Wiki Peace

The programmable sprinkler is excellent for where concentrated watering is needed and therefore assists with conservation.

For many of us, watering multiple sized and shaped lawn and gardening areas has always been somewhat of a problem. At one time or another we have all wished we had a watering device that would concentrate water only on specific areas and not over-spray other adjoining areas (like your neighbour’s properties, sidewalks, and so forth.). The Gilmour Company has finally addressed the gardeners’ concerns by designing the world’s first programmable sprinkler. This is a universal sprinkler which waters any size or shape yard or garden application with precision.

The secret of the design of the sprinkler is the unique way the spray head has been engineered to rotate. It rotates on a track that has sixteen multiple height adjustments. Each of these points can be raised or lowered incrementally dependent on the size or shape of the area you want to water.

You can also decide on the distance of you sprayer head based on the arc of the head. There are adjustable stops to limit the arc or extend it. There are ‘quick-connect’ connectors which makes exchanging sprinklers, nozzles, and so on a breeze. These quick-connects allow any sprayer attachment to swivel 360 degrees while allowing hoses to lay flat where connected to anything

This unit allows for its use throughout most gardening areas. Through its multitasking ability and ability to be pre-programmed for dedicated areas and times makes it a great water conservation sprinkler. There are currently four pre-programmed units for specific property areas. You could expand as your needs grow.

Source: www99.epinions.com
Image: ehow.co.uk

Today is the traditional day for filing your taxes. Are you ready? If not, the deadline is April 18 this year due to a federal holiday, so you actually have a few more days to prepare. In the meantime, did you know that you can help out the environment and others simply by filing your return?

Many taxpayers choose to electronically file their taxes for the ease and convenience of the process. A even more compelling reason to e-file is because doing so drastically reduces the amount of paper needed to file. If you’ve been to a tax office and filled out a paper form, you’re probably familiar with the large stack of paperwork you were required to sign. E-filing eliminates the need for all those documents, since your tax information is sent directly to the Internet Revenue Service over the Internet.

Another way to use tax time to help the world is to make a tax-deductible donation to a qualified charitable organization. In recent times, natural disasters such as the Japan earthquake and tsunami have caused extensive damage and cost many lives. Taxpayers who donate to disaster relief charities can deduct the full amount of their contributions if they choose to itemize deductions.

It’s important to remember that if you plan to make a donation, you should do research to make sure that the organization is a qualified charity. Contributions to groups that are not recognized by the IRS as non-profit organizations cannot be deducted. If you’d like to provide hands-on contributions, consider volunteering your personal time to assist with disaster relief. You can deduct the amount of your mileage driven during your charitable work as well.

Sponsored by: Rock the Capital

Image c/o: Casey Serin

A simple way to do something good for the planet is to turn off electronic devices one day a week. We may not think much about the impact of excessive electric usage, but the utility plants that provide our electricity typically use fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, etc) to provide the power we consume. These plants are required to boost the supply of electricity during times when power is in high demand. To do this, they have to use even more fossil fuels, emitting even more pollutants.

As a child, I was always taught to turn off lights when I leave a room to save money. I had no idea it can also save the environment. But if we all reduced the amount of electricity we used daily, particularly when devices are in standby mode, we could substantially reduce the amount of carbon emissions that are released into the atmosphere.

It’s interesting that what’s good for the planet is often beneficial for our physical and mental health. Rates of childhood obesity are climbing the world over, but particularly in the United States where electronic games and computers have replaced outside play for many kids. Choosing to play outdoors instead of spending time with electronics can help children to develop an active lifestyle that will help them to avoid obesity and weight-related illnesses. There is also some evidence that limiting screen time can be good for our moods. A 1996 study found that people who watch more than two hours of TV a day may be more likely to experience depression, loneliness and hopelessness.

So, go play in the park with your family today! It’s a great way to do something good for you, your kids and the earth.

Sponsored by:  1Thing For Green

Image c/o: cod_gabriel

Part of being environmentally responsible includes conserving natural resources. These resources include the local fishing population. In years past, the demand for fish was moderate, since consumers had to wait until local fish were in season before purchasing them. Now that fishing is being done all around the world and in deeper waters, fisheries have access to fish during all times of the year. This increase in availability has led to increased demand for fish internationally.

There are several reasons why this trend is disturbing. First, some fish populations are being harvested too frequently and may become endangered. Second, purchasing fish from large conglomerates makes it difficult for local fisheries and markets to remain economically viable, risking local jobs. Third, people who consume fish are becoming more disconnected from where their food originates. While this may not sound important, it can be a real health hazard, especially if fish is being harvested from environmentally unsafe areas.

An easy way to buck this trend is to support your local fisheries and seafood markets. Do you know the fisheries in your area? If you don’t, you can search an Internet database of local fishermen to find one near your hometown. Patronizing farmers’ markets that serve as local portals for freshly caught seafood can also help you to get in touch with your local seafood population. City seafood markets are another great resource for information about where the fish is harvested from.

If we all took the time to find out where our seafood comes from, we could make informed decisions about which markets we’d like to visit and which fish populations need protecting. This could help ensure that fish species remain safe for years to come.

Sponsored by: Louisiana Coast

Image c/o: Charlie Brewer

Tuesday, April 12th

Today is the day to start paying your bills online by switching to electronic bills!

This green practice is a great way to cut down on the use of paper and avoid overcrowded post offices and expensive mailing fees. Individuals and business owners alike can benefit from this new way to pay. For added convenience, eBills are secure and the funds get posted to your account within a few days, if not the same day you pay.

Just think – by switching to eBills, your family can save on 6.6 pounds of paper, avoid the production of 171 pounds of greenhouse gases and save .079 of a tree annually. This is one of the smarter ways to make a difference in the environment, and there are added savings, such as from the cost of stamps and not having to drive to the post office.

Of course, the most substantial reward is that less paper means less trees, which means less greenhouse gas emissions. It’s about time that we start realizing that just because trees are renewable resources, it doesn’t make them an acceptable form of communication.

There are even greater rewards for businesses, as they save on the high cost of postage and envelopes, as well as the paper and ink used to print off mailings and important documents. The majority of billers are urging their customers to enroll in online billing, so be sure to check with your billing companies to see if they have this option in place.

Also look for online sites, such as MyCheckFree.com, that serves as a localized service for eBills. Here, you can visit one site and pay all of your bills in one simple step. Only some billers are part of MyCheckFree.com, but new ones are always enrolling, making online bill pay effortless.

Blog sponsored by: Green Lion Digital

Image c/o Multichill

Tuesday, April 11

You may think recycling at the workplace is customary, but many companies aren’t enrolled in a recycling program. If you want to get the ball rolling at your office or encourage your workplace to recycle more than they do, we have steps to get you started! Make a difference in the environment and your company’s image.

1. Find a Support Network. The best place to start is with management since they’re the people that motivate employees and serve as role models around the workplace. Also collaborate with co-workers, getting them interested in recycling and contributing to the planet. You’ll be surprised at how willing everyone will be to pitch in and change their ways. In many cases, companies just haven’t taken the time to set up and enforce a program.

2. Decide What to Recycle. It’s not just paper that can be recycled. Consider lunch items, such as soda cans and water bottles, as well as old computers and machines. Place bins around the office to collect these items and talk to the janitorial staff about taking the items out to the curb to be picked up.

3. Find a Recycling Pickup Program. Call the recycling hotline at 1-800-533-8414 to find a recycling center near you. In many cases, the garbage pickup service will haul away recyclables as part of their service, but this depends on the types of items you plan to recycle.

4. Continue By Example. In order to continue on with the program you’ve helped put in place, be a good role model. Recycle everything you can such as manila folders, old faxes and lunch cartons. Re-educate the staff on new changes toward recycling, as many companies choose to make improvements over time.

5. Celebrate Your “Greeness”. One great element to recycling at the workplace is that you can promote your company’s involvement in the planet. Let others know that you’re making the right steps to “going green” and successfully recycling all the materials you can.

Blog sponsored by: Proforma

Image c/o Hyju

Sunday, April 10th

As consumers, it’s up to us to purchase energy efficient products that will maximize efficiency and lower energy usage. One great way to do this is by purchasing a solar battery charger for your cell phone. It’s inexpensive, easy to purchase and will make a difference in our planet. After all, you won’t have a cell phone charger plugged into the wall at all times, draining energy.

Make a difference today and buy your cell phone a solar battery charger! First, open up the back of your phone and look for its battery. Find the power rating, which will be measured in milliampere hours or mAh. Next, make sure that the charger and the phone are compatible with one another. In general, most solar chargers are universal and made to fit all phones, but make sure yours is on the list.

To charge the battery, it will need to be left in the sunlight. All solar battery chargers vary, so read the manufacturer’s recommendations. In most cases, the larger the battery, the longer it will take to charge. For easy use, look for a solar charger that has a charging indicator on the back so you know how full the battery is. Most include other fun gadgets, such as window suctions, LED lighting and a USB cable.

Blog sponsored by: Amberjack Solar

Image c/o NJR ZA

What’s scheduled for tomorrow?

Saturday, April 9th

Although an air conditioning unit is built to withstand frequent, long-term use, this doesn’t make it exempt from repairs. In order to keep your AC running at full-capacity and being gentlest on the environment, make sure that you have your AC serviced on a regular basis.

When serviced, you can expect that your AC will run at a higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), which means good news for the planet! A SEER rating is based on the efficiency of the unit and without proper check-ups, your AC may run at a lower SEER rating than it could. With regular check-ups, you can expect your AC to run at 95% efficiency!

So what can you expect at an AC servicing? It should include the cleaning of the condensing coils, oiling the fan motors, making sure the belts are adjusted properly, and checking the operating pressures and temperatures. If your AC unit doesn’t check out, consider an energy efficient unit as a replacement.

AC units that have earned Energy Star status must meet strict guidelines set in place by the US Environmental Protection Agency. With an Energy Star AC, you can expect optimum performance while maximizing efficiency.

Stay cool this summer and get your AC the check-up it deserves!

Blog sponsored by: Tru-Comfort

Image c/o Paul Robinson

What’s scheduled for tomorrow?

Friday, April 8th

Today is walk or ride your bike to school or work day!! Give it a try, you might find that you like it!

When making changes that will impact the environment, walking or riding bikes to school and work are some of the first options that come up. Most people don’t give this a try however, arguing that work is simply too far and kids are safest taking the bus to school. The good news is that you’re not expected to walk all the way to work – just part of the way.

Consider taking public transportation – a train or bus for example – and then walking the rest of the way to work. Bring a magazine, a hot cup of coffee and some tunes and you’ll be able to relax on your way to work instead of worrying about driving. And, with the high cost of gas, nearly $4 a gallon in some parts of the country, your pockets will feel fuller when “walking” to work.

For today, not only should you walk or ride your bike to work, but so should your kids (to school that is)! If possible, take the walk with your kids and get an early start to the morning. The sun and fresh air will do wonders for all of you! If you leave before the kids, have them walk with an older pal and stick to a safe route with crossing guards.

By walking or riding bikes, you cut down on gas and petrol emissions, which worsens air pollution and greenhouse gases. Not only are their environmental benefits, but just 15 minutes of exercise a day can reduce the risk of heart attack. If you choose to walk or ride your bike, you and your family can also enjoy some looser fitting jeans!

Ditch the car and take the time to enjoy the day – you’ll be glad you did!

Blog sponsored by: Comprehensive Healthcare

Image c/o Creative Commons

What’s scheduled for tomorrow?

Happy 2011 World Water Day. Today thousands of representatives are meeting in South Africa to discuss the world’s water needs. Water is a part of all of us…literally. If you have not yet seen Dr. Emoto’s research related to water, it is worth taking a minute to check it out. This year