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As the world's countries vie for the power source that will replace oil, many eyes are watching developments in geothermal heating. While seen as a great solution, many still wonder how sustainable it truly is. What is geothermal heating? Far beneath the outer crust of the earth lies ground that grows hotter and hotter as it approaches the molten core. This constant heat is harvested by pipes, where it flows through them much in the same way the current HVAC systems work. Many see it as a great contender for the next power source as it has a measured 300% efficiency. Why is it seen as a good resource? The main aspect keeping it in the public eye is the fact that it is always going. While wind farms and solar panels rely heavily on the weather, geothermal heat is always present, meaning mining facilities can simply turn their equipment on and off as energy needs change. Another reason is that it is accessible at every point on earth because the inner molten core radiates heat outward. Why is its sustainability in question? The reason for this is that the heat does get used up over time. Imagine a lake, for instance. During the summer, the water gets lower and lower as the heat evaporates what's there. It isn't until the sun gives way to the rainy season that the water levels return. Should there be less water than before, the lake levels will rise but never rise to what they once were. Over time, the lake will eventually disappear altogether. This is what happens with the geothermal heat albeit on a much faster timescale. Once production ceases, heat levels jump back up but never reach the levels they were initially at. Is it sustainable? Studies show an affirmative so long as certain regulations are met. These include the initial heat and fluid content and their regeneration rates, in addition to the rate of heat and fluid extraction. Basically, so long as we aren't taking up heat faster than the earth can produce it, the method is sustainable. Unfortunately, as humanity has shown time and time again, we are incapable of such regulation. At the moment, geothermal energy is proving to be very tempting as a sustainable resource, so long as we continue harvesting it with care. If we don't, there's no telling what harm we will cause when pockets of warm earth are depleted. Informational Credit to East Side Ventilation Ltd.

In the process of being environmentally responsible, it's possible to see how your efforts are occasionally sabotaged. There are a number of things that can sabotage your sustainable habits, most are linked to poor quality and excess. Five of the most common include substandard products, frequent replacement of household and commercial fixtures, food waste, non-recyclables and hazardous items. Substandard Products Sabotage Sustainability Poor quality products sabotage sustainability by requiring frequent replacements. For example, poor quality insulation results in loss of proper heating and cooling retention in homes or commercial facilities. Check the "R" rating before purchasing insulation. This helps determine precise levels of insulating quality and properties of the product. A leaky roof, according to a specialist from T. Simpson Roofing, can actively sabotage sustainable indoor heating and cooling habits. To prevent this, roofing materials should be of highest quality to insure durability and longer wear. Roofs should be installed or replaced with an underlay of top quality protective roof sheeting between outer roofing materials like slate, asphalt, vinyl clad aluminum and other types of shingles. Products That Lack Quality When products purchased for use in homes or commercial facilities are manufactured from poor quality materials, they are replaced and repair with greater frequency. For example, the reason so many claw-footed bathtubs are still in existence today is that they were built to last virtually a lifetime. Today, tubs are manufactured to be replaced frequently. Surfaces become thinned from cleaning chemicals or due to surface chipping. Laundry equipment, furnaces, water heaters and computer equipment are also replaced more frequently. This sabotages sustainability when these items can't be recycled properly. Inevitably, they end up in landfills that do not complete the cycle of sustainability you strive for. Excess Sabotages Sustainability Buying in excess only adds to the lack of sustainability. Too often, high quantities purchased go unused, resulting in higher volumes of trash. This applies to clothing, food and household items. Food waste in the most developed countries is the reason many landfills cannot manage the enormous volumes of food that end up in the trash. Restaurants regularly throw out tons of food annually. A better method of sustainability would be for proper food waste disposal programs that create greater need for local composting centers. Non-recyclables and Hazardous Items Commonly used items can sabotage sustainable habits. Non-recyclables, like ordinary household cleaners and chemicals, enter local sewage systems and often result in runoff in soil after rain events. Hazardous items like flashlight batteries, car batteries and items that contain flammables and potentially explosive parts are other examples. To create substantial sustainability habits, always read labels on products purchased. Purchase higher quality materials that offer greater durability to avoid frequent replacements.

Drastic climate change has pushed environmental concerns to the forefront of current affairs. Deforestation, pollution, and excessive use of limited natural resources has had a seemingly detrimental effect on the Earth, creating a great deal of concern for the fate of mankind should such conditions continue. Fortunately, hope does exist, as a widespread push for reducing consumption and pollution has continued to expand, lessening the likelihood of a dim future here on Earth. Going Green Equals Good Business Sense Recently, many companies have taken steps to go green, recognizing the many benefits that come from doing so. By taking steps to operate more efficiently and environmentally friendly, companies realize significant cost savings, as well as improved public relations, as people feel good about supporting companies operating in an ethical, morally sound manner. Who's Going Green? Numerous major companies are taking initiatives to go green, even while continuing to expand their customer base. The Bank of America claims to have reduced paper consumption by 32% between 2000 and 2005, and even offers employees cash incentives for purchasing hybrid vehicles. Beverage companies Anheuser-Busch and Coca-Cola have reduced millions of pounds in waste by creating bottles and cans that use less material and made largely from recycled goods. Car manufacturers, ranging from Honda to Land Rover, have developed new and improved vehicles that run more efficiently by reducing vehicle weight using lighter materials and using more efficient engines. Another example, is Kenmore, which has developed some of the most efficient boilers available on the market today, based on Energy Star ratings. According to Nationwide Boiler, more companies are getting more efficient models and trailer mounted boilers so they can travel with them. Other companies taking the initiative to go green include Hewlett-Packard, S.C. Johnson, Goldman Sachs, Continental Airlines, Target, Wal-Mart, and Dell, amongst many others. While there is still a long way to go before fully reversing the damage mankind caused on Earth thus far, improvements are indeed being made. In the wake of the recession, public opinion has become more important than ever for companies and environmental awareness is an excellent way to foster that. By taking steps to go green, companies gain consumer approval and trust by demonstrating good will and an effort to put the good of the public above huge profits. Not only does the company benefit from building positive relations amongst the public through environmental awareness, but there are significant cost savings that accompany such initiatives. Ultimately, companies taking steps to go green are creating a win-win situation for all involved.

The best way to determine where your home is losing energy is to start with a careful walk-through to spot problems. Here we provide a few of the biggest but easiest tips for improving the energy efficiency of your home. Heat Loss If heat is escaping your home in cold weather, or cool air in summer months, that’s energy and money going to waste. A little extra insulation can improve energy savings anywhere from 5% to 30% per year. There are a few places you should check throughout your home to reduce energy loss. If you have an attic, make sure that the entrance to the attic is insulated too. Check existing insulation to make sure there are no gaps. Check doors and windows for air leaks. Foam or rubber weather stripping can be used to improve door seals, and caulking around window exteriors. Heating and Cooling Equipment Air filters should be replaced approximately every month or two to improve air quality and efficiency of air-flow. Visually inspect any ductwork you can. Look for dirt streaks, particularly at seams and joints. Use metallic duct sealant tape or duct compound to seal leaks. If your appliances are more than fifteen years old, a specialist from Shorty's Plumbing & Heating Inc recommends looking into replacing them with new, energy-efficient appliances. Savings from new appliances can recoup the original investment in just a few years. Tankless water heaters are especially beneficial in colder regions, only using energy to heat the water when you need it. Lighting Nearly ten percent of you electrical costs are due to lighting alone. You probably already know that changing your standard incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) can reduce energy costs, but you might not know that the newer light-emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) are even more energy efficient and also achieve full brightness much more quickly than CFLs. Appliances We all know that appliances and electronics use a great deal of energy. What you might not know is that some appliances and electronics use power even when switched “off”. From televisions and computers to kitchen appliances, many major devices should be examined for passive electricity usage. Electricity usage monitors are available in most home improvement stores. They are easy to use and can measure the electricity usage of any 120 volt device. Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once! Small steps and a little maintenance can make a big difference in home energy savings.

Building a new home can be quite an undertaking, and building a new green home even more so. There are many things to keep in mind, from where you should build to which building materials to use. But it's not an impossible task. By planning ahead, you can build your own green home. Here is a list of the five of the most common mistakes in green home construction, so you can avoid these familiar pratfalls and build the eco-friendly abode of your dreams. Choosing The Wrong Site If you don't select the correct building site, your project can be doomed from the start. Be careful building too far from "the beaten path." While an idyllic country manor may sound charming, building far away from local roads and utility lines can mean major headaches, as well as excessive costs and energy use. Also, building in a previously undeveloped area may disrupt the local flora and fauna. Another thing to keep in mind about site-selection is your potential home's exposure to sunlight. Harnessing solar energy is essential to the upkeep of a green home. A good site will have sunlight from roughly 9 AM to 3 PM. Your home should also face south, in order to maximize solar exposure. Building Too Big The larger the home, the more difficult and expensive. A green home should be built with practical needs kept in mind and grandiose plans kept in check. If you are building a house to live in for a long time, be sure to plan for not only your present needs, but any future needs which might arise. Inadequate Insulation Sufficient insulation will keep your heating costs reasonable. A well-insulated roof is essential to conserve heat and maintain cool. A specialist from Golden Windows Ltd says that eco-efficient windows and doors are essential to keeping both energy use and heating costs down in a green home. Unfortunately, home builders too often overlook the necessity of having efficient windows and homeowners are often stuck with the bill. Using the Wrong Materials In this case, "wrong" means materials that are not environmentally friendly. A green builder should use sustainable, non-toxic, recycled building materials, such as recycled lumber, natural products like bamboo and granite, and recycled glass. Choosing the Wrong Equipment and Appliances What's the point of building an eco-friendly home if you don't fill it with eco-friendly appliances? Anyone interested in maintaining a green home should research and buy the most eco-friendly products and appliances they can find. While building a green home may present unique challenges, it also offers unique advantages. As long as you plan ahead, and remember to avoid these common mistakes, your fantasy home could be your new, green home soon.

Every year, more and more people are recycling, rather than discarding their garbage. However, that doesn’t mean there still is not work left to do. There are many places, groups of people and communities that could use a little help recycling. If your community is one such group, you can be proactive and help promote recycling on a community level. Decide Who Your Community Is The first step to promoting recycling is to decide who your community is. When you decide to promote recycling on a community level, you want to start small and be realistic. This helps ensure you reach everyone within that small group and ensure things are working before you extend your reach. If your bigger goal is to promote recycling to the entire school district, start by making your first goal one school. Once that school has mastered the program you are promoting, move on to another school. Make a Plan That Will Encourage Recycling In That Community After you have decided who exactly you are promoting recycling to, make a plan that encourages recycling within that community. For example, children at school may not know they should be recycling juice pouches. Raise awareness of this by putting up signs in the cafeteria. Or the school may not have recycling bins that are easily accessible to the children. Taking the time to buy and properly position these bins can encourage children within that school to recycle. Approach the Leaders of That Community Once you have a plan in place to encourage recycling within a specific community, approach the leaders of that community and find out how you can go about implementing your plan. Once again, take a look at the school example. You will want to talk to the principal and teachers to find out how you can go about buying recycling bins for the cafeteria or how you can let the children know more about recycling at their school. Put Your Plan Into Action The last step is to actually put your plan into action. This is usually the easiest step, because by now you have already taken the time to think your plan through and get input from leaders within the community you are promoting recycling to. However, this is also where any kinks will present themselves. So be prepared for some hiccups, but don’t let them deter you. Acting fast and being flexible will help you promote recycling in the best possible way to the community you are promoting to. If you have identified a group that could use a little help recycling, take the time to help that group. By focusing on a community, making a plan, approaching the leaders of that community and implementing your plan, you are doing your part to help the community and the environment. Informational Credit to Federal Metals Inc

Metal recycling is a vitally important part of preserving the health of our environment. By recycling scrap metal, hundreds of millions of tons of metal waste is diverted from landfills. Oftentimes, metal is sent directly to production plants to immediately be made into new goods, with very little time needed for reprocessing. The following are a few reasons metal recycling is important for a greener future. Avoiding Resource Depletion Metal ores are considered a non-renewable resource. This means that once we mine all of the ore present in the Earth's crust, there is no more available for our use. Metal ores may take eons to form. This means that ore renewal is impossible in the scope of human existence. The more wisely we allocate the use of our natural resources, the less we must worry about exhausting the Earth's bounty. Reduced Amounts of Toxins Producing metals from raw ore requires the use of many caustic and toxic chemicals. When metals are recycled, the use of nearly all harmful substances is avoided. Water is the primary substance used in non-ferrous metal recycling, and is often returned to its original source cleaner than when it was discovered. Effective Use of Energy Refining ore requires high heat, which gobbles up electricity, coal and natural gas. By recycling scrap metal, large amounts of energy are saved. For example, if a person were to recycle 1 steel can per week, they would be saving enough electricity to power a 60 watt light bulb for over 24 hours! Recycling scrap metal allows us to conserve precious energy, reducing the harmful impact of electricity production upon the environment. Lowered Greenhouse Gas Emissions Recycling existing metal produces markedly less greenhouse gas emissions than processing raw ore. Aluminum, one of the most easily recyclable metals, can be recycled and put back into primary use within 60 days. According to a specialist from General Recycling Industries Ltd, recycling an aluminum soda can saves 92% of the energy that would have been used to produce a can from raw materials. This saved energy translates into lowered greenhouse gas production and pollution. Globally, citizens are becoming more aware and educated about the harmful impact industry and production has on the environment. Through recycling, we are discovering increasingly responsible ways to reuse materials in many manufacturing processes. Recycling is not only important for the greener future of our planet, it is essential to long-term economic sustainability.

Carbon dioxide, a byproduct of fossil fuels, is the primary reason for global warming. Many initiatives designed to stop global warming center around reducing the planet’s reliance on fossil fuels and creating alternative energy. An example of this is laws that are being written encouraging governments and large businesses to put a limit on their carbon emissions. Businesses and governments that exceed their annual limit of carbon emissions will be required to pay for the excess gases they produce. Recycling and Clean Energy Other steps are being taken by the public at large. These include a shift in consumer buyer habits. More people are choosing to purchase products that were made using recycled materials, and that were created in factories using green energy. These include businesses that produce at least 50 percent of their energy using either wind, solar, or another source of clean energy. Additionally, homeowners are taking advantage of incentives provided by local utility companies as well as tax incentives set aside for individuals who use renewable energy in their home. Solar panel technology has taken amazing steps forward as has the energy storage capacity of batteries used in conjunction with these systems. Homeowners with installed solar panels and who have constructed wind turbines have even been able to sell some of their excess energy back to the utility company. Electric Automobiles Automobiles play a large role in creating the gases that contribute to global warming. More and more people are purchasing hybrids and plug-in hybrids that run on electricity and create less carbon emissions. Tesla has taken the idea of an electric vehicle and pushed it into the mainstream. Now other automotive companies, including Ford and Harley-Davidson, are producing energy efficient electric vehicles. In addition to taking steps against global warming, these companies are saving themselves money because an automobile that gets 40 miles to the gallon as opposed to 20 miles to the gallon, will save them approximately $3,000 a year in fuel costs. Landfill Gas More innovative programs have shown promise in slowing the effects of global warming. One of these includes the landfill gas collection system. Basically, this program is designed to capture the methane gases that are a natural product of decomposition of organic materials in landfills. Once this methane is collected and treated, it can be used to produce energy in combustion engines. Using landfill gas in this way has a twofold benefit. First, it minimizes the amount of methane that is released into the environment. Second, it provides an alternative source for combustible fuel. While there is much discussion about the source of global warming, it is almost universally accepted that it is occurring, so it’s not surprising that more and more individuals are turning to environmentally friendly sources of energy as a way to slow global warming’s process.

If you've ever wondered where that old computer or other electronic device goes when you toss it in the dumpster, you might be surprised when you find out. While some are incinerated or wind up in landfill, others are exported to other continents. These are just a few of the places e-waste is ending up in the world. Landfills It was estimated by the EPA that almost 5 million tons of e-waste accounted for total landfill waste around the millennium. Electronics contain lots of hazardous chemicals that can easily contaminate the air and areas around it. While countries, such as many in Europe, ban the dumping of e-waste into landfills, others like Hong Kong allow it. Incinerators Incineration seems harmless until you think about all of the toxic content that's released into the air from e-waste. Cadmium, lead, and mercury all contaminate breathing air from e-waste being incinerated. As you look deeper into the ramifications and consequences, incineration is not such an effective method for disposal after all. Refurbishments and Reuse Rather than dumping off their electronics as waste, many people sell them to manufacturers so that they can be used in the future. Refurbishing is easily one of the best ways e-waste is disposed of because it provides more utility to the tossed product. The good news is that all of the computer or other device are reused by other people at some point, and harmful toxins aren't released back into the atmosphere. Recycling In some cases, the parts and metals inside computers and other electronics can be broken down for use in other ways. While this might seem like a viable solution for getting rid of e-waste, it comes with its drawbacks. Recycling can be dangerous, if it takes place in a scrapyard with no protocols in place for safety. Donating e-waste to a recycling plant is your best bet for disposal. Exportation You might be surprised to learn that e-waste is often exported to other countries for scrapping or basic dumping. This is highly illegal in some areas, yet the problem is so large that it goes uncontrolled for the most part. As the world continues to produce large amounts of e-waste, the mysterious question grows even more: What can the world expect to be done about e-waste disposal? Will countries keep incinerating, dropping it into landfills, or illegally exporting it to other areas of the world? Only time will tell. Informational Credit to STS Electronic Recycling

Are you passionate about environmentally responsible practices and green living? Would you like to have a job that paid your bills while also helping to save the planet? Today’s colleges are focusing more and more on providing degrees that can work for the environment. Whether it’s a science research in declining species, to a technology degree to help with wind turbines, or even an online mba in management information systems, more degrees are being created with the world in mind. Below are four job options you might be interested in, and how to get involved in the environment with your degree and career. Solar Panel Installer The solar energy industry has been booming in recent years, and as the technology has improved and the supply and demand have increased, costs have dropped significantly. This has allowed homeowners and small businesses to have solar panels installed on their homes and buildings, and reduce their electric bills to mere pennies per month. Solar installation is becoming a very popular job, and installers can make pretty good money. In some cases, specialized training via tech schools is not even necessary, as some employers will offer paid on-the-job training for new installers. Wind Turbine Distributor Not only have solar panels become more popular over the past few years, now wind turbines are rising in popularity too. And we're not just talking about those massive, high tech windmill that dot the landscape out in the desert. We're talking about much smaller units purchased by homeowners to set up in their back yards. There are many companies out there now who are looking for distributors, so you don't necessarily have to work for the company who designs and installs the systems; instead, you can become an outside sales representative and work for commissions. Green Energy Auditor Energy auditors inspect homes and commercial properties, looking for ways to cut down on energy costs. They often focus on improving window and door insulation to reduce heating and cooling costs. They might also recommend lighting systems that could reduce electricity usage. These types of changes not only help their clients to save the planet and preserve precious natural resources; they also help them to save money by reducing their monthly electric, gas and water bills. Green Home Designers Green design elements are being incorporated more and more into home construction and design, allowing for some pretty interesting and fulfilling jobs as green architects and green interior designers. Green principles can be applied every step of the way, from using recycled building materials, double-paneled insulation in the walls, double-paned glass windows, low-watt CFC lighting systems, rain catch-water systems, skylights and more. What better way to show off your artistic creativity, do something good for your community and for the planet, and make a living at the same time? These are just a handful of options in the green job market, but these ideas barely scratch the surface. There are countless opportunities out there today, with more being created every year. This is a young industry with a lot of room for growth. Go for the gold and find a program or job that offers a little more satisfaction for your part in the environment.

If the utility bills for heating your home are becoming outrageous, then it is time to take action by making a few changes. Just a few simple adjustments in a home can make a huge financial difference for families. The great thing about making many of these changes to your home is that there are also energy savings in hot weather during the summer while using air-conditioning. Yearly Furnace Maintenance Homeowners must make sure that climate control devices are maintained properly to reduce energy consumption. Change the filters in a furnace once a month to ensure heated air flows freely. Vacuuming or dusting the vents and ductwork in a home also helps to keep a home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. When heating equipment in a home is making strange sounds or odd odors, contact an expert technician for professional service. Add Insulation to a Home The best time to add insulation to a home is in the late spring or early autumn. First begin by inspecting the exterior of a building to find small holes and crevices near water pipes and utility lines. Place fiber insulating materials in the opening to prevent loss of climate controlled air. You can also place roll insulation tape inside a home on areas where air enters. New Doors and Windows An older home often has ancient single pane windows and flimsy doors that allow cold air to enter easily, leading to drafts. Manufacturers now make sturdy but attractive insulated doors and windows that help to prevent loss of climate controlled air year-round. Homeowners can now choose from an assortment of quality insulated windows and doors that are custom fitted to seal out cold or hot air. Cover a Home’s Water Heater It is possible to buy insulated covers for water heaters that are located in cold areas of homes. Because heaters are in unheated basements or utility rooms, the appliances must work harder to warm water and maintain its temperature. Water heater covers are inexpensive and easy to install but lead to a lifetime of energy savings. Additional Energy Savings There are additional ways to conserve energy in a home by adding carpeting or rugs to cold floors to prevent heat loss in the winter. Many homeowners turn down a furnace’s thermostat a few degrees in the winter while wearing additional clothing to stay warm in order to save money on heating bills. Informational Credit to Comfort King Windows & Doors Ltd

Change Your Lights Try replacing five light fixtures that you use the most with fixtures that have the Energy Star label. Energy Star products help the environment by using less resources while significantly reducing energy costs. Although energy-efficient lighting fixtures use far less electricity than their less-efficient counterparts, they still provide the same bright light as traditional fixtures. Additionally, Energy Star products typically last 10 to 50 times longer than standard lighting fixtures. Heat And Cool Your Home The Smart Way Cooling and heating your home accounts for over 50 percent of your energy costs. In most cases, if you change your air filters often, you can lower your energy bill each month. Investing in a programmable thermostat is another simple, energy-saving solution. However, if you want to maximize your comfort and energy savings, you should consider hiring a licensed contractor annually to inspect your HVAC and heating units. To save even more money, ensure that your home is properly sealed and insulated. You can use weather stripping, caulk, and insulation to block any drafts and leaks. Insulation should be used throughout the home, but you must place a lot of it in the attic. Use Water Efficiently The process of pumping and heating water requires plenty of energy. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, never let the water run while you brush your teeth. Also, if you have a leaky toilet, hire a plumber immediately, because you will waste about 200 gallons of water each day. Since water heaters use energy to heat water at various times throughout the day, you should replace your traditional unit with an energy-efficient unit. A tankless water heater is highly recommended, because it produces hot water on-demand, rather than wasting energy with a tank. Recycled Flooring Recycled carpet tiles are often made from ground nylon carpeting. Sustainable homeowners buy recycled carpets instead of new carpets, both for the environmental benefits of reuse and the Recycled rubber is a great flooring material that is very durable. Many families choose this kind of flooring because the material is stain-resistant. Whenever the floor becomes dull, it can be polished quickly with a water-soluble wax emulsion. For daily cleaning, you will only need a mop and a bucket of clean water. If you implement a few basic procedures and use the proper flooring, you can save money and help the environment. Informational Credit to Chilliwack Carpet One Floor & Home

Corporations that alter their business practices to be more environmentally friendly have a lot to gain. Besides the many benefits to the environment, going green can provide an excellent boost to a company’s public image and reduce its energy costs. Employee Shuttles/Car Pool Benefits By offering car pool benefits, a business can encourage their employees to reduce the company's carbon footprint. Some businesses offer as little as a prime parking space, while others pad employees’ checks with a bonus when they agree to carpool. There are some large businesses that are able to provide employee shuttles to transport their workers to their place of business without the big environmental impact of multiple vehicles traveling back and forth each business day. Reduce Waste Providing recycling containers is just one way a business can help encourage its employees to think green. Reducing the amount of waste that ends up in these containers is the better way to be environmentally conscious. Many companies are finding ways to run paperless; or at least greatly reduce the unnecessary use of paper products. This is also a wonderful way to reduce the cost for these types of wasted office supplies. If paper is necessary, consider using recycled goods that can continue to be recycled so that the paper does not end up in a landfill. Another idea is to provide reusable coffee mugs and water containers and encourage employees to use them instead of disposable foam or plastic ones. LED Lighting Changing over to LED lighting in a large office building may seem like a big investment at first, but the energy savings produced over the years will more than make up for the money spent up-front. LED bulbs are energy efficient, last longer, and do not contain toxic mercury sometimes found in CFL bulbs. Programmable Thermostat One easy way for a business to conserve energy is to use a programmable thermostat. Many people fail to use their thermostat correctly or don't bother to learn how to program it. When the thermostat is set so that energy is being conserved at times a business is not occupied, such as during holidays or weekends, it can significantly reduce the energy bill. According to an expert from Kele, these can reduce a businesses’ heating costs by about 25%, when used correctly. Many energy companies offer lowered rates when certain hour restrictions are respected, so this may be another way to conserve energy and increase profits. With a little research and education about sustainable business practices, employers can save energy and money while still running a profitable company. There are many small changes that businesses can make to produce a big difference in the environment.

Today’s media is filled with conversations about corporations and communities going green and reducing their carbon footprint. As well as trying to reduce our carbon footprint, another large reason for people jumping on the “going green” bandwagon is that our non-renewable resources are becoming too expensive. As a homeowner, here are five simple ways that you can help reduce your home’s environmental impact, all the while lowering your living costs. Unplug When Not in Use Believe it or not, you can save a lot of money on your electric bill just by simply unplugging your electronics. According to Energy Star, the average American household spends almost $200 a year to power appliances that are actually turned off. So, if you are not using the toaster, coffee pot, or kettle…unplug them! Buy Energy Efficient When choosing new appliances for your household, go with a brand that is labeled as being energy efficient. Switch out your regular light bulbs for CFL light bulbs. This will not only lower your electricity consumption, but your electric bill as well. Using less electricity leads to reduced pollution, protecting air quality. Cool Your Home Naturally The sun’s rays heat the house as they penetrate the window panes. By closing the curtains, you can reduce the amount of heat filtering in from the sun. This will naturally reduce the internal temperature of your home and therefore lessen the amount of time your air conditioning unit will have to run. Line Dry It takes approximately 900 pounds of coal to run an electric clothes dryer for a year—and that’s just for one household. Line drying your clothes will save you approximately $120 a year in electric costs, but will save the environment so much more. Eco-Friendly Insulation Eco-friendly alternatives to insulation include materials such as cotton, wool, cork, and recycled plastic. Most natural materials are sustainable, renewable, and can be produced at a fraction of the cost of their manufactured counterparts. According to a specialist from Reitzel Insulation Co Ltd, eco-friendly insulation alternatives are generally chemical-free, yet still possess the same insulation capabilities as fiberglass. As a society, we have been trying to produce a more sustainable, greener alternative to our lifestyle of the past in order to prevent any further ecologic damages. By simply unplugging unused appliances, line drying clothes, using different light bulbs, and switching to eco-friendly insulation materials you can largely reduce your home’s impact on the environment.

Now more than ever before, people are looking for sustainable and renewable sources of energy. Recent events on the world scene have made it very clear that Western reliance on fossil fuels puts many nations in a position where they can easily be manipulated by the oil-producing countries of the world. Any small political change or revolution in an oil-producing country is felt in the pocketbooks of average consumers around the world when they fill up their gas tanks. All of these facts have made more and more people clamor for greener energy. Some have pointed to nuclear energy as the best “green” option. But is it fair to call nuclear energy “green energy”? What Is Meant by "Green Energy"? When people talk about green energy, they are talking about sources of energy that leave little to no carbon footprint. They have little to no negative effect on the environment. They use little to no natural resources. Included in the list of green energies are things like wind energy, hydro energy and ethanol. Many, however, are reluctant to throw in nuclear energy on this list, despite a compelling argument for defining nuclear power as green energy. Nuclear Energy Is a “Clean” Source of Energy The first reason why is because nuclear power is readily available. It is inexpensive to generate, when not bogged down with excessive government regulations. Nuclear energy does not create polluting gases, and nuclear energy will release absolutely nothing into the atmosphere. This means that there will be no sulfur, no carbon monoxide and no contaminants. Creating nuclear energy requires a relatively small area of land, when compared with other renewable sources of energy, such as wind and solar energy. For example, a nuclear reactor that sits on 300 acres of land can provide energy to a city of 2 million homes. To get the same output, reports an alternative energy specialist with an online Environmental Management degree, from solar or wind energy would require tens of thousands of acres of land. What about Nuclear Waste? Some counter with safety concerns about nuclear waste. These concerns are often exaggerated—for every individual whose energy needs are met by nuclear power, the amount of nuclear waste produced is about the size of a can of soda and can be safely contained and stored. Is Nuclear Energy Safe to Produce? Safety concerns are also exaggerated. Since the introduction of nuclear power plants in the United States, not a single individual has died as a result of a nuclear power accident. However, in just four years, almost 700 individuals died producing energy from fossil fuels in the United States. The arguments for nuclear energy are compelling—in every way nuclear power meets the benchmark for being considered a green source of energy.

Wind power is an excellent alternative to fossil fuel or nuclear power. There are virtually no environmental side effects associated with wind turbines. As long as there is wind to turn the massive blades, electricity is being harvested. There are 4 distinct phases involved in the erection of a wind turbine. How Wind Turbines are Manufactured The construction of wind turbines seems like a huge hassle, but it is really not as bad as it looks. Even though it looks like one big piece of equipment when they are out in a field, they are actually composed of multiple pieces including the base, midsection, hub and blades. Each section is made in a factory where workers specialize in the tasks associated with that specific part, making the whole process much more efficient. Transporting Equipment to the Site According to Pack-All International, shipping large and awkward objects is a pretty difficult process. Wind turbines are one of the most difficult shipping feats that happen! Even though the turbine is shipped in multiple pieces, each section still qualifies as an over-sized load. Because of this, each route taken by the delivery trucks need to be meticulously planned. Power lines, signs, tight turns, and hills can pose a threat to not only the turbines, but also the safety of other people on the road. Signs may need to be removed in order to get the pieces through, so the local Department of Transportation should be notified for any risks. Once the route has been chosen and the threats have been identified, the massive parts are loaded onto delivery trucks. Each truck needs to be large enough to hold the over-sized sections, often weighing over 10 tons. The order of shipping is generally the base and midsection first, followed by the turbine hub, and finishing with the blades, this way the turbine can be assembled in order. On-Site Turbine Building Assembly can also seem like a daunting task, but since each turbine is identical to the others, a very successful process has been created to make assembly more efficient. When the pieces arrive, there is usually a fleet of construction equipment to aid the assembly process. Three giant cranes are necessary for lifting the heavy sections into place. Beginning with the base and midsection, the pole are lifted with the crane and placed onto a pre-formed concrete base, designed to specifically hold the poles. Construction workers sit in the hub as cranes set columns in place to bolt down the pieces. There is a pre-fabricated ladder within the mid-section, allowing the workers to climb as another part gets lifted. This process is continued for the entire assembly of turbine, eventually creating a very efficient source for harvesting wind energy.

in the home not only hurt the environment, they also hurt your pocketbook. After speaking with plumbers at A1 Sewer & Drain, I found that there are plenty of smart strategies to save water at home. Save on your monthly bill and help the environment by avoiding these water losses. 1. Watering the Lawn During the Day Watering the lawn during daylight hours means a significant loss to evaporation. Switch over to a night time watering schedule to save significant amounts of water. Getting lower to the ground irrigation systems can also significantly reduce losses due to wind. 2. High Flow Appliances Replacing your outdated appliances with modern, lower water use ones will significantly decrease your water usage throughout the month. Old appliances not only use more water, they also often develop leaks and weaknesses that can increase you water usage significantly. 3. Overuse of the Washing Machine and Dishwasher When you wash your clothes, be sure to use the correct setting for the amount of clothes you are washing. If your machine doesn't have options for load size, only do the laundry when you have enough clothes to fill the machine. This more efficient use will result in significant water savings. In the same vein, only run the dishwasher when it is full. 4. Long Showers It's an old tip and everyone knows it, but did you know just how important it is? Keeping your showers under five minutes a day can save up to 1,000 gallons of water a month. That is a huge savings for a small change. 5. Faucet Leaks Those dripping faucets aren't just annoying, their losing water like crazy. Leaks are usually relatively easy and inexpensive to fix, and will save gallons of water. If your toilet develops a leak in the seal, you will hear it running more often, this is another important fix, since it will most likely lose even more water than the faucet. 6. Wasted Grey Water Water doesn't immediately become useless once it has run through the drain. Lightly used "grey water" can be rerouted by a plumber to water your lawn, flowers, or trees. Reusing this water is one of the best ways to increase efficiency in your home. 7. Install a Rain Sensor If your lawn watering is on a timer, adding a rain sensor could make a significant difference. This little device will keep your lawn watering system from running when it isn't needed. This will prevent over-watering your lawn, which can damage plants, and will save both energy and water. The more steps you take to limit water inefficiencies the more you will save. The environment will thank you for it.

Why should we worry about water? It's everywhere, right? Well, as it turns out, there's quite a few good reasons we should be concerned. The Problem is Now If it wasn't already clear, it has become crystal clear during the water shortages of the past few years: we live on a planet with finite resources, and one of those resources is clean water. Recent droughts in arid parts of North America and the World have put our problems with water into sharp focus. It's time to wake up and smell the coffee (which, incidentally, takes 37 gallons of water to produce per cup, from start to finish). Water Scarcity Raises Food Prices Droughts across the western part of the United States have sent farmers scrambling to compete with residential and industrial water use in order to irrigate their fields. Talk of a California Dust Bowl has farmers, ecologists, and economists all worried about the far reaching effects of poor water consumption. The costs of sparse harvests get passed on to consumers in the grocery store. Our Aquifers are Drying Up The primary source of our fresh and clean water in North America is under our feet. These vast aquifers are what have allowed us to take our supply of fresh and clean water for granted, but they're not limitless. According to the USGS, the Ogallala Aquifer, one of the largest in the world, has declined by 50% thickness in some areas. Personal Consumption Makes a Difference You may not think that there's a lot you can do, but the EPA estimates that 10% of water use in the US comes from residential and commercial sources--things like cooking or bathing. Eco-minded plumbing experts from Imagine Plumbing say that the average domestic water use in the US and Canada is nearly 100 gallons per capita. Even more importantly, agriculture represents a huge source of water consumption--and what you eat can make the difference. The Sierra Club estimates that 1,850 gallons of water are used to produce a single steak! Eating lower on the food chain can make a difference in water usage for agriculture. Water Scarcity Can Create Conflict No one wants to get involved in a border war. In arid parts of the world, this happens over water. Water is fundamental to life--we drink it, we clean with it, we irrigate crops with it. A resource this precious can't become scarce without causing conflict. Our Alternatives Are Expensive When we've used up all of the freshwater reserves, we'll have no choice but to start treating non-fresh water. Options include wastewater treatment and desalinization, but both can be pricey--certainly more expensive than pumping it up from the ground. While we may have plenty of ocean water, getting it into a useable state is neither easy nor cheap. Water is something we too often take for granted. Don't forget to take a look around and imagine what life would be like without it.

The best careers are those that are packed with purpose and meaning. For those who have a vision of changing the way we treat our environment, there are a few careers that might just be a match for you. Green Energy The global demand for green energy is on the rise. That’s a trend that isn’t going to stop. Not only is this a popular technology field in the US, nations like China (who loses trillions each year to environmental issues) desperately need replacements for fossil fuels. The demand is high, and the global environment needs people smart enough to solve the issues that the world faces. These careers have many challenges and difficulties, but if you are dedicated, you have the potential to truly make a difference for future generations. If that is what you want most from your job, you now have some ideas of how to get that done. Some skills on demand in this field are: Patent lawyers Software developers Technical engineers Education At first glance, education may not seem to measure up to finding a cure for cancer or saving the planet. The truth is, though, good educators can make a tremendous difference in dozens of lives every year. As a professional educator, you not only have the opportunity to give students a practical and frank view on the state of the environment, but you also have the power to change individual lives. Many child geniuses are waiting just for a small spark to send them rocketing into brilliant success. Other’s desperately need the support of a good teacher to be able to graduate high school. If you are looking for a career change, the University of Cincinnati can offer you a masters in curriculum and instruction online. Ecology More and more people are starting to pay attention to our ecosystem, so ecology-related jobs are not only world-changing, but they are growing in demand. Federal, state, and even international governments will pay a pretty penny for well-informed ecologist. Ecologists study the relationships between people, animals, and the natural world. Their research lets everyone else know what we can do to help save our planet and why that's important. Many important government decisions are made with the expert opinion of these scientists. Molecular Biology Like medical technology, this can also have huge potential impact on physical health, except in this field it's all about studying the human body. Molecular biologists work to understand our anatomy and how it can be altered for better health. Greater understanding of our biology can yield new treatments and cures for devastating diseases. This is an exciting field that changes all the time as our technology becomes more powerful. Medical Technology Finding cures for deadly diseases is often the first thing that comes to mind along with the idea of changing the world. This is a challenging career path, and it requires a lot of schooling, but successes for you could mean revolutionary new medications. You could relieve chronic pain, improve physical health, and extend lifespans. If you're interested in medicine but more intrigued by chemistry than biology, this could be a good career for you.

While much of the decisions to decrease human toll on the environment lay in the hands of big corporations and government, there are still choices that the average person can make at home to make an impact. One big impact homes have on the environment is the chemicals that run into local water and soil. If you know which chemicals you are using commonly, you can take some of the load off of your local environment. Parabens These types of chemicals are common preservatives in the cosmetic industry. Shampoo, moisturizers, and makeup all use this ingredient. On label look for ingredients that end in “-paraben”. This can interfere with the function of your hormones, reproductive systems, influence breast cancer and can hinder baby development. Synthetic parabens have an especially negative affect on marine life as these chemicals tend to get into water sources that pass through urban areas. DEA (Diethanolamine) This chemical is found in foaming and creamy products. These products include shampoo and moisturizers. It can form cancer-causing nitrosamines. Wild life and fish can also be harmed by this chemical. Mild to moderate skin and eye irritation can also be caused by this compound. The degradation of some of the chemicals used as preservatives in cosmetics can release nitrites. This happens when the product is exposed to air. DBP (Dibutyl Phthalate) Nail products and hair sprays contain this chemical. It is toxic to reproduction and may interfere with the function of hormones. This chemical is also harmful to wildlife and fish. The compound can be absorbed through the skin. Genetic mutations can be caused because it can enhance the capacity of the chemicals. However, it has not been shown to be a mutagen. It can also damage the liver and cause kidney failure in young children. This can happen if the products that contain phthalates are chewed or sucked for long periods of time. Ammonia According to the EPA this is the most environmentally hazardous substance used commonly in homes. Pure ammonia and ammonia based cleaners escape into streams or other water sources. Ammonia in large quantities seriously affects agriculture because it throws off the pH balance needed for irrigation. Pesticides Most chemicals are designed to kill living organisms and will be harmful to anything that it comes into contact with. If pesticides get into the ground, the water, or any other environment, you are doing a lot of damage. However, according to the Pest Detective there are non-toxic, organic, and mechanical strategies to eliminate unwanted pests.

1. Natural Cleaning Solutions Store-bought cleaning supplies such as furniture polish, air freshener, etc., are often very harmful. Many contain chemicals which pollute the environment and are bad for your health. Fortunately, everyday household products can be turned into effective, environmentally-friendly cleaning solutions. Instead of purchasing furniture polish try this: a cheaper, cleaner version can be made at home with just a few drops of lemon oil and 1/2 cup of warm water. A natural all-purpose cleaner can be made by combining 1/2 cup of vinegar, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 2 liters of water. These are just a couple of A longer list of homemade cleaning products can be found at EarthEasy.com. 2. Compost Instead of throwing out eggshells, coffee grounds, banana peels, and leftover vegetables, why not compost instead? Composted material breaks down to create nutrient-rich soil and serves as a natural fertilizer for plants? You can use this fertilizer to feed a thriving garden for your family. This reduces the need to use chemicals in the garden and prevents material from being sent to the landfill, where it would instead have produced methane. Make sure you are aware of what can and cannot be composted. 3. Use Recycled Building Materials Water bottles aren't the only thing you can recycle. When a house is demolished, it creates an enormous amount of waste - unless, of course, the materials are recycled. If you are planning any major home renovations, consider using recycled building materials. Concrete, steel, wood flooring, shingles; recycling offers just as many good-quality options as does buying new materials. 4. Don't Replace: Repair! When you work on home renovations, instead of completely replacing a cabinet, radiator, or anything else you might be updating, try fixing anything salvageable. Everything you throw out creates waste more waste. Painting an old door or repairing a leaky faucet can make them good as new without creating unnecessary waste. 5. Wash Laundry in Cold Water 90% of the energy used for laundry goes toward heating the water, when cold water will do the trick just fine. A year of washing clothes in hot water can put out over 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide. Switching to cold water can reduce this to 162 pounds. 6. Insulation While recycled building materials go a long way for your home renovation, new energy efficient technologies can be a much better investment financially and economically than outdated materials. Keeping your walls and ceiling well-insulated means keeping in heat and energy. Over the average lifetime of a building, every square foot of wall insulation saves roughly one ton of carbon dioxide. According to Retro Teck Window, you can retain 25-50% more of your homes energy with the properly insulated windows. Make green choices in the management of your home. You will be supporting a healthier local and global environment.