This post was originally posted here: Top 5 Environmentally Friendly Cars On The Market

Deciding exactly what makes a car environmentally friendly can be something of a subjective argument. The most obvious criteria are the fuel efficiency and the CO2 emissions. The amount of carbon emissions produced when manufacturing an electric car, combined with shipping the component parts from all over the globe to the assembly plants, raise many questions about how green they actually are.
Anyway, to keep things simple for now, let’s take a look at the five cars currently on the market that are the most eco-friendly in terms of fuel consumption and emissions.

Seat Ibiza Ecomotive

On its own at the bottom of our top five is the Seat Ibiza Ecomotive, which is a smart looking hatchback based on the ever popular VW Polo. The Ecomotive pumps out just 92g/km of CO2, and boasts an impressive fuel consumption of up to 80.7 mpg.

VW Polo Bluemotion

The actual VW Polo Bluemotion probably just pips its relative the Ibiza into fourth place, but it’s a very close run thing. While it officially offers exactly the same mpg of 80.7, it narrowly wins in the emissions stakes with an improved figure of 91g/km as opposed to the Seat’s 92g/km. Although there is virtually no difference in the two sets of green credentials, the VW’s badge comes with a higher price tag, which means the Seat is a more economical purchase overall. But if greener is the priority, the VW is the winner of these two stable mates.

Skoda Fabia Greenline

Third place is a close run thing with three cars all offering an identical emissions rating of 89g/km. These three are the Skoda Fabia Greenline, the Toyota Auris Hybrid and the Toyota Prius T3. The only way to separate the three is on the fuel consumption figures. Surprisingly, the much lauded Prius only gives you 72.4 mpg from its hybrid engine. The Auris, although sharing the same powertrain as the Prius, delivers a marginally better figure of 74.3 mpg. However, the Skoda beats them both handsomely with an impressive 83.1 mpg, which gives it the third place slot in this close run race to be the greenest car on our roads.

Smart Fortwo cdi

With emissions of only 86g/km and giving you 85.6 mpg, the Smart Fortwo cdi is out on its own in second place. While the Smart won’t win any awards for family practicality, it’s a real contender in the race to be the greenest.

Kia Rio 1.1 Ecodynamics

Our clear winner is the Kia Rio 1.1 Ecodynamics which boasts emissions of just 85g/km and fuel consumption of 88.3 mpg. Even though the Smart is more economical, this is a roomy, practical five seater. Therefore, you would need to use two and a half Smart Fortwos to carry the five people that the Kia can accommodate. When you look at the whole package of the emissions, the fuel economy, the five seats, plus plenty of storage space, it’s hard to argue against the Kia being the most environmentally friendly way to get you around on our roads at the moment.

Keeping emissions down should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind, and it doesn’t stop on your driveway. With Geothermal International’s cooling systems, you can reduce your business and home emissions too.

This post was originally posted here: A Comparison Of Electric And Hybrid Fuel Efficient Cars

Over recent years there has been a bit of a boom in electric and hybrid fuel efficient cars. Both of these cars have positive features that will appeal to some more than others. Car finance has been offered by various sources to buy these cars so it is clear to see why are they becoming so popular?

So what is a hybrid electric vehicle?

It is a type of vehicle that combines an ICE (internal combustion engine) system with that of an electric propulsion system. Hybrid cars tend to use a combination of the two power sources – petrol and electric motors. The hybrid car allows for the batteries to be charged and so act as some type of storage device to give power to the electric motor, which usually works when the car is travelling at a low speed or if it is in traffic, making it perfect for driving in the city. The petrol part of the engine is usually needed when the car is going at higher speeds of with a lot of acceleration. Because the combustion engine recharges the battery at the same time as braking, hybrid cars don’t need to be charged by an external power supply. Because the battery power and internal combustion engine combine, they create less pollution and no gases are released when the car is using the electric motor. These types of car are quite cost effective.

Government sponsors hybrid and electric cars

Electric cars have been around for a few years too and because they are continually advancing by way of technical innovations and financial incentives, they are becoming more and more popular. Electric powered cars get their power from an electric motor. This, in turn gets its power from battery packs that are stored on board and act as some kind of power store. As with hybrid cars, the car has a regenerative braking system that lets the battery get topped up when the brakes are used. These types are very cost effective and the Government has been offering car finance packages to people looking to buy these cars as they are ecologically viable.

The advantages of electric cars

Until recently electric cars were usually quite small two seater cars that did around 25-45 miles to the gallon. Now though cars can do over one hundred miles and are five seat cars. City drivers certainly prefer these cars as they usually don’t have to pay car tax, no petrol costs, free parking, charging and don’t have to pay the congestions charge. Coupled with the Government’s plug in electric car finance, the electric car looks like a good choice.

For people who do city driving an electric car could be the answer, for those who drive on motorways a hybrid car would probably be preferable.

This article was written by Riley Lambert on behalf of conceptcarcredit.co.uk. Concept Car Credit is a car dealer based in Manchester, offering quality used cars and the finance.

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This post was originally posted here: Solar Panels vs. Conventional Electricity

With increasing tensions in the Middle East and concerns about global warming due to burning fossil fuels, many have begun to look at alternatives to carbon based power sources. One of the most popular alternative energy sources is solar energy. To decide which is the better alternative it is a good idea to compare the energy generated by solar panels versus conventional electricity.

Benefits of Solar Energy
Far into the future, the sun can be expected to keep generating enough power to heat the entire earth. The challenge is how to harness that power to provide heating, cooling, light and power to run the machines and light our homes. Solar energy is free, non polluting, and unlimited. Once the basic system of collection and distribution is set up, the only requirement is routine maintenance of the collecting and distribution systems. Incentives from 30% to 50% of the cost of equipment and installation are available at the state and federal levels for those who install solar panels.

How Solar Works
Active solar systems use a system of collecting the sun’s rays, converting them to electricity through an inverter and directing the energy to the utility company’s system of power grids. A battery system is usually in place to store solar electricity when the sun goes down. With a connection to an existing power grid, the customer uses electricity from the power company during times when the sun is not shining. At this time the meter spins forward. But when the solar power is being generated, the grid spins backward meaning the consumer is now selling excess power back to the grid. This saves money and allows solar power to be used instead of power generated from fossil fuels.

Pricing of Electricity
The relative cost savings of solar power over conventional electricity depends on a number of factors. and varies widely by region. Electricity in Hawaii, for example, far exceeds the cost of electricity in Idaho at $0.33/KWH vs. $0.08, respectively. Idaho uses hydroelectric dams to defray the cost of providing power, slashing the price drastically. The price of the power plants, cost of crude oil, fuel transport costs and state pricing are all factored into the overall price of electricity. The use of solar power eliminates these factors. Converting to solar power would represent a significant cost savings for most households.

With the dwindling supply of fossil fuels, society will continue to search for cheaper alternatives. The future of solar energy and other eco-friendly sources of power will continue to be at the forefront of energy choices.

If you’re looking for reputable solar installers Perth based Infinite Energy are tough to beat. They’ve installed over 3000 solar systems across Western Australia and they’re not happy unless you are.

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This post was originally posted here: Six Things You Didn’t Know About Driving in France

There’s no denying that thanks to ferries and Le Shuttle, hopping across the channel to enjoy a soiree to the cafes in Paris, a trip up the Eiffel Tower, or a fun-filled exertion to Euro Disney is now not just possible, it’s commonplace. Reasonable prices and a handy little connection we call the Eurotunnel make this a perfect destination for a romantic getaway or chaotic family fun-filled holiday.

There are a few things to be aware of before you take to the wheel on the other side of the channel and we advise being prepared so you can enjoy a stress-free trip up the autoroutes of France. A new law will be coming into play during 2012 that motorists need to be aware of; it will now be a requirement to carry a breathalyser in your vehicle. Admittedly, at £2 they’re not too pricey! It’s a rule worth complying with though as you could get a fine if you don’t have one (albeit a minimal one). It’s also worth noting that there will be some leeway with the new rule up until November.

The intention of these gadgets is not for police testing, but for self testing before you get in the car. If you get pulled over by the police they will use their own device to test you. Perhaps then, the idea is one of prevention rather than consequence.

There are arguments taking place over this and those taking to the road are being advised that alcohol takes time from taking that last sip, to travelling into your body, to being absorbed into your bloodstream. Similarly, we metabolise alcohol at different rates due to varying amounts of metabolic enzymes in the liver and other genetic determinants so it’s worth having some idea of what your blood levels are before getting behind the wheel. Because of these variables and a suggested lack of reliability of these machines some have suggested that this could just be a money spinner from those in charge to place on those driving across the channel – it’s a hypothesis open for debate.

Source

There are some other must-haves on the list amounting to quite a car-full required to keep you legal on French motorways and pass the watchful eye of police spot checks.

Other things to be aware of before taking your trip!

- You need to carry a fluorescent safety vest in the main area of the car, not in the boot otherwise you could be liable for a fine. This is to be carried in case of emergencies

- Headlights should be adjusted to the right

- British motorists should display a British number plate

- Although you don’t need to carry replacement bulbs, if a bulb breaks and you don’t have a replacement you could incur a fine

- Last (but not least) you’re not allowed to carry a satellite navigation system that shows the location of speed cameras. Stowing this in the boot won’t help your case either as even if the device is not in use, you could be fined.

Road safety is something of paramount importance. Now we’ve covered it – go enjoy your holiday!

Car hire insurance is a must-have when vacationing abroad. For cover options and quotes click here.

This post was originally posted here: Earth-Friendly Solar Lights for Better Security

Thieves work well under the blanket of darkness. By making sure that a property is well-lighted, homeowners deter many opportunistic burglars. However, the main concern with lighting is that it uses up energy, and the more electricity used, the larger one’s energy bills will be. One solution to this security and financial dilemma is by opting for solar lights. Most people believe that solar lights can only be used as accents that improve the visual allure of a garden or landscape, especially at night. Well, there surely are several kinds of decorative lights for gardens, but most models used for decoration produce just a small glow. There are other varieties that can be used for security purposes. Those with more LEDs or those with fluorescent bulbs are apt choices if one’s intention is to properly illuminate a certain area.

Solar Pathway Lights

These types of lights can easily brighten walkways and other footpaths. Pathway lights use little energy because these usually produce just enough light to brighten a small circular area. This means that more pieces are needed to illuminate a longer pathway. But there are several benefits to using pathway lights. First, these can also be used as decorative garden lights while also providing enough light to keep prowlers away. Since pathway lights don’t use up a lot of energy, these can also go on for a few nights on a single day’s charging. Some models also have external battery panels. So, a unit can be placed under the shade while its batteries are kept in areas that get a lot of sun. These types are very easy to set up too. Most units can just be placed or pushed into the ground. Hence, it’s simple to install and remove when needed. Most pathway lights are about 16 to 18 inches long and these can be bought per set or per piece. Some sets with 4 pieces cost around $60, and others that contain 12 units in a set can cost $50 to more than $100. Prices depend on design, brand and other features.

Solar Spot Lights

Spot lights produce brighter light but not as radiant as incandescent light. These can be used to illuminate larger areas like decks or patios. There are certain brands that charge for just 5 to 6 hours but their power can last for 9.5 to more than 10 hours. When decks and other dark areas are well-illuminated, this discourages prowlers and promotes the safety of homeowners too by ensuring that steps or stairs are readily noticed. Like pathway lights, there are units that have their own panels for recharging and others have separate panels. The latter types can be placed in shaded areas and these will still work efficiently as long as their panels get enough sunlight. Spot lights can be mounted in different ways and these can also be used to focus a beam on a certain item or area. Prices for solar spot lights vary, but most durable brands are sold for $50 to $100+ each.

Solar Floodlights

Floodlights provide blinding beams of light and these are best used with motion sensors. When a burglar crosses the boundary of a property, this will set off the sensors and then the sensors will turn on the floodlights. Some sensors are also linked to sirens that are triggered with the floodlights. The combination of blinding lights and piercing alarms is often good enough to scare off would-be home invaders. Prices for floodlights vary as well, depending on manufacturer, inclusions and features. Some cost below $50 each, while other known brands are two or three times more expensive. One of the things that buyers should keep in mind is that it’s better to opt for floodlights with multiple LEDs to get better illumination.

Claire Novak heads a company that specializes in home security in Atlanta. She has worked with several renowned Texas security groups as well.

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This post was originally posted here: Bettering The Environment One Car At A Time

Air pollution is a common sight in developed countries, especially where industrial businesses concentrate, such as within large cities. However, it is not just big business that is contributing to the poor air quality, rather it is also the common street vehicle pouring contaminants into the air. Specific regions have reviewed and legislated against excessive vehicle emissions, like Europe, but Australia is far behind on the spectrum. This region actually produces an excess of 50 percent carbon dioxide compared to Europe. A number of factors have contributed to this high level of pollutants within the Australian region.

Government Role Models

The Australian government has not been leading by example. In fact, government owned vehicles are producing more pollution than a standard citizen’s car. As a result, large fleets of vehicles are constantly pouring contaminants into the air on a daily basis; many government vehicles drive far distances as normal practice. Changing government vehicles over to more environmentally sound cars will alleviate a large portion of contaminants from the air, while encouraging citizens to do the same as they search for a new vehicle.

Manufacturing Legislation and Incentives

Vehicle manufacturers that cater to the Australian automobile market do not have strict emissions laws that must be followed, unlike Europe’s stringent laws that have brought pollution numbers down significantly. The Australian government needs to meet with the main manufacturers to discuss reasonable changes to the vehicles to reduce emissions. As a result, a meeting of the minds between government officials and car manufacturers should foster new legislation to protect the agreement on reduced emissions, as well as holding everyone accountable for their actions.
Government grants may be a smart form of incentive to boost car manufacturer’s research and implementation of more fuel efficient vehicles. As a result, manufacturers will concentrate more energy on producing reduced emission models, compared to staying with current polluting models.

Helping Out The Consumer

The manufacturers may have help from the Australian government to boost more fuel efficient vehicle production, but what about the common consumer? New technology to curb carbon dioxide emissions can be expensive; this expense is typically carried over to the consumer through higher sticker prices. As a result, consumers find themselves purchasing less fuel efficient, and polluting, vehicles since the initial cash price is much more reasonable.
Government entities should enhance the car buying process by either lowering taxes on the initial car purchase or offering incentives, such as a large tax break or rebate. Consumers will be encouraged to purchase these environmentally friendly cars while feeling like they are receiving a good deal through government incentive programs.

Diesel Versus Gasoline

Although both gasoline and diesel are derived from fossil fuels, diesel typically produces less emissions since it works more efficiently within the vehicle’s engine. Europe has controlled the fuel market by increasing taxes on gasoline, while allowing diesel’s taxes to stay relatively low. As a result, diesel powered engines are more prevalent in Europe, contributing to less pollutants in the air. Australia can try this strategy as well to lower car emissions; higher taxes on gasoline will prompt many people to switch to a diesel vehicle.

Supply and Demand

Car manufacturers are rightly concerned about their sales; changing a vehicle model without any feedback from the public can be a big risk in the vehicle market. Consumers will need to voice their concern about less environmentally friendly vehicles. If consumers demand a better vehicle to lower emissions, manufacturers will cater to that request. With government incentives and tax breaks, it is possible for both consumers and manufacturers to meet at a common level when it comes to buying and using reduced emission vehicles.
Overall, the Australian government can borrow the strategies used in Europe to devise a cleaner vehicle fleet for everyone to use. Consumers and manufacturers can slowly build a better relationship based on saving the surrounding air quality for future generations.

Do an online quote comparison to find out which insurance provider offers the best rates on car insurance Quebec. Comparing insurance quotes at Kanetix is the easiest, fastest and most secure way to save on your insurance.

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This post was originally posted here: Do Record Breaking Fuel Prices Mean it’s Time to Go Green?

It seems everyday petrol prices hit a new high. Every week the oil barrel, breaks a new record, and there are no signs of slowing down. An expert in the oil industry had foreseen all of this back in 2008. The Russian oil tycoon had predicted that two within five years, a barrel of oil will go for as much as $250. This might be a little bit over the top, but with the recent trend in oil prices, who knows, we might wake up to this figure.

Drastic Times, Drastic Measures

With this in mind, what is the average man doing to shield himself from the harsh effects of fuel prices rocketing? The situation calls for action, at least for most of us who are conscious about the ever tightening budgetary constraints that seem to keep in pace with rocketing fuel prices. There are of course people who have opted for more drastic measures, such as condemning their cars to the garage, opting for public means of transportation. While using the bus on your way to work will save a lot compared to using your car, there are a lot of things you forego. Most importantly is flexibility. This becomes apparent to those of us whose job description involves moving around. Catching a bus or a taxi to every single appointment you have is simply not feasible. You still need the use of your car.

Small Carbon Footprint

This is where the second solution comes in play. Manufacturers have realized that the average person is hard pressed to keep up with increasing fuel prices. As a result, green cars have made their debut in many of our roads. These cars give a driver what he seeks for; a car that suits his pocket. The cars have a hidden ace up their sleeve; they have the tiniest of carbon footprints. This means that they rarely affect the environment adversely.

It would seem that the motor industry has inspired others to follow suit. Other traditionally fossil-reliant industries are seeking greener alternatives. They are harnessing wind energy, solar energy and geothermal energy in a bid to save not only money but also the environment. Wind and solar farms are opening up across the globe, harvesting nature’s readily available power sources to drive our society. Mankind is finally learning how to co-exist with mother earth, and it is already bearing fruits as rivers and the atmosphere get a makeover.

The record fuel prices, as much as they might anger us, have done a deal of good to one person, mother earth. We are stepping into a future where pollution and climate changes cease to exist as more and more people embrace green energy.

Photo by sean_oliver

If you can’t afford the latest hybrid or green car then maybe it worth considering a quality second hand car with better MPG from a trusted car dealer.

This post was originally posted here: Charging Your Car without Cords

If you have heard of electric vehicle innovations, such as the Nissan Leaf and other electric powered car technologies, you may also be aware that currently, there is no way to keep your Leaf fully charged for more than 100 miles before it needs to charge again for a few hours.
Charging capabilities are a concern for those interested in electric vehicle technology, as are finding charging stations, hassling with the wires that plug your car into an outlet or electrical power source, and the time needed for batteries to recharge. We have wireless cell phone and electronic capabilities, and can charge batteries using solar or wind energy. However, did you know that wireless car technology for electric vehicles is already in the works?

Keeping Electric Cars on the Go

There are many different options for the future of electric cars. Perhaps one of the most exciting is the possibility of wireless charging. Certainly, having a wireless capability to charge your car would make owning an electric car, with a car tracker, a more viable option for many, and decrease the stress and hassle of owning a battery-run vehicle. There are a few different ways that researchers are looking into the possibility of connected cars, or automobiles that are charging continuously and without chords, plugs, or outlets.

MIT

MIT researchers found through expanding technology originally invented by Nikola Tesla, that two similar magnetic fields could work together to create an electric charge, making light bulbs and other electronic devices light up from short range without wires. The magnetic pull has been considered a great way to charge non-moving vehicles wirelessly in the future, and is under development. This technology has been funded by the Department of Defense in hopes that it could help soldiers recharge their batteries more easily and without compromising their missions. However, the technology has also been enthusiastically studied by the auto industry for possible innovations in electric vehicles.

Stanford

Building off of the MIT technology Stanford researchers are working hard to develop charging capabilities that would keep cars connected to an electrical charge, and keep drivers from running out of juice. For example, wireless highway technology has recently come into the picture from Stanford. This idea is transformative, because it would allow drivers to continuously charge their vehicles while driving them, maintaining battery life and improving car safety and maximum efficiency. Can you imagine, not needing to go into a gas station or wait for hours to charge your car battery?

The Stanford highway idea even accounts for different levels of acceleration, and also for other factors that could benefit from their research, such as the potential effects of the “wireless highways” on improving GPS tracking, and regulating the steering for driverless cars. In adding to MIT research advances for wireless stationary parking lots, driveways, etc., the Stanford technology would allow drivers to both move as needed, and charge the vehicles while in motion.

The Future is not Far-off

Keep your eyes open for the electric vehicular innovations of the present and future. Wireless car charging is definitely a very real possibility for electric vehicle owners in the near future, and if researchers are able to get enough grants, we could even see connected cars and connecting roads in some places as early as the next 10 years. The technology is readily available, but there are still hurdles to jump, such as transforming the way people view electric vehicles, creating a viable market for them, and testing the technologies to make sure they are road ready.

Crafted by Shannon Kraight for the law firm of Katz & Phillips, P.A. Spending much of their time in the courtroom, arguing over the merits of car-related cases, each Orlando DUI Lawyer spends significant time with drivers and driving enthusiasts. They are excited to see where the future takes us, but in the mean time, should you be in need of DUI related assistance, please reach out to them for a free consultation.

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This post was originally posted here: Green Your Electronics

Modern households have tons of electronic devices.  From microwaves and refrigerators to dishwashers and dryers, our homes use a lot of power on a daily basis.  Because of this, electricity bills can be high and the environment can be affected.  Thankfully, there are ways to go green and save green when it comes to monitoring your electricity intake.

• Power strips do more than just hold multiple outlets where there should only be one.  These power strips and surge protectors can also help the environment as well.  Most times we leave electronics plugged in when we aren’t using them.  This can not only damage the battery in your device, but it can also run up your electric bill.  By using a power strip, you can simply turn off all of the electronics on the strip at once and when you need to, you can push the button and turn them back on.
• It sounds simple, but by remembering to turn off the lights when you leave a room will save you lots of money and electricity.  If you’re not in the room, you have no reason to leave the lights on.  Turning off the lights will also ensure your light bulbs will last longer which also saves you money.
• Along with saving money on light bulbs by turning them off, there are actual light bulbs you can buy that are designed to be energy efficient.  They last longer than traditional light bulbs and they are better for the environment since less of them will end up in the trash.  While you can use these in your whole home, they work best on the porch or by the front door because they are hardest to replace.  CFL and LED lights are the most energy efficient types of bulbs.
• When it comes time to purchase a new dishwasher or washing machine, think green.  Energy efficient utilities are now being made and by upgrading your machines, you are getting a better product that benefits your wallet as well as Mother Earth.  Not only that, but Energy Star products can potentially aid you in getting credits on your taxes.    Think of them as an investment more than a new dryer.

We cannot go back to living without electricity or technology, but we can go back to being environmentally conscious.  By paying more attention to our actions and our household usage, we can be more helpful to the environment.  You don’t need to work in electrician careers to know how to benefit the environment.

Allison Brenner is a copywriter for an online career school.  To learn more visit PCDI’s electrician school.

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This post was originally posted here: Is The Mercury In CFL Light Bulbs Poisoning The Environment?

Every compact fluorescent light bulb contains mercury. Some more than others but on average, there are 4 milligrams of mercury in every bulb. Without the mercury, the bulbs would not be able to operate efficiently.

So is the trade-off worth it? Let’s take a closer look at the facts to see if releasing mercury into the environment worth the energy savings?

How Can Mercury Harm Humans

Have you ever heard of the term, “mad as a hatter”? The origins of the saying come from mercury poisoning. Mercury was used extensively in the manufacturing of hats in the early nineteenth century. Employees were routinely exposed to high levels of mercury which eventually drove them mad.

How Can We Be Exposed To Mercury?

Mercury is released into the atmosphere naturally, as well as by man. When mercury gets into the air, it makes its way into the water cycle where it collects in our ponds and oceans. It works its way through the food chain before it eventually ends up larger concentrations in large fish like tuna and swordfish.

When we eat these fish we ingest the mercury. This is the main way that mercury ends up in our bodies.

How Much Mercury Are CFL Bulbs Contributing

Let’s put the mercury contribution from CFL light bulbs into perspective. Every year humans release more than 100 metric tons of mercury into the atmosphere. More than half of that mercury is contributed by coal-fired power plants.

In comparison, if every CFL bulb that was sold in 2009 went to the landfill, .12 metric tons of mercury would be released into the environment.

Can We Reduce Yearly Mercury Emissions By Switching Back To Incandescent Bulbs?

Believe it or not, you won’t release less mercury into the environment by switching back to incandescent.

For every CFL bulb that you send to the landfill, you have the potential to release up to .44 milligrams of mercury into the environment, while you would have released 1.2 milligrams of mercury into the environment to produce the electricity to run that bulb for 8,000 hours, the typical lifespan of a single CFL bulb.

An incandescent bulb contains zero mercury but you’re going to use a lot more energy, as well as light bulbs, to get to 8,000 hours of illumination. To run an incandescent bulb for 8,000 you’re going to release 5.5 milligrams of mercury in to the air.

For more articles related to saving energy and money, visit Lucas Jenkins website. He’s the author of this article and can help you save energy with his best rated refrigerators guide or money with his formula for finding dishwasher sales.

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This post was originally posted here: Energy Efficient Appliances: What’s the Payback?

With the high cost of utility bills, and the recent tanking of the economy, more people than ever are looking for ways to cut costs. One such way is by installing energy efficient appliances. But how much will you really save? And do the savings outweigh the costs of replacing your appliances? The answers aren’t as simple as you may think.

Savings by Appliance

Dishwasher

Because water is fairly inexpensive, the majority of the cost of operating your dishwasher comes in the form of electricity. By installing an ENERGY STAR qualified washer, you’ll use about 25 percent less energy and about 800 fewer gallons of water every year.

Refrigerator

An ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator uses about 40 percent less energy than those old, clunky models many of us have in our homes. You can expect to save about $120 each year on your electric bill if you replace your old refrigerator with a new, certified model.

Clothes Washer

An ENERGY STAR qualified washing machine will save you an astounding 50 percent in energy consumption and over 8,000 gallons of water per year. If your washing machine is over ten years old, replacing it with a new model can cut your costs in half.

Is It Worth It?

Whether or not replacing your appliances will be worth it is dependent on the cost of the appliance versus the money you will save. For instance, if your refrigerator has breathed its last breath or you’re furnishing a new kitchen, spending the money on an ENERGY STAR qualified model will be well worth it.

However, if your machine is under ten years old and still has quite a bit of life left in it, replacing it may end up costing you much more than you would save. How long will it take you to realize a savings if you purchase an $800 refrigerator? You’ll have to perform the calculations to find this out. Generally, if the savings you realize will cover the cost of your unit within a few years, you should consider making the purchase. Remember: the older your appliance, the more energy it uses.

On average, if you buy a certified appliance, you can expect to reap the benefits of your purchase, by way of savings, in a few short years. Electricity rates will only rise in the future; we’ll never see them go backwards in our lifetime. If you are in the market for new appliances, it only makes sense to choose those that are ENERGY STAR qualified.

Further Savings

While you are searching for your next appliance, be sure to look for scratch and dent or floor models. Many times, these appliances are offered at a deep discount. If the scratch or dent is located where it won’t be seen, or even where you can live with it and it doesn’t affect the integrity of the appliance, buy the damaged goods!

Purchasing appliances that will save you money on your utility bills makes good sense. If you are looking for a new appliance, or multiple appliances, be sure to look for those that are ENERGY STAR qualified. You may pay a hundred or two more but you’ll quickly make that money back.

Thomas Hathaway is a financial consultant and content contributor to a payday loans site, which provides information and advances should you need money before your paycheck comes in.

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This post was originally posted here: Building Your own PC Can Help Save the Earth

For the past few years, many computer technology companies such as Apple, Dell, and even Google (with its new Chromebook) have been seeking to reduce environmental impact caused by the development, processing, distribution, and running of computers. The battle between computing companies continues with Apple’s Macbook getting the thumbs up and Dell also claiming leadership on green computing. Another great addition to the green computing game is the fantastically quirky cardboard computers from Recompute.

Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sirtrentalot/4553650508/

But none of these companies hold the exclusive rights or solution to green computing.

One of the key contributing factors to the massive computing carbon footprint is processing: parts, assembly and mass distribution. Therefore a great way to ensure your computer has as little environmental impact as possible is to build it yourself.

Cutting down on assembly processing reduces environmental impact. Obviously building your computer yourself involves a least a bit of techno-know-how,but if you have that you’re good to go.

Many companies such as Novatech offer the opportunity to buy barebones parts which is a great step in the right direction. You can also assemble completely from scratch and choose the greenest components yourself right from the beginning. Choosing green manufactured and energy efficient parts for your own PC is a great starting point. Personally building your PC also allows for customisation which is perfect for gamers seeking the perfect gaming pc and even better for those seeking an eco-friendly computing solution.

Here are some aspects to keep in mind when looking to build your own Green PC:

Choose a hard drive with low power consumption. Western Digital (WD) Caviar Green hard drives are a great starting point. They consume about half the power of standard drives

Select low voltage memory, motherboard and processor and that each is compatible with the other. The Asus M4A87TD motherboard is a good candidate and is compatible with the AMD Athlon IIX4 Processors, which consume much less power than its counterparts.  Sometimes low voltage memory processors won’t be all that you need. External hard drives can help you stay eco friendly and ensure you have enough space to run your favourite programs.

Choose an energy efficient power supply, most operate at 60% capacity while there are now some available that run at 80%+efficiency – these are mainly from Antec and Corsair.

When looking to purchase or create your own eco friendly PC, the best value for money and overall efficiency will come through a custom build. Save money, help the planet, and build a computer exactly how you want it. It’s a win all around. 

This is a guest post by K Newey who is very concerned about the impact of technology on the environment. If she were to purchase a new energy efficient desktop PC she would do so from Novatech. She would then get a friend to build it for her.

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This post was originally posted here: Green Motoring Tips

For many people, driving a car is a necessity. However, driving is expensive, and the fuel you use has an impact on the environment. Reducing fuel consumption will not only help save the planet, it will also save you money.

First things first, ask yourself is my journey really necessary? For journeys of less than a mile you don’t really need a car at all, you will also find that these kind of short journeys use lots of fuel and are very bad for your car. By making the descision to either walk or cycle these short journeys, you will not only save meney and harmful emissions, you stand to improve your fitness as well!

Try these green motoring tips to cut down on fuel usage:

1. Get your car serviced regularly: When you go for a Land Rover service, you aren’t just getting a tick in your service book. The car gets thoroughly checked out, tweaked, and tuned. A regularly serviced car will consume less fuel. So, those Volvo service costs that look so off-putting when you get a quote could be more attractive when you think of the money you’ll save.
2. Slow down: The faster you drive, the more fuel you use. Stick to the speed limits to stay safe, and reduce your fuel usage.
3. Decelerate smoothly: Sharp stopping and starting can increase the amount of fuel you use.
4. Clean out your boot: If you’re carrying a ton of stuff in your boot, then you could be burning more fuel than you need to.
5. Don’t idle too long: If you’re going to be idle for more than a few minutes, turn off the engine to save fuel.
6. Check your tyres: Under inflated or unevenly worn tyres not only increase your fuel usage, they can be dangerous too.
7. Check your oil: This should be a part of your Land Rover service, but don’t just wait until you go to get your car serviced to get the oil checked. Keep an eye on it yourself too.
8. Change up earlier: Change up at 2,000 RPM in a diesel car, or 2,500 RPM in a petrol car.
9. Open the windows: Using the air conditioning when you’re going at low speeds can be a big fuel drain. At higher speeds the increased fuel usage is less noticeable, but while you’re going slowly, open the windows if you want to cool down.
10. Don’t coast: Coasting can reduce fuel usage in older cars, but it’s unsafe because you don’t have full control of the vehicle. Instead, just try to operate the car smoothly, and slow down well in advance.

If your car is very old, you may find that it’s cheaper to trade it in and buy a newer, more fuel efficient one, especially if you drive a lot. Modern cars have had a lot of fuel efficiency features. Some cars will stop using fuel when you take your foot off the accelerator, for example.

Most drivers can save at least 10% on their annual fuel costs if they follow the above tips.  That’s quite a substantial saving for only a few minor changes in your driving habits. You can save even more if you try to reduce the amount you use your car. Why not try joining your company’s carpool scheme, or using park and ride services when you go into town? After all, just because you have a car, it doesn’t mean you have to drive absolutely everywhere. 

This article was written by James Harper on behalf of Main Dealer Discount, who can help you reduce your Volvo service costs and get drivers connected to a discounted Land Rover service.

James is passionate about being green in every area of his life.

This post was originally posted here: How HR Can Help Make Your Office Green

How HR Can Help Make Your Office Green

Maybe it’s because when you think of HR, you think of paperwork, or because HR takes the responsibility for employee satisfaction and more companies are realising that environmental awareness is important to their employees. For whatever reason, human resources departments are the ones who tend to institute “green” practices at the office. “Many employers now recognise that green programs in the workplace can promote social responsibility among workers and help retain top talent,” said Don Sanford, managing director of Buck Consultants, a human resources and benefits consulting firm. Luckily, going green at the office isn’t difficult. Here are several areas where you can easily incorporate a more environmentally conscious mentality:

• Use the internet or teleconferencing to cut down on business travel
• Put employee manuals, policies or other company information online to reduce printing
• Promote the reduction of paper usage
• Store paperwork electronically
• Provide recycling trash bins for paper around the office and for bottles and cans in the break area
• Start telecommuting/work from home programs
• Institute Ride/Share programs

Research has shown that employee involvement in green programs dramatically increases when organisations appoint one employee to lead the efforts. Encourage this individual to start a companywide movement toward:

Purchasing Green Office Products There is a large range of ‘green’ office products available that help lower waste, lower energy usage, and use a lesser amount of chemicals than traditional products. A good example is Flyerzone, an online printing company. The company sells a number of office products, such as business cards which are designed using a network of designers. Also on offer are leaflets, flyers and office stationary – all of which are produced in an environmentally friendly way.

Ink & Toner Cartridges Several retail stores offer consumers the ability to purchase remanufactured ink and toner cartridges, which cost up to 15 per cent less than traditional cartridges. Also remember that you can recycle your used cartridges.

PCR Paper PCR paper is made of Post-Consumer Recycled content and is the same quality as non-recycled paper.

Energy Star Electronics When buying office electronics, such as computers or printers, look for those with Energy Star labels. These products automatically shut down if they are not in use, so they use up to 75 per cent less energy.

Saving Energy The entire company can easily help conserve energy and energy costs with a few simple changes.

Be Bright About Light Use natural light when you can, and make it a habit to turn off the lights when you’re leaving any room for 15 minutes or more.

Go Fluorescent You can save up to 75 per cent of lighting energy by using Energy Star fluorescent light bulbs. These bulbs last up to ten times longer than incandescent bulbs and also help reduce maintenance costs.

Use Power Strips An additional 75 per cent of energy can be conserved when you use power strips to power your electronics. It’s easy to turn the power strip off at the end of the day, and on every morning, rather than letting electronics run 24/7.

Eating In If the company provides a comfortable, relaxing area for employees to spend lunch and snack times, many will pack a lunch instead of consuming fuel to go out to eat. Decorating with real plants, when possible, will also help clean the air.

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This post was originally posted here: What is Ocean Acidification?

If you are at all familiar with the concept of global warming, then you are probably aware of the fact that carbon emissions (greenhouse gases) produced by industry and automobiles are responsible not only for air pollution (smog) but also for the climate change that we are currently experiencing (as more severe weather patterns sweep across the planet).  But you may not realize that one of the gases responsible is the same chemical compound that we breathe out (and that plants absorb to create the oxygen we breathe in).  Carbon dioxide (CO?) is not only contributing to the rampant pollution of our atmosphere, it is also the main cause of damage to our oceans, thanks to a little-known phenomenon called ocean acidification.

But what is ocean acidification and why does it matter to us?  Frankly, it doesn’t seem to matter much to most people, largely because very few people have heard of it at this point (if only Al Gore would do a power point presentation on it…).  But it should matter to you, because it could have a decided negative impact on humans if it continues.  Let’s start by examining just what ocean acidification is, including how it occurs and the consequences it generates.

It begins with CO? in the air.  About 1/4^th to 1/3^rd of the carbon dioxide that is released into the air is eventually absorbed by the waters of the ocean, to the tune of more than 500 billion tons since the beginning of the industrial revolution, it is estimated.  Now, the oceans are quite large, covering 70% of the planet, but still it is speculated that this has raised the acidity levels of ocean water by nearly a third.  This occurs because when saltwater bonds with CO?, carbonic acid is produced and pH levels drop, along with the carbonate that many crustaceans (like lobsters, clams, and sea urchins, for example) use to create their protective outer shells, or exoskeletons.  Naturally, this leads to death.

Now, this may not seem important to some people (but for the fact that the prices at Red Lobster are bound to go up).  But in fact, it is extremely detrimental to the planet as a whole whenever a large population goes into decline, thanks to a little thing we like to call the food chain.  Just because we’re at the top doesn’t mean we’re immune.  The organisms that are dying due to ocean acidification are at the bottom, so when they die, a food source for larger animals (fish) is removed, causing that population to die out, and so on up the food chain.

And while it is true that humans have plenty of food sources besides the ocean, there are other potential effects.  What do you think will happen if the fishing industry dries up?  Adjacent businesses like shipping, packing, and restaurants will also suffer, and it could affect the economy at large.  That’s a rather cold way to look at the situation, but the point is that our actions today will affect us, and sooner as well as later.

So if you think that water pollution by CO? isn’t all that important, it’s time to think again.  The damage we’re doing to the air is certainly a more pressing concern, but eventually the harm we cause the ocean will catch up with us, as well.  So start considering ways that you can do your part to reduce carbon emissions.  A failure to do so will result in something much worse than having to give up sushi.

Sarah Danielson is a conservation writer who works with NRDC and other organizations to protect our health and environment and also provide them with timely IT Support.

This post was originally posted here: Why Solar Panels Are the Best Electricity Source for an RV

Several individuals and families find their enjoyment in traveling. Instead of purchasing expensive flight or train tickets to travel, they indeed invest in a motor home, also known as an RV or recreational vehicle. An RV generally includes a bathroom, a kitchen, a living room and a bedroom; thus, it needs electricity to light the interior and other appliances. The ideal electrical system for an RV is solar kit panels, which functions to charge the RV batteries by using solar light.

Utilizing solar light for RV will free the travelers from finding a secure area to obtain a source of electricity since it’s accessible—and free—to reap. Furthermore, converting a camper into a solar power is fairly easy: travelers merely determine how much power they need to store and collect before purchasing a solar power kit. The type of conversion kit will also depend on the RV size.

Calculating solar power needed for an RV involves simple math and a reasonable review of how much power will be used. First, travelers need to calculate power consumption and multiply its rate to each appliance by the total hours used per day. Second, divide the resulted figure by the annual output of the solar panels in order to conclude the storage capabilities of the battery. Third, by consulting the Internet or an almanac, determine the number of sunny days in the traveled area.

Last, place the solar panels flat against the RV roof and install another battery if necessary. RV solar panel kits are available in several wattage capacities, from 10 watt to 340 watt solar power kits. An ideal solar panel with a perfect wattage should be it that keeps the RV batteries fully charged. Therefore, travelers should talk to professionals to decide which solar kit is required.

An RV solar panel kit is composed of a solar panel, a storage battery, a charge controller and an inverter, if you are interested in getting more info I suggest you’ll read this Sunforce solar chargers review here. In order to install a solar panel into an RV, any sources of power need to first be disconnected. It’s crucial to find an excellent spot on RV roof, in which the solar panel will fit easily, and mark the positions for the mounts of the solar panels. Position the mounts and secure them before inserting the solar panels.

Next, connect the connection wires of the battery from the regulator to the coach battery. Finally, reconnect the terminals to battery and solar panels will start regenerating energy. If travelers want to wire solar panel to two batteries on their RV, they first need to decide whether to wire them in parallel or in series.

RV kits can power up to 220 Watts of appliances such as lights, TVs, a computer and a small fan. In fact, using a 60-Watt solar panel is already sufficient to charge RV batteries, and it is properly installed effortlessly. Solar panel can smoothly run an air conditioner in an RV; However, a large solar panel is needed. Additionally, in order to run lights in an RV, 12 Watts of solar power is required.

Dr. Fortie is a renewable energy consultant and freelance writer for alternative energy magazines, journals and blogs. He is available to answer solar panel questions by mail at info[@]12voltsolarpanels[.]net (remove the [])

This post was originally posted here: The Benefits of Using Solar Power

Way back when solar power was first discovered, it’s hard to believe that anyone could foresee what a large impact it would have on the world.  It supplies energy.  It helps reduce pollution.  It makes use out of something we already had: sunlight.  In fact, capturing solar energy became so popular, it became commercial in the 80s.  And with the commercialization came solar power testing, which checks, tests, and certifies the equipment.  And with the amount of solar power plants on the rise, the amount of power the plants produce can only continue to increase.  But what exactly are the effects of using solar power vs. man-made or resource-fueled, well, fuel?

The benefits of producing power by use of solar energy are twofold as they 1) capitalize on a source of energy that already exists, and 2) help reduce pollution because it is not required to be burned, cleaned or refined before use.  The world’s biggest solar power plant, Solar Energy Generating Systems, is located in the Mojave Desert and produces enough electricity to power more than 200,00 homes per year.  However, what makes it impressive is that the power used to run those homes is enough to displace approximately 3,800 tons of pollution per year.  This displacement occurs because other power-making methods, such as fossil fuels or oil, release large amounts of pollution in order to be processed.  Solar power testing also allows for these statistics to be documented.

In the home, consumers notice no difference in the electricity they use.  The only difference is how the power is actually made.  There are also different ways solar energy can be made, many involving mirrors which concentrate the strength of sun rays.  The Mojave Desert plant, SEGS and the second and third biggest plants (which are located in Spain), use concave mirrors that move to collect the most sunlight.  They then reflect it to a central collecting post, a method that helps to collect as much energy as possible in the least amount of time.  Solar power testing is also performed to check the equipment’s quality and efficiency.  In the same way one would use toy testing before mass-producing a child’s product, the machinery has to be checked to ensure that it is safe to use.

As the costs of solar energy equipment decrease, we can only expect that the use of solar energy sources will continue to rise.  However, individuals are using small-scale solar panels in their homes every day.  So if given the choice, why not choose to power your home in a way that is environmentally-friendly and has proven to be safe?

Now that you know more about solar power testing, why not expand your horizons and learn more about semiconductor testing. This guest post is brought to you by Michelle Anderson.

This post was originally posted here: Setting Up Your Own Solar Panels

With all the hype and new information surrounding solar power, many homeowners are taking matters into their own hands and producing their own electricity.  That’s right!  With minimal effort and maintenance, you can help create your own solar power energy – a method that is both environmentally-friendly and wallet conscious.  Of course, there is a little upkeep involved which includes solar power testing, cleaning the panels and overall making sure the solar panels are in good working condition.  But producing your own power is one of the easiest at-home productions you can do; it’s even easier than maintaining a garden!

How to get started

First, you must decide how many panels to set up.  If you’re going to power your entire home, calculate the average amount of power your home uses.  Then, figure out how many inches of panel space is needed to produce this amount.  (There are several sites that will help with the calculation these numbers.)

Next, start researching how to set them up.  Are you going to hire a professional to put the panels in?  Or are you going to do it yourself?  If you’re doing it yourself, there are many resources available to help you set up your own solar panels.  Books or videos can be purchased (all which have passed FCC approval standards) in your local bookstore.  But there is also plenty of information online.  You can read articles or look up YouTube videos to watch the step-by-step procedure of how to wire your batteries, purchase panels or do solar power testing.  All of this information can be found online and will help answer virtually any question you may have about the process or any speed bumps you may encounter along the way.

It’s important that you research first so that you know what to expect with your solar panels.  (Even if you’re not doing the setup yourself, you should know the basics behind the panels.)  Then, once your solar panels are set up, you can reap the benefits and your hard work will be worth it.  However, the initial process must be set up correctly in order for this to work.  So do your research, purchase the necessary supplies and don’t be afraid to ask for help.  Having a friend or relative around who knows about wiring methods might not be a bad idea.  Working with electricity can be extremely dangerous, especially if you’re not entirely sure of what you’re doing.  But having a knowledgeable person around, or just being well informed of the process, will help keep you and any visitors safe.

Follow these few simple instructions, and you can be enjoying your own solar powered electricity in no time!

This guest post is brought to you by Bethaney Wallace who enjoys blogging about solar power testing and medical product testing.

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This post was originally posted here: Take your Lawn to the Next Level with Organic Lawn Fertilizer

Do you have yard envy? Are you jealous of your neighbor’s lush, green lawn? Do you wish you had the resources to make your lawn the best on the block?

You do. With organic lawn fertilizer, you can transform your lawn from brown and dead to the talk of the town.

How does Organic Lawn Fertilizer Work?

Unlike regular lawn fertilizers, which can leave a lingering smell of manure or a harsh chemical burn, organic lawn fertilizer can be applied at any time during the growing season – even after your father-in-law points out your lawn is lacking at the Memorial Day barbecue.

The fertilizer will start working in less than a week and can last up to two months.

Caring for your Lawn
Once you have a lush, green lawn, it’s easy to keep it that way. Follow the fertilizer directions on the back of the bag, but a good general rule of thumb is to fertilize anywhere from two to four times during the season.

You should also make sure your lawn stays hydrated. Ideally your grass should get a combined inch of water from rainfall and your garden hose.

And don’t be tempted to mow too much. While everyone can appreciate a well-kept lawn, your grass won’t burn as easily if you keep it a bit longer in the summer than you do in the spring or fall.

You can also try aerating your lawn. A good aerator will break up the dirt and minerals and allow your grass to flourish. This should be done in the Spring or Fall and effective when used in conjunction with organic lawn fertilizer products.

What About Bugs?

While a great lawn and landscaping can improve your home’s value, one downside is that grass can offer plenty of places for bugs to hide.

While most are only a mild nuisance and are content to stay outside, fleas can hitch a ride on your family and your dog into your home. When this happens, an infestation isn’t far behind.

While chemicals could quickly solve your flea problem, they can be expensive and harmful to those you love. The ultimate flea trap is a safe, effective alternative.

The ultimate flea trap uses a combination of heat and a specially formulated glue disk to catch 93% of fleas in your home. It works from up to 30 feet away and is completely safe around small children and pets.

So this summer, make your lawn the envy of the neighborhood with a safe, organic option to traditional lawn fertilizers. And, continue the move to an organic lifestyle inside your home as well with new flea trap alternatives.

Stephanie Kalina-Metzger is an gardening enthusiast, who loves blogging about her organic garden and how to utilize an organic lawn fertilizer to get the best out of her yard.

This post was originally posted here: 3 AFFORDABLE Ways of Going Green and Saving Money on your Energy Bill

Often, when asked why they are not doing their bit in conserving their immediate environment by living a greener and more sustainable lifestyle, people answer that they simply cannot afford to go green because it’s just too expensive. In defense of these people, I have to agree that certain ways of going green at home and saving energy can seem extremely costly to the average income earner; HOWEVER, one does not need to convert one’s entire home into a free standing solar powered vessel that generates heat and electricity via solar panels and a solar water heating system in order to save energy. The truth is that there are many smaller investments that one can make in order to go green at home and save the environment whilst saving money on annual energy bills.

Let’s take a look at the 3 cheapest and most effective investments you can make in order to not only play your part in saving the environment, but also keep your wallet looking thicker than usual:

1. LED Lights

There are so many reasons to make the small investment that it takes to convert your house to LED Lighting. Not only do LED lights use 85 – 90% less energy than a regular household light bulb, but LED lights last for anything from 15 years and longer without having to be maintained or replaced during that time. Imagine reducing your monthly energy bill by 90% by just switching to LED lights? Every penny counts and you will be doing your bit to save the environment.

LED Lights are much more costly than regular household light bulbs, but when we take into account that the general payback period on your investment is just 3 years, we come to realize that this is one investment that is worth making.

2. Water Saving Shower Heads

Without getting into too much detail with complicated calculations and technicalities, let’s just say that you will be blown away by the energy and financial savings that something as small as fitting a water saving shower head can result in.

The greatest consumer of energy in any home is generally that of heating water for use in baths, showers and washing up. The less water you use, the less water you need to constantly heat – and herein lies the benefit of water saving shower heads.

Low cost water saving shower heads won’t cost you and arm and a leg, but they will result in a saving on your daily water consumption of over 50%. That is a monumental saving on both the amount of water used and the energy used to heat it. This is one tiny investment you can’t afford NOT to invest in.

3. Geyser Timers, Blankets and Pipe Insulators

There are unfortunately still far too many households around the world that do not have geyser timers, blankets and pipe insulation in place. As mentioned in point 2 above, the heating of water is generally the greatest consumer of energy in any household and by installing these three simple devices at a very small capital investment, one is able to keep water hotter for much longer – resulting in significant energy saving which translate into financial savings that will definitely be useful in these tough economic times.

What are you waiting for?

Get in touch with your nearest sustainable store today to find out how you can quickly, easily and cheaply start making your contribution to a greener planet whilst simultaneously saving significant amounts of cash on your monthly energy bill.

Sally Roberts is a regular guest blogger who contributes to business blogs, financial blogs as well as property blogs that discuss topics such as lease extension and other property tips.

This post was originally posted here: Fisker Karma: The Most Highly Anticipated Green Car

If you think your only real option for a green car that is also sporty and stylish is the $100,000+ Tesla, it’s time to think again.  Although more and more luxury and sports brands have been entering the arena of eco-friendly vehicles, it’s fair to say that most of them are taking baby steps.  Fisker Automotive, on the other hand, is playing it anything but safe with their new Karma, an electric luxury car that looks to give Tesla a run for its money.  And while you’re probably expecting German or Italian engineering to reside at the root of this automotive zeitgeist, you might be surprised to learn that this latest e-cell innovation has been produced in the good old US of A.  Is it too soon to hope for a turnaround in the auto industry?  Yes, probably too soon, but here are a few things to recommend this amazing green car.

The photo gallery on Fisker’s website may feature some flashy eye candy, a la a lady in red (swimsuit, shoes, you name it) with bits of her body hanging out of (or on) the car.  But the automobile itself is so spectacular that all you’ll be wishing for is that the model would get out of the shot so you can get a better look at the goods (which offer a breathtaking view).If you didn’t know better, you might mistake this beauty for a Bond car or one of Batman’s wonderful toys.  It’s like they took all the best parts from your favorite luxury cars and rolled them into one spectacular specimen of sleek and seductive design.  If you don’t drool over this body you might want to check your pulse.  Even the solar panel on the roof (which controls the interior climate) is sexy in a sci-fi kind of way.

The interior is equally inviting with a generous console that boasts quite a few bells and whistles (although notoriously missing from photos is an in-dash navigation unit).  Two-tone paneling and seats in honeyed tan and chocolate brown provide a rich color palette that begs to be touched while the interior seems to display a clever juxtaposition of both coziness and abundant space.  And what’s in the car is only overshadowed by what’s under the hood (so to speak).  A lithium-ion battery works to produce 160 kW of power, bolstered by a turbocharger that is said to kick in seamlessly when the driver demands more power.  Plus, it will carry you an estimated 250 miles on a single charge with zero emissions.

Unfortunately, you probably won’t want to lay a finger on this pretty little car.  Although the paint is apparently water-based (as part of the eco-aesthetic), the “diamond dust” finish is something you really won’t want to scratch (after all, where can you get such a specialized product repaired?).  So set aside your socket wrenches and your brake bleeder and get used to the idea of taking it into the shop.  At this point you can have only one question: what is it going to cost?  Although the car debuted in 2009 at the Detroit Auto Show and the 2012 model is set to hit dealerships in the US and Europe by the end of this year, there is no word yet on the price.  But with as much time and effort as Fisker put into what is sure to be the ultimate green driving experience, the price is bound to be just as exclusive.

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This post was originally posted here: Go Green and Save Money with a Few Home Adjustments

Many people don’t realize what a huge impact even small adjustments in their home can have on their pocketbook and the environment. Sure, you block the draft under the door in the winter and try to remember to turn the water off when you brush your teeth. While these are both positive steps in the right direction, there’s so much more that you can do!

If you take a few minutes to take a tour of your home and really evaluate appliances and your surroundings, you are likely to find many easy adjustments that you can make that will offer some pretty spectacular benefits.

Light Bulbs

It is estimated that you can save $50 per year if you replace 5 incandescent light bulbs throughout your home with CFL varieties. Now, $50 may not seem like a lot but chances are, you have more than 5 bulbs in your home, right? In fact, the average home has closer to 20 bulbs so now you’re up to $200 per year. Over 10 years, that’s $2,000 you saved to pay for that vacation you’ve been wanting to take!

Dishwasher

First of all, hopefully you are only running your dishwasher with a full load. There is no need to run it when there’s only a handful of things on it. When you do this, you’re wasting electricity, water and laundry soap.

Secondly, do you really need to use a heat cycle? Your dishes will air dry just fine if you turn the heat option off or open the door and stop the cycle when it gets to that point.

Now, when you are really ready to save money, upgrade that old dishwasher for a new energy-efficient one. Not only can you save an average of $85 per year in energy costs, you can use government stimulus money to hep pay for your new dishwasher. This will save you another $200!

Laundry Room

There is a lot of energy wasted in a laundry room but you can do something about it!

• Hang laundry outdoors to dry whenever possible.
• Use an indoor clothes line when weather doesn’t allow items to be hung outside. You can always fluff wrinkled garments in the dryer for a few minutes.
• Avoid running the dryer between 10 and 4 during the summer or your air conditioning will have to work extra hard to fight the heat being produced.
• Use the cold/cold temperature setting on the washing machine. If you do this even 80 percent of the time, you can save up to $100 per year.
• Don’t wash only a couple of items at a time if you can help it. Wait until you have a larger load.
• Buy energy-efficient appliances. When it is time to upgrade your washing machine, choose a front-loading one. They use less water and detergent and they are much gentler on your clothes.

Windows

Do you realize that 30 percent of heat and air conditioning lost in your home goes through your windows? They really play a significant role in your energy costs and your carbon footprint. If it’s not in the budget to  replace them quite yet, a few rolls of weather stripping can offer you a sizable improvement.

When you look at all of these things separately, they may not seem substantial but when you view the overall picture, you see that everything together can really add up. Spend an afternoon evaluating your home to make positive changes for yourself and the environment!

This post was originally posted here: Green Transport: Customer Deliveries Are Matched With Transporters’ Extra Space

Sandra, aspiring author from London, UK.

This post was originally posted here: The Inner Workings of a Wastewater Treatment Plant

The amount of waste water in our world in increasing. Due to industrial waste, agricultural run off and flooding problems, it is crucial to reclaim and recycle any water that is available for reuse. Technological improvements over the past fifty years have enabled water treatment plants to reclaim otherwise unusable water from almost any source. Recycled water undergoes many different treatments in refining and restoring it to usable levels.

The processes used to remove physical, chemical and biological contaminants from wastewater are also physical, chemical and biological. The resulting water is termed “effluent.” The wastewater may be from sewage or other sources, and the solid wastes from such purification processes produces sludge. This sludge may be disposed of through burying, or more likely it is further processed into fertilizer for the agricultural industry.

Every chemical or pollutant cannot be removed from recycled water from waste water plants, even with the highest purification. As a result, many areas utilize water that is sub-optimal, and may contain traces of pesticides, medications, chemicals or other unidentifiable contaminants. While most recycled waste water is for use in irrigation or industry, water of drinkable quality often comes from other sources, such as reservoirs, underground springs or naturally occurring bodies of water. These sources are often polluted, and must undergo similar processes.

One of the greatest achievements in the waste water industry is the ability to build water recycling plants on-site. Some very large industries have huge amounts of contaminated water to be disposed of, as a by-product of the manufacturing or industrial process. On-site waste water plants can be installed as part of the physical plant, and piped or transported to other areas for reuse or disposal. Laws regulate where clean waste water can be used.

Not all waste water plants are the size of systems utilized by cities or townships for the local area. Many are much smaller, and are designed to service smaller industries or purposes. For rural or flooded areas, waste water recycling can be utilized as needed for temporary needs or problems. These plants can even be rented, to be built and taken down for only the period needed. Not all plants have the same capacity. Both for volume and level of purification of contaminant, state and federal laws dictate effluent quality and purification methods. Source of waste water and end-stage destination contributes to what purpose any waste water plant can be utilized.

As a last stage of any waste water recycling, water is disinfected. This is to kill any remaining organisms that would contaminate the disposal or reuse area.

Tristar Water’s wastewater treatment systems are sustainable solutions for harvesting wastewater. Using advanced technology and with over 70 years experience in the Industry, Tristar are the go-to company in wastewater treatment.

This post was originally posted here: Green Home Building Guidelines

You might think that there is a lot more hassle and expense involved in building a home that conforms to your eco-friendly standards, but in truth, it is very similar to standard types of building in that the price and the level of difficulty depend largely on what you choose to use.  For example, the average home-builder might have to decide whether they want to install carpeting throughout the interior or pay extra for hardwood or stone flooring.  In the same way, the eco-friendly home will have options that change the price and construction schedule for the project.  While you will certainly want to take some time to research green options, you need not necessarily expend more than your own free time.  In any case, here are just a few guidelines to observe when it comes to planning and building your green home.

1. Transportation of goods.  One of the major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions is the shipping industry.  If you want to do your part to dispel unnecessary exhaust, think about purchasing only local materials when building your home.  You will not only curb pollution by going this route; you’ll also support local business and you may even end up saving a few bucks in the process.
2. Building materials.  Once you’ve decided to buy local, you’ll want to look at what is available.  You likely have access to natural resources like stone or wood, but you might not be able to find companies that embrace green practices in the process of harvesting these materials.  If this is the case you may want to consider opting for a substitute that is eco-friendly and can be found anywhere: concrete.  Insulated concrete forms can be used for the foundation, framework, and even the walls of your home.  They resist damage from insects, mold, fire, water, wind, and just about anything else nature can throw at your home.  Plus, as the name implies, this material has excellent insulating properties.
3. Lighting.  While it might occur to you that installing energy-saving light bulbs is a great way to conserve, there is an even better way to cut back on illumination during the building process.  By opting for an open floor plan and including plenty of windows (possibly even skylights) in your design, you can ensure that your home enjoys an abundance of natural light so that the instances in which you have to flip a switch are significantly reduced.
4. Utilities.  You can certainly practice to conserve by installing energy-saving appliances and electronics after the fact, but during the building process you have the unique opportunity to do more.  By opting for solar, wind, water, or other forms of alternative energy you can bring your energy usage down to practically (or actually) nothing.  This is good for your wallet as well as the environment, so that over time you can offset the initial cost of installation (which can be quite steep).
5. Outdoor spaces.  People often see landscaping as an extra, but here you can do good things for the Earth, as well.  Strive to use native plants and look for those that are drought resistant (read: requiring less water to sustain).  You can even use your vegetation to save on energy use by arranging plants around the house to block sunshine in the summer and wind in the winter.

Sarah Danielson writes for Justin Doyle Homes, a custom home builder in Cincinnati since 1976 offering luxurious homes for every lifestyle.

This post was originally posted here: Best Apps for Small Business

Whether you use an iPhone, Android, or some other smart phone for business purposes, you may not be getting the full benefit of your purchase if you haven’t downloaded some of the many amazing apps out there geared towards helping the small business owner.  Of course, the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of apps may be time-killing games like Angry Birds and Paper Toss, or internet crossovers like Google Maps or The Weather Channel (which can help in your everyday life).  Of course, Twitter and Facebook apps actually can be fairly useful if you use them for your business, but they aren’t necessarily helping you to manage operations.  So if you’re looking for ways to get the most value out of one of the many modern mobile tools you have at your disposal, here are just a few apps you may want to download (and write off) for your small business.

1.       Phone Swipe.  This app for your touch Apple devices requires you to obtain a piece of hardware that attaches to your phone, but both the reader and the app are free.  And it does something amazing: it allows you to mobilize your credit card transactions.  If you do travel trade shows, appear at local festivals, or have a booth at the farmer’s market, you can use this app for your phone to accept cards, create invoices, and even send the receipt to the user’s phone or email (not to mention depositing money into your bank account daily).  You’ll have to pay a percentage of each transaction for the service, but it’s significantly less than what you pay for other card readers and you don’t have to deal with all those lending companies.

2.       Shoeboxed.  Remember the good old days, when saving receipts in a shoe box was the only way to go?  These days there are better ways to track expenses, like this handy app for your favorite Apple device.  You can enter expenses, photograph receipts, and export expense reports to other programs (like Quicken and QuickBooks).  This app does all the work for you and it’s free.

3.       Splashtop Remote Desktop.  Whether you have an iPhone or an Android device, you’ll want to download this clever app that allows you to access your desktop from your mobile phone (or tablet).  For $1.99, you can find your computer, link up, and take it with you anywhere via mobile device.  Use it to show Power Point presentations, access Outlook, and update Excel remotely, along with anything else you might normally need your PC for.

4.       Time Clock.  Ever have to deal with clients who want to quibble over every minute you put into a project?  With this app for Android devices, you can easily track your billable hours by clocking in and out, and print out reports for each and every client.  Add notes so they know exactly what you’re working on.  You can even use it for people who work under you.  It is $3.99 for Android users (those with Apple products should avoid this app; although it is free, it reportedly doesn’t work well for Apple).

5.       Wunderlist.  When it comes to staying on top of projects, clients, and employees, you really need project management software that can go anywhere and interface with multiple electronic devices.  This app for both Apple and Android offers a solution.  You can sync with your computer, share tasks, and manage workflow wherever you go.  Reminders, email, and options for organization are just a click away with this free app that every small business can use.

Sarah Danielson is a writer for Adiamor Engagement Rings where you can find a large selection of loose diamonds, wedding bands, and other fine diamond jewelry.

This post was originally posted here: AAA Announces Top Green Cars of 2011

The American Automobile Association has released a list of their top picks for the greenest cars of the year, following close on the heels of Kelly Blue Book’s official recommendations.  Unsurprisingly, the lists are similar.  Let’s face it: there just aren’t that many quality eco-friendly vehicles cruising our roadways as of yet.  But as gas prices continue to soar, we can probably expect that number to increase significantly.  So if you’re thinking that this might be a good time to start considering some of the options when it comes to greener vehicles (that will not only save you at the pump, but also cut your carbon footprint), then perhaps you’ll want to check out some of AAA’s approved green automobiles for 2011.

In terms of gasoline-electric hybrids, the Toyota Prius gets AAA’s seal of approval.  Although this may seem like a bold statement concerning the Japanese car manufacturer (which has suffered further recalls this year), keep in mind that the cars being recalled are all older models.  The newer model Toyota’s are probably safer than anything else on the road at this point.  And it’s easy to see why this car won in its category.  It is completely affordable for most families, with a base price of $23,000, and extremely economical after purchase with an estimated 50+ mpg.  Also notable in this category were the Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, and incredibly, the Audi A3 (currently powered by diesel to the tune of 42 mpg, but it will be available in a hybrid version later this year).

The top pick for plug-in hybrid is the Chevy Volt, which has been getting a lot of buzz over the past year.  Although it is a bit more expensive than your run-of-the-mill gasoline-electric hybrid, with a starting price of almost $33,000, you can definitely expect some exciting extras for the dough.  For one thing, you don’t need a charging station to plug it in; you can use a standard 120-volt outlet (although it will take 10 hours to charge by this method, while 240 volts will charge it in just 4 hours).  Once charged, however, you can expect a range of 25-40 miles before your gasoline engine kicks in, and you’ll get up to 100 mph while running electric.  And best of all, charging will cost you about $1.50 per day, saving you a lot at the pump.

Finally, there are the fully electric cars to consider, and the Nissan Leaf nabs the number one spot in this category.  Although the price is comparable to the Volt, you can expect to receive up to $7,500 in government tax rebates, dropping your initial cost much closer to the Prius.  Also, keep in mind that you will have no cost for gas (although you will have to install a charging station and it is estimated that the cost of electricity comes out to the equivalent of about $0.75 per gallon of gas…not too shabby).  And with zero emissions, you’re doing your part for the environment, as well.  The car is comfortable, consistent with Nissan standards, and you can expect 50-80 miles out of a single charge, making it ideal for most commuters.

Author:
Louis Rix is a freelance writer, based in Manchester, UK. He is Marketing Director at Netcars.com who specialise in offering used Ford cars for sale.

This post was originally posted here: The Option of a Homemade Electric Car

With the skyrocketing prices of fuel at the pump together with the many foreboding studies on global warming, many are now seeking other options on travel and transportation away from the fossil fueled internal combustion engine car. Before the mass production of electric vehicles went full blast, there have been many individuals creating homemade electric cars right in their own garages.

These innovators do not have the multi-million research and development funds that many automakers have in their pockets. Often, they make do with old car parts or even those salvaged from the junk yard to create their own electric vehicles. Many of these backyard car engineers have rudimentary knowledge of mechanics as well as electrical engineering, but their enthusiasm more than makes up for the lack of knowledge in seeking ways to create their own electric car.

The secret lies in the ability to bundle electrical power from batteries to mechanical energy to move the vehicle. It must start from small motors or engines and then move up from there. One also needs to learn to analyze diagrams and understand wirings to determine the conversion needed for your homemade electric car. Or one could take the route of building an electric car through the use of a how-to-kit. The instructions provided as well as the parts available that you can use to learn and at the same time build your electric car right in your own home.

Other sources of information for your backyard project can be the Internet. A simple search on electric cars can provide you the knowledge as well as advice on how best to make your dream project a reality. There are also a number of forums that one can join to be able to interact with other electric car building enthusiasts to share information as well as war stories. In expanding your sphere of knowledge, you can integrate what you have obtained to make your project work better than before.

Once you have the necessary technical knowledge as well as experience in building electric motors, you now need to upscale your project to the real thing. You do need to plan ahead as this not only involves your technical expertise but also require financial investment on your part. You also need to plan ahead of time and to keep project milestones in order to prevent your project from stalling, thus leaving your project uncompleted and remaining a dream.

As you can see, an electric car need not be a dream for someone clearly enthusiastic about pollution as well as the politics of oil. While hybrid vehicles or fully electric vehicles still are quite an expensive investment, one can opt to make their own electric vehicle in their own backyard. All that is needed are the proper tools, technical specifications and talent to make this dream build a reality for you.

For a more comprehensive discussion on electric vehicles, do visit us at Cheapest Electric Car please visit the author’s site The Electric Forum

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This post was originally posted here: Is it Less Expensive to Insure a Hybrid?

Life is more expensive than it used to be.  Let’s look at the facts: the recession is still ongoing, despite the fact that the government keeps telling us things are turning around; it now costs more than $200,000 to raise a child to the age of 18 (that doesn’t even include the cost of college, which, by the way, comes with a lot less scholarship opportunities these days); and of course, the price of gas seems to be going up and up with no end in sight.  On this last score, at least, there seems to be some relief.  With more companies producing hybrid vehicles (and tax incentives in place for those who buy newer plug-in hybrids this year), the attendant price tags for owning one have come down.  And by purchasing a hybrid, your cost at the pump can be greatly reduced (along with your carbon emissions).  Sadly, the money you save may go to insurance if you don’t get the right hybrid.  Here are a few things you need to consider before you purchase that Honda Civic hybrid.

First, you need to look at the size of the vehicle you’re buying.  You might be looking at an economy-sized car like the Civic, the Ford Focus, or the Toyota Prius.  Although this makes sense from the standpoint of doing the most for the environment, and it will probably offer the best gas mileage, it may do little to bolster your budget since smaller hybrids often come with the largest insurance premium.  But why?  As it turns out, many small vehicles are prone to higher rates simply because they are more frequently targeted for theft.  Although you may not see this as a valid concern with a relatively inexpensive car like the Civic, your insurance company apparently feels differently.  And when you think about it, cars that are less expensive generally lack the additional security of more expensive vehicles (tracking systems and so on).  So if you haven’t considered a larger hybrid (such as an SUV), maybe you should.  It could add to your savings where insurance is concerned.

The other major consideration is unfortunately something that you can’t do much about.  Hybrid vehicles are often more expensive to insure simply because they cost more to repair.  Even minor repairs could require additional labor, and some of the parts will definitely cost more to replace should you have an accident.  While you really can’t do anything to lower the price of these parts, you can probably save something on your insurance cost by getting a certified pre-owned vehicle instead of newer model (older cars almost always cost less to insure).

The truth is, you stand to save a lot by purchasing a hybrid vehicle.  If you go for one of the new plug-in hybrids, you will be eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500 (plus an additional $2,000 towards the installation of a charging station in your garage).  And you may qualify for state tax credits on top of that (California, for example, is offering up to $5,000 over and above the federal credit).  Plus, you’re saving on the cost of gas.  If you travel less that about 40 miles in a day, you may never need the fuel-cell portion of your plug-in hybrid.  So you can definitely offset the additional costs for insurance until hybrids become more prevalent and the prices come down accordingly.

Sarah Danielson writes for Auto Loan Payment Calculator where you can find new car buying tips and much more.

This post was originally posted here: Why Consider Commercial Greenhouses?

The most common misconception about commercial greenhouses – or any greenhouse, for that matter – is that these are covered places with hot and humid temperatures maintained on a 24/7 basis.

• Such idea comes from the name greenhouse that evokes images of a sweltering earth as well as the appearance of perspiration on the walls of the structure.
• There are two ways to come about starting your own commercial greenhouse garden, you can buy one or learn how to build a greenhouse using commercial greenhouse plans.

Cooling Is Key to Growth

But this idea is far from the truth.

• Commercial solar greenhouses are actually equipped with mid-sized to large cooling systems, which are designed to ensure that the interior of the structure is sufficiently cool during the day and warm at night.
• Keep in mind that too hot and too cold environments are detrimental to the growth of most plants cultivated in commercial quantities inside the greenhouse.

Various methods are used to ensure that such a delicate balance of warmth and cool can be maintained inside the structures, of which the most common way is through vents.

• The general rule is that the larger the greenhouse, the warmer the climate and the more tropical the plants, the more vents, shutters and other cooling measures must be in place.
• Another way is to buy commercial glass greenhouses, which can be dangerous if shattered, and are generally more expensive.

Also, commercial greenhouses are not completely covered from the outside world since fresh air is also necessary for the plants to thrive. Oxygen must be introduced from natural sources, which only the atmosphere can provide in sufficient levels.

So, when you are considering the establishment of a greenhouse, be it commercial in scope or residential in scale, be sure to factor in the ways with which to effectively keep the structure cool.

• Besides, you don’t want to work too long in an environment that mimics the Sahara Desert or the North Pole, do you?

Cooling Options for Commercial Greenhouse Structures at Your Fingertips:

Speaking of the ways to keep cool in the greenhouse, experts and manufacturers of these structures have come up with numerous methods to achieve the purpose.

• These choices can be categorized into the manual, electronic and solar types to denote the kind of power needed to put these methods into actual operation.
• Your choice will often be a combination of all three ostensibly to take advantage of existing technology, to save on utility costs and to make gardening tasks easier on your body.

A few of the choices for a commercial greenhouse cooling system include:

1. Roof vents are widely considered the best of all types of ventilation systems since these serve as an escape route for stale air while also providing for the entrance of cool air intake.
2. Side venting can be achieved by glass louvers, which will provide for greater levels of cool during the warmer seasons.
3. Shade cloths and other screening materials are used to provide additional but removable shade to the greenhouse. These sources of additional shade are particularly helpful during the warm summer and spring months.
4. Exhaust fans are also useful in cooling the commercial greenhouse, but not all greenhouses will require these fans. Plants that do require exhaust fans are specialty crops like chrysanthemums, orchids and other tropical flowers with the ideal air exchange rate being one complete air exchange per minute.
5. Barrels filled with water can disperse warm air into the structure at night.

If you are in doubt about the best cooling system for your commercial greenhouse, it’s always best to ask the professionals. Otherwise, you may be looking at a season’s worth of ruined crops.

Whitney Segura is an expert in greenhouse gardening and is the founder and owner of one of the largest distributors of greenhouse kits in the United States, including a full line of high quality commercial greenhouses, professional hobby greenhouses, portable greenhouses, hydroponics equipment, compost bins, and other greenhouse accessories.

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This post was originally posted here: Exotic Luxury Cars Go Green

Even ten to twenty years ago, the thought of a profusion of cars that run on electricity was ludicrous.  These days, it’s common to see hybrid and fully electric vehicles (not to mention biodiesel buses) on highways and city streets.  And although most are built for economy, we should have known it wouldn’t be long before luxury car-makers jumped in the game.  After all, even consumers who drive 6-figure sports cars want to do their part for the planet (as long as they can still enjoy the power and speed of a finely-tuned automobile).  So if you’re looking to buy one of these amazing new eco-vehicles (or even if you just want to drool), here are just a few that will have you saying goodbye to gasoline.

Let’s start with the Aston Martin Cygnet.  Although this compact car looks more like a Smart that the long, lean, and low-slung models we’re used to watching James Bond jet around in, it still bears one of the most prestigious maker’s marks in the automotive world, making it worthy of a first (and second) look.  Now, just to be clear, this car runs on gasoline.  But the economy of the size (both engine and body) allows for nearly 60 mpg.  And the price comes in at under 50K (US), making it by far the least expensive option amongst luxury eco-cars.  For the price you’ll get good gas mileage and easy parking in what is basically a Toyota IQ decked out in Aston Martin finery (and you will get all the luxury that can fit into 117.5 inches of automotive excellence).

The Rolls-Royce 102EX is another interesting option.  This addition to the Phantom line is only a concept at this point, recently premiering at the 2011 Geneva Auto Show, and the company touted their dual electric motor setup as the “world’s first battery-electric vehicle for the ultra-luxury segment” (apparently they never heard of Tesla).  In any case, it is pretty impressive, in every sense of the word.  The engine can output 389 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, which it will definitely need to get rolling since it is expected to weigh in at nearly three tons (you know what that means…you’ll be avoiding some bridges).  Despite that, the 0-60 is less than 8 seconds and it can travel 124 miles on a charge.  Not too shabby.  The only cost listed so far: if you have to ask, you can’t afford it.

And finally, the piece de resistance: the Porsche 918 Spyder.  We should probably open with the price on this hybrid, which is more than most people’s homes at a whopping $845,000.  Still interested?  You should be; this car is lengen…wait for it…dary.  Not only will you want to roll on the gorgeous hood like Tawny Kitaen the moment you set your eyes on it (yeah, the car is that sexy), but you’ll be even more impressed by what’s on the inside (a “nice” girl that’s foxy, too…score!).  Brass tacks: 500 hp, 198 mph max, 0-60 in 3.2 seconds, and 78 mpg.  If your heart didn’t just skip a beat, you might want to see if it’s still functioning.

There are others you can check out as well, like the Lamboghini Sesto Elemento, the Ferrari 599 HY-KERS, and of course, the Tesla Roadster (still the best value on the eco-friendly roadway).  So if you’re looking for a hybrid, electric, or simply fuel-economy vehicle with more sophistication and luxury than the average Honda or Ford, check out some of these amazing green automobiles.  They may be hard on your wallet, but they’re easier on the environment.

Sarah Danielson writes for Party Bus Rental CT where you can find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs.

This post was originally posted here: How Green is Your Car?

You may think that you have to own a hybrid or electric vehicle in order to classify your ride as eco-friendly.  But even cars that aren’t necessarily considered “green” can still do better for the environment, depending on what you choose to buy.  The question is: how can you tell if your car is green?  Or if you’re looking for a new car, how can you tell which one will decrease your carbon footprint the most?  While owning a fully electric vehicles is obviously the best choice, not everyone can afford the initial cost (remember you’ll probably have to put in a charging station, as well).  Hybrids are also a great option, although they do emit exhaust when the gasoline engine is in use.  And they’re often very affordable.  But if you’re still stuck on petroleum powered vehicles, one is as good as the next, right?  Not so.  If you opt to stick with gasoline, there are all kinds of ways you can make your choice greener.  Here are just a few ways to tell how green your car is.

1.       Fuel type.  Believe it or not, the type of fuel you use in your vehicle could make a huge difference in green potential.  For example, automobiles that run on diesel are generally considered less offensive to the environment.  Their increased fuel efficiency results in up to 15% less carbon emissions.  Even better, though, is biodiesel, which is now made with up to 85% organic fuel from crops like corn and soy.  It is clean fuel (greatly reduced emissions) and just about any engine can be retrofitted to use it.

2.       Gas mileage.  This number is a pretty good indicator of how green your car is.  If you get less than 30 miles to the gallon on average, then your car is not very fuel efficient; you’re a major polluter.  But if you get somewhere in the neighborhood of 50+ miles per gallon (as with Smart cars and the like), you’re doing pretty well (better than most, anyway).

3.       Size of vehicle.  Chances are that if you’re driving a large vehicle, you’re not really doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint.  SUVs, trucks, and vans are all pretty big polluters.  But even smaller cars can be problematic if they have a big engine.  If your car features six or more cylinders, you could be doing just as much damage as a larger vehicle.  And just so you know, a 4-cylinder engine is perfectly adequate for a small, lightweight car.

4.       Luxury add-ons.  Does your car have heated seats?  How about personal climate controls for passengers?  If you have a lot of luxury add-ons, your gas mileage is going to suffer as a result.  Instead of including all these options, ask your dealer about new innovations like the solar-powered cooling fan that keeps your car the same temperature as the outdoors (to keep it from overheating in the summer sun, thus cutting down on your AC usage).  Switching up your options could make a big difference when it comes to conservation.

5.       Age.  There’s simply no denying that older vehicles are going to be less efficient when it comes to fuel.  They won’t have the latest technology and they are likely to lose efficiency over time due to wear and tear on the engine.  So if you find that your old clunker can no longer pass a smog test, it may be time to consider a new vehicle.

Sarah Danielson writes for Buy a Toyota where you can find great deals on a Toyota Prius and a range of Toyota promotions in your area.

This post was originally posted here: Why Even Climate Change Skeptics Should Go Solar

As most people know, solar panels harvest energy from the sun and convert it into a usable form to power any number of electronic items. While many people think of this technology as a part of the ‘green’ movement from the global warming crowd, the idea of getting solar energy from solar panels has been since 1839.
The technology has advanced a great deal the early days and now solar panels using discrete cell technology can work at 30% efficiency and convert the sun’s energy directly into electricity we can use.

Whether or not you believe that global warming is an issue, we can all see the effects of pollution from coal mining and oil drilling. These actions tend to have a negative impact on our environment and on the quality of air we breath every day and the water we drink. The quest for fossil fuels also has a negative effect on our water supply, through oil spills and seepage of dangerous chemicals from drill sites. Solar energy has the potential to reduce our dependence on these expensive and often dangerous methods of producing electricity. Even the most hardened anti-environmentalist can appreciate improving the quality of life for the people in these most affected areas.
There are compelling financial reasons to go solar as well. The electric bill is one of the largest costs each month or quarter for the average family in an developed country. Installing solar panels can slash this bill and in some cases even eliminate it entirely. If your panels produce more energy than you need, you may even begin receiving a payment each month from the electric company for the extra energy you put into the grid. This passive income goes directly into your pocket and will continue for as long as you maintain your solar panels. Most good solar panel installation should last 20 years or so. Many people are off put by the start up costs of solar, but this form of clean energy will continue paying for itself for many years to come.

Government rebates and tax breaks for solar panel users are available in many countries as well to help you lower the cost of initial installation. Depending on which country and state you live in, selling your kilowatts back into the grid can be paid a feed-in tariff, This is the rate per kilowatt that you will get paid. A gross feed-in tariff will pay you for every kWh you produce, often at a higher rate than you would have to buy them back at. A net feed-in tariff, on the other hand, pays you for every kWh over those that you use – its the left over that you get paid on so the incentive is on people to produce more via solar and trim down usage at the same time.

David is the founder of Solar Panel Free Quotes, a startup in Australia that gets homeowners and businesses quotes from 3 local solar panel installers putting them in the best spot to pick a solar power system at a price they can afford.

This post was originally posted here: Driving Forward Solar Power In The Heating Industry

When it was revealed that the Renewable Heat Incentive had survived the Government’s spending review, those in the industry breathed a sigh of relief and began to push forward with renewable technology. However, the New Year is only just getting underway and already there are industry rumblings about a possible delay. John Binney, National Sales Manager from Alpha Heating Innovation, looks at what the coming year holds for renewable heat sources.

At the time of writing this article, the Government’s non-committal attitude towards the Renewable Heat Incentive had reignited worries over the potential damage to the industry, with installers, manufacturers and end users all waiting on an announcement in February.

At a time when the ‘green’ message is being constantly pushed, and when the industry is still facing tough times emerging from recession, ambiguity over such a pivotal piece of legislation will only lead to further confusion.

With government carbon reduction targets set at 34% by 2020, renewable technologies, such as solar, have much to offer and the market potential is huge. For example, China has twice as much solar thermal capacity as the rest of the world combined, and in the past five years has positioned itself as the global leader of solar PV manufacturing.

Similarly, the UK has been gearing up to deliver renewable solutions for some time, with manufacturers and installers alike ensuring they have the correct skills and training to handle increased end user demand. Installations of solar panels doubled last year from 2010 figures – largely thanks to the launch of the Feed in Tariff – and it was predicted that the subsequent introduction of the RHI would boost these numbers further.

Any further postponement of this legislation will most certainly have an adverse effect on the industry; the current economic situation makes standing still a dangerous thing to do for both manufacturers and installers, we need to drive the market forward to deliver realistic, greener, sustainable solutions. Here at Alpha, we are committed to providing innovative heating solutions that mix low carbon technologies with more traditional heating solutions.

Utilising the best features of a high-efficiency combination boiler with carbon-saving renewables is a very real and effective way of providing adequate heat and hot water to UK homes. Plus, given the increasing unpredictable nature of the British weather, it makes sense to ensure that there is a support system in place that can deliver heat and water when external conditions prevent any real thermal gain from renewable systems.

Even if the Renewable Heat Incentive goes through as originally intended, it’s unlikely that there will be an instant radical switch to renewables in both domestic and commercial buildings. Rather it will help facilitate the inclusion of low-to-zero carbon technologies in both new build and retrofit properties and create a steady and sustained growth in the market.

And this is where solar has come to play an important part. The simplistic nature of the installation and operation of such systems means they integrate easily with both traditional heating methods and other microgeneration technologies such as heat pumps. Currently, over 100,000 solar thermal systems are installed in the UK, and although demand has slowed slightly – mainly due to the delay of the Feed in Tariff and the RHI – installations are still on the up.

Systems, such as Alpha’s SolarSmart, feature the latest technology to ensure that these systems work at the most optimum settings available. Technology such as Alpha’s solar valve ensures water over 60 degrees flows directly to the tap, negating the need for the boiler to fire up. Operating systems in this way is where the majority of gas savings – and therefore emissions savings – can be made with solar installations.

Achieving a high percentage of savings also comes down to correct installation and this is where the importance of education and knowledge is paramount. Now is the prime time for installers to really learn about the ins and outs of solar technologies, from the basics right up to the finest technical detail, so when the RHI does come in to force industry professionals will be able to install solar products to ensure maximum emissions and cost savings.

The industry has already gone some way to embracing such renewable technologies and everyone from manufacturers to installers and end users are poised to carry the industry forward, furthering UK’s efforts to reduce emissions and deliver effective heating solutions.

This post was originally posted here: Don’t Be Mean, Be Green

Everyone is talking about Going Green these days. It does not mean painting the house green or wearing green clothes it simply means changing the way we live small steps at a time.  There is a great need to pay attention to the following fact:

- Burning of petrol, diesel, coal and gas to generate electricity and power produces heat trapping gases that cause global warming.

- Cutting and blazing innumerable trees each year is responsible for 20-25 per cent of all carbon emissions. We are cutting rainforests at the rate of 100 acres per minute.

- About 20 species of plants and animals become extinct every week.

- 30% of the water used in most homes is flushed down the toilet.

- Plastic waste thrown into the river or sea kills close to one million water creatures yearly.

- A laptop consumes five times less electricity vs a desktop

- Pesticides are causing irreparable diseases.

- Tissue paper consumes 60 millions trees yearly.

- Slow moving traffic contributes eight times more air pollution as compared to traffic moving at regularly.

- A dripping faucet consumes over 20,000 Liters of water in a year.

Is this what we are going to handover to the generations of the future? It is time that we must act responsibly and go green. We can simply follow these simple steps to GO GREEN:

- Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth and soaping your hands. This can save 11,000 litres of water per person per year.

- Energy-saving light bulbs last around ten times longer than ordinary light bulbs

- A plant on your desk would act as a natural filter, absorbing pollutants & computer radiation while replenishing oxygen levels.

- Walk for shorter distances instead of using car or scooter.

- Try and switch to organic crops.

- Minimize consumption of plastic bags and bottles.

- Recycle paper, gifts, wraps and bags

- Switch off lights when not in use and don’t leave equipment in sleep mode.

At Grebids Inc, you will be able to locate suppliers for any green products that you need as well as identify service providers for your green initiatives.  If you register to our website for free, you will be able to post your projects on our websites. Posted projects will attract our certified suppliers and service providers to bid for your projects. After biding, you will be able to choose your suppliers and service providers.

Locate all your green services and products, and outsource your projects to freelancers on grebids.com.

This post was originally posted here: Green architecture

The past decade has witnessed remarkable expansion in networking modus operandi. We came from conventional analogue networks to modern wireless, WiFi, WiMax and satellite networks. If you look at the current scenario the whole planet is surrounded with information overflow due to networked computing devices, data repositories, data centres in various sectors i.e. telecommunication, internet both in home & office environments. These advancements are plausible & appreciable but the researchers have not actively explored novel technologies in networking that reduce these carbon footprints. What is needed are techniques and methodologies that can enable green networking.

The network must deliver services more intelligently, reliably, securely, efficiently and at the lowest cost. Energy efficiency, a reduced carbon footprint have also become key focus areas. To meet all these challenges, wireline & wireless service providers will need to evolve their networks to a next-generation. Delivering on this commitment means solutions that:

• Occupy less space and generate less heat
• Run on reusable energy (wind, solar, geo-thermal and hydro) when/where applicable
• Provide more functionality per kilowatt used
• Use recycled materials for manufacturing, providing full recycling at end-of-life
• Serve as a platform for others to provide green services and applications.

At Grebids Inc., we create a network and markeplace for connecting green users with green businesses. At Grebids Inc., we undertake projects for recycling your various products. Recycling products is one of the methods to go green and save your environment from pollution.

Since we bring together a number of suppliers and service providers together, the actual cost incurred by you through recycling your used products is less. You also have a varied option of suppliers and service providers to choose from. We have numerous consumers and business people who have recycling projects and want service providers and suppliers for their projects. At Grebids Inc., suppliers and service providers are open to bid for any project related to their area of expertise.

If you want Locate all your green services and products, and outsource your projects to freelancers on
grebids.com

This post was originally posted here: 3 Ways to Generate Free Electricity at Home

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This post was originally posted here: Make Your Small Business Go Green in 2011

As individuals most of us make resolutions around this time of the year in an effort to improve our lives. But what about companies? There are definite resolutions that business and companies can make to improve their business and how the company is run. One of those resolutions is to make your business greener in 2011. And if you are a small business, you’ll be surprised how easy it is to go green.

Turn it off

If you aren’t using something in the office, turn it off. Also make sure that everything is turned off before you leave the office for the night. There is no need to leave your computer, printer, lights and other office equipment on. To make it easier to get into the habit of powering down at the end of the day, buy a power bar for each office. At the end of the night, each employee will be able to turn things off with a simple switch of the power bar.

In the lunch room make sure that toasters, kettles and other things are turned off or unplugged when not in use. The same thing goes with lights in washrooms, conference rooms and offices not in use.

Recycle

Even if we are used to recycling and separating garbage at home, in the office it can become easy to simply toss everything in the trash. Set up recycling containers next to every trash can in the office. For individual work stations, make sure that each person has two small garbage cans: one for garbage and one for recyclables.

Print less

Not every document that comes to you through email needs to be printed. Thinking long and hard before printing a document can save you money and help the tree population. If printing a lot of documents is an office wide issue, think about switching over to a digital document only system.  This will completely eliminate the need for employees to print documents.

Digital signature

If you switch over to a digital document only system, how will you handle documents that require a signature?  With digital signatures, you can get all documents signed directly on line. You simply email the document to the client and they sign it on line. There is no need for expensive and complicated software or hardware. Different companies offer this tool and it can help you save a lot on the cost of paper.

Buy green products

When it comes to replenishing office supplies, going with green products, like pens or paper made from recycled materials is a great way to reduce your company’s eco-footprint. As green living becomes more and more popular, more companies are offering green products.  From the lights you use to the paper towel you buy, you always have the option to choose a green product that isn’t as harmful to the environment.

Office carpools

Help set up office carpools to eliminate the number of employees who travel back and forth to work by themselves.  Besides helping your workers to find others that they can commute with, offer incentives for carpoolers such as weekly gas gift cards. This is a great way to reduce the amount of pollution that your employees create as they travel to and from work.

Sometimes when you think about turning your small business into a greener company, it can be overwhelming. But you can make small changes that still have a huge impact on your company’s eco-footprint. Start out with the above steps and then work your way up to big initiatives. In the end, it all counts.

Joshua Bitton represents EchoSign, the leader of the 2nd generation of electronic signature solutions – 100% web-based, fully digital signature solutions that do not require digital signature pads, digital certificates or scanning software.

This post was originally posted here: Uses of Green Electronic Bidding

It is the era of green revolution. Those who are serious about saving the world or to make it better for our future generation are working towards a green environment.  Grebids.com is very keen on this aspect and is trying to build a unified platform to bring all those who are interested in doing something for saving our world. There are number of green projects listed on the site where you can sign up using a user id and password to gain access to this green portal. If you are a green product or service provider, you can post your product or service on this site as well.  For first time users of this site, you need to register here with your name and email id to get started. The Quick registration feature lets you register with only name, chosen user id and email id. You can post any kind of green project such as recycling your waste, waste disposal, solar panel installation, air filtration, water purification, hazardous waste disposal and the list just goes on.

Electronic bidding feature of Grebids.com bring together the consumers and the providers, those who are dedicated to green industry, by featuring a system that is equally beneficial to both parties. You can even post-employment opportunities if any on this site.

If you are a service provider, you can place bids on projects of your interest by placing a bid amount. The project will be listed with minimum bid amount. If you are posting a project, you can specify your budget and people can start bidding for any amount equal to or greater than minimum bid amount. It will show the number of bids placed on the particular project and also the date on which the project was posted. You will amazed by the response that you get on your projects as there are so many people out there waiting for a chance to contribute in making the world ‘greener’.  If you have an urgent project or product you can post it under urgent project/product to get an immediate response.

There are no other platforms like Grebids.com that brings consumers and suppliers or providers together globally to create a greener environment.  Grebids.com is a no fee registration green portal.

Locate all your green services and products, and outsource your projects to freelancers on
grebids.com.

This post was originally posted here: The future of Biodiesel

It seems to be that there are many good reasons to look at alternative methods of fuelling and powering our cars and trucks. I am however concerned about the sheer volume of investment into such technologies as biofuels, their overall cost efficiency, their long term effects on the environment and their efficiency.

Many Countries from around the globe are pushing biodiesel, promoting it as the answer to our fossil fuel dependency issues, a way to finally wean off the black stuff, like a Mother weaning a Child from her breast.

My objection is simple; I don’t believe this solution to be the answer to our issues. But businesses around the globe over, are stampeding forward with these biofuel proposals.

A few considerations:

Environmental Impact

While Biofuels emit less carbon dioxide and ‘green house gasses’, this does not mean that there are none. Admittedly they do absorb the carbon dioxide in the first place, however in the natural process, this would have been stored till the plant or tree dies.

The land occupied by crops which host the components needed to produce biofuels has created incentives for farmers and land owners alike to convert their existing land into biofuel producing plantations. This removes much of the natural habitat, decreasing bio diversity amongst non-agricultural lands. On the other hand, we see a switch from traditional food farming methods and livestock support to a variety of grain or plant, which moves us nicely onto our next point.

Cost Efficiency

Due to the change in farming on the now biofuel lands, much less food is being made. This has a knock on effect, not on our fuel prices but our food prices. It is in many places more financially viable for farmers to grow biodiesel crops over edible ones. In turn this increases our dependency on foreign countries for our food supplies.

Efficiency

Currently, producing biofuels is a process which is said to actually cost more to produce then the actual product, and consider also that to produce enough biodiesel for America alone would mean conversion of around 60% of the crop soy bean.

Overview

So you can see that this might not be the most effective method for going about reducing the world’s dependency on oil. The government continue to invest heavily into research and development, this might mean in the future the processes become more efficient and can be utilised at the pump.

For now I do not believe there are any real viable solutions to replace our oil consumption, the future holds many options including hydrogen fuel cells and solar power which may in the end work out the better horse to place a bet upon.

Author Byline:

James Henerson. When looking for your next vehicle be it a new utility truck you’re purchasing or you’re looking to sell trucks, check Trucker to Trucker to ensure you’re getting the best offer, Trucker to Trucker can even help you find used peterbilt dump trucks.

This post was originally posted here: Electric Cars: Park Up And Plug In!

Coming from a small town, I hadn’t even heard of plug-in cars, let alone seen one, so imagine the surprise awaiting us when we visited London last weekend!   We had thought that the most spectacular plugged in sight we would see would have been the lights on Oxford Street, but to be honest these were just dim by comparison to our first sight of a plugged in electric car.

Now, I don’t supposed we’d have noticed what it was if it had just been part of the London traffic, as they are supposed to be very quiet (to the inside and outside audiences), but we certainly did notice it as it was fully parked up kerb-side and plugged in for charging.   There was an air of toy-town surreality surrounding this bubble-shaped car, having a quiet juice-up through a brightly coloured lead as it sat just around the corner from Berkley Square.   How nifty and environmentally friendly, but how come, if these babies have been around since 2007, a car silently charging whilst parked isn’t a more regular sight up and down high-streets of the nation?

These cars are exempt from road tax, exempt from London Congestion charge and enjoy free parking in some London Boroughs and in some other UK cities, so it does seem fair enough that we were most likely to see one during a visit to London – certainly canny city folk are doing their bit to avoid adding to environmental emissions because once we had ‘clocked’ one, we then saw several, although in traffic rather than juicing up!  But shouldn’t there be a bigger push towards getting these zero emissions vehicles out into smaller towns so that everyone can enjoy the benefits?   I can’t wait to see one plugged in near me soon!

Author Byline:

Musa is a guest blogger for Colt, he absolutely loves the internet and is a tech geek at heart.

This post was originally posted here: Green Changes in the Works for the 2022 Olympics

The United States Olympic Committee USOC is not only looking to further the athletic accomplishments but make sustainable environmental changes to the Winter Games. And with the bid for the 2022 games being award in 2015, they must move fast with their efforts. This began with naming Andrew Liveris and Dow Chemical the worldwide partner in the Olympics for the next decade.

As fantastic and unifying as the Olympics are, it’s quite a carbon-rich event. So while these changes may only seem minor, they’re actually a huge deal. It has been estimated that over 2/3 of the carbon emissions from the event is a result of some of the 1.5+ million attendees traveling (mostly via airplane) to and from the event.

CEO Andrew Liveris and USOC members are looking to do more by basing off of the services used in Beijing and double that impact.  The 2008 Summer Games, held in Beijing, made great efforts to showcase conservation practices and sustainable energy sources and helped begin a process of making the Olympics more green. Exactly what environmentally friendly services did the Olympic facilities feature?

• Solar power – Used to light lawns, courtyards and streets at several venues, including the Olympic Village. A 130 KW photovoltaic system illuminated The National Stadium, where events such as athletics and football were held.
• Water Conservation – Waste water collected from the Qinghe sewage treatment plant was filtered and used for the various heating and cooling needs throughout the Olympics site, yielding a 60% savings in electricity. Rainwater was collected from around the grounds, collecting over 75,000 gallons by using water permeable bricks, pipes and wells installed on roofs, roads and green areas.
• Natural Light – Remember the famous ‘Water Cube’ where the aquatic events were held? The walls of the National Aquatics Centre provided natural light, and for the interior of the building, specially designed ‘beam-pipes’ funneled sunlight into corridors, toilets and car parks at venues, including the Olympic Green.
• Recycling – The 2008 Olympic hosts aimed for a 50 per cent recycling of waste including paper, metals and plastics at venues. A modest expectation, considering that a test run carried out during the 11th World Softball Championships held in 2007, achieved a nearly 90 per cent recycling rate.

The 2008 Olympics made great improvements in making the event more environmentally sound and had great new ways of filtration and insulation for the events. However that vision has progressed to include dozens of other products which will help reduce waste and promote conservation. You can expect these products to appear at the coming events over the next decade and be a part of the USOC recommendations.

Co-written by Nerissa Barry and Daniel Fielding

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This post was originally posted here: Eco-Friendly Cars Are Moving on In

If you’ve spent the last several years riding a bike, taking public transportation, and getting by like the Flintstones (with the courtesy of your two feet), then perhaps you’ll be happy to hear that there are a number of environmentally (and economically) sound options when it comes to purchasing a personal vehicle.  And unless you enjoy playing the guessing game when it comes to the sticky substance you just sat in on the bus, or fending off crazies and panhandlers on the subway, you may be thanking your lucky stars that there are now affordable options when it comes to hybrid and electric vehicles.  Here are just a few that you may want to check out if you’re looking to do your part for the planet but you’re fed up with alternate forms of transportation.

1. Honda Insight.  Slightly smaller and less expensive than the Civic hybrid, this vehicle is a wallet-friendly option for the couple (or single) looking to go green with their mode of transportation.  With mileage coming in at a respectable 40 mpg city and 43 highway and a base price of around $20,000, this could just be one of the best deals on a new hybrid you’re bound to find.
2. Toyota Prius.  Now in its third generation, one of the cars that kicked off the hybrid craze is better than ever after a very embarrassing couple of years for the company that produces it.  With superb fuel economy (around 50 mpg), a truly affordable price (starting at $22,000), and an almost certain guarantee of safety (here’s hoping Toyota won’t repeat their past mistakes), you really can’t go wrong with this well-received vehicle.
3. Ford Escape Hybrid.  We can’t all drive economy-size cars.  For those of us with kids, dogs, and a bag full of soccer balls there’s another option.  This hybrid SUV won’t give you the same fuel economy of smaller cars, but it delivers a decent leg up on the regular fare with 34 mpg city.  And since it’s priced at just over $30,000 starting, it’s not beyond the means of anyone who was considering an SUV anyway.
4. Lexus HS.  Lexus is a brand that has become synonymous with luxury, style, and safety, so it’s no surprise that their next step forward would be one of social consciousness.  The hybrid engine gets 35 mpg, which is pretty good for a sedan (and makes it the most fuel-efficient luxury vehicle currently on the market).  It’s also ridiculously smooth, so even at a higher price point than some, it’s worth every penny.
5. Chevrolet Volt 230.  There’s no doubt that this car is the culmination of many years of trials and tribulations by hybrid car makers.  It can travel 40 miles on electricity alone and it gets an incredible 230 mpg elsewhere.  Hard to believe, but that is their claim.  It will cost you in the neighborhood of $40,000, but considering how much you’ll save on gas, it may be worth it.

BONUS:  Tesla Roadster 2.5.  Sadly, this gorgeous vehicle is out of the price range for most of us (starting at just over $100,000).  But for those who can swing it, this may be the best fully electric vehicle on the market.  With an estimated range of 245 per charge, you could just about make it from L.A. to Vegas without stopping (you’d miss it by about 25 miles).  And it doesn’t hurt that speed tests clock this car’s 0-60 at 3.7 seconds.  Beyond that, it’s just your average, run-of-the-mill sports car (as if anyone believes that!).  But if you’re looking for a supremely stylish way to go green, Tesla delivers in spades.

Sarah Danielson writes for Cheaper Car Insurance where you can compare rates and the find the best deals on auto insurance.

This post was originally posted here: The Green Web Hosting movement

Webservers, mainframes and data centresare not usually the first thought when thinking green in the IT sector. In fact much of the IT industry is very inefficient in terms of the production and waste produced.The waste which is left after a products life cycle and the enormous and continuous power consumption of the electronic equipment are some of the major effects the IT industry has on the environment.
While efforts have been made to make the industry as a whole a more environmentally aware and effective much of the core hardware, routers and servers we access will not be switched off until they break or are retired from service and replaced with a younger model.
Much of the computer parts from data centres and personal computers can be recycled and or melted down to be used in new products and possibly may even end up as a new computer or part. Many computer parts and old monitors are shipped abroad to be recycled which is a rational choice as it is cheaper to complete the process and the lifecycle typically starts here.
In recent years green hosting companies have emerged as an environmentally friendly alternative hosting solution. While green web hosting can’t solve all of the problems associated with the IT industry they can and have reduced their environmental impact by using renewable energy solutions.
Renewable energy comes from many different sources mainly solar power and wind power. As you can imagine a data centre has a high power requirement which needs to be both reliable and consistent to ensure that there are no outages or downtime so often a green web host will be plugged into the national grid as well, which means that any excess production can be sold to the electricity company.
Internet statistics show that the Internet is growing at a galloping pace, in some parts of the World it is more than doubling every single year which adds to the energy consumption. At present it is estimated that the Internet’s energy footprint is expanding by more than 10% per year. At this predicted growth the Internet will have a larger negative impact on the environment than the entire airline industry within the next few years.
With no constraints on their consumption of energy the only real push for change are:-
Economics – With the ever increasing price of energy, relational to fossil fuel prices we have seen vast increases in the price of both fuels for our automobiles, our electricity and related industries. Even the average price of goods is affected due to transportation costs.
Human Awareness – Awareness in itself has opened up a whole market for more responsible web hosting and green web hosting solutions powered in part or exclusively by renewable energy. This awareness is at both ends of the transaction and involves both webmasters and web hosting business owners.
In the future it is likely that constraints on energy consumption by data centres will be implemented in some way. This could persuade more webmasters and hosting businesses to migrate to more environmentally friendly solutions reducing the impact in the long run.
About the Author: Isaac writes for The Caring Host who provide there customers with green web hosting. By using hosted powered by The Caring Host you will be doing your bit for the world and charity. The Caring Host gives $2 per month, per client to charity or a non-profit organization. Our servers are not oversold and we treat every client with the respect that they deserve.

This post was originally posted here: Going Green by Using Hybrid Rental Cars and Cabs

As gas prices in the United States continue to rise, many Americans are looking enviously towards owners of hybrid vehicles. Many hybrids get up to double the milage of the average automobile and are available in all shapes and sizes of car. You’ll save a lot of money on gas too.

Lets not forget the added eco-friendly benefits of driving a hybrid rental vehicle as they will have far less emissions then your traditional car.

You can also help the environment by taking hybrid cabs when you’re on vacation or traveling for work purposes.

Here are a few more tips for going green when you’re renting a car or taking a taxi.

1) Do Your Research

In some cities, such as Vancouver, you can request a green cab when you call the taxi company. Yellow Cab was one of North America’s first cab companies to truly embrace the hybrid technology.

Most car rental agencies and websites now offer hybrid car rentals; with the Toyota Prius being one of the more popular models available.

If you’re in need of a cab or a car rental do a quick Google search for a hybrid and you should come up with some earth friendly car options.

2) Squeeze Them In

If you’re traveling in a bigger group try to use the least amount of vehicles as possible.

Extra vehicles mean more cost for you and the environment – try to pack less stuff and you’ll be free on the open road.

3) Drive “Green”

These tips are the same for non-hybrid rentals: don’t speed, make sure your tires are inflated properly, and don’t carry any extra weight. All of these tips will reduce your fuel consumption and have you driving further, for less money, and doing so in an eco-friendly manner.

You should hope that your car rental agency would fill up your tires but you never know – topping up your air at the gas station can’t hurt.

4) Visit Green Cities

New York City is working towards eliminating almost all of its non-hybrid cabs over the next few years.

As mentioned earlier, Vancouver’s Yellow Cab is trying to do the same above the border.

And in California, the San Francisco International Airport is even offering a $15 credit to people renting hybrids that operate at their airport. Renting from the airport can sometimes be more expensive so shop around to find the best deal. The cost of renting a hybrid has gone down in the last few years and taxi cab prices are the exact same for hybrids and non-hybrids.

It may take you a little more effort to find a hybrid rental or cab but you can make up for it by saving money and doing something good for the environment.

This post was written by Ryan Embly. If you’re looking for a great car rental comparison website then visit CarRentalExpress.com. They even have hybrids!

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This post was originally posted here: Breaking Down The Differences In Vertical Conveyors

Conveyors come in a variety of styles, mostly because the manufacturing industry is so demanding when it comes to mass production. Some styles include conveyer belt, bucket conveyor, incline conveyor, cleated conveyor and spiral conveyor. Now if your not familiar with the manufacturing world, you may ask, whats the difference between a bucket, cleated, incline, and spiral conveyor?

The difference is fairly simple, bucket and cleated conveyors are for conveying loss dry materials such as dog food or small nuts and bolts. However the incline and spiral conveyors are for elevating larger materials some cases in boxes and others loss. That being said, one is better then the other and in all cases can be switched out to accommodate the other in order to save energy costs.

Incline conveyors, which resemble handicap incline walk ways, require more motors (energy) to elevate the product than its updated counter part the spiral conveyor. Every turn, no matter the angle, on an incline conveyor requires two motors. A spiral conveyor will operate efficiently with only two motors, one at the bottom of the spiral which propels the product to the top, and the other motor at the top of the conveyor as the product exits.

Another, more obvious difference, is the amount of space available in a manufacturing facility that uses a spiral conveyor as opposed to the incline. Which means there is more space in the facility for storage or operational purposes.

One more benefit of the spiral convey system is the distance between point A and point B is significantly reduced compared to using a incline conveyor. That means the products are moving faster along the supply chain which provides more finished products over all then an incline conveyor system produces.

So the ultimate question, does this benefit these manufacturers enough to make the change. Well manufacturing facilities can always use more space. And by reducing the amount of energy required to get the product from point A to point B, the spiral conveyors systems are 113 percent more efficient. You do the math.

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This post was originally posted here: Online Billing and the Green Effect

You hear about it on the news, and you read about in print, but what does paperless or online billing really mean for the environment? Can eliminating a paper statement actually have an effect on the planet? It can, it does, and it will.

Each year, a single family will discard over 2,400 pounds of paper. Think of all the paper that arrives in your mailbox every day. Where did it come from, and where will it end up? By eliminating the bills and statements we receive and opting to ‘go paperless’ the amount of resources used to produce this paper will be significantly reduced. Trees will be saved, less water will be used, and greenhouse gases will be less.

As it stands today, the natural resources of the earth are being depleted faster than they can be replenished. Each year approximately two million trees are cut to produce the paper used for bills and statements that are sent out by the hundreds of thousands. Over a billion gallons of waste-water are created in the making of paper, not to mention the staggering amounts needed for production. In the industrial sector, the largest water consumers are the paper and pulp industries. This industry is also responsible for being the third largest producer of greenhouse gases.

It isn’t just the loss of trees and the greenhouse gases that contribute to the environmental decline. Think about how all these paper items arrive in the mailbox. It is delivered by a vehicle that burns gas that also contributes to the pollution of the atmosphere. In fact, close to one hundred million gallons of fuel will be used for mail delivery alone. These savings can be realized if only twenty percent of the people in America switched to online billing, Think of the impact if all households went paperless.

Switching to online billing, or paperless statements, can significantly reduce the decline of the natural resources of this planet. If everyone were to participate in this particular area, the effect on the environment would be substantial over time. Instead of using up the natural resources that are becoming short in supply, we should be looking for ways to save what we have, and online billing is one small definite step in the right direction. Switch to paperless billing and do your part in going green.

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This post was originally posted here: Green dentistry

Going green and protecting the environment is a global effort and everyone needs to get involved. In a bid to join the millions of people already trying to do their bit for the environment, a number of dentists are now pledging to change the way they practise.

Green dentistry is becoming increasingly popular, with many dental practices taking steps to embrace environmentally friendly measures and do their bit to save and preserve the environment. Dentists right across the globe are joining forces to combat waste and conserve energy supplies.

Baby steps

Taking small steps like using energy efficient light bulbs, cutting down on water usage and recycling waste, can make a huge difference to the environment, as well as saving dentists time and money.

Advances in technology and greener ways

Nowadays, advances in technology mean that dentists can cut down on waste and operate more efficiently. For example, many dental practices use computer technology to store patient files, meaning that volumes of paper records are no longer required. Digital X-ray machines are also more efficient than traditional X-ray machines, meaning that less energy is used; this has been a popular change for many dentists, as the digital machines are also more effective.

Saving water is also another important focus for many dentists. A huge amount of water can be wasted when staff and patients leave the tap running while they wash their hands, for example.

Many dental practices are also increasing the amount of waste they recycle; surgeries amass large volumes of used paper or plastic cups, magazines and newspapers and cardboard boxes; all these materials can be recycled.

Patients must also play their part

Dentists can also encourage their patients to save water at home by turning the tap off when they brush their teeth. Such savings may seem very small but they will soon build up to make a significant difference over the course of time.

Greener future

An increasing number of dental practices are getting involved in the green revolution and the trend looks set to continue in the future. But if your dentist is not pulling their weight, perhaps have a word in their ear to inform them of the difference they could be making. After all, it’s going to take more than a small minority to make enough of an impact for the future.

This article was written solely for Talking About Green by Georgina from the cosmetic dentistry guide website where there is information relating to all aspects of dentistry. Here’s hoping for a greener future.

This post was originally posted here: UK towns that depend on wind power

In the current day and age, a growing percentage of people are beginning to protect the environment. From recycling to energy efficient cheap gas suppliers, every little helps when it comes to saving Mother Earth. There are a number of renewable energy sources; one in particular is wind energy, which is becoming ever more popular in the UK.

What is Wind Energy?

The Earth is irradiated by the Sun, causing the ground to absorb some of this radiation. When the ground is heated, this causes the air above it to warm, rising in what are known as convection currents – because the Earth’s surface is being unevenly heated, wind is created.

Wind Turbines

Wind energy has been used for centuries around the world to power windmills and pump water. In the current day and age, large wind turbines are used to create electricity using wind energy. With blades that are around 30 metres long, wind turbines are found in groups known as wind farms.

Collecting Wind Energy

In areas that are subject to constant strong winds such as flat land or coastal areas, this is where you will commonly find wind farms. Wind farms can be found across the world; however, the UK is a particularly good location for wind farms as it is located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.

Renowned as being one of the best wind resources in Europe, the UK not only has inland wind farms, coastal waters are seeing the development of offshore wind farms as winds across the sea are generally stronger than those inland.

Typically, a 20-turbine wind farm can generate 1MW of electricity which is enough to power a small town. Turbines generally produce between 500kW and 1MW of electricity.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Wind Energy

Advantages – freely available in most areas, wind energy is non-polluting. With technological advances wind turbines are become more efficient, and the cost of electricity that is being generated is continuing to fall.

Disadvantages – often thought of as being unsightly and noisy, wind farms have to be grouped together with around 20 turbines together. Unfortunately, winds are intermittent as they don’t blow all the time and wind farms have to be located close to urban areas so the electricity generated can be distributed.

This post was originally posted here: Brown Clouds: Is Cloud Hosting Green by Default?

Green hosting has come a
long way since only five years ago. In 2005, there were only a few
green hosting
providers, and the concept, though embraced by those who had
particular concern for the environment, was not widely accepted. Now
there are dozens of green hosts, and recent studies are highlighting
the need for the major players like Facebook, Google and Microsoft to
increase their investment in green data centers. The combination of
green web hosting, the spread of cloud computing and these new studies
has led to a rising debate about the cloud and its affect on the
environment.

Several new studies have been
released claiming that the aggregate emissions of all web servers
around the world will contain as much carbon as the entire airline
industry by 2020. Talk about bad company! To counteract this trend,
pressure is growing on the biggest carbon polluters on the web to go
green a little quicker than they have been to this point. Microsoft
has just been embarrassed by new information that their largest data
center, in Oregon, is fed by coal-fired power plants. When confronted,
they’ve responded that they have several green data centers and
use renewable energy in many other operations. They also say that
their cloud hosting model is green because it requires less servers to
host the same number of users than a dedicated server farm. The facts
are certainly true, but does this make them green?

The problem with referring to this type of savings as
“green” is that it can be used to make the claim that,
“well, we’re already green. After all, we use the
cloud.” However, this terminology is incorrect, at least in
today’s vernacular. “Green” means that you not only
take special care to minimize your impact on the environment, but that
you also get your energy from renewable sources. To this point, many
of the large clouds don’t do that, so it stands to reason that
they shouldn’t be allowed to get away with calling themselves
green.

Why does this matter? Because terminology
affects the way we think. If “green” means,
“we’re saving energy,” everyone’s green who
uses the energy-saving mode on their dishwasher. If we lower the
“green” threshold too far, it will make it more difficult
for us to push these giant corporations and giant carbon emitters to
do more to minimize their environmental footprint.

The good news is that companies such as AISO are building data centers which
use 100% renewable energy, (solar, in this case,) and creating green
clouds, which either use 100% renewable energy or buy carbon credits
to offset their energy use. If this practice becomes more widespread,
it might put sufficient pressure on the big boys to cause them to
adopt the green cloud themselves.