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A sustainable bathroom saves water and money |
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With so many products claiming to be green these days, it's hard to know which ones are the real deal. A great indicator for certified sustainability in the bathroom is the WaterSense label, which is granted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). By learning how (and which) products meet the criteria, you can easily incorporate the best - and most eco-friendly - products into your bath. |
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New moms working to save the environment and some money |
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Diapers. They are a way of life for new parents. But how many parents really think about their diapering decision? In these tough economic times, more budget-strapped parents are considering making the switch to cloth diapers to save money. |
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Being green doesn't have to break the bank |
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Whether it's turning off the water while brushing your teeth, unplugging electronics when they're not in use or turning off the lights when you leave the room, adopting an environmentally friendly lifestyle on a budget is easier than you think. Here are a few simple ideas to make green living a part of your lifestyle. |
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Protecting the environment, one cattle farm at a time |
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Cattle ranchers and farmers are considered to be one of the greenest professions from a diverse list of jobs, according to a recent survey. Cattle ranchers were selected as the third greenest profession from a diverse list of jobs, with park rangers topping the list. In fact, 86 percent of those surveyed think that cattle farmers and ranchers are committed to environmental preservation. |
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How to go on a 'low-car' diet |
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Automobiles are as American as baseball and apple pie. Admit it, you can't remember the last time you walked or biked to get somewhere. Your car is just too convenient a mode of transportation, but it may be time to rethink your ways. |
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Green senior housing growing in America's age wave |
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Green, sustainable building practices aren't just for celebrities and high-end homes; senior housing is going green too. Green, or environmentally friendly, senior housing is developed using energy-saving construction practices. Green housing and neighborhoods can profoundly affect health outcomes ranging from asthma to longevity, according to the American Society on Aging. |
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Save money with green renovations and creative decorating |
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The idea of doing home renovations in order to save money may seem like an oxymoron. However, that's exactly what green renovations are supposed to do. By purchasing energy-efficient appliances, windows, doors and more, your energy costs will decrease, and you can save significant amounts of money. |
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How to make growing your own vegetables as earth-friendly as possible |
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There was a time when it was the norm to go out in the yard and pull fresh vegetables up from the soil. At some point over the years, we moved from the goodness of home-grown vegetables toward processed foods and microwave dinners. Now consumers are becoming more aware of the financial value of growing their own vegetables, and how doing so can bolster the health of their families and of the earth. |
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Water is not the 'infinite' resource many believe |
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Do you ever think about how the water coming out of your faucet makes its way into your home? Or look out at the river as you're driving to work and expect it will always look the same? Though water is often perceived as an infinite resource that can't become endangered, by 2015, a majority of U.S. states may face water shortages. Some of those places may be right there in your backyard, and the loss of these ecosystems could affect your daily life. |
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Savings heat up with solar-powered water heaters |
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Thanks to the federal tax credit program, you can recoup 30 percent of the total installed cost of a solar water heating system. It's a great time to switch to solar power for your water heating needs. But before you buy a solar water heater, do your homework, learn about the technologies available and review just how solar-friendly your home can be. |
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Is going green worth it? |
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You've stopped buying bottled water, opting instead for a reusable bottle you carry everywhere you go. When you go shopping, your list leans toward the organic and recycled. But when you get home, going "green" seems a lot more daunting. |
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Sophisticated sun control saves energy and makes life easier |
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Do you ever wish you could create an outdoor environment that would be comfortable and safe from the sun, while also having a positive impact on the environment? This can be your reality with motorized awnings, window coverings and rolling shutters. Motorization has many benefits, one of which is reducing heat gain and loss, creating a more energy efficient home. |
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Three tips to make your utility meter run backward |
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(ARA) - What would you do with an extra $2,200 per year? That is the annual energy bill for a typical American home, according to the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE). Dramatically reducing that cost, or even selling power back to the utility company, could mean having enough money for a vacation, a down payment on a car or a boost to your child's college savings. |
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See how celebrities are helping to save the planet - one mansion at a time |
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What do big-name celebrities like Ed Begley Jr., Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Orlando Bloom, Daryl Hannah, Julia Roberts and Julia Louis-Dreyfus have in common? Aside from being ridiculously good looking and having more money than they know what to do with, these celebrities have all taken steps to significantly "green" their homes. |
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Can buildings help keep you healthy? |
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We spend 90 percent of our lives indoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. A typical day can include traveling from home to work and back home again with a few periodic trips to schools, the grocery store, the bank, malls and entertainment venues. We depend on our homes, offices, retail stores and other structures to keep us safe; but can buildings also help keep us healthy? |
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Green power makes lawn and garden care more eco-friendly |
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When the sun shines on a beautiful summer day, it's easy to gauge how important our yards are. Take a walk around your neighborhood and you'll likely see a majority of your neighbors out mowing lawns, pulling weeds, cutting flowers and more. And once the work of maintaining the yard is done, it becomes the scene of garden parties, backyard barbeques and games like bocce and croquet. |
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Let the sun shine in - and the volatile gases flow out |
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Remember that sweet children's song that advises us to "let the sun shine in" so we can enjoy life? Update it for today's modern lifestyle, which gets lived in air-tight homes filled with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and maybe we should add "and let the volatile gases out." Skylights let the sun shine in, and let VOCs escape. |
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Tips to help you save money and the environment |
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Spring is here, and after the long winter many people are taking the opportunity to do some much-needed maintenance to their homes, lawns and gardens. While you are pulling together your "honey-do" list, consider making some eco-conscious or green changes, which will help you shrink your carbon footprint and save money. |
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Tips for keeping your garden truly organic |
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The trend for gardening at home continues to grow - and people are taking a particular interest in raising their flowers and vegetables organically. With such prominent figures as Michelle Obama taking public initiatives in organic gardening, more and more products that cater to the trend are appearing. |
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You can do that with vinyl siding? |
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With the economy making a slow rebound, homeowners continue to look for cost-effective options when building or renovating their homes. Natural exterior building materials are often very expensive and require both time and money to maintain. Choosing vinyl and polymeric siding is one way people are saving on building materials. Both siding options, which many considered at one time to be fake-looking or boring, have become one of the most versatile, detailed and eco-friendly home exterior products available on the market today. |
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Low water flow leads to high satisfaction and savings |
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In the United States, Americans consume 3.7 billion gallons of water every year that are not replaced, leaving a huge water deficit - a result of growing demand on finite water supplies. In fact, at least 36 states are anticipating local, regional or statewide water shortages within the next five years. Everyone has the power to change the water equation in the United States and put more money in their own pockets, while helping hydrate the planet. |
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Practical meets pretty: Container gardening for beauty and bounty |
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Container gardening is a great alternative for people who don't have the time or space for a full garden or flowerbed. Often, however, container gardeners may feel they have to choose between beauty and practicality. When you can only plant so many containers, what do you fill them with - flowers or veggies? |
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The environmental benefits of soft water |
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When you think of soft water, the first thing that probably comes to mind is lustrous, easy-to-manage hair. Another benefit is washing clothes in the water leaves them softer and saves a significant amount of detergent. Best of all, when cleaning, you don't get that ugly bathtub ring. By eliminating hard water minerals, you can see health and cosmetic benefits as well as reduce the maintenance costs associated with scale buildup in home plumbing. |
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Effortless ways to conserve water in the home |
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The summer months are right around the corner, and water conservation will undoubtedly be brought to the forefront for those who are impacted by seasonal droughts and water usage restrictions in their towns. It seems to be abundant, but water is a relatively scarce resource. Less than 1 percent of the world's fresh water is readily accessible for direct human use. Here are a few tips that you can follow to reduce your water consumption in the bath. |
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Keep your living environment green this summer |
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At one time it wasn't easy being green, but these days, consumers are finding a variety of ways to green their lives by recycling and buying products from environmentally conscious companies. From simple home maintenance to daily purchases, greening your lifestyle can translate into a healthier home environment for you and your family. |
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Help your kids turn your house into a green zone |
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As a parent, you'd like your home, community, and children's schools to be greener. Going green doesn't have to be difficult, time-consuming or expensive. In fact, a smart and savvy parent can go green and save green at the same time. Here are a few easy ways you can change the world for the better, and even have fun while you're at it. |
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