Every April there’s one day when we all try to come together for a greater good. No, it’s not Tax Day ; it’s Earth Day on April 22nd. While most people know about Earth Day and its environmental significance, few of us know how Earth Day got started!
In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, there was growing concern over the state of the environment. Most notably seen across college campuses and grassroots organizations, this environmental focus also grew in importance within the political sphere. In 1969, Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson suggested a demonstration to help gain attention for environmental causes. A year later on April 22nd, the first official Earth Day was held with over 20 million people participating , a giant step for the modern environmental movement!
Since the inception of Earth Day, the holiday has become an international effort to improve environmental sustainability from air quality and global warming to wildlife protection and recycling efforts. In 1992, the United Nations recognized the growing need to maintain environmental health with an Earth Summit in Rio de Jainero.
While Earth Day has changed a great deal from its original demonstration-based format, the goal remains the same. Now, there’s a greater emphasis on clean energy and the reduction of global warming, but one fact is undeniable: Earth Day is growing in importance across the world. Nearly a billion people across the world participated in last year’s Earth Day activities.
In addition to focusing on a very real and pressing issue, Earth Day also brings people of different cultures, nationalities, religions, and races together to strive for a common goal. Celebrated in over 175 countries, Earth Day is considered “the largest secular holiday in the world, celebrated by more than a half billion people every year,” according to Earth Day Network. This year, become a part of this exciting and important holiday , and spread the word to your friends and family!
What You Can Do:
There are tons of ways you can celebrate Earth Day by yourself or with friends and family! Some of the things you can do to help the environment are:
*Plant a tree: Help keep the planet green one tree at a time! Trees help absorb carbon dioxide, thereby reducing your carbon footprint. For more information on planting, tree care, and what trees are best for your area and the environment, please visit the Arbor Day Foundation (http://www.arborday.org/).
*Make your home Earth friendly: While so many environmental efforts focus on the outdoors, there are an endless number of ways you can make your home more “green.†From compact florescent light bulbs and Energystar appliances (http://www.energystar.gov/) to organic, locally grown foods and natural pest control (http://www.ecosmart.com/), there are a growing number of products to help you keep your home Earth friendly. Visit www.healthychild.org for simple ways to keep your home healthy for your family and the planet.
*Donate to a worthy environmental cause: You don’t have to get down and dirty if you don’t want to; donations to well respected environmental organizations ensure that you’re helping the causes you find important. And don’t forget , sometimes these groups need the items you just have gathering dust in your garage! Visit www.charitynavigator.org or similar sites to find a reputable organization.
*Walk, bike, or carpool to reduce emissions: Sometimes, it’s the changes you make in your daily life that will have the greatest impact on the environment. Do something good for your health and the planet by walking or biking to work or to run errands. If you live too far away, consider carpooling or taking public transportation.
*Start a recycling program in your community: If your community doesn’t already have the resources for recycling, you can always take your items to a recycling center. However, if you make the extra effort to create a convenient recycling solution within your neighborhood, more people are likely to recycle as well. At http://earth911.org/recycling/ you can find what items can be recycled as well as how and where to recycle them.
*Know your carbon footprint: How do you measure up in terms of the amount of Carbon Dioxide you and your family produce? See where you stand compared to the national average by calculating your personal contribution to global warming at www.climatecrisis.net/takeaction/carboncalculator/. You might be surprised enough to adopt cleaner forms of energy.
Originally posted 2009-12-04 01:04:31. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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If you don’t have a friend who can lend you the books, online message boards are excellent places to find used (sometimes free) LEED Reference Guides.
While free LEED reference guides are hard to come by, free information is available at the U.S. Green Building Council Website. The USGBC offers a lot of free material including a partial reference guide. Also, the Green Building Certification Institute offers free information on the exam as well as free LEED AP sample exam questions and helpful tips for passing the exam. It is important to use a reputable source for the information you are using for the exam because the materials are updated constantly.
There are also many LEED Reference Guides available today to help individuals study for the LEED AP Exam. A few of the LEED Exam Prep tools, such as those sold by Green Exam Prep and PPI, have been vetted by thousands of people and come highly recommended by those who have used them to study for and successfully pass the LEED Exam to become LEED Accredited Professionals. These tools are not free, but in terms of the overall value they may provide in helping you become a LEED AP, they may be worth the money.
There are also used guides available on Amazon.com, eBay and through the ARE Forum, but you will have to pay for them.
Good luck!!
written by: Green-Buildings.com
Originally posted 2010-06-06 13:11:04. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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Builders going green, read the headline, and it got me thinking about the cost of not just building ‘green’, but of converting to green in our existing homes. Being able to list your house as “Green” there are few requirements that you have undergo. One reason is that it can be expensive to switch to green, but there are reasonable contributions that the average family can easily make toward green living.
Of course, people go green for different reasons; for some of them it is just a common sense solution to allergies suffered in the family. But why do other people choose to put themselves through this hassle. It is not money, we know that much; going green usually costs more, not less.
Many people seem to object to the idea that their home contains more chemicals than homes used to. What is more, we are paying for that privilege! It is strange to think that Vinyl linoleum gives off toxic gasses, but it is a fact. True linoleum does not, although it can be more difficult to find. (It is often a fact that the newer replacement product also brought with it toxicity.)
Another way of helping the environment is to follow your municipalities outline for re-cycling. Private re-cycle depots in your area will often pick up where the government leaves off. The trick is to get it organized at the home base with different containers that are easily accessed.
When you decorate the home, if you want to think green, use paint that has either no, or low, VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds). Also if you plan on re-sealing sealing wood doors or floors etc, latex has no pollution factor to worry about.
If you decide to remodel, you will find many appliances on the market that will help you to go green. Most appliance companies now offer at least one green choice. Both washing machines and dish washers offer cycles which operate with less water. There are also toilets with the same feature, and all of these options will give you cheaper bills to pay, both on hydro and on water consumption.
If your remodeling or green choices are extending into your kitchen then when choosing a new stove or other kitchen appliance, look for the Energy Star rating. Many of these appliances are designed with a healthy environment in mind, and the stainless steel look of them will bring your kitchen up to the minute!
Switching into a green frame of mind can sometimes have a gradual escalation. Soon you may find yourself buying environment friendly soap powders and cleaners and then you can feel even more virtuous!
Originally posted 2010-05-16 21:33:28. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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Eco friendly wood homes made from Northern White Cedar are better than others
Eco friendly wood homes are made of different types of wood. Most of the eco friendly wood homes are made using the “Dry Dead Standing trees”. As the name indicates, this type of wood used in constructing the log homes will be of very poor quality. Though many log home manufacturers claim using the “Dry Dead Standing trees” as the cheapest and best option, this is simply untrue. The true fact is that though the log homes made from “Dry Dead Standing trees” needs low initial investments, the maintenance cost of these log homes will be very high. Getting log home constructed using the “Dry Dead Standing trees” will end up in a lifetime of repairs and maintenance.
When it comes to the best wood for constructing the log homes, the Northern White Cedar are the ones to look for. There are countless numbers of benefits in using Northern White Cedar in the construction of the log homes. One of the main advantages of this type of wood is it’s unsurpassed durability. The Northern White Cedar can retain its good appearance and toughness for more than 100 years. The maintenance cost of the log homes constructed with Northern White Cedar will be much less when compared to the other types of log homes.
Northern White Cedar log homes are better than White Pine Log Homes
White pine is also widely used in the construction of log homes. Though white pine log homes are better than the ones constructed from “Dry Dead Standing trees”, they too have some drawbacks. White pine logs do not have the capacity to resist insects and rot. This means the log homes made from white pine needs some special treatment to prevent insects entering the house. You don’t have to worry about insects and rot if you are living in a log home constructed with Northern White Cedar. Researches revealed that Northern White Cedar is imbued with natural resins that repel insects and resist rot and degredation.
Considering all these benefits, the Northern White Cedar log-homes are the best eco-friendly homes available in this planet.
By: Abby Reid
About the Author:
The Author of this article knows the benefits of living log homes. After experiencing the benefits of log homes (say) energy efficiency, eco-friendliness and low maintenance, Abby explains the benefits of living in Eco friendly wood homes to the World. When it comes to buying log homes, Abby recommends Mountain Creations.
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Firstly, consider installing solar panels. Although solar heating has been used to warm homes for thousands of years, solar panels are totally modern and very green. When buying them, consider the used ones as they are not only cheap, but also produce the same amount of power when they were brand new.
Think about solar power whenever possible. This can save you a lot of money in the long run. For example, if you are replacing your water heater, consider a solar powered model. This will reduce energy usage, lower your power bill, and ensure that you always have plenty of hot water on hand, even if the power is out in the rest of the house.
Going low-tech is one way to save huge amounts of energy. Try to incorporate things close to nature in your home. For example, you can try to add vents in the gable wall of your kitchen. Every day hot air will rise out of the vents for free. The kitchen stays cooler, the air fresher and the refrigerator doesn’t work as hard. You will be enjoying your outdoor kitchen that will keep most of the heat outside.
The bedroom should also have the “green element” as well. You would be surprised to know that many off-the -shelf bedding products are treated with a harsh chemical known as formaldehyde, which I very hazardous to your health as well as the environment. So, opt for organic bedding to avoid the dangers to your health.
Well, the above home improvement tips will certainly help you to have a “green home”. An eco-friendly home is the first step towards a healthy environment!
By: Jack Wilson
About the Author:
To read more about International News Bureau visit International News Bureau Learn more about Technology News
Eco
Originally posted 2010-06-13 19:43:29. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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1. Before you head out on your next trip-
Make sure that all appliances at home are switched off and unplugged. Some of the appliances are called ‘energy vampires’ because of their ability to **** energy even when not in use.
2. Reduce fuel consumption and gas emissions-
Take public transportation instead of driving. It’s also great if you can avoid flying because airplanes add significantly more carbon dioxide than buses and trains. If you’re going in a group, try to fit as many people into each vehicle. Carpooling is a splendid idea for travel.
3. Carry reusable items-
So you don’t have to buy new ones continuously. Carrying water bottles, especially in places where you get free drinking water is a good option. Plastic water bottles can take up to 1,000 years to break down, so cut down on your plastic bottles and save the environment.
4. Pick out accommodations that follow a go green policy-
Many tourism spots are eco-friendly and promote environmental preservation. We need to encourage such endeavors and give them a boost in business. Just be cautious that they aren’t making false environmental claims known as Greenwashing.
5. Enjoy your vacation but consider your use of facilities-
Keep appliances switched off while not in use. Reduce takeout food as much as you can, so you don’t add to more plastic and paper disposals. Use water sparingly by taking simple steps like not having your linens washed every day.
Following these simple rules can make travel easy on you and the Earth. Happy Vacationing!
By: ajax
About the Author:
Writing article is my hobby.
Originally posted 2009-05-03 14:12:18. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS August 30, 2007 Retail News
August 30, 2007, Chicago, Ill –With emerging standards in mind as well as combining cool styles, and the company’s deep concern for the planet , Bangledox Clothing was created.
Introducing Bangledox [ban’gel-dox] Clothing® , a new Latino owned t-shirt company is helping set the standard while incorporating environmentally safe materials such as organic cottons and earth friendly inks and dyes in their clothing line, sustainable and recycled materials.
Organic clothing and green eco friendly clothing in the fashion industry have entered mainstream consumer consciousness with a slew of media attention, and for good reason. Its great for the environment and it helps draw attention to a very important topic.
After a humble start at local flea markets the company is launching its first online store to the public ; the new site which is located at www.BangledoxClothing.com.
The company was determined to roll out a new t-shirt line that they could be proud of and know that they were not harming the planet, as well as help draw attention to a very important topic.
They feel they are achieving this.
The new site will also have helpful tips on saving energy as well as other useful environmental information that its visitors can use to help do their part.
Bangledox is grounded in the concept that the clothing industry and environment can co-exist, all of their clothing is sweat-shop free and produced in U.S.
Bangledoxclothing.com launches new online store!
We’re more than just a Brand. We’re a movement. ®
Thank you.
Contact Information
Marta Soto
bangledoxclothing@hotmail.com
773 759 3815
By: Marta Martines
About the Author:
Stephen Weez
Freelance Writer
Originally posted 2009-05-28 05:58:45. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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These are small, simple things that each of us can choose to do, but sometimes the move towards a more sustainable and eco friendly way of life is out of our control. It is time to convince the manufacturers and suppliers of everyday gadgets and gizmos that they too should be adopting a greener approach to their industry. This will give the consumer the power to choose to purchase from an ethically minded business, bolstering the correct attitude towards green consumerism.
Of course, some would say that we should be doing without certain products altogether if the thought of climate change is so worrying. The truth of the fact is it is difficult to change the attitudes of the masses by being puritanical. If the lads and lassies still want their gadgets, then let them play, but give them opportunity to buy eco friendly versions of energy hungry ‘toys’. Solar power, wind power, wind-up power and kinetic charging are all ways that everyday products we have can become Eco Friendly.
One of the more exciting products to have had a trial is the kinetic mobile phone charger developed by Orange. Through a contraption that has internal weights and pullies that is strapped to your arm, a charge is generated while you dance, walk or run. Initially tested on the grooving masses at Glastonbury, it is hoped that this technology will be a success and become available to the general public. Imagine never needing to find a plug for your charger again, and the possibilities of getting super fit because you need to make a phone call!
A favourite of festival goers, campers, and those who like to escape the confines of city life, wind-up radios and torches have been on the scene for many years now. The dynamo system was originally designed to power radios in South Africa, to enable poor communities to have access to radio even without access to batteries. This technology is also ideal for emergency situations where sources of power are not available; and for equipping places that are visited infrequently, such as holiday homes or log cabins.
When it comes to solar power, it’s shocking how long we’ve been living with the technology and probably barely noticed. The common calculator has been using the sun to charge its energy cells for years. The technology has progressed to the point where a company has manufactured a solar charger for laptop computers, compact enough to carry wherever you go just to make sure you never miss another email! Solar energy is also being used in garden trinkets, such as outdoor fairy lights and garden lanterns.
Harnessing the energy of the wind is generally considered for use on a large scale, along with tidal power. Of course, if thousands of units of energy are needed to power all the energy consumption of a house, a turbine is needed, but smaller options are available to power a gadget ******. Compact 24 volt wind generators are available to charge a leisure battery, the energy from which can be used just like the juice that comes from a household socket. The generators are incredibly popular on boats and caravans as a reliable and transportable source of energy; and there is no reason why harnessing renewable power shouldn’t be used in the home too.
By: Shaun Parker
About the Author:
Shaun Parker is a leading gadget expert with many years of experience in reporting on Eco friendly gadgets. Find out more about eco friendly gadgets at Pocket Lint, suppliers of solar, wind and energy saving gadgets.
Originally posted 2009-07-16 18:21:15. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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For a very long time, we have relied on fossil fuels. It provides heat to our homes, gas for our cars and electricity. Since we are now using it more than ever, there is a consequence. We are depleting our resources and slowly killing our planet. Fortunately, we can change our ways and then shift our attention to green energy sources.
But why green energy sources? Well because there are advantages to using them which we will never be able to get if we don’t change our ways. This is also even if some will argue that the problem with green energy is that it is sometimes difficult to generate the power we need. While that may be true, that is why there are other green energy sources available and we just to know which ones are viable given the geographic location.
The various green energy sources such as solar, wind, wave, hydropower and geothermal do not produce anything harmful which may have a negative effect on the environment. This is the exact opposite of what you get when you continue to operate a coal or nuclear power plant.
Coal you have to remember releases carbon dioxide into the air. On its own, it may not cause that much damage but there are currently 50,000 coal plants around the world and that number is expected to grow.
Nuclear plants may not release anything harmful into the air. The issue is how we dispose of the spend rods and if another nuclear accident should occur. We remember Chernobyl and Three Mile Island. We have probably learned better ways to prevent another incident from happening. Through the years, a few minor accidents have occurred and although the leak was contained, just imagine if it wasn’t?
Green energy sources may not be maintenance free but at least it does not require that much to maintain them compared to conventional means. In the end, we save money because such facilities don’t cost that much to operate.
The next advantage of using green energy sources is that we will never run out of them. For centuries, the sun’s rays have reached so has the wind which is blown from the sea. By using it, we decrease our dependence on oil which is a nonrenewable resource.
If you think about it, many of us have taken these green energy sources for granted. If we do the right thing now, future generations will not have to face the mess that we could have handled on our own years before.
In short, the power is in our hands. We have the technology and we know what to do with it. The only thing we need is to do is to put our money where our mouth is because despite the number of conferences on global warming and climate change, little has happened.
It is easy to talk about how concerned we are about the environment but you have to ask yourself when will more solar panels or wind turbines will be erected? When will the number of coal or nuclear power plants be reduced?
Green energy sources are the solution to the environmental, political and social problems of this lifetime. By spending more on these technologies, no country will have to depend on another or even a corporation for their power needs because they are self dependent and free. From www.TheGreenInfo.com
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In this direction there have been many developments that purify the water we drink. Filters are the best known product of this sort that is available on the market today. They can be found in most homes today, to cleanse the water there, but what if you were to go out on a trip or store some water or other beverages for various other purposes?
The most popular storage object used today is the bottle. Bottles are used to store every liquid, be it water, juice, alcohol or who knows what else. Since the surrounding environment has become a great problem for us, some manufacturers have developed eco-friendly water bottles.
Aquasana is a leader on the water filtration market. This company has won numerous awards for their activities in this direction and it is now rated number one in America. Apart from their filtration options, this company is now offering a choice for eco-friendly water bottles, a new development that will surely keep your water stored in the refrigerator without the worry of unwanted microorganisms.
Switzerland is well known for the high quality of the products they deliver. SIGG, a Swiss company, has combined their craftsmanship and quality with contemporary and innovative style to bring us a wide selection of eco-friendly water bottles.
Klean Kanteen is a company that has made an impression on the market of eco-friendly water bottles, targeting more active users. There is a wide selection of these types of bottles that can be used by bikers or hikers alike, manufactured from stainless steel with a surface that keeps the unwanted microorganisms out.
Other storage options for home use are the eco-friendly water jugs. While bottles are good for transportation of the liquids inside them, jugs are designed to be kept in a refrigerator, with little worry of spilling or of any unwanted presence.
A renowned company that produces eco-friendly water jugs is Frigoverre. This company produces lots of sturdy designs that flirt with the new and innovative styles of today. You are bound to find the model that suits you best in their collection, no matter how pretentious you are.
Even though you might think that a bottle can store liquids better than a jug, do not be fooled. Eco-friendly water jugs from Frigoverre will keep any odor or bacteria out due to the tight fitting lids. And if you are worried about the washing process, they are dish-washer safe.
If you do not know where to find eco-friendly water jugs from Frigoverre, the best place to start would be the Internet. Instead of starting an endless search that can provide great prices on their products, you should take the time to visit the website www.thewaterkey.com.
By: Ken Wilson
About the Author:
No matter if you are interested in the eco friendly water bottles offered by the companies Aquasana, SIGG or Klean Kanteen, or if you are searching for great prices on the Frigoverre eco friendly water jugs, the website mentioned afore is the best choice you can make.
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