going green
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Going Green More than a Movement What began as a concern for global warming that was believed to be, in part, caused by human-generated release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, has evolved into a widespread movement to use the earth’s resources more wisely. Going green now stands for reducing waste, reusing what we can and recycling what we can no longer use. And the movement is growing as the costs for green technology and environmentally friendly products decrease, for both individuals and businesses alike. Going green encompasses everything from reducing our carbon footprint and fossil fuel consumption to using sustainable materials in our homes.
Be an EcoDriver
riving reduces fuel vingusa.com, “EcoD According to ecodri uces CO2 emissions. the gas pump, and red use, saves money at levels of EcoDriving, s practiced moderate If just half of driver by about 100 million be reduced annually n CO2 emissions could powering 8.5 millio lent of heating and uce tons, or the equiva red stantially together, we can sub households. Working Visit the site for e.” tim a at EcoDriver™ ine CO2 emissions, one to help you determ ’s even a calculator to valuable tips. There tor ula e and a sim dioxide you can sav just how much carbon skills. test your EcoDriving
Beware of “Greenwashi ng”
Too often, compa nies make unsub stantiated or misleading claims abo ut the environmental benefits of their services, produ cts, technology or eve n company practices. Informati on on “greenwashi ng ” or “green sheen” by companie s is more readily ava ila ble to consumers thanks to the efforts of concer ned advocacy groups and collabora tive citizen journalism found in blogs.
treehugger.com corpwatch.org greenbiz.com
ding to green living blogger J.R. Schroeder , eco-friendly products: 1) Are made from ren ewable resources, lik e bamboo, paper, solar and wind powe r. 2) Does no significa nt damage to the env ironment in making them. 3) Are made by com panies that are going green. (see sidebar on Greenwashing) 4) Help the environm ent by using them. Eco -friendly products conserve en ergy, minimize waste , and are generally healthy to be around. 5) Cause no significa nt damage to the env ironment when we are finished with them (easily recyclabl e or naturally biodegradable).
Go Green Tip
Hey—here’s a tip where going green can help you get in shape: Use a rake instead of a leaf blower and a push mower instead of a power mower. Be sure to limit your use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. For more tips on living green, visit National Geographic’s site, www.thegreenguide.com. Sophisticated Woman | April 2010
Tips before buying, you can research som e sites online: greenwashingindex. com epa.gov/grnpower/top lists/partner100.htm (Green Power Purchaser list ) coopamerica.org
What are eco-friendly products? Accor
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