NewsUSA Environment
Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:29:37 +0100

Drinking Water: An Invaluable Resource Taken for Granted
(NewsUSA) - You turn on the tap, and water comes out. Period. Safe, plentiful and affordable drinking water is one of our nation's most precious resources and something most of us take for granted. But what if you turned the tap and nothing happened, or if the water you drank made you sick? While pouring a glass of water may seem simple, before it arrives at your tap there is a complex process of collecting, storing, treating and distributing that helps ensure its availability and quality. In fact, water utilities implement comprehensive water management plans to ensure that adequate amounts of drinking water are available. These include conservation and reuse, reclamation and sourcing strategies. Drinking water supplied by utilities is always treated to remove contaminants and harmful micro-organisms. That treatment process typically consists of clarification (to remove dirt and other particles), filtration (to remove even smaller particles) and disinfection (to kill bacteria and most viruses). The water is then delivered to residential and commercial customers via an extensive pipe network. Drinking water utilities are committed to protecting public health and constantly monitoring and reassessing their methods for treating water to ensure its quality. In part, this is due to changing government regulations, which periodically alter water quality standards. In addition, they may undertake other forms of treatment not expressly required to comply with regulations in order to ensure that drinking water meets and often exceeds the standards and needs of local communities. For example, they may seek to remove trace compounds that are not currently regulated, and to enhance the aesthetic quality of the water. Drinking water utilities carry out these services while also managing costs and minimizing environmental impacts of their processes; they are committed to keeping drinking water affordable. Water utilities and other stakeholders invest more than $12 million each year in the Water Research Foundation to sponsor research that enables water utilities, public health agencies and other professionals to provide safe and affordable drinking water to the public. So the next time you pour a glass of water from the tap, take a moment to honor the commitment and significant investment made to ensure the quality of that water. For more information, visit www.waterrf.org.
Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Programming Thermostats for Energy Savings and Comfort
(NewsUSA) - From smart phones to programmable thermostats, today's electronics come equipped with advanced operating systems that make life easier and more efficient. The challenge is knowing how to take full advantage of the capabilities of these devices. Consider indoor environment devices like programmable thermostats. Programmable thermostats are capable of controlling the entire heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system -- from heating to indoor air quality and energy management. "Adjusting the temperature up and down doesn't equate to savings or even comfort in the home," said Jonathan Payne, product manager of programmable controls at Carrier. "The key to total comfort is the homeowner's ability to control the temperature, humidity, air circulation and energy use." Although many homes have programmable thermostats, they may not be programmed or used properly. To truly realize the advantages of a programmable thermostat, consider these tips: 1. Choose a thermostat that manages your system properly and efficiently. Select a thermostat that is not only easy for you to understand and program, but one that controls all of the equipment in your HVAC system, including an air purifier, humidifier, air conditioner, furnace and/or heat pump. 2. Have the HVAC control or thermostat installed by a Carrier authorized dealer or other HVAC expert to ensure the wiring and settings are configured to match the needs of your specific system. 3. Choose a program that fits well with your lifestyle, and stick with it. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), energy can be saved if you keep energy-saving set points activated for longer timeframes. So, you could leave home energy-saving set points on during the work/school day, or at night when family members are asleep, for instance. 4. Avoid overuse of the temporary "hold" feature. If you consistently "hold" or over-ride the pre-programmed settings, you could be wasting energy. The EPA suggests that the "hold" and "vacation" settings should be set several degrees warmer and cooler in the summer and winter months, respectively, and only used when you're away from home for an extended stay. 5. Try not to achieve a quick fix. The EPA's Proper Use Guidelines for Programmable Controls indicates that you will not heat or cool your house faster by adjusting the temperature on your thermostat to the extremes -- up to 80 degrees or down to 30 degrees. To learn more about Carrier programmable thermostats, call 1-800-CARRIER or visit www.residential.carrier.com.
Thu, 5 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Thinking of Replacement Windows? Think Again
(NewsUSA) - Being aware of your home's carbon footprint takes targeted effort, but it can also save you money. Incorporating eco-friendly additions into your home can massively reduce energy bills and save on repairs. According to CellularWindowShades.com, up to 24 percent of a fuel bill can escape out of leaky windows. But replacing windows can cost anywhere from $400 to $800 per window. Depending on the size of your house and the state of your windows, total cost could be anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. One affordable yet environmentally efficient option is insulating window shades. There's some hesitation around insulating shades, but here are a few questions and explanations straight from the expert's mouth. Q: Our windows are cold. Do we need to replace them, or can we use insulating shades? A: If your windows are no longer functional, and your energy bills are off the charts, go with replacement windows. However, if they are simply old and cold, homeowners might want to consider high-quality insulating shades with side tracks that provide a four-sided seal. Shades like these will solve your heat-loss problems immediately. Q: How do I know if insulated shades are the right option for my home? A: Quality insulated shades are part of a good energy-conservation plan. After installing energy-efficient CFL bulbs, insulated shades are the next step. Mini-blinds can transfer the cold from your window into the room, increasing your energy costs by 10 percent. Insulating shades can reduce that by half. Q: What are the environmental benefits of using insulated shades? A: Residential heating and cooling eat up more fossil fuels than any other sector. A shocking 50 percent slips through poorly insulated windows. Experts guage that the equivalent of 450 million barrels of oil could be saved every year if all windows in the U.S. had effective insulating shades. For more information, go to cellularwindowshades.com. The shades come in a variety of attractive and complementary colors.
Thu, 1 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Program Turns Drought-Ravaged Villages into "Gardens of Eden"
(NewsUSA) - In the Horn of Africa, barren landscapes and dirt fields surround large riverbeds that are totally dry. Herds of goats and camels, tired and emaciated, walk through parched lands in search of food and water. It's the worst drought the region has seen in 60 years. As ChildFund International continues its drought emergency operations across this region, it also remains focused on long-term development projects aimed at minimizing food crises. In Kenya's Turkana region, the Food for Assets program, operated by ChildFund International in conjunction with the U.N. World Food Program, is producing crops in a desert. "In the vegetable gardens, women tend spinach, tomatoes, green peppers, okra, watermelons, kale, maize and cowpeas," said Anne Lynam Goddard, president and CEO of ChildFund. "It's amazing to see how smart farming practices have transformed this community. In the midst of drought, we've discovered the Garden of Eden -- it's green everywhere!" Six communities in the region are involved in the Food for Assets program, which sustains 3,000 households by teaching pastoralist communities techniques for irrigation and farming. The program provides families with food and goods in exchange for their work to build irrigation systems and community gardens. Improved access to water for both humans and livestock increases crop production, reduces environmental degradation and improves pasture for livestock. In areas that lack access to permanent rivers, people are taught to use special pans to catch water that is used to grow crops like maize and sorghum. Long reliant on food aid, people enrolled in the Food for Assets program receive their food rations for one year while they learn to utilize their new skills to provide food for themselves. Food aid is then reserved for the most vulnerable. "Food for Assets is not an emergency relief effort," Goddard said. "It's a long-term development intervention that helps reduce a community's vulnerability to future droughts. We're strengthening communities and giving people the resources and training they need to rely on themselves."
Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

Start Saving With Energy-Efficient Upgrades
(NewsUSA) - Cash back. Product rebates. Tax incentives. These are phrases we love to hear when purchasing large home appliances. The real bonuses start if you purchase energy-efficient solutions, because homeowners continue to save every month by using less energy and lowering utility bills. Carrier, a leading manufacturer of air conditioning, heating and refrigeration systems, regularly offers incentives to customers who purchase energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, such as the Infinity system. This same equipment may also qualify for rebates from one of Energy Star's 600-plus local utility partners, located throughout the United States, or tax incentives provided by the federal government. To save the most money on your next heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) purchase, it's important to understand which energy-efficient products qualify for specific incentives, how to apply for those incentives and how much money to expect in return. The experts at Carrier suggest that those planning to install energy-efficient technologies talk to a local contractor about potential HVAC purchases and take a look at www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm or www.dsireusa.org to learn about the rebate programs available in their area. That's just the beginning. Energy-efficient products can save you money every time you use them. For example, upgrading from an 80 percent efficient furnace to a 98 percent efficient Infinity furnace from Carrier will significantly reduce monthly utility bills. The same is true when switching to a high-efficiency air conditioner. When paired with other cooling methods, high-efficiency AC can reduce a home's energy use by 20 to 50 percent. For more information on selecting the optimal furnace, air conditioner, heat pump or HVAC system for your home, check out www.residential.carrier.com.
Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EST

Help Protect the Polar Bear's Arctic Home
(NewsUSA) - Polar bears are loved by people of all ages, all around the world. These magnificent, powerful animals live nowhere else except the Arctic, and they need our help. Coca-Cola and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) are joining forces to help protect the polar bear's Arctic habitat. Together they are raising awareness and funds for conservation efforts to create a safe haven for the polar bear. The program is called "Arctic Home." To call attention to the cause, for the first time ever, Coca-Cola is turning its iconic red Coke cans white. Shoppers will find these limited-edition cans on store shelves this holiday season. Bottle caps of many other Coke products will also be white. Coca-Cola is making an initial donation of $2 million to WWF, but they need everyone's help to protect the bears' home. To get involved: * Text the package code to 357357 to make an individual $1 donation to WWF. Coca-Cola will match donations made with a package code by March 15, 2012, up to $1 million. * Donate and receive a virtual Arctic parcel at ArcticHome.com. You can explore your parcel, take part in video chats with WWF scientists and track virtual polar bear sightings. * Visit ArcticHome.com to experience and learn more about the polar bear and its habitat.
Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST

Cut Heating Costs by Winterizing Your Home
(NewsUSA) - As Old Man Winter makes his mighty push, 79 percent of Americans expect to pay the same or more to heat their homes as compared to last winter, according to a recent survey by the Vent-Free Gas Products Alliance, a section of the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI). To save money on those heating bills, though, homeowners can take steps now to stay warmer and more comfortable this winter. For example, caulking and extra insulation are relatively inexpensive and easy projects that will pay dividends all winter. Another way to cut home heating bills 20 to 35 percent is by installing a vent-free gas fireplace or heater in the room you use most. According to Sue Walker, chairwoman of the AHRI's Vent-Free Gas Products Alliance Section, this "zone heating" strategy allows you to turn down the central furnace and take advantage of the inherent efficiency of supplemental vent-free gas heating. "For every dollar you spend on gas using a vent-free appliance, you get 99 cents worth of heat in your living space, as these products are 99 percent efficient," said Walker. Vent-free gas products have been around for more than 30 years, according to Walker. "With more than 20 million units installed in homes, they are time tested for savings and safety. Because a vent-free gas heating system does not require tearing out walls to run vent pipe, professional installation is surprisingly inexpensive, fast and cost-effective. For a home with an existing wood-burning fireplace, converting it to a vent-free gas log set or insert turns a messy, inefficient system into a clean, hassle-free, highly economical heat source. Environmentally friendly vent-free appliances are heated with natural gas or propane, among the cleanest of all fossil fuels according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Both gases are domestically abundant and are secure sources of energy. "Clean-burning fuel and super efficient operation -- that makes vent-free a truly green heat source," said Walker. For more information, visit ventfree.org.
Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST

Refreshing Communities Through Outdoor Gardens
(NewsUSA) - Whether you live in an urban or rural area, enjoying the outdoors is something many Americans have in common, and we experience it in different ways -- both big and small -- from growing herbs on the back porch to perusing the community farmer's market in town. But why not take it a step further and take action to make your community a little greener? Creating an outdoor oasis helps preserve green space, beautifies neighborhoods, and can also bring together the community through a shared cause. One way to do this is through The Pepsi Refresh Project, which through the input of people across the country, awards grants to projects, for both individuals and organizations, that do good for the community. This month Pepsi is challenging America, asking "How can you upgrade your hometown with a new community garden?" Go to www.refresheverything.com and give Pepsi your best answer, or click through the hundreds of other entries to vote on your favorite ideas to help ensure worthy organizations receive the funding they deserve. Since last year, Americans have chosen to award more than 20 million dollars to community-supportive ideas that receive the greatest number of votes through this landmark fundraising effort. Take Central Elementary Gardens for example, started by teacher Christy Cuthbert, who used the $25,000 Pepsi Refresh Project grant to create an outdoor learning center and garden for her school. Students not only get their hands dirty in the garden, but also learn skills to promote and manage a community farmers market. There's also the Brigit's Bounty started by a Colorado resident, Brandi-Lynn Greig. She used her $25,000 grant to provide fencing, seeds, trees, and educational programming for a community garden, which provides fresh vegetables to over 200 families in need each month. Other ways to get involved are to join an already established community garden or farm in your area. From planting to managing sales, there are several ways you can contribute. Every action helps to create major impact on communities, whether you choose to vote for your favorite idea or put your own idea into action. Even as the summer days start to shorten and we head back to school, Pepsi will continue to challenge Americans with the next question, asking, "How would you make learning fun?" No matter the season, ideas can always inspire change in communities and the Pepsi Refresh Project encourages just that.
Fri, 26 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST

3 Ways to Cut Your Energy Bill
(NewsUSA) - During hotter days, the wonderful coolness of our air-conditioned homes is comforting until the whopping energy bill arrives. The American Lighting Association (ALA) offers the following easy ways to use less energy and save money. Replace bulbs with CFLs Switch out incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent versions. "A compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) can provide the same amount of light as an incandescent by using only one-quarter of the electricity," explains Joe Rey-Barreau, education consultant for the ALA and an associate professor at the University of Kentucky's School of Interior Design. "One of the great myths regarding lighting today is that the federal government is 'banning' incandescent lighting," Rey-Barreau says. "This is false. Incandescent lighting is not being banned. The new legislation is only affecting the standard 100-watt incandescent bulb, which will no longer be sold beginning in 2012. However, an incandescent bulb that uses only 72 watts will replace it. This new bulb uses halogen incandescent technology to produce a more efficient incandescent bulb." Install ceiling fans Install a ceiling fan in frequently occupied rooms. Ceiling fans use a fraction of the electricity of an AC unit. Therefore, the thermostat can be raised six degrees -- say, to 78 degrees -- and make a room feel as comfortable as if the ambient temperature were really 72 degrees. Utilize lighting controls Lighting controls are an excellent option for saving energy. It is not necessary to invest in a comprehensive control system where the entire house is rewired. There are simple and less-expensive methods for controlling light to save energy, such as motion sensors, photocells that operate according to light levels, timers and dimmers. Thanks to breaking technology, lighting has become more efficient than ever before. Visit an ALA-member lighting showroom to receive professional tips on energy-saving. To find a local ALA-member showroom, go to www.americanlightingassoc.com.
Tue, 9 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EST

Insulating Window Treatments Save Energy and Look Good Doing It
(NewsUSA) - Light. Openness. Beauty. Windows bring all of these and so much more to a room. Without windows, our homes would lack comfort, sanctuary, inspiration. Yet controlling window dynamics, such as glare and heat transfer, can be a challenge. Without any control, your home may be uncomfortably hot in the summer, cold in the winter or expensive to heat and cool, and your furnishings may be getting ruined by harmful UV rays. There are a lot of window-fashion options out there, but one product in particular, cellular window shades, was designed specifically to help a homeowner save money -- and it looks good doing it without impeding all the benefits of the window. "Our window shades, which we manufacture right here in Vermont, are of such high quality they can pay for themselves in 5 to 8 years through reduced energy costs." Says Michelle Graveline-Welch a representative for CellularWindowShades.com, an online store making and selling insulating honeycomb shades. "The thing is, they don't just save money -- they help with privacy and glare, and they are really beautiful to look at. We tell customers, if they are on the fence, to put them in just one room, and inevitably they come back for more because they really do work." Insulating cellular shades work by blocking solar heat gain outside in the summer and trapping it inside in the winter. There is also a sidetrack system, which creates a four-sided seal so the energy savings are even more powerful. Homeowners can proactively keep their homes more comfortable without relying on heating and cooling systems as much. Simply closing their shades during the day and opening them at night in the summer will help capture and keep the cool night air, and reversing the process in the winter will help contain the solar gain. One added benefit of cellular window shades with the energy saving sidetrack system is the tax savings. After all, what homeowner doesn't want to save money on energy bills and taxes? By insulating windows with the sidetrack system, homeowners can earn a tax credit for 10 percent of the cost in 2011, up to a maximum of $500 through Dec. 31, 2011. For more information on the tax credit and saving energy with window fashions, visit CellularWindowShades.com.
Thu, 28 Jul 2011 00:00:00 EST