Saturday, November 1, 2008
Learn about the use of biodiesel fuel for vehicles
November 5, 6:30 pm, will be the formation meeting for the Orange County Biodiesel Co-op. They will be organizing a group of folks in order to coordinate the collection of waste vegetable oil (WVO) for the use of making biodiesel motor fuel. Learn how and where to get WVO and how to process it to be used as a fuel itself and also how to make it into clean burning biodiesel. They will be discussing what types of cars and trucks are best suited for the use of vegetable oil and biodiesel for fuel. Many members of the group already have diesel vehicles that are running on biodiesel. Come check it out. Location: Great Earth Vitamin Store, 7164 Edinger Ave. (east of Goldenwest). More info: 714-552-5533
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Make Your Kitchen Green
(From newsday.com)
You don't have to spend a lot to go green--it can be as simple as screwing a $3 gizmo onto your faucet--but it's easy to make costly mistakes if you don't do your homework. There are no federal regulations for items marketed as eco-friendly so some green products might not be as green as you think.The November issue of ShopSmart, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, spent months sizing up fridges, running dishwashers, burning light bulbs, and punishing faucets to find the best green kitchen products. Five tips to complete the recipe for a green kitchen that will save you money and give you a fresh new look can be found with the rest of the story HERE.
You don't have to spend a lot to go green--it can be as simple as screwing a $3 gizmo onto your faucet--but it's easy to make costly mistakes if you don't do your homework. There are no federal regulations for items marketed as eco-friendly so some green products might not be as green as you think.The November issue of ShopSmart, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, spent months sizing up fridges, running dishwashers, burning light bulbs, and punishing faucets to find the best green kitchen products. Five tips to complete the recipe for a green kitchen that will save you money and give you a fresh new look can be found with the rest of the story HERE.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Sustainability Conference to be held in Long Beach, CA
Upcoming Sustainability Conference in Long Beach, CA
Potable Reuse for Water Supply Sustainability Conference: Critical Today, Essential Tomorrow
November 16-19, 2008
Hyatt Regency Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
The WateReuse Association and the International Water Association will present a specialty conference with the theme "Potable Reuse for Water Supply Sustainability: Critical Today, Essential Tomorrow" on November 16-19 in Long Beach, CA. This conference will bring together leading experts from around the world to discuss critical factors in the success of potable reuse projects, including meeting regulatory hurdles, demonstrating environmental and economic viability, and enhancing public understanding and acceptance.
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS:· Presentations on success stories and lessons learned from Arizona, California, Colorado, Texas, Singapore, Australia, Europe, and Africa
· A panel discussion on environmental drivers and opportunities
· Presentations on policy and perception, regulations and research, technology and nature, and energy and economics
· Tours of the Orange County Water District’s Groundwater Replenishment System and the West Basin Municipal Water District’s Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility
View the Updated List of Sessions
Register today and save up to $100 on the registration fees! (Full payment must accompany your registration to qualify for the early-bird discount rate.)Online Registration(You will be asked to login or create an account. If you are a member or past attendee, you already have an account established. Your username is your e-mail address. To get your password, click here. To register another person, you must login using his or her WateReuse username and password.)Download a Printer-Friendly Registration FormView the Conference Brochure.
Potable Reuse for Water Supply Sustainability Conference: Critical Today, Essential Tomorrow
November 16-19, 2008
Hyatt Regency Long Beach, Long Beach, CA
The WateReuse Association and the International Water Association will present a specialty conference with the theme "Potable Reuse for Water Supply Sustainability: Critical Today, Essential Tomorrow" on November 16-19 in Long Beach, CA. This conference will bring together leading experts from around the world to discuss critical factors in the success of potable reuse projects, including meeting regulatory hurdles, demonstrating environmental and economic viability, and enhancing public understanding and acceptance.
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS:· Presentations on success stories and lessons learned from Arizona, California, Colorado, Texas, Singapore, Australia, Europe, and Africa
· A panel discussion on environmental drivers and opportunities
· Presentations on policy and perception, regulations and research, technology and nature, and energy and economics
· Tours of the Orange County Water District’s Groundwater Replenishment System and the West Basin Municipal Water District’s Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility
View the Updated List of Sessions
Register today and save up to $100 on the registration fees! (Full payment must accompany your registration to qualify for the early-bird discount rate.)Online Registration(You will be asked to login or create an account. If you are a member or past attendee, you already have an account established. Your username is your e-mail address. To get your password, click here. To register another person, you must login using his or her WateReuse username and password.)Download a Printer-Friendly Registration FormView the Conference Brochure.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Have a Green Halloween
(From Journal Newspapers, WA area)
The fall and winter holiday season is upon us. Beginning with Halloween and culminating with a new year, it's a time when most American households celebrate in some way. But celebrating, unfortunately, often means increased wastefulness and a slacking off from regular health habits. But it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, according to the authors of the newly released book Celebrate Green, Corey Colwell-Lipson and Lynn Colwell, holidays are the perfect time to step up your focus on good health and Earth-friendly practices.
Corey, a local mom and founder of the Green Halloween movement, says parents who try to instill healthy habits in their kids throughout the year often become anxious during holidays, knowing that, especially Halloween, is all about the candy. "What else do you do? Not celebrate?" asks Corey of the dilemma parents face. There's no need to steal the fun from holidays like the Grinch - just add a little creativity to the mix and you'll have as much fun, if not more - making the holidays a little greener.
The inspiration for Green Halloween, a nonprofit, grassroots effort to promote child- and Earth-friendly festivities, came in 2006 while Corey was trick-or-treating with her two children. "A couple of houses were handing out non-candy items," recalled Corey, whose kids were thrilled with the trinkets. "It struck me that kids are overexposed to traditional candy, and maybe that's why something different gets them excited." The thought stuck in her mind, and, at the urging of her friends, Corey decided to approach several natural food stores about offering eco-friendly, healthy Halloween treats for parents who were interested in alternatives to candy. The store managers she spoke with loved the idea. Corey also shared the idea with her mom, Lynn, who had raised Corey with green practices long before they were hip. "We had a choice: Do we jump through the window when it's open, or let [the stores] handle it?" she said of her decision to create Green Halloween. "My mom and I are 'jump through the window' kind of people."
The pair had no trouble getting community involvement and support for the idea. In 2007, they chose Treeswing, an organization dedicated to improving the health and wellness of children - especially reversing the childhood obesity trend through physical activity and exercise - as their founding partners. "They helped us sculpt this, and Green Halloween is an official program of theirs this year," said Corey.
Thanks to some great national press coverage, Green Halloween is catching on in other cities around the country this year, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Daytona Beach and Canton, Conn. Although Corey and Lynn encourage buying less "stuff" in general during all holidays, they realize it's more realistic for some to consider smaller, more affordable purchases of products that use less packaging or are otherwise more eco-friendly. The Green Halloween Web site, www.greenhalloween.org, offers hundreds of ideas for food, decorations, costumes and other new ways of celebrating this year.
With the release of Celebrate Green on Oct. 1, the principles for Green Halloween are applied to celebrations throughout the year, including birthdays, family reunions, office parties, baby showers, weddings and other momentous occasions. "The idea behind the book is really creating meaning versus buying all this stuff," said Corey.
Lynn, who has experience as a published writer and public relations professional, and currently coaches others to follow their dreams through her life coaching business, was the perfect partner for the book project. In fact, when the publisher went out of business, Lynn took over publishing and collaborated with graphic designer Jeff Duckworth to get the book out on schedule this fall. The result is a colorful guide filled with low cost, waste reducing, eco-friendly and healthy recipes, activities, games, traditions and tips for any celebration, printed on (of course) FSC certified paper. A portion of the proceeds from the book will go to Treeswing.
"People don't think about how often we celebrate in this country. The occasions are endless," said Lynn. "People may have thought about recycling, but when it comes to birthdays, they're still getting bottled water. We're realists. We want people to take the first step, look at the book, pick out one or two ideas and say, 'I'm going to try it this year.' Once that kind of things starts, it will be a groundswell."
Corey echoes that small shifts in thinking or behavior are what generate habits. "Once people start doing things green, they don't go backwards. Nobody starts recycling and then stops," she said. "We hope to be working ourselves out of a job. In a couple of years, what will we need Green Halloween for? It will be, 'of course.'"
The book is all about simplicity, says Corey. "The holidays are a perfect platform to talk about these issues and keep it fun. We try to make it fun and interesting. Being positive works."
The fall and winter holiday season is upon us. Beginning with Halloween and culminating with a new year, it's a time when most American households celebrate in some way. But celebrating, unfortunately, often means increased wastefulness and a slacking off from regular health habits. But it doesn't have to be that way. In fact, according to the authors of the newly released book Celebrate Green, Corey Colwell-Lipson and Lynn Colwell, holidays are the perfect time to step up your focus on good health and Earth-friendly practices.
Corey, a local mom and founder of the Green Halloween movement, says parents who try to instill healthy habits in their kids throughout the year often become anxious during holidays, knowing that, especially Halloween, is all about the candy. "What else do you do? Not celebrate?" asks Corey of the dilemma parents face. There's no need to steal the fun from holidays like the Grinch - just add a little creativity to the mix and you'll have as much fun, if not more - making the holidays a little greener.
The inspiration for Green Halloween, a nonprofit, grassroots effort to promote child- and Earth-friendly festivities, came in 2006 while Corey was trick-or-treating with her two children. "A couple of houses were handing out non-candy items," recalled Corey, whose kids were thrilled with the trinkets. "It struck me that kids are overexposed to traditional candy, and maybe that's why something different gets them excited." The thought stuck in her mind, and, at the urging of her friends, Corey decided to approach several natural food stores about offering eco-friendly, healthy Halloween treats for parents who were interested in alternatives to candy. The store managers she spoke with loved the idea. Corey also shared the idea with her mom, Lynn, who had raised Corey with green practices long before they were hip. "We had a choice: Do we jump through the window when it's open, or let [the stores] handle it?" she said of her decision to create Green Halloween. "My mom and I are 'jump through the window' kind of people."
The pair had no trouble getting community involvement and support for the idea. In 2007, they chose Treeswing, an organization dedicated to improving the health and wellness of children - especially reversing the childhood obesity trend through physical activity and exercise - as their founding partners. "They helped us sculpt this, and Green Halloween is an official program of theirs this year," said Corey.
Thanks to some great national press coverage, Green Halloween is catching on in other cities around the country this year, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Daytona Beach and Canton, Conn. Although Corey and Lynn encourage buying less "stuff" in general during all holidays, they realize it's more realistic for some to consider smaller, more affordable purchases of products that use less packaging or are otherwise more eco-friendly. The Green Halloween Web site, www.greenhalloween.org, offers hundreds of ideas for food, decorations, costumes and other new ways of celebrating this year.
With the release of Celebrate Green on Oct. 1, the principles for Green Halloween are applied to celebrations throughout the year, including birthdays, family reunions, office parties, baby showers, weddings and other momentous occasions. "The idea behind the book is really creating meaning versus buying all this stuff," said Corey.
Lynn, who has experience as a published writer and public relations professional, and currently coaches others to follow their dreams through her life coaching business, was the perfect partner for the book project. In fact, when the publisher went out of business, Lynn took over publishing and collaborated with graphic designer Jeff Duckworth to get the book out on schedule this fall. The result is a colorful guide filled with low cost, waste reducing, eco-friendly and healthy recipes, activities, games, traditions and tips for any celebration, printed on (of course) FSC certified paper. A portion of the proceeds from the book will go to Treeswing.
"People don't think about how often we celebrate in this country. The occasions are endless," said Lynn. "People may have thought about recycling, but when it comes to birthdays, they're still getting bottled water. We're realists. We want people to take the first step, look at the book, pick out one or two ideas and say, 'I'm going to try it this year.' Once that kind of things starts, it will be a groundswell."
Corey echoes that small shifts in thinking or behavior are what generate habits. "Once people start doing things green, they don't go backwards. Nobody starts recycling and then stops," she said. "We hope to be working ourselves out of a job. In a couple of years, what will we need Green Halloween for? It will be, 'of course.'"
The book is all about simplicity, says Corey. "The holidays are a perfect platform to talk about these issues and keep it fun. We try to make it fun and interesting. Being positive works."
Monday, September 22, 2008
Huntington Beach Green Expo a Success
Huntington Beach: Surf City hosted it first Green Expo this past weekend (Sept 20) at Central Library and what a success it was. The free event has speakers, product demonstrations, samples, workshops and information booths. Issues discussed were water reduction, energy efficiency, solar energy, water conservation, recycling materials, reducing greenhouse gases and organic products. Many folks are already looking forward to the next event! To see the list of participating vendors and photos from the event, check out: www.HuntingtonBeachGoesGreen.com
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Going Green Electronically in Huntington Beach
Pay your utilities on line and help to be green. Electronic payments from utility customers exceeded 20,000-representing over 40% of the utility customers’ total payments for that month. This saved customers the expense of checks and postage and saved the city staff from individually processing these 20,000 payments. In addition, AutoPay applications continue to increase, and total payments received in July equaled almost $670,000-which is a new monthly high. The City Treasurer’s Department has been implementing electronic options over the last several years. Go to the website at www.surfcity-hb.org/payments to see all of the customer payment options.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Wal-Mart Strives To Be More Green
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is telling its suppliers that it's not enough to simply provide eco-friendly products. The world's largest retailer wants to be able to tell its customers the stories behind the products, of how they came to be and how sustainable they are. The company has a strategy with four points of emphasis for its sustainability marketing. Wal-Mart wants to promote waste reduction and recycling, natural resources, energy and social or community impact.
Wal-Mart has been putting increasing emphasis on ways it can be environmentally friendly and ways that sustainable methods can lower costs. From motion detectors that turn on lights only when customers are in the aisle to fuel conservation to innovations in packaging, the company has been approaching the effort from multiple angles.
Wal-Mart has given buyers an Aug. 18 deadline to submit products for possible placement the company's “Earth Month” promotion next year. They will pick products based on marketing potential, sustainability impact and business relevance.
The company highlighted Earth-friendliness of 50 products, including compact fluorescent light bulbs and Coca-Cola branded T-shirts made from recycled plastic bottles. They want products with stories to tell like SunChips, which has an all-solar plant in Modesto, Calif., and Majestic Rubber Mulch, which is made from recycled tires from Wal-Mart stores.
Consumers are growing very suspicious of green labels. Terra Choice Marketing recorded more than 1,000 products from six retailers last year, each with eco-friendly claims. He said all but one made unsubstantiated claims. Wal-Mart is taking this stuff very seriously and have set serious goals. The challenge now is, how can they meet their goals. Wal-Mart wants to provide suppliers with more information on how to produce a sustainable product and provide support in developing those products. The company wants to avoid hidden trade-offs in how products are produced and help companies show proof of green claims.
Wal-Mart has been putting increasing emphasis on ways it can be environmentally friendly and ways that sustainable methods can lower costs. From motion detectors that turn on lights only when customers are in the aisle to fuel conservation to innovations in packaging, the company has been approaching the effort from multiple angles.
Wal-Mart has given buyers an Aug. 18 deadline to submit products for possible placement the company's “Earth Month” promotion next year. They will pick products based on marketing potential, sustainability impact and business relevance.
The company highlighted Earth-friendliness of 50 products, including compact fluorescent light bulbs and Coca-Cola branded T-shirts made from recycled plastic bottles. They want products with stories to tell like SunChips, which has an all-solar plant in Modesto, Calif., and Majestic Rubber Mulch, which is made from recycled tires from Wal-Mart stores.
Consumers are growing very suspicious of green labels. Terra Choice Marketing recorded more than 1,000 products from six retailers last year, each with eco-friendly claims. He said all but one made unsubstantiated claims. Wal-Mart is taking this stuff very seriously and have set serious goals. The challenge now is, how can they meet their goals. Wal-Mart wants to provide suppliers with more information on how to produce a sustainable product and provide support in developing those products. The company wants to avoid hidden trade-offs in how products are produced and help companies show proof of green claims.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Paying More to be Green
By Beth Daley, Globe Staff, from Boston.com
It's hard to avoid the onslaught of eco-friendly products these days. Maybe it was a joke, but I've even seen a reference for carbon neutral underwear.
Now, a new Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies survey show that marketers are clearly tapping into a money-maker: People want environmentally friendly products - and are willing to pay more for them even if their financial situation is poor.
The survey, conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media and Yale showed that half of respondents said they would "definitely" or "probably" pay 15 percent more for eco-friendly clothes' detergent or for an automobile. Forty percent said they would spend 15 percent more on "green" computer printer paper and 39 percent would do the same for green wood furniture.
And Americans who said their current financial situation is "fair" or "poor" were just as willing to spend 15 percent more on environmentally friendly detergent or furniture as those Americans with a better financial picture.
Some 75 percent of respondents said environmental groups are "very" or "somewhat" trustworthy when it comes to sponsoring eco-labels, only 55 percent said government agencies were trustworthy and 51 percent said industry groups were.So will you pay more for green products? And how certain are you that the products you are buying really are green?
It's hard to avoid the onslaught of eco-friendly products these days. Maybe it was a joke, but I've even seen a reference for carbon neutral underwear.
Now, a new Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies survey show that marketers are clearly tapping into a money-maker: People want environmentally friendly products - and are willing to pay more for them even if their financial situation is poor.
The survey, conducted by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media and Yale showed that half of respondents said they would "definitely" or "probably" pay 15 percent more for eco-friendly clothes' detergent or for an automobile. Forty percent said they would spend 15 percent more on "green" computer printer paper and 39 percent would do the same for green wood furniture.
And Americans who said their current financial situation is "fair" or "poor" were just as willing to spend 15 percent more on environmentally friendly detergent or furniture as those Americans with a better financial picture.
Some 75 percent of respondents said environmental groups are "very" or "somewhat" trustworthy when it comes to sponsoring eco-labels, only 55 percent said government agencies were trustworthy and 51 percent said industry groups were.So will you pay more for green products? And how certain are you that the products you are buying really are green?
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Portions taken From PR Newswire (http://sev.prnewswire.com/retail/20080716/CLW01516072008-1.html - for full story)
The spotlight continues to shine on an innovative trio of eco-friendly characters called Idbids - Scout the cloud; Lola the flower; and Waverly the water drop - who teach children "iddy biddy" steps to keep the Earth happy, healthy and green and how to have fun while doing it.
"We believe eco-friendly toys like Idbids can bring to life the idea that going green is fun, even for children as young as 3 years old," says Sarah Alvarez, co-owner of Idbids. "The combination of plush, huggable characters with beautiful, vibrant colors and supporting storytelling components help the concept of going green become an exciting, imaginative adventure."
The eco-friendly Idbids engage children in going green through colorful characters and simple activities that cleverly simplify a complex issue into something a child can understand. Scout, Lola and Waverly each have green feet and distinct personalities, and each is dedicated to a particular environmental element. Scout, a soft, fluffy white cloud, is knowledgeable about the air and becomes a bit cranky when he thinks about air pollution. Lola, the flower of the bunch, teaches children about trees and plants. And Waverly, a bright blue water drop, cares deeply about the oceans, seas, rivers and lakes.
Along with a storybook, field guide and an organic fabric cinch sack for the child to wear, the eco-friendly Idbids take children on a journey of discovery to learn the iddy biddy steps to protect the environment, from turning off the water when they brush their teeth to picking up and disposing of trash - and remembering to wash their hands! When children finish all of the Earth-saving activities listed in the field guide, they, along with a grown-up, visit www.idbids.com to be rewarded with an Idbids Certificate of Completion.
The Idbids, through toys and licensed children's products, are designed to create awareness and inspire action. Their motto is "iddy biddy steps make a biggie big difference in keeping our Earth happy, healthy and green." Idbids strives to make its products using organic, recycled or eco-friendly materials. For more information, visit http://www.trafficresults.com/click-rabbit.php?acctid=vJdXkCq9w9Y=&docid=CLW01516072008-1&redirect=1&url=http://www.idbids.com, or call 1-877-4IDBIDS (1-877-443-2437).
Monday, July 7, 2008
Rainbow Disposal Stop & Shop
Did you know Rainbow Disposal has a Stop & Swap where you can drop off your household, yard and car care products you no longer need and pick up others you can use? It's free and available here in Huntington Beach at 17121 Nichols St. (between Bothard and Beach), open Tuesday through Saturday from 9am to 3pm.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Staples Launches Online Catalog of Eco-friendly Products for Contract Customers
Office products giant extends sustainable supply management offerings with "Green Guide"; aims to help customers further reduce environmental impact of purchases - From Supply & Demand Chain.
Office products company Staples is continuing its "green supply management" efforts with the launch of its "Staples Green Guide" online catalog, which stakes a claim as the office product industry's first online catalog of "eco-friendly" products for contract customers.Building upon the company's launch of its 2008 Contract online catalog, the online Green Guide is intended to support environmentally sound procurement practices while driving greater convenience and efficiency, Staples said. The Green Guide "combines the ease and familiarity of a traditional paper catalog, while enabling customers to reduce the environmental impacts associated with the use and disposal of paper catalogs," according to the office products company.Available to all Staples Contract customers, the Staples Green Guide features products ranging from paper and toner to unexpected categories like desk accessories, furniture and cleaning products. The catalog offers the look of the printed catalog, but it features keyword and item number search functionality and the ability to bookmark pages and create, print and e-mail office supply "wish lists" to the person responsible for ordering office products through StaplesLink.com.As Staples sees it, with organizations continuing to focus on corporate social responsibility, an increasing number are using the power of purchasing to advance their sustainability efforts. Staples Contract customers can now access their own Green Guide and allow their employees to submit their order requests for "green" products to approved purchasers."Building sustainable business processes is important to our customers and they are increasingly looking for us to provide more environmentally friendly solutions," said Marci Grebstein, vice president of marketing for Staples Contract. "The Staples Green Guide makes it easy for procurement managers to reach their green procurement goals and gain cost efficiencies with program compliance."The Green Guide is available through www.staplesadvantagecatalogs.com.
Office products company Staples is continuing its "green supply management" efforts with the launch of its "Staples Green Guide" online catalog, which stakes a claim as the office product industry's first online catalog of "eco-friendly" products for contract customers.Building upon the company's launch of its 2008 Contract online catalog, the online Green Guide is intended to support environmentally sound procurement practices while driving greater convenience and efficiency, Staples said. The Green Guide "combines the ease and familiarity of a traditional paper catalog, while enabling customers to reduce the environmental impacts associated with the use and disposal of paper catalogs," according to the office products company.Available to all Staples Contract customers, the Staples Green Guide features products ranging from paper and toner to unexpected categories like desk accessories, furniture and cleaning products. The catalog offers the look of the printed catalog, but it features keyword and item number search functionality and the ability to bookmark pages and create, print and e-mail office supply "wish lists" to the person responsible for ordering office products through StaplesLink.com.As Staples sees it, with organizations continuing to focus on corporate social responsibility, an increasing number are using the power of purchasing to advance their sustainability efforts. Staples Contract customers can now access their own Green Guide and allow their employees to submit their order requests for "green" products to approved purchasers."Building sustainable business processes is important to our customers and they are increasingly looking for us to provide more environmentally friendly solutions," said Marci Grebstein, vice president of marketing for Staples Contract. "The Staples Green Guide makes it easy for procurement managers to reach their green procurement goals and gain cost efficiencies with program compliance."The Green Guide is available through www.staplesadvantagecatalogs.com.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Tight budget? Your can still switch to green in your home
(from the telegraph.co.uk)
For consumers who want cost-effective ways to eco-friendly energy, there are many options, writes Harriet MeyerHomeowners battling rising utility bills and concerned about their carbon footprint can go green and cut energy costs. Half of all carbon emissions come from buildings rather than cars and other sources, according to the UK Green Buildings Council – yet there are various eco-friendly methods available to adopt a greener attitude to energy needs.
These vary from simply fitting low-energy lightbulbs, which burn for four times as long as standard bulbs, to installing sophisticated "microgeneration'' equipment such as solar panels and thermal heating systems.
For the full story, read it at the Huntington Beach Green Guide at this LINK.
For consumers who want cost-effective ways to eco-friendly energy, there are many options, writes Harriet MeyerHomeowners battling rising utility bills and concerned about their carbon footprint can go green and cut energy costs. Half of all carbon emissions come from buildings rather than cars and other sources, according to the UK Green Buildings Council – yet there are various eco-friendly methods available to adopt a greener attitude to energy needs.
These vary from simply fitting low-energy lightbulbs, which burn for four times as long as standard bulbs, to installing sophisticated "microgeneration'' equipment such as solar panels and thermal heating systems.
For the full story, read it at the Huntington Beach Green Guide at this LINK.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Shipley Nature Center to be highlighted on KCET
On April 29, 2008, Huell Howser visited Huntington Central Park and stopped at Shipley Nature Center to say hello and to find out why all the folks in the know are coming to Shipley. Huell toured the Redwoods and watched as the children were learning about how the Native Americans hunted. Then, on to the Sycamore/Alder Grove to find the hidden gathering circle and see the Ki. He spent time with Nancy Harris learning about the California Native Plants exhibited in the Demonstration Garden and why they are so important to our environment. Along the route, he chatted with some of our visitors and volunteers to the delight of everyone. The episode will be aired on Thursday, May 22nd on KCET at 7:30 pm with a repeat following at 12:30 am.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Top 5 Green Minivans for 2008
by GreenCar.com
Minivans have proven their worth over many years. While often overshadowed by the style and popularity of SUV's and the latest crossover vehicles, the venerable minivan is a family staple when it comes to safety, functionality, convenience, and value. Seating configurations are versatile and legendary. Seats come out, go back in, fold down, and some even turn around as needed. You can make room for cargo or in many cases carry six to seven occupants. Front bucket seats often allow parents easy access to kids sitting in the middle and rear seats. You just can’t get that kind of versatility from most other vehicles.
While it’s true that hybrid minivans are not on the scene yet, that will change as automakers continue to roll out new hybrid products. That doesn’t mean you can’t think “green” now when opting for a family-friendly minivan at the new car showroom. Like all models, there are some minivans that just stand out as more fuel efficient and “greener” than their peers. The top 5 are: #1 Mazda5; #2 Honda Odyssey; #3 Chrysler Town and Country / Dodge Grand Caravan; #4 Toyota Sienna; #5 Nissan Quest. Read more about there HERE.
Minivans have proven their worth over many years. While often overshadowed by the style and popularity of SUV's and the latest crossover vehicles, the venerable minivan is a family staple when it comes to safety, functionality, convenience, and value. Seating configurations are versatile and legendary. Seats come out, go back in, fold down, and some even turn around as needed. You can make room for cargo or in many cases carry six to seven occupants. Front bucket seats often allow parents easy access to kids sitting in the middle and rear seats. You just can’t get that kind of versatility from most other vehicles.
While it’s true that hybrid minivans are not on the scene yet, that will change as automakers continue to roll out new hybrid products. That doesn’t mean you can’t think “green” now when opting for a family-friendly minivan at the new car showroom. Like all models, there are some minivans that just stand out as more fuel efficient and “greener” than their peers. The top 5 are: #1 Mazda5; #2 Honda Odyssey; #3 Chrysler Town and Country / Dodge Grand Caravan; #4 Toyota Sienna; #5 Nissan Quest. Read more about there HERE.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
HGTV Launches Eco-Friendly Series
by Paul J. Gough of The Hollywood Reporter - April 8, 2008
Scripps Networks said Tuesday that HGTV will get on board with the move toward green living with three eco-friendly home programs and its annual home sweepstakes that will give away a green home.The programming will revolve around a new weekly series, "Red Hot and Green," that will make over a room in an environmentally friendly manner. Also planned are two specials: "20 Ways Your Home Can Save the Planet," which premieres this month, and "HGTV Green Home Giveaway 2008," which will showcase and award a Hilton Head, S.C., house in June.The network announced the shows for HGTV as well as ones for sister networks Food Network, GAC, DIY and Fine Living at Tuesday's upfront presentation at a midtown Manhattan restaurant.Food Network will launch several new shows, including a primetime show with Rachael Ray titled "Rachael's Vacation" that will see her overseas and spending big instead of sticking to $40 a day; "Food Sleuths," a series debunking misconceptions like the five-second rule; and competition series with the working titles "Eat the Clock" and "Chopped," pitting chefs in challenges. Food Network also will have "The Chef Jeff Project," about a former drug dealer who helps people become chefs, premiering in the fall.The HGTV shows, along with another run of "Design Star," follow last year's large investment in programming on HGTV that launched 12 series. Scripps Networks executive vp Burton Jablin also said that Fine Living will become a Nielsen-rated network in January.
Scripps Networks said Tuesday that HGTV will get on board with the move toward green living with three eco-friendly home programs and its annual home sweepstakes that will give away a green home.The programming will revolve around a new weekly series, "Red Hot and Green," that will make over a room in an environmentally friendly manner. Also planned are two specials: "20 Ways Your Home Can Save the Planet," which premieres this month, and "HGTV Green Home Giveaway 2008," which will showcase and award a Hilton Head, S.C., house in June.The network announced the shows for HGTV as well as ones for sister networks Food Network, GAC, DIY and Fine Living at Tuesday's upfront presentation at a midtown Manhattan restaurant.Food Network will launch several new shows, including a primetime show with Rachael Ray titled "Rachael's Vacation" that will see her overseas and spending big instead of sticking to $40 a day; "Food Sleuths," a series debunking misconceptions like the five-second rule; and competition series with the working titles "Eat the Clock" and "Chopped," pitting chefs in challenges. Food Network also will have "The Chef Jeff Project," about a former drug dealer who helps people become chefs, premiering in the fall.The HGTV shows, along with another run of "Design Star," follow last year's large investment in programming on HGTV that launched 12 series. Scripps Networks executive vp Burton Jablin also said that Fine Living will become a Nielsen-rated network in January.
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