It’s no secret that sales of hybrid cars have been on the increase. In the U.S., the percentage of hybrids to traditionally fueled vehicles has nearly doubled in four years, increasing from 2.8% of all vehicles in 2008 to 5.3% in 2012. It’s also no wonder that they have, of course, given the benefits that arise from driving a hybrid vs. a traditional vehicle.

Following are some of the reasons you should consider making a switch:

Conserve fossil fuels
One reason many consumers switch from traditional vehicles to hybrids is because they want to cut down on the use of scarce fossil fuels. The limited availability of petroleum means the things made from it, including gasoline, will become increasing expensive over the coming years. Hybrids offer a hedge against that by extending fuel mileage – as much as 55 miles per gallon.

Clear the air of emissions
The other benefit, of course, of using fewer hydrocarbons is cutting down on carbon emissions. Pollutants such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide are among the byproducts of burning gasoline in traditional car engines. Hybrids emit up to 90% fewer pollutants than comparable vehicles that use traditional engines.

Clear the air of noise
Hybrids make almost no noise, especially when they’re only running on their electric motors. This is important: Researchers say excessive noise can cause health problems including hearing loss, stress, sleep loss and high blood pressure, among many other problems. Hybrids are so quiet, in fact, that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has proposed a minimum sound standard so that pedestrians can hear them coming.

You could qualify for insurance savings
Some insurers want to promote a healthier environment, so they offer hybrid discounts of up to 10% to motorists who own or lease hybrid vehicles. One warning: The discount doesn’t apply to every type of coverage, including the uninsured/underinsured portion of your policy. But you can still reap benefits from doing something you believe in.

How can you find a carrier that offers savings for driving a hybrid? Shop your auto insurance with a number of providers and ask whether a carrier offers this discount. Of course, this method can prove time-consuming. Luckily there’s a better way. Several websites, including http://www.insurancetown.com/ , allow you to collect multiple quotes from top-rated insurers. Licensed agents also can help you find carriers that offer hybrid discounts.

Saving money on insurance might not be the primary reason you switch to a hybrid vehicle, but anytime you can save a few bucks is a good thing. Helping the environment seems even better when you can help your bank account at the same time.

Educating young people in how to go green is a great step in the right direction toward an eco-friendly future. We can tell students to read on a website that renewable energy and eating organically are good for the environment. We can design buildings on paper that are made with recyclable materials and energy-efficient systems. But when schools put these measures into place, they prove that sustainability isn’t just talk – it’s a way of life. Colleges and universities are using their students’ enthusiasm for a greener planet to implement tactics we should all emulate.

Let’s take a look at just a few examples of how schools are showing their students and surrounding communities what environmental responsibility looks like.

Bar Harbor, Maine: Students live and breathe sustainability at this college that consistently tops lists of the most green school. The college was declared carbon neutral in 2007 and is dedicated to green building as well as preservation and conservation. They use renewable fuels throughout the school, recover hot water to heat incoming cold water and eat organic, local food on campus. Buildings boast composting toilets and all kitchens have compost bins.

Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona: The desert university has made a commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent by 2025. It’s well on its way to meeting this goal, having installed systems for heat recovery as well as wind and solar power. All new construction must meet LEED Silver standards, along with the 30+ buildings on campus that are already LEED certified.

Warren Wilson College, Ashville, North Carolina: This campus in the Blue Ridge Mountains is known for being nearly self-sustaining. It grows almost all its food organically on campus and gets resources for building from its own grounds. It’s also known for having the first LEED Platinum certification for an existing dorm. Other initiatives, many student-inspired or run, include a free store for recycling/reusing goods, vehicles run on biodiesel and solar power, and streetlamps that emit low light pollution and are solar powered.

Berea College, Berea, Kentucky: This tuition-free college serving students of Appalachia runs the EcoVillage, a housing complex on campus that aims to reduce energy and water use by 75% less and reduce waste by 50%. It utilizes energy-efficient appliances, thick insulation, wind and solar energy and rainwater. Its recently renovated Boone Tavern Hotel and Restaurant was the state’s first LEED Gold hotel.

Evergreen State College, Olympia, Washington: All sustainability actions taken on campus dovetail with the adopted goals of becoming carbon neutral and zero waste by 2020. Examples include buying 100% clean power, running electric vehicles and a bike share program, and operating an aquaponics greenhouse and solar hot water system. Thirteen acres on campus support organic crops as well as composting facilities. The food grown not only feeds students on campus but is sold through a community-supported agriculture program and farm stand and donated to local food banks.

Whether you’re looking to refurnish your current flat or have moved into a new place and need some
new things to fill the space, decorating can be exciting and loads of fun. However, it can also cost quite a bit of money if you’re not careful. With a little bit of legwork, however, you can freshen up your home without blowing your entire paycheck. Here are some tips:

Scour Craigslist and garage sales. Many people are looking to get rid of furniture and other household
items at low prices when they’re downsizing or when someone has passed away. You can usually get some great deals if you’re willing to do the heavy lifting yourself. If you’ve found something you really like at a store, it’s also worth checking Craigslist to see if someone has listed a slightly used version at a markdown.

Freshen up what you already have. You may have an old dresser or chair that you’re ready to throw out
but it could look brand new with some new knobs or a fresh coat of paint. You can create a brand new
piece of furniture at a fraction of the cost.

Talk to relatives and friends. Oftentimes, as people get older, they want to rid their homes of clutter or redecorate themselves and that means they may have some nice things that they’re more than willing to let you take advantage of.

Do some painting. One of the easiest ways to change the look of a room is to paint a wall or two. If you rent, make sure your landlord approves but even a slight color change can make a room feel more like home than a standard white wall.

Look for sales and coupons. This goes without saying but if you are looking to order something online,
keep an eye on potential sales and search for promo codes to get the best deal you can.

Anne Perkins is a freelance writer focused on how to live large on a little living. She writes financial savings tips and short term loan info at YourCashLoans.co.uk. At her blog, AnnieIdea.com, you can get tips on how to take any idea and make it easier or cheaper to complete.

Over the past few years, automakers have been hard at work producing better fuel economy performance vehicles to limit climate pollution. By 2025, the Environmental Defense Fund hopes all cars and trucks get over 50 miles per gallon, a feat that will not only save drivers money, but also drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In the meantime, there are things you can do as a driver to get the most out of your car. As we all know, the current cost of gas isn’t cheap. If you’re commuting to work every day, you could be spending up to $75 just to fill your tank each week! The good news? There are things you can do as a driver to help you save money on petrol and help pave the way for cleaner air:

Turn off your air conditioning. This may be tough in hot temperatures, but turning off your vehicle’s air conditioning can help you save on petrol. Roll down your windows when driving and park in shaded areas so the inside of your car doesn’t attract the sun.
Lose weight. The more your vehicle weights, the more petrol it needs to burn. Empty out your trunk or remove any heavy objects from your back seat to cut back on weight — chances are your car is pulling more weight than it needs to.
Find a new route. You always want to find the shortest route to your destination, but not if it includes heavy traffic and lots of traffic lights. Getting caught in bumper-to-bumper traffic is the easiest way to waste petrol. Fuel-saving devices such as a GPS can help you find the best, and shortest, route.
Drive slower. This may be tough for some, but driving at fast speeds drastically increases your fuel consumption. Try to stay at or a bit below the speed limit to improve fuel economy for your vehicle.
Carpool. The easiest way to save on gas and reduce air pollutants? Don’t drive as often! If your coworkers live nearby, see if they want to carpool to work so everyone can save on gas.

To learn more on how to save money on petrol or car expenses in general, be sure to check out QuickQuid’s ‘Save Money on Car Expenses’ series here.

QuickQuid.co.uk is the premier online provider of quick payday loans in the United Kingdom. Its quick, convenient services have helped thousands of Britons bridge the gap between paydays from the comfort and privacy of home. Find out more about QuickQuid’s cash advances and short term payday loans.

London and the United Kingdom put a great deal of effort in making the 2012 Summer Olympics as sustainable as humanly possible. The latest installment of the Olympics are already being called the most sustainable in history, and that title is exactly what the city of London was hoping to achieve. The 2012 Olympics will not only be a legacy for London but it will set an example for all future Olympics wherever they are held.

London partnered with the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) and BioRegional, a top sustainable solutions provider, to create a sustainable Summer Olympics and send a message to the entire world that we should all live within our means. The Olympics is the perfect venue to send such a message because the games are watched by over 4 billion people in more than 200 countries.

The group project to make the Olympics sustainable was officially named One Planet Olympics, but its goals were based on the analysis of a previous project called Olympic Games Global Impact. In total, it took seven years to prepare and develop the strategies that would make the 2012 Summer Olympics the most sustainable to date. One Planet Olympics used 10 principles to guide what had to be done. The 10 principles, and how they were implemented in the 2012 Olympics, are as follows:

1. Zero Carbon
Reducing carbon dioxide emissions by minimizing energy demands was the top priority in making the games sustainable. All facilities were designed and constructed to maximize energy efficiency and use local, renewable energy. These plans are set to be used as the basis of a long term sustainable infrastructure in London and elsewhere.

2. Zero Waste
The reduction of waste played a large part in making the Olympics sustainable. No waste at the games was sent to landfills. Instead, it was reclaimed, recycled or otherwise recovered as a resource.

3. Sustainable Transport
Spectators attending Olympic events were required or requested to walk, bicycle or use public transportation. Public transport consisted entirely of low-emission and no-emission vehicles.

4. Local and Sustainable Materials
All buildings and facilities at the Olympics were constructed with local, recycled or reclaimed construction materials.

5. Local and Sustainable Food
Food served to athletes and spectators was produced locally and sustainably. Local, seasonal produce was used, and all food waste was composted. Because fish and chips is a popular dish in England, only fish from sustainable hatcheries was allowed to be served.

6. Sustainable Water
Water conservation efforts were used throughout the Olympic Park. New buildings were required to incorporate dual-use water systems. Water recycling and rainwater harvesting was also used in conjunction with water-efficient appliances.

7. Natural Habitats and Wildlife
The Olympic Park was built in such a way as to conserve the existing biodiversity of the area. Wildlife habitats were supported by building or rejuvenating waterways, and landscaping plans were used that could increase biodiversity.

8. Culture and Heritage
The Olympic Park was built to reflect the heritage of the area while incorporating elements of contemporary culture. At the same time, the heritage and culture of others was always respected.

9. Equity and Fair Trade
All facilities were built to be accessible and affordable by everyone.

10. Health and Happiness
Long term management strategies were implemented to promote the health of visitors and those living nearby.

While the Olympics were made to be fully sustainable, very little was done to support the sports betting community, which remains quite prominent in European culture. Efforts were made to reduce sports betting at the Olympics and on Olympic events. These efforts, however, did little to stop bookmakers all over the world. In fact, some bookmakers were even taking bets on the sustainability features that would be implemented before the games began.

The Political Economy Research Institute at the University of Massachusetts have just released a list of the 10o worst air polluters. The list “presents the highest toxic-score companies that appear on current Forbes, Fortune, and Standard & Poor’s large company lists. Individual facilities are assigned to corporate parents on the basis of the most current information on the ownership structure.”

The Top Ten are listed below:

Bayer Group
Textron
General Electric
Precision Castparts
Koch Industries
SPX Corp.
Dow Chemical
ExxonMobil
BASF
Northrop Grumman

For the entire list, visit the PERI website, which states that “the index relies on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Risk Screening Environmental Indicators (RSEI), which assesses the chronic human health risk from industrial toxic releases. The underlying data for RSEI is the EPA’s Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), in which facilities across the U.S. report their releases of toxic chemicals. In addition to the amount of toxic chemicals released, RSEI also includes the degree of toxicity and population exposure. The Toxic 100 Air Polluters ranks corporations based on the chronic human health risk from all of their U.S. polluting facilities.”

Rainwater collection is quickly gaining popularity throughout the world. In some drought-prone areas of the United States, rainwater harvesting systems have become mandatory for new homes and businesses. With some basic knowledge, enjoying the benefits of this popular trend is affordable and easy.

The Basics of Rainwater Collection

Depending on your intended use for the collected rainwater, your system can be as simple as large barrel placed near the gutter downspouts on your home. Advanced systems can include pumps, tubing, filters and other technology to increase the quality of the water.

If you do not intend to drink the water, an ideal starting point for rainwater collection is a single barrel system. With just one barrel, you can harvest enough rainwater to keep a small garden healthy, provide some outdoor fun for the children or keep your vehicles shiny and clean.

The Components of Rainwater Collection

Many home improvement stores offer pre-fabricated rainwater collection barrels. Many of these barrels are already tapped, sealed and contain filters to ensure your water is free from insects and debris. However, you can save money by building your own. There are lots of sites which show you different products and methods for rain water collection.

Online classifieds and vendors are a great source of affordable barrels. To help keep your water clean, a container with a tight-fitting lid is recommended. Paint strainers make a perfect filter to keep leaves, seeds and debris out of your tank as well. All that is left is some tubing and taps to gain access to the water and route it towards your intended destination.

Installing Your First Rainwater Collector

Simply place your barrel in a location that is higher than your intended destination and connect your tubing. A stack of cinder blocks or the patio make an ideal spot. Feed water into the barrel using your gutter downspouts or a water chain. Gravity will take care of delivering the water the moment the tap is opened. Now you are free to wash the dog, water the garden or splash in the yard with the children without worrying about wasting water or expensive utility bills.

Ocean fallout from the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan last year made it all the way to the California coast line, according to information recently released from scientists at CSU. Kelp samples were collected off Orange County, Santa Cruz and other coastal areas after the 2011 accident and the samples all contained radioactive iodine. The largest concentration was about 250 times higher than levels normally found in giant kelp before the disaster in Japan.

Steven Manley, a biology professor who specializes in kelp, said that “kelp forests are some of the most productive ecosystems on Earth, and one thing about it is it has a large surface canopy which means it is continually exposed to the air and whatever contaminants are in it.”

In regards to the fish and other sea life that feeds on the kelp, he said that “if they were feeding on it, they definitely got dosed. We just don’t know if it was harmful. It’s probably not good for them. But no one knows. In the marine environment, it was significant, but probably not harmful at the levels we detected it, except it may have affected certain fish’s thyroid systems.”

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has not said whether or not they will consider monitoring kelp ongoing. They agency measured air and milk on the West Coast after Fukushima and concluded that “radiation levels remained well below any level of public health concern.”

France has temporarily banned the planting of Monsanto’s genetically modified corn, ominously called MON810.

“Due to the proximity of the planting season,” said Agriculture Minister Bruno Le Maire in a press release last week, the country has “decided to take a precautionary measure to temporarily prohibit the cultivation of maize MON810 on the national territory to protect the environment.”

All plantings of MON810, which goes by the brand name YieldGard, will become illegal on March 20, 2012.

Monsanto announced in early this year that they would no longer sell genetically modified corn in France because of the major public outcry and opposition.

Now more than ever, the need for renewable energy is paramount for the sustainability of the future. With the continuing flow of oil leaks, accidents and damage being done to the environment, more and more people are turning to renewable energy as a primary source for powering and heating their homes. In 2011 alone, the demand for renewable energy outstripped the need for any single fossil fuel. This may not seem too exceptional or significant, but this has never before happened in the history of fossil fuels. At the current rate of growth, analysts predict that the demand for renewable energy and renewable energy technology shall rise by 8% every year until 2030.

In a recent report published in January 2012, there was stated to be a total of $260 billion invested into renewable energy during 2011 in the United States. With energy suppliers now looking towards clean energy, the demand for trained installers and technicians has never been higher. Now more than ever, roofers across the United Kingdom are looking to branch out into the renewable revolution and become some of the select few qualified and experienced professionals in the industry. With training centres all over the country, including Ploughcroft Training Solar Renewable Centre of Excellence, it has never been easier.

One of the forerunners of renewable energy technologies is solar energy; many people have seen solar panels on the homes of other people, and are interested in having them installed in their own homes, but most people are unaware of how solar power works.

Photovoltaic panels, otherwise known as solar panels (or PV), work by absorbing the radiation emitted by the sun. This energy received by the panels is then sent to an inverter within the building, which then converts the energy to electricity. This electricity is then passed through into the house or is fed in to the national grid via a feed-in tariff. Most people assume that photovoltaic panels only work during the hottest days and during the summer. This is simply not true; as the United Kingdom receives 60% of the sunlight received on the equator, you do not have to live in the tropics to make Solar PV panels sustainable. Also, during winter, the panels still receive diffused radiation during cloud cover, which means that solar panels produce electricity during all types of weather.

It is a little known fact that solar energy is also lucrative to the people who have them installed on their homes. As already mentioned, any excess energy can be transferred to the national grid via a feed-in tariff. This means that solar panels can make you money, tax free and guaranteed for at least twenty-five years. As a typical 4kWp system can save the average household £980 (US$1,540) a year on bills, photovoltaic panels can pay for themselves over and over again during their twenty-five year lifespan.

All across the country there are specialized and approved training centers where experienced roofers, electricians and plumbers are able to go and train on a variety of solar energy courses. Here they can learn, and gain hands on experience in fitting, maintaining and caring for solar photovoltaic panels. Unlike other resources, the sun has no plans of running out anytime soon, and with all energy deriving from this one source, there really is no reason not to train in solar energy, today.