Greenovate My Earth

Did you know? Maine

2010-06-04T08:00:00.000-06:00

The Port of Portland receives crude oil shipments, which it then sends via pipeline to refineries in Quebec and Ontario.
About three-quarters of Maine’s households – the highest share in the Nation – use fuel oil for home heating.
Maine generates a larger share of its electricity from nonhydroelectric renewable resources than any other State.
Maine is the only New England State in which industry is the leading energy-consuming sector.
Maine has the highest wood and wood waste power generation capacity in the United States.

source: Energy Information Administration

How to clean up BP's disaster

2010-06-02T08:00:00.000-06:00

I came across an interesting article regarding the cleanup of the massive oil spill that BP is trying to stop. Hair and mushrooms! Yes, a strange combination. To read the article click here.

Eco Friendly Pots

2010-05-23T17:35:00.016-06:00

Winter is gone for many across the country and the annual march to the local garden store has begun. It's time to add color to the yard and get this years garden in shape to produce beautiful vegetables, fruits and flowers. Red, blue, green, yellow, all of the colors that people enjoy during the summer while sitting on their patio or taking a walk in the park. But what about rust and black? These are the colors of many of the pots your pretty flowers and veggies were potted in by the nurseries that grew them. What do you do with them after you have planted the garden? Well, one company pots their vegetables in biodegradable pots. Bonnie Plants uses pots that are 100 percent biodegradable. They prevent transplant shock by allowing the roots to remain intact from container to soil so that plants make an easier transition to the garden. It couldn't be any simpler, remove the label, tear off the bottom of the pot and plant the whole thing in the ground. And don't worry about the roots, they will grow through the pot as well. As the pot decomposes it becomes part of the soil.

Not only do the pots decompose in the ground, they also have a plastic label around the pot that is recyclable. Nothing goes into the trash.

The efforts of Bonnie Plants have prevented hundreds of millions of plastic pots from entering our landfills and they've also dramatically reduced energy and petroleum required in the manufacture of plastic pots. But, what do you do with all those rusty red and black plastic pots you purchased plants or vegetables in? Many are recyclable and can be taken your local recycling center. If you're unsure, ask. You can also save your plastic containers and use them next year. Have too many perennials? Put them in a leftover plastic pot and give to a friend. So go out and garden, garden, garden! But, do your part to grow a "greener" garden.

The Canyon

2010-05-19T08:00:00.001-06:00

Canyon so deep. Canyon so tall. Don't stand too close 'cause surely I'll fall.

The grass grows green. The sky is so blue. Look at the clouds, you know that it's true.

I stand at the top and think of the drop. If I only had wings I could soar from this spot.

This canyon is deep. This canyon is wide. Until I get near, it appears that you hide.

You live all alone in the desert so dry. Yet water fills your bed from mountains so high.

You are a canyon with walls very steep. I'll treasure the moment with memories I keep.

Written by Chuckie C.

Did you know?

2010-05-18T08:00:00.000-06:00

3 to 10 degrees Farenheit. Scientists say that's the increase in temperature on the earth's surface by the end of the century if heat-trapping emissions are not reduced.
If you were to recycle a mere 1/2 of your household waste per year, you can save up to 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide. Are you doing your part? Are you filling your recycling bin every week with items you used to throw in the garbage? It's really a simple thing to do, you only have to make the effort to change your garbage habits.

Did you know?

2010-05-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

Glass produced from recycled glass instead of raw materials reduces related air pollution by 20%, and water pollution by 50%.

Glass bottles and jars are 100% recyclable and can be recycled endlessly without any loss in purity or quality.

States with container deposit legislation have an average glass container recycling rate of just over 63%, according to the Container Recycling Institute.

Did you know?

2010-05-15T08:00:00.001-06:00

If just 25% of U.S. families used 10 fewer plastic bags a month, we would save over 2.5 BILLION bags a year.

Did you know?

2010-05-11T08:00:00.000-06:00

About 1% of U.S. landfill space is full of disposable diapers, which take 500 years to decompose.

Did you know?

2010-05-09T08:00:00.002-06:00

The U.S is the #1 trash-producing country in the world at 1,609 pounds per person per year. This means that 5% of the world’s people generate 40% of the world’s waste.

The ocean is big

2010-05-09T08:00:00.001-06:00

Oceans cover 70 percent of the earth's surface. But, only 1 percent of the oceans are protected. Apparently, what goes on below the surface of the ocean is out of site and out of mind. So, if the oil leaking into the Gulf of Mexico didn't reach the surface, would it be a big problem?

What do I do with my lawn clippings?

2010-05-07T08:00:00.001-06:00

Every weekend I see my neighbors working in their yards in an attempt to make them pretty. Planting flowers that will bloom in the weeks to come, digging up the weeds that grow in all the places we don't want them and mowing the lawn. More and more people have purchased mulching lawn mowers, but many still catch the clippings in a bag and then the question is what to do with the clippings. This is where I see the garbage can come into play. Mow and catch the grass, empty the bag into the can, let the garbage man haul it to the dump. This method takes up precious room in the landfill. Mulching or composting the clippings is a better way to dispose of them. When you mulch, the grass is "thrown" below the surface of the grass and will decompose quickly while releasing nutrients into the lawn. Keep in mind that about 80 percent of grass is water. Some might say grass clippings cause thatch, actually, over watering and fertilizing do. Mulching allows one to water less and it reduces yard waste by 20 to 40 percent. If you don't have a mulching mower, use a rake to thin out the clippings and they will decompose on their own.
Composting is not difficult, but will take a little time. A good mixture of greens (grass, vegetable peels, etc.) and browns (wood chips, leaves and broken up sticks) make for a healthy compost pile. Make layers of green and brown, this allows air inside the pile and it will decompose faster. If need be, turn or aerate the pile using a pitch fork or aerating tool. If you work your pile on a regular basis, you will have compost you can use in your garden and flower beds.
So, here's the bottom line. Put your grass clippings to work for you instead of putting the garbage man to work!

Idaho Green Expo at Boise CentreMay 8-9, 2010

2010-05-06T12:30:00.000-06:00

The 3rd anuual Idaho Green Expo will be a free, two day event that will showcase environmentally friendly products and services, and provide information that will help people to lead healthier and more sustainable lives. The goal of the Expo is to improve both the quality of our environment and the quality of our lives. The Expo will feature over 150 exhibitors and more than 60 workshops and seminars on a variety of green-living topics. Attractions will also include music, speakers, art, food, demonstrations and activities for children. The Idaho Green Expo will be a celebration, but one with a serious purpose: to accelerate the emergence of a new green economy - an economy that is sustainable, healthy, ethical and earth friendly. It will unite green businesses, social and environmental groups, visionary thinkers, and thousands of community members in a lively exchange of ideas, commerce, and community building.

The Expo will allow visitors to:

See dozens of green products and services that are currently available to meet their needs.

Attendees will learn about organizations helping to affect positive and sustainable change in our region, our country, and around the planet.

Attend educational workshops and how-to sessions.

Networking opportunities will abound for people looking to work together for change at the local, national, and global level.

Meet interesting people who share common values.
Listen to speakers addressing a wide array of green topics, from the benefits of composting, to how to help your community improve their public transit system, to conserving energy in your home and workplace.

Spend some time at the Capital City Public Market, meet a few of our local farmers and discover the flavors of locally grown food, while listening to the sounds of local musicians.

Take in a green film or stop by the Kid’s Zone where the whole family can have some fun learning all about “green”.

The Idaho Green Expo will be held at The Boise Centre on the Grove

Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 10am to 7pm,
Sunday, May 9, 20010 from 11am to 6pm.

Did you know?

2010-05-05T08:00:00.001-06:00

380 gallons of oil are saved for every ton of office paper that is recycled. So, in the office or in the home, make sure the paper hits the recycle bin!

Did you know?

2010-05-03T08:00:00.001-06:00

The Arctic ice pack
has lost an area about twice the size of Texas since the mid-1970's.

Arbor Day 2010

2010-04-30T00:00:00.005-06:00

April 30, 2010 is National Arbor Day.

What is Arbor Day?

Arbor Day is a nationally-celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care. Founded by J. Sterling Morton in 1872, it's celebrated on the last Friday in April. Trees not only add beauty to your home, they fight global warming as well.
When planting trees around your home, plant evergreens on the north side of your home and plant deciduous trees on the east, west and south sides of your home. In the summer months this will provide plenty of shade which will reduce the use of your air conditioner. In the winter months this will allow the sun to help heat your home thus reducing energy use. Keeping your air conditioner in the shade can reduce energy use by as much as 10% compared to one exposed to the sun. Try to park your car in shaded areas. Automobiles stay cooler which reduces emissions from the engine and fuel tank.
So go out and plant a tree, it's good for the earth.

For more information on Arbor Day and planting trees, visit http://www.arborday.org/

Did you know?

2010-04-29T08:00:00.004-06:00

Sea levels have risen
between 4 and 8 inches in the past 100 years. Current projections suggest that sea levels could continue to rise between 4 inches and 36 inches over the next 100 years.

A 36 inch increase in sea levels could swamp every city on the east coast of the United States, from Miami to Boston.

Did you know?

2010-04-27T14:18:00.001-06:00

By 2030 the world will consume 47 percent more oil than it did in 2003.

Put Away the Blower! Use a rake!

2009-10-28T08:00:00.001-06:00

November is near, the weather is cooler, trick or treaters will soon be at your doorstep and the colorful leaves have started falling to the ground. Men everywhere will be heading to the garage to start up their gas powered, 2 stroke blowers. Think before you pull. Grab your rake and put away your gas-powered blower!
Using your gas-powered blower for 1 hour produces that same amount of greenhouse gases as a car driving 4,400 miles! That's a round trip from Seattle to Indianapolis. So, pull out the old hand rake, you'll get more exercise and it will make much less noise.

Stay tuned for more "green" tips

CFL Facts & Figures

2009-09-04T08:00:00.001-06:00

If every household replaced just one light bulb with and ENERGY STAR qualified bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars.

In 2007, Americans saved $1.5 billion by switching to ENERGY STAR qualified CFL's. The energy saved could light all the households in a city the size of Washington DC for more than 30 years. In other words, changing these bulbs removes as much greenhouse gas pollution as planting 2.85 million acres of trees or taking 2 million cars off the road each year.

Using ENERGY STAR qualified CFL's results in less mercury in our environment. Coal-fired power plants are the largest source of human caused mercury emissions in the United States. A coal-fired power plants produces 13.6 mg of mercury to power one 60 watt incandescent bulb, but only 3.3 mg to power an equivalent CFL. Even with 5 mg of mercury inside, using CFL's results in 5.3 fewer milligrams of mercury compared to incandescent bulbs.

The average ENERGY STAR qualified light bulb is designed to last more than 8,000 hours - more than 7 years based on typical household use. That's long enough to watch your first grader transform into a teenager.

SOURCE: US Environmental Protection Agency, Dept. of Energy

The Days are getting Shorter

2009-09-02T08:00:00.000-06:00

So what does shorter days mean? It means we use more artificial light, which also means our power consumption has the potential of going up. Now, there are certainly lots of variables depending on where you live, but the point of this article is to conserve power by using less watts to light your house each day.

The best way to make a big dent in the number of kilowatt hours used is to change your incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL) when your lights burn out. How much light do you need from a CFL to equal the light output of an incandescent? The following chart will indicate how many watts of incandescent is equal to a CFL

40 watts incandescent is 450 lumens which equals a 9 to 13 watt CFL
60 watts incandescent is 800 lumens which equals a 13 to 15 watt CFL
75 watts incandescent is 1,100 lumens which equals a 18 to 25 watt CFL
100 watts incandescent is 1,600 lumens which equals a 23 to 30 watt CFL
150 watts incandescent is 2,600 lumens which equals a 30 to 52 watt CFL

By using compact fluorescent light bulbs you will save approximately 3 to 4 times the amount of electricity versus an incandescent bulb. That might not seem like a very big savings right now, but if you added up over the course of a year you will see a noticeable difference in your electric usage. Keep in mind that if everyone changed to CFL's the difference would be huge.

If you are still using incandescent bulbs you might want to think about turning off your lights when they are not being used. Change to a lower watt bulb. Use a timer for outdoor lights so they do not stay on all day.

Change is good! So, head to the store and pick up a CFL or two or threee!

Where have all the plastic water bottles gone?

2009-08-28T22:49:00.002-06:00

This year Americans will crack the tops of nearly 200 billions bottles of water. Everyone wants clear, clean water that tastes good too. Yes, it's true water is very good for you. It has no calories and it hydrates you. People drink water at home, at the lake, in the mountains, at the ballpark, and just about any other place you might go.
But wait! Where are these bottles going after you have put all that water in your stomach? In 2006 nearly 80 percent of used plastic water bottles end up in the landfill. This year there could be as many as 50 billion little clear bottles taking up space in all of our solid waste disposal sites.
If each person in the US drinks one less bottle of water per week, billions of plastic bottles would not enter our landfills.
So, how can we deal with this problem and still drink our precious purified water?

1. Pour you water from the kitchen tap (that is if you think it's pure enough to drink)
2. Put a water purifying filter on your tap
3. Buy a pitcher that has a water purifying filter built into it
4. Put water in a plastic bottle that you reuse
5. Buy it by the gallon and pour it into a plastic bottle, glass or cup

It might take a little bit more time to get you water if your use these methods, but you will be helping make our planet a better place to live. Before we had individual servings of water these are the things we had to do, it's not hard to do, it's just a matter of retraining ourselves to do what is kinder to the environment.

Did you know? Colorado

2009-08-27T08:00:00.001-06:00

Seven of the Nation’s 100 largest natural gas fields and two of its 100 largest oil fields are found in Colorado.
Colorado is responsible for more than one-fourth of all coalbed methane produced in the United States. Coalbed methane output accounts for about one-half of Colorado’s natural gas production.
The Rockies Express Pipeline, set to begin service in January 2008, will help move Colorado’s rapidly increasing natural gas production to markets in the Midwest.
Colorado’s oil shale deposits hold an estimated 1 trillion barrels of oil – nearly as much oil as the entire world’s proven oil reserves. However, oil production from those deposits remains speculative.

source: Energy Information Administration

Top 10 Ways to Save Power at Home

2009-08-26T08:00:00.001-06:00

If your home is like mine, there is some cold or warm air sneaking into your house around a few doors or windows, or you could make a few changes to reduce you enegy costs. So, today I am going to give you some tips on how your home can be more energy efficient.

Put weatherstrip around your doors and windows
If you have gaps in your doors or windows, the warm or cool air in your house can "escape" defeating the purpose of heating or cooling your house. Weather strips can be found at your local home improvement store
Caulk around windows
Air leaks around your windows can cause a draft an increase your monthly power bill
Install energy saving compact fluoresent light (CFL) bulbs
CFL's are a great alternative to standard incandescent light bulbs because they save money, energy and time. These efficient light bulbs use about 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer while providing the same amount of light.
Change your furnace filter on a regular basis
It is reccomended that you change the filters on your furnace once a month
Fix leaky faucets Repair leaky faucets promptly.
If you have a hot water leak, it’s costing you money in water and energy.
Install low flow shower heads
Install low-flow showerheads and sink aerators to cut down on the amount of hot water needed throughout your home. Older showerheads often use 4 to 5 gallons per minute, while newer ones range from 1.5 to 2.5 gallons per minute. You’ll save water and energy!
Insulate hot water pipes
Uninsulted pipes lose heat which costs you energy and money!
Install a programmable thermostat
Programmable thermostats automatically adjust your home's temperature settings, allowing you to save energy while you're away or sleeping. Save energy and save money on utility bills — when used properly, the average home will save about $150/year
Schedule an annual tune-up for your heating & cooling system Call your local heating & air condition service center annually to perform a routine maintenece check!
Plant trees for shading your home and to serve as wind breaks
Planting deciduous trees (trees that lose their leaves in winter) on the southern side of you home will not only provide shade and cooling in the warm months, but will allow for solar heating in the winter

With a small amount of time, effort and money, you can do your part to help conserve energy in you city or state.

source: Idaho Power

Did you Know?

2009-08-25T08:00:00.002-06:00

Wind-generated electricity increased by 45% between 2005 and 2006 and by 21% between 2006 and 2007, more than any other renewable source of generation in both years. These increases were due, primarily, to newly- constructed wind power plants.
Hydroelectric generation increased by 7% between 2005 and 2006, second only to wind power. However, between 2006 and 2007, hydroelectric generation decreased by 14%. These changes were primarily due to variation in the amounts of rainfall and snowfall occurring in watersheds where major hydroelectric dams are located.

source: Energy Information Administration

Energy Conservation vs Energy Efficiency

2009-08-24T08:00:00.000-06:00

Many poeple think conserving energy and being efficient with their energy are the same thing. Wrong! I would imagine that most of you would agree with me when I say we take energy for granted. Our lights work when we wake up and they are still working when we turn them out at night. The invention of electricity and tapping into other types of energy has been a good thing. But, using it wisely is not something that you or I always think about.

So, what is the difference between energy conservation and energy efficiency?

Energy conservation is any behavior that results in the use of less energy. Turning the lights off when you leave the room and recycling aluminum cans are both ways of conserving energy.

Energy efficiency is the use of technology that requires less energy to perform the same function. A compact fluorescent light bulb that uses less energy than an incandescent bulb to produce the same amount of light is an example of energy efficiency. The decision to replace an incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent is an example of energy conservation.

There you have it, now go conserve and be efficient!