well-kept secret.)
"Press" the issueIf the local coffee shop you love doesn’t carry coffee and tea that meet your standards, start asking politely. Starbucks has a universal policy under which they will brew a French press of fair trade coffee for anyone who asks. Take the Starbucks Challenge and see if your barista knows what Starbucks has committed to.
Compost the roastTea leaves and especially coffee grounds make outstanding compost. Coffee’s high nitrogen content has made it a fertilizer of choice since days of yore. Composting leaves and grounds helps keep organic waste out of landfills, makes great soil, and keeps waste baskets dry. If you don’t have a heap to toss it on, just spread coffee grounds on the top of your plants’ soil.
Gift the good stuffOrganic coffee and tea make superb gifts for friends and coworkers, as well as effective peace offerings for estranged family members and ex-lovers. It’s also a great way to get people appreciating the many benefits of a “greener” coffee or tea habit.

Green living and the home

Ways to can improve on your carbon footprint and energy use1.Calculate you energy use and carbon footprint so you can monitor it better2.Properly seal on insulate your home3.Maximize you heating and air conditioning systems4.Light you home more efficiently5.Increase you water efficiency6.Take control of you Appliances and Electronics7.Control solar exposure for light and heatStay tuned for further explanations on how to participate in a "Greener Life"For questions concerning specific Green issues you can write us at http://www.JustRightGreenLiving@gmail.com

Homemade Shampoo and Conditioner

Just Right Inc wroteon March 10, 2009 at 10:35pm
Elizabeth SewardBy Elizabeth SewardNew York, NY, USA Tue Jul 29 13:54:00 EDT 2008 shampooPascal Broze/Getty ImagesREAD MORE ABOUT:Eggs Green Personal Grooming Hair Penny Pinching Recycling WaterOh, shampoo and conditioner. They keep our hair clean and smelling great. While we all love being clean, well, most of us, shampoos and conditioners aren't totally innocent products. Most of them are filled with chemicals that aren't any good for our planet. Since they get washed down our drains, these are important things to think about! On top of that, the containers they come in are typically plastic. Sure, we can always recycle plastic, but isn't it better to reduce the production of plastic in the areas that we can? I think so.The answer? Try making your own shampoo and conditioner! You'll save money and use more natural ingredients. Isn't it better to know exactly what you’re using on your body?Here's a basic recipe for shampoo that can be altered to you're your hair better if you'd like.You need:1 empty bottle3 cups of soap flakes (which you can get almost anywhere)WaterEssential Oil of LavenderEssential Oil of RosemaryDirections:Mix the soap flakes with the water and then add 4 drops of each oil.For conditioner, the ingredients are probably already in your house.You need:1 empty bottle1 egg yolk1 teaspoon of baby oilWaterDirections:Mix the above ingredients together and you're good to go!This post was inspired by Hollywood Green.

Set Your Green Home Priorities for Water Conservation The best place to start, waterwise, is at the top.

Just Right Inc wroteon March 10, 2009 at 10:38pm
Josh PetersonBy Josh PetersonLos Angeles, CA, USA Mon Feb 16 12:30:00 EST 2009 Carmen Martínez Banús/iStockREAD MORE ABOUT:Consumption Gray Water Green Home Home Repair Water Water ConservationThe hardest part about going green is figuring out where to start. Should you buy a hybrid or upgrade your insulation? There are so many different ecological concerns that you can easily feel overwhelmed. Don't panic. Nobody is perfect. You can't have zero ecological impact. That's impossible. What is possible, however, is that you lessen your footprint and find a way to live a sustainable lifestyle. The green movement isn't about living in huts and weeping over dead trees, it's about finding a way to preserve our society in a sustainable, rational and long-term way.One of the ways you can add to the sustainability of our civilization is by conserving water. The more people on the planet, the more water our society is going to need. As the world population quickly climbs towards seven billion, we're going to have to figure out a way to use less water so there is more for agriculture and drinking. We can all do our part by conserving water in the home. But where to start?Here is where:Outdoor Water Usage: 112 Gallons a dayThe per-capita average for outdoor water use is around 112 gallons a day. That's a whole lot of water. That's 6 times more water than the toilet which ranks in as the number 2 water-user. With all that water going towards your yard, it should be the first place where changes are made.Here are some suggestions:1. Fix leaks. A majority of homes are leaking ten gallons a day. But a few houses are leaking 100 gallons or more a day.From the American Water Works Association:Nearly 67 percent of the study homes leaked an average of 10 gallons per day or less, but 5.5 percent of the homes leaked an average of more than 100 gallons per day. Saying it another way, 10% of the homes logged were responsible for 58% of the leaks found.2. Get a rain barrel. Use recycled rain water to water your lawn.3. Build a rain gauge. The average lawn needs one inch of water per week to survive. Most lawns are simply over-watered.4. Use Gray Water on Lawns. Soaps may damage plants, but fish tank water and hot water bottle water is all right for the yard.5. Don't wash your car at home. It's actually better for the environment to go to a car wash.6. Water early in the morning to avoid evaporation.7. Put your garden in a greenhouse. A green house naturally recycles a portion of the water put into it.8. Build a rock garden. A rock garden is an attractive way to reduce the size of your lawn, and thus the water needed for it.9. A cistern can be used to collect water, and it can be used for in house non-potable use.10. Have your lawn xeriscaped.

Indoor Water Use in the United States

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Just Right Inc wroteon March 10, 2009 at 10:40pm
Americans use large quantities of water inside their homes. The average family of four can use 400 gallons of water every day, and, on average, approximately 70 percent of that water is used indoors.Shower: 16.8% Toilet: 26.7% Faucet: 15.7% Clothes washer: 21.7% Leaks: 13.7% Other: 5.3%The bathroom is the largest consumer of indoor water. The toilet alone can use 27 percent of household water. Almost every activity or daily routine that happens in the home bathroom uses a large quantity of water. For example:* Older toilets use between 3.5 and 7 gallons of water per flush. However, WaterSense labeled toilets require 75 to 80 percent less water.* A leaky toilet can waste about 200 gallons of water every day.* A bathroom faucet generally runs at 2 gallons of water per minute. By turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving, a person can save more than 200 gallons of water per month.Outside the bathroom, there are many opportunities to save water. Here are some common water efficiency measures, along with a few solutions to those problems you may not have known existed:* High-efficiency washing machines can conserve large amounts of water. Traditional models use between 27 and 54 gallons of water per load, but new, energy- and water-conserving models (front-loading or top-loading, non-agitator ones) use less than 27 gallons per load.* Washing the dishes with an open tap can use up to 20 gallons of water, but filling the sink or a bowl and closing the tap saves 10 of those gallons.* Keeping a pitcher of water in the refrigerator saves time and water instead of running the tap until it gets cold.* Not rinsing dishes prior to loading the dishwasher could save up to 10 gallons per load.WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, seeks to help families and businesses realize that they can reduce water use by 20 to 30 percent by doing just a few simple things, such as upgrading to higher quality, more efficient products. For more information, visit .

Energy Efficient Mortgage, Greenpoint Rated & HERS Index: Three Terms to Know When Looking for a Green Home Get

Post #1
Just Right Inc wroteon March 10, 2009 at 10:44pm
Sara NovakBy Sara NovakColumbia, SC, USA Mon Mar 09 07:30:00 EDT 2009 happy family photoJustin Horrocks/iStockREAD MORE ABOUT:Energy Efficiency Get Recession-Ready Green Community Green Home Penny PinchingI always try and put some silver lining on our current economic situation but with the economy today, it's gotten harder and harder. In home buying there is certainly a positive for all the laundry list of negatives plaguing the news every evening. There are tons of deals to be had out there if you are lucky enough to have the finances to buy. And when searching for a green home the deals are no less abundant. If you're in search of a green place to lay your head at night here are some terms that you should know according to an article in this month's Yoga Journal Magazine.* Energy Efficient MortgageThis means that if you add the energy savings found by purchasing an energy-efficient home than you can incorporate those savings into the mortgage amount and increase your buying power.* Greenpoint RatedThis is an independent rating of new green homes that is released by green non-profit Build it Green.* HERS IndexThis is a home Energy rating system that determines whether a home is qualified to receive Energy Star Certification.

Energy Efficient Mortgage, Greenpoint Rated & HERS Index: Three Terms to Know When Looking for a Green Home Get

Post #1
Just Right Inc wroteon March 10, 2009 at 10:44pm
Sara NovakBy Sara NovakColumbia, SC, USA Mon Mar 09 07:30:00 EDT 2009 happy family photoJustin Horrocks/iStockREAD MORE ABOUT:Energy Efficiency Get Recession-Ready Green Community Green Home Penny PinchingI always try and put some silver lining on our current economic situation but with the economy today, it's gotten harder and harder. In home buying there is certainly a positive for all the laundry list of negatives plaguing the news every evening. There are tons of deals to be had out there if you are lucky enough to have the finances to buy. And when searching for a green home the deals are no less abundant. If you're in search of a green place to lay your head at night here are some terms that you should know according to an article in this month's Yoga Journal Magazine.* Energy Efficient MortgageThis means that if you add the energy savings found by purchasing an energy-efficient home than you can incorporate those savings into the mortgage amount and increase your buying power.* Greenpoint RatedThis is an independent rating of new green homes that is released by green non-profit Build it Green.* HERS IndexThis is a home Energy rating system that determines whether a home is qualified to receive Energy Star Certification.

How to Go Green: Rental Properties

Just Right Inc wroteon March 10, 2009 at 10:49pm
Greening your home is one of the most important steps you can take towards living a greener life, yet so much of the advice on sustainable homes is written with the home-owner in mind. What about those of us who rent? Installing insulation, erecting solar panels, or replacing our windows is almost certainly not an option. So what can we still do to lessen our impact?Fortunately, even while renting, we've got more control over our living environment than we may think. Whether we're changing out our light bulbs, applying weather stripping, painting with low VOC paints, or growing salads and herbs on our windowsill, every little effort we make takes us a step closer to sustainability. And who knows, by keeping good relations with our landlord or lady, we might even persuade them to insulate that loft after all.
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Post #2
Just Right Inc wroteon March 10, 2009 at 10:57pm
1. Choose WellThe location of your home can have a huge impact on your ability to live sustainably, so think hard about your lifestyle when you are looking for your next rental property. Are there good connections to mass transit? Is it walking distance to work, or downtown? Are the roads safe for cyclists? It might help you to talk with current residents to find out more, or just take some time to scope out the neighborhood by yourself. The more people who seek out greener communities, the more developers and local authorities will be motivated to create them. How to begin? Visit Walk Score to locate restaurants, parks, grocers and other businesses and amenities within walking distance of your possible future home.2. Live Small or Live TogetherYou might not be able to afford that passive solar house of your dreams, but you can still have a huge impact on your home's energy consumption simply by limiting its size. The smaller your house or apartment, the less energy is needed to heat and light it, and the smaller its physical footprint on the land will be. Your can also greatly decrease your personal environmental footprint by sharing your home with others. Sharing energy bills, appliances and common space automatically means that more people can live with less stuff. Besides saving money on your bills, you can save money on rent, too, and have a little extra to spend at the farmers market…3. Talk to your LandlordOne of the biggest obstacles to living green in a rental property is the feeling of powerlessness to make changes. It's important to remember that as a tenant you are a customer and you deserve decent service. A good landlady or landlord should work with you to make your home as pleasant as possible. So talk to them if the property is drafty, the toilet keeps running, or heating systems are inefficient – after all, investing in improvements will help them to retain tenants, attract new ones, and it will increase the value of their property. The owner might be particularly amenable to funding improvements if you do the math to show them the return on their investment, and offer your labor free of charge, creating a win-win situation for all concerned.4. Get Good HabitsWith all the buzz around solar panels, LEDs, and smart homes, it can be easy to forget that much of what makes a house or apartment green is the behavior of those who live in it. Recycling your waste, turning the lights out when you leave the room, putting on a sweater when you're cold – all of these things are simple to implement, and they're at least as important as owning the latest in fashionable green gadgetry. Putting a little thought into how you arrange your home can make a big difference too – put the recycling bin where it's easy to access, keep your reusable shopping bags close to hand, and plug all your electronic devices into one power strip so you don't have to switch each one off separately. With a little forethought, green habits can become second nature.5. Stay SnugMany rental properties suffer from poor insulation or leaky doors and windows, but it doesn't have to be that way. By applying simple, affordable measures, like weather stripping to doors and windows, or placing reflective foil behind radiators, you can have a significant impact on your energy bills. You can even apply plastic glazing to windows to increase heat retention. Installing sun shielding shades and blinds can also go a long way to regulate light and temperature in your home.6. Find Your PowerOff-grid living is not feasible for most of us renters, but that doesn't mean we can’t go renewable. Many large utility purveyors are now offering green power options. You can also purchase offsets from a reputable supplier to compensate for your household energy usage. There are also an increasing number of small-scale renewable energy devices on the market, from solar cookers to phone chargers to hand-crank radios and lanterns. While the energy they produce is unlikely to make up a large proportion of your household usage, they can be an inspiring first step towards energy independence.7. Lighten UpYes, the ultimate eco home makeover may be beyond your grasp for now, but it only takes eighteen seconds to screw in a light bulb. By switching out your incandescent lights for compact fluorescents, or even the LEDs that are becoming increasingly available, you can save a considerable amount of energy and money. And if you're concerned about moving on before the investment pays for itself, you can simply take them with you. Alternatively, you can leave them behind to help future tenants on the path to green en-light-enment8. Be Water WiseWater is becoming an ever-scarcer resource. Of course, installing the latest in low-flush toilets would be great, but it's not too high on most landlords' priority lists. Start small by encouraging your landlord to install water-efficient faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads on your taps; if they aren't up for springing for new ones, the installations are easy enough that you can do it, if they'll let you. As with energy, our use of water has as much to do with our own behavior as it does with technology. Spend less time in the shower; consider only flushing the toilet when you need to (follow the old adage 'If its brown flush it down, if its yellow, let it mellow'); don't run the tap when brushing your teeth; only use your washing machine and dishwasher with a full load, and consider reusing water from your bath or shower to water plants – these simple measures alone can cut your water use by over 50%.9. Any Color You Like, As Long As It's GreenAdding a fresh coat of paint to a rental property can be one of the easiest ways to make it feel like home. Unfortunately, many paints are loaded with toxins that are not only harmful to the environment, but can also be hazardous to your health. Be sure to search out brands of paint with low VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and you can even experiment with the increasing number of natural paints that are appearing on the market; we've got some green paint suggestions below.10. Buy GreenWhen the average renter moves into a new apartment, they spend as much as $4,000 on new furniture and other items to make it feel like home. If you're needing to fill up your new abode, scour antique shops, flea markets, Craigslist or classified ads for pre-loved furniture; if buying new, look for heirloom quality furniture made from FSC-certified or reclaimed wood, and take the time to seek out energy efficient appliances. Choosing to furnish your home with lasting products is key to maintaining your sustainable abode. While it may be tempting to run to IKEA for all your furniture needs, ask yourself is that new coffee table will realistically last you 'til your next move (or even until the next year). If your space is limited, you should also consider multi-functional transformer furniture – as we're fond of saying, less is more when it comes to living green.

Reduce your Pets Carbon Footprint

Here’s how to reduce the carbon pawprint of your four-legged friends.Scoop up the PoopThe biggest impact our animals make is with their daily business.Dogs: We need to stop preserving all that doggie do in plastics bags headed for the landfill. Greener options include:* corn based biodegradeable bags—although the bags won’t decompose if buried 15 feet or deeper* scooper boxes made from recycled cardboard and newspaper* poop and scoop shovels* the Doogie Doley septic system turns your dog’s poop into compost than can be used on your ornamental flowers. Vancouver's City Farmer also shows how to make your own composter.Cats: Kitty litter is bad for your cat and the environment—especially the clumping litter. The main culprit is sodium bentonite, a natural clay ingredient that expands into a hard mass when it comes into contact with moisture. It’s convenient but can also poison your cat through chronic ingestion while grooming. The dust from the clay can also cause lung problems. Choose a healthier kitty litter made from recycled newspapers, corn, pine needles or wheat.Bell the Cat, Leash the DogKitty may be a cute ball of fluff to you but outside your cat is a killer. While cats are not responsible for the declining populations of our birds, they are still catching far too many birds, especially as their population grows. Your pooch is no angel either when it comes to wildlife. Always put a leash on to walk your dog through any forests or wildlife areas.No OffspringThere are already too many homeless and abandoned animals in North America. Do your bit by spaying and neutering your pet. It will help them lead healthier lives by eliminating the possibility of uterine, ovarian, and testicular cancer.Go Green When You CleanLathering up your dog (or cat) with shampoos laced with chemicals pollutes our waterways and also isn’t good for your pet’s health. There are plenty of naturally based products to handle ticks and fleas so you don’t have to bring out those toxic chemicals that cause nerve damage in all mammals. Also use green cleaning products to clean up those unexpected messes.Green the Bling and ToysYou already have enough plastic in the house. Invest in a pet bed made with organic cotton or recycled PET bottles. There are plenty of choices for green, sustainable and even fair trade toys, bed and clothing for pets. You’ll be supporting a growing local industry as well. If you’re the crafty type, trying making your own toys out of recycled yarn and fabric.

"E" Terms

Biodegradable: Any substance or products that is non-toxic and will decompose into a relatively short time span.Carbon Footprint: The measure of the impact human activities on the environment.Carbon Offset: When you fly or participate in some activity that puts more carbon into the atmosphere, you offset the damages by purchasing certificates or credits that help companies plant trees or invest in alternative energy.Cradle-to-Cradle: A term created by the American architect William McDonough and German chemist Michael Braungart. It refers to products that are designed to either be fully biodegradable or that can be recycled into something else.Electrosmog: Refers to the electromagnetic fields emitted by computers and mobile phones. There is an ongoing debate over whether exposure to electrosmog can cause health problems.EMF: Electromagnetic fields. EMF are energy waves with frequencies below 300 hertz coming from power lines, mobile phones, radar and microwave towers, television and other electrical devices.E-Waste: Discarded electronics (TVs, cell phones, VCRs, computers, etc.) that end up polluting water supplies and landfills with the toxic chemicals used to create them.Eco-Village: A small ecologically sustainable community often powered by renewable energy such as solar or wind-power. Food Miles: The distance your food has to travel to reach your plate.Green Tax: Putting a price on those activities that pollute the environment, such as producing carbon dioxide or using polluting chemicals in agriculture and manufacturing.Greenhouse Effect: Greenhouse gases trap some of the infrared radiation that would normally escape from the earth’s atmosphere, causing the earth to get warmer.Greenhouse Gases: Gases in the earth's lower atmosphere that cause the greenhouse effect. Examples include: carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons, ozone, methane, water vapour and nitrous oxide.Monoculture: The cultivation of a single crop on a large area of land. They can only be produced using vast quantities of pollutants and don’t offer any support to nearby ecosystems.Non-Renewable Resource: Anything that is extracted from the earth that has a finite supply. Examples include: natural gas, copper, aluminium, coal and oil.Renewable Resource: Any resource that renews itself faster than it can be consumed. Since there will be a shortage of sun, wind and water, any energy created from them is renewable.Sustainable Living: Living within your means so that you’re not using up non-renewable resources or polluting the environment.Urban Heat Island: The build up of heat within a city’s inner core, caused by a large concentration of heated buildings, asphalt roofs, factories, cars and heat-producing activities.Upcycling: Creating something useful or valuable from garbage. Examples include: transforming discarded plastic bags into yarn for knitting and recycling pop bottles into carpets. Learn more green lingo with our Green Home Building & Design Terms.

"Green" Homemade Cleaners

You don’t need commercial cleaning products to get out tough stains and rust. Learn to use baking soda, bread, and other natural substances for your clean-up jobs.Baking SodaBicarbonate of soda is a mild alkaline powder that cleans china, stainless steel, fridges and freezers, ovens and plastic furniture. It can be sprinkled on a damp cloth or applied as a paste mixed with water for light scouring; or use as a solution in water when soaking china or washing surfaces.Lemon JuiceApplied directly or added to water, the acidity of lemon juice clears tarnish on brass and copper, removes limescale, rust and stains on marble and plastic worktops, and is effective against unpleasant smells.White VinegarMixed in a solution with water or as a paste with borax and water, vinegar cleans windows, glass surfaces, ceramic tiles and wooden furniture. It can help to remove hard-water deposits from taps, toilet bowls and sinks, and works as a descaler for kettles.BreadRub dirty marks on wallpaper gently with a piece of fresh white bread. This also works with Venetian blinds.PaperClean grease spots on wallpaper by blotting with a clean paper towel, brown paper or blotting paper and then pressing a warm (not hot) iron over it. This also works for removing wax from fabric or carpet.SaltUse salt to absorb red wine spilled on carpet or fabric. Apply immediately after the accident, then brush or rinse away later.Talcum PowderPour talc over a grease stain on cloth, leave overnight, brush the talc off and wash the cloth as normal.Baby OilMake stainless steel appliances gleam by gently rubbing them with a cotton ball dipped in a little baby oil.ToothpasteClean dirty grouting between wall tiles by rubbing with toothpaste.Denture Cleaning TabletsUse as a kettle descaler. Fill the kettle with cold water, add a couple of denture cleaning tablets, leave overnight, then rinse thoroughly.Bonus: Recipes for Successful CleaningRaid your kitchen cupboards for two common ingredients and you can create a cleaner strong enough for almost any job around the house.Dry Carpet ShampooSprinkle baking soda generously over the carpet, leave for 15 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly.Oven CleanerMix baking soda with a little water to make a thick paste and spread over baked-on grease. Leave overnight, rub with a plastic scrubber and rinse.Mildew RemoverMimimize mould and remove mildew from a shower curtain by applying a paste of baking soda and lemon juice. Soak, then rinse in warm water.Tap DescalerRub chrome taps with half a lemon to remove scale and scrub inside them with a toothbrush dipped in vinegar.

Why Does Geothermal Make Sense To Install at Your Home? A geothermal heat pump will save you a lot of money and

Seth LeitmanBy Seth LeitmanBriarcliff Manor, New York Thu Mar 05 06:30:00 EST 2009 geo thermal pipesiStockREAD MORE ABOUT:Clean Energy Green Home Green Home Renovation Home Energy Use Renewable EnergyI always liked geothermal energy. When I speak with companies that install geothermal energy systems, they can't tell me enough how they are convinced that those systems are the next HVAC for the home. They now know that it can become a real backup source of energy. Geothermal energy can be a powerful source of energy, more than wind and solar power combined.What is Geothermal Energy?Basically, you drill down in "geyser-loaded locales" in order to power electrical generators with heat and steam. It's an entirely renewable source of energy, as the power comes from heat and steam that simmer up from the earth naturally. Now, Reykjavik and all of Iceland gets energy through geothermal. Geo-exchange systems use a loop of underground water piping to transfer heat from the earth below where its cooler to your home (in the summer, it's cooler underground, so that this same process in reverse can serve to cool your home). To simplify, it's like an air conditioning system, but it is much more efficient.You Reduce Your Energy Consumption With GeothermalGeothermal systems use 30-60 percent less energy, they run quieter, and require less maintenance than the more popular Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems.The Cost of a Geothermal SystemWhile a 3-ton geo system at $7,500 compares with $4,000 for a traditional HVAC system (according to the Dept. of Energy—not including labor costs for installation). Depending upon where you live in the country, that geothermal system could save you around $700/yr. That could payback in less than six years. That number does not include lower maintenance costs and the government rebates and incentives.Geothermal is the Right ThingEven though the price of oil goes up or down, the price of electricity is always going up (both in dollars and in environmental and health impacts). Over 1 million homes in the U.S. use geo-thermal. In total, these homes save 9 billion pounds of CO2 per year!! That is equal to taking 600,000 cars and making them electric or adding 1 million trees. Again, we know the subject of electricity and its environmental impact is massive. We won't get into that today. However, by going (geothermal or geo-exchange), you are using solid ideas to green your energy.

6 Eco-Friendly Ways to Make Extra Money During the Recession Raking Leaves, Thrifting, Dumpster Diving, Gardenin

Josh PetersonBy Josh PetersonLos Angeles, CA, USA Thu Jan 29 06:00:00 EST 2009 saving money photoiStockREAD MORE ABOUT:Cut the Clutter Dumpster Diving Get Recession-Ready Green On A Budget Penny Pinching RecyclingThe recession is just awful. Suddenly, everybody is pinching their pennies. Having been a poor college student for almost my entire adult life, I have a few tricks up my sleeve when it comes to making extra money without actually having to get a job. I've used all but one of these methods to make extra money, so I'll vouch for their validity. As an added bonus, these activities are also ecologically friendly.Raking Leaves/Mowing Lawns with a Push Mower/Shoveling SnowWhat the Work EntailsGoing door to door looking for clients. The best way to find a client is to look for an overgrown or leaf-swept lawn or an unshoveled walk.Why It Is GreenIf you use a rake, a snow shovel and/or a push mower, you'll be doing the planet some good. Most lawn care services drive around in trucks and use gas-powered mowers and leaf blowers. You can even advertise yourself as the eco-friendly lawn care service.Does It Make Money?Yes. I did this growing up. On snow days, me and my "business partner" could rake in about 30-50 bucks each. We raked leaves for a couple of local businesses as well. But it is very hard work.Thriftingwhat the Work EntailsGoing to thrift stores, flea markets and garage sales to find deals on various collectibles, then reselling those items to collectors who will pay top dollar for them. This is only ideal if you know what things are actually worth. I used to be the purchasing manager for a comic book/game shop and turned away gads of sad-eyed kids holding third printings of "The Death of Superman."Why It Is GreenThis may be the least green activity on the list, depending on how much driving is done and how the items are sold. If you live in a big city, you can probably get away with finding items locally and selling them locally. Dealing locally isn't so bad for the environment, and you get to meet new people who may share the same interests as you. It might be more difficult to make money locally in smaller cities and towns. You might have to do all your dealings through the mail or drive out of your way to find flea markets. That could make thrifting a bad financial decision for you anyway. Take a look at your situation and figure out what works for you.Overall, thrifting is a good way to keep items out of a landfill. If you go to a garage sale and find a copy of Chrono Trigger for the Super Nintendo and you know that the game is worth some money, you can sell the game to a collector who will keep it in good condition, extend its life and keep it out of the dumpster.Cars have an average value based on the "blue book." Every collectible has its own trusted resource: Beckett for baseball cards, the Overstreet Guide for comic books, Troll and Toad is a good reference point for most nerdful activities and video games. There are people who collect handbags and folks who collect Beanie Babies and folks who collect toy soldiers. These all have their own price guides.Unfortunately, I am only knowledgeable in areas of nerddom. Ebay is probably the best source for finding the market value of things. Use eBay template until you can glom onto what resource is the most trusted for the exact hobby.A few subtips for eBay:1. If a million people are selling the item and no one is buying it, you're not going to be able to sell it either.2. You can use the prices on eBay to check prices and still deal locally.3. It might sell for a lot on eBay, but the item might not have much worth locally. For example, An LA-based concert may yield thousands of collectible T-shirts. They will be easy to find in LA and not worth much in Southern California. Their value may be inflated on eBay due to demand in other areas of the world.Does It Make Money?It can. I know a few people who do this as a side business. You have to be very hip to what's collectible and what's not. Otherwise, you are just throwing your money away.GardeningWhat the Work EntailsPlanting a garden in your backyard, tending to it and selling the food.Why It Is GreenLocally grown food is better for the environment than food that's transported in from thousands of miles away. This food should also be grown pesticide/herbicide free.Will it Make Money?I've never actually done this. I assume it works. A lot of people sold sweet corn in my Iowan home town, and they did it every year. I'm assume they did it every year because it made money. Also, it will offset your food costs. So it can, at least, save you money.Having a Garage SaleWhat the Work EntailsGoing through your stuff and determining what items you can sell for cash.Why It Is GreenFor the same reason that number two is green, but your garage sale will probably be an at-home, localized event.Will it Make Money?If you don't consider the money you spent on the items you are now selling, you can claim a profit.RecyclingWhat the Work EntailsFinding pop cans and other recyclable materials like scrap metal and taking them to the recycling plant or scrap metal dealers.Why It Is GreenIt puts materials back into the supply chain, so they can be reused to build new things.Will It Make Money?Yes. The price of scrap metal is pretty high right now. I used to have a job cutting scrap metal that my boss sold for money. I made money just cutting and loading metal. That means my boss was paying me and still making a profit. There is money to be made. Recycling pop cans may not make you as much money. If you are only recycling your own soda bottles, you probably paid a deposit and will end up breaking even, minus your time and gas. But if you are not afraid to dig around in dumpsters or go door to door asking for pop bottles, you can make some money.Dumpster DivingWhat the Work EntailsDigging through dumpsters for materials that can be resold or recycled.Why It Is GreenYou are saving trash from going into the landfill and reusing or reselling it.Will It Make Money?Yes. You'd be surprised what people throw away. This was a popular way of getting furnishings for my college pad. Blockbuster Video used to throw away all their old DVDs. (I don't know if they still do.) My friends and I would raid their dumpsters—after finding out what nights they did this-and sell the discarded DVDs at various shops around town. You can also pull scrap metal and pop cans out of the dumpster. NOTE: This is highly illegal in some places. You can be arrested for trespassing. Ask the property owner's permission before raiding a dumpster.

Ten Ways to Green Your Home for Under Ten Bucks (and if you don't have ten bucks, five that are free)

Lloyd AlterBy Lloyd AlterToronto, Canada Thu Jan 22 17:00:00 EST 2009 vermeer photoWikipedia CommonsREAD MORE ABOUT:Energy Efficiency Get Recession-Ready Green Home Green Home Renovation Green On A Budget Home Energy Use Saving EnergyWhen Josh did his post on 5 ways to green your home for under $ 100 I thought that's no challenge, how about for under ten bucks? How about, like, free? So here are a few ideas.Free. Nothing. Nada.Things you can do that will make a real difference for no money at all.1. Lower water heater temperature to 120°F2. Decrease Thermostat temperature by 3°F3. Wash clothes in cold water4. Air dry clothes during summer5. Turn off unneeded lightsUnder Ten BucksSave Heat1. Seal your windows with strippable caulkThis is the clear stuff that is designed to peel off when it is time to open the windows again, and seals the gaps that occur at any moving part of a window. This is particularly important if you have old windows where the seals have loosened up a bit.More on Caulk:How to Rid Your House of an Unwanted Chill!2. Shrink-wrap your windows Get the plastic films that tape around your windows and then shrink tight under the heat from a hair dryer. They cut heat loss and are almost invisible. Not suitable for houses with cats, as we found out the hard way.More on windows:Green Your Home For Winter: Weatherize Your Windows3. Weatherstrip your doorsA surprising amount of air leaks around them. Just be sure that the door will still close properly; I have added weatherstrip and then had to remove it again as the door just wouldn't close properly with the added foam.More on weatherstripping:Poorly insulated doors and weatherstripping around the door openings4. Get a snakeOr make your own—a door snake stops draughts from under a door where it is hard to weatherstrip.More on draft stoppers:Sew a Draft Stopper5. Get some cheap slippersOr a hoodie. The easiest way to feel warmer and save energy is to wear more clothing. It also keeps your house cleaner and warmer.Read more:Lose Those Shoes Before Entering6. Change your furnace filterThe furnace has to work harder to push through all the schmutz that gets caught in your filter if it is doing its job.More on furnace filters:Install a Permanent Furnace FilterSave Water7. Lose the dripsA dripping faucet can waste 20 gallons of water a day. A leaking toilet can use 90,000 gallons of water in a month. Get out the wrench and change the washers on your sinks and showers, or get new washerless faucets. Keeping your existing equipment well maintained is probably the easiest and cheapest way to start saving water.Read more about water:How to Go Green: Water8. Add a faucet aeratorMixing in the air reduces the water consumed. Some aerators have an on/off lever so that you can stop most of the water flow without affecting the temperature, saving even more water.More about aerators:Install Faucet AeratorsSave Electricity9. Get a switched power barPlug all your wall-warts into the power strip so that it is easy to turn things off when you are not using them.You can't get them for ten bucks, but there are some very slick power bars out there now.10. Change a light bulbStill have any incandescent bulbs lighting your home? Time to change them; they have better color, faster starts and less mercury than ever.Just be sure to recycle them properly!