1. The Average American uses seven trees a year in paper, wood, and other products made from trees. This equates to approximately 2,000,000,000 trees per year.
2. The average U.S. household disposes of 13,000 individual pieces of paper each year, mostly in the form of junk mail and product packaging.
3. Americans use 85,000,000 tons of paper a year; about 680 pounds per person.
4. The average household throws away 12,000 individual pieces of paper each year, predominately junk mail and product packaging.
5. An energy-efficient clothes washer can save more water in one year than one person drinks in their entire life.
6. If you run only full loads in washing machines and dishwashers, this will save 300 to 800 gallons of water a month.
7. In the United States, in-home refrigerators use the electricity of 25 large power plants every year.
8. Some newer refrigerator models are so energy efficient they use less electricity than a light bulb.
9. Light colored roofing and exterior paint, along with trees planted optimally for shading your home can reduce your energy required for cooling by 50%.
10. Hazardous waste disposal averages 534 pounds of waste per person per year.
11. Reuse your grocery bags!! Bring your own each trip!

Cindy Green Living conservation information, facts about green living, green communities, green facts, green living, green tips, reduce paper

Kristy Wesh Solar Arizona, Bright Source Energy, City of Phoenix, Energy Development, Phil Gordon, Solar Thermal Energy

We’re constantly looking for effective ways to conserve energy. Using renewable sources is one of our greatest options, so why not start with our water heaters? “Heating water accounts for approximately 15% of a home’s energy use,” according to Energy Star. The source of that energy can be renewable solar power, but only if homeowners are willing to make the investment. While the initial price may be a bit of a shocker, so are the yearly savings that will compensate for the hefty upfront cost.

Solar water heaters are not small items, but they can still be difficult to spot depending on the roof. These nifty gadgets are bound to be mounted flat against roofs in sunlit areas, saving homeowners up to $500 annually. Also called solar domestic hot water systems, they play a major part in sustained, independent energy throughout the world. Solar water heaters also reduce pollution caused by use of fossil fuels. Furthermore, they make it so hot water won’t run out as quickly – like when you’re in the shower, for example.

In sunnier parts of the world, “solar water heaters can provide more than 90% of a household’s water,” claims EcoGeek. Perhaps that’s why they’re required by law in Israel. So then why, with all of our advanced technology, don’t we also have them dotting our roofs in America? For starters, the upfront cost for materials and installation can run into the thousands. In addition, solar water heaters can make houses harder to sell; they aren’t exactly picturesque.

Each type of solar water heater has both positive points and drawbacks, but one model in particular is best for residential areas. It’s not the thermosyphon system, which comes with an extra-heavy storage tank that can easily damage an old roof. Besides, they’re too expensive to install! Evacuated-tube solar collectors are better for large-scale commercial buildings, and flat-plate collectors are used for heating swimming pools more than anything else.

As for infrastructure, direct circulation systems can be damaged by severe cold. Considering this, the most effective solar water heaters are definitely integral collector-storage (ICS) systems that come with indirect heating. These are otherwise known as bread box systems or batch heaters. ICS systems can be installed professionally or built at home. Do-it-yourself kits are widely available to homeowners, and the directions aren’t too difficult to follow, either.

Works Cited:
EcoGeek; Hank Green; http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/1430/83/; November 14th, 2008
Energy Star; Lloyd Alter; energystar.gov/ia/new_homes/features/WaterHtrs_062906.pdf; November 14th, 2008

Kristy Wesh Solar Conserve Energy, EcoGeek, Energy Star, Roof Top, Save Money, Solar Water Heaters

Over the past several years, consumers have become increasingly environmentally conscious. Green products have been sprouting up everywhere in the marketplace, claiming popular environmental features such as “recyclable”, “sustainable”, “organic” and “eco-friendly”. Unfortunately, many of these product manufacturers are simply attempting to capitalize on the popular movement to support “green living”, and are actually misleading consumers regarding the environmental practice of a company or the environmental benefits of a product or service.

The term “greenwashing” cleverly stems from the phrase “whitewashing” and was initially used by environmental activists to describe efforts by corporations who were seemingly portraying themselves as “environmentally responsible” in order to mask environmental wrongdoings. Today, it has a broader meaning, including primarily the usage of false or misleading environmental advertising.

Just how prevalent has the practice of greenwashing become? According to environmental marketing company Terrachoice in a 2007 study, the firm conducted a survey of 1,018 consumer products making 1,753 environmental claims; all but one made some sort of deceptive claim. The Terrachoice report identified many green claims as vague, irrelevant, unproven or just plain false. Energy and automotive companies seem to be some of the worst offenders, but given the staggering results of the Terrachoice study , one can conclude very few companies seem to be truly “green”. Here are two examples of the bogus claims found in the study:

A dishwasher detergent boasts “100 percent recycled paper” packaging, and yet the container is plastic.

A caulking product claimed to be “Energy Star” certified, but Energy Star doesn’t certify such products.

So what can we as consumers do to ensure we are not inadvertently supporting manufacturers that are making false claims? For help in identifying legitimately green products and services, utilize trustworthy internet sites such as the Federal Food and Drug Administration (www.fda.gov), the Department of Agriculture, www.usda.gov, the Global Ecolabelling Network (www.globalecolabelling.net), or Green Seal (www.greenseal.org). Look for products certified by qualified, independent third parties such as Ecologo and Green Seal, which identify deceptive labeling and offer information on legitimate green certifications.

Many of these companies are simply banking on the fact you will purchase these products once you see their green claims as a way of “doing the right thing” and feeling good for being a small part of the “green movement”. However, when it comes to green products, buyers need to do their homework, and check out a company’s environmental track record using the methods suggested in this article and others.

Cindy Green Living eco-friendly products, false environmental claims, false green products, green living, greenwashing, misleading green products

Barack Obama has set tremendous goals regarding energy policy. His objectives might sound far-fetched to some, but they are certainly not unreachable. Obama is paying notable attention to the vehicles we drive, our dependence on foreign oil, and how we can change both for the better.

Low-Carbon Fuel Standard

Stricter fuel economy standards will help reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. An executive order has already been issued by Governer Schwarzenegger, calling for a reduction of carbon emissions from all fuels sold in California. Barack Obama will follow his lead, expanding the policy throughout the nation. Since carbon contributes to global warming, the policy needs to have major impact – like a greenhouse gas reduction of 200 million tons by 2020. That’s the ballpark goal, and the environmental benefits will be enormous. It will be like taking 32 million cars off the road without actually having to take 32 million cars off the road.

Increased Production of Biofuels

Limits on carbon emissions will encourage the production of more renewable biofuels. Products like sugar cane and corn can be turned into ethanol, which naturally emits less carbon than fuels like gas and diesel. Additionally, ethanol can be used many times over since it’s a renewable energy source. Businesses will have great incentive to invest in biofuel research and production. Furthermore, once the renewable biofuels are more widely available, people will be much more likely to drive flex-fuel vehicles. The Barack Obama 2008 Presidential Campaign estimates that annual gasoline consumption from foreign oil will drop 30 billion gallons by 2020.

Increased Production of Hybrids

The Obama?Biden New Energy for America plan touts the goal to ” put 1 million Plug?In Hybrid cars – cars that can get up to 150 miles per gallon – on the road by 2015.” Federal funding will be given to domestic automakers for the production of super-efficient American cars. Obama and Biden want to lead by example, first by trading in the White House fleet for plug-in hybrids, and then by instating a policy requiring at least 50% of all government vehicles purchased be either hybrids or all-electric autos. Those who follow Obama’s lead and purchase advanced technolgy vehicles will be offered a $7,000 tax credit, as well as various conversion tax credits.

Green Energy Investments

$150 billion worth of investments over the next decade are intended to, among other things, speed up commercialization of American hybrids and advance the production of renewable energy. Part of this incredible investment will go to training hard-working green collar employees; giving them the tools and knowledge they need to succeed. Millions of jobs will be created this way – ones that are unlikely to be outsourced. The workers will make great advances in energy-efficient technology, helping the entire world do what’s best for the environment, and it’s all going to start with the investments Obama is planning to make right here in America.

Kristy Wesh Green Living Barack Obama, Biofuels, Green Initiatives, Low Carbon Standards, Renewable Energy

Here come the holidays yet again; where does the time go? As we approach Turkey day which is traditionally a day that we give thanks for all that we have been blessed to receive, it seems like a perfect time to incorporate some methods into our celebration that the earth and the environment will be thankful for as well.

Given that the primary premise of our site involves reduction and use of alternative fuels, perhaps the first suggestion for “greening up” the holiday should involve transportation to the festivities. Guess what: Thanksgiving is one of the year’s busiest travel times, at least that is what the media tells us. So celebrate at home for a change! If you can’t save carbon dioxide emissions by staying home, consider using public transportation for the day, riding a bicycle, or carpooling. With a large meal to work off, walking if possible would be an awesome alternative!

As far as reducing waste at the table, use non-disposable dinnerware and cloth napkins. One unique idea is to ask your guests to bring their own favorite table settings, then during dinner, share (or make up!) stories regarding their selections. Instead of having a fresh floral centerpiece, create an “edible” centerpiece made out of appropriate ingredients such as fruits, nuts, vegetables and lettuce. After finishing the meal, the centerpiece can be reused and the ingredients utilized for another meal. Or better yet, collect a selection of natural items from outdoors such as autumn leaves, pine cones, and acorns.

If you are set on traditional fare for the meal itself, choose organic/free range and local farm-raised turkey over its factory-farmed counterpart, which contains antibiotics and hormones. Use energy-saving cooking techniques such as a roaster or if possible, or purchase two smaller turkeys and cook them simultaneously in the oven, which should result in a shorter cook time than one larger bird. For liquid refreshments, try biodynamic and organic wines .

Finally, make sure you have clearly defined trash receptacles available for segregating the recyclable items, and you can compost appropriate items as well in the backyard.

These are some easy, straightforward ways to go green this Thanksgiving. Of course, hopefully, none of you will literally have a “green” thanksgiving; try to avoid the tendency of eating until you can’t hold another bite, despite the temptation!!

Cindy Green Communitites go green, green entertaining, green living, green thanksgiving, green turkey day, thanksgiving ideas

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has finished it’s homework and it’s time for all Americans to review it.  Each year, the ACEEE publishes what they call a “Green Book”, listing the Green Scores and environmental information about all vehicles available in that model year, as well as a list of what they have determined to be the twelve “greenest” vehicles.

For the year 2008, not surprisingly one third of the top 12 vehicles that rank as the greenest of 2008 are hybrids.  A hybrid vehicle consists of an internal-combustion engine combined with an electric motor for improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.

GREENEST VEHICLES OF 2008 WITH GREEN SCORE

Source: ACEEE’s Green Book: The Environmental Guide to Cars and Trucks

The “Green Score” is a numeric value that the ACEEE has calculated and is designed to be indicative of a vehicle’s environmental friendliness. Determined by more factors than just fuel economy, the score also incorporates tailpipe and other unfriendly emissions that can cause global warming. The higher the Green Score the more environmentally friendly the vehicle.

The only domestic car to make the list is the Ford Focus, in ninth position with its 2.0-liter PZEV 4-cylinder gasoline engine. The Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)  powered Honda Civic GX takes the top spot on the list for the second consecutive year, with a green score of 57.

A nonprofit organization, the ACEEE is dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of protecting the environment and strengthening the economy.

Cindy Cars alternative fuel vehicles, fuel efficient cars, fuel efficient vehicles, gas saving, gas saving vehicles, green cars