MADE IN THE U.S.A.
Every Aspect of Our Lives Can Support “Green.”
Protecting the environment — or going “Green” — can be supported in many different ways. But it's not just strictly limited to recycling. There are ways to support Green efforts in other scenarios: in and around our homes, when we're driving, just to name a few.
Recycling.
Recycling has long been the go-to when it comes to being environmentally sound. Some progressive communities and states even offer incentives for recycling waste. Many are listed on the US EPA site. These are all great programs and should continue to be supported and further supported for continued growth; however, such programs should be taught to our young in order for such programs to grow in support by our cities and states and industrial leaders.
More and more communities and companies adding recycling programs to their list of municipal/corporate responsibilities. Outdoor Creative Concepts has supported recycling by making products from recycled materials, like our park benches, outdoor trash receptacles, and from recycled content, working with communities to meet each communities standards and make recycling more convenient and attractive and affordable. See one of the new products developed for a city in New York.
Driving.
There are several ways we can all “Go Green” or help the planet such as driving more efficient cars and driving slower or less.
“The Energy Department says gas mileage usually drops over 60 mph, and that each 5 mph over 60 is equivalent to paying an extra 20 cents a gallon of gas. Consumer Reports found that a Camry dropped from 40 mpg to 35 when its speed rose from 55 to 65. At 75 mph, it lost another 5 mpg. One reason: aerodynamic drag increases the faster you drive, requiring more fuel to power the car through the air.”
You can see the complete article here: www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/article697409.ece.
There is also an excellent article on several good gas-saving tips that can be viewed here: www.bargainist.com/deals/2007/08/20-tips-to-save-money-on-gas/.
In and Around Homes.
One of our largest consumers of energy is our homes. There are many ways to save energy on our existing homes. And many homes meet the Energy Star ratings (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits); however one way that has not been supported near as much as its benefits and far exceeds any of these in energy savings is earth sheltered homes.
I have been living in a 2400-square-foot earth sheltered home for the past 22 years and my yearly heating and cooling costs are less than $150.00. Comparable sized homes in the same area I live are paying easily 10 times my cost for heating alone. My earth sheltered home is a dome structure that was engineered by a company in Colorado. www.earthshelter.com Living in an earth sheltered home helps the environment by saving energy on heating and cooling, increasing the green space, lower maintenance cost and insurance rates contribute to long-term savings. See the complete article here: www.joe.org/joe/1983january/a2.html
Also one of the best sources of information are the books on Earth Sheltered Housing published by the University of Minnesota Underground Space Center. Although the USC is no longer active, their books are still available.
Look Through Our Green Products
Visit the links below and find the best green products made from recycled materials!