Small changes can save energy and can really add up. Some changes are not hard to do at all ... just put your mind to it.
" ... simple changes in your life ... can reduce the amount of C02 released into the atmosphere and help stop global warming. Be part of the solution"
"Run your dishwasher only with a full load. Save 100 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $40 per year."
Via: stopglobalwarming.org LINK
Chicago's ConEd is conducting an experiment to determine how consumers manage their energy use when they have metrics on use, cost and use patterns. Home will be outfitted with solar panels and some homes will be allowed to sell back to the grid and others will not.
" ... will install smart electric meters and price the homes’ electric use by the hour. Half of the homes will be able to gain credits by sending stored solar power back to the grid. The other half won’t be able to store their energy."
" ... whether consumers have the ability, with this technology, to become little utilities. They will be able to buy and sell electricity at a real-time hourly price, which is very close to the wholesale price, from their homes."
Via: SmartPlanet LINK
Small day changes in our day to day activities can add up and make a real difference. Here are some tips from greenandmore.com via: EPA USDOE and EnergyStar.gov that can help save energy, water and other resources:
"Turn off appliances and lights when you leave the room. (www.epa.gov)"
" ... microwave to cook small meals. It uses less power than an oven. (www.epa.gov)"
"Cut back on air conditioning and heating use if you can. (www.epa.gov)"
See LINK for the complete list.
Via: greenandmore LINK
Via: Ford LINK
o
Change yourself - change the world. The No Impact Project " ... is an international, environmental, nonprofit project ... inspired by the No Impact Man book, film, and blog."
" ... empower citizens to make choices which better their lives and lower their environmental impact through lifestyle change, community action, and participation in environmental politics. ... Living low-impact provides a clear entry point into the environmental movement. ..."
Goals are to "Promote behavioral change .... Enable the public ... Engage people who are not already tree-hugging, bicycle-riding, canvas-bag-toting, eco-warriors ..."
Via: No Impact Project LINK
Listen to Marc Porat, Chairman of the Board of Serious Materials, discus issues surrounding green homes ... from the Greentech MEdia's Green Building Summit ... how many can be built / retrofitted per year ... what does this do for energy savings and job creation ...
" ... Serious Material Chairman Marc Porat discusses the challenges associated with building "green" residential homes. He believes it's important for the green industry to persuade governments to mandate environmentally sustainable buildings in order to speed up construction."
Via: SmartPlanet LINK
It is amazing that there are so many energy using devices in our homes. What many fail to realize is that some devices, like TVs, and PCs may still be drawing power when "turned off".
You can save energy by changing the type of appliance - if old it may be worth upgrading to an energy efficient (Energy Star) model.
Sometimes you just need to "turn if off". Sometimes you can made simple substitutions like CFL for incandescent bulbs.
Read on for the 5 Big Energy Hogs in your home ... and how to ZAP them !
" ... Turn down your thermostat to 68 or 69 degrees in fall and winter, and to 76 in the summer ... Heating and cooling are the top uses of energy ... consider upgrading ... to Energy Star ..."
" ... for some homes, small appliances are the second biggest use of energy ... consider turning off your TV ... or ... put your electronics on a SmartStrip to prevent them from creating “phantom loads,” which draw small amounts of power ... even when items are turned off."" ... refrigerator runs constantly. It can pay off to recycle your current model and buy a new EnergyStar rated model."
" ... likely have an inefficient hot water tank ... tankless water heater ... save energy and money by not keeping water hot 24/7. Rather ... heat your water when you demand ... make sure your tank heater and the pipes supplying the water to it are insulated."
" ... swap out the incandescent bulbs in the most used areas of your home ... replace them with CFLs. Here’s a trick you may not have heard of for CFLs: once you’ve installed the fluorescent bulb, turn on the light and leave it on for at least 15 minutes. Doing so “burns in” the lamp, which improves its function, and its lifespan. ... dispose of them properly when they burn out in 7 years!"
Via: SustainLane LINK
Imaging a ZERO energy home. Sound realistic? GE thinks so !
GE's “Net Zero Energy Home” ..." ... combines GE’s most efficient appliances and lighting, GE’s new energy management systems, and GE power generating and storing technologies. ... together, the system will enable a homeowner to achieve net zero energy costs by 2015."
" ... the Home Energy Manager, the central nervous system for the Net Zero Energy Home. ... smart thermostats will also be introduced ... to work in tandem with the energy manager. ... plans to develop residential power generation products like solar PV and residential wind products that will also contribute to the net zero concept."
" ... respondents in the U.S. and ... in the U.K. say they are willing to pay an increased monthly rate for smart grid technology if there is a corresponding reduction in overall energy costs by 15 percent."
Via: GE LINK
Everyone is talking about the smart grid and how it will improve our energy delivery system. Every wonder just what the smart grid is ... and is not? It has "smarts" and sensors ... but what is it? 
"
... data flowing to consumers will be eventually be near realtime ... amount of their bill to date and their rate ... will be alerted during peak power demand so they can cut back their consumption and save money ..."
" ... benefits ... consumers can manage their consumption and defer appliance use to off-peak hours for rebates ... grid is better for the environment and utilities save scads of money building and running fewer power plants ..."
Check out this video for more information ...
Via: Smart Planet LINK
AOL's downloadable green toolbar offers a series of tips that change every few seconds as well as the ability to get quick searches and fees from, several green blogs like Green Daily and Green Resources ... you can also add Green Tech from Engadget.
During the install process you have the ability to make a few system setups (or decline if you prefer) that will ... "... save $25-75 per year (up to 100 kilowatts) by adjusting your computer to quickly go to Standby mode ... use up to 15% less paper by simply printing more on each page ... For some older monitors, using a darker desktop wallpaper saves more energy than lighter colors ..."
On the far right of the bar is an area that shows a constantly changing list of tips and tip of the day.
Via: AOL Green Toolbar Download Link
In an earlier post of this blog (June 25th,m 2009) I wrote about Microsoft hohm, a new beta software application that would help homeowners better understand their energy usage and give suggestions to save money.
Yesterday I got the link inviting me to try it ... here are some of the details ...
hohm is a web application that develops a detailed "picture" of your home and its energy use using a very detailed series of questions. Questions cover ... the direction the front of your home faces ... and includes details about all major systems and about the number of windows and square footage of widows on each side of the house. See graphic to the right for pictures of the categories of questions.
After filling out 75% of the questions I was able to get a list of "best ways to spend
50, 100, and 500 dollars".
So far I found hohm easy to use and informative ... and the initial Q & A took about 20 minutes.
More details as the "experiment" continues !
Via: Microsoft hohm LINK
Fat Spaniel Technologies provides real time monitoring of your solar PV system. Read their case studies of Jay Leno's car garage and SF International Airport.
Track your actual generation / performance and see ... "... display total power generated by ... day, week, month, or year ... local irradiance, cell temperature, and ambient temperature ... avoided greenhouse gases (CO2, NOx and Sox) over the lifetime ..."
It can be used to proactively guide behavior changes ... " Generate Energy 
Savings Via Behavior Modification ..." ... Educate ... by publishing real-time and historical data ... Cut electricity usage up to 10% by changing habits of building occupants ..."
" ... Fat Spaniel provides ... an industrial-grade, Software-as-a-Service renewable energy plant management system that enables plant operators to: ... Manage renewable energy plants in real-time ... Communicate and interact with mobile personnel ... Generate revenue utilizing back-end services for regulatory agency reporting, renewable energy certificate (REC) registration, and environmental reporting"
Via: Fat Spaniel Technologies LINK
You can only manage what you can measure .. the old adage about management ... applies to energy usage as well. A new Microsoft product, Microsoft Hohm, will allow individuals to monitor their energy usage and make changes based on recommendations to SAVE MONEY and ELECTRICITY.
" ... Microsoft Hohm, a new online application that enables consumers to better understand their energy usage, get recommendations and start saving money. ... uses advanced analytics licensed from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy to provide consumers with personalized energy-saving recommendations. ... beta application is available at ...http://www.microsoft-hohm.com."
One easy way to save energy and money is to turn off the lights when no one is around. Older buildings often have lighting that can only control half or a quarter of a building's floor. That is why so often you see all the lights on in a large section of an office building at night ... one person working and all the lig
hts on.
Lightolier's iGEN is one way to fix this problem ..." ..flexible lighting control solutions, whether you are connecting a few luminaires in a private office or hundreds in a building-wide system. ...building owners and architects seek effective digital lighting technology for intelligent buildings and green building design... iGEN delivers the means and the materials for sustainable, cost-efficient lighting practices ..."
Via: iGEN / Lightolier LINK
Check out these links on GOOGLE.org for ways to save energy. Some are NO COST and others are eitehr low or moderate cost ...
Read on for more and to get the actual LINKs ... >>>
" ... Grist, Alliance to Save Energy, Department of Energy, Carbon footprint calculator, ACEEE, Home Energy Savers, Get a home energy audit ..."
Via: Google LINK
Go Green Expo for NYC (April 17 - 19) and Atlanta (June 26 - 28) are on the way. Go Green Expo has already been to LA and Philadelphia ...
The Green Dude and Green Tech both visited the Phila show and came away impressed by the information available. Among the neat things I saw were ... 
- solar powered garbage can ... when the trash level crosses a light beam it is crushed down ... it can be equipped with a wireless devise to alert you when full ...
- paper made from elephant dung ... used for business cards and fine writing paper ... 
- several manufacturers of dry cleaner garment bags ... you take your dry cleaning to the cleaners in these bags and they are returned in the same bag -- eliminating the need for plastic bags. There were several models available ... from organic cotton to bags made with recycled plastic bags (though a much heavier fabric).
>>> QUESTION to our readers ... I am considering getting one of the dry cleaner bags (permanent end to plastic bags) ... have any of you tried these and how hove your cleaners responded?
Via: Go Green Expo LINK
CFB have long been seen as an effective way to save energy - they produce more light per watt and last many times longer ... but not all that buy them have have been satisfied with their experiences.
Read on to le
arn more about getting the most from CFB ...
" ... to help ...become an informed consumer, we've outlined some facts and guidelines to assist you. ..."
"* CFLs have a slight warm up period of one to three minutes before reaching full brightness. ... slow start-up allows the CFL to maintain constant light output while it's operating. ... "
"* In a "hot" environment with little airflow around the fixture, the life of the CFL can be shortened because heat builds up. An example of a "hot" environment would be a recessed "can" ... "
"* CFL can appear dimmer than expected. You can avoid this by using the "Divide by 3 Rule." A CFL requires fewer watts than an incandescent to give off the same amount of light. ... recommend a 3:1 ratio instead. ... replace a 60 watt incandescent with a CFL that uses 20 watts, not 15 watts. ... "
"*Buy CFLs with the ENERGY STAR label. The label indicates that the product meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US EPA and the US DOE.""
Via: Lighting Research Center LINK
The Go Green Expo comes to Philadelphia, at the PA Convention Center in center city Philadelphia, this weekend ...hours are ...
Friday, March 13th • 10am - 5pm
Saturday, March 14th • 10am - 6pm
Sunday, March 15th • 10am - 5pm
"Go Green Expo, ... was conceived after a viewing of the film "An Inconvenient Truth." It prompted the question, "How can we make a difference?" ... will change not only the public's perception of environmentalism but also how events like this are produced and managed. ... Even the event itself is environmentally friendly utilizing a ZERO Carbon footprint approach ... Biodegradable trash bags, eco-friendly printing, table coverings, recycled signs, compostable sponsor banners and more. Event waste will be separated and sorted to ensure the least amount of refuse going to the landfills. Staff travel and a portion of every ticket that is purchased will be carbon offset."
See the Video by Ed Begley -- he is not at the Philadelphia show ... Via: GoGreenExpo Link
Want to support GREEN energy with your web site?
Check out CO2 stats ...
"CO2Stats is the only service that automatically calculates your website's total energy consumption, helps to make it more energy efficient, and then purchases audited renewable energy from wind and solar farms to neutralize its footprint carbon ..."
" ...Neutralize your site's carbon footprint with audited renewable energy.... With CO2Stats, your visitors can see live reports on your site's CO2 emissions.
Via: CO2stats LINK
Many (most??) people leave their electronics plugged in all the time ... many devices use power even when "turned off".
Here are some interesting facts about saving energy with electronics ...some are easy to do and others not ... so you can save energy.
" ... Set-top cable boxes and digital video recorders are some of the biggest energy hogs. Unfortunately, there's little consumers can do since television shows can't be taped if boxes are unplugged. It also typically takes a long time to reboot boxes. "
" ... computers, multifunction printers, flat-screen TVs, DVDs, VCRs, CD players, power tools, ..." all draw power even when "off" if they have clocks or remote controls.
"... each ... draws relatively little standby power, ...when added together, standby power can amount to 10% of residential energy use."
One easy solution is to use a "power strip" and turn it off when the items are not in use. At work I have a laptop charger, phone charter, monitor and other items on one strip and I turn this off at the end of the day.
CAUTION >>> DO not overload the power strip!
Via: Yahoo Green Link
It is very common to leave computers on all the time - even when not in use. 
Most PCs have a hibernate or suspend or sleep mode but many that do not use these features as they seem too complex. Eco Button makes this process easy and gives you an idea of how much energy and Co2 you are saving!
Read on to learn about Eco Button's one button solution >>>
" ... acts as a strong visual reminder and prompt ... sits ... next to your keyboard. ... connects to your computer via a USB cable. ... simply press the ecobutton™ and your computer is put into energy saving 'ecomode' ... simply pressing any key on your keyboard ... your computer instantly returns to where you left off."
" ... each time your computer is put into 'ecomode' ... software records how many carbon units and how much power and money you have saved ... you can use this data to help reduce your carbon footprint as well as your energy bills."
Via: ECO BUTTON Link
Continue reading "Eco Button - Energy Savings for your PC" »
Google has some energy saving tips on their web site .... some are easy / low cost / DIY ... here they are for your review and use >>>
" ... Weatherstrip and caulk your windows and doors ... Cover your hot water heater with an insulation blanket ... Reduce the temperature of your hot water heater to 120F or less ... Install a low flow shower head ... Learn how to set power management on your computer ... Plug home electronics into a powerstrip and turn off when not in use. ..."
Via: GOOGLE Link
Cisco has developed EnergyWise, an approach to monitor, control and report on energy use across the enterprise.
With EnergyWise you can ..." Reducing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) footprint. ... Monitor the power of all Cisco network-connected devices, from Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices to IP-enabled building controllers. ... Report aggregated power consumption ... Optimize overall power usage ..."
Via: Cisco LINK
A common management axiom is you cannot manage what you do not measure ... same hold true for a home's power usage. Google may have a way to give us some insight to our energy consumption ..
Read on for more >>>>
"... developing home electricity dashboards for the future smart grid. ...to see your energy usage makes it easier to reduce it. ... near real-time feedback requires an advanced electricity meter known as a "smart meter." ..."
" ... many of today's smart meters don't display information to the consumer. ... working with national and state governments to ensure our energy policies encourage consumer information ... Google PowerMeter ... takes advantage of our scalable, secure IT architecture and our popular iGoogle gadget platform to show you your energy use in near real-time (and it's free to both utilities and consumers). But empowering consumers with energy information is too important to rely on just one provider, and we welcome and encourage other approaches."
See GOOGLE video >>>
Via: GOOGLE Link
The 6th Renewable Energy World Conference is March 10 - 12 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
" ... Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America (formerly POWER-GEN Renewable Energy & Fuels) ... now in its 6th year ... offers a worldwide audience who will hear papers, panel discussions and presentations during technical sessions related to technology, markets, business strategies and policy covering the wind, solar, biomass, hydro, geothermal, ocean/tidal/wave, bio-power, bio-fuels hydrogen and energy sectors. ... Connecting 5,000 renewable energy power professionals with 300 exhibitors for three days of networking, new business negotiation and the exchange of important ideas and information impacting the renewable energy industry today.
Listen to why YOU should attend ... .
Via: Renewable Energy World Conference & Expo North America Link
Toshiba is working on a small sized nuclear reactor that can be situated where needed ... it is designed to use liquid sodium for coolant (not water) resulting in higher efficiencies.
One problem with our energy infrastructure is that the power transmission system is often not able to handle extra power .. this allows the source to be situated near the demand ... cutting back load on the infrastructure.
Dubbed 4S "... Super-safe, Small, and Simple ... a new class of micro size Nuclear Reactors that are designed to power large apartment buildings or small city sections. ... only 20 feet by 6 feet, could change everything for small remote communities, businesses or even a group of neighbors who are fed up with the power companies and want more control over their energy needs."
" ... 10 MW Toshiba-designed reactor is engineered to be fail-safe and totally automatic ... whole process is self sustaining and can last for up to 30 years without refueling, producing electricity for only 5 cents per kilowatt hour, about half the cost of grid energy. ... expects to commercialize the reactor after the mid 2010's."
Via: Pure Energy Systems Wiki LINK
There are several "limitations" to wind power --- one is that the source is concentrated far from the using population (issue with transmission). Another is that wind is available when demand for power is not; so there for the need to "store the wind energy".
Check out this possible solution from Iowa ...
" ... municipal utilities ...are planning to build a new energy park that would integrate a 75-150 megawatt wind farm with Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) technology."
" ... Iowa Stored Energy Park (ISEP), will use ... wind energy that is not being sold on the grid at that time -
- to store air in an underground geologic structure of porous rock. ... as demand for electricity rises, the stored air will be released, heated, and used to drive generators -- in turn producing electricity for residents in Iowa, Minnesota and the Dakotas."
"F ... hopes that construction on the park will commence in two years. ... expected to be fully operational and providing electricity to Iowa and surrounding states by May 2011."
Via: Renewable Energy World Link
Ever wonder what the saving might be to switch from Gas to Oil or Incandescent to CFB? What different types of TVs "cost" in electric usage?
Check out these easy to use calculators.
Via: PECO LINK
Many utilities are offering coupons with their bills for lower cost energy savings kits. One from PECO (servers Philadelphia and region) with electricity and Natural Gas (ex-Philadelphia) includes 3 CFB, Energy Tips wheel, faucet aerators, and other goodies.
Via: PECO LINK
"Think of Green Festival™ as a walk through a sustainable community. ... Individuals along with business and community leaders come together .... Organizations and businesses showcase programs and products th
at restore the planet and all that inhabit it ..."
" ... the nation's premier sustainability event, where you will see the best in green. ... renowned authors, leaders and educators; great how-to workshops; cutting-edge films; fun activities for kids; organic beer and wine; delicious vegetarian cuisine and diverse live music. Shop in our unique marketplace of more than 350 eco-friendly businesses ..."
"Green Festival™ is the largest sustainability event in the world ... is the only green event that screens exhibitors for their commitment to sustainability, ecological balance ... offsets 100% of its electricity emissions with clean, renewable energy. ... walks its talk: each year it gets closer to being a zero-waste event.."
The next 2 GreenFestivals are:
Wasington, DC - Nov 8 and 9
San Francisco, California - Nov 14, 15, and 16
Via: GreenFestivals Link
Sometimes it is very easy to make changes in your daily activities that make your actions GREENER. Here are 10 things you can do to make your home or office greener.
"Shutting off the lights, powering down PCs and monitors, using coffee mugs instead of Styrofoam cups, encouraging use of mass transit, and other simple, common-sense steps can reduce consumption and contribute to a greener environment, making your company and your employees more eco-friendly. This video looks at ways businesses can spur green behavior on - and off - premises."
VIDEO -- could not get it to embed in this post ,,, it's a 3:41 min clip.
Via: eweek Link
With all that us going on in the GREEN TECHNOLOGY space (new technology, alternative fuels, etc.) there are still PLENTY of ways to make an impact by saving energy. Not all are expensive and many are D-I-Y type projects.
Here are a few that deal with home winterizing - not to late for those in the northeast ...
"Weatherization ... cut your heating and cooling costs by 15 to 30 percent and increase your comfort at the same time."
" ... do-it-yourself energy audit. With a simple walk-through, you can spot many problems on your own. Learn how at http://www.eere.energy.gov"
" ... Use caulk or weather stripping to seal up any air leaks from window frames, baseboards, ... and other openings, such as pipes and wiring coming through ceilings, floors, and walls."
"When purchasing new windows and doors, look for the ENERGY STAR label."
" ... ceilings and walls are properly insulated. Learn more about insulating your home at http://www.eere.energy.gov and http://www.ornl.gov "
Via: ConEd LINK
With all we read about being green and sustainable - it often seems that you need to spend a lot of money "to get there". Well check out the quiz that Johnson Controls has at ingenuitywelcome.comThere are sections for your car, house and office. Lots of little things that can add up to make you more sustainable. It is pretty neat!
Take the quiz and see what you already know ... and what you might learn.
>>> Look for their 2 age add with the quiz n magazines ... an easy read!
Via: ingenuitywelcome LINK
Saving energy means saving money == common sense. " ...Take an online room-by-room tour of the ENERGY STAR at home interactive house and learn what you can do to reduce your energy consumption....Calculate your savings with these free Energy Savings Calculators... Learn more about the benefits of CFLs including the proper methods and locations for disposal....Download an Energy Saver$ booklet, a guide that offers valuable tips to save energy in your home ..."
Know how to get started? PECO has some ideas for their residential consumers ... including on line calculators to help determine savings and payback times and a PDF format booklet you can download with energy saving tips ...
Continue reading "Mass Production Hydrogen Cars Cross the US" »
Everyone (most everyone reading this blog?) washes clothes. Modern washers are a great time saver but consume a lot of water ... especially if you do several loads per week.
Imagine washing clothes with a cup of water. Impossible? Read on for more ...
" ... Xeros, a Leeds University spin-off, is currently commercializing a washing machine which can clean clothes using just a cup of water."
" ... use of half-centimeter plastic chips to do the actual cleaning. The machine heats what little water (mixed with detergent) is used to dissolve the dirt which is then absorbed by the plastic chips. These chips, ... 44 pounds per cycle, can be reused within a six month timeframe. ... able to remove a variety of everyday dirt such as coffee and lipstick stains."
" ... since the machine only uses a cup of water per kilogram of laundry, the clothes come up almost dry, eliminating the necessity to tumble dry. The company has already received a $1 million funding and expect to put washing machines out in the market by 2009 at the earliest."
Via: Good Clean Tech Link
"The Solar Ark, a unique, ark-shaped, solar photovoltaic power generation facility, offers activities to cultivate a better appreciation of solar power generation, and thereby of both ecology and science. ... is located in Gifu Prefecture, ... of Japan ..." 
" ... at the center of the Solar Ark is the Solar Lab, a museum of solar energy and one of the more unusual museums in the world. ..."
"Since the Solar Ark was created, we have accumulated data on the power-generating performance of the photovoltaic system. At the photovoltaic conference in Europe, the thesis we delivered analyzing that data received an excellent response ..."
Via: Solar Ark Link
Here are some links for more information about Wind Energy. These came from Good Energy, a UK based 100% renewable energy provider.
Here is a wind energy fact from Good Energy (might only apply to a typical household in the UK but significant nonetheless ... "A typical 850KW turbine ... could provide the amount of power used by 500 homes or to boil 28 million pints of water or run a computer for 7 million hours - that's 810 years."
www.good-energy.co.uk
www.sec.eu.com
www.bwea.com
www.embracewind.com
www.yes2wind.com
www.westmill.coop
www.scottishrenewables.com
www.windpower.org
www.fi.edu
Via: Good Energy Link
Wind Farms are a clean source of renewable energy. Ever wonder Just what a wind farm is ... Read on for more >>>
WHAT: A wind farm is " ... a cluster of wind turbines. ... the blades collect the wind’s kinetic energy. Wind flows over the airfoil shaped blades causing ... causing them to turn. ... are connected to a drive shaft that turns an electric generator to produce electricity."
TIME TO BUILD: " ...actual construction time ... is much less than a conventional power plant. The Wege Wind Energy Farm ( Link ) see took less than six months to build." ... land at a wind farm still be used for farming ... Farming and cattle grazing can go on right up to the turbine footprint. ... "
NEGATIVES: "There used to be concern about wind turbines causing a lot of bird deaths, but studies show that’s not the case. The largest drawback seems to be their effect on the natural view of the landscape. To some, wind turbines are an eyesore; to others they’re majestic, a pleasant alternative to a conventional
power plant.
WHERE ARE THEY IN THE US: " ... 25 [states have wind turbines in operation] ... Most are in California, Texas, Iowa, Minnesota, and Oklahoma, where state policies encourage wind power development and wind speeds are high and consistent."
Via: Steelcase Link
Want to help dad learn move about fuel cells ... and give a neat father's day gift?
Then check this out >>>
" ... kit lets you build your own Fuel Cell car and then watch it travel across the room powered only by water. ..."
" ... also comes with experiments and demonstrations that you can do on your own, or with friends."
" ... can build your own experimental reversible fuel cell car to learn more about this energy source. ... learn how a reversible fuel cell works to perform electrolysis as well as to create energy. The electricity required to activate electrolysis is created with a large solar cell included with the kit. During electrolysis, water is separated into hydrogen and oxygen and the resulting energy is stored as a gas. When needed, the gas is fed into the fuel cell, which then serves as the power source."
Pretty Cool ... for the Green Dad in your family ...
Via: Terrapass.com Link
Here are some easy ways you can be more eco-minded ... that cost nothing!
Unplug it - " ... people don’t realize that their cell phone charger, laptop cable and other electrical plugs drain power while they are plugged in, even if they are not in use. ... only 5% of the power used by an average cell phone charger is used to charge the phone—the other 95% is wasted energy."
Not too Cold / Not too Hot - " ... set the temperature around 68 degrees in winter and 78 degrees in summer to maximize both energy efficiency and
personal comfort."
Turn it off - " ... turn off the lights and TV and make sure faucets are closed ..."
Keep it Dark - " ... Keeping the bathroom light off overnight makes a big impact—and will help you to sleep better. ... a night light is an easy, eco-friendly alternative."
Via: greenelementhotels Link
Radnor Township (Delaware Country, Pa) recently opened their new Middle School. It was designed from the ground up to be environmentally friendly as well as to provide a healthy environment for the students and staff.
Some of the energy saving features include: " ... Geothermal heating and cooling, ...'green roof' with plants that absorb storm-water, keep the building cool, and give off oxygen, Waterless urinals and motion-activated sinks, Motion sensors that adjust / turn off classroom lights reducing electrical load..."
" ... is the only green-roof school in Delaware County [PA] ... . is eligible to receive LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council ..."
Via: PhiladelphiaSustainabilityAwards.com Link
Continue reading "Radnor (Delaware County, PA) Schools Go Green" »
"... a whole-home solution that benefits the environment and your wallet. Designed to lower overall household energy consumption, emissions and indoor water consumption,... combines building science with high performance products ..."
FACT: A 2,500-square-foot home built to the ecomagination Homebuilder Program specification is designed to save the homeowner US$ 600 to upwards of 1,500 USD on annual utility bills versus an industry-standard average new home due to significant energy and water savings.
Source: GE Consumer & Industrial
Via: GE ecomagination Homebuilder Program Link
Want to go green and not sure how to start? K
now a lot and just want some ideas?
Check out GREENABLE.
" ... is Philadelphia's premier resource for interior and exterior green building products and services for residential & commercial projects."
"... a can of paint, a green roof installation, or an entire residential or commercial design project, Greenable does it all. ... located in Old City on Market Street between Front and 2nd."
Via: Greenable.com Link
Continue reading "Green Building Ideas and Design Studio in Philadelphia, Pa" »
Green House Data is " ... one of the only 100% Wind powered GREEN data centers in the nation. ... our green data center design is 60% more energy efficient than the average data center in the U.S."
"... perfect combination -- an environmentally responsible data center, lower than average prices, and above average professional service ... first facility will be located in Cheyenne, Wyoming .. Wyoming's first enterprise class computing center."
Via: Green Housde Data Center Link
" ... toward the goal of creating a building that functions like a home and serves as a laboratory ... will provide an exemplary model and testing environment of an improved approach to home life while specifically improving the lives of the individuals inhabiting the house."
The sSmart House will focus research on 5 Areas:
Via: Drexel University SmartHouse Link
Recognizing their unique role in teaching future leaders, scientists, and policy makers ... The American College and University Presidents Climate Committee has set our criteria to help institutions of higher learning become carbon neutral. A framework is provided as well as actions to take along the way ...
"The American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment... to address global warming ...neutralize greenhouse gas emissions, and to accelerate the research and educational efforts ..."
"... the Presidents Climate Commitment provides a framework and support for America’s colleges and universities to go climate neutral. ... recognizes the unique responsibility ... in training the people who will develop the social, economic and technological solutions to reverse global warming.
Efforts involve:
Via: American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment Link
More and more people WANT to go GREEN. More and more companies SAY they are GREEN.
How do you get some objective idea about what is really green?
>>>Green-e may be able to help ...
"...Green-e is the nation's leading independent consumer protection program for the sale of renewable energy and greenhouse gas reductions in the retail market. ... offers certification and verification of renewable energy and greenhouse gas mitigation products. It is a program of the Center for Resource Solutions."
Via: green-e.org Link
"... Saab 9-4X BioPower Concept demonstrates the potential ... a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo engine optimized for bioethanol (E85) fuel to give 300 hp and 400 Nm (295 ft.lbs.) of torque - ..." 
"... Its current BioPower models are the top-selling flex-fuel vehicles in Europe, ... offering both more power and producing less CO2 emissions when operating on E85 fuel compared to when fueled by only gasoline. ..."
"... engine is optimized for E85 fuel (85% bioethanol, 15% gasoline) ..."
"Engine efficiency is also improved by the use of direct injection (DI) and continuously variable valve timing (VVT) on both the inlet and exhaust sides. ..."
Via: SaabUSA.com Link
Companies are looking to show they are going "green". But are they really "green"? Do they have what it takes to back up their claims?
"... Facing accusations of “greenwashing,” or exaggerating a product’s eco-friendliness ... companies are seeking new ways to bolster their green cred. ... Green Team Advertising (www.greenteamusa.com), ... conducts “awakening audits” [that] ... points out potential problems, suggests solutions, and tries to make sure a company’s supply chain or product line can be promoted as truly sustainable. ...".
Via: GreenTeam USA Link
Via: BusinessWeek / GT PRess Release Link
Your cars fuel injectors or carburetors can get gummed up so it is not hard to imagine the same happening to airplane engines. Dirt can degrade fuel economy.
Problem is ... planes only make money when they are is service and there are no "plane washes" at the airport.
Pratt & Whitney has developed a closed loop, on-wing engine cleaning system that can boost economy by up to 1%. While not a large number it translates to saving big bucks as the price of Jet Fuel keeps rising. The process is called "EcoWash"
Read on for more >>>
" ... "washing" is meant the use of water and, in some cases, detergents, flowed through the engine to clean the turbine blades and the core. ... carbon buildup is minimized and operating efficiency is maximized. ... applied to the interior components to ensure economical operation ..."
" ...Pratt & Whitney, ... has developed a means of conducting these engine washes while the engine is "on the wing,"... is superior in terms of cleaning efficiency, environmentally friendly ...and it can be done in a fraction of the time taken for traditional engine washes."
" ... EcoPower ... can wash engines in as little as one quarter the time (roughly 60-90 minutes), and the water used is between 16-42 gallons (60-160 liters), ..."
Via: Aviation Maintenance Magazine Link
Several complaints about compact fluorescent bulbs is that:
- they contain mercury
- they do not fit in the same space as an incandescent bulb
Philips has solved these problems with their ALTO bulbs.
Read on for more >>>
" ... Philips Energy Savers ... don't just provide the light of your standard light bulb, they also have the same classic shape. ..."
These bulbs are better for the environment because they use less wattage for similar light, can last years longer than incandescent bulbs as there is no filament to burn out and have less mercury than other CFB.
Mercury is a highly toxic material that can pollute air and water and improper disposal of CFB can lead to pollution (though probably off set by the pollution of less fossil fuels ... ?)
Via: Philips Lighting - Link
New York City is hosting the Greener Gadget Conference on Feb 1, 2008. The one day event details:
10am - 6pm
McGraw-Hill Conference Center
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York City, NY
"... industry leaders, entrepreneurs, [and others] ... will gather to discuss the business case for the greening of the consumer electronics industry. ... featuring ... consumer electronics companies ..., innovators from academic thinktanks, members of startups ... and some of the leading minds in the word of sustainable design and business. Topics to be addressed include: design for sustainability, product life cycle management, take-back and recycling programs, energy efficiency, greener materials, and green lifestyle and product marketing. An attached gallery space will feature a green prototype office display and technology exhibits from companies on the cutting edge of green tech."
" ... will showcase revolutionary design and tech innovations that will shape the future of the consumer electronics and change your world... for the better."
Some discussion points:
Via: GreenerGadgets.com Link
Continue reading "Greener Gadgets Conference in N.Y.C. Feb 1, 2008" »
Jan 7, 2008 - Hong Kong - "Hong Kong's two electric power companies agreed ... to ...rate of return on assets based partly on how much pollution they emit, an approach that could someday be a model for mainland China's ..."
"If either company exceeds regulatory limits for any pollutant, then it would be required to charge less for its electricity, reducing its allowed rate of return ...[if] manage to cut their pollution by even more than required, then they raise prices so as to earn bonuses ...on their rate of return. A complicated calculation also allows them to charge slightly more for electricity as they make progress in using more renewable energy."
Via: International Hearald Tribune Link
Some schools are already green. Others are just getting started. Many need help with a structured program to guide them. 
Green Flag promotes 4 key areas:
-- Indoor Air Quality - looking at mold, irritants, etc
-- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, - pretty self explanatory
-- Non Toxic Products - cleaning products and others
-- Integrated Pest Management - for grounds and indoors
"Schools across the nation are using the Green Flag School Program to make their schools healthier places to work and learn. ... Achieve recognition for ... your school already does, and improve your program with the support of teachers and field experts across the country. ... check out the Green Flag School Program today!"
Via: Green Flag Program Link
Here is an interesting idea ... harness the body heat from commuters to warm a building. instead of radiating into the air ... an interesting idea in Sweden uses that heat to heat a new nearby office building.
>>> Read on for more.
" ... heat from hundreds of thousands ... will be used to heat a new office building..."
"...body heat would warm up water that in turn would be pumped through pipes .. ". "... old technology, but used in a new way. ... expects the system to bring down heating costs in the building by up to 20 percent. "
I" ... system is not expected to be complicated or very costly,..."
Via: Physorg.Com Link
Continue reading "Sweden's "People Powered Heating" System for Buildings" »
The Energy and Security Act of 2007 was signed into Law on Dec 19th, 2007. Along with items like requiring higher CAFE for cars there is an interesting note about ... the incandescent light bulb.
Though most people are saying that the incandescent bulb will not be sold after 2012 - it is more correct to say that the current energy inefficient incandescent bulb as sold today will not be available.
It is likely that the initial make up supply of bulbs will be from either higher efficiency incandescent bulbs or as in intermediate step - CFB.
One little problem about CFB is that they contain MERCURY which is a rather nasty environmental pollutant - one linked to health effects in younger children. Maybe lower cost LED bulbs will be available by 2012?
So far now ... maybe it is time to stock up on the old incandescent bulbs ... 2012 will be here before you know it.
Via: WhiteHouse.gov Link
Continue reading "Incandescent Bulb's Days (May Be) Numbered ..." »
China's Suntech Poower Co, Ltd is becoming a power player in Solar Cells. It is a leader in both cvapacity and solar outbut ...
Read on to learn more about why sun power and solar cells are important to the future power needs of the world ... 
Via: Suntech Power Co, Ltd. Link
Continue reading "China Becomes a Leader in Solar Cells - Suntech Power Co, Ltd" »
You've been Green all year and preaching to your family and friends about being Green.
Why not get them something Green for the holidays?
What to give?
That Perfect Green Gift ... all here ... and more ... follow this link for some great ideas
Via: Lime.com Link
Recovering the potential "fuel" in materials has been the driving force behind oil shale and oil sands. Global Resource Corp, a NJ company, has found a way to "crack "the energy" from materials using RF energy.
" ... GRC’s hydrocarbon specific frequencies are generated by much higher RF klystrons that actually crack the hydrocarbon chain into its characteristic fuels.
"... no CO2 or CO produced ... because there is no oxidation... "
"... designed klystron machinery for gasifying hydrocarbons where they exist or in fabricated systems. In-situ meaning processed deep in the ground, rock formations or anywhere naturally occurring and off-situ meaning processed above ground that is mined or material removed from site.
"... GRC ...now possess the technology that will free America from foreign oil imports.
Click the LINK to see a YouTUBE video of converting COAL into natural gas and hydrogen fuel.
Via: Global Resource Corporation Link
Rohm and Haas (NYSE: ROH), a Philadelphia, Pa based global chemical company, is updating the roof on their corporate HQ building. The roof is approx 40,000 sq. feet and and is being coated with a polymer to reduce the heat impact of the roof. 
" ... Philadelphia is currently seeking to increase standards for new and replacement roofs ... new Rohm and Haas roof coating exceeds the current state regulations and would meet the proposed city regulations, should they be adopted."
“... using this roof coating technology, we reduce the indoor air temperature as well as the urban heat island effect, reducing energy costs ..."
For a High Res pic of the Reflective Roofing Material being applied ... Link
Via: Rohm and Haas.com Link
Continue reading "Chemical Company Adds Environmentally Advanced Green Roof" »
Being green can run the continuum from easy (use CFL bulbs) to hard (change your lifestyle) and low cost (turn off unused lights) to expensive (install a solar electrical system).
Why be green? Did you know that the " ... average American household generates 15,000 pounds of Carbon Dioxide each year ..."
"... replace regular light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. Carbon Dioxide Savings is 150 pounds per bulb annually. Cost: $2.50 per bulb."
" ... Move the temperature down 2 degrees in the winter and up 2 degrees in the summer. Saves 2,000 pounds of Carbon Dioxide each year. Cost : None (Cost Savings)"
Via: New York State Press Release Link 
"Silda Wall Spitzer, ... wants to turn the governor's mansion ... into a modern model of energy efficiency ... “Greening the Mansion” will cut its electrical energy consumption by 50% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by half.
Highlights include:
* solar panels
* a fuel cell to replace back up dielsel powered generator
* energy efficient appliances
Via: TreeHugger.com Link
Carry your laptop and other electronics in a cool looking bag and have a handy source of never ending power at the same time.
"Eclipse Solar Gear is a leading source of innovative solar charging cases ...patented line of solar backpacks ... designed to charge the batteries of common handheld electronics ..."
"... a solar backpack or any solar charger can extend the use of your personal electronics and contribute to the protection of the environment. ..."
Via: eclipsesolargear.com Link
What is a green home?
What makes it special or different?
>>>> Read on to learn more...
"Transforming the residential market to green building is critical to our efforts to halt global climate change. By earning LEED Platinum certification for the Near-Zero Energy Home, BASF is having an immediate, measurable impact on energy use and CO2 emissions ...BASF's leadership in achieving LEED Platinum certification sends a powerful message to the marketplace, and will help accelerate the adoption of green homebuilding nationwide."
"... a demonstration home for innovative BASF technologies promoting high-performance, energy efficiency and ecological benefits in new housing. ..."
"... will incorporate Zero-Energy Housing (ZEH) concepts from Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the building science principles of PATH/Build America expert, Steve Winter, AIA."
"... Near-Zero Energy Home-Paterson, N.J., has been selected by the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) pilot testing for the recently launched Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Homes (LEED-H) rating system, under which it has achieved the Platinum level. The home will be designed to achieve Energy Star certification and, with the inclusion of solar panels, will support New Jersey's Solar Initiative Program."
Green building are much more common ... seems that the more there are there more demand there is and the easier for people to get their hands around what it is really like ... could this work for you?
Read on ...
First off ... what makes for a green building? An accepted standard is LEED - Leadership on Energy and Environmental Design. 
"(LEED) Green Building Rating SystemTM is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. ... we are committed to LEED standards to help minimize the impact upon the environment."
"Here are just a few ways we have incorporated “green design” into our new stores:
• "The rubber flooring ... [recycled] from old car tires, ... carpets have a high percentage of recycled content."
• "Fixtures .. from reclaimed wood and steel."
• "All new wood is certified ... from well-managed and sustainable forests."
•" Paints, carpets and adhesives contain minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to reduce toxic fumes."
• " ...a minimum of 75% of construction debris was sent to recycling facilities rather than landfills."
• "Our recycling program includes glass, metal, plastic, paper and cardboard."
• " ... indigenous plants in landscaping eliminates the need for irrigation systems."
• " ... lighting control system takes advantage of natural light brought into the store by the large windows."
• " ... sensors regulate climate control in each area of the store."
• " ... bicycle storage and changing rooms encourages employees to ride their bikes to work."
Oct 13, 2007: Al Gore Wins Nobel Peace Prize.
"OSLO, Norway (AP) - ... Al Gore and the U.N.'s climate change panel won the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for spreading awareness of man-made climate change and laying the foundations for counteracting it."
"We face a true planetary emergency," Gore said. "The climate crisis is not a political issue, it is a moral and spiritual challenge to all of humanity."
"... an advocate of stemming climate change and global warning well before his eight years as vice president, called the award meaningful because of his co-winner, calling the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change the "world's pre-eminent scientific body devoted to improving our understanding of the climate crisis."
"... plans to donate his half of the $1.5 million prize money to the Alliance for Climate Protection, a bipartisan nonprofit organization that is devoted to changing public opinion worldwide about the urgency of solving the climate crisis."
Via: Katu.com Link
"The four-story 250,000 SF, Green Exchange, ... 2545 West Diversey Avenue, is to be converted in accordance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, with an aspiration to achieve a Silver certification. ... creating an epicenter for green businesses and organizations in the Midwest U.S."
" ... the Green Exchange when it (hopefully) ... tenants ... currently on board include an eco-freindly printer, a sustainable furniture store, an eco-clothing store, a car sharing service, and a bike shop. ..."
Among the Features:
MARK YOUR CALENDARS for Oct 7th, 2007!
The ASES (American Solar Energy Society) National Solar Tour is Saturday Otc. 7, 2007 all across the USA.
As the green dude is from PA and the green tech is from NJ let's see what is planned for those states ...
"... ASES National Solar Tour is the largest tour of sustainable energy features for buildings in the U.S. Now in its 12th year, some 100,000 people ... see how neighbors are using clean sources of energy to save on energy bills and protect the environment. Through a series of open-houses and informative tours participants learn about renewable energy options, energy efficient design, real-world costs, current rebates available, and other valuable insights."
Look for a report later in the month ...
PA ASES Solar Tour Link
NJ ASES Solar Tour Link
Via: ASES Link
"Wal-Mart ... [NYSE: WMT] ...will open ... [Jan. 18, 2007] in Kansas City, Mo. the first ...High-Efficiency stores that will use 20 percent less energy than a typical Supercenter. ... will help the retailer move one step closer to achieving its environmental goals, which include using less energy and producing less waste."
"In 2005, Mal-Wart opened two experimental stores in McKinney, Texas, and Aurora, Colo., to test several different environmentally friendly technologies, ranging from wind power to pervious pavement, from waterless urinals to light-emitting diodes. ... plans to open the next High-Efficiency store in Rockton, Ill., this spring."
"To achieve the 20 percent energy reduction ... the company will target two main energy-consuming units: the heating and air conditioning system (HVAC), and the refrigeration system. ... the new HVAC and more efficient refrigeration systems are fully integrated so that 100 percent of the heat rejected by the refrigeration system is reclaimed into the HVAC. The reclaimed heat is then converted into usable energy. By incorporating a loop-piping design, the ... system also reduces the amount of installed copper and the total refrigerant charge required."
"Other energy-saving technologies ... include the installation of ultra-efficient case fans, glass doors on medium temperature grocery cases, RollSeal® quick response doors to seal air in areas such as the Garden Center, and a top-of-the-line dehumidification system. ... a daylight harvesting system, which uses skylights to refract daylight throughout the store and light sensors ... During periods of higher natural daylight, the system then dims or turns off the store lights when they aren’t needed, ..."
"... also features GE’s energy-saving light-emitting diode (LED) refrigerated case lighting. LEDs have a longer life span than fluorescent bulbs, produce less heat and use significantly less energy than typical grocery case lighting. ... motion sensor-driven LED lights have been installed in all freezer and medium-temperature refrigerated cases. ... the lights in these cases automatically turn off, and quickly turn back on when a customer approaches."
"...is committed to selling products that sustain our resources and our environment. As part of this store’s grand opening events,...donation of 21,000 compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), Wal-Mart will aid the city’s campaign to distribute CFLs to low-income and senior citizen households in Kansas City, Mo. ..".
Via: Wal*Mart.com Link
BP is committed to alternative power solutions. In addition to manufacturng Solar panels they have partnered with several groups to make it easier to buy (with Home Depo).
>>> Read on for more.
In 2005, "... expanded state-of-the-art facility in Frederick, Md. to more than double our production of solar panels. ... contains all of the elements of solar product manufacturing processes. These are vertically integrated to ensure the overall quality of the finished products. ... In fact, BP already is one of the world's largest producers of solar panels."
See photo at right.
"Residential customers in southern California can visit one of many of The Home Depot® centers and purchase a complete home solar system via the BP Solar Home Solution program. ... [also] available in New Jersey, California and New York."
One way to make your home green is with Solar Lighting. In new houses this can be designed in - but what about an older house?
Sunlight Direct technology uses the sun to bring sunlight into home. How ?
Read on for more information ...
"... Hybrid Solar Lighting (HSL) technology uses a solar concentrator to collect and distribute sunlight ... via plastic optical fibers. Sunlight Direct is proud to be the exclusive provider of Hybrid Solar Lighting systems in the United States and abroad."
"How much light can one system deliver? - . ... HSL3010 system can deliver 50,0000 lumens ... equivalent to approximately 17 fluorescent lamps or 45 PAR38 60W halogen lamps."
"Why not just use a skylight? - Skylights ... function as a simple means of bringing natural light into a building. ... skylights have a number of drawbacks that can limit their application, ... These can include:
- Significant source of heat loss or heat gain
- Can constrain design of building shape and orientation
- Susceptible to water leakage
- Not appropriate for low ceilings
- A source of light pollution at night
- Cannot be easily turned off
- Security concerns
To see locations of Beta Sites ... Link
Via: SunlightDirect.com Link
Go off the grid with your own solar powered backpack!
"... Voltaic solar bags are mobile power generators, designed to charge your devices without tying you to a power outlet .."
"Included ...is a Li Ion battery pack which stores any surplus power generated, so it is available when you need it - not just when the sun is up. ... can also be charged using an AC travel charger or car charger (both included). This makes the Voltaic bags just as useful on the grid as off."
"... panels are built ... in a way that allows them to articulate, so the bag itself does not feel stiff or restrictive."
"... generate up to 4 watts of power, enough to charge most portable electronics (other than laptops). A typical cell phone will take 4-6 hours to charge in direct sun ...."
Via: voltaicsystems Link
Portsmouth Abbey was founded in 1926 and has +/- 340 students in grades 9 - 12. They have a beautiful 500 acre campus and are just 10 miles from Newport Rhode Island.
>> And they are near a windy coast ...
>> And they have a Windmill to generate electricity ...
Construction started in November 2005 for ... "Rhode Island’s first-ever utility-scale wind turbine ...165 foot tall, 660 kilowatt (kW) wind turbine will be the largest single investment ever made by the Rhode Island Renewable Energy Fund, producing 1.25 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year."
"... is expected to generate 40 percent of the annual electricity demand of the ... School, one of Rhode Island’s largest consumers of electricity."
on the one year anniversary --- "statistical data that showed how Portsmouth Abbey saved nearly $223,000 in the first year of the wind turbine's operation, through lower electricity payments to the utility, electricity sold back to the grid, and renewable energy credits." "... there are several cities and towns in Rhode Island, including the town of Portsmouth, that are considering the installation of a wind turbine to help lower municipal energy costs, ... have cited the Portsmouth Abbey wind turbine as a clear example of such success." I visited the windmill this July (2007) and will post my pictures (shortly). Thanks to my good friend Doug for telling me about the windmill in town ....
Via: Portsmouth Abbey School Web - Announcement Link
Via: Rhode Island Renewable Energy Fund Link
Via: My friend Doug
What can be accomplished in a Green Building??
Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio, takes a careful look ...
>>> Their Adam Joseph Lewis Center for Environmental Studies is detailed below ...
"... was conceived as a demonstration project, ... designed to be a building that would teach. Lessons embodied in its technology and design choices are intended to reinforce those taught in its classrooms. ... "
"...Efforts to research the AJLC's evolution are well underway, providing ongoing opportunities to educate a variety of audiences, including Oberlin College students, regional kindergarten through high school students, other university students and faculty, architecture and design professionals, and lay audiences."
"With over 150 environmental sensors installed throughout the building and landscape, the AJLC's data monitoring and display system provides a unique opportunity to visualize in real-time the flows of energy and cycling of matter that are necessary to support the built environment. ... premise of this work is that real-time feedback on ecological performance increases awareness, ... feedback of this type may be a necessary prerequisite for facilitating a more sustainable relationship among humans, technology and the natural world."
Some building details ...
| "Heating, Cooling & Air Quality - ... both active and passive systems, ...provides a comfortable working environment ... Active systems use mechanical equipment to extract and move heat, while passive systems do so with a minimum of mechanical devices." |
|
| "Landscape - ... landscape features a variety of constructed ecosystems that simulate native Northern Ohio ecosystems and incorporate cultigens that produce food for humans." |
|
| "Living Machine & Water Use - ... is an ecologically engineered system that combines elements of conventional wastewater technology with the purification processes of wetland ecosystems to treat and recycle the building's wastewater for reuse in the toilets and landscape." |
|
| "Weather Conditions - A weather station ... monitoring real-time conditions and trends for a variety of environmental variables." |
|
| " | Materials - Materials ... elected to enhance its sustainability and were evaluated based on criteria that required less energy inputs, encouraged local production and distribution, and supported creative economic structures." |
Via: Oberlin.edu Link
New Jersey's Clean Energy Conference,on September 27 - 28, 2007 will honor nominees that are saving energy and advancing the state of clean energy in New Jersey. The winner will be named at the conference.
Nominees include Home Builders, Colleges and Universities, and Vendors.
The annual conference is in it's 3rd year. " ...brings together ... leading energy professionals and businesses to learn, network, and discuss the issues shaping the energy market and the New Jersey energy market in particular."
" ... provides an excellent forum ... to learn more about the economics of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies and how to hedge against rising energy costs, to leverage the financial and environmental benefits of clean energy."
" .. Conference ... has been expanded to 2 days. New workshops and programs are being added ... A special Municipal track and evening networking session will be the focus of day 1. Day 2 will have new workshops and sessions and the luncheon presentation of the Clean Energy Leadership Awards. ... "
"... Special workshops include:"
Via: NewJerseyCleanEnergy.com Link
Aug 30, 2007 -
"... Governor Edward G. Rendell today unveiled plans for ...
a new solar energy power station that will be the fourth-largest facility of its kind in the country and the largest east of Arizona when operations begin next April."
"... announcement shows that affordable, secure and alternative sources of power are available
now and will result in a cleaner environment, competitive energy prices and the reduction of our
dependence on foreign fuel," said Governor Rendell. ... "
"... Rendell announced that Exelon Generation Company LLC 
has signed a 20-year power purchase
agreement for the energy ... with EPURON LLC, a subsidiary the
world's largest solar integration company Conergy AG. ... plans for more than 16,500 solar panels to be built on 16.5-acres, ... capturing the sun's rays and converting them into electricity."
"... will produce approximately 3,700 megawatt hours of power, enough to meet the annual energy requirements of 300-350 homes ... emission levels of carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide
... reduced by the equivalent benefit of planting 33 acres of trees every year."
For more info on EPURON GmbH, Link
For more info on Excelon Link
For more information on Governor Rendell's Energy Independence
Strategy, visit http://www.depweb.state.pa.us.
Via: PR News Wire Link
Green companies want to be "green" throughout their supply
chain ... including their ISP.
>>> Read on to lean more and see the profile of one Green ISP ....
"AISO.Net is a ... green web hosting company. We have made a strong commitment to help fight pollution and preserving our natural resources. Solar panels run our data center and office, not energy credits."
"Solar tubes bring in natural light ... during the day. AMD Opteron powered servers use sixty percent less energy and generate fifty percent less heat. These are just some of the ways AISO.Net is becoming the world's most responsible green web hosting company."
"... data center is environmentally friendly in design. It is completely steel framed with no wood at all except for the door frames on the interior of the building. Our walls are over 12 inches thick and filled with insulation that has recycled content. We built our data center, network and servers from the start to use the lowest amount of energy possible using the latest green design techniques, no other hosting company can do what we do without starting from scratch. We use solar tubes to bring in natural sunlight which eliminates the use for conventional lighting during the day. Our cooling systems are water cooled which reduces the amount of electricity because of the unique setup."
" We are in the process of designing a green roof for our data center. The green roof is a layer of dirt 3 to 4 inches thick with drought resistant plants. The new green roof will reduce our cooling and heating requirements by over 50%."
Via: AISO.com Link
"Marine Current Turbines Ltd (MCT) is developing radically new technology, backed by the UK government, for exploiting tidal currents for large-scale power generation. We do not have any commercially available products at present, but we aim to achieve this by 2007-8."
"The basic requirements for cost-effective power generation from tidal streams using MCT's technology are a mean spring peak velocity exceeding about 2.25 to 2.5m/s (4.5 to 5 knots) with a depth of water of 20 to 30m - the red spots on the map (right) show some of the locations meeting these criteria around the UK and northern France."
"Our technology represents a novel method for generating electricity from a huge energy resource in the sea. ... even rarer if the technology, as in this case:-"
"produces no pollution and has negligible environmental impact"
"delivers energy to a predictable timetable"
"has the potential to make a major contribution to future energy needs"
"... the relentless energy of marine currents has been obvious from the earliest days of seafaring, it is only now that ... this a technically feasible and economically viable possibility."
Via: Marine Current Turbines Link
So ... you think you are doing all you can to be GREEN and help the environment? Would you pass an AUDIT? Would you want to?
Just in case you want to have someone check up on how good, environmentally, you are ... Read on:
Donnachadh McCarthy is an environmental auditor. "Through his auditing company "3 Acorns Enviromental Tranformations" he provides an environmental auditing service to individuals, families and small businesses, assisting them to improve their environmental performance." 
"... believes ... environmentalists should lead by example and so seeks as far as practical to live by the green principles which he promotes.
>> Thus his home was the first private home in London to export solar electricity from the roof of his home in Camberwell to London Electricity.
>> His hot water is heated by a solar water heating system powered by a solar pump.
>> His WC is supplied by a rain harvester.
>> He travels to work by cycle.
>> On the 24th of October 2005 he had a wind turbine installed on his home and became London Energy's first ever domestic wind electricity supplier."
An audit consists of a review of these areas with " ... assessment of current environmental practice and proposals for its improvement ..."
For more information see McCarty's book "Saving the Planet without Costing the Earth " Link
Via: 3 Acorns Eco Auditing Link
Want to be green?
>>Yes
Know how to be green?
>>No
Need Help?
>> What is available?
In addition to numerous web sites and countless articles there is now personal coaching available. Read on to learn more about the Carbon Coach ...
In the face of conflicting information about what the most significant sources of carbon dioxide are, we dither. When we aren’t sure what to tackle first, we delay. When we are short of time and personal energy, we only tackle things that we are confident will make a dent in our carbon footprint. That’s where I come in."I can help coach you toward a continual reduction of your carbon usage. ... shrunk my own carbon footprint significantly ... and I can steer you towards those actions that are the most effective, most practical and most rewarding in your situation."
" ... as ... with sports or life coaches, having a friendly source of enlightenment and encouragement can help you to turn more of your intentions into actions."
" ... As a result of working with me, people tend to find joy in 'travelling light' and often regret not taking action earlier. People also find that the financial savings they make quickly cover the cost of my involvement, generating a very welcome financial and environmental win-win."
Via: Carboncoach.com Link
Remember the Lo-Carb diet? Something along the lines that reducing or giving up
carbs was good for either your health or your waist or maybe both?
Well here is a similar idea - the Low-Car diet - the idea that partially giving up cars may be good for your wallet and the environment ... (no sure about the effect on
your health or waist ...)
Flexcar is rolling out the Low-Car Diet.
[August 2007] "Over the next few months, folks from across the country will be giving up their personal cars for 30 days, as they participate in the Flexcar Low-Car Diet."
" ... participants pledge to walk or use public transit, bicycles, Flexcar, and/or other modes of transportation to get around town. ... to ... that not owning a car, or downsizing by a car, is more than possible in metropolitan cities that enjoy numerous transportation options."
"Right now, Porlanders are in their third week ... read their stories and learn more about the Portland Low-Car Diet at www.portlanlowcardiet.com. Atlantans will be kicking off their challenge today, and participants in Los Angeles, Washington, DC, and San Francisco aren't far behind."
Via: Flexcar Link
" Here are some more of the 50 Easy Ways to go Green". For the complete list follow the link at the end of this BLOG post.
"Go native - Plant flowers and shrubs that are well suited to your climate (the staff at your local nursery can help). The benefit: You'll use less fertilizer and pesticides."
Five eco labels you can really trust
"USDA Organic - Seen on: Food products - What it means -Food is produced without antibiotics, genetic engineering, or most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides."
"Rainforest Alliance Certified -Seen on: Coffee, chocolate, bananas - What it means - Companies harvesting the food practice soil and water conservation; they also reduce the use of pesticides."
"Fair Trade Certified - Seen on: Coffee, tea, chocolate, fruit, rice, sugar -What it means - Food is grown on small farms; farmers receive a fair price."
"Certified Humane - Seen on: Eggs, meat -What it means - Animals raised for dairy, meat, and poultry products are treated humanely. Growth hormones are prohibited, and animals are raised on a diet without antibiotics."
"Green Seal - Seen on: Napkins, toilet paper, paper towels - What it means - they must meet recycling and bleaching standards."
Via: MSN.com Link
Chicago Illinois' City Hall has a GREEN ROOF.
"As part of an EPA study and initiative to combat the urban heat island effect and to improve urban air quality, ... City of Chicago began construction of a 38,800 square foot (total roof area) semi-extensive greenroof in April 2000. It was completed at the end of 2001 at a cost $2.5 million, funded by a settlement with ComEd."
"Encompassing one square block and twelve stories high, ... serves as a demonstration project and test greenroof. ... will monitored for plant survival as well as other environmental features. Chicago City Hall's greenroof saves $5,000 a year on utility bills, according to Michael Berkshire."
""This is unique to Chicago," ... "No one else has looked at rooftop gardens to mitigate urban heat island effect, which is a process whereby highly urbanized areas with hard surfaces tend to be degrees hotter than green areas," (ENN.com, May 2000)."
"According to a March 1, 2002 article in The Wall Street Journal, "The garden's origins can be traced back ten years, ... to support Chicago mayor Richard Daley's vow to make Chicago "the greenest city in America."
"The 20,300 square foot ... garden has over 20,000 herbaceous plants installed as plugs of more than 150 varieties including 100 woody shrubs, 40 vines and 2 trees - a Cockspur Hawthorn and Prairie Crabapple. Although rainwater will be collected and saved from the 7,700 square foot penthouse, a supplemental irrigation system will aid in establishing the plants as well as provide supplemental water during extreme periods of drought (Landscape Architecture Magazine, September, 2000; John Beaudry, June, 2000)."
"Due to the very high visibility factor ... numerous articles have been presented to the public, a few of which can be accessed from NEWS LINKS and Archives. Click the following to link to read more about monitoring the project from thee City of Chicago's site and learn more about the urban heat island effect problem and how they are creatively dealing with this subject of global importance. You may also view a PDF booklet prepared by the City of Chicago entitled "Chicago's Green Rooftops: A Guide to Rooftop Gardening" under How To's.".
Via: GreenRoofs.com Link
G.E. Announces the Earth Rewards "Green Credit Card. The Rewards are in the form of reliable greenhouse gas offsets - even the application process is GREEN (paperless).
To learn more --- Read on:
"New York, NY, July 25, 2007 – ... the GE Money Earth RewardsSM Platinum MasterCard,® the first US credit card dedicated to reducing cardholders’ carbon emissions through trustworthy and reliable greenhouse gas emission offsets."
" ... the first consumer finance product in GE’s ecomagination portfolio – allows users to reduce their carbon footprint by automatically contributing up to one percent of their card purchases to buy greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions offsets. ... making Earth Rewards their primary card, a typical consumer could ... offset a significant portion of their likely direct annual GHG emissions. The application process is 100 percent paperless, ...".
“ ... the consumer-focused, educational MyEarthRewards.com and ecomagination.com web sites highlight the ways that GE is helping customers meet their growing environmental needs.”
" ... Each Earth Day (April 22), those Rewards will be used to purchase and retire greenhouse gas emissions credits through GE AES Greenhouse Gas Services, a joint venture between GE Energy Financial Services and The AES Corporation, ... ".
“GE and AES are committed to reducing 10 million metric tons of greenhouse gases each year by 2010 – equal to taking nearly 1.8 million cars off the road annually, ...”.
"... consumers will be able to select ... a full one percent of their card net purchases to GHG emission reduction projects; or contribute ½ percent to reduction projects and receive ½ percent cash back through their monthly statements ... will be able to switch back and forth between reward programs whenever they choose... ".
Sounds great. What is the impact a typical consumer cam make based on selected spending?
"Purchase Amount - Environmental Impact"
"$25 - Offsets the emissions associated with running a typical refrigerator for a month."
"$500 - Offsets the emissions from driving nearly 1,500 miles in the average car."
"$750/month for one year - Offsets the direct emissions one consumer is likely to produce in a year."
"The Earth Rewards card was launched at 7 World Trade Center, New York City’s first high performance LEED-certified commercial building (“LEED” is the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System™,... ".
For educational information: ecomagination.com
Via: G.E. NewsCenter.com Link
Here is a new "twist" on the design of solar
cells that allows for a longer "sweet spot" of power generation.
>> The "twist" is that instead of being flat these solar cells are 3-D.
"Solar cells generally crank out the most power at noon, when the sun is at its highest point and can strike the cell at a 90-degree angle. Before and after noon, efficiencies drop off. But researchers [at] Georgia Tech Research Institute ... prototype ... whose surface consists of hundreds of thousands of 100-micrometer-high towers, catches light at many angles and actually works best in the morning and afternoon."
"... When the sun is at a 90-degree angle, the prototype delivers only 3.5 percent efficiency. ... and is actually at its peak efficiency--7 percent--when light comes in at a 45-degree angle. That means the device operates at relatively high efficiencies during much of the day and has two efficiency peaks: one before noon, and one after noon."
"While those efficiencies are too low for commercialization, ... working on optimizing the size and spacing of his towers as well as their chemical composition. As a first application, his sights are set on powering spacecraft and satellites, which could benefit from solar cells that don't require a mechanical means of moving the orientation of the cell to keep it facing the sun."
More info at Georgia Tech Research Institute Link
Via: MIT Technology Review Link
What can an individual do to generate clean power? Not everyone is in a position financially or other) to put up solar panels or a wind turbine or a hydro power facility.
>>BUT: If you live in New Jersey (and other states including Pennsylvania) you can choose to have part of your electricity generated from these sources.
Sound appealing? Read on ...
"... CleanPower Choice Program ... is a statewide program that allows you to choose clean, renewable sources of energy. ... you're choosing to support ... renewable energy sources that diversify our energy supply ... Solar power. Wind power. Low-impact or small hydro power. Landfill gas power. Clean power, that's good for the environment, good for the climate, and good for New Jersey."
"... electricity is generated from clean, renewable energy sources located in New Jersey and the mid-Atlantic region. Importantly, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities' Office of Clean Energy verifies that renewable energy is delivered into the Mid Atlantic power pool that serves your needs. ... each household that participates ... can reduce CO2 emissions by over 10,000 lbs. per year, which is equivalent to planting 1.35 acres of trees!*"Via: NJCleanPower.com Link
Some Pensylvania municipalities are making a go of becoming more green. Most townships over a certain population must recycle - that is the law. Others are taking it to the next level.
Read on about Tredyffrin Township in Penmnsylvania.
"The Board of Supervisors ... approved the recommendations ... to start purchasing clean energy from PECO Wind. The Township will start purchasing 5% of its energy needs from PECO Wind for the remainder of 2007 and purchase 20% of its energy needs starting in 2008, then re-evaluate the provider and percentage annually thereafter."
"In December, 2006, the ... Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution committing to the Pennsylvania Clean Energy Communities Campaign. ... a partnership between the Pennsylvania Sustainable Development Fund and SmartPower, ... whose purpose is to assist communities in the support and purchase of clean, renewable energy. Their goal is to help Tredyffrin Township qualify as Clean Energy Community. Once we have qualified, we will receive a free 1 kW solar energy system worth $10,000 to put on any building of our choice. Tredyffrin Township has already taken the first step towards becoming a Pennsylvania Clean Energy Community by passing a resolution committing to use 20% clean energy for all municipal buildings and facilities by 2010.
For more details on the PEnnsylvania Clean Energy Comunities Campaign follow this Link
Via: Tredyffrin Township (PA) Tredyffrin Times Newletter - Spring 2007 Link
"June 4, 2007- University of Utah physicists developed small devices that turn heat into sound and then into electricity. ... holds promise for changing waste heat into electricity, harnessing solar energy and cooling computers..."
"We are converting waste heat to electricity in an efficient, simple way by using sound," says Orest Symko, a University of Utah physics professor who leads the effort. “It is a new source of renewable energy from waste heat."
"Symko expects the devices could be used within two years as an alternative to photovoltaic cells for converting sunlight into electricity. The heat engines also could be used to cool laptop and other computers that generate more heat as their electronics grow more complex. And Symko foresees using the devices to generate electricity from heat that now is released from nuclear power plant cooling towers.
Follow the link below to learn more ....
Via: University of Utah Link
Steve Glenn (founder of PeopleLink Inc.) has built the first LEED Platinum certified residential house in the US. It offers many unique features - though the house was not inexpensive. 
"... house is the prototype for LivingHomes. ... sells prefabricated houses with this design by architect Ray Kappe, for about $250 per square foot (not including land, site development, or transportation). ... green features add about 20% to the base cost of the home and generate about $1,500 in savings per year. (disclaimer: these are all estimates, but if you take these figures seriously, there is no breakeven on a 30 year mortgage...but this calculation comes with a load of assumptions.)"
Among the features and approx costs:
To see a slide show follow the Link to a BusinessWeek site.
To see a video of the the home being build follow the Link to www.livinghomes.us
Via: BusinessWeek Sept. 11, 2006 Link
FACT: "An average car in the United States driven 10,000 miles in one year releases 5.5 tones of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere"
Global warming. It seems like only the government and large corporations can do something about it.
NOT TRUE !!
Here are a few simple, easy things you can do - right now - to help stop global warming:
"Unplug un-used electronics: Even when electronic devices are turned off, they use energy. Save over 1,000 lbs of carbon dioxide and $256 per year."
"Adjust your thermostat: Move your heater thermostat down two degrees in winter and up two degrees in the summer. Save 2000 lbs of carbon dioxide and $98 per year."
"Insulate your home: Make sure your walls and ceilings are insulated. Save 2,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide and $245 per year."
Via: stopglobalwarming.org Link
Green "web hosting" is growing ...
From ThinkHost: "changing the world by providing high quality earth-friendly web hosting services & supporting social change activism".
Their Mission Statement: " ... I founded the company based on 3 simple principles - Honesty, Integrity and Trust. I'm proud to say that while we have grown substantially over the years, we have not outgrown the original ThinkHost objectives - and never will."
Some of the ways they contribute to a low impact on the earth: "... All our hosting plans are 100% wind/solar powered. ... most of our team members "telecommute" - saving thousands of gallons of fuel annually ... use very little in terms of paper and encourage the use of notebook computers by our team to conserve electricity. We recently also implemented a tree planting initiative - we plant a tree for every new client!"
Via: Thinkhost.com Link
It's that time of year when stockholders are getting deluged with annual reports and related materials. That means lots of paper.
Many companies are allowing stockholders to receive all shareholder / proxy materials in electronic form ....
But suppose you feel the need to feel the paper ... Can an annual report be "green"?
>>> GE might be getting close ...
From GE's 2006 Annual Report: " ... This document was printed on paper that contains from 10% to 100% post-consumer material. The majority of the power utilized was renewable energy, produced with GE’s wind and biogas technologies, and powered by GE steam engines and turbine engines. The paper was supplied by participants of the Sustainable Initiative Programs. GE employed a printer that produces all of its own electricity and is a verified totally enclosed facility that produces virtually no volatile organic compound emissions."
"Visit our interactive online annual report at www.ge.com/annual06 "
Do you chose paper or electronic? Sort of a twist on the old paper or plastic question they ask at the supermarket!
Via: GE.com Link
The Home Depot has always carried products that were "earth friendly" such as Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFB).
They have now introduced "Eco Options" branding to highlight those products that offer one or more benefits related to the environment.
According to Home Depot, the Eco Options Brand " makes it easy for you to identify products that make a difference, one choice at a time."
Sustainable Forestry: products "produced from responsibly managed forests"
Energy Efficient: products "that use less energy, reducing the amount of electricity needed"
Healthy Home: products "that improve the quality of the environment in & around your home"
Clean Air: products "that improve air quality through reduced emissions"
Water Conservation: products "that clean or use water more efficiently"
Via: The Home Depot Link
Premieres April 17th, 2007 @ 9 pm EST.
Presenting "the GREEN: big ideas for a SMALL PLANET (TM)".
Robert Redford, has announced the launch of Sundance Channel Green. ... will "present original series and documentary premieres about the earth’s ecology and concepts of 'green' living that balance human needs with responsible environmental stewardship."
"Programming ... will include:"
"1. Original Series: Change Agents: a high energy, story and character-driven documentary series about the people and projects that are on the front lines of environmental sustainability and innovation."
"2. Interstitial Series: Sundance Channel will launch several interstitial series that will highlight a range of environmental issues and offer viewers innovative suggestions to effect change in their own lives."
"3. Documentaries: The block will feature compelling feature length documentary premieres and news specials on environmental subjects."
Tune in to Episode 1: A Crude Awakening.
The Sundance Channel Link
Via: Treehugger.com Link
Whole Foods Market has committed to using Solar Power at stores in their Southern Pacific, Northern California and North Atlantic Regions.
"... Brentwood is using solar energy as 24 percent of its power source ... will produce 62,370 kilowatt hours, approximately equal to 20 residential homes, result in more than 140,000 lbs per year of CO2 emissions avoided, the equivalent of removing 10 cars from the roadways, and reduce the equivalent of more than 58 tons of coal being burned."
"In March 2002 Whole Foods Market Berkeley became the first major food retailer to introduce solar energy as a primary lighting power source ... while increasing building thermal insulation and extending the life of the roof." 
"The combination of solar power and efficient lighting, along with a Duro-Last Energy Star® roof system with a solar reflectance of more than 86%, will reduce both peak and base load electricity demand. The net effect will be reduced load on the local electric substation, especially during peak summer hours."
"Our Edgewater, New Jersey store ... installing solar panels made by BP Solar on our facility's roof. ... will meet more than 20 percent of Edgewater store's needs. The new ... system will produce and save more than 2.2 million kWhs over 20 years resulting in more than 1,650 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions avoided, the equivalent of removing 440 cars from the roadways, and reduce the impact on our country's power grids.
Via: WholeFoodsMarket.com Link
"SYDNEY, Australia (AP)—The Australian government on Tuesday (20-Feb-07) announced plans to phase out incandescent light bulbs ... Legislation to gradually restrict the sale of the old-style bulbs could reduce Australia's greenhouse gas emissions by 4 million tons by 2012 and cut household power bills by up to 66 percent, said Environment Minister Malcolm Turnbull."
"Australia produced almost 565 million tons of greenhouse gases in 2004, official figures show."
"Under the Australian plan, bulbs that do not comply with energy efficiency targets would be gradually banned from sale. Exemptions may apply for special needs such as medical lighting and oven lights."
"Fluorescent bulbs are currently more expensive than incandescent bulbs, but use only about 20 percent of the power to produce the same amount of light and last longer, making them more competitive over time, advocates argue."
Via: LiveScience.Com Link
Are the incandescent bulbs days numbered? Is it soon to be relegated to the history book? Some seem to think this should be the case.
"The incandescent light bulb should go the way of outdated inventions like the coal-burning locomotive, says an energy coalition that advocates a widespread change to more energy efficient lights, compact fluorescent bulbs and light-emitting diodes."
"The ... Lighting Efficiency Coalition, which includes companies such as Philips Lighting, environmental groups such as the Earth Day Network, ... is pushing for a “sweeping transformation of the U.S. marketplace towards energy efficient lighting products by the year 2016,” said coalition member Sen. Mark Pryor of Arkansas."
"Incandescent bulbs currently consume 42 percent of the electricity generated in the United States, but only provide 12 percent of the country’s artificial light, said Bryan Dundan, a Philips Lighting vice president. ...Instead of incandescent lights, coalition members advocate implementing technologies already available today, such as compact fluorescent lights, halogen lights, and light emitting diodes (LEDs), which require less electricity to produce the same amount of light as an incandescent bulb.
Via: LiveScience.com Link
Looking for Green Power providers in your state? Check out the EPA's Green Power Locator!
What is Green Power: "Green power is a marketing term for electricity that is generated from environmentally preferable renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, biogas, and low-impact hydro. Green power is sold to support the development of new renewable energy sources. Products made with green power always contain a higher percentage of electricity from renewable energy sources than conventional electrical service."
For Pennsylvania (where I live) I found over 19 providers with some offering more that one source of power. Residential rates range from 0.5 - 7.5 cents / KWhr.
For more information see the EPS's Guide to Purchasing Green Power Link
Via: US EPA Green Power Locator Link
I like beer, so I did not need an excuse to try another brand.
However, I am going to try one of the beers from New Belgium of Fort Collins, Colorado. I think it will be a Fat Tire Amber Ale ...
What makes New Belgium so unique among brewers?
->>> How about the fact that they ...
Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions • " ... took an employee vote and decided to commit to being the nation’s first 100% wind-powered brewery. ... after our engineers, l... discovered that city’s power plant, which supplied the brewery with electricity, created the bulk of our emissions. Employee owners voted to dip into their bonus pool to help finance the conversion."
Have a Green Building • "New Belgium has been a long-time participant in green building techniques. ... From sun tubes and daylighting throughout the facility to reusing heat in the brewhouse, we continue to search out new ways to close loops and conserve resources."
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle • "Our reuse program includes heat for the brewing process, cleaning chemicals, water and much more. Recyling at New Belgium takes on many forms, from turning “waste” products into something new and useful (like spent grain to cattle feed), to supporting the recycling market in creative ways (like turning our keg caps into table surfaces). We also buy recycled whenever we can, ... Reduction surrounds us – from motion sensors on the lights throughout the building to induction fans that pull in cool winter air to chill our beer – offsetting our energy needs is the cornerstone to being environmentally efficient."
I will let you know if I can find the beer locally (Western Suburbs of Philadelphia) and my humble opinion.
Via: New Belgium Brewery Link
The next "generation" of lighting after Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFB) may be Light Emiting Diodes (LEDs).
"The new traffic lights you are seeing are made out of arrays of light emitting diodes (LEDs). These are tiny, purely electronic lights that are extremely energy efficient and have a very long life. Each LED is about the size of a pencil eraser, so hundreds of them are used together in an array. The LEDs are replacing the old-style incandescent halogen bulbs rated at between 50 and 150 watts. Most cities in the United States are in the process of replacing their incandescent traffic lights with LED units because of three big advantages:
The light is on 24 hours a day, so it uses 2.4 kilowatt-hours per day. If you assume power costs 8 cents per kilowatt-hour, it means that one traffic signal costs about 20 cents a day to operate, or about $73 per year. There are perhaps eight signals per intersection, so that's almost $600 per year in power per intersection. A big city has thousands of intersections, so it can cost millions of dollars just to power all the traffic lights. LED bulbs might consume 15 or 20 watts instead of 100, so the power consumption drops by a factor of five or six. A city can easily save a million dollars a year by replacing all of the bulbs with LED units. These low-energy bulbs also open the possibility of using solar panels instead of running an electrical line, which saves money in remote areas.">>>> One additional "Green" advantage is that LEDs have NO MERCURY so do not contribute to air or water pollution when they are thrown out at the end of their operating life.
Via: How Stuff Works Link
AISO.Net is not just a "GREEN" web hosting and data center company in the traditional sense. In addition to generating 100% of their energy needs from their own solar panels they are building a "GREEN ROOF" for their data center.
The "GREEN ROOF" "is a layer of dirt 3 to 4 inches thick with drought resistant plants. The new green roof will reduce our cooling and heating requirements by over 50%. When finished, AISO will be the first and only public data center in North American with a green roof. Along with our green roof we will be replacing all of our Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs with LED lighting. This will reduce electricity usage and they contain no mercury. Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs contain mercury which becomes a concern at landfills and trash incinerators where the mercury from many bulbs can escape and contribute to air and water pollution. We are also in the process of LEED certifying our data center and office with the U.S. Green Building Council."
Via: AISO.Net Link
Here are a final few more simple and easy ways to save energy around the house from Michigan
Tech - Home Energy Audit.
"Washer Dryer:
"Entertainment:
Via: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan Tech Link
If you want to have a "GREEN" Web Hosting Company or use a "GREEN" data center you can!
AISO.Net - formerly Affordable Internet Services Online Inc., is one place to get it. The are located in Romoland, California.
"AISO.Net is a reliable and responsible green web hosting company. We have made a strong commitment to help fight pollution and preserving natural resources. Solar panels run our data center and office, not energy credits."
"Solar tubes bring in natural light from th outside providing light during the day. AMD Opteron powered servers use sixty percent less energy and generate fifty percent less heat. These are jut some of the ways AISO.Net is becoming the world's most responsible green web hosting company."
Via: AISO.Net Link
Here are a few more simple and easy ways to
save energy around the house from Michigan
Tech - Home Energy Audit.
"Water Heating:
"Windows:
"Cooling:
Via: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan Tech Link
Why are energy efficient appliances worth the initial investment? How can you determine relative efficiencies among various models of an appliance"
"Major appliances last 15-20 years and can cost thousands of dollars in operating costs. This chart shows the yearly electricity use and cost for several appliances based on national averages."
From the above we can see that the full life cycle cost includes much more than the purchase price and the lower operating expenses of an efficient appliance will save money year after year ... especially if energy costs continue to rise beyond inflation rates.
"Federal law requires a yellow EnergyGuide label on all major appliances sold in the US. These labels help us to determine how much an appliance will cost to operate and how it compares to other models. The next time you shop with your parents for a major appliance, look for the EnergyGuide label."
Careful review of the cost per year of various appliance of the same type can help you determine if the added cost will save you money.
For some folks, the added cost of an energy saving appliance is worth almost any cost. For the rest of us we need to see the business case to justify the added expense and see when the break even point arrives.
Via: Michigan Tech Link
Here are a few simple and easy ways to save energy around the house from Michigan Tech - Home Energy Audit.
"Heating:
"Cooking:
"The Fridge:
"Lights:
