Green Lifestyle

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There are many good reasons to choose solar energy for your home or business. Many homeowners in the Bay Area have a solar system installed to protect themselves and their families from rising energy prices. While it is difficult to predict exactly how much and how quickly electricity costs will increase, one thing is certain – they will continue to rise. Conversely, a solar energy investment for a home or business not only reduces or even completely eliminates monthly electricity costs, it can also increase the value of your home’s real estate and lower your business operating costs. A third and very important financial incentive is the federal government’s generous solar tax credit.

Solar Energy Tax Credit allows the homeowner to reduce the amount of income tax they would otherwise have to pay to the federal government. This loan is good for 30 percent of homeowners’ investment in their solar system including solar panels, charge converter, battery, and inverter, but only for the next three years. The relief will drop to 26 percent. in 2020 and 22 percent. in 2021 After 2021, the tax credit for solar energy for individual customers will be completely abolished. While there is a chance that the loan may be extended, many homeowners considering solar power plan to install their systems over the next few years to take advantage of the loan.

Commercial companies looking to go greener may qualify for a 70% discount through solar tax incentives. Not only are you eligible for 30% federal tax credit, you can accelerate the depreciation of your solar system within 5 short years. These tax credits are the equivalent of 60% -70% of the cost of the system, meaning you only need 3-4 years of energy savings to recover your entire investment.

In addition to the financial benefits of the solar tax break, many people are opting for solar because they believe solar is a more environmentally friendly solution. Solar energy is both sustainable and renewable. Solar energy provides an emission-free way to power buildings and devices, heat water and refuel electric vehicles. The more popular and widespread solar panels on the roof or carports become, the more they reduce the load on coal-fired power plants.

With buildings responsible for 38 percent of all U.S. carbon emissions, switching to solar power can significantly reduce our carbon footprint. A typical home solar panel system will eliminate three to four tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year, which is equivalent to planting more than 100 trees per year. Not only is solar energy a great way to go green, but taking advantage of the solar tax credit – before it expires – is a great way to save some greenery.

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Source by Kyle Severns

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In the case of recycling, we often include the numbers of the recycled materials. Number 1 is soda and water bottles, number 2 is laundry detergent and other containers, and number 4 is plastic bags. There is also foam # 6, which consists of packaging materials for electronics and furniture, trays and containers for food, foam cups, egg cartons, peanuts, and medical coolers, all made of polystyrene. This type of foam is also commonly called polystyrene, polystyrene or EPS foam.

Polystyrene is one of the most common forms of plastic. The material is a mixture of approximately 98% air and only 2% polystyrene; it is resistant to water and heat, making it an excellent insulator. Due to its popularity, the global demand for EPS and its production is increasing, and hence the demand for recycling methods.

While foam peanuts can be recycled by reusing them, all other EPS materials must undergo a recycling process that reduces their volume. To recycle it, the material must be checked and all other contaminants removed. The foam is then fed to recycling machines for cold or thermal thickening. The foam can be compacted to reduce the volume with a compactor, without the use of heat. The result is dense logs or bricks that achieve a volume reduction of 98%. In the case of the thermal method, the foam is fed to the compacting machine. The thickener uses heat and friction to melt the foam. The machine then uses pressure to force the material into a small hole and then extrude it into long, narrow strands. As soon as the recycled foam has cooled, it is cut into granules that facilitate transportation. The recycled foam is then shipped to other manufacturers to create new plastic products.

Number 6 Recycled Foam is a great resource for creating new, cost-effective materials and products. For example, it can be used to create photo frames, pens and office supplies, clothes hangers, curtain poles, garden furniture, CD boxes, toys and pony packaging for growing and transporting seeds and plants. It is used to create interior and exterior architectural moldings, decorative interior decorations and SIPS (Structural Insulated Panels). Recycling EPS can also be mixed with wood or concrete to serve as an excellent building insulation agent as it is resistant to water, mold and rot, or can be used to produce additional foam packaging material.

There are many advantages to using recyclable foam instead of the original raw material to create new products. It saves natural resources, reduces littering and pollution, saves space in landfills and uses less energy. Recycled foam has real value for new product manufacturers looking to pay well for their recycled material. Recycling of foam has become much easier and more efficient in recent years due to technological advances; Recycling equipment now reduces foam volume by up to 95% from its original size and requires significantly less work than in the past. Recycling essentially reduces the amount of landfill and creates a more sustainable, green environment for all of us.

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Source by Sig Barnea

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When the food and drink are gone, you will be left with an empty gift basket. While you may be tempted to throw it away, you should consider stopping it and using it again. Common uses for gifts are:

¥ Extra storage space for office supplies

¥ Storage for kitchen utensils

¥ A place to drop mail or keys

¥ Reuse for another gift

¥ Warehouse of warehouses

¥ Wardrobe organizer

While most of these suggestions are for storage, the basket can also be refreshed by painting, staining, or adding fabric on the sides for use as a decorative centerpiece.

CONVENIENT STORAGE

Anyone can use the extra space for items in their homes. Depending on the size of the basket, you can find many uses for it. If you have a lot of clutter in a specific area of ??your home, use a trash can to keep the space tidy. Because they are so durable, they can be used to store a variety of items found in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and other parts of the home.

Gift baskets can also be used to hide clutter. For example, if you have a stack of magazines, you can put them into a larger one to sort them later. As your stack of magazines grows, you not only have a convenient place to store them, but you can also easily dispose of them when you no longer need them.

RE-USING GIFT BASKETS

As long as your gift basket is in good condition, you can reuse it by passing it on to someone else. Create your own unique gift basket, and if you are giving a gift that is fragile, add the basket as extra protection. Reusing them by giving them to someone else is a good idea if you have too many obstacles or no longer have any use for them.

CARRYING EASY MATCHING OF COMPONENTS

Another creative use of gift baskets is in the transportation of groceries. Baskets that are deep enough can hold bread, cakes, cakes and other perishable food items that you can take to a party or other social event. Leave food in the basket to create a decorative serving tray that can be displayed on any table. Reusing them not only helps to protect the environment, but also saves time and money on storage costs.

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Source by Lauretta Wiering

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Everyone has different reasons to recycle, and no matter what their motivation; whether because you care about the planet or just because it is a law, everything is good. But with the garbage cans filling up with bottles and bins, it still feels like we’re not recycling nearly as much paper as we should be, and I suppose it’s so damn easy to crumble into a ball, throw it, and forget it.

Recycling magazines and newspapers are common, but the landfills are still full of other paper products. Think about how often you throw out paper in a day, even if you just tear a sheet or two from a book or junk mail that you receive in your mailbox. It may not seem like much, but if everyone thought that way; look how much paper is going to be wasted! Maybe a little insight into why we should recycle the paper will make you think twice before throwing that envelope or Christmas card away.

Reasons why you should recycle paper

Making new paper from old paper uses 35 to 50 percent less energy than making new paper.

Paper waste accounts for more than 40 percent of the waste that ends up in our landfills. Less consumption would extend the life of the landfills and therefore mean less demand.

The cost of paper and paper products would fall if more of them were recycled.

Office / printer paper is not only converted into more office / printer paper, but also into things we cannot do without, such as toilet paper, towel and tissue paper.

Recycled newspapers are used to make more newspapers as well as gift boxes, board games, egg cartons, pet bedding and more.

A ton of waste paper saves us: 17 trees, 60,000 gallons of water, 9,000 pounds of steam and much, much more!

Doesn’t all of this make it worth spending more time watching where you throw the next sheet of paper? With just a little tweaking, recycled paper becomes part of your daily routine. A good start is to keep a small recycling bin next to your favorite post opening spot, as is keeping it under your desk. Taking the time to collect paper bins when the garbage collection / recycling day arrives will only take a few extra minutes during the day, which is a small price to pay for all of the above, right?

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Source by Christopher John Graham

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As our nation faces water scarcity and water crises in densely populated areas like California, composting toilets continue to gain popularity as a water-saving alternative to traditional toilets. However, their increasing use has made many families and homeowners wonder if they are a good option for my home? Particularly in the case of families with children, there are some special considerations to consider.

The needs of families with children will vary depending on the age of the children in the home. For example, if you have young children, consider potty training. First, you’ll want to judge the height of the toilet seat. Many composting toilets, especially standalone toilets, have very high seats. Some even have built-in stools or footrests, making it easier for an adult to get on the seat. For the child, of course, this would mean a problem with getting to the toilet on their own.

Young children are known to be willing to flush items down the toilet – any parent who has ever fished a watch, rubber duck, or other item out of a toilet bowl is well aware of this. With a composting toilet, getting to a lost item may not be so easy. One of the greatest advantages of modern composting toilets is that they are designed in such a way that the homeowner does not have to come into contact with the waste until it is fully composted. However, if you think your child has thrown something down the toilet, you can wear gloves and sift through the waste to find the lost item. Therefore, it is important for parents of young children to take the time to educate their children about the importance of not putting any foreign objects in the toilet. Another easy alternative is to install a toilet seat and a childproof lid so that children cannot lift the lid without your help.

If you have from older teens to young teens at home, you may need to discuss the importance of not putting items such as wet wipes, tampons, or sanitary napkins in the toilet. All that should be found in a composting toilet is waste and toilet paper. Everything else belongs to the garbage can.

The amount of toilet paper you use can also be another conversation with your children, although this is not just a topic for homes with composting toilets. Many parents had to use a plunger to unlock a traditional toilet when the child used up half a roll of toilet paper and tried to flush. With a compost toilet, the problem is not that it doesn’t flush, but rather that using too much paper will affect the performance of the device itself. Composting toilet capacities are typically based on the number of people using the device each day. If someone adds a huge amount of toilet paper it will of course have an impact.

Finally, homeowners with composting toilet systems should take the time to explain to their children how to maintain the appliance on a regular basis. This usually involves adding a swelling material such as a mixture of peat moss and woodchips on a daily basis and turning the crank to the outside of the toilet which in turn rotates the inner drum. When the children are old enough, involve them in these daily activities. The more they know about the system, the less likely they are to do something that could harm it.

Composting toilets are a great alternative to traditional toilets and can be used virtually anywhere. For families with children, they are still a very viable alternative to traditional toilets, as long as parents explain and educate their children about the toilet. Additionally, by introducing your children to an eco-friendly device such as a composting toilet when they are young, you will positively impact their lifelong tendency towards an eco-friendly lifestyle.

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Source by Ellen Bell

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An important issue that has a negative impact on both the environment and the financial situation of people around the world is the rapidly increasing consumption of electricity. . Electricity bills have become a major component of overall spending for most people around the world. A cost-effective way to reduce energy consumption as well as promote environmental protection will surely kill two birds with one stone. Here are some tips for the same:

Manage power audit

Identifying your home’s primary energy use can go a long way in reducing your electricity bills. When you find out which of your devices uses the most energy, you can reduce its consumption. Not everyone knows the right way to conduct an energy audit, so you can always hire a specialist. This will prevent any health risks that may arise when tinkering with equipment you don’t know.

Replace incandescent lighting

One of the biggest consumers of energy is incandescent bulbs. Be sure to replace them with compact fluorescent lamps, thanks to which you will save up to 44% of energy consumption. Another way to reduce energy consumption is to clean the light bulbs, as dust can reduce the light output by at least 25%.

Change cooking appliances

If you notice a sudden spike in energy consumption, the first thing to do is replace all your old appliances with new ones as they will use less energy. Also, if you are using an oven for baking, switch to a microwave oven as microwaves use 40% less energy and will not heat up the kitchen in the process.

Create a hot-cold balance

Another way to reduce energy consumption is to use a programmable thermostat. This allows you to enjoy the perfect temperature without increasing your electricity bills. In addition, it is recommended to install a ceiling fan as well as AC as AC is very energy intensive. The water heater can also be insulated with a heating jacket. This keeps the water warmer for a longer period of time and does not require the heater to be turned on again.

Invest in a recycling station

Instead of throwing out your rubbish, what if you could recycle it and reuse it in your backyard? This environmentally friendly practice is available if you install a recycling and composting station in your home. As a result, you will not only help the environment by preventing garbage from being disposed of improperly, but also reduce the cost of buying the same items repeatedly.

In today’s smart age, nobody wants to be the one to degrade the environment. The above steps will not only help you protect the environment, but will also lower your expenses.

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Source by Abishek Kumar

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The idea is solar energy. A great concept in solar energy. The idea is to think about the three concepts of solar energy. Off-grid, on grid or hybrid solar energy. A solar cell and a solar panel use solar energy to generate solar energy. Let’s talk about all three concepts today.

Solar is the use of technology that uses sunlight to generate energy. Most often, solar energy can be used as a source of energy and heating in homes, businesses, boats and even cars. The panel is the building block for harnessing and creating energy.

The first type of grid is grid or grid solar energy. The on-grid system is based on power sharing with the on-grid electrical system. The division of energy allows for an efficient transition from electric, nuclear to solar power plants. The on-grid system can be the first step in the transition to sustainable, green, environmentally friendly energy.

The second type of energy is off-grid solar energy, which is completely off-grid, an independent energy source that uses a cell and a solar panel to generate solar energy to generate energy and heat. By 2050, the concept of off-grid solar energy will flourish.

The third type of energy is hybrid solar energy. Hybrid Solar Energy combines the concepts of both off-grid and on-grid solar energy to generate energy and is a concept for further academic thought and research.

Imagine a world without fumes, gases, emissions, poisoning, nuclear reactors, static electricity or burns, electric poles and solar energy.

The future of solar energy is really the concept of “green” off-grid. This “go green” concept will replace gas energy, electricity pylons and nuclear power plants and is the future of energy. The concept of solar energy is the choice of clean, environmentally friendly energy.

The downside to this is the transition from nuclear power plants to initially difficult but more profitable in the future. In addition, some studies show that solar energy does not have the same energy or heating efficiency as other energy sources.

Overall, it is a concept for further research and development. Green energy is a clean, sustainable source of energy for the future of energy. This is expected to flourish by 2050 and is a concept worth exploring. The future of solar energy depends on each of us to consider and implement this energy source from concept to practice. The future depends on all of us.

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Source by Nadine Marie Brown

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It’s great that people are becoming more and more concerned about the environment and the planet. Humans are making rigorous efforts to take care of the planet in all respects. As awareness of the environment increased, people began to focus on reducing the carbon footprint that actually destroys the environment.

One of the main ways to reduce your carbon footprint and care for the Earth is recycling. There are many materials that can be recycled, such as paper, glass, metals and plastic. When it comes to the construction industry, using containers for construction is the best way to protect the environment.

Many cargo ship containers can be found abandoned in shipyards, but can still be put to great use. Many people have chosen this growing trend as these containers can be recycled and turned into great looking homes. Well, here’s a guide detailing the environmental benefits of shipping container enclosures.

Recycling of Intermodal Shipping Containers

Shipping containers are designed to be durable and durable. And during their lifetime, these containers travel several thousand miles around the world. When the shipping container owner takes care of them, you can make them last for up to a decade. But since we live in a one-off society, people tend to replace old things when they buy new ones. This also applies to shipping containers.

Since there are many shipping containers for sale, they can be recycled and used for a variety of purposes. One of the best ways to liven them up is by building container houses. These homes offer a number of benefits such as:

1. Environmentally friendly
2. Unique appearance
3. Functional and flexible
4. Cheap
5. Durable

Shipping container housings are like building blocks

Thanks to transport containers, it is possible to design an environmentally friendly house. These container housings are considered to be blocks that are stacked together, much like the blocks that children play with. They can be stacked side by side or on top of each other as required. It is possible to build a non-standard living space by creating large open rooms. This can be achieved by placing the containers side by side and removing the inside walls.

In addition to being restricted to homes, shipping containers can also be used in office constructions on container premises. Containers can be welded together to create a multi-story structure that is durable. With shipping containers, people can create bespoke homes that are unique and environmentally friendly.

Container housings use less cement and concrete

The cement and concrete production process is harmful to the environment. So the use of recycled shipping containers to build the structure is definitely environmentally friendly. It is still important to use concrete, but it will only be used to lay the foundation, which causes less damage. The amount of concrete depends on the size and structure of the building. If it is a taller building, it will require more foundations to support its total weight.

The reduced carbon footprint is no longer a dream

In addition to building shipping container housings using recycled containers, it is also possible to reduce the carbon footprint by including other such recycled products. In tropical climates, sustainable or recycled wood shingles can be used to cover the exterior of the building. Even plants with large shrubs or trees can be used to shade the building from the sunny climate.

A possible option is also to add an outer roof to provide shade. This can be done by installing solar panels to reduce energy consumption. Although solar panels are not sufficient to generate all the energy needed, they can be used to power some appliances, which will reduce electricity consumption to at least a certain level. Some of the things that can help you achieve a green home include:

1. Collecting rainwater
2. Recycling bins
3. Composter
4. Vegetable and fruit garden

Get enough space for the garden

Eco-friendly houses built from recycled shipping containers help create enough garden space to grow vegetables and fruits. The discarded organic waste can be placed in a compost heap to fertilize the garden. It is also possible to collect rainwater and use it to water the garden. If everyone is doing their best to create a garden in their home, it is possible to achieve a greener Earth.

Affordable homes

An eco-friendly container enclosure made from recycled shipping containers is sure to be great. In addition to being environmentally friendly, such homes are also inexpensive as they are built with recycled and reused materials. The overall carbon footprint is also reduced as such homes will be equipped with solar panels and high-quality insulation.

Build faster and easier

For container fencing construction, time will not be much of a problem as such structures are easier and faster to build. . It would not take long to build container houses and office structures on the premises of the containers, as the lifting of such structures requires minimal effort.

While there are many environmental benefits associated with such homes, they are not ideal. One of the major disadvantages is that these homes are considered temporary shelters by many people. Since the containers are not very spacious, the amount of free space for residents will be reduced. A notable aspect is that these container homes require expensive steel reinforcements when stacked together.

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Source by Uma Nathan

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Nowadays, polyethylene bags or foil bags are becoming popular in our daily life. Thanks to the advantages of durability, strength, portability and affordability, they are present almost everywhere, from grocery stores, cafes to supermarkets and large shopping centers. As we know, apart from the advantages and benefits they bring to life, the impact on the environment is undeniable. So how do you mitigate this impact? The answer lies in the wise use of plastic bags by the consumer.

I believe there is one thing we can do and reuse them. Why are plastic bags only used once after shopping in stores right before throwing them in the trash, while they can be used for many other purposes? Reusing plastic is one of the best solutions to reduce waste and save costs. If you have no idea, here are some suggestions:

1. Pack leftover food: when you have a large amount of food leftovers, they are a good option for you to save them, avoid wasting them, and can be used for the next meal. Using them for food will also take up less space than refrigerator boxes.

2. Garbage bags: We are always looking for ways to save money, while most of us spend it effortlessly on buying garbage bags. Why not keep that money and use the plastic ones again after shopping? We can reuse them as garbage bags at home, your business or your own car.

3. Archival documents: plastic bags can be insulated from the external environment, resistant to moisture, dirt and insects. They can be completely reused for document archiving purposes instead of supply boxes. This way you can save some money.

4. Pack your belongings, keep them dry in the rainy season: every family has things that are used only seasonally, and you may be concerned about how to keep them safe at other times of the year. Now plastic bags will promote their advantages. By packing these things in plastic, we protect them against moisture, dirt or oxidation …

5. As work gloves: you can use them as protective gloves for house cleaning or gardening … and they will help you avoid direct contact with dirt, soil or poisonous chemicals such as herbicides …

There are still many ways to use plastic bags after shopping. It is not only a solution that saves money, but also contributes to reducing the amount of plastic waste in the environment. Therefore, reusing plastic for various purposes is a wise application.

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Source by Jenny Thao PB

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According to the international trade association, The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA), car makers Honda and Hyundai recently gave their dealers advice to tell customers not to use recycled auto parts. According to ARA, these car makers claim that recycled or used parts will void the vehicle’s warranty.

Recycled auto parts have been in common use for decades without any challenge to the quality or reliability of these parts, which should impact warranty performance. The irony of this recent policy shift is that Honda or Hyundai’s recycled parts were manufactured by Honda or Hyundai in their own factories.

Parts manufactured by the same company that produced the original vehicle are referred to in the automotive industry as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) repair parts. Recycling companies collect OEM parts from damaged vehicles and offer them for sale to repair shops and consumers with an average of 60% savings compared to new OEM parts and an average of 30% savings compared to other newly manufactured parts in the aftermarket. Moreover, these recycled parts do not belong to the aftermarket variety; they are simply OEM parts that are reused after the donor vehicle has been removed from service.

So if recycled parts come from OEMs, reduce landfill by reusing garbage-dumped car parts and are cheaper for the customer, why are Honda and Hyundai warning against using them?

The most likely reason, of course, is that car sales are falling as the economic downturn continues. Automobile manufacturers are looking to expand their OEM repair parts business by making strong arm movements against their customers. This leaves many consumers unable to use recycled parts if at risk of voiding the warranty.

For its part, the ARA filed an official letter of complaint to the Federal Trade Commission, claiming that the car makers’ actions were contrary to the Magnuson-Moss Act of 1975, which was enacted to simplify warranties.

Most consumers do not drive vehicles still covered by the factory warranty and this traffic will not be affected.

Still, it presents interesting data that large and profitable car manufacturers are putting financial pressure on their customers at a time when many consumers fear big business after the 2008 and 2009 bailouts.

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Source by Zachary Staples