Easy Ways To Go Green
(goodhousekeeping.com)
How To Go Green: Back To Basics
Here, we bring it back to basics and break it down into bite sized chunks of simple, everyday ways to live a greener, healthier, more ethical (and ultimately more fun) life.
10 Ways To Go Green At Work
Greener homes are in the spotlight these days, but what about the other places where many of us spend huge chunks of our time--our offices?
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Monday, March 30, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Going Dark For Earth Hour
Vote Earth! Earth Hour 2009
At 8:30 PM local time, wherever you are, on Saturday, March 28, 2009, turn offf your lights for one hour and become part of Earth Hour.
At 8:30 PM local time, wherever you are, on Saturday, March 28, 2009, turn offf your lights for one hour and become part of Earth Hour.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Future Of Energy
Power to the People: 7 Ways to Fix the Grid, Now
Now consider what we will ask the grid to handle in the near future: Demand for electricity is expected to increase by as much as 40 percent in the next two decades—more than twice the population growth rate. To meet that need, we will have to generate an additional 214 gigawatts, a feat that would require the construction of more than 357 large coal plants. We also want to plug in dozens, if not hundreds, of gigawatts of wind and solar power harvested from the most remote corners of the country. And we will want to recharge millions of electric vehicles every night, without fail.
Subsidies For Alternative Energy Costs Less Than Subsidies For Traditional Energy
The perpetual knock made against renewable energies like wind and solar is that they couldn't exist with out government subsidies. However, upon close inspection, it looks like all energy relies on healthy amount of support from the government.
New Material Could Help Cut Future Energy Losses
The team have produced a material from a football-shaped molecule, called carbon60, to demonstrate how a superconductor – an element, compound or alloy that does not oppose the steady passage of an electric current – could work at temperatures suitable for commercial use in cities and towns.
Now consider what we will ask the grid to handle in the near future: Demand for electricity is expected to increase by as much as 40 percent in the next two decades—more than twice the population growth rate. To meet that need, we will have to generate an additional 214 gigawatts, a feat that would require the construction of more than 357 large coal plants. We also want to plug in dozens, if not hundreds, of gigawatts of wind and solar power harvested from the most remote corners of the country. And we will want to recharge millions of electric vehicles every night, without fail.
Subsidies For Alternative Energy Costs Less Than Subsidies For Traditional Energy
The perpetual knock made against renewable energies like wind and solar is that they couldn't exist with out government subsidies. However, upon close inspection, it looks like all energy relies on healthy amount of support from the government.
New Material Could Help Cut Future Energy Losses
The team have produced a material from a football-shaped molecule, called carbon60, to demonstrate how a superconductor – an element, compound or alloy that does not oppose the steady passage of an electric current – could work at temperatures suitable for commercial use in cities and towns.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Demand Remains High For Green Real Estate
RREEF Report: Recession Fails to Diminish Demand for Green Real Estate
Green building is benefitting from other conditions too, RREEF noted, such as sustainable real estate development mandates in cities and states, and cost premiums that are much less than were once thought.
Green building is benefitting from other conditions too, RREEF noted, such as sustainable real estate development mandates in cities and states, and cost premiums that are much less than were once thought.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Green Retrofits
To 'green' the world's buildings, think retrofits
Because of the wide variety of climates, there need to be different techniques for making homes efficient, said Rosenbaum. He sees a very high demand for green technology home products and much more skilled labor in this field.
Green Retrofit Checklist
Financing green buildings and retrofits
To wit: with today's technology, we know how to make new buildings net energy generators, and we know how to retrofit existing buildings to reduce their energy consumption by well over 50%, in some cases 90-95%. We just need someone to pay for it.
Because of the wide variety of climates, there need to be different techniques for making homes efficient, said Rosenbaum. He sees a very high demand for green technology home products and much more skilled labor in this field.
Green Retrofit Checklist
Financing green buildings and retrofits
To wit: with today's technology, we know how to make new buildings net energy generators, and we know how to retrofit existing buildings to reduce their energy consumption by well over 50%, in some cases 90-95%. We just need someone to pay for it.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Going "Green" For St. Patrick's Day
Celebrate Green!
Celebrate Green with these Green St. Patrick's Day tips.
Erin Go Green: Celebrate An Eco-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day
The first rule to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day is that you don’t have to be Irish to love the Irish. The second rule of the day is that you gotta go green…and the greener the better! So enjoy the luck of the Irish this year and celebrate an eco-friendly St. Patrick’s Day.
Eco-friendly St. Patrick's Day Party Ideas
Need some ideas for your St. Patrick's Day party? Planning your St. Patrick's party means breaking out the green. Are you getting ready to rush out to buy paper decorations and plastic cups for your green beer? Have any idea about how most of that stuff ends up in a landfill? Try environmentally friendly ideas for your St. Patrick's party instead. You can plan a St. Patrick's Day celebration that is fun and eco-friendly.
Celebrate Green with these Green St. Patrick's Day tips.
Erin Go Green: Celebrate An Eco-Friendly St. Patrick’s Day
The first rule to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day is that you don’t have to be Irish to love the Irish. The second rule of the day is that you gotta go green…and the greener the better! So enjoy the luck of the Irish this year and celebrate an eco-friendly St. Patrick’s Day.
Eco-friendly St. Patrick's Day Party Ideas
Need some ideas for your St. Patrick's Day party? Planning your St. Patrick's party means breaking out the green. Are you getting ready to rush out to buy paper decorations and plastic cups for your green beer? Have any idea about how most of that stuff ends up in a landfill? Try environmentally friendly ideas for your St. Patrick's party instead. You can plan a St. Patrick's Day celebration that is fun and eco-friendly.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Green Electronics
Welcome to EPEAT
EPEAT is a system to help purchasers in the public and private sectors evaluate, compare and select desktop computers, notebooks and monitors based on their environmental attributes.
Green Electronics
Save energy, money and the environment by greening up your home electronics, computers and personal gadgets, now available from many of your favorite CE manufacturers and green-tech product innovators.
Greening EPA
Computers and other office electronics play a big role in our lives, helping us perform tasks in an efficient manner. But electronic equipment is part of an increasing and complex waste stream that poses challenging environmental management problems for federal agencies because of the hazardous constituents in many of these products. Fortunately, many programs and resources can help you safely manage your unwanted electronic equipment in an environmentally sound manner.
EPEAT is a system to help purchasers in the public and private sectors evaluate, compare and select desktop computers, notebooks and monitors based on their environmental attributes.
Green Electronics
Save energy, money and the environment by greening up your home electronics, computers and personal gadgets, now available from many of your favorite CE manufacturers and green-tech product innovators.
Greening EPA
Computers and other office electronics play a big role in our lives, helping us perform tasks in an efficient manner. But electronic equipment is part of an increasing and complex waste stream that poses challenging environmental management problems for federal agencies because of the hazardous constituents in many of these products. Fortunately, many programs and resources can help you safely manage your unwanted electronic equipment in an environmentally sound manner.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Energy Saving Tips
Saving Energy Saves Money
Whether or not one is a proponent of the current campaign of "Going Green," there are a few easy low-cost and no-cost ways to save energy and money. And who in this economy is not interested in saving money?
How to reduce your energy consumption
Don't forget the basics. This simple stuff will save energy -- and money -- right now.
Whether or not one is a proponent of the current campaign of "Going Green," there are a few easy low-cost and no-cost ways to save energy and money. And who in this economy is not interested in saving money?
How to reduce your energy consumption
Don't forget the basics. This simple stuff will save energy -- and money -- right now.
LEED for Homes
What is LEED?
LEED for Homes is a voluntary rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes, including affordable housing, mass-production homes, custom designs, stand-alone single-family homes, duplexes and townhouses, suburban and urban apartments and condominiums and lofts in historic buildings.
LEED Certified Projects List
Use this section to look up members, locate LEED Accredited Professionals, or view specific LEED projects.
U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community of leaders working to make green buildings available to everyone within a generation.
LEED for Homes is a voluntary rating system that promotes the design and construction of high-performance green homes, including affordable housing, mass-production homes, custom designs, stand-alone single-family homes, duplexes and townhouses, suburban and urban apartments and condominiums and lofts in historic buildings.
LEED Certified Projects List
Use this section to look up members, locate LEED Accredited Professionals, or view specific LEED projects.
U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community of leaders working to make green buildings available to everyone within a generation.
HEAD TO HEAD: PLASMAS VS. LCDS
Which flat-screen TV is greener?
The most earth-friendly decision you can make is to stick with your old CRT until it bites the dust, but when it's time for a new one, is there a truly greener flat-screen TV?
The most earth-friendly decision you can make is to stick with your old CRT until it bites the dust, but when it's time for a new one, is there a truly greener flat-screen TV?
Monday, March 9, 2009
NOVA Green Team is an official sponsor of Earth Day @Loudoun
Earth Day @Loudoun
First Annual Earth Day Event
Announced for Loudoun County
Ashburn, VA – January 26, 2009 – The Broadlands Wildlife Habitat Committee today announced the first annual Earth Day for Loudoun County to take place this spring. Event organizers are launching the event to promote the environment, eco-friendly products and services and to boost positive environmental activism in the local area. The event titled, “EarthDay@Loudoun 2009 Family Festival”, is designed to bring a national theme home to the local area in a grassroots effort to promote environmental awareness.
Event Co-Chairperson Stevens Miller said, “Loudoun County is considered a progressive, active and involved area of citizens and this organization wants to provide “EarthDay@Loudoun 2009” as an opportunity to educate, engage and encourage participation in making our area an even better place to live.”
EarthDay@Loudoun 2009 Family Festival will be held on Sunday, April 26th; however, Miller said the celebration is actually a month-long tribute with many festivities planned. We will hosts art exhibits featuring local artisans and their “green” works of art. The entire month of April will offer our local residents plenty of opportunities to celebrate environmental stewardship.”
In celebration of EarthDay@Loudoun 2009, the Broadlands Wildlife Habitat Committee and Loudoun County Soil and Water Conservation District plan a countywide tree planting program to be coordinated through local area Homeowner Associations. In addition, the Banshee Reeks Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist Program plans a panel discussion of sustainable living practices in our county. Event Co-Chair Andrea McGimsey said the purpose of these events is to promote local sustainability, “Our mission is to provide entertainment, exhibits, workshops and activities that engage and inspire the entire community, especially for the next generation of Loudoun citizens.”
Event organizers are currently selling sponsorships for EarthDay@Loudoun 2009 Family Festival as well as accepting vendor applications for participation. Proceeds from the event will support environmental efforts to reduce the county’s ecological footprint. For more information on how local area businesses can be involved, e-mail info@earthdayatloudoun.org or call Oya Simpson @ (703) 725-8040
First Annual Earth Day Event
Announced for Loudoun County
Ashburn, VA – January 26, 2009 – The Broadlands Wildlife Habitat Committee today announced the first annual Earth Day for Loudoun County to take place this spring. Event organizers are launching the event to promote the environment, eco-friendly products and services and to boost positive environmental activism in the local area. The event titled, “EarthDay@Loudoun 2009 Family Festival”, is designed to bring a national theme home to the local area in a grassroots effort to promote environmental awareness.
Event Co-Chairperson Stevens Miller said, “Loudoun County is considered a progressive, active and involved area of citizens and this organization wants to provide “EarthDay@Loudoun 2009” as an opportunity to educate, engage and encourage participation in making our area an even better place to live.”
EarthDay@Loudoun 2009 Family Festival will be held on Sunday, April 26th; however, Miller said the celebration is actually a month-long tribute with many festivities planned. We will hosts art exhibits featuring local artisans and their “green” works of art. The entire month of April will offer our local residents plenty of opportunities to celebrate environmental stewardship.”
In celebration of EarthDay@Loudoun 2009, the Broadlands Wildlife Habitat Committee and Loudoun County Soil and Water Conservation District plan a countywide tree planting program to be coordinated through local area Homeowner Associations. In addition, the Banshee Reeks Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalist Program plans a panel discussion of sustainable living practices in our county. Event Co-Chair Andrea McGimsey said the purpose of these events is to promote local sustainability, “Our mission is to provide entertainment, exhibits, workshops and activities that engage and inspire the entire community, especially for the next generation of Loudoun citizens.”
Event organizers are currently selling sponsorships for EarthDay@Loudoun 2009 Family Festival as well as accepting vendor applications for participation. Proceeds from the event will support environmental efforts to reduce the county’s ecological footprint. For more information on how local area businesses can be involved, e-mail info@earthdayatloudoun.org or call Oya Simpson @ (703) 725-8040
Saturday, March 7, 2009
CNet Special Report On Green Tech, Day Three
Day Three:
Making solar cheaper than coal
Typical polysilicon solar cells--the most common cell material--convert about 15 percent of the sunlight that hits them into electricity. Sachs' work has focused on boosting that efficiency closer to 20 percent by trapping more light and by reducing electricity loss in the wires. The trick, though, is to get that efficiency with manufacturing techniques that don't add cost.
Making solar cheaper than coal
Typical polysilicon solar cells--the most common cell material--convert about 15 percent of the sunlight that hits them into electricity. Sachs' work has focused on boosting that efficiency closer to 20 percent by trapping more light and by reducing electricity loss in the wires. The trick, though, is to get that efficiency with manufacturing techniques that don't add cost.
Friday, March 6, 2009
'Green' Energy Plant Proposed for Loudoun
'Green' Energy Plant Proposed for Loudoun
Andrews said the hybrid facility would be "the lowest emitting plant in the state of Virginia."
Andrews said the hybrid facility would be "the lowest emitting plant in the state of Virginia."
Thursday, March 5, 2009
CNet Special Report On Green Tech, Day Two
Day Two:
They got their green-tech bill. So now what?
"There still are people in Congress who think of this as some sort of phantom-technology or vaporware or Internet boom, based on products that don't exist," Reed said. "They don't understand that we're talking about real companies with real products and real jobs. It's very simple for me because I am just looking at my backyard, at companies and their products."
They got their green-tech bill. So now what?
"There still are people in Congress who think of this as some sort of phantom-technology or vaporware or Internet boom, based on products that don't exist," Reed said. "They don't understand that we're talking about real companies with real products and real jobs. It's very simple for me because I am just looking at my backyard, at companies and their products."
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
CNet Special Report On Green Tech, Day One
Starting today, CNet is running a three-day special report on green tech.
Day One:
In search of the Google of green tech
"Utilities are really in a great position to build large-scale projects," said Katherine Potter, communications vice president at Ausra. "You need to walk before you can run, but the technology is there."
Day One:
In search of the Google of green tech
"Utilities are really in a great position to build large-scale projects," said Katherine Potter, communications vice president at Ausra. "You need to walk before you can run, but the technology is there."
Monday, March 2, 2009
Volatile Organic Compounds: Sources, Effects, And How To Reduce Exposure
Many household products contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs are organic chemicals that can vaporize at low temperatures. Long and short-term exposure to VOCs can have adverse effects on human health.
Common household products that can contain VOCs are furniture, paint and painting supplies, carpeting, and varnishes.
The Environmental Protection Agency's Web site provides an overview of VOCs, their effects on human health, and methods for reducing exposre in the article An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality.
For additional information on VOCs and no or low VOC paints, visit How Stuff Works.
Common household products that can contain VOCs are furniture, paint and painting supplies, carpeting, and varnishes.
The Environmental Protection Agency's Web site provides an overview of VOCs, their effects on human health, and methods for reducing exposre in the article An Introduction to Indoor Air Quality.
For additional information on VOCs and no or low VOC paints, visit How Stuff Works.
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