Archive for the ‘Green News’ Category
Say “NO” to Megabanks. Move Your Money,Today!!
If you are one of the millions of Americans who are outraged by the unrepentant behavior of the “too big to fail” banks, please consider moving your money to a local, community bank. These arrogant, “Walmarts of Banking” have continued to reward themselves with huge bonuses, expensive trips, parties, private jets and fancy offices at the expense of working people. And, to add insult to injury, these banking shysters are spending millions of tax dollars to lobby Congress, solely to prevent financial reform that might protect us from paying for their fraud and financial fiasco’s in the future.
HAVE WE HAD ENOUGH, ALREADY???
Forget about the politicans in Washington DC, they don’t really work for us and we don’t need them to make our position clear. Americans can simply move their checking or savings accounts from the Wall Street “bailout” behemoths such as Citibank, Bank of America and Wachovia to their local, community bank or credit unions. And, switching banks is not a lot of trouble. If you want to read over a checklist before you start, go to the moveyourmoney.info website for tips and helpful information.
Millions of taxpayers and outraged citizens have already moved their money. They’ve had enough and they’re not taking it anymore. The bonus… even though it surprised many people who made the change, the rewards for switching to a local bank are huge All banks, large and small, now offer Debit and Credit cards, ATM’s and Online banking. But, the big banks can not match small banks in terms of service. Local banks offer lower fee’s, higher interest rates on deposits, personalized service focused on the local community and perhaps best of all, you can speak face to face with someone you know, who can make a decision for the bank. What’s not to LOVE????
Crow Erickson, Inc., parent company of InfoTube.net, puts our money where our mouth is. We conduct all our business at a local, community bank and we hope every hard working American follows our lead. Are you Tired of Feeling Helpless?? Do you Want Change Really??? You have the power, this time! Move ALL Your Money from the Megabanks today. Action is the only change Wall Street understands.
To All Animal Lovers
InfoTube has a very simple request for animal lovers. Please go to the Animal Rescue Website and Click on the Purple Box that reads… “Fund Food for Animals for Free”.
The Animal Rescue website needs daily clicks to meet their quota for providing FREE FOOD for neglected and abused animals. Their corporate sponsors use the number of daily visits to donate food in exchange for their advertising.
Clicking the link takes only 15 seconds and doesn’t cost you one thing!! Please do it today and everyday. And, please tell your friends. It’s a great way to make a difference with no strings attached!!
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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. aka Silent Killer
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is called a silent, deadly killer because the gas odorless, colorless and tasteless, yet is highly toxic. Hundreds of people die from CO poisoning and thousands of others require medical treatment.
What are the Symptoms of CO Poisoning?
- Headache, nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness and fatigue. Since the symptoms are fairly commonplace, people are often misdiagnosed with the flu or a “bug”. Unfortunately, they unknowingly return back home, further exposed to the deadly gas.
What are the Sources of CO in a Home?
- The killer often resides in a faulty fuel burning appliance or fixture, such as a furnace, fireplace, oven, range, hot water heater or space heater. Other sources are garaged, idling cars, or charcoal burned indoors or inside a tent or camper.
What can a Homeowner do to Carbon Monoxide Proof Their Home??
- Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors Today! A variety of models are available at most hardware stores and cost no more than smoke detectors. 2 major manufacturers make multi-tasking products that detect both smoke and carbon monoxide.
Conclusion: The price of carbon monoxide poisoning is extremely high, but the cost to prevent it is very low. Install a CO detector in your home this weekend to protect your family from this invisible killer.
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Garbage Truck Converted Into Cool Mobile Home
We love creative housing idea’s at InfoTube.net. But, this rolling apartment is one of the best we’ve ever seen. Take a look at this bachelor pad.
If you guessed garbage truck…you’re RIGHT!! Take a look inside.
Kudo’s to creativity and best of all this mobile home isn’t dumping thousands of dollars in taxes and insurance down the drain.
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Is Solar Power Right for You?
If you dream of going off the grid… If you giggle at the thought of paying less than $500 a year for electricity…today’s solar power may be perfect for you.
Here are a Few Resources and Tips to Help You Decide
- Read Ed Begley Jr.’s Guide to Sustainable Living
- Watch the Planet Green channel
- Do a home energy audit at energystar.org or call your power company.
- Find Cash Back Offers. Tax incentives abound for energy savings. Too see what is offered in your area, check for incentives and rebates on a federal, state and local level.
- Check Tax Rebate and Credit websites dsireusa.org and greenmadesimple.com
Improvements in solar technology mean financial savings within 6 years, depending on your location and property. Check it out. Solar may be the perfect answer for your needs.
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Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended.
Great news for home buyers, sellers and owners, alike. The homebuyer tax credit has been expanded to include step up buyers, who have owned a home for 5 years. It also extends the tax credit through the end of 2010.
GREAT NEWS!
It appears that Senate Democrats have recognized the tremendous value of the First Time Homebuyers Tax Credit and odds are it will be renewed soon. At this time, it is believed that the credit will allow anyone purchasing a home, by April 30, 2010, to participate and receive the full credit available.
The credit will continue until the end of 2010, but the amount of tax credit will drop by 2 percent every 90 days. The graduated benefit should help the housing market recover into and through the 2010 summer selling season.
Here is the text of the story as reported in Bloomberg News today:
Senate Democrats on Board with Credit Extension
Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) says Senate Democrats have agreed to extend the first-time home buyer tax credit. The latest version extends the program to home sales signed not closed by April 30. Purchasers would have another 60 days to close the sale. The credit will also be expanded to include so-called step-up buyers who have lived in their current home for at least five years.
The credit would be cut slightly to a $7,290 cap. Income eligibility for first-time home buyers would stay the same, but it would rise for step-up buyers to $125,000 for individuals and $250,000 for couples.
Source: Bloomberg News, Dawn Kopecki and Ryan Donmoyer (10/27/2009)
Green Flooring. Marmoleum Natural Linoleum.
If you are considering an update for the old vinyl flooring in your home, go natural. Natural linoleum, made from wood and cork, limestone dust, pine rosin and linseed oil, is a fantastic, green material substitution for the petroleum-based products of old. Natural linoleum is available in either sheets or individual tiles, it offers an endless suppliy of color and pattern choices and is a great product for residential or commercial use.
Why We Like Natural Linoleum
It’s Versatile. Marmoleum is available either sheet or tile forms. It is used in both residential and commercial settings. Great for resturants and offices, too. The product can be used on floors and countertop surfaces. It is sold in a wide range of colors and patterns. Some patterns mimic quarried stone, others are mottled for subtle texture and other options include high tech MRI images. The applications and decorating options are only limited by the owner’s imagination and tastes. A Do-It-Yourselfer can easily install the tiles themselves, just like vinyl. 
It’s Low Maintenance. Manufacturers estimate the lifespan of natural linoleum at 30-40 years, compared to 10-20 for vinyl. Scratches are no problem. The surface is hard, and even becomes harder over time. Additionally, any surface scratch can be buffed out, because the color extends through the entire thickness. For cleaning, a dry mop is recommended for routine maintenance.
It’s Green and Better for the Environment. Natural linoleum is much better for the environment than petroleum based, vinyl products. Vinyl’s are not sustainable and are highly polluting in their manufacturing process. Natural linoleum is made from wood, rosin, limestone and linseed oil. All these materials occur naturally and are sustainable. When it’s time to remodel, natural linoleum can be shredded and turned into compost for the garden versus filling a landfill. Additional bonus, natural linoleum will last and look good for a least least twice as long as vinyl.
Disadvantages. The linseed oil in the products “off gas” and some people are sensitive to its fumes. We advise that you air out the product for a few weeks before you install it, if you have a sensitive reaction to the smell. Like most plant-based products, linoleum doesn’t perform well in area’s with constant moisture. Test the moisture content of floor slabs before installation. Use Caulk to seal edges around tubs and showers where flooring abuts. The only other disadvantage is probably the initial cost of the product. Marmoleum costs around $4.00 per square foot, compared with $1.50 to $2.00 for vinyl flooring.
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Edison’s Light Bulb is Phased Out.
Thomas Edison’s light bulb, invented in 1879, will not be sold in the U.S. after January 1, 2012.
As part of the Clean Energy Bill, signed in 2007, most wattages of incandescent light bulbs, will go the way of leaded gas and oil based paint. Australia started the light bulb ban in 2007. Europe followed in September, this year.
Even though Americans hate forced change, there are some reasons this change makes sense. According to Energy Star, “a qualified compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) will save about $30 over its lifetime and pay for itself in about 6 months. It uses 75 percent less energy and lasts about 10 times longer than an incandescent bulb.”
Futhermore, Noah Horowitz, with the Natural Resources Defense Council stated “it would eliminate the need to build 30 new coal power plants and save as much electricity as used by all the homes in Texas.”
Astounding Energy Savings, No More Coal Plants and Free Money, too, what’s not to love?? Well, a couple of things…
First of all, fluorescent bulbs contain mercury. Remember the dangers of mercury? If a bulb breaks, the mercury scatters around the room or hides in the carpet and toys. And, don’t throw the new bulbs into the trash. To dispose of these bulbs, if they don’t break first, they need to be handled like hazardous waste, ie: paint, chemicals, batteries, etc. Home Depot, True Value, IKEA and other retailers will recycle them, but you need to carefully pack them up and drive them to the store.
Secondly, fluorescents can’t be used with a dimmer switch. My personal favorite trick for creating ambiance. And, I’ve already tried CFL’s and found they don’t produce enough light, or maybe the right hue of light, for easy reading and other close up tasks. And, probably most concerning, they also aren’t a great light for those of us who look for bulbs that cast flattering, soft light ):
Change is coming. Adjust or stock up before January 2012. Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net your FREE homes for sale and lease website. Have a great weekend and happy home selling and buying.
Pleco Fish Eat Algae in Abandoned Swimming Pools
The large number of foreclosed homes have become a blight on the residential landscape. But, swimming pools in abandoned, foreclosed homes, with no electricity, pose special problems. Swimming pools become stagnate and unsantitary due to a lack of chemicals, then quickly grow thick with algae that is unsightly, and expensive to get rid of.
Enter the pleco algae eating fish, which are commonly found and abundant in fresh water lakes. Only 15 pleco fish, placed in an abandoned pool, quickly eat away the algae and keep it away.
The environmentally smart solution leaves pools more sanitary, makes the homes more attractive to prospective home buyer’s and saves thousands of dollars in upkeep. After the new owner moves in, they can return the fish to the lake or leave them in the pool for backyard fishing fun.
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Bed Bugs are New Housing Scare
I’m sure we’ve all heard our parents warn, “and, don’t let the bed bugs bite”, as we toddled off to bed…but most of us have never considered that bed bugs were real pests, because most of us have never seen a bed bug.
As creepy as it is, Bed Bugs are real and they are back with a vengence. The use of DDT eradicated bed bugs more than 50 years ago, which explains why most of us have never seen one. Today, exterminators use roach traps, instead of insecticide sprays, which do not wipe out the bed bugs along with the roaches. So, the tiny bed bug is making a resurgence in a big way.
How Can You Find Bed Bugs before You’re Eaten? READ MORE…..
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Cash for Refrigerators Program
Cash for Refrigerators. $300 million dollars of stimulus money has been set aside for consumer’s who purchase new, energy saving appliances. Rebates of $50.00-$200.00 will be available in October on purchases of refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and air conditioners.
Program Eligibility:
- To qualify, the consumer must purchase appliances with an Energy Star designation.
- You don’t have to “trash” your old appliance to qualify.
- States must apply to the program before October 15, 2009
Pro’s:
- Upgrading to an Energy Star rated appliance saves a family $50-$150 per year in utility costs.
- Rebates will ease the transition into new efficient appliances and help some consumers avoid going into debt in order to upgrade.
- Could provide a boost to the beleaguered appliance and home improvement industries who are suffering in the bad economy.
- Helps the environment.
Con’s:
- No plan for the Trashed Appliances. Currently there is no plan for proper disposal for the trashed appliances. Old appliances can be donated or resold, which will not help the environment.
- If we can’t find a way to recycle old appliances, the program will add more trash to the planet.
Tips for Consumers:
- Most retailers will haul away your old appliances, when you purchase a new one. Ask the retailer what happens to the old one, after they pick it up. Buy only from retailers who can prove that they recycle or destroy the old appliances.
- Use a Good Recycler to Take the Appliance Away. Good recyclers will capture all coolants in the units which cause serious harm to the environment. In addition, they will recycle all the metal and foam contained in the old unit.
- GE and KitchenAid are offering additional manufacturer rebates on Energy Star Rated appliances now. Click on the company name for details.
Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net. We hope that Cash for Refrigerators is as successful as Cash for Clunkers. If you have been waiting to update your appliances, October will be an excellent time.
Home Insulating Paint Additive
Green News Alert: A new paint additive, Insuladd, developed by the government, cuts energy costs and reduces mold and mildew.
Insuladd insulating paint additive increases the “Mean Radiant Temperature” of any home or office and provides energy savings by reflecting and dissipating heat. Reports show an average decrease in utility bills of 20 percent (and, as high as 40 percent for in some homes) after a home or building has been painted with the additive.
Product Features:
- Increase the R value by making paint insulating.
- It is safe and non-toxic
- It can be applied to roofs, walls and ceilings. Interior or exterior.
- It works in hot or cold climates.
- Reduced heating and cooling costs, while increasing comfort.
- It prevents mold and mildew by blocking moisture and condensation.
- It can be added to any house paint.
- Can be used for all residential or commercial paint applications
Tips for Using the Product:
- Add the mixture to your paint, then stir throughly before applying.
- If you want a satin or gloss finish, add Insuladd to the primer coat and first coat. Apply a finish coat without the additive.
- If you want a high gloss coat on trim, don’t use the additive.
- Insuladd will leave a very slight texture to the walls that can be felt, but usually isn’t visable. It may hide cosmetic defects such as gouges, dents and surface imperfections if 2 coats are applied.
- Insuladd is ideal for light colored paints and you will notice no change in the color of your paint.
- If you are using a dark paint, Insuladd may lighten the color by up to one shade. If this is a problem, tint the paint one shade darker at purchase.
- Don’t pour the mixture into a one gallon paint can to avoid overflow. The additive will overfill a full gallon of paint. Pour the paint into a 5 gallon can, add additive and mix. Left over paint with additive can be stored in the original container for touch ups.
Paint, insulate, save money on energy bills, increase the comfort of your living space, prevent mold and mildew. What’s not to love.
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Zero Electric Motorcycle Offers Style and Speed.
A delight for commuters and motorcycle enthusiasts alike, The Zero is a new electric motorcycle with sharp style and enough speed to embarrass other bikers at stop lights.
Made in California, the Zero is fast, agile and a joy to ride. “People have waited decades for these things to be practical”, said Neal Saiki, inventor and founder. “We make every part of the bike”, said Saiki, “It’s very light and half the weight of a normal motorcycle.” In addition to being pollution-free, the street and dirt versions of the bike are silent when running.
One limitation for consumers may be the bike’s range and price. It runs between 40 and 60 miles, before it needs to be re-charged. And, the price is a bit steep at $13,500, which is about double the cost of a gas powered equivalent.
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Rent A Goat and Forget the Mower.
Being raised in rural Missouri, the concept of using goats (goating out a property) to clear and maintain land is not a new one. But, for many people, the idea of using goats, instead of noisy mowers, to help with the chores is an option they never considered.
Goats, What’s Not to Love? In addition to being very cute and smart, goats are great at clearing brush and weeds without using gasoline, polluting the air or disturbing the peace. Mowing by goat means less work for busy people, it is chemical free and the little darlings automatically fertilize as they work.
Even Silicon Valley and other metro area’s are looking to the environmentally, friendly goat as a non-tech means of maintaining their grounds and property. Google “hired” 200 goats to maintain the grounds at its Mt. View, CA headquarters. Yahoo, located just a stones throw away, must have loved the idea because they also rented goats to cut their grass. Even cities are joining in the goat movement. Mesa, AZ has used goats to maintain the land around their water reclaimation plant for quite some time.
All “Kidding” Aside…. If Rent-A-Goat appeals to your lazy and green side, renting one is as easy as locating your nearest goat farm. Or, you can visit GoatFinder.com, which has a directory for goat rentals for 10 states. But beware before you rent, using goats has risks, like a deep attachment. Goats are so cute and friendly, it can be very hard to say Goodbye when the work is done.
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Urban Chickens Take Roost
Cluck, Cluck…Do the funky chicken. A new movement is occurring across urban area’s and cities in the country, namely raising chickens for “pure” food, fun and profit.
Not just a hobby for hippies. Today, urban Chicken farming has caught fire in some of the most sophisticated cities from coast to coast. Madison, WI was among the first cities to allow limited numbers of chickens. New York city has allowed chickens for years. Other major metro area’s which give a thumbs up to fresh eggs from suburban back yards include: Chicago, IL; Albuquerque, NM; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA; and many other major area’s.
- Don’t Run Afowl of the Law: If raising cute little chicks appeals to you, make sure you know the laws in your area before you buy a cool coop. Many cities, or nosy neighbors, may take issue. For example, in Kansas City, MO, the birds can’t roam or be raised within 100 feet of a home or business. No Crowing Roosters in Madison, only layers are allowed. Some cities limit the number of chickens on residential property to 5 or 6. So, please check the law before you get too excited about raising your own omelet.
Birds Eye View: After looking into the new trend, we give a thumbs up for the chickens coming home to roost. With Americans ripping up sod to grow victory gardens, aren’t chicken’s a natural next step? And, who doesn’t think fresh eggs are better for your family and better tasting? What do we have to lose? Chickens are cool and advocates for urban chickens say that they are quieter and cleaner than dogs. And, children of all ages love feeding them and gathering their own breakfast eggs. 
Chickens are a Good Thing. For more information about raising chickens in your backyard, visit BackYardChickens.com, which boasts 30,000 members or urbanchickens.org.
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