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Cheap Tricks for a Greener Home

Posted on October 3, 2011 by | Leave a comment | Tips

Canada is a first world country that is at the forefront of cutting down carbon emissions and encouraging a green lifestyle. Solar technology, wind power, electric cars – all of these amazing technological developments are starting to find a serious foothold in Canada. But what can the average Canadian do to help to save the planet? Perhaps a few tricks from the third world can help.

Firstly, let’s consider some options for saving on your heating costs for those who have to contend with bitter cold. There are a few little tricks in impoverished countries that might help lower your costs and your impact. First up, keep your geyser warm. The pipes that speed the hot water around your home are thin and often lead to the water losing a lot of heat on the journey from the geyser to the tap. Use old clothes and blankets to wrap your pipes, so that heat is saved. Also, check the insulation along the links of the pipes. Doing this properly means that you can afford to lower your thermostat, reducing costs and your electricity demands. The next tip is about personal warmth. Heaters and electric blankets are great, but they burn fuel, be it oil, coal, or electricity. Why not go old school and use more blankets. Layering blankets will insulate you from the bitterest cold, and encourage companionship. Also, blankets made from recycled materials are available, which also means lowered environmental impact during production.

The converse is true, and there are lots of ways to keep yourself cool that won’t impact on your wallet or the world’s climate. In countries without air conditioning, the easiest answer is to open a window. The breeze is often enough to cool you down, especially in Canada’s temperate climate. Drinking lots of water will also help ease the discomfort during warm spells. And finally, go for a swim. This is a great family activity that promotes good health and an active lifestyle, and it will definitely keep you cool!

Sometimes the easiest solutions are to be found around the house. Look for easy ways to cut down your green footprint. Switch off appliances, have a candlelit dinner, read instead of watching TV, carpool, walk more, use your own shopping bags … the list is endless. Keep it simple; make it a lifestyle, and help to save the world from itself and us.

This guest post was written by Victoria. She is a freelance writer who is learning about employment in Canada.

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Celebrating Green Canada

Posted on October 3, 2011 by | Leave a comment | Tips

Big business is responsible for massive carbon emissions and environmental damage, but luckily there are a lot of ways that they are trying to reverse this trend. Canada is one of many countries across the world that is incorporating various strategies in order to encourage big business to change their ways. Initiatives such as the Golden Trash Awards reward companies for making green websites and business decisions. But what can your business do to join in?

Business people enjoy compartmentalising, and so you can structure green drive at work in the same way. Why not give each department a week in order to come up with a unique green strategy? They will come up with ideas for recycling, using organic food, creating company carpools etc. Then, incorporate all of these strategies and make sure that the employees are excited about making real, important changes.

Here are a few ideas that might get you started:

Firstly, paper waste. The majority of Canadian businesses have already moved from manual to digital recording, but there is always the need for paper in any business. The first step is to recycle used paper instead of throwing it away. Also, you can start off by switching to recycled paper in the first place. If big business all makes an active decision to do this, the effect can be drastic.

Secondly, keep local where possible. You need the best for your business, and this is understandable. Whether its computers, stationary or carpeting, there is a certain standard that you wish to maintain. But this doesn’t mean that you have to ship in these items from across the borders. Transport has a massive impact on the environment, so try to see if you can get what you need locally. This will also build up partnerships which will benefit your business, and boost the area economy.

Finally, let’s talk lunch. Try to incorporate organic local produce where possible. A sandwich that is made from local produce is greener to transport, and green, organic farming methods are far better for the environment. Also, urge your employees to use their own water bottles at work instead of using plastic or polystyrene cups.

These tips may seem minor and somewhat silly, but the whole idea is that implementing small change on a big scale will lead to significant change. Brainstorm and see what you and your employees can come up with.

 

This guest post was written by Victoria. She is currently studying the Canadian economy.

 

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Largest Solar Park in the World Nears Completion on Former Mine – Race to Overtake It Already On

Posted on September 30, 2011 by | Leave a comment | Energy, Environment

For lovers of all things solar, the news seems to get better every day. Hot on the heels of Greece’s announcement of a massive investment in solar energy (to secure the nation’s future energy needs) comes the announcement from Germany that they have just finished connecting a new 78MW section to an existing solar plant that will make it the world leader in terms of solar output and capacity. The new Senftenburg Solar Plant in East Germany will not be at the top for long as there is one being built in San Antonio in the US that is aiming for a colossal 400MW; but what will bring joy to the hearts of environmentalists is both the fact that the plant went up in only 3 months, and better still, that the title of largest solar array seems to be broken every few weeks.

The Senftenburg plant is an example to industry and governments around the world of how quickly large scale solar plants can be up and running, particularly compared with the long delays and problems associated with opening traditional power plants.

Of more symbolic importance is the fact that the solar plant was constructed on the site of an old open pit mine, which had both run its course as a productive mine and left the landscape scarred and useless. Indeed the owners of the new solar plant have also set aside a portion of the land for conservation, returning some of the landscape to its natural state.

The race for the next largest solar plant is now between a 100MW plant currently being built in France and the aforementioned 400MW plant in San Antonio. Furthermore, the utility scale developer, National Solar Power (NSP), has chosen seven communities in the southern US as possible sites for another 400MW project which will be vying with the San Antonio array for the world record, and to see who can get the project built first. NSP selected the sites based on the terrain, the political and local support for such a project, tax incentives and a workforce that is sufficiently skilled to work on the project. Communities competing for the project include Guidford County in North Carolina, Tatnall and Sumter in Georgia and Suwannee, Osceola, Hardee and Gadsden in Florida.

Alex is a journalist and blogger. He writes regularly about the environment and clean energy and blogs about everything from solar panels to passive house design.

 

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Top 10 Tips for Going Green at Home

Posted on September 29, 2011 by | Leave a comment | Environment

“Going green” is a very broad philosophy that can be intimidating in its vagueness. Don’t be scared, though! Turning your house green doesn’t mean a huge overhaul of your family’s lifestyle. The practice is all about the little, conscious efforts you make to be a better steward of your environment. Here’s a list of easy ways to “go green” in your home. Choose a few and see the benefits in your daily life.

1.     Compost

Composting is an incredible use of your household waste. You put in items that would normally be thrown away, and you get back extremely fertile soil. So not only are you reducing your household waste, but you are also saving yourself money by eliminating the need to buy fertilizer or nutrient-rich soil from the garden store. Plus, you help the environment by reducing drives to the store, reducing landfill trash, and reducing chemicals that go into the ground. Check out this list of items that are good for composting – you’ll be surprised to see how much of your daily waste can go in your composting bin!

2.     Use cloth over paper

Eliminating paper waste in your home is a great step towards being greener. It reduces waste and saves trees. Keep old t-shirts to be cleaning rags; always use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins, and you only need to wash them once a week; use dish towels, instead of paper towels for drying your hands or dishes.

3.     Donate old clothes

Take a look through your closet, drawers, and shoes, and honestly consider when the last time you wore each item was. If it’s been over a year, chances are that you’re not going to wear the item again. No matter where you are, there’s always someone who will wear it. Instead of throwing old clothes away or selling them, donate them to a second-hand clothing store or a homeless shelter. If you take them to a store, you’re helping the local economy; if you take them to a homeless shelter, you’re saving money for a wonderful outreach program. And either way, you’re recycling usable items that you did not need.

 4.     Unplug appliances

Do a walk-through of your home, and take note of all your outlets. You’ll be surprised to see how many electronics, like a computer printer or toaster, are plugged in, yet only get used every few days. If an appliance is plugged in, it’s using energy – even if it’s not turned on. Unplugging them saves energy and cuts down on your power bill.

5.     Keep your thermostat at recommended temperatures

The recommended thermostat temperature is 78° in the summer; turn it up when you’re not in the house. If it’s too hot, take off layers. In the winter, the recommended temperature is 68°, but turn it down at night. Wear layers if you feel cold.

6.     Make use of natural heating and cooling

In the winter, open all your blinds or drapes to let in natural sunlight. You may be surprised how much heat this can add to your house, thus reducing the work of your heater. Conversely, keeping sun-facing windows covered in the summer reduces the work your air conditioning has to do.

7.     Shop at a local farmer’s market

Find a farmer’s market or a co-op in your area. Supporting local farmers is great for the economy. It’s also great for your family, as fresh produce will have more nutrients than produce flown into your grocery store. Plus, you will probably save money by buying the food directly from the market, than from the grocery store.

8.     Plant an herb garden

The thought behind an herb garden is similar to the goal of shopping at a farmer’s market. Herbs are fairly expensive at the store, and tend to go bad before you are able to use the whole pack. With an herb garden, you take exactly how much you need from your own backyard. Plus, it’s always nice to know from where your food came.

9.     Use a reusable water bottle

Rather than buying plastic water bottles to stay hydrated on the go, buy a cheap reusable water bottle. If you buy plastic water bottles because you prefer the taste, buy a water filter, as well. You can install a filter on the faucet of your kitchen sink or have a water pitcher that filters. Either way, you can get the taste of filtered water in your reusable water bottle, and reduce plastic waste.

10.  Keep your lights off

This is one of those “green” tips that is almost as basic as recycling, but it’s so easy to forget. Always turn off the lights when you leave a room. Take it a step further, and use natural light as much as possible; you may be surprised at how much brighter a room is with open windows, than with the lights on. Both of these steps save energy and helpto reduce your power bill.

 

Liz Childers is a recent college graduate, who is trying to be green in her first apartment. She is also a freelancer who writes about tents for Camping Gear Outlet and wine totes for Picnic World.

 

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Money Saving Tips – Recycling Packaging

Posted on September 29, 2011 by | Leave a comment | Environment, Tips

Recycling the packaging of household items has two major benefits.

  1. It saves you money.
  2. It saves the environment.

If you’re not already reusing the plastics of household containers, you should be! With current media attention turned towards global warming and reducing one’s carbon footprint, there is renewed interest in repurposing packaging and other goods; it’s not just for environmentalists!

The first step in reusing packaging is to minimise the amount you bring home in the first place. Buy your goods in bulk; although the initial cost will be more than if you were to buy your consumables week on week, they will generally last substantially longer, getting you much more for your money. This is better for your wallet, and better for the environment.

Reuse glass jars and other containers. Items like coffee and jam jars are perfect for repurposing. They usually feature air tight seals which mean they’re suited to storing edible items and homemade foods. Wash them out thoroughly after use, and fill with dried foods, or make your own homemade jam to replace the bought jam you just finished! If you know someone who creates their own preserves, collect your old jars and donate them. Perhaps you’ll get some fruit preserves in return!

Items like milk containers can be washed out and used as water storage in the fridge. These are free and work well; they save the need for buying a dedicated water jug, and whenever they start to get tired, simply replace them with another milk container. They can also be used as a watering can or any other pouring device you may need. Milk containers can also be used as slow release watering devices for your garden. Cut the top off and pierce holes in the bottom of the container. Bury the container, with the top open to the sky. Fill with water, and the container will slowly release water for your garden plants.

Plastic grocery bags from the supermarket can be used as temporary bin liners for bathroom bins and anywhere else with dry waste. Be careful of using them in the kitchen, as the bags do have holes in the bottom where liquids could seep through. Shopping bags can also be reused when doing your weekly food shop. This will save you having to buy dedicated shopping bags, or taking yet more of the plastic bags from the checkout.

Polythene UK are an environmentally conscious polythene supplier that specialise in compostable bags and pallet wrappers.

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The ABCs of Stupid Global Warming Solutions

Posted on September 26, 2011 by | Leave a comment | Environment

Shades of the movie Matrix followed very quickly by National Lampoon’s Vacation and Dumb and Dumber come to mind when considering some of the truly idiotic suggestions that have actually been voiced to counter alleged global warming, one of which was presented by a Nobel Laureate.

Reduce Global Warming by

A: Polluting outer space. Yes, that was the suggestion presented by a group of scientists, led by Nobel Laureate Paul J. Crutzen, co-winner of the 1995 Nobel Prize in chemistry. The idea was to pump all the pollutants in our atmosphere into a halo or sphere that would blanket the earth from afar. The layer of “protection” from the sun’s heat would reduce the warming effect, yet protect the earth from another ice age – that blanket thing, you know.

In attempting to justify this idiocy, Crutzen stated that the suggestion was meant to shock people awake to the global warming problem to enable realistic resolution. He was also adamant in adding that he really didn’t like the idea himself.

Was that tongue-in-cheek or was he playing Devil’s Advocate to embarrass all the countries that got bullied into Chicken Little mimicry of the US’s global warming stance: Agree there is a global warming problem, or we’ll cut off your funding.

Cheep. Cheep.

B: Speaking of blankets, how about the suggestion from Dr. Jason Box of Ohio State University? This glaciologist suggested because the shadowed valleys that present dark spots attract the sun’s heat (picture wearing black on the hottest day of the year), that covering those valleys with blankets to block the sun’s rays – literally blanketing parts of the country – will help prevent its ice from melting. While Box doesn’t advocate that wrapping Greenland in the blankets would halt the glacier from melting, but he states that it would slow the melting of the ice.

It’d do wonders for global unemployment, too, wouldn’t it? But that does give birth to a light bulb take-off question: How many textile plants does it take to wrap an ice cube? Answer: Unknown. The government has begun deliberations on funding studies to project the impact of The Blanket Project on the world’s sheep market and the metal commodities markets. Estimated time for a response: Eleven hours after the world gets smothered by Dr. Crutzen’s exportation project. (Don’t worry; they produce enough hot air to sustain themselves for weeks.)

C: Storing carbon. David Keith, the 2006 Canadian Geographic Environmental Scientist of the Year recipient, believes he can invent a machine that “…sucks in ambient air” then sprays that air with sodium hydroxide. The “cleaned” air is then released into the atmosphere while the carbon that was removed would be stored underground.

Um…David? Two questions for you here: 1. Have you heard of such things as balloons popping, and 2. have you heard of something called earthquakes or even geological fissures?

A third and fourth question wrap this section up: 3. On what planet did you get your degree, and 4. Did you save any of those caramelized popcorn treats with nuts for the rest of us?

D: Germinating the ocean. The Climate Foundation’s Dr. Brian von Herzen, in tandem with marine biologists at the University of Hawaii and at Oregon State University, believe that generating fields of plankton in the ocean would bolster absorption of carbon dioxide. Plankton growth encouragement would come from huge, wave-powered pumps on the swells of the North Pacific. The pumps would “stir up” the colder, nutrient-rich water below and mix it with the warmer, nutrient-starved water above.

Two questions arise from that: By altering the thermal layers of the water, wouldn’t that damage the marine ecosystems upon which thousands of life forms rely? Also, just how would repair crews get to these pumps and maintain them without using all that diesel fuel in ships? Sailboats? In the Northern Pacific?

The author of this post is Holly Adams, a writer for Coupon Croc. Upgrade your household appliances and reduce your energy consumption; visit us for John Lewis discounts and save when you shop online.

(Image by Mike Edwards, CC by 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

 

The future of thermoelectric energy lies in microwave ovens

Posted on September 22, 2011 by | Leave a comment | Energy

One of the oldest problems associated with energy efficiency, or the lack thereof, is the energy that is wasted through heat loss. Heat is generated, and lost, from almost all electrical and mechanical applications. Your computer generates heat when in use, cars lose up to two thirds of the energy produced in heat (exhausts, engines, brakes) and your fridge produces huge amounts of heat to keep things cold. Even energy efficient products can’t help but produce heat.

A recent discovery, reported by ScienceDaily, might have found the solution to this thorny problem. It comes to us courtesy of chemists at Oregon State University, who discovered that the humble microwave oven (which wastes its fair share of heat) has the ability to produce compounds called skutterudites (a great name if ever there was one).

Skutterudites have long been known to capture lost heat and transform it into usable energy. Until the microwave revelation, however, the production process has been too long and too expensive to make it viable for anything other than the most necessary situations (astronauts in space, for instance). Bring microwaves into the equation and the process that used to take days is condensed into minutes.

ScienceDaily explains:

Most people are aware you’re not supposed to put metal foil into a microwave, because it will spark. But powdered metals are different, and OSU scientists are tapping into that basic phenomenon to heat materials to 1,800 degrees in just a few minutes — on purpose, and with hugely useful results.

Aside from the really big applications, like increasing the efficiency of cars (traditional and hybrid and electric) and factories, the process can also be applied to more personal gadgets, like MP3 players and watches (body heat is also wasted, don’t you know).

A lot more research is still required before the technology is anywhere near ready to move out of the lab and into the real world. But the chemists at Oregon State University are confident that their discovery has the potential to radically impact the energy efficiency industry, as all as all industries that require energy to operate (all industries, in other words).

This confidence stems from the promising results so far, but also from the fact that the team believes that they can produce a range of compounds that can be used for a number of different thermoelectric applications.

Mas Subramanian, the Milton Harris Professor of Materials Science at the university, said, “We were surprised this worked so well. Right now large-scale thermoelectric generation of electricity is just a good idea that we couldn’t make work. In the future it could be huge.”

Amen to that.

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Three Insects That Make the World a Better Place

Posted on September 21, 2011 by | Leave a comment | Animals

This is a guest post by James Tennant.

 

When we think of bees, ants and spiders, we tend to get the creeps. We’ve all been bitten, stung or crawled on by one of these pests, and it’s never a pleasant experience when that happens. But unlike creepier insects like roaches, we shouldn’t hate bees, ants and spiders. These insects actually make the world a better place.

Bees are Vital to the Agricultural Industry

Bees are one of the most invaluable creatures on earth. They pollinate billions of plants a year, allowing us to grow vegetables and fruits. To the United States’ agriculture industry alone, the annual monetary value of this pollination is worth billions of dollars. Every year bees pollinate about one-sixth of the world’s flowers and about 400 plants.

That’s why many farms manage bee populations to encourage good pollination of their crops. Livestock are also dependent on plants that bees pollinate, such as clover. Next time you see a beautiful clover-covered field or bite into a juicy, crisp apple, remember that bees are largely taken for granted.

Ants Sustain Many of the World’s Bird Species

You might think of ants like you think of roaches: nasty insects that invade your home and freak you out. But before you devise a plan to exterminate ants around your yard, think about all the good they do for the world. Many species of ants are responsible for feeding a variety of birds.

For example, army ants travel in large packs up to three-feet wide, which stir up insects like beetles, spiders and grasshoppers. Birds then swoop down and eat these insects. In fact, many birds follow army ants as they travel, solely depending on the ants for their meals. Without ants, many of the world’s bird species would likely starve to death.

Spiders Control Insect Populations

While spiders give many people the creeps, these creatures are extremely important from an insect control standpoint. Spiders are some of nature’s most vicious and hungry eaters, which allow them to keep insect populations in check. Without spiders, many insects would overrun the earth, destroying crops and the economy as a result. In turn, spiders also serve as prey for many insect eaters, such as birds, lizards and fish.

Especially for birds, spiders are an extremely important food source in the winter when other food options are scarce. Birds also use silk from spider webs to build their nests. While spiders can be scary, the vast majority are too small to actually bite humans. If you see a spider that is one-quarter of an inch or less in length, its fangs are too small to puncture your skin. Even of the spiders that can bite humans, only a handful can actually do any damage that is considered dangerous.

The next time you see a bee, ant or spider, remember that these insects shouldn’t have a bad reputation. Without them, life as we know it would cease to exist.

After getting more info on roaches, you’d probably like to learn more about how to exterminate roaches.

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5 Earth Friendly Parenting Practices

Posted on September 16, 2011 by | Leave a comment | Energy, Environment, Tips

This is a guest post.

When “it” first showed up back in the 70s, the idea of saving the planet was ridiculed by many. Tree huggers who were “out there” on some philosophical limb were imposing their ideas on the rest of us who just wanted to live with the convenience of modern day science. Some looked for the catch – “Who was going to benefit from going green?”

Anyone who has changed a disposable diaper and wondered where to put it will understand how the inescapable global world has reached even the nursery. What is a parent to do? As you formulate your child-rearing practices, consider these five earth friendly suggestions to raise your Green Quotient

1) Don’t Panic: You Can Still Eat Beef: Redefining Convenience Growing up “Greenees ”

Raising “Greenees”, or the children who have a responsible outlook on their world, is not an all or nothing proposal. There are easy steps to take, gradual, practically pain-free ways to make changes that will help.

The political overtones associated with Going Green tend toward an ugly debate: global warming – liberals who believe that regulation is necessary to keep people honest vs. the conservatives, who believe in less government and more freedoms. Making responsible every day choices about what you consume and how you deal with waste does not mean you have to limit your political philosophies. There are simple ways to think outside the green box – One helpful website, www.greenlivingideas.com, offers a wide assortment of suggestions from making your own butter to the newest garbage transforming technology. So maybe you love eating beef – maybe you raise the cattle that contribute to the meat market. Everyone can benefit from looking at ways to clean up the world.

2) Become an Economically-Minded Family by Saving Energy.

The here and now part of going green can mean saving money at home by using less energy. Making green choices is not just about saving the planet for the generation to come; it is also about saving energy in your own home and cutting costs – changing from a consumer mindset to a steward mindset.

How can I best use what I have? How can I benefit others with what I have? Raising children with green ideas can do more than produce environmentally friendly children; your family can save money too. Check out www.care2.com for some simple changes such as: switching to cold for washing clothes; using a laptop instead of personal computer; plugging items into a power strip that can be turned off at the end of the day. Make it a family game of finding ways to save energy in the house.

3) Waste Not – Store Not: Keep It Moving

It is a story to which many can relate: a friend’s parent has passed away and they have to clean out the house – only to discover “the drawer” or “the cabinet”: broken rubber bands, pieces of string rolled into a large ball, lids to all sorts of plastic containers that are nowhere to be found, empty baby food jars, the nightmare list goes on.

It seems children raised by Depression Era survivors have had the most trouble with clutter in their lives. Everything was saved. Inside most of the general population is a person who has been taught not to waste. “Waste not; want not.” Who said that anyway? It is often translated to saving stuff, and the clutter it becomes can kill. It takes up valuable space, clouds thinking, causes fire hazards, and adds stress to otherwise healthy marriages. Going Green can offer a relief to such things by learning to recycle items that are ‘too good to throw away.’

If you search online, you will soon find that it is possible to recycle just about anything. Take a look at websites that promote recycling and reusing and you would be amazed. You might even find folks who create art from most unlikely junk. Instead of throwing it in the garbage, recycling teaches youngsters to classify as they pick the bin where it goes. Find home-friendly ways to store recyclables until they are ready to be taken out. Take them out each day on the way to work, school or errands, or set aside a time each week when they can be delivered to their next stage of life.

4) Think Before You Buy

You and your children can ask these questions before you make a purchase with regards to how food is packaged or a leisure item that is ‘needed.’ What are the economic benefits of this purchase? How much waste will this leave behind when I am through with it? How long will this purchase benefit me, or someone after me? Consider the longevity of a product before you put it in the cart.

5) Consider the Consequences, Even if it Does Not Affect You

Ancient writing speaks of a king who had been told by a prophet that his descendants would have much trouble because of his present day decisions. His response: he didn’t worry about it because he would not see it is his lifetime. Teaching your family to decide responsibly will save more than the planet – it can save your child from grief and regret as they grow older and make ‘grown-up’ decisions. Human beings have a natural bent toward thinking no farther than the next hour – or perhaps until the sun goes down. The example you give of carefully thinking through your choices and verbalizing decision-making thought processes demonstrates to your family that although the choice may not have a direct or immediate effect, someone or something may be affected in the future. Following the Golden Rule sums it up: share; think of others; walk a mile in their shoes; use kind words; try to understand instead of judge. Now that can produce a sustainable lifestyle!

This guest post was brought to you by PartSelect.com, retailer of Maytag Parts and your complete online resource for DIY appliance repair

 

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How Compressed Natural Gas is Key to a Cleaner Environment

Posted on September 6, 2011 by | Leave a comment | Energy, Environment

This is a guest post.

As the world gets more conscious about people’s impact on the environment, a number of fuel and power alternatives are being considered as part of the green movement. With a tried and true background in the fuel industry, compressed natural gas (CNG) has become a key part of the shift toward a more environmentally friendly vehicle fuel. When used in transportation, CNG can act as a cleaner, more widely available alternative to polluting diesel and gasoline.

EarthTech Contracting’s CNG consulting now advises small, medium and large companies on CNG laws and government benefits for converting their buses, trucks, and service vehicles to CNG from gas and diesel gas. As a CNG industry leader South Jersey companies and local governments are contacting EarthTech for help in going ‘green’.

When it comes to vehicle emissions and pollution, CNG offers a drastic reduction in both when compared to diesel or gasoline. Carbon monoxide released can be reduced by at least 90 per cent, sometimes as high as 97 per cent and carbon dioxide by as much as 25 per cent. Nitrogen oxide emissions can be cut by as much as 60 per cent and non-methane hydrocarbon by as much as 75 per cent. Since CNG’s chemical make-up is less complex than traditional automotive fuels, there is less risk of toxic emissions from a CNG-using engine’s exhaust. These engines are also less likely to send out carcinogens and produce almost no particulate emissions, which are solids or liquids that have been emitted into the air.

And all of this is done with better fuel efficiency and vehicle acceleration.

The technology for CNG has already proven itself in real world operations. There are more than 85,000 vehicles, a number of them transit buses, on the road that use the natural gas as an alternative to gasoline or diesel. Though more than 1,300 stations in 46 states offer fuel, drivers still can have traditional gas or diesel as a backup, since some vehicles have engines that can operate on either gasoline or CNG.

Even for those consumers more worried about the bottom line than emission levels, the green movement has an added bonus financially. When a company makes an effort to cut emissions, it can become a great marketing tool to entice new customers. For both a business and the average car owner alike, tax breaks are sometimes offered for making efforts to be more “green.”

Whether for selfless or monetary reasons, CNG is an excellent choice, offering better efficiency, less pollution and fewer emissions.

Robert Breunig, CNG Consultant and owner of EarthTech Contracting, a LEEDS certified Waste Management & Recycling Company in New Jersey understands the importance of maintaining a green environment.  By investing in CNG, EarthTech is reducing its’ carbon footprint, supporting local businesses, and making a positive change for generations to come.