Amanda's blog

Facebook is the phenomenon that has captured the attention of the planet.  With more than 200 million users, it is rapidly becoming the most important place anyone can go online to make connections.  Used for both personal and professional interaction, it is the perfect place to network your green business or cause.  There are also some fantastic green Facebook apps for individual users who simply want to show their commitment to green ideals—and help the planet out a little in the process.

This May the U.S. Department of Energy proposed large cuts to the Hydrogen Program’s light duty vehicle research and development funding.  (The $200 million allotted for 2009 has been slashed to $68 million.)  The current administration, while devoted to greening America, seems to think that a hydrogen vehicle will not be available commercially for the masses within 20 years.  Add to that the criticism that many have of fuel cells--that they still require the use of non-renewable resources to operate-- and the future of fuel cell vehicles seems pretty dismal.

Despite deforestation taking place in many places in the world, wood still remains a renewable resource.  If managed correctly it can be relatively sustainable.  It can be harvested and replenished—and used to make quality products that will outlast those made with less durable materials.  Gorgeous wood pieces—from furniture to children’s toys--have survived centuries with proper care.  But when you’re buying eco friendly wood products there are a couple things you want to keep in mind.

There are several major issues facing the globe today, not the least of which is the umbrella term “pollution” which covers a wide range of environmental ills.  Land, water and air are being systematically destroyed by pollution—most of which can be easily prevented.   Granted, a great deal of change needs to occur by governments and corporations; but even individual contributions can add up and make a difference.  Here are five ways that YOU can prevent pollution in your daily life:

1.    Drive Less

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

Last year several incidents involving recalled toys caused parents all over the world to stop and rethink what they are buying their children.  As a result, many families have made a commitment to buying only eco-friendly toys.  What does this mean?