Archive for May, 2010

Green Car Washing

Preserving and maintaining a clean and healthy environment to live on is an investment we can make for ourselves and the future generations to come.  There are so many methods wherein we can contribute to a cleaner and greener world.  Recycling, waste management, or energy conservation is just some ways wherein we can protect our environment. Cars can spell convenience for many or can also be an extra luxury.  Maintaining it can be a bit of a predicament especially for some who just doesn’t have the time.  This would mean trips to the car wash or for the man- on- the- go; this would mean hosing down that car immediately to get rid of all the dust and dirt on it.  This could be a serious problem.  You are not only wasting water, this can also cause harmful wash water that contains dirt, grime, oil, soap and other car wash residuals to enter the drainage system.  The water flows to the storm drain system directly to the lakes, rivers or oceans.  This is a harmful pollutant for wildlife and for our own drinking water supplies.  There is a safer and more environment- friendly alternative for this that we can consider, Green ...

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A Choice Beyond Organic Produce

The term organic was once a desirable word to hear when paired with food produce, healing products and cosmetic items, to name a few combinations.  Unfortunately, it has been abused and misused to varying degrees that just about any manufacturer can slap on the label and take advantage of the organic bandwagon.  And so, organic now may be losing its sheen, also no thanks to an increasing use of imported fertilizers to produce greater yields to answer the demand. Fortunately, there is the trademarked biodynamic agriculture that provides a better way to go beyond organic farming.  The trademark belongs to Demeter International - Demeter being the Greek goddess of the harvest - which is composed of over 50 member nations including the United States. Demeter International is the largest certification organization for biodynamic agriculture, of which the certification issued must be renewed annually under the strictest of standards.  The criteria for certification include but are not limited to biodiversity and ecosystem preservation, livestock integration, soil husbandry, and the prohibition of GMOs in the farm.  Basically, the farm where the produce bearing the Demeter logo must be treated as holistic organism from the littlest of microorganisms to the farmers themselves. With such stringent criteria, ...

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Greening Your PC - Old Tricks and New Tips

Did you know that a standard desktop personal computer can use 60-300 watts in normal operating mode while it can consume as much as 750 watts when used to play video games?  Yes, said energy consumption is equivalent to a standard-sized refrigerator. Personal computers leave their marks on the environment due to their use of electricity that, in turn, produces coal-generated carbon emissions.  And that does not include the environmental costs in their manufacture and disposal.  However, you just cannot abandon the use of personal computers for the sake of the environment, not when the world depends on computers for making life easier on Earth. The trick then is to use your desktop or laptop in more eco-friendly ways.  You can start with these green tips in mind. Buy Green Of course, the first step is to buy greener computer models.  You may use the Electronic Products Environmental Assessment Tool, which uses 28 sustainability and efficiency criteria, to evaluate the eco-friendliness of the computers.  You will find that computers are graded by said tool by awarding gold, silver or bronze for overall performance.  Look to Dell and Hewlett Packard for inspiration. Usually, these green computers will contain operating software that provides users with the choice ...

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Coca-Cola is a company Setting a Green Example

Some people think that all this talk about going green is just a fad.  They laugh at people who buy organic vegetables, convert their home to solar power and drive hybrids.  Despite all the research, studies and proof that shows going green is a good thing and something that needs to become the new way of life, these skeptics still don't buy it.  Many skeptics even think going green is a waste of money or will be too costly to even be worth it.  So, is there any way to make them see that going green is not a fad or some silly idea? The answer to that question is yes.  Even the most skeptic individuals may stop and take notice when a large company, like Coca-Cola, decides to start going green.  Such a respected company has earned their trust and if they are going green then maybe they will see there really is something important and real about the movement to go green.  They can also learn that going green doesn't have to be difficult and is something they can do in their own homes. Coca-Cola's Green Changes The first move Coca-Cola announced in its go green movement was the switch to ...

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Green Remodeling Principles

If you are planning to remodel your home in any way, you'll want to ensure you do it in a way that is eco friendly.  Of course, you may be a bit confused and worried you'll make a huge mistake that is bad for the environment, who isn’t?  Here is a look at a few great principles that can help you figure out how you can make your remodeling projects as green as you can. The first thing to remember is to purchase materials that are of high quality and that will end up lasting for a long time.  You don't want materials that will only last a short while or it will end up wasting more later on.  In the long run you'll benefit if you choose materials that will last a long time.  When you remodel, make sure you purchase things that you want to have for the rest of your life so you don't end up tossing the updates in the future. Improve things instead of replacing them if it at all possible.  While sometimes you'll need to replace items, you don't always have to do so.  One example is the cabinets in your kitchen.  Unless they are damaged, ...

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