But the world has changed dramatically and more people than ever are not just facing up to fears of climate change but are looking to do something practical about it. In early 2006, More Than insurance conducted a survey that revealed that up to one in six people would consider switching to a hybrid car. Since then, sales of hybrid cars have doubled in the UK. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMM) show that 6,538 hybrid vehicles were purchased in 2006 to 2007 – while in 2005 to 2006, just 3,117 cars with auxiliary batteries as power sources were sold. Meanwhile, the SMM figures also reveal that sales of sports utility vehicles dropped by a not insignificant 12%.

Car insurance companies have wisely responded to the switch in consumer behaviour by offering ‘eco-friendly’ policies. CIS was one of the first companies to offer ‘ecoinsurance’. The policy offsets 20% of your car’s CO2 emissions by investing in projects like reforestation, renewable energy sources and third-world education schemes. It also offers a 10% discount for cars in tax band A - those that emit less than 100g of CO2 per kilometre. It also appoints repairers that only use recycled materials - a package of incentives that should rightly please the more environmentally minded.

More recently, other car insurance companies have come out of the eco-friendly woodwork. More Than offers all new customers free carbon offsetting for the first 3,000 miles, if you buy your insurance online. Drivers with hybrid, electric and alternative fuel vehicles are also offered a discount of up to 15%. Newly launched Ibuyeco also enables drivers to offset 100% of their carbon emissions. It offers two quotes - one for your premium and another to offset your emissions.

Although you need to look at all premium payments carefully before making a decision on your insurance, it also seems that some of the eco-friendly policies are competitively priced. CIS, for example, offers a good premium on a quote for a 35-year-old teacher driving a 2004 1.5l Toyota Prius (£307.83 compared to £339.15 with Tesco or £347.55 with Direct Line).

Most of us have been moved to consider environmental issues in recent years and it is good to see that insurance companies are responding to consumer pressure by providing policies that encourage motorists to go green. “Drivers are becoming more and more concerned over the impact they are having on the environment. By providing eco-friendly insurance policies, companies are giving motorists a real incentive to become environmentally friendly without having to sacrifice their cars,” said Sophie Neary, product director at BeatThatQuote.com. Neary also added some words of warning, however: “Some drivers may be spending more than they need to on car insurance - for example, opting for third party, fire and theft cover when a fully comprehensive policy can be cheaper. It is great to look at insurance incentives that suit your way of life, but be sure to remember your premium costs and to continue to compare policies carefully for the best deal.” Quite simply, eco-friendly policies may be good for the heart and the head, but don’t let a passion for the environment stop you from seeing the bigger picture in getting the best deal you possibly can for whatever car you decide to drive.

By: Caroline Poynton

About the Author:

It is termed as “green generator” as it is a proven source of energy which adds nothing to the global warming and the atmospheric pollution. Rather it helps a lot to save the natural energy sources such as petroleum which are on the way of going extinct.

It is emerging as one of most reliable eco-friendly power generating devices. Its total inability to produce air-polluting smoke and irritating sound as other oil run generators do makes it special.A solar power generator is one of the best answers to the shortage of electricity.

A well optimized solar power generator helps a lot to minimize the soaring electricity bill as it is capable of running almost all the appliances merely using the free and unbound solar energy.

Moreover, this device is very user-friendly and needs least efforts while its installation. It is widely used in the countrysides and at those places where people face regular power crisis.

Like all other power generators, it too runs on a definite mechanism. The solar energy is concentrated on the solar panels only to produce DC ( direct current). Then this DC is converted into AC ( alternating current) using the solar inverter already present in the generator itself.

Apart from these two components, the third important components of a solar power generator are its rechargeable batteries. These batteries constantly keep receiving power from the inverter in order to run all the appliances.

The strength and efficiency of a solar power generator depends completely on how powerful its inverter is. It is the most important part of the generator as it has the capability to convert DC into AC. While buying an inverter, it is advisable to buy one which can produce a bit more energy than the actual demand of the home appliances.

In many homes it happens that there is hardly any appliance which is run buy AC. Thus those homes don’t need solar power generators with any inverters, apart from devices like DC input systems and DC meters.

By: Pattrick Savarna

About the Author:

These earth friendly products or tecniques to be used in homes or businesses should not interfere with the healthy interactions that exist between the living and the nonliving factors of these ecosystems.

A janitor or maid is the care taker of home or the business. In cleaning the home or business the person involved is given the option to use earth friendly products and or techniques or evironment degrading products.

There are a numbers of steps to ensure that the janitor or maid uses earth-friendly products and techniques.

The first step is to make sure that the janitor or maid is conversant with the different types of products and techniques that are available. The janitor’s or maid’s ability to read and understand the label that is on the container of the product is very important

The janitor should know the environmental effects of the respective products and techniques He should be encouraged to use the most environment-friendly products.

Knowledge of preparation and application of product is important.

Also expose the janitor or maid to the IPM (Integrated Pest Management) concept which gives preference to earth-friendly products and techniques.

It may seem a little overwhelming if this is your first attempt at such an undertaking, but armed with some knowledge and a few pointers it’s a piece of cake. Keep in mind, you may not single handedly save the earth with your efforts, but every little bit helps. Each year you will get practice and expertise, until celebrating a green holiday is as routine as doing the laundry (which by the way should be washed with phosphate free detergent).

Thinking green starts before the big day. Your preparations and shopping can include an earth friendly approach. If the weather permits, enjoy a nice walk to the grocery store or shopping mall, rather than add to the abundance of pollution caused by car emissions. Public transportation is an earth friendly alternative, when the weather won’t cooperate. Better yet, online shopping allows you buy gifts while burning no fuel at all. Remember to carry your reusable shopping bags, to avoid being saddled down with all those environmentally unfriendly plastic bags.

The last few weeks leading up to the holidays result in a barrage of cards arriving in the mail, most of which aren’t recyclable. Sending ecards through the internet is an excellent alternative. For those who insist on tradition, there are cards made from recycled materials. Hand deliver as many cards as possible.

If adorning your house with festive lights choose LED, rather than the old large style. LED lights use about 90% less energy than the traditional lights. Put your lights on a timer to prevent forgetting to turn them off at bedtime, which wastes energy.

When selecting gifts keep the environment in mind. There are many companies that make their products from recycled materials. Avoid purchasing gifts that require batteries. They don’t break down in the landfills and create an environmental hazard. Opt for gifts with little or no plastic or cardboard packaging. Gift certificates are a great option, as there is no packaging and they don’t need to be wrapped. Making a donation to one’s favorite charity is the perfect gift for those who have everything.

Wrapping gifts creates mounds of paper waste, but there are ways to reduce such waste. Old comics and newspapers, scraps of fabric, maps and butcher paper are all great for wrapping gifts. Gift bags are good too, as most people save and reuse them. If tying ribbon around gifts, the need for tape is eliminated. Cut up old holiday cards to use as gift tags. When the gift giving is over save boxes, bows, ribbon and bags, to be used again.

Instead of chopping down and killing a tree, buy a potted tree which you can decorate, then plant outside after the holidays. An artificial tree is good, as it can be used year after year.

Celebrating a green holiday doesn’t require a great deal of effort, but can have a great effect on the environment. When the holidays are over, the only footprints we want left behind are those from Santa’s muddy boots, not those from harmful carbons and greenhouse gasses.

The first thing that comes to mind, in making the holiday’s earth friendly is, PLEASE! Buy a Christmas tree don’t cut down a Christmas tree. This devastates me, beyond words. I hate and I know is a strong word, but I hate cutting down a plant, tree, and flowers from its life source (roots) for a temporary enjoyment. Why not buy the whole plant, tree or flowers and plant them. The enjoyment and satisfaction of the plant will then return many years of enjoyment. You could decorate the planted tree inside or outside. I see many homes every year during the holiday’s with decorations outside around a live tree. These people have all my respect. I thank you and mother earth thanks you.

Here is some common basic knowledge. Trees produce oxygen thru there leaves. Just in case you didn’t know. There are over three hundred million people in the united states, according to the United states POP clock.Thats a lot of oxygen needed .I cannot stress enough how selfish I believe cutting down Christmas trees are. No I am not pagan. Just want to have oxygen to breath.

There are so many ways to celebrate this holiday without reducing the amount of oxygen these trees would have produced prior to being cut down.

The National Christmas Tree Association states that, one acre of Christmas Trees can produce enough oxygen that is required for eighteen people.

Here is another suggestion for an earth friendly holiday. First but your tree, then makes your own decorations.

During the holiday season, families come together and create memories. Why not make memories by making your decorations for your tree with your family using natural resources.

I have created a list of available natural and recycled resources you can use during the holiday season for making ornaments to decorate your live Christmas tree:

1-acorns

2-popcorn

3-pine cones

4-holly berries

5-recycled paper (for making ornaments)

6-solar lights

7-burnt light bulbs (recycle and decorate them)

8-empty plastic water bottles (recycle and fill with sand and place candle inside)

9-use cutzo branches, you can weave them to make wreaths, garland

*cutzo will produce quicker if pruned on regular bases

10-use different type’s pasta noodles make ornaments

These ideas may sound unusual. I assure you spending the time with your families making these ornaments together will be a memory that will last for a life time.

So how can you make the holiday earth-friendly? Look around and let the earth be your guide. You will be surprised what is available.

Happy holiday! Make memories

Examining at the big picture, pollution doubtlessly comes not largely from the manufacturers but from the end users or “the consumers” of their lines. It is lousy, then, for us to just have confidence on inventions or improvements that are brought about by makers understanding our role in the big picture. The big picture without a question shows that corresponding, on a collective direction, buyers are a very huge contributor and determinant on whether the world will be watched out for or ravished in the days to come.

Frankly put, the judgement to concern for our earth presents itself not in conference rooms or in industrial complexes but in out homes.

Acceding our concern in the affair is a basic load each car owner would commit to. In fact, when one thinks about it, there is so much that a person can do. Listed below are cool substitutes the we as consumers have in making our vehicles more earth-friendly. Some of these are very simple while others may call for a little swear to be successful.

There is perchance no better ways to tune your vehicles to a green bliss than to first familiarize and exhaust available substitutes. You must distinguish what your mission are and the available resources in reaching or achieving this goal. Questions like switching to electric power or going into hybrid systems is not a bad start. Finding options for alternative fuel or studying the pros and cons of this is also a great way to start.

Have you ever thought of using other present fuel alternatives? With the increasing drive to improve awareness to alternative fuel sources, I am pretty sure you have brushed upon the topic at least once. One of the more common of these alternatives is biofuel. The diesel engine, if you own one, opens a lot of other options that will truly surprise you. You can run your car on homemade biodiesel fuel which is cleaner and less expensive. Though this sounds like a complicated process, a lot of online resources are already available to provide the correct recipes and processes to follow on making your own fuel.

Ever heard of using waste fryer oil in running your car? This is supposedly already working. This option will require you to make major modifications for your ride but resources are already available to take you on the steps in doing this. Makes me think of a possible change in how we define Drive thru’s in the future. I wonder if exhaust from these has that attractive smell of french fries or hash browns too.

Batteries and electricity are a cool option for those who also conscious of harming the earth. For this option, instead of buying fuel for your cars, you can instead just charge them at home or on any electical outlet. Running on electricity at controlled speeds within one’s locale can prove to be very cost effective, but with some sacrifice in velocity. This is a cool option that can literally save one a lot of money. The savings gained by sacrificing those fast and the furious moments will definitely pay off. Add to that the feeling of making a difference for the environment and you will really be satisfied. Not to mention the fact that you will surely be impressing your boss for being early at work.

Ultracapacitors are also a welcome development that will surely revolutionize the way we power our cars as it offers faster charging and better output.

There truly are a lot of options that are already made available for motorists to make their cars more earth friendly. Resources for these alternatives are already available to the normal person without any cost. As always, prevention is better than cure.

Choosing a diamond engagement ring (http://www.danforthdiamond.com) and wedding bands are incredibly personal decisions that are also becoming ethical decisions. Socially aware couples now want to ensure that their wedding jewelry selections are not linked to human rights abuses or have not negatively impacted the environment.

Conflict-free Diamonds

Until recent years, newly engaged couples were blissfully unaware that an untold number of corrupt organizations in African countries were illegally mining diamonds that are directly linked to human rights abuses.

The good news is that more than 40 nations worldwide, including the United States, now voluntarily participate in the Kimberly Process, a system that imposes stringent requirements on imports to certify that diamonds are free from conflict. 99.8% of the global production of rough diamonds is now accounted for through the Kimberly Process.

Reputable engagement and wedding jewelry retailers readily confirm the origin of any stone. Online retailers are particularly sensitive to consumer concerns regarding the genesis of their diamonds. Leading online retailers, such as Danforth Diamond, My Solitaire, and Brilliant Earth actively educate consumers by providing helpful information on their websites to ensure that accurate information is easily accessible.

Green Gold?

For those who truly want guilt-free glitter, there are a number of retailers who offer recycled gold for wedding bands and the like. Concerned about a lackluster green ring? Worry not. Recycled gold, which is melted and re-refined, is the same quality as newly-mined gold.

NoDirtyGold.org publishes an ever-growing and impressive list of retailers who support the responsible production of gold.

Vintage jewelry is also enjoying a resurgence in popularity as brides and grooms opt to purchase estate jewelry or wear wedding rings that have been passed down from a family member.

Eco-friendly weddings aren’t just for the granola crunching crowd nowadays — and conflict-free diamond engagement rings and recycled gold wedding jewelry are just the beginning. As green weddings become more mainstream, the options and price ranges are increasingly abundant.

Earth-friendly Invitations

Wedding invitations printed with soy- or vegetable-based inks on recycled paper are a mainstay for green couples. If that’s not green enough for you, perhaps paperless invitations are the way to go; simply extend electronic invitations for guests who can be contacted via email. Emailed RSVPs offer an added bonus: guests are more likely to respond promptly, allowing you to accurately plan your headcount.

Location, Location, Location

A central wedding location that requires minimal travel for most guests will save on carbon emissions. Booking a venue that can host the wedding ceremony and reception will further reduce carbon emissions. Art galleries, botanical gardens, eco-friendly restaurants, hotels and parks are all excellent choices.

Here Comes the Bride

Something old, something new, something borrowed… something green? You betcha. Green brides can choose lovely, previously-worn gowns from vintage stores or gown consignment and rental shops. Brides can also turn to their family tree for a wonderfully sentimental heirloom gown. A number of designers have also embraced the eco-friendly trend and offer extravagant gowns made of hemp silk.

Wedding Favors as Decorations

Organic, locally grown flowers for bouquets and centerpieces offer a fresh, seasonal touch. Flower arrangements used at the wedding can perform double duty by being moved to the reception. Potted plants also make lovely arrangements and can be transplanted outdoors after the wedding or can serve as gifts that guests can take home.

The Gift that Keeps Giving

Portovert Magazine, the nation’s first and only online publication devoted exclusively to environmentally and socially responsible weddings, and NativeEnergy offer a carbon emissions calculator that can be used to evaluate wedding-related carbon sources, including travel, guest lodging and power used at the wedding venues, which can help in the planning of a carbon-neutral wedding. You can find it here: http://www.nativeenergy.com/Splash/Portovert/portovert_wedding_calc.html.

Couples can also offset the carbon emissions produced as a result of their nuptials by making contributions to an eco organization of their choice or requesting that guests do the same in lieu of a wedding gift.

Paying it Forward

Eco-friendly tours, green hotel resorts, simple outdoor adventures, volunteer work for a preservation project — green honeymoons run the gamut and cater to a variety of preferences and budgets. From relaxing and luxuriant to active and outdoorsy, newlyweds can take their dream green vacation that celebrates the beginning of their new life together and the future of our planet.

And to think that it all began with a diamond engagement ring. Green weddings provide couples the opportunity to make a lifelong commitment to each other and to their world. Every wedding anniversary, from the “small” ones to the milestones years is an opportunity to renew that commitment for now and for years to come.

Perhaps a future generation will honor that same commitment by choosing to wear your “heirloom” wedding jewelry.

Anatomy of the Floppy Ear

Dogs with long, heavy ears such as cocker spaniels, basset hounds and poodles are more susceptible to ear infection than other dogs because the design of their ears does not allow for sufficient air circulation. The floppy external ear apparatus covers the ear canal entirely, blocking air flow. Without good ventilation, the ears harbor moisture that can allow for the growth of harmful bacteria.

Preventing Infection

Because of the quirks of their ear anatomy, floppy-eared dogs require some special attention to prevent ear infections. Your ear-care regimen for your floppy-eared friend should include a regular cleaning schedule, as well as clipping or shaving of the hair around the entrance to the ear.

One should not use water to clean a dog’s ears. Water can remain in the ear canal, causing discomfort and increasing the chance of infection. Instead, use a specially formulated ear cleaning solution, available from online pet pharmacies and most large pet supply stores. If you prefer, you can also make a mixture of 1 part water and 1 part vinegar, or 1 part rubbing alcohol and 1 part vinegar, to clean your dog’s ears.

A floppy-eared dog’s ears should be cleaned about once a week. To clean the ears, soak a cotton ball with your favorite cleaning solution and squeeze the fluid into the ear. Massage the base of the ear for about thirty seconds, and then allow your dog to shake its head to get rid of the excess liquid. You can use a dry cotton ball or swab to wipe the visible parts of the ear, but never stick a swab down into the ear canal.

When you give your dog a regular bath, put cotton balls into his or her ears to prevent bathwater from entering. Always use ear-cleaning fluid after a bath to help get rid of any water that might have made its way in.

Not all experts agree that clipping the hair around a floppy-eared dog’s ears will actually help keep the ears healthy. The theory, of course, is that less hair will allow more air to flow into the ear, keeping it dry. Even with no hair, though, the ear flap will still cover the ear canal, and removing those hairs increases the chance that foreign matter will make its way into the ear. If clipping seems to help your dog, go for it, but otherwise don’t bother.

Diagnosing and Treating Infection

Your dog’s behavior will probably alert you to an ear infection problem. The dog will probably scratch at his or her ear, rub his or her head on your favorite carpet, and seem generally lethargic and grumpy. Upon inspection, the ear might appear reddish and there will probably be a foul smell. If this is the case, do not clean the ear, but take your pet to the vet.

Your veterinarian will probably give you antiseptic ear drops to clear up the infection. Make sure you follow the instructions and use the medicine for as long as directed. Otherwise, the infection might come back in a form more difficult to get rid of. Once the infection clears, go back to your regular cleaning schedule to prevent future problems.

Floppy ears can be a bit more work than non-floppy ears, but don’t let that deter you from accepting a floppy-eared dog into your home. Those ears might require weekly cleaning, but with a little imagination they also give your dog the appearance that he or she might take to the sky Dumbo-style at any moment. Enjoy!