HannahWhittenly

No one wants to consider themselves as wasteful. While you might know you’re not perfect, you try your best. At least, that’s what you think. It turns out being wasteful can be a cumulative action that adds up through much passivity. In order to be environmentally-conscious, you need to be conscious of your relationship with the environment. These are four ways you might be contributing to the world’s waste without realizing it. Plastic Bags You might have a whole houseful of plastic bags that you don’t know what to do with. All those trips to the grocery can add up. However, it’s not just your wallet that can take a hit. Plastic takes a substantial amount of time to break down. A great solution is to purchase a few reusable grocery bags made of sturdy material like canvas. These bags can also save you from making multiple trips to your car, based on how much they hold. Disposable Razors Are you running through razors like crazy? As we said previously, all that plastic can really contribute to landfills. Thankfully, you can nix the disposable razors and have a much better experience. A high-quality electric razor can be one of your best purchases. Instead of having an average shave with a razor you’ll quickly throw away, you can have a great shave with one that you’ll hold onto. Clothes It can be easy to take your clothes for granted. You wear them, but you might not consider them past how they look. Take a look to see where they’re from and how they’re made. Are they made locally and sourced from sustainable materials? If not, you should definitely consider purchasing clothes that can have a better impact on the environment. Not Disposing of Garbage Properly You shouldn’t just see your garbage as one set thing. Instead, you should understand how complex it is. Make sure you have things properly sorted in recycling. You should also consider how much waste is piling up around you. A dumpster rental can be great for getting rid of lots of excess materials. It also helps to be mindful of how much you spend on non-biodegradable goods. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you realize you’ve been wasteful. It’s understandable and adjustable. Instead, you should commend yourself for having the foresight to address it. With these tips, you can help yourself be much more mindful of waste.

If your family is like many, there is a good chance that you waste a lot of electricity in your home. Luckily, there are several things that you can do to reduce your energy consumption. Follow these steps if you’re interested in doing so. Turn Your Home into a Smart Home First of all, if you haven’t yet implemented smart home automation in your home, then now is a good time to do so. Along with making your home more comfortable and intuitive for your family, this can help you conserve energy. For example, a programmable thermostat can help you avoid wasting energy with your HVAC system, and being able to turn off lights that were left on from a touch of your smartphone can help you conserve energy as well. Plus, as an added bonus, adding smart home components to your home can help you increase its value and make it much more appealing to potential buyers if you choose to put your home on the market later on. Invest in the Best Window Coverings One simple and affordable change that you can make is to invest in the best window coverings possible for your home. Look for those that are designed to filter out sunlight, since this can help you dramatically reduce your heating bills. It can also help you make your home more comfortable, prevent glares and protect your furnishings and flooring from fading. Plus, there are tons of modern and attractive styles, so buying new window coverings is a great way to update your home’s decor at the same time. Change out Your Light Bulbs If you haven’t yet switched out all of your household light bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs, now is the time to do so. This is an affordable project to tackle, and it’s something you can do yourself. Swap out Household Appliances If you’re ready to make an investment, consider swapping out your household appliances. Older refrigerators, washing machines and other appliances use a lot more energy than newer models. Some, like washing machines and dishwashers, also waste water. Buying new, eco-friendly appliances can help you save on energy and help the environment. As you can see, there are a few things that you can do if you would like to control how much energy you use at home. Then, you can lower the amount that you pay for your electricity bill each month, and you can feel good in knowing that your family has taken steps to reduce its impact on the environment

Cutting your utility costs shouldn’t have to be hard work. If you’re at a loss of where to start, have an energy audit conducted. This will give you a jumping off point for how to become more energy efficient. Here are some methods that you can use to reduce your utility costs. Reduce Your Loss Factor Drafts are causing there to be a lot of air exchange in your home. Your HVAC unit has to work harder to maintain the temperature. Cut down on the amount of drafts in your home. Some of the ways that you can do this is to invest in caulking and weather-stripping. A more proactive approach is to replace old doors and windows. You can also add insulation into the areas of your home that you are lacking, such as the attic or your crawlspace. Service Your HVAC A HVAC that is functioning at peak capacity will save you money in the long run. This means that you should have your HVAC unit serviced at least once a year. You’ll also need to check and/or change your air filter on a monthly basis. If your HVAC is on the older side, it might be time for an upgrade. Get quotes from several companies, like A & E Heating and AC Inc., so that you can find the best solution for your budget. Invest in Efficient Lighting Solutions You may be spending more than is necessary lighting up your home. Look into changing out your old light bulbs with more energy efficient LED ones. They use approximately a quarter of the amount of energy as the fluorescent variety. Even fluorescents are better than the incandescent bulbs. Another solution is to install motion sensing light switches if your family can’t remember to turn off the lights in a room. The lights will automatically turn off when no one is there. Look Into Waste Reduction Energy efficient appliances have come a long way. The Energy Star program has even come out with ratings for appliances like the washing machine and the dish washer. These appliances not only use less water, but less energy overall. Changing out older appliances will save you money over the life of the appliance. Another place that you can reduce waste is to install a programmable thermostat. There are even varieties that have a self-learning feature. The first place to start when you want to become more energy efficient is to assess the areas of greatest use. Work your way backwards so that you can save money on your utility costs.

Minimizing your energy bills doesn’t need to be a time-consuming or expensive process. For many homeowners, a few simple upgrades and add-ons will make a huge difference. Here is a look at four easy projects that are going to reduce your carbon footprint and save you a little bit of money over the years. Insulate Your Pipes and Ducts Insulating your pipes and ducts is one of the easiest home improvement projects that you can carry out, and it might lower your monthly energy bills by as much as four percent. All of the exposed pipes and ducts in your home should be covered with either polyethylene or neoprene foam. This project requires nothing more than a few basic tools, and you should be able to complete it in a single afternoon. Once those passageways are insulated, you can then adjust the settings on your HVAC system and water heater. Replace Your Old Appliances Older dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, heaters, air conditioners, and refrigerators use an incredible amount of energy. If you have a little extra money to invest in your home, then you might want to replace at least a few of those appliances. Many states even offer tax credits to residents who replace their old appliances with devices that have been approved by the Energy Star program. Once your new appliances are installed, you should make sure that everyone in your family knows how to use them correctly to prevent unnecessary damage and overuse. Upgrade to a Programmable Thermostat Your thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system, and that is why you want to be sure that it is as efficient as possible. Programmable “smart” thermostats allow you to adjust the temperature and monitor your home from anywhere in the world. Instead of leaving the air conditioner or furnace running all day, you can turn the system on just before you get home. Programmable thermostats are extremely cheap and can be installed in a matter of minutes. Install Energy Efficient Windows Replacing all of the older windows throughout your home might save you thousands of dollars in the coming decades. A company like Valley Glass Utility can install new residential windows in a matter of days, and you will notice improvements to your utility bills almost immediately. Modern high-efficiency windows are designed to let in plenty of sunlight while reducing heat transfer. They also come in countless styles, and you are sure to find a product that perfectly matches the rest of your home. As a homeowner, energy efficiency should be one of your biggest concerns. Making your home as green as possible is going to improve your family’s comfort, lower your energy bills, and reduce your impact on the environment.

Spring is the perfect time to freshen up your home and get rid of some of the clutter that has been collecting over the last few months. If you want your home to be as eco-friendly as possible, then you will need to invest a little extra time and energy into your spring cleaning chores. These few tips and tricks will limit the amount of waste that your home produces and reduce your overall carbon footprint. Make Your Own Non-Toxic Cleaners Some of the most popular cleaners on the market are filled with harmful toxins such as formaldehyde, chloroform, and nonylphenol ethoxylate. As an alternative, you can make your own cleaners at home with simple ingredients like lemon juice, white vinegar, baking powder, and salt. Those four household products can be used to clean almost every surface imaginable. They are also completely non-toxic, and that means you can use them around pets and young children. Service Your Appliances Servicing a few of the major appliances throughout your home is a simple project that could save you quite a bit of money every year. Most appliances that use water can easily be cleaned and sanitized with white vinegar that has been diluted with warm water. White vinegar breaks apart pockets of sediment so that the water can flow freely. Depending on what types of appliances you own, you might also need to change out air and water filters. Donate What You Can Donating your old clothes, toys, and household products is another simple way to reduce your carbon footprint. Many non-profit organizations will even pick up those supplies as long as they are gently used and properly stored in boxes and bags. You also have the option of listing your unwanted belongings on local online forums and exchange boards. Families throughout your community might be happy to take old school supplies, cleaners, garments, and furniture off your hands. Sort Your Waste If you have a significant amount of waste to get rid of, then you will most likely need to hire a skip bin. When choosing a skip bin, you should make sure that the company properly sorts all of the waste at a licensed recycling facility. Some of the products in your home might sit in a landfill for decades if they aren’t recycled. Hiring a bin for a few days will also allow you to take your time while sorting through your household goods. Cleaning and decluttering your home doesn’t need to involve harsh toxic cleaners or piles of trash heading to the landfill. With a little bit of hard work, you can rejuvenate and refresh your home without harming the environment.

You may have already taken numerous steps to improve how green your home and lifestyle are, but summer brings its own activities that could have an impact on the environment as well. For example, the summer months are a time when you may typically take a vacation with family or friends. It is also a time when many people will relocate to a new home and when yard chores are necessary. Each of these summer activities can have a negative impact on the environment, but there are a few steps that you can take to reduce the impact that they have on the environment. Spend Your Vacation Outdoors Vacations can be unnecessarily wasteful in numerous ways. For example, plane or cruise ship travel can use an exceptional amount of fossil fuels. Hotels are also wasteful and may use polluting chemicals for cleaning and doing the laundry. Many people also buy unnecessary souvenirs that they quickly forget about. An alternative to these types of wasteful vacations is to spend your vacation outdoors, such as on a camping trip. You can reuse all of your camping equipment and avoid the unnecessary waste of fossil fuels. With this type of trip, your daily activities can also be eco-friendly. For example, you can spend the day hiking and enjoying the beautiful sights and sounds of nature. Get Help Moving Moving is common during the summer months. If you have plans to relocate to a new home this season, be aware of the tremendous amount of waste that can be generated through the process. Hiring professional movers may help you to eliminate unnecessary trips back and forth between your old and new homes. They can also help you to pack efficiently so that minimal supplies are used. Keep Your Yard Green Summer is a season when yardwork is common and even essential. Many people use lawn equipment that is harsh on the environment, but there are green alternatives. For example, you can get a push mower rather than a gas-powered mower. You can also use a rake rather than a leaf blower to deal with grass trimmings. Fertilizer can be avoided, and you can use your own composting mulch made at home from your kitchen waste. Remember that these are only a few of the many types of summer activities that could have a negative impact on the environment. Be aware of the impact of your actions at all times, and always look for eco-friendly alternatives that may be a better option.

Many businesses are generating waste, and don’t even realize that there is a better way of handling it. Becoming more environmentally conscious is the first step to making your business more green. Here are some ways that you can work to resolve your unnecessary business waste. Excess Energy Consumption Energy consumption is a hot topic when it comes to making your business more eco-friendly. You’ve probably heard all about changing out your light bulbs for more energy efficient models. Another step that you can take is to make your business more self-reliant when it comes to your electricity usage. Install solar panels on the roof so that you can generate some extra power. Switch your servers to a cloud based system. Older servers use a lot of power to run. By taking them offline, you could dramatically cut your energy consumption. Recycle Old Electronics Recycling is a big part of becoming more eco-friendly. You probably already have a recycling program in place to deal with paper waste and other items. Consider expanding your recycling program to include your old electronic equipment. There are programs that want your old electronics. Many of these organizations are charities that give them to those that are less fortunate. You can also sell your old electronics, and donate the money to a charity of your choice. Create a Reclaimed Water Program Waste water can be a problem in many manufacturing environments. Purchasing a wastewater filtration system can help to alleviate some of your concerns. This water can then be used where it’s safe to use other reclaimed water. An example of this would include the water needed to flush your toilets. This water would in no way be drinkable, but it can go to other uses. The waste portion could be disposed of in the proper manner, while saving you some money. Convenience Items Over Reusable Many businesses don’t even think twice about purchasing disposable items. This trash is then deposited into the landfill. Creating more garbage isn’t very environmentally friendly. Replace these disposable items with reusable ones. Purchase reusable water bottles for all of your employees. Stock your break room with real plates and utensils. This will cut down on the amount of items that you need to purchase. It will also prevent more trash from entering the landfill. Focusing on reducing business waste is not only good for your bottom line. It’s also good for the environment and the image that your business projects.

Issues like pollution and global warming are serious challenges. If we are to protect the earth for future generations, we need to take action now. That certainly includes action from businesses both large and small. Make sure you are doing your part by instituting green policies into your company where you can. Below are four such strategies you should give serious consideration. Make Your Office Paperless One thing offices do is waste a lot of paper. The average US office employee uses about 10,000 pieces of paper a year. All this waste leads to the clearing of forests. That means fewer trees to transform harmful carbon dioxide into breathable oxygen. However, thanks to things like email and PDF files, there really is no longer a need for paper in the modern office. Do your part and go paperless. Start a Carpool Program One of the biggest sources of pollution created by businesses doesn’t come directly from the business itself. Instead, it’s all the gasoline that must be burned to allow employees to drive to and from work. Thankfully, there is a way to change this and curb your workforce’s carbon footprint. You should consider starting a company carpool program. Employees will benefit as well since they will have to spend less on gas each year. Waste Less Water Most states in the US expect significant water shortages in the future. We will have to start treating more wastewater to make up the difference. You can do your part by using less water in your facilities. Consider installing low-flow plumbing fixtures like toilets, faucets and more that use a lot less water so more of this valuable resource can be saved for the greater community. Perform an Energy Audit Many businesses are completely oblivious to the ways they are wasting energy. Your factory, store, warehouse or other facility may be needlessly wasting energy and electricity in ways you are not even aware of. Perform an energy audit through the use of a third party. The results of the audit can then be used to lower the amount of energy your facilities are using. This increased efficiency will also do the job of helping to slash your overhead expenses. Businesses are not free of moral and ethical obligations. One of these obligations is doing what you can to lower pollution and protect your community as well as the earth in general. Hiring someone with a civil engineering degree to help analyze your companies influence can help you with this. The four strategies above should only be a starting point for going green with your company.

If you are concerned about the environment, then it is essential to understand how to recycle various items. In the past, recycling was easier because the items were sorted by the employees at a recycling center, but today, you must know how to navigate the complicated world of recycling on your own. Have a Recycling Center at Your Home When you want to recycle effectively, you will need to have a recycling center in your own home. First, you must choose a space such as a closet, utility room or garage where you can have containers for different types of materials. The basic types of materials include glass, paper, metal and plastic. Within these categories, there are additional types of materials such as clear or colored glass and plastics. Most items are made from multiple materials, so you must learn how to tear each thing apart correctly. Contact a Recycling Center It is important to contact a local recycling center like Ranch Town Recycling Center Inc. or someone similar to learn what its guidelines are. Some recycling centers won’t accept anything that looks contaminated with food particles, paint or other debris, so this means that you must wash and dry most items before bringing it to the recycling center. This is often time-consuming, but you can become organized by learning how to sanitize and separate items correctly to prevent any contamination. Don’t Toss Batteries into the Trash Batteries contain a lot of chemicals, and if you throw these items into the trash, then the batteries will degrade in a landfill, contaminating the soil and groundwater. Keep used batteries separated from other trash so that you can bring the items to a store or recycling center that accepts the batteries for proper disposal. Before placing batteries in a container for disposal, place masking tape over the tips to prevent a spark that can cause a fire. Learn How to Recycle Electronics Your local recycling center might accept electronics such as old smartphones, televisions or computers. When the recycling centers near you won’t accept electronics, there are several well-known electronic stores that will take the items from you to recycle the items correctly. Old electronics contain a lot of materials that experts know how to use in new items to avoid creating additional trash in a landfill. Environmentalists are learning about new ways to recycle things all of the time. If you don’t know how to recycle something, then call a nearby recycling center to learn how to get rid of old vehicle tires or building materials.

Sustainability starts in the home. But are you doing everything you can to create an eco-friendly house? There are many ways you can make your house greener and more energy efficient. Use these tips to learn how to save money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time. Insulate Your Home How well insulated is your home? Many homes do not have insulation in the basement or attic. This is where most of the unwanted air flow enters your home. Because of this, cold air will enter your home in the winter and warm air in the summer. This means your heating and air conditioning will need to work twice as hard to keep your house at a comfortable temperature. To lower your heating and cooling costs and stop wasting energy, install additional insulation in your home. Make Sure Everything Is Running at High Efficiency Check your appliances and ensure they are working as efficiently as they can. If your appliances and home fixtures are not working as efficiently as they should, you will be spending more on your energy bills. For example, a low-efficiency furnace will require more energy to heat your home. Call a professional furnace repair company, like Logan A/C & Heat Services Inc., to inspect your furnace and fix anything that needs to be fixed. The same goes for all of your large appliances like your refrigerator and washing machine. Additionally, when it comes time to replace any appliances, make sure you choose ones that are energy efficient. You can tell because they will have the Energy Star logo on the tags. Turn off the Lights Your parents might have been onto something whenever they yelled at you to turn off the lights. Anytime you leave a room, remember to turn off the lights. Doing so can save a lot of electricity and thus lower your bills. The last thing you want is to waste energy on things that nobody is even using. Switch to Green Energy Sources There’s never been a better time to upgrade your home to green sources of energy. Consider installing solar panels on your roof to power the house. This is a fantastic way to make your house eco-friendlier and save on energy costs. Plus, you may even be able to get a tax break after installing the solar panels. There are tons of ways you can make your home greener. In doing so, you can save yourself some cash and save the environment, too.

You purchase organic fruits and vegetables, you use energy efficient appliances, what else can you do to live an eco-friendlier lifestyle? Environmentally friendly lawn care is crucial to keeping your yard safe and limit your environmental impact. Use these tips to learn how to care for your yard in a green way. Mow Your Grass High When it comes to mowing your lawn, higher is usually better. Leave your grass at a height of three inches or higher. This will promote a healthier and denser root system. It will also make your lawn more resistant to drought, weeds, and erosion. Additionally, longer grass traps pollutants and prevents them from flowing into storm drains. Don’t Remove the Clippings While on the subject of mowing, be sure to leave your grass clippings on your yard. The clippings offer essential nutrients to your lawn, the same as one round of fertilizer. The same can be said for fallen leaves, which can be used as mulch. Perhaps more importantly, when grass clippings are blown into the roads, they wind up in storm drains which flow into main waterways. This is similar to pouring fertilizer into a river, which is bad for the native creatures and humans, too. Make it easier for yourself and leave your grass clippings on your lawn. Work with Eco-Friendly Companies If you are hiring a professional to perform any services at your home, make sure they use eco-friendly techniques and have environmental policies. This goes for everything from landscapers to pest control companies like those from EMCO Pest Control. This way, you can be sure that your lawn is being managed responsibly, even if you are not the one doing it. Water Efficiently If you water your lawn too frequently, it encourages the grass roots to stay close to the surface of your lawn. This makes them more susceptible to disease and drought. Instead, water your yard less often, but deeply so the roots can thrive. Ideally, you should only water your grass once a week. To determine if you need to water, feel about six inches into the soil. If it is moist, you don’t need to water your lawn. There are plenty of ways you can lower your environmental impact, even in your own backyard. By using the tips above, you ensure your lawn gets the care it needs in the most natural way possible. Plus, you can make the world a better place in the process

Being environmentally conscious is becoming an increasingly popular idea, and there are many steps that homeowners can take to aid in this objective. Homes are a major contributor concerning energy consumption, carbon dioxide emissions, and many other factors that have a direct effect on the environment. As a homeowner, there are a variety of actions that you can take to make your home have a positive impact on the environment, and here are four tips to do so. Conserve Water Water is a critical resource that is used for a variety of purposes, and conserving it is highly important. There are many steps that you can take to reduce your water usage, including taking shorter showers, installing more efficient nozzles, and eliminating excess water usage in your yard. Be Energy Efficient Homes consume a large amount of energy, but there are many simple steps to reducing your consumption. One of the biggest ways is to replace your lightbulbs with LEDs. These bulbs have a very long product life, reducing the need to purchase replacements. They also are highly efficient and reduce electricity usage. Another way to decrease energy consumption is to unplug items that aren’t in use because, even if they aren’t in use, the outlet is still pulling power and using electricity. Compost and Recycle Composting is a great way to reduce waste and reuse various products from in and around your home, including grass clippings, leaves, food products, and others. These items can be added to a composter, and after they break down, they can be used as fertilizer for your yard or garden. Recycling is another great way to reduce waste, and recycled items can often just be placed in a separate bin and can be picked up just like trash. Soil Stabilization Soil stabilization offered by businesses like T. Luckey Sons, Inc. and similar companies is often overlooked as a green option. If, however, the soil beneath the foundation under your house is damaged it can cause damage to your house and the environment through erosion and organic degradation. This issue is easy to get under control through the use of soil grouting and other stabilizing solutions, and addressing issues early can reduce larger problems in the future. As resources are becoming increasingly scarcer and more information is coming to light about the importance of protecting the environment, it is important for everyone to contribute however they are able to. As a homeowner, there are many different steps that can be taken to help reduce your environmental footprint.

More companies are moving towards the green movement. It’s good for the environment, and it can help you save some money for your business. Here are some ways that you can make your company greener: Invest in Paperless Technology In the digital age, you can save a lot of money by using your technology to your advantage. Instead of printing out presentations, purchase tablets for your employees. Encourage them to not print out emails and other things that can be viewed online. You can reduce the amount of paper that you consume each year. This way you can decrease the amount of paper waste that you generate. By taking this step, you can save yourself a substantial amount of money. With less waste being generated by your company, you can save some green on your garbage and recycling bill. Purchase Reusable Products Consider options where you can purchase reusable products. This can be to promote your business or just for your employees. Have reusable bags made that display your company name. You can give them out to customers as promotional items. Buy reusable water bottles for your employees. This can reduce the amount of plastics that enter the landfill from disposable water bottles. Keep extra on hand to give to customers instead of cups for water. Use a Water Dispensing System Install a filtered water system on your break room faucet. You can also purchase a refrigerator that has a water dispenser. Then your employees can fill their reusable water bottles from this system. Your employees will feel better about their contribution to the green movement. You also save money not purchasing bottled water. For industrial environments, you can purchase a wastewater recycling system. This will reduce the amount of waste that enters the environment. Reduce Energy Consumption A study found that reducing your energy consumption had the potential to save $15 billion over ten years. Some of the ways that you can reduce your usage include switching to LED light bulbs. These types of bulbs use less energy and last for years. Another thing you can do is install motion detectors on your light switches. The lights will automatically turn off when no one is in the room. Some businesses install solar panels on their roofs. This can reduce your energy consumption in half. There are also tax rebates for these solar panels. By going green, you can save your business thousands of dollars each year. Then you can advertise that you are working towards reducing your carbon footprint.

While people may have once taken the environment and the earth’s natural resources for granted, those attitudes need to change. Thanks to growing world populations and increased human activity, a noticeable negative impact on the globe is certainly beginning to manifest. If these challenges are to be met and overcome, it will require action from business owners. Below are four ways businesses can help the environment. Switch to a Paperless Office One resource that is certainly finite is wood. For paper to be produced, trees must be chopped down and processed into pulp. Trees are an important part of the natural landscape and provide the world with breathable oxygen. The paper milling process also creates a lot of pollution. One way to remove these negative impacts created by your business is by eliminating paper entirely and relying instead on things like email and PDF files. Start a Company Carpool Program One of the largest sources of pollution is the automobile. In regards to cars, most vehicles on the road are commuting to and from the workplace. This aspect of work releases massive amounts of carbon based pollution into the atmosphere every single day. Someday, this problem may be solved by electric vehicles. However, currently, a more efficient way of curbing this source of pollution is by creating a carpool program for your employees. Clean up after Construction Something that can certainly have a negative impact on the environment is construction. If construction materials are left behind after a project has been completed, they can have negative effects on plants, animals, waterways and air quality for years afterwards. They can also pose dangers to human beings. Make sure to always perform a proper clean-up after a construction project. If the construction company doesn’t do a good enough job, seek the assistance of another outside firm like Alliance Demolition Services Inc. or someone similar to handle your clean up. Upgrade Your Lighting Incandescent light fixtures use a lot of electricity. They also have a habit of burning out quickly. One simple way to make your business greener is to invest in more efficient compact fluorescent light fixtures. CFL bulbs use far less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs and last much longer as well. You’ll save money and lessen your carbon footprint simultaneously. Transforming your company into a green business requires a lot of effort. However, that effort is well worth it. If the planet and environment is protected, businesses will also certainly benefit. Do what you can to curb your company’s impact on the environment.

Recycling is more than just good for the environment. In fact, there are many economic and social benefits as well. Here are a few such benefits that you can see as a result of recycling: It Helps to Create Jobs Recycling materials has led to an increase in job creation. More people are needed to sort through the recycled materials. The sorted materials can then be sold back to manufacturers. This in and of itself pays the wages of the workers that are employed at these recycling facilities. There is more than one job created per one thousand tons of recycled materials. The more that you recycle leads to more jobs being created. The more people that are employed generates more tax revenue for governments. This leads to more social services being available. It Reduces the Price of Goods It costs less to purchase recycled materials than it does to create new materials. This is because of the savings potential in obtaining, extracting, and refining new raw materials. Manufacturers can save up to ninety percent on their raw material budget just be using recycled goods. This savings can then be passed along to the consumer. Having more money in your pockets helps to keep the economy thriving. You have more expendable income and can purchase other items. This cycle is what keeps the economy running. Results in Lower Garbage Bills Recycled materials have an intrinsic value. Metals, plastics, and papers are valuable due to the cost of producing these items as new materials. Your garbage disposal company can sort these materials out and sell them back to the manufacturers. This has led to the reduction in your garbage bill. The waste disposal company is getting back some of the costs associated with operating their company. It can cost a lot to dispose of materials in a landfill. Lowering your monthly bills allows you to have more money in your budget to spend on other things. Creates Less Landfill Waste In many areas, space is limited. Landfills may be taking up prime real estate locations. Keeping materials out of the landfill reduces the amount of space that is needed for these landfills. Another benefit is that many of these recyclable materials aren’t biodegradable. Plastics in particular will likely be in the landfill forever. Removing these materials puts them to better use. They can be repurposed into other items. This reduces the amount of pollution that enters the environment due to the creation of new plastic materials. Recycling provides the economy with many important benefits! The more people that participate in recycling, the stronger the economy grows.

It is the start of a new year, and that means making your company even better. There are a lot of ways to do this from improving your planning to grow profits. One way though to improve your company that you may not have considered is making it greener. After reading this article, you will have at least four ideas to make your company better while also helping the planet. LED Lights The first idea to make your company greener is by switching your lighting to LEDs. These use less energy than fluorescent bulbs or incandescent bulbs. They may cost more upfront, but this extra cost is spread out over years of use. This is because they can last five times longer than other bulb options. Which means you will be saving your company money and helping use less energy. Install Solar Panels Another great way to help the environment is by having solar panels installed. Solar panels are great because they provide clean and reusable energy. Even on cloudy days, you can gather some solar power, and you can have batteries installed so on good days the extra energy can be stored. Solar panels may be costly but having them allows you to produce some of your own energy. This means that you don’t have to pay the electric company as much. Also, you can get some tax benefits for having solar panels installed. Recycle An easy way to make your company greener is implementing recycling. All you have to do is invest in some bins and have your workers put glass, paper, plastic and metal into them. Then you just have a service come pick them up or drop them off at a recycling center. This can save you money because it means you will be using your dumpsters less, and also some areas they pay you for metals, so it might actually earn you a little money while helping the environment. Do Business with Green Companies One last idea is you can focus on doing business with other green companies. This means if you have options of suppliers for a resource that you need that you can pick the one that has less carbon footprint. By doing this you are encouraging green practices and helping other green companies to stay in business. You can also learn different green practices from other companies and can get more green ideas from Inc. Being green isn’t really that hard, and while some things are costly at first to implement they can save your company money in the long run. On top of saving your company money though, being green helps the planet and makes it a great place for everyone to live.

Recycling is good for the environment. Getting your family on board may take a little bit of finesse. Here are some of the ways to encourage the whole family to recycle. Discuss the Importance Starting recycling can be a challenge for some people. Many people may not have stopped to consider where all the trash ends up. This can be an eye opening experience. Explain how recycling benefits the environment. There are also monetary benefits to recycling. Kids are especially receptive when you teach them at a young age. Encourage the whole family to get involved with the process. Make handy cheat sheets so that everything is clearly labeled. It may be confusing in the beginning. Allow for lots of opportunities to learn about the new method. Make Recycling Easy Have bins in an area that is easily accessible to all members of the family. Label the bins with pictures as well as words. This will make it easier for young children to be able to distinguish what goes in which bin. Recycle as you go through the day. Make it a game for your kids. Explain it as a matching game. Start out by giving small prizes when they get the items in the right bin. This will ensure that they keep trying. After a few weeks, it will become a habit. For adults, breaking the trash habit may take a little longer. Decorate Your Bins Let your kids decorate the bins. This is a good way to get them excited about recycling. Every time that they put an item into the bin that they helped create will make them feel good. This can also be a good bonding experience for the whole family. Make it a family activity. Consider making it a competition for who can make the most elaborate bin. Have the decoration have something to do with the recycling theme. Use some of your recycling items as the foundation for your decorations. Have fun with it so that everyone is excited about starting recycling. Take a Field Trip Make a trip down to the local center, like Ware Disposal. Of course, make sure to call ahead and see if the center would allow your family to do this. This is a good opportunity for the whole family to see how the process works. Explain what happens to the materials that can’t be recycled. Discuss the importance of being good stewards to the planet to your kids. Having a visual of where the materials is going may make it more relatable to your family. Some kids may be excited to see the large sorting equipment. People learn best by seeing how things work. This may even work for those family members that are resistant to the recycling process. Over time, recycling will become second nature. Use these tips to get your family excited about recycling.

Making your home more energy efficient can reduce your carbon footprint. There are some simple changes that you can make to be more efficient in your home. For a larger impact, use these solutions to make your home more green. Energy Star Appliances Appliances are scored on their annual anticipated energy usage. The Energy Star Program is run by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA looks at all models that are on the market and determines their total energy consumption. It is a completely unbiased analysis designed to aid the consumer in making a purchasing decision. Consider replacing your older appliances with ones that have a higher rating. Not only will you be helping to reduce carbon emissions, but you will be saving money on your electric bill. New Windows Older windows allow more air leakage than newer models. This is especially true if your home has single pane windows. Even windows that have aluminum frames and older vinyl windows can become less efficient over time. This is due to the seals on the windows breaking down with exposure to the elements. Not all windows are created equal. New windows are rated for certain climates. There are even varieties available that offer triple pane windows. This reduces the amount of air lost and helps with noise control. Upgrade Your Heating or Cooling System Even with routine maintenance on your AC or furnace, the parts can break with the passage of time. It may be time to consider upgrading to a more energy efficient model, like those you might get from a provider such as Cape Fear Air Conditioning & Heating Co., Inc. Something to take into consideration is the amount of usage of your system. You need to size your unit correctly based on the amount of square footage in your home. Sometimes it may even be prudent to oversize your unit if it sees heavy usage. This will allow the unit to run less while maintaining the desired temperature. Install Solar Panels For the most extreme solution for going green, solar panels are it. This is not a solution for everyone. It can be costly. There are government rebates that can be utilized to help offset the expense. Your home also needs to have a certain amount of roof square footage and sunlight exposure. With the installation of solar panels, your home can generate its own electricity. The surplus can then be sold back to the power company. This can also help to offset the major upfront expense for the installation of the solar panels. Energy efficiency in your home can be a huge expense. There are programs that can help with mitigating the cost. Consider these solutions for making your home more environmentally friendly.

Organic waste refers to those waste materials that can decompose. It usually comes from either plants or animals. When disposed of, it will naturally decompose through bacterial activity. Therefore, it is a better form of waste compared to other non-biodegradable forms such as plastics. Because of its degradable nature, organic waste leads to a greener environment through several ways: Reduce Water Pollution When well-composted, organic waste reduces the need to use synthetic fertilizers and pesticides on the soil when farming. Using those fertilizers and chemicals normally leads to contamination of underground water when chemicals seep deep into the underground water levels. Flowing water also carries these chemicals into water bodies such as rivers which ends up causing pollution to our water bodies. Reduce the Effects of Global Warming When organic waste is put in landfills, it produces methane gas which is 21 times worse than carbon dioxide in its contribution to global warming. Since organic waste is not normally disposed in landfills, less methane gas is produced and this has a reduced impact on global warming. SF Gate Home Guides insists that organic waste must never be dumped in the landfills but must be composted, which not only reduces global warming but also is a big nutritional benefit to the soil. Improves Aesthetic Value When the organic waste is put in the appropriately marked green trash cans, such as those provided by Ware Disposal, it improves the aesthetic value of the environment. It makes it look neat and clean. It also reduces the probability of the waste getting into contact with, for example, children, which prevents potential infections. Improves Soil Structure Compost manure, which is formed by organic waste, helps to improve the soil structure and composition in a great way. It increases the ability of the soil to hold water in a way where it can be easily accessed by the roots of plants which as a result reduces the need for irrigation. It also adds microbial organisms to the soil such as insects and earthworms. Better soil leads to healthy plants which are important in the environmental cycles such as the nitrogen cycle. Organic waste, therefore, has a big benefit to the environment. It is always important to separate the organic from the inorganic waste when disposing and ensure that as you take the inorganic to the landfill, the organic waste should form compost manure. In this way, you will be able to realize the full impact organic waste has to the environment. It is also very economical to dispose and will, therefore, save you some money.

For many people today, green energy is a huge concern. We want it from our companies, but don’t often practice it ourselves. At home, solar panels are a great way to reduce the environmental impact your home has, with a host of other positives, like: Lower Energy Bills The most obvious boon of solar panels is reduced energy costs. Depending on the amount of sun in your area, the break-even point for solar panels can be as little as two years, though the average is six to eight. To maximize your savings, consider contacting a licensed electrician to complete the installation, as they can work to best optimize the placement and wiring to bring about the lowest costs and highest yields. Average savings number in the tens of thousands over twenty years, increasing for sunnier locations. Secure, Reliable, Independent Solar energy comes from the sun, which comes with a number of benefits besides being clean and free: it can’t be monopolized, we know when it’s coming, and no one can limit our access to it. When it comes to energy sources, it’s the only choice a homeowner can make that affords them control; once you own solar panels, you have access to energy, period. Increase Home Value Research has shown that market demand for solar panels is strong, with buyers willing to pay a premium for homes already outfitted with systems. The average increase in resale value is around $5,911 per kilowatt, putting the typical 3.1 kilowatt system at a nearly $18,000 jump. In addition, you can enjoy increased roof longevity, as solar panels provide some protection from the elements, and lowered cooling costs, as they reflect sunshine in the summer. Tax Incentives No matter where you live, there’s more than likely some sort of energy incentive. Federal tax credits are numerous and more localized government on the state, provincial, county, or municipal level. There’s also the rise of power purchase agreements to watch, as homeowners can enjoy solar panels for zero initial investment with these agreements wherein the solar company owns the panels while the purchaser pays them off monthly. In today’s eco-friendly market, solar panels are an achievable reality for more and more homeowners. Beyond the lower energy bill, they provide numerous benefits like those listed. That’s not to mention their decreased carbon footprint, enabling you to help the environment from the comfort of your own home.

If you are concerned with your carbon footprint, there are things that you and your family can do to reduce it. The good news is that many of these ideas will not significantly alter your lifestyle. Therefore, you can do good for the Earth without having to go without the things that you want or need. Recycle Whenever Possible That plastic soda bottle or milk carton is likely eligible to be recycled. The same goes for the cardboard box that your cereal came in or the soup can that you just made dinner from. In lieu of putting those objects in your recycling bin, you can use them as flower pots or fill them with soapy water to use as a fly or pest trap. Find Ways to Limit Your Water Use There are many ways to limit your water usage such as washing your dishes only once a day or by taking shorter showers. You can also save water by watering your lawn once or twice a week instead of once or twice a day. Tightening loose pipes or making sure that the hose is completely turned off may also conserve water. Install Appliances That are Friendly to the Environment Appliances that have an Energy Star rating are ones worth having in your home because they use less energy. The only way to earn this label is to pass a government inspection, and there is no way for a company to buy its product onto the list. You should also look for central air units from Cape Fear Air Conditioning & Heating Co. Inc. or a similar company that have a higher SEER rating than what you have in your house. The higher the rating, the more efficient the item is. Carpool Whenever Possible Instead of having each member of the family using their own car, a family can carpool and save on gas and other emissions. It may also be a good idea to walk or bike to school or work if you live close enough. Using public transportation such as a bus or subway may also be an effective way to reduce the emissions created by your family's driving habits. If you are concerned with how society is treating the environment, you should lead the charge for change by example. By demonstrating the changes that you have made, it could inspire others to follow your lead. Over time, this could cause entire communities or even entire parts of the country to follow through on the momentum that you have helped to create.

Many homeowners pay a small fortune in utility bills each month. This can be financially burdensome, and it also may be a sign that your home or lifestyle is not as green as it could be. With a closer look at some of the top green tips you can follow around the house, you may be able to make your space more environmentally-friendly and save a significant amount of money in the process. Use Low-Flow Water Features The scarcity of fresh water is a top concern for many environmentally-conscious people. Low-flow water features, such as toilets, faucets and showerheads, can be installed in your home to help you conserve water. These are specially-designed features that use less water without requiring you to adjust your water usage behavior. For example, a low-flow toilet may use half the water or less with each flush that an older model may use. Harvest Rain Water Another great idea to consider is to use gutters, such as those from Unique Home Solutions, and a rain barrel to harvest rain water. This water can be stored and used for landscaping water. It can also be purified on-site and used inside your home. For example, you may use it to wash your clothes or for toilet purposes. You may notice a dramatic decrease in your water bill each month, and you can enjoy the benefit of knowing that you are not taking water away from the public water supply through your usage. Adjust Your Thermostat Maintaining an ideal climate inside the home can be an energy drain, and this is particularly true during peak summer and winter months when your HVAC system may function most frequently. Adjust your thermostat so that your home’s interior is cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer. Use blankets, clothing, ceiling fans and more to control your comfort level without relying so heavily on your HVAC system. Upgrade Your Windows Another excellent step to take is to upgrade your windows. If you live in an older home, your windows may not be well-sealed, and they also may not be good insulators. Modern windows may be more energy efficient, and they can help you to maintain a comfortable climate inside the home without relying on regular use of your HVAC unit. These are only a few of the green tips you can follow to save money on energy bills regularly. Now is a great time to begin implementing these and other ideas you may have to improve your home.

Solar energy has gained incredible momentum in the last few years. More homeowners and businesses than ever before are using solar energy to lower their electric bills and contribute to environmentally friendly practices. There are many advantages to going solar for middle-class homeowners, and the government has an interest in developing a stronger solar economy. Massive Decreases in Solar Prices When residential solar panels were first introduced to the market, they were, like most new technologies, prohibitively expensive. It could cost over $70.00 per watt to install a solar system. Only very wealthy homeowners could afford such a system, and only a small segment of the most environmentally conscious would be likely to invest. Today, the price of a solar system hovers closer to 60 cents per watt. This massive price decrease makes residential solar affordable to a broader range of consumers, especially homeowners in the middle class. While many government incentives and subsidies exist to lower the cost of solar further, the government is obviously hoping to phase out these expenses. Subsidies are designed to stimulate a new industry. The more people who install panels and stimulate the production of solar energy, the cheaper it will become and the less reliant people will be on government assistance. Solar is Good for the Economy States that make solar energy attractive have reaped significant economic benefits. These include the creation of new jobs and small businesses as well as new manufacturing and production. The growth of solar as a widespread industry is excellent from a government standpoint because it provides more tax revenue, a healthier job market and local economy and possibly less reliance on government assistance. Solar energy also represents an important shift away from imports. Renewable energy is one commodity that is always domestically produced. This allows money spent on energy to remain in the local economy or at least in America. This decreases reliance on foreign sources of energy, especially oil. Less Strain on Municipalities Residential solar creates the possibility that each home is like a miniature power plant. The vast majority of residential solar systems, such as those with Blue Sky Solar Energy, are tied into the energy grid. This benefits the homeowner because they have a reliable source of energy and don’t have to worry about expensive backup or off-grid battery systems. This also benefits everyone connected to the energy grid. More solar means lower demands on the centralized power infrastructure, meaning less operating costs for primary utilities and a more stable power grid in general. Power companies commonly over produce so they can meet peak energy demands. This expense is then wasted during off-peak times. A large-scale development of residential solar would lower the peak demand on the power company and reduce that waste and expense. Clean Energy Policies Many states are adopting stricter clean air and water policies and goals. Investment in clean energy is often a critical part of reaching these environmental goals. Solar power may reduce the need for dirtier sources of electricity. Increased adoption of solar energy may also have an environmental ripple effect for homeowners who adopt it. A strong tie-in is the link between home solar and electric vehicles. When a homeowner is producing their own electricity at home, they may be more likely to purchase an electric vehicle to go along with it. There are many widespread benefits to solar systems for homes and businesses. The government has a vested public interest in increasing the adopting of this technology. Homeowners can still act to take advantage of price decreases and incentives being offered.

Spring weather has a tendency to motivate us to straighten our yards or do a major cleaning in the house. Not only are cobwebs noticeable in the corners but every speck of dirt in your home is visible In fact, now is the time to open the doors and windows, let the house air out and do some major spring cleaning. If you are reluctant to bring out the harsh and toxic chemicals, there are more Eco friendly options. In addition, many of the green solutions actually do a great job disinfecting and cleaning. For instance, one of the best natural cleaners is vinegar. In truth, it is almost the only cleaner you really need. Vinegar is a multi-purpose product that can be used for laundry, getting rid of bugs, as a disinfectant, an antibacterial and as a cleaner. As a Disinfectant Most disinfectants are quite toxic such as bleach (chlorine), ammonia and hydrochloric acid. In truth, these cleaning agents are not the best to have around, especially if you have children. Thankfully, vinegar is an excellent alternative as a disinfectant. Not only is it a safer but it is also much cheaper. Plus if the smell of vinegar bothers you, just add a little bit of your favorite essential oil to the mix. The ideal solution for a disinfectant is half water and half vinegar. Just remember, the more you dilute the solution the weaker disinfectant you will have. Add the mixture to a spray bottle to make cleaning easier. For Cleaning Windows Vinegar and water is one of best solutions for cleaning windows. Not only does the vinegar cut through dirt and grime but it leaves your glass shiny. A basic solution would be one part water and one part vinegar. The mixture can also be made ahead of time. If your windows are brand new, like those from Gilkey Windows, then it’s important to make sure that you clean your windows regularly to keep them looking new. An All-Purpose Cleaner The recipe for an all-purpose cleaner is similar to the disinfectant except it is diluted. Add 1 ½ cups water, ½ cup vinegar, 2 teaspoons lemon juice and 3-5 drop of essential oils such as orange or lemon to a spray bottle. Use for cleaning around the house like the walls, counter-tops, blinds, door knobs and other surfaces. Floor Cleaner Vinegar is one of the best floor cleaners around. It disinfects, cleans and cuts through grime. In addition, vinegar leaves a nice shine to your floor without being slippery like some floor cleaners. In a large bucket, add ½ gallon of warm water and 1/3 to ½ cup of vinegar. Soak a sponge or mop with the solution making sure to wring out any excess water. Clean the floor and rinse the mop when needed. Allow to dry. Vinegar has numerous other uses for the household like getting rid of stubborn odors in a room, , cleaning the toilet, removing stickers from the wall and for cleaning various metals such as copper, brass, silver and pewter.

Becoming more energy efficient isn't just about preserving the environment. It can also provide substantial savings on your monthly power bills. You may have decided it's too much trouble, or costs money for greener technologies. There are really a number of simple, affordable things you can do. Here are four ways to start saving energy. Efficient Kitchens Kitchens are one of the most energy-intensive areas. You can save power by cooking more than one meal at the same time, so that tomorrow's dinner only has to be warmed up. When cooking meals or desserts in cold weather, let the heat circulate to the rest of the house to reduce the burden on home heating. Wash the dishes on warm instead of hot, and avoid pre-rinsing dishes that don't need it. Don't cook small pans on big burners, or vice-versa. Heat and AC HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems shouldn't be turned on if you don't need them. Even slight adjustments could be wasting money over the course of a day. Put on a sweatshirt instead of turning up the heat, or a pair of shorts instead of turning up the AC. It's also important to have your AC system checked by a professional, such as those from Cape Fear Air Conditioning & Heating Co., Inc. before peak summer temperatures. Inefficient operation or clogged ducts forces the AC to work harder and wastes electricity. Efficient Cleaning Saving energy with household chores just takes a little effort and common sense. Don't use warm water where cold will do, or hot water where warm will get the job done. Try to use appliances like washers, dryers, and dishwashers at full capacity in order to avoid wasted electricity. Consider hanging up your laundry rather than using the dryer, or removing it before it's fully dry. Use dust mops and brooms instead of dragging out the vacuum cleaner. Energy-Efficient Homes Fans and dehumidifiers can help to reduce AC costs. Letting in the sunshine will reduce heating and lighting expenses. Additional insulation and sealing of window or door gaps will help save money on both. Also add insulation around your hot water heater and hot water lines. Get everyone in the household into the habit of turning off anything that isn't being used. Consider solar-powered lights for the exterior. Saving electricity is just a matter of a little proactive planning and developing good habits. Start with the easy and affordable solutions. In time, you might be ready to move up to solar panels or smart thermostats to save even more.