An electricity-generating fuel-cell system known as the Bloom Box sparked a huge buzz in the energy debate six months ago — and since then, still more ventures have surfaced to promise better living through chemistry.

Will future fuel cells make good on those promises? We should know in the next couple of years.

One of the concepts, detailed on Monday at an American Chemical Society meeting in Boston, combines the environmental friendliness of solar power with the 24/7 capability of fuel-cell generation. When the sun shines, electricity from solar panels would feed into a personal power grid, and also split water into hydrogen and oxygen. When the sun isn’t out, the hydrogen and oxygen can be recombined to keep the electricity flowing, producing pure water in the process.

“Our goal is to make each home its own power system,” Daniel Nocera, a chemist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, explained in a news release discussing the system. “We’re working toward development of ‘personalized’ energy units that can be manufactured, distributed and installed inexpensively. There certainly are major obstacles to be overcome — existing fuel cells and solar cells must be improved, for instance. Nevertheless, one can envision villages in India and Africa not long from now purchasing an affordable basic system.”

Electricity from waste water
Nocera and his colleagues started out with the water-splitting side of the equation. They found a more efficient way to convert H2O into hydrogen and oxygen, using relatively inexpensive catalysts that contain cobalt and nickel. And it doesn’t need to be pure H2O. “Owing to the self-healing properties of the catalysts, these electrolyzers can use any water source,” including seawater, waste water or water from the Charles River in Boston, the researchers say.

They contend that their system eliminates the need for expensive platinum catalysts — which would make the economics of fuel cells much more attractive. Prototype water-splitting systems have been built at a cost of $30 each, operating at power levels of 100 watts. The ACS news release says the catalytic system has been licensed to Sun Catalytix, an MIT commercial spin-off, and the venture aims to make super-efficient electrolyzers available for homes and small businesses within two years.

As Nocera noted, the big issues surrounding this system have to do with the costs for the other components: Putting solar panels on your home could cost tens of thousands of dollars, although government subsidies can reduce the price dramatically . In order to get Nocera’s make-it-yourself electricity system out to villages in the developing world, the devices to turn the hydrogen into energy would also have to become cheaper and more efficient.

Which fuel for fuel cells?
The Bloom Box is just one of the devices that has generated excitement among energy experts. It’s generated electricity as well, in pilot projects at places ranging from eBay to Safeway. Bloom Energy’s 100-kilowatt “server” converts natural gas and air into electricity, producing water and carbon dioxide in the process (CH4+2O2 is turned into 2H2O+CO2).

There are still a couple of worrisome factors about that equation, however: First, the Bloom Box is powered by natural gas. The energy conversion factor (50 percent efficiency or better) compares with the best rates for gas-fired power plants, but it’s still a fossil fuel. There are still carbon dioxide emissions as well, although the carbon footprint is not as great as it would be for a gas-fired plant.

Wyoming-based NDCPower is working on a different approach: It’s developing fuel cells that could take in biofuels — say, ethanol, methanol, butanol or even biodiesel that’s converted to alcohol — and produce chemicals with industrial applications on the other side, along with the electricity.

“Our technology is the only existing technology that allows you to take a carbon-based fuel and make energy, and produce no CO2,” the company’s president and chief executive officer, Don Montgomery, told me during a recent sitdown.

The byproducts could range from acetic acid (which is used to make plastics and currently costs $400 a ton or more) to formic acid (a silage preservative that’s even more expensive). Montgomery figures that the sale of chemicals produced by the NDCPower fuel cells, plus the no-CO2 angle, could win them some extra attention in the developing fuel-cell marketplace.

Ethanol plus Dran-O?
The key is in the chemicals used to make the fuel conversion — a recipe that Montgomery and his colleagues aren’t talking publicly about, except in the broadest terms. “You basically take your ethanol and pour it into Dran-O,” he joked. Dan Buttry, a chemistry professor at Arizona State University who also serves as NDCPower’s chief technology officer, would say only that the secret ingredient is “not platinum.”

Buttry also told me that the NDCPower fuel cell doesn’t need a membrane — which is a plus, because in most fuel cells, the membrane “is a pretty big component of the cost.”

Right now, NDCPower’s main business is providing military-grade power systems to the, um, U.S. military. But the company is aiming to make its mark in the civilian power market as well. And that market is just getting revved up. “The development curve has been like stepping on a rocket ship,” Montgomery told me.

While most countries are now challenged with many environmental problems, they are as well faced to the biggest challenge of development which is to have an energy strategy that could substitute oil dependency and sustain the growing energy needs. Exploration on renewable sources such as solar, wind and hydro energy has been already considered however the fact remains that these are not enough to meet the country’s growing energy demands. Of course there is also the debate regarding the cost of these alternatives if governments are going to put up large scale power plants. Now the question is; how are we supposed to resolve the energy problem if we could not rely entirely with the above mentioned alternatives?

The good thing about this, there’s a great technology now which can change the way we consume and generate energy. This is the biosphere gasification technology invented by Dr. Chris McCormack, the CEO of Global Environmental Energy Corporation (GEECF). The Biosphere process has been developed and employed in the manufacturing of clean energy disposal system known as The Biosphere MK-V. It would allow us to rely on green energy which is more efficient with oil and far more affordable than other renewable sources. Achieving both with biosphere technology would also means economic security not to mention the environmental benefits we could get through this technology.

A single biosphere facility can recycle up to 720 tons of garbage and destroy up to 172 tons of non-recyclable garbage per day. The technology uses gasification process where in it harnesses the calorific value (combustibility) of Municipal Solid Wastes (MSW) to create a heat source that produces super-heated steam via boiler, which drives a combination stream turbine/alternator thus generating green electricity.

The technology is already being used in developed countries around the world including United States of America, United Kingdom, Germany, Beirut, China, Taiwan, Brazil, Libya, Italy, Canada, West Africa, Singapore, China, Japan, Russia and Canada. Many nations are adopting the technology for it has been proven to be effective in solving both energy problems and environmental problems brought by wastes.

In the Philippines, the construction of biosphere process facilities has already started through Spectrum Blue Steel Corporation (SBSC). On June 2, 2008, Biosphere Development Corporation had a biosphere technology license agreement (BTLA) with SBSC granting the SBSC an exclusive license to market, sell, or lease, install and operate the biosphere process and technology in the Philippines. SBSC has started the campaign on deploying the biosphere projects in cities and municipalities all over the Philippines in 2009. Right now, SBSC is continuously encouraging other local government units in the Philippines to use the technology. SBSC believes that the launching of biosphere facilities would really help the country in providing reliable solutions for its huge demand for green energy not to mention its environmental problems brought by inefficient wastes management.

Undeniably, the answer to energy and environmental problems is Biosphere Technology. Imagine, with this technology countries could have unlimited resource of energy while helping clean the environment. What could be better than this? For more information about this technology, log on to http://spectrumbluesteel.com/.

About the Author

She’s a freelance writer who loves environment as much as writing.

(ArticlesBase SC #3141728)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ – Biosphere Technology : Providing Solutions to Energy and Wastes Problems

Their replacement?

You guessed it, Hemp.

The wonder-fiber can be processed into a state that is very similar to traditional fiberglass and is lighter and cheaper.

Click here to view the embedded video.

In other environmental issues we tell people to stop something, reduce their impact, reduce their damage,” states US Ecologist Gary Nabhan in a recent interview. Nabhan is an ethnobotanist/gardener whose promotion of biodiversity has caught the attention of many over the years. Since Coming Home to Eat was published in 2001, the local food movement has ignited, causing a worldwide green epidemic, along with a struggle to parallel Nabhan’s philosophies.

Nabhan suggests that eating foods that are home-grown will have a greater impact on sustainability for our planet as a whole. Otherwise known as “eat what you conserve,” is a well-established theory in that by eating the fruits and vegetables that we are attempting to conserve/save, we’re promoting the granular dissemination of various plant species.

Opponents of Nabhan’s theory(s) beg to differ however; Former President Clinton, Doug Band, and the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) have funded the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) on rice seed modification in an attempt to create a more sustainable rice crop – a direct result of climate change. The handful of people that support ideas like this feel as if we’re attempting to fix the problems created by human beings; but, in doing so, we’re actually creating further problems with genetically altered crops that sometimes fail completely.

Most experienced agriculturists and green followers would agree with Nabhan’s theories on biodiversity, further supporting the notion of eat what you conserve. In fact, well-known agriculturist Marco Contiero demonstrates Nabhan’s theories quite clearly in stating “biodiversity is an essential characteristic of any sustainable agricultural system, especially in the context of climate change.” Contiero also believes that people should start eating more localized crops, and spending less time shopping for exotic fruits and vegetables.

Nevertheless, both conservationists rely on action-oriented approaches to providing greater sustainability through biodiversity. As eco-conscious individuals, we must all remember to play our role in promoting these same ideas; don’t hesitate to stop by your local farmers market to pick up tomatoes or strawberries. Congruently, be sure to pick up what’s in season and grown locally.

With fuel prices touching nearly $150 per barrel, it is about time we heard some breakthrough !

India’s largest automaker Tata Motors is set to start producing the world’s first commercial air-powered vehicle. The Air Car, developed by ex-Formula One engineer Guy Nègre for Luxembourg-based MDI, uses compressed air, as opposed to the gas-and-oxygen explosions of internal-combustion models, to push its engine’s pistons. Some 6000 zero-emissions Air Cars are scheduled to hit Indian streets in August of 2008.  Â

The Air Car, called the MiniCAT could cost around Rs. 3,50,000 ($ 8177) in India and would have a range of around 300 km between refuels.

The cost of a refill would be about Rs. 85 ($ 2). Tata motors also plans to launch the world’s cheapest car, Tata Nano priced famously at One lakh rupees by October.

The MiniCAT which is a simple, light urban car, with a tubular chassis that is glued not welded and a body of fiberglass powered by compressed air. Microcontrollers are used in every device in the car, so one tiny radio transmitter sends instructions to the lights, indicators etc.

There are no keys – just an access card which can be read by the car from your pocket. According to the designers, it costs less than 50 rupees per 100Km (about a tenth that of a petrol car). Its mileage is about double that of the most advanced electric car (200 to 300 km or 10 hours of driving), a factor which makes a perfect choice in cities where the 80% of motorists drive at less than 60Km. The car has a top speed of 105 kmph. Refilling the car will, once the market develops, take place at adapted petrol stations to administer compressed air. In two or three minutes, and at a cost of approximately 100 rupees, the car will be ready to go another 200-300 kilometers.

As a viable alternative, the car carries a small compressor which can be connected to the mains (220V or 380V) and refill the tank in 3-4 hours. Due to the absence of combustion and, consequently, of residues, changing the oil (1 litre of vegetable oil) is necessary only every 50,000Km.] The temperature of the clean air expelled by the exhaust pipe is between 0-15 degrees below zero, which makes it suitable for use by the internal air conditioning system with no need for gases or loss of power.

Small Wind Turbine – Ryan Somma

When travelling in remote areas, sometimes it is possible to view gigantic wind-mill structures working to provide ‘green’ energy, not only to supplement existing energy sources – in order to provide enough for Earth’s inhabitants – but also to provide renewable energy which does nothing but utilize the power of the wind.

No coal is mined or burned. No trees are chopped. No fossil fuels are drilled for or piped. It is not only earth-friendly – it is consumer-friendly. Less manpower means less expense to consumers. Not every resident sees this difference in their power bill, but that is changing, especially with the increased utilization of small wind turbines. Like personal wind mills, these versions are adaptable to properties of rural homes and businesses and in some cases even urban homesteaders.

Uses of Small Wind Power Turbines

• Drinking water purification
• Irrigation
• Telecommunications
• Off grid home facility power
• Reduction of electric power bills

A Californian Case Study

The Rhyames, a Californian family, installed a small wind turbine (80 foot tower – 100 feet is allowed in most Californian counties) in 2002. California’s electricity is the most expensive nationally. Their goal was to power their 2,000 sq. ft. home, barn, and office above their barn. Their wind power installation was half paid for by California government incentives.

Their investment, and power, was estimated to pay for itself entirely within five to seven years. A detailed description of cases like these and experiences of those who have switched to small wind power turbines in California can be read about in a manual designed to help readers learn from the experiences of those who have made the investment already.

A 30% Tax Federal Tax Credit Benefit for Homes and Businesses

With the federal tax credit, families like the Rhyames’ can continue to benefit from making the switch, as can rural homesteaders who install small wind power turbines. In Oregon, a rural consumer can receive up to $6,000 in incentives for installing small wind turbine energy, or $1,500 per year for four years – up to 50% of the cost of installation. A database called DSIRE lists state incentives for ‘going green’ by investing in efficient-use energy and renewable energy options. Everything state funded to save energy iis listed out state by state. Wind power turbines are not only state but federally funded with grants and incentives.

Small, Personal Wind Power Machines Used for Homesteading

Families are used to making an investment in a vehicle, and it makes sense to opt for the most fuel efficient, technologically advanced models. These same families have often not yet learned how to make an investment in their power source. Owning power and the equipment from which it is sourced is not yet a typical expense when buying or maintaining a home. Unlike shopping for efficient appliances, shopping for small wind power turbines might require a little more public relating.

As in the case of the Rhyames, however, with their initial investment paid off, the new federal tax incentive basically pays them for owning the device from which their power is created. This is because the power, or energy, is green, renewable, and it limits the number of consumers for which the government must find ways to provide power. It was once a rare sight to view a satellite dish on a property. Now, with cable companies like dish network, compact dishes are often seen on at least several homes per neighborhood and are often a must in rural areas. Maybe one day, green, renewable energy sources like small wind turbines will be as commonly viewed as cable dishes.

Around the Globe

Renewable energy in developing countries where electricity is often quite expensive is a god-send. Many countries purchase their power from super power nations, often at exhorbenant prices. Small wind turbines are coming to the rescue in some cases, but the spread is much slower than need be. One capability of small wind turbines which could really help around the globe is water purification and treatment.

• Afghanistan is using these small turbines to treat water where people are filtering back to areas after the dissolution of Taliban regimes.
• New Zealand and Nepal have experimented with the use of small wind turbines.
• In China, nomads of Mongolia often use small wind turbines to provide luxury appliances to yurt housing, packing up to move two times each year, wind turbines and all.
• In India, specifically Aruna Pradesh, wind power provides electricity to villagers who might not have any amid the rugged terrain of the Himalayas.

To find out more about the specifics of wind power, read our web page with a set of frequently asked questions about small wind turbines for rural areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do they work? The wind turbine, which is installed on top of a tall tower, collects wind energy and converts it into electricity. The electricity is used to charge batteries, reduce the fuel consumption on a diesel generator, or drive a pump. Since the wind is intermittent, some sort of storage is usually incorporated into the system and back-up generators are often used.

What applications are they used for? In developing countries small wind turbines are primarily used for rural energy applications. Rural electrification of homes, villages, farms, and small industries can often be done less expensively and more quickly with renewable energy, such as wind power, than by extending the utility grid. Using newly developed wind-electric pumping technology, wind turbine systems are also being used for village water supply and irrigation. These new windpumps provide an alternative to the traditional diesel powered pump.

Why are these systems any better than grid extension or diesels? They are better because they are more sustainable and offer a number of other socioeconomic benefits. Wind systems are smaller, modular and have a shorter leadtime than grid extension. For grid extension distances as short as one kilometer a wind system can be a lower cost alternative for small loads. While they cost more initially than diesels they are much better from the users point of view. Donor agencies, for example, typically supply diesels at no cost, but leave operational costs (fuel, maintenance and replacement) to the local people. This requires scarce hard currency and usually results in limited utilization and a shortened life of the diesel because of inadequate maintenance. Many countries must also import their fossil fuels, further magnifying the burden imposed by diesels.

Can you give some concrete examples? In India the government is using 20 kW wind system packages, using two of our 10 kW units, to bring electricity to villages far from the utility grid. Jengging village, Arunachal Pradesh, which is in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains, for example, was electrified with wind turbines in 1988. Due to the rugged terrain in the area it is doubtful that utility lines would ever be brought to Jengging.

In Morocco the government, with the support of US-AID, is using wind-electric pumping systems to replace diesel powered pumps that are too expensive for the local people to operate. In the Naima Rural Commune, near Oujda in northeast Morocco, two 10 kW wind turbines are supplying four villages with several times the water volume previously pumped by diesels. The villagers prefer the wind turbines both because they deliver more water and because they cost nothing to operate.

In fact, the largest decentralized rural electrification project in the world is based on wind generators. In China, over 100,000 locally produced small wind turbines, 10 megawatts of nameplate capacity, have been installed in Inner Mongolia in the last seven years. Today, it is not difficult to find Chinese herdsmen whose wind-powered yurts (felt tents) have small washing machines, TV sets, and even VCRs! Twice a year the nomadic Mongolian herdsmen pack up all their belongings, including the wind turbine, and move to new pastures.

How does wind power compare with other renewable energy technologies suitable for decentralized rural electrification? Wind power is very competitive with photovoltaics, biomass, and diesel generators, but is usually more expensive than micro-hydro. It is also very attractive for its jobs creation potential and the ease with which its technology can be transferred to developing countries. In the big picture, wind power complements these other power sources by providing a least cost approach under certain conditions. This expands the scope of potential projects, pointing to the day when decentralized electrification projects will be implemented on the same scale as current grid extension projects. In many situations the lowest cost centralized system will be a hybrid system that combines wind, photovoltaics and diesel power.

Aren’t wind turbines too “high-tech” for rural people? The high technology of a wind turbine is in just a few manufactured components such as the blades. A wind turbine can actually be much simpler than a diesel engine. They also require substantially less attention and maintenance. Our turbines, for example, have only three moving parts and do not require any regular maintenance. They can operate for extended periods, five years or more, without any attention. Our latest unit, the 1.5 kW BWC 1500, is designed for Village Level Operation and Maintenance (VLOM), following guidelines established by the World Bank. With training and spare parts, local users can support the wind turbine equipment they use.

Doesn’t it take a really windy area to make wind turbines effective, limiting their range of application? Actually, the economies of scale in small wind turbines makes them particularly competitive in cost for sizes above 250 watts. For daily loads as small as one kilowatt-hour per day a wind turbine will be less expensive than diesels, grid extension, or photovoltaics for virtually any wind resource above 4 m/s (9 mph). This wind resource is available in most of the developing world. For larger daily load requirements the economics of wind power get progressively better. For a 10 kW wind turbine a wind resource of only 3.5 m/s (7.2 mph) will usually make wind the least cost option. There are not many areas of the world that have average wind speeds below 3.5 m/s (7.2 mph).

Much of the wind data in developing countries shows average wind speeds in the 2-3 m/s (4.5-6.7 mph) range; should wind still be considered? An all too common mistake made by project planners is to predict wind turbine performance based on historical wind data without first checking the reasonableness of that data. Meteorological services in developing countries often collect wind data in the middle of towns from antique wind sensors placed with poor exposure to the wind.

Thus, much of the available wind resource data from developing countries underestimates the actual resource available in rural areas. Macro-scale data and analytical methods are now available that can be used to check historical data for reasonableness. Accurate wind resource assessment is a major impediment to large scale implementation of wind power in many developing countries.

Would developing countries import U.S. wind turbines? They will import a few units, but will eventually want to move to local production of the equipment. Small wind turbines are not difficult to manufacture and they lend themselves well to technology transfer. However, they are very difficult to develop and many companies and agencies have underestimated the cost and time required to develop a reliable small wind turbine. It seems a lot easier than it really is. A 5 megawatt per year small wind turbine production facility would cost under $1 million, including licensing fees, which compares favorably to the $5-10 million figures that have been quoted for photovoltaic factories of this capacity.

We believe that local manufacturing, under license or through a joint venture, is necessary if widespread utilization is to be pursued. The developing country benefits from reduced foreign exchange requirements, better support capabilities, local economic development and, usually, lower production costs. The U.S. company benefits from fees, royalties and the sales of special components. We have already licensed production of our units in Australia and are considering similar arrangements in other countries. We have a joint venture in China.

Does US-AID use, and encourage the use of, small wind systems and other renewables? With a few exceptions, such as the project in Morocco, the U.S. Agency for International Development (US-AID) has continued to rely on diesel generators and grid extension in its projects. Even though sustainability is often a key project goal, AID Missions have been very slow to incorporate competitive renewable energy systems into their projects. Few of AlD’s fifty-odd overseas Missions have the technical staff to implement new technologies, so the conventional approaches win out by default. Although AID missions will spend nearly $400 million on energy projects this year, almost all of it will all be with fossil fuels. There has been some solid improvement in renewable energy project activity at US-AID, but clean energy is just not a priority.

Another barrier is an attitude among many managers at US-AID that aid and trade don’t mix. These people believe that trade promotion should not be factor in developing foreign assistance projects, even when there is a clear benefit to the project from using advanced U.S. environmental technology.

Is this typical of other donor agencies? Many other international donor agencies take a much more pro-active role in introducing renewable energy systems in developing countries and facilitating technology transfer. European countries, in particular, have shown how donor agencies and industry can work together to bring the benefits of renewable energy to the world’s poor. This often makes it difficult for U.S. companies to compete in developing country markets even when they have superior technology. Fortunately, the situation at US-AID is changing as environmental concerns increase and US-AID’s awareness of modern renewable energy technologies, including small wind turbines, improves.

How can I get more information? We would be happy to send you further information on small wind turbines for developing countries or answer any of your questions. Just call or write to Bergey Windpower Co. at the address below. You can also get further information on wind energy and its use in developing countries from the American Wind Energy Association (202-383-2500) or their web site: http://www.awea.org You can learn more about the programs of the U.S. Agency for International Development at http://www.us-aid.gov

Bergey Windpower Co., 2200 Industrial Blvd., Norman, OK 73069 USA T: 405-364-4212, F: 405-364-2078 BWC was formed in 1977 and has been manufacturing small wind turbines since 1980. BWC wind turbines have been installed in all 50 states and approximately 90 countries.

Climate change is in the news. It seems like everyone’s “going green.” We’re glad you want to take action, too. Luckily, many of the steps we can take to stop climate change can make our lives better. Our grandchildren-and their children-will thank us for living more sustainably. Let’s start now.

We’ve partnered with the Million Car Carbon Campaign to help you find ways to save energy and reduce your carbon footprint. This campaign is uniting conscious consumers around the world to prevent the emissions-equivalent of 1 million cars from entering the atmosphere each year.

Keep reading for 10 simple things you can do today to help reduce your environmental impact, save money, and live a happier, healthier life. For more advice, purchase State of the World 2010 – Transforming Cultures: From Consumerism to Sustainability, a report from 60 renowned researchers and practitioners on how to reorient cultures toward sustainability.

1. Save energy to save money.
   • Purchase State of the World 2010: Transforming Cultures to learn more about the shift from consumerism to sustainability Set your thermostat a few degrees lower in the winter and a few degrees higher in the summer to save on heating and cooling costs.
   • Install compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) when your older incandescent bulbs burn out.
   • Unplug appliances when you’re not using them. Or, use a “smart” power strip that senses when appliances are off and cuts “phantom” or “vampire” energy use.
   • Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water.
   • Use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying.
2. Save water to save money.
   • Take shorter showers to reduce water use. This will lower your water and heating bills too.
   • Install a low-flow showerhead. They don’t cost much, and the water and energy savings can quickly pay back your investment.
   • Make sure you have a faucet aerator on each faucet. These inexpensive appliances conserve heat and water, while keeping water pressure high.
   • Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden. Many plants need minimal watering. Find out which occur naturally in your area.
3. Less gas = more money (and better health!).
   • Walk or bike to work. This saves on gas and parking costs while improving your cardiovascular health and reducing your risk of obesity.
   • Consider telecommuting if you live far from your work. Or move closer. Even if this means paying more rent, it could save you money in the long term.
   • Lobby your local government to increase spending on sidewalks and bike lanes. With little cost, these improvements can pay huge dividends in bettering your health and reducing traffic.
4. Eat smart.
   • If you eat meat, add one meatless meal a week. Meat costs a lot at the store-and it’s even more expensive when you consider the related environmental and health costs.
   • Buy locally raised, humane, and organic meat, eggs, and dairy whenever you can. Purchasing from local farmers keeps money in the local economy.
   • Watch videos about why local food and sustainable seafood are so great.
   • Whatever your diet, eat low on the food chain [pdf]. This is especially true for seafood.
5. Skip the bottled water.
   • Use a water filter to purify tap water instead of buying bottled water. Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste.
   • Bring a reusable water bottle, preferably aluminum rather than plastic, with you when traveling or at work.
   • Check out this short article for the latest on bottled water trends.
6. Think before you buy.
   • Whether you’ve just moved or are looking to redecorate, consider a service like craigslist or FreeSharing to track down furniture, appliances, and other items cheaply or for free.
   • Check out garage sales, thrift stores, and consignment shops for clothing and other everyday items.
   • When making purchases, make sure you know what’s “Good Stuff” and what isn’t.
7. Borrow instead of buying.
   • Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, not to mention the ink and paper that goes into printing new books.
   • Share power tools and other appliances. Get to know your neighbors while cutting down on the number of things cluttering your closet or garage.
8. Buy smart.
   • Great for classrooms: Climate Change Reference Guide Buy in bulk. Purchasing food from bulk bins can save money and packaging.
   • Wear clothes that don’t need to be dry-cleaned. This saves money and cuts down on toxic chemical use.
   • Invest in high-quality, long-lasting products. You might pay more now, but you’ll be happy when you don’t have to replace items as frequently (and this means less waste!).
9. Keep electronics out of the trash.
   • Keep your cell phones, computers, and other electronics as long as possible.
   • Donate or recycle them responsibly when the time comes. E-waste contains mercury and other toxics and is a growing environmental problem.
   • Recycle your cell phone.
   • Ask your local government to set up an electronics recycling and hazardous waste collection event.
10. Make your own cleaning supplies.
    • Join the Million Car Carbon Campaign by purchasing your Earth-Aid kit today.
    • The big secret: you can make very effective, non-toxic cleaning products whenever you need them. All you need are a few simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, and soap.
    • Making your own cleaning products saves money, time, and packaging-not to mention your indoor air quality.
11. Bonus Item!
    Stay informed about going green. Sign up for our newsletter!

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