Green-Collar jobs are all around us today. An estimated 8.5 million jobs are in the renewable energy market alone, representing billions infused into our communities by Eco-Friendly business. In the next ten years some estimates project that 5 to 10 million more green jobs will be created in the U.S..
Don’t forget the jobs emerging in research, ewaste/waste management, agriculture, government, and the automobile industries to name a few. Chances are, you or someone you know is a green collar worker. Do a quick internet search and thousands of green jobs sites are returned.
In 2007 a bill was passed into law authorizing programs to be set up to train thousands of folks in green jobs. Twenty-eight states have energy mandates requiring 10 to 25 % of energy produced come from renewable sources. These mandates in turn are creating both blue and white “Green-Collared” jobs as companies rush to fill the demand.
The U.S. has gone through many transformations and provided leadership throughout our history from agriculture to industrial and intellectual eras. Now, it looks like we are blazing the way for the Green revolution.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Politics can be trashy……
The elections are over. Now we turn to the business of cleaning up our Country. Why not start with properly disposing of all those candidate flags, flyers, posters, propaganda, and for those of us who didn’t work yesterday, all those beer cans! During this election period hundreds of thousands of tons of paper and plastics have been created, most of which can be recycled. So, show your support to our new leaders by taking the first step to change and Recycle IT!!!!!!
EcoIT LLC
www.ecoitpr.com
EcoIT LLC
www.ecoitpr.com
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Puerto Rico, Politics and the Environment
Yesterday, I was walking through Old San Juan after enjoying a criollo lunch at my favorite restaurant on Calle Sol, when I noticed signs on all the sewage drains indicating “no contaminates goes to the ocean”. Well , that got me thinking! I had not taken the time to explore the environmental positions of the candidates for Governor. I put together, in no particular order, a series of links for each candidate that outlines their environmental platform:
Edwin Irizarry Mora – http://www.irizarrymoragobernador.com/ - Follow this link and click on “Progama de Gobierno”, and download the PDF. The environmental section begins on page 135.
Luis Fortuno - http://www.fortunogobernador.com/plataformas.php - Follow this link and click on “Dowload PDF”. The environmental section begins on page 86.
Aníbal Acevado Villa - http://anibalgobernador.com/programa/ - Follow this link, navigate to the bottom of the page where you’ll find two sections of interest: “Energía Verde” and “Puerto Rico Verde”. Both selections open a PDF.
Rogelio Figueroa - http://www.porpuertorico.com/09_programa/plataforma.html - Follow this link and click on the “Economía y Ambiente” tab.
Please join us at our Facebook group “EcoIT” or at our blog “ecoitpr.blogger.com” to post your comments about the candidates. Before walking into that voting booth, think of the future, know your candidate’s environmental stand.
Edwin Irizarry Mora – http://www.irizarrymoragobernador.com/ - Follow this link and click on “Progama de Gobierno”, and download the PDF. The environmental section begins on page 135.
Luis Fortuno - http://www.fortunogobernador.com/plataformas.php - Follow this link and click on “Dowload PDF”. The environmental section begins on page 86.
Aníbal Acevado Villa - http://anibalgobernador.com/programa/ - Follow this link, navigate to the bottom of the page where you’ll find two sections of interest: “Energía Verde” and “Puerto Rico Verde”. Both selections open a PDF.
Rogelio Figueroa - http://www.porpuertorico.com/09_programa/plataforma.html - Follow this link and click on the “Economía y Ambiente” tab.
Please join us at our Facebook group “EcoIT” or at our blog “ecoitpr.blogger.com” to post your comments about the candidates. Before walking into that voting booth, think of the future, know your candidate’s environmental stand.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
And the Green Award goes to….
From eco-friendly cars at the academy awards to celebrity endorsements, the stars are using their influence to help the planet. While doing research for this blog it became clear that six stars stood out.
...and the nominees are: Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, Adrian Grenier, Natalie Portman and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Each one of these stars has gone green in a big way:
Brad Pitt- Besides trying to turn everyone green via adoption, he created the Make It Right NOLA foundation in New Orleans, dedicated to rebuilding eco-friendly housing in areas destroyed by Katrina. Tirelessly working to raise awareness, Brad is using his fame to endorse eco-friendly products that donate proceeds to Green causes.
Leonardo DiCaprio –Most recently he has been making headlines for his new documentary : “The 11th Hour” about Global Warming, that he co-wrote, co-produced and narrated. He continues his efforts through his foundation , and has recently bought an ultra green condo in New York City. We all should support and follow his efforts or pretty soon there’ll be no more “titanic icebergs” left..!
Cameron Diaz – I think it’s pretty obvious she is not afraid to show her love for green… The Mask, Shrek, and her 2007 collaboration book, The Green Book, describing 700 ways to be greener. Cameron has been very vocal about the environment, lending her celebrity to support many efforts to include Al Gore’s global warming fight.
Adrian Grenier – Adrian has made a very loud statement by always cruising around town in his Prius. Currently, hosting AlterEco on the Planet Green network, and always takes any opportunity to discuss everyday greening ideas. Inspired by his mother, Adrian spared no expenses in making his New York brownstone an ecophile’s paradise with solar power, and insulated with shredded jeans! This house is a model of environmental awareness. This leading man does not need an entourage to spread the word.
Natalie Portman – Recently named the “Greenest Celebrity” by Eco website Grist.org, she has launched a vegan-green shoe line and is the “face” for a low energy light bulb company. Even with all this going on, she still finds time to champion endangered gorillas in Rwanda. May the force be with her.
Arnold Schwarzenegger – “Come with me if you want to be Green” should be the opening line to Arnolds next movie. Thanks to his leadership, California is ahead in the pursuit of alternate energy. From Solar to nuclear, natural gas, water and wind, Cali is leading the way. Whatever your political views about renewable energy, you have to admire the de-“termination”.
So there you have them. Your six nominees! Could you be the seventh? All you have to do is jump on this ship before it departs, don’t mask you efforts, make it your personal vendetta, bring your friends and get pumped up!!!!!!
...and the nominees are: Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, Adrian Grenier, Natalie Portman and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Each one of these stars has gone green in a big way:
Brad Pitt- Besides trying to turn everyone green via adoption, he created the Make It Right NOLA foundation in New Orleans, dedicated to rebuilding eco-friendly housing in areas destroyed by Katrina. Tirelessly working to raise awareness, Brad is using his fame to endorse eco-friendly products that donate proceeds to Green causes.
Leonardo DiCaprio –Most recently he has been making headlines for his new documentary : “The 11th Hour” about Global Warming, that he co-wrote, co-produced and narrated. He continues his efforts through his foundation , and has recently bought an ultra green condo in New York City. We all should support and follow his efforts or pretty soon there’ll be no more “titanic icebergs” left..!
Cameron Diaz – I think it’s pretty obvious she is not afraid to show her love for green… The Mask, Shrek, and her 2007 collaboration book, The Green Book, describing 700 ways to be greener. Cameron has been very vocal about the environment, lending her celebrity to support many efforts to include Al Gore’s global warming fight.
Adrian Grenier – Adrian has made a very loud statement by always cruising around town in his Prius. Currently, hosting AlterEco on the Planet Green network, and always takes any opportunity to discuss everyday greening ideas. Inspired by his mother, Adrian spared no expenses in making his New York brownstone an ecophile’s paradise with solar power, and insulated with shredded jeans! This house is a model of environmental awareness. This leading man does not need an entourage to spread the word.
Natalie Portman – Recently named the “Greenest Celebrity” by Eco website Grist.org, she has launched a vegan-green shoe line and is the “face” for a low energy light bulb company. Even with all this going on, she still finds time to champion endangered gorillas in Rwanda. May the force be with her.
Arnold Schwarzenegger – “Come with me if you want to be Green” should be the opening line to Arnolds next movie. Thanks to his leadership, California is ahead in the pursuit of alternate energy. From Solar to nuclear, natural gas, water and wind, Cali is leading the way. Whatever your political views about renewable energy, you have to admire the de-“termination”.
So there you have them. Your six nominees! Could you be the seventh? All you have to do is jump on this ship before it departs, don’t mask you efforts, make it your personal vendetta, bring your friends and get pumped up!!!!!!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Trashy Cameraman loses 1,550 pounds in 10 months…
While doing research for our next blog I ran across a story about Sustainable Dave(http://365daysoftrash.blogspot.com/), a TV cameraman who decided to stop throwing away trash for a year. He has been composting or storing it in his basement. The purpose of the experiment is to see how he can minimize the creation of personal trash. As of October 1, he has created about 150 pounds of trash. On average, every person in the U.S creates 1,700 pounds of trash in a year.
Reading this story prompted me to calculate the amount of trash that my household creates in a year. So I took a look the amount of trash I generate not including recycling. I create about 4 pounds of trash per day “everyday”-- adding up to 1,460 pounds per year. So, if every person in Puerto Rico creates around 1,460 pounds of trash a year that comes to 6,300,000,000 pounds of trash per year. Imagine how many golf driving ranges we can build!!!
Ten ways to reduce trash:
1. Recycle!
2. Use cloth or hemp reusable shopping bags.
3. Use a sponge or rag for cleanups.
4. Reduce your use of plastic water bottles.
5. Get your statements and pay your bills online.
6. Reduce your junk mail. Check out Greendimes.com or Direct Marketing Association
7. Don’t use the plastic bag when buying produce.
8. Use Travel mug for your coffee. Often times Starbucks and others give a discount.
9. Buy bulk, less packaging. We will all use 30 rolls of toilet paper.
10. Use reusable plastic containers instead of storage bags.
Can you think of some other ways to shed those unwanted pounds? Let’s all try to be the biggest loser on 2009!
Reading this story prompted me to calculate the amount of trash that my household creates in a year. So I took a look the amount of trash I generate not including recycling. I create about 4 pounds of trash per day “everyday”-- adding up to 1,460 pounds per year. So, if every person in Puerto Rico creates around 1,460 pounds of trash a year that comes to 6,300,000,000 pounds of trash per year. Imagine how many golf driving ranges we can build!!!
Ten ways to reduce trash:
1. Recycle!
2. Use cloth or hemp reusable shopping bags.
3. Use a sponge or rag for cleanups.
4. Reduce your use of plastic water bottles.
5. Get your statements and pay your bills online.
6. Reduce your junk mail. Check out Greendimes.com or Direct Marketing Association
7. Don’t use the plastic bag when buying produce.
8. Use Travel mug for your coffee. Often times Starbucks and others give a discount.
9. Buy bulk, less packaging. We will all use 30 rolls of toilet paper.
10. Use reusable plastic containers instead of storage bags.
Can you think of some other ways to shed those unwanted pounds? Let’s all try to be the biggest loser on 2009!
Friday, October 17, 2008
MAC Attack….A dusty MAC????
A MacBook attack that is…
Yesterday I was repairing a Macbook that had a bad hard drive. This is normally a simple procedure:unscrew three screws, slide the old hard drive out, put the new one in its place, and reload the software. Not this time! While putting in the new drive the hard drive guides came loose and the only way to fix the problem was to take the Macbook apart. This is an easy enough process and went smoothly. What I found inside though was shocking: dust, dust, dust and more dust! Which brings us to the subject of today’s discussion. Dust and dirt gets everywhere affecting everything from air conditioning efficiency to how Zeppelin sounds in your DVD player. The dust in the Macbook probably contributed to the hard drive failure and the glue on the rubber hard drive rails drying up. Let’s add up the cost of the dust in the Macbook. The cost of the hard drive was around $80 for a 160 GB drive, 3 hours of time, $3 in cleaning supplies, and a priceless loss of pictures and data (Yes, you are right, the Macbook should have been backed up regularly). Seems like a high cost that may have been avoided with a little preventive maintenance.
Look at the back of your TV or inside your entertainment system. Better yet take a look the filters in your AC units. Be prepared for what you see…could give you an early Halloween! Spooky!
Yesterday I was repairing a Macbook that had a bad hard drive. This is normally a simple procedure:unscrew three screws, slide the old hard drive out, put the new one in its place, and reload the software. Not this time! While putting in the new drive the hard drive guides came loose and the only way to fix the problem was to take the Macbook apart. This is an easy enough process and went smoothly. What I found inside though was shocking: dust, dust, dust and more dust! Which brings us to the subject of today’s discussion. Dust and dirt gets everywhere affecting everything from air conditioning efficiency to how Zeppelin sounds in your DVD player. The dust in the Macbook probably contributed to the hard drive failure and the glue on the rubber hard drive rails drying up. Let’s add up the cost of the dust in the Macbook. The cost of the hard drive was around $80 for a 160 GB drive, 3 hours of time, $3 in cleaning supplies, and a priceless loss of pictures and data (Yes, you are right, the Macbook should have been backed up regularly). Seems like a high cost that may have been avoided with a little preventive maintenance.
Look at the back of your TV or inside your entertainment system. Better yet take a look the filters in your AC units. Be prepared for what you see…could give you an early Halloween! Spooky!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Vampire Power
“Vampire power”. No, this is not a way of being green by sleeping all day orbiting people. Vampire power refers to the energy that is consumed by electronics that are turned off but left plugged into the socket. Cell phone chargers, computers, printers , gaming consoles, TV’s and many more appliances, they all continue to drain power when “Powered Off”. Have you ever wondered why your TV turns on so fast, or your game console is so quick to boot up? The reason is: when you turn those devices off they are only going into a sort of sleep mode. They are “standing by” waiting for your commands, sucking power and money out of your home. One way to solve this problem: Unplug your devices at the end of the day or turn the breaker off. Realistically, will we do this? Most of us would answer: No! To help us combat “vampire power”, several companies have developed smart power strips and UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supplies). These work by regulating devices based on the state of a master device. These devices start at around $50.00 and are said to pay for themselves in as little as 14 weeks.
Take an inventory of your electronic devices in your home, you will be surprised at how much you are being drained.
Take an inventory of your electronic devices in your home, you will be surprised at how much you are being drained.
Welcome to EcoIT
Welcome to the EcoIT blog. This blog will be dedicated to all things green from our primary focus, greener information systems, to the latest technologies for cleaner energy, to everyday thing s that can be done to help the environment. Please feel free to suggest topics that you would like explored.
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