april&justin asked:


Do you think the Green Bay Packers are going to make it to the play-offs? Serious answer’s please no homer’s or haters. If you can back up your answer.

CHI

Sam Streubel asked:


 

I’ve just finished updating the Fuel Comparison Chart at my alternative heating site and corn is once again the least expensive fuel. Even at its all time high of $7.60 a bushel at the end of June, it was still less expensive than all other fuel types.

Since then the price has retreated to $5.42/bushel or $12.10 to produce 1 MM (million) Btu of heat. (The cost to produce 1 MM Btu of heat from any given fuel is useful as an “apples to apples” method of comparing fuel prices).

Based on today’s prices, $1 of fuel corn provides the same amount of heat as $2.25 of heating oil.

The price for a ton of wood pellets has risen 10% since the Summer ‘08 Update and now averages $299/ton, or $18.69 per 1MM Btu. The reason behind the increase is a shrinking supply of sawdust (the raw material for wood pellets) due to the slowdown in new home construction. Also, some manufacturers of wood pellets report having to send their trucks as far as 400 miles to retrieve raw material contributing further to rising costs.

Despite the recent increase, wood pellets are still 30% less expensive to heat with than oil.

A cord of seasoned hardwood for the ‘08 - ‘09 heating season now costs around $295, or $17.90 per 1 Mil Btu. This is a third less than the cost of fuel oil for an equal amount of heat. If you want to save even more by seasoning your own hardwood, green wood usually sells for $50 less per cord than seasoned.

Bear in mind, the 1 MM Btu “apples to apples” cost comparison does not take into account the fuel efficiency of your heating appliance. The efficiency of your furnace or stove has a huge impact on what you actually end up paying to heat your home. For example; an 80% efficient heater will consume 23% less fuel than one rated at 65%.

Unlike the struggling auto industry, heating appliance manufacturers have always understood the value of fuel efficiency. Many newer model pellet stoves, outdoor furnaces and fireplace inserts offer efficiency ratings well above 80%.

The two pillars of cost effective heating, alternative or otherwise, will always be burning the least expensive fuel in the most efficient heater.

You can control fuel costs to some degree by waiting, if possible, for prices to moderate as is the case with corn. If you heat with wood pellets the best deals usually occur right after the end of the heating season. And anyone who heats with wood already knows the cheapest wood is the wood you cut yourself.

You do, however, have much more control over the efficiency of your heating appliance by adhering to a regular maintenance schedule. If you haven’t already tuned up your furnace or pellet stove this year for maximum efficiency, time is running out.

Please note: The prices quoted for corn, wood pellets and seasoned hardwood in this article were accurate on the day it was written but will continue to change as market forces dictate.



FLORA

JP asked:


I am looking to become an advisor to businesses, individuals and homes about “Going Green” but do not know how.

Thanks!

DESMOND

jcpnum4green@att.net asked:


form Ralf Nader and his possible bid in the upcoming 2008 election via the green party ?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Party_(United_States)
I did not phrase my question right.. I meant to say, Is it possible that the democrats are worried about the vote splitting on the left from a possible run by Nader ?

COLE

Benjamin Hudson asked:


Member companies of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (Auto Alliance) started the celebration of the nationwide National Alternative Fuel Autos Week by announcing to the public that there are currently about 10.5 million vehicles with alternative fuel drivetrain traveling in the millions of roads across the US. Auto Alliance obtained the information based from the 2006 sales results provided by R. L. Polk & Co., the premier provider of automotive information and marketing solutions to the automotive world.

Dave McCurdy, president of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers

“There are 10.5 million Alternative Fuel Autos on the roads and highways of every state across the country. We are happy to see that consumers are, in fact, discovering the alternatives that are available to them on dealership lots nationwide.”

“We believe that the numbers of Alternative Fuel Autos on the roads continue to rise because consumers can choose from a variety of autos that reduce fuel use while still providing the utility, safety, performance and comfort they seek.” he added.

McCurdy continued and said: “Having exceeded our sales expectations in 2006, we hope that 2007 will be another banner year for sales of Alternative Fuel Autos. This year marks the first-ever National Alternative Fuel Autos Week and automakers hope to draw more attention to the availability of these autos currently for sale.”

To date, there are 60 vehicle models from domestic and international car manufacturers with alternative fuel capability are currently offered in the US market. These include hybrid electric, E85 ethanol capable, and vehicles with clean diesel engines. These alternative fuel drivetrain are available in different vehicle classes like sedans, SUVs, pick up trucks, and vans. Moreover, automakers are expanding the range of alternative fuel vehicles, and include new powertrain technologies for different segments. Probably, someday people can see an E85 ethanol capable convertible coupe model with VW cabrio parts from Volkswagen, which is an active member of Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.

Along with the increasing development of alternative fuel vehicles, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is also working in conjunction with the alternative fuel industry and the US government to expand the development of energy infrastructures in the country. Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and their partners will conduct research and development projects for other energy sources like ethanol, biomass and hydrogen fuel.

Talking about the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, active member automakers of the alliance include BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler AG, Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corp., Mazda Motors, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota Motor Corporation, and Volkswagen of America, Inc.



RENALDO

m.jeya asked:


The lovely look of the Kobo candle packaging creates an instant gift so beautiful you can skip wrapping. Each and every KOBO candle is hand-poured using domestically grown, pure soy wax and lead-free, environment safe cotton wicks to create the cleanest burning, most friendly candle on the planet.

 

KOBO’s candle are pure soy candles are hand-poured with 100% domestically grown pure soy wax. All natural soy candles in fragrances so rich you’ll fear they will go straight to your hips, but so delicious that you just won’t care. We love earth-friendly products, we really do, but with scents as rich and complex and packaging this great, it’s easy to forget that one is saving the world. Hand poured pure soy candle. Multi-layered fragrance blends of fig, cedar, and jasmine. Beautiful packaging includes box of long-stem matches. Kobo candles on Environmentally Friendly.

 

Fig Verde Candle completes with matching lid and matches is hand-poured with 100% domestically grown pure soy wax and lead free, environment safe cotton wicks. Only the highest quality fine fragrance and essential oils are used to create a room filling and long lasting, full-bodied bouquet. Each and every Kobo candle is hand poured using domestically grown pure soy wax and lead free, environment safe cotton wicks to create the cleanest burning, most planet friendly candle on the market.

 

The decorative and reusable storage of Fig Verde pure soy candle and 70 hours and includes coordinating matches. Kobo pure soy candles are created by and for those passionate about remarkable scents. They assert a complexity that increasingly unfolds with each experience. Stunning packaging conjures images that link the scent to the visual world. Please purchase online http://www.katiewongnyc.com in NewYork city.



STEPHEN

sweetsouthern2122 asked:


What are the benefits of going green? How easy is it to go green?

MITZI

~♫♥Amazin’Asian♥♫~ asked:


My theme is Brown and Green so do you think I should go full chocolate brown bedding or some green and chocolate brown?

GILBERT

Andrew Stratton asked:


Today there are tons of new products derived from recycled and renewable resources that not only help the environment, but can help you save some serious cash. If you want to do more for the planet than just recycle cans and bring reusable grocery bags to the store, consider turning your house into a green project and what better place to start changing to greener alternatives than with the very walls of your own home?

Spray foam insulation is an earth-friendly building material that not only pays for itself but can even produce a healthy profit. It is made from recyclable and renewable materials and is an investment that will make your house more energy efficient and even add value to your property.

Most homes use fiberglass sheets for insulation. These wiry, pink fibers provide minimal climate control and have been known to cause health problems. The sharp material can irritate skin when touched, and loose particles can become caught in the throat, creating scars inside of the esophagus. Although it may seem like a great deal, since fiberglass is cheaper to install than other types of insulation, it comes apart easily, often needing to be partially or fully replaced.

Spray polyurethane foam, commonly referred to as SPF, is a spray-applied insulating foam plastic that is installed as a liquid and then expands many times its original size. It is extremely energy efficient because it easily fills cracks and openings on the surface, making a solid barrier to protect against outside elements.

The tight seal it creates makes it the most energy - efficient insulation available. You won’t have to crank up the heater or air conditioner like you have to with fiberglass. And it stays put. You probably will never have to worry about repairs or replacement.

Spray foam insulation also acts as a pest, moisture, and sound repellant. Because it seals so thoroughly, spray foam insulation makes it nearly impossible for insects and other critters to sneak into your home. You’ll spend next to nothing on pest control and won’t have to fill the air with harmful pesticides.

Likewise moisture doesn’t stand a chance against the armor-like spray foam. You won’t have to worry about mold, which can destroy your house. And the cushioned walls even easily absorb excess noise, ensuring that you can’t hear your neighbors and they can’t hear you.

Polyurethane insulation is not only durable, but very versatile. It can be sprayed onto ceilings and floors to add extra protection and insulation. Due to the messy nature of the product, it is highly recommended to have professionals perform the job.

The best way to get green is to start in with your own home, and spray foam insulation is the ideal, environmentally friendly choice. You’ll not only improve your home, but you’ll help save energy and will contribute to a product that serves to protect the planet. For a small investment, you can save big money over the years with the knowledge that you are contributing to a worthy cause.



SHAWN