Reading a good book is one of our oldest and most treasured pastimes, and it’s no surprise that avid supporters of the green movement love to read about the environment and society’s impact on it. The concept of recycling our paper and plastic products goes hand-in-hand with the ability to recycle the knowledge that we learn from books.

I recently discovered a site called Biblio.com that sells over 50 million used, out of print and hard-to-find books…

Reading a good book is one of our oldest and most treasured pastimes, and it’s no surprise that avid supporters of the green movement love to read about the environment and society’s impact on it. The concept of recycling our paper and plastic products goes hand-in-hand with the ability to recycle the knowledge that we learn from books.

I recently discovered a site called Biblio.com that sells over 50 million used, out of print and hard-to-find books from over 5,500 professional and independent booksellers worldwide. It’s the perfect site for college students to find classic novels for Literature class, or for anyone to find that book that just doesn’t seem to be in the larger chain stores. If this isn’t jaw-dropping enough, it’s also the first-ever eco-friendly bookstore around!

Going for the Green

One of the greatest accomplishments of this small, self-financed company located in Asheville, North Carolina is that it has managed to become a globally-recognized online bookstore that receives nothing put positive praise from its clients and customers. This is not only because it offers excellent service and products, but also because it is dedicated to literacy and the fight against global warming.

It currently uses a process called ecosend, which is an eco-friendly way to ship their books. The company has partnered with Native Energy to offset the emissions created by the shipment of every book purchased through the site. But it doesn’t stop there! Biblio.com even offsets its entire business operations, from its everyday office energy consumptions to the CO2 released from employee vehicles.

Native Energy calculates the total carbon footprint created by Biblio.com, and then Biblio.com purchases carbon credits and invests in alternative energy projects sponsored by Native Energy. All of the projects support sustainable development.

To make this company even more amazing, they also created a non-profit organization called BiblioWorks, which sets up community libraries in impoverished nations such as Bolivia and provides children with a wealth of books and computers to advance their education.

Support This Local Bookstore

There are not many companies that offset their entire business practices, as well as create non-profit organizations, so I applaud Biblio.com for their overwhelming accomplishments. If you’re in search of a used or rare book, or you just want to support an eco-friendly company, then check this site out!

According to a report by the Pew Charitable Trusts, a non-profit organization that provides grants to improve public policy, the U.S. states of Oregon, Colorado and Tennessee have emerged as the top leaders for job growth in the clean-energy sector.

The study looked at green job growth in 38 states from 1998 to 2007.

According to a report by the Pew Charitable Trusts, a non-profit organization that provides grants to improve public policy, the U.S. states of Oregon, Colorado and Tennessee have emerged as the top leaders for job growth in the clean-energy sector.

The study looked at green job growth in 38 states from 1998 to 2007.

Some other findings from the Pew report are:

• At least 7 states and the District have gained green energy employment opportunities
• Virginia and Maryland had overall job increases that exceeded clean-energy job growth
• The green sector has created an array of new jobs that generate incomes from $21,000-$111,000
• States are set to receive $85 billion from federal stimulus money in direct spending and tax incentives for energy and transportation-related programs
• Twenty-three states have created regional incentive programs to reduce pollution from power plants
• Forty-six states will offer tax incentives geared to renewable energy use

In conclusion, the report says that the clean-energy economy “generates jobs, businesses and investments while expanding clean-energy production, increasing energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, waste and pollution and conserving water and other natural resources.”

The future looks good for green energy. Now let’s just see if we can keep it green.

Source: The Washington Times

Over the past 15 years water usage in the average UK household has risen by 23%, and most of the water consumption is contributed to washing machines.

But Xerox Limited, a company created by the University of Leeds, has come up with an amazing new trial washing machine that would use as little as a cup of water for each wash cycle…

Over the past 15 years water usage in the average UK household has risen by 23%, and most of the water consumption is contributed to washing machines.

But Xerox Limited, a company created by the University of Leeds, has come up with an amazing new trial washing machine that would use as little as a cup of water for each wash cycle.

Are you serious?

Absolutely.

The washing machine uses plastic chips that remove dirt and stains from clothes. The clothes remain dry and there is no need for a dryer.

These new machines would be an amazing alternative to traditional washing machines. Not only would water use be reduced, but so would the energy that it takes to heat the water.

You can read the entire article here.

Considering that 2 billion washing machines are sold every year in the UK, think of how much overall energy the country would be saving.

If these machines work, let’s hope they find their way to the U.S.

Ever since college, Carl Foner has worked with computers. He realized a while ago that there was no way that society could eliminate the total impact that computers have on the environment, but there was a way to reduce it: use eco-friendly computer products.

That’s why Foner created Verdant Computing. All of the products on the site, from the external hard drives and laptop cases to the monitors and ink, must meet strict green standards before they are sold to customers…

Ever since college, Carl Foner has worked with computers. He realized a while ago that there was no way that society could eliminate the total impact that computers have on the environment, but there was a way to reduce it: use eco-friendly computer products.

That’s why Foner created Verdant Computing. All of the products on the site, from the external hard drives and laptop cases to the monitors and ink, must meet strict green standards before they are sold to customers.

Verdant Standards

Every product on the site meets at least one of these green standards:

• Made from recycled material
• Can be recycled
• Energy efficient
• Non-toxic computer parts
• Eco-friendly packaging

Also, almost all of the products carry existing eco-labels from other companies, such as Energy Star, which has already helped many U.S. families save billions of dollars on their energy bills. You can see the list of eco-labels here.

Carl Foner makes sure that Verdant Computing meets green business practices as well. The company provides Carbonfree TM Shipping, the office uses green power (generated by wind farms), compact fluorescent bulbs are used at night and the webhost is powered by solar energy.

If you use a computer daily and you’re looking for ways to make it greener, Verdant Computing is a great place to start.

You can find everything you need for your computer, and you’ll feel good knowing that it is safer for the environment.

We posted a blog a few months ago about the green efforts of PNC Bank, which has more certified green buildings than any other company in the world.

With Earth Day only a few days away, we’re excited to share how PNC is going even greener to save the planet by offering customer incentives which include deals on loans for hybrid cars, recycled check cards and even a car sweepstakes…

We posted a blog a few months ago about the green efforts of PNC Bank, which has more certified green buildings than any other company in the world.

With Earth Day only a few days away, we’re excited to share how PNC is going even greener to save the planet by offering customer incentives which include deals on loans for hybrid cars, recycled check cards and even a car sweepstakes.

The Road to Green

PNC officially received the trademark of ‘Green Branch’ last year, and its 43 eco-friendly bank buildings helped the company to achieve this.

But PNC is expanding its green efforts by offering its customers new incentives to practice living an eco-lifestyle, and these include:

• Discounted loan rates on the purchase of hybrid vehicles
• Offering a Toyota Prius sweepstakes through May 31 to 8 lucky winners
• Check cards made from recycled plastic (customers who open a checking account by April 30 will receive a 5% rebate on qualifying purchases through Aug. 31)

PNC is also submitting 10 more branches to be certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.

With every building made of 50% recycled material, energy consumption reduced by 35% and 4,000 gallons of water saved yearly, these buildings will be a great ally in the fight to protect the environment.

You can read the entire press release here.

These are all just a few reasons why PNC is a leading green company, and why you should consider banking with them if you’re eco-conscious.

We hope that PNC will continue with their initiatives and inspire other companies to go green.

I often find it challenging to recommend a company to others whose values incorporate the makings of a truly sustainable business. I do not offer advice about where to shop, unless I am certain that the business from which I purchase my goods goes beyond making a profit.

It is vital that a sustainable business, be it local or large, maintain ethics and standards…

I often find it challenging to recommend a company to others whose values incorporate the makings of a truly sustainable business. I do not offer advice about where to shop, unless I am certain that the business from which I purchase my goods goes beyond making a profit.

It is vital that a sustainable business, be it local or large, maintain ethics and standards that do not compromise the triple bottom line: Economics, Equality, and Environment.

Greenfeet is a company that absolutely deserves recognition. Greenfeet is a primarily online-based business, with products found at greenfeet.com. When the owners at Greenfeet consider which products to carry, they carefully consider how the items offered could make the world a better place, could make your life easier, and could provide you with healthier surroundings!

Greenfeet carries a variety of hard-to-find products such as environmentally-friendly kitchenware, bedding, composters, jewelry, household cleaners, water filters, detergents, reusable bags, children’s toys, birdhouses, energy-efficient lighting, hemp products, personal hygiene items, and much more!

The staff at Greenfeet is knowledgeable and caring. The folks at Greenfeet practice the popular saying ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This means customers are treated fairly and ethically.

It is as important to Greenfeet staff that they learn from their customers, as it is that they inform their customers.

How do I know all of this to be true? I am a proud Greenfeet employee! If you think that makes me biased, then please don’t take my word for it. Look at greenfeet.com for yourself. Have a little fun exploring your eco-friendly side and get your feet green!

You wouldn’t think that a college student and a business owner would have anything in common, but even the most unlikely of candidates can share similar interests.

Not only could they both be avid environmentalists with a passion for human rights, but they also might be looking for love…

You wouldn’t think that a college student and a business owner would have anything in common, but even the most unlikely of candidates can share similar interests. Not only could they both be avid environmentalists with a passion for human rights, but they also might be looking for love.

If you’re a single person who’s too involved saving the rainforests or fighting for world peace to even get a date, then this new eco-friendly dating website is perfect for you.

The Green Dating Scene

A new green dating site, EthicalSingles.com, is a breath of fresh unpolluted air for people who are passionate about protecting both the environment and the rights of others (both human and animal).

Unlike other dating websites, where you have to answer hundreds of questions that may or may not match you up with your soulmate, or where you can meet any random person with complete opposite interests, EthicalSingles connects people who are guaranteed to have similar interests and goals. And these interests and goals are actually meaningful, as they deal with world issues that are close to many people’s hearts.

It’s simple and easy to use. You can put in your search criteria and find people near you who are just as devoted to protecting the environment as you are, or who may be able to open up your eyes to new causes.

The best thing about this dating service is that it’s free to join. You don’t have to spend your latest paycheck for a 3 month trial period that may not yield results.

So, take your time to enjoy reading other people’s profiles and decide for yourself if you want to start talking to them. Even if you don’t find the love of your life, you’ll definitely meet some great friends with similar interests.

One of the best ways to reduce land pollution is to eliminate all the excess trash that we throw away each day. Every single piece of trash adds up, and our overflowing landfills are proof of that.

There’s a great site that allows you to reduce your trash by trading, for absolutely free, all of your extra books, CDs, DVDs and video games. It’s called SwapTree.com, and it’s one of the most innovative and impressive sites out there’

One of the best ways to reduce land pollution is to eliminate all the excess trash that we throw away each day. Every single piece of trash adds up, and our overflowing landfills are proof of that.

There’s a great site that allows you to reduce your trash by trading, for absolutely free, all of your extra books, CDs, DVDs and video games. It’s called SwapTree.com, and it’s one of the most innovative and impressive sites out there’especially for college kids with little or no money.

How it Works

I really wish that I had found a site like this when I was paying over $500 for college textbooks every semester. You really can get any type of item for free, not including the cost of shipping (which is usually under $2.50 for most items anyways).

Here’s what you do:

1. Create an account ‘ Choose a user name and input your email address.

2. Items I Have ‘ You can use the ‘add to your have list’ located on the left-hand side of the screen. All you need is an ISBN number or UPC code for the item (which can be found somewhere on the item itself, or you can look it up on Amazon.com). You can also use the search box on the site and click ‘have it’ once your item pops up.

3. Items I Want ‘ Type in the items you want in the search box and when you see it listed click ‘want it.’

That’s really all that you need to do. SwapTree will calculate what you can get for your items from all of the other members on the site.

Some other cool things about SwapTree:

• It’s okay to trade non-similar items, like a CD for a book for a video game for a DVD.
• You can import favorite lists from Amazon or other sites.
• Easily print shipping labels with the site’s postage label system.
• Get trade requests emailed to you directly.

You can also import your email contacts and send them a message about signing up with SwapTree, and if they make a trade you can earn free shipping for an item. Click here to see:

SwapTree gives new meaning to the term recycling because items are constantly traded and reused again. The site also stops trees from being cut down for the production of new books, and it helps limit all the extra packaging that comes on brand new items.

So, if you’ve ever wanted to reduce waste, save money and find your most-wanted items, there’s no better way to do all three than by joining SwapTree.

Living an eco-lifestyle involves every aspect of your life, from the food that you eat and the car you drive to the type of clothes that you wear.

And speaking of eco-friendly clothes, Tees for Change is the perfect place for college students and everyday loungers to find comfortable organic cotton and bamboo shirts…

Living an eco-lifestyle involves every aspect of your life, from the food that you eat and the car you drive to the type of clothes that you wear.

And speaking of eco-friendly clothes, Tees for Change is the perfect place for college students and everyday loungers to find comfortable organic cotton and bamboo shirts. These shirts are 100% pesticide and chemical-free, and they even help plant trees every time one is purchased!

The Philosophy of the Tee

Tees for Change was launched in 2007 by an eco-friendly mom, Andreea Ayers, who wanted to share her sustainable beliefs with the rest of the world. The company goes by three basic beliefs:

• Inspire others to live with passion, purpose and positivity
• Use only all-natural organic cotton and bamboo
• Follow eco-friendly practices by planting a tree every time a tee is purchased

That’s right! Every time a tee is purchased, the company plants a tree through the American Forests Global ReLeaf program, which aims to education individuals and organizations about planting and caring for trees.

With these kinds of green principals and eco-friendly efforts, this is definitely a company that you want to support!

Choose Your Top

Not only is the company inspiring, but so are the tees themselves. Each shirt has a positive phrase written on the front, such as ‘Live Fully’ or ‘Practice Kindness.’ There’s even a jewelry and gifts section.

Here are my favorite Women’s and Men’s Tees:

Embrace Change Avocado Green 100% Organic Cotton Jersey Tee

Today Matters Chocolate Bamboo Men’s Tee

This is also a great way to accessorize your tee:

Laugh Often Charm

If you’d like to find out if these tees are available in a store near you, you can click here.

If you’re a tee shirt kind of gal like me, or just a regular Joe, I would highly suggest sporting one of these great tees. You’ll look cool and feel great knowing that a tree is going to be planted on your behalf!