We just celebrated  Earth Day and Earth Month,and that helps bring communities together.  I just wanted to share a story about “getting the (your) neighborhood to go green.”  To do that, I wanted to make sure you knew about Nextdoor.  It’s the free private social networking site for neighborhoods that’s now in 46 of the United States (and growing) rapidly. With the rash of home invasions and burglaries on the rise across the nation, this is a very welcome way to keep neighborhoods safe.

Here are 4 Ways to Go Green in your Neighborhood

It’s the time of year that means people are recycling, focusing more on sustainability and perhaps thinking about “going green.”  It’s not enough for just one person to do it, so have you ever wondered how you could get your entire neighborhood onboard with the idea?  Here are some bright ways to go green, and take your neighbors along with you in the adventure, using the new, free and secure social media service for neighborhoods.  It’s called Nextdoor.

1. Organize an e-cycling event for neighbors. It’s not always easy to properly recycle your old TVs and electronics, but what if your community had a day where a local volunteer stopped by your house and hauled away your unwanted gadgets? Communities using Nextdoor, can create calendar events and and invite their neighbors. Is someone in your community willing to donate an afternoon to drive people’s old gadgets and electronics to an e-cycling center? Let your community know, set up a calendar event and invite your neighbors to add their unwanted gadgets to the drive.

2. Share and share alike. You don’t have to break the bank every spring and buy new gardening gear and tools. Think sustainably and use Nextdoor to borrow a ladder (instead of buy one). Do you have power tools that you only use once a year? Post a notice to your Nextdoor community and let people rent or borrow your equipment. Do you have a service, like landscaping or plumbing, to offer? Let your neighbors know and stay local. Think of all the time and money you can save.

3. Donate your unwanted possessions. Organize bi-annual donation drives, or have a neighborhood sale. Designate a drop-off location for clothes, books, furniture, games and more, and donate it to your favorite charitable organization.

4. Organize a neighborhood cleanup.  Post before and after pictures from the event to Nextdoor when you’re finished.

Why Go Social With Neighborhoods? Data & Insights:
- Over 65% of all online adults use social networking sites. (Pew Research)

- One in three Americans don’t know their neighbors by name. (Pew Research)

- Social networks in a neighborhood lower crime, improve public health and raise test scores. It helps keep neighborhoods safe, like a blockwatch but is conductd on line by those who want to participate. (Robert Putnam, Harvard Professor and Author: Bowling Alone)

About Nextdoor
Nextdoor is a free and secure social network that connects people across the United States with their neighbors. Nextdoor communities are self-started by individuals like you and  me, in communities who want to connect with their neighbors over a verified, secure infrastructure.  Nextdoor is a San Francisco based startup, founded in 2010 by internet veterans with deep experience in creating thriving online communities.

Nextdoor has been featured in publications like USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, AARP, TIME, Forbes, FastCompany and more.

- Learn More About Nextdoor
- Nextdoor in the News
- Like Nextdoor on Facebook!

Here is a little about What People are Saying About Nextdoor:
- We’ve seen lost pets returned in minutes, ping pong tables finding new homes in a matter of posts, and a heightened sense of security in the neighborhood when a recent crime wave hit. – Brent Bamberger, Nextdoor Sleepy Hollow

- We have an elderly neighbor who has cancer and is quite frail. She had a security issue and when other neighbors got wind of it through Nextdoor, they came out of the woodwork to offer assistance. – Bob Thornburg, Nextdoor Sol y Lomas

So check here at Nextdoor to see if it is available in your community.  If it’s not,you can be the one to get Nextdoor started in you community. You’ll be the center of the buzz in your neighborhood, while working toward a safer and better tomorrow for everyone.

This is a press release from Marketwire, and a reminder to you to give thanks anyway you can, to those that serve and have served, to protect our freedom.

Hundreds of volunteers gathered at Arlington to place more than five thousand donated Christmas wreaths on headstones in the cemetery. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

You can Pay Tribute to Veterans and Active Military With Free Thank You Cards From Wreaths Across America.

The National Nonprofit Aims to Help Supporters Distribute One Million Thank You Cards During National Military Appreciation Month in May,2012.

COLUMBIA FALLS, ME–(Marketwire – April 10, 2012) – Wreaths Across America (WAA), a nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery was begun by Maine businessman, Morrill Worcester, in 1992. Today they announced its specially designed military appreciation thank you cards are now available. The organization has been designing and printing the cards since 2010, and is challenging its supporters to distribute one million cards during National Military Appreciation Month in May, this year. The cards are available for the cost of shipping and handling and can be ordered online at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.

“There are so many occasions in life where we wish we had the time — and the right heartfelt words — to thank a service man or woman who has put their life on the line to protect our freedoms,” said Karen Worcester, executive director, Wreaths Across America. “We created these cards to make it easier to approach veterans when the opportunity arises — they provide the perfect excuse to step forward and express your gratitude. We’re excited to be a part of reaching one million deserving men and women with a special message of thanks this May.”

The business card-sized military appreciation cards feature a scene of wreaths placed at Arlington during the holiday season. On the back of the card, below the organization’s stated mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach, is space for the card-giver to sign their name as a way to personalize the note. Many card-givers present several appreciation cards with each exchange, so the recipient may also share in the experience of giving.

Earlier this year, WAA announced the creation of a virtual Honor Wall on its official Facebook page, creating a place for users to submit personal stories and post photos of veterans or members of the active military, to share with family and friends. The appreciation cards and Honor Wall, are examples of WAA’s year-round mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach about the service and sacrifice of our veterans, a mission that culminates each December with the annual wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington, and more than 700 participating veterans’ cemeteries, and other locations in all 50 states and beyond.

Follow Wreaths Across America on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/WAAHQ and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/WreathsAcross. For more information, or to donate or to sign up to volunteer, please visit their website above.

Going Green on a Budget

by Amanda Green

Lately, I’ve noticed a huge increase in the number of small businesses in alternative energy fields. In the past month alone, I’ve received two phone calls regarding the potential adoption of solar technology in my home.

Aside from the obvious, if only minor, annoyance that such in-home solicitations cause, I’m also concerned about another potential problem associated with these types of green offerings. By reaching out to many Americans who are unable to afford the high initial costs of such technologies, they potentially shadow the smaller, much more cost-effective and simple green home solutions,that even folks with poor credit can and should employ.

Going green doesn’t have to be about spending inordinate amounts of money on big alternative energy solutions for the home.

Aside from the obvious financially helpful solutions like finding the right credit card for bad credit, Americans struggling with financial issues should be looking to much simpler green solutions around the house to save them money while also helping the environment.
The following are just three simple tips for saving money while going green at the same time.

Save on Energy Costs

-Set thermostat temperatures just a few degrees warmer in the summer and a few degrees cooler in the winter – you’d be surprised at how much this can save in annual energy costs.

-Install energy-efficient bulbs when your current ones go out – CFLs or LEDs are particularly energy-efficient and can save tons of money over time.

CompactFluorescentLightBulb (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

-Wash clothes in cold water when possible, and dry using a clothes line instead of a dryer.

-Turn all appliances and energy users off and unplug them when not in use, or use smart power strips to reduce energy use and costs.

Smart Checking

-If your account offers paperless checking, sign up – this not only helps reduce your impact on the environment, but can actually save you money by allowing you to check your statements more frequently online, ensuring beneficial spending habits and that you’re not being charged unnecessary fees.

-Read up on your account details and make sure you’re not incurring any usage fees –if you are, use a service to compare checking account fees and find one that better suits your needs that can save you money.

-Don’t pay for checking – there are plenty of free account options out there that can save you money while offering high quality service.

Save on Water Costs

-Take shorter showers – this will lower your water and heating bills considerably over time.

-Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators – these appliances are often relatively inexpensive and will save you tons of money on water and energy costs.

-Don’t buy bottled water – instead, use a water purifier that will save you money as well as eliminate the use of environmentally hazardous plastics.

-Use a reusable water bottle when traveling – aluminum or other non-plastic,non-toxic options are usually best.

While there are certainly a number of other ways to go green for less around the house, these three considerations are some of the easiest to get you started on the path to green savings and solutions. By doing just a bit of research one can find a huge number of green tips to save and use energy efficiently around the house.

Start today: you’ll be doing yourself, your family, the environment, and your bank account, a big favor. We’re working toward a better tomorrow!

The problem with Initiative 937, is the term “appropriately sited,” because it has not been clearly defined, so therefore, it has been grossly ignored.  Due to the poorly defined wording, the door has been opened to developers, planning on taking advantage of huge government subsidies.  Some developers, have NO regard for the voters, or the controversy that will arise, from placing industrial scale wind energy projects in very inappropriately  sited areas.

Indian petroglyphs in Columbia River Gorge near The Dalles Dam. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

At the heart of this controversy, is the Whistling Ridge Project, that has been proposed along the rim of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. This year, marks the 25th anniversary of the creation of this National Scenic area, which has been ranked by National Geographic Traveler, as sixth internationally, and second nationally among sustainable tourist destinations.

The area is one of the crown jewels of the entire Pacific Northwest, and brings in more than a million visitors yearly, from all over the world. The visitors expect to see these world class views, that are unique to our region.

The Whistling Ridge Project, would line the Columbia Gorge with 430 foot wind turbines, that would be visible for miles, taking away much of the scenic views, that people come to see and appreciate.  It would also harm wildlife, unique to the region, by removing hundreds of acres of forested habitat.  To top it off, the Whistling Ridge Project, would cost more money than it would even begin to benefit anyone who lives within the area. The projects average power capacity would only be 25 megawatts of power generated, as compared to 17,000 megawatts, already being generated by existing projects in Washington and Oregon,  and that are located in more wide open appropriate areas.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are not lacking in the area of wind energy production.  Infact, we currently produce so much wind energy here, that a vast majority of it is distributed to California.

In most instances, I am a supporter of renewable energy and laws and policies that support their development.  However, in this case here in Washington, we do not need this particular project.  It implies a high cost to the environment, the economy, and to tourism in the area, and it would greatly harm one of our regions greatest natural assets.

While all states have their own unique beauty and treasures, The Whistling Ridge Project, shows an inappropriate use of funds, resources and land. It should not be allowed to move forward, because it is a prime example of unintended misuse of current energy laws and policies that have gone horribly awry.

As of today, our Governor Christine Gregoire, has approved this wind farm project as a source for jobs in the area.  Currently, area citizens are planning an appeal. Your thoughts and comments on this topic are appreciated, as we work toward a better tomorrow.

Con-way Freight Retrofits Lighting to Reduce Energy Use

ANN ARBOR, MI–(Marketwire – April 10, 2012) – Understanding the energy impact of different types of light bulbs is important, and plays a much larger role in energy efficiency than most people realize. Short of turning the lights off, one way to cut back on this energy consumption is to install T8 linear fluorescent lights in place of older, less efficient technologies like incandescent, metal halide or high-pressure sodium lights.  Another, is to install motion and daylight sensors to ensure lights only illuminate when it’s dark and there is motion.
Con-way Freight, a less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier and subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW), first piloted a lighting retrofit program before it began implementing the initiative within its network of operating locations across North America. The purpose of the retrofit is to maximize energy savings relative to investment and to capitalize on state- and utility-sponsored rebates by installing more efficient fixtures, lamps, ballasts and sensors while maintaining or improving the quality of light for Con-way Freight employees.

Check out the infographic below, to learn more about the lighting and energy usage at Con-way Freight facilities.

Con-way Freight is a subsidiary of Con-way Inc. (NYSE: CNW), a $5.0 billion diversified freight transportation and logistics services company. For more information, visit http://www.con-way.com/en/freight

The surprising thing to me on the information presented here, is the fact that most people don’t do go solar for the sake of helping the environment.  The decision is made primarily to help the wallet of the purchaser.  Most purchasers of solar systems are middle of the road income earners, who are liberal conservatives.  They care more about jobs, than they do about the environment, and regard their decision to purchase a solar system, basically as a wise and sound financial investment.

Solar systems can be paid off  in as little as five years. Depending on the cost of electricity in your area, they give you a good return on your investment, especially after they are paid for.

I hope you find this idea as interesting and informative as I did.  Consider solar in your “green” future, while working toward a better tomorrow!

Created by: MedicalCodingCareerGuide.com

It examines how much gasoline and subsequent CO2 emissions are incurred by driving a rental moving truck short, medium and long distances to a new home. It also shows you ways that you can green your move.  Planning your move and recycling or donating unwanted items so that you don’t have to transport them, using biodiesel,and opting for reusable plastic moving boxes over cardboard, are just a few ideas that can make your move easier. You can even get them in different colors, and pack color coded to what you use, and what you want to keep and put away.

We used the plastic bin idea when we moved, 5 years ago.  We always have them for stowing things away.  Ideas such as this, help the environment, while helping us all work toward a better tomorrow!

From: Move Carbon Footprint

World Water Day is March 22

Water is our most valuable and precious resource, and yet it is often the least  talked about.  That is why ONE DROP, is making every effort to significantly mark World Water Day (WWD) on March 22.  Their mission is to make safe water accessible for all a reality, today and tomorrow. ” We must find global solutions, while taking concrete action where there are needs. That is why we’re striving to implement innovative and creative projects that produce lasting results throughout the world,” states Lili-Anna Pereša, Executive Director of ONE DROP.

Below, is a press release about activities that you can participate in to support World Water Day 2012.

ONE DROP Commemorates World Water Day

MONTREAL, QUEBEC–(Marketwire – March 15, 2012) - Whether by raising public awareness, field work, or active involvement in discussions regarding important water-related issues, ONE DROP will deploy a multitude of diverse initiatives throughout the world, for this World Water Day 2012.

Since 1992, the United Nations has encouraged people to celebrate water on March 22, of every year. Since its very beginning, ONE DROP—an initiative of Guy Laliberté, founder of Cirque du Soleil®—has commemorated this special and important day by a plethora of activities at various levels and across different territories, around the world.

Image via Wikipedia

“There’s water on our plates!”

The initiative “There’s water on our plates!” falls under the theme of the WWD 2012: Water and Food Safety. This awareness campaign consists of a series of tools, primarily geared toward social media, in order to make people aware of the consequences of their food choices on water resources and to encourage them to adopt eco-friendly food behavi0rs.

World Water Day and the World Water Forum

ONE DROP will participate in the discussions and reflections of the World Water Forum taking place between March 12 and 17 in Marseille, France. It will be presenting the conference “Social art – A complement to water-access projects.” One of the projects proposed by ONE DROP this year, was selected from over 1,000 projects, and will be presented at the Solutions Forum, which aims to promote particularly beneficial initiatives. The World Water Forum is a platform for exchanges and partnerships, between all the water organizations in the world. Today, The World Water Forum, includes over 400 organizations from more than one hundred countries around the world.

Participation in the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC)

This year, ONE DROP will collaborate with CIBL and the Maison Mondiale de la radio communautaire, to organize an international awareness-raising and mobilization operation, regarding water. More than 20 stations of the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters, throughout the world will produce vignettes, reports and shows aimed at creating interest concerning water issues.  On March 22, a special show will be co-produced with CIBL101.5, and aired globally afterwards.

World Water Day and7 DAYS FOR A BETTER WORLD

From March 19 to 25, 2012, Cirque du Soleil will hold the 7 DAYS FOR A BETTER WORLD campaign, which will present the various Cirque du Soleil, initiatives aimed at supporting social actions, at the heart of which is ONE DROP. Over the course of this week, $5 will be donated to ONE DROP for each Cirque du Soleil touring show ticket sold. Moreover, MGM Resorts International, Treasure Island and Cirque du Soleil, have joined forces to support ONE DROP. The revenues from the various Cirque du Soleil shows performed in Las Vegas,  between March 20 and 24, will be donated to ONE DROP.

The Run Away With Cirque du Soleil at the Springs Preserve will be held on Saturday, March 24. This will be the 11^th edition of the event, which includes a five-km run and a one-km walk in collaboration with ONE DROP.

Special activity in India

The stakeholders of ONE DROP’s Project India, will launch “Visions for Water,” the first water focused film festival to take place in the region of Orissa in India. Eleven documentary screenings about water will be presented, followed by a discussion panel to debate the question: How can the arts be agents of change in water management behaviors?

Special activity in Haiti

The agents of ONE DROP’s Project Haiti, will inaugurate two new communal water centers in Mariani and Beloc, and will perform the multidisciplinary show “Ayïti Pawol Lapli ak Lakansyèl,” based on the water issues in Beloc.

La Soirée ONE DROP in Quebec City

There will also be a benefit evening on March 24, in Quebec City, in partnership with Cirque du Soleil, with the proceeds going to ONE DROP.

The complete programing is available at http://www.onedrop.org/en/projects/projects-overview/WorldWaterDay/wwdactivities.aspx.

About ONE DROP

ONE DROP— an initiative of Guy Laliberté, Founder of Cirque du Soleil®—is a non-governmental organization founded in 2007. ONE DROP contributes to the fight against poverty, by supporting access to water and raising individual and community awareness of the need to mobilize so that safe water is accessible to all, in sufficient quantity, today and tomorrow. With its unique arts-based approach, ONE DROP helps ensure sustainable development for communities by implementing educational projects, providing adapted solutions for access to safe water and by granting micro -finance loans. ONE DROP leads creative projects worldwide, that seek to raise the population’s awareness of water-related issues and encourage the adoption of responsible water management practices.  World Water Day, is just another way we are working toward a better tomorrow!