EPA Names Top 20 Organizations Running on Their Own Green Power

From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Weekly Digest Bulletin

WASHINGTON – For the first time, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Green Power Partnership recognized 20 partners for generating the most green electricity on site. Combined, the top 20 partners are generating and consuming more than 736 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of on-site green power annually. This is equivalent to the electricity needed to power more than 61,000 American homes annually. The partners’ contributions are helping to expand America’s renewable energy portfolio, improve the nation’s energy security, and reduce their organizations’ greenhouse gas emissions.

“These companies are leading a nationwide move to the clean energy economy, one that can create million of jobs, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and protect against global climate change,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “Our Green Power Partnership leaders are setting the standard for our clean energy future.”

The top five partners from the list of 20, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, City of San Diego, San Jose/Santa Clara Water Pollution Control Plant (Calif.), and CalPortland, consumed and generated the greatest amount of on-site green power. By using more than 535 million kWh of on-site green power, these partners prevented carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to the emissions from more than 70,000 passenger vehicles per year.

Green power is generated from renewable resources such as solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, biogas, and low-impact hydropower. On-site green power is deployed directly at energy users’ facilities rather than at central power plants. Green power electricity generates less pollution than conventional power and produces no net increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

EPA’s Green Power Partnership works with more than 1,100 partner organizations to voluntarily purchase green power to reduce the environmental impacts of conventional electricity use.
Overall, the partners are buying more than 16 billion kWh of green power annually, equivalent to the carbon dioxide emissions from electricity use of more than 1.6 million American homes.

EPA is also updating its other top partner lists, including its National Top 50 Purchasers list. Intel Corporation, PepsiCo, Whole Foods Market, Kohl’s Department Stores, and Dell Inc. continue to rank in the top five overall of green power purchasers.

More information on top 20 on-site users of green power:
http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/toplists/top20onsite.htm

More information on EPA’s Green Power Partnership: http://www.epa.gov/greenpower

Ancient Egyptian Art of Body Sugaring

Ancient Egyptian Art of Body Sugaring

Reposted from Care2.com by Annie B. Bond

Body Sugaring

Body sugaring is a method for removing body hair that is a cheap, homemade alternative to waxing (or shaving). The theory behind body sugaring is that the hair is removed by the root, and when it grows back there will be less of it, and it will be softer and not stubbly as it is if a razor had been used.

Body sugaring is done by making a paste of sugar, water, and lemon juice that has been heated to the softball candy stage.

After you have let the paste cool enough so that it won’t burn, you spread it on your skin, cover it with cotton strips of cloth, and then rip the cloth off like one does a bandage. Most find sugaring less painful than waxing.

Due to many requests from readers for this recipe, I have looked hard for what I have finally found and give you here, what I think is the best formula:

INGREDIENTS
2 cups sugar
¼ cup lemon juice
¼ cup water

Equipment: Candy thermometer

Combine the ingredients in a heavy saucepan, and heat on low using a candy thermometer. Watch the mixture very carefully so that it doesn’t boil over. Heat the mixture to 250 F on the candy thermometer; this is the hardball candy stage.

Remove from the heat and let cool enough to pour into a jar without breaking or melting the jar. (Note that this jar will be reheated in the future. Make sure it is safe for whatever form of reheating you plan to do—in the microwave, or in a pan of water.

Rip clean cotton fabric in 1-inch strips. Make sure the cotton isn’t too coarsely woven.

This next step is very critical: Let the mixture cool enough so that it won’t burn your skin. The first time I did this I didn’t let the blend cool enough and I burned myself! Test the mixture on the palm of your hand, knowing that is much tougher than the sensitive skin under your arms.

Using a dull knife or Popsicle stick, spread the cooled sugar onto your skin. Cover with the cloth strips, let set for a few minutes, and then rip off quickly as you would a bandage.

In the future you can reheat the mixture to a warm and not hot temperature (see above), and reuse. Note that reheating will thicken the paste.

Earth Friendly Cleaning Products for Non Toxic Spring Cleaning

Ahh, spring … a time to throw open the windows, sing along with the birds, and burn the hell out of your nose and eyes with that ‘all-natural’ cleaner – you know, the one full of chemicals that’s supposed to smell like a refreshing spring breeze. Sound like your spring cleaning ritual? Then it’s time to detox. Green cleaning products like Seventh Generation, Method, Simple Green and others can help make greening your spring cleaning a lot easier on you, your family, pets and the planet.

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to mean subjecting yourself to chemicals better suited to knocking your socks off than cleaning them. Many conventional cleaning products are loaded with chemicals, which are bad for the air you breathe, the water you drink, and the bod you’ve got to spend the rest of your life in. Where’s the clean in that?

Terms like “natural,” “nontoxic,” “eco-safe,” and “environmentally friendly” are largely unregulated. Look for more than pretty words when you buy green household cleaners. Search for specific ingredients that will keep your home and lifestyle green and clean. If all the hype is too much for you, just keep it simple and safe with plain soap, water, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), vinegar, washing soda (sodium carbonate), lemon juice, and borax. These are usually sufficient to get the job done when you add a little elbow grease.

Check the labels for ingredients, such as phosphates, petroleum, bleach, triclosan, and the surfactant nonylphenol ethoxylate or NPE (often found in laundry detergents). These are the ingredients you don’t want in your cleaning products. Remember, some of these ingredients can be toxic and are probably going to end up getting poured down the drain when you’re finished cleaning. So try to be mindful that what you toss down the drain has got to go somewhere and it could have harmful effects.

For more information, and a selection of household cleaners that are safer for the air, surfaces, and everyone in your home visit DealHippie.com greener choices for stuff you use everyday.

300×250 Banner Ad

Copy this code to your website to display this banner!
<a href=”http://www.dealhippie.com” mce_href=”http://www.dealhippie.com” target=”_blank”><img src=”http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/2074/mybanner49ffa0b047585.png” mce_src=”http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/2074/mybanner49ffa0b047585.png” alt=’Create your own banner at mybannermaker.com!’ border=0 /></a><br><a href=”http://www.mybannermaker.com/” mce_href=”http://www.mybannermaker.com/”>Make your own banner at MyBannerMaker.com!</a>

EPA Invites the Public to “Pick 5 for the Environment”

As part of their Earth Month outreach efforts, EPA launched “Pick 5 for the Environment,” encouraging the public to commit to taking at least five actions to protect the environment. Pick 5 helps people identify ways they can protect their environment and makes use of social media sites to allow them to share their tips and stories.

Since April 1, EPA has issued daily green tips via podcasts and email subscription. EPA is asking the public to pick 5 of the 10 actions listed below and then to share their own thoughts by using a variety of social media sites.

After signing up on EPA’s Web site, people can share tips and stories on Facebook, photos on Flickr, and videos on YouTube. A Facebook application will make it easy for members of that site to sign up and encourage their friends to participate. People can also sign up for email updates from EPA.

The 10 actions are:
1. Use less water.
2. Commute without polluting.
3. Save electricity.
4. Reduce, reuse and recycle.
5. Test your home for radon.
6. Check your local air quality.
7. Use chemicals safely.
8. Reuse and recycle electronics.
9. Enjoy the outdoors safely.

10. Spread the word to family and friends.

Start on the Pick 5 for the Environment Web site:http://www.epa.gov/pick5

Then share your thoughts:
On Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pick-5-for-the-Environment-from-the-US-EPA/165625645190
On Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/epapick5/
On YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/group/epapick5

Earth Day history: How it all began

Most of us are familiar with the holiday that comes each April 22nd, when schools, communities and organizations come together to recognize the importance of the environment. But do we really know how it all began?

It began at a time when rivers caught fire and cities were hidden under dense clouds of smoke. We’ve made remarkable progress since then in protecting human health and safeguarding the natural environment.

It was in 1970 when twenty million people came together and first celebrated April 22nd as Earth Day. And since then, over one billion people in 170+ countries come together to still celebrate it today, with events, gatherings and projects that address eco-issues.

Who started Earth Day?

Senator Gaylord Nelson founded Earth Day, a plan that developed over a course of seven years. From 1962, he became increasingly frustrated with the state of the environment and the non-reaction from the government. He soon decided to  convince President Kennedy to embark on a conservation tour – and after a meeting, Kennedy was keen on the idea. But even after Kennedy’s journey, this wasn’t enough to bring it into the political agenda.

So what happened?

As eco-issues began to become more important, Senator Nelson continued to speak about the detriment of the environment, and more people began to notice. But still, no response the political leaders.

And then?

The idea of Earth Day occurred to him six years later; to organize a protest against what was happening to the environment. In September 1969, he announced that in the following Spring there would be a huge, nation-wide grassroots environmental demonstration. And began spreading the word.

According to Senator Nelson, the response was…“Electric.” “… took off like gangbusters.” “…spectacular exuberance.”  And soon after, the New York Times reported the upcoming event stating:

“Rising concern about the environmental crisis is sweeping the nation’s campuses with an intensity that may be on its way to eclipsing student discontent over the war in Vietnam…”

And the final result?

The first Earth Day was a success; Senator Nelson explains that they didn’t have the time and resources to do ample organization, but it didn’t matter. Over 20 million demonstrators, thousands of schools, and many communities participated on their own – they simply organized themselves.

Earth Day is all about giving back to the environment, and living simple and sustainable is the easiest way to do it. Ironically, it didn’t need the money, advertising and promotion that some big campaigns need – it just happened on its own.

Today, Earth Day is highlighted within many organizations, and has become a part of the norm, just like any other holiday. Students are aware of it, and many schools dub April as Earth month; websites dedicated to the event spread the word; many communities celebrate with eco-events. It continues to just happen on it’s own year after year.

Check out these great sites for more information about Earth Day:

Earth Day history from the Environmental Protection Agency
Canada’s Earth Day site
United States’ Earth Day site

Source for the historical information from How the First Earth Day Came About by Senator Gaylord Nelson, Founder of Earth Day wilderness.org

LOOKING FOR HELP GOING GREEN THIS EARTH DAY? CHECKOUT DEALHIPPIE.COM

ENERGY STAR Earth Day Tips

Change your lights: ENERGY STAR-qualified lighting provides bright, warm light, but uses at least two-thirds less energy than standard lighting, generates 70 percent less heat, and lasts up to ten times longer. To save the most energy and money, replace your most-used fixtures or the light bulbs in them with energy-efficient models. If every household in the U.S. replaced its five most frequently used lights, we would prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of nearly 10 million cars.

Green your home: The first step to a green home is using energy efficiently. The energy we use in our homes is often derived from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants, which contributes to smog, acid rain, and global warming. The less energy we use in our homes, the less greenhouse gases we create. Check out ENERGY STAR @ Home and the ENERGY STAR Home Adviser at energystar.gov for tips on how to seal up your home, heat and cool your home efficiently and use programmable thermostats to save energy. And while on the ENERGY STAR website, enter your utility bills into the Home Energy Yardstick to see how your home’s efficiency measures up to others in your area.

Use green power: Green power is environmentally friendly electricity that is generated from renewable energy sources such as wind and the sun. By choosing green power, you’re supporting the development of renewable energy sources that will reduce the use of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas that produce greenhouse gas emissions. Visit the EPA Green Power website for more information.

Look for the ENERGY STAR where you work, play, shop, and learn: Products in more than 50 categories, from refrigerators to DVD players, qualify for the ENERGY STAR. These labeled products use less energy, save money, and help protect the environment. ENERGY STAR-qualified products incorporate advanced technologies that use 10 to 50 percent less energy and water than standard models.

Buildings across the country–supermarkets, schools, hotels, hospitals, and office buildings–can also earn the government’s ENERGY STAR. Such qualified buildings are the best in the nation for energy performance and use, on average, 35 percent less energy than other buildings. Learn more at the EPA’s ENERGY STAR building website.

Know your carbon footprint: We all contribute to global warming every day. Calculating your personal output of greenhouse gas emissions is the first step toward making improvements. You may be surprised to see how leaving the lights on affects your carbon footprint. Even if you can’t carpool every day, you can still cut your carbon footprint by making improvements around your home. Visit the EPA’s climate change website to get started.

Click here for more Energy Star and Green Tech products

Amazon.com Is a Proud Partner of ENERGY STAR

Sears to Sell Eco-Friendly Men’s Suits Made of Recycled Plastic Bottles

By GreenerDesign Staff Published April 2, 2009

NEW YORK, N.Y. — The U.S. arm of Teijin Fibers Limited is partnering with Sears and the maker of the retailer’s private label apparel to fashion men’s suits from a blend of wool and polyester fibers that are produced from recycled PET bottles.

With $175 for a jacket and $75 for a pair of pants, customers can buy a suit that is billed as being fully machine washable and dryable, and made from fabric that is 54 percent recycled polyester, 42 percent wool and 4 percent spandex.N.I. Teijin Shoji Inc. of New York announced the firms’ plans on Tuesday. N.I. Teijin Shoji is a part of the high tech textile company that belongs to Japan’s Teijin Group, a multinational corporation embracing 160 firms with a long history in the chemical industry.

The jackets and slacks are to be sold as separates under Sears’ Covington Perfect brand, manufactured by Israeli firm Bagir Group Ltd. and are expected to hit the racks in U.S. stores in May.  It takes about 25 2-liter polyethylene terephthalate bottles to produce enough polyester fiber to make a suit.

Established in 1918, Teijin was the first company in Japan to produce rayon yarn. The company started its polyester fibers business in 1958 and has since positioned itself as a leading manufacturer of synthetic fibers.

Teijin’s Eco-A-Wear textiles are being marketed as an environmentally friendly fabric for use in making suits and other apparel that appeal to business professionals who are interested in a “new generation of green fashion.”

The manufacturing process does not rely on petroleum, says the company. It provides the simplified diagram below to illustrate how the recycled polyester fiber Teijin calls Ecopet is made and then spun with wool to create the Eco-A-Wear fabric.
Teijin first made a splash in producing textiles from recycled materials in partnership with Patagonia, when the two companies launched the Common Threads Recycling Program in 2005.

The first product involved in garment-to-garment recycling through Common Threads was Capilene (long) underwear. The process developed by Teijin enabled recycled Capilene to be used as raw material, which when substituted for petroleum resulted in new garments that were produced using 76 percent less energy and releasing 42 percent less carbon dioxide.

The Eco-A-Wear fabric was in development for two years before coming to market. Its promoters say it wears and drapes well for an easy-to-care-for look that is comfortable and, unlike polyester of bygone days, breathes.

Click here for Sears Free Online Coupons and Price Drops

Most Small Biz Owners Say Customers Won’t Pay More for Green

By GreenBiz Staff Published April 1, 2009

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — A majority of small business owners are taking at least small steps to make their operations more environmentally friendly, but one in three admit the slumping economy is impacting their plans to adopt more green business practices.

The results come from the Small Business Index survey from Wells Fargo and Gallup. A majority of those in the survey — 67 percent — don’t think customers will pay more for environmentally friendly goods and services.  This is up considerably since April 2007, when nearly half, or 49 percent, believed consumers would fork over more green for greener products.

Of course, the change in perception is due to today’s economic woes. Still, a spate of recent surveys show some are indeed willing. For example, a Forrester survey suggests up to 18 percent of consumers would pay more for an environmentally friendly product, while recent Carbon Trust research said it’s important to buy from environmentally responsible companies.

In the Wells Fargo/Gallup survey, just 37 percent said they actively try to show their green credentials to their customers, down from 47 percent in April 2007. The No. 1 reason for communicating efforts: “As part of a personal commitment or responsibility,” followed by public relations reasons and attracting customers.

Forty-five percent said they’ve assessed how much energy their company uses while 68 percent have made the switch to energy-savings appliances, light bulbs or vehicles.

Fifty-five percent of respondents believe their company can take specific actions to improve the environment, but 43 percent don’t, representing a potentially large swath of small business owners who are missing out on opportunities to make their operations more efficient and save money in the process.

Wells Fargo and Gallup have conducted the Small Business Index survey for the last 23 quarters on their perceptions of their business financial situation. The most recent survey, conducted Jan. 22 – Feb. 2, is based on 604 small business owners across the country.

Want to buy greener, eco friendly products without paying more?  Visit our online Green and Eco Friendly Shopping Portal

Hippo Sweat Could Lead to Better Sun Protection

By GreenerDesign Staff

MERCED, Calif. — The next big thing in sunblock could be copied from hippos. Researchers have found that hippo sweat (actually an oily secretion) provides hippos with multiple types of protection: from the sun, disease and bugs.

Christopher Viney, a professor at the University of California, Merced, began investigating hippo sweat in 2004, taking samples from Bulgy, a 49-year-old hippopotamus at the Chaffee Zoo in Fresno. His research extended into a trip to Zambia, Africa, in an attempt to retrieve fresh sweat from hippos in the wild. National Geographic had invited him on the trip as part of a TV documentary, though the trip didn’t yield any new sweat samples.

Viney and his team found that the red-colored secretion acts as both a sunscreen and sunblock, with microscopic structures that scatter light, preventing it from burning the hippo’s skin.

The sweat also deters bugs, and helps hippos keep wounds or scratches clean no matter how much mud or filth they’re exposed to. The researchers left the sweat stored in sealed containers for months, and it didn’t show any signs of microbial contamination.

“It would be nice to also try and replicate the antiseptic and insect-repellent characteristics of the sweat, to obtain a four-in-one product: sunscreen, sunblock, antiseptic, insect repellent,” Viney told Discovery News. He recently wrote about his findings on hippo sweat and other biomimicry research in an issue of Philosophical Transactions of The Royal Society A.

While you’re waiting for the Hippo Sweat formula to be perfected, you can find loads of natural and organic skincare products at http://dealhippie.com/natural-skincare/