Dewayne Blalock asked:


When was the last time you used environmentally goods and services? If it has been awhile or if you have never used them, it is your responsibility to maintain the ecological balance and care of Mother Nature. In order to make sure that these products are actually good for the environment, standards are being placed on them by the international community.

The environmentally friendly goods and services that are available are made of or use natural resources and as a result are safe for nature. Also, the use of recycled products are helping to conserve natural resources and thus they are not being used or wasted in the production process for goods and services.

The companies that are engaged in the production of environmentally friendly commodities are constantly using eco-friendly means to produce their products. Due to this process, the need to dispose of waste material is almost nil which helps to keep pollutants out of the environment. Therefore, it is crucial that you buy these types of products from these companies as well as encourage others to due the same since it is beneficial to nature.

Since pollution leads to negative climate change, you along with every individual must do what they can to help limit the amount of gases that are being released into the atmosphere. Nothing is better at doing this than using environmentally friendly goods and services.

You can learn more about nature conservation through the processes that companies use to produce environmentally safe goods and services. A special mention can be made about the food industry where the environmental attentiveness is gradually increasing. Production of foodstuffs through environmentally friendly means is becoming more and more important. Countries in Europe, USA, Asia, and Australia are taking active participation in manufacturing of environmentally friendly commodities at reasonable rates. Now, do yourself a favor and learn what you can do to help protect Earth and being to use environmentally friendly goods and services.



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Rakesh P asked:


One popular misconception by consumers is that eco-friendly garments tend to look dull and drab as they are only available in plain fabrics and neutral colours. This is not true at all.

Provided the correct dyes and processes are used, environmentally friendly garments can be produced in a wide range of attractive colours and fabrics. “The current trend identified by the retail industry is towards natural fibres and natural looking garments. This reinforces the idea that we will have an increased demand for eco-friendly garments in the future.” The increased awareness of environmental concerns has led to many environmental improvements within the business. Throughout Bibette, all used paper is separated and collected for recycling. Operations Director, Rodney Stellenboom emphasizes this by describing some of the ongoing initiatives in the factory for improving Bibette’s environmental performance. “We have investigated our waste and are now separating waste in order to take advantage of opportunities to reuse or recycle waste products. In addition to the paper, all plastic is recycled, fabric waste is sold for reuse and all clothes hangars used internally are reused,” says Stellenboom. Good environmental management is evident throughout the production process at Bibette. Excellent standards of housekeeping and care for all materials and products can be observed at the plant. For example, on the cutting floor, state of the art machinery is programmed to minimize fabric wastage when cutting.

Over 80 percent of production is cut using this efficient machinery. Good organization, tidiness and correct procedures are essential for waste reduction and these basics are practiced throughout the company. Since efforts to segregate and recycle waste streams have been made, overall waste volumes going to landfill has drastically reduced. Whereas, previously, loads of general wastes were removed from the factory several times a day, now the new compactor needs emptying approximately once a week. This has created savings in costs of waste disposal When waste items cannot be reused or recycled, they are disposed of in the best manner for the environment. For example, old light tubes are crushed in the correct drum crusher and then disposed of by a permitted Waste Contractor. In addition to the focus on wastes, Bibette has looked at the management of their energy sources. The boiler is regularly serviced and adjusted by outside consultants to ensure that it is well maintained and able to run at maximum efficiency. There is also an ongoing review of electricity usage to look at potential savings in energy. Educational posters for staff are all over the factory. These cover a range of useful information for employees including environmental information such as the Western Cape campaign for water saving. This involvement of staff will greatly improve the buy-in to the environmental management process. Environmental improvements within a factory can produce multiple benefits. On top of the initial attraction of the economic advantages of reduced resource use, reduced wastage and ensuing cost savings, other benefits include a reduction in risk, improved employee morale, better publicity and relationship with the community and opportunities to obtain a marketing advantage. Bibette, together with its suppliers Gregory Knitting Mills and Frame Spinning, is able to create a wide range of garments that meet exacting international standards for “Eco-friendliness”. South Africans can be proud that local companies are able to compete with, and meet or beat the global standards for textile products.

A composite material is produced by using polyester textile wastes as reinforcement material and mainly urea formaldehyde as matrix material. This composite is used in banks, tables, shelves, and pots. The bending strength and absorption properties of the textile reinforced composite are investigated and compared with fibre board and medium density fibre board which are alternative materials for the same end-uses. The polyester wastes such as, yarns, woven, and knitted fabrics cut at random dimensions are used as reinforcement material. Matrix material is prepared by mixing urea formaldehyde resin, ammonium sulphate, and flour in a weight ratio of 100:5:10 consecutively. The bending strength of the textile reinforced composite is less than the fibre board and the medium density fibre board, but it absorbs less water. It seems that the properties of the textile reinforced composite can be improved by considering the test results obtained.



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Liam asked:


I forgot to renew my green card and now it is expired. Does this mean I am going to be deported?

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me asked:


i heard today that andretti green racing has signed franck montagny on to drive the #26 xm sattelite radio acura arx-o1b isn’t that marco andretti’s car? what’s marco gonna drive now?
hey tbone what do you mean you’ve heard rumors about the mill for marco?

going green

Andrew Bicknell asked:


If you are growing tired of the continuous rise of the price of gasoline and of humankinds growing disregard for the natural environment then it may be time to start seriously considering the benefits of biodiesel fuel. The reasons are many why this alternative fuel source could be the answer to our future energy problems, but one thing is certain, reliance on fossil fuels is a dead end road because sooner or later they will run out.

Let’s look at this from an alternate view point, namely the growing popularity of hybrid vehicles. These cars use small gasoline powered engine to continuously charge their batteries. This has the advantage of great gas mileage with lower emissions.

But there is a trade off. They cost significantly more then their gas powered predecessors, so much so that the cost of purchasing a hybrid in many cases is much greater then any long term savings on gas purchases. You also have to consider that these cars still rely on crude oil as their fuel source, which as time goes on will become prohibitively expensive even for these high mileage wonders.

This is where biodiesel fuel has a distinct advantage over even the new generation of high mileage hybrid cars. It is a clean burning alternative fuel that is made from renewable and recycled natural materials. In fact a vehicle using biodiesel will produce up to 60% less pollutants then any gas burning engine. While the fuel mileage is not as good biodiesel also does not suffer from the pressures of dwindling supplies driving prices up.

Here’s the true beauty of making biodiesel; it can be made from any number of natural sources including vegetable oil (both fresh and used), animal fats, treated sewage, and lately studies have been successful in refining it from certain types of seaweed. This is what helps keep the cost down, the overwhelming supply of raw materials.

Another caveat of the alternative fuel is the fact that you can make it in your backyard. After the initial investment of procuring and setting up your own biodiesel kit you can produce your own fuel almost cost free for as long as you wish. Before you do this you do need to make sure that you have a diesel powered vehicle, but if you do you can soon be self sufficient when it comes to your daily driving fuel needs.



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ProChef360Blog asked:


It has not probably escaped your notice that environmental issues have captured people’s interest. You can probably say that this is not surprising considering the fact that people are finally experiencing the effects of decades of environmental abuse. Mother Nature is indeed lashing back. Environmental debates are fairly common these days. Being a chef does not excuse you, however, from getting involved. You create your own ecological footprints and you are accountable for them.

Environmental issues generally fall under three categories – bizarre global climate changes, excessive use of resources, improper waste management.

Bizarre Global Climate Changes

There are numerous environmental issues but the one thing that you have likely heard people talking about is the bizarre climate that the whole world is experiencing. The effects of these weird climate changes have caused devastating damages, taking lives and properties. Unfortunately, there are many factors that contribute to climate change. Many of these factors are largely created by man.

Excessive and Abusive Use of Environmental Resources

There are many environmental issues that fall under this category. You have deforestation, land degradation and land being stripped off of fossil fuels. These three are just some of the many problems that arise from abusive use of environmental resources.

Improper Waste Management

Many environmental issues have resulted from people’s inability to manage their waste or trash properly. This category basically embraces all kinds of pollutions caused by humans which include air, water and land pollution.

Resolving Environmental Issues Your Way

It’s certainly a good thing that many people are getting involved in correcting environmental issues. As a chef, you can do a lot of things in order to reverse the damage that has been done to the environment. You can make positive contributions. Being environmentally friendly does not end with disposing potato peelings properly. As a leader, you can influence people to be more environmentally conscious.

Adopt an Environmental Cause

If you own your restaurant, you can get your staff or employees to volunteer for environmental causes. Since you are working in the food industry, perhaps you can get your employees to volunteer for a food feeding program.

You can also adopt environmental programs and support them. For instance, you can adopt a program which aims to provide clear water to many places in Africa or you can support one project that is designed to protect the rainforest in the Amazons. Support any environmental conservation schemes. Try to raise funds if you can in order to support a conservation program.

Recycle!

Another way of helping the environment is to adopt a recycling program in your workplace. You should also make sure that you get recyclable supplies. If you are going to purchase disposable dishware, you should get recyclable or biodegradable ones. Encourage your staff or employees to do the same.

Cut Back on Gas Consumption

There are also various ways of cutting back on gas consumption. You can also get your employees involved in your save-your-gas scheme. You can offer incentives to employees who choose to leave their cars at home. In fact, this method is proving effective among hospitality entrepreneurs. Aside from encouraging your staff to take the bus, you can also get them to set up a carpool system.

Another way of saving gas and cutting back on delivery expenses is to impose minimum order requirement. This will discourage small deliveries and unnecessary use of gas.

Prefer Local Producers

The food service industry has finally recognized that they have a social responsibility to support local producers within their community. If you choose to purchase products from local farmers, not only will you be able to help the local economy, you will also help in minimizing environmental wastages.

Spread the Word

You need to spread environmental consciousness. You can start with the people around you – your employees perhaps. Challenge people to care. Over time, you will eventually get people involved. Employ people who are environmentally conscious – people who purchase organic products and who boast of eco-friendly practices.

You can also train your staff and teach them how to be more eco-friendly. After all, you will reap the benefits as well. You will likely notice a considerable decrease in energy consumption once your staff learns how to conserve energy.

You can also spread the word and influence your guests, customers and clients. You can offer rewards or incentives to guests who adopt eco-friendly measures in order to address environmental issues. You don’t have to stop with your employees. Ideally, the more people you educate, the better it will be for the environment.



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Carlo Hernandez asked:


If you are concerned about your carbon footprint and are looking for a way to go eco friendly, one of the things that you may want to consider is an alternative fuel car.  Whether you are planning on buying a hybrid car or convert your old one, alternative energy can help you to be more eco friendly and cut down on the cost of fuel.  Here is a look at just five of the benefits that going green can provide you.

Cost

Buying a car is a huge investment, but switching to clean fuel doesn’t have to be.  When speaking long term, choosing a hybrid that uses clean fuel can cut your fuel prices in half, saving you plenty of money each year.  And while a car is a major purchase, many hybrids are available for a similar price or even less than their gasoline or diesel powered counterparts.

Another aspect to consider, is buying a converter kit for you current car.  These kits are much less expensive than investing in a new car yet will still help you to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on fuel.

As with any purchase, the amount you save going eco friendly will be determined by how much you drive, how much the car costs over the time used, type of car (hybrid or not), as well as other factors.

Tax break

While a tax break alone may not be enough to switch to an eco friendly vehicle, it can be an added bonus.  When you buy a new, qualifying hybrid you will get a federal tax break that can make the vehicle even more affordable.  However, this benefit is limited to the first 60,000 hybrids of each model, so you will need to buy one soon.  You may find that you will qualify for other tax benefits on a state level.  Your tax professional will be able to tell you what benefits you would qualify for.

Insurance breaks

Another reason to switch to a clean fuel car is that you may get a break on your insurance.  Some insurance companies feel that the owners of green cars are overall more responsible drivers and provide green discounts, so therefore you may be able to qualify for some insurance discounts.

Carpool lane

If you have a long commute, then you may know the advantages of using the carpool lane.  Not only is there usually less traffic in these lanes, saving you time, but it also makes it easier for you to drive at a constant speed, helping you with fuel efficiency.  Because hybrid cars are so eco friendly, some states are allowing hybrid drivers to use the carpool lane regardless of how many passengers they have in the vehicle at the time.

Environmental impact

If you are concerned about the environment and your carbon footprint, then buying a hybrid car for the environmental advantages alone can be a huge benefit.  Hybrid cars produce fewer harmful emissions so they allow you to cut back on air pollution.  And since they use less fuel and/or an alternative energy source they can help to cut back on environmental destruction caused by oil drilling.  And if you convert your current car to a hybrid, you can help keep an old car out of the landfill for longer. Car conversion not only saves you money, it will greatly extend the length of time that you can enjoy your current vehicle while simultaneously saving the environment.



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self.Genuine asked:


I would like a tote bag dealing with going green, saving the planet, etc. I would prefer to get it in person than online. Also having the tote bag be less than 25 bucks. Thank you.

going green

Chrissy B asked:


Hey, I’m going to post a link to the bedding I have and I would like some suggestions for paint colors that I could paint my bedroom to coordinate with my set. Feel free to recommend girly colors since I don’t share my room with my boyfriend or anything. I’m leaning away from green because I have the bedding and matching curtains and valance (yes, I am that cheeseball who likes matching stuff) so that would be overkill. I have the duvet not the comforter so there are no ruffles on it, but this is the only pic I can find online. And I have the same sheets as well. Here’s a link. http://www.lnt.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2127442cpsr=1origkw=penelopekw=penelopeparentPage=search
I didn’t add this before, but this is my bed (I got it somewhere else) and this is the finish it’s in (antique bronze). So, does that impact your color suggestion or no? Thanks. http://www.shop.com/op/~Wesley_Allen:_Andover_Bed_by_Wesley_Allen-prod-29065517

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Paula Ojeda asked:


Following the worldwide boom of sustainable tourism and the environment, plenty of hotels around the world are becoming “green.” Discover the best guide to hotels and their ecological services.

Conscious of the need to conserve the planet, about 48% of travelers seeking shelter today “eco-friendly.” The commitment to the planet was not made to wait and each day there are more people willing to bet on construction demand and “green.”

Today, Europe is leading the initiative to make environmental protection at the best value-added offering for its hotels. Northern America and Asia will follow the steps towards reducing, reusing and recycling. Latin America, for its part, has already begun to generate ecological responsibility within the guild hotel.

A change worth

Studies show that 95% of waste generated by a hotel can be recycled or reused. However, these residues are untapped in its entirety. In order to change this reality, the Fairmont Hotels and Resorts Green Partnership is an action plan to bring the hotel chain to a position of leadership in environmental responsibility.

Some of the actions proposed by this program are directed to waste management, water saving and energy practices. However, the most innovative proposal is a community that not only benefits the environment but to the needy population.

Adopt-A-Shelter involves the donation of items that may no longer be used in the hotel, yet may be vital to families affected by floods, displacement and violence. These items include bedding, furniture, linens, towels, food and general use without any reusable product.

Although conversion to hotels’ green ‘is expensive to include in the structure changes from (purchase of solar panels, for example), to purchase recyclable products, the long-term savings in cost can be between 40 % and 50%.

The best in the world

Today there are many hotels that are combined with the environment without losing an iota of charm. Rather, his concern for preserving it has become the value that tourists seek. In countries such as China, Cuba, United States, Costa Rica and Colombia soar constructions based on the concept of conservation.

Then the three best hotels in the organic world.

Scandic Hotel Hasselbacken.

Stockholm, Sweden

Scandic’s chain is known for its environmental policy. This hotel offers rooms furnished with wood, cotton and wool to replace plastics and synthetics. Products such as shampoo are biodegradable and their menu offers organic options. Like most hotels of its cut, it offers guests the option of not changing their sheets and towels every day and uses energy-saving bulbs.

Sumba Nihiwatu

Indonesia

The seven bungalows offered are built with indigenous materials to enable them to adapt to most environment without causing any environmental impact. Committed to responsible tourism, tend to preserve the environment by using biodiesel derived from coconuts and promote reforestation of the forests in the area.

Chumbo Island

Tanzania

The principle of preservation is based on reuse. In this hotel rainwater is collected, stored and heated by solar energy. The soaps are organic, the lights are photovoltaic and bungalows form allows the breeze to the fan that is not necessary to use air conditioning.

No doubt exists that the overall need to work towards a future of working for a more engaged and aware of the environment. In choosing a hotel make sure that most of the energy consumed is solar, which comply with the rules of bioclimatic building, which is not located in areas crowded by tourists and have plans for recycling and reuse.

Do not forget that from our position of consumers and tourists are on the duty to demand alternatives environmentally friendly. It is our responsibility to provide ideas that will complement the efforts of the major hotel chains for conservation. Caring for the environment depends on everyone.

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