Social networks that support a green lifestyle
Going "green" is quickly becoming an important part of our lives, and Web entrepreneurs have taken notice. A variety of green social networks have cropped up that help us live more sustainably. From reducing your carbon footprint to raising money for environmental causes, these social networks will back up your efforts.
TreeHugger Picks: Green Social Networking
Social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook have exploded in popularity and changed the way that people everywhere use the internet to stay in touch and meet new people -- heck, even TreeHugger has a MySpace page. This idea hasn't been lost on other TreeHuggers and greenies, as a handful of sites have popped up that use the power of social networking on the 'net for good.
It's Easy Being Green: Social Networking: A New Frontier in Climate Change Research
Are you plugged in to the Internet? Are you an amateur hiker? Photographer? Gardener? Birdwatcher? Frog aficionado? Nature lover? If the answer to any of these questions is "yes," then with the click of a button you can also make a serious contribution to the study of climate change.
Hey there! EQTV is using Twitter.
NOVA Green Team Facebook Page
Become a fan and be part of the NOVA Green Living social network!
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Monday, June 29, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Green Giveaways
Ecobunga!
Your guide to green giveaways & deals
The Green Parent
...your kid friendly guide to earth friendly living!
Four green give-aways! Eco-friendly dish soap, a $50 gift certificate, and 2 bikes!
The Dirty Work, is hosting 2 green give-aways this month. The first is for three boxes of Method Smarty Dish, a phosphate and bleach-free dishwasher detergent tab. To enter, go here and tell her your favorite thing to eat and leave youre e-mail address.
Go Green
As more and more people become aware of the importance of protecting our environment, eco-friendly and recycled products are in ever greater demand. Likewise, companies' marketing tools and techniques are adapting to ths widespread development in environmental consciousness and planning their strategies accordingly.
How Green Are Your Giveaways?
The promotional-products industry provides endless opportunities to get on the Green bandwagon. From recycled-plastic pens to organic-cotton apparel, the list of eco-friendly options is long and getting longer. Most promotional-product companies offer some Green choices, while other companies such as Ecobranders and Econscious devote themselves entirely to keeping it Green.
Your guide to green giveaways & deals
The Green Parent
...your kid friendly guide to earth friendly living!
Four green give-aways! Eco-friendly dish soap, a $50 gift certificate, and 2 bikes!
The Dirty Work, is hosting 2 green give-aways this month. The first is for three boxes of Method Smarty Dish, a phosphate and bleach-free dishwasher detergent tab. To enter, go here and tell her your favorite thing to eat and leave youre e-mail address.
Go Green
As more and more people become aware of the importance of protecting our environment, eco-friendly and recycled products are in ever greater demand. Likewise, companies' marketing tools and techniques are adapting to ths widespread development in environmental consciousness and planning their strategies accordingly.
How Green Are Your Giveaways?
The promotional-products industry provides endless opportunities to get on the Green bandwagon. From recycled-plastic pens to organic-cotton apparel, the list of eco-friendly options is long and getting longer. Most promotional-product companies offer some Green choices, while other companies such as Ecobranders and Econscious devote themselves entirely to keeping it Green.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Investing In Green
Quick Green Investing Tips for 2009
According to the LA Times, it looks like everyone's favorite overused word of 2008 might be your in to an underused investment sector.
Report: The State of Green Investing 2009
In 2008, many green mutual funds, ETFs and individual stocks sunk 50-80%, while the Dow shed about 40%. But green investors can also expect their portfolios to rise higher than the overall market as it recovers.
Green Mutual Funds Could Beat Market
The poor relative performance of the past year is no reason to give up on the strategy. Most of the stocks in the green space are those of industrial or technology companies. While those sectors lose more value than most industries during slowdowns, they can lead economic expansions. In some ways, it's reassuring that the shares have acted predictably in the past year.
According to the LA Times, it looks like everyone's favorite overused word of 2008 might be your in to an underused investment sector.
Report: The State of Green Investing 2009
In 2008, many green mutual funds, ETFs and individual stocks sunk 50-80%, while the Dow shed about 40%. But green investors can also expect their portfolios to rise higher than the overall market as it recovers.
Green Mutual Funds Could Beat Market
The poor relative performance of the past year is no reason to give up on the strategy. Most of the stocks in the green space are those of industrial or technology companies. While those sectors lose more value than most industries during slowdowns, they can lead economic expansions. In some ways, it's reassuring that the shares have acted predictably in the past year.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Green Innovation
Green Innovation and Product Safety
Ultimately, the key for designing greener products is the same as it is for designing safer products: It begins with innovation.
Flip burgers with Mother Nature: Going green at the grill
One such innovation is the FlameDisk – a charcoal alternative made from solid ethanol, a renewable biofuel. Food grilled on the FlameDisk tastes as if it were grilled over charcoal, but this eco-friendly grill fuel emits 99 percent less carbon monoxide and 91 percent fewer VOCs (volatile organic compounds) than grilling with charcoal. Plus, the byproducts created when ethanol is burned include only water and a modest amount of carbon dioxide. Unlike lighter fluid and propane gas, the FlameDisk is not derived from nonrenewable petroleum.
Greener by Design: Big Ideas from Small Companies
Whether turning a damaged Patagonia wetsuit into beer cozies or discarded bicycle tubes into wallets, Ecologic Designs is following a path charted by Terracycle to take trash and turn it into treasure.
Ultimately, the key for designing greener products is the same as it is for designing safer products: It begins with innovation.
Flip burgers with Mother Nature: Going green at the grill
One such innovation is the FlameDisk – a charcoal alternative made from solid ethanol, a renewable biofuel. Food grilled on the FlameDisk tastes as if it were grilled over charcoal, but this eco-friendly grill fuel emits 99 percent less carbon monoxide and 91 percent fewer VOCs (volatile organic compounds) than grilling with charcoal. Plus, the byproducts created when ethanol is burned include only water and a modest amount of carbon dioxide. Unlike lighter fluid and propane gas, the FlameDisk is not derived from nonrenewable petroleum.
Greener by Design: Big Ideas from Small Companies
Whether turning a damaged Patagonia wetsuit into beer cozies or discarded bicycle tubes into wallets, Ecologic Designs is following a path charted by Terracycle to take trash and turn it into treasure.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Local Green News
Piedmont Environmental Council, Loudoun County
PEC stands with citizens to build excellent communities, relieve taxes and traffic, and protect open space in Loudoun County. We work to maintain a balance between the towns, the suburbs and the country so residents can enjoy them all.
First Solar Project Complete, Loudoun Valley Students Look For Support To Expand Green Effort On Campus
"We wanted to demonstrate that solar power is a real viable alternative energy source, and to inspire the school system that we could actually think about converting energy grids to produce power, save money, and use [the savings] on educational programs," Roos said.
Western Loudoun Artists Studio Tour
Shop local and buy Loudoun artwork!
For this community, green living is a way of life
The homes are all constructed with an eye toward sustainability. An abundance of windows capture the maximum amount of natural light, and geothermal heating systems are common in most basements. It's environmentalism as practicality.
Green-collar employment
“The idea is to use a lot less natural resources and still achieve the goal of having a good piece of shelter overhead,” said Grigsby, who consults local homeowners and building professionals on how to create sustainable construction.
PEC stands with citizens to build excellent communities, relieve taxes and traffic, and protect open space in Loudoun County. We work to maintain a balance between the towns, the suburbs and the country so residents can enjoy them all.
First Solar Project Complete, Loudoun Valley Students Look For Support To Expand Green Effort On Campus
"We wanted to demonstrate that solar power is a real viable alternative energy source, and to inspire the school system that we could actually think about converting energy grids to produce power, save money, and use [the savings] on educational programs," Roos said.
Western Loudoun Artists Studio Tour
Shop local and buy Loudoun artwork!
For this community, green living is a way of life
The homes are all constructed with an eye toward sustainability. An abundance of windows capture the maximum amount of natural light, and geothermal heating systems are common in most basements. It's environmentalism as practicality.
Green-collar employment
“The idea is to use a lot less natural resources and still achieve the goal of having a good piece of shelter overhead,” said Grigsby, who consults local homeowners and building professionals on how to create sustainable construction.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Green In The News
Hybrid trucks strut on Capitol Hill
We often fret over our own gas mileage and that of our neighbors' cars, but how often do we stop to think about the commercial trucking industry's impact on the environment?
In with Green Packaging, Out with Convenience, Consumers Say
Green food packaging has landed in the headlines in recent weeks. Marks & Spencer said in its latest corporate social responsibility report that it reduced food packaging 18 percent and uses salad containers made from recycled PET bottles.
Green vs. Green: Homeowners Worry About Costs of Eco-Makeovers
Homeowners also cited concerns about potential inconvenience (22%) and lack of time (17%); these result echoes previous polls which found consumers consider "green" practices, at both the personal and national levels, as economic tradeoffs that costs them more. On the other hand, 18% said they were prevented from going green by lack of knowledge, indicating there's still an audience for information on eco-friendly practices.
Why 'smart' homes are 'green' with envy: green homebuilding set to expand by $38 billion by 2010
Talk to experts with a birds-eye view on the market and you quickly become aware of a budding new trend: Green. “Green” is the new “Smart” in real estate, with a high-end market and awe-inspiring amenities and gadgetry once attributed to “Smart.” “Green” is that hippie classmate you once thought you knew – but didn’t. It’s taking on surprising new growth and according to industry experts this is only the beginning.
Clorox is leading the green charge
That means that people are finding and buying Green Works dishwashing soap, all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner and others, which are all made with natural surfactants and other natural ingredients. And it no doubt helps that this line has been affordably priced and carried by many of your usual retail haunts, like Wal-Mart.
Where Should the Feds Draw the Line on Green Marketing Claims?
Depending on how new rules are structured, the changes could also provide a boost for startups that fall on the greener end of the spectrum in these sectors, as well as those working on tools for informing consumers or monitoring and measuring the environmental impact of companies’ operations.
We often fret over our own gas mileage and that of our neighbors' cars, but how often do we stop to think about the commercial trucking industry's impact on the environment?
In with Green Packaging, Out with Convenience, Consumers Say
Green food packaging has landed in the headlines in recent weeks. Marks & Spencer said in its latest corporate social responsibility report that it reduced food packaging 18 percent and uses salad containers made from recycled PET bottles.
Green vs. Green: Homeowners Worry About Costs of Eco-Makeovers
Homeowners also cited concerns about potential inconvenience (22%) and lack of time (17%); these result echoes previous polls which found consumers consider "green" practices, at both the personal and national levels, as economic tradeoffs that costs them more. On the other hand, 18% said they were prevented from going green by lack of knowledge, indicating there's still an audience for information on eco-friendly practices.
Why 'smart' homes are 'green' with envy: green homebuilding set to expand by $38 billion by 2010
Talk to experts with a birds-eye view on the market and you quickly become aware of a budding new trend: Green. “Green” is the new “Smart” in real estate, with a high-end market and awe-inspiring amenities and gadgetry once attributed to “Smart.” “Green” is that hippie classmate you once thought you knew – but didn’t. It’s taking on surprising new growth and according to industry experts this is only the beginning.
Clorox is leading the green charge
That means that people are finding and buying Green Works dishwashing soap, all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner and others, which are all made with natural surfactants and other natural ingredients. And it no doubt helps that this line has been affordably priced and carried by many of your usual retail haunts, like Wal-Mart.
Where Should the Feds Draw the Line on Green Marketing Claims?
Depending on how new rules are structured, the changes could also provide a boost for startups that fall on the greener end of the spectrum in these sectors, as well as those working on tools for informing consumers or monitoring and measuring the environmental impact of companies’ operations.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Green Real Estate
Extreme Real Estate: Green Houses
It wasn’t so long ago building a “green” house using sustainable materials and high efficiency utilities was just a trendy idea touted by environmentalists and shelter magazines but rarely taken seriously by the average homeowner. However, it just isn’t so cheap to heat and cool a house anymore and with water shortages becoming more commonplace it may not be long before H2O becomes a commodity worth more than oil and gold. Going green doesn’t sound like such a far-fetched notion anymore, does it?
Creative Green Construction Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
We spent $200,000 to build a turnkey, solar powered, off-grid home, which included $37,000 for the land. This was far less than what most people in the area paid for a conventional home. And the only utility bill was filling up the propane tank once a year.
"You have to find a good agent that can help you hunt those things out."
In Northern Virginia, you don't need to look any further than the EcoBroker certified agents of the NOVA Green Team to help you with your green real estate needs.
It wasn’t so long ago building a “green” house using sustainable materials and high efficiency utilities was just a trendy idea touted by environmentalists and shelter magazines but rarely taken seriously by the average homeowner. However, it just isn’t so cheap to heat and cool a house anymore and with water shortages becoming more commonplace it may not be long before H2O becomes a commodity worth more than oil and gold. Going green doesn’t sound like such a far-fetched notion anymore, does it?
Creative Green Construction Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
We spent $200,000 to build a turnkey, solar powered, off-grid home, which included $37,000 for the land. This was far less than what most people in the area paid for a conventional home. And the only utility bill was filling up the propane tank once a year.
"You have to find a good agent that can help you hunt those things out."
In Northern Virginia, you don't need to look any further than the EcoBroker certified agents of the NOVA Green Team to help you with your green real estate needs.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Green Living Tips And Information
5 Great, Green Indoor Climate Control Tips
Here are 5 easy-to-employ, eco-friendly strategies to help you keep the temperature at a comfortable level while you cut air conditioning (AC) costs and pride yourself on protecting the planet…
4 FUN Ways to Grill Greener This Summer
Did you know that there are a few easy steps you can take to not only green your grilling habits, but also make you the star grill master (or mistress) of your block?
Green/Simple Living
The Green Living section explores everything from organic and fair-trade foods, water conservation and composting to energy-saving strategies and ways to help create a greener, more sustainable planet.
Living Green 365
The Living Green 365 Team and our partners are excited to pass on timely, simple, and fun ideas to lead healthier and more sustainable lives, 365 days a year.
The Top 10 green living myths
Lots of these have been argued before — Is local food always greener? Are paper bags better than plastic? — and there’s not always one “right” answer to them. But let’s look at the list and then get your opinion.
Green Living Toolkit
Get the tips and tools you need to help to bring a little green into your life.
Here are 5 easy-to-employ, eco-friendly strategies to help you keep the temperature at a comfortable level while you cut air conditioning (AC) costs and pride yourself on protecting the planet…
4 FUN Ways to Grill Greener This Summer
Did you know that there are a few easy steps you can take to not only green your grilling habits, but also make you the star grill master (or mistress) of your block?
Green/Simple Living
The Green Living section explores everything from organic and fair-trade foods, water conservation and composting to energy-saving strategies and ways to help create a greener, more sustainable planet.
Living Green 365
The Living Green 365 Team and our partners are excited to pass on timely, simple, and fun ideas to lead healthier and more sustainable lives, 365 days a year.
The Top 10 green living myths
Lots of these have been argued before — Is local food always greener? Are paper bags better than plastic? — and there’s not always one “right” answer to them. But let’s look at the list and then get your opinion.
Green Living Toolkit
Get the tips and tools you need to help to bring a little green into your life.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Green Renovations
MY REALLY GREEN RENOVATION
Being Green-and-Frugal During Our Renovation
One of our goals when we embraced frugality two years ago was to save up for this renovation. Now that we’ve attained those finanical goals, we are continuing to be pennywise with other areas of the renovation. In addition, whenever possible, we are trying to make the greenest choices. Here are some of the ways that we’re acting both green and frugal during the renovation process:
Have a green renovation story of your own that you'd like to share? Drop us a line at info@novagreenteam.com, and maybe your green renovation story will be featured here at NOVA Green Living!
Being Green-and-Frugal During Our Renovation
One of our goals when we embraced frugality two years ago was to save up for this renovation. Now that we’ve attained those finanical goals, we are continuing to be pennywise with other areas of the renovation. In addition, whenever possible, we are trying to make the greenest choices. Here are some of the ways that we’re acting both green and frugal during the renovation process:
Have a green renovation story of your own that you'd like to share? Drop us a line at info@novagreenteam.com, and maybe your green renovation story will be featured here at NOVA Green Living!
Monday, June 1, 2009
A Green Future
The Future is Green
Thoughts on the coming of a society that is in balance with nature and the magnitude of the problems in the way; facing the reality that the present world's population has moved beyond the earth's carrying capacity, the looming peak in world oil production, green alternatives, and the least painful paths to a sustainable society.
Architecture 2030
Architecture 2030, a non-profit, non-partisan and independent organization, was established in response to the global-warming crisis by architect Edward Mazria in 2002. 2030’s mission is to rapidly transform the US and global Building Sector from the major contributor of greenhouse gas emissions to a central part of the solution to the global-warming crisis. Our goal is straightforward: to achieve a dramatic reduction in the global-warming-causing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the Building Sector by changing the way buildings and developments are planned, designed and constructed.
15 (More) Future Wonders of Green Technology: From Spinning Towers to Seawater Greenhouses
As the world increasingly focuses on sustainable initiatives, green architecture is a booming industry. Everything from single-family residences to giant 1.2-million-square-foot complexes complete with giant skyscrapers is getting the green treatment, and the innovation that iss going into these plans is more complex than ever.
Green Your Future
Mapping a Green career path
Thoughts on the coming of a society that is in balance with nature and the magnitude of the problems in the way; facing the reality that the present world's population has moved beyond the earth's carrying capacity, the looming peak in world oil production, green alternatives, and the least painful paths to a sustainable society.
Architecture 2030
Architecture 2030, a non-profit, non-partisan and independent organization, was established in response to the global-warming crisis by architect Edward Mazria in 2002. 2030’s mission is to rapidly transform the US and global Building Sector from the major contributor of greenhouse gas emissions to a central part of the solution to the global-warming crisis. Our goal is straightforward: to achieve a dramatic reduction in the global-warming-causing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the Building Sector by changing the way buildings and developments are planned, designed and constructed.
15 (More) Future Wonders of Green Technology: From Spinning Towers to Seawater Greenhouses
As the world increasingly focuses on sustainable initiatives, green architecture is a booming industry. Everything from single-family residences to giant 1.2-million-square-foot complexes complete with giant skyscrapers is getting the green treatment, and the innovation that iss going into these plans is more complex than ever.
Green Your Future
Mapping a Green career path
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