We are all becoming aware, or are already aware, of the importance of reducing our wear on the environment and our declining resources. Now we can sing about it too.
There are a few musicians who have taken the opportunity to utilize the microphone for the green cause. Singer and songwriter, Jack Johnson, known for the soundtrack to the "Curious George" movie, did just that. On the "Curious George" album titled "Sing - A - Longs and Lullabies For The Film Curious George," Johnson plays a song appropriately titled "The 3 R's." In this song Johnson suggests we reuse what we have instead of producing or purchasing more, including hand me down clothes and bringing your own bags to the grocery store! He advises that if it's not possible to do so, that we at least recycle what ever possible.
The great thing about this song is that Johnson appeals to a wide audience. The film was and is still viewed by people of all ages. His music is enjoyed by the same range of people, so he is getting his message through to all generations!
Another band that has spoken up about the environment is "Tegan and Sara." On their album "Under Feet Like Ours," there is a song titled "Our Trees." In this song the girls question the reason for which trees seem to be disappearing as we keep growing and building. As the lyrics state, it really does make you think, "where did they go?"
Like Johnson, "Tegan and Sara" appeal to a wide variety of listeners. Some of their music has been featured on the ABC show "Grey's Anatomy." This gives the girls the power to reach a grand audience.
It is respectable (to say the least) that these artists have chosen to use the opportunity they have been given to sing out about such a cause.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
More green for less green.
Winter is fully upon us, and it is cold! It is expensive and sometimes inefficient to keep warm. However, there are a few things that can be done that will save money and energy in the long run.
If budget allows you can invest in a programmable thermostat for your home. A programmable thermostat allows you to control the heating of your home when you are not there. The thermostat would automatically lower it's temperature during the hours in which no one was home. Then, before your return to the home, it would automatically go back up. This ensure a warm home upon your arrival, but keeps the cost down during the day (not to mention the waste of energy.)
Proper insulation is also a good investment if your wallet will allow it. This will ensure a warmer home and again, less energy.
There are also a few tips that do not require you to fork over a whole lot of money. Keeping furnace filters clean reduce the amount of time your furnace is on, thus saving money and energy. Making sure there are no air leaks in your home will do the same. If there are any places where cold air can get in, and warm air can escape, you want to make sure to close them up if possible.
Saving money and energy can be as simple as running heat producing appliances at night (dishwasher, oven etc.) The heat produced by these appliances will make it easier on your heat source, whether it be oil or electric. If these appliances are going to run anyway, it is best to use them at the coldest time of the day. Another simple solution is to open up your curtains or blinds on sunny days. Let the sun do it's job!
If budget allows you can invest in a programmable thermostat for your home. A programmable thermostat allows you to control the heating of your home when you are not there. The thermostat would automatically lower it's temperature during the hours in which no one was home. Then, before your return to the home, it would automatically go back up. This ensure a warm home upon your arrival, but keeps the cost down during the day (not to mention the waste of energy.)
Proper insulation is also a good investment if your wallet will allow it. This will ensure a warmer home and again, less energy.
There are also a few tips that do not require you to fork over a whole lot of money. Keeping furnace filters clean reduce the amount of time your furnace is on, thus saving money and energy. Making sure there are no air leaks in your home will do the same. If there are any places where cold air can get in, and warm air can escape, you want to make sure to close them up if possible.
Saving money and energy can be as simple as running heat producing appliances at night (dishwasher, oven etc.) The heat produced by these appliances will make it easier on your heat source, whether it be oil or electric. If these appliances are going to run anyway, it is best to use them at the coldest time of the day. Another simple solution is to open up your curtains or blinds on sunny days. Let the sun do it's job!
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Eco-friendly Waste Disposal.
In the days of electronic overload new products are coming out practically every day. So, if you feel it is time for an upgrade, what do you do with the old product?
Tossing it in the trash may seem like a simple solution. However, electronics such as computers, cell phones, and some televisions contain various toxins. For instance, cathode ray tubes (CRTs) found in computers and certain T.V.s contain heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium. These metals can be extremely harmful if they get into our water. There is also the danger of special plastics, used in most electronics, releasing particles that can enter the bloodstream.
There is currently no law in the United States addressing this issue. However, at the rate we replace electronics, the harmful materials could be accumulating as I write.
With that in mind, here are a few suggestions. Many cell phone and television companies can recycle your old phone or T.V. There are also a lot of cell phone drives in which you can donate your old phone. Similar to cell phones, many companies will take your old computer or hardware (small fess may apply.) The company will recycle or refurbish the item. There are also organizations that will gladly accept your old computer as a donation.
Tossing it in the trash may seem like a simple solution. However, electronics such as computers, cell phones, and some televisions contain various toxins. For instance, cathode ray tubes (CRTs) found in computers and certain T.V.s contain heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium. These metals can be extremely harmful if they get into our water. There is also the danger of special plastics, used in most electronics, releasing particles that can enter the bloodstream.
There is currently no law in the United States addressing this issue. However, at the rate we replace electronics, the harmful materials could be accumulating as I write.
With that in mind, here are a few suggestions. Many cell phone and television companies can recycle your old phone or T.V. There are also a lot of cell phone drives in which you can donate your old phone. Similar to cell phones, many companies will take your old computer or hardware (small fess may apply.) The company will recycle or refurbish the item. There are also organizations that will gladly accept your old computer as a donation.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Everything you ever wanted to know about CFLs
Maybe not everything, but we're here to point you to many experts around the Web who have the facts about compact fluorescent light bulbs. Maybe you've heard some troubling things about them (mercury!). Maybe you think you already know it all. Or maybe you're totally new to the swirly bulbs. No matter where you stand, you and I can always learn a few more things. So here goes.
Why CFLs?
Simply put, these bulbs use less energy than regular old incandescent lights. Energy Star-qualified CFLs use 75% less energy. In addition, Consumer Reports found that CFLs last 3,000 hours before wearing out, compared to only 1,000 hours for a standard bulb. Since the bulbs draw less power, each one you install will save you $30 or more in electricity costs over its lifetime according to Energy Star. Bottom line: CFLs cost a bit more than incandescents in the first place, but you save in the long run because you won't spend as much on your utility bill each month or buy as many replacement bulbs. One last bonus: CFLs create 75% less heat, so they're safer and don't heat up your house.
Why CFLs?
Simply put, these bulbs use less energy than regular old incandescent lights. Energy Star-qualified CFLs use 75% less energy. In addition, Consumer Reports found that CFLs last 3,000 hours before wearing out, compared to only 1,000 hours for a standard bulb. Since the bulbs draw less power, each one you install will save you $30 or more in electricity costs over its lifetime according to Energy Star. Bottom line: CFLs cost a bit more than incandescents in the first place, but you save in the long run because you won't spend as much on your utility bill each month or buy as many replacement bulbs. One last bonus: CFLs create 75% less heat, so they're safer and don't heat up your house.
Where can I use CFLs?
Most lighting fixtures that accept standard incandescent bulbs will also take CFLs. Just look for the right size and similar wattage, which will be noted on the CFL package. Lights with dimmer switches or three-way switches need CFLs specifically designed for dimmers. Read the label for this info too. CFLs are not well-suited for recessed lights, and you may want to get a specially rated CFL for a ceiling fan fixture because of the extra vibrations. Otherwise, most places work.
GE Lighting has a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions about using CFLs, and while it recommends GE products, the info. is still useful.
Don't CFLs give off a nasty, harsh light?
People have their own tastes and perceptions of light, so ultimately, you'll have to test out different CFLs to see what works best for you. Broadly speaking, the early CFLs were harsher and the cheapest ones still are. Avoid the bargain bin for better quality light. Popular Mechanics has a detailed comparison of eight commonly available brands. The reviewers gave high marks to several bulbs, but the N:Vision Soft White CFL got the highest grade for "reading and illuminating faces." Grist also reviewed several CFLs and found the Philips Soft-White was the best of the bunch, providing a " nice warm glow." In general, Grist says to pick bulbs described as "soft white" instead of ones labeled "daylight or bright white."
A friend said his CFLs burned out fast...
Every new technology has horror stories and "I got a bum deal" tales. Sometimes, this is frankly due to user-error, but it can also be that the product simply wasn't suited to the application.
CFLs work better in lamps and fixtures with a bit of space around them, as opposed to recessed lighting, which can trap heat and cause premature burn-out according to National Geographic's Green Guide. Also, don't flick the switch! Turning a CFL fixture on and off quickly also can shorten the bulb's life. Energy Star recommends using CFLs in fixtures that are generally left on for at least 15 minutes each use. Using regular CFLs in light fixtures with a dimmer switch will shorten their life dramatically. Use only CFLs clearly labeled as "dimmable" for this purpose.
Energy Star-qualified CFLs automatically come with a two-year warranty, so you should be able to get a replacement or refund from the manufacturer if this kind of bulb burns out unexpectedly.
How can I dispose of CFLs? What about the mercury?
Yes, there is a trace amount of mercury in CFLs. But it averages only 500 milligrams — for comparison, a home thermometer has 0.5 grams. So you'd have to break 100 CFLs to expose yourself to the same mercury as in one thermometer. Still, light bulbs do break. The EPA has detailed instructions on how to clean it up, and the method isn't hard. Open a window, and much of the potential harm will dissipate in about an hour. You shouldn't toss old, unbroken CFLs in the trash because of that tiny bit of mercury. Instead, look for a recycling center in your area:
EPA's CFL recycling programs by state
Earth911's CFL recycling database -- click "More" next to the search box, enter your ZIP code, and then click "Go" to get a personalized list.
IKEA — every store has a free "Take Back" CFL recycle bin.
Hardware stores — chains like Ace and True Value are starting to collect CFLs.
Is there a connection between CFLs and migraines?
This question began popping up in early 2008 after an item in U.K Daily Mail presented questions asked by the Migraine Action Association as a statement of fact. No science has been offered to substantiate the suggestion that CFLs cause migraines. The flip side of the same coin is that there are relatively few online resources refuting the claim. EcoGeek came down hard on the subject, calling it a "crazy wildfire" of a rumor. TheDailyGreen.com also weighed in, quoting a representative from the migraine association as describing the connection between CFLs and migraines as "anecdotal." To date, no substantial research has been done on the subject that anyone's aware — or at least, that anyone has published online.
So there you have it. Compact fluorescent light bulbs save energy and money. Not great for dimmer switches and recessed lights, but the mercury won't kill you either. And you can try taking CFLs to the hardware store to recycle when they finally burn out after a long, bright life in your living room.
Environmental Education
We are regularly reminded of the steady decline of our environment. Children especially are told to be conscientious, or their generation and future generations will be in danger.
The question is; are children being educated, or nagged? It is important for children to see what physically makes up the environment.
Many schools in New Jersey are taking a step in the right direction. Schools are organizing Environmental Education trips so the students can step away from video games and get their hands dirty.
In Sussex County, Fairview Lake YMCA is not only a summer camp and weekend recreation spot, but also an EE facility. In one school week up to three hundred students may come through the gates at Fairview.
The students range in age from kindergarten to college. The classes are designed to get the students outside and give them a hands on way to enjoy what is around them.
It’s important for the kids to not only learn, but also to see how the environment works. With that in mind Fairview facilitates various classes including, stream ecology, a swamp walk, and a 3 mile hike get the students up close to different animals and eco systems. They also offer a paper making class, in which the students learn how to make paper from recycled newspaper.
Students coming from cities have sometimes never been in the woods before. The hands on atmosphere of EE is undoubtedly a positive experience for these children. However, what happens when the students go home?
Are these children seeing positive examples in the home and community? Children need to see what their impact is on the environment. The easiest things for a family and a community to demonstrate to it’s youth are the 3 R’s. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
According to the NJ Solid and Hazardous Waste Program, Sussex County set a fair example. In 2005 the county recycled a total of 48.5% of all recyclable material.
Education programs and good examples are just steps in the process of educating children on the environment that surrounds them. It is important for families and communities to be consistent so children can get a good picture of the impact they can have.
The question is; are children being educated, or nagged? It is important for children to see what physically makes up the environment.
Many schools in New Jersey are taking a step in the right direction. Schools are organizing Environmental Education trips so the students can step away from video games and get their hands dirty.
In Sussex County, Fairview Lake YMCA is not only a summer camp and weekend recreation spot, but also an EE facility. In one school week up to three hundred students may come through the gates at Fairview.
The students range in age from kindergarten to college. The classes are designed to get the students outside and give them a hands on way to enjoy what is around them.
It’s important for the kids to not only learn, but also to see how the environment works. With that in mind Fairview facilitates various classes including, stream ecology, a swamp walk, and a 3 mile hike get the students up close to different animals and eco systems. They also offer a paper making class, in which the students learn how to make paper from recycled newspaper.
Students coming from cities have sometimes never been in the woods before. The hands on atmosphere of EE is undoubtedly a positive experience for these children. However, what happens when the students go home?
Are these children seeing positive examples in the home and community? Children need to see what their impact is on the environment. The easiest things for a family and a community to demonstrate to it’s youth are the 3 R’s. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
According to the NJ Solid and Hazardous Waste Program, Sussex County set a fair example. In 2005 the county recycled a total of 48.5% of all recyclable material.
Education programs and good examples are just steps in the process of educating children on the environment that surrounds them. It is important for families and communities to be consistent so children can get a good picture of the impact they can have.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Home Energy Use Monitors
The cost of electricity is going up (both in dollars and in environmental and health impacts) and it doesn’t show any signs of doing otherwise. About half of the energy in the American grid is coal generated. We won’t bore you with what you already know: coal is a dangerous, nasty, unsustainable, and undesirable way to make power. By using less energy, and greening the electricity that we do use, we can lighten our footprint immensely. The subject of electricity and its environmental impacts is a massive one. We hope that this brief guide can offer some solid suggestions for greening your electricity and use thereof.
A home energy audit is a way to inventory your home’s energy use, where energy is lost, and where it can be saved. You can do an energy audit yourself or get a pro. Many utilities also offer home and business energy audits for free.
The two tools available today that will allow the average consumer to perform their own energy audit are the Kill-a-Watt and the Power Cost Monitor.
P3 International Kill-a-Watt Electricity Usage Monitor
Here's a gadget that might be useful to help settle these questions: Kill-a-Watt. You just plug it in the power outlet; plug into it whatever it is that you want to test and voila! The first step toward conservation is having feedback on how much you consume.
Kill-a-Watt is not quite perfect: Having an easy to read power-meter that tells you how much everything (individually and together) inside the house consumes in real-time, as with the so-called intelligent houses, would be better (as with the Power Cost Monitor), but Kill-a-Watt has the advantage of being inexpensive and better than the nothing that most people have. "LCD display, cumulative kilowatt-hour monitor, displays volts, amps, watts, Hz, VA, forecast your costs, 0.2% accuracy," says the manufacturer.
The unit's large LCD display counts consumption by the kilowatt-hour, the same as your local utility. You can calculate your electrical expenses by the day, week, month, or year while also checking the quality of your power by monitoring voltage, line frequency, and power factor. Now you'll know if it's time for a new refrigerator or if that old air conditioner is saving you money. Don't be another casualty. With the amazing Kill-a-Watt, you'll have wasteful devices pushing up daisies. You should be able to find it online between $15 and $25.
Blue Line Innovations Inc. Power Cost Monitor
Similar to the Kill-a-Watt, the Power Cost Monitor is a very handy little device that monitors your home's energy use in real time, and tells you how much it's costing you. It makes it easy to see which appliances are sucking up the most electricity, and how you can save money by conserving. With just two pieces (the display and the sensor) and easy installation (no electrician required), the Power Cost is an easy, low-maintenance fix that can help reduce your home's electricity use by 5 to 20 percent; get one, and watch with glee as your energy use plummets after installing compact fluorescent lightbulbs and turning the thermostat down a degree or two.
The Power Cost Monitor consists of two components - a small display (which you can place anywhere inside your home) and a sensor unit (which you attach to your electricity meter).
The display unit, located inside the home, receives a wireless signal from the sensor unit which is attached to the outside of your electricity meter. The sensor unit can be easily installed by the homeowner. The sensor unit transmits your meter information to the in-home display unit where your electricity information is displayed in kilowatt hours and dollars and cents.
The Power Cost Monitor does not require an electrician for installation. The Power Cost Monitor has been designed so that it is easy for you to install onto your electric meter.
See the TreeHugger.com Reviews of the Power Cost Monitor: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/12/powercost_home.php
See the TreeHugger.com Reviews of the Kill-a-Watt:
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/05/killawatt.php
A home energy audit is a way to inventory your home’s energy use, where energy is lost, and where it can be saved. You can do an energy audit yourself or get a pro. Many utilities also offer home and business energy audits for free.
The two tools available today that will allow the average consumer to perform their own energy audit are the Kill-a-Watt and the Power Cost Monitor.
P3 International Kill-a-Watt Electricity Usage Monitor
Here's a gadget that might be useful to help settle these questions: Kill-a-Watt. You just plug it in the power outlet; plug into it whatever it is that you want to test and voila! The first step toward conservation is having feedback on how much you consume.Kill-a-Watt is not quite perfect: Having an easy to read power-meter that tells you how much everything (individually and together) inside the house consumes in real-time, as with the so-called intelligent houses, would be better (as with the Power Cost Monitor), but Kill-a-Watt has the advantage of being inexpensive and better than the nothing that most people have. "LCD display, cumulative kilowatt-hour monitor, displays volts, amps, watts, Hz, VA, forecast your costs, 0.2% accuracy," says the manufacturer.
The unit's large LCD display counts consumption by the kilowatt-hour, the same as your local utility. You can calculate your electrical expenses by the day, week, month, or year while also checking the quality of your power by monitoring voltage, line frequency, and power factor. Now you'll know if it's time for a new refrigerator or if that old air conditioner is saving you money. Don't be another casualty. With the amazing Kill-a-Watt, you'll have wasteful devices pushing up daisies. You should be able to find it online between $15 and $25.
Blue Line Innovations Inc. Power Cost Monitor
Similar to the Kill-a-Watt, the Power Cost Monitor is a very handy little device that monitors your home's energy use in real time, and tells you how much it's costing you. It makes it easy to see which appliances are sucking up the most electricity, and how you can save money by conserving. With just two pieces (the display and the sensor) and easy installation (no electrician required), the Power Cost is an easy, low-maintenance fix that can help reduce your home's electricity use by 5 to 20 percent; get one, and watch with glee as your energy use plummets after installing compact fluorescent lightbulbs and turning the thermostat down a degree or two.The Power Cost Monitor consists of two components - a small display (which you can place anywhere inside your home) and a sensor unit (which you attach to your electricity meter).
The display unit, located inside the home, receives a wireless signal from the sensor unit which is attached to the outside of your electricity meter. The sensor unit can be easily installed by the homeowner. The sensor unit transmits your meter information to the in-home display unit where your electricity information is displayed in kilowatt hours and dollars and cents.
The Power Cost Monitor does not require an electrician for installation. The Power Cost Monitor has been designed so that it is easy for you to install onto your electric meter.
See the TreeHugger.com Reviews of the Power Cost Monitor: http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/12/powercost_home.php
See the TreeHugger.com Reviews of the Kill-a-Watt:
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/05/killawatt.php
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
5 Worst Excuses Not To Go Green
The following article was original published by Lori Johnston at Bankrate.com. We at the GreenOfficeStore.com have read many articles as to why people do not choose green alternatives and have found this one to be the most practical.
Going green is a lot like losing weight. Many of us talk about doing it but when it comes right down to it we come up with myriad excuses.
Surveys show most Americans recognize the environmental crisis and they're concerned about global warming. But to actually do something about it? Excuses abound.
Following are the five most prevalent excuses for not going green, why they're cop-outs and simple steps for shedding them.
Excuse No. 1: "It's too expensive."
In terms of putting together a green office, paper and paperboard is consumed in massive amounts each year. In fact, most of the paper we use in our offices today, still ends up as waste. Simply creating the paper causes environmental problems, as toxic chemicals are released into the air making printing, copying and writing paper. These emissions increase the pollution in the air and do harm the respiration of those living around paper mills.
Some people think greening their home means installing "fancy-schmancy" things like solar panels, but it's simpler than that, says Jenny Powers, spokeswoman for the Natural Resources Defense Council.
For example, compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs cost more upfront (an estimated $2 to $15, for specialty bulbs), but they last 10 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs, she notes. CFL bulbs use 75 percent less energy, resulting in savings of $30 or more in electricity costs during the life of each bulb, according to data from the federal government's Energy Star program.
"So you'll be paying a lot less on your energy bill, and over time you'll more than make up for your cost," Powers says.
Seeing the potential savings in the long run is a way to get beyond this excuse, says Edwin Stafford, associate professor of marketing at Utah State University in Logan, Utah, who studies green marketing.
Powers says you can look for products with the Energy Star seal because they are more energy-efficient and will result in savings on your electric bill.
"It doesn't mean switching to solar power or putting up a wind turbine in your yard," she says. "Those are great things to do, but it's not necessary."
Thomas Kostigen, co-author of "The Green Book: The Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a Time," notes that even turning down the thermostat a degree lower for the heat and a degree higher for air conditioning can save approximately $100 a year on your utility bill.
Excuse No. 2: "My individual effort won't make a difference."
Just look at the statistics. Americans saved enough energy in 2006 to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 25 million cars, according to Energy Star data. These efforts also saved $14 billion on their utility bills.
It may be tough to understand what it means when statistics refer to taking 25 million cars off the road, Kostigen says. But he advises looking at it like this: You're saving energy and also helping save the planet because you're not emitting as much carbon, which relates to car pollution.
"There are very simple things we can do that seriously add up to a great, great impact," Kostigen says.
Excuse No. 3: "It doesn't fit into my lifestyle."
It's a misconception to think you have to live out in the country to be eco-friendly, says Powers, who lives in New York City. She says urban living can be great for the environment, if you take steps such as using public transit or shopping at local farmer's markets.
"You can be green whether you are living in a concrete jungle, like I am, or you're living out in nature," she says.
Maybe you think the problem isn't where you live, but the stage of your life. She says parents can buy organic food for their kids. Suburbanites can use a rail system instead of driving to work. Tech-savvy folks can use eco-friendly gadgets, such as those with solar-powered features or batteries that can be recharged.
"It fits into all types of lifestyles," Powers says. "It's about energy use and transportation, choices at a supermarket or the mall."
Excuse No. 4: "Green products don't work as well."
Green products often carry negative baggage, Stafford admits. When they started being sold in the 1970s, people believed they were using "some mix of twigs and things to unclog their sinks."
"That, I think, has changed," he says. "You have a lot of green products that I think actually work better than nongreen products."
If every American who washes a car at home instead went to a professional car wash --a single time -- more than 8.5 billion gallons of water could be saved, and the country's rivers, lakes and streams could be spared about 12 billion gallons of dirty, soapy water.
Front-load washing machines clean clothes better, use less detergent and are energy- and water-efficient. They're also gentler on your clothes, due to the technology of tumbling clothes rather than having them sit in a big pool of water and trying to shake the clothes clean, Stafford says.
Other products he identifies as being successful in offering a consumer benefit include compact fluorescent bulbs, Tide Coldwater detergent and solar-powered items. He notes that users of Tide Coldwater can also save $63 a year -- the company claims users can save up to 80 percent of the energy normally required per load.
When Stafford recently remodeled a bathroom in his home, he tried to use nontoxic and energy-efficient items.
"I found all of these things at Home Depot and Lowe's," he says.
"The greenness almost became secondary," he says. "Most consumers don't buy products to save the planet. They buy products because it's going to clean their carpets, it's going to nourish them, it's going to provide them warmth."
Excuse No. 5: "I don't know where to start."
You may already be environmentally friendly, but just don't know it. If you buy bulk items from wholesale warehouses such as Costco, you are using less packaging and helping the environment, Kostigen says.
Another easy way to start relates to your computers. When they're not in use, but still plugged in, they're draining a little bit of energy out of your wall outlet, Powers says. "That's costing money and that's costing global warming initiatives, for no reason at all," she says.
She suggests plugging computers and other items into a power bar and flipping the switch off when you're not using them. That could account for as much as 10 percent off your electric bill.
Those cute screen savers also aren't needed anymore because of new technology, Powers says, but when you're using them, the computer is operating at full power. She recommends getting rid of the screen saver and putting the computer into sleep mode when you're away from it.
Once you realize you can take these simple no-cost steps, Kostigen believes it will lead to recycling efforts or thinking of the environment when buying bigger-ticket items, such as appliances, cars or homes. Another simple way to begin is having bills sent to you via e-mail instead of postal mail.
"I think once we're presented with a raft of opportunities, we'll take the ones that really resonate with us the most and the ones that we can really relate to the most," says Kostigen.
Article Source: http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/energy-environment-2007/environment_worst_excuses_a1.asp
Going green is a lot like losing weight. Many of us talk about doing it but when it comes right down to it we come up with myriad excuses.
Surveys show most Americans recognize the environmental crisis and they're concerned about global warming. But to actually do something about it? Excuses abound.
Following are the five most prevalent excuses for not going green, why they're cop-outs and simple steps for shedding them.
Excuse No. 1: "It's too expensive."
In terms of putting together a green office, paper and paperboard is consumed in massive amounts each year. In fact, most of the paper we use in our offices today, still ends up as waste. Simply creating the paper causes environmental problems, as toxic chemicals are released into the air making printing, copying and writing paper. These emissions increase the pollution in the air and do harm the respiration of those living around paper mills.
Some people think greening their home means installing "fancy-schmancy" things like solar panels, but it's simpler than that, says Jenny Powers, spokeswoman for the Natural Resources Defense Council.
For example, compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs cost more upfront (an estimated $2 to $15, for specialty bulbs), but they last 10 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs, she notes. CFL bulbs use 75 percent less energy, resulting in savings of $30 or more in electricity costs during the life of each bulb, according to data from the federal government's Energy Star program.
"So you'll be paying a lot less on your energy bill, and over time you'll more than make up for your cost," Powers says.
Seeing the potential savings in the long run is a way to get beyond this excuse, says Edwin Stafford, associate professor of marketing at Utah State University in Logan, Utah, who studies green marketing.
Powers says you can look for products with the Energy Star seal because they are more energy-efficient and will result in savings on your electric bill.
"It doesn't mean switching to solar power or putting up a wind turbine in your yard," she says. "Those are great things to do, but it's not necessary."
Thomas Kostigen, co-author of "The Green Book: The Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a Time," notes that even turning down the thermostat a degree lower for the heat and a degree higher for air conditioning can save approximately $100 a year on your utility bill.
Excuse No. 2: "My individual effort won't make a difference."
Just look at the statistics. Americans saved enough energy in 2006 to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 25 million cars, according to Energy Star data. These efforts also saved $14 billion on their utility bills.
It may be tough to understand what it means when statistics refer to taking 25 million cars off the road, Kostigen says. But he advises looking at it like this: You're saving energy and also helping save the planet because you're not emitting as much carbon, which relates to car pollution.
"There are very simple things we can do that seriously add up to a great, great impact," Kostigen says.
Excuse No. 3: "It doesn't fit into my lifestyle."
It's a misconception to think you have to live out in the country to be eco-friendly, says Powers, who lives in New York City. She says urban living can be great for the environment, if you take steps such as using public transit or shopping at local farmer's markets.
"You can be green whether you are living in a concrete jungle, like I am, or you're living out in nature," she says.
Maybe you think the problem isn't where you live, but the stage of your life. She says parents can buy organic food for their kids. Suburbanites can use a rail system instead of driving to work. Tech-savvy folks can use eco-friendly gadgets, such as those with solar-powered features or batteries that can be recharged.
"It fits into all types of lifestyles," Powers says. "It's about energy use and transportation, choices at a supermarket or the mall."
Excuse No. 4: "Green products don't work as well."
Green products often carry negative baggage, Stafford admits. When they started being sold in the 1970s, people believed they were using "some mix of twigs and things to unclog their sinks."
"That, I think, has changed," he says. "You have a lot of green products that I think actually work better than nongreen products."
If every American who washes a car at home instead went to a professional car wash --a single time -- more than 8.5 billion gallons of water could be saved, and the country's rivers, lakes and streams could be spared about 12 billion gallons of dirty, soapy water.
Front-load washing machines clean clothes better, use less detergent and are energy- and water-efficient. They're also gentler on your clothes, due to the technology of tumbling clothes rather than having them sit in a big pool of water and trying to shake the clothes clean, Stafford says.
Other products he identifies as being successful in offering a consumer benefit include compact fluorescent bulbs, Tide Coldwater detergent and solar-powered items. He notes that users of Tide Coldwater can also save $63 a year -- the company claims users can save up to 80 percent of the energy normally required per load.
When Stafford recently remodeled a bathroom in his home, he tried to use nontoxic and energy-efficient items.
"I found all of these things at Home Depot and Lowe's," he says.
"The greenness almost became secondary," he says. "Most consumers don't buy products to save the planet. They buy products because it's going to clean their carpets, it's going to nourish them, it's going to provide them warmth."
Excuse No. 5: "I don't know where to start."
You may already be environmentally friendly, but just don't know it. If you buy bulk items from wholesale warehouses such as Costco, you are using less packaging and helping the environment, Kostigen says.
Another easy way to start relates to your computers. When they're not in use, but still plugged in, they're draining a little bit of energy out of your wall outlet, Powers says. "That's costing money and that's costing global warming initiatives, for no reason at all," she says.
She suggests plugging computers and other items into a power bar and flipping the switch off when you're not using them. That could account for as much as 10 percent off your electric bill.
Those cute screen savers also aren't needed anymore because of new technology, Powers says, but when you're using them, the computer is operating at full power. She recommends getting rid of the screen saver and putting the computer into sleep mode when you're away from it.
Once you realize you can take these simple no-cost steps, Kostigen believes it will lead to recycling efforts or thinking of the environment when buying bigger-ticket items, such as appliances, cars or homes. Another simple way to begin is having bills sent to you via e-mail instead of postal mail.
"I think once we're presented with a raft of opportunities, we'll take the ones that really resonate with us the most and the ones that we can really relate to the most," says Kostigen.
Article Source: http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/energy-environment-2007/environment_worst_excuses_a1.asp
The Green Book
As we again see another year gone and a new year before us, we turn to think of "big picture" themes for the upcoming year. One resolution we would obviously like to see people make is to "go green." As we watched our new eco friendly New Year's ball drop (made with 9,576 energy-efficient bulbs that use about the same amount of electricity as 10 toasters), we see that even Times Square can go green, so why can't we? One of our favorite booka on the subject is "The Green Book: The Everyday Guide to Saving the Planet One Simple Step at a Time." With "The Green Book," going green is one New Year's resolution we can all keep.With wit and authority, authors Elizabeth Rogers and Thomas Kostigen provide hundreds of solutions for all areas of your life, pinpointing the smallest changes that have the biggest impact on the health of our precious planet.
Environmental matters get the star treatment in The Green Book. Authors Elizabeth Rogers and Thomas Kostigen address the fact that Americans endanger the balance of the ecosystem by the amount of waste we produce, the amount of water we use, and the amount of energy we consume, and celebrities, including Robert Redford, Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Aniston, Faith Hill, and Dale Earnhardt Jr., contribute observations and suggestions for living green.
In the hope that the glamour of the red-carpet celecbrities will make discussion of environmental challenges more palpable, Rogers and Kostigen establish 12 aspects of our habitat, such as home, work, and school, and suggest better lifestyle choices in each arena. Small adjustments in the way we consume and dispose of resources add up to significant and positive environmental effects. Illustrating the results of green actions with descriptive rather than numerical analyses, Rogers and Kostigen write, for example, that if everyone in the U.S. used one less paper napkin per day, in a year's time we would have saved one billion pounds of landfill waste. An outstanding resource, The Green Book offers hope and practical suggestions.
Inside The Green Book, find out how you can too:
- Don't ask for ATM receipts. If everyone in the United States refused their receipts, it would save a roll of paper more than two billion feet long, or enough to circle the equator fifteen times!
- Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth. You'll conserve up to five gallons of water per day. Throughout the entire United States, the daily savings could add up to more water than is consumed every day in all of New York City.
- Get a voice-mail service for your home phone. If all answering machines in U.S. homes were replaced by voice-mail services, the annual energy savings would total nearly two billion kilowatt hours. The resulting reduction in air pollution would be equivalent to removing 250,000 cars from the road for a year!
The Green Book is complete with an exhaustive guide to online references for additional resources. For more information, visit the official website, at www.readthegreenbook.com.
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