Maryland group aims to connect green consumers, businesses

Maryland group aims to connect green consumers, businesses

In Carroll County, Maryland, a small environmental group has developed a new program that hopes to bring togetherbusinesses focused on sustainability and consumers who are equally aware, the Carroll County Times reports.
According to the news source, the initiative is the culmination of hard work done by a newly formed committee made up of members from Waste Not! Carroll, Sustainable Living Maryland and the Catoctin chapter of the Sierra Club. Sally Long, a committee member, stated that the program was based on a similar one that is already functioning in North Carolina. Committee member Don West originally proposed the idea, saying it would be a great way for the Green Business Network in Carroll County to help eco-savvy consumers buy products from green companies.
The program uses a scorecard to rate businesses in the area on their green status, which is then released on the groups website for all to see.
"The way I see it, all businesses want to be sustainable, otherwise they wouldn't be in business," Long told the media outlet. "We wanted to help businesses recognize that being 'green friendly' could result in financial benefits as well as environmental and community benefits."
A new focus
The scorecard will bring to light four different areas related to environmental progress, which is meant to incentivize companies to adopt a more sustainable business model. These areas include solid waste management, green purchasing tactics, efficient energy consumption and renewable energy and water conservation.
Dan Andrews, another committee member, said any business can fall into one of three tiers that displays their green status, which will be printed onto a decal and displayed at the business.
"We tried to keep phase one of this very practical and pragmatic," Andrews said. "People can begin to learn these methods and these techniques and phase into more sustainable practices over the course."
The media outlet noted that although some committee members expected resistance from local business owners, the majority were supportive of the idea.
"Once they see what we've tried to do, it's been unanimous as far as thinking this is a good idea," West added.
It's becoming much easier for green businesses in America to get off the ground thanks to growing demand for sustainable practices. To help nurture these businesses, South by Southwest has launched its Eco Startup Central, which will help companies devoted to green operations find their footing.

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KENTUCKY HIGH SCHOOL RADIO STATION IMPLEMENTS SOLAR POWER

Green energy solutions are increasingly finding themselves incorporated into various daily processes. Residential and commercial properties are having their lights, heat and technology powered with the of the sun. Corbin High School's radio station is now broadcasting over the wavelengths using solar energy.

WYMT TV reports that the high school, located in Corbin, Kentucky, was able to make the switch to solar energy thanks to a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission for $10,000. Now, brand new solar panels will begin to collect the sun's energy to power the 100 watt transmitter needed for the school's radio station.

Teachers claim that the introduction of solar energy for the radio station is just one move the school is making to include green energy technology and sustainable solutions into the educational facility. Promoting sustainability at a high school may get students thinking about the consequences of their energy use and the energy solution solar and other renewable sources offer.

Students are encouraged to learn about solar energy, according to the news source, and how it integrates with the broadcasting system.
"I've never seen any solar power around here, especially since we're in such a coal area, and since you can run something like this from solar energy is just awesome," student Tanner Broughton, told the news source.

The integration of solar panels into the radio tower required special hookups.

"We do want to make some hard connections to the electric back-up there just to make sure, but at this point the batteries are now fully charged and we're ready to go solar," radio station manager David Colvin, told the news source.

Officials and faculty at Corbin High School are hopeful that solar energy will soon be incorporated into the school's science curriculum, reports WYMT TV.

Dear Friends ad family

Dear, friends and family 

you are aware that for the past year  I've been marketing energy for a company called Viridian energy right here in the Northeast. We have quickly become the 5th largest retailer of energy in the country. You all have a right in a deregulated market to choose cleaner more affordable energy. Viridian is the RIGHT choice. I would really appreciate your help by you becoming my customer. In the next few years everyone will choose 3rd party energy! By choosing Viridian you get to help me, support the environment, help the local economy and save money! And it's FREE to do and you receive the same bill from your utility. Please go to my site http://www.vpurpose.com  and watch the 3 minute video. I would really be grateful.....call me if you need help signing up! You want to get set up to save before the winter months roll in David Fernandes 781-244-4778 

Do you Want to Help the USA with energy Independence?

                                         
Do you Want to Help the USA with energy Independence?
                                                 
                                                   If you Answered yes or yes I want to Help
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                                                           David Fernandes 781-244-4778

Cape Cod Community College goes green

Cape Cod Community College goes green

Cape Cod Community College in Barnstable, Massachusetts, has taken some drastic steps to go green. The Associated Press reported a solar farm, photovoltaic arrays and a wind energy project have been installed over the past half year at the campus and could help the school save approximately $100,000 per year in energy bills.
"The goal here is twofold: Number one, we want to reduce our use of fossil fuels," said Dixie Norris, college vice president of finance and administration, according to the news source. "Number two, as much if not more, we need to reduce the cost of our electricity because it keeps going up and takes away from what we can do for our students."
These projects include 660 kilowatts of solar power and a five-kilowatt wind energy device. The installations are located on the land and roofs of the campus, the AP said. One unique location is where the wind energy generator will be placed, going on top of a stairwell in the college's gymnasium. This will work in concert with solar panels mounted on the gym, thereby saving the school more money.
This is a great start for green energy at the school, but it may still have along way to go before reaching the level of the No. 1 green college in America, which according to The Daily Green in Maine's College of the Atlantic. The Daily Green said the campus is committed to green building, land conservation and the elimination of toxins.

Beat the heat without becoming an energy hog

Beat the heat without becoming an energy hog

Sustainability can be especially difficult for individuals who face temperatures upward of 100 degrees during the summer months. However, there are ways to stay cool in the face of a hot, humid summer without using excessive electricity along the way.

By timing air flow into a home, individuals can keep their abodes much more livable. Grist recommends individuals block heat from their home by putting light- and air-blocking covers over windows and areas that the heat seeps into - even blinds and thick curtains can work. Yahoo! recommends lighter colored curtains, as these help to reflect the light out. Once the sun has set and the cooler temperatures have come back, throw open the covers to let the cool air in.

Opening cabinets and large shelves will also let the house take in a bit more cool air, as these open areas will easily trap heat throughout the day.

Commuters who face extreme heat for half an hour or more may want to wet their shirt before going to work, according to Grist. Although it may sound crazy, if the temperature is high, the shirt will be dry before getting to work, and the individual will stay much cooler along the way. 

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Viridian Energy Fundraising Program

Fundraising Program

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The Viridian Fundraising Program offers an innovative way for organizations to raise funds without over-burdening their members. The program is simple and is a true win-win situation enabling charitable organizations to raise funds without ever asking for money.

How You Earn Money:

By signing up as a fundraising entity, you are able to help members of your organization save money by switching their energy supplier to Viridian. As they do, you earn money for your organization. From day one, you earn a residual check each month for every active customer you refer. All your members have to do is use greener more affordable electricity at their home or business. It's that simple. You get to help your members and Associates make a better energy choice for themselves... they SAVE money all while helping you EARN money!

Many types of charitable organizations and fundraising entities can benefit from the Program. Some of the ones that have benefited through working with Viridian include:

• Churches and Synagogues
• Private and Religious Schools
• Sports Teams
• Charities and Foundations
• Volunteer and Community Service Organizations
• Parent Associations
• School Groups

In order to qualify for program participation, your organization must have a membership base that currently receives electrical service in one of our active markets 

David Fernandes 

781-244-4778 

Technology helps spur green energy

Technology helps spur green energy

While some new electric choices in vehicles have been prompted by a need to lower carbon emissions, many vehicles on today's market are also a product of technological progress.
“Early adopters of PEVs [plug-in electric vehicles] worldwide tend to be tech-savvy and more affluent than the average vehicle purchaser - a combination that will help grow interest in the more advanced connected vehicle telematics packages,” senior analyst Dave Hurst said in a recent statement. “Additionally, many automobile manufacturers are recognizing that including connected vehicle telematics in the early years of PEV retailing helps consumers recognize the value of the vehicle.
The trend of technologically-advanced electric vehicles will only continue to grow. According to Pike Research, nearly 80 percent of electric vehicles scheduled to be produced by 2017 will be equipped with advanced telematics systems that provides the driver with information on nearby emergency services or charging locations as well as real-time vehicle diagnostics.
Fast car-charging stations - those that can fully charge a car in half an hour - are becoming more prevalent as well, giving individuals a better range to which they can expect their vehicle to travel.  

Proposed tax credit for electric car chargers in New Jersey

Proposed tax credit for electric car chargers in New Jersey

Electric vehicles offer users lots of incentives by way of cheaper fuel and agreen energy source. According to NJ Today, residents of New Jersey will likely have one more reason to purchase the eco-friendly vehicles: The state legislature recently passed a bill the gives businesses a tax credit for buying and installing a charging station.

The bill, which passed by a vote of 54-20-5, will now move onto the Senate for voting. The bill states that all businesses that purchase and install an electric car charging station in 2013 will be eligible for the credit, which provides businesses with 25 percent off the purchase price, up to $500. While the bill outlines a tax credit until 2015, businesses that are more timely in their purchase of the charging station will have the largest savings.

U.S. Transportation Program Director Roland J. Hwang, who directs the Natural Resources Defense Council, believes measures like the New Jersey bill are needed across the country.

In his recent statement during the release of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions report, "An Action Plan to Integrate Plug-in Electric Vehicles," Hwang stated that although electric cars' fuel costs the equivalent of $1 per gallon, consumers need to know that they can utilize the technology consistently in their travels in order for the automobile to be more widely adopted. 

leran more about Energy at www.viridian.com/mass 

The sustainablilty Viridian

Every individual and every organization in the world has an inherent responsibility to leave the world better than when they arrived.

This responsibility, we believe, is perhaps most significant for companies that have potential to greatly impact the world. We believe Viridian shares in that responsibility and are proud to be able to be proactively bettering our communities and our world. The Viridian Sustainability Initiative is our pledge to empower customers and Associates to take part in our mission to improve the world and the communities in which we live. More than just a pledge, it's our way of putting this belief into action as we work together to realize our vision. 

Brazil 2011

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BRAZIL: BEFORE WE WENT

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BRAZIL: WHAT WE DID

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Sustainability starts at home.

Viridian Energy is committed to improving the communities we service. We believe that focusing on sustainability will improve lives and preserve the Earth for future generations. To support this vision, we regularly organize and participate in community-service activities.

Our active customers and independent Associates are proud to be a part of a company that considers puts good old-fashioned hard work, creativity and resources into bettering our communities.

Join us at one of our upcoming events – we'd love to have your support in our efforts close to home.

                                                                              David Fernandes  781-244-4778 http://www.energysuppliersma.com

                             

As a Viridian family, we take our global citizenship seriously.

Our sustainability efforts truly reach the world through our 7 Continents in 7 Years program. Each year, Viridian Energy researches and executes a sustainability project on a different continent. Each project has a sustaining and positive impact on the environment and economy of the local community.

In March 2011, we traveled to the Brazilian Amazon rainforest to replant trees in deforested areas. Check out the videos below to see what we did, and visitThe Viridian Foundation's website to read more about what we continue to do. In 2012 we will travel to Ghana for stop two in our seven year tour.