10 Ways to Reduce Waste in the City

06/08/2009
by Amy Nutt

Waste can be anything from physical objects that become litter on the ground to chemicals and other environmental pollutants. Many people want to be able to reduce the amount of waste or waste management they contribute to their city, but it can be hard to know where to start.

Here are 10 ways people can make a difference without even going too far out of their way:

1. Recycle. Local recycling centers all have bins that can be purchased to separate recyclables from the trash. Most cities also offer a pick-up service either weekly or bi-weekly. 2. Reuse. Another of the three ‘R’s, reusing as many things as possible seriously puts a dent in the amount of trash that goes out. Did the queen size sheet get torn? It doesn’t need to be thrown out because there are lots of people who could make use of the fabric. Same applies for broken down electronics and furniture.

3. Drink water. A filter for the refrigerator is a great way to prevent a plastic bottle build up in the trash can and keeps people healthy too. 4. Volunteer. There are many highways that need to be cleaned up and anyone can volunteer to do it. If that seems overwhelming, even just picking up one piece of trash from the ground a day can make a difference over time.

5. Keep a cup. Refills are available at a lot of gas stations and food places. Many will sell special cups that are able to be washed and will offer a discount on the price of a drink when refilling that cup. 6. Avoid over-packaging. Besides asking for paper instead of plastic, people should also consider the packaging on the things they buy. Single wrapped bread, bulk items, and reusable container products all reduce potential waste

7. Cook. Cooking in the home means fewer wrappers, packages, and other pre-made food waste. It also gives the opportunity to make healthier meals and create smaller portions. 8. Careful shopping. Some products want people to pay more because they will last a lot longer. Despite the higher prices, that’s a good reason for people to make the extra investment. It will save the environment and even a wallet to buy a product once and have it last for ten years than buy a product for a third of the price and throw it out every year.

9. Buy an upgradable computer. Technology is always advancing and city dumps are filled with leftover computer parts. Most computers can be upgraded so rather than buy a new one to keep up with the times a person can simply buy new parts to install. Computer stores and shops can help with this process.

10. Go hybrid. There are many models of hybrid cars now and all of them cut down on the amount of gas a person needs to use. It’s a great option for those who can afford it and some people may even be eligible for a tax break when the make the purchase.

About the Author:
Waste Management Company providing fast, friendly, and reliable waste and recycling collection services. Including: Markham recycle, recycling Richmond Hill, waste management Markham, recycling York region, waste management Richmond Hill, Ontario county recycling.
By Amy Nutt | Posted in environmental | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Wind And Solar Power Facts You Need To Know!

28/07/2009
by Rainy Day

As with anything, the facts surrounding wind and solar power are paramount to your energy independence. The power of turning sun light into electrical energy is an unlimited source of empowerment and freedom. The physical process of turning atomic particles into usable energy is mystifying and wonderful.

The generation of 120 v Alternating Current energy by harnessing the suns power and plugging it into the existing power grid is the ultimate solution for our energy crisis. There is room for solar and wind powered energy creation on the top of millions of roofs and building tops around the world. In fact, the broad acceptance of wind and solar power can contribute energy back into the grid and ease the lack of supply in it.

The wind and solar power facts indicate that the demand and the necessity for alternative energy sources is at a critical juncture. While the grid is still productive, much of the demand in low light and evening conditions can be met. Once your system feeds back into the grid during daytime and then takes from the grid at nighttime, you are at a zero loss stage.

The source of the electricity doesn’t really matter. Regardless of it the source is wind power, solar power or any other form of electrical generation can be stored in batteries and plugged back into the system or used on site.

There is really no other clean energy according to the wind and solar power facts. The commitment to clean power is an effective money strategy. Solar electrical systems are quite expansive and present a sound investments for the home or business proprietor.

The benefits of alternative sources of energy are far reaching and extend beyond the obvious and apparent. Due to the afore mentioned fact, the government has worked hard to reinforce investment with rebates, tax breaks and grants to help have the alternative energy systems installed.

The access to wind and solar power solutions are plentiful. The amount of research on your part can be minimized by contacting the companies that provide the materials for the system. They will also direct you toward installation professionals and even help process rebates and refunds if available.

The more complicated, high end systems may require a professional for installation, but many systems can be installed on your own. The technical support many companies offer can be useful in times of doubt or difficulty too. Always try to purchase your materials through a professional for guarantee reasons.

The merchandise will include the solar generator, the photo-voltaic and the solar collector. These are a few of the items you’ll need to make your home into a solar home that will yield all of your energy wants. The licensed firms will maintain the insurance and the correct paperwork to protect the house proprietor or business proprietor from any worker liabilities. A registered corporation will help to insure what ever is needed to be insured.

About the Author:
Gavin King is a green energy devotee and enjoys writing articles about wind and solar power facts and solar power for homes.
By Sunny Day | Posted in environmental | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (2)

Ways to Compact Trash into a Landfill

16/07/2009
by Amy Nutt

As in individual, there aren’t a lot of different ways to compact the trash you compile in your home. In fact, the only way to really compact trash is to use a trash compactor. This appliance won’t be reducing the amount of trash you have but it will make it fit into a much smaller space. Since landfills have so much waste by definition, compacting trash can be a great way to keep the landfill from overflowing with trash.

When you are using a trash compactor, be careful not to put in dangerous materials along with it. Chemicals, paints, and even metal parts can be hazardous if they are thrown out with regular trash. Glass can also be a problem because it can damage the compactor itself and make the condensed trash unsafe to handle.

You can also compact trash yourself without the use of a compactor although the results won’t be exactly the same. Use containers you are throwing away to fill with more trash so that it takes up less space overall. Naturally it’s not as good as using the trash compactor but it’s the best option if you need to throw things out and you don’t have this tool at your disposal. Pushing down on the trash while it is still in the trash can also help to reduce the size of your trash.

Limiting the amount of trash you create altogether can also be a way to compact trash that will go to a landfill because there will be less trash altogether. The easiest way to do this is start recycling. The local dump will have recycling bins you can use to keep your recyclable materials sorted. Glass, cardboard and paper are all recyclable. If you are in a state that charges deposits on carbonated beverages, save the cans and bottles to return to get your deposit back.

You can also reuse a lot of household items that would normally become part of the trash. Plastic bags can be used for cleaning up after pets and they make free liners for smaller trash cans. Some people have even filled cushions with them for decorative pillows or seat cushions. Fabric can easily be reused no matter where it came from even if it has stains. Tie-dye or bleach can cover a stain and create a unique look for homemade curtains or sheets. Even computers can be recycled by taking them apart and selling the parts that still work.

Even changing your lifestyle can reduce your trash. Cleaning with homemade solutions lowers the amount of trash you have and the toxic waste. Eat at home more often with home cooked meals because fast food has a lot of trash. Purchase only things that you need to have and can’t just borrow from someone else. When you do need to make purchases you should buy high quality items that will last a long time. All of these things will make it easier for you to compact the amount of trash you send to a landfill.

About the Author:
Largest Canadian manufacturers and distributors of Waste compaction equipment and compactor, Disposal and Recycling for both commercial and industrial use.
By Amy Nutt | Posted in environmental | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

City of Toronto Charges 5 Cents per Plastic Bag

15/07/2009
by Amy Nutt

Recently, a new city ordinance was put in place by Toronto in an effort to reduce waste in landfills, waste management and encourage consumers to recycle. This ordinance requires all shoppers to pay a 5 cents per bag fee whenever they make a purchase at area stores. This is an attempt to encourage shoppers to bring their own bags whenever they need to shop.

Recycling shopping bags to reduce landfill waste is not a new concept. It’s something that consumers have had within their power to do for many years. The only thing that’s changed is that it’s never been enforced until now. Toronto’s citizens are somewhat on the fence about this new ordinance. Some think it’s a terrible injustice and way for the government to milk more money out of them. Other consumers just think it’s a smart idea to re-use shopping bags as a way of protecting the environment from further damage.

Whatever the case may be, many consumers believe that this is just another sign of the times for this generation of more environmentally responsible consumers. People need a reminder every now and then of how their daily habits impact the environment in a very real way. Just think of how the act of one person re-using their shopping bags could positively impact and reduce the amount of waste dumped into landfills yearly? Now multiply that by the millions of inhabitants of the city of Toronto and that benefit increases exponentially.

Let’s get back to basics to understand how and why this ordinance was dreamed up in the first place. Plastic bags are understood to be bad for the environment. Once they are used to carry a small amount of store-bought goods, they are generally tossed into the trash can and forgotten about. But that isn’t the end for the average plastic shopping bag. The bag is dumped into the city trash collection, then into big piles that are then dumped into landfills. The average lifespan of a plastic bag, depending on its design, is anywhere from one to ten years, maybe more. So that momentary use ends up clogging up the earth for many years afterwards.

And plastic bags are responsible for the injury and death of wildlife and sea creatures. Plastic bags pollute the ground, water ways, and oceans. They drift in the wind and end up in trees where birds can get stuck in them. They get ingested by animals who then either choke to death or get strangled in them. Plastic bags eventually find their ways to the ocean where sea-life ingest them of become entangled in them. Plastic bags litter the roadways, parks, forests and anywhere else they happen to end up. They are a nuisance and a hazard to the environment anyway you look at it.

So the city of Toronto decided to set an example for the rest of the world by making consumers stop and think about how many plastic bags they are using in an average week. They must pay that extra 5 cents per bag and every time they do they make that decision on whether or not they will pay for them the next time they shop, or if they will bring their recycled bags along for future shopping trips. Perhaps we can learn a lot from this new law and start deciding if it’s worth it to pay the extra or bring one from home?

About the Author:
Waste Management Company providing fast, friendly, and reliable waste and recycling collection services. Including: Markham recycle, recycling Richmond Hill, waste management Markham, recycling York Region, waste management Richmond Hill, Ontario county recycling.
By Amy Nutt | Posted in environmental | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Discover The Top Tips For Making Your House A Greener House

09/07/2009
by Gary Greenman

Are you interested in making your house more electricity efficient and green? With rising energy costs and sky high utility statements, most of us are looking for ways to cut costs and save some cash. You can start right at house, by making a few simple changes to make your house energy efficient and more eco friendly.

But beyond energy efficiency, there are several other vital factors that go into the design of a green home. For example, water management, indoor air quality, and the use of safer constructing materials can all contribute to a more eco-friendly residence. This applies to new building, as well as renovating and greening an older house for improvement and sale. Here’s a listing of some of the factors to consider when remodeling your house, or purchasing a green residence.

Correct Ventilation – The house ought to have the right number and placement of exhaust fans, proper ventilation, vapor barriers, and duct sealing. A well designed thermal envelope can make the home more comfortable and electricity efficient. Ventilation systems ought to be wrapped and sealed to stop air loss.

Air Quality – To make the residence healthier, safe constructing materials should be used to limit introduction of noxious and dangerous vapors. For example, use zero-VOC or no-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint, and put in recycled, reclaimed, or sustainable flooring prepared from materials that don’t have formaldehyde, such as bamboo or cork. Think about installing physical termite barriers in its place of chemical treatments, where appropriate.

Water Efficiency – Think about installing dual-flush toilets, low- flow wash heads, and a tankless water heater, or at a minimum; a more electricity efficient Energy Star rated model.

Insulation – One of the top options a consumer can make is to install additional insulation. Use formaldehyde-free insulation. Additionally, install a radiant barrier on the underside of the roof, where appropriate.

Roofing – Think about metal or cement tile roofing, or durable shingles rated for 40 years or more.

Appliances and Furnaces – Use Energy Star rated appliances. The HVAC (air conditioning) systems should have a 17 SEER rating or better, and furnaces ought to have a 90+ rating. The heating and cooling unit size and assignment ought to be properly thought out to increase efficiency.

Lighting – Install electricity efficient fixtures. Compact fluorescent light bulbs ought to be used in place of halogen or incandescent bulbs.

Windows and Doors – Install double-paned, Low-E windows. Properly shade windows that face the sun, or install window overhangs. Install storm doors where appropriate.

Thermostat Timers – Install a programmable thermostat and hot water furnace timer.

Outside – Consider installing low upkeep materials that make sense for your climate and area, such as fiber cement siding, 40-year shingles, and engineered wood framing.

Landscaping – Eco landscaping considers cautious assortment of plants, and concentrates on water conservation. Use green landscape design activities, such as reducing the size of the lawn. Consider the correct position of trees to help shade the residence and reduce cooling costs. Use hardscape materials to reduce weeds and do away with the use of pesticides and herbicides. Use native plants and xeriscape methods to avoid the need for excessive care and watering. Compost. Install drip irrigation systems and think about reclaiming water.

You may see that from top to bottom, you may look at your whole residence indoors and out to look for potential improvements to make it more eco friendly. It’s not too hard to make your existing residence a green house. By making at least a few simple changes to enhance energy efficiency, in no time you will see the optimistic results in your utility statements. Plus, you have the additional benefit of knowing that you are doing more for the natural environment at the same time, and that always feels nice.

About the Author:
If you could build your own DIY Solar Panels in your garage, why wouldn’t you? Get your DIY Solar Panel Plans today and you will be generating your own power this weekend!
By Gary Greenman | Posted in environmental | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comment (1)

Learn How to Save Huge Cash With Solar Energy

29/06/2009
by Gary Greenman

Wind energy, solar electricity and water is a brilliant way to make your own power. There is information on the internet in the form of manuals so one can be taught to produce alternative electricity. This renewable energy source will trim down your power costs, and at times ged rid of it. A good resource puts in plain words the techniques to make energy at home. Once a system is in place, the sooner to dispose of the scary electricity bills you now face. If you really desire to save money on your electic bill, renewable energy is for you.

An overlooked alternative power is wind electricity which can be produced by wind turbines. This design as we know it has been around for quite some time.The use of windmills or windmills can make a lot of electricity. As time passes, this is one of the best sources of renewable energy as the wind continues to blow, and will grow popularity more and more as the power crisis increases.

Solar electricity is great since the sun is your lone source of power the sun isn’t going anywhere. Solar electricity is one of the best to use in your home. The solar electricity panels will cut your energy bills almost in half and the environment will benefit too.

Water or hydro power is another great means in which to use renewable electricity in the household. You can utilize water to operate vehicles and power electrical appliances. Hydro energy is can be used up to 90% of alternative electricity in your home.

Many guides includes a total set of diy directions on how to produce energy to electricity your house with alternative energys by constructing your own wind electricity generator or installing your own solar panels. In order to make these work for you, you require to follow the step by step directions provided.

A quality guide ought to show you how to harness wind power as well as the sun’s rays by means of solar panels to harness the elements for electricity. The use of alternative electricity will help you out to save on your power bill a minimum of $1000 annually. The internet is a good teacher for the person who is looking for alternative electricity sources using sun and wind.

Your house will be the setting for your energy creations either through a wind turbine or solar panels. You may have solar panels on the roof of your house or in the back yard and your wind turbine is in an airy place, with this you will be saving money as well as having a healthy ecosystem. We need to protect our ecosystem by making use of the natural resources in the safest method, because this earth supports us as well as the coming generation.

You may be a bit apprehensive about the entire system of power creating. Bit by bit you may come to see that wind and the solar energy both are the safest and greatest methods to generate power and save cash as a result. Why do we have to spend money for the energy bill when nature is so supportive and caring? It is high time that we understand this technology and make use of it. Nature is the greatest acquaintance you may have. Protect our nature and future with alternative energy.

Wind power and solar power is is absolutely quality value if you want to save money on your power bill in your home or business with alternative energy.

About the Author:
With the right DIY Windmill Plans you will have a professional DIY Windmill for less than $200. Can you think of any reason not to check out these Windmill DIY Plans? Click this link and get started today.
By Gary Greenman | Posted in environmental | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)