Latest Green News On The Gulf Of Mexico Oil Spill, What Are We Doing About It, And How It Is Effecting Us! 2010
Going Green Can Save You Money
The time has come to start scrimping and saving. Times are not cheap and every little helps so any potential for saving money is a godsend. Speaking personally, it is my car that costs the most; tax, insurance, petrol, cleaning; all of these cost stupid amounts of money. Even though the price of petrol has gone down, it’s still not exactly a cheap commodity and that considered, it may be well worth trying to cut costs.
I reinsured my car. Kwik Fit Insurance have been getting an awful lot of industry recognition and they certainly passed a saving on to me. However, when I was there they gave me an idea. They are on a big environmentally friendly drive at their offices and I wondered whether going green could save you money.
My first thought was getting a greener car. However, no car is hugely green. They are big, lunking things that require resources to build, maintain and service. However, how much of the old oil-based juice it drinks and the requisite emissions it produces can be controlled – to a certain degree. Modern cars can offer more mpg (but might not if you go for something sports-oriented) and are less harmful to the environment.
The next best advice is to get your tire pressures right and to drive better. Tires at the right pressure and in good condition can help you cut fuel consumption, lowering the amount of CO2 produced. Well looked-after tires will last longer. A better driving demeanour will help too. Harsh braking and frantic acceleration can cost you up to 30% more fuel than being sensible and reading the road. Smooth, consistent driving rewards you by lowering costs and emissions.
The last idea - and it is one already in good effect in America - is to car share, so if you can, organize a car share at work or for any sort of club you attend. Having multiple people in the car is sensible and you’ll be reducing the amount of congestion on the road, as well as the emissions that are being chucked out into the environment.
Cool-n-Save™ is an awesome new, patented product, that is actually based on the same scientific Principles that large corporations have used to save themselves money for years.
Installed in less than five minutes with no tools required, the Cool-n-Save™ system affixes to the top of most home air conditioning units. The system is activated only when the AC unit turns on; hot air from the condenser unit’s fan raises the flap on the patented Cool-n-Save™ control valve allowing water to flow to the misters that surround the AC unit. When the ultra-fine mist is released into the air, it evaporates almost instantly creating what is known as a “Flash Evaporation,” which literally sucks heat out of the air as water absorbs the energy it needs to evaporate. The result of the immediate evaporation constitutes a substantial drop in ambient temperature without wetness—up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Cool-N-Save(TM) system fits on top of most air conditioning units and expels a filtered, ultra fine mist around the AC unit, which creates a "chill zone." This "chill zone" allows your air conditioner to work more efficiently and reduces the electricity it draws. This results in consumer savings and reduced CO2 emissions . The efficiency of the Cool-N-Save(TM) system has been scientifically proven by Tulane University .
Ed Begley, Jr. on Cool-N-Save™ I've been a quote-unquote "environmentalist" now for almost 38 years, but I'm always looking for new ways to save energy, reduce my carbon footprint, and save money! I always look for things that can give me immediate results with a short-term payback. And because the cheapest kilowatt of electricity is the one SAVED, I'm always looking for ways to CONSERVE first. The features in my home like recycled cotton insulation and double-pane windows are all designed to keep the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer while using the least amount of energy possible. Now, I've discovered a new weapon in the battle to save energy — Cool-N-Save™.
The Cool-N-Save(TM) is one of the most cost effective and simple ways to save energy." - Ed Begley Jr.
The Cool-N-Save(TM) system has been rated by the US Department of Energy and EPA as an ENERGY STAR PARTNER . As a U.S. government backed and trusted symbol for energy efficiency, the ENERGY STAR PARTNER approval is paramount due to the strict guidelines and performance standards set to ensure the quality and integrity of their partners in the fight against climate change.
As I shopped at Macy'sthis weekend with a fistful of coupons, a cluster of colorful woven purses caught my eye. They looked a lot like mine (except not as cute). But get this: The bag that was about the same size as the one I bought from Tampa-based GoGreenItems.comwas FOUR TIMES more expensive. That sucker cost $140! (Mine was $34.)
Suddenly, I love my new purse even more.
~ Deal Diva Colleen
April 01, 2009
Go green without looking ugly
These days, you don't have to hug trees or wear Birkenstocks to show your love for Mama Earth. You can go green and still look good doing it.
I recently picked up a cute, eco-friendly handbag for $34 at a local festival, courtesy of the Tampa-based company GoGreenItems.com. It's made out of colorful juice boxes woven together in a groovy pattern and topped with wooden handles. I carried it around shopping last weekend and got oodles of compliments.
Here's why I feel good about buying it: The recycled bag was made by a women's cooperative in the Philippines, which recycles non-biodegradable items into purses and other accessories and uses the income from the sales to support 200 families.
GoGreenItems, which went live last November, offers some other cool items too, such as this wood cuffbracelet, organic cotton tank top and these mirrors. Owned by Jennifer Meier, the company's motto is "saving the earth 1 item at a time."
I'm down with that -- to a point. Just don't expect me to wear bamboo shoes.
~ Deal Diva Colleen
(Photo: The recycled juice box purse. This one is dominated by yellow, mine is more purple. No two are exactly alike!)
It is a woman’s cooperative of more than 500 women from Pasig City, Philippines formed in 1999. Their objective is to recycle non-biodegradable items, such as juice boxes, into attractive, profitable products including colorful handbags and accessories.The cooperative currently provides a livelihood to 200 families, helping to generate much-needed income for basic living expenses and education.
Working with other local community leaders, the cooperative campaigned for households to separate and sell their recyclables to the cooperative. The local council provided pushcarts and weighing scales and, as well, established an Ecology Center. It was this partnership between community leaders and the cooperative that lead to Pasig City being awarded first place as the cleanest and greenest township.
They organize 15 pushcarts that visit households to collect used food and beverage packaging that would otherwise clog water bodies, drainage systems, and landfills. They sanitize these materials and transform them into over 40,000 products per month. The cooperative has partnered with the local municipal solid waste management department to make a huge difference in keeping their community clean and green.
Of the all the items collected for recycling, the ones that attracted their attention were the colorful juice boxes. These discarded drink containers became the raw material for various bags, finding new life as cheerful accessories. The project was started with very few members, yet has the potential to grow and help many more in need of income. Purchasing these fairly traded juice bags and accessories directly supports this cooperative. Hand-woven from Recycled Telephone Directories from the Philippines. It began in1984through theinitiativeof five good shepherd sisters – The founding members, then living in an area rife with crime, drugs and despair, banded together hopeful that as a group they can improve their lot. From these humble beginnings, the organization has grown into a federation with over three thousand active members. Its goal isto improve the lives of the urban poor by providing them with opportunities in livelihood and spiritual growth.The organization aspires each of its communities tobecome self-sustaining and caring, responsive to the nation’s problems,and facilitative to the needs and aspirations of the poor.
The organizations activities cover the following:
Income generating projects that provide community-based livelihood opportunities.
Aid projects that support day care/pre-school programs, milk and feeding programs, rice subsidies, health programs, crisis (disaster recovery) programs .
With me being tired of all the down economy talk, I have decided to really go full steam with www.GoGreenItems.comand we are starting to get alot of notariaty. On March 21st I was fortunate enough to be involved in a event put on by The Tampa Bay Business Committee for the Arts called the Chalk Walk, which was a free event to support and link area artists with local businesses and the community. I featured my recycled eco friendly pursesin a 10 x 10 tent in beautiful Hyde Park Tampa and had a wonderful day. Not realizing it I was in conversation with a very nice woman and then realized it was Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio. What a great feeling to welcome the Mayor into my booth, then it got better, she loved my recycled juice box purses and actually purchased one. She was also sweet enough to let me snap a quick picture.
I am adding some amazing new purses to my website weekly so please take a look www.GoGreenItems.com feel free to email me or leave any comments ou would like.
Reuse-use an item again instead of throwing it away.
Recycle-take an item that would be usually be put in the trash and transform it into a new product.
Recyclable indicates that a product can be recycled. It does not mean that an item is made with recycled content. When you purchase a recycled product it is referred to as closing the loop because it completes the recycling process.
The recycling process includes three steps:
Collect, Process, and Buy.
If we are only are collecting recyclables its not enough, we must buy recycled products in order to create markets. Most products are not 100% recycled content, so look for the highest percentage possible.
When you purchase recycled productsit conserves natural resources, saves energy, reduces solid waste, reduces air and water pollutants, reduces greenhouse gases, and creates new jobs.
In order to keep our blue planet green we must start now.
I believe that buying recycled products can do more than just help save our environment.
Everyone can do this. You can start one item at time.
Fun and fresh Aromatherapy Misters are all organic, just perfect for Mom and Sister.
Dad always needs a new wallet, get him the bi-fold recycled walletby English Retreadswhich is made from recycled rubber inner tubes.
Recycled Jewelry is a very hot item! Necklaces and bracelets are sustainable recycled glassand crystal beads and are available in both black and clear.
Anything Hemp Tote is made from quality 100% hemp fabric - made from hemp fibers that have been mechanically processed and chemical-free. Additionally, hemp fabric is very resistant to degradation from mold, bacteria, sun light, salt water, abrasions and chemicals. The bag is fully biodegradable and contains no leather or other animal products. Great Green Product.
Voltaic Solar Back Pack and Converter bagare built tough for use as a weekend hike bag or as a large daypack. There are pockets and wire channels for multiple electronic devices. The Voltaic Converter is our most versatile model. It is a small light weight day bag with a compartment for a water bladder, so it is ideal for biking and hiking. This is a super cool Green Product.
Ban the bottle - the plastic bottle that is. Get the Klean Kanteenreusable bottle and up your water intake while decreasing your plastic consumption. A perfect gift for the active environmentalist.
Mandala Record Bowlsare bowls made from recycled music records and are great for foods or trinkets. The bowl is a piece of art and is a great conversation piece too!
Feng Shui Mirrorsare made from recycled vinyl 45 rpm records. They are hand painted with original mandala designs using high quality acrylic paints. Super funky fun eco friendly gift.
Fun For The Family!
Head 1 Liners is a hilarious eco friendlier board game in which you literally write the news! Creativity, satire, or straightforward journalism attempts will all fare well in this inclusive, social game about our diverse perspectives. Expect absurd headlines that leave you in stitches laughing! This is a great fit for anyone who enjoys a great laugh.
The Summit is the first compact multi-band solar PLL radio. With a solar panel, wall charging, and the ability to power it yourself.
The Companion is a solar powered radio, a flashlight, and a cell phone charger, all in a unit that's only 125 mm long (4.9) and 200 g (7 oz). It has a solar panel and a crank so you'll never run out of power, and you'll never have to buy disposable batteries. Itfs just perfect around the barbecue, inside your home, out camping or as a vital source of information during storms or blackouts.
Solar power and innovative design of the Solio H1000 Universal Hybrid Chargergives you the ability to charge all of your mobile devices on the go. The Solio H1000 Universal Hybrid Charger is a great green gadget that will even impress the most technological advanced.
For the new bundle of joy in the family try the Trees for Change Onesiethat is made from certified fair trade organic cotton. With cute messages on each onesie - choose from three different designs. This garment is dyed with low impact dyes and screen printed with non-toxic water based inks.
Socktopusis the long lost cousin of the famous Sock Monkey. The eight-legged creatures are made from traditional red heel socks and button eyes. The Socktopus is 15" tall. Made by hand in the USA! Contains new polyester fiberfill. All friends can be placed inside a pillowcase and washed in the washing machine, and dried on low heat.
Tiss the season to be green! Give Green Productsthis Holiday.
Opting out of paper statements is a great way to help the environment.
Gogreenitems.comwould like to share a green tip with you. Itfs easy to do. I started with my credit cards, bank statements, and my household bills. I pay almost all my bills online now.
You can reduce the amount of mail you receive. You will have less paper to recycle. Start by signing up to receive statements via email. Youfll decrease paper use, save money on stamps and have easy access to your information online. Plus, payments posted online send you an email confirmation so you can feel confident about avoiding late fees. Decrease the possibility of mail fraud and identity theft.
Living Greenis about living consciously, with awareness of your actions and the impact they have on the earth. We can all do are part by saving the earth one item at a time.
It's official, my dream of developing my own business has become a reality. Not only do I have my own business, I have a business with a purpose! As we all know going green is the in thing, but the truth of the matter is that if we chip in and make minor changes to our habits we will make an environmental impact. Therefore I am proud to announce the release of my new e-commerce website called www.gogreenitems.comSaving the earth 1 item at a time. My site features eco-friendly women's clothing, eco friendly men's clothing, great green gift ideas. If you currently buy or are starting to buy eco friendly productsI would greatly appreciate you visiting my site, I always welcome advice on what products you would like to see and most of all I appreciate your efforts in making our world an improved place to live. Thank you for making www.gogreenitems.coma success. Happy Greening!
They organize 15 pushcarts that visit households to collect used food and beverage packaging that would otherwise clog water bodies, drainage systems, and landfills. They sanitize these materials and transform them into over 40,000 products per month. The cooperative has partnered with the local municipal solid waste management department to make a huge difference in keeping their community clean and green.
