Save on fuel, save our planet

 

Be green and save money!

Fuel efficiency can be a great way to help nature while relieving your budget, specially with sky high oil prices.
Check out these great tips and see how you can save money and even... the  planet!

• How you drive
• Keeping your car tidy
• Choosing and buying a new vehicle

  But WAIT... do you really need a car?

  Cars can often make the world go by too fast. If you can afford it, take a break and use your feet, your legs and avoig getting in a automobile or in a traffic jam.

  1. Walk, bike, skate, etc. This way you can save money twice: saving fuel and avoiding those expensive bills from the Gym.
  2. Use your local transportation system. Trains, subways, buses are a good way to get where you want fast. If your town does not offer you proper options, pressure your legislators to make them viable.
  3. Join a carpool, take and offer rides. It's fun and everybody profits, in the end it can help you make new friends and to know better the people whom you work with or that live close to you.
  4. Reduce your commute. Try to move closer to your work place. This can help you also have a healthier life style. If you're able to eat at home or have that treasured power nap at lunch time, for example.
  5. Combine trips. If you can do several short trips in one longer trip, you will save fuel and time. Make lists to avoid having to go back. Call ahead to avoid wasted trips.

  How you drive

  
  

  Drive efficiently, meaning: behave!

  Speeding, rapid acceleration and breaking suddenly will not only wear out your car and make you look stupid, but it wastes fuel.
  Don't drive aggressively, treat your car (and passengers!) with care. Drive at consistent speeds!
  • You can save up to 33% in fuel!

  Observe the Speed Limit

  Observing the speed limit is safer and it can save you money. 
  Although each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speeds, efficiency decreases rapidly at speeds above 100km/h (60 mph).
  • This can give you a fuel economy benefit of up to 23%!

  Maintain a safe following distance

  You will only brake more and accelerate more if you stick to bumper of the car in front of you.
  It's not only dangerous to be so close to another car, but it also gives you a lot less room to maneuver making it more likely for you to need to drive aggressively.

  Use A/C only on the highway

  At lower speeds, open the windows. Although this increases the drag and reduces fuel efficiency, it is better then using AC at low speeds bettween 50 and 65 km/h (35-40 mph).
  • Using your air conditioner on "Max" all the time can rise your gas consumption by roughly 5-25%.

  Remove Excess Weight

  If you're the type of person who uses your car as a second house, this may come in difficult but keeping unnecessary and heavy items in your vehicle is not advisable.
  • A weight of 45 Kg (100 pounds) can rise your fuel consumption by 2%. Smaller vehicles are even more affected by this.
  • Remove unneeded racks (for bikes, skis, etc) when not in use. They not only weight, but also increase air resistance.
  Think about this next time you forget your dirty wet laundry in your car!

  4-wheel drive

  Engaging all four wheels in your car makes the engine work harder, making fuel consumption rise. So use it only when really needed.
  
  

  Avoid Excessive Idling

  You do not save any fuel by idling. Park your car and go into the restaurant, for example, rather than idling in the drive-through.
  Cars with larger engines tend to waste more gas at idle than do cars with smaller engines.   
  

  Keep your car tidy

  Tune your Engine Properly

  Like us, cars need regular check-ups and fine-tuning.
  Fixing a car that is out of tune can improve efficiency by an average of 4%, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it is done.
  • Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40%!!

  Check & Replace Air Filters Regularly

  • Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car's fuel efficiency by as much as 10%!
  Not only will replacing a dirty air filter save gas, it will protect your engine. Yet another way you may save money.

  Check your tires

  • You can save around 3.3% on gas by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure.

  Use the Recommended Grade of Motor Oil

  Use the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. Also, look for motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.

  Choosing and buying a new car

  Choose wisely

  Think well when buyng a new car since this is the most important fuel economy measure you can take.
  This U.S. government website, Fueleconomy.govbrings the results of fuel efficiency tests done with hundreds of current models. Relevant information, even if you are not in the U.S.

  Think small

  Generally speaking, smaller cars are lighter and get better mileage.

  Try a hybrid

  Not only do hybrids give you immediate savings at the pump, but in some countries, offer tax reductions for people who use gas-saving cars. Check out your local legislation.

  Alternative transportation

  Walk and ride a bike instead of driving, you'll be healthier and save money .
  Try your city's public transportation. If it's bad or inefficient, make your representatives hear your complains and ask for solutions.
  You can also buy a motorcycle or a scooter, they are cheaper and can be great options if used safely.

  Text based on information from US Department of Energy and WikiHow

>>Read Full Article

Have an environmentally friendly vacation

As many of us prepare to leave for our annual summer vacation it's a good time to think about the environmental impact of our travels.

Whether you go to the beaches of the Mediterranean or the pristine landscape of the Arctic, how you travel can have a huge impact on the environment. But if undertaken responsibly, tourism can be a positive force for conservation and environmental protection.

Follow our simple guide and you can not only have a great vacation, but also help protect nature at the same time...

1. Selecting your destination…

When you travel to your holiday destination by plane you are contributing to significant emissions of climate change causing carbon dioxide.

• Try to take vacations nearer to home, or pick locations that you can reach by other forms of transport.

2. Getting there

• If you have to fly, buy carbon offsets to compensate for the emissions caused by your flight.
• Rather than hiring a car at the airport choose other ways to get around like taxis, trains or buses.
• If you do travel by car, check out tips on how you can save fuel, money and help nature.

3. Choosing the right place to stay...

• Choose accommodation that have effective waste treatment systems, that recycle, that are energy efficient, and, where possible, that use environmentally friendly energy sources such as solar energy or hydroelectric power.
• Look out for hotels that participate in WWF's Check Out for Nature programme. Participating Hotels will add a Euro (or its equivalent value) to your hotel bill when you check out at the end of your stay, which will be used to support our conservation work around the world.

  

  4. Whilst you are there…

• Look at eco-tourism options. Many travel companies now offer holidays which support sustainable development, do not impact negatively on the environment and provide financial support to local communities.
• Respect the environment and stay on trails and public footpaths. Do not remove plants or feed animals, and never litter.

Conserve water and take showers rather than baths. Use a refillable water container, sterilizing water when necessary rather than buying bottled water.

• Limit energy use, including your use of air-conditioning and hot water. Turn off all lights and taps when you leave hotel rooms.
• Minimize your use of personal care products and detergents to wash linen, and reuse your hotel towels and bed linen.
• Dispose of sanitary waste properly. Don’t flush cotton buds, condoms, tampons and plastics down the toilet, or you might just find them on the beach!
• Recycle newspapers, magazines and your beverage containers (many can be returned for refunds), and reduce the number of bags, napkins and disposable cups you use when you eat fast food.
• Rent a bike. In many places you can rent them out. They are not only environmentally friendly and cheap, but also a great option for sightseeing.
• Take a hike. walking in cities or going on a hike in the countryside is great way to avoid emissions and yet discover some of special things about where you are, things you may otherwise simply "drive by".
• Reduce the impact of your recreational activities by avoiding sports which have a significant harmful impact on the environment, or choose more progressive establishments (e.g. golf courses which recycle water).

5. Coming home…

Some souvenirs could end up costing a lot more than you paid for them.

• Think twice before you buy any products made from any endangered species, including animal hides and body parts, tortoise-shell, ivory, or coral - they could be illegal.
• Visit WWF-US's Buyer Beware website for information that can help you say "no" to illegal wildlife products.

And finally...

Enjoy nature and the environment. There is so much out there that stands out on this planet as amazing, astounding, and downright breathtaking...

Have a great vacation!

>>Read Full Article

How you can help: Travel smart

Top tips for your next trip...

Whether you go to the beaches of the Mediterranean or the pristine landscape of the Arctic, how you travel can have a huge impact on the environment.

• Make tourism and conservation compatible - the money you spend on your trip helps determine the development and direction of tourism. Use your money to support reputable, conservation-minded tour operators and suppliers.
• Learn about the culture and customs of the areas you will visit before you go.
• Visit parks and nature reserves - visitor demand and tourist expenditures support existing protected areas and can lead to the protection of additional nature. Get any necessary permits before visiting nature reserves or other protected areas. Leave these areas as you found them and do not disturb the wildlife there.
• View and photograph wildlife from a distance and remember that in the optimal wildlife viewing experience, the animal never knew you were there. Suppress the natural temptation to move too close and respect signs of distress such as alarm calls, distraction displays, laid-back ears, and raised hair.
• Respect the environment, stay on trails during hikes, do not remove plants or feed animals, and never litter. At the sea do not take any corals, shells, dried fish, starfish, sea-fans and other marine souvenirs - removal can seriously disrupt ecosystems. Navigation in reef water needs special care - do not anchor on reefs which can be easily damaged.
• Reduce your air travel
  When you travel to your holiday destination by plane you are contributing to significant emissions of climate change causing carbon dioxide. Take vacations nearer to home, or get there by other forms of transport such as train, bus or boat. If you have to fly, consider buying carbon offsets to compensate for the emissions caused by your flight.
• Reduce your car use - choose other ways to get around like trains, buses or bikes. Share taxis and take shuttles to and from the airport. Check out tips on how you can save fuel, money and help nature!
• Respect local culture, traditions and religious places. Insensitive behaviour such as taking photographs of people without their consent, or failure to observe local customs, can cause offence. Note that being nude or semi-nude in public is unacceptable and illegal in some countries (e.g Islamic countries).
• Conserve water - take showers rather than baths, and use a refillable water container, sterilising water when necessary, rather than buying bottled water.
• Limit energy use, including your use of air conditioning and hot water. Turn off all lights and taps when you leave hotel rooms.
• Minimise your use of personal care products and detergents to wash linen, and reuse your hotel towels and bed-linen. Dispose of sanitary waste properly. Don't flush cotton buds, condoms, tampons and plastics down the toilet - or you might just find them on the beach next time you visit.
• Reduce the impact of your recreational activities by avoiding sports which have a significant harmful impact on the environment or choose more progressive establishments (e.g golf courses which recycle water).
• Recycle newspapers, magazines and your beverage containers (many can be returned for refunds), and reduce the number of bags, napkins and disposable cups you use when you eat fast food.
• Choose lodgings that have effective waste treatment systems, that recycle, that are energy efficient, and, where possible, that use environmentally friendly energy sources such as solar energy or hydroelectric power.
• Respect rules and regulations, pay attention to signals and behave responsibly (e.g do not light fires where it is forbidden).
• Say "No" to Bad Souvenirs
  Some souvenirs could end up costing a lot more than you paid for them.
  Think twice before you buy any products made from any endangered species, including animal hides and body parts, tortoise-shell, ivory, or coral - they could be illegal.
  Visit WWF-US's Buyer Beware website for information that can help you say "no" to illegal wildlife products. And check out our tips; Ten things not to buy for Christmas
• Your feedback makes a difference. If a tour, tourist service, or supplier was environmentally sensitive and informative, or if it could have been better, tell the owner or operator.

>>Read Full Article

Tips for Capturing Great Video

1. Be prepared

• Go to the filming location the day before to check out the lighting and setting.
• Make a complete shot list.
• Pack DV tapes, extension cords, a tripod, a lens cloth, your camera manual, and an
  extra set of charged batteries.

2. Get great sound

• Keep your subject close to the camera.
• Eliminate background noise as much as possible.
• Use an external microphone if available.
• Make sure the microphone is out of the camera’s view.
• Use headphones to monitor the sound quality.

3. Get the lighting right

• Before shooting, determine where the light is coming from (front, side, or back).
• If backlit, add more light so the front of your subject is lit, or move to
  another location.
• Use a bounce card to reflect light on your subject instead of shining it directly on them.
• If necessary, set your camera mode to match your shooting conditions.
• Avoid bright sunlight (making sure your shadow isn’t in the shot).
• If you’re filming inside, turn on all of the lights.

4. Get clear, steady footage

• Use your camera’s image stabilization feature, if it has one.
• Use a tripod whenever possible.
• If no tripod is available, hold your bent arm tight against your body or lean against
  a solid surface to stabilize the shot.
• Use your camera’s auto focus mode unless it’s having trouble focusing on your subject.
• Hold your camera still and instead have the subject provide motion.

5. Capture the complete story

• Remember to press “Record” several seconds before you cue action to begin.
• Capture an establishing shot at the beginning of each scene.
• Get shots that tell the beginning, middle, and end of your story.
• Change locations and take shots from different angles and perspectives.
• Look for details in the scene that will help tell your story.
• Make sure your footage answers the questions, who, what, when, where, and why.

6. Think about composition

• Make sure all parts of your shot work together — the subject, background, color, and lighting.
• Position your subject off center for a more interesting shot.
• Make sure there is no unnecessary space around the subject.

7. Don’t forget the background

• Keep the background simple.
• Include a few props that will make the shot more interesting, but not distract from the subject.
• Make sure there are no distracting objects in the camera’s view.
• Check that objects don’t look like they’re growing out of your subject.

8. Get great shots

• Only use your zoom to quickly switch between close-up and wide shots. You can
  edit out the abrupt zoom in your final movie.
• Try to get at least two types of camera shots for each scene you film:
  close-up, medium, or wide.
• Use extra video cameras so you can capture the same shot from different points of view.
• Anticipate the action so you get the shots you need.
• Record a few seconds before and after a scene so it will be easier to edit.

9. Capture candid shots

• Make your subjects feel comfortable and relaxed by talking and interacting with them.
• Try to be discreet.
• Bring along a digital still camera so you can incorporate still photos into your movie.

10. Be Prepared

• When you’re finished filming, take the tape out of the camera and put it in “safe” mode.
• Review your footage to ensure you have all the shots you need.
• If you have to reshoot later, do so at the same time of day so the lighting matches
  your earlier footage.

>>Read Full Article

Safest plastics for food and beverages

Some plastics are safer to eat and drink from than others. Here's a quick guide to help you make informed choices. If you want to dig deeper, take a look at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy's Smart Plastics Guide (PDF). 

It's worth avoiding the following plastics when you can. You can identify a plastic by looking at the recycling code number that appears inside a triangle at the bottom of many containers.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) can leach phthalates, known male reproductive toxicants. It can be identified by code 3. One way to avoid it in the kitchen is by choosing plastic wrap made from polyethylene rather than PVC. If a box is not labeled, find a brand that is or call the manufacturer.

Polystyrene is used in Styrofoam products. It may leach styrene (a neurotoxin) when it comes into contact with hot, acidic, or fatty foods. It's marked with recycling code 6.

Polycarbonate can leach bisphenol-A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor associated with a long list of health concerns. Baby bottles, "sippy" cups, 5-gallon water jugs, and reusable beverage bottles are typically made out of this plastic. Products may be marked with recycling code 7 and/or the letters "PC." It’s important to note that some containers that aren’t made from polycarbonate may also be marked with a code 7 because the category also includes any plastic that doesn’t fit into the 1 to 6 recycling code categories.

In response to the widespread concerns about BPA, baby bottles and other items made from alternative materials are springing up. Experts say stainless steel is your best bet for reusable water bottles right now. ThinkSport and Klean Kanteen are two widely available brands.

The following plastics are considered safest for food storage. Glass and stainless steel are also good options.

Polyethylene terephthalate ethylene (PETE), code 1.

 

High-density polyethylene (HDPE), code 2.

 

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), code 4.

 

Polypropylene (PP), code 5.

 

Here are some tips for using all plastics safely:

• Don't microwave food in plastic containers. Chemicals are more likely to leach out when plastic is heated. "Microwaveable plastic" doesn't guarantee that chemicals won't leach. Cover foods in the microwave with wax paper or a plate. If you do use plastic wrap, then make sure it doesn't touch the food.
• Avoid putting hot foods in plastic containers. Let leftovers cool off before storing them in plastic.
• Take good care of plastics by not washing them with harsh chemicals, and dispose of scratched and worn containers. Research has shown that older, scratched items will leach more, says Kathleen Schuler at the Institute for Agricultural and Trade Policy. (Don't put them in the dishwasher if you want to be completely risk-averse, she suggests.)

>>Read Full Article

What you need to know about bio-based plastics

We've all heard a lot about the dark side of plastics. Two common criticisms: They're made from petroleum (a non-renewable resource that's in short supply), and they hang around in landfills for centuries.  

You can now buy items such as disposable plates, cutlery, and garbage bags made from corn, potatoes, and other agricultural products instead of oil. These renewable alternatives to petroleum are also designed to break down much more quickly than their typical plastic counterparts.

While there's no denying these are admirable benefits, it's important to take a look at the drawbacks as well.

For example, there are legitimate concerns about displacing food crops to make plastics. The real hope is that eventually most of the products will be made from agricultural waste rather than food crops, says Darby Hoover at the Natural Resources Defense Council.

It's also a good idea to become acquainted with the circumstances in which they'll biodegrade (break down into smaller components). 

Here's what you need to know about buying and disposing of the latest generation of plastics.  

Buying

• Look for products that are entirely bio-based, or are labeled "biodegradable" and "compostable."
• Choose products made from agricultural waste materials such as bagasse (the waste portion of sugar cane crop) when possible, rather than polyactic acid (PLA), a more common option made from corn. 

Disposing

• While bio-plastics do biodegrade, it's unlikely that will happen in a landfill or even your household compost facility. That's because the disposable plates, cutlery, and containers need to be fairly stable so you can use them. In most cases, they need to be sent to commercial composting facilities to biodegrade, says Hoover. Call your local waste management authority to find out if you live in one of the few communities with this option.  
• If not, do not mix bioplastics in with regular plastics for recycling. If you don't have access to a commercial compost facility you should dispose of them with your garbage, says Hoover. Some products do say they can be composted at home. The only way to know for sure if a particular product will break down in your composting system is by trial and error. 

The bottom line? There are definite benefits to bioplastics if you have the means to compost them, especially if they're made from agricultural waste products. You can still make a difference by buying them even if you can't compost properly because you're voting with your dollars for products that aren't made from petroleum. It's up to you to decide whether to cast that vote. >>Read Full Article

What to do with your old pharmaceuticals

Don't let the fact that there isn't a universal way to easily dispose of old pharmaceuticals stop you from cleaning out your medicine cabinet. If you're willing to do a little bit of homework, you can learn how to responsibly get rid of expired or unwanted pills, capsules, and other prescription drugs. 

One golden rule: Don't flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain. While flushing is an effective way to keep prescription drugs out of the wrong hands, studies show that tiny amounts of pharmaceuticals are making their way into our streams, rivers, and lakes.

Scientists are studying how their presence impacts aquatic species (especially fish and frogs), whether it's contributing to the rise in antibiotic resistant bacteria, and if there are any health implications for humans (so far there is no evidence of adverse health effects). 

For now, you can make a difference by properly disposing of your unneeded medicines. Here is some general information (adopted from several sources) to get you started. You might also want to check with your state's local environmental website for specific guidelines because rules vary depending on where you live and what kinds of meds you're trying to unload. For example, there are strict regulations for disposing of controlled substances.

• Your best bet is to bring old pharmaceuticals to a take-back program if you can. How to find one? Ask your pharmacy if it will accept unused medicine for proper disposal. Costco members can bring unwanted medications to one of its pharmacies. Check with your local government to see if it's hosting an event to collect old prescription drugs. Search Earth 911's database for programs in your neighborhood. 
• Call your local household hazardous waste collection program to see if you can drop off unused pharmaceuticals. Find it on Earth 911's website.
• If the above options don't work, then you'll have to throw old medicines in the trash. Be sure to remove all personal info before chucking bottles to avoid identity theft. Experts suggest making medicines unusable before trashing so they don't end up in the wrong hands. Some ideas? Crush pills or dissolve capsules in water. Mix in with kitty litter, coffee grounds, or other unappealing kitchen waste. Add salt, ashes from your fireplace, dirt, charcoal, or spices to liquids. Use duct tape on any containers and place in a sealed bag before tossing in the trash so your kids or pets won't get accidentally poisoned.   

>>Read Full Article