The Green Blog from GreenEnergyChoice

The Green Blog Has Moved!

2008-04-22T15:46:38Z

We would like to thank all of you for sharing in our love of all things green, but it's time for us to change locations. Don't think of this as a goodbye, but a fresh start and a new home. In fact, our new address at EnviroMojo is your place to read and talk about the environment, with everything from alternative fuels to recycling to green energy.

Please feel free to comment and let us know what you think about the new format, as well as emailing any questions you may have. We like to think of EnviroMojo as an eco-friendly and eco-fun way for all of us to talk about the planet we love, and how we can work together to protect it.

Southern California Edison Pledges $875 Million for Solar Energy

2008-03-31T14:46:43Z

What could be the largest solar cell project in America, Southern California Edison plans to place photovoltaic solar cells on 65 million square feet of California rooftops, with the ability to power 162,000 homes in southern California.

I'm intrigued to say the least, and not simply because a photovoltaic solar project of this scale is unusual considering how expensive the technology is. In fact, most large-scale solar projects involve solar thermal technology. I'm keeping my eye on this, especially since California's ambitious state mandate that 20 percent of California's electricity be generated from renewable sources by 2010. It will be interesting to see if other utility companies—and not just in California—follow suit.

The Environmentalist View

2008-03-25T16:04:22Z

"Perhaps the time has come to cease calling it the 'environmentalist' view, a though it were a lobbying effort outside the mainstream of human activity, and to start calling it the real-world view."

— Edward O. Wilson, Pellegrino University Professor Emeritus and Honorary Curator in Entomology at Harvard University, life-long and well-regarded naturalist and environmentalist.

Hybrid Theory: What Makes a Green Car Go Vroom?

2008-03-13T22:13:25Z

Since when did hybrid vehicles gain Jetson status? Unreachable? In the case of hybrid vehicles, the basics tend to be muddled in with the complications people view as the primary reason not everyone can drive a hybrid.

Let's go with a few basics of the green car:

1. The gas-electric hybrid is your most common type of green car, attempting to merge reduced emissions and improve efficiency.

2. The electric motor is powered by batteries that recharge as you drive, assisting in acceleration and helping slow the vehicle down. In a sense, the motor is both an accelerator and a generator.

3. When stopped in traffic, the motor shuts the engine off until acceleration occurs.

4. The aerodynamics are re-tooled to maximize efficiency and minimize drag.

Now obviously there are finer and more technical aspects of the green car—this is but a mere scratch on the surface. Whether or not that means you should buy a hybrid is not the point here. Understanding how a hybrid operates (you don't necessarily have to plug them in to charge) is just as important. How else will you be able to debate your passion for green energy?

Besides, hybrids have feelings too ya know...

5 Signs That You May Be an Environmentalist

2008-02-26T21:23:02Z

1. Your Car Purrs Like a Golf Cart
You are fascinated with the concept of a hybrid vehicle, and your's looks like Tokyo Drift met up with the Jetsons somewhere on the road to a Tron sequel. I can't really argue with 50+ mpg though, even if I accidentally drive by and ask for refreshment on my way to a tee time.

2. Your Favorite Cleaning Product is Baking Soda and Water
Which is a fantastic and simple way to scrub away the grime from last month's cook-a-thon you're gracious and considerate roommate forget to clean up. It's eco-friendly fun for every—wait, never mind. Going this one alone again huh. Well at least your good manners and cleanliness are good for the environment, even if your roommate is too busy watching Rock of Love to lend a hand.

3. You've Replaced Every Light Bulb in Your Home with CFLs
Compact Fluorescent Lights and their high efficiency are a great way to cut down on energy consumption, and you've accomplished this with a vengeance. Now if only you could replace the bulbs in your vintage Lite- Brite, then I'd commend you for your Macgyver-like prowess.

4. Your Favorite Color is Green
Everything and I mean everything relates to your love for green. Not only are you way into green energy, green living, green cooking, green cleaning and everything environmental, you've also wiped eBay clean of Kermit dolls, figures, movies, socks, toothbrushes, scooters, roller skates and snap bracelets (don't know if these still exist, but why not).

5. Your Reading This Very Blog, Right Now
I couldn't help myself.

All kidding and ballyhooing aside, waking up and realizing just how green you really are is a fabulous thing. I wish all of us could take a few minutes out of each day to pay closer attention to our habits, and find simpler ways to bring the green in all of us to the surface.

Google Green

2008-02-26T21:03:30Z

Hanging plugs for hybrids above parking spaces is but one way that tech giant Google is trying to greenify the world, one step at a time. In a recent Palm Beach Post article, Google is rolling out the green carpet so to speak in an effort to not just claim a green business badge, but to further the cause of developing renewable energy into a viable solution to the cost and environmental effects of traditional fossil fuels. In fact, Google execs told a crowded clean energy summit earlier this month that the intention was to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to invest in clean energy projects.

Yowsers! NYC First To Require Electronics Recycling

2008-02-20T19:38:42Z

In the city known for it's bright lights, dense traffic and cultural wow factor, New York City is adding an attractive label to it's eco-friendly repertoire. NYC is set to become the first U.S. city to require electronics recycling, rather than adding to the already overflowing city landfills.

What the city council calls "trailblazing environmental legislation" amounts to stiff fines if companies fail to meet specific recycling standards. New Yorkers introduce 25,000 tons of wasted electronics to landfills annually, which produce a large percentage of lead, mercury and other toxic chemicals.

By 2012, manufacturers are required to take back 25 percent (weight) of old TVs, computers, etc. That percentage will increase to 65 percent by 2018, but the city won't begin refusing to accept wasted materials until July 2010, so it will be up to companies to start the charge when the legislation kicks off in 2009.

The $6 Million Dollar Greenification

2008-02-14T17:25:38Z

That's right, I used a word that did not previously exist in the English language, but hey, can you blame a guy for trying to break the mold? Spending countless hours researching the world of green energy has its side effects. In my constant quest to champion renewable energy and its many tentacles growing and extending throughout the economic sector, I stumbled upon a very important program in the great state of Texas.

The Cynthia & George Mitchell Foundation recently announced a $6 million funding initiative to help combat global warming and air pollution while expanding and stimulating the Texas economy. The Energy Foundation—several donating partners from San Francisco—are teaming up to implement the funding initiative, which will support further development of clean technologies and policy development to spurn growth in the renewable market.

I thoroughly applaud the Mitchell Foundation for taking a stand against climate change, as well as reinforcing what I've always believed is the key to renewable energy standards in the U.S.—technology and economic growth.

Understanding Conservation Easements

2008-02-04T12:35:05Z

Though it's one of the most important terms in conservation, a conservation easement isn't exactly a linguistic equivalent of a freebie. I'll be the first to admit that my mind landed on the term with an audible thud, but upon visiting the Nature Conservancy Web site, I learned it is really an interesting concept.

A conservation easement essential places restriction on a piece of property, protecting certain landowner rights and selling or donating a chunk of those rights. Most often the right to develop or subside that portion of land is give up, so to speak, and that particular piece of land is then protected from future development.

What is interesting about an easement is the ability to target very specific rights that are necessary to protecting from environmental damage—water quality for example. The landowner retains certain rights, and the easement is designed to work synonymously with the landowner so that any personal needs remain uninterrupted.

Saving the Great Redwood Forest

2008-01-24T18:52:11Z

I ventured across an article from the Nature Conservancy regarding a sustainable project to protect 197,000 acres of the Great Redwood Forest in California (which happens to be 10 percent of all redwoods worldwide according to the Conservancy). Obviously the concern is the risk of deforestation and destructive building practices that could cause irreversible harm to the revered colossi.

A few interesting tidbits from the article:

Humboldt County's tiny little milling town of Scotia is at the center of a bankruptcy case concerning the local timber industry. Scotia residents and the forest could share an intertwined fate once the ball gets rolling on the conservation project.
Temporary protection is in place, but expires in 2050. The coalition of organizations are looking into a potential conservation easement, which essentially sells a portion of landowner rights to the Conservancy in order to prevent said landowner from offering developers chunks of forest to spin into a parking lot.

What is probably not immediately apparent is the underlying importance of such a project. Look, the environmentalist in all of us appreciates protecting the aesthetic beauty of historically important areas like the Great Redwood Forest. The renewable energy debate focuses much of it's time on energy independence, but keep in mind that deforestation is a significant contributor to increasing the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Cooking Green Energy in America's Kitchens

2008-01-21T21:51:03Z

University of Arkansas scientists are researching the production of biodiesel from excess chicken fats using a process called supercritical methanol. Treating the animal fats by subjecting the substance to high temperatures and pressure has led researchers to a possible fuel alternative that could be produced using low-grade chicken fat, something this country is in no apparent shortage of.

As scientists try to find an alternative to the expensive, petroleum-based diesel fuel, the viability of creating biodiesel from animal fats is intriguing to say the least. Considering much of America's agricultural bi-products don't have a purpose other than creating additional waste material, the inexpensive substance could yield an unexpected advancement in alternative energy in the near future.

Yes People, We Can Make an Impact on the Environment

2008-01-17T20:37:37Z

A recent press release from GreenEnergyChoice outlines five reasons to switch to renewable energy, with the site itself offering an easy online comparison and ordering system to do just that.

There is no secret badge or income level required to go green at home, work or just in your general, everyday habits. Faced with an onslaught of commercial advertising and environmental organizations going nuts over pending legislation in Washington, it's no wonder many of us are scared into stagnation.

Going green is not a frightening experience. In fact, there are multiple ways that you and your family can go green simply by changing subtle practices in your home. Just as well, switching to renewable energy and powering your home with non-polluting energy is much easier than you probably realized.

Cleaning Green in 2008

2008-01-16T15:09:53Z

Everyone has heard of ways to contribute to the environment from buying renewable energy credits, recycling, and changing your light bulbs. Another easy way to go green is changing the way you clean your home. Swap out those toxic, odorous, chemically based products for natural items you already have lying around the house.

In no time at all, you’ll be on your way in making your own non-toxic cleaning kit. Label your cleaning products and as always, keep away from pets and children. You'll help protect the environment and make your household safer for you and your family by going green with your cleaning supplies. Here’s a list of products you probably already have on hand that are both effective and safe:

Baking soda
White vinegar
Liquid Castile Soap (a mild soap made of olive oil and sodium hydroxide)
Scouring Pad
Cotton Washcloth or a Sponge
Spray Bottles
Newspaper
Olive Oil
Tea Tree Oil

Window and Mirror Cleaner
Fill a spray bottle with ¼ c white vinegar and the rest with water. Use newspaper to clean the surface. Newspapers reduce the amount of streaks you would usually get with paper towels.

Tub and Sink Cleaner
Sprinkle surface with baking soda and use a wet rag to scrub. For additional cleaning power, add liquid Castile soap, and rinse well to prevent film from covering the surfaces.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Sprinkle baking soda inside of the bowl, add a few drops of liquid soap and scrub the bowl with a brush.

Creamy All-Purpose Scrubber/Cleaner
Pour ½ cup of baking soda into a bowl or container and add enough liquid soap to make a creamy texture. Add cleaner to sponge and clean surface(s).

Oven Cleaner
Sprinkle bottom of oven with water and generously cover the grime with enough baking soda to cover the surface. Then sprinkle some more water on top of it and let it soak overnight. The next day the grease and grime should have loosened up by then. Wash the remaining residue with a sponge and liquid soap.

Furniture Polish
Mix ½ teaspoon of olive oil along with ¼ of vinegar or lemon juice in a jar. Dab a washcloth into the mixture and wipe on the wood surface.

Mold Killers
Combine 2 teaspoons tea tree oil and 2 cups water in a spray bottle. This spray will work on common problem areas where you find mold or mildew.

Green Buildings Sprouting Up Around the World

2008-01-11T22:47:45Z

Three Green Building on the Planet

We’ve all heard about global warming and the campaign to get us all involved to solve the problem before it’s too late. There are those of us that have joined in and have begun to recycle and others that have bought hybrid cars, but are corporations doing their share?

Did you know that buildings account for 48 percent of all green house emissions? Shouldn’t they be held accountable for making their buildings green? What about new building that are cluttering the skyline – are they being built in an emissions safe way?

Well some building, here in America and across the globe, are and they are going to the green extreme. See the list below.

New York, USA — The Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park is 54 stories and 1,200 feet tall. It is designed to have natural lighting, reuse waste and rainwater and made using recycles products.
Melbourne, Australia — Council House 2, nicknamed CH2, is 10 stories and has won an award by the United Nations for being an energy efficient building. The building comes complete with sewage recycling, wind turbines and chilled ceilings just to name a few of its green qualities.
Munich, Germany — The BMW Welt has solar panels on the roof to heat the building . Not only is this building stunning, it conserves energy.

My meager explanation of the building doesn’t even begin to explain the architectural beauty of these building. To see these pictures and more green buildings see the article on geekabout.com.

49 Ways to Greenify Your Life

2008-01-10T11:08:13Z

New year. New lifestyle. Sounds like a plan, doesn't it? In the spirit of organic products, renewable energy and those fun, little hybrid vehicles that resemble something from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, we have compiled a list of some great—and simple—ways to go green.

Turn off the TV or stereo upon leaving a room.
Run ceiling fans on low, or shut off completely and open a few windows for air circulation instead.
Switch to green energy if it is available in your area. If not, you can get RECs to offset your energy usage.
On hot days, try to run your ceiling fans rather than turn on the AC.
Run out of trash bags? Save plastic grocery bags and re-use them around the house.
Start a recycling program in your neighborhood, helping to collect and transport plastics, aluminum, etc. to your local recycle center.
Encourage your office to recycle paper products.
Buy goods in reusable packaging.
Try repairing or reusing common household items before tossing them.
Buy biodegradable diapers (or really go for the gold by using washable diapers).
Reduce your shower or bathing time.
Turn off faucets while brushing your teeth and washing your face. Run water only when you need to use it.
Use a water-efficient shower head. Look for the EPA's Watersense^® label on all plumbing products.
Check for leaks around fixtures and appliances.
Properly insulate your water heater.
Run your dishwasher only when full.
Do dishes the old-school way — a little soap and water works wonders.
Buy Energy Star^® appliances to increase efficiency and save on your utility bills.
Consider a solar or tankless water heater.
Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) and use up to 75 percent less energy.
Turn off lights and electronics when you leave a room.
Put your computer on standby or hibernate mode when not in use.
Ditch fancy screensavers, as they use up more energy...and hey, you shouldn't be around to watch them anyway.
Set your computer to go into sleep mode after a short period of time.
Hire an energy auditor through your energy provider, and determine whether your home is properly insulated.
Caulk around window ledges, doors, floor vents, and on the exterior of your home around vents and piping to plug up any air holes or gaps.
Use thick curtains to block out heat from the sun during the day.
Use dimmers and lamps to reduce wasteful lighting.
Get rid of space heaters and radiators — not only are they a safety hazard, but they are also energy guzzlers.
On cold days, try bundle up (lots and lots of socks) before you turn up the heat.
Hang dry clothes when you can.
Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible.
Wash and dry full loads only.
Upgrade your refrigerator and keep it clean and not overloaded. The more unnecessary items you have stocking your refrigerator shelves, the more energy is used to keep those items cold.
Boil only as much water as you need.
Simmer foods when possible, which requires less energy than boiling.
Only purchase organic products, locally grown if possible.
Try lowering your meal portions so that food is not thrown away.
Try and avoid the plastic parade by purchasing goods made from recyclable materials.
Contact local waste management or city officials to determine safe and non-toxic ways to dispose of household chemicals.
Avoid paints that contain toxic materials.
Shop for organic cleaning products with biodegradable containers, most of which are available both online and at local retailers.
Mix warm water with vinegar or baking soda for an efficient, all-purpose cleaning product.
Plan errands ahead of time to minimize driving distances.
Regularly maintain your vehicle to maximize fuel economy and lower emissions.
Carpool to save gas.
Limit use of AC in your vehicle whenever possible.
Placing plants in your home helps naturally filter air of harmful carbon dioxide.
Water grass at night to increase coverage and decrease burning. Consider installing rain barrels on your downspouts, collecting water that can be used later for irrigation and watering household plants.