If you do, contact the Indiana Department of Transportation to take their survey and let them know.
Please click here to take the survey. Thanks for caring about where you live!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Gas-Saving Lawnmowers
Courtesy of NBC Today Show:
Fact: A gas mower spews 87 lbs. of the greenhouse gas CO2, and 54 lbs. of other pollutants into your air every year.
Fact: Over 17 million gallons of gas are spilled each year refueling lawn and garden equipment – more petroleum than was spilled by the Exxon Valdez.
Fact: Gas-powered mowers send over 1,800 times the hydrocarbons into the atmosphere when compared to the environmentally-sound choice of battery-powered mowers.
According to the EPA, gas mowers are reponsible for nearly 5% of our nation’s total air pollution. Over 800 million gallons of gasoline are used mowing our nation’s lawns every year. And if you operate one for more than 15 minutes, experts advise you to wear hearing protection.
The Remington Cordless Electric Power Lawn Mower eliminates all the hassles of a gas mower. It is the first and ONLY mower with a 60 Volt Battery that provides 60 minutes of pure clean cordless runtime. With Remington’s patented PowerSelect Technology it's also the first and ONLY cordless mower with a corded option.
http://www.remingtonpowertools.com/
Battery-Powered Neuton Lawnmower
The Neuton Mower has 4 advantages. First of all, the peace and quiet of the neighborhood. Second, the operator doesn't have to wear hearing protection. Third, you don't have gasoline in your trunk and don't have to store it in your garage. And fourth, you don't have to walk in the exhaust stream of an internal combustion engine as you mow your lawn. You're pushing a clean, quiet lawn mower.
They're light. They're maneuverable. They're better for the lawn. They're economical. They're environmentally responsible. They're quiet. They're practically maintenance-free. They've always been in style.
Make a Pledge to Erase Your Carbon Footprint (with Lightbulbs)
Courtesy of MyCarbonPledge:
"Our goal is to change one million incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs in the state of Indiana in 2008. You may think, "How much difference is that really going to make?" But with the average daily light bulb use of three hours, this one simple step can reduce Indiana's CO2 emissions by 150 million pounds per year or the equivalent of taking over 13,000 cars off the road. Please help ensure that polar bears have a future and take the pledge today!"
"Taking the pledge is easy! (Click here) Just enter your name, address, number of bulbs pledged, and let us know if you’re affiliated with any participating organization or business. The more bulbs you pledge to change, the greener your house becomes."
"Our goal is to change one million incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs in the state of Indiana in 2008. You may think, "How much difference is that really going to make?" But with the average daily light bulb use of three hours, this one simple step can reduce Indiana's CO2 emissions by 150 million pounds per year or the equivalent of taking over 13,000 cars off the road. Please help ensure that polar bears have a future and take the pledge today!"
"Taking the pledge is easy! (Click here) Just enter your name, address, number of bulbs pledged, and let us know if you’re affiliated with any participating organization or business. The more bulbs you pledge to change, the greener your house becomes."
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Save Water; Save Your Lawn
Courtesy of Green Piece Indy:
Xeriscaping™, the practice of landscaping to conserve water, isn't all cacti and rocks. Dr. Mary Welch-Keesey, a Purdue University Consumer Horticulture Specialist at White River Gardens, prepared a downloadable handout titled "Xeriscaping™ in Indiana." Dr. Welch-Keesey recommends:
- Choosing drought-tolerant plants, especially natives, and planting them near each other based on their water requirements
- Reducing overall lawn size with more flower beds, or not irrigating as much of your lawn
- Using soaker hoses to water your lawn and flower beds, which you should do early in the morning about once a week, to build roots and reduce evaporation waste
Thursday, June 12, 2008
More Ways to Work Environmentally
Courtesy of Hank FM
Did you know...
-->For every ton of paper that is recycled, the following is saved: 7,000 gallons of water; 380 gallons of oil; and enough electricity to power an average house for six months.
-->You can run a TV for six hours on the amount of electricity that is saved by recycling one aluminum can
-->By recycling just one glass bottle, you save enough electricity to power a 100-watt bulb for four hour
1. Re-route your commute.
• Walk or bike to work and save money on gas and parking.
• Investigate the option of telecommuting. Or move closer—even if this means paying more rent, it could save you money in the long term.
• If your streets are not conducive to biking or walking, lobby your municipal government to increase spending on sidewalks and bike lanes.
2. Buy used.
• Consider a service like craigslist or FreeSharing to track down furniture, appliances, and other items, rather than buying them new. Check out garage sales and thrift stores for clothing and other everyday items.
• Make homemade gifts, donate to a good cause, or even regift. (And gift green, in general.)
When making new purchases, make sure you know what’s “Good Stuff” and what isn’t.
3. Buy local.
• Shop at your local farmers’ market. Buying any goods produced locally saves energy by reducing the fossil fuels needed to transport food and other items across the country and around the globe.
• Start a local currency program in your town. This can ensure that money stays in your local economy, valuing local services and supporting local merchants.
4. Compost your food scraps.
• Composting helps reduce the amount of waste you send to the landfill, which can save you money if you live in a municipality with a “pay as you throw” system. In the process, you create free, healthy fertilizer for your garden (or your neighbor’s—or lobby for a community garden!)
• If you don’t have a yard or space for a compost pile, try indoor ‘vermiculture,’ or worm composting.
5. Change the thermostat setting and install energy saving devices.
• Setting your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer can translate to substantial savings on your utility bills.
• Install low-flow showerheads and take shorter showers to save water and the energy used to heat it. Or, consider eventually installing a solar hot water heater on your property.
• Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible and use a drying rack or clothesline.
• When incandescent bulbs burn out, replace them with longer-lasting, low-energy compact fluorescent bulbs.
• Consider buying wind energy from your local utility or purchasing renewable energy offsets. Renewables offer our best hope for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as a host of other pollutants. In some cases, “green energy” options can be cheaper than electricity from conventional sources!
6. Skip the bottled water at the grocery or convenience store.
• Filter your tap water for drinking rather than using bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it produces large amounts of container waste.
• Check out this recent update and life cycle analysis for the latest on bottled water trends.
7. Make your own cleaning supplies.
• Using simple ingredients such as baking soda, soap, and vinegar, you can make cheap, easy, and non-toxic cleaning products that really work! Save money, time, and your indoor air quality.
8. Think twice about new electronics.
• E-waste from discarded cell phones and computers is a growing environmental problem. Mounds of electronic refuse are being shipped abroad illegally for ‘disassembly’ by workers with little protection against the mercury and other toxic substances they contain.
• Keep your electronics as long as possible and dispose of them responsibly when the time comes.
• Buy higher-quality items and don’t give in to ‘psychological obsolescence’ marketing campaigns.
• Recycle your cell phone and support good causes at the same time!
• Ask your local government to set up a responsible recycling and hazardous waste collection event.
9. Add one meatless meal per week.
• While strict vegetarianism isn’t for everyone, even the most devout carnivores can cut back on meat consumption without cramping their style—and save money in the process. Industrial meat production requires huge energy inputs and creates noxious waste problems. The proliferation of factory farms is damaging the environment, and the global nature of the industry creates conditions that promote the spread of diseases such as avian flu, potentially costing society billions.
10. Use your local library and other public amenities.
• Borrowing from libraries, instead of buying personal books and movies, saves money and printing resources. Consider donating the money saved to your local library.
• Be an active civic participant and ensure that the public spaces and facilities in your town are well maintained. This will promote a healthy, sustainable community.
Did you know...
-->For every ton of paper that is recycled, the following is saved: 7,000 gallons of water; 380 gallons of oil; and enough electricity to power an average house for six months.
-->You can run a TV for six hours on the amount of electricity that is saved by recycling one aluminum can
-->By recycling just one glass bottle, you save enough electricity to power a 100-watt bulb for four hour
1. Re-route your commute.
• Walk or bike to work and save money on gas and parking.• Investigate the option of telecommuting. Or move closer—even if this means paying more rent, it could save you money in the long term.
• If your streets are not conducive to biking or walking, lobby your municipal government to increase spending on sidewalks and bike lanes.
2. Buy used.
• Consider a service like craigslist or FreeSharing to track down furniture, appliances, and other items, rather than buying them new. Check out garage sales and thrift stores for clothing and other everyday items.
• Make homemade gifts, donate to a good cause, or even regift. (And gift green, in general.)
When making new purchases, make sure you know what’s “Good Stuff” and what isn’t.
3. Buy local.
• Shop at your local farmers’ market. Buying any goods produced locally saves energy by reducing the fossil fuels needed to transport food and other items across the country and around the globe.
• Start a local currency program in your town. This can ensure that money stays in your local economy, valuing local services and supporting local merchants.
4. Compost your food scraps.
• Composting helps reduce the amount of waste you send to the landfill, which can save you money if you live in a municipality with a “pay as you throw” system. In the process, you create free, healthy fertilizer for your garden (or your neighbor’s—or lobby for a community garden!)
• If you don’t have a yard or space for a compost pile, try indoor ‘vermiculture,’ or worm composting.
5. Change the thermostat setting and install energy saving devices.
• Setting your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer can translate to substantial savings on your utility bills.
• Install low-flow showerheads and take shorter showers to save water and the energy used to heat it. Or, consider eventually installing a solar hot water heater on your property.
• Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible and use a drying rack or clothesline.
• When incandescent bulbs burn out, replace them with longer-lasting, low-energy compact fluorescent bulbs.
• Consider buying wind energy from your local utility or purchasing renewable energy offsets. Renewables offer our best hope for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as a host of other pollutants. In some cases, “green energy” options can be cheaper than electricity from conventional sources!
6. Skip the bottled water at the grocery or convenience store.
• Filter your tap water for drinking rather than using bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it produces large amounts of container waste.
• Check out this recent update and life cycle analysis for the latest on bottled water trends.
7. Make your own cleaning supplies.
• Using simple ingredients such as baking soda, soap, and vinegar, you can make cheap, easy, and non-toxic cleaning products that really work! Save money, time, and your indoor air quality.
8. Think twice about new electronics.
• E-waste from discarded cell phones and computers is a growing environmental problem. Mounds of electronic refuse are being shipped abroad illegally for ‘disassembly’ by workers with little protection against the mercury and other toxic substances they contain.
• Keep your electronics as long as possible and dispose of them responsibly when the time comes.
• Buy higher-quality items and don’t give in to ‘psychological obsolescence’ marketing campaigns.
• Recycle your cell phone and support good causes at the same time!
• Ask your local government to set up a responsible recycling and hazardous waste collection event.
9. Add one meatless meal per week.
• While strict vegetarianism isn’t for everyone, even the most devout carnivores can cut back on meat consumption without cramping their style—and save money in the process. Industrial meat production requires huge energy inputs and creates noxious waste problems. The proliferation of factory farms is damaging the environment, and the global nature of the industry creates conditions that promote the spread of diseases such as avian flu, potentially costing society billions.
10. Use your local library and other public amenities.
• Borrowing from libraries, instead of buying personal books and movies, saves money and printing resources. Consider donating the money saved to your local library.
• Be an active civic participant and ensure that the public spaces and facilities in your town are well maintained. This will promote a healthy, sustainable community.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
i.e., Phone Book on Your Phone?
Courtesy of Green Piece Indy:
"What if you want to look something up and you're not near your computer? Meghan uses Google SMS. Simply send a text message to Google (that's 466453 in text lingo) and enter a query (ex. Whole Foods Market Indianapolis) as your text message. In seconds, Google texts you back with the phone number and address. "
"What if you want to look something up and you're not near your computer? Meghan uses Google SMS. Simply send a text message to Google (that's 466453 in text lingo) and enter a query (ex. Whole Foods Market Indianapolis) as your text message. In seconds, Google texts you back with the phone number and address. "
Monday, June 9, 2008
Duraflame has an Eco-Friendly Firelog!
Courtesy of Duraflame.com:
Duraflame firelogs are the cleanest burning logs for a residental fireplace.
Click here to see all the information on Duraflame's New Eco-Friendly Firelog!
Duraflame firelogs are the cleanest burning logs for a residental fireplace.
Click here to see all the information on Duraflame's New Eco-Friendly Firelog!
Plastics to Avoid Drinking From
Courtesy of TheDailyGreen.com:
Number 3 Plastics
V (Vinyl) or PVC
Found in: Cooking oil bottles, clear food packaging. Harvard-educated Dr. Leo Trasande of the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine advises consumers to avoid number 3 plastics for food and drinks. (If you're unsure, look for the little symbol that should be printed on the container. Some brands have left the symbols off, which is a major problem.)
Why? Number 3 plastics may release toxic breakdown products (including pthalates) into food and drinks.
The risk is highest when containers start wearing out, are put through the dishwasher or when they are heated (including microwaved). PVC manufacturing can release highly toxic dioxins into the environment, and the materials can off-gas toxic plasticizers into your home.
Number 6 Plastics
PS (polystyrene)
Found in: Disposable plates and cups, meat trays, egg cartons, carry-out containers
Number 6 plastics (polystyrene) are made into soft Styrofoam-style cups as well as rigid foams and hard plastic products, so remember to look for those little numbers in the arrows (don't feel bad if you need a magnifying glass). Avoid using them as much as possible.
Why? Number 6 plastics can release potentially toxic breakdown products (including styrene). Get this: particularly when heated! That insulated coffee cup -- the one that 'knows' when to keep your drink warm -- doesn't seem so smart anymore does it?
Number 7 Plastics
Miscellaneous
Found in: Baby bottles, three- and five-gallon water bottles, certain food containers
A wide range of plastic resins that don't fit into the other six categories are lumped into number 7. Some are quite safe, but the ones to worry about are the hard polycarbonate varieties, as found in various drinking containers (like Nalgene bottles) and rigid plastic baby bottles.
Why? Studies have shown polycarbonate can leach bisphenol A, a potential hormone disruptor, into liquids. According to Trasande, no level of bisphenol A exposure is known to be truly safe, and in August a government panel expressed 'some concern' that the ingredient causes neural and behavioral problems in children.
Why not play it safe and swap out those hard plastic baby and water bottles for Number 1, 5 or corn-based plastics, or even shatter-resistant glass?
Like Vodka? Here's how to use it for other purposes.
Courtesy of TheDailyGreen.com
Defeat Poison Ivy
For many, one of the hazards of enjoying the great outdoors is an encounter with poison ivy, oak or sumac. It can lead to a nasty, long-lasting rash. Unfortunately, the plants are spreading thanks to global warming. Many people have reported that if they immediately pour vodka over an area that has contacted poison ivy, the alcohol will wash away the culprit, urushiol oil, and they won't experience an uncomfortable reaction. Some have said that the vodka needs to be at least 100 proof to work. Others have argued that straight rubbing alcohol works better, but we're guessing you may not have that as handy if you are on your average picnic.
Freshen Laundry
The only people I know who like doing laundry have OCD. If you find the task calming, that's great. But the rest of us would prefer to wear clothes as much as possible without having to count quarters or lug baskets up and down stairs. Keep your clothes smelling fresher with vodka! Simply spritz your duds with the stuff, then hang to dry in a well-ventilated area. (Do a spot-test first to be safe.) Vodka kills odor-causing bacteria, but doesn't leave a scent when dry.
Get Your Shine On
It's easy to get your chrome, glass and porcelain fixtures shining like the top of the Chrysler Building. Guess what does the trick? Moisten a soft, clean cloth with vodka, then apply a little elbow grease.
Preserve Flowers
If vodka can help you find love, then it can also help you preserve it -- or at least the symbols of it. Add a few drops of vodka and a teaspoon of sugar to the water in your flower vase. It should help keep your flowers fresh longer. Change out the mixture with fresh ingredients daily.
Do Battle with Insects
Unless you are intent on proving how hard-core you are, or have a bizarre fetish, you probably don't enjoy getting feasted on by insects. But you've read media reports questioning the safety of DEET-based repellents, and you are pretty sure you don't want to take the risk of spraying yourself in the face with poisonous bug killers. Who knew that vodka can kill pesky insects, as well as nagging doubts at the bar? Pour a little of the saucy spirit in a spray bottle and squirt on the little buggers, or yourself as a repellent. But please don't take aim at any beneficial bees!
Soothe Jellyfish Stings
Jellyfish are fascinating, beautiful sea creatures. But their stingers can pack a powerful, painful punch. For vegetarians and others who don't travel with meat tenderizer (or who don't feel comfortable asking friends to, um, relieve the pain), take heart. Vodka can also disinfect and alleviate some of the bite of a jellyfish sting.
Get Great, Shiny Hair
Vodka doesn't just make you think people look prettier. It actually can make people prettier. How? Try this remedy for healthier, lush hair: Add a jigger of vodka to a 12-ounce bottle of shampoo. Tell Billy Madison that vodka is better than both shampoo and conditioner.
Clean Away Mold
Got mold? The stuff spreads easily and can severely diminish indoor air quality. Unless you are shacking up with the Crypt Keeper, who wants to look at those grimy dark stains that build up on caulking (sometimes even on mold-resistant varieties)? But instead of harsh chemical sprays, try filling a recycled spray bottle with some bottom-shelf vodka. Spritz on, then let sit for 15 minutes. Scrub away with an old toothbrush (please don't use your sister's).
Make a Soothing Tincture
Do you find the scent of lavender soothing? Did you know that herbalists have used it for generations to ease aches and pains? Here's a fun DIY tip: Fill a clean glass jar with fresh lavender flowers, then top off with vodka. Seal the lid tightly and place in the sun for three days (same idea as making sun tea!). Strain the resulting liquid through a coffee filter, and poof! You have a homemade tincture to rub into aches and pains. You can pour into smaller bottles, decorate them, and give them as unique gifts.
Ease a Toothache
Got a toothache? Your first priority should be to see a dentist. But sometimes you can't get an appointment right away, or the professionals tell you it will just have to heal on its own.
In that case, try swishing a shot of vodka over the affected area. It can help disinfect, and should numb some of the pain in your gums. Just beware that your honey may accuse you of smelling like a saloon.
Five Ways to Save $$ At the Tank
Courtesy of The Daily Green.com:
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
By one estimate, the public transportation system in the United States saves 3.4 billion gallons of oil a year (and cuts greenhouse gas emissions by 26 million tons). Get your fair share of the savings by looking up the local bus route or climbing on the subway (After all, as a taxpayer, you're already invested). Sure, it costs money to take the bus or subway. But consider this: The average U.S. commute is 16 miles, and at these prices the average U.S. passenger car will go just 11 miles on $2, a typical public transit fare (If you drive a truck or SUV, the equation works out in your favor with an even shorter commute). Plus, you'll also save your car the wear and tear of driving, which ultimately saves you money on maintenance (a quart of motor oil costs more than it did a year ago, too.)
CARPOOL
You can cut your gas bills in half, right now. Share your trip to work with one other person and split the bill. That's like paying $2 for gas, instead of $4. Put a third person in the car, and the price per gallon drops to $1.33. With a full car of four people, the cost is just $1 a gallon. Now that sounds like real savings. If you're looking for help getting started, consult with Divide the Ride, eRideShare, RideCheck, Carpool World or other Web-based tools designed to help like-minded people find each other.
WALK/BIKE
Keep your wallet fat and the pocket that holds it loose. Whenever possible, walk or bike to work or school, or to meet up with friends. Every mile you pedal or stride saves you gas, saves you money and puts you in better shape. If you trade in a trip in the average car, you'd save about $1 for every 5 miles you walk or pedal (Use they money to buy a new umbrella for rainy days, or put it into a savings for a rainy day shopping spree). During the hot summer months, though, be sure to check the air quality forecast in your area. Particulates, ozone and other components of smog can make it unhealthy to exercise outdoors on some hot, sunny days, particularly during the evening commute. Those with asthma or other lung or heart ailments are most at risk from breathing polluted air.
FUEL-EFFICIENT CARS
The most fuel-efficient 2008 model on the lot, the hybrid Toyota Prius, gets 48 mpg in the city and 45 on the highway. The least fuel-efficient 2008 SUV, the Mercedes-Benz G 55 AMG, gets just 11 and 13, respectively. In other words, you'll go almost four-times as far on a tank of gas in the Prius, so the $4 you pay to fill your SUV is like paying $1 in the Prius. Put another way, for one dollar, you'll go 12 miles in the Prius, but less than three in the SUV. If you're buying a new car, consult The Daily Green's list of the 10 most fuel-efficient 2008 models. If you're in the market for a used car, consult the federal government's Fueleconomy.gov site, which provides fuel-economy information about most cars, trucks and SUVs on the road.
DRIVE SMARTER
If all else fails, you can at least drive the car you own to greater fuel-efficiency. By one estimate, you can improve fuel economy 20% by reversing bad habits. That's like spending $3.20 per gallon instead of $4. The gravy: Changing bad driving habits, and scheduling regular vehicle maintenance lessens the pollution you cause by burning fossil fuel. That means less smog, less asthma, less acid rain and less of a contribution to global warming. All in all, not a bad outcome from saving a few dimes. Start by checking your tire pressure and inflating your tires to the appropriate level. Visit your mechanic for a tune-up if you're due. Be sure to have your tires aligned, your air filter checked and your oil changed if needed. When making trips, combine errands so that the trip home from work also includes the trip to the grocery store (and thereby cuts your gas bill in half). When you're on the road, drive smoothly, accelerate slowly and don't speed. The biggest savings are in your right foot.
SUPPORT SMART-GROWTH PLANNING
Bonus Tip (no extra charge) This tip won't save you a dime today. But it's well worth it for what it will save your children and grandchildren. Gas prices are the most painful for folks in the suburbs, where there's often no viable option but to drive from home to school, to work, to the grocery store, etc. Sprawling development gives each family God's green acre, but it makes them pay in oil. It doesn't have to be this way. Legions of planners, advocates and a young generation of home buyers are re-investing in city and village living. New development can be clustered around existing public transportation infrastructure, integrated with employment, schools and shopping, and connected by sidewalk. Another advantage: This pattern preserves outlying farms which can supply local food, and nearby forests where urbanites can take a hike. Tax money can be used to invest in new public transportation routes. Local laws can be written to counteract sprawl. If you want to see the next generation have an easier time dealing with high oil prices (and there's little reason to expect the price of oil will drop significantly) than start thinking about the bigger picture. Tell your representatives in Congress, the state house, at the county commission and town council that it's time to build smart.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
By one estimate, the public transportation system in the United States saves 3.4 billion gallons of oil a year (and cuts greenhouse gas emissions by 26 million tons). Get your fair share of the savings by looking up the local bus route or climbing on the subway (After all, as a taxpayer, you're already invested). Sure, it costs money to take the bus or subway. But consider this: The average U.S. commute is 16 miles, and at these prices the average U.S. passenger car will go just 11 miles on $2, a typical public transit fare (If you drive a truck or SUV, the equation works out in your favor with an even shorter commute). Plus, you'll also save your car the wear and tear of driving, which ultimately saves you money on maintenance (a quart of motor oil costs more than it did a year ago, too.)
CARPOOL
You can cut your gas bills in half, right now. Share your trip to work with one other person and split the bill. That's like paying $2 for gas, instead of $4. Put a third person in the car, and the price per gallon drops to $1.33. With a full car of four people, the cost is just $1 a gallon. Now that sounds like real savings. If you're looking for help getting started, consult with Divide the Ride, eRideShare, RideCheck, Carpool World or other Web-based tools designed to help like-minded people find each other.
WALK/BIKE
Keep your wallet fat and the pocket that holds it loose. Whenever possible, walk or bike to work or school, or to meet up with friends. Every mile you pedal or stride saves you gas, saves you money and puts you in better shape. If you trade in a trip in the average car, you'd save about $1 for every 5 miles you walk or pedal (Use they money to buy a new umbrella for rainy days, or put it into a savings for a rainy day shopping spree). During the hot summer months, though, be sure to check the air quality forecast in your area. Particulates, ozone and other components of smog can make it unhealthy to exercise outdoors on some hot, sunny days, particularly during the evening commute. Those with asthma or other lung or heart ailments are most at risk from breathing polluted air.
FUEL-EFFICIENT CARS
The most fuel-efficient 2008 model on the lot, the hybrid Toyota Prius, gets 48 mpg in the city and 45 on the highway. The least fuel-efficient 2008 SUV, the Mercedes-Benz G 55 AMG, gets just 11 and 13, respectively. In other words, you'll go almost four-times as far on a tank of gas in the Prius, so the $4 you pay to fill your SUV is like paying $1 in the Prius. Put another way, for one dollar, you'll go 12 miles in the Prius, but less than three in the SUV. If you're buying a new car, consult The Daily Green's list of the 10 most fuel-efficient 2008 models. If you're in the market for a used car, consult the federal government's Fueleconomy.gov site, which provides fuel-economy information about most cars, trucks and SUVs on the road.
DRIVE SMARTER
If all else fails, you can at least drive the car you own to greater fuel-efficiency. By one estimate, you can improve fuel economy 20% by reversing bad habits. That's like spending $3.20 per gallon instead of $4. The gravy: Changing bad driving habits, and scheduling regular vehicle maintenance lessens the pollution you cause by burning fossil fuel. That means less smog, less asthma, less acid rain and less of a contribution to global warming. All in all, not a bad outcome from saving a few dimes. Start by checking your tire pressure and inflating your tires to the appropriate level. Visit your mechanic for a tune-up if you're due. Be sure to have your tires aligned, your air filter checked and your oil changed if needed. When making trips, combine errands so that the trip home from work also includes the trip to the grocery store (and thereby cuts your gas bill in half). When you're on the road, drive smoothly, accelerate slowly and don't speed. The biggest savings are in your right foot.
SUPPORT SMART-GROWTH PLANNING
Bonus Tip (no extra charge) This tip won't save you a dime today. But it's well worth it for what it will save your children and grandchildren. Gas prices are the most painful for folks in the suburbs, where there's often no viable option but to drive from home to school, to work, to the grocery store, etc. Sprawling development gives each family God's green acre, but it makes them pay in oil. It doesn't have to be this way. Legions of planners, advocates and a young generation of home buyers are re-investing in city and village living. New development can be clustered around existing public transportation infrastructure, integrated with employment, schools and shopping, and connected by sidewalk. Another advantage: This pattern preserves outlying farms which can supply local food, and nearby forests where urbanites can take a hike. Tax money can be used to invest in new public transportation routes. Local laws can be written to counteract sprawl. If you want to see the next generation have an easier time dealing with high oil prices (and there's little reason to expect the price of oil will drop significantly) than start thinking about the bigger picture. Tell your representatives in Congress, the state house, at the county commission and town council that it's time to build smart.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Save Trees! Sign Electronically!
Courtesy of DocuSign via the Indiana Government Website:
"You’re “signing green” when you sign documents online with DocuSign instead of printing, faxing, mailing, and using courier services. It’s a small thing, but it’s as good for the environment as turning off a light or using your own coffee mug. And it adds up."
"Every paperless e-signature has an environmental ripple effect. First there are the trees that won’t get cut down and can keep producing oxygen and absorbing CO2 greenhouse gas. Then there’s the prevention of pollution from paper manufacturing and the avoidance of resource use to transport trees and paper by truck or plane. And finally, secure online e-signing eliminates the need for additional planetary impact to print and overnight mail important documents."
Visit DocuSign to learn how you and your company can save trees and go green!
"You’re “signing green” when you sign documents online with DocuSign instead of printing, faxing, mailing, and using courier services. It’s a small thing, but it’s as good for the environment as turning off a light or using your own coffee mug. And it adds up."
"Every paperless e-signature has an environmental ripple effect. First there are the trees that won’t get cut down and can keep producing oxygen and absorbing CO2 greenhouse gas. Then there’s the prevention of pollution from paper manufacturing and the avoidance of resource use to transport trees and paper by truck or plane. And finally, secure online e-signing eliminates the need for additional planetary impact to print and overnight mail important documents."
Visit DocuSign to learn how you and your company can save trees and go green!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Green Your Kitchen!
Courtesy of Green Piece Indy (in a report by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution):
1. Ditch the Bottles
Bottled water is pricey and uses a lot of fuel to transport, as well as to make and store all those bottles. Use what comes out of your tap instead. Get a good filter to boost its purity.
2. Buy Local
According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, most produce in the United States travels an average of 1,500 miles before being sold. Reduce all that shipping by rediscovering the fresh bounty of your surrounding area. Find farmers' markets, co-ops and CSAs (community-supported agriculture projects).
3. Dispose of Disposables
Instead of relying on single-use containers, get real dishes, and wash them! The resources saved will really add up.
4. Banish Excess Packaging
Buy things in larger sizes if you know you'll use them. Try to select items that have less plastic and extra filler stuffed with them.
5. Bring Your Own Bags
It's so simple, and plastic and paper bags both take resources to produce and distribute, and end up as litter.
6. Get a Green Thumb
Growing plants not only helps soak up excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but it can help clean toxins from the air and provide habitat (and food, though you may not want to hear that) for wildlife. And it reconnects you with nature!
7. Eat Less Meat
Modern meat is energy- and resource-intensive, and factory farms are huge polluters. Eating lower on the food chain reduces those problems.
8. Use Your Appliances Wisely
Get an energy audit (doing one yourself is easy), unplug unused devices and pick Energy Star when it's time to replace.
9. Cook!
Plan meals ahead of time so you aren't scrambling to pick up something convenient, which is likely to be less healthy and wrapped in more packaging. Check out TDG's great coverage of delightful and easy green cuisine every day.
10. Become Educated
Learn to save money and time by reducing waste and unneeded consumption, whether that's water, energy, paper, food, travel and more. Read TDG to keep up on the latest news and trends!
Summer Energy Tips
Courtesy of Vectren.com:
- Upgrade to a high-efficiency natural gas water heater. Water heating can account for up to 25% of your home’s energy consumption. Vectren offers $100 to $150 rebates on energy efficient natural gas models!
- Wash your clothes in cold water, which reduces your washer's energy use up to 90% by eliminating water heating costs.
- Use less hot waterby taking shorter showers, running your dishwasher only when it’s full, or fixing leaky faucets.
- Use low-flow showerheads. For an investment of $5 to $10, you can save $50 to $75 per year on water bills and $20 to $50 or more per year on energy bills by reducing hot water usage.
- Caulk and weatherstrip around your windows and doors to save you up to 10% on heating and cooling costs.
- Conduct an online energy audit, which will help pinpoint opportunities for year-round energy savings based on the size and age of your home and appliances.
- Add insulation to your attic and walls to save up to 30% on heating and cooling costs.
- Enroll in Budget Bill through your gas company. Under this free billing plan, your estimated costs for a year of utility service are spread out in equal monthly bill amounts for the year to help budget accordingly.
Did you know that as a rule of thumb, you can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.20 per gallon of gas?
Friday, May 30, 2008
Finally...Eco-Friendly Diapers!
Courtesy of gDiapers.com:
" gDiapers are breathable. Plastic-free flushable refills keep babies dry and happy, so they’re less likely to get diaper rash."
"No landfill required. 50 million disposable diapers enter the landfill every day, where they sit for up to 500 years. And that’s just the beginning."
"Flushables are so gentle on the Earth you can even garden compost the wet ones in one compost cycle, approximately 50 – 150 days. Just think of the standing ovation you’ll get from the planet."
"...everything that goes into one of our flushables gets re-absorbed back into the eco-system in a neutral or beneficial way. So you are turning waste into a resource. At the same time, you are putting poop in the toilet, where it belongs, and avoiding the landfill issue all together."
Click here to watch them break down.
Plus, after the first initial purchase, they are cheaper than regular diapers.
Question? Click here to contact the company yourself!
" gDiapers are breathable. Plastic-free flushable refills keep babies dry and happy, so they’re less likely to get diaper rash."
"No landfill required. 50 million disposable diapers enter the landfill every day, where they sit for up to 500 years. And that’s just the beginning."
No elemental chlorine
No perfumes
No plastic layer
No inks or dyes
No latex
No garbage
No guilt
No perfumes
No plastic layer
No inks or dyes
No latex
No garbage
No guilt
"Flushables are so gentle on the Earth you can even garden compost the wet ones in one compost cycle, approximately 50 – 150 days. Just think of the standing ovation you’ll get from the planet."
"...everything that goes into one of our flushables gets re-absorbed back into the eco-system in a neutral or beneficial way. So you are turning waste into a resource. At the same time, you are putting poop in the toilet, where it belongs, and avoiding the landfill issue all together."
Click here to watch them break down.
Plus, after the first initial purchase, they are cheaper than regular diapers.
Question? Click here to contact the company yourself!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Cool Cents - Save on Your A/C Bill
Courtesy of Green Piece Indy:
How are you using your a/c this summer may depend on how much you pay. If you live in the greater Indianapolis area, you can sign up for CoolCents.
IPL takes a small device and places it on your air conditioner. Only during periods where your a/c demands a great amount of energy, will shorten the number of minutes your air compressor runs. Normally, this only occurs between the hours of 10:00 am and 6:00 pm. By doing this, you get a $5 credit each month between the months of June and September. By doing this, you help IPL reduce the amount of peak electricity they have to purchase. For more information, visit IPL Online.
If you're a Duke customer, you can sign up to purchase Green Energy (aka carbon-free energy). The term "green energy" or "carbon free electricity" refers to energy produced without emitting pollutants into the atmosphere. Environmentally friendly sources of green energy can include wind, hydroelectric, solar, coal mine methane, landfill gas and biomass generation. As a Duke Energy customer, you can purchase “blocks” of green power. Each block is equal to 100 kilowatt-hours (kwh) and costs $2.50 a month. GoGreen Power has a two-block minimum purchase of $5 a month. The GoGreen Power price of $2.50 per 100 kwh does not include taxes. Taxes will be calculated separately on your bill. Visit Duke Energy.com for more information.
How are you using your a/c this summer may depend on how much you pay. If you live in the greater Indianapolis area, you can sign up for CoolCents.
IPL takes a small device and places it on your air conditioner. Only during periods where your a/c demands a great amount of energy, will shorten the number of minutes your air compressor runs. Normally, this only occurs between the hours of 10:00 am and 6:00 pm. By doing this, you get a $5 credit each month between the months of June and September. By doing this, you help IPL reduce the amount of peak electricity they have to purchase. For more information, visit IPL Online.
If you're a Duke customer, you can sign up to purchase Green Energy (aka carbon-free energy). The term "green energy" or "carbon free electricity" refers to energy produced without emitting pollutants into the atmosphere. Environmentally friendly sources of green energy can include wind, hydroelectric, solar, coal mine methane, landfill gas and biomass generation. As a Duke Energy customer, you can purchase “blocks” of green power. Each block is equal to 100 kilowatt-hours (kwh) and costs $2.50 a month. GoGreen Power has a two-block minimum purchase of $5 a month. The GoGreen Power price of $2.50 per 100 kwh does not include taxes. Taxes will be calculated separately on your bill. Visit Duke Energy.com for more information.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Specific Store Discounts for Using Special Recycled Bag!
Courtesy of Green Piece IndyMany business in the Mass-Ave area are offering discounts for simply using a $10 tote that has been completely recycled using plastic bottles! Plus, a portion of the proceeds go to paying for public recycling receptacles in the Indy area.
Here are a few retailers who will work toward making this a better planet:
The Best Chocolate in Town
Global Gifts
Mass Ave Toys
Mass Ave Wine Shop
Out Word Bound Bookstore
Sakura Urban Studio
Silver in the City/At Home in the City
Teapots and Treasures
The Frame Shop/Franklin Barry Gallery
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Pay Online - It's Eco Friendly
Courtesy of AT&T.com:
The PayItGreen Alliance, a nonprofit group promoting the environmental benefits of online billing and payments, produced a study to demonstrate the environmental impact one household can have by switching from paper to online. Stuart Williams, Director of Payment Services at CheckFree/Fiserv and a member of the PayItGreen Alliance, said the average American household would, every year:
- Save 0.08 trees
- Save 6.6 pounds of paper
- Not release 63 gallons of wastewater
- Save 4.5 gallons of gasoline for transportation
- Not produce 171 pounds of greenhouse gases
If 2% of American households switched from paper to online bills, payments and statements, it would save 15 million pounds of paper, and be equivalent to taking 32,572 cars off the road. If 20% of households switched, it would save 150 million pounds of paper and avoid producing 3.9 billion pounds of greenhouse gases!
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Support Lights Out Indy
Courtesy of Green Piece Indy:
"During spring and fall migration, most birds migrate at night. The problem: Confused birds are flying into lit-up high rise buildings and meeting their very untimely deaths. In response, the city's Amos W. Butler Audubon Society is promoting Lights Out Indy, a simple but effective program to reduce this sad trend by asking downtown high rise buildings to turn off their office lights at night (greenpieceindy.com). "
"Does this really work, you ask? Chicago implemented this program years ago and estimates that more than 10,000 birds' lives are spared annually as a result. And, of course, turning out the lights saves energy and money. If you work downtown or know someone who does, please spread the word about this important program (greenpieceindy.com)."
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Summer Energy Efficiency A/C Tips
Courtesy of Duke Energy:
Close curtains or blinds on the sunny side of your home during the day.
Replace standard light bults with CFL's. They use less energy, last longer, and don't create as much heat.
Inspect, clean, or replace air filters monthly.
Do laundry and run your dishwasher at night.
Raise your thermostat setting and use ceiling fans to keep you cool. Like a light, be sure to turn off the fan when you're out of the room.
Close curtains or blinds on the sunny side of your home during the day.
Replace standard light bults with CFL's. They use less energy, last longer, and don't create as much heat.
Inspect, clean, or replace air filters monthly.
Do laundry and run your dishwasher at night.
Raise your thermostat setting and use ceiling fans to keep you cool. Like a light, be sure to turn off the fan when you're out of the room.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Composting is Easy!!!!
Courtesy of EPA.gov:
A compost pile can be set up in a corner of the yard with few supplies. Choose a level spot about 3- to 5-feet square near a water source and preferably out of direct sunlight. Clear the area of sod and grass. When building a composting bin, such as with chicken wire, scrap wood, or cinder blocks, be sure to leave enough space for air to reach the pile. One removable side makes it easier to tend the pile.
Many foods can be composted, including vegetable trimmings, egg shells, coffee grounds with filters, and tea bags. In addition to leaves, grass, and yard clippings, vacuum cleaner lint, wool and cotton rags, sawdust, shredded newspaper, and fireplace ashes can be composted. DO NOT compost meats, dairy foods, or any fats, oil, or grease because they can attract pests.
Start the pile with a 4-inch layer of leaves, loose soil, or other coarse yard trimmings. If you are going to compost food scraps (a slightly more involved process), you should mix them with yard trimmings when adding them to the pile. Alfalfa meal or clean cat litter may be added to the pile to absorb odors. In dry weather, sprinkle water on the pile, but don't get it too soggy. Turn the pile every few weeks with a pitchfork to circulate air and distribute moisture evenly. Don't be surprised by the heat of the pile or if you see worms, both of which are part of the decomposition process. Make sure children do not play in the composting pile or bin.
In most climates, the compost is done in 3 to 6 months when it becomes a dark crumbly material that is uniform in texture. Spread it in the garden or yard beds or under the shrubbery. The compost also can be used as potting soil.
A compost pile can be set up in a corner of the yard with few supplies. Choose a level spot about 3- to 5-feet square near a water source and preferably out of direct sunlight. Clear the area of sod and grass. When building a composting bin, such as with chicken wire, scrap wood, or cinder blocks, be sure to leave enough space for air to reach the pile. One removable side makes it easier to tend the pile.
Many foods can be composted, including vegetable trimmings, egg shells, coffee grounds with filters, and tea bags. In addition to leaves, grass, and yard clippings, vacuum cleaner lint, wool and cotton rags, sawdust, shredded newspaper, and fireplace ashes can be composted. DO NOT compost meats, dairy foods, or any fats, oil, or grease because they can attract pests.
Start the pile with a 4-inch layer of leaves, loose soil, or other coarse yard trimmings. If you are going to compost food scraps (a slightly more involved process), you should mix them with yard trimmings when adding them to the pile. Alfalfa meal or clean cat litter may be added to the pile to absorb odors. In dry weather, sprinkle water on the pile, but don't get it too soggy. Turn the pile every few weeks with a pitchfork to circulate air and distribute moisture evenly. Don't be surprised by the heat of the pile or if you see worms, both of which are part of the decomposition process. Make sure children do not play in the composting pile or bin.
In most climates, the compost is done in 3 to 6 months when it becomes a dark crumbly material that is uniform in texture. Spread it in the garden or yard beds or under the shrubbery. The compost also can be used as potting soil.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Ways to Clean Green!
Courtesy of FamilyFun.com:
· Simple Green (www.simplegreen.com). I use this all-purpose non-toxic, biodegradable cleaner for everything from kitchen countertops to bathroom sinks. Because you add water to get the concentration you need, a little goes a long way.
· Bon Ami (www.bonami.com). I started buying this scouring powder because my mom always did. I kept buying it when I learned that it contained no harmful bleach or ammonia, and is often recommended as an environmentally-friendly cleaner. It's also the only safe product I can find that erases coffee and iron stains from my kitchen sink. Works hard in the bathroom, too.
· Vinegar and water. Sounds old-fashioned, but it sure does windows (try a 1 to 12 ratio of vinegar to water). Every so often I pour a pint or so down the drains, followed by a kettle of boiling water, to help keep them clear.
· Baking soda. Instead of spraying the indoor air or using an air freshener, I stick a box of baking soda in the cabinet where the trash and recycling sit, and another in the fridge. And I crack a couple of windows and let in some fresh air whenever I clean.
· Seventh Generation recycled paper towels (www.seventhgeneration.com). They don't melt when they get wet. When it doesn't make sense to grab an old towel or wash cloth that I can re-use, why not spare a tree?
· Microfiber cleaning cloths. I keep one under the kitchen sink. Dampen, and it quickly wipes fingerprints off chrome with no chemicals. Find them at your grocery store or any store with housewares.
Green cleaning may not take the "work" out of housework, but it sure removes some potentially hazardous chemicals, protecting your kids and the planet. It clears your conscience, too.
· Simple Green (www.simplegreen.com). I use this all-purpose non-toxic, biodegradable cleaner for everything from kitchen countertops to bathroom sinks. Because you add water to get the concentration you need, a little goes a long way.
· Bon Ami (www.bonami.com). I started buying this scouring powder because my mom always did. I kept buying it when I learned that it contained no harmful bleach or ammonia, and is often recommended as an environmentally-friendly cleaner. It's also the only safe product I can find that erases coffee and iron stains from my kitchen sink. Works hard in the bathroom, too.
· Vinegar and water. Sounds old-fashioned, but it sure does windows (try a 1 to 12 ratio of vinegar to water). Every so often I pour a pint or so down the drains, followed by a kettle of boiling water, to help keep them clear.
· Baking soda. Instead of spraying the indoor air or using an air freshener, I stick a box of baking soda in the cabinet where the trash and recycling sit, and another in the fridge. And I crack a couple of windows and let in some fresh air whenever I clean.
· Seventh Generation recycled paper towels (www.seventhgeneration.com). They don't melt when they get wet. When it doesn't make sense to grab an old towel or wash cloth that I can re-use, why not spare a tree?
· Microfiber cleaning cloths. I keep one under the kitchen sink. Dampen, and it quickly wipes fingerprints off chrome with no chemicals. Find them at your grocery store or any store with housewares.
Green cleaning may not take the "work" out of housework, but it sure removes some potentially hazardous chemicals, protecting your kids and the planet. It clears your conscience, too.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Native Plants vs. Non-Native Plants (What to Plant)
Courtesy of Meijer.com/The Nature Conservancy:
What is an invasive plant, and are all plants from other areas invasive?
- An invasive plant is one that has negative effects on our economy, environment, or human health.
- The term "invasive" applies to the most aggressive species that grow and reproduce rapidly, causing major changes to the areas where they become established.
- Almost all invasive plants are non-native, but it's also true that most plants that come from other places are not invasive.
What are some commonly known invasive plants?
- Two well-known examples of invasive plants include - purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) - garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
- Both of these plants are from regions with climates similar to the Midwest, and both produce seeds by the thousands that can spread rapidly over long distances.
- Neither one is vigorously fed upon by native Midwest insects or other animals.
- Many other examples of plants like these were originally introduced as garden flowers or herbs and have now become invasive.
Is a non-native plant always invasive?
- Most non-native plants do not compete well with native plants in the wilds of the Midwest, so they don't become invasive.
- They may find the growing season too short or their seeds may not be able to germinate properly here, or they may not have adequate defense against herbivores in the Midwest.
- Some of these may occasionally escape cultivation, but do not negatively affect Midwest ecosystems.
Why is it important to avoid planting invasive plants?
- Whether introduced intentionally or accidentally, invasive plants can quickly overwhelm native plants by reducing the availability of light,water, nutrients, and space.
- Destructive invasives damage forests, fields, wetlands, and waterways, causing erosion and depriving wildlife of food and habitat.
- The U.S. spends $120 billion annually on the control and impacts of more than 800 invasive species infestations. This does not account for the values of species extinctions and losses in biodiversity, ecosystems, services and aesthetics.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Energy-Saving Ideas
TURN DOWN WATER HEATER
Lowering the temperature on your water heater from 140 to 120 degrees will reduce your water heating costs by 6 to 10%. Give it a try. Many people find that tweaking the dial to save energy and money can become addictive.
UNPLUG UNUSED CHARGERS
Even when they aren't charging anything, plugged-in cell phone, laptop and other chargers continue to draw electricity. Americans throw away about 8% of our annual electric bills this way, wasting billions of dollars.
The solution is simple: just unplug them, or plug them into a surge protector and flip that switch when your device has pulled enough juice.
INSTALL COMPACT FLOURESCENT LIGHTBULBS
The little spiral-shaped bulbs known as compact fluorescents use less than a third of the energy of regular bulbs and last ten times longer, paying for themselves in lower energy bills within months. If every U.S. household replaced just one regular bulb with a CFL, the amount of energy saved could light 2.5 million homes for a year.
The good news is CFLs now come in a variety of colors and styles, including flood lights, candelabra sizes and much more.
INSTALL LOW-FLOW WATER FIXTURES
Decades ago, toilets used 5 gallons per flush, but these days more efficient models are readily available. So-called low-flow models use less than a gallon, and work great. American Standard, Toto and Kohler are leaders in the field.
Also save water and money, and still have ample water pressure, with a low-flow showerhead, which can slash bathing-water consumption 50 to 70 percent. The devices are simple to install and start at around $8. Low-flow faucets are also a great option.
USE ENERGY-STAR COMPLIANT APPLIANCES
Energy Star was designed by the EPA to take the guesswork out of appliance buying. Look for the blue-and-white label, which means the item is at least 10-50% more efficient than standard models (depending on the class of product). That means lower energy bills and less pollution.
More than 18,000 products in 35 different categories are covered in the Energy Star program, and most major manufacturers participate. Energy Star is a fixture in the showrooms of most retailers coast to coast.
LOW-WATER PLANTINGS
'Green carpet' grass lawns take a huge amount of water in dry climates, which leads to both high water bills and a lot of hassle and worry. Plus, the possibility of mandatory water restrictions means the yard may end up looking like a barren wasteland.
Instead, plant drought-tolerant native shrubs, trees and grasses. They won't require nearly as much water and will serve as habitat for local wildlife. Using low-water plantings even has a catchy name: xeriscaping.
In desert climates, cacti and similar plants, especially native ones, can add great beauty. You can also use stones, rocks and other features to add interest.
ADJUST HEATING AND COOLING
Most households shell out 50 to 70% of their energy budgets on heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy. Install a programmable thermostat will save you approximately $150 a year, according to the EPA -- that means it will pay for itself in just a few months. In warm temperatures, resist the temptation to set the air conditioning too low, and be vigilant with heating when it's chilly.
Aiming for 78 degrees or higher when you're at home while reduce your cooling loads 10-20%. When you're away, make it 85 degrees and save an additional 5-12%. In colder weather, for every degree you lower the thermostat, you'll save between 1 and 3% of your heating bill.
Lowering the temperature on your water heater from 140 to 120 degrees will reduce your water heating costs by 6 to 10%. Give it a try. Many people find that tweaking the dial to save energy and money can become addictive.
UNPLUG UNUSED CHARGERS
Even when they aren't charging anything, plugged-in cell phone, laptop and other chargers continue to draw electricity. Americans throw away about 8% of our annual electric bills this way, wasting billions of dollars.
The solution is simple: just unplug them, or plug them into a surge protector and flip that switch when your device has pulled enough juice.
INSTALL COMPACT FLOURESCENT LIGHTBULBS
The little spiral-shaped bulbs known as compact fluorescents use less than a third of the energy of regular bulbs and last ten times longer, paying for themselves in lower energy bills within months. If every U.S. household replaced just one regular bulb with a CFL, the amount of energy saved could light 2.5 million homes for a year.
The good news is CFLs now come in a variety of colors and styles, including flood lights, candelabra sizes and much more.
INSTALL LOW-FLOW WATER FIXTURES
Decades ago, toilets used 5 gallons per flush, but these days more efficient models are readily available. So-called low-flow models use less than a gallon, and work great. American Standard, Toto and Kohler are leaders in the field.
Also save water and money, and still have ample water pressure, with a low-flow showerhead, which can slash bathing-water consumption 50 to 70 percent. The devices are simple to install and start at around $8. Low-flow faucets are also a great option.
USE ENERGY-STAR COMPLIANT APPLIANCES
Energy Star was designed by the EPA to take the guesswork out of appliance buying. Look for the blue-and-white label, which means the item is at least 10-50% more efficient than standard models (depending on the class of product). That means lower energy bills and less pollution.
More than 18,000 products in 35 different categories are covered in the Energy Star program, and most major manufacturers participate. Energy Star is a fixture in the showrooms of most retailers coast to coast.
LOW-WATER PLANTINGS
'Green carpet' grass lawns take a huge amount of water in dry climates, which leads to both high water bills and a lot of hassle and worry. Plus, the possibility of mandatory water restrictions means the yard may end up looking like a barren wasteland.
Instead, plant drought-tolerant native shrubs, trees and grasses. They won't require nearly as much water and will serve as habitat for local wildlife. Using low-water plantings even has a catchy name: xeriscaping.
In desert climates, cacti and similar plants, especially native ones, can add great beauty. You can also use stones, rocks and other features to add interest.
ADJUST HEATING AND COOLING
Most households shell out 50 to 70% of their energy budgets on heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy. Install a programmable thermostat will save you approximately $150 a year, according to the EPA -- that means it will pay for itself in just a few months. In warm temperatures, resist the temptation to set the air conditioning too low, and be vigilant with heating when it's chilly.
Aiming for 78 degrees or higher when you're at home while reduce your cooling loads 10-20%. When you're away, make it 85 degrees and save an additional 5-12%. In colder weather, for every degree you lower the thermostat, you'll save between 1 and 3% of your heating bill.
5 Water Saving Ideas
Courtesy of www.thedailygreen.com
LOW FLOW SHOWERHEAD
...Can slash bathing-water consumption 50 to 70%. The devices are simple to install and start at around $8. Many styles and features are available, including flow-adjusting dials and a pause button.
TURN OFF THE WATER
Turn off the water while you brush your teeth. The average bathroom faucet flows at a rate of two gallons a minute, according to the EPA's WaterSense initiative. That means you'll save up to 8 gallons of water a day per person.
WATER YOUR YARD IN THE A.M.
The best time to water outdoors is in the morning, both to reduce water waste and to promote healthy flora. Morning air is cooler, so less water is lost to evaporation than during the middle of the day. If you water in the evening, you run the risk of promoting fungi and bacterial diseases.
USE A CAR WASH
It may surprise you, but commercial car washes use water more efficiently, typically using 45 gallons of water per car. Home washers typically use between 80 and 140 gallons. Commercial car washes must also drain their wastewater into sewers, versus simply running it across your driveway into the land.
FIX DRIPS
One faulty faucet wastes 3 gallons of water per day, reports the U.S. Geological Survey. So get a pipe wrench and tighten those seals, replace old and worn hardware, and call your neighborhood plumber if you need help. Every drop really does add up.
LOW FLOW SHOWERHEAD
...Can slash bathing-water consumption 50 to 70%. The devices are simple to install and start at around $8. Many styles and features are available, including flow-adjusting dials and a pause button.
TURN OFF THE WATER
Turn off the water while you brush your teeth. The average bathroom faucet flows at a rate of two gallons a minute, according to the EPA's WaterSense initiative. That means you'll save up to 8 gallons of water a day per person.
WATER YOUR YARD IN THE A.M.
The best time to water outdoors is in the morning, both to reduce water waste and to promote healthy flora. Morning air is cooler, so less water is lost to evaporation than during the middle of the day. If you water in the evening, you run the risk of promoting fungi and bacterial diseases.
USE A CAR WASH
It may surprise you, but commercial car washes use water more efficiently, typically using 45 gallons of water per car. Home washers typically use between 80 and 140 gallons. Commercial car washes must also drain their wastewater into sewers, versus simply running it across your driveway into the land.
FIX DRIPS
One faulty faucet wastes 3 gallons of water per day, reports the U.S. Geological Survey. So get a pipe wrench and tighten those seals, replace old and worn hardware, and call your neighborhood plumber if you need help. Every drop really does add up.
Bisphenol-A in Plastic Bottles ... What Is It?
Courtesy of www.thedailygreen.com
Glass bottles or plastic bottles?
Bisphenol-A is a chemical used to make clear, hard plastics, including plastic baby bottles. Plastic containers that have bisphenol-A are usually stamped “No. 7.” You may also see a “PC” stamp, which means “polycarbonate.”
Here is what we know about polycarbonate plastics containing bisphenol-A. The National Toxicology Program, a federal chemical research program, has released a draft study stating there is “some concern” that low-level exposure to bisphenol-A leads to neural and behavioral impacts in unborn babies, infants, and small children. Other possible impacts include early onset of puberty in girls, and impacts on the prostate and mammary glands.
“Some concern” is not a casual phrase. Scientists don’t do casual when writing reports. “Some concern” is a carefully defined midpoint of a five-step spectrum ranging from “negligible” to “serious” concern.
Infants and kids ingest more bisphenol-A than adults because, pound for pound, the little ones eat, drink, and breathe more.
“The possibility that bisphenol-A may alter human development cannot be dismissed,” the study said carefully. We need more research, the experts added.
Canada’s federal health agency may go further. The conservative government of PM Stephen Harper has proposed banning polycarbonate baby bottles and to list bisphenol-A as a toxic substance, among other steps. On Saturday, Health Canada opened a 60-day comment period on the proposal.
As often occurs, the market is moving ahead of the bureaucrats. North of the border, the Hudson’s Bay retailing chain has announced it is stocking up on baby products free of the chemical. In the U.S., Wal-Mart will stop selling baby bottles containing bisphenol-A next year. Target has begun offering glass baby bottles. Nalgene Outdoor Products will stop using the chemical for its popular plastic water bottles.
In other words, until you know more, spending a little extra on baby products or other plastic bottles that don’t contain bisphenol-A sounds like the prudent thing to do.
Glass bottles or plastic bottles?
Bisphenol-A is a chemical used to make clear, hard plastics, including plastic baby bottles. Plastic containers that have bisphenol-A are usually stamped “No. 7.” You may also see a “PC” stamp, which means “polycarbonate.”
Here is what we know about polycarbonate plastics containing bisphenol-A. The National Toxicology Program, a federal chemical research program, has released a draft study stating there is “some concern” that low-level exposure to bisphenol-A leads to neural and behavioral impacts in unborn babies, infants, and small children. Other possible impacts include early onset of puberty in girls, and impacts on the prostate and mammary glands.
“Some concern” is not a casual phrase. Scientists don’t do casual when writing reports. “Some concern” is a carefully defined midpoint of a five-step spectrum ranging from “negligible” to “serious” concern.
Infants and kids ingest more bisphenol-A than adults because, pound for pound, the little ones eat, drink, and breathe more.
“The possibility that bisphenol-A may alter human development cannot be dismissed,” the study said carefully. We need more research, the experts added.
Canada’s federal health agency may go further. The conservative government of PM Stephen Harper has proposed banning polycarbonate baby bottles and to list bisphenol-A as a toxic substance, among other steps. On Saturday, Health Canada opened a 60-day comment period on the proposal.
As often occurs, the market is moving ahead of the bureaucrats. North of the border, the Hudson’s Bay retailing chain has announced it is stocking up on baby products free of the chemical. In the U.S., Wal-Mart will stop selling baby bottles containing bisphenol-A next year. Target has begun offering glass baby bottles. Nalgene Outdoor Products will stop using the chemical for its popular plastic water bottles.
In other words, until you know more, spending a little extra on baby products or other plastic bottles that don’t contain bisphenol-A sounds like the prudent thing to do.
Ways to Clean Your Home Toxic-Free!
Courtesy of thedailygreen.com:
BATHROOMS
Baking Soda and Water (with kosher salt): Dust surfaces with baking soda, then scrub with a moist sponge or cloth. If you have tougher grime, sprinkle on some kosher salt, and work up some elbow grease.
Lemon Juice or Vinegar: Got stains, mildew or grease streaks? Spray or douse with lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit a few minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush.
Disinfectant: Instead of bleach, make your own disinfectant by mixing 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of liquid soap and 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil. It's easy!
KITCHENS
Baking Soda and Water: Reclaim counters by sprinkling with baking soda, then scrubbing with a damp cloth or sponge. If you have stains, knead the baking soda and water into a paste and let set for a while before you remove. This method also works great for stainless steel sinks, cutting boards, containers, refrigerators, oven tops and more.
Kosher Salt and Water: If you need a tougher abrasive sprinkle on kosher salt, and scrub with a wet cloth or sponge.
Natural Disinfectant: To knock out germs without strong products, mix 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of liquid soap and 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil. Spray or rub on countertops and other kitchen surfaces.
WINDOWS AND MIRRORS
White Vinegar, Water and Newspaper: Mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with a gallon of water, and dispense into a used spray bottle. Squirt on, then scrub with newspaper, not paper towels, which cause streaking.
If you're out of vinegar or don't like its smell, you can substitute undiluted lemon juice or club soda.
CARPETS AND RUGS
Beat Those Rugs: Take any removable rugs outside and beat the dust and hair out with a broom. Club Soda:You've probably heard the old adage that club soda works well on carpet stains. But you have to attack the mess right away. Lift off any solids, then liberally pour on club soda. Blot with an old rag. The soda's carbonation brings the spill to the surface, and the salts in the soda thwart staining.
Cornmeal: For big spills, dump cornmeal on the mess, wait 5 to 15 minutes, and vacuum up the gunk.
Spot Cleaner: Make your own by mixing: 1/4 cup liquid soap or detergent in a blender, with 1/3 cup water. Mix until foamy. Spray on, then rinse with vinegar.
To Deodorize: Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the carpet or rug, using about 1 cup per medium-sized room. Vacuum after 30 minutes.
HARDWOOD FLOORS
Vinegar: Whip up a solution of 1/4 cup white vinegar and 30 ounces of warm water. Put in a recycled spray bottle, then spray on a cotton rag or towel until lightly damp. Then mop your floors, scrubbing away any grime.
OVENS
Baking Soda and Water: Coat the inside of your dirty appliance with a paste made from water and baking soda. Let stand overnight. Then, don gloves and scour off that grime. Make spotless with a moist cloth.
CLOGGED DRAINS
Baking Soda and Boiling Water (vinegar if needed): Feeling plugged up? Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the problem drain, followed by 2 cups of boiling water. If that isn't doing it for you, chase the baking soda with a 1/2 cup of vinegar and cover tightly, allowing the vigorous fizzing of the chemical reaction to break up the gunk. Then flush that with one gallon of boiling water.
ANTIQUE LINENS
Sunlight: What could be easier than sanitizing and removing stains...with sunlight! (Just don't do it too often with fragile pieces, because they can start to breakdown). Simply lay your old lace, curtains and other fine linens on the grass in the sun for a few hours. Dirtier pieces can be dampened first.
Boiling: If that doesn't do the trick, fill a pot with water and bring to a boil on your stovetop. Drop in linens and let steep until stains lift.
Detergent and Borax: Mix dishwasher detergent and borax together until you get a thick rubbing paste. Rub into soiled linens, then rinse clean.
Peroxide: If you have stubborn stains, try spraying them with peroxide, then rinsing with water.
SILVERWARE
Silver -
Aluminum Foil, Boiling Water, Baking Soda and Salt: Keep your sterling shined with this seemingly magic method. Line your sink or a bucket with aluminum foil, and drop in tarnished silver. Pour in boiling water, a cup of baking soda and a dash of salt. Let sit for a few minutes. The tarnish will transfer from the silver to the foil.
Toothpaste: If you can't immerse your items or are otherwise inclined to polish by hand, rub tarnished silver with toothpaste and a soft cloth. Rinse with warm water and dry. Instead of toothpaste you can substitute a concoction made of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water.
Copper -
Ketchup: To keep your copper pots, pans and accents looking bright and shiny, try rubbing with ketchup.
BATHROOMS
Baking Soda and Water (with kosher salt): Dust surfaces with baking soda, then scrub with a moist sponge or cloth. If you have tougher grime, sprinkle on some kosher salt, and work up some elbow grease.
Lemon Juice or Vinegar: Got stains, mildew or grease streaks? Spray or douse with lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit a few minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush.
Disinfectant: Instead of bleach, make your own disinfectant by mixing 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of liquid soap and 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil. It's easy!
KITCHENS
Baking Soda and Water: Reclaim counters by sprinkling with baking soda, then scrubbing with a damp cloth or sponge. If you have stains, knead the baking soda and water into a paste and let set for a while before you remove. This method also works great for stainless steel sinks, cutting boards, containers, refrigerators, oven tops and more.
Kosher Salt and Water: If you need a tougher abrasive sprinkle on kosher salt, and scrub with a wet cloth or sponge.
Natural Disinfectant: To knock out germs without strong products, mix 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of liquid soap and 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil. Spray or rub on countertops and other kitchen surfaces.
WINDOWS AND MIRRORS
White Vinegar, Water and Newspaper: Mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with a gallon of water, and dispense into a used spray bottle. Squirt on, then scrub with newspaper, not paper towels, which cause streaking.
If you're out of vinegar or don't like its smell, you can substitute undiluted lemon juice or club soda.
CARPETS AND RUGS
Beat Those Rugs: Take any removable rugs outside and beat the dust and hair out with a broom. Club Soda:You've probably heard the old adage that club soda works well on carpet stains. But you have to attack the mess right away. Lift off any solids, then liberally pour on club soda. Blot with an old rag. The soda's carbonation brings the spill to the surface, and the salts in the soda thwart staining.
Cornmeal: For big spills, dump cornmeal on the mess, wait 5 to 15 minutes, and vacuum up the gunk.
Spot Cleaner: Make your own by mixing: 1/4 cup liquid soap or detergent in a blender, with 1/3 cup water. Mix until foamy. Spray on, then rinse with vinegar.
To Deodorize: Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the carpet or rug, using about 1 cup per medium-sized room. Vacuum after 30 minutes.
HARDWOOD FLOORS
Vinegar: Whip up a solution of 1/4 cup white vinegar and 30 ounces of warm water. Put in a recycled spray bottle, then spray on a cotton rag or towel until lightly damp. Then mop your floors, scrubbing away any grime.
OVENS
Baking Soda and Water: Coat the inside of your dirty appliance with a paste made from water and baking soda. Let stand overnight. Then, don gloves and scour off that grime. Make spotless with a moist cloth.
CLOGGED DRAINS
Baking Soda and Boiling Water (vinegar if needed): Feeling plugged up? Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the problem drain, followed by 2 cups of boiling water. If that isn't doing it for you, chase the baking soda with a 1/2 cup of vinegar and cover tightly, allowing the vigorous fizzing of the chemical reaction to break up the gunk. Then flush that with one gallon of boiling water.
ANTIQUE LINENS
Sunlight: What could be easier than sanitizing and removing stains...with sunlight! (Just don't do it too often with fragile pieces, because they can start to breakdown). Simply lay your old lace, curtains and other fine linens on the grass in the sun for a few hours. Dirtier pieces can be dampened first.
Boiling: If that doesn't do the trick, fill a pot with water and bring to a boil on your stovetop. Drop in linens and let steep until stains lift.
Detergent and Borax: Mix dishwasher detergent and borax together until you get a thick rubbing paste. Rub into soiled linens, then rinse clean.
Peroxide: If you have stubborn stains, try spraying them with peroxide, then rinsing with water.
SILVERWARE
Silver -
Aluminum Foil, Boiling Water, Baking Soda and Salt: Keep your sterling shined with this seemingly magic method. Line your sink or a bucket with aluminum foil, and drop in tarnished silver. Pour in boiling water, a cup of baking soda and a dash of salt. Let sit for a few minutes. The tarnish will transfer from the silver to the foil.
Toothpaste: If you can't immerse your items or are otherwise inclined to polish by hand, rub tarnished silver with toothpaste and a soft cloth. Rinse with warm water and dry. Instead of toothpaste you can substitute a concoction made of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water.
Copper -
Ketchup: To keep your copper pots, pans and accents looking bright and shiny, try rubbing with ketchup.
10 Ways to Save Gas and Money
Courtesy of thedailygreen.com:
1. CHECK AIR FILTER (A clean air filter can improve gas mileage by as much as 10%, and nearly one in four cars needs an air filter replacement) = savings of $.28/gal.
2. ALIGN YOUR TIRES (Poor alignment not only causes tires to wear out more quickly, but also forces your engine to work harder, which can reduce fuel economy by as much as 10%) = savings of $.28/gal.
3. TUNE UP (A properly tuned engine can improve mileage by 4%) = savings of $.11/gal.
4. PUMP UP TIRES (More than one-quarter of vehicles have improperly inflated tires. The average under-inflation of 7.5 pounds causes a loss of 2.8% in fuel efficiency) = savings of $.08/gal.
5. CHECK GAS CAP (It is estimated that nearly 17% of cars on the road have broken or missing gas caps, which not only reduces gas mileage but may harm the environment) = savings of $.02/gal.
6. SLOW DOWN (For every 5 mph you reduce highway speed, you can reduce fuel consumption by 7%) = savings of $.19/gal by reducing speed from 70 mph to 65 mph.
7. DRIVE SMOOTHLY (The more smoothly you accelerate and decelerate, the better your gas mileage, with potential gas savings of 33% on the highway and 5% around town) = savings of $.48/gal.
8. DON'T RIDE YOUR BRAKES (Riding with your foot on the brake not only wears out brakes but can also increase gas consumption by as much as 35%) = $.96/gal.
9. LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD (For every 100 extra pounds carried around, your vehicle loses 1 to 2% in fuel efficiency) = savings of $.04/gal for every 100 pounds of weight removed.
10. DON'T IDLE (Besides causing pollution, idling wastes gas. If stopped for more than 30 seconds, turn off the engine, and don't bother to 'warm up' your car before driving -- it is not necessary) = $.01/gal for every two minutes you avoid idling.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Water Bottles - Which To Use
Americans are currently adding 30 million PET water bottles to our nation's landfills – everyday (http://www.mysigg.com/)!
Unlike disposable bottles, reusable bottles really are leak-proof, even after many washes in the top rack of the dishwasher. The wide-mouth lids are easy to find in a kitchen drawer, and they make it easy to add ice cubes, lemon wedges or stir-in drink mixes. What kinds of things do you and your family do to help protect the environment (http://www.familyfun.com/)
Nalgene is removing their hard plastic water bottles from circulation. The maker of the popular Nalgene water bottle is pulling the product from shelves. The world's biggest retailer is phasing out the sale of certain baby bottles. And a manufacturer of infant products is dropping some of its plastic goods. These actions were sparked by a federal report released this week that acknowledged a chemical found in many plastic products may cause health problems, particularly among children. Studies say bisphenol A is harmful to humans, which is something contained in the previous nalgene water bottles (HoustonChronicle.com).
Try using SIGG bottles. They are Swiss Engineered Water Bottles. SIGG has perfected the formula of its proprietary inner liner over decades of scientific research and Swiss engineering. The ingredients (like the formula for Coca-Cola) remain secret and unavailable to 3rd parties so as to ensure SIGG retains its competitive advantage. The key of course is that the SIGG liner is FDA approved and independently tested to be taste and scent inert – and resistant to any leaching (0.0%) so 100% safe (http://www.mysigg.com/).
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Initial Contact with Companies
This past week, I contacted IDEM to ask if they have any ideas on how I can not only get the restaurant I work for to recycle, but how to make it so it is prevelant in other restaurants. Here is my email sent on Monday, April 14, 2008:
I work for a local restaurant as a server. I have been there now for over a year. I honestly believe that as a strong company, they can make a huge difference and impact among other restaurants by taking a stand and recycling. Everyday, we throw away plastic, paper, glass, cardboard, styrofoam, and aluminum. Instead of throwing it all into the dumpsters and causing a larger waste impact on the dumps, I am trying to get them to set up a recycling program with each of the local recycling companies in the areas where every restaurant is located in the United States and begin to do our part to protect the environment. Every evening I work, I leave with empty ketchup bottles, paper, and cardboard. I take what I can gather because I feel that even the smallest part is doing something to help the environment. I found and informed them of companies who sells recycled and environmentally-friendly to-go containers. What a difference it would make (AND WHAT AN IMAGE) if our restaurant took a stand and went green! Please help me in my quest to make this happen. I know the company can model the way to better the environment.
On Wednesday, April 16, 2008, Kristin Wiley from IDEM replied:
Ms. Wilson:
Thank you for your April 14 e-mail regarding recycling. The Hamilton County Solid Waste Management District (SWMD) may be able to help you. You can contact Steve Wood at 317-776-4005. You can also contact Al Melvin in IDEM’s Recycling branch at 317-233-5623 or via e-mail at amelvin@idem.in.gov for some helpful information and ideas on what you can do. Thank you for using IDEM Online and for your interest in recycling!
So, I went onto the Hamilton County Solid Waste Management District website (http://www.hcdoes.org/sw/sba.htm) to look for more answers and to find Mr. Steve Wood so I could contact him directly. I also sent my same initial email to Al Melvin at IDEM's Recycling Branch to see what answers he could provide. I couldn't locate his name. But, I did find an email for Susan Schumacher and sent her the same email I sent the previous two people.
I am hoping this research will lead me somewhere to mandate that restaurants recycle.
I work for a local restaurant as a server. I have been there now for over a year. I honestly believe that as a strong company, they can make a huge difference and impact among other restaurants by taking a stand and recycling. Everyday, we throw away plastic, paper, glass, cardboard, styrofoam, and aluminum. Instead of throwing it all into the dumpsters and causing a larger waste impact on the dumps, I am trying to get them to set up a recycling program with each of the local recycling companies in the areas where every restaurant is located in the United States and begin to do our part to protect the environment. Every evening I work, I leave with empty ketchup bottles, paper, and cardboard. I take what I can gather because I feel that even the smallest part is doing something to help the environment. I found and informed them of companies who sells recycled and environmentally-friendly to-go containers. What a difference it would make (AND WHAT AN IMAGE) if our restaurant took a stand and went green! Please help me in my quest to make this happen. I know the company can model the way to better the environment.
On Wednesday, April 16, 2008, Kristin Wiley from IDEM replied:
Ms. Wilson:
Thank you for your April 14 e-mail regarding recycling. The Hamilton County Solid Waste Management District (SWMD) may be able to help you. You can contact Steve Wood at 317-776-4005. You can also contact Al Melvin in IDEM’s Recycling branch at 317-233-5623 or via e-mail at amelvin@idem.in.gov for some helpful information and ideas on what you can do. Thank you for using IDEM Online and for your interest in recycling!
So, I went onto the Hamilton County Solid Waste Management District website (http://www.hcdoes.org/sw/sba.htm) to look for more answers and to find Mr. Steve Wood so I could contact him directly. I also sent my same initial email to Al Melvin at IDEM's Recycling Branch to see what answers he could provide. I couldn't locate his name. But, I did find an email for Susan Schumacher and sent her the same email I sent the previous two people.
I am hoping this research will lead me somewhere to mandate that restaurants recycle.
Response from IDEM
I just received this response from Al Melvin at IDEM where I also responded letting him know I would love further information!
Ms. Wilson,
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s Recycling Branch provides assistance to Indiana communities that are beginning or expanding recycling programs. I would be very happy to share resources, contacts, or provide any other assistance you may need to increase recycling at your restaurant.
I have seen first hand the volume of recyclables that are generated at food services facilities. It could be a tremendous opportunity for significant recycling and waste reduction efforts. Please email or call me at the numbers below.
Thank you for your interest in Recycling!
Al
Ms. Wilson,
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s Recycling Branch provides assistance to Indiana communities that are beginning or expanding recycling programs. I would be very happy to share resources, contacts, or provide any other assistance you may need to increase recycling at your restaurant.
I have seen first hand the volume of recyclables that are generated at food services facilities. It could be a tremendous opportunity for significant recycling and waste reduction efforts. Please email or call me at the numbers below.
Thank you for your interest in Recycling!
Al
NRC (National Recycling Coalition)
I just sent the same email to the National Recycling Coalition. Let's see if they have anything to offer.
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