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)

Global Warming vs Natural Climate Change

22/07/2009
by Janet Corby

Do you ever feel like you know just enough about global warming to be dangerous? Let’s see if we can fill in some of the gaps with the latest info from real global warming experts.

Scientists, together with us environmentalists, are constantly warning politicians that time is running up but that doesn’t seem to bother them, especially now in times of recession. Revive economy or save the planet? Scientists and economists can agree with Buddhist monks and Christian activists that ruthless destruction of natural habitats is evil and careful preservation of birds and butterflies is good. The worldwide community of environmentalists-most of whom are not scientists-holds the moral high ground, and is guiding human societies toward a hopeful future. Scientists are human; they do not wait for proof. Many devote their professional lives to seeking evidence for hypotheses, especially well-funded hypotheses, they’ve chosen to believe.

Temperatures were high at that time due to the peculiarities of the Earth’s orbit. During the Pliocene (2-5Ma) before the Quaternary ice age began, temperatures were also significantly warmer than today. Temperatures have steadily increased at around a quarter of a degree for every 1,000 years. During the last 100 years temperatures have increased by twice that amount.

Think about what you’ve read so far. Does it reinforce what you already know about global warming causes? Or was there something completely new? What about the remaining paragraphs?

Human activities have altered the chemical composition of the atmosphere through the build-up of greenhouse gases – primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. The heat-trapping property of these gases is undisputed although uncertainties exist about exactly how earth’s climate responds to them. Humans measure warmth as temperature which is a measure of the amount of heat contained in a physical object. One can envision this concept by thinking of a pot on a stove.

Global warming is one of the most hotly debated issues today. Cars have been identified as one of the leading contributors to the escalating global warming problem. Global warming is a huge risk. We’re not just talking about retiring our winter coats in favour of lighter jackets. Global warming is one of those era-defining issues for which perception is reality. And if that perception shifts-and it could shift quickly-the economic impact on energy companies will be swift and lasting.

Global warming had changed their habitat, so to speak. Global warming, as you may already know is the process that describes the earth’s temperature rise. This rise in temperature is because of greenhouse grasses. Global warming and climate change are the biggest problem we are facing today well at least this is what scientists say. There are of course still some that do not believe in global warming and they look at it like some crazy invented thing made by Al Gore and other scientists.

So now you know a little bit about global warming causes. Even if you don’t know everything, you’ve done something worthwhile: you’ve expanded your knowledge.

About the Author:
Janet Corby is the author of this article. EnergySavingSite.info asks is global warming real and offers information on the natural causes of global warming. You have permission to reprint this article provided all links are kept.
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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)

Learn How To Generate Your Own Electricity And Save Heaps Of Cash With Home Made Solar Panels

10/07/2009
by Gary Greenman

DIY alternative electricity gear demand is at an all time high. People know that we have to be more responsible with our planet these days. Luckily for all of us it is cheaper and simpler than ever to make your own electricity with Do it yourself solar panels.

More and more individuals are concerned about the environment and the price of our power statements keeps going up. Utilizing Home made solar panels to make your own electricity is growing in attractiveness and meaning. People nowadays are watchful with their budgets and honestly want to be part of the energy answer.

This is a great time to be alive, all that is needed to make your own power is quickly accessible. Not only that but using DIY solar panels to generate a private source of power will be of great advantage – just look at a few of these benefits.

1. Your electricity statement will be at once reduced 2. You can build a system yourself and have it up and going in just a couple of days 3. It is very simple to do and for less than $200 you will have a professional grade system 4. And the best part is that when you make your own electricity, if you generate enough the power company will actually pay you!

Think of it, do your part to save the planet and as a bonus your electric bill could be zero! DIY solar panels are awesome, and I believe everybody ought to have one or two, but before you get started you need to be prepared.

Good plans are the key to good Do it yourself solar panels. Since we are talking about how to make your own energy you need to be safe and you need it to be right. It’s not as complicated as you may well be thinking. If you have the right DIY solar panel plans you’ll have not anything to worry about.

The correct set of plans could also come with a comprehensive material list that you can take to your local hardware store and get everything you need to make your own power. If it is a truly quality material list it may even tell you where to get some of the supplies for free!

Given that it is so economical and simple to make your own DIY solar panels and make your own electricity, why everybody isn’t doing this is over me. Be part of the solution, save some money, join the ‘Green’ club and learn how to make your own power now.

About the Author:
You can Discover How To Make Your Own Electricity for less than $200 – get started today with this free report!
By Gary Greenman | Posted in environmental | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)