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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Make your green renovation the envy of the neighborhood

(ARA) – What is it about “going green” that is so appealing? Even if it’s not your favorite color, going green can benefit the environment, your health and reduce energy consumption, as well as overall energy costs.

You may already recycle, use public transportation, buy local products or simply turn off the lights when you leave the room. While these simple practices can greatly reduce your overall impact on the environment, now is the perfect time to think about a total green renovation for your home.

If the cost of a project is holding you back, you still have time to take advantage of the 2009-2010 Federal Energy Tax Credit for making energy-related home improvements.

The tax credit allows homeowners to claim tax credits equal to 30 percent of product and installation costs – up to $1,500 – for qualified energy-related home improvements. It applies as a direct reduction of taxes owed. You’ll have to make a decision soon, because the 2009-2010 Energy Tax Credit expires at the end of this year.

The most helpful step you can take when transforming your home into a completely green living environment is planning. These tips can help green light a well-planned renovation:

* List your needs and goals before you do anything. Find a contractor who is skilled in traditional building trades and understands how to design projects to be energy-, water- and resource-efficient.

* Work with your builder on a master plan for your project. Think about downsizing your current space.

* Consider heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) needs by upgrading mechanical systems. A hybrid comfort system, like those from American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning, is ideal for a green renovation. A hybrid system alternates between two different energy sources depending upon temperature, settings and efficiency, making it one of the most efficient and flexible heating and cooling systems available.

* Design systems that minimize water use and maximize water distribution efficiency. Plan for future wiring and cabling needs when considering the lighting, electronics and appliances.

* Reuse old materials or take them to a company that accepts well-preserved demolition waste and intact building materials. Buy reclaimed material, such as reclaimed pine timbers, for flooring.

* Purchase materials that are durable, easy to maintain and will age gracefully. Research products that contain recycled content and are sourced locally.

Once you’ve completed your renovation it’s important to maintain your green renovation efforts so they last for years. The longer you stay a part of the green scene, the smaller your carbon footprint.

Hybrids aren’t just for cars anymore

A hybrid comfort system combines an electric heat pump with an oil or natural gas furnace for warmth and comfort for the cold nights, and effective, efficient cooling in the summer months. A heat pump doesn’t use up fuel making heat, it just moves it. With a hybrid system you have ultimate flexibility for greater efficiency in all seasons. To learn more, go to www.americanstandardair.com or contact your local independent American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning dealer who can help decide which components are right for your home’s energy sources.

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Savings heat up with solar-powered water heaters

(ARA) – More homeowners are deciding solar power is the right thing to do – for the sake of the environment and their wallets. New technologies make it easier than ever to use the sun to heat water in our homes. And Congress is helping make going green a cash-smart move too, by extending the federal solar tax credit another eight years.

Thanks to the tax credit program, you can recoup 30 percent of the total installed cost of a solar water heating system. “It’s a great time to switch to solar power for your water heating needs,” says Jim Cika, a solar water heating expert with VELUX America. But before you buy a solar water heater, do your homework, he urges, learn about the technologies available and review just how solar-friendly your home can be.

“Homeowners need to factor in geographic location, orientation of the roof for solar collectors, costs and tax incentives and rebates that may be available to arrive at an economically sensible and environmentally-sensitive decision,” Cika says.

While a solar water heating system usually costs more to purchase and install than a conventional water heating system, it can reduce energy costs in the long run and is much kinder to the planet.  

Cika says that the cost of an installed ENERGY STAR qualified system from his company will vary depending upon the volume of heated water required in a home. A packaged system consisting of one, two or three rooftop solar collector panels will usually be installed along with a 60, 80 or 120-gallon solar storage tank. An average installation is projected to cost $6,500 to $11,000, with some complex installations running as much as $12,000. Systems are available for gas, electric and boiler markets throughout the U.S., Cika says.

“On average,” he says, “if you install a solar water heater, your water heating bills should drop 50 to 80 percent — not an insignificant sum when you consider that the Department of Energy says that water heating can account for 14 to 25 percent of the energy consumed in our homes.”

According to Cika, in the construction of a new home, where the cost of the system is rolled into the mortgage, homeowners can save more on their monthly energy bills than the increase in their house payment. “Solar water heating provides a positive cash flow from the day of move in,” he says, “effectively giving an immediate payback.”

“In the case of an installation in an existing home in an area that has both federal and state rebates and incentives,” he says, “the payback can vary from three to seven years.”

Two primary solar technologies are available in the market right now: solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal. The photovoltaic process uses the sun to generate electricity and solar thermal uses the sun to heat water. Solar thermal often is the technology of choice for homeowners for a number of reasons. Kevin Hughes, a writer for GreenBuildingElements.com, who installed a solar thermal system in his San Francisco home, explains why.

“I prefer solar thermal, specifically solar hot water, a much older technology. It is much cheaper to install, much more efficient and has a much faster payback,” he says.  

For homeowners considering an installation, the Internet offers a number of websites that can be helpful with an analysis and then with locating products and installers. Findsolar.com and nabcep.org list certified installers by state. Solar-rating.org lists certified solar equipment manufacturers and certified installers for VELUX units are listed at veluxusa.com.

Eere.energy.gov/consumer includes a link to a calculator for initial cost, annual operating costs and determining payback, as well as a consumer’s guide to solar thermal, while nrel.gov offers a consumer’s guide to photovoltaic. Federal and state tax credit information, by geographic area, is available at dsireusa.org.

Cika says that solar water heating represents a logical first step for homeowners who want to harness the power of the sun because it is relatively simple technology compared to generating electricity from the sun. “The technologies accomplish different objectives,” he says, “but they both will pay increasing dividends to homeowners who utilize them now and in the future.”

For more information on the benefits of solar water heating or natural light and ventilation through skylights, call (800) 283-2831 or visit veluxusa.com.

Courtesy ARAcontent

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Three tips to make your utility meter run backward

(ARA) – What would you do with an extra $2,200 per year? That is the annual energy bill for a typical American home, according to the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE). Dramatically reducing that cost, or even selling power back to the utility company, could mean having enough money for a vacation, a down payment on a car or a boost to your child’s college savings.

If you are wondering how this can be done, a trend emerging in new home construction, “net-zero energy,” is helping homeowners keep energy dollars in their pockets. Builders construct such homes with highly energy-efficient materials, and with the means to generate their own power. The goal is to reduce the yearly total energy bill to zero, and perhaps make the meter run backwards at times.

Lowering heating and cooling costs is critical to achieving net-zero energy, since these typically account for nearly half of a home’s energy use. Keeping warm air in during the winter and cool air in during the summer is key, along with adding on-site power systems. Steps can include new construction methods for greatly improved insulation, using energy-efficient windows, and installing solar panels or other renewable ways to heat water or create electricity.

1. Build with SIPs

Most homebuyers are familiar with “stick framing” – construction using numerous individual sticks (boards) with the insulation added between them. Yet an increasingly popular building method for high energy efficiency involves a different approach.

Known as structural insulated panels  - or SIPs – the body of the house is made of large-size prefabricated wall, ceiling and floor sections with built-in insulation. SIPs work like a giant insulated cooler. They are made of wood panels sandwiching a rigid insulating foam core. The result is fewer gaps in the home and more continuous insulation. Homes built with SIPs are 15 times less leaky and have 47 percent greater insulating capacity than conventional construction, according to DOE.

“SIPs can be used to build any style of home, and are generally stronger than stick framing,” says James Hodgson of Premier Building Systems, North America’s largest SIPs manufacturer. “They can cut heating and cooling costs up to 50 percent, and can even help save money by speeding construction and allowing for smaller furnaces and air conditioners.” SIPs also contribute to healthy indoor air by sealing out pollutants, and create up to two-thirds less waste during construction. (For more information on SIPs, visit www.pbssips.com or call (800) 275-7086 to speak with Premier Building Systems).

2. Install energy-efficient windows

In addition to well-insulated walls, ceilings and floors, another key consideration for net-zero energy homes is efficient windows. Such windows may have double or triple panes with gas fillings and special coatings to help resist heat gain or loss. Specially constructed frames help seal against air leaks.

How the windows are installed in the wall is also important, since much of the heat loss can occur around the window rather than through it. Proper mounting and sealing of the window in the wall can help protect against air leaks.

“Installing windows for high energy efficiency can be tricky,” says Jim Crowley, owner of Crowley Builders in Grass Valley, Calif. “If the window opening isn’t right, it’s like putting a round peg in a square hole; there are going to be gaps.”

Crowley addresses this by using SIPs for the walls. “In addition to providing insulation, SIPs have pre-cut window openings that are straight, square and properly sized. Combine this with proper sealing of the window and it’s the best way we’ve found to get a tight fit.”

3. Generate your own power

More new homes are using environmentally responsible, renewable energy sources on-site to further reduce reliance on utility companies. These systems can include geothermal heat pumps that obtain warmth from the ground, solar panels for electricity or heating water, and windmills that convert wind to energy. When combined with home construction methods like SIPs and energy-efficient windows, such systems can help the home achieve net-zero energy use. In some cases, homeowners have even reduced their consumption enough and generated sufficient power to make the meter run backwards – in essence selling electricity back to the power company.

“Achieving energy self-sufficiency in homes and other buildings seemed pretty radical not too long ago,” says Hodgson. “But building methods have advanced greatly in recent years, saving energy without homeowners having to sacrifice comfort or style. Why build with methods that have been around for a hundred years, when newer, proven methods are available that will outperform what can be done with conventional framing?”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Buying a home or making green home improvements? Don’t miss out on these tax credits

(ARA) – A wide range of tax law changes over the last year will result in considerable savings for millions of Americans on their 2009 federal tax returns. Homebuyers and homeowners have some of the most to gain from the changes.  

Understanding the qualifications for home-related credits can be confusing and intimidating. Jessi Dolmage, spokeswoman for 2nd Story Software, the makers of TaxACT, breaks them down.

“If you’ve never owned or haven’t owned a principal residence during the three years prior to the purchase date, you may qualify for the First-Time Homebuyer Credit. The purchase date must fall after April 8, 2009 and before May 1, 2010, with closing to take place before July 1, 2010. It’s equal to 10 percent of the purchase price, up to a maximum of $8,000. You only have to repay the money if the home ceases to be your primary residence or is sold within three years of purchase,” says Dolmage.

Property cannot be acquired from a relative, and married taxpayers must both qualify as first-time homebuyers if filing jointly. The credit can be claimed on a 2009 return or an amended 2008 return.

The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009 extended the credit’s closing date from Nov. 30, 2009, to April 30, 2010, and added rules for homes purchased after Nov. 6, 2009, including:

* You must be at least 18 on the purchase date (only one spouse must be 18) and cannot be claimed as a dependent.
* Purchase price cannot exceed $800,000.
* If the sale doesn’t close by April 30, 2010, you may still qualify if there’s a binding contract to purchase by that date. The sale must close before July 1, 2010, and the credit cannot be claimed before the closing date.

Purchase date and modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) determine credit phase out. If the purchase date was before Nov. 7, 2009, full credit is available to those with an MAGI up to $75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers). If you have an MAGI between $75,000 and $95,000 ($150,000 and $170,000 for joint filers), you’re eligible for reduced credit. Higher incomes do not qualify.

If the purchase date is after Nov. 6, 2009, full credit is available to those with an MAGI of up to $125,000 ($225,000 for joint filers). If your MAGI falls between $125,000 and $145,000 ($225,000 and $245,000 for joint filers), you could receive a reduced credit. Higher incomes don’t qualify.

“Current homeowners looking for a different or new home may also qualify for the First-Time Homebuyer Credit,” Dolmage says. “The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act modified the credit to allow for up to $6,500 if you purchase a replacement home before April 30, 2010. You must have lived in the same principal residence for a five-consecutive-year period during the eight-year period that ends on the purchase date of the replacement home.”

In addition:

* You must buy, or enter into a binding contract to buy, a principal residence after Nov. 6, 2009, and before May 1, 2010, and close on it before July 1, 2010.
* The credit phases out for those with an MAGI between $125,000 and $145,000 ($225,000 and $245,000 for joint filers).
* 2009 purchases must be claimed on a 2009 return; 2010 purchases can be claimed on a 2009 or 2010 return.

All homeowners can claim tax credits for green improvements. The Residential Energy Property Credit is worth 30 percent, up to $1,500, for improvements such as adding insulation or installing energy-efficient windows, doors, or heating and air conditioning systems. Bigger improvements involving alternative energy equipment, like solar hot water heaters, geothermal heat pumps and wind turbines can be claimed under the Residential Energy Efficiency Property Credit. This credit is equal to 30 percent of the cost of the qualified property, with no limit on the maximum amount of the credit available.

New tax laws also include breaks for children, college expenses, new vehicles, unemployment and several other areas. Information about all 2009 tax law changes can be found at www.IRS.gov.

“You can see exactly how the changes will affect your 2009 taxes with TaxACT Free Federal Edition,” Dolmage adds.”  With TaxACT, all taxpayers can prepare, print and e-file their IRS return for free. Go to www.TaxACT.com to get started.”

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.

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.

(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.