This is why we all need to get serious not only with our energy consumption, but with our choices in the way in which it is produced. Further, we can’t just simply wait for the power companies who produce energy to convert to solar, geo-thermal, or any other “green” means of production, we have to get into it ourselves. Becoming more energy eco-focused is what is needed. For this reason, some homes are now being built with certain energy eco-systems built in, such as geothermal systems which use heat pumps to extract heat from the ground, along with other built-in energy eco-systems such as solar panel arrays on rooftops, and precise placements of windows for the best benefits of lighting, heat and ventilation, as well as others.

Many prefabricated houses these days are being built with these and other energy eco-systems built right into them, with amazing results as far as the increased lack of impact on the surrounding environment. Some use only a third of the typical home’s consumption of energy, and others even much less. Living in homes built with these and other energy eco-systems in place not only saves the environment, due to their utter independence from fossil fuels, whether domestic or foreign, but also saves expense. Energy cost expenditure is phenomenally reduced when the proper systems are all in place, working harmoniously together.

Clearly, the more people who choose to be energy eco-conscious and make their homes to be those of this type, then the more of an effect of “erasing our carbon footprints” will be achieved. This may bring to mind the whole idea of “How can the doings of one person make a difference”, but what’s clear here is that the incentive to save your hard-earned money alone, and in such considerable quantities (or inversely, the incentive of not dumping your hard-earned money in considerable quantities out into the sky), is more than enough to get anyone involved. A person doesn’t have to be a hard-core “tree-hugger” to see the obvious benefits here, even to one’s personal expenses. Energy eco-sensibility is simply a no-brainer choice to make.

If you’re interested in learning more about energy eco-sensibility and other things related to alternative energy, then you’ve got to check out the EcoPlusHome project.

Bryan Kenny and his family are an average North American family with one exception…they’re living in the EcoPlusHome.

The EcoPlusHome is a prefabricated home powered by alternative energies like solar thermal, geothermal and photovoltaic. Bryan and his family will show the world that it is possible to live self sustained for a 12 month period by showcasing their journey living in the EcoPlusHome on their blog.

Bryan and his family welcome you to join their journey to self sufficiency on their blog http://ecoplushome.com/blog.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bryan_Kenny

As obvious as that statement is, people still treat Earth like there is another one on the back burner. The ocean levels are rising, the ice caps are melting and our ozone layer is disintegrating; we’ve left more of a carbon footprint in the last hundred years than the rest of history combined! The good news, however, is that the word “green” is becoming more ingrained in our social consciousness.

Thanks to environmental activists and supporters, the word “green” has taken on a whole new definition. Any attitude concerning “global environmental protection, bioregionalism, social responsibility” is considered green. The term has become a buzzword of sorts; restaurants, business, and manufacturers brandish the label to appeal to our ever-concerned society.

Every day, people are finding new ways to become environmentally-friendly, even investing in green furniture. Decorating your house furniture made from recycled materials is not only fashionable, but it reduces our carbon footprint and preserves our planet for future generations.

Bamboo is a very good material for green furniture. Technically a grass, bamboo grows quickly, it’s sturdy and it looks good in almost every interior. Plus, furniture made from bamboo doesn’t require any deforestation. Because you can lay it flat for flooring, mold it into furniture, or even cut it up to make blinds and window shades, bamboo has become the go-to material for environmentalists. Plus, there are very few pesticides involved during its production.

Trees make our planet livable. By absorbing carbon dioxide and converting into oxygen, they produce breathable air, which is why deforestation causes such an outcry. However, there are tree farms dedicated to the sole purpose of producing wood products; these trees are certified sustainable. The Rainforest Alliance, one of the largest certifier of sustainable wood, uses the industry-standard Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, which makes it easy determine safe wood. Some staunch environmentalists forget that no matter what something is made out of, there are earth-friendly options, even wood. It is very easy to find wood furniture made from sustainable trees, just look for the FSC label or inquire at your local furniture store.

The Rainforest Alliance also certifies any type of furniture made from recycled material: The Rediscovered Wood Certification. Sustainable forests are good sources of lumber, but wood lasts a long time, especially if it’s taken care of. Reclaiming wood from old furniture makes more sense than using precious land to grow sustainable wood. Using old furniture, houses, and even drift wood are good examples of how innovative people have been in creating green furniture.

Green furniture also releases fewer toxins than synthetics. Many people don’t even consider this, but nothing in your house just sits there; everything produces airborne substances. Toxins released from furniture have been traced to birth defects and other health problems. Make sure that any new furniture you purchase has the Greenguard certification, which ensures the product has low toxicity.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on solar energy, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background also includes teaching, gardening, and health and fitness. For more of her useful articles on ecologically friendly furniture, please visit Green Furniture.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Clarke

Here are some high-impact environmentally friendly kitchen design ideas:

o Kitchen Recycling Centre

Look for sets of kitchen bins that allow you to easily separate rubbish – paper, food, bottles, plastics, etc.

o Waste Disposal machines

These are ideal for reducing the physical amount of food waste down to small pieces. Then start a wormery where worms can compost down the food waste more efficiently. Use the compost on your garden.

o Energy-Efficient Kitchen Appliances

When considering your refrigerator, dishwasher or washing machine purchases for the kitchen remodeling project, each appliance will have an Energy Rating. Advanced technology now means that appliances can use 10 to 50 percent less energy and water than standard models

o Induction Hobs

Induction cooking uses electricity to produce a magnetic field that reacts with the ferric content in stainless steel, cast iron, and enameled steel cookware. This excites the molecules and produces heat. The cookware (and therefore the food) gets hot, but the stove-top doesn’t. Less heat is wasted and the food heats faster, saving time and energy. Induction cooking is about 90 percent energy efficient as compared to gas and electric radiant, which are 50 to 60 percent efficient.

o Dishwashers and Washing Machines

Use a full load in your dishwasher and washing machine. If you are thinking of buying a new machine, make sure you buy a water efficient model. Have a look at our website where we have collated more information on water efficient appliances.

o Stained Concrete or Indigenous Stone Kitchen Counter-tops.

Your kitchen design should include materials that are durable and water-resistant for both counter tops and splash-backs. Stained concrete uses non-toxic, natural pigments rather than surface-applied stains. Many types of indigenous stone are available and can come from salvage sources. Make sure they are adequately sealed to prevent staining.

o Energy-Efficient Task Lighting and Lighting Controls

Kitchen designs often include two or three light settings such as general, task lighting, and mood lighting. Maximize natural light wherever possible and low voltage systems for task and mood lighting.

o Eco-Friendly Kitchen Flooring

Products manufactured from renewable forests can provide you with a beautiful, affordable and durable floor – and an environmentally responsible choice. Bamboo, cork, and eucalyptus mature in roughly half the time (or less) that it takes hardwoods, grown in colder climates, to reach market size.

o Wall Insulation

Nothing improves the comfort and energy efficiency of a kitchen more than plenty of insulation in the exterior walls. To add insulation to existing kitchen walls, blow fibrous insulation material – fiberglass or natural materials like cellulose and mineral wool – into enclosed wall, floor and roof cavities. “Dense packing” the insulation inhibits air circulation within the cavities, thereby eliminating a major cause of condensation, moisture problems and air leakage.

o Kitchen Windows, Doors and Skylights

Well-designed windows and skylights can lighten the feel of a kitchen and save on fuel bills as well. Ensure the products used have low heat emission glass with solar shading, which increases the room’s comfort, protects items from sun damage and reduces condensation on windows.

Ian D Ludlow helps sales and customer service people and organisations in the business-to-business, direct sales and retail environments to improve their current performance.

As a Master Practitioner of NLP and Accredited LVT Practitioner, he uses fun and creative techniques to change unproductive behaviours and to help individuals and teams THINK FASTER and REACT QUICKER to ever changing market conditions.

He states, “If you carry on doing what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” Ian’s specialism is knowing what to change and how to change it with minimum effort and maximum return.

Ian helped improve the average sales value for a retail business by 14% which added £34M in sales revenue over one year from 320 stores. He also helped increase the sales conversion ratio by 7% through quality sales training and lead generation programmes for a kitchen and bathroom installer; increasing sales by £24M over one year.

Ian D Ludlow can be contacted on +44 (0)1795 55 56 83 whilst his website is under construction.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ian_Ludlow

What are the reasons for considering bamboo to be ecologically friendly? Experts state these major factors to decide whether a product is eco-friendly or not.

The first is, called the renewability of the product. The exact definition of the term renewable would be ‘relating to or being a commodity or resource, such as solar energy or wood, that is inexhaustible or replaceable by new growth’. In other words, it should be a source which can be easily renewed or replenished in a relatively short time and should not take hundreds of years to replenish. When we consider bamboo, it is basically a grass not a tree, grows very fast, matures in about 2 to 6 years. Bamboo has a robust root system that generates multiple new shoots for every culm (mature stalk) that is harvested. Hence, bamboo can be harvested many times from the same plants or in other words, the original plant is not killed when the bamboo is cut down. This is a very important factor for preserving environment, unlike when furniture is made of wood, a whole tree needs to be cut down and it takes about 60 to 100 years to grow the tree back.
The second defining point is that it prevents erosion of the soil, and reduces amount of carbon-dioxide in the atmosphere. Further it can grow practically in any condition without too much water and it is not a threat to any other trees growing nearby.

The third factor is the amount of chemicals that are needed to grow the plant, process it and finish it so that it is ready for sale. Bamboo doesn’t need too much pesticides or chemicals to either grow or process.

Considering all these factors and the factor that bamboo is completely bio-degradable, it is no wonder that bamboo is becoming the rising star of the eco-friendly world.

Gnana Ramanathan is an internet entreprenuer specialising in elegant home decor items like Bamboo Rugs [http://www.eleganthomedecors.com/bamboo_rugs.html], Hammocks, and Home Decor accessories like vases, lighting etc.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gnana_Ramanathan

Some resources, such as solar energy, fresh air, winds, fresh surface water, fertile soil, and wild edible plants, are directly available for use by us and other organisms. Other resources, such a petroleum, iron, groundwater, and modern crops, aren’t directly available. They become useful to us only with some effort and technological ingenuity. Petroleum, for example, was a mysterious fluid until we learned how to find, extract, and convert it into gasoline, heating oil, and other products that could be sold at affordable prices.

Solar energy is called renewable or perpetual resource because on a human time scale this solar capital is essentially inexhaustible. It is expected to last at least 6 billion years as the sum completes its life cycle.
A potentially renewable resource can be replenished fairly rapidly through natural process. Examples of such resources are forest tress, grassland grasses, wind animals, fresh lake and stream water, ground water, fresh air, and fertile soil. One important potentially renewable resource for us and other species is biological diversity, or biodiversity, which consists of the different life forms that can best survive the variety of conditions currently found on the earth.

However potentially renewable resource can be depleted. The highest rate at which a potentially renewable resource can be used indefinitely without reducing its available supply is called sustainable yield.

To learn more about Free Alternative Energy, just Click Here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erick_Juanich

Window treatments, available in a great many styles, including those we are discussing here, can help control light and heat from entering or exiting a room. There are three main types of environmentally friendly blackout or sleep window shades, light filtering roller shades, and solar window shades. These can be functional or decorative, or both.

Blackout, or sleep window shades are made of thicker fabric or vinyl coated materials or they are made of wood. Wood roller shades offer the greatest insulation and moisture control, and cost the most. The lightweight vinyl coated fabric window shades that are dark are also used for blackout window shades. The roller shades can be adjusted to allow any amount of light into a room, or to fully darken the room for sleeping. They are great for night shift workers, the elderly, and children, who all need to have darkened rooms for better sleep conditions.

The light filtering roller shades are translucent, allowing light into a room, and many are very light colored or decorator fabrics. These provide privacy and light control, but do not darken the room. They fit well into many decorator schemes, and make rooms look lighter and friendlier.

Solar window shades are precision screen window shades, which are light controlling, yet you can see the outdoors view through them, as with regular screening materials. They cut glare, and give some privacy, but do not eliminate the view as the other two styles do.

All the window shades can fit inside the window frame or outside it, depending on how much light control the homeowner desires, and what fits best with room decor. All have a steel headrail system for valence and to hide the workings of the shade. Slats generally are two inches deep, although some are only one inch deep. For deep window frames, mounting inside the frame is recommended. Slats are very thin, about an eighth inch thick. They can close tightly and provide insulation and full light control when closed.

The ecologically minded homeowners can use roller shades to save money and cut electrical bills. Adjusting the slats to allow bounce lighting is one way to multiply the amount of light entering a room. You can set the slats to reflect light either up against the wall or down on the flooring. Light colored ceilings multiply the light, sending rays around the rest of the room. This means you do not have to run electrical lighting as much during the darker hours of the day.

Using roller shades to keep hot sunlight out of a room can reduce air conditioning costs. Direct sunrays can heat up a room to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and actually can be used for passive heat in the winter, which is good. That is a time to have the window shades up and let that sunshine into the room. But, in summer heat, keep rooms cooler with your roller shades down.

The modern roller shades have advanced technology for the mechanisms used to raise and lower the window shades, so the homeowner does have better control for setting the level of the window shades, and it is easier to use. Some heavier wood roller shades even have motorization lift systems. All around, using roller shades fits right into an ecologically minded lifestyle very nicely.

Judith Persit is a featured speaker of interior design in a large school. She began in this project after a hunt for design choices in window treatments. Ms. Persit writes regarding roller shades. Roller shades can be interesting, you can learn more about window shades at her website with many design ideas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Judith_Persit

But it is not just about saving money. We all have been too reckless about using nature’s resources. We have to consider several factors here. We cannot take from nature without a limit. Unfortunately, the natural resources are not bottomless – the oil and coal will come to an end some time in the future.

Much have been done during the recent years to tackle the problems, new technologies are being developed, ecological heating systems devised, alternative transportation solutions found. Nothing of it will prove worthwhile unless the consumer shows a motivation to go out and start using the new technology.

Grow your Own Fuel

Let’s see what ecological heating options are available in the current market? The most obvious choice is pellets and other types of biomass. Here we talk about corn stoves, wood pellet burners and straw burners. With wood pellets it depends on how are the pellets produced – if the factory specializes in just producing them, you cannot call it ecological heating. The only way pellets worked for environment would be that they were made from by-products (saw-dust) at a joinery. Dedicated factories just produce extra CO2 making it even worse for environment.

Corn stoves are the most affordable way to ecological heating. They burn shelled corn which is nothing more than maize seeds. In the process of growth corn plants consume CO2 from the air and when burnt they release less CO2 than they’ve consumed, thus making environment cleaner. Corn stoves are usually priced from $800 to $2000 and pay off within the first or second year of using (compared with fossil fuel burners).

Living in a Cave?

Sod houses is another way to cut consumption big time. Sod is not meant as an insult, it means a house which has the majority of its body (including the roof) covered in soil. Some people achieve similar result by building their houses into a hill side. Soil provides perfect insulation during winter and great cooling during summer. Coupled with solar panels on the roof, a sod house can make you almost independent from energy suppliers.

Heat from Down Below

Another popular yet expensive way to heat your house is to use heat pumps, scientifically known as ground source heat pumps. It uses an idea that the earth accumulates loads of ambient energy (from the sun and from its hot core). It works almost like a refrigerator by accumulating the scarce heat that there is down the earth under your house. Using a series of pressure cycles, it can put up to 60 degrees Celsius into your heating system. It is expensive to install but saves you up to 70% off your fuel bill. It means that you still need an alternative source of heating but you can offset the installation costs in 10 years time.

Although some eco-designs are expensive, the truth is that sooner or later they do pay off. So, calling green energy “too expensive to be afforded” is actually wrong. You can save money in the long run and save the planet for the next generations.

Have you considered saving money by installing a green heating system? The easiest way to get your foot on the eco-ladder is to choose one of the Corn Stoves available. It will provide heat for your house and put a stop on being dependent on fossil fuel supply. Are you ready to take that step?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terence_Green