Flip Burgers with Mother Nature — Grill Green This Summer

(ARA) – Each spring, millions of grilling enthusiasts dust off the grill in anticipation of another fun-filled summer of backyard barbecues. But at what cost to the environment? According to Sierra magazine, the estimated 60 million barbecues held on the Fourth of July alone in the U.S. consume enough energy — in the forms of charcoal, lighter fluid, gas and electricity — to power 20,000 households for a year.

If this statistic has your grilling outlook going from sunny to overcast, don’t panic. It’s quite easy to minimize your environmental impact while grilling by taking a few simple steps that won’t diminish your grilling experience. Yes, you too can grill green, and these simple tips will help you get your grill on while keeping Mother Earth on your good side. After all, charcoal has been in use since the days of Henry Ford, but you’re not still driving a Model T, are you?

One of the biggest factors in grilling green is the fuel source used to grill. All grilling fuels use natural resources and emit pollutants into the environment, but some do so at a much greater cost than others. Charcoal grills and lighter fluid contribute more to ground-level ozone, which is produced when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic chemicals combine in hot weather conditions. In addition, charcoal produces more carbon monoxide and particulates than other grilling options.

Though gas grills offer one of the quickest ways to barbecue, the grills can be expensive to purchase, liquid propane gas is a non-renewable fossil fuel and many a barbecue have been put on hold due to empty propane tank syndrome. But charcoal and gas aren’t the only fuel sources to consider when grilling. Recent innovations in the industry have opened the door to a greener grilling experience.

One such innovation is the FlameDisk — a charcoal alternative made from solid ethanol, a renewable biofuel. Food grilled on the FlameDisk tastes just like it was grilled over charcoal, but using this eco-friendly grill fuel emits 99 percent less carbon monoxide and 91 percent fewer VOCs than grilling with charcoal. Plus the by-products created when ethanol is burned include only water and a modest amount of carbon dioxide.

And unlike lighter fluid and propane gas, the FlameDisk is not derived from non-renewable petroleum. Wood is another green grill fuel option, but like charcoal it burns dirty, producing tiny soot particles that pollute the air and can cause health problems. However, unlike charcoal, the ash from wood can be disposed of in your garden, and is a greener option when obtained from a sustainable source like hickory or mesquite.

Your selection of grilling accessories also determines how much impact your grilling experience has on the environment. Not only can using real plates and silverware add some class to your next cookout, you’ll be reducing your waste by steering clear of the paper and plastic. In addition, many highly biodegradable disposable options have recently become available on the market. If you’re wrapping food in aluminum foil, consider using 100 percent recycled aluminum. Cleanup can be both easy and green when you use natural cleaners, many of which you can make safely and affordably in your own kitchen using common ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice and water.

While charcoal reigned supreme in the days of Henry Ford, there’s no reason the modern day barbecue can’t save the earth one burger or tofu dog at a time. While no one expects you to cook your next turkey with a solar oven, it’s just good sense to consider grilling green as an eco-friendly barbecue option in the 21st century. While it might not be as green as switching over to a hybrid car, any reduction in your carbon footprint can make a difference over time. So move over charcoal, here comes something greener!

For more information on the FlameDisk and how you can grill green this summer, go to www.FlameDisk.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

More American cities are passing green mandates – laws requiring builders to adhere to environmental standards.

(NewsUSA) – When Washington, D.C. passed its Green Building Act of 2006, a mandate stating that all new private real estate developments need to follow the LEED (Leader in Energy and Environmental Design) standards set by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), it broke new ground. Building green became the new industry norm.

When builders “go green,” they erect efficient buildings that use fewer resources, improve indoor air health and minimize environmental impact. Cities have embraced green building to save energy, water and waste-management costs. From 2003 to 2007, the American cities with green building mandates grew from 22 to 92, a 418 percent increase.

How do buildings go green? The LEED system certifies buildings as silver, gold or platinum. Platinum buildings most closely follow the USGBC’s environmental standards, which look at location, water conservation, energy consumption, atmosphere, materials, indoor health quality, innovation and design.

A truly green building relies on a marriage between eco-friendly consumer products, like low-flow faucets, and renewable energy sources. Architects know to begin with sustainable building blocks -; choosing strong, energy-efficient building material can help ventilation and heating and cooling systems use less energy while improving indoor air quality.

For example, one company, Alternative Construction Technologies, Inc. (ACTech), has developed insulated structural panels made from 75 percent recycled materials. In tests, the ACTech panel system proves up to 65 percent more energy-efficient than traditional building materials. Buildings constructed using the system will waste less energy, so renewable energies, like wind and solar power, can be incorporated to optimize their intended economies and efficiencies.

The panels improve indoor air quality and acoustics. They are also firesafe and able to withstand hurricane-force winds, making them a safe building material in natural disaster-prone areas.

As American cities look to improve their carbon footprint, they must combine green materials with eco-friendly energy sources. Fourteen percent of U.S. cities with populations over 50,000 already have green building mandates, while another 36 cities plan to enact them.

For more information about the ACTech Panel System, visit www.actechpanel.com or call 1-800-859-8813. ACTech trades on the OTC Bulletin under ACCY.

(ARA) – If you’re torn between your concern for the environment and your need to make a living, good news is on the horizon. Rising demand for environmentally friendly alternatives for fossil fuels is opening up new career opportunities for professionals in a variety of fields.

Growing environmental concern and limited fossil fuel supplies are driving the growth of domestic and international markets for renewable energy systems, the U.S. Department of Energy reports. Rising demand for cleaner energy directly affects career opportunities in industries related to renewable resources.

“The 2008 economic forecast suggests that one of the newest, fastest growing markets for jobs will be alternative energy,” says Sheryl Decker, director of career services at Brown Mackie College – South Bend, Ind. Decker recently attended a business outlook panel presented by Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. “Growth opportunities appear in companies that are exploring the use of wind, solar, geothermal, hydropower and bioenergy power technologies.”

Millions of professionals already work in alternative energy industries, yet more are needed, including:

* chemists
* engineers
* sales and marketing professionals
* administrators
* managers
* clerical workers
* human resources
* information technology
* business
* finance
* law

“Professionals who are already in the workforce, and students seeking to enter into a green career, can prepare with a number of degree programs and continuing education courses,” Decker says. “Many different types of skills can be applied to these upcoming industries.”

“Alternative energy companies are seeking professionals to fill a wide variety of positions, including mechanical engineer, project manager, programmer analyst, IT sourcing specialist, administrative assistant and marketing director,” she says.

”Business Week” magazine reports that a growing number of professionals are moving to jobs in renewable energy fields to promote their own personal environmental concerns. While some intend to transfer existing skills to a different industry, others are making a mid-life career change simply to become part of the solution for the many environmental issues we face today.

The rising cost of oil is proving to be a catalyst for the further development of alternative energy sources. While substantial growth is happening now, Decker points out that many people don’t yet realize the opportunities it affords.

“People tend to overlook many untapped markets and job opportunities in their local employment arenas,” she says. “Networking can be an effective way to gauge the hiring needs in your area. I encourage everyone to join industry-specific organizations, volunteer in community activities, and become involved with the Chamber of Commerce. By becoming involved in the community and networking, you will see new doors opening with different job opportunities.”

To learn more about career training opportunities in alternative energy, and how to prepare for working in this quickly growing business sector, visit www.brownmackie.edu.

Inexpensive electric vehicles, like the Zap truck, eliminate expensive fuel costs.

(NewsUSA) – What’s the best way to save money on gas? Stop buying gas and use electric cars.

According to a new AAA survey, gas prices are becoming a chief concern for consumers. But for Americans with long commutes, walking and biking between work, home and children’s soccer games might not be a viable option.

Electric cars – the ones that run without gasoline engines – are no longer science fiction.

One electric car maker, Zap, has put affordable electric cars and trucks on the market. Zap vehicles use rechargeable batteries and plug into standard outlets. All you do is plug it in like a cell phone.

These vehicles are even becoming a viable option for dealerships to stimulate sales in a down economy. Zap cars provide a gas-free way to get to work, pick up the kids and run errands. They also make an economical addition to your business or government fleet.

Zap city cars and trucks might cost around $11,000, while electronic scooters sell for as little as $3,000. Along with their low initial cost, electric cars also save drivers money on the roads. You can even qualify for 100 percent financing on these vehicles.

As gas prices climb, more Americans are spending over $60.00 just to fill their vehicles’ fuel tanks. Recharging an electric car costs around 60 cents.

According to the California Air Resources Board, a person driving an electric car for 30 miles each day can save 750 gallons of gas – and around $2,500 – each year.

Electric vehicles have no tailpipe exhaust. They don’t emit greenhouses gases. Even after factoring in the pollution from electric power plants, electric cars still cause 90 percent less pollution than gasoline-powered cars.

State and federal governments understand electric cars’ value. Many offer financial incentives for people purchasing electric cars.

Electric cars can include a solar option that helps save even more. Solar panels can extend your range if parked on a sunny day and can double the life of the battery before it needs replacing. Plus, nothing makes an environmental statement like a solar-charged electric car.

Zap dealerships are being set up across the U.S. To find one or to register to test drive a Zap, call 800-251-4555 or visit www.zapworld.com.

(NewsUSA) – In an increasingly technological world, the ability of our environments to be “smart” is becoming increasingly important.

Smart environments delivered by Johnson Controls, a global diversified, multi-industrial company, use products, systems and technologies that make our lives more comfortable, safe and sustainable through user-friendly interfaces and intelligent design.

Advances in technology are driving consumers to expect greater levels of personalization, customization, productivity and environmental sensitivity in their everyday lives. People want to feel more secure and at ease; they want to reduce their carbon footprint and prefer to do business with eco-friendly companies.

Geopolitical factors, including the drive for energy independence and the potential impact of climate change, are thought to be triggering increased attention to products and services that optimize energy use. Johnson Controls’ smart environments align with these expectations.

These technologies affect many aspects of our everyday lives.

* An improved automotive experience. Johnson Controls’ systems that link mobile electronic devices – including cell phones, navigational devices and MP3 players – to the vehicle allow the driver to interface with these devices safely and easily.

The company also provides a number of safety-oriented features, including the riACT head restraint, which optimizes the anti-whiplash performance of seats, and soy-content foam for vehicle seating pads that reduce the levels of harmful chemicals required to produce current seat-grade foam.

* Eco-friendly, efficient homes. Making a home into a smart environment means implementing sustainable, cost-saving measures, but it can also enhance the home’s decor and exterior. Johnson Controls’ York Affinity Series air conditioners not only offer an energy-efficient solution to homeowners’ cooling needs, but also enable individuals to customize unit colors to match their home’s exterior. Its quiet-drive system provides unobtrusive, energy-efficient performance contributing to up to 60 percent savings on a homeowner’s energy bills.

* Hybrid solutions for a more sustainable world. Vehicles with hybrid technology are the future of sustainable transportation. Hybrid vehicle technology greatly improves fuel-economy by using battery power to propel the car at lower speeds.

The lithium-ion battery is the most advanced hybrid-vehicle battery available and a critical link to the mass production of hybrid electric vehicles. They are key to reducing our carbon emissions and fuel costs. Johnson Controls’ joint venture with Saft Advanced Power Solutions is a global leader in developing this technology and supporting its acceptance in the marketplace. Additionally, Johnson Controls is the world’s largest recycler of lead-acid batteries and manages a closed-loop recycling system that contributes to a “smart environment” while minimizing the use of virgin lead.

(NewsUSA) – With gas prices skyrocketing, everyone is looking for ways to drive less. Based on data from a study released by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), if you live near a bus stop or rail line, your household drives an average of 4,400 fewer miles each year, compared to those who do not have access to public transportation.

Annually, public transit riders save approximately $6,251 -; more than just pocket change. However, public transportation in your community saves more than money – it also saves the environment.

“Investing in public transportation is one of the more effective ways to combat global climate change and conserve energy,” says William M. Millar, president of the American Public Transportation Association. “People who live near public transportation are more likely to walk, bike or take shorter car rides to get to their jobs and leisure activities.”

Households in communities with access to public transportation drive an average of 12 fewer miles daily, as compared with households who do not live near public transportation -; a 27 percent reduction in mileage and 223 fewer gallons of gas each year. Nationally, public transportation use saves the U.S. the equivalent of 4.2 billion gallons of gasoline annually -; more than 11 million gallons of gasoline per day -; according to the APTA report “Broadening the Connection Between Public Transportation and Energy Conservation.”

Public transit systems such as buses and commuter trains allow more travel in less space and reduce the strain on roads. In addition, public transportation supports efficient land use and reduces carbon emissions in the U.S. by 37 million metric tons each year. To achieve a similar reduction in carbon emissions without using public transportation, the APTA says that every household in New York City, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Denver and Los Angeles would have to stop all electricity use.

ICF International, a global consulting firm, prepared the report for APTA. For more information about public transportation and to read the complete report, contact APTA by visiting www.publictransportation.org.

Like Roche, consumers can go beyond recycling and find new ways to reduce their environmental footprints

(NewsUSA) – Being environmentally responsible is not only the right thing to do, it is also the smart thing to do. While helping preserve the environment, it is likely you will save money. Many U.S. corporations understand that being green is good for the environment and for their bottom line, which is why they have implemented original ways to reduce their environmental footprints.

Companies and consumers who want to be greener, but don’t know what to do beyond recycling, can look to some of these innovative companies for eco ideas. For example, Roche pharmaceuticals has been very successful in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, the company achieved this goal two years ahead of schedule, which was set with the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Leaders program (http://www.epa.gov/climateleaders/).

Roche’s pharmacuetical division cut down waste and energy use in a variety of ways, such as:

- Changing the packaging of its osteoporosis drug, Boniva (ibandronate), from a plastic material to a recyclable “blister wrap.”

- Converting its system for submitting paper documents to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to an electronic submission process, saving reams of paper and energy that would have been spent shipping the materials.

- Offering its pharmaceutical sales force the option to choose a hybrid car to drive, saving more than 80,000 gallons of gas per year.

- Roche also introduced co-generation, the ability to generate steam and electricity simultaneously as a source of energy, at its Nutley, New Jersey, headquarters. With co-generation, the costs and emissions were reduced, but generated enough electricity to meet 65 percent of the site’s electricity needs.

(ARA) – The green building and remodeling movement puts great emphasis on natural lighting, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency. Moving air through our homes and distributing light can be, and usually is, accomplished by a combination of mechanical and passive means, with a fan and an open window for example. But, in today’s technical world, what’s simple?

According to Joe Patrick, senior product manager with VELUX America, following the age-old example of a teepee is a great way to ventilate our homes today–cutting a hole in the roof creates a chimney effect. “Warm air rises. If there’s a hole in the roof it will escape,” Patrick says. That can be a good thing if that air is carrying volatile organic compounds (VOCs), stale air, odors, and other air-borne pollutants out. It can be a bad thing if it’s raining.

But what if you put a venting skylight in that hole? “Then,” Patrick says, “you’ve provided a source of free, healthful natural light and ventilation. And you’ve made your home a more attractive, brighter place with an open feeling. In other words, you’ve put an emphasis on natural lighting, indoor air quality, and energy efficiency.”

Green Attributes
Skylights, both the traditional type as well as the newer tubular skylights that are growing in popularity, fit nicely with today’s emphasis on green construction, both new building and remodeling. But you’ve got to plan and shop carefully, position the units properly, and have a proper installation to assure a productive and pleasant experience with skylights.

Among The Benefits
Some of the major pros of skylights are that units from leading manufacturers are as well or better made than brand name windows. They are ENERGY STAR qualified with dual pane, argon gas-injected, low-e glass that is an excellent insulator and they also block UV rays from the sun that can fade furniture.

Traditional skylights are available in fixed or venting models with a wide selection of glass, including electrochromic glazing which allows homeowners to darken or lighten the glass by remote control without losing the view of the sky. “There is also the option of a complete selection of traditional accessories, including interior blinds and shades and exterior heat block awnings to control heat loss and gain while adjusting the light as desired,” Patrick says.

Tubular models, such as VELUX Sun Tunnel skylights, offer passive light collected by a roof-top dome and transmitted into the home through a highly reflective rigid or flexible tube to a ceiling diffuser that looks very much like a light fixture. These units are usually less expensive and easier to install. An experienced DIYer can often handle the job in a morning if a professional installation isn’t available or desired.

Leaks Should no Longer be Feared
Among installation factors to be aware of, Patrick says, is location and orientation of the units. This should be determined by how the suns rises and sets relative to your roof. He suggests consideration of a shading accessory to address heat gain and possible glare from the afternoon sun if your skylights face south or southwest.

“After picking the location, proper installation is the most important factor in having a positive experience with skylights,” Patrick says. “Quality units are sold with matched flashing kits designed and manufactured for the type of roof they are going on — shingles, tiles, or metal. A quality skylight properly installed has no more tendency to leak than any other component that requires a hole in the roof of a home,” he says.

For free information on the benefits of natural light and skylight selection, or for free house plans incorporating skylights, call (800) 283-2831 or visit veluxusa.com. For more information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit energystar.gov and for independent agency information visit http://www.nfrc.org  or http://www.efficientwindows.org .

ARA) – It seems everything is going “green” these days. The good news is that it’s also easier than ever before for your family to reduce its eco-footprint to help the environment both inside and outside of your home.

Let “earth friendly” be your family’s new mantra by adopting a few simple, yet effective tips from Hannah Keeley, founder of TotalMom.com.

Watch Your Waste
The supermarket checkout line is one place where the battle for the environment is often lost. Next time you’re at the grocery store, keep a close eye on the amount of wasteful packaging that’s going into your shopping cart and try to choose eco-friendlier options. For example, instead of individually-packaged single servings, look for larger quantities that can be divided into smaller, reusable containers once you get home. Make your own lunch instead of purchasing packaged meals. Bring a reusable bag to carry your purchases. A good rule of thumb: the less packaging, the better.

Save Your Energy
Conventional energy use goes hand-in-hand with carbon emissions, so do the earth and your wallet a favor by cutting the amount of energy consumed at your home. Simply turning the thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer can save energy. You can cut cooling costs up to six percent for every degree you raise your thermostat in the summer. Another option is installing a programmable thermostat like the American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Comfort Control that will automatically adjust temperatures throughout the day, ensuring greater energy efficiency in your home, even when you’re not there.

Go Easy on the Gas
Consider setting up a carpool for school or work to save on gas. Consolidate your errands to one day during the week and map out a route that is as fuel efficient as possible. If you feel like you are constantly on the road, you may want to think about dropping a few activities and cultivating the fine art of hanging out at home. Be sure to check out public transportation — a more fuel efficient and inexpensive ride may be right around the corner.

Clean Smart
Chemicals are used all over your home — they make the sink shine, the air smell fresh and the floor practically glow. The majority of these chemicals are not only dangerous to your health but also harmful to the environment. Reduce the amount of chemicals entering in to the water supply by making your own cleaners: simple baking soda is a great scouring powder; vinegar works wonders on glass and mirrors; and plain old Castile soap cleans practically everything.

Don’t Overlook the Little Things
No matter how small you may think it is, any action to help the earth is a big step on the road to being greener. Replace incandescent bulbs with fluorescent blubs. Cut your showers by a few minutes. Wash your clothes in cold water. Cut down on trash by composting your vegetable scraps.

Most importantly, make it a family affair. Teach your children how to care for the earth while they are still young. There are many simple things you can do to go green (not to mention save money), so make it a family adventure and start today.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Hannah Keeley is a lifestyle expert, author and founder of TotalMom.com. Her work has been published in numerous publications and she has been featured on national television programming as the go-to source for moms.

ARA) – The American dream is no longer contained by a white picket fence. The dream is now green, and it is embedded in homes and lifestyles.

Ninety percent of builders are incorporating green ideas into residential design and construction, a recent study by the National Association of Home Builders found. Homeowners have also begun to seek environmentally friendly classifications, such as the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED certification, for their new construction and remodel projects.

“Building green is red-hot right now,” says Paul Mackie of the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association. “Builders are continuing to find ways to make green look good, be cost-effective, and complement the style of a home.”

Whether it is improving the insulation, installing solar power, or using environmentally sound and durable materials, building green is firmly rooted in today’s construction approaches. Experts suggest planning, cost, design and materials are the most important green building considerations.

Planning

The first step to a successful remodel is planning. Homeowners should enlist help from committed professionals well-versed in green building techniques and able to navigate the subtleties of design and efficient heating, cooling and plumbing systems.

“The basics to building green include careful planning, efficient systems and environmentally friendly materials,” says Mike McDonald, an architect experienced in green design.

McDonald is building a LEED-certified house in Oakland, Calif. The home intentionally blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living. Western red cedar siding used on the porch continues into the house, fluidly transitioning from indoor to outdoor living, a green technique.

“The quality, richness and sustainable practices that Western red cedar providers are using helped me to decide to use that wood,” McDonald says.

Cost Conscious

Cost is always a concern during a remodeling project. The perception is that buying and building green is more expensive. That is not always the case. Prudent consumers weigh the long-term costs of operating their homes against the cost of upgrading and the resale benefits realized from home improvements.

High-quality, sustainable materials often last longer and improve a home’s design much more than thrifty alternatives. For example, some plastics or composites might be less expensive to purchase, but have shorter lifespan and greater environmental cost. Other options, like wood harvested from sustainable, certified forests, have far less environmental impact, offer natural beauty and long-lasting durability. Unlike all other building materials, wood stores carbon rather than releasing it into the environment. So using wood, rather than other material, significantly reduces a project’s carbon footprint.

“There is no other commonly used building material that requires less energy to produce than wood,” Mackie says. “Renewable and naturally insect- and decay-resistant wood, such as Western red cedar, is perfect for homes that deserve both elegance and environmental friendliness.”

Environmentally conscious design and high-quality materials typically save homeowners money over the long run through improved resale value, energy conservation and lower maintenance costs. And, when environmental costs are factored in, green building is often a homeowner’s best overall option.

Design

Smart design makes all the difference in green building projects. If done correctly, homeowners can expand their living space, lower their energy bills, and reduce their environmental impact.

Approaches are often simple. Passive design strategies that consider things like the shape and orientation of the home, the amount of natural lighting and use of alternative spaces can be immensely valuable in green building.

Outdoor living spaces, which provide cooking and living areas tempered by the climate and open to the outdoors, are one example. The environmental cost and the price of building an outdoor living space is less than building a traditional room because less building material is required.

“Outdoor living spaces are critical for quality of life,” McDonald says. “A beautifully designed outdoor space effectively increases the useable space of a home without using a large amount of building resources.”

Materials

Building green is all about selecting higher efficiency, lower impact, recycled or reused materials.

Green building materials are made using techniques that avoid chemicals and environmentally harmful manufacturing processes. Products to look for include recycled, durable and renewable materials, and those that require low off-gassing of harmful air emission (such as low VOC paints).

Wood is often preferred over exotic hardware or stone that is mined or manufactured using large amounts of energy and chemicals.