Hybrid Cars
A Hybrid car runs on gas AND an electric battery. They work together so the car gets very high fuel economy. The battery powers the car at slower speeds, and the gas engine powers the car at higher speeds or in times of acceleration. The Honda Civic Hybrid gets 45 mpg city and the Toyota Prius Hybrid gets 48 mpg city! Are they more expensive? At the moment yes but… the government offers tax credits at the state and national levels for people who buy hybrid cars. Those tax credits along with the savings on fuel recoup those high costs in less than two years.
Nothing contributes more to global warming that CO2 emissions from our vehicles. Americans love their cars, and today they are bigger and faster than they’ve ever been. According to the Federal Highway Administration, there are 241 million cars and trucks on the road in the United States, 53% of which are trucks, vans, SUVs, or minivans. The United States accounts for 30% of the world’s automobiles and require 8.2 million barrels of oil a day to operate them. That’s 11% of the world’s daily oil consumption. All that fuel we burn fills the air with 1,300 million tons of CO2 each year.
The impact this has on our planet is immeasurable. According to the United Nations Human Development Report released in November 2007, the automobile sector accounts for 30% of the greenhouse gas emissions in our atmosphere. Greenhouse Gas emissions are what cause global warming and put our planet, our futures, and the live’s of our children in great danger. The average fuel economy in the United States is 20.2 miles per gallon, compared to 35 mpg in Europe. The reason why is we love our trucks and SUVs, which only average 18 miles per gallon. Compare that to a Honda Civic at 36 mpg or a Toyota Matrix at 33 mpg, its easy to see why we burn so much fuel. Not to mention you can save a lot of money if your car has high fuel economy. Let’s say you drive 20,000 miles a year. At $4 a gallon, if your SUV gets 18 mpg compared to a 35 mpg car you’ll spend $2,159 more on fuel every year by driving an SUV. Another option is to purchase a Hybrid, which use both electric power and fuel.
Solution? The solution is to change what you drive and how you drive.
GREEN CAR OF THE YEAR!!!
An SUV? How is that possible? Well it is… The Chevy Tahoe Hybrid won Green Car of the Year for 2008. America’s first full-size hybrid SUV is available in two or four wheel drive and provides the power of an SUV while delivering the efficiency you never imagined. Its hybrid propulsion system is designed to operate in three ways: electric power, engine power, or any combination of electric and engine power. The Tahoe Hybrid offers up to 50% better city fuel economy over the non-hybrid Tahoe.
SOLAR YOUR ROOF
Have you ever heard of solar roof panels? Not many people have. Solar roof panels put the sun to work for your commute. Solar Electric Vehicles manufactures solar panel systems that can be installed on the roof of any hybrid car. These solar panels gather sunlight and convert it into electricity, the panel lets a hybrid run for up to 20 miles per day in pure electric mode, netting a purported 29 percent increase in fuel economy.
PLUG IT IN
Don’t want to wait for car companies to sell you the next generation of hybrids? While General Motors and Toyota talk about plug-in hybrid cars, conversion kits are already here. By adding a beefed-up battery pack and some extra computing power, a Prius or Escape Hybrid can be plugged into a home socket. Fully charged, they will run on electric power alone for up to 40 miles — more than enough for the average commute. These kits aren’t cheap, though. Massachusetts-based Hymotion is taking orders now for its kit, which starts at $10,000.
THE FACTS
A Hybrid car runs on gas and an electric battery. They work together so the car gets better fuel economy. The battery powers the car at slower speeds, and the gas engine powers the car at higher speeds or in times of acceleration. The Honda Civic Hybrid gets 45 mpg city and the Toyota Prius Hybrid gets 48 mpg city!
Spend Some Time Outdoors
The Great Outdoors… there’s no better feeling than being outside on a beautiful sunny day. Nearly one-third of our country is owned by the government or managed by various agencies for public use. Instead of going for a Sunday drive, plan a hike or picnic in a local preserve. Pick up any garbage you might see and help clean up your community. Not only will you feel better but you’ll be cleaning up the environment at the same time.
Learn more about government managed parks near you by visiting www.publiclands.org.
THE FACTS
Nearly one-third of our country is owned by the government or managed by various agencies for public use.
Green Community
To help green your community, you first need to be part of it. Start talking to your neighbors, find out what’s going on around you, and get involved. It sounds obvious, but busy days often don’t include time for keeping in touch with the community. People are increasingly curious about living ‘green.’ If you bike to work, compost, or buy organic, tell people why. If people are interested in trying it themselves, show them how. You could even take it a step further and organize educational evenings such as film screenings, workshops, or discussion groups.
JOIN THE CAUSE
Why not find out about environmental groups in your area? Many national conservation groups have local chapters — the Sierra Club’s website offers a local ‘zoomer’ for US residents to find out what’s going on in their area. Increasingly, there are specialist local groups dedicating themselves to specific aspects of sustainability. But you shouldn’t just think in terms of green clubs. As sustainability goes mainstream, more and more local organizations are including environmentalism as part of their focus. So if you’re a member of a faith group, a parent-teacher committee, or even a sports club, why not look at steps that you can take together. From energy efficiency measures to local community action, there are countless ways to get your fellow club or congregation members involved.
GO POLITICAL
National and international politics can be frustrating. How can you influence the massive institutions that wield the power? Local politics can be much less intimidating. It’s a whole lot easier to make connections, exert pressure, and get involved when you live among the people you are trying to influence. Whether you’re campaigning against unwelcome development or seeking to influence local policy in a more positive direction it is vital that you make your voice heard. And don’t forget that environmental ills often fall disproportionately on the poor and marginalized. Check out environmental justice organizations like Environmental Community Action for ways to make your community better, greener, and fairer.
THE FACTS
To help green your community, you first need to be part of it. Start talking to your neighbors, find out what’s going on around you, and get involved.
Fireplaces and Bon Fires
Its hard to fine someone that doesn’t enjoy a nice fire from time to time, especially in the winter. Unfortunately, when you burn wood in your fireplace you’re emitting CO2 into the atmosphere, which is the root of the global warming problem. They also release a fair amount of soot and other particulates, which also contribute to air pollution. The worst part is, despite the cozy fire that warms you when you sit close to it, a conventional fireplace actually tends to cause your house to LOSE heat, because it sucks in room air and sends it up the chimney — air that has already been warmed by the house most likely thorough a gas heating system. So in effect the fireplace increases your heating bill and the attendant consumption of fuel by the utility supplying your heat.
GAS FIREPLACES
Natural gas fireplaces aren’t great for the environment either because you’re burning unnecessary natural gas, but they a better environmental choice than wood burning fireplaces. Natural gas fireplaces are cleaner and easier to use. Most come with an on/off switch similar to a light switch. As easy as a natural gas fireplace is for you, it’s also easier on the environment. With no smoke going up the chimney from burning wood and no ashes, lingering embers or particulates going into the air, natural gas fireplaces are the safer choice for you and the environment.
THE FACTS
When you burn wood in your fireplace, you’re emitting CO2 into the atmosphere which is the root of the global warming problem.
Plants and Herbs
Planting some plants and herbs around your home is great way to improve your environmental footprint. Growing plants indoors helps clean the air inside our homes as they absorb toxins and help to create a calm environment. You don’t need to have a garden or conservatory for herbs and plants as there are plenty of species that grow easily indoors throughout the year. When you grow your own herbs, you also save money on buying them.
CARING FOR YOUR PLANTS
Maintenance
• Like temperatures ranging from 18-24°C.
• Don’t like to be too close to the window, radiators or vents because blasts of hot or cold air are not good for them.
• Need good air circulation and the right amount of light according to their species.
• Need air humidity between 35-65 percent. The best way to keep a plant moist is by regularly misting its leaves, as well as grouping plants together or standing the plants on pebbles.
• Water your plants according to their species and less in the winter as they need a rest period.
• Water your plant when it needs it, not as a matter of routine. If you’re not sure if the plant needs watering by touching its soil, leave it.
• Signs of over watering are yellow leaves, poor growth, rotten patches and mouldy flowers.
• Signs of under watering are soil that doesn’t drain, leaves wilt and curl, leaves become brown and dried.
• Feed your plant with fertilizer in its growing period to boost its minerals – usually six to eight weeks after purchase or repotting.
• Cleaning the leaves of dust is also important as dust blocks the leaf pores.
• Potting on means moving plants to a larger pot in their growing period and is necessary for some plants such as ferns. This shouldn’t be done if the plant is resting as no new roots will grow.
• Repotting a plant usually occurs in spring to add fresh potting mixture, but is not necessary for all plants.
• Monitor plants for pests and disease. Treat immediately if affected.
THE FACTS
Say No to Fast Food
There is nothing worse for you or for the environment than “fast food”. We spend over $130 billion dollars every year on fast or take-out food. Not only is fast food loaded with fat, sodium and carbohydrates, it is also very bad for the environment. While it may be convenient for us out on the road, getting that food to every fast food restaurant on every highway exit in the country consumes millions of gallons of fuel a year. And that’s not the only problem. Fast food packaging creates 1. 7 million tons of trash every year in the form of boxes, plastic or paper bags, plastic forks, etc.
Solution? Bring your own food with you whenever possible. Creating a meal at home is cheaper and healthier than eating out. Pack a lunch before work, school, or before a long car trip. You’ll lose weight, feel better, and save money all while helping the environment.
With a third of all children in the U.S. eating a fast food meal on any given day, the fast food industry is far reaching. The industry seemingly has a hold in every corner of American life and industry, from health care to agriculture, from transportation to marketing. Consumers, shareholders and other stakeholders are starting to look at the fast food industry and demand more accountability for both the food it serves and how it produces that food.
Signs exist that the fast food industry is moving to reflect people’s desires for healthier choices and greener products. The ban on trans fats in New York City is just one example of how quickly the restaurant industry can move to answer public demand or governmental policy. However, many shareholders may wonder if enough is being done by fast food chains to protect the environment, and how to tell the responsible burger and pizza peddlers from the rest.
THE FACTS
Americans spend over $130 billion dollars every year on fast food.
Donate Green
The average American gives about 3.1% of their pretax income to charity, which equates to an average of $1,620 a year per household. We all have our favorite charities such as Breast Cancer and the Anti Cruelty Society, but maybe its time to start giving a little to Green charities as well. Here are a few:
SIERRA CLUB
The Sierra Club has been around for decades, and its 1.3 million members strong. They coordinate volunteer vacations to help farmers and communities, and focus on many different environmental issues. Visit www.sierraclub.org to learn more or donate.
THE NATURAL RESOURCE DEFENSE COUNCIL
The NRDC is made up lawyers and policy makers that focus on fighting crucial environmental issues that protect our homes and communities. Visit www.nrdc.org to learn more or donate.
THE ALLIANCE FOR CLIMATE PROTECTION
Led by former Vice President Al Gore, the Alliance for Climate Protection uses scientific facts to educate Americans on the severity and causes of global warming. To learn more about global warming, or to donate visit www.climateprotect.org.
THE FACTS
Deforestation
Deforestation is the permanent destruction of indigenous forests and woodlands. The term does not include the removal of industrial forests such as plantations of gums or pines. Deforestation has resulted in the reduction of indigenous forests to four-fifths of their pre-agricultural area. Indigenous forests now cover 21% of the earth’s land surface.
The biggest concern is the rate at which deforestation is occurring. Currently, 12 million acres of forests are cleared annually. Almost all of this deforestation occurs in the moist forests and open woodlands of the tropics. At this rate all moist tropical forest could be lost by the year 2050, except for isolated areas in Amazonia, the Zaire basin, as well as a few protected areas within reserves and parks. Some countries such as Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Costa Rica, and Sri Lanka are likely to lose all their tropical forests by the year 2010 if no conservation steps are taken.
Solution? The solution is for all of us to cut down on our use of papers products. We need to stop printing everything. We need to start using recycled paper whenever possible. We need start paying our bills online and receiving statements via email. We need to start bringing our own grocery bags to the store instead of using paper ones. We need to start consuming shade grown coffee only. We need to start building our homes with recycled materials. We need to start planting trees instead of cutting them down. We need to start right now…
THE FACTS
Currently, 12 million acres of forests are cleared annually.
Green Your Laundry
Environmentally Friendly Laundry involves the use of high efficiency washing machines, environmentally friendly detergent, and cold water. A conventional washing machines uses a lot of water for every use, most of which is wasted. Detergents are very toxic, and those toxins eventually make their way into our water supply.
HIGH EFFICIENCY WASHING MACHINES
High efficiency washing machines are usually front loading. Top-loading, vertical-axis washers are basically an automated washtub, filling with water to wet all the clothing and swishing it about in detergent. Front-loading, horizontal-axis types partially fill with water and whip the clothes through, like a mill wheel in a stream. They’re actually gentler on fabrics, quieter, and, from my experience, do use far less detergent. And yes, they can hold just as many clothes as your old machine.
DETERGENTS
Laundry detergents are very toxic and end up polluting our waterways. Conventional laundry detergent is petroleum based, which is a non renewable fossil fuel. If every household in the United States replaced just one bottle of petroleum based liquid detergent with a vegetable based product, we could save 460,000 barrels of oil, enough to heat and cool 27,000 homes for a year!
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has been a major catalyst in the green detergent revolution, the article states. Using its purchasing power as the world’s biggest retailer, Wal-Mart launched an environmental initiative last October to encourage its suppliers to manufacture more environmentally friendly laundry detergents.
COLD WATER
One mistake people make is washing their clothes in hot water when it isn’t necessary. Today washing machines and detergents do not need hot water to clean your clothes. Dark colors should always be washed in cold water, and white clothes in cold or warm. Hot water is never necessary and wastes the natural gas used to heat that water which is harmful to the environment.
THE FACTS
An older top-loading washers use about 40 gallons of water per load. New efficient, front-loading machines use 16 to 25 gallons per load.
Carbon Offset
Carbon offsets are becoming an increasingly popular way for individuals and businesses to participate in solutions to global warming. The basic idea of a carbon offset is to figure out your personal contribution level to the global warming problem from such activities as driving, flying, or home energy use. This contribution is called a carbon footprint. This term is named after carbon dioxide, the principal greenhouse gas. You can aim to balance out your carbon footprint by purchasing carbon offsets. The offset purchase funds reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through projects such as wind farms, which produce clean energy. As more clean energy is produced, this displaces energy being created from fossil fuels. By funding these reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, you balance out, or offset, your own impact by an equivalent amount. Carbon offsets help you to take personal responsibility for the environmental consequences of your activities.
CHOOSING A CARBON OFFSET
Seeking a quality carbon offset? A quality offset is determined by the third-party certification backing it. There are several standards to look out for including the Voluntary Carbon Standard, VER+, WWF Gold Standard, Climate Community and Biodiversity Standard, Green-e, Environmental Resources Trust. It is also now possible to buy Certified Emission Reduction (CERs) from certain retailers. These are offsets derived from projects which are approved and monitored under the United Nation’s Clean Development Mechanism. Buying offsets with these certifications helps to ensure your offset is real, verified, additional, and meet the most rigorous standards and are backed by leading organizations. Beware of any offset that does not meet any standard at all.
THE FACTS
Carbon Offset programs fund reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through projects such as wind farms, which produce clean energy.
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