Keep It Green Ideas Blog

How Can You Use Solar Power?

2011-08-01T06:26:00.000-07:00

A good question, "How can you use solar power?" There are actually many ways to use solar power and wind power right now.

Jimmy Carter was quoted in 1977 in a televised speech, "Because we are now running out of gas and oil, we must prepare quickly for a third change, to strict conservation and to the use of coal and permanent renewable energy sources, like solar power."

1977, almost a generation ago! What have we done with all of that time?

Begin now to read about using solar power in and around your home in the form of solar panels and solar lights. A simple and inexpensive way to cut your electric bill is to use solar lights inside and outside of your home.

Learn to use solar panels and even wind power with ideas from Solar Energy Facts Today.

Follow some of the ideas on these blogs: Keep It Green Ideas and Products for a Green World.

Is Our Drinking Water Really Safe?

2011-07-27T06:29:00.000-07:00

What if I told you our drinking water was not safe? What if I told you some people can light their drinking water on fire? These are not new problems and there are more and more articles being written about the problem.

The main reason is only about 2% of the water on earth is drinkable. That is not good and it will not get better. People are drinking more and more water from plastic bottles but that is adding to the earth's pollution.

Read some of the links in this article to realize how bad the problem is. You can also get a copy of the August 2011 issue of Reader's Digest for more information on drinking water.

The main conclusion of most of these articles is we all need to filter our water. Filter it and then put it in your own reusable bottles not plastic that gets thrown away but that is enough to go around the earth 190 times. We do that every year! What a pile of trash that is!

The good news is a water filter pitcher, faucet water filters, under counter water filters, countertop water filters, and under sink water filters are relatively inexpensive and last for a long time. A reusable water bottle is also not expensive and less than continuously buying plastic bottles.

Think about it.

For information about bottled water go to Bottled Water Article and for information on clean water go to Clean Water.

Where Is Solar Energy Used for Homes?

2011-07-22T13:17:00.000-07:00

Do you wonder where is solar energy being used for homes in the US? You are going to be surprised how much solar energy is used outside of the Sunbelt. There are states in the eastern part of the US that are giving tax credits and other incentives for home solar use. This article will point out some of the places where this use of solar energy is taking place.

One of the advantages of hooking up to solar panels or wind generators is you can sell the excess energy back to an electric company or co-op if your state supports it. For example, in California Pacific Gas and Electric has teamed up with Cisco, IBM, and other organizations to create a Smart Grid. It was a response to a call from President Obama for, "updating the way we get our electricity by starting to build a new smart grid that will save us money, protect our power sources from blackout or attack, and deliver clean, alternative forms of energy to every corner of our nation."

It takes more than a sunny place to be a good bet for consumer interest in home solar power. It also takes social and political values, disposable income and, significantly, state and local incentives. One way to find out if your state has incentives is to use the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency. You can also go to a database at our website that shows trends across the US for solar energy.

Take a look at some examples of cities and states you might not expect to be great for solar energy: Washington State, Minnesota, Chicago, Michigan and Indiana, and the Southeast Appalachians.

You would not think that a state with the top 14 cities in the nation with the LEAST amount of sunlight would be progressive and tech-savvy but Washington state is big in solar. Solar is significant in the rural areas along with Seattle and Bellingham.

There are people who say that it is not worth pursuing solar power especially in areas of the U.S. where there is little sunlight. In spite of that, there is a lot of interest in solar power in Minnesota in the Twin Cities but also the state’s farm country. The next question is, “Why not combine that with wind generators?”

The city of Chicago, under former May Richard Daley, has also been pursuing the use of solar energy. Other Midwest states that have begun to think solar are Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana. There really is money in green businesses that goes beyond the rebates and tax incentives. These states hope to use this interest in alternative energy to help rebuild economies.

There also is interest in use of wind and solar technologies in states such as Kentucky, Tennessee, parts of North and South Carolina and Georgia. In 2007, the South Carolina Solar Council reported that “Electric cooperatives in South Carolina will offer a pilot program for net metering for members who wish to install their own renewable energy generation facilities, such as solar systems, in their homes. Net metering will reward consumers who produce more electricity than they use by allowing them to sell the excess to their cooperative. The program will encourage the entrepreneurial spirit of cooperative members and provide a working laboratory for future renewable generation partnerships.” Additionally, the Electric Cooperatives plan to invest plan to invest up to $10 million per year towards renewable energy and energy efficiency measures.

The last example may be a big surprise given the low amount of sunshine in New Jersey. New Jersey has invested heavily in photovoltaic electricity and is second only to California in solar power generating capacity. New Jersey is one of many states using Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SREC) to boost solar development. The state estimates that as many as 3,000 jobs have been created by the solar industry there. This effort by the state has spurred interest in home solar use.

If you think that solar and wind energy are only for the western and southwestern states, you need to investigate this further as the cost of installing these systems continues to decline.
Keep It Green Ideas is an online business dedicated to helping people make easy, simple, choices for a sustainable life. For information about Green Ideas go to Keep It Green Ideas or for more information on solar power go to Alternative Energy.

Product Review: DIY Flexible Solar Panels

2011-07-20T06:05:00.000-07:00

There is a product review about flexible solar panels you need to read. This is a great idea of the DIY group. If you have a DIY Solar Panels or DIY Solar Kits, or renewable power project, this product could be for you.

If you have not heard about flexible solar panels, they are going to make using solar energy much easier. These are not solar cells but are layers of UV-stabilized polymers, includes EVA and the fluoropolymer ETFE. They have an adhesive on the back that is a Ethylene propylene copolymer adhesive sealant with microbial inhibitor.

The features of these panels are:
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* Virtually unbreakable due to no glass
* Encapsulated in UV-stabilized polymers, includes EVA and the fluoropolymer ETFE
* Easy peel & stick application with microbial inhibitor
* Bypass diodes are connected across each cell
* Shadow & high heat tolerant
* High temperature and low light performance
* Quick-connect terminals

Read the product review at Articles Base.

For more information and ideas go to Keep It Green Ideas on Facebook or for more information on solar and wind power go to Solar Panels.

Counting Calories Won't Help You Lose Belly Fat

2011-06-23T05:39:00.000-07:00

Counting Calories won't help you lose belly fat or get to the weight and size for your goal. Besides being depressing and completely unnecessary, counting calories is time consuming! What you DO need to do is be mindful of what you eat and eat foods that help your body.

Even exercising regularly will not overcome eating junk foods or foods that do not help your body. You need to eat the kinds of foods that help you burn calories not food that has excess calories. East foods that have not been processed or don't have unhealthy additives. Eat reasonable portions for your meals and snacks and you won't have to do all that calorie counting.

Healthy Sources of Dietary Fat

Yes there are sources of healthy fat from foods like olive oil, fish oil, seed, unrefined coconut oil, and natural grass-fed beef. Healthy fats help with nutrient absorption and can improve the health of your heart. Also, fat helps you feel satiated. When you add it to your meals, you are less likely to overindulge.

Healthy Carbohydrate Sources

You want to avoid carbohydrates (carbs) from sources like white bread, pasta, baked goods, processed snacks and sugar. These foods are absorb quickly by your body and can trigger a rapid release of insulin. This sudden release of insulin can give you the munchies even after you have eaten. The rest of this food that is not processed goes to, you guessed it, fat.

Healthy Sources of Protein

Protein triggers the release of a hormone called glucagon, which acts as an appetite suppressant. There are studies that suggest diets rich in protein can enhance fat loss when it is combined with the proper amounts of exercise. Eat nuts, legumes, grass-fed beef, free range poultry and organic eggs to get enough protein in your diet.

All you have to do to loos that flab is get rid of processed foods and replace them with healthy natural foods and exercise regularly. Don't struggle with weight loss on your own, get the The Diet Solution Plan!. Watch the video and begin eating differently.

You may also be interested in these weight loss books. Don't forget to be patient with yourself and lose the weight over time

Volunteer or Give to Tornado and Flood Victims

2011-05-12T06:56:00.000-07:00

We ran across a short mention of ways to help the victims of the recent tornados in the Southeast and now the flood victims in the Midwest and South. While not all of us can go and give direct help to these people, we can help the organizations who do bring the relief.

These organizations need money, supplies, volunteers on the phone, and all types of help as they assist the victims. What can you do? For some ideas on what organizations to contact in these times of need, go to the Keep It Green Ideas website and follow the links they have.

Solar Powered Light: Solar Camping Lanterns

2011-05-10T05:50:00.000-07:00

When it comes to solar-powered light, the solar camping lantern is very versatile. In fact, solar lights of all types are so easy to use, store, and setup that you could take almost any of them with you when you travel no matter if it is for camping or for other types of travel.

There are many articles on the Internet showing various types of camping lanterns. Kerosene, propane, or electric lanterns are the main types featured in these articles. The solar camping lantern out performs all of these types in several ways.

The kerosene and propane lanterns both need a supply of fuel. That fuel is of course flammable so you have to be careful how you store it and transport it. In the case of kerosene, you have to be careful when you fill the lantern and not over fill it or get fuel all over. The propane lantern needs a propane cylinder inserted into the lantern. While this solves the flammable liquid issue it still is something that is a hazard. In either case, you have to decide how much fuel you have and how long it will last.

There is also the issue of safety with kerosene and propane lanterns. You can knock one over and if you do it could catch something on fire. These lanterns also get hot so you have to place them so nothing catches fire or melts or just gets hot and burns if it is touched by children or pets. These lanterns work well outside but can be a hazard inside. A tent, RV, or a house may not be the best place to have either a kerosene or propane lantern.

The electric lantern is better because they are often less expensive than the kerosene or propane, are efficient and much safer. Because the electric lantern does not give off as much heat, they are safer and can be used indoors as well as outdoor. The main problem with these lights is the need to have extra batteries.

The Best Answer: Solar Camping Lanterns

The answer to your need for light when you travel is to get solar-powered lanterns. You do not need fuel of any kind, you do not need to plug them into wires, and you do not need batteries. All you need to do is set the lantern in the sun for a few hours and then turn it on at night. You can also set the automatic switch so that it turns on at dusk and turns off at dawn. Some solar lanterns even have a setting for colored light. Solar camping lanterns are very safe and can be place indoors as well as out. If a solar light is knocked over, just pick it up. There is no fuel to spill and they are not hot. You can use them in a close area such as a tent but also in a house as a nightlight in a hallway. You can leave them on all night at an entrance, on a table, in a room or anyplace you want or need light and not worry.

Solar camping lanterns have all of the advantages of the other types of lanterns but none of the disadvantages. They will last and give light for years before the rechargeable batteries or the LED bulbs need to be changed. Take one of these lights on your next trip.

For simple green ideas go to Keep It Green Blog or for more information on various solar lights go to Solar Camping Lanterns. Visit us on Facebook.

Solar Garden Gnomes

2011-04-22T10:18:00.000-07:00

The movie Gnomeo and Juliet is a new entry in the Romeo and Juliet series. It features some garden gnomes who fall in love but have to overcome all those obstacles that life throws our way. This article is not really about the movie, but about garden gnomes. People have been collecting garden gnomes for years, but now you can have them with solar lights.

Solar Garden Gnomes are so much better with solar-powered lights. They not only look cute but they can produce a lot of light. They can look good in an entryway as well as a garden. You can put them any place where you want decoration and light.

As with many solar lights, you can find these solar gnomes in lots of styles, sizes, and colors. They also come in many shapes and many different lights. Some have lanterns, some lampposts, and others have a light in the base. This means you can get several different garden gnomes and place them around your house.

Because solar lights are safe, you can place these solar gnomes inside your home, camper, RV, or anywhere you want light and decoration. Just put them in the sun once in a while to charge them up. A solar garden gnome would make a great night light in a bathroom or hallway.

You will see that as you shop around, the gnomes seem to either be just one gnome or in pairs. There are even gnome couples (as in the movie Gnome and Juliet) or just two gnomes with various garden objects. Mushrooms are a common decoration with gnomes along with buckets and baskets and even flowers. After all, these are garden gnomes so you have to expect garden ideas and backgrounds.

Many people collect these garden sculptures for their whimsical nature. Their roots (pardon the pun) go back to European mythology and folklore. Gnomes were tiny men who live underground or in mushrooms and they guard pots of gold. They are shy creatures and try to stay hidden. The males are also described as having full beards, and tall pointed hats. Yes, there are female gnomes as well and you will see that with some of the solar gnomes.

Why should you get something like a solar garden gnome? They have the same features as other solar lights: No wiring, just place them where you want them in a sunny spot, automatically turn on at night, can run 8 or more hours on a charge, and they are safe and water resistant.

Go ahead; look into getting your own garden gnomes. Who knows, you may end up with a Gnomeo and Juliet of your own!

Keep It Green Ideas is an online business dedicated to helping people make easy, simple, choices for a sustainable life. Follow Keep It Green Ideas on Facebook or for more information on various solar lights go to Stainless Steel Solar Lights.

Can You Lease Solar Panels?

2011-04-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

Would it be worth the money to lease solar panels? There was a program on NPR February 22, 2011 about that type of program. It was interesting and brings up a question about how to purchase solar panels. The comments by listeners were just as interesting so be sure to read them.

To find the article and listen to it or read it, click A Lease On Solar Panels? Some of the factors involved are leasing panels and getting subsidies from states. Some of the people in the mid-west also complained that this only works in the dessert states and not for them. There are 10 states offering these subsidies and some of them are in the East and some are in the West.

One of the things that helped the process was the installer bought a company in the East who could install panels. Massachusetts for example gives as much as $1,000 against the cost of purchasing and or installing solar panels on their home. As more and more states require utilities to create electricity from cleaner sources, solar should continue to be important. Add a Federal Tax Credit of 30% and the incentives get people to move.

It will be a good idea to read some of the listener comments and even read some of the related stories. Needless to say, there were people who agreed with the concepts in the article and those who were against. There is always the issue that some people don’t think the government should subsidies things that we should do anyway. There are those who think government subsidies help to pick the winners and stop the process of free enterprise. There are others who think that subsidies right now are a great idea. They will help to get new industries up and going, create jobs, and help the environment as well. This may be another of those issues that only time will tell.

There are ways to have these systems be affordable and even build your own. In some states, you may want to have wind power to work with the solar. The prices of these technologies are coming down and it is possible to do it yourself. What most people need is information and facts. Do some research on these systems and find out for yourself what can be done. You can afford this technology and you can do it yourself.

Don't let negative ideas or articles stop you from learning about solar energy and wind power. The more you know, the better informed decisions you will make when you are ready.

For more information on solar and wind power go to Solar Energy Facts Today.

Solar Lights, Are They Decorative?

2011-03-21T10:37:00.000-07:00

Sure, solar lights don’t use electricity but are they decorative? At this time of year, we all want the outside of our home to look good even colorful. Solar lights come in such a variety of styles, colors, and materials that you should be able to find one that fits your need for light and decoration. There are several types that have the ability to change the color of the light. Some have as many as 6 colors while others may only have two or three.

You can even have solar lights with color to hang in or on a tree or any place in your yard, patio, deck, or other location. They can even be in the shape of birds, mushrooms, or just lights. Some of these will even sit on a table top or other flat surface to light an area indoors or while camping. Just make sure it receives enough daylight to recharge.

Even if you don’t use color, solar lights are a great way to brighten up the night. They even make wonderful gifts for any occasion. Popular gift items are the garden gnomes, hummingbird, or dolphin chimes, butterfly or dragonfly shapes or animals. Some of the smaller solar lights designed to fit on a fence post are decorative enough to grace a table.

Solar lights are great all year long even if you just use the standard white. A solar lamppost can be very decorative and it gives a lot of light especially from the one with the triple lamps. If you already have a lamp post, you can get the fitter kit with one, two, or three lamps. These lampposts make great yard lights and they come with all of the mounting hardware needed. Be sure to place them in an area free from overhanging trees so they get a lot of sunlight and so they can be seen at night.

You may also want some solar lights for your shed or garage. The solar panel mounts on the outside and sends the power to the light inside the shed or garage. It is a great way to light a shed and yet you don’t have to string wires, hire someone to do the work, or pay for electricity. Solar lights are just right for the do it yourself person. Yes, beauty and utility are a useful and cost saving combination.

Keep It Green Ideas is a web based business dedicated to helping people with everyday issues about the environment. Follow Keep It Green Ideas on Facebook or for more information on various solar lights go to Stainless Steel Solar Lights.

For more information on solar and wind power go to Solar Energy Facts Today.

Solar Energy Facts Today

2011-03-05T12:46:00.000-08:00

Does the rise in gas prices make you think about solar energy facts? Do you want to know more about solar and wind power and how they can benefit you? You may also be interested in wind power. Get some ideas today, and see how knowing more solar energy facts can help down the road.

While it is true you can get solar panels on the web for about $3200, that is a lot less than panels installed by a contractor that can be as much as $20,000 for one installation. You should expect prices to come down as more and more people invest in solar. In fact, the cost of manufacturing photovoltaic cells drops by 3 to 5% per year and government subsidies have increased. This makes solar and wind more and more affordable.

While the energy output of a 1KW solar energy unit is equal to burning 179 pound of coal, that coal also releases 300 pounds of carbon dioxide. A solar cell that delivers 19 to 56 Watt per square meter will save a lot of carbon. The end of 2005 saw about 5,300 mega watts of power from installed solar panels.

A lot of solar energy is lost as it falls through the atmosphere, clouds reflect some of it and then there is energy lost by the solar panel in conversion. Even so, the average power conversion in the US is between 3 and 9 kWh (Kilo Watt Hour) per square meter per day. If the people of Australia could capture all of the sunlight they receive, they would have 2000 times more energy than their present need! Still, you can live anywhere in the world and take advantage of the sun’s power.

One of the big issues of solar and wind power is getting it distributed to every person and place on earth. There are many political decisions that have to be made and debated as we do this. The US consumes at 25% of the world’s energy but has 5% of the population. There are other countries on earth that have a lot of sun power if it could be collected. The problem is they don’t have the capital up front to make the investments. We may not be able to solve that as individuals but it will help if we are more efficient in using our resources.

In short, we all need to investigate solar energy facts and learn everything that we can. We do not want to be dependent on energy sources the rest of our lives. We all should realize that dependence on fossil fuels and the way they are ruining our environment are not good things. Get informed and get going on your own solutions to energy use.

Follow Keep It Green Ideas on Facebook or for more information on solar and wind power go to Solar Energy Facts Today.

Have a Green Christmas (Really!)

2009-12-11T07:44:00.000-08:00

This year, why not have a Green Christmas (Really!) as in environmentally friendly. Since being aware of the ecology and saving our planet is the thing now, why not put it to use? Yes, it is still ok to buy a Christmas tree but when you are done with it, recycle it. Either follow the plan in your community to have it recycled or take it someplace where it can decompose without being in a landfill.

You can also buy eco-friendly products as you would. Look for gift ideas that are pleasing to people and help our environment. There are so many more products out that work with the ecology. Everything from perfumes to furniture, decorations to household cleaning products can be so much more eco-friendly than they used to be.

Take a look at the ideas in this video.

You can also go to an environmentally friendly web site such as Products for a Green Worldand find many ideas for decorating, personal care, pets and gift giving.

Have a great Christmas and a Happy New Year but do it in a way that is safe, fun, and good for our environment. Your children and grand children will thank you.

Is this Green Golf?

2009-09-15T06:06:00.000-07:00

Golf can be a great sport and in many ways it is a green sport. The golfer plays outside in fresh air on grassy acreages. Some would say however that the use of pesticides, herbicides, carbon monoxide from mowers and all types of things keep this from being a green sport.

Several years ago golf went virtual. Yes, I can remember in the 1980s in New England playing virtual golf in the winter at a local golfers warehouse. There was a screen with the golf course projected on it. You hit the ball into the screen and the system projected where the shot would land. One of the fun parts was being able to hit the ball through trees! If the ball went into the water or out of bounds you did receive a penalty and the rest of the rules of golf applied (as much as they could). There was a small area to putt and you manually entered the putts into the system (on your honor or the watchful eye of your opponent).

It seems virtual golf is making the rounds again but for a different reason than weather. Money. In South Korea, golf is very expensive and the local golf courses are always full. Virtual golf gives those who want to enjoy the benefits of golf an opportunity to play even if it is virtual. This may or may not be green, but it is viewed as popular.

Watch this video from CNN for an idea of the popularity of this sport.

Green Living Ideas

2009-09-12T17:34:00.000-07:00

Green and More is dedicated to bringing our readers information about green products and green living ideas. We want to help you improve your green living with the tried and true as well as new ideas.

For example, you may already have a green home garden, green living roof or be interested in or easy ways to go green. We know there is an interest in grass roofs and roof gardening as well as green roof plants based on research and information in other blogs throughout the Internet.

Going green can mean different things to different people. We can focus on not only what we buy but also our lifestyle and the role we play in the ecology. You may be interested in a sustainable ecology and eco activities. You can create a green living house by using free ideas. Go to green tips web sites like The Green Parent or Real Simple Green Living 101. Yes, our goal is to be one place you can learn about and use many green resources without hunting all over the web. How many times have you asked yourself What’s my carbon footprint? Use a Carbon Footprint Calculator to help you answer that question.

Green Cleaner that does Mold

2009-09-07T15:45:00.000-07:00

Wow, how about it. A green cleaner that also cleans mold from showers, counters, and even garage doors. Yes, we can say that because we tested it. This was not a scientific test but it worked. Watch this video as it shows how mold was cleaned off a showerhead. If the play bar does not appear, put your cursor in the lower left corner to play the video.

We think it is important to test green cleaning products because we sell those types of products. We have a lot of green living ideas on our Web site and we think it is valuable to test green living with products like these. Getting a bathroom, kitchen, or even outdoor items clean is important. Doing it in an eco-friendly way is just as important. We offer many green cleaning products so over time, we are going to use and then report on our results. So far we have been very impressed with green cleaning products from Clorox and their Green Works line. We show with our video that the product does a great job of cleaning mold from bathrooms. A lot of people want to know how to get rid of mold especially if they live in warmer climates. While the product does not specifically say it cleans mold on their label, it did a good job for us.

We are going to show in some other videos how well this product performed for us. In the meantime, you can go to our web site Products for a Green World and buy Green Works Bathroom Cleaner.

It works great and has a very pleasant fragrance during and after you use it.

Thoughts on Green Products

2009-08-31T17:39:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of green products on the market. Items like Green Cleaning Products for the kitchen, bath and other household areas. There are also many great companies making these products and doing it in an environmentally sensitive way.

Green and More is dedicated to bringing our readers information about green products and green living ideas. We want to help you improve your green living with the tried and true as well as new ideas.

For example, you may already have a green home garden, green living roof garden or be interested in easy ways to go green. We know there is an interest in grass roofs and roof gardening as well as green roof plants based on research and information in other blogs throughout the Internet.

Going green can mean different things to different people. We can focus on not only what we buy but also our lifestyle and the role we play in the ecology. You may be interested in a sustainable ecology and eco activities. You can create a green living house by using free ideas. Go to green tips web sites like The Green Parent or Real Simple Green Living 101. Yes, our goal is to be one place you can learn about and use many green resources without hunting all over the web. How many times have you asked yourself What's my carbon footprint? Use a Carbon Footprint Calculator to help you answer that question.

When you are ready to try some great and green products try the Web site Products for a Green World.

Join us on Twitter

2009-08-02T15:53:00.000-07:00

We are now on Twitter and Facebook. Look at the information from those we follow and become a follower. Learn more about being green in many ways.

Making Your House A Greener Home

2009-07-21T17:01:00.000-07:00

Learn The Top Tips For Making Your House A Greener Home

Are you interested in making your home more energy efficient and green? With rising electricity costs and sky high utility bills, most of us are looking for ways to cut costs and save some money. You can start right at home, by making a few easy changes to make your residence electricity efficient and more eco friendly.

But beyond energy efficiency, there are several other important factors that go into the model of a green house. For instance, water conservation, indoor air quality, and the use of safer building materials will all contribute to a more eco-friendly house. This applies to new construction, as well as renovating and greening an older home for improvement and sale. Here's a list of some of the factors to think about when remodeling your home, or purchasing a green house.

Correct Ventilation - The home should have the right number and placement of exhaust fans, proper ventilation, vapor barriers, and duct sealing. A well designed thermal envelope can make the residence more comfortable and electricity efficient. Ventilation systems ought to be wrapped and sealed to stop air loss.

Air Quality - To make the home healthier, safe building materials should be utilized to limit introduction of noxious and dangerous vapors. For instance, use zero-VOC or no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint, and put in recycled, reclaimed, or sustainable flooring made from materials that don't have formaldehyde, such as bamboo or cork. Think about installing physical termite barriers in its place of chemical treatments, where suitable.

Water Efficiency - Think about installing dual-flush toilets, low- flow shower heads, and a tankless water heater, or at a minimum; a more energy efficient Energy Star rated model.

Insulation - One of the top alternatives a shopper can make is to install additional insulation. Use formaldehyde-free insulation. Additionally, install a radiant barrier on the underside of the roof, where appropriate.

Roofing - Think about metal or cement tile roofing, or durable shingles rated for 40 years or more.

Appliances and Furnaces - Use Energy Star rated appliances. The HVAC (air conditioning) systems ought to have a 17 SEER rating or better, and furnaces ought to have a 90+ rating. The heating and cooling unit size and assignment should be correctly thought out to add to efficiency.

Lighting - Install energy efficient fixtures. Compact fluorescent light bulbs ought to be used in place of halogen or incandescent bulbs.

Windows and Doors - Install double-paned, Low-E windows. Properly shade windows that face the sun, or install window overhangs. Install storm doors where appropriate.

Thermostat Timers - Install a programmable thermostat and hot water heater timer.

Exterior - Think about installing low maintenance materials that make sense for your type of weather and area, such as fiber cement siding, 40-year shingles, and engineered wood framing.

Landscaping - Eco landscaping considers cautious selection of plants, and focuses on water conservation. Use green landscape design practices, such as reducing the dimension of the lawn. Think about the correct placement of trees to help shade the residence and decrease cooling costs. Employ hardscape materials to reduce weeds and do away with the use of pesticides and herbicides. Use native plants and xeriscape techniques to avoid the need for too much care and watering. Compost. Install drip irrigation systems and think about reclaiming water.

You may see that from top to bottom, you may look at your whole home indoors and out to look for possible improvements to make it more eco friendly. It's not too hard to make your existing house a green house. By making at least a few easy changes to improve electricity efficiency, in no time you will see the positive results in your utility bills. Plus, you have the additional benefit of knowing that you are doing more for the ecosystem at the same time, and that always feels nice.

About the Author

If you could build your own DIY Solar Panels in your garage, why wouldn't you? Get your DIY Solar Panel Plans today and you will be generating your own electricity this weekend!

Another option is to visit the Real Good Solar Living Web site from the link on this blog.

Article Source Earth Articles Green Directory

Top Six Greenhouse Gardening Tips

2009-07-06T12:17:00.000-07:00

In most ways greenhouse gardening is like regular gardening except for a few things. You have the accountability to keep check on the environment for the plants growing in the greenhouse but the fundamental skills required are the same. You will have to give more time to greenhouse gardening in comparison to the regular from of gardening. Six important tips for greenhouse gardening have been suggested below o help an amateur greenhouse gardener.

1. Planning the site for your greenhouse garden is very much like the one which you will do for a regular garden. It is good to choose a place with less traffic and a lot of light. If you want your greenhouse to grow all through the winter plant the garden with winter lights.

2. The space which is used for greenhouse garden should be sufficient. There is no need to choke the greenhouse with numerous seeds and plants. You should plan in a way that there is ample space for you to maintain greenhouse gardening.

3. Greenhouse gardening is largely different from regular gardening in that you have to monitor and control the environment. To do this properly you will need to install a thermometer near the middle of your greenhouse. If temperatures get too high for your plants to be healthy you will need to ventilate the greenhouse to cool things down for your greenhouse gardening.

4. A normal garden as well as the greenhouse garden needs similar type of soil for growing plants. The difference comes in watering as they need much less water due to the temperature inside being monitored. The soil remains moist for a longer time as the air in the greenhouse retains the moisture for long. The plants should be given water only when the soil is dry in your greenhouse garden.

5. You will need to disinfect your greenhouse as a part of your greenhouse gardening. This will help prevent mold from growing on the walls of the greenhouse. This can occur due to the levels of heat and humidity in the greenhouse, so regular cleaning is important.

6. The water which is given to the plants should be at room temperature as your plants inside can die due to the shock of very cold water. Generally there is chlorine in tap water so you should keep the water for a day for it to disperse before watering green house plants.

For more ideas on gardening and organic gardening visit Products for a Green World

About the Author

Gary Pearson is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about Alcohol Rehab Facilities visit Alcohol Addictions for informative articles and discussions.

Article Source Earth Articles Green Directory

Living A Greener Healthier Life

2009-06-30T17:58:00.000-07:00

It seems all you hear today is about living a greener lifestyle. You need to reduce your carbon footprint and your environmental impact. We all know that this is important, but it can feel like being lectured at times.

But there are several ways you can live a greener life that are easy to implement. Most cities have garbage services that pick up recyclable materials in addition to your trash. It is simple to set up a separate container for cardboard, plastics and other recyclables. On trash day, your garbage service takes it away and does all the hard work of recycling all those materials.

Another easy way to live greener is to join your local Freecycle email list. Instead of throwing away items and buying new stuff all the time, use the Freecycle list. If you have an item you don't want anymore, simply list it. Chances are, someone in your community can use it and they'll come take it off your hands for free. Likewise, if you need something, post your needs and see if someone can help you score the items for free. This reduces trash in the landfills, and everyone gets what they want.

There are also plenty of green products which you can use around the house. These are inexpensive and can end up saving you a lot of money ? for instance, compact fluorescent bulbs. These are a great improvement over regular incandescent light bulbs and cost about the same while using far less energy and lasting a lot longer.

You can use solar lights in your yard ? these lights work just as well as electric lights, but cost nothing to operate and conserve the use of electricity. There are many appealing designs available and they can fit into anyone's budget. You don't need to have an electrician install them and the lights are quite bright enough to illuminate your yard. You can even get solar holiday lights, adding a cheerful seasonal touch without adding a thing to your electric bill.

Batteries are another way that you can save money and go green at the same time. Modern rechargeable batteries are long lasting, easy to charge and save you a lot of money. When they do finally run out of charges for good, they are recyclable at your local hardware store, just like broken fluorescent bulbs.

As you can see, it is easy to begin going green. It is not only good for the environment, it is better for you and it will save you money. Living green will soon become a habit, and before you know it, you'll be looking for more ways to be even greener. So don't be afraid to take that first step. It's easier than you think.

About the Author

Simon Skinner is the owner of green-base.com. Green-base.com is your base for all things green, providing news and views as well as advice and services to assist you in your new eco-friendly lifestyle! Bookmark www.green-base.com for all of your green advice.

Since you are on the Green and More Blog, read our articles and visit the Web sites of the advertisers on this blog for great advice and information.

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Cheap Solar Cells

2009-06-19T05:38:00.000-07:00

How to Find Cheap Solar Cells

with Minimal Effort

Homemade solar cells are quite expensive in both time and money to produce by yourself.

A much simpler option is to buy used solar cells. It takes as little as five minutes and its not as expensive as you might believe.

The first place you can look to find low-cost solar cells is at the hardware store. Highway patrol is another good source that sometimes can have solar panels left over from car crashes.

However, the easiest way to find solar cells at a reasonable price is to search for damaged solar cells online through eBay.

First, search eBay for broken solar cells or chipped solar cells which will throw open a number of bids.

Dont forget to read the descriptions before bidding to make sure the cells are not damaged beyond repair. Also check to see that they all are about the same size so that they can be assembled together on a single panel.

If you want to look for higher-priced cells, then you can go for transparent cells on eBay - or you can buy from large companies like Evergreen Solar when you look for newly produced cells. Though expensive, this way is convenient for calculating your output and choosing the right number of cells.

How much should you expect to pay?

The condition of the cheap solar cells is determined by how much you pay on eBay. You should have to pay only a few bucks or cents for a single cell, if you follow the way I mentioned above.

Even non-damaged and brand-new solar cells from Evergreen Solar should not cost much more than ten cents each.

In fact, the costliest aspect of buying your solar cells online will likely be the shipping expenses rather than the actual products. Depending on the location of the seller and the shipping method used, you may be faced with as much as $20 in shipping costs.

By a quick calculation here, you may have to spend approximately $30-$50 for 500 chipped solar cells on eBay " which may not be sufficient to totally do away with your electricity bill, but quite substantial enough to bring it down and make you richer by thousands of dollars every year.

About the Author

Brian Bradley acts as Associate Writer for DIY Clean Energy, based on his experience turning his home green, and writes about how to find cheap solar cells and how to build solar power.

Article Source Earth Articles Green Directory

Getting Started With Organic Gardening

2009-05-20T17:58:00.000-07:00

If you're interested in the fascinating and exciting world of organic gardening you should know that you can't just jump into that. You need to ensure that you know what you're doing and that you plan ahead so you won't make too many mistakes. You could kill your plants, and you certainly don't want to do that, so make sure you do what you need to do first and foremost and you won't have any problems.

The first thing that you need to do is set some goals for what you want to grow, how much space you have, and how much time you'll realistically be able to devote to your organic garden. Some people will have a lot more time for a garden than others will, so you want to be honest about your time constraints. Don't put demands on your time that you can't keep, or your garden will suffer the consequences.

Once you've finished outlining your goals you can start working on where you're going to be planting your garden. What you want and how much you want to grow will have a lot to do with where you'll put your garden, so take your time and pay attention to how much sun the spot gets and other issues that might be important.

You can't always get the perfect spot, but you should be able to get one that comes close if you try, so don't be afraid to look around for a lot of different options depending on the size of your yard.

With a goal in mind and a site picked out you'll need to get the soil ready and create the bed. You can do that by seeing what the soil is like now and ensuring that you add any nutrients to it that it might be missing. By doing that you'll be giving your plants a much better start than they would otherwise have, which is very important. You can't have good plants if you don't have good soil, so pay attention to that.

You can't always avoid all of the issues that you see with plants, but you can avoid most of them by paying close attention to any plant that you're going to bring home. Most things show up and aren't 'in hiding' where they will only crop up later. If a plant doesn't look good and healthy to you, it's best to avoid it and go on to something else.

Make sure that you examine the plants, though, and that they don't have any visible problems with mites, disease, or other issues. It's usually pretty easy to tell whether that's the case or not, though, if you pay attention to the plants you're picking up.

Dig a hole for each plant that is as deep as the root ball and about twice as wide. Then put the plant in the middle of it and fill in the dirt around it carefully. You want the dirt to be solid, but not packed so tight that the plant is damaged.

Labeling the plants are important, too, because you don't want to forget what you planted where. If a plant dies you can see which one you lost and replace it. If some plants do better than others, you might want to adjust your garden the next year by growing more of a certain type of plant or by changing the soil composition.

About the Author

GardenMandy lives in Las Vegas and loves Organic Gardening

See articles and organic gardening ideas at Products for a Green World

Article Source Earth Articles Green Directory

Why Water Causes Mold

2009-04-10T05:48:00.000-07:00

Water does indeed allow mold to grow, but it also requires two other elements as well. That is food for growth and a certain amount of warmth, but it can not sustain itself without the water. If you find mold some where in your home, look for the water that is causing it. Once you get rid of the water, you can clean and kill the mold. If the water comes back, chances are the mold will return also.

In case you are one of the few people left on the planet who do not yet know why it is so important to make sure you do not have mold in your home, then read this article and you will learn why. To begin with, mold is toxic. It is toxic to people and to pets. It could cause all kinds of allergic reactions such as sinus problems and produce symptoms similar to hay fever. It can cause reactions in the nose, throat, eyes, and skin. If a person is already prone to allergies or has asthma, toxic mold can cause serious health problems with breathing.

Breathing in mold spores is easy because they float in the air near the area where it is growing. Mold spores can travel through the air outside, but they can also travel to other areas inside the home through vents and duct work if heating and air conditioning units. They can settle in draperies, furniture, and carpeting. However they will not continue to grow in these materials if there is no moisture present. If you have furniture and other food source items like papers in a damp basement, they can continue to grow.

Although most homes will have some degree of mold spores, it is not that difficult to prevent it from becoming a real issue if you simply make sure you have no water leaks or sources of ongoing moisture where it can thrive. Making sure your bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchen are well ventilated is part of this battle. Check your plumbing often to make sure no new leaking is going on because washers wear out and pipes and water lines can come apart or deteriorate over time.

Never leave wet clothing or other fabrics lying around wet for long. Mold can start to grow in the proper environment in as little as forty eight hours. Once you are sure all of these things are taken care of, you should not have to worry over much about mold.

About the Author

Rachel Yoshida is a writer of many topics, visit some of her sites, like
Water Damage Orlando and Florida Water Damage Restoration.

For information about cleaning products to help with mold but be sensative to the environment visit Green Cleaning Products

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Benefits of Trimming Pet's Nails

2009-03-27T05:23:00.000-07:00

Do you hear a click-click-clicking when your pet is trotting down the hallway toward you? If so, your little - or not so little - pet is in serious need of a nail trimming. Many pet owners don't realize the importance of regular nail trimming to their pet's health. If you've been shaking your head over the television ads for the latest pet-care craze, the Pedi Paws, you might be surprised to learn just how important it is to keep your dog, cat or other pet's nails carefully trimmed.

Why your dog needs regular nail trims

That clicking you hear when your pup walks across the tile or wood floor could be doing far more damage than you think, and not only to your gorgeous floors. Neglecting your pet's nails can have some unexpected serious consequences for your dog. The dog injuries that result from untrimmed nails range from torn nails to arthritis.

A dog's nails curve as they grow out. If they're not trimmed, they'll eventually curl under the foot where they can dig into sensitive paw pads and cause pain. Dew claws are even more prone to this kind of curling and growing in. If you've ever had an ingrown toenail, you can imagine how painful that is for your poor pup.

Even worse, dogs actually walk on their toes. When their nails dig painfully into their paw pads, they tend to compensate for the difficulty walking by resting their weight further back on the paw. That awkward gait puts stress and strain on all the other muscles and joints. Just as wearing the wrong shoes can result in backaches and sore knees in humans, trying to walk with uncomfortably long nails can cause joint pain and discomfort for your dog. In the worst case scenario, it can contribute to the development of arthritis and other joint problems.

In addition, long nails are more likely to be torn or injured by impact or by catching in carpets, sweaters or upholstery. When that happens, the outer enamel of the nail can tear away and expose the inner tissue, called the quick. The quick is a fleshy bit of nerve and tissue that grows outward from the bone and is surrounded by the keratin that forms the claw and nail. The quick inside is easily injured, and when it's deprived of its protective keratin, it's prone to infection that can travel into the dog's foot and blood. Regular trimming reduces the chance of injury and infection.

Your cat needs regular nail trimming, too

Like dogs, cats have claws that grow in a curve and can curl under their paw pads if they're left untrimmed. Trimming a cat's claws offers extra benefits, though. Cats are notorious for destroying furniture by using the upholstery as a scratching post. Scratching is an instinctive behavior, and while most people think the intent is to sharpen the claws, there's another reason that cats scratch your furniture. They have scent pads in their feet, and scratching is a way to mark their territory.

Because the scratching is so destructive, many owners of indoor cats used to choose to de-claw their kittens. The practice has been falling out of favor in recent years, though, because it leaves the cat defenseless if it happens to get outside. It's actually illegal in many European countries, and there is a push to make it illegal in the United States.

Trimming your kitten's claws is one far easier solution to the scratching problem. When you keep your cat's claws trimmed short, it actually reduces the urge for them to claw furniture. Removing the sharp point also allows the cat to "scratch" without destroying furniture and upholstery. In addition, keeping the claws trimmed reduces the chance that your cat will catch a claw in the screen or upholstery and injure itself trying to get away.

Rabbits, birds and small animals also need nail trimming

Few people think of birds and nail trimming in the same breath, but many birds can be handicapped if their nails are allowed to grow too long. Birds use their claws for perching. When the nails are allowed to grow long and gnarled, it interferes with their ability to perch safely. In addition, long nails can easily catch in carpeting and clothing, with the risk of injuring the nail or the toe when trying to pull away.

Rabbits, guinea pigs and other exotic small pets also need regular mail trimming to prevent injuries both to themselves and their owners.

No matter what kind of pets you own, you have two choices when it comes to trimming their nails. The first is to have it done professionally by your veterinarian or pet groomer. Depending on the part of the country in which you live, that will cost you to every few weeks. Your other choice is to trim your pet's nails at home. There are a number of tools on the market that can help you trim your pet's nails easily at home. The newest pet grooming tool on the market is the Pedi Paws pet nail trimmer, which makes trimming pets' nails easy and painless for both pet and owner.

About the Author

Shawn Thomas is a freelance writer who writes about pet care and pet products, focusing primarily on specific pet care products such as Pedi Paws.

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Why Organic Gardening?

2009-03-20T05:30:00.000-07:00

You've probably noticed that organic foods are becoming very popular. This is because many individuals are learning the benefits of organic foods. At first, it seemed as if 'organic' was a word used to describe an exotic type of food, but it is anything but. Some individuals would even steer clear of the organic foods section in their local supermarket because of the fact that these foods were different. But now, organic food is something that is found all over the supermarket. There is a section in produce designated for organic, but you will find these foods scattered all throughout the supermarket.

But what is meant by 'organic'?
Well, it all starts with the gardening. Organic gardening is different than most methods that are currently used. In other words, the methods are different than the methods that are used to grow the rest of the fruits and vegetables in the produce section.

The methods When you think about it, the methods that are used in organic gardening are the same as the methods used before there were pesticides and fertilizers. In other words, the soil is organic. It has no chemicals in it. There are also nothing but organic fertilizers used on the crops. This means that there are no manmade chemicals used in the growing of these crops. Everything that is used to help them grow is 100% natural. This means that there are no pesticides and other chemicals being carried into your body when you eat them.

Unfortunately, crops raised using non-organic fertilizers and chemicals have shown evidence of being ingested by people. It is believed that these chemicals cause cancer and other illnesses because they are not natural to the body.
The benefits The benefits of organic gardening are many. First of all, you are not taking in pesticides and fertilizers that may not have been washed off the vegetables. Second of all, organic farming is good for the earth. Without using non-organic fertilizers and pesticides, the ground is not being polluted with the chemicals.

Here are some other benefits you may find interesting: - Organic farming involves using insects against insects to keep the crops from being consumed by pests. If lady bugs are released in the early spring, they will get rid of aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, mealybugs, and so much more.
- Disease can easily be prevented by using other organic products. Eco Oil is one of those products because it prevents disease that can be caused by insects and also keeps insects away.
- Because studies have shown that pesticide intake by children can be harmful, organic foods keep this from happening. This can prevent a lot of health problems in the future.

As you can see, organic foods are much healthier for you and your family. That is why you need to look for a label that says 'organic' when you are shopping in your supermarket. You can now find organic noodles, juices, and so much more. So not only are your fruits and vegetables organic, but so are other foods because of the use of organic gardening supplies and ingredients.
It makes us wonder why it is we turned to other gardening means. Perhaps it is because organic gardening does require a higher degree of effort than the methods that are primarily used today. Although it takes more effort, it is the healthier choice for everyone. In a way, it gets us back to the roots of gardening in that there was a time in which the only way to garden was through organic means. The only thing missing at that time were the organic fertilizers and various other organic gardening tools. But it is about time that we do get back to our roots. Organic gardening allows that.

About the Author

Organic gardening guide features tips and solutions to common garden issues - Redenta's is committed to a natural and sustainable approach to organic gardening and organic gardening supplies

You can learn more about Organic Gardening and find information to help you begin a garden at Organic Gardening.

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The World's Waterways

2009-03-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

7M pounds of debris collected in world's waterways

By BRIAN SKOLOFF Associated Press Writer The Associated Press
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 12:18 PM EDT

We may not realize how much our day-to-day activities influence the earth and our environment. This article released today helps us to understand just how much human activity affects the earth including the oceans.

Read this article and post a comment here with your thoughts on this issue.

The Green and More blog is written to help us understand and help our environment as well as give people alternatives when purchasing Eco friendly products and services.

Printed Cotton Bags

2009-03-05T05:20:00.000-08:00

Printed Cotton Bags - Reusable and Eco Friendly

Reusable Bags, now theres an idea that wont catch on, might have been the thinking a few years ago or so. Yet now the world is in economic and environmental meltdown, most major stores are now offering some sort of reusable shopping bag to their customers.

As the environmental issues have gained momentum and the problem of huge waste resulting from millions ( UK consumers in the year 2000 used more than 17 million plastic carrier bags ) of plastic bags that are not biodegradable and harmful to the planet, being given away with almost every purchase and then simply discarded, the need for change was inevitable.

What are the benefits of having a reusable bag?

A printed cotton bag is right away going to be stronger and sturdier than the multitudes of flimsy plastic bags that are currently given out or sold with your shopping.

In an ideal world every business would love their advertising emblazoned all over high street billboards but this proves very costly to all except really large companies. One of the beauties of printed cotton bags is the advertising opportunities with logos and branding able to be placed all over the bags.

If then businesses either give their new printed cotton reusable bags away with purchases or charge a small fee for them, the benefits are obvious. Lots of happy shoppers walking up and down the town centre with your logo emblazoned all over their bags, reaching places billboards can never reach.

These evidences alone should be enough to convince retailers and consumers, especially those that are conscious of the environment and the world around them that the switch to reusable bags can be an eco friendly and profitable one.

A bill calling for a levy on plastic bags was introduced by the Scottish Parliament in July 2005. The environmental committee said, In practice, the Bill would require all retailers to charge customers 10p for every plastic bag they were supplied with.

The Bill aims to protect the environment by reducing the number of plastic bags in circulation, raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage consumers to use alternatives."

Costing less per bag than planned proposals for in store plastic bags, it seems the reusable bag has a long term future.

Common sense tells us that this can surely be the only way forward with regards to this issue and there are numerous websites that specialise in printing and producing these cotton reusable bags, many of them offering a huge selection of styles, colours and designs.

About the Author

James Johnson, answers some of the questions about reusable bags.
Posted by website seo

Look for eBags at the web site Green World Personal Care

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Living a Greener Healthier Life

2009-02-24T05:45:00.000-08:00

It seems all you hear today is about living a greener lifestyle. You need to reduce your carbon footprint and your environmental impact. We all know that this is important, but it can feel like being lectured at times.

But there are several ways you can live a greener life that are easy to implement. Most cities have garbage services that pick up recyclable materials in addition to your trash. It is simple to set up a separate container for cardboard, plastics and other recyclables. On trash day, your garbage service takes it away and does all the hard work of recycling all those materials.

Another easy way to live greener is to join your local Freecycle email list. Instead of throwing away items and buying new stuff all the time, use the Freecycle list. If you have an item you don't want anymore, simply list it. Chances are, someone in your community can use it and they'll come take it off your hands for free. Likewise, if you need something, post your needs and see if someone can help you score the items for free. This reduces trash in the landfills, and everyone gets what they want.

There are also plenty of green products which you can use around the house. These are inexpensive and can end up saving you a lot of money for instance, compact fluorescent bulbs. These are a great improvement over regular incandescent light bulbs and cost about the same while using far less energy and lasting a lot longer.

You can use solar lights in your yard these lights work just as well as electric lights, but cost nothing to operate and conserve the use of electricity. There are many appealing designs available and they can fit into anyone's budget. You don't need to have an electrician install them and the lights are quite bright enough to illuminate your yard. You can even get solar holiday lights, adding a cheerful seasonal touch without adding a thing to your electric bill.

Batteries are another way that you can save money and go green at the same time. Modern rechargeable batteries are long lasting, easy to charge and save you a lot of money. When they do finally run out of charges for good, they are recyclable at your local hardware store, just like broken fluorescent bulbs.

As you can see, it is easy to begin going green. It is not only good for the environment, it is better for you and it will save you money. Living green will soon become a habit, and before you know it, you'll be looking for more ways to be even greener. So don't be afraid to take that first step. It's easier than you think.

About the Author

Article Source Earth Articles Green Directory

Green Blogs and Forums

2009-02-19T05:14:00.000-08:00

Our post of February 18 lists several directories for green or eco friendly web sites. There are also many good forums and blogs for green information that are often sponsored or part of various web sites. This is a list of forums and blogs we have found interesting and we hope the reader finds them interesting and valuable as well.

Of course, you can always go to google, yahoo or MSN and do a search your self, but this list may save you some time.

TreeHugger forums
Yahoo Green Shopping Blog
Green Products Expo Blog
EcoAmerica News Blog
Best Green Blogs
Green Data Center Blog
Green Home Huddle
WeBuyItGreen Forum

Not a large list by any means since a search can easily be over 400,000 hits. This is a start and over time can grow to include other links.

What are your favorite blogs or forums for green topics and ideas? Please share with us.

Try Green Directories

2009-02-18T05:09:00.000-08:00

One method of finding green web sites is using the various directories that have been compiled on the internet. Some of these are blogs and some are web sites. It is time consuming to find and list all of them but this list gets you started and saves time.

This blog does not recommend or warrant any of these directories. They are listed here to save search time but you will have to determine if they are of value or not.

Green Products Directory
Green People
One Green Globe
Green Maven
Green Light Plays
Build It Green
The Go Green Directory
Green Directory Small Business Times
The Only Green Directory
The Green Directory
Green Mom Finds
World Wide Green
Green Earth Articles
Best Green Blogs
Earth and Economy Directories
Organic Consumers Association

There are so many more and they will be added over time. Check back at this blog for an expanding list.

Think Green!

Green Hosting Company

2009-02-12T05:03:00.000-08:00

What to Look for in a Green Hosting Company

Because people care more about nature and environment nowadays, there is an increase in "green" products, as well as green hosting options. But which one is better for you? What does a green hosting company do? What should you look for while choosing a green hosting option? I'll discuss these questions with you with this short article.

Hosting companies need a lot of electricity to run their servers and properly cool them, and that is the first thing which damage the environment. Because a lot of the electricity on the power grid is generated using fossil fuels, this contributes to a lot of problems. These problems range from environmental pollution and deforestation while mining and extracting fossil fuels, to depletion of limited resources, and even to fighting wars to control oil fields. Therefore, to capture more customers from the nature loving market, most green hosting options use electricity generated from renewable resources. The most common sources of green renewable electricity are solar panels and wind turbines. However, sometimes biomass, methane, geothermal or other methods can also be used to produce green electricity. All of your green hosting options should at least use green electricity for their servers and cooling.

If a green hosting option chooses to use green electricity, and still buys electricity from the national power grid, they buy enough "Renewable Energy Certificates" from a renewable energy company to cover their electricity usage, in addition to the electricity they buy from the grid. This way, there is no need for a separate power grid, only carrying electricity from renewable resources. This increases the electricity costs a little, but this way they support the solution of all the problems associated with electricity generation from non-renewable resources. Most of the gree green hosting options choose to utilize the REC's because of their convenience.

And that takes us to the second option with green electricity. Some green hosting options choose generating their own electricity, mostly using their own solar panels or wind turbines. This is a more direct approach, and makes more financial sense for the green hosting company in the long run. Because the wind turbines and solar panels have pay for themselves by electricity generated in 5 years, and an economic life of 25 years or more, it is more feasible in the long run. This is a more direct way of generating green electricity for a hosting company, and has more startup costs.

Many green hosting options you'll see will include more than just running their servers and cooling the server room using green electricity. Some run their whole offices on green electricity. Some buy more REC's than the electricity they use, making up for the damage done in the past. Some green hosting companies promote telecommuting where workers save energy from transportation.

Some green hosting options include free hosting to non profit organizations, like environmental protection associations or peace initiatives. By not charging money from such groups, they further give some of their resources to worthy causes, and support them.

Some green hosting options provide other perks, like planting a tree on your behalf. Planting a tree provides multiple benefits, and popular among people with a high sense of care for the environment, and there are many environmental non profit groups who plant trees very cheaply, so it makes sense for the green hosting companies for the extra effort. Some green hosting companies further donate some percentage of their profits to Greenpeace, World Wildlife Fund or other green non-profit organizations and support their efforts. Some green hosting options actively engage in green activists, emailing new green campaigns to webmasters, generating online support and awareness for green campaigns.

So there are many green hosting options available to you, and you can choose any of them to fit your own style. But remember that, all the green hosting options should also include great hosting, and you're still getting a hosting deal. Also consider your requirements for budget, guaranteed uptime, bandwidth, disk space, customer support and anything else that is important to satisfy your hosting needs.

About the Author

Jim Talbot is an internet marketing genius. The following is Jim's suggestion for the Best Green Hosting Option available today. You can also visit Jim's site, Best Internet Host. Sign up today, you will not regret it! This and other unique content 'green hosting options' articles are available with free reprint rights.

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Eco Friendly Kitchen Design

2008-11-20T16:30:00.000-08:00

Eco Friendly Interior Design for the Kitchen

This is the way of the future, environmentally friendly kitchens. This is a great concept and can be easily achieved by the average person. There are many ideas for ways to make your kitchen eco friendly. Using recycled materials for flooring, countertops, and changing out lighting fixtures and bulbs.

Some major appliance manufacturers have offered their ideas for versions of eco friendly appliances. As more people and companies become aware of the need for the green movement, the more they start to utilize eco friendly home appliances to conserve on energy and water.

These kitchen appliances transfer approximately 60% of the water and heat that is created from each of the kitchen appliances to fuel other appliances or features. Some of the anticipated ideas are supposed to make use of the heat from a refrigerator's compressor to supply the hot water. This is thought to save the consumer 25% on their energy bills. This is a great savings for people.

Another thing you can do is check out using recycled items for the furniture and dcor of your kitchen. They make recycled counter tops and flooring. This is something to look into. They also make recycled cabinetry.

You should also look at second hand shops and flea markets for good buys on dining room furniture or kitchen table. Look at old paintings, canister sets, and other things to decorate your kitchen with. The retro look is coming back into style. Or you can pick another theme to follow up on. Themes are always a cool concept.

Use your imagination when you are looking around for things to recycle. With a little imagination you can look at something that has potential, and think of how you can dress it up to suit your needs. You can use an old wooden window frame for a wall dcor by putting a chalkboard or material behind it to make a message board. Large old wooden doors can be made into tables. You would be surprised at what you can do with things.

You can do an internet search to find ideas. By recycling you are being green. You will feel a sense of accomplishment when you make many of the things that go into your new eco friendly kitchen. You can have a sense of pride. It will also give you great stories to tell as to where you found your items to create the finished products. Some people go to garage sales, dumpsters behind stores where they throw out any damaged items, or even pick up things they see in front of a house for trash day.

Eco friendly interior designs do not just mean utilizing materials that are new. This also requires you to look at ways of recycling so that older resources can get reused rather than winding up in the city landfill. This is where a dedicated eye and knowledge of antiques will help you to learn the techniques of recycling. It does not matter what your color scheme or dcor theme is in your kitchen, purchasing antiques can add character and charm to your decor.

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If you want to learn more about eco friendly kitchen design, then visit http://www.greenkitchendesignguide.com where you can learn how to make your kitchen beautiful with environmentally friendly materials as well as learn more about green interior design.

Article Source Earth Articles Green Directory

Generate Residential Solar Power

2008-11-19T08:56:00.000-08:00

As the price of fossil fuels reach astronomical amounts more and more homeowners are harnessing their power from the sky by utilizing residential solar power generated by solar panels. If your home is connected to the power company supply grid you can install residential solar power to be used either as supplemental power, or as the primary power supply with the electricity supplied by the power company as supplemental or backup power.

The solar panels needed for generating residential solar power are most often roof or wall mounted but can also be mounted on a free- standing platform, or tower type setup that can actually turn throughout the day to follow the path of the sun. The solar panels are lined with a semiconductor material that releases electricity when sunlight passes through them.

Not all solar panels are like those great big square panels we have all seen at one time or another. You can now buy solar cells that are an integral part of the roofing material that offers the same protection as standard asphalt shingles while providing you with the means to generate residential solar power. That means you get a nearly invisible system which doesn't detract from your home's appearance.

Depending on your installation type, how the electricity gets into your home will differ. Your residential solar power system can be considered a stand alone system if it is not connected to the typical power company grid. The solar panel is the main source of energy in a stand-alone solar power system. The electricity generated in the solar panel is sent to a regulator or controller; from there it flows into an inverter, which converts the electricity from direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). AC is the standard house current used in America to power most of the devices in our homes.

With certain types of installation the power from the solar panels would be routed to a power inverter then into a storage system or directly into your homes electrical system. Excess power can be diverted to the power company. Electrical power that is routed to a storage system, commonly a single or array of batteries, can be tapped into at nightfall or during overcast days. Under either system, the current flows into your homes circuit breaker where it will supply the power to light your home and run your appliances.

Numerous localities provide what is called "metering", which transmits the excess power produced by the residential solar power system to the utility company's grid. In effect, your power meter shifts into reverse so that they could in fact be the ones receiving an invoice from your household!

If you install residential solar power, there can be financial incentives at not only the state, but also the federal level. Some of these incentives include tax breaks, and low cost financing which can help offset most, if not all cost of equipment and installation. The best break might be that you will also see that your electricity bill has virtually disappeared.

About the Author

Power your home with a solar power at home Visit http://diy-solar-power.weebly.com/solar-power-for-your-home.html

Article Source Earth Articles Green Directory

Be sure to look in this Blog's Green Products Shopper section for Real Goods Solar Power.

Can Being Green Help You Live Longer?

2008-11-18T11:28:00.000-08:00

Be Better, Be Greener

Did you know that going green can make you live longer? Odd as it may seem it is a true statement. What is healthy for the earth is healthy for you also. Using naturally grown unprocessed foods, less driving, and so many other things will improve your health and increase your lifespan.

By eating healthy, organic foods you are not only helping your body by giving it fresh food, you are saving the earth from being contaminated by pesticides. Organic meats help by keeping the environment free of antibiotics and growth hormones. Plus you're avoiding all those nasty things from going inside of you! By eating fresh, organic foods, you are avoiding all the processed foods that do a better job of clogging your arteries than they do of providing nutrition.

Try to drive less. By combining your errands, you not only save fuel and reduce the traffic on the roads; you are giving yourself less stress from dealing with traffic jams and other drivers. Carpool or use public transit when you can. If you choose to ride a bike or walk for some of your errands, you also get needed exercise. This will help keep your heart healthy and keep you limber and toned.

Food scraps make great fertilizer when composted and a mess in the garbage can, so why throw it away when it can be used? You can add leaves and grass as well as coffee grounds and egg shells to your pile of compost. Fruit and vegetables that have spoiled or waste from peeling or chopping certain foods such as potatoes can also go into the pile. Don't use meat or bones as it will take too long to break down and also attract flies and other nasty insects. Water it down when it needs it to keep it active and when it comes planting time you can add it to your garden soil and grow some nice healthy vegetables.

You can use solar lights in your yard - these lights work just as well as electric lights, but cost nothing to operate and conserve the use of electricity. There are many appealing designs available and they can fit into anyone's budget. You don't need to have an electrician install them and the lights are quite bright enough to illuminate your yard. You can even get solar holiday lights, adding a cheerful seasonal touch without adding a thing to your electric bill.

Small things like recycling cans, bottles and plastic packaging helps lower your garbage bills and helps reduce your carbon footprint. Use cloth bags when you shop instead of taking their paper or plastic bags. Some stores even knock off a few cents when you use your own bags. All of this will help reduce pollution, which is healthier for you because you'll be breathing cleaner air.

Contrary to popular opinion, it is easy to be green and even easier too go green. It saves you money while doing something good for the environment. Before you know it, living green will be second nature and you'll be looking for ways to add some more green living to your lifestyle.

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Article Source Earth Articles Green Directory

2008-11-12T13:28:00.000-08:00

Green Clean Products

Does it dismay you that after years of bold claims for "New and Improved" cleaning products that we are now finding that the ingredients used in our favorite cleaners is bad for our long-term health? The pendulum is changing direction, and it is no longer about the latest additive, but the impact on health that matters. Green is not just about saving oil, but about saving your life.

Getting correct information is crucial. Naturally Green Clean is a new and well-written book that will teach anyone how to be a Green HomeMaker. Part of the trouble of Going Green is what to do after a homemaker dumped the products with multi-syllabic ingredients that were now know are pending health time bombs. There are hundreds oaf magazine and news articles about Going Green. The Internet is filled with idea, but what if these ideas could be reduced to twelve critical ingredients for any household cleaning issues?

Candace Richmond's book is Naturally Green Clean, and it is filled with exciting and practical information. This 90 page downloadable book will quickly become your best resource for safe and effective cleaning solution for your home. Cleaning is a fundamental need. This study is not about buying CFL bulbs, starting a compost pile, or adjusting the settings on your thermostat. You will learn in a first hand fashion how to easily clean any part of your home. Most people will be surprised to learn how well these Naturally Green Clean processes work, but that is only the start.

Candace Richmond has teamed with Green Clean Institute to provide a professional certification for anyone taking this course. A 25 question exam is included that is faxed in for grading. Once you pass the exam, you are issued a Green HomeMaker certificate that shows the world that you know how to really care for your home and your family.

A healthy home is the first reason to go Green, but what if you also learned that it will save your strained budget a lot of money. Most consumers do not calculate the monthly cost of cleaning products because they are hidden in the food budget. It is possible to know more than $100 out of that budget using the ingredients featured in this course. You will be able to use some of these ideas on day one, but you will save money month after month.

There is another compelling reason to go to natural cleaning products. Each year tens of thousands of accidental poisonings happen to the children of Americans. The cause can be traced back to the numerous harmful and dangerous products we keep within easy reach. While some advise parents to keep these things out of the reach of small children, it is better to simply get rid of them. This book provides the answer to a horrible family tragedy.

This book is just too good to overlook. Naturally Green Clean is written to the average homemaker who wants a healthier family, a Green Home, and less harm to the family budget. Other readers report surprising results using these simple to use products. Get it, read it, and live it. There are no losers in a truly Green Home.

About the Author

The best course on Green Clean for the Green Homemaker has just arrived. Learn about the twelve crucial ingredients to go completely Green for cleaning your house. Green Clean is an exciting study in Green Cleaning ingredients that protect health.

Article Source Earth Articles Green Directory

What is Green and More?

2008-10-22T12:30:00.000-07:00

Today there are so many sources for information about the ecology and the enviroment it is difficult to know where to start. Most of us are searching the internet looking for web sites, blogs and everything else available.

The goal of this blog is to help with that search process and hopefully find some very interesting information, thoughts and even other blogs. I hope this blog works well for those of you who are new to the search for "green living" or at least making less of a carbon footprint than we have.

There are truly some great ideas and products out there to help all of us live life and still help our environment. After all, there is no substitute for our environment and if we ruin it we will pay a large price. Compare to that price, becoming green is a lot less expensive.

It is also true that what you call green can be a matter of definition and that definition can be difficult to create. One of my favorite blogs is http://blog.webuyitgreen.com/. It can be somewhat technical to read but this is full of information and it is well done. There are pages here that can help with the definition of green especially green products and processes. Some products may seem green until you look at the entire process to make, ship and sell those products.

Another great source of information is the web site for Greener Choices. This is a site from Consumer Reports and contains product evaluations and ratings, hot topics and solutions and their own blogs and forums for discussion.

There are also web sites dedicated to selling green products and products that may not be green but are still good for us. One of these is Products for a Green World. There are many ideas here for green cleaning products, home and garden, pets, furniture, organic gardening and others. Give it a try and see what is available. This site also features a link page to other green sites for all types of products and services.

We added a list of directories to this blog so be sure and look at the article on Green Directories.

This is all for now but there will be much more over time.

Let's all work for a greener world.

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