(NAPSI)—The next time you start up your lawn mower, string trimmer or other equipment powered by a gas engine, think about adding a fuel preservative to protect your investment from the harmful effects of ethanol fuel blends.

According to engine experts, ethanol fuels begin to deteriorate almost the moment they are pumped, and can break down in the fuel tank causing rust, corrosion, buildup and even significant engine damage. This is particularly an issue in engines only used occasionally—like those on lawn mowers, generators and snow throwers, as well as engines powering sporting equipment such as boats, snowmobiles and ATVs.

A potent new fuel preservative developed by Briggs & Stratton, the largest maker of gas engines for outdoor power equipment, provides an easy and inexpensive way to prevent damage caused by ethanol-blended gas while also keeping the fuel fresh for up to three years.

The Advanced Formula Fuel Treatment & Stabilizer protects any gas engine, including 2-cycle engines like those on trimmers, which use a blend of oil and gasoline. This protection may be more important than ever?ethanol-blended fuels now account for nearly 90 percent of all fuel sold in the U.S., according to the Renewable Fuels Association. The longer these blends sit in the fuel tank, the more damage they can do, resulting in starting issues, rough running and even severe engine damage.

“Ethanol-based fuels attract moisture, which eventually separates from the fuel, forming a layer of ethanol-enriched water at the bottom of the tank where it does its damage,” explains Eric Risse, fuel systems engineer at Briggs & Stratton.

A Solution

Briggs & Stratton’s Advanced Formula Fuel Treatment & Stabilizer combines a proprietary “triple antioxidant” formula with other ingredients to fight water separation and protect the entire fuel system. Corrosion inhibitors form a protective barrier on metal parts while detergent ingredients help prevent gum and varnish buildup.

A metal deactivator works to stop the aggressive chemical reactions caused by dissolved metal ions in the fuel. The net result: extreme protection against fuel-related problems.

The company cautions consumers to avoid certain fuels altogether in small gas engines because of their damaging effects. These include fuels containing more than 10 percent ethanol (such as E15 or E85 gasoline) and gasoline containing other alcohol blends.

Learn More

For more information on products for outdoor power equipment, visit www.briggsandstratton.com or call (800) 444-7774.

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Splurge vs. save: Which home improvement projects are worth the expense?


(ARA) – There’s no place like home. It’s this sense of pride that drives so many of us to embark on home improvement projects each year, some of which can be extensive and expensive.

Before investing in any project, there are several things you should ask yourself to help you evaluate how you’ll live in the space. Think about how long you intend to live in the home, what the space will be used for now and in the future, how the size and dynamic of your family might change and what rooms you use the most. It’s also important to get a handle on your budget from the get-go.

After considering some of these things, educate yourself on the actual remodeling process. As you’ll quickly discover, there are countless online resources with ideas and tools to help plan out each step of the remodel. Merillat, known for its innovative and functional cabinetry and storage, offers some helpful resources to help you visualize and plan a new kitchen or bath space at www.merillat.com.

For most of us, budget constraints give us pause as we consider where to splurge and where to save. Here are a few things to think about as you determine which projects to begin and which you might consider delaying or scaling back on.

* What can you do yourself? There are some projects you can handle on your own, assuming you do the proper research and preparation. For example, painting is a relatively easy do-it-yourself project that can dramatically change a space. While many homeowners dread the tedious process and prep that goes into it, the decision to do it yourself could save you thousands of dollars.

* What can wait? Think of your home as ever-changing and always improving. For the average person who doesn’t have an unlimited budget, it means having to bench some projects for a while. Sarah Reep, director of designer relations and education for Merillat, encourages homeowners to come up with a project priority list, starting with “must-haves” and ending with “nice-to-haves.” For example, projects like landscaping, basement renovations and luxuries like an electric fireplace typically fall into the “nice-to-have” category and could be delayed or completed in phases.

* Where should you invest? Consider how you’ll live in the space. Kitchens and bathrooms are investment worthy because they always serve the same purpose and are two of the most lived-in spaces of the home. Cabinetry, countertops and appliances designed to support the ways you’ll use these spaces are a solid investment both for resell value and everyday enjoyment. For example, choose a countertop material such as DeNova’s Natural Quartz surfacing that stands up to heat, resists chips and cracks better than other materials and is mold-, mildew- and stain-resistant — all characteristics important in these areas of the home. In addition, invest in cabinetry “extras” like Merillat’s storage and organizational solutions to make life in the kitchen easier and adaptable as your needs change.

No matter what the project, professional designers are a great resource. Consider engaging one early on in the process.

“One of the biggest advantages to working with a designer on a home project is that they really understand functionality, while accomplishing your desired style,” says Reep. “Designers can also help you determine your priorities and offer advice on which projects should be a focus and where you might be able to cut costs.”

For more home remodeling ideas and tips, visit www.merillat.com.

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NAPSI)—Even as federal tax credits for traditional heating and cooling systems have decreased, incentives for geothermal systems remain considerably higher—at 30 percent of the installed cost of the system with no limit. In fact, homeowners can take advantage of the federal residential renewable energy tax credit through December 31, 2016. What’s more, the credit is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2009 and can be used in combination with utility rebates and state tax incentives to make geothermal systems more affordable than ever.

The savings associated with operating a geothermal system are just as attractive. By taking advantage of the abundant source of free solar energy stored in the earth to heat and cool a home, a geothermal heating and cooling system can save homeowners as much as 70 percent on their cooling bills in summer. The system can also provide supplemental hot water, saving homeowners even more. Instead of being extracted from the ground to preheat hot water, the heat comes from the house.

A geothermal system offers a number of other benefits, including even distribution of heating and cooling for improved comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, improved indoor air quality, quiet operation, little to no maintenance and a life span that exceeds 24 years.

To qualify for the tax credit, residential systems must meet ENERGY STAR requirements. Homeowners can file for the credit by completing the Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit, Form 5695. A copy of the form, as well as an informative brochure that explains the federal tax incentive and a listing of those products that qualify for the tax credit, is available on the WaterFurnace website at www.waterfurnace.com.

To learn more about federal tax credits and the many other benefits that a geothermal system offers, visit the site or talk to a WaterFurnace expert at (800) GEO-SAVE.

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Energy Tips

(NAPSI)—There’s a new resource to help keep older adults safe and warm during the cold weather months.

A new brochure, “Winter Warmth and Safety: Home Energy Tips for Older Adults,” provides tips about preparing a home for winter weather and saving money on energy expenses, including:

• Make sure your home is energy efficient by installing a programmable thermostat and sealing and insulating ducts. More advice is available from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program at www.energystar.gov.

• Take advantage of special heating assistance funds and utility no-cutoff programs.

Learn More

For a free copy of the brochure, call (800) 677-1116 or download it at www.eldercare.gov.

The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, administered by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.

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The national lighting design competition, Lighting for Tomorrow, hosted by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency and the American Lighting Association will feature guest judge, Chad Ray, owner of Zebulon based multitude of sustainable companies, Shields of Green (

http://www.shieldsofgreen.com).

Chad Ray is co-owner of the Shields of Green companies (
http://www.shieldsofgreen.com), a multigenerational and family owned multitude of companies all focused on sustainability, energy conservation, and stewardship. The Shields of Green companies include Ray Family Farms, a Bunn, NC based organic farm, Olde Heritage Builders, a Zebulon based Green home building company, Build Trust Contractors, a group of sustainable construction experts, Energy Savers of NC, a residential energy auditing company, and many more. In addition, Chad Ray, known as “the green building guy”, is a Green consultant with years of experience as a speaker and advisor on sustainability efforts throughout the building process.

Ray has been invited to judge this year’s national lighting design competition, Lighting for Tomorrow. The efforts of the Lighting for Tomorrow Competition are to advance the energy –efficient lighting industry and encourage innovation in the new use of light sources. This competition is backed by about two dozen energy efficiency organizations from the US and Canada who have pledged over $150,000 to help fund this national competition.

This year, Lighting for Tomorrow is designated into two specific categories, lighting control devices and solid state lighting fixtures and replacement lamps. The lighting control category will be judging the products based on functionality, ease of use and installation, innovation and ability to work with other systems and existing lights. These specific lighting control devices must be compatible with both LED and florescent technologies.

The solid state lighting competition division is in its fifth year, and will feature designs judged on the basis of performance, style and energy efficiency of the lights. This competition is open to a very broad range of residential lighting applications and fixture types as well as replacement lamps.

The Lighting for Tomorrow winners will be announced at the American Lighting Association Conference in Palm Beach, Florida from September 11th-13th. Winners will be promoted by energy efficiency programs across the US and Canada.

For more information about Lighting for Tomorrow, visit
http://www.lightingfortomorrow.com. For more information about Shields of Green, visit
http://www.shieldsofgreen.com
SOURCE:WidePR.com

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Green Occupations Are Growing (449) (NewsUSA) – A combination of legislation and activism is inspiring companies to consider the “green” side to their business. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows environmentally related occupations are projected to grow 38 percent more than all other occupations combined by 2016. The report, “Current and Potential Green Jobs in the U.S. Economy,” predicts the highest growth of green jobs will be in renewable power generation, retrofitting residential and commercial areas and in renewable transportation fuels. As a result, universities are increasingly integrating economic, environmental and social issues into their curriculum. One of these institutions, DeVry University, has created several green-focused specializations to build on the school’s core degree programs — including business administration with a specialization in sustainability management, and electronics engineering technology with a specialization in renewable energy. “Education needs to reflect this trend for the future leaders who will build economic and technological capital while considering the impact on social and natural resources,” said Jesus Fernandez, associate provost for curriculum at DeVry University. “DeVry University’s green curriculum adds focus on sustainability and environmental impact to the core business and electronics engineering technology degree programs.” Fernandez offers three main growth areas: Sustainability Management An emerging area for leadership involves resource conservation, pollution prevention and the regulation and enforcement for process and procedure to be made more efficient and with greater sustainability. Those interested in sustainability management should explore coursework that provides a sound foundation of business and management principles while emphasizing green considerations, technologies and economic factors. Renewable Energy Relating to the production, transmission and storage of sustainable energy sources — wind, solar, geothermal and biomass power — many of the skills needed in engineering, design, planning or project management for renewable sources of energy are similar to those needed in traditional energy fields. A strong engineering technology and electronics foundation, like DeVry University’s Renewable Energy specialization, provides an emphasis on alternative power sources and the economics of green engineering. “Changing Skill” Occupations With the increasing cultural shift toward environmental stewardship, there is a substantial need for employees of all levels to understand the green process. Students now have the opportunity to add desirable green skills to their existing area of expertise ? be it marketing, operations, finance or management. Green job growth won’t slow down anytime soon — it is currently outpacing even total job growth. Between 1998 and 2007, U.S. green jobs increased by 9.1 percent with little government investment — almost 150 percent more than total job growth of 3.7 percent for the same period. Moving forward, companies will require employees to understand “green,” and it will be essential for graduates to prepare themselves for this changing environment. Students interested in these exciting programs and careers should visit www.devry.edu for more information.

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Plastics Create Oil With Energy to Spare (380) (NewsUSA) – America’s quest to reduce its fuel consumption and dependence on foreign oil may lead it to look for energy sources in new places — like the bottom of a trash barrel. JBI, Inc. (OTCBB:JBII), a global technology company, has developed a process, called Plastic2Oil (P2O), that converts raw, unwashed, unsorted plastic waste into a fuel similar to biofuel. In April 2010, an independent laboratory, Islechem, validated the P2O process through extensive chemical, analytical and process engineering testing. Islechem tested the process over 40 times using multicolored, mixed plastics. The laboratory determined that the P20 process is repeatable and can be done on a large scale. Approximately 85 to 90 percent of the hydrocarbon composition in the feedstock is converted into a “near diesel” fuel, while about 8 percent is converted to a usable off gas much like natural gas. In addition, only 1 percent of the plastic becomes residue, and that residue does not contain any highly toxic elements and is safe for landfill disposal. Even better, more energy is produced than consumed by the process. Early data suggest that the process creates twice as much energy as it uses. “It takes energy to produce energy. The key is to get more energy from the final product than it takes to make it,” said JBI, Inc. CEO John Bordynuik. “Our process has a high positive energy balance of 2.0, while gasoline from crude has a negative energy balance of 0.81.” The fuel produced by the P20 process has another major advantage over gasoline from crude oil — its production, including labor, costs only about $10 a barrel. Gasoline from crude oil uses more energy than it produces and currently costs between $75 and $85 a barrel — and yet gasoline companies yield high profits. A process like P20 could revolutionize the market by creating high-quality fuel at much lower costs, while also helping to reduce the amount of plastic that becomes pollution or ends up in landfills. JBI, Inc. is currently in talks to create P20 processing facilities in Europe, Florida, New York, California, Colorado, Wisconsin, Georgia and Ohio. The company is also looking for waste disposal or recycling companies, and people with under-utilized facilities to convert into P2O factories. For more information, visit www.plastic2oil.com or www.jbiglobal.com.

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(NAPSI)-When thinking about ways to reduce your environmental footprint, a great place to start being “green” may be the office, whether at home or at work. From paper and printers to lights and furniture, there are many ways to make a difference. Going green can be easy and it can become part of your daily routine. There is a wide selection of products that incorporate environmental features, such as recycled content, environmental certifications and environmentally friendly designs to help you go green. Here are 10 easy and affordable ways to reduce your environmental impact at the office:

Eco-Friendly Tips for Any Office

1. Whether it’s reusing old stationery as scratch paper, setting up a recycle bin for cans and water bottles or separating boxes and newspapers, make sure materials in the office are properly sorted to be recycled.

2. Take your old computers, monitors, laptops, printers, faxes and all-in-ones to any Staples U.S. store and drop them off at the customer service desk to be recycled. All brands are accepted for recycling regardless of where they were purchased. Staples also provides ink and toner cartridge recycling.

3. Set up computers and other energy-draining equipment (copiers, fax machines) to go on standby to reduce energy consumption. Consider ENERGY STAR?certified products, which are 50 percent more energy efficient than standard units.

4. Save materials and important documents digitally on your computer instead of in file cabinets. Consider a printer from the Staples HP EcoEasy line of printers, which use up to 50 percent less paper with double-sided printing.

5. Turn off equipment at the end of the day or before the weekend starts and unplug equipment until it is needed, since many machines consume energy even in the “off” position.

6. Replace any incandescent lightbulbs with compact fluorescent lightbulbs that last up to 10 times longer.

7. Make over your desk with eco-conscious products. In addition to recycled paper, Staples offers a wide selection of eco-conscious products such as bamboo flash drives and remanufactured toner cartridges.

8. Use eco-conscious cleaning products when tidying up the office. Staples’ Sustainable Earth® cleaning products provide powerful cleaning action and minimize impacts to the environment.

9. Look into furniture and cubicles that are Greenguard certified (www.greenguard.org). The materials in these products have been tested for toxic emissions. Products that are under the allowable limits of toxins are defined by the U.S. Green Building Council as Greenguard products.

10. Carpool to work; if you and a co-worker live by each other, riding to work together will reduce polluting car emissions. If you live close to work, think about walking or riding a bike.

For more information on going green, visit www.staples.com/ecoeasy.<br><br>

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RALEIGH, N.C. — Gemini Energy Services, a division of Orion International, has been awarded a $200,000 Workforce Development grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, to create a tailored training curriculum for military veterans that will translate their military skill set into a Technical career within the Wind Industry. Orion International has committed an additional $154,000 to the grant award for training, tools and equipment costs, and will oversee the continuation of the program once the grant funding has been exhausted.

“Veterans are ideally suited for the Wind Industry due to their leadership experience, technical skill, and proven performance under the most difficult of situations, and yet a lack of wind-specific training can present a barrier to entry”

“Veterans are ideally suited for the Wind Industry due to their leadership experience, technical skill, and proven performance under the most difficult of situations, and yet a lack of wind-specific training can present a barrier to entry,” said Mike Starich, President of Orion International. “We are pleased to have been awarded this grant by the DOE, which will allow us to develop an industry leading military-specific training curriculum to eliminate this barrier.”

The program will create an intensive multi-phase training curriculum, combining OSHA, industry-specific, and OEM training segments, as well as on-the-job practical work experience. Participants will be hired as employees of Gemini Energy Services, and will be supplied with all tools and equipment necessary to begin their career as Wind Technicians.

Upon program completion, the Veterans will be fully trained and qualified Wind Technicians, with immediate career opportunities within the Wind Industry. They will have the option to continue their employment with Gemini Energy Services as contract service technicians, or use Orion’s military career placement services to seek permanent employment within the Wind Industry.

According to James Haley, Director of Operations for Gemini Energy Services, “We are thrilled with the opportunity to create a world-class training and employment program for Veterans in the Wind Industry, at no cost to them. It is an added bonus that we will not merely be training these Veterans, but will provide career placement as well, in turn increasing the level of expertise and professionalism within the Wind Industry as a whole.
Read More:CarolinaNewsWire

<b>Green power makes lawn and garden care more eco-friendly<br />
</b><img src=’http://www.aracontent.com/images/10195_B2_rgb5.jpg’ align=’right’><br>(ARA) – When the sun shines on a beautiful summer day, it’s easy to gauge how important our yards are. Take a walk around your neighborhood and you’ll likely see a majority of your neighbors out mowing lawns, pulling weeds, cutting flowers and more. And once the work of maintaining the yard is done, it becomes the scene of garden parties, backyard barbeques and games like bocce and croquet.<br />
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The amount of time that we spend in our yards also tells us something about how we value nature and the environment. If you’re taking the time to meticulously care for your lawn and garden, it makes sense to do so in an eco-friendly way.<br />
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When you use green power to care for your lawn and garden, not only will you be watching out for yourself, your family and your pets, you’ll be doing good for the environment by using methods and products that are gentle on the Earth. Plus, you’ll be popular with your neighbors – your yard will be in perfect shape without the annoyances of noisy equipment and harsh fumes.<br />
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Here are some eco-conscious tips to keep in mind as you care for your lawn and garden throughout the summer.<br />
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* Mow with low emissions. The costs of mowing a big lawn with a conventional <a href=”http://www.rechargemower.com”>lawnmower</a> are high, both on your pocketbook and the environment, but it’s a job that needs to be tackled with the help of a mower.<br />
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In the past, using a more environmentally friendly mower would have meant dealing with the cord tangles and tugging that go along with keeping an electric version plugged in or the tedium of pushing a reel mower by hand. Luckily, the Recharge Mower combines the best of both worlds: a full-size, <a href=”http://www.rechargemower.com”>cordless mower</a> with no emissions and which requires no gas or oil because it is electric and fully rechargeable. Because it has hand operated controls rather than confusing gear shifters, it makes lawn care easy. For more information, go to www.rechargemower.com.<br />
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* Use green power instead of gas power. Tackling the other trimming jobs in the garden, other than just mowing, often leads to people pulling out gas-guzzling, oil-burning tools that are so noisy you need to wear protective headphones while using them. They add to the clutter in your garage with environmentally unsound canisters of oil and gas, and turn those fluids to noxious fumes when used.<br />
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Instead of revving up a noisy, harmful engine when it’s time to trim hedges, consider using a rechargeable lithium-ion battery powered tool. They’re cordless, which makes maneuvering between plants easier, plus they recharge quickly and can be stored for long periods of time without losing their charge.<br />
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* Plant organic, grow organic. If, like so many other people, you’re choosing to grow vegetables and fruits in your yard, look for seeds or starters that have been organically produced and grown. By doing that, you’ll be starting out with plants that have a minimum of pesticides and chemicals in them – then it’s up to you to keep the theme going. Choose plant foods and treatments, along with pest repellents, that are organic – look for certification from independent agencies like OMRI, the Organic Materials Review Institute.<br />
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With the world’s environmental consciousness expanding more and more, it’s easier than ever to find natural, organic and eco-friendly garden and yard solutions. And when you choose to trim your lawn and plants with an <a href=”http://www.rechargemower.com”>environmentally friendly mower</a> or power tools, and use organic plant care, you’ll be giving back to the environment that you value so much.<br />
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Courtesy of ARAcontent<br />
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