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HannahWhittenly

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Blog Entries posted by HannahWhittenly

  1. HannahWhittenly
    Businesses and homeowners are turning to solar energy to power their lives more than any other time in US history. Factors behind this include the falling cost of solar panels and rebates and incentives offered by the government and utility companies. However, saving money is just one factor that has encouraged people to choose solar power. Other factors include a desire to improve their health and protect the environment by reducing the use of fossil fuels.

    How Do Solar Panels Work?

    Solar panels make it possible for photons or particulates of light to release electrons from atoms. This is used to generate a flow of electricity. When you look closely at a solar panel, you see that it is made of several smaller units called photovoltaic cells. When several of these photovoltaic cells are put together, they create one solar panel.

    How Does Solar Energy Impact the Environment?

    Solar energy is renewable. It is a clean resource. It reduces harmful emissions that can affect the atmosphere. Since it minimizes greenhouse gases around the world, solar energy has a favorable impact on the environment. Traditionally, energy used in the United States is produced from fossil fuels, including coal and natural gas. The process by which fossil fuels are extracted is expensive and detrimental to the environment. If mankind could capture the sun’s energy for just one hour, you would be able to power the entire planet for one year. Using solar panels is one step toward eliminating mankind’s reliance on fossil fuel for the most consistent and abundant source of energy available.

    How Solar Energy Impacts Health

    Solar energy leads to fewer air pollutants. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides, and particulate matter, emissions would drastically drop around the world if everyone adopted solar use. This could lead to a reduction in chronic bronchitis, cardiovascular problems, and respiratory issues. As a side benefit, there would be fewer missed days from work related to these health issues.

    The Benefits of Solar Energy

    The benefits of solar energy are easy to see. It can lower your electric bill. Solar energy reduces a person’s or company’s carbon footprint. This improves the health of the building’s occupants and of those around them.

    The sunlight used to produce solar energy is free and available in abundance. Fossil fuels are quickly running out. Reducing reliance on a finite resource, like fossil fuel, and taking advantage of an infinite power supply, like the sun, has wide-ranging benefits for the planet.

  2. HannahWhittenly
    As the next generation gets older, we realize that it’s our responsibility to make good decisions for the planet we take advantage of every day. One of the ways to do this is how we choose to get around every day. Here are 4 green vehicles for millennials.

    Public Transportation

    If you live in a large metropolitan area, you should look into public transportation to get to work. You will not have to contribute to pollution by using your own car, and it can be cheaper, too. It doesn’t hurt that you won’t have to worry about being late because of parking or looking for a suitable parking spot. Just pay close attention to the schedule and leave early to make sure you don’t end up late for work. This is a great way to get around while minimally impacting the environment. You may have to leave early, but in the end it is all worth it.

    Electric Car

    There may be no way around you driving to work every day. An electric or hybrid car is a car that runs on electricity. Electric cars run solely on electricity while hybrid cars run on both electricity and gas. Both are better for the environment, and you won’t need to spend as much money on gas. This option is best when you need to go somewhere far away that isn’t accessible by public transportation. A hybrid car can make a huge difference in turns of toxic emissions being expelled into the air. Fully electric cars are an even better option, as they use no gas at all.

    Electric Bike

    Bikes can be a great way to get around, but they don’t always provide everything you need. If you want something that goes a little bit faster, try an electric bike. An electric bike is a bike with a motor connected to it. It’s something in between a regular bicycle and a motorcycle. You’ll be able to go faster without using as much effort. Plus, you won’t be putting out nearly as much pollution as a car. Get a black folding E-bike to look cool and bring inside with you. Using this type of bike will not only be fun, but it will help you limit your impact on the environment.

    Walking

    If you have a quick commute, you may choose to walk to your destination every day. You’ll get exercise, enjoy the fresh air, and you’ll avoid putting out any pollutants into the air. Make sure you wear walking shoes when walking. You may need to switch shoes when you get to the office if you adhere to a business professional dress code. Be sure to swing your arms when walking, that way, you will burn more calories as you go from location to location.

    We want to make smart choices so that the world is clean for future generations to come. These different modes of transportation make a big difference for the planet. Pick the one that suits your lifestyle best.

  3. HannahWhittenly
    As winter finally ends and spring gets under way, you're likely to take advantage of the rising temperatures to get your house back in order for another year. From cleaning the house to standard repairs, spring is always a busy time. And if you're environmentally-conscious, then you'll want to follow these tips to make your house greener than ever.
    Keep Your Stuff out of Landfills
    Most of us have a tendency to acquire more junk than we need. And after a winter of watching our junk collecting dust, we often use spring to get rid of what we no longer need. But be careful not to throw all of your unwanted things away. Anything that is still usable should be donated, not trashed. With what's left, you should recycle everything you can.
    Start a Vegetable Garden
    Growing vegetables in your yard is one of those fantastic activities that has benefits across the board. You will save money and help the environment, and almost certainly have fun while doing it. By producing your own vegetables, you'll save yourself trips to the grocery store. You'll reduce the greenhouse gas emissions caused by the transportation of produce from far away, and lessen the use of the toxic chemicals abused at many larger farms.
    Use Propane for Your Grill
    On the first warm days of the year, many Americans feel the grill calling their names. The winter drives us indoors, denying us the juicy steaks and perfect burgers that somehow don't taste as good when not cooked on the grill. But, wherever you stand on the gas versus charcoal debate, you should make this the year you switch to propane. Recent studies have demonstrated that gas grills create far less emissions, meaning you'll be lessening your carbon footprint with every meal.
    Cut Down on Your Energy Use
    One of the easiest ways to help save the planet (and lower your utility bill) is by decreasing your household energy use as much as possible. There are many small steps you can take to accomplish this task. Incandescent light bulbs should be replaced by their incandescent counterparts. Windows should be replaced if they are not air-tight. That way, after your AC system installation, you can feel fine turning on the air knowing your house is sealed tight.
    As winter turns into spring, be sure to follow these tips. You'll enjoy keeping your mindset as green as the newly-formed buds on the trees.
  4. HannahWhittenly
    Not recycling will eventually cease to be an option. The environment can’t continue to support a society that focuses on single use items and disposing of them in the landfill. Here are some of the reasons that you should recycle as much as possible.

    Pollution Reduction

    Rubbish that’s sitting in a landfill emits greenhouse gases and other harmful chemicals that are impacting the rate of climate change. This means that the more rubbish there is, the more damage is being done to the Earth. You can help by focusing on recycling much of your household rubbish. For example, purchasing reusable packaging and reusable items eliminates the amount of rubbish that has the potential of finding its way into a landfill. Less rubbish equals less harmful chemicals entering the atmosphere.

    Land Preservation

    The amount of space that a landfill requires means that there’s less space for you and other wildlife. Living near a landfill is also an unpleasant experience because of the smells and noise pollution that inevitably go with them. More animal habitats can also be preserved when you decide to recycle your items instead of tossing them out. All of this additional land could be preserved and potentially have more trees on it that would contribute to helping to reverse climate change.

    Resource Conservation

    Resources are a very valuable commodity. Throwing these resources into a landfill isn’t a good use of them. Recycling items like scrap steel reduces the amount of damage that’s done to the planet. This is due to the fact that new metal sources don’t need to be mined and refined to make the products that you require. The mining and refinement process is also contributing to the increased rate of climate change and is impacting the world around you.

    Ocean Impact

    Plastics are a big problem in the oceans. Marine life is being harmed because of these floating plastic islands that may be intentionally discarded there. If this trend continues, you’ll see a major impact in the food chain. Other animals consume marine life and this will mean that your food could become tainted with these plastic particles. Scientists don’t know the extent of what this will mean for you, but increasing your recycling efforts can help to stop this destructive cycle.

    Recycling is imperative to the continued health of the planet. Consider the ways that you can help in the fight against climate change by investing in a recycling regiment.

  5. HannahWhittenly
    Construction can have a large impact on the environment. The use of heavy machinery and invasion of wildlife habitat are just a few of the more common problems when it comes to the construction industry. Here are some of the ways that construction companies can work to reduce their impact on the environment.

    Use Sustainable Products

    Sustainable building products work to reduce the amount of natural resources that are being used up. For example, you can reduce the impact on the environment that’s caused through the use of concrete by switching to timbercrete. This is the combination of some concrete being mixed with sawdust. The sawdust comes from the waste products of the lumber industry. Other sustainable products include the use of bamboo, ferrock, and other renewable wood products.

    Reduce Energy Consumption

    The type of heavy machinery that’s typically used on a construction site produces large amounts of pollution and noise. Replacing this type of equipment with more energy efficient models, or even their electric counterparts help make your construction site better for the environment. Another thing to consider is your fuel usage. For example, not leaving your equipment idling when it’s not needed will reduce the amount of fuel that’s required for the job.

    Focus Recycling Efforts

    The amount of waste that’s generated on your construction site can be reduced. Using industrial scrap metal recycling services will ensure that your leftover metal can be put to good use. It will also give you the benefit of not having so much to clean up on your jobsite. This will work to reduce the amount of materials that are transported to the landfill and can make for a greener worksite. You may even be able to recycle some of the other construction debris.

    Low Impact Solutions

    The manner in which you go about the building process plays a large part on the amount of impact that the environment experiences. For example, minimizing your impact on the natural habitat around you starts with site planning. You may be able to keep larger trees and build around them. Reducing the amount of dust that’s generated on your site is another solution. You could use recycled water or rain water instead of fresh water when you’re spraying down the dirt.

    Construction companies can change the way that people think about the building process. Use these solutions so that you can reduce your environmental impact when it comes time to erect a new development.

  6. HannahWhittenly
    Energy consumption without a doubt is a hot topic in this day and age. It’s been a big topic for quite some time now, too, and with good reason. People are becoming more and more thoughtful with regard to their approaches to energy use. If you want to minimize your consumption of energy in a big way, there are all sorts of intelligent things that you can try right now.

    Unplug, Unplug, Unplug

    Unplugging may seem like a simple thing. It can actually be a game-changing strategy for people who are passionate about decreasing their energy consumption substantially, however. If you want to do the planet a massive favor, you should take the time to unplug your household appliances any time you do not require them. Doing so only takes a couple of seconds or so.

    Learn All About Electric Water Heating

    Electric water heating is often the answer for people who want to lower energy consumption dramatically. You can work with a capable electrician who can point you into the right direction regarding electric water heater selection. Try to find out about electric water heaters that are known for superior energy efficiency. Your electrician should be able to provide you with fantastic recommendations.

    Take Advantage of the Gift of Daylight

    Lighting should be one of your focal points. If you want to take charge of your use of energy, you should contemplate your lighting strategy at home in great detail. It can be a wonderful idea to buy lighting products that are associated with energy efficiency. It can be just as wonderful an idea to prioritize daylight. Skylights and windows make taking advantage of daylight a possibility. They’re both highly energy-efficient as well.

    Invest in Residential Insulation

    Residential insulation can go an incredibly long way for all households that are keen on the concept of lowering energy consumption significantly. If you insulate your living space well, then you can stop the frustrating loss of heat from taking place. Basement, attic and wall insulation can all do a lot to lower wintertime electricity use dramatically. Don’t forget that insulation can even aid you in times of higher temperatures.

    People these days have more concerns about the world than ever before. If you’re in that camp, then you don’t have to feel helpless in any sense. If you want to aid the planet, you can do your part by minimizing your energy consumption.

  7. HannahWhittenly
    Installing solar panels is going to lower your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint, but this renovation can be a major investment. That is why you should spend some time researching all of your options before you sign any paperwork or begin the installation process.

    Look at Incentives

    Many homeowners don’t realize that this upgrade could have a huge impact on their taxes. With the federal solar tax credit, you can deduct 30 percent of the installation costs from your federal taxes. Depending on where you live, your state or county might offer a tax credit or incentive package as well. You can also contact your electric company to see if they have an energy buyback plan for customers who have solar panels.

    Don’t Go Straight to the Cheapest Contractor

    It might be tempting to go with the cheapest solar contractor you can find, but that could end up costing you quite a bit of money in the long run. Solar power installation is a very complicated process, and you want to be absolutely sure that the job gets done correctly. Improperly installed solar panels could lead to severe structural damage during a storm, and your insurance might not cover that damage. Working with a reputable and experienced solar contractor is going to give you peace of mind in the coming years.

    Consider Your Financing Options

    There are many different ways to pay for new solar panels. Some solar power companies have financing packages, but you probably won’t own your solar panels for 15 or 20 years if you choose that option. You can also head to a specialty lender who offers custom solar power loans. With that financing option, you will be the sole owner of your solar power system. Depending on how long you have owned your home, taking out a home equity loan might be a good choice as well.

    Schedule Consultations

    The efficiency of your solar power system is going to depend on a wide variety of factors, and that is why you should schedule multiple consultations with different companies. During those consultations, the contractors are going to figure out where the solar panels should be placed and how many panels you need. They can also look at your energy bills and tell you exactly how much money you are going to save every month.

    In addition to these four tips, you should also make sure that electricity isn’t being wasted inside your home. Old light bulbs and damaged appliances are incredibly inefficient, and your solar panels won’t save you as much money if you don’t address those issues first.

  8. HannahWhittenly
    When it comes to ridding out your home or business of unwanted items, it can be a daunting task. This holds especially true when you have items that aren’t qualified to be picked up by your regular garbage collector. Scrap metal tends to be one of these items. In today’s article, we’re going to walk you through the most effective way to discard of your unwanted scrap metal.

    Collect All Your Metal into One Location

    Part of staying organized during the whole cleaning process is making designated areas of your items. If you’re cleaning out your home, you may want to put garbage items in one area and metal in another. Just be sure to keep all your metal components in one general location so it’s easier to go through them later on in the disposal process.

    Create Separate Metal Piles

    You’ll want to do yourself a favor and do this from the very start. Once you know where you’re going to be putting all your unwanted metal items, it’s time to designate particular areas. Depending on the different types of metals that you’ll be getting rid of, you’ll want to have separate piles. The most common are steel, iron, copper, and tin. Different metal materials will bring in different prices from a scrap dealer. Having your metals sorted ahead of time will help make the selling process much easier.

    Call up a Scrap Metal Buyer

    Scrap metal has become a big business for many. We’re sure you’ve seen an advertisement or two about businesses that will buy your old scrap metal. Some advertise about scrap cars while others advertise about any type of scrap. Do yourself a favor and contact a local scrap metal buyer in your area. Look for one that will come out to your location and pick up the items on sight. This will save you the hassle of having to transport the items. This is one great way to get some money out of your unwanted metal items.

    Contact Local Scrap Yards

    If you have a pickup and transportation isn’t a big issue for you, then contacting a local scrap yard may be a better option for you. You can simply load up the unwanted metal items, deliver them to the scrap yard, and get a check in return. In most cases, the scrap yard will weigh the scrap that you’re delivering to give you an accurate price per ton of the type of metal that you’re disposing of.

    Discarding of unwanted scrap metal isn’t too difficult to do. It’s important to have a game plan from the very beginning to ensure that you’ll be easily able to complete the project quickly. Be sure to check with both scrap metal buyers and local scrap yards to see what you can get price-wise for your items.

  9. HannahWhittenly
    Ah, summer. The sky is blue and bright, the days are longer, the grass is higher, and everyone wants to spend all their time outside. With this kind of summer fever in the air, it’s hard to keep your kiddos from getting covered in bug bites of every kind, and even more so if you’re worried about the chemicals they might be running into. If you want to keep your babies bug and chemical free, these tips are for you.
    Smell Ya Later
    Don’t like strong smells? Neither do mosquitos. Fortunately, the scents that mosquitos and other bugs dislike tend to be ones that are alright for us human beings. Scents like lemon eucalyptus, citronella, and lemongrass are huge no-no’s for insects, and if those aren’t for you either, you can always go for something like grapefruit, clove, or even peppermint. You can even look into garage door repair if you want. Find a skin-safe product or look around for baby-safe items that include these scents and oils.
    It’s Lit
    If you’re having a little trouble keeping baby still long enough to get covered in anti-bug ointment, there are other alternatives. Take the time to light a citronella candle, especially when you’re in a space small enough that it’ll keep the bugs away, or break out the incense to burn and ward them off. For those of you with tiki torches, there’s citronella fuel available to fill those with, too. Keep an eye out for all of your options.
    Plant it Baby
    Want to stop the bugs at the garden gate? Rearrange some of your plantings this season to include useful greenery that keeps the bugs at bay. Some common kitchen herbs, like basil and rosemary, can put the kibosh on mosquitos before they bite, while sweet scented ones like rosemary and mint keep other biting bugs far away. Designing your garden with potential bad bugs in mind can help you seriously cut down on the number of bug bites you’ll need to treat over the course of an average summer day.
    While we might have our beefs with nature on certain points—like bee stings, bug bites, and the entire general concept of mosquitos—the more natural we can keep things, the better it is for our kids. In this case, the little things can add up to big benefits. You can easily combine some oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin with a bed of geraniums and a citronella candle to cover as many bases as possible, or change up the items you use to keep your kids safe in a scent-sensitive way. Have a good summer.
  10. HannahWhittenly
    Ah, summer. The sky is blue and bright, the days are longer, the grass is higher, and everyone wants to spend all their time outside. With this kind of summer fever in the air, it’s hard to keep your kiddos from getting covered in bug bites of every kind, and even more so if you’re worried about the chemicals they might be running into. If you want to keep your babies bug and chemical free, these tips are for you.

    Smell Ya Later

    Don’t like strong smells? Neither do mosquitos. Fortunately, the scents that mosquitos and other bugs dislike tend to be ones that are alright for us human beings. Scents like lemon eucalyptus, citronella, and lemongrass are huge no-no’s for insects, and if those aren’t for you either, you can always go for something like grapefruit, clove, or even peppermint. You can even look into garage door repair if you want. Find a skin-safe product or look around for baby-safe items that include these scents and oils.

    It’s Lit

    If you’re having a little trouble keeping baby still long enough to get covered in anti-bug ointment, there are other alternatives. Take the time to light a citronella candle, especially when you’re in a space small enough that it’ll keep the bugs away, or break out the incense to burn and ward them off. For those of you with tiki torches, there’s citronella fuel available to fill those with, too. Keep an eye out for all of your options.

    Plant it Baby

    Want to stop the bugs at the garden gate? Rearrange some of your plantings this season to include useful greenery that keeps the bugs at bay. Some common kitchen herbs, like basil and rosemary, can put the kibosh on mosquitos before they bite, while sweet scented ones like rosemary and mint keep other biting bugs far away. Designing your garden with potential bad bugs in mind can help you seriously cut down on the number of bug bites you’ll need to treat over the course of an average summer day.

    While we might have our beefs with nature on certain points—like bee stings, bug bites, and the entire general concept of mosquitos—the more natural we can keep things, the better it is for our kids. In this case, the little things can add up to big benefits. You can easily combine some oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin with a bed of geraniums and a citronella candle to cover as many bases as possible, or change up the items you use to keep your kids safe in a scent-sensitive way. Have a good summer.

  11. HannahWhittenly
    There are so many businesses around the United States and planet that, simply put, do not take green and eco-friendly approaches to going about things. If that fact upsets you, then you can go ahead and take action. You can do so by being a positive role model to all of these wasteful and unmindful businesses. Remember, your aim should be to get others to do the right thing.

    Conserve Energy Any Time You Can

    Energy conservation can do a lot for people who care about green approaches. If you want to conserve invaluable energy, there are all sorts of things you can daily. You can employ light bulbs that do not consume substantial amounts of energy. You can depend on decreased laundry temperatures. You can even turn off your television any time you’re not sitting directly in front of it.

    Learn about Carbon Taxes and other Benefits

    Learning can be a powerful tool for people who want to be role models to companies that aren’t exactly savvy in the eco-friendly sector. You should learn about carbon taxes that apply to vehicle fossil fuels. These kinds of taxes strive to decrease emissions of greenhouse gases. They promote alternative energy choices as well. Carbon tax benefits abound if you know how to look for them.

    Focus on Your Water Consumption

    People who care about the planet should not use water mindlessly. If you want to get American businesses to do their part to aid the planet and environment, then you should try to think at length about your household and its water consumption. Employ short cycling any time you take on your laundry duties. Prioritize showers that are on the brief side. Take care of annoying household leaks without any hesitation, too. Leak water can get out of hand before you know it.

    Make Carpooling a Priority

    Gasoline consumption isn’t ever a laughing matter. If you want to prompt businesses in America to take on green methods, then you should aim to carpool any time the option is accessible to you. Try to carpool with people who work with you each morning. Try to carpool with them on the way back from work in the evenings as well.

    There are so many companies in America and around the globe that aren’t exactly environmentally-friendly. If you want to change that permanently, then you need to take action and lead a green existence yourself. You can do so pretty easily nowadays, too.

  12. HannahWhittenly
    When making a reclaimed office space, keep in mind that you’ll be using recycled materials, or leftover materials from various places. You can get these type of materials for cheaper that new ones in some cases. Reclaimed office spaces are basically recycled, refurbished spaces that use all used materials so there is less waste. In this way, reclaimed spaces keep the environment safe. Here are some of the essential items that will come in handy when you’re creating a reclaimed office space.

    Air Compressor

    An air compressor has so many different uses on a construction site. Using a nail gun on walls made of pallets can help the process go much faster. You might have to adjust the PSI, so keep that in mind as you work. Framing and trimming will go much faster if you use a nail gun instead of trying to do everything by hand. In some office spaces, certain aspects of the design are left unfinished, to save on costs and keep the aesthetic you’re looking for. It all depends on what you want your finished product to be. Make sure that your air compressor is oil-less so that you don’t get your new space messy before you even complete the project. An air compressor can also help with the cleanup tasks at the end of the day.

    Telescoping Forklift

    Even reclaimed office spaces require heavy lifting. Some projects may require even more heavy lifting, depending on the reclaimed material being used. For all of those heavy reclaimed materials that need to be moved from one part of the site to another, a forklift is absolutely essential. This can make exterior reclaimed spaces safer to complete. Using an equipment rental company for your reclaimed office space construction project will allow you to obtain the tools that you require for the individual job without having to purchase them on your own.

    Laser Level

    A lot can be said for ensuring that all surfaces in your project are level from start to finish. Doing this will limit the frustration you may experience when having to do level things over and over again, such as reclaimed windows, if they aren’t right the first time. A laser level will also help you keep your line level across a larger area of floor. Even reclaimed office spaces need advanced technology to help them come to fruition. Using a laser level is especially important for reclaimed spaces, as some materials may be irregular and may have inconsistencies. Many tools have laser levels to ensure that you can make a level cut or so that you can keep those holes centered up throughout the process.

    Miter Saw

    A good miter saw is essential to any construction project. You want to ensure that you aren’t wasting good wood making cuts that aren’t up to par. Select one that will allow you to make a variety of angle cuts so that your finishing tasks can be as accurate as possible. Many times, you need to make many of these type of cuts when dealing with recycled and reclaimed materials. Depending on the type of blade that you install in the saw, it can also help you with some of your plumbing projects.

    There are other tools that can come in handy when you’re constructing your reclaimed office. Select tools that are highly rated and easy to use in order to make things as simple as possible on you.

  13. HannahWhittenly
    We all know the pressures of living green that have been thrown on our society for the last couple of decades. While we know it’s great for us, it’s not always great for our wallet. Things like installing solar panels are very costly to do. However, there are many green living practices you can do that can help pad your wallet instead of empty it.

    Get Rid of Old Scrap Metal

    There are scrap metal buyers literally everywhere across the country. Many will come to your doorstep and load up your old scrap metal for you. They’ll even pay you for the metal that they collect. While you may not be hoarding tons of scrap metal, small quantities can bring you some good money. Think about old appliances, piping, and other metal that you may have which accumulated over the years. Round it all up and give a scrap buyer a call to cash in on your old junk.

    Install Aerators for Low-Flow Water Sources

    Do you realize how much water you use on a daily basis? The United States Geological Survey Agency’s research shows that the average American uses 80 to 100 gallons of water per day. Do a little math for an entire month’s worth of water use and you’ll understand why your water bill is so much. You can help to curb the amount of water you use by installing water aerators and low-flow systems. For example, a water aerator in your sink will put in extra oxygen when you run the sink to help reduce the amount of water flow. In addition, low-flow showerheads can easily reduce the amount of water coming out of the showerhead while you’re enjoying a bath.

    Line Dry Your Clothes

    We all need to have dry, clean clothes each day. Running your dryer requires constant use of electricity for about 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the size of the load and its materials. You can save running your dryer by simply hanging up your clothes outside. Clotheslines have been used by society for ages. They use the natural elements, like the wind and the sun, that wick away the water from your clothes.

    Going green is a revolution that requires a lot of small habits done consistently over time. You can do your part in going green by selling old scrap metal, installing water aerators, and line drying your clothes. All of these options will not only help the green initiative but they will also end up putting more money back into your wallet.

  14. HannahWhittenly
    The amount of plastic that’s being discarded on a daily basis is staggering. Much of this plastic is ending up in the oceans and presents a crisis to these sensitive ecosystems. Here are some of the ways that companies are working to reduce the amount of plastics that are entering the environment.

    Tackle Recycling Initiatives

    Many of the single use plastic containers can be eliminated simply by investing in recycling efforts. Some cities are moving to ban the use of plastic bags in an effort to help save the environment. The recycling efforts don’t stop with just plastic bags, but can be realized in other areas. You can help by investing in reusable coffee cups, reusable lunch containers, and other reusable items that are being made by these environmentally conscious companies.

    Invest in Removal

    Recycling alone isn’t going to protect the oceans. This is because of the amount of plastics that already exist within the environment. Removing these harmful products from the oceans is the only solution when it comes to cleaning them up. Some companies, such as bionicyarn.com, recover plastic waste from the oceans in order to make new products can show you the ways that some businesses are embracing the concept of using trash as their business model.

    Develop New Technologies

    Even with all of these efforts being put into place, it won’t be enough to reduce the amount of plastics that are available. This means that new technologies need to be developed in order to create plastic-like substances that are biodegradable in nature. You may have heard about companies that are looking into using corn-based derivatives in order to create packaging for their products. New technologies such as this can work towards the goal of eliminating the amount of plastic that has a chance to enter the oceans.

    Awareness Efforts

    Companies that make the leap to more recycled choices, such as having you return their packaging for reuse, is one way that awareness efforts can benefit the oceans. You can do your part by purchasing from these companies so that you can voice your opinion in an economic manner. Other companies are more likely to jump on the bandwagon if they see that this is the type of technology that consumers like yourself want to invest in for the future.

    Big business needs to come up with solutions that will help to eliminate this environmental crisis. Consider these ways when it comes to how companies making trash their business is the right solution.

  15. HannahWhittenly
    Recycling is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint, but figuring out which materials are recyclable can be confusing. Luckily, this process is going to be incredibly easy once you get the hang of it. Here is a closer look at a few tips that will help you determine which items and materials are recyclable.

    Organic Waste

    Many people are surprised to hear that most organic waste can be recycled. If you run a business that produces organic waste, then you should contact your local waste management company to see if they have a food waste recycling program. For homeowners, composting is a great way to get rid of food scraps and other organic materials. Setting up a compost bin only takes a few minutes, and you will have a constant supply of nutrient-rich compost.

    Metals

    Metals can be broken down and reused hundreds of times without changing their properties, and that is one of the reasons why many recycling companies pay for used metal products. A piece of metal that has been recycled multiple times is going to be just as strong and durable as new metal that was just pulled out of the earth. Most of the metals that you are going to come into contact with can be recycled, and that includes steel, aluminum, gold, copper, silver, and brass.

    Computers and Electronics

    While the vast majority of electronic devices can be recycled, you can’t just throw them in the recycling bin. Tossing your electronics in the trash is very bad for the environment, and you might be fined if you are caught. The best way to get rid of laptops, phones, televisions, and other electronic devices is to contact an e-waste company that does laptop recycling and other types of electronics recycling. Those organizations carefully break down electronic devices and separate all of the key components before recycling the materials.

    Paper Products

    As a general rule, paper products can be thrown into a recycling bin, but you need to make sure that there aren’t any other materials attached to those products. An example of that would be a pizza box that still has food debris on the inside. That food debris could damage the machines that break down and recycle corrugated cardboard. Some experts also suggest that you avoid shredding any paper that you plan on recycling. When paper is shredded, the fiber strands are shortened, and that makes it much more difficult to recycle the material.

    Recycling is great for the planet, but you need to keep an eye on what you are putting in your recycling bin. Throwing certain materials in those bins could contaminate huge piles of debris that would have been recyclable.

  16. HannahWhittenly
    Old electrical equipment can still have several different uses for you. The raw materials contained within the equipment may prove to be valuable in some form or another. Here are some options that are available for reusing your old electrical equipment.

    Donation Options

    Electronics are always in demand when it comes to donation centers and other types of charity organizations. This is because they can still be used for their intended purposes for the most part. The charity may also be able to use parts of the equipment in order to build something new that will prove to be useful for someone else. Another benefit is that you may be able to write your donation off on your taxes.

    Scraping Solutions

    Many of the components that are in your old electronics may contain a significant amount of value. This is because of the precious metals that tend to be comprised in these older electrical devices. Some recyclers will take the equipment off of your hands in order to collect the metals that make up the components. You may be able to make a little bit of cash depending on the quantity and types of materials that were used to construct your old equipment.

    Make it Retro

    Certain pieces of old electrical equipment may be in demand because of the fact that people want them now that they aren’t as readily available. For example, old TVs or old computers are making a comeback for those that are into retro gaming. You may be able to sell electrical equipment of yours online in order to make a profit. Knowing what you have is the first place to start so that you can decide on the best venue to sell your old equipment.

    Recycling Potential

    Recycling is always another option when it comes to disposing of your old electrical equipment. This way it will be put to good use and potentially be turned into another type of product. You could help benefit the environment by taking your old electrical equipment to a recycler that knows how to properly dispose of them. These items ending up in the landfill can prove to be hazardous and costly when it comes to disposing of them properly in the future.

    All of these solutions are practical in the sense that it’s better than just throwing it away. Use these ideas so that you can possibly make a little bit of money off of that old electrical equipment that you have sitting around your house.

  17. HannahWhittenly
    A heat pump works well if you live in a moderate climate. This is because it’s more efficient than other forms of heating and cooling. Here are some of the benefits that a heat pump can offer when it comes to saving money by conserving energy.

    Temperature Stability

    Setting your heat pump for a consistent temperature is the most efficient use of this type of system. This is because of the fact that it can run for a minimal amount of time and maintain the temperature of your home. With a standard HVAC system, there tend to be fluctuations that require more energy when the system kicks on and off. A heat pump has an electric motor that requires very little energy in order to reap a stable temperature for your whole home.

    Heat Conversion

    The action of a heat pump is that is doesn’t generate heating or cooling within the unit itself. It simply converts the heat that exists in the air and transfers it into your home by mechanical means. This method allows it to be the most efficient possible with the least amount of energy usage. The benefit of heat pump installation in your home is that you get instant heat for very little drain on your electric bill.

    Cooling Potential

    Another benefit of having a heat pump is that it can also cool your home. This is simply the heat pump removing the built-up heat from inside your house and transferring it to the outdoors. The amount of energy that’s required for this function is less than your standard air conditioning unit would require. This allows for you to have a cool home without having to worry about a spike in your electric bill during the summer months.

    Reduced Electric Consumption

    The amount of electricity that’s utilized with your heat pump will depend on your climate and the model that you select. There are models that will use significantly less energy than others. For the vast majority, the energy usage is less than you would observe with a standard HVAC system. This allows you to save on your electric bill and work to conserve energy. On average, a heat pump uses a quarter of the amount of energy as the more traditional HVAC units.

    There are lots of benefits that you can reap from having a heat pump in your home. The energy savings are just the beginning when it comes to the ways that it can improve the comfort and sustainability of your household.

  18. HannahWhittenly
    When you want to cut your heating and cooling bills, selecting high-efficiency HVAC equipment makes a big difference. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sets efficiency standards for HVAC systems because they’re the most energy-hungry of all home appliances. Better efficiency translates to lower demand for electricity and fuel and reduced energy bills for you.

    HVAC Efficiency Ratings

    When choosing central HVAC systems, look for high ratings. The DOE requires efficiency ratings on the equipment itself and its packaging. Higher is always better regardless of whether you’re buying a furnace or an air conditioner. The Energy Star and Most Efficient labels indicate products that use the least amount of energy for the best results. For example, a high-efficiency furnace uses measurably less fuel each time and requires less heating services because it runs better than regular models. Lower fuel usage helps preserve natural resources and saves you money.

    Making Energy

    Energy production exacts a toll on the planet, especially when the fuels to generate electricity include fossil fuels and nuclear power. While renewable resources like solar, wind and hydro have environmental impacts up front, the resources they use to produce electricity are clean. Fossil fuels, on the other hand, contribute to atmospheric warming on a continuous basis because of their byproducts. Nuclear is a clean source of energy but the nuclear waste it produces is one of the most dangerous substances on the planet.

    Power Production Efficiency

    If energy production were 100 percent efficient, using less efficient HVAC systems wouldn’t have the impact it does. However, power plants are not very efficient themselves. For example, coal-fired plants waste over 60 percent of the coal they consume. Nuclear and natural gas are slightly more efficient, while electricity produced by hydroelectric plants is nearly 100 percent efficient.

    The phrase experts use to describe this power plant efficiency is the heat rate. It describes how much of the fuel that’s used goes toward producing electricity as opposed to being wasted. The efficiency of furnaces and air conditioners follows the same principle. The most efficient systems waste less energy.

    Atmospheric Warming

    If the fuels used to produce electricity didn’t have waste products like carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide that warm the atmosphere, it wouldn’t be so important to use high-efficiency HVAC equipment. But when equipment needs more fuel and energy, the volume of gases going into the atmosphere increases. Since the heat they hold warms the planet, using more efficient HVAC systems helps reduce harmful greenhouse gases.

    Until all power plants are 100 percent efficient or use clean, renewable fuels, it will be important to conserve energy usage. HVAC systems are front and center for conservation efforts since they use the most energy of all home appliances. More efficient systems help you save energy without sacrificing your comfort.

  19. HannahWhittenly
    Although the problem of protecting the environment may seem like an insurmountable one, there are many simple steps that every person can take to make a small positive impact. If everyone begins to take measures to reduce carbon use and waste, saving the planet will become a much easier proposition. Here are four simple things you can do to help save the environment in your own small way.

    Walk and Bike More

    Driving is one of the most common ways in which practically everyone releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. By walking or riding your bike for short trips, you can considerably reduce the amount of carbon dioxide produced as a result of your transportation needs. As an added benefit, walking and biking are excellent forms of exercise, meaning you’ll get some great physical activity as well.

    Plant Trees on Your Property

    If you have a large enough piece of property, consider planting a few trees to help absorb carbon dioxide. A single tree can sequester a full ton of carbon over the first 40 years of its life. By planting several trees on your property, you can create a passive form of carbon sequestration that will continue for decades to come.

    Get into the Habit of Recycling

    One of the best ways to prevent unneeded waste from polluting land and water is to recycle as much of your garbage as you can. Plastics, glass and paper can easily be recycled by most municipal governments, meaning that you just have to sort them appropriately. Iron, steel, copper, and aluminum scrap metal recycling are usually handled by specialized processing centers, but it isn’t too difficult to find these facilities in most cities. By recycling more of what you use, you can prevent waste from ending up in landfills and keep extra energy from being expended in extracting new natural resources.

    Grow Some of Your Own Food

    One of the more difficult environmental problems to address is the fact that the agricultural techniques needed to supply food for more than 7 billion humans are extremely harmful to the planet. Forests are often destroyed to clear land, while herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers pollute groundwater reserves on massive farms. One thing you can do to partially reduce your impact in this area is to start an organic garden at home. Growing your own food with environmentally friendly methods will lower your carbon footprint and give you access to plenty of fresh, healthy produce.

    These are just a few of the many small actions you can take to play a role in saving the planet. You should also try to encourage friends and family members to do the same, as the effect of these small steps will grow as more and more people begin to take them.

  20. HannahWhittenly
    The items you throw away every day don’t have to serve just one purpose before they’re considered trash. Many of your common household items can be used again for a variety of purposes. Below, you will find four common items that you throw away that can be reused instead.

    Food Jars

    Your food product waste can enjoy many lives once it’s served its original purpose of storing and preserving your food in the grocery store. Glass jars and plastic jars can be used for a variety of household functions instead of being tossed into the garbage. Baby food jars can be transformed into spice holders. A plastic peanut butter jar can be repurposed to serve as a bird feeder. Spaghetti sauce jars can be used to store leftovers, to create on-the-go breakfasts, or as organizers for small household items.

    Electronics

    Once an electronic device can no longer handle the current hardware requirements of programs and games, these devices are usually left to linger in limbo somewhere in your home. Instead of disregarding these electronics due to their age and limited hardware capabilities, use them for other things. For instance, laptop recycling can help you utilize your outdated computer when you get a new one. Old laptops can be recycled into home entertainment centers, dedicated to playing movies while you cook in the kitchen or lie in bed. Old cell phones can be used as portable radios and music players. Old computers can be used to store pictures, documents, and other data.

    Towels

    No matter how expensive your bath towels are, they’ll eventually succumb to repeated use by tearing and fraying. Once your bath towels are too torn to be used any longer, don’t discard them. Instead, give them a second life by converting them into rags or washcloths. Using a pair of sharp scissors, cut the towel into smaller squares. These squares can be used as washcloths for washing dishes, showering, or general household cleaning chores.

    Dryer Sheets

    Believe it or not, these fibrous scented sheets can do more for your home than remove static from your clothes. Dryer sheets are actually very useful for dusting your home. The fibrous texture picks up dust and pet hair superbly. Their fibrous texture is also perfect for polishing chrome surfaces and removing soap scum.

    Recycling is the due diligence required to balance out your consumption of goods and natural resources. It is vital to the health of the planet and the stress on natural resources, so always recycle or reuse your items when you can.

  21. HannahWhittenly
    4 Ways A Green Office Leads To Green Profits
    By now, the idea of going green in the business world is probably thought of as an overused cliché. However, you don’t have to live in Southern California and drive a Prius to reap the benefits of green business practices. In actuality, many of these business strategies save money in addition to lowering your company’s impact on the environment. Below are four examples you should seriously consider adopting. 

    Go Paperless
    One definite way to slash costs is to abandon printing. You should be aware that the average printing cost per employee in an office is $725 per year. If you have a lot of employees, that’s a lot of money. Thankfully, nearly everything you can do with paper documents can be replicated and even improved upon with digital files. There’s really no reason to continue using paper at all. 

    Update Your Lighting
    Lighting is something else that can save you money when you go green. Compared to traditional incandescent light bulbs, energy efficient lights can use anywhere from 25 to 80 percent less energy to provide the same amount of light. They also last a lot longer as well. This includes CFL, LED and halogen incandescent lighting. Upgrading to energy efficient lighting is one easy way to go green and save money at the same time. 

    Update Your Plumbing
    Similarly, energy efficient plumbing fixtures can save you a decent amount of money. They use less water to operate. Since you are likely using city water, they can certainly save money in the long run. Installing a solar water heater from companies like Clearwater Plumbing can also help to lower your reliance on other much more expensive heating options like a traditional furnace that uses either electricity or natural gas to heat a home. 

    Obtain Energy Audits
    Lastly, you should consider getting energy audits every year or every other year. This audit performed by a third party can tell you all the ways you are wasting energy and electricity in your office and the rest of your business as well. After making adjustments, you’ll have a much more efficient operation that wastes far less energy. Overhead such as your utility bills will shrink as a result. 

    Overall, while going green may be a cliché, that doesn’t mean the trend is ever going away. Energy efficiency can do far more than help the environment. It’s also a cost cutting measure that increases efficiency and lowers overhead expense. Consider different ways your company can go green and save money at the same time.

     
  22. HannahWhittenly
    Waste is not pretty, and some of it is beginning to hurt the environment in more ways than one. This is the reason you need to take steps to reduce the waste you produce. The following are four ways you can do that for the good of the planet. 

    House Inspection 
    A good house inspection can help reduce waste in various ways; for example, you can seal up holes or cracks. These imperfections could be forcing you to use more energy than needed by forcing your AC to work harder to keep your home comfortable. You will not only be reducing energy waste, but you'll end up saving money. Upgrading your home to a smart digital thermometer may give you a tax cut, but also decrease the utilities that you waste. This is great because you can save on utilities consumed while saving money.

    Composting Forward 
    Composting may sound a little strange at first, but it can go a long way towards reducing waste. A lot of what you throw away can be composted naturally without going to landfills. All you need is a composting bin, the sun, and the willingness to feed your garden or a local garden your compost when you are done. Try to get everyone in your home used to the idea of composting so that it becomes easier for you to do it. 

    Water Purification 
    Water purification and filtration  intricate systems it requires not only fabric wire cloth parts  like those found at newarkwire.com, but also a number of other complex systems to create certain chemical reactions to remove particles that could lead to hard water. Hard water is bad for the environment because it can make it harder to dissolve soap, which can clog up your plumbing or the sewer system in your city. Hard water can also degrade your clothes faster, forcing you to buy more prematurely. Businesses, apartment complexes and even residential areas can all have different water filtration and purification systems put in place that will help recycle water and reduce the amount of water waste.

    Going Paperless 
    It is important that you start making your way towards a paperless existence. There are a lot of things you can do like canceling paper statements from your bank and relying on digital statements. You can also ask loved ones to send you digital postcards or mail rather than regular mail. It may be impossible to get rid of all mail, but that doesn't mean you cannot reduce it. You should also consider avoiding the use of paper plates or cups at home. Going digital is also convenient for archiving information as you can search your online database instead of a garage full of boxes.

    These are just some of the eco-friendly steps you can take to lessen the amount of waste your home creates. Sure, it is going to be tough to get used to some of these changes, but it will be worth it in the end.

  23. HannahWhittenly
    There are benefits when it comes to the use of alternative forms of energy. Many of these benefits aren’t just limited to the increased availability of energy and the public health implications. Here are some of the ways that green electricity can work to protect the Earth.

    Reduction in Emissions

    The amount of gases that are emitted with traditional forms of electricity are contributing to climate change. Alternative forms of energy don’t release harmful gases into the atmosphere while generating electricity for your home. This makes them the better alternative because they are more environmentally friendly. If enough people were to switch to renewable energy sources, this could help to reduce the amount of pollution that’s in the air.

    Sustainable Options

    Coal and oil are a finite source of energy. This means that once they’re gone, those forms of energy will become obsolete. Alternative forms of energy are sustainable because they are powered by things like the sun and wind. Getting solar panels installed is one way that you can help to protect the environment and ensure that your home continues to have a reliable power source. Solar panel installation and wind farms can also be used to generate a sustainable form of energy for you.

    Improved Water Quality

    Water pollution is another concern when it comes to generating power from traditional methods. Oil spills can occur which is another concern when it comes to water pollution and damage to the environment. Another concern is the amount of water that’s required for the process. Using alternative forms of energy ensures that there’s enough water available for those that need it. There’s also the benefit of not having to worry about the amount of pollution that’s entering your water system.

    Less Habitat Loss

    The act of searching for more sources of finite energy often leads animals to lose their habitats. Another common cause of habitat loss is due to climate change. As the weather patterns shift, certain areas of the world will start to loss their ability to sustain life in the same manner. By stopping this cycle, you can generate power without having to encroach on established areas of habitat. In most cases, you can generate power at your home without the need to construct large facilities to get the job done.

    There are lots of reasons that going with green electricity will help to protect the planet. You can do your part by promoting its use and advocating for others to do the same.

  24. HannahWhittenly
    There are benefits when it comes to the use of alternative forms of energy. Many of these benefits aren’t just limited to the increased availability of energy and the public health implications. Here are some of the ways that green electricity can work to protect the Earth.

    Reduction in Emissions

    The amount of gases that are emitted with traditional forms of electricity are contributing to climate change. Alternative forms of energy don’t release harmful gases into the atmosphere while generating electricity for your home. This makes them the better alternative because they are more environmentally friendly. If enough people were to switch to renewable energy sources, this could help to reduce the amount of pollution that’s in the air.

    Sustainable Options

    Coal and oil are a finite source of energy. This means that once they’re gone, those forms of energy will become obsolete. Alternative forms of energy are sustainable because they are powered by things like the sun and wind. Getting solar panels installed is one way that you can help to protect the environment and ensure that your home continues to have a reliable power source. Solar panel installation and wind farms can also be used to generate a sustainable form of energy for you.

    Improved Water Quality

    Water pollution is another concern when it comes to generating power from traditional methods. Oil spills can occur which is another concern when it comes to water pollution and damage to the environment. Another concern is the amount of water that’s required for the process. Using alternative forms of energy ensures that there’s enough water available for those that need it. There’s also the benefit of not having to worry about the amount of pollution that’s entering your water system.

    Less Habitat Loss

    The act of searching for more sources of finite energy often leads animals to lose their habitats. Another common cause of habitat loss is due to climate change. As the weather patterns shift, certain areas of the world will start to loss their ability to sustain life in the same manner. By stopping this cycle, you can generate power without having to encroach on established areas of habitat. In most cases, you can generate power at your home without the need to construct large facilities to get the job done.

    There are lots of reasons that going with green electricity will help to protect the planet. You can do your part by promoting its use and advocating for others to do the same.

  25. HannahWhittenly
    Civil engineers design many structures that help to improve your life. Taking on the task of improving wastewater management in order to make it more green is a newer concept. Here are some of the ways that civil engineers are tackling the wastewater management revolution.

    Run-off Alternatives

    You may have noticed that there are more ways that water run-off is being handled. In some areas, a greener approach is being taken by using landscaping alternatives to handling water run-off from parking lots and streets. These green “ditches” are helping to limit the amount of water that needs to be processed by a wastewater treatment plant. Your home may also be helping by using soft-scaping in order to combat some of your run-off issues.

    Use of Wetland Systems

    Another similar idea is through the use of engineered wetland systems that help with the treatment of certain types of wastewater. The plants and the bacteria are the filtering system that complete the treatment process. There are a couple of types of wetland treatment systems that you may have seen. These include an open wetland system and more of a closed system in which the top layer is covered with mulch. The benefit of these engineered systems is that they are more cost effective.

    Improved Delivery System

    The piping is a large component of any wastewater treatment facility. There are thousands of miles of pipes underneath your city that deliver the water to it. Much of this piping is aging because it was installed decades ago. This has lead engineers to find new means of delivery that are green and won’t corrode with age. Recycled metals and types of plastic are more commonly being installed when corrosion is observed in the sewage delivery system in your neighborhood.

    Green Construction Methods

    The wastewater treatment facility itself may even by using green construction methods in order to reduce its carbon footprint. This may mean that your wastewater treatment facility is installing alternative forms of energy in order to perform its tasks. There are any number of greener construction methods that are becoming popular in which newer facilities can be constructed. Civil engineers are responsible for the planning and development of these newer installations so that they can better serve you and help to protect the environment.

    A variety of methods can be used to make wastewater management a little greener. You may have seen these methods in action in and around your community over the years.

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