Green Party U.S. – Green Technology, Recycling & Alternative Energy News & Information

Los Angeles to team up to ban the use of plastic bags at supermarkets

May 25, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 

One of the largest cities in the U.S., the City of Los Angeles, recently adopted a resolution authorizing the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on the proposed ordinance banning the use of plastic bags at supermarkets. If adopted the City of Los Angeles will be the largest city in the U.S. to ban use of plastic bags at supermarkets. Los Angeles is home to over 7,500 such supermarkets and therefore, the proposed ordinance will have a huge impact. Implementation of the ordinace will be phased.

The proposed ordinance is a direct result of the efforts of clean water advocates who are fighting to reduce plastic waste in landfills, water ways and the ocean. Various estimates indicate that Los Angeles use approximately 2.7 billion plastic bags a year and less than 5 percent are recycled. The opponents of the ordinance blocked an earlier attempt indicating that a ban will lead to killing jobs in the City. These activists were successful in 2010 stalling an effort for a statewide ban in California.

Statewide cities of San Jose, San Francisco, Santa Monica, Long Beach and others are currently bans the use of plastic bags.

Why You Should Buy a Condominium in NJ

May 20, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 

Are you moving to or a looking for a new home in New Jersey? Why not consider a nj condominium instead. There are so many condos available in different parts of the city. You could even go the extra mile and look at one of the many luxury condos in nj if you can afford it. Luxury condos are beautiful and can be an entire magnitude better than the standard ones.

There are so many condos for sale, both standard and luxury. You will definitely find one, both in a location you like and one that suits your taste. In addition, try to buy rather than rent. In the longer term purchasing is a much better proposition than renting a property. Because at the end of the term, you will actually own it and the value would have gone up significantly. With renting, you will be paying for years and will have nothing to show for it at the end of the term.

The biggest advantage of a condo is that there is so much less maintenance required from owning on a condomimium in nj rather than a regular house. This is especially important if yours is a family in which both parents work. If you are moving new jersey rather than just looking for a new home, then it is even easier as moving to a new city can be hard enough without having to deal other issues related to owning or renting a house. Buy a condo and you will not regret it.

Store and Protect China, Flatware and Other Delicates

May 17, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 

Fragile china and silverware heirlooms are given the utmost care when they’re in use or on display. Because of their sentimental value, to say nothing of their monetary value, it’s important to take the same degree of care and caution when they’re being stored or packed away.

If your china and flatware is used fairly regularly, protective packing sheets can be an excellent investment to prevent scratches and chips when they are stacked and stored. Thin pieces of foam or durable sections of fabric large enough to cover the contact area can keep can keep them ready to use but easily protected. If you have limited storage space and your nicer, less-frequently used wares share cupboard space with everyday-use items, more substantial padding materials can be used to guard against the frequent in-and-out of the other items. Materials such as economical packaging foam with an eggcrate cushion pattern or plastic bubble wrap can offer extra protection over rags or paper towel wrappings.

For long-term storage or moving, taking another step and using more durable foams, like the high-density type used to cushion furniture, can absorb impacts and help keep everything safe and in one piece. Microfiber cloths are also a useful product for wrapping utensils, as they won’t leave dust or lint behind that needs to be cleaned off when you decide to use them.

It is very affordable to take any of these protection steps mentioned, and considering the value of what you’re protecting, to both you and your wallet, packaging materials are well worth the investment.

Solar Power FAQs – 3

May 8, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 

Article Submitted by Top Solar Energy Companies

With the number of companies that have the expertise to install residential solar power systems, there are a number of consumers who would still like to stay informed about certain details that go into installing these systems successfully.

Very often these questions are related to the requirements, upkeep and running of these panels. So, here is a list of common questions that consumers might have when it comes to solar panels in general:

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#1: Will solar work if my roof isn’t new?

Most solar panel experts believe that it is a good idea that you get your roof repairs done before you purchase and install solar panels for your home. With the average solar power system lasting almost 20 years, it’s a good idea that the roof is also in perfect condition to last that long. While most companies will prefer roofs to be less than fifteen years old during the time of installation, it isn’t necessary for the roof to be brand new.

#2: Is it possible to add more solar panels later?

Yes, you can add more solar panels later but it is, to say the least, a complicated process. An inverter is usually hooked to a certain number of solar panels and the installation personnel will add a certain number of solar panels based on current usage. However, it’s a good idea to make the right calculations before you install it the first time around.

#3: Is a ground mounted solar system a good choice?

Ground mounted solar systems are used when the roof isn’t ideal for the placement of solar panels, and especially if you have space on your property to maintain these panels. Of course, there are other who just prefer ground mounted solar systems in the first place.

Should You Choose a Memory Foam Mattress?

May 2, 2012 by · Leave a Comment 

Memory foam mattresses have been a hot-button topic since they were introduced, with their “space-age technology” and memorable television commercials. Sure, this product has received plenty of hype, but does it live up to it? In short, the answer is yes; memory foam is the rare product that actually meets its lofty expectations.

When in contact with the body of the user, this temperature-sensitive material forms to the person on it, softening around curves and contours. This provides incredible pressure reduction that boosts circulation and gives you a custom sleeping surface each and every night, whether it’s in a canopy bed or on a friend’s floor for the weekend with a folding mattress. Some beds can result in pressure points that lead to tossing and discomfort, limbs falling asleep and even numbness. With a memory foam mattress supporting concave areas like your lower back while yielding to convex body parts like the shoulders and hips, this becomes a non-issue and you get an invigorating sleep.

People have described memory foam beds as like sleeping on a cloud as the visco-elastic polyurethane warms to the body and gently cushions aches and discomfort with cozy support. Memory foam is a versatile material as well, available in multiple densities and used in numerous products, from mattresses and toppers to a body bolster or bed pillow.

If you experience difficulty falling asleep, are looking to purchase a new mattress or want to see if you can get even better sleep than you already do, give memory foam a shot.