Blogs

Spending time on the back deck, enjoying the cool of the summer evening air, chatting with family and soaking in therapeutic and soothing warmth of your spa. Sounds like the perfect end to a long day or a stressful week.

But if you’re a greenie and want to ensure your evening indulgence isn’t marring your green reputation, you may want to implement some techniques to give yourself a green hot tub experience. After all, it takes a lot of energy to keep your 200 to 400 gallons of water in the comfortable 80 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit range.

Taking showers day in and day out are obviously a necessity—but so much energy, water and money literally (and figuratively) go down the drain; many people are looking for ways to conserve.  Thanks to the new generation of energy efficient shower heads, it is still possible to get clean without worrying about using too many resources.

Summers are great for the festivals they bring to our towns. Whether you want to check out great music, take in some new films, catch some live theatre, sample menus from around the world, discover new products for your home, or get the latest in gardening techniques, most cities have a wide range of fun, educational, and silly events to provide entertainment for just about anyone.

When you hear the term “eco hazards” you may think of vast oil spills, radioactive leaks or pandemic diseases spread by poor ecological standards.  But the fact is that eco hazards exist within most of our homes. Granted, they are on a much smaller scale; but the constant exposure to them can cause us weakening health and a lower quality of life.

The sticker shock we sometimes experience at the pump can be enough to send us into cardiac arrest. Gas prices for home appliances can also spin out of control. And as summer approaches, and gas prices prepare to inflate yet again, there’s no better time to adopt gas-saving habits to avoid the hassle of rising fuel prices.

U.S. citizens consume unprecedented amounts of energy, yet less than 2% of the country’s total energy use comes from renewable sources.  What makes this even more upsetting is that the technology exists for the average family to generate the energy they need for their homes using basic solar generators.  

If you’re thinking about solar but worries that you don’t have enough roof space for an adequate array, think again. There are many types of solar photovoltaic installations, making it easier than ever to find a configuration that will work best for your home or business.

Yes, roof-mounted solar electric systems are the most common options, but think beyond your roof and consider other areas of your property when deciding whether you’re a suitable candidate for renewable solar energy.

It’s true that the future of business is green.  Investors are looking for sustainable business plans and eco-friendly products to get in on the ground floor of the inevitable boom that will happen in the next 5-10 years.  But the fact remains that our economy is still depressed.  The free flow of money to even the noblest of causes has slowed to a trickle.  Startups must work twice as hard to prove themselves when seeking green finances from lenders, investors or any other sources.

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are the lighting wave of the future, functioning by the movement of electrons through a semiconductor material. LED lighting is much more efficient than regular incandescent lighting (the bulbs you’re used to) and they last a whole lot longer, making them an extremely environmentally-friendly choice, whether you need lighting for your home or office.

This year saw the launch of the third generation Toyota Prius.  Even though other hybrids (including the Honda Insight and Civic) are making their way to the new green car market, the Prius is far and away the most popular of these.

The 2010 Prius boasts a larger 1.8L four cylinder engine that can generate 134 horse power and a stunning 50 MGP city driving fuel rate.  The body has been streamlined even further and the new model allows you to drive using 100% battery power for short periods of time.