I am so ecstatic! Even though the company that is building the power plant (Florida Power & Light), it is a start!

Glad to see this blog is making a difference, lol!

Stay Green Orlando

So, how to get started. All you need are two stable structures, preferably something that can stand to hold a bit of weight, some rope (there is rope made especially for clothes hanging. You can find it at Home Depot), and line pins. Wash your clothes with your non-toxic laundry detergent and non-toxic fabric softener, remove from washing machine and hang.

Couple of things to consider:

The part about having two sturdy structures is very important. I would hate to get a comment about a  fallen fence in the name of the environment.

Be sure the rope you buy can deal with the weight of your clothes.

Make sure that the first line you hang is the most clothes you could go without washing at one time. That way you know about how much space and rope you need.

Make sure you know the weather patterns for the days around when you are planning on drying your clothes. The last thing you want to do is pick clothes off the line that have the “after the rain” smell and feel.

Try thinking about how much you are helping the environment (and your wallet) when your shoulders began to burn.

Stay Green Orlando

And that is what I got today from a company called Green-E. At 11:43 A.M. (told you I would wait until after 11 A.M.) I called Green-E’s customer service line and, after one ring, was greeted by a very friendly gentleman (Larse?). I informed him about the blog and how I was interested in getting information on Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), and, man, did I get what I asked for. From my one question I got so much information about Renewable Energy Credits. For one, Green-E is a kind of “stamp of approval” company. Green-E gives their seal of approval to companies that abide by standards that they have set, one being providing RECs to consmers where they request it be used, among many other things.

So what have I learned about RECs? Well, for one, they do not provide you with electricity( I was sad too). RECs are purchased by consumers separate their electricity bills in what are called “blocks”. These “blocks” are used mainly to help companies who are providing alternative energy offset high end cost. Other primary uses are to establish alternative energy sources in new places (maybe closer to you).

Now, before you write this off as just another way to Carbon Neutrality, think about this: you purchasing RECs could potentially bring RECs to your area. When you purchase RECs most companies will allow you to decide where you would like to that “Block” to be used. So, buy purchasing these RECs you are sowing a seed that will soon benefit everyone.

This product is great, in that it let’s you purchase your future.

Try it. I’m going to see how much one would cost for my house.

Stay Green Orlando.

So, the search began. I went to Google, searched for “Renewable Energy Certificate”, and millions of websites popped up. I was excited and relieved, (I remember a big sigh of relief being blown from my mouth). I went to the first site and began reading. Lots of information; nice pictures. But after navigating from the web page, I found that I left with the same amount of information that I had known before going to the site. The information was there but it was hard to understand. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am a very literate person and my grasp of understanding is just as good as yours, but after reading that site, I felt a little… malnourished. I went to different sites and, site after site, the same thing.

So, to provide us with the information needed, in its most simplest terms, I am going to call a company tomorrow and have them spell it out. Plain and simple. My main question is, when purchasing RECs, am I purchasing electricity from the company? Most sites gave me the impression that what I was actually purchasing was a donation to that company, helping them keep their current rate for providing alternative energy to their customers that are able to receive alternative energy low, therefore, for me, the consumer, helping me achieve carbon neutrality. For people, like me, who do not have alternative energy options, this is a great option and it makes me feel as though I am helping out the environment that much more (though I would love to get my bill every month, knowing that I am not using electricity from one of the most earth-killing monsters EVER!).

So, until tomorrow. Set your alarms to check the blog around 3 P.M. EST (I get up pretty early, but, you know what they say, “Never call a home or business before 11 a.m.”).

Stay Green Orlando.

P.S. Shameless plug: How I Met Your Mother in seven days!!!!!

Read it, come back, and tell me what you think!

Please?

Stay Green Orlando

According to report contributor Corporate Ethics International, two-thirds of Wal-Mart’s PAC campaign contributions in the last election went to candidates who earned failing grades from the League of Conservation Voters. “Wal-Mart claims to be a leader in the battle against global warming, yet it’s one of the largest contributors to politicians with the worst records on global warming.

Wal-Mart has used its market power to cut costs at the expense of workers and the environment across the developing world.

Ultimately, the report asks: “Can a company claim to be “sustainable” when it drives down wages, refuses wages to some 20,000 minors working in its Mexican stores, pays unsustainably low prices to its suppliers (leading to sweatshop conditions), drives local stores and markets out of business, and disregards the wishes of the communities where it establishes its stores?

With that being said, on Saturday, November 17th, the Big Box Collaboration is having an International Day of Action against corporate injustice, specifically aimed at Wal-Mart. What exactly is to take place is unknown myself, but I have volunteered myself as the Orlando sponsor for this event. I think it will be a great way to inform the people of Orlando of the injustice that makes Wal-Mart so appealing to anyone looking for a bargain. Makes sure you read “About International Day of Action” to get a full understanding of what and, more importantly, what’s not trying to be accomplished.

Also, check out WakeupWalmart.com. It’s a great website that gives great information about the sick things Wal-Mart lets pass as “business” in America and overseas.

Show your support of the environment.

Stay green Orlando.

But to other matters.

About a week ago (when this post was originally suppose to be written)  I was online, perusing  around the Progress energy when I surprising web page of theirs. Apparently Progress Energy has a complete website dedicated to providers Orlando-ians with ways to cut back on their electric bills, called Save the Watts. At first, I was happy – a bit embarrassed. Here I was, making a blog about how Progress Energy in Orlando is not taking alternative energy seriously and, now, look at this.

People of Orlando, do not be fooled by this facade. While this site does provide great information about replacing your light bulbs and keeping your lights off, Progress Energy nor this site gives ANY information about upcoming plans looking into alternative energy.

Let’s get this ball rolling.

Stay Green Orlando.

Well, with this onus, I decided to find out information on why one of Orlando’s energy providers, Progress Energy, doesn’t provide energy alternatives. In Florida, only electric companies in Tallahassee and Gainesville offer alternative energy. What’s even more disturbing is that offering of alternative energy isn’t anything new. Both had their alternative energy options prior to 2005.

So I went on a search. I wanted to know what I would have to do to petition to have alternative energy options in Orlando. Being the college student I am, I went to one of the most reputable sources in Orlando – Livejournal. I made a post on the Orlando Livejournal community about my query and was met with some helpful suggestions. But there was one that stuck out above the crowd. One person provided me with four links as a rebuttal, believing that what lye in those articles were proof that Progress Energy was making strides in the fight for Alternative Energy. All I found were meager attempts to silence critics who know Progress Energy’s real goals for obtaining alternative energy – nothing.

Why is it so hard to provide alternative energy options to people that actually want it?

Why is it so hard to make a decision that positively affects the environment, President Robert B. McGehee?

Please, inform me of what I have to do to get this ball rolling. We need alternative energy in Orlando.

Stay Green Orlando

Ode to you, o mighty Sun Lamp.

By use of your solar panels I am able to save my electricity and therefore keep money in my pockets

You make me complete, filling my Green heart with hope.

You are my night’s hope.

Okay, so enough of the mushy mushy stuff, let’s talk about this amazing product. The Solar Jar is a great product for this modern green enthusiast. As it really does explain itself, the Solar Jar charges via the sunlight during the day and turns itself on at night. The warm to the touch lid makes it easy to carry. I think this item is a great buy. I plan on buying one soon (just bought books! Gotta love college!). When I do get my hands on one, rest assured, there will be a review of the product. If you are interested in the product, click here

Stay Green Orlando.