Archive for November, 2008

PITTSBORO, N.C. — A workshop will be held Monday Night in Chatham County to teach homeowners how to reduce home energy costs.

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Don’t rush into buying new energy-efficient windows for your home. If you wait one more month, you can get a federal tax credit, according to Kiplinger.

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The EPA has tips for helping others this holiday season without breaking the budget. From planning your holiday meals so there aren’t excess leftovers to donating unwanted electronics to local charities, there are many ways you can save money and protect the environment.

The holidays present opportunities to reduce waste, reuse items, and recycle products instead of disposing of them.  Here are a few ways that you can practice the three “R’s” to make this a green holiday season:

• Share the good tidings:  Make room for new gadgets by donating your unwanted electronics.  Used electronics that are still operating can be given to community groups, local schools, or nonprofit organizations.  Some donations may qualify for a tax deduction.
• Shop smart:  Carry a reusable tote when out shopping.  Look for gifts made with recycled material and that have less packaging.  Buy green electronic products.
• Look for opportunities to extend the life of old items:  Why spring for a new family computer when you can upgrade your existing one?  Borrow or rent certain party goods instead of purchasing new ones.  If you are preparing for the upcoming digital TV transition, extend the life of your current TV by purchasing a converter box.

See how others are being green and to let the EPA know what you’re doing this holiday season.

Tips on reducing holiday waste

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — A survey conducted at home shows in 15 cities across the country gauging consumer environmental practices suggests that many Americans are going green when it comes to their homes.

Despite “cost” being singled out by 36 percent of respondents as the greatest impediment to going green, half of those surveyed have paid more money for an energy efficient product in the past 12 months and one in three homeowners (30 percent) claim they would be willing to spend $5,000 or more on green improvements to increase a home’s appeal to potential buyers.

The findings are the result of the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Living Green Consumer Survey which looked at responses from over 2,300 consumers and is considered accurate to within +/- 2.2%. (more…)

Going blue for a whole home is now a reality with the first WaterSense labeled new home in Chapel Hill, N.C. The home meets EPA’s WaterSense draft specification, includes water-efficient products inside and water-saving features and landscaping on the outside, and incorporates design features that save water.

“Through the WaterSense New Homes Pilot Program, we can lay a strong foundation for environmental progress,” said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson.  “As the program encourages installation of products that save water and money, homeowners are realizing first-hand the benefits of efficient water use.” (more…)

CARY, N.C. — As part of its continuing commitment to environmental stewardship, the Town of Cary is offering citizens a convenient and safe option for disposing waste cooking oils this holiday season during a two-month pilot program designed to promote recycling cooking oils and grease into bio-fuel.

Now through Jan. 30, 2009, Cary residents are encouraged to collect their cooking oils, fats and grease in a sealable container and contact the Town to schedule a pickup. With a beneficial disposal option, the Town hopes that the program will be used long-term to help reduce sewer blockages/over flows, accidental spills and disposals in landfill.

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Ever wanted to tell EPA what you thought on an environmental topic? Each week, you have your chance in the EPA blog, Greenversations. Each question is an open-ended blog entry; please share your thoughts as comments.

This week’s question:

How did you minimize environmental impacts while making holiday travel plans?
Thanksgiving is usually the busiest travel time in the United States. Millions of us will be driving, flying, taking trains, or even walking to enjoy the holiday with family and friends.

Share your answer

The Herald Sun is reporting that the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association will get over $80,000 to fund a N.C. branded organic bread flour. 

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BEAUFORT, N.C. — The Marguerite Kent Repass Ocean Conservation Center at the Duke University Marine Lab in Beaufort, N.C., has been awarded the Gold LEED certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

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News & Observer: Progress Energy among companies planning to purchase hundreds of electric cars.

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