An eco-friendly lifestyle can also be a treat for your wallet as many of the methods you can use to go green can result in substantial cost savings. Check out these ways to help the environment and save money.

Insulation

Moving into winter, gas and electricity bills are on the rise. Improving the insulation of your home means that your house will lose less heat and so you can cut down on both your heating bill and your contribution to harmful emissions. Forty percent of the heat in your home is lost through the loft and walls, so if you are choosing just one eco-friendly change then loft and wall insulation is the way to go. Government estimates put the cost of insulating a loft at around £230 (about $363.00), excluding labour, and cavity walls at £260 (about $411.00). You may even be able to get a grant from the Energy Savings trust to help with the cost. You can also insulate your hot water cylinder to gain savings of £20 (about $32.00) a year on your got water bill.

Energy-Efficient Boilers

According to the Energy Saving Trust, a new boiler can reduce energy bills by up to £240 (about $379.00) annually. They may offer you a grant to help with the cost of a new energy-efficient boiler.

Double glazing

Your windows can also be causing your house to lose heat. Double glazing throughout your home can save up to £100 (about $158.00) annually on your energy bills. Alternatively, make sure you draw your curtains behind radiators so that the windows are better insulated.

Draught-proofing

Simple draught-excluders can help to keep your home’s heat contained. This solution is low-tech and extremely cheap but can make a substantial difference to your energy costs.

Energy-Saving Electrical Goods

The more energy efficient the light bulbs, fridge and other electrical goods in your home, the less energy you use when they are running. Look for appliances that have a high rating on their European Union energy label as they will be the most energy-efficient.

Reduced Water Consumption

Installing a low-flow showerhead will reduce your water consumption and your water heating costs. Low flow showerheads can be bought for less than £20, and if you are on a metered water rate you can institute other water-saving measures such as putting a flush-saver in your toilet cistern and re-using any non-soapy washing up water in your garden.

This editorial is a guest post from the car rental comparison site vroomvroomvroom.co.uk.

SIM Publishes 2011 Winners of its Annual Contest in Green Building-

Sustainable Industries Magazine recently introduced its winners of the sixth annual Top 10 Green Building Products award. The winners were chosen by an expert panel of judges from more than 100 entries based upon design aesthetic, environmental performance, innovativeness, scalability/market impact, as well as value and compatibility using the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED rating system. “The green building industry has seen unprecedented growth and change in the six years that Sustainable Industries has produced the Top 10 Green Building Products awards. This year’s winners reflect the diversity of exciting opportunities in the green building space,” says Brian Back, Founding Editor & Publisher of Sustainable Industries. Selected winners are as follows:

1. Adura Wireless Lighting Controls, made by Adura Technologies, slashes lighting-related energy costs by up to 70 percent using a system of sensors and controllers that creates a network to turn off unneeded lights while offering consumers complete control over their electricity through a unique web interface.

2. Breathe Living Wall, made by DIRTT Environmental Solutions, improves air quality and conserves energy by relieving the load of ventilation systems. The system fits any flat wall or vertical building surface. Plants are watered at one point at the top of the wall, and as the water moves through the trough system, wicks from other pots bring water up to the plants.

3. Greensulate, made by Ecovative Design, uses mushroom roots to make its innovative insulation and packaging material. The company doesn’t need any light to grow their fungi and only uses heat during the final drying process – making this product almost entirely sustainable.

4. HydroRight Dual Flush Converter, made by MJSI Inc., created a “drop-in” service for already existing toilets which offers water conservation up to thirty percent. To boot, it only takes about 7 minutes to install.

5. Indow Windows, made by – you guessed it! – Indow Windows, uses thermal inserts that can achieve 94 percent of the energy savings of double-pane replacements at a fraction of the cost. The inserts plus installation run about $13 per square foot, so refitting a house with 14 average-sized windows costs about $2,400.

6. Juice Bar, made by Green Garage Associates, (although not exactly a green building product) is an electric vehicle charging station that can either be bought or rented by property owners. The product is considered sustainable by the judges in that it will encourage more widespread purchases of EVs.

7. Mobile Solar Power System, made by Pure Power Distribution, designed its Mobile Solar Power System to replace dirty, noisy diesel generators, which create air pollution in the form of carbon dioxide, particulate matter and carcinogenic compounds. The company also makes a hybrid system that combines solar power with a biodiesel generator that kicks in when needed.

8. Modlet, made by ThinkEco, aims to cut power wasted by plug-in appliances when they’re not in use. For an office or building that plugs in modlets throughout its facility, that could mean a reduction in overall energy costs of about 10 percent – or a cut of up to 80 percent in the amount of power used by each plugged-in device, according to the company.

9. SageGlass, made by SAGE Electrochromics, offers a unique product using electrochromic glass that can change from clear to darkly tinted using a simple light switch. The good news? It offers a significant reduction in energy savings, lowering peak demand by as much as 24 percent.

10. SmartSlope Living Retaining Wall, made by the Furbish Company, took its inspiration from the tightly-populated central European landscape where buildings are designed vertically rather than horizontally due to the lack of space. Using concrete blocks with a cavity for plant roots, the hollow centers offer space for various plants to take root and, apparently within months, covers up the wall with natural growth. It can be built in open spaces near buildings, highways and other not-so-aesthetically-appealing areas while encouraging the growth of carbon-eating plants. And while concrete isn’t exactly environmentally-friendly, it does offer a structural soundness that other building materials don’t. Longevity is definitely sustainable.

Use Less Water this Summer with these Tips-

The American Water Works Association estimates that the average American household uses 69 gallons of water per capita daily. The largest portion, about 18 gallons, goes to toilet flushing. Then comes clothes washing (about 15 gallons), showering (nearly 12 gallons), water faucets (11 gallons) and various leaks (9 gallons).

Here are some ways to use less:

Toilet Training: A high-efficiency toilet (HET) uses an average of 20 percent less water than a standard model. But even the most efficient toilet won’t conserve water if it’s leaking. Note the water level in the tank with a pencil mark after flushing. After a few minutes, check the level again. If it’s dropped, your toilet’s leaky. And a “running” toilet can waste 200 gallons per day, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); fixing it can save you a pretty penny on your water bill as you conserve. There’s good leak-plugging information at www.thisoldhouse.com.
  
Wash Smart: Make every wash count by avoiding half-loads. And consider buying a front-loading washer if you don’t have one already; it uses one-third less water than a top-loader. Washers certified by the EPA’s Energy Star program conserve both water and energy.

Shorten Showers: A 10-minute shower uses 50 gallons of water, while a five-minute shower uses about 25. A full bathtub may contain up to 70 gallons of water.

Tighten Up: Fix dripping faucets by replacing the washers. A one-drop-per-second drip can waste 2,500 gallons in a year.

Don’t Overwater: According to the EPA, the typical single-family suburban household uses at least 30 percent of their water outdoors for lawns and gardens. Some experts estimate that more than 50 percent of landscaping water goes to waste from evaporation (watering before 9 a.m. keeps water in the ground) or runoff caused by overwatering.

Article Originally Posted in Experience Life Magazine.

Current Presidential Administration Says it Promises to Facilitate Access to Clean Water for All Americans-

In what seems like a last ditch effort to gain popularity for the upcoming election, President Obama and his administration have released a national clean water plan which promises to stringently protect America’s water supplies. The plan highlights the importance of partnerships and coordination with states, local communities, stakeholders and the public to protect health and water quality, as well as to promote the nation’s energy and economic security. ”The steps we’re outlining today will be instrumental to protecting the waters of the United States, and ensuring that the vital natural resources our communities depend on for their health and their economy are safeguarded for generations to come,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “After four decades of progress on clean water, there is still work to be done to address unfinished business and tackle new threats to our waters. American families and businesses are counting on us to maintain and improve the rivers, lakes, streams and other waters that support thousands of communities and millions of jobs across the country.” It should be noted that oil and gas exploration companies are exempt from adhering to the standards of the Safe Drinking Water Act, and without regulations for those major polluters there is really no guarantee that American’s will have permanent access to safe drinking water. Thanks to natural gas fracking companies, many people in the state of Pennsylvania (and elsewhere) have had to deal with groundwater so toxic that they cannot even shower in it. According to its press release, the White House is working to protect America’s waters by:

Promoting Innovative Partnerships- Federal agencies are partnering with states, tribes, local governments and diverse stakeholders on innovative approaches to restore urban waters, promote sustainable water supplies, and develop new incentives for farmers to protect clean water.

Supporting Science to Solve Water Problems- The administration is using the latest science and research to improve water policies and programs and identify and address emerging pollution challenges.

More information and to read the Obama administration’s clean water framework by visiting WhiteHouse.gov.

Hydraulic Fracturing Contaminates Groundwater Supplies and Threatens Health-

While President Obama and his current administration try to convince America that natural gas is a “clean” alternative fuel, environmental analysts are altogether painting a different picture. Hydraulic fracturing, or “hydrofracking”, is the process of creating fractures in rocks which ultimately allows oil and gas exploration companies to recover more product. In order to create fractures, a mixture of water and chemicals is pumped into the rock or coal formation. In time, the formation becomes unable to absorb the fluid as quickly as is being injected and the increased pressure causes the formation to crack. A proppant is injected with the chemical-based fluids to keep the fracture from closing with the primary goal of pumping more oil or gas to the production well. Coalbed fracturing uses between 50,000 to 350,000 gallons of fluids, many of which are toxic chemicals known to cause cancer, like benzene for example. The main problem with pumping these toxins into the ground is that it contaminates local groundwater. If you’ve seen the documentary Gasland, you’re probably aware of the intensely harmful effects of this supposed “clean fuel”. The film follows different folks who live on or near natural gas wells and were directly affected by the toxic chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing. In fact, their groundwater supplies became so permeated with natural gas and chemicals that the water was actually flammable.

A professional hydrogeologist working with the U.S. Geological Survey explains the long-term dangers of hydraulic fracturing:

“At greatest risk of contamination are the coalbed aquifers currently used as sources of drinking water. For example, in the Powder River Basin (PRB) the coalbeds are the best aquifers. CBM production in the PRB will destroy most of these water wells; BLM predicts drawdowns…that will render the water wells in the coal unusable because the water levels will drop 600 to 800 feet. The CBM production in the PRB is predicted to be largely over by the year 2020. By the year 2060 water levels in the coalbeds are predicted to have recovered to within 95% of their current levels; the coalbeds will again become useful aquifers. However, contamination associated with hydrofracturing in the basin could threaten the usefulness of the aquifers for future use.”

But the EPA doesn’t see anything serious about the presence of toxic chemicals and flammable natural gas in groundwater supplies. A 2004 study done by the government group concluded that hydraulic fracking was safe and didn’t require further investigation, seeing that there was “no unequivocal evidence” of health hazards. So as it stands now, there isn’t much hope for the individuals affected by drinking water contamination thanks to the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which exempts natural gas injection wells from federal regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Back in June 2009, the FRAC (Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals) Act was introduced to the U.S. House and Senate with the goal of regulating the exploration and acquisition of natural gas, but unfortunately did not pass. The bill has not been re-introduced.

Video below is a trailer from the documentary, Gasland

Lower Your Footprint & Pledge to Cut One Piece of Trash Each Day-

It is estimated that 500 billion to 1 trillion plastic bags are used annually, which calculates to over one million consumed every minute. To make matters worse, one measly plastic bag can take up to 1,000 years to break down. And whats more, only around 1 to 3 percent of these bags are even recycled. Enter One Small Step, an online retailer that offers eco-friendly food containers, wraps, bags, napkins — basically everything the average consumer would use in their daily brown bag lunch. This environmentally-conscious company has started the “Boycott the Baggie” campaign to show consumers that one small change can make a monumental impact. By pledging to eliminate one piece of trash every day, you will join thousands of others to support and make a change in this wasteful and largely inconsiderate world. One Small Step’s video below, entitled “Who Needs the Junk”, shows that the average child can generate up to 67 pounds of trash, from lunch waste alone! Visit BoyCottTheBaggie.com to sign up and learn how to reduce your consumption and promote a healthier planet for generations to come.

Telecommunications Company Continues its Environmental Commitment with On-Site Fuel Cell Generation-

Telecom giant, Cox Communications, is one of the first companies in Southern California to generate more than half of its energy needs with renewable power. Using an 800-kilowatt fuel cell, the company will reduce its environmental impact to the equivalent of taking more than 850 cars off the road annually — enough energy to power 603 average homes. Fuel cells are one of the few truly green sources of energy, as they are highly efficient and do not create pollution. By-products from fuel cell operation are simply heat and water. “At Cox Communications, we’re always looking for innovative ways to do business more sustainably to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Duffy Leone, vice president operations, Cox Communications in California. “The fuel cell technology is one of the most cutting-edge environmental solutions on the market for renewable energy. The launch of Cox’s fuel cell program at the Orange County facility, together with our overall Cox Conserves initiatives, clearly demonstrates our commitment to our customers, to our communities and to the state of California.” But the company hasn’t stopped there. Other eco-friendly initiatives by Cox include gas saving air filters in all Cox vehicles to improve mileage and save more than 200,000 gallons of gasoline each year; a lighting retrofit which reduces energy use from lighting by one-third; an employee vanpool program that saves over 480,000 commuter miles annually; a solar PV array; water-saving fixtures installed in restrooms; technology which reduces vehicle idle time to save more than 40,000 gallons of fuel annually; and a recycling program which keeps more than 83 tons of paper, metal, electronics and plastic out of landfills. Its refreshing to see large companies like this one take the initiative to create a more healthy environment both locally and, eventually, on a global scale. Hopefully more business owners will follow suit and realize that its not only their responsibility to care for the communities that have helped them flourish, but it can also help save money and resources in a wavering economy.

New Form of Green Advertising Hits the Streets-

Searching for a sustainable, cost-effective, high-impact strategy to promote your campaign, idea or business? Enter GreenGraffiti®, a unique viral marketing service that simply uses the power of water to etch anything into dirty sidewalks, buildings, carpet, or virtually anywhere else. As times change, even street artists are seeking out less harmful forms of self expression to avoid permanently damaging the environment around them. This creative concept simply uses a template with a high pressure water sprayer, and voilà! an advertising message is cleaned out of the dirt. According to the company, “the result is a high impact message and a cleaner street.” If water waste is what your worried about, they’ve got that covered too. For each liter of water GreenGraffiti uses to produce an ad, they invest in water harvesting projects and provide one liter of clean drinking water in regions where access to fresh water is limited. To boot, the company has invested in the Rongcheng Dongchudao wind farm project in China to support a more sustainable way of living and offset any extra energy that is used in daily business operations. The company’s website outlines the numerous benefits of advertising with GreenGraffiti:

* sustainable communication media, completely carbon and water neutral
* high impact, long reach, affordable
* long lasting
* targeted communication with your target market in their surroundings
* free publicity opportunities
* positive image for your brand
* full service: from creation through execution

Some pictures of past advertising ventures can be found below. The company is currently seeking partners to represent GreenGrafitti around the globe. To contact the company about prices for your business or event, visit GreenGraffiti.com.

New Jean Collection Will Reduce Water Consumption by Roughly 4 Million Gallons-

Denim company Levi Strauss has announced its brand new jean collection — aptly titled “WaterLess” — which are made with dramatically less water than the standard. Traditionally manufactured jeans use around 11 gallons or more of water during the various processes. Levi’s new collection, however, cuts water consumption by an average of 28 percent and up to 96 percent for certain products in the line. “We challenged ourselves to operate at the intersection of style and sustainability. These WaterLess jeans have great styles and finishes, but are made with a lot less water,” said Erik Joule, Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Design of the Levi’s® brand. “We’re excited about the results we’ve achieved so far, and we know we can make an even bigger impact by applying this innovative thinking to other aspects of our production process.” In the final stage of jean production, an average pair of jeans are “finished” in oversized washing machines and dryers to produce a unique style. During these processes, the jeans go through 3-10 washing cycles, which end up wasting several gallons of water per unit. Levi’s has made a few simple modifications to these processes, which have helped restrict senseless water waste. “What’s different about the WaterLess collection is that we’re still using the same materials and techniques to create finishes for our jeans but we’ve substantially reduced water’s role in the equation,” said Carl Chiara, Director of Brand Concepts and Special Projects of the Levi’s® brand. “Sometimes, the way to achieve a more sustainable design is to rethink a traditional process and find a way to do it better.” The WaterLess Spring 2011 product line will include more than 1.5 million pairs of jeans — saving around 4 million gallons of water. The company also recently introduced its “Care Tag for our Planet” campaign, which includes “care tags” in Levi’s jeans providing instructions with small steps consumers can make to lessen their environmental footprint by washing in cold water, washing less, line drying, and donating to Goodwill when no longer wanted.

Germany-Based Company Creates Waterless Bath & Beauty Products-

Let’s face it: water has become a precious commodity. Humans need it to survive, and is gradually being depleted by the minute. Not to mention, out of the 75 percent of available water we do have on this planet, only 1 percent is safe for human consumption. Even that 1 percent is consumed via agriculture, dishwashing, showers, and other activities. To help prevent senseless water waste, Germany-based Stop the Water While Using Me! has created toothpaste, shampoo and shower gel products which require absolutely no water to use, and are just as effective as the standard. To boot, their products are created with environmentally-responsible manufacturing processes and use 100 percent biodegradable packaging. Visit Stop-the-Water-While-Using-Me.com for more information and to purchase these innovative water-conserving products.