How Does a Wind Turbine Work?
Wind turbines operate on a simple principle. The energy in the wind turns two or three propeller-like blades around a rotor. The rotor is connected to the main shaft, which spins a generator to create electricity.
Small wind turbines blow out big sales
Sales of turbines big enough to serve a single home or office building grew rapidly last year and are poised for even faster growth this year, according to a report from the American Wind Energy Association
Home Wind Turbines Are A Worthless, Dangerous, Wasteful Vanity
This writer just looked at the wattage on a newly purchased Revlon brand hairdryer: Rating was 1985W. That's roughly equivalent to twenty, 100-W incandescant bulbs...surely more than a whole residence-worth of what's actually lit at any one time... or to over one hundred forty (14W-rated, 60W incandescant equivalent) compact flourescent bulbs.
More States Offer Rebates for Home Wind Turbines
Altogether, says Mr. Stimmel, some kind of financial incentive for residential small wind is available in about 17 states, though in some cases the incentives are offered through utilities rather than directly by the state itself.
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Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Green Cleaning
Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets
The Purex® Complete 3-in-1™ Laundry Sheets Refill has 43% less packaging than the products it replaces. If every American bought just one Purex® Complete 3-in-1™ Laundry Sheet Refill instead of even one bottle of liquid detergent2, we could prevent the equivalent of 91 million detergent bottles (27 million lbs), originally destined for landfills, from being produced - keeping over 8 football fields worth of packaging out landfills.
Survey Shows "Green Washing" is Everywhere
"We are enthusiastic that consumers are becoming more environmentally savvy," said Linda Brown, executive vice president of Scientific Certification Systems of Emeryville. "We need to be building environmental literacy and training consumers and decision-makers how to make environmental choices."
Cleaning Green
Avoid products with labels that carry unsubstantiated or vague claims such as "ecologically friendly" or "nontoxic," according to the Green Guide Institute, now part of National Geographic. The term "biodegradable" also is meaningless. (The Guide compares cleaners at www.thegreenguide.com. Click on "Buying Guides.")
The Purex® Complete 3-in-1™ Laundry Sheets Refill has 43% less packaging than the products it replaces. If every American bought just one Purex® Complete 3-in-1™ Laundry Sheet Refill instead of even one bottle of liquid detergent2, we could prevent the equivalent of 91 million detergent bottles (27 million lbs), originally destined for landfills, from being produced - keeping over 8 football fields worth of packaging out landfills.
Survey Shows "Green Washing" is Everywhere
"We are enthusiastic that consumers are becoming more environmentally savvy," said Linda Brown, executive vice president of Scientific Certification Systems of Emeryville. "We need to be building environmental literacy and training consumers and decision-makers how to make environmental choices."
Cleaning Green
Avoid products with labels that carry unsubstantiated or vague claims such as "ecologically friendly" or "nontoxic," according to the Green Guide Institute, now part of National Geographic. The term "biodegradable" also is meaningless. (The Guide compares cleaners at www.thegreenguide.com. Click on "Buying Guides.")
Monday, May 25, 2009
Green Tests And Quizzes
Have some fun - and maybe learn something - with these Green Tests and Quizzes:
Test Your Green IQ
Test Your Energy IQ
How Green Are You?
Personal Footprint
Big Green Switch Recycling Quiz
Sixteen Revealing Green Travel Quizzes
Test Your Green IQ
Test Your Energy IQ
How Green Are You?
Personal Footprint
Big Green Switch Recycling Quiz
Sixteen Revealing Green Travel Quizzes
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Recycling Resources
Recycling Made Easy & How To Get Started
Our landfills are accumulating waste at a rate of 2 to 5 lbs of trash per person per day. Over our lifetime, the total would be staggering. But we can help to reduce this waste by reusing and recycling certain items. It's a very small, virtually no-cost way of doing our part and helping our environment.
Virginia DEQ - Recycling Home
In Virginia recyclable materials from the municipal solid waste streams include: paper (newspapers, corrugated cardboard, Kraft paper, high-grade office paper, mixed paperf), metal (ferrous scrap, non-ferrous scrap, aluminum, tin cans), plastics, glass, yard waste (composted or mulched), waste wood, textiles, waste tires, used oil-oil filters-antifreeze, auto bodies (Abandoned Vehicle Program), construction waste, demolition waste, debris waste, batteries, ash and non-industrial sludges (composted).
Virginia Recycling Association
The Virginia Recycling Association is a non-stock, non-profit Virginia corporation composed of individuals and organizations of diverse interests. The membership is committed to the common goal of promoting recycling as an integral part of resource conservation and solid waste management.
Virginia Recycling Centers Directory
Our landfills are accumulating waste at a rate of 2 to 5 lbs of trash per person per day. Over our lifetime, the total would be staggering. But we can help to reduce this waste by reusing and recycling certain items. It's a very small, virtually no-cost way of doing our part and helping our environment.
Virginia DEQ - Recycling Home
In Virginia recyclable materials from the municipal solid waste streams include: paper (newspapers, corrugated cardboard, Kraft paper, high-grade office paper, mixed paperf), metal (ferrous scrap, non-ferrous scrap, aluminum, tin cans), plastics, glass, yard waste (composted or mulched), waste wood, textiles, waste tires, used oil-oil filters-antifreeze, auto bodies (Abandoned Vehicle Program), construction waste, demolition waste, debris waste, batteries, ash and non-industrial sludges (composted).
Virginia Recycling Association
The Virginia Recycling Association is a non-stock, non-profit Virginia corporation composed of individuals and organizations of diverse interests. The membership is committed to the common goal of promoting recycling as an integral part of resource conservation and solid waste management.
Virginia Recycling Centers Directory
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Going Solar
Solar Tubes
Solar tubes are tubes that run from the ceiling of a room to the roof, where they collect light that is reflected down the tube and then diffused into the attached room. Solar tubes work like skylights but are less expensive, require less roof/ceiling space, and can be easily installed in almost all buildings. They can even work in the basement or the first floor of a two-story house if there is a closet, a chase, or any place to feed through the solar tube up to the roof.
Solar Energy Technologies Program
The Solar Energy Technologies Program focuses on developing cost-effective solar energy technologies that have the greatest potential to benefit the nation and the world. Solar technologies diversify the energy supply, reduce the country's dependence on imported fuels, improve air quality, and offset greenhouse gas emissions. A growing solar industry also stimulates our economy by creating jobs in solar manufacturing and installation.
Solar Water Heating Pays For Itself Five Times Over
An analysis of the engineering and economics for a solar water-heating system shows it to have a payback period of just two years, according to researchers in India. They report, in the International Journal of Global Energy Issues, on the success of the 1000-liter system operating at a university hostel.
Solar tubes are tubes that run from the ceiling of a room to the roof, where they collect light that is reflected down the tube and then diffused into the attached room. Solar tubes work like skylights but are less expensive, require less roof/ceiling space, and can be easily installed in almost all buildings. They can even work in the basement or the first floor of a two-story house if there is a closet, a chase, or any place to feed through the solar tube up to the roof.
Solar Energy Technologies Program
The Solar Energy Technologies Program focuses on developing cost-effective solar energy technologies that have the greatest potential to benefit the nation and the world. Solar technologies diversify the energy supply, reduce the country's dependence on imported fuels, improve air quality, and offset greenhouse gas emissions. A growing solar industry also stimulates our economy by creating jobs in solar manufacturing and installation.
Solar Water Heating Pays For Itself Five Times Over
An analysis of the engineering and economics for a solar water-heating system shows it to have a payback period of just two years, according to researchers in India. They report, in the International Journal of Global Energy Issues, on the success of the 1000-liter system operating at a university hostel.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Green Benefits
Benefits of Going Green
Building the Green Communities way offers a wide array of benefits for building developers, investors, residents and the environment, leading to healthier homes and communities, lower energy and water costs, and a protected environment.
The Benefits of Going Green
Green design not only reduces a facility’s impact on the environment, but also benefits a business in financial — and nonfinancial — ways.
5 Benefits of Going Green
Everywhere you look in the news and media today you see stories about global warming and our effects on the earth. While it seems to make sense that we should all be a little kinder to Mother Earth, what exactly are some of the benefits of going green?
Green Tax Credits Available in 2009
Here is a brief run-down of the credits available in 2009
Building the Green Communities way offers a wide array of benefits for building developers, investors, residents and the environment, leading to healthier homes and communities, lower energy and water costs, and a protected environment.
The Benefits of Going Green
Green design not only reduces a facility’s impact on the environment, but also benefits a business in financial — and nonfinancial — ways.
5 Benefits of Going Green
Everywhere you look in the news and media today you see stories about global warming and our effects on the earth. While it seems to make sense that we should all be a little kinder to Mother Earth, what exactly are some of the benefits of going green?
Green Tax Credits Available in 2009
Here is a brief run-down of the credits available in 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Green Tech News From CNet
A round-up of some recent Green Tech articles on CNet:
Transparent plastic solar cells fitted into windows
"It is energy-efficient and transparent with superior vertical performance and a subtle red, blue or green aesthetic. With these features, BIPV (building-integrated photovoltaics) will no longer need to be confined to spandrel or overhead applications," Arch CEO Leon Silverstein said in a statement.
Green news harvest: IM for air conditioners
Talk about convergence of energy, communications and IT: EnerNoc is using an instant-messaging protocol to update the energy consumption status of building equipment.
Possible smog solution: Air-powered motorcycle
Sure, it only goes 11 mph now, but as a proof-of-concept vehicle it's pretty cool. I could imagine a smaller vehicle (bike? moped?) with the same gear that could go much faster as a final product, if it gets that far.
Q&A: What really goes into that carbon footprint?
Without widespread standards, companies are struggling with how to properly calculate and disclose their carbon footprint to the public. And many don't have the financial resources to address environmental resource concerns.
Transparent plastic solar cells fitted into windows
"It is energy-efficient and transparent with superior vertical performance and a subtle red, blue or green aesthetic. With these features, BIPV (building-integrated photovoltaics) will no longer need to be confined to spandrel or overhead applications," Arch CEO Leon Silverstein said in a statement.
Green news harvest: IM for air conditioners
Talk about convergence of energy, communications and IT: EnerNoc is using an instant-messaging protocol to update the energy consumption status of building equipment.
Possible smog solution: Air-powered motorcycle
Sure, it only goes 11 mph now, but as a proof-of-concept vehicle it's pretty cool. I could imagine a smaller vehicle (bike? moped?) with the same gear that could go much faster as a final product, if it gets that far.
Q&A: What really goes into that carbon footprint?
Without widespread standards, companies are struggling with how to properly calculate and disclose their carbon footprint to the public. And many don't have the financial resources to address environmental resource concerns.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Investing In Green
Green Real estate Investing
There’s the popular slogan in modern marketing campaigns: “Green is the new black.” But is “environmentally friendly” really something a real estate investor needs to consider? Green (money) and black (net profit) together can be a winning team for real estate investment. Here are a few reasons why going green can help your investment property portfolio.
The Cost Efficacy of Building Green
The economic crisis continues, but that shouldn't preclude investing in sustainability which can lead to both short and long-term financial benefits, said speakers at the RealShare Green Buildings virtual conference, held Wednesday.
How to Go Green: Investing
During the past few years, the business world has awakened to the concept that "green," meaning environmentally conscious, and "green," meaning financially lucrative, are not mutually exclusive.
There’s the popular slogan in modern marketing campaigns: “Green is the new black.” But is “environmentally friendly” really something a real estate investor needs to consider? Green (money) and black (net profit) together can be a winning team for real estate investment. Here are a few reasons why going green can help your investment property portfolio.
The Cost Efficacy of Building Green
The economic crisis continues, but that shouldn't preclude investing in sustainability which can lead to both short and long-term financial benefits, said speakers at the RealShare Green Buildings virtual conference, held Wednesday.
How to Go Green: Investing
During the past few years, the business world has awakened to the concept that "green," meaning environmentally conscious, and "green," meaning financially lucrative, are not mutually exclusive.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Sustainable Materials For Your Home And For You
Smart and Sustainable
When it comes to redesigning or updating a kitchen or bathroom, recycled has finally arrived. There are as many options as there are wants and needs; price points for unlimited and limited budgets; and energy-efficient fixtures and appliances to make us all feel like good stewards of the environment.
Carpet & Sustainability… A LEED AP’s Perspective
Smartstrand Sorona PTT fiber is here.
Green Your Wardrobe: Sustainable Materials
There's nothing more in style right now than flaunting that you’re good to the earth. Freshening up your wardrobe for spring? This week’s green fashion tips will help you keep up with what’s hip.
When it comes to redesigning or updating a kitchen or bathroom, recycled has finally arrived. There are as many options as there are wants and needs; price points for unlimited and limited budgets; and energy-efficient fixtures and appliances to make us all feel like good stewards of the environment.
Carpet & Sustainability… A LEED AP’s Perspective
Smartstrand Sorona PTT fiber is here.
Green Your Wardrobe: Sustainable Materials
There's nothing more in style right now than flaunting that you’re good to the earth. Freshening up your wardrobe for spring? This week’s green fashion tips will help you keep up with what’s hip.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
An Energy Efficient MORTGAGE?
What is an Energy Efficient Mortgage?
An Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) is a mortgage that credits a home’s energy efficiency in the mortgage itself. EEMs give borrowers the opportunity to finance cost-effective, energy-saving measures as part of a single mortgage and stretch debt-to-income qualifying ratios on loans thereby allowing borrowers to qualify for a larger loan amount and a better, more energy-efficient home.
How to Get an Engergy Efficient Mortgage
If you decide you want an energy efficient mortgage, the first step is to find a lender who offers them.
OlympiaWest Mortgage Group
OlympiaWest offers Energy Efficient Mortgages in addition to convential mortgage services in the Maryland, DC, and Virginia area.
Watch EEM: Energy Efficient Mortgage in Educational View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
An Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) is a mortgage that credits a home’s energy efficiency in the mortgage itself. EEMs give borrowers the opportunity to finance cost-effective, energy-saving measures as part of a single mortgage and stretch debt-to-income qualifying ratios on loans thereby allowing borrowers to qualify for a larger loan amount and a better, more energy-efficient home.
How to Get an Engergy Efficient Mortgage
If you decide you want an energy efficient mortgage, the first step is to find a lender who offers them.
OlympiaWest Mortgage Group
OlympiaWest offers Energy Efficient Mortgages in addition to convential mortgage services in the Maryland, DC, and Virginia area.
Watch EEM: Energy Efficient Mortgage in Educational View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
Monday, May 4, 2009
Home Energy Audits
Home Energy Audits
A home energy audit is the first step to assess how much energy your home consumes and to evaluate what measures you can take to make your home more energy efficient. An audit will show you problems that may, when corrected, save you significant amounts of money over time.
Your Home's Energy Use
The first step to taking a whole-house energy efficiency approach is to find out which parts of your house use the most energy. A home energy audit will pinpoint those areas and suggest the most effective measures for cutting your energy costs.
DIY Home Energy Audit
Energy costs continue to rise, placing ever-greater pressure on households. And the energy you use to heat and cool your home is a large part of your carbon footprint.
Making A Green Difference Begins At Home
Take an Ardently Green approach
We’re Ardently Green. We can evaluate your home as a whole system - from top to bottom, inside and out.
Then we’ll provide an Ardently GreenPrint of your home, an easy-to-understand report that reveals how well your home functions and how you can make it work better, feel more comfortable, and lower your energy bill by as much as 30%.
A home energy audit is the first step to assess how much energy your home consumes and to evaluate what measures you can take to make your home more energy efficient. An audit will show you problems that may, when corrected, save you significant amounts of money over time.
Your Home's Energy Use
The first step to taking a whole-house energy efficiency approach is to find out which parts of your house use the most energy. A home energy audit will pinpoint those areas and suggest the most effective measures for cutting your energy costs.
DIY Home Energy Audit
Energy costs continue to rise, placing ever-greater pressure on households. And the energy you use to heat and cool your home is a large part of your carbon footprint.
Making A Green Difference Begins At Home
Take an Ardently Green approach
We’re Ardently Green. We can evaluate your home as a whole system - from top to bottom, inside and out.
Then we’ll provide an Ardently GreenPrint of your home, an easy-to-understand report that reveals how well your home functions and how you can make it work better, feel more comfortable, and lower your energy bill by as much as 30%.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Reminder: Free Going Green Seminar
When: Saturday May 2, 2009 (9:30am—11:00am)
Location: Lansdowne Town Center (Offices above “Froots”)
19301 Winmeade Drive (Suite220)
Lansdowne VA. 20176
What does it mean to go green? Interested in learning “eco-friendly” tips and ideas? Do you qualify for “green” tax credits? Come to this first of its kind FREE seminar and learn about:
• First time home buyer secrets, strategies and tax credits
• Federal tax credits for energy efficiency
• Government FHA energy efficient mortgages
• How to make your home more energy efficient
• The top 5 health hazards in your home
• What to look for in your next home
This seminar is brought to you by NOVA Green Team, Loudoun County’s Eco-Friendly Real Estate Experts, West Star Mortgage and Ardently Green Energy Auditors.
The seminar will be conducted by David Harbour, Founder of NOVA Green Team, (RE/MAX Premier Realtors) who draws on more than a decade of success serving Northern Virginia clients in fast and slow markets. He has been inducted into the RE/MAX Hall of Fame and often appears as a real estate expert on HGTV’s national show, “Get It Sold,” sharing tactics for sellers in a softening market. He is also a Certified EcoBroker®.
Seminar Registration Link
Location: Lansdowne Town Center (Offices above “Froots”)
19301 Winmeade Drive (Suite220)
Lansdowne VA. 20176
What does it mean to go green? Interested in learning “eco-friendly” tips and ideas? Do you qualify for “green” tax credits? Come to this first of its kind FREE seminar and learn about:
• First time home buyer secrets, strategies and tax credits
• Federal tax credits for energy efficiency
• Government FHA energy efficient mortgages
• How to make your home more energy efficient
• The top 5 health hazards in your home
• What to look for in your next home
This seminar is brought to you by NOVA Green Team, Loudoun County’s Eco-Friendly Real Estate Experts, West Star Mortgage and Ardently Green Energy Auditors.
The seminar will be conducted by David Harbour, Founder of NOVA Green Team, (RE/MAX Premier Realtors) who draws on more than a decade of success serving Northern Virginia clients in fast and slow markets. He has been inducted into the RE/MAX Hall of Fame and often appears as a real estate expert on HGTV’s national show, “Get It Sold,” sharing tactics for sellers in a softening market. He is also a Certified EcoBroker®.
Seminar Registration Link
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