Green Living
“Going green” and adopting an environmentally friendly lifestyle may be all the rage, but truly changing your lifestyle and habits can be a challenge. If you know where to look, though, the Internet can be an important part of your sustainable world. The resources in this Web guide explain how to reduce your environmental impact in ways big and small. So get started with green living, and even find out where to connect with other green people and organizations.
Expand All Guide SectionsGoing Green
There are many ways to go green, whether you choose to make tiny changes or drastic ones. If ... read more »
Choosing Green Products and Services
No matter where you live, you can make a difference by buying green products, choosing green energy sources and green home designs, or by making use of green transportation alternatives. The Web sites in this section can point you in the right direction.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Benefit from green incentive programs. Check the Web site of your local utility company to see what tax credits or rebates are available for your green investments. Your power company’s Web site can also be a good source for energy-saving tips.
- Know the difference between companies that are truly green and those that just use the green facade as a marketing gimmick. Read a Web site’s “About Us” section to find out the vendor’s mission and methods.
- Take a look at the findingDulcinea Shopping Web Guide for more advice about online shopping, including safe shopping practices.
Dulcinea's Picks
For buying general products …
Green Seal
approves products as eco-friendly. In the “Find a Certified Product/Service” section you’ll find items in categories such as soap, paper products and floor cleaners, as well as links to the products’ Web sites and places to buy them.
For green architecture and construction …
The Green Home Guide
is a Web site of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a nonprofit organization that aims to promote sustainable building practices. Browse the site for a multitude of articles on green home renovation guidelines and tips from experts on green home building.
Environmental Building News
is a newsletter of BuildingGreen, an independent publisher. Register for free with the site to download articles in PDF format on “Building Products: What Makes a Product Green?” and “Checklist for Environmentally Responsible Design and Construction” (also available online).
For green energy …
Green-e
is the leading certifier of renewable energy. Look for Green-e certified renewable energy sources for your home, or locate Green-e certified carbon offsets.
The Green Power Network
connects you with green power organizations. Click on your state on the U.S. map for a list of green power companies in the area. Each company is listed with the mix of resources it uses (some combination of wind, small hydro, landfill gas or other resources), and whether the energy provider has any official certification.
The American Solar Energy Society
connects consumers to resources that teach about solar energy. Click “Find a Solar Contractor” to locate a solar energy professional, calculate your potential energy savings and learn more about solar energy data and programs.
For green transportation …
Co-op America
suggests a “car lite” lifestyle. Read about alternatives to car use such as biking, walking, taking public transportation or carpooling. If you have to drive, scroll down for tips on making your car as efficient as possible.
The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center
advocates the use of man-powered transportation in place of gas-guzzling methods. Learn how this organization is pushing for people-friendlier roads, and use the links to related Web sites for information on safer methods and the best routes for walking and biking.
Who knew?
Chris Jordan’s
photo-heavy Web site is an artistic and captivating depiction of waste and consumption in America. His photos are mesmerizing but also unsettling, as each is a visual representation of a true statistic.
Environmental Activism
It’s nice to know you’re not the only person out of the world’s six billion who ... read more »
Environmental News
You may think your neighbor with the hybrid car has already taught you everything you need to know ... read more »
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