Going Green in 2012

Green New Year’s Resolutions and Outlooks

By Nathan Kaufman

The New Year is a time to make resolutions, start changing yourself for the better, and create ideas to become a better person.  By Going Green and adopting a Greener Lifestyle, you can greatly reduce the impact on the environment and help promote a cleaner way of living.  So here are some hand-picked Green New Year Resolutions and notable news for 2012

1.       Going Green, like any resolution, starts with baby steps.  In your home, Going Green can have a profound effect on your lifestyle.  Switching over to environmentally friendly products can save so much money in the long run, but sometimes the initial investment is a turnoff.  So start small!  Find one, easy part of your lifestyle to change.  At home, one of the simplest is using energy efficient lighting.  CFL and LED lighting can last many years beyond the life of an incandescent bulb and the energy saved from incandescent to CFL is around 75% (60W incandescent to 13W CFL).  From CFL to LED, it is another approximately 75% energy reduction (13W CFL to a 4W LED).  Some CFL bulbs have been reported to last 5 years, and many LEDs advertise they last 10 years, so you will not be changing bulbs as often.  In addition, existing incandescent bulbs are going to be phased out by newer, more efficient versions, however they still do not come close to the efficiency of CFL and LED bulbs.

If switching your light bulbs out for more efficient ones is still out of your budget, try simply turning the lights off and opening windows during the day.  Natural sunlight is the perfect light source for much of the work you do, and best of all, it’s free!  Opening windows to let in a cool breeze can also save from running your air conditioner, and bundling up while inside can save you from running your heater.  The heating, ventilation, and cooling system in the home is one of the largest energy users.

While roof mounted photovoltaic systems and efficient Energy Star rated appliances would be a big help, those are something you can put your energy savings towards from simply switching your light bulbs.

2.       The Electric Vehicle field expands, and other Green Transportation ideas.  What started in the United States with the Chevy Volt and Nissan Leaf has exploded as the next great thing in personal vehicles.  The issues with the Volt’s battery should be resolved shortly since Chevy has found a fix, and many well-known brands are rolling out electric vehicles of their own to compete with the Volt and Leaf.  Something to note, not all the cars are straight electrics, some are Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles, including the already mentioned Volt.  Ford has started production on a straight electric Focus as part of Ford’s plan to Green their product line.  Mitsubishi’s much-hyped MiEV is also going to be available for sale starting in 2012 and is especially noted for being the most affordable mass produced electric vehicle in the US.  Toyota has its popular RAV 4 SUV ready to launch as an electric vehicle, the only all-electric SUV available in the US as well, marking a big change from all the currently produced small cars.  Toyota is also coming out with a Plug-In Hybrid Electric version of its extremely popular Prius.  Not to be outdone, Honda is releasing its popular Fit as an Electric Vehicle with an outstanding range of 123 miles between charges.  For higher-end clientele, Tesla is coming out with its Model S sedan with many upgradable features that extend range and increase comfort, and the sporty Fisker Karma is also ramping up production.

Not in the market for an Electric Vehicle?  That’s still ok, all the major manufacturers are seeking ways to increase fuel efficiency across the board, even SUVs and pickup trucks are getting the Green treatment and becoming more efficient, and more and more Hybrid Vehicles are coming out every year.  With new fuel standards mandated by the US Government fast approaching, now is a great time to find a fuel efficient ride.

A much cheaper option would to find alternate transportation to your current car.  As a college student in a college town, I ride my bike to and from campus frequently, as well as between classes.  Living close to campus helps, because going to class all sweaty after a long bike ride is unappealing, but the couple miles I do ride are refreshing and a great way to wake up in the morning.  Taking public transportation is also an option in many locations.  My university has a very busy bus system that sometimes fills up with students going to and from campus, and many cities have their own transit agencies.  Leave your car parked and let someone else do the driving for you and many others.  Many times, transit agencies have passes that allow unlimited use for a monthly payment that will be far less than your average monthly gasoline bill.

3.       Try to find ways to get out and do things that do not consume.  I am even guilty of not doing this, I sit on my couch, writing blogs for you and watching the TV all day.  But Going Green is a Lifestyle, and part of that is being active.  Going outside is free, and you can do nearly anything.  Just going on a walk, whether down the street or on a park trail, gets you active and uses energy you have been consuming in the form of calories instead of using energy generated from a power plant.  Being active not only promotes a Green Lifestyle but also a Healthy Lifestyle.  Many resolutions revolve around improving appearances, and this Green Resolution definitely falls in line with that.  Instead of driving, using gas, bike.  Instead of playing Madden 12 on your Xbox 360, get some friends and play touch football at a local park.

Going Green and adopting a more environmentally lifestyle should be a part of everyone’s New Year Resolutions.  Simple lifestyle changes can generate impressive results when Going Green and every little bit pays off.  Also, as illustrated, your Green Resolutions do not have to be expensive to be successful.  So go out and help make the world a Greener place, one Resolution at a time.

One Stop Green is looking towards a Greener Future, sharing the latest and greatest ideas in green living and Green Technology with you through our staff written blogs. Going Green is no longer a choice, it's our responsibility, that's why it's so important to try and do the small things that can help change the outlook of the planet - and this is essentially the purpose of One Stop Green. We believe even the little things like recycling or using less water helps the environment out in a big way, and that's why our various solutions seek to nurture and edify your home or business in an eco-friendly manner.

Visit our website at www.onestopgreen.com or download the mobile app at http://fwd4.me/01gP

Electric Vehicle Technology on the Move Again….

New Advances That Increase Options and Utility

It’s no secret that electric vehicles now have a foothold in the car industry and are gradually being manufactured by more and more companies.  Toyota, Nissan, Chevrolet, and other car manufacturers are hard at work in making their products competitive not only against one another’s, but also against traditional gas-run vehicles as well.  There have been some recent developments in the world of electric vehicles and we have taken the liberty to track and discuss them below.

Toyota has announced that its RAV4 EV, an electric compact SUV, will be available for sale to the general public in 2012.  After being released back around the turn of the century, Toyota discontinued its production quickly and as a result, very few were released.  This four door SUV will be more spacious than competitors like the Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Volt and will thus offer more spacious options for consumers.


Luxury brands are also on board with the electric movement.  Mercedes, for example, offers the choice of ‘electric’ for some of its S-class models.  Most recently, Rolls Royce has began leasing its new 102EX that can travel over 100 miles per charge. However, it is still a Rolls Royce and thus gas savings will not be worth the high asking price for everyday consumers.


Car2Go, the company that loans Smart cars, is adding a new service to its repertoire.  By the end of 2011, it will have launched an all-electric car-sharing program based out of San Diego, CA.  These electric Smart cars will be capable of about 84 miles of driving per charge.


Finally, the first electric vehicle highway will undergo construction during fall of 2011 in the state of Washington.  AeroVironment has been chosen by the Washington Department of Transportation to build an extensive network of charging stations along Interstate 5 and U.S. Highway 2.  The purpose of this project is to combat inefficiencies that arise when traveling long distances in an electric vehicle.


One Stop Green is looking towards a ‘greener’ future, sharing the latest and greatest ideas in green living and green technology with you through our staff written blogs.  Going 'green' is no longer a choice, it's our responsibility, that's why it's so important to try and do the small things that can help change the outlook of the planet - and this is essentially the purpose of One Stop Green.  We believe even the little things like recycling or using less water helps the environment out in a big way, and that's why our various solutions seek to nurture and edify your home or business in an eco-friendly manner.  Visit our website at www.onestopgreen.com or download the mobile app at http://fwd4.me/01gP

First Fully Integrated Electric Car Network?

Week of May 22, 2011

Better Place implements electric car network in Israel to ease "Range Anxiety" and Houston hosts Electric Vehicle Event

Mark my words, 2011 will go down as the year of the electric car.  The Nissan Leaf, the Chevy Volt, a plug-in Prius, and many other entries by major manufacturers are entering the market.  At the end of May, the Clean Economy Network of Houston, Texas is hosting an event called “The Evolution of Vehicles: Electric Vehicles and Houston” where these and other new electric vehicles will be demonstrated with a discussion to follow.

Just last week, Better Place, a manufacturer of electric cars and infrastructure announced it was rolling out a network to ease the “range anxiety” associated with electric cars.  The company plans to keep Electric Vehicles moving for distances beyond their stated battery life, making longer distance trips possible.

The concept ‘Better Place’ is pushing is focuses on interchangeable batteries.  Better Place is taking Renault Fluence Z.E. sedans and at their stations, users will have the ability to swap out batteries in as little as five minutes.  In addition, when parked at shopping centers, Better Place hopes to have charging posts available to put a little bit of charge back into cars.

The Renault Fluence cars would be bought minus the cost of the battery.  The battery would be bought through Better Place with a subscription that allows access to their charging network across the country.  Rates would be dependent on driving characteristics.

Better Place is also setting up a network in Denmark, where rates have been established from about $300 per month for 6,200 miles (10,000 km) to about $600 for unlimited miles.  There is also an initial subscription fee of $2,000, but in both Israel and Denmark, gasoline is pushing $10 per gallon.

In the United States, the Clean Economy Network of Houston is promoting Houston as a leader in electric vehicle technology for Texas.  Nissan rolled out the Volt for Texas in Houston, and hosted the Chevy Volt launch here as well.  Most recently, Houston also achieved designation as an ‘Electric Vehicle Readiness city’ and could be one of the first cities in the nation to host an elaborate electric vehicle network system. One Stop Green commends the work of the Clean Economy Network of Houston and their commitment to supporting the advancement of Electric Vehicles in the state of Texas. 

One Stop Green is looking towards a ‘greener’ future, sharing the latest and greatest ideas in green living and green technology with you through our staff written blogs. Going 'green' is no longer a choice, it's our responsibility, that's why it's so important to try and do the small things that can help change the outlook of the planet - and this is essentially the purpose of One Stop Green. We believe even the little things like recycling or using less water helps the environment out in a big way, and that's why our various solutions seek to nurture and edify your home or business in an eco-friendly manner. 

Visit our website at www.onestopgreen.com or download the mobile app at http://fwd4.me/01gP

Charge 'er Up! Electric Vehicle News

Week of May 8, 2011

New Announcements and Updates on Electric Cars

In the news earlier this year was the new Volkswagen Bulli, whose concept introduced at the Geneva Auto Show.  Like many new autos, the new Bulli, or “Microbus” as it is known stateside, will be powered by an electric motor.  This led me to wonder about all the other up and coming electric vehicles that are about to hit the market and advances in technology to keep them running.

Electric cars substitute an electric battery powering a motor for an internal combustion engine.  Periodically, they need to be recharged and the most common method for that is to plug into an electrical outlet.  The cars have zero emissions from the tailpipe and significantly cut emissions overall.  This decrease in pollutants from the vehicle and end to gasoline use is the main draws to electric cars.

Like every new piece of technology, there are downsides to these new electric cars.  The biggest downside is price.  The average consumer doesn’t want to spend more for an electric car than a gasoline version despite all the subsidies many governments offer.  The Nissan Leaf is one of the most affordable electric cars, however still costs over $30,000.  A US rebate drops that $7,500 and states may have their own subsidies as well (such as California’s $5,000 subsidy) that drop the car price significantly.

Another drawback is the reduced range.  “Range anxiety” stems from the concern that batteries will lose charge on a trip far from anywhere able to recharge them.  And even if there is a charging station nearby, a recharge can take several hours out of a trip.  One of the top cars range wise is the Tesla Roadster, at 245 miles.  That is significantly less than many internal combustion cars, and in a state like Texas, won’t get me out of the state.  However, most electric cars are marketed as “daily drivers” that are geared towards the average 40 mile per day commute.  Also, cars can be built with battery switch technology.  This gives them the ability to be swapped out (like propane fuel grill tanks), however the costs are high despite the fact that it can take as little as one minute.  The US has fast charging stations being developed and should be blanketing the country by 2013 that will build an 80% charge in 30 minutes.

There are around 20 highway capable, large vehicles currently under development or in production.  Their popularity will almost certainly grow as gas prices rise and resources become harder to acquire.  Despite these drawbacks, electric cars seem to be the way of the future, and the kinks will be worked out, just like every other piece of technology.

One Stop Green is looking towards a ‘greener’ future, sharing the latest and greatest ideas in green living and green technology with you through our staff written blogs. Going 'green' is no longer a choice, it's our responsibility, that's why it's so important to try and do the small things that can help change the outlook of the planet - and this is essentially the purpose of One Stop Green. We believe even the little things like recycling or using less water helps the environment out in a big way, and that's why our various solutions seek to nurture and edify your home or business in an eco-friendly manner.

You can visit their website at www.onestopgreen.com and download their mobile app at http://fwd4.me/01gP