Preparing for Electric Cars

By Jenilee Rivera

     Many new models of electric cars are about to hit the roads. Think Nissan Leaf, GM's Volt, among others! How to recharge electric vehicles is becoming a serious concern. The US is far behind many other countries in this regard. A recent visit to Andorra, a tiny principality between Spain and France, revealed a popular option - plugging in when you park on the street.

     It is a complicated subject requiring all vehicle manufacturers to have a common system which in turn will be complemented by a common system of recharging. Some steps being taken include:

     Houston, Texas - the City of Houston has joined with Reliant Energy and Nissan to ensure recharging stations are ready for the Nissan Leaf. So far 10 charging stations, seven of them public, are ready.

     San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, California - These cities are partnering with Better Place, an electric-car company that plans to launch its vehicle in 2012. There will be 220 volt charging stations throughout the cities, permits will be expedited to allow fast installation of outlets and employer incentives will be put in place that will encourage employees to drive electric cars.

     Raleigh, North Carolina - Local utility Progress Energy has partnered with Nissan and the city to create a recharging infrastructure.

     West Sacramento, California - Retailer DMC Green Inc. opened its first electric-vehicle charging station in August 2009, the first of many retrofitted gas stations in California.

     Massachusetts - The state government and Nissan are developing plans for home, work and public charging facilities.

     Elk Horn, Iowa - The city installed four public charging stations in November 2009.

     In August 2009, the US Department of Energy awarded Electric Transportation Engineering Corp., a charging-station maker, $100 million to deploy more than 11,000 charging stations, and 4,700 Nissan Leaf vehicles in the following locations - Portland, Corvallis and Eugene, Oregon; Seattle; San Diego; Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona; Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, Tenn.

Green Halloween Tips: Tricks to Make Your Halloween a Treat for Mother Nature

By: Terry Shannon

If you don’t already compost, Halloween is a great time to start. You can add post-Halloween jack-o-lanterns to your compost bin, along with fallen leaves, food scraps, and other organic, biodegradable yard and household waste.

Compost creates excellent soil for your garden. You might even use the compost from your backyard bin to help grow the pumpkins that will become next year’s jack-o-lanterns and pumpkin pies.

If you are interested in composting, your local hardware store, garden center, county extension service, or waste disposal agency should be able to help you get started.

Instead of throwing away your Halloween decorations each year, store and reuse them year after year, just as you do decorations for many other holidays, such as Christmas and Hanukkah.

From Larry West, former About.com Guide

Easy Ways To Go Green At Home And In The Car

By: Misty Capley

Going Green can start when you wake up... If you drink Coffee every morning, take a look at the brewing label. If it does not say USDA Certified Organic Label, who knows how it was grown. If it does fall under that certified label you can rest assured that it was grown using sustainable standards and not harming the environment.  

                  Laundry seems to be a never ending daily task, also a maximum energy user. Most loads do not need hot water to do a deep cleaning on your clothes. Wash loads in cold water, 90% of the energy used by washing machines goes into the heating.  The higher the water temperature, the higher the cost to your pocketbook and the planet.

Bill paying and record keeping use a lot of paper each month. By enrolling in on-line bill-pay options you will save trees, fossil fuel, money for stamps, and peace of mind. It can also make keeping records simpler. After enrolling, you’ve already saved trees and energy. Once you’ve paid print out the one page confirmation and file it away. There is no sending back an envelope or stamps!

While you are in the car there are a couple of things you can do as well. Everyone knows idling wastes gas… did you know how much? Idling for more than 10 seconds wastes more gas than is needed to start your car after is has been off.  American’s idle away 2.9 billion gallons of gas a year, worth around $78.2 billion annually.

While driving you may think “if I drive faster, I’ll get there sooner and save gas”… In reality driving 10 mph above 60 is adding nearly 50 cents to the price of EACH gallon of gas. Since traveling at a higher speed requires your engine to guzzle more gasoline. Don’t put the pedal to the metal and you will save yourself a trip to the gas station. 

10 Tips to Save Energy (and Money) in Your Home

By: Rene Hernandez

A whopping 46 percent of home energy use is, umm, energy loss! In other words, no productive energy use at all! Here are simple ways of reversing this, mostly by changes of habit.

1. Each degree you turn down the heat saves 3 percent of heating costs, while each degree you raise the temperature of your air conditioner saves 3-4 percent of cooling costs. By changing the temperature by 2 degrees all year, you can save about 2,000 pounds of C02 a year.

2. Cook with a slow cooker or a toaster oven (or even a solar oven!) to reduce electrical use from kitchen appliances. For a meal that requires one hour to cook in an electric oven, and which uses 2.7 pounds of C02, a crockpot uses 0.9 pounds of C02 for seven hours, a toaster oven takes 1.3 pounds of C02 for 50 minutes, and a microwave only 0.5 pounds of C02 for 15 minutes of cooking. A solar cooker requires NO C02!

3. Switch to a laptop instead of using a desktop computer and cut three-quarters off your electrical use. Turn off the laptop at the end of the day.

4. Switch to cold water washing and save 80 percent on energy used for laundry and save an estimated $60 a year. Hang dry your clothes instead of using the dryer and save 700 pounds of C02 a year.

5. Plug anything that can be powered by a remote control or that has a power cube transformer (little black box) into a power strip, and turn it off, and/or unplug, when not in use. (Power cubes are 60-80 percent inefficient.)

6. Turn off the lights when you aren’t using them and reduce your direct lighting energy use by 45 percent. Stop using heat-producing halogen lamps (they can also be fire hazards). Install occupancy or motion sensors on outdoor lights.

7. Switch to compact fluorescent from regular incandescent bulbs and use 60 percent less energy per bulb and save 300 pounds of C02 a year.

8. Wrap your water heater in an insulation blanket and save 1,000 pounds of C02 a year. Insulate your hot water pipes.

9. Use public transportation whenever possible, carpool, shop locally, and ideally switch to a hybrid or energy-efficient car (if you haven’t already).

10. Keep your tires inflated to improve gas mileage by 3 percent. Every gallon you save also saves 20 pounds of C02 emissions.

10 Handy Alternative Uses of Charcoal

By: Malerie Eeds

Put extra charcoal to work around the house

With summertime coming to an end and all of this much-needed rain coming through, we are saying goodbye to BBQ and picnics and hello to ice cream and movie nights (that’s what rainy weather does to me at least). But before you throw out that bag of leftover charcoal take a look at these creative repurposing ideas that will have 

you saving money and going green all at the same time.

1. Rust-free tool and tackle boxes: Charcoal absorbs moisture, so stick a couple of lumps in your toolbox and fishing tackle box to keep your hammers and hooks from rusting. I also put a few pieces in a garbage bag and wrap the business ends of my gardening tools in it for a rust-free winter's nap.

2. Compost it: Charcoal can be added to the compost pile -- in moderation -- and will increase the carbon content of the resulting humus. Of course there are plenty of other unusual things you can compost as well.

3. Natural air freshener: Charcoal keeps air smelling fresh by absorbing moisture that can cause mold and mildew. Put a few pieces in an old pair of pantyhose and hang it in the basement or other damp room, or put some in drawers, closets, or even in the fridge instead of baking soda.

4. Moisture-free salt and sand: Replacing the bag of summertime charcoal in the garage with sacks of rock salt and sand to handle winter de-icing? Mix a couple of pieces of charcoal in with the salt and sand; it will absorb moisture and keep them from clumping. Since our winter will likely resemble summers up north it isn’t likely that we’ll need this tip, but your family in Colorado will love you for it!

5. Flatulence odor control: Okay, so it's not exactly a do-it-yourself project for leftover charcoal -- and in fact I'm not certain that it even works at all -- but Flat-D is definitely one of the most intriguing products I've unearthed. (And just in time for Christmas shopping!)

 6. Shoe odor control: So maybe you're not ready to stick a briquette down you undershorts, but putting a piece of charcoal in an old sock and sticking it in your shoes before you put them away will help reduce odor. It also removes moisture, which will make your footwear last longer. Great for those teenage football cleats stinking up your foyer!

7. Keep cut flowers fresher: Just like the charcoal filter in a fish aquarium, a couple of pieces of charcoal in the bottom of a flower vase will keep the water clean and clear and make fresh cut flowers last longer.

8. Mark the spot: Use charcoal instead of chalk when marking measurements and construction plans on concrete and other surfaces -- not to mention making a hopscotch court for the kids in the driveway. Like chalk, it washes off in fairly short order.

9. Healthier orchids: Some plants, including orchids and bromeliads, thrive in soil enhanced with a small amount of charcoal. It increases drainage and alkalinity.

10. Naughty kids: If you get through all of these repurposing ideas and still have leftover charcoal, go ahead and take the old-fashioned route around Christmas time -- put a couple pieces in your kids’ stockings to scare them into cleaning their rooms.

 [*IMPORTANT NOTE: Use chemical-free, natural "lump variety" charcoal for the purposes discussed in this article; contact with chemically enhanced charcoal, particularly some "quick-start" varieties, can be dangerous to plants and animals, including humans.]

Read more: http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/blogs/save-money/uses-of-charcoal#ixzz26lLI97Td

Texas Adopt-A-Beach this weekend!

by: Daniel Luna

The 26th Texas General Land Office AdoptA-Beach Fall Cleanup will be held Saturday,
September 22, 2012 from 9:00am til Noon.  

There will be various sites within Nueces County the beach cleanup will be taking place;

PORT ARANSAS
Check-in : Avenue G at the Beach
Contact: Deno Fabrie, 361-749-0256, deno.fabrie@texasadoptabeach.org

MUSTANG ISLAND STATE PARK
Check-in: 17047 State Highway 361
Contact: Mike Mullenweg, 361-749-5246, mike.mullenweg@texasadoptabeach.org

CORPUS CHRISTI BEACH
Check-in: Texas State Aquarium, 2710 N. Shoreline Blvd.
Contact: Kara Hahn, 361-881-1259, kara.hahn@texasadoptabeach.org

COLE PARK (KID'S PLACE)
Check-in: 1526 Ocean Dr.
Contact: Angela Gonzalez, 361-826-3673, angela.gonzalez@texasadoptabeach.org

AND VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGH OUT TEXAS!


To learn more about how you can get involved or for additional information on the Adopt-A-Beach
Program, please visit their website at texasadoptabeach.org or call 1-877-TXCOAST.

50 WAYS TO GO GREEN IN THE CLASSROOM

By Jenilee Rivera

Most of you teachers are wrapping up the school year, but we have an important homework assignment for the summer. Can you think of 50 different ways to go green in your classroom starting this fall? Don’t worry: we really want you to enjoy your time off, so we came up with this little cheat sheet to help you and your students make a pact to make more eco-conscious choices and take real steps to saving our planet.

Class Projects

Make going green a class project by sponsoring a recycling competition, planting a class garden or adopting the rainforest.

1. Recycle Competition: Many classrooms already have recycling barrels next to the trash can, but you can start a competition with your hall to see which class can save the most newspapers, soda cans, water bottles or any other recyclable item.
2. Compost heap: If your school isn’t willing to start composting, you can create a mini compost pile outside your classroom to get rid of some of your garbage, though it’s probably a smart idea to make sure it’s cleared with the administration and fire codes.
3. Start a garden: Use the compost to fertilize a class garden. You can grow vegetables or flowers, and let the students sample what you grow.
4. Recycle technology: If you’re lucky enough to be getting new computers this fall, invite your kids to join the Goodwill and Dell Reconnect program, which recycles computers and other electronics.
5. Go Green Database: Browse this database for fun eco-friendly projects that encourage awareness.
6. Plan an end-of-the-day room check: During the last few minutes of the day, have your children make sure all the water faucets are completely turned off, blinds are closed, lights are off and windows are closed. You can give different groups a checklist for each part of the room.
7. Adopt a rainforest: This project works with any unit you’re teaching. Your class can adopt the rainforest, whales, a block on your street or any other place you want to make a difference.
8. Use real plants for class pets: If your classroom has a pet turtle, lizard or fish, use real plants instead of synthetic or plastic plants. It’s better for the greater environment, as well as your little friend.
9. Calculate your carbon footprint: You can use this calculator to calculate your classroom’s carbon footprint, or the combined effect all of your students have on the environment. Then, discuss ways to minimize your effect on the environment.
10. Take an eco-friendly field trip: Walk to a nearby park to examine the local ecosystems without using extra gas.
11. Start a class website: Older students will respond to a class website, where they can get homework help, submit discussion questions, and play with interactive study guides, all of which save paper.
12. Raise monarch butterflies: This teacher started a class project to raise monarch butterflies in order to teach her students about natural ecosystems and the developing stages of life.

School Supplies

It’s time to reevaluate your school supply closet and figure out how to introduce safer, more environmentally friendly pens, paints and tissues into the mix.

13. Use water-based paints: The Green Guide recommends using water-based paints for a non-toxic creative project.
14. Green art projects: This list of green art projects are all good for the environment, and some utilize natural ingredients and products like clay and wood.
15. Use green tissues: These Seventh Generation brand tissues are chlorine-free, so they aren’t a threat to the ozone layer and have no dyes or artificial fragrances.
16. Make your own cleaning kit: Free your students of breathing in harmful chemicals and help the environment by whipping up your own batch of non-toxic, environmentally friendly cleaning supplies.
17. Stock your room with green school supplies: If you or your school’s budget can afford it, stock your room with green school supplies, like recycled notebook binders and biodegradable corn starch pens.
18. Write with recycled pencils: This number two pencil is also made of recycled wood.
19. Acid-free glue stick: For all your art projects, use acid-free glue stick, which is less messier than liquid glue and better for the environment.
20. Take Classes Online: Attending accredited online universities saves both in the travel resources as well as the energy costs of the brick and mortar system.
21. Recharge batteries: Rechargeable batteries can save the earth from harmful metals and compounds that can’t be broken down when you toss out old batteries.

Preserving Resources

Preserve our natural resources by following these tips, which save water, electricity and paper.

22. Make sure water faucets are turned off: The WaterWiser Drip Calculator reveals that 5 drips per second is the same as letting water run in a steady stream. Make sure your kids turn the water off all the way.
23. Open windows: If the temperature is nice outside, regulate your inside temperature by opening up the windows. Fresh air will also rejuvenate you and your students.
24. Water your garden with your leftovers: If you have leftover water from a cooking or science assignment, use it to water your plants outside instead of throwing it down the drain.
25. Check for leaks: Check your windows for insulation leaks and your faucets for water leaks, which can waste electricity and water. Notify your school’s maintenance department to have it fixed as soon as possible.
26. Use biodegradable cups and utensils: For class parties and snack time, keep a stash of biodegradable plates and utensils.
27. Reusable napkins: If you have older students who (theoretically) shouldn’t be as messy as elementary kids, you may want to consider setting out resuable napkins that you can wash whenever you have snacks.
28. Use the right lightbulbs: This guide goes over the right "green" light bulbs, including compact fluorescent light bulbs and Energy Star bulbs.
29. Encourage students to use both sides of the paper: Teachers have been battling this problem for a while. Ask your students to use both sides of the paper for homework assignments. You can even reward them an extra bonus point or two if they remember.
30. Open the blinds: Let in natural light and turn on a desk lamp when you’re packing up for the day or in your room by yourself during lunchtime.

Teachers Only

Going green at school isn’t just about student involvement. Teachers can learn how to make eco-conscious choices in the teacher’s lounge and when designing lesson plans, too.

31. Unplug your mini-fridge: Consider sharing a mini-fridge with the teachers down the hall instead of having your own private refrigerator that soaks up extra electricity
32. Keep your grades online: Online gradebooks like this one save paper and invite parents to take a more active role in evaluating student performance.
33. Drink Fair Trade Coffee: Introduce Fair Trade Coffee to the teachers’ lounge for an eco-conscious, humanitarian pick-me-up.
34. Bring a mug or glass to school: Instead of pouring coffee or water into a styrofoam cup, bring your own mug or glass to school, which can be washed and reused over and over again.
35. Use recycled paper: All teachers go through a ton of notebooks and papers each year, so using recycled paper and then recycling all your files after the year is over will positively impact the environment.
36. Use PowerPoint: Start creating PowerPoint presentations to deliver notes, photos and study guides without wasting paper.
37. E-mail other teachers and administration: If your school hasn’t already, try to start an e-mail only campaign that eliminates needing hard copies of substitute requests, field trip proposals and meeting RSVPs.
38. Send Rescue Paper thank you notes: Send thank you notes for teacher gifts or notify a parent of a high-achieving child with these Rescuse Paper stationery.
39. Insulate doors: At the end of the day, slide draft guards under your door to insulate the room and keep energy consumption down.

More Green Ideas

From organic snacks to carpooling to applying for environmental program grants, this list is full of even more green ideas.

40. Offer organic snacks: Besides going green, having a party with these snacks is better for students’ health and focus.
41. Plant a tree: A popular tradition for many schools on Earth Day, find out if your class can plant a tree or bush any other day.
42. Turn off your computer: Don’t just put your computer on sleep mode: turning it off during your lunch break and especially at night saves a lot of energy.
43. Carpool with other teachers: Even if you don’t have to commute across town, carpooling with teacher friends decreases air pollution, and of course, saves you money.
44. Put on a show: Educate the rest of your school by putting on a play or presentation that goes over an environmental topics like global warming, preserving ecosystems or recycling. An extra challenge would be to only use organic, natural or non-toxic supplies to organize the event.
45. Campaign for an Idle-Free School Zone: These Idle-Free School Zones are catching on and encourage parents who arrive at school to pick up their kids to turn off their engines and reduce pollution.
46. Apply for a grant: The Live Green Teacher Grants award teachers $1,000 to put their original green ideas and campaigns to work in the classroom.

Networks and Groups

Encourage your students to join these networks independently or as a class to enter contests and connect with other conscious students around the world.

47. Student Environmental Action Coalition: This group provides information on local events and global campaigns that are devoted to saving the environment.
48. Lexus Environmental Challenge: Compete for online university scholarships and grants in this contest, sponsored by Lexus and Scholastic.
49. Earth Force: This organization "engages young people as active citizens who improve the environment." The Tools for Teachers section provides resources for getting involved in the classroom.
50. Save a Snowman: Introduce your students to global warming by sponsoring a snowman and learning about saving the rainforest.