The world population has reached a milestone this year exceeding 7 billion people. This is 7 billion reasons to begin doing our part in preserving the Earth’s precious resources. The longer we wait, the more difficult it will be  preserving the natural beauty earth provides.

Transportation

In major cities like Los Angeles and New York, numerous methods of public transportation are used to accommodate the increasing population.  The problem is that these cities are also famous for the smog in the air caused by these vehicles, which can be hazardous to all living things that breathe.  The California government has taken measures to have running vehicles inspected before every other annual registration. Incentives offered by the state include tax breaks and other stimulus programs related to buying hybrid vehicles.  Most employers with a large staff have joined forces with public transportation agencies to create ridesharing programs that not only reduce traffic but save money as well.

Organic Foods

Gone are the days when the food we ate came directly from the source that was deemed healthy. With our growing population being one factor, food products are being churned out at breakneck speed to keep up with demand.  Artificial hormones and pesticides are used on animals and produce to accelerate growth, yet have been proven to be potentially harmful if consumed on a regular basis.

Though certified organic foods are priced higher than non-organic foods and not always available in neighborhoods where incomes are low to modest, a growing number of people say that the benefits are worth the hassle in the long run.  In some large cities, co-operative farming is an option to paying high prices.  And some take the mystery out things by adapting a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle.

Green Cleaning

While many may love the crisp scent of an ocean breeze or flower garden, the truth is that it can be harmful to the respiratory system as well as ozone layer.  Most of these contain toxins that may bring on allergies, asthma and some have even been linked to cancer. Though organic cleaning products do not come in a wide variety of scents, they are just as effective and are become available in major grocers across the nation.  Seventh Generation and natural versions of name brand household cleaners use recyclable packaging and/or may be sold as a concentrate, which can save money.  Baking soda as a household cleaner is an inexpensive option that is effective, yet non-toxic.

<<= Live Chemical Free=>>

Dangers of Mercury

Metal has always been associated with something of value, whether it be currency or other tangible object.  What many do not know is that continuous exposure to lead, nickel or aluminum can be dangerous.  Mercury is the most dangerous due to the inability to break down and it has been found in edible fish as well as alkaline batteries and thermometers.  However, the severity of injury to a human depends on the type of mercury ingested. This can range from vomiting and/or body aches from mild exposure to a fatal illness resulting from continuous use.

For more information about going natural in your everyday life, contact the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as they have the facts as to how chemical and other toxins may bring harm to you and your family.

(links on this page are sponsored affiliate links, the owner is not a bonafide user of this product)

Automobiles

As our population grows, so does the need to get around.  Most major cities have public transportation systems that run 24 hours a day, seven days week but many still need the use of their own vehicle.  In states like California, the fuel emissions that create the majority of air smog are a great hazard to the general public. This has gotten so bad that the state government has stepped in to eliminate the situation. Measures such as mandatory smog checks on running vehicles, offering tax breaks and other stimulus programs related to buying hybrid vehicles and encouraging public and private organizations to offer ride-sharing incentives to employees.  While many are slowly converting to electric and hybrid vehicles as well as using public transportation, automobile fuel emissions are still a problem for those of us who like nice, clean air.

Foods

There was once a time when what we ate came directly from a farm where soil was rich with nutrients and the livestock was healthy.  Things have changed greatly in order to keep up with consumer needs and population growth.  For some time now, farmers and food manufacturers have taken shortcuts such as using growth hormones on animals so that they become larger or spraying pesticides to grow more produce.  Both hormones and pesticides have been linked to various forms of cancer in humans, which brings us to certified organic foods.  While priced higher than non-organic foods, many have testified that paying a higher price is very much worth the health benefits.  Some people are even growing fruits and vegetables in their own yard.  In addition, families are eliminating meat from their diets entirely.

Household

Many love the scent of a clean home but chemicals such as benzene and formalin are dangerous to the human body.  Prolonged exposure to these toxins may bring on allergies, asthma and other respiratory illness.  Some everyday cleaners have even been linked to cancer. Organic cleaning products may not have a strong aroma but they get the job just the same and can be found at most major retail chains.  Brands like Seventh Generation use recyclable packaging, making the costs similar to popular brands and others may come as a concentrate, which may also be of value to the consumer.  Another alternative could be to use natural products such as baking soda that do not cause harm when ingested.

Metals

We all tend to associate metal with something that is durable, related to currency or any tangible object worth having.  However, recent studies have shown the dangers of prolonged exposure to lead, nickel, aluminum and other metals we take for granted every day.  Right now, mercury is one of the greater culprits due to its inability to break down.  Found in most alkaline batteries, thermostats, thermometers and other things most of us cannot live without.  Yet, recent studies have found traces of mercury in different types of fish and certain nasal sprays and ointments.  Depending on the type of mercury and how ingested, a person can become either mildly ill with nausea and body aches but extreme exposure may be fatal.

Many health food retailers have information on how a person can shop for everyday consumer items that are chemical-free or organic.  Also the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has data about the potential harm that many chemicals may cause.

(links on this page are sponsored affiliate links, the owner is not a bonafide user of this product)

If you could have someone else pay your monthly gas and electric bills, you most likely wouldn’t stop them.

The process of geothermal energy takes heat directly from the earth and uses it to heat water and air through a looped piping system.  The heat itself is found 15 to 20 feet below the earth’s surface.  From there, it can be used as a closed loop system where the heat will go to homes and businesses through the water system.  Or, as an open loop system where it goes directly to the air and water we all take in.  So it’s kind of like our planet Earth is paying the monthly energy bill.

Home Geothermal System

In larger cities, where the green lifestyle is slowly becoming part of the norm, energy-savers like solar paneling and geothermal heat pump system are a part of a residential property.  This is a huge plus for anyone who buys a home with either of these included with the mortgage because the charges are minimal compared to the costs of paying a utility company every month.  If a homeowner is interested in having this installed, the average costs for a unit is around $5000.  This may seem like a lot of money but if a person plans to stay in their home for at least five years, they will recoup the expense.  Also, there are financing packages provided by some utility companies

As far as the equipment itself goes, these systems have an average life span of 20 years but warranties can go up to 50 years.  Maintenance is minimal due to the fact that the components are kept away from the effects of extreme weather conditions, dirt and vandalism.  Finally, the geothermal heat pumps are quiet and do not give random blasts of heat or cold air that must be adjusted manually for comfort.

<<=Learn How to Install A Geothermal System Yourself=>>

Public Geothermal System

Like home heating systems, U.S geothermal power plants provide an even stream of heating power with little maintenance.  These are also designed to provide power for a very long time and are compatible with our agricultural system.

Building more power plants on U.S. soil, along with increased direct use will help to generate revenue for federal and local governments.  It will also help to create more U.S. jobs, mostly in the construction and maintenance fields.  Native American tribes will also benefit since many of the potential resources are found in rural and remote areas

So What Are You Waiting On?

Like solar panel installation, geothermal contracting is a new business where finding an experienced professional is not like finding a place that sells burgers.  The best advice would be to get as much unbiased information as possible if considering for your home or business.  Like anyone who comes to your home to do business, you will want to know a little of their history – especially if a fair amount of money is involved.  Finding someone local to your area is ideal since they would be knowledgeable about ground conditions, energy availability and other pertinent information.  Don’t be afraid to ask outright about their experience or references.  You also may want to independently get information about eligibility for any tax or rebate incentives offered by the federal or state government.

<<= DIY Guide to Installing a Geothermal System=>>

(links on this page are sponsored affiliate links, the owner is not a bonafide user of this product)

There was once a time when recycling was limited to old newspapers, can and bottles.  A recycling center may give someone a dollar or two for about a pound of whatever they had to give away.  Or you may have participated in a fundraiser by collecting newspapers and received a prize or free lunch as a reward. There was little mention as to how this act would affect the country’s oil supply.

This time, the reward is much greater and instead of encouraging a small group of people, it is our duty to inform others about the benefits of recycling old computers, appliances and even non-running automobiles as it will help to conserve energy for the environment a great deal.

In the past decade, we as a nation have made strides towards making the earth a cleaner place to live.  These days, small efforts such as each person taking time to recycle paper, plastics and other materials to save energy count in the long run.  This has encouraged larger companies to take measures such as encouraging employee participation in recycling programs

Like anything else, there is always room for improvement when it comes to recycling.  Many people still do not realize how recycling affects oil consumption.  In today’s economy, with gas prices on the rise (again), this is not an effort that we cannot afford to ignore. Every single effort brings the United States closer to being less dependent on other countries for oil.

The discovery of alternative fuel is also helps to decrease the need for oil. Especially since we are buying fewer new cars and holding on to our old standby.  Those who cannot afford to purchase a hybrid or an electric vehicle can have their cars’ fuel system converted to run on soy or vegetable oil.  Under this system, the savings can be up to fifty percent or greater.  Also, alternative fuel is non-toxic and not only help to reduce emissions caused by fuel and oil but if you were to have an auto accident, there would be less chance of the vehicle catching fire.  This is why a person cannot smoke a cigarette at a traditional gas pump, gasoline is flammable.  Accidents happen but losing a piece of property unexpectedly can create all sorts of problems.

The lack of oil available to our country has also brought on a new phrase in the past couple of decades – ride-sharing.  At one time, PSAs and other mediums encouraged us to not take a ride from a stranger as it could result in an abduction or murder but there also an underground movement to save gas when it came to commuting to work or school.  It gave people a chance to know their neighbors, co-workers and those with related interests on a different level.  Companies began to form an alliance with public transportation companies to offer ride-sharing programs with employees.  In major cities, where traffic and smog are major factors, this reduces the need for oil consumption greatly.

So, the next time you see someone throwing an appliance out on the street, recycle it for more oil.

Almost forty years ago, solar-powered devices such as calculators and watches were the rage for those who were aware of the energy crisis or just appreciated novelty gadgets.  Well, by the end of the seventies, the novelty wore off as many realized that calculators and other solar-powered devices not only needed to be used indoors but when the sun went down as well.

This wasn’t the first attempt to create solar power.  Unofficial records go as far back as 1860, when inventors tried to use coal as a source of natural energy as it was the main source used to heat homes and keep things sanitary.  The problem was that burned coal doesn’t keep the air clean and continuous inhalation could be dangerous to one’s respiratory system.

<<= Learn How to Make Your Own Solar Panel=>>

Years later, PV (photovoltaic) systems based on solar power would gain more success in keeping the air clean and saving energy.  It converts natural sunlight into electricity, either by photovoltaic — a method of generating electrical power by converting solar radiation into direct current electricity by the use of a semiconductor — or, by the use of concentrated solar power. The latter is where mirrors or lenses are used to convert a large amount of sunlight into a small area.

The timing couldn’t have been better due to many turning to the green lifestyle as a way to save our planet so that these resources will be there for future generations. By using electronics and accessories that can be recharged as well as recycling paper and plastic products, we all can make a huge difference in saving the planet and relying on foreign countries to help supply our energy.  It’s also important to educate others so that they can take part as well.

Newer homes have solar paneling and other energy saving devices added on to save energy and cut utility costs.  Though the costs may be included in the price, many will find it pleasing to find that their utility bill greatly reduced.  Also, they could be eligible for tax breaks or other government rebates.

<<= Learn More Here=>>

By converting to a green household, gone are the worries of gas leaks and inhalation by you and your family. In states like California, rebate programs and tax credits are available to homeowners who choose solar energy systems for their home.  Then there are utility companies that offer incentives to those by that can cut a monthly bill by more than half.  They even offer credits back to residential customers called Solar Renew Energy Credits (SRECs), in the case of a home generating more solar power than needed. To find out more, go to the website or ask in person to speak to a representative that is knowledgeable in the solar energy process.

<<= Explore Homemade Alternative Energy=>>

(links on this page are sponsored affiliate links, the owner is not a bonafide user of this product)

Electric cars are defined as those that do not run on petroleum or diesel fuel and may require electricity to run.  Normally, photovoltaic (PV) cells are used to capture natural sunlight to make the engine run. Hybrid vehicles, which run on a combination of electricity and fuel, are a popular choice for those looking to save the earth’s energy. These cars get their energy from a battery pack that requires charging at a station.

Much speculation has been given as to the inventor was of the electric car.  Some records name American inventor Thomas Davenport or Dutch inventor Sibrandus Stratingh. Or even Scottish inventor Robert Anderson are given credit for making early models that date back to the mid 1800’s in Europe.  Whether these models were drivable is another discussion entirely.

Henry Ford, founder of Ford Motors was credited for making improvements to the electric car in the early 1900s.  His version was considered a far superior choice of automobiles, compared to the standard Model T.  Before Ford’s invention, people drove around in the hefty-sized vehicle that ran on a labor-intensive manual crank engine that took petroleum gas. The electric model was a much smoother ride when it came to start-up and acceleration.  It also emitted less fumes than most fuel-based vehicles at the time.  The negative was that cold weather affected the start time greatly, as it could take as long as forty minutes to warm up well enough to drive.  Also, the cost was much more than vehicles with fuel engines.

<<=Convert Your Car to Electric=>>

By the late 1960’s, the crank engines were history and electric cars were gradually phased out as gas prices plummeted.  Also being built were freeways and longer roads, so by this time improvements were to vehicles so that they could manage a longer travel time. As it was easier for a person with an average income to buy a newer vehicle that was easy to start, there was a downside.  The air was being polluted by the growing number of vehicle on the road.   Large cities like Los Angeles and New York were hit especially hard as they experienced sudden spurts in their population.

In the meantime, test models of electric cars were still being built and tested throughout the 1970s and 1980s.  In the 1990’s, the State of California and others began to place restrictions on vehicles that had noticeable emissions.  Though mandatory pre-registration smog testing helped to make the air a little cleaner, the demand for an electric automobile became greater.

This made giants like Ford and Toyota take notice.

Though sports utility vehicles (SUVs) of the 1990s were popular, between manufacturer callbacks and the amount of gas needed to fill the tank, consumers desired another alternative. The demand for vehicles that were both smaller and easier to deal with at the gas pump were in high demand

Hybrid versions of the Ford Fusion and Toyota Prius are great sellers though still more costly overall. With employment at a low, it is uncertain to say what will become of electric or hybrid cars.

<<=Learn How to Convert Your Gas Car to Electric=>>

(links on this page are sponsored affiliate links, the owner is not a bonafide user of this product)

Though foods that are deep fried are not always good to eat, they are good for our planet.  Meaning the oil used in restaurants can be recycled as clean fuel for most automobiles.  Getting an automobile converted to use vegetable oil may be an expense for some but your car will love it in the end.

California requires that all vehicles that are in operation be inspected for smog emissions when they are registered and for every other renewal registration.  Cars that do not pass the 15- 20 minute inspection cannot be registered.  Should they fall in this category, they must go to a mechanic in their area that is designated by the state to make smog repairs.  While California can finance some or all of the expenses, handling the paperwork can be an arduous task.

Converting a car’s fuel system to accept biodiesel can eliminate this hassle and stress.

Biodiesel fuel is made of fatty acid, alkyl esters, fatty acid methyl esters, also known as FAME, or long-chain mono-alkyl esters. These ingredients are found in recycled oil that has been cleaned of food and particles. The vegetable oil and animal fat used to cook food make for a cleaner fuel alternative.

<<=Make Your Own Biodiesel=>>

For the person who cannot yet afford to get a new vehicle may find this to be good news because it also makes for better lubrication of the cars’ engine and leaves behind less particle deposits that can have a negative effect on the car’ s overall performance.  This is important to keep in mind because if these particles remain, they can cause great damage to the engine.  Anyone who knows something about cars knows that engine repair or replacement can be very expensive.

Another benefit to using biodiesel fuel is that because it is non-toxic, there is limited exposure to hazardous materials and waste.  Say you are involved in a car accident, the chances of there being an explosion are greatly reduced and the greatest expense would either be replacing a part, body damage or both – but you would still have a car.

Now before you begin experimenting with making your own non-toxic fuel at home, this is recommended having an experienced person walk you through the steps.  One wrong move can cause as much engine damage as leftover particle residue from regular diesel gas.

If you are still curious as to how to fuel conversion process works, do some research as this is serious business.  Note the components in different oils that make it compatible to make biodiesel fuel.    Though you may be tempted to experiment with your vehicle or anxious to resolve a prior issue in your car’s engine or fuel system please get advice from a reputable firm.

<<=Learn More About Making Your Own Biodiesel=>>

(links on this page are sponsored affiliate links, the owner is not a bonafide user of this product)

Buying batteries these days can be tricky.  It seems that a small pack of batteries is getting harder to find or, when a person does find a disposable two or four-pack, the batteries don’t last any time.  Some people save themselves the hassle by just getting a bulk pack of disposable batteries from their favorite mass discount store.  This way, they can say that they’ve saved a little money as well.  While rechargeable lithium batteries may be a good choice for the household that has many electronic devices, using a battery charging service may be more practical.

<<=Click Here to Learn How to Recondition Batteries=>>

A battery charging service is not fancy but becoming a necessity.  It’s just a matter of using special equipment to detect whether a lithium battery is even worth charging.  Re-conditioned (or recharged) batteries can be worse than buying disposables because a completely dead battery may damage a charger that is sold at discount stores.

A computerized battery analyzer can determine whether a lithium battery that has been charged numerous times is worth the trouble of charging again.  This little gadget can be found at hardware stores or online and the price averages $100.

For the household that uses scores of electronics, this is where the payoff comes in.  The computerized battery analyzer not only detects dead batteries that have no chance and should be disposed immediately but also charges undamaged batteries that can still handle a charge. For those looking to conserve and recycle, this could be a lucrative side business geared toward a clientele that prefers a green lifestyle, or is just looking to save a few dollars.

<<=Reconditioning Batteries For a Fraction of Buying New=>>

For households with video games, televisions, portable electronics that do not require AC charging, it may be wise to try out a computerized battery analyzer instead of relying (and replacing) home battery chargers.

If a person finds buying batteries in bulk works best, they may want to consider investing in a home charger in the future. Not only are they making a difference in the environment but should a natural disaster occur, they will have a backup just in case they run out of disposables.

Investing in a home charger is also recommended for the person who goes through large packs in six months or less.  Should they find themselves in a position to buy a computerized battery analyzer, they should take advantage.

Though many electronics run on USB power, some people don’t need batteries like they once did.  However, if they’re looking to save money, they can buy two and four-packs at dollar stores. If they choose this option, one thing to look out for is the expiration date on disposable alkaline batteries.  Some of these items may have sat for months at another retail operation before being shipped to the dollar store.  So in the case of disposable batteries, the life span may be really short.

<<= Recondition All Types of Batteries=>>

(links on this page are sponsored affiliate links, the owner is not a bonafide user of this product)

If you could have someone else pay your monthly gas and electric bills, you most likely wouldn’t stop them.

The process of geothermal energy takes heat directly from the earth and uses it to heat water and air through a looped piping system.  The heat itself is found 15 to 20 feet below the earth’s surface.  Utilizing  a closed loop system, the earth heats and cools an antifreeze solution that is run throughout  the homes and businesses and serves as the primary source of heat and cool.  An open loop system uses the same principal, however, pumps water from a lake, pond, or well through the heat pump and discharged back into the original source.  Your house or business is literally sitting on an unlimited amount of energy just waiting to be tapped!

Home Geothermal System

In larger cities, where the green lifestyle is slowly becoming part of the norm, energy-savers like solar paneling and geothermal heat pump system are a part of a residential property. This is a huge plus for anyone who buys a home with either of these included with the mortgage because the charges are minimal compared to the costs of paying a utility company every month. If a homeowner is interested in having this installed, the average costs for a unit is around $5000.  This may seem like a lot of money but if a person plans to stay in their home for at least five years, they will recoup the expense.  Geothermal Heat Pumps is an excellent book outlining the process in great detail and walks the reader through cutting the overall cost of installation.

As far as the equipment itself goes, these systems have an average life span of 20 years but warranties can go up to 50 years.  Maintenance is minimal due to the fact that the components are kept away from the effects of extreme weather conditions, dirt and vandalism.  Finally, the geothermal heat pumps are quiet and do not give random blasts of heat or cold air that must be adjusted manually for comfort.

<<=Learn How to Install Your Own Geothermal System=>>

Public Geothermal System

Like home heating systems, U.S geothermal power plants provide an even stream of heating power with little maintenance.  These are also designed to provide power for a very long time and are compatible with our agricultural system.

Building more power plants on U.S. soil, along with increased direct use will help to generate revenue for federal and local governments.  It will also help to create more U.S. jobs, mostly in the construction and maintenance fields. Native American tribes will also benefit since many of the potential resources are found in rural and remote areas

So What Are You Waiting On?

Like solar panel installation, geothermal contracting is a new business where finding an experienced professional is not like finding a place that sells burgers.  The best advice would be to get as much unbiased information as possible if considering for your home or business.  Like anyone who comes to your home to do business, you will want to know a little of their history – especially if a fair amount of money is involved.  Finding someone local to your area is ideal since they would be knowledgeable about ground conditions, energy availability and other pertinent information.  Don’t be afraid to ask outright about their experience or references.  You also may want to independently get information about eligibility for any tax or rebate incentives offered by the federal or state government.

<<=Learn More About Geothermal Systems=>>

(links on this page are sponsored affiliate links, the owner is not a bonafide user of this product)

With the increasing costs of gasoline, many are coming up with new and innovative ways to both save money and the planet.  Fuel emissions are some of the worst air pollutants in most major cities as they cause respiratory problems and weakened immune systems for all living beings.

While states such as California make smog inspections mandatory for all running cars to be registered and insured, there are still some vehicles on the road that have dirty emissions that help t create a dirty environment.

Enter the biodiesel fueling process, which has been proven to reduce gas emissions, ethanol and conventional diesel fuels, which has been known to release sulfur emissions.

Biodiesel is a type of liquid fuel that is comprised of fatty acid, alkyl esters, fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), or long-chain mono-alkyl esters. It is non-toxic and biodegradable and mostly made up of new and recycled vegetable oil and animal fat.  This makes it a cleaner fuel alternative for vehicles that normally use diesel fuel.

<<= Learn How To Make Your Own Biodiesel =>>

If you’re trying to get the most out of your older vehicle, this is good news.  Not only does biodiesel fuel reduce the car’s emissions but provides better lubrication for the car’s engine and leaves fewer particulate deposits that can, over time, weaken a car’s performance.  If particle buildup is ignored for a period of time, or left unnoticed, it may cause serious and expensive damage to the car engine.

There was once a time when a person had a better time finding a four-leaf clover than a biodiesel fuel pump station and this led people to come up with ways to convert their vehicles to accept biodiesel over traditional diesel gas.  Some brave people even converted their petroleum gas vehicles into biodiesel vehicles.

These days, there are almost 800 public biodiesel fuel stations across the United States. A listing of stations can be found on the U.S. Department of Energy’s website. Listed are the stations verified to offer biodiesel at blends of B20 (20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel) or higher.

Another benefit to converting is the creation of more green jobs that are U.S.-based.  Because biodiesel fuel is non-toxic, there is limited exposure to hazardous materials and waste, a risky factor normally associated with these types of occupations.

For those who have the DIY spirit, making your own non-toxic fuel is relatively simple and can be produced using a number of different techniques for under $1 per gallon .  Kits or guides may be found online for around $30, and is recommended to follow the instructions closely.

Besides vegetable, seed and soybean oil, people may also solicit restaurants for recycled oil.  If you are still curious as to how to fuel conversion process works, read here.  Study and take note of the components in different oils that make it compatible to make biodiesel fuel.  Learn how a biodiesel processor works as these should be used carefully.

<<= Learn How To Make Your Own Biodiesel For Under $1 Per Gallon=>>

(links on this page are sponsored affiliate links, the owner is not a bonafide user of this product)