Green Options › Articles
314 article submissions by the Green Options community.

indoor-air-quality-mattresses

The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has written extensively about indoor air pollution. Visit www.epa.gov, and you’ll find a section dedicated solely to concerns about what we’re breathing indoors. Much of this material was produced in collaboration with the Consumer Product Safety Commission.   According to the EPA, there are three ways to approach the problem: Source control. “The most effective way to improve indoor air quality is to eliminate individual sources of pollution or to reduce their emissions.” Ventilation. “…increase the amount of... read more

Despite Small Size Hawaii Solar Florishing

Who would have thought that one of the smallest states in the country has turned into a leader in solar energy. Hawaii has quietly become a presence in the solar market due to market demands and innovation legislative action.   First, how good has Hawaii solar become? In 2010, Hawaii ranked the second highest in the U.S. for installed solar water heaters. In fact, prior to 2006, about half of the solar hot water heaters sold in the United States were installed in Hawaii. In addition, the total grid-connected photovoltaic capacity installed in Hawaii increased by... read more

Going Green With Reusable Bags

    Going Green with Reusable Shopping Bags                                       The prevalence of disposable paper and plastic bags is now causing more harm than convenience. Its contribution to the worldwide garbage pileup is staggering, and its harmful effect on the earth’s ecosystems is alarming. Fortunately, this awareness is starting to yield positive results. Governments around the world are now taking action and implementing solutions by promoting eco-friendly products. These “green” alternatives to consumer products eliminate waste and protect the... read more

Why Silk Flowers Are Cost Effective To Be Used In Homes

Silk flowers arrangements that are available in online stores are so remarkably wonderful that they can leave a lasting impression on the minds of your guests. Most of us love to decorate the interiors of our homes and keep it looking fresh and vibrant. We include good interiors, costly furniture, antiques etc. and of course beautiful flowers as part of our decoration. But gone are the days when we only had the option of purchasing real flowers which apart from being very costly would also wilt and die in few days. Artificial trees and flowers not only add color to our... read more

Colorado Climbing To The Forefront Of Clean Energy

As the United States struggles to add jobs on a consistent and robust basis, we are always on the look-out for success stories on the job front. Well, one glimmer of hope comes from the state of Colorado, which has seen tremendous job growth in the clean energy space, well ahead of the national average.   According to a 2011 study by the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation (Metro Denver EDC), between 2005 and 2010, the Colorado cleantech industry grew by 32.7% which was over three times the national average. In addition, clean technology was the only... read more

Solar In Southern California Getting A Boost

Solar in Southern California just received another boost. After shutting down its solar incentive program in April, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the nation's largest municipal utility, has announced that it will restart its solar incentive program once again.   LADWP initially shutdown its solar program in April is it was overwhelmed with applications with not enough money to go around. The LADWP program initially began with around $30 million to provide rebates to homeowners and businesses to install solar on their rooftops. However, the program was... read more

How Will New Jersey Energy Plan Impact State Solar Power

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie recently released the state’s 2011 Energy Master Plan (EMP) with an overarching goal of trying to promote energy solutions that are cost-effective as well as efficient, particularly in a time of economic uncertainty. "The Administration is committed to the formulation of incentives that promote a renewable energy portfolio that is comprised of cost-effective energy alternatives...[and] resources that generate “bang for the buck," the report states. As a result, the 2011 EMP makes certain policy changes designed to lessen the state’s... read more

Home Solar Systems 101

As you know, solar power is a clean, renewable source of energy that is especially well suited to home-scale installations. Homeowners interested in reducing their carbon footprint, lowering their utility bills, or even going “off grid” completely can benefit from a home solar system. I've been researching different kinds of home solar systems, and whether it makes sense to invest in residential solar or not.   Home solar systems are best suited to homes in relatively sunny regions. Though solar systems do work on cloudy or overcast days, they are not as efficient.... read more

Utility Integrated Solar Power Grew 100 In 2010

Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) has released its latest report which showed that U.S. electric utility providers are including more and more solar power generation in their portfolios and much of this increases is happening outside of California. (Click here for the Executive Summary of the report)   The Solar Electric Power Association’s (SEPA) fourth annual Top 10 Utility Solar Rankings report analyzes utility solar electricity markets in the United States, focusing particularly on the top utilities that are driving solar electric power growth. The SEPA... read more

Going Green By Shaving Straight Four Alternatives To Disposable Plastic Razors Cartridges

There is something that unites men of all nationalities, colors, religions and sexual preferences; something as basic to our genetic code as our desire to avoid yard work – we all grow facial hair.  For the majority of us who want to remove it without having a negative impact on our fragile planet, this article was written for you.   A Close Shave For Mother Earth   Few men will argue that shaving with disposable razors (either the plastic “throw away” variety or those with disposable cartridges) isn’t bad for the environment.  The approximately 68 million men... read more

Green Options › Articles