Eco News

Cass Community Social Services, a nonprofit group that works to help Detroit’s homeless, an new gym Wednesday intended to help people get fit while helping the environment at the same time.

The Green Gym, aimed at reducing energy costs, will include 10 stationary bicycles that generate electricity to be redirected into Cass’ power grid. How much? The non-profit estimates that if each bike is used in four daily classes for a year, they will produce enough power to light 36 homes for a month.

Most homeless shelters are drab, old buildings, but more are going green as local governments and community groups seek to save money by building new energy-efficient facilities or retrofitting old ones. New eco-friendly shelters have been built in California, Illinois, Texas and Virginia, among other places.

Not only is this gym a good idea for the environment, but it will also help keep the clients, who often struggle with diseases, active while contributing to the planet.

Making energy-efficient improvements in your home can drastically reduce your family’s carbon footprint since much of the energy used in our homes comes from the burning of fossil fuels at power plants. And while we all know increased energy efficiency means reduced energy costs in your home, did you know it can also translate into bigger tax breaks? Here are a few of the things you can do in 2010 to save more money and take advantage of lucrative tax breaks come next year.

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed last year, homeowners who purchase qualifying energy-efficient products or a renewable energy system are eligible for a federal tax credit. The credit can be equal to 30 percent of the total cost, up to a maximum of $1,500. In addition, there is no income restriction for the credit and limits on individual items (as there was with the 2007 credit) are no longer in place. So that means homeowners can claim the full credit for windows, a new water heater, or whatever it is they need.

Replacing windows? Look for those with the Energy Star label to take advantage of the federal tax credit.

However, homeowners should be forewarned that not all products with the Energy Star label will qualify for the credit. Qualification for the credit depends on the manufacturer and qualifying products will come with a certification statement. Keep a copy of the statement, which you may need when it comes time to file your taxes.

If you’re looking for an even bigger tax credit, look no further than alternative energy. Homeowners who install solar water heaters, geothermal heat pumps or another alternative energy system qualify for a 30 percent tax credit with no cap. Or if you are in the market for a new car, purchasing certain hybrid vehicles can yield the tax credit as well. Once the manufacturer of qualifying vehicles sells 60,000 models, the credit will no longer be valid.

Visit the official Energy Star website to learn more about the energy efficient tax credit and which products or home systems qualify.

She spends her days practicing Ashtanga yoga and tantric sex; she eats only organic; she’s keen on rainforests and would like, if at all possible, to save the planet. Oh, and her husband is a global pop superstar whose social conscience is almost as big as his bank balance.

Gaiam’s Celebrity Yoga Instructor Trudie Styler was on Martha Stewart this morning. As you know, Trudie is married to famed musician Sting and is an actress, film producer, director, human rights activist, environmentalist, organic farmer and UNICEF Ambassador. Styler has practiced yoga for years and has just launched the first of five yoga DVDs. She recently told the Daily Ma Main that she practices for 45 to 90 minutes every day, no matter where she is.

Gaiam is offering promotions on the yoga products featured on the Martha Stewart Show, plus you receive $.99 shipping on your order over $40 with code AFSNOW. Below are some of the great products available.

Trudie Styler’s Warrior Yoga DVD – As Seen on Martha Stewart. Save 13%, now only $13.00. Purchase HERE.

Trudie Styler Warrior Yoga DVD - Music by Sting

Gaiam Medallions Printed Yoga Mat – As Seen on Martha Stewart. Save 18%, now only $18.00. Purchase HERE.

Medallions Yoga Mat

Gaiam Medallions Aluminum Water Bottle – As Seen on Martha Stewart. Save 23% , now only $9.99. Purchase HERE.

Tres Medallion Aluminum Water Bottle

The climate crisis is upon us with a new sense of urgency, as WE ADD UP launches the ‘World’s Biggest Green Sweepstakes,’ geared to create awareness and action for climate change. With the recent passing of the American Clean Energy and Security Act by the House of Representatives and international climate talks in Copenhagen this December, many see an opportunity for the U.S. to act as a global leader in clean energy and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In the midst of this crucial time, WE ADD UP kicks off the Climate Action Giveaway; a virtual Web campaign to harvest awareness and action around global warming throughout the nation, and drive home that America could in fact be a world leader in forging these vital agreements.

You can visit WE ADD UP’s Giveaway and join the sweepstakes! Once you sign up, you will automatically be entered for a chance to win exciting green prizes. WE ADD UP’s goal is to get 1 million people learning about climate solutions and participating in simple actions in order to help create a tipping point in public engagement necessary to forge real solutions in the coming months.

Each week, participants will be sent an email with a suggestion of such an action they can take, whether it be e-faxing their Senator to support strong US climate legislation or participating in 350.org viral photo activism about COP15 in Copenhagen, one action and a few minutes is all it takes. Non-profit partners 1Sky.org and 350.org are helping direct the actions participants are invited to take.

The message is simple: Take action, Make history, Win prizes. The Climate Action Giveaway is the biggest green sweepstakes in the history of environmental causes, with over 230 winners to be chosen. This program targets everyday consumers and Facebook and Twitter users to drive the program’s message virally, online, and within their own communities.

With an expectation to gain strong influencers, WE ADD UP is confident that this initiative will increase the momentum needed to make a real difference in wide-ranging middle-American communities.

Modern Eco Homes is honored to be an active participant in the Climate Action Giveaway! A random drawing for the prizes will take place on December 7, 2009, when the United Nations gathers in Copenhagen for the COP15 Climate Change Conference. So head on over and get involved!

As the U.S. government increasingly provides incentives for hybrid cars, green buildings, renewable energy and households that reduce their usage of power, all while energy prices seem to surge, the introduction of the Ionic Bulb offers an exciting lighting alternative to today’s eco-conscious world.

Electric lighting accounts for 19% of the world’s electricity use, pumping as much greenhouse-gas pollution into the atmosphere every year as half the world’s cars. Much of that results from outdated, inefficient light sources in homes, offices and parking lots.

Ionic Bulb

The Ionic Bulb is not only an energy-saving light bulb, but it’s also equipped with an air purifying microchip ion emitter that’s powered by the bulb’s own energy (very cool!). Unlike standard incandescent bulbs, the Ionic Bulb silently emits negative ions that help clear the air of smoke, dust, pet dander, odors, allergens and airborne viruses.

The bulb uses just a quarter of the wattage of standard bulbs to produce the same amount of light. That alone could save us hundreds on our electric bills. Plus, the Ionic Bulb lasts 10 times as along as incandescent bulbs – up to seven years – saving us the cost and hassle of frequently replacing bulbs. With the average American household spending an estimated $1,400 each year on energy bills and indoor air pollution on the rise, the Ionic Bulb meets two unique sets of demand with one super cool apparatus.

The Ionic Bulb will be available in December for $19.99 from Newionicbulb. Think Stocking Stuffer!

It’s no secret that the economy is still in a state of disrepair (just look at the latest unemployment numbers) but from the ashes of our flagging economy emerges a scattering of highly-anticipated industries that have bright, stable futures. The Obama administration has allocated nearly $40 billion of the stimulus plan towards such professions, dubbed “green jobs.” Whether you’re just starting out or blazing a new career path, here are a handful of green industries with bright futures that are as good for the economy as they are for the Earth.

Building Retrofitting

As America’s infrastructure continues to age, most commercial buildings and residential homes (perhaps even yours) are hemorrhaging money in the form of wasted heat and energy. One of the fastest, cheapest, and most effective ways to fix this problem and stimulate local economies is to retrofit buildings. This means completely assessing the building and pinpointing areas that need updating from the installation (or lack thereof) to the heating and cooling systems. The Obama administration wants to retrofit a staggering 10 million homes annually through 2020, which in turn could sustain more than 2 million jobs.

Steam from deep underground can be harnessed to create clean energy

Geothermal Energy

Informally known as the heat of the Earth, geothermal hot spots occur when aquifers (permeable layers of rock) heated by scalding rocks deep below the surface produce steam. This steam can be harnessed to create clean energy and provide electricity to millions of homes in America. The U.S. has numerous sites that can be tapped for renewable geothermal energy, namely in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. From chemists to pipefitters, a booming geothermal industry would create thousands of new jobs.

The Smart Grid

If you haven’t heard of it by now, chances are you’ll be hearing a lot more about the “smart grid” in the near future. The phrase refers to a national collaboration between government bodies and the private sector to modernize the country’s current electric transmission grid (think power lines). The goal is to update and automate the grid with technology that will save energy while significantly decreasing costs and improving reliability. Again, the stimulus plan passed earlier this year allots more than $11 billion for investments in a new smart grid. Translation: thousands of more jobs will be created, including contractors, electrical engineers, and skilled line workers.

Solar energy is another clean, renewable source of energy.

Solar Energy

Another source of clean, renewable energy is solar energy, a supply that is quickly gaining popularity. The Solar Energy Industries Association estimates that despite the recession, the industry experienced an impressive 16% growth just last year. Experts also estimate the industry will create an additional 110,000 new jobs by the end of 2010.

Green Retailing

As more and more consumers are realizing the value and significance of green living, retailers are beginning to meet their demands for eco-conscious products and practices. Many existing retail businesses, from chic boutiques to massive chains, are being retrofitted to become sustainable green retailers. Since robust green sales numbers have demonstrated the trend is here to stay, businesses will need additional employees, from cashiers to CSO’s – or chief sustainability officers.

Way Basics has been named a regional semifinalist in the Inc. Magazine and Alibaba.com Newpreneur of the year contest and they can use your support!

Alibaba.com and Inc. Magazine are seeking out the brightest and most promising companies across America to give their “elevator pitch” to a panel of some of the brightest business minds in the country in order to see who will be crowned the first-ever Newpreneur (new entrepreneur) of the year! Out of over a thousand entries, Way Basics is among 13 remaining companies.

This round is where things start to heat up, because the finalists will be decided by you! Voting is super easy, and can be done by following this link www.waybasics.com/vote (you don’t have to register or make an account, just select Way Basics and click submit!)

We think they have a pretty good shot of winning and want to tell the world about Way Basics and the possibilities available with their eco-friendly zBoards.  Just think about a future where recycled material can replace old, wasteful, outdated, and plain ugly material. Couches, tables, chairs, pallets, sheet rock, and literally any furniture piece can integrate the zBoard into its design. Thank you in advance for your vote and support, their future is in your hands!

VOTE HERE

A bit more about Way Basics:

Way Basics has found a way to reuse the most basic of resources (paper) and turn it into useful, everyday furniture. We offer creative possibility on a human scale to our customers and our community through our sustainable products and our charitable giving. Our recycled and recyclable modern furnishings are focused on human ability, and meet people’s needs for ease, value, creativity and self-sufficiency. We use an ancient, everyday material–paper– to help our customers make something new, useful, and original. Through our charitable giving, we’re also helping make the world a better place. Way Basics is a founding member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, where we work with furniture banks around the country that provide household furnishings to those in need. Our ultimate goal is to make it easy and fun to build sustainable furniture that fits real life and to improve the planet while we’re at it. Way Basics’ building possibilities…

So I have a crazy-busy next couple of weeks ahead of me, (with friends and relatives in town for my brother Johns wedding), therefore I will probably not be putting up “normal” posts and “daily deals” for a bit. It’s sort of going to be like one of those weeks when I’m traveling and I put up guest posts to cover for me? Except, um, without the guest posts to cover for me.

I’ll still try to put something up, but it may be just a thought for the day, a quick product link, or a video, or who knows, maybe a “previously aired” archived post. Warning: content may have nothing what-so-ever to do with eco living.

The Happy Couple

For family and friends who are celebrating with us all this week, thanks for being here. And for that special someone who’s brave enough to hang with all my crazy family members (you know who you are), I’m glad you’re here.

This week has already proven to be a bit of a challenge in terms of everyone “being green”. There has been gluttonous consumptions of food and wine, tons of travel via cars and planes and vast amounts of over spending. But the love and sharing of memories are carbon free.

Make sure you check out all the great products that continue to be added to Modern Eco Homes on a daily basis. We have some great new eco artwork, recycled wine racks, accessories, bedding and hip new market bags. Stop by daily. I will try my best to do the same.

Here’s to my brother John and his soon to be wife Jess. Congrats you two…all my love!

Earnest environmentalism is what you’d expect from Sundance, the T.V. wing of Robert Redford’s media sovereignty. The network has a weekly block of Earth-conscious programming known as “The Green,’’ which features such series as “Eco Trip: The Real Cost of Living,’’ about how everyday products affect our planet. Among such calls to action, “The Lazy Environmentalist’’ seeks to give viewers a break, suggesting that what’s good for the Earth doesn’t have to be such a bummer.

Josh Dorfman, the host of the series and author of the books, The Lazy Environmentalist and The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget, (both of which I love) merrily guides people through some steps of environmentalism: showing a suburban family how to produce less waste at their barbecue (recycle! compost!), giving a dog groomer a line on eco-friendly cleaners (soap made from blueberries!), teaching a hip-hop stylist how to pick eco-friendly clothes for his client (buy vintage!).

But families can discuss ways you can live a greener life. Are there habits you can break or things you can substitute in order to reduce your carbon footprint? Is there anything that you wouldn’t be willing to change?

As lazy environmentalists we like to go green in ways that are easy, stylish, and affordable. That’s because the more green choices that fit our lifestyles, the more likely we are to actually make them. Dorfman is bringing his know-how about being green without completely changing your life, airs Tuesday nights on The Sundance Channel. Let me know what you think of Josh and he tips!