YourGreenQuest

Levi® Jeans - Green Care Label Instructions

2010-07-26T04:08:00.000-07:00

Levi Strauss has taken a number of steps to make their jeans "greener" including minimizing the number of labels and the wording on the label.

This can help you - the consumer - save money and the environment by making less of an impact.
The care label suggests washing in cold water, line drying and giving to Goodwill so they can have another useful life.

" ... 58% of the energy and 45% of the water used during the lifetime of a pair of Levi’s ® jeans occurs during the consumer use phase ..."

" ... launched A Care Tag for our Planet ... care tags encourage ... “Machine wash cold; line dry when possible; donate to Goodwill.”"

Via: Levi Strauss LINK

Recycling Tips for Plastics

2010-07-25T03:53:00.000-07:00

This all started when I was looking for a "green" way to dispose of an microwave ... that was broken. My local trash hauler / recycler suggested earth911 ... so I looked there for an idea ... none was found ... BUT ... I found some neat suggestions on recycling plastics.

I am currently recycling #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6 and some #7 plastics that are marked as recyclable but you never know when you might find something new.

Most communities now pick up #2 and $ 4 plastic bottles and most grocery stores take #2 and #4 plastic bags. But what about the reset ... those #5 yogurt cups and # 6 food containers?

Check out these links from earth911 ... "Earth911 partners with many industries, manufacturers and organizations to support its Recycling Directory, the largest in the nation, which is provided to consumers at no cost. The American Chemistry Council is one of these partners"
PP #5
PS # 6Expanded foam # 6

#2 and #4 bags

Via: Earth911 LINK

Braxton's Animal Works (Devon, PA) Goes Green with LED Lighting

2010-07-20T02:32:00.000-07:00

Braxton's in Devon, PA (western suburbs of Philadelphia) is a 3rd generation family business. We buy a lot of our dog stuff there ... one day I noticed a sign outside touting their "green-ness" by installing LED lighting.

Their lighting solution came from LED Saving Solutions of Devon, PA..
After installing LED lighting their electric bill went from over $750 / month to around $100 / month. Projected lifetime savings are over $260,000 as well as eliminating 100,00 lbs of carbon emissions.

Via: LED Saving Solutions LINK

University of New Hampshire - Energy Leadership

2010-07-19T03:07:00.000-07:00

The University of New Hampshire ranked in the top 5 percent in a recent DOE study for energy efficiency among a group of 180 colleges and universities. Comparing their energy expenditures to the average they save approx. $7 million per year in energy costs (and it gets cold in New Hampshire in the winter)

" ... in 2000. In our peer group, UNH was in the top five percent for energy efficiency. ... one of the most energy efficient colleges that offers 4 year programs through post-Doctoral research."

" ... on-going energy efficiency program for the past 25 years. ... energy awareness programs to encourage energy conserving activities ..."

Via: University of New Hampshire LINK

2010-07-17T03:20:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia is becoming well known for its green activities ... including solar powered compacting trash bins (the BIG BELLY) that can signal when they are full and need to be emptied.

They are also upgrading standard traffic signals with ones that contain LED light "bulbs".

LEDs are even more energy efficient and longer lasting than CFBs - and do not contain any mercury.

" ... funding through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG). ... reducing energy use and costs, ... and furthering the City’s sustainability priorities."

"Replacing 85,000 traffic lights with new, low energy LED lights."

Via: Phila.gov LINK

2010-07-16T03:21:00.000-07:00

UPS ' sustainability efforts are well known; including their hybrid delivery trucks. I have seen them on the streets of Philadelphia.

UPS is also a leader in recycling. In addition to paper they recycle batteries and e-waste; which is fast becoming a problem due to the rapid rate of obsolescence of computers and cell phones. e-waste contains significant toxins including lead.

" ... "e-waste" ... a significant global problem. ... UPS recycled 27,753 pounds of batteries in 2008. This included nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, lithium iron, ... implemented its own e-waste recycling program ... has recycled more than 24.5 million pounds of electronic equipment."

VIA: UPS LINK

Philadelphia's Bourse Building Goes Solar !

2010-07-15T04:01:00.000-07:00

Philadelphia's Bourse building is both historic and modern ... it was Philadelphia's first exchange and now has gone Solar.

The old Bourse Building on Independence Mall East has solar panels with mountiug systems from SolarDock of Wilmington, Delaware. These roof panels are designed to not impact the integrity of the roof of the historic building.

" ... SolarDock system for mounting the panels without any penetration of the roof surface ... "

This allows mounting in locations where there is concern about leaks in the roof or a roof warranty that does not allow for through roof mounts.

Via: Delaware Business Blog LINK

PenPack Plastic Packaging: Recycled Materials Made with Solar Energy

2010-07-12T02:35:00.000-07:00

I noticed the apples at my local Costco were packaged in plastic containers to keep the apples from bruising. What really intrigued me was the information on the plastic containers. Made by Peninsula Packaging of California ... they are:

- made from 70% recycled drink bottles
- made with 50% energy from the sun

" ... as much as 70 percent recycled ... are themselves recyclable ..."

" ... 10-acre photovoltaic "sun farm" generates 1.1 megawatts ... produces about one-percent of all of California's solar generated power."

Via: PenPack LINK

IBM's Water Cooled Aquasar Technology Reduces Carbon Footprint

2010-07-11T14:34:00.000-07:00

IBM has developed a water cooled supercomputer that uses the extracted heat to heat a building. Normally A/C is needed to remove the excess heat to prevent damage to computer systems.

The A/C to remove heat can use almost as much or more energy than that used to power the computers ... resulting in lots of wasted energy and extra carbon footprint What a waste !!

" ... Aquasar, consumes up to 40 percent less energy than a comparable air-cooled machine. ... carbon footprint is reduced by up to 85 percent."

" ... micro-channel liquid coolers which are attached directly to the processors, where most heat is generated. ..."

Via: IBM LINK

Energy from the Seas from Pelamis Wave Power

2010-07-03T02:32:00.001-07:00

"... potential to be one of the most environmentally benign forms of electricity generation ... wave energy around the British Isles ... estimated to be equivalent to three times current UK electricity demand, ..."

The oceans and the power of the waves and tides waves might be the source of your electricity someday. Systems that can convert the constant undulation of the waves into energy can harness what seems like an unlimited renewable energy source.

Pelamis are minimally impactful ... their visual impact is small as they are half submerged so are not nearly as visibly on the horizon as wind turbines. They appear to have minimal impact on marine life as well and can be removed much easier than a wind turbine.
They currently have installations undergoing tests in Portugal and Scotland.

Pelamis has their HQ in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Via: Pelamis Wave Power LINK

Bio-Beetle Green Rental Cars - Hawaii

2010-06-27T03:54:00.000-07:00

When in Hawaii you can rent a car from Bio-Beetle - their mission statement is " ... be the "GREENEST", and "BEST", rental car company on the planet."

In addition to biodiesel from 100% vegetable oil they use " ... earth friendly coolants, synthetic engine oil and non toxic cleaners ... 100% recycled or tree free paper ... organic cotton uniforms, and recycled items when obtainable. ..."

Via: Eco-Beetle LINK

GenGreen® for all Your Green Needs

2010-06-26T03:54:00.000-07:00

Want to be more green and not really sure where to start? Making good progress and want to kick it up a notch or two? Need inspiration or answers to questions ?
" ... goal ... to be the most comprehensive and diverse resource available for people looking to live ... environmentally conscious lifestyle. .... GenGreenLife.com where we have over 60,000 listings to help you live your green life. "

Via: GenGreen^® LINK

2010-06-24T03:48:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder how solar cells work? Sun light hits a photovoltaic panel and somehow electrons start flowing.

Check out this neat graphic that shows how suns rays are converted to power that flows from your home's outlets.

" ... Follow the path ... from the sun, through the pv panels, its conversion to AC electricity ... into the utility grid. ..."
ailed explanation of solar energy.

For a full size of the image CLICK

Via: CoolerPlanet LINK

US States by Use of Renewable Energy

2010-06-23T02:32:00.000-07:00

The map at the left - link to full size below - shows " ... the current state of renewable energy in America ... a large portion of the country is still dragging their feet in adopting more environmentally friendly means of generating electricity. ..."

Pennsylvania ranks 15th
New Jersey ranks 43 rd.

Check out the stats for your state.

Click for full size map ... LINK

Via: CoolerPlanet LINK

2010-06-22T03:11:00.000-07:00

My daily papers are rolled and covered with a plastic bags I noticed my newspapers were rolled in a new plastic bag before being tossed on my driveway. I noticed a neat new bag called green15™.

" ... every ... bag is made with at least 15% recycled material. ... allows us to use up to 15% less plastic ... join us to promote more recycled products & use less plastic ..."

Of course I collect these and recycle them at the local food store.

Via: Green15bags LINK

Via: xxx.yyy LINK

2010-06-21T02:55:00.000-07:00

Timberrland is well known for its green activities including putting a label on most shoes boxes that details the carbon impact of each product.

Their Earthkeeper line features products made to have a smaller environmental footprint ... usually from the user of recycled materials.

" ... Earthkeepers™ collection ... footwear with a small environmental footprint. ...rubber lug outsole made with 42% recycled Green Rubber™ material"
To learn more about green and the outdoors ... check out Timberland's Earthkeeper Blog

Via: Timberland LINK

Via: xxx.yyy LINK

2010-06-21T02:53:00.000-07:00

Pepsico in Ireland takes sustainability seriously. Caring for the environment and their impact are important considerations. To that end ... " ... An Environmental Sustainability project ... delivered 12% reduction in water use ... 5% reduction in energy use ... recycle 95% of all waste. ..."

Via: Pepsico LINK

Via: xxx.yyy LINK

Happy Father's Day - 2010

2010-06-20T06:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day.

Remember to incorporate some green ideas into your celebration. Enjoy the day and be green - they can go hand in hand. Teach as green lesson. Lead by example. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

Use compostable plates or normal dishes instead of throw away paper plates. Use a gas grill instead of wood or charcoal (less GHG). Use local produce / meat / stuff.

Watch your carbon footprint.

Happy Father's Day !!

Via: YourGreenQuest LINK

2010-06-20T03:09:00.000-07:00

Wallenius Lines, a Swedish owned car carrier vessel is testing a fuel cell for auxiliary power. Fuel cells are clean power sources - in this case fueled by methanol (alcohol). Wallenius Lines has a major commitment to being green (using non toxic paint to reduce barnacle drag, handling bilge water carefully, reducing impact overall, etc.) and this is the next step in the journey.

"Wärtsilä’s WFC20 fuel cell ... onboard the ’Undine’, ... is the first of its kind in the world ... during the test period provide auxiliary power to the vessel while producing close to zero emissions...."

Methanol can be made from biomass so can be a renewable fuel ... in addition to providing clean power. The trails started in May 2010 and extend until November 2010.

Via: Wallenius Lines LINK

Sustainability / Green Business Key to Ongoing Success

2010-06-16T03:19:00.000-07:00

Sustainability / Green Business Key to Ongoing Success ... many businesses are seeing sustainability and green as a lead to future growth or as a line extension to their current business offering.

The "nice to have is becoming the "must have".

>>> Read on for more.

" ... SAP will not survive ... one decade from now if it fails to embrace sustainability principles end-to-end."

" ... Panasonic’s ... “Green Transformation 2012″ strategy ... become the world’s leader in green innovation ... " Hitachi and Samsung have announced similar offerings / objectives.

Via: ZDNet LINK

Best Buy's e-cycle Program

2010-06-16T02:44:00.000-07:00

I have been going through the basement and found a few older computer monitors that are no longer needed ... nor worth using.

So ... how to best get rid of them and ** NOT ** harm the environment? Best But to the rescue (or e-cycle) !

"Regardless of where you bought it, what brand it is, or how old it is ... We'll make sure it's properly and safely recycled. ..."

" ... just about anything electronic, ... Most things are recycled absolutely free, ..."

Via: Best Buy LINK

Reconnect Partnership - Safe and Easy Computer Recycling for Consumers

2010-06-13T03:07:00.000-07:00

Reconnect is a venture with Dell and Goodwill Industries that was started in 2004 to help consumers safely recycle used or unneeded computer equipment.

Key goals are to keep e-waste from landfills and to not export abroad where it might be unsafely handled / disposed of.

It is as simple as 1, 2, 3 ...

"Find out if Reconnect will accept the item ... Find a drop-off location ...
Drop off the item ... Feel good about what you've done."

" ... for residential consumers who wish to recycle used computers. ..."

To find a location near you ... Click

Via: Reconnect Partnership LINK

Dell's Round Rock, Tx Site (and 8 others) Powered by 100 % Renewable Energy.

2010-06-12T02:45:00.000-07:00

In June of 2009 Dell announced that they source over 1/4 of their global energy needs from renewable sources.

" ... powers nine ... facilities in the United States and Europe with 100 percent renewable energy. ... Round Rock, Texas; Twin Falls, Idaho and Oklahoma City, Okla. ..."

In addition to using a significant amount of renewable energy sources they " ... plan to reduce ... greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2015. ... "

Dell follows a simple 3-step model where they work efficiently (energy-wise), use renewable energyand offset with carbon credits from verified sources.

" ... only company in the computer industry to achieve operational carbon neutrality in August 2008 ..."

Via: DELL LINK

Calstar Greener Bricks and Pavers Made from Fly Ash

2010-06-11T03:14:00.000-07:00

Calstar bricks and pavers are targeted to the green market. Among their features are that they use recycled materials and generate less CO2 when produced and they are priced to b e competitive with their non-green competing products.

" ... architectural facing bricks and durable pavers for the green building market. ...contain 40% post-industrial recycled material, use 90%" less energy ... generate 90% less CO2 than traditional fired clay brick and pavers."

To hear move about the technology and sustainability ... CLICK

Via: Calstar LINK

2010-06-10T02:55:00.000-07:00

Bon Appétit Management Company provides food services at colleges and universities at over 400 locations across 29 states. They are serious about cutting their carbon footprint and are using education and tools like the "Low Carbon Diet Calculator" to help consumers understand the role they play.

" ... beef and cheese are high carbon foods because they come from cows and cows emit methane gas, which is 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide...."

You can check the carbon impact of your food choices with the Low Carbon Diet Calculator. You can experiment with various options such as a cheeseburger vs. a turkey cheeseburger or an omelet with vegetables vs. an omelet with meet and cheese. Here is what I found ...

An omelet with meat and cheese has a carbon value of 1573 while one with vegetables has a carbon value of 750.

A cheeseburger has a carbon value of 3609 while a turkey burger has a carbon value of 1480.
Use your new found knowledge to choose wisely to reduce your carbon impact !!

Via: Bon Appetit LINK