Environment

The Clean Energy Jobs & American Power Act

The Clean Energy Jobs & American Power Act was introduced in the Senate, a historic piece of legislation that will create jobs by investing in secure, clean energy sources that are made in America and work for America. But Big Oil and Coal are using their influence in Washington to try and weaken or even kill this bill.
Coal and Oil polluters are spending tens of millions of dollars lobbying for billions in giveaways that would encourage the construction of more dirty coal-fired power plants. Instead of cleaning up their polluting ways, they want to get rid of the tools that hold them accountable, like EPA's authority to regulate global warming pollution.
Your Senators have the power to create jobs, boost the economy, switch to renewable sources like wind and solar, and fight global warming. Please tell them to use it. (Sierra Club)

Going Green at Home

Perhaps you have already made the commitment to use recycled paper products and environmentally safe cleaning products in your home.   If not, I ask you to consider it.  At one time, these types of products were difficult to find and much more expensive than mainstream products.  However, as the market demand has risen, these products are now available at more stores and the costs have come down.  As technology improves, new types of products are hitting store shelves. 

For example, I recently discovered a new line of natural cleaning cloths, sponges and scouring pads from “Scotch Brite.”  The products are made from natural and renewable resources such as bamboo, cotton, and agave plant fibers, and recycled plastic and paper; they are all packaged in 80% recycled materials.

Visit Scotch Brite Greener Clean to learn more about these products, where to purchase and even a $1.00 coupon. (I found them in the cleaning supply section at Target)

Daniel Goleman in the NY Times recently reported that going green may soon get easier!  “Ecological Transparency” is a new watchword for corporate producers and retailers.  Led by Wal-Mart, which is developing standards with a consortium of academics, retailers are preparing ecological report cards for the products on their shelves.  Consumers will soon “get ecological ratings along with price as they shop for food, clothing and toiletries.”   Let’s hope, and watch for these new green revelations!