Many of us hear that it simply is not possible to eat meat and
keep in line with sustainability. However, a new study out of Germany has found quite the contrary. Great read!

Check it out here.

Live Green & Work Green by Telecommuting

Looking for ways to be more green? Why not combine your ‘Live’ and ‘Work’ by telecommuting from home! This article offers some great tips everyone can apply to help save energy, reduce your carbon footprint, and simplify your life.

Read the article here:
http://planetgreen.discovery.com/work-connect/green-telecommute.html

BMW, the parent company of MINI, has announced a limited introduction run of 500 MINI E’s available for lease in Southern California, New York and New Jersey.

With a range of 150 miles on a single charge, and a 0-60 time in 8.5 seconds, you can have all the guilt-free fun the law will allow.  

For more information and to apply for the lease, check out the Official MINI E site.

Photo from adoug28813

On what is traditionally one of the busiest weekends of the year on Lake Wawasee in Syracuse Indiana, the waters were pleasantly calm. With gas prices at the marina over $5 a gallon, it was no shock that the line to fill up was mysteriously absent.

The water, which is normally churned up and murky by late august, was very refreshing and clear. Beautiful underwater plants (which btw we had been taught were “weeds” since childhood, were easily visible in shallow water. The buzz of personal watercraft was replaced by people laughing and swimming on the pier.

The smooth waters were also a welcoming change for the many sailboats that silently graced the lake. The gorgeous and colorful sails of catamarans and other sailboats took advantage of the consistent breeze to weave their way across the lake. Not only do small sailboat owners not worry about the price of gas, they can forget about oil changes, engine maintenance and noise. Sailing is a sport that can be enjoyed alone in a small boat or can be an amazing team-building experience. Check out US Sailing to learn more about sailing!

When considering an environmentally friendly vehicle purchase, the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid jump to the top of most peoples list.  While it’s true these cars are extremely fuel efficient and achieve the AT-PZEV emissions rating (Advanced Technology – Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle), they cost over $20,000 and are well out of reach for many budgets.

Luckily, a little known mandate by C.A.R.B. (California Air Resources Board) back in the early 00’s created some vehicles which went on sale beginning in 2003 that are as clean as a hybrid and yet have been on America’s roads for over 5 years now!  This means there are some bargains on the used market that are gentle on the environment and can be found for as little as $5,000!   These cars are not hybrids, just regular gasoline powered vehicles with highly advanced emissions control systems and engine technologies allowing them to carry the SULEV – PZEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle and you guessed it, Partial Zero Emissions Vehicles) sold in California and the states that have adopted the C.A.R.B. emissions standards which include Maine, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont. Read the rest of this entry »