Many things can be done around the home to make it more environmentally friendly. Mother Earth is good to us and it's only fair we give something back by looking after her better. Living in a more environmentally friendly way doesn't mean we have to start growing all our own food or slapping solar panels on the roof, (although these will really help!), even small improvements make a big difference when they're all added up.
Insulation inspiration One of the simplest, yet most effective ways of reducing energy use in the home, is by improving insulation. Cold drafts enter the home through gaps by windows and doors, and warm air escapes by the same route. Older houses are the biggest culprits in the war against cold drafts, but cheap and effective solutions exist that will soon have the place warming up nicely. Double glazing is an unbeatable way of slashing heat loss at windows, but sadly it isn't the budget option. For home insulation at a more modest price, take a trip to the DIY store for insulating tape to seal up all the gaps in window frames and above and below doorways – the difference will be felt almost immediately. The most attractive insulation fix is installing a new window treatment. Whether it's sleek custom shutters fitted to the interior of the frame or heavy drapes to block out the cold, both options will provide effective insulation. The heat of the moment Get into the habit of turning the heating thermostat down slightly in cold weather. A matter of one or two degrees is hardly perceptible to inhabitants, but it shaves a load off energy bills. Programmable thermostats take the guesswork out of it and make all the adjustments; so it is well worth the investment in terms of energy saved. If the heating comes from a furnace, ensure the filter is cleaned out monthly for optimum performance. Today, furnace technology has advanced enormously so if a replacement is planned, check out what's on offer as there could be savings of around 25 percent to fuel bills. Axe appliances Are there a lot of old, creaking appliances in the home that should be retired? Electrical appliances generate about 18 percent of a home’s energy bill. If those appliances are ancient models functioning on less than 100 percent efficiency, then that is just a waste of money and energy. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends any appliances over 10 years old should be replaced with new models bearing Energy Star ratings. Sweat the small stuff Many small changes of behavior can make big differences in greening up the home. Try some of these for starters: Don't buy food contained in excessive packaging, use environmentally friendly cleaning products, switch to low energy light bulbs, share baths or even better take a shower, fit aerators on all faucets, reduce trash by composting organic matter, recycle as much packaging as possible – and that's just the beginning! A truly modern household should be embracing all of the lessons we have learned about protecting the environment. The good news is, it is not just the environment that's protected; in the long run we'll all save money.
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It wasn’t that long ago that the American Dream included a home in the suburbs that was located far away from the city. The mass exodus from American cities has created a suburban sprawl that just keeps growing, and growing right along with it is the negative environmental impact.
As people move away from the core areas that provide their educational, social and employment needs, they have to drive farther to get what they need and where they need to go. Also, as more people chase the antiquated American Dream, more land and other natural resources are required to build single family residences. The more we learn about how detrimental our actions and choices are to the environment, the less the stereotypical American Dream makes sense. It’s time for an Eco-friendly American Dream. It’s time to reverse course and take a look at the benefits of a true urban core way of life. Urban Versus Suburban Crime Those who oppose urban living point to crime, car and pedestrian accidents, and noise, among other things, as reasons they prefer suburban life. Crime is, of course, the biggest concern, but, according to a comprehensive study done by the Brookings Institution, between 1990 and 2008, the crime rates fell or rose together in most city and suburban metropolitan areas. So, crime is not strictly an urban problem, and the suburbs are not immune to it. Crime is a metropolitan problem that encompasses both suburban and urban areas. As far as car accidents go, more vehicle fatalities happen in less populated areas than in cities. The reasons for this vary, but distance between destinations and speed play a big role. Of course, there are always exceptions. In Chicago, for example, there was a 17 percent increase in vehicle fatalities from January to July 2012, when compared to the same period in 2011. It certainly must have been a busy time to be a Chicago car accident lawyer. Benefits of an Urban Core Life in the city comes with an almost endless list of advantages, many of which include environmental benefits. As discussed earlier, less land is needed to house people, since most urban dwellers live in apartment homes. Another benefit of urban living is that the infrastructure is already intact. City dwellers have the benefit of mass transit systems. They save gas and money, and in many cities, the transportation systems are so efficient that owning a car is literally an inconvenience. Libraries, hospitals, schools, and government buildings are all within easy reach by way of public transit, bicycle, or even walking. Easy access to the arts and exposure to other cultures also count as advantage to living in an urban area. Since everything is so close, there’s no need to drive to the museum or theatre. The close proximity and effective public transit systems make it easy for people to expose themselves to the arts. Additionally, living in an urban area requires people of every walk of life to live and work with, and close to, each other. When we open ourselves up to the dynamic personal growth opportunities afforded to us by city living, we become more aware of the value of diversity. Intertwined with the personal benefits of urban living are the environmental advantages. According to a report by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), those who live in an urban setting have smaller carbon footprints than those who live in less populated areas. In fact, the study, which looked at 11 major international cities, found significant differences between big city dwellers and their country’s respective national average. For example, those who live in New York had carbon footprints of 7.1 tons each. That’s less than one third of the U.S. average of 23.92 tons per person. Two primary reasons for the notable difference are denser housing and public transportation. It’s clear that there are personal perks, such as convenient public transit systems, that make urban life attractive. For those who are eco-minded, however, the advantages are much broader. Those who choose to live in cities have a significantly less negative impact on the environment. So, for them it’s both a personal and an environmental win. Just about everybody knows that driving an electric or hybrid vehicle is better for the environment, but not everybody is in the position to buy one. When it comes to driving, there are other green things you can do that also add some "green" to your wallet. From inflating tires with alternative gases to choosing upcycled tires, our tire guide will help you green up your ride. Inflate tires with nitrogen for improved fuel efficiencyAccording to the Environmental Protection Agency's Fuel Economy guide, under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. Because nitrogen has more stable pressure than oxygen (due to its larger molecules), it is less likely to seep through the permeable tire walls. Tires that stay filled longer are better for the environment because:
If you want to compare your fuel savings between air- or nitrogen-filled tires, check out the Get Nitrogen Institute's nitrogen calculator. Right-size tires on your vehicle = less wear and petroleum wasteMost of us assume that the tires our vehicles come with are the best option for our make or model. Tire size, driving conditions and materials used in manufacturing matter too, though, when it comes to wear and tear. If your two-ton vehicle is riding on an inadequate-size tires, you're literally going to burn rubber faster. Consider if touring tires, winter tires or all-season tires will provide better wear than what you drove off the dealer lot with. Discover if your car can use recycled retreaded tiresRetreaded tires offer eco-conscious drivers a reliable and affordable way to make use of upcycled materials. The Retread Tire Association reports that significant savings of raw materials exist by retreading, including synthetic and natural rubber, sulfur and sulfur compounds, silica, carbon black, steel wire, zinc oxide plus additional other materials and ingredients. If you're wondering where you might find recycled tires to fit your vehicle, Earth 911 enables users to search using their zip code to find a dealer. We hope to see more recycled tire availability as the process of de-vulcanizing rubber takes off. Green your tires by going orangeAdding orange oil in the tire manufacturing process can cut down petroleum use by four-fifths, according to greencarreports.com. While they won't appear orange or smell like citrus, these tires are even more slow-rolling than ones designed for hybrid models like the Toyota Prius. While most tires are made from petroleum, these eco-friendly tires get their orange oil from discarded orange peels from juice manufacturers and rely largely on renewable resources for the other design components. Unlike many slow-rolling tires that have fallen out of favor due to slippage on cold, wet surfaces, the orange oil heats up when the tire is in use, actually making it grippier. Alternative energy vehicles are increasing in popularity as stereotypes are debunked. Today's alternative energy vehicles can go as fast and as far (if not farther) than gas-powered vehicles. In addition, the cost for an alternative energy vehicle is declining as technologies advance. If you're considering a new vehicle purchase, you may be wondering how efficient are alternative energy vehicles?
Biodiesel Biodiesel is an animal or vegetable fat based diesel fuel. “Biodiesel is typically made by chemically reacting lipids (e.g. vegetable oil, or animal fat (tallow)) with an alcohol producing fatty acid esters” (Wikipedia). Translated for those of us who aren't chemists, what happens is this: glycerin is separated from the plant or animal fat, leaving 2 products - methyl esters and glycerin. Methyl esters is the chemical name for biodiesel and glycerin is used in a number of ways, including soaps and lotions. Biodiesel is made from renewable resources of plant or animal fats. It has lower emissions compared to traditional diesel. “It is less toxic than table salt and biodegrades as fast as sugar.” For more about how biodiesel is made and the environmental benefits, visit Biodiesel.org. The U.S. Department of Energy states that biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions (B20 reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 15%). Biodiesel is biodegradable, non-toxic and safer to handle. B100 does show up to a 10% decrease in economy and power and is not suitable for use in low temperatures. Additionally, there may be a slight increase in nitrogen oxide emissions. Electricity All-electric vehicles run on electricity alone. Electricity is cheaper than gasoline or diesel fuel. But how efficient are electric vehicles? Electric vehicles convert 59 – 62% of electrical energy to power at the wheels. Internal combustion engines only convert 17-21% of energy to power at the wheels. EVs also emit no pollutants through the tailpipe. Power plants that produce the electricity used may release pollutants; although nuclear, air, wind and solar power production releases no pollutants. The motors in electric cars show stronger acceleration than ICEs and require less maintenance. The concern with electric cars, and all alternative energy vehicles, is that technology is trading one set of problems (vehicle emissions and foreign oil dependence) for another set of problems (environmental damage from sourcing the materials, production pollutants, and long-term risks). Ethanol Ethanol as a fuel has some challenges. Although it would help reduce dependence on foreign oil, it is not an efficient fuel. E85, for example, which contains 51-85% ethanol, produces around 27% less energy per gallon than gasoline. Ethanol is a high-octane fuel, though, so produces increased power and performance. The most popular concerns with ethanol are whether A) Ethanol is using materials that would otherwise have been used for food, and thus contributing to world hunger and B) The environmental costs of producing ethanol outweigh any benefits. Although it may be that none of the alternative energy vehicles are perfect in their efficiency, their environmental impact or the cost to purchase, maintain and operate. It seems that using public transportation, walking or biking are the best ways to stay green, avoid car accidents and save money. Three Mile Island (1979), Bhopal (1984), Chernobyl (1986), and Exxon Valdez (1989) are just a few of the many devastating environmental disasters that have afflicted our planet in just the last 35 years. Though they’re responsible for countless human and animal deaths, diseases, and birth deformities, not to mention the destruction they cause our environment, these disasters also afford us an opportunity.
They offer us a chance to figure out what we can do to prevent similar disasters in the future. Each crisis also teaches us what we can do to minimize the damaging effects once we are inevitably confronted with the next environmental disaster. Here, we take a look at two events, the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and the molasses spill in Hawaii. Both disasters occurred in U.S. waters and both resulted in a huge loss to their respective natural environments. Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill On April 20, 2010 at approximately 9:45 p.m., CDT, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded and sank off the Gulf of Mexico. Eleven crew members died in what would end up being called the worst natural disaster ever in the petroleum industry. Over the course of 87 days, an estimated 210 million gallons of oil spilled into the ocean until the gusher was finally capped on July 15, 2010, (though many speculate that the well still leaks). The oil spill was so massive that even into 2013 tar balls were washing up along the coastline. In fact, in June 2013, a tar mat (oil residue and wet sand) measuring 165 feet long and 65 feet wide was discovered on a Louisiana beach. Human and wildlife health issues continue to plague the United States southern coastal regions even today. Lessons are still being learned from this tragedy, but the Oil Spill Commission that was put together by President Obama to determine what went wrong and what can be done to avoid a similar disaster in the future made some recommendations based on their findings. Included in their list of recommendations is the requirement that congress “significantly increase the liability cap and financial responsibility requirements for offshore facilities.” The committee also recommended that, just like other industries that are regulated, the offshore energy industry should be required to foot the bill associated with its oversight. On the scientific front, the lessons learned from the spill highlight the collaboration between academia, local and federal government, and industry engineers and scientists. Marcia McNutt, PhD, and director of the USGS wrote in her findings that “A significant drawback in addressing many issues we confronted in Deepwater Horizon was the lack of peer-reviewed scientific publications from prior marine-well blowouts to help guide our actions; we will not make that mistake again by neglecting to publish for posterity the scientific lessons from this tragedy.” Hawaii Molasses Spill On September 9, 2013, a cargo ship’s pipeline leaked 233,000 gallons of molasses into the harbor waters off the Honolulu coast. The result was the almost immediate suffocation death of over 25,000 fish, and counting. The shipping company responsible for the disaster, a company called Matson, has declared that they will pay for everything related to the cleanup, but that will prove to be a very difficult task. Molasses, unlike oil, floats to the bottom of water because it’s heavier. So, skimmers cannot be used to expedite the recovery of the molasses. The molasses will eventually wash away, but in the meantime, since it’s absorbing all of the oxygen, the animals that live in the harbor who need the oxygen to survive, can’t get it and are suffocating as a result. It’s not like the fish can call up a personal injury attorney in Honolulu. They need us to step up on their behalf and act, and that’s exactly what happened. Prior to this incident, molasses wasn’t considered to be a dangerous substance, and no spill response plan was required. But, because of the high numbers of dead fish and the egregious environmental impact the molasses spill has had on the local environment, the government’s opinion has changed. In an almost immediate action, the Hawaii Department of Transportation began requiring all companies doing business in Hawaii’s ports to prepare and present spill response plans in an effort to reduce the environmental impact should anything like this happen again. In both the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the molasses spill in Hawaii, lessons were learned that will hopefully help prevent future similar environmental disasters. Since not every disaster can be predicted, though, it’s good to know that part of the takeaway from these events includes measures that can be taken to act jointly and swiftly in order to minimize the impact of a disaster when it does strike. In the last few decades, dozens of pesticides have been taken off the market. Chlordane, a key ingredient of many popular household pesticides, was taken off the market in 1988, after scientists found out it's harmful to humans as well as bugs. Organophosphates replaced chlordane when it was removed from the market; these chemicals were used often to rid wood homes of termites. It was discontinued in 1992, when scientists discovered that it can break down more rapidly in some soil types, causing it to be dangerous to plants and people, as well as insects. Researchers are still on the lookout for chemicals that are both effective and safe for use in the garden. Unarguably, the safest types of pesticides available are brand name green options or homemade versions using essential oils and other completely safe household ingredients. Brand Name OptionsMany companies that have traditionally offered strong chemical pesticides are now marketing "green" versions. For a pesticide to be labeled "green," it must be produced from organic sources. Many are made from products derived from natural plants. Some green pesticides are made from onion, chive, garlic or tobacco extracts, all with strong bug-resisting properties and without chemicals that could harm you, your pets or the environment. At Home OptionsHomemade pesticides can be just as effective as their mass-produced counterparts. But homemade versions of commercially-developed pesticides tend to cost much less. With a little research and know-how, you can also make just the pesticide you need to get rid of the pests in your own backyard—without spraying poisonous chemicals, and harm even the beneficial organisms and bacteria on your plants and soil. Plants that Resist InsectsBy planting key plants around your garden area, you could repel pests naturally. Researchers at Swansea University found that the green muscardine fungus can actually repel some insects while leaving other insects and plants undamaged, according to the Natural Environment Research Council. It's also common knowledge that plants like peppermint and marigolds help resist bugs, because insects are repelled by the scent these plants produce. Making your own Homemade PesticidesOnce you've pinpointed the types of insects you're having trouble with—whether they're bed bugs, termites or beetles on your tomato plants—you can craft the right pesticide to get rid of them, often using just essential oils and household ingredients. According to the experts at Sensible Gardener and Landscaper, herbs and products like nettles, neem oil, tansy, and rhubarb leaves all make effective pest repellants, depending on the type of pests you're trying to get rid of. If you opt for the homemade pesticide option, make sure you follow the recipes exactly. If you don't get the mixes right, you could end up causing damage to the plant or to other healthy organisms your garden needs to thrive. Organic, homemade pesticides can can be an effective alternative to store-bought chemical alternatives; just take the time to do your research first. During the holiday season, nearly one-fourth of all retail goods fly off store shelves and into America's homes between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Other than opting out of gift giving entirely, and risk being ostracized by friends and family, there are a number of things you can do to green up the process, proving you can be both thoughtful and socially responsible. With a bit of foresight, it is possible to stay in the gift-giving spirit while also showing some love to Mother Earth. Buy LocallyRather than heading to the mall when a gift-giving occasion presents itself, head to your local artisan's shop instead. Websites like etsy.com include "search local" features that make it easier to find local craftspeople if you are unsure where to shop. Buying local allows you to reduce the environmental toll of fuel used in shipping and manufacture, as well as excessive packaging materials which often involve petroleum-based plastics. In addition to shopping local artisan shops, consider such venues as craft shows, swap meets and flea markets. Opt for EdiblesSourcing locally may mean your own kitchen. If you have a crafty cook inside, choose a homemade gift you create yourself. If you are void of any culinary skills, turn to companies that offer the perfect personalized birthday gift basket, complete with gourmet goodies, flowers or spa products. The gift recipient can reuse the gift basket to make their own earth-friendly creation. Dry organic ingredients for cookies, uniquely shaped and colored pastas and organic fruit are some other holiday gift ideas. All can be packaged using earth-friendly materials. Choose SustainableBesides buying locally sourced and handmade gifts, you can also improve the eco-friendliness of what you choose to give by ensuring your gift is made from sustainable materials. That means avoiding petroleum-based materials commonly used in product manufacture, like plastic and polyester, as well as conventional electronics which cause concern over electric and magnetic field (EMF) pollution. Electronics also contain chemicals that are harmful upon disposal. Instead, look for products made of renewable materials like cotton, bamboo, wool and renewable woods. You will also want to avoid toxic paints and varnishes. Give the Gift of GivingThere are a number of organizations, such as Heifer International, that have gift catalogs allowing you to make a socially responsible gift in someone else's name, such as a flock of ducks for a family in a third world country or the gift of clean water to an impoverished community. These gifts are perfect for those who have everything and help others in need. Wrapping It UpTo top it off, avoid the store-bought gift wraps and ribbons, and opt for eco-friendly paper wraps instead. You can make your own using recycled paper decorated with non-toxic paints or explore online resources for environmentally-friendly wraps. For example, tree-free wrap and accessories are available from sites like OftheEarth.com. The appeal of having an environmentally friendly car has led many consumers to purchase a hybrid. With the onset of global pollution and the need to find a healthier solution to transportation, these vehicles became available to keep the air clean and make an individual feel good about their driving habits. They can either be powered by fossil fuels, or electricity, and can put an ease on the amount of gas that is consumed. The market for hybrids was relatively tiny in 2003, but is now booming, with Americans annually buying them by the millions.
Before you decide to purchase a hybrid vehicle, there are a few things you should consider. Firstly, what is your price range? This is a far less painful question now, than it used to be a few years ago. Don’t be fooled, even though prices have become more competitive, hybrid cars are normally set at a higher price than their gas fueled counterparts. However, because this green vehicle can ultimately save you money in the long run, the money you’re saving can offset any monthly car payments if you can’t provide payment upfront; Auto Credit Express can help you with an auto loan calculator that will provide further insights. It is up to you to do research prior to buying about the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. A dealer may not tell you this information and you don’t want to find yourself unpleasantly surprised when you first visit the gas pump. As the price of gas continues to make many drivers pale with fright, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy the perks of driving with minimal 40 miles per gallon. Next, you should consider the importance of the vehicles battery. Find out what state is the battery in and how long it has been sitting? No matter how new a battery is, it can still cause problems if it has been sitting for over three months. Make sure to ask the salesman for the lowdown on the battery, and know what kind of driving you’ll be doing. When searching, take into consideration how unique a hybrid might be. Because they are not as prevalent as a normal ride, the list of specialists and mechanics equipped to handle fixes and inspections may be limited. This will likely lead you to maintaining your car through the dealership you bought it from. When talking to a salesman, find out the details of your warranty, as you may be able to have some work done for free by an authorized dealer. Hybrid cars tend to have better longevity than their gas-guzzling cousins; while they will still need routine maintenance checkups, you won’t have to deal with the pain and money strains of frequent repairs that are necessary to keep many older, traditional vehicles. Because of the reduction in consumed resources and the lessened carbon footprint of these vehicles, both local and national governments often provide tax incentives for hybrid drivers. There are other geographically based rewards as well, like being able to drive by yourself in the carpool lane and cheaper parking. Even those car insurance companies so many of us love to grumble about, like Farmers Insurance, provide financial breaks to those who make the environmentally friendly leap. Now is the fun part, when you select the type or brand you would like to buy. Toyota, Nissan, and Mitsubishi are just a few of the companies to make top class and affordable vehicles for the hybrid consumer. Nowadays, Nissan is the leader in electric-powered vehicle sales with the Nissan LEAF that requires not a drop of gasoline. So feel good as you pull into the driveway with a new hybrid vehicle; after all, you’re doing your part to ensure that both the earth and your wallet retain plenty of green. More solar panels were installed in 2012, than any previous year, according to a report by the Solar Energy Industries Association and GTM Research. Homeowners who create an energy savings plan will combine energy sources to make the biggest impact on their electric bills. When looking for energy providers, review options on comparison sites such as www.electriccompanies.com to find one that meets your needs and offers the best price. The same goes for when you're considering adding solar capability to your house and looking for an area contractor. Here are some tips for finding the best one for your home. Photo from Wikimedia Commons Use Your NetworkThe best way to find a reputable solar dealer is through word of mouth. Put the word out to your friends, family, and social networks that you're looking to get into solar power for your home. People who have already made the investment will be eager to share their experiences with you. You can also drive around the neighborhood looking for homes with solar panels on the roofs. Stop and ask if the homeowners will speak with you about their solar projects and the installers they worked with. Again, you'll find most people are eager to talk about their own solar projects. Longevity MattersThe key to success in the solar business is educating people to have a new way of thinking about energy. Unfortunately, solar power has suffered from the reputation of being a "new age thing" — something people don't take very seriously. Look for companies with many years of experience designing and installing solar solutions. These companies are working with the facts of solar energy efficiency and not the myths. These companies can confidently tell you what will and won't work for your home. Get the Right Solar "Fit" for Your HomeFind a dealer who takes the time to do an energy assessment of your home before recommending a type of solar panel, since you could cover your roof with inexpensive panels that don't produce the output you need. Avoid the dealer who takes you over to the "sale table" or who says, "We have a special this month on such-and-such panel." Installing Your Solar Solution the Right WayA good dealer has years of experience working on roofs. That's where the solar panels sit, and if not done right, you may deal with years of problems. A site survey by a professional installer is the only way to do this right, The Seattle Times reports. The roof must be able to handle the load of the panels. One consideration is that the solar panels may have up to a 25-year warranty on them. If your roof only has five good years on it, you may be looking at a reinstallation of panels not long after you first put them up. A reputable dealer will have this conversation with you before you sign any contracts. Consumers want to buy from companies with eco-friendly business practices, and more companies are joining the green revolution. MIT's 2011 study showed 70 percent of corporate agendas include sustainability. Companies that make a commitment to going green benefit financially and provide benefits to their customers, communities, and the economies that support them. Four companies you probably didn’t know have green business practices include new and established businesses and brands. You may not think of an online search engine company as going green, but that’s just what Google has been doing since 2007. The company has been taking active steps to reduce its carbon footprint by 32 percent in one year, according to TodayEco.com. From 2012 to 2013, it has created a huge reduction of carbon emissions. Google users and investors share a commitment to the environment in the following ways:
Overnight PrintsOvernight Prints is a green company that sells printed postcards online, as well as other items like business cards, brochures, and letterheads. They use cardstock made from environmentally sustainable forests, processed without harmful bleach and chlorine, as well as recycled paper made from 100 percent post-consumer chlorine-free recycled fiber. Overnight Prints uses an exclusively waterless print process that saves water and trees and reduces air pollution and waste. Their waterless print process does more than save water. It also:
Overnight Prints customers help the environment by purchasing printed materials from a company that is environmentally responsible and uses eco-friendly printing processes. You can let your own customers know that their printed materials are available on eco-friendly papers produced on paper made from sustainable sources processed without bleach and chlorine, and printed with a waterless print process. Bank of AmericaAccording to the Environmental Sustainability sub-page on its website, Bank of America is going green by reducing the weight of its ATM receipts, saving paper and reducing the paper processing pollution and waste. The banking giant is also saving on transportation expense and pollution, reducing storing and handling expenses, and reducing their paper usage by making reports available online instead of printing hard copies. In turn, BofA is saving money. This means less ATM receipts burried at the bottoms of purses, stuck under car floor mats, and fluttering around the bank parking lots. Bank of America customers can be proud that their paper waste now has less of an impact on our environment than it used to. Bank of America’s paper reduction web page details how they are reducing the weight of ATM receipts and the consequences for customers and the environment. Coca-ColaCoca-Cola saved tens of millions of dollars by cutting down on packaging. They have a long-term global vision of zero waste and are working toward it by designing efficient packaging, eliminating landfill waste, and using recycled and renewable materials. Coca-Cola’s 2011/2012 Sustainability Report, found on Coca-colacompany.com, details the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility, including:
The next time you are enjoying a cold Coca-Cola, or a Coke product, you can drink it knowing it has less of a role in landfill waste and pollution because the company has an active vision to manage its environmental impact. |