Good Things to be Aware of
1. Companies that are eco-friendly.
• Dell: For being one of the first PC makers to take hardware back from the consumers and recycle it for free.
• FPL: For being the largest generators of solar power in the U.S.
• IKEA: This inexpensive furniture store avoids toxins and purchases only wood that meets the Forest Stewardship Council’s criteria.
• Toshiba: On the cutting edge of eco-efficient products like fuel cells for notebook PCs.
• Motorola: Among the best at disclosing environmental data- and it takes back used equipment.
• Philips Electronics: A top innovator of energy-saving appliances and lighting.
2. Smart ways to zap sponge germs.
• Microwave the sponge for 1 minute, which kill virtually all bacteria, yeast, and mold. Just make sure it’s wet first or it may catch fire.
• Run the sponge through a complete wash-and-dry-dishwasher cycle; it’s nearly as effective as microwaving.
3. A Good Way to Gauge Success.
As Hybrid vehicles gain traction on American roads and gas prices stay stubbornly high, expect to see more of a new breed; the hyper mile. These motorists are consumed with fuel economy. They’ll do whatever they can (over inflate tires, take alternative routes to avoid red lights, shift into neutral and coast whenever possible) to squeeze every inch out of a fill up. You can find these gas-smart people at websites like:
4. Consider buying a hybrid.
Gas prices can affect whether the investment is worth it financially, but it’s one of the single best things you can do for the environment right now. Need a bit more incentive? If, for example, you buy a Toyota Prius, you’re entitled to a $787.50 tax credit. Then there’s the sleek 2007 Lexus GS 450h, worth $387.50 in tax credit savings. But you don’t have to go the luxury car route. All the hybrid models below can save you big.
• Ford Escape Hybrid (4WD); Year: ‘05-’07 Credit: $2,600
• Honda Civic Hybrid CVT; Year: ‘06-’07 Credit: $2,100
• Mercury Mariner Hybrid; Year: ‘06-’07 Credit: $1,950
• Honda Insight CVT; Year: ‘05-’06 Credit: $1,450
• Toyota Prius; Year: ‘05-’07 Credit: $788
• Toyota Highlander Hybrid; Year: ‘06-’07 Credit: $650
• Honda Accord Hybrid; Year: ‘06 Credit: $650
• Lexus RX 400h; Year: ‘06-’07 Credit: $555
5. Ultra low-Power computers.
Check out Energy Star to find a computer that uses 70 percent less energy than a typical PC. And be prepared to upgrade before long: The government is working hard to boost efficiency of new computers and office equipment even more. The predicted savings: $4 billion over five years.
6. Fax Giveaways.
Have an old computer, fax or printer you need to get rid of? Well, whatever you do, don’t throw it out! You would be surprised how many charitable organizations, schools and techies are interested in your outdated equipment. At Share Technology and Throw Place, you can list your office machines on a community board. Everything at the websites is given for free-but if a charity takes your junky computer, you just might have yourself a tax write-off worth hundreds. You help someone in need, recycle goods instead of tossing them and get a tax break as well. (Source: Rd 2007)
*Natural and Sustianable Living Tip: Fill up your freezer, since the fuller it is, the less energy it uses to keep food frozen.
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