An Environmentally Friendly Blog|Information on Going Green and Eco-Friendly Products
Sep
12
Filed Under (Automotive) by Go Green Advisor
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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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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Sep
09
Filed Under (Green Products) by Go Green Advisor
Caroline Poynton asked:
Just a few years ago, there was little incentive for anyone to buy a ‘green’ or hybrid car. Such new environmentally friendly vehicles struggled for street cred next to the more speedy gas guzzlers of old. It seemed that only if you had a real passion for environmental change would you consider opting for an eco-car, and even then you would run the risk of general ridicule.
But the world has changed dramatically and more people than ever are not just facing up to fears of climate change but are looking to do something practical about it. In early 2006, More Than insurance conducted a survey that revealed that up to one in six people would consider switching to a hybrid car. Since then, sales of hybrid cars have doubled in the UK. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMM) show that 6,538 hybrid vehicles were purchased in 2006 to 2007 – while in 2005 to 2006, just 3,117 cars with auxiliary batteries as power sources were sold. Meanwhile, the SMM figures also reveal that sales of sports utility vehicles dropped by a not insignificant 12%.
Car insurance companies have wisely responded to the switch in consumer behaviour by offering ‘eco-friendly’ policies. CIS was one of the first companies to offer ‘ecoinsurance’. The policy offsets 20% of your car’s CO2 emissions by investing in projects like reforestation, renewable energy sources and third-world education schemes. It also offers a 10% discount for cars in tax band A - those that emit less than 100g of CO2 per kilometre. It also appoints repairers that only use recycled materials - a package of incentives that should rightly please the more environmentally minded.
More recently, other car insurance companies have come out of the eco-friendly woodwork. More Than offers all new customers free carbon offsetting for the first 3,000 miles, if you buy your insurance online. Drivers with hybrid, electric and alternative fuel vehicles are also offered a discount of up to 15%. Newly launched Ibuyeco also enables drivers to offset 100% of their carbon emissions. It offers two quotes - one for your premium and another to offset your emissions.
Although you need to look at all premium payments carefully before making a decision on your insurance, it also seems that some of the eco-friendly policies are competitively priced. CIS, for example, offers a good premium on a quote for a 35-year-old teacher driving a 2004 1.5l Toyota Prius (£307.83 compared to £339.15 with Tesco or £347.55 with Direct Line).
Most of us have been moved to consider environmental issues in recent years and it is good to see that insurance companies are responding to consumer pressure by providing policies that encourage motorists to go green. “Drivers are becoming more and more concerned over the impact they are having on the environment. By providing eco-friendly insurance policies, companies are giving motorists a real incentive to become environmentally friendly without having to sacrifice their cars,” said Sophie Neary, product director at BeatThatQuote.com. Neary also added some words of warning, however: “Some drivers may be spending more than they need to on car insurance - for example, opting for third party, fire and theft cover when a fully comprehensive policy can be cheaper. It is great to look at insurance incentives that suit your way of life, but be sure to remember your premium costs and to continue to compare policies carefully for the best deal.” Quite simply, eco-friendly policies may be good for the heart and the head, but don’t let a passion for the environment stop you from seeing the bigger picture in getting the best deal you possibly can for whatever car you decide to drive.
Create a video blog
Just a few years ago, there was little incentive for anyone to buy a ‘green’ or hybrid car. Such new environmentally friendly vehicles struggled for street cred next to the more speedy gas guzzlers of old. It seemed that only if you had a real passion for environmental change would you consider opting for an eco-car, and even then you would run the risk of general ridicule.
But the world has changed dramatically and more people than ever are not just facing up to fears of climate change but are looking to do something practical about it. In early 2006, More Than insurance conducted a survey that revealed that up to one in six people would consider switching to a hybrid car. Since then, sales of hybrid cars have doubled in the UK. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMM) show that 6,538 hybrid vehicles were purchased in 2006 to 2007 – while in 2005 to 2006, just 3,117 cars with auxiliary batteries as power sources were sold. Meanwhile, the SMM figures also reveal that sales of sports utility vehicles dropped by a not insignificant 12%.
Car insurance companies have wisely responded to the switch in consumer behaviour by offering ‘eco-friendly’ policies. CIS was one of the first companies to offer ‘ecoinsurance’. The policy offsets 20% of your car’s CO2 emissions by investing in projects like reforestation, renewable energy sources and third-world education schemes. It also offers a 10% discount for cars in tax band A - those that emit less than 100g of CO2 per kilometre. It also appoints repairers that only use recycled materials - a package of incentives that should rightly please the more environmentally minded.
More recently, other car insurance companies have come out of the eco-friendly woodwork. More Than offers all new customers free carbon offsetting for the first 3,000 miles, if you buy your insurance online. Drivers with hybrid, electric and alternative fuel vehicles are also offered a discount of up to 15%. Newly launched Ibuyeco also enables drivers to offset 100% of their carbon emissions. It offers two quotes - one for your premium and another to offset your emissions.
Although you need to look at all premium payments carefully before making a decision on your insurance, it also seems that some of the eco-friendly policies are competitively priced. CIS, for example, offers a good premium on a quote for a 35-year-old teacher driving a 2004 1.5l Toyota Prius (£307.83 compared to £339.15 with Tesco or £347.55 with Direct Line).
Most of us have been moved to consider environmental issues in recent years and it is good to see that insurance companies are responding to consumer pressure by providing policies that encourage motorists to go green. “Drivers are becoming more and more concerned over the impact they are having on the environment. By providing eco-friendly insurance policies, companies are giving motorists a real incentive to become environmentally friendly without having to sacrifice their cars,” said Sophie Neary, product director at BeatThatQuote.com. Neary also added some words of warning, however: “Some drivers may be spending more than they need to on car insurance - for example, opting for third party, fire and theft cover when a fully comprehensive policy can be cheaper. It is great to look at insurance incentives that suit your way of life, but be sure to remember your premium costs and to continue to compare policies carefully for the best deal.” Quite simply, eco-friendly policies may be good for the heart and the head, but don’t let a passion for the environment stop you from seeing the bigger picture in getting the best deal you possibly can for whatever car you decide to drive.
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Mar
23
Filed Under (Home Improvement) by Go Green Advisor
Jessica Ackerman asked:
You recycle, traded in your SUV for a hybrid car and always ask for paper instead of plastic at the grocery store. You care about the future of the planet and know that means doing your part to help the environment. There are easy ways that you can incorporate your desire to reduce your carbon footprint into the choices you make when decorating your home.
Here are some tips to start making your home a little greener.
Paint
Here’s an idea: Take a bucket full of dangerous chemicals and apply them to every large flat surface in your home. Breathe deeply so you can take into your lungs all these chemicals have to offer. Then, in a year or two, you can apply another layer of chemicals on top of the old one! Does that sound like something you would do? Of course not, but some experts say that is exactly what you are doing when you paint your wall with traditional paints.
There are other options available in the form of eco-safe paints. These paints are made without any of the chemicals found in traditional paints. They are available in a wide variety of colors. To be sure you are getting paints that are truly eco-friendly, check the label for certification by either Greenseal or the Scientific Certification Seal.
Flooring Options
The best option, environmentally speaking, is to keep what you have. Of course, this isn’t always possible, so there are options for replacing your flooring that won’t have a negative impact on Mother Earth.
If you want to keep a wood floor feel, consider bamboo. It’s tough as nails, beautiful and just as affordable as traditional wood flooring.
If its carpet you want, consider carpet tiles. They are often made from reclaimed materials, such as plastic bottles, and use non-toxic dyes. Also, using carpet tiles allow you to create fun patterns with the carpet, or just have a more traditional look. And if a stain can’t be removed, you can just replace a few tiles instead of having to replace the entire carpet.
Furniture
Who needs new when used will do? When people redecorate what do they do with their old, perfectly good furniture? They either sell it or donate it to charities who sell it. If you care about the environment, you should at least LOOK for used options when you need a piece of furniture.
Used doesn’t have to mean shabby, scratched and beat up. Check your local classified ads, thrift stores and yard sales. You’ll be surprised at the treasures you will find. As a bonus, you’ll save money and have furniture that isn’t a cookie cutter copy of what everyone else has in their home.
If you can’t find what you want used, consider purchasing furniture that is made from eco-friendly material such as bamboo.
Accessories
Again, keep in mind that everything old can be made new again! Scour antique stores and thrift shops for mirrors, knick knacks and artwork. Look to nature for ideas for artwork, and made some things yourself. Use your personal creativity to both create something beautiful and help the environment.
It’s easy to find ways to decorate your home without having a negative impact on the environment. It takes just little extra effort and attention to create an environmentally friendly home that is also beautiful. And that’s something that you - and your grandchildren - can live with.
KAITLIN
You recycle, traded in your SUV for a hybrid car and always ask for paper instead of plastic at the grocery store. You care about the future of the planet and know that means doing your part to help the environment. There are easy ways that you can incorporate your desire to reduce your carbon footprint into the choices you make when decorating your home.
Here are some tips to start making your home a little greener.
Paint
Here’s an idea: Take a bucket full of dangerous chemicals and apply them to every large flat surface in your home. Breathe deeply so you can take into your lungs all these chemicals have to offer. Then, in a year or two, you can apply another layer of chemicals on top of the old one! Does that sound like something you would do? Of course not, but some experts say that is exactly what you are doing when you paint your wall with traditional paints.
There are other options available in the form of eco-safe paints. These paints are made without any of the chemicals found in traditional paints. They are available in a wide variety of colors. To be sure you are getting paints that are truly eco-friendly, check the label for certification by either Greenseal or the Scientific Certification Seal.
Flooring Options
The best option, environmentally speaking, is to keep what you have. Of course, this isn’t always possible, so there are options for replacing your flooring that won’t have a negative impact on Mother Earth.
If you want to keep a wood floor feel, consider bamboo. It’s tough as nails, beautiful and just as affordable as traditional wood flooring.
If its carpet you want, consider carpet tiles. They are often made from reclaimed materials, such as plastic bottles, and use non-toxic dyes. Also, using carpet tiles allow you to create fun patterns with the carpet, or just have a more traditional look. And if a stain can’t be removed, you can just replace a few tiles instead of having to replace the entire carpet.
Furniture
Who needs new when used will do? When people redecorate what do they do with their old, perfectly good furniture? They either sell it or donate it to charities who sell it. If you care about the environment, you should at least LOOK for used options when you need a piece of furniture.
Used doesn’t have to mean shabby, scratched and beat up. Check your local classified ads, thrift stores and yard sales. You’ll be surprised at the treasures you will find. As a bonus, you’ll save money and have furniture that isn’t a cookie cutter copy of what everyone else has in their home.
If you can’t find what you want used, consider purchasing furniture that is made from eco-friendly material such as bamboo.
Accessories
Again, keep in mind that everything old can be made new again! Scour antique stores and thrift shops for mirrors, knick knacks and artwork. Look to nature for ideas for artwork, and made some things yourself. Use your personal creativity to both create something beautiful and help the environment.
It’s easy to find ways to decorate your home without having a negative impact on the environment. It takes just little extra effort and attention to create an environmentally friendly home that is also beautiful. And that’s something that you - and your grandchildren - can live with.
KAITLIN
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