7 Earth Friendly Changes for the Future

by Katy Green
www.shoptobegreen.com

It seems everyone is into "green" this year. We hope it's a long term lifestyle change instead of being eco-chic for now.

According to Huffington Post, there are 7 Green Changes for Mother Earth on the horizon (well not really on the horizon it has been in process but everything takes time).

Ecological Sustainability Highlights:

Green Concrete or Carbon Negative

• Green Concrete? Yes, regular concrete is the third largest producer of carbon dioxide but several companies are in the process of creating Green Concrete. According to GizMag, two companies are using different technologies that not only make concrete carbon-neutral but also carbon-negative. What does that mean? It's an adjective to used to describe the process of reducing global warming through reduction of greenhouse gas omissions.

Tidal Power

• Tidal Power - Not, wind power but Tidal Power (sounds very Atlantis) Minesto has secured serious funding from The Carbon Trust to make its "Deep Green" program a reality. According to Minesto, Deep Green is based on a fundamentally new principle for electricity generation from tidal currents.
• If you are in the "green technology" and your are looking for a job, Minesto is hiring several people to help make this a true reality. For job listings, click here.



Tiny Eco-Friendly Homes

• Tiny Eco Homes are not new but it seems things are getting really cozy: According to Huffington Post, this mountain retreat is 387.5 square feet. Somehow green architects designed two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a kitchen. The mobile design is made to leave no mark behind when heading off to a new destination, and is prefabricated from recyclable metal cladding and wood.
  
  
  
  For more information on 7 Game Changes for the Future, click here.

To participate in the future of Ecological Sustainability, check out the Eco Summit for 2012. They are accepting abstracts till January 2012.

 

Waste not Want Not....don't throw your dollars away!

by Katy Green
www.shoptobegreen.com

Anytime there is a major holiday, I am reminded of the pollution that enters the air from all of the exhaust fumes from the cars buzzing everywhere.

Millions of people will travel by car this weekend to holiday at their favorite beach. A couple things you should before you pile into the car:

• Energy Conservation: Not at home, turn off the lights, set the thermostat or central air to 75 degrees, plug out all appliances.
• Reduce Eletric Consumption : Turn off TV's and computers or any electronic equipment. Turn of your power strip.

Did you know with a programmable thermostat you can save 10% on your cooling bills during the summer by adjusting the thermostat when you are sleeping or away.

• Water Conservation: Turn down the water heater thermostat to 120° F. Turn off your automatic sprinkler.
• Reduce Heat: Close heating vents and close doors to unused rooms.Close drapes and windows during sunny summer days and after sunset in cooler weather.
• Remember to check your stove and confirm it is off. Also check your carbon monoxide monitor and make sure it is working.

Okay, now you are conserving energy and you on your way to the beach but before you jump in the water and frolic in the sand, please read Beach Ratings so that you can avoid the most polluted and the worst rated for health standards. 

Quick Energy Saving Tips for Memorial Weekend

by Katy Green
shoptobegreen.com



Energy Saver

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I always say better late than later.

As promised, see my energy saving tips to help you save on electric costs.

Any major holiday results in massive electric consumption so cut back, relax and save!



Energy SavingTips for Memorial Weekend:

1. Inviting the entire neighborhood over for your barbecue bonanza? Well keep things cool and conserve by asking your guests to stay outside.
2. Keep the doors closed to your house so that you are not wasting energy.
3. Ceiling fans help circulate air and keep the room cooler and try to raise your thermostat as high as possible without sacrificing comfort, best temperature is 72 degrees. Remember it's cooler at night so you can increase your thermostat during that time as well.
4. Save energy with outdoor lights sensors or timers so that fixtures stay off during the day and light up at night.
5. Cleaning up after a big gathering can be a pain, and using stryofoam plates and paper cups is harmful to the green planet (no more paper cups campaign). If you are using the dishwasher ask for help during the clean up and don't wait till everyone is gone to clear the plates.
6. No need to prewash the dishes and you it is not necessary to use the heater because the dishes will dry overnight.

See picture link  for energy savings during warmer months:

Consumer Reports Energy Savings

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