How to Get Started With Recycling

This is such a simple, easy reference to recycling by Greenprofs, we thought it worth forwarding to you in it’s original form.  Enjoy!

Recycling helps to save forests from depleting, increases the quality of our water and stimulates the economy. For those reasons and many more it is important that everyone does what they can to ensure that they are doing their bit for mother earth. Following is an explanation of how you can get started with recycling and give something back as well as improve your quality of your life and the quality of life for your children and your children’s children. Many people say that they don’t do their bit towards recycling because their effort on their own is not enough to make a difference, however this is simply not true. If everyone had that attitude, where would be?

Organize Your Waste

Rather than sticking your rubbish into one central place, it is important that you categorize waste in order to recycle it. You should place glass in one place, tins/cans in one place, plastics in one place, compost in one place and have another place for cardboard and paper/newspaper.

Find out about Recycling Facilities Where you Live

You should find out about the facilities available in your county. Depending on where you live, you may find it is harder or easier to recycle your waste. Some places will have a dedicated pick-up to come and take your waste away, while other areas will require that you drive a substantial distance in order to drop it off. Either way, it is important that you do your bit for society.

Recycling Tins/Cans

When recycling tins and cans you should firstly remove all the paper from the outside and try to flatten any sharp edges to limit any risk of you being cut. You should then place all tins and cans in a dedicated waste bin.

Plastic

Plastic wrappings and other plastic items should be treated with caution when recycling them. It is best if you take measures to stop any animals being hurt from plastic items. This includes breaking open drinks-cans rings so that an animal cannot get their head trapped in it, as well as ripping open plastic bags so they are just in the form of a single sheet.

Compost

Compost should be used to enrich your soil in your garden. Many people have a compost heap in their garden. Once you have left the compost for a period of a few weeks, it is now ready to treat the soil in your garden. If you do not have a large garden then you could consider asking your neighbors, friends and family members if they could make use of it.

Paper/Newspaper

Paper and newspaper is generally the easiest item to recycle because it is the most sought after item. After you read your old newspapers and magazines you should place them inside a dedicated container so that they can later be recycled. You should be especially careful not to place any other items into this container as it will cause problems for the recycler later on.

Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Corridor Development Announcements At Nevada State Legislature

ZERO EMISSION VEHICLE (ZEV) CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS AT STATE LEGISLATURE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2009

Media Contact: Larry DeVincenzi
Project Outreach Coordinator
Cell: 775.771.7004

ZERO EMISSION VEHICLE (ZEV) CORRIDOR DEVELOPMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS AT STATE LEGISLATURE

WHAT: The Renewable Energy Accelerator (REA250) in collaboration with state and local officials and private industries will announce initial agreements to begin development of a zero emission vehicle corridor on Interstate 80 through northern Nevada and California.   Together, they will announce an environmentally responsible process that can be the template for implementation nation-wide.

WHERE: Legislative Building steps, 401 S. Carson Street, Carson City, NV

WHEN: Thursday, April 16th, 2009 at 10 a.m.

DETAILS: The University of California, represented by Co-Director Daniel M. Kammen of the Berkeley Institute of the Environment and the Nevada Renewable Energy Integration and Development Consortium of the Nevada System of Higher Education, which is represented by President Steve Wells of the Desert Research Institute, have agreed to develop a feasibility study proposal for the new Zero Emission Vehicle Corridor from Berkeley, California to Reno-Sparks, Nevada.

The feasibility study will focus on the development of infrastructure needed to support the testing and development of Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) and associated highway and community networks.   Research will also address the needed business, legal, and governmental oversight structures necessary to rapidly convert to zero emission vehicles.

The Corridor utilizes the wide range of environmental conditions on a short stretch (240 miles) of Interstate 80. It is anchored on one end by the innovative technology environment found in the East Bay/Bay Delta areas of California including:
•      Ground breaking environmental, energy and vehicle technology research capacity
•      A wide range of existing public-private partnerships for ZEV’s
•      A growing market for ZEV’s
•      At the other end of the corridor, the Reno/Tahoe Region of Nevada is located in a beautiful mountainous/high desert location that has:
•      An exceptional business climate located in a major transportation hub for the West Coast
•      Exciting educational and tech commercialization opportunities
•      Unique geothermal and other renewable energy assets to support the production of ZEV’s.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid offered his support of these developments: “This is a tremendous step forward as we work to make our state the leader in clean energy,” said Reid. “Renewable energy has the potential to power not only all of our homes, but also all of our cars. I am pleased to support this collaboration, which will help protect our air while creating much-needed jobs in Nevada.”

“Advancing green technology and renewable energy must be a top priority, and I’m hopeful that as these types innovations are proven, they will become more and more a part of our everyday lives,” said Senator John Ensign, who led efforts in Congress to ensure passage of a bill to encourage renewable energy development across the country. “Our plan must include a vast array of resources such as solar, wind, geothermal and more to ensure our security and protect our environment.”

The Zero Emission Vehicle Project was initiated by a group of Reno-based business visionaries and local, state, and federal governmental leaders and facilitated by REA250 staff. They envisioned a ZEV corridor that would enhance and accelerate the research and development of new technologies in both California and Nevada while creating the infrastructure for an emerging zero emission vehicle industry in Northern Nevada.

Susan Clark, Ph.D. and co-founder of the Renewable Energy Accelerator notes “We have now assembled the best and brightest in Nevada, while engaging our neighbors in California, to leverage its renewable energy resources, excellent business climate, and sophisticated networks to make sure that Northern Nevada is the epicenter of an accelerated American ZEV economy.”  Clark will present Thursday’s announcement on the Legislature steps, and continue to initiate future development of the ZEV corridor project.

ZEV Project accomplishments to date include:
•      Outreach to ZEV companies looking for production facilities that utilize renewable energy resources for production.
•      The assemblage of land and initial funding to support the private development of office buildings and production facilites powered by renewable resources.
•      The on-going development of the business and legal structure needed to support the rapid development of a ZEV economy in Northern Nevada as a model for the US conversion.

STORY ANGLES:

•      Acceleration of a zero emission vehicle economy in Northern Nevada
•      Nonpartisan support of ZEV corridor development with support from educational, private and public entities.
•      Collaboration of a integrated renewable energy entities for Nevada that are inclusive of existing programs and responds to state and federal mandates
•      Support for inclusive dialog to create effective policy infrastructures and outreach strategies for renewable energy generation in Nevada
•      Continue developing 250 Bell Street, which has become a center for community events, as a “net-zero” facility

Founders Susan and Don Clark with their team of highly ambitious and qualified business professionals identified the need for an action-oriented strategic organization designed to accelerate the use of renewable energy resources in Nevada. The Renewable Energy Accelerator at 250 Bell (REA250) was created to meet said demand. In alignment with national, state, and local renewable energy policies, the REA250 was established for the sole purpose of advancing Nevada’s economic and environmental sustainability while providing a role model for other regions.

REA250 was developed to meet the needs for high-stakes, fast-moving solutions in renewable energy.

REA250 is part of a larger collaborative at 250 Bell Street including the Education Design Group, Sierra Club, Dynamic Competence, Cathexes Architecture, Clean Energy Center, Great Basin Wind, Bombard Renewable Energy,  Renewable Nevada and SmartBrand.

Other regional collaborators include Northern Nevada Urban Development Company, Nevada System of Higher Education, Nevada County School Districts, Building and Trade Councils, Electrical Workers Union, AFL-CIO, and various industry representatives and consultants.
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G3REEN OUTLET OPENING AT THE ARTS FACTORY

Don’t miss this First Friday! Downtown’s monthly art festival is going green January 2, 2009 with the addition of the G3reen Outlet.

Located in the heart of the Arts District in downtown Las Vegas, G3reen Outlet is designed as an eco gallery, store and resource center focused on green living solutions.

Kick start your Green New Year’s Resolution at G3! Among the displays, Pulte DelWebb Homes will feature their new community, Villa Trieste, the first LEED certified and Solar Community in Nevada. Other participating partners include Liquid Stucco, Car Planet, and a variety of artists, designers, and green product suppliers. The event is free to attend.

Display space available for $100. Showcase your eco art and green products to 5,000 people attending First Friday events each month. Contact Tara at 702.556.8619 or tara@smartbrand.biz for details.

For details visit: http://ecobrand.ning.com/events/g3reen-outlet-opening-at-the

G3Reen Outlet Opening

Sustainable Workshop for Businesses – Save Energy, Save Money

Energy Workshop and Networking Event
Join Project ecoBrand for our first event in a series of monthly workshops and networking events focused on sustainability to help businesses “green up” their operations.

Event Details
Time: December 5, 2008 from 8am to 9:30am
Location: NV Energy – Wengert Room
Street: 6226 W. Sahara Ave.
City/Town: Las Vegas
Website or Map: http://www.projectecobrand.com
Contact Info: 702-556-8619
Event Type: Energy Efficiency, Workshop, Networking

Click here to RSVP

Save Energy, Save Money
Saving on your energy bills is an excellent way to cut unneccessary expenses, give you more money for other business needs, and boost your profits.

It’s easy to do. Whether you own or rent. There are many no cost/low cost things you can do yourself. With the practical tips offered in this workshop, you may be able to cut your energy costs substantially – and also improve comfort and productivity.

We’ve partnered with NV Energy for a breakfast workshop focused on ways businesses can save energy and reduce costs. Topics include:
:: Energy Saving Tips
:: Rebates & Incentives
:: Energy Efficiency & Conservation Solutions
:: Renewable Energy Solutions

Networking opportunties and continental breakfast will be provided!

Meet other eco-conscious professionals and business owners. We hope to see you there.

Does your company provide energy efficient and green products or services?
Sponsorship opportunities available starting at $50. Click here for details on Project ecoBrand online and event marketing packages. Please contact Tara at 702-556-8619 or tara@smartbrand.biz for more information.

 

 

The Wonders of Springs Preserve

It was one of the first truly inspriational explorations into the sustainable market sector that we had – and what a start to a journey it was.

Springs Preserve sits squarely in the middle of Las Vegas. The $250 million, 180-acre project is nothing short of a wonderland of low-water, energy-efficient buildings and gardens. The actual springs on this site once provided water for all of Las Vegas, which, by the way, means “meadows” in Spanish.

Now the The Las Vegas Valley Water District and a team of architects have restored and revamped the site with sustainability displays intended to raise public awareness of green-building practices. There are six football fields worth of low-water gardens, with 20,000 species of drought-tolerant plant life, plus a 30-acre “Cienega” or desert wetland.

This new facilities cannot be fashioned any other way than to say it’s the desert’s true oasis. Certainly an oasis among the glittering lights of the Strip that is clearly visible from many vantage points around the facilities.

The visitor attractions are incredible, and start near the front gate with The ORIGEN Experience:
A hands-on approach to understanding the fascinating history and fragile eco-system of the Las Vegas Valley.

There two main galleries, the ORIGEN Experience and the Desert Living Center.

The ORIGEN Experience enables visitors to sense the historic essence of the land. ORIGEN exhibits include a simulated flash flood, a gallery on the cultural history of the area and replicas of an ancestral pueblan village. Kids old and young are encouraged to dig for, and identify fossils and view live exhibits of local flora and fauna.

The Desert Living Center provides classes, training and exhibits that help residents learn practical tips about eco-friendly living that encourage and enable them to implement a wide range of green living tips into their daily lives.

The Las Vegas Springs Preserve offers a recreated desert wetland, a gift shop, a children’s playground with oversized replicas of various wildlife, a resource library, educational video games and a Nature Exchange, where kids can trade in their own shells, stones and other artifacts for other like items. There are also nature trails and 8 acres of gardens with over 1,200 plants species on site. An 1,800-seat amphitheater provides nighttime entertainment

While you’re visiting, you won’t want to miss the Springs Preserve Cafe operated by Wolfgang Puck with a surprisingly perfect view of the Strip skyline and in 2009 the Nevada State Museum will relocate to the Preserve. More on those incredible developments as they become available for the public.