Tuesday, January 8, 2013 | By Annette Basile |
No Comments10. Did you know that the average American’s daily round-trip commute is less than 30 miles? With many electric vehicles having a range of more than 70 miles a charge, they are a reliable and comfortable way for Americans to get from point A to point B. For longer trips, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle with a back-up internal combustion engine may be a good alternative. Both help reduce our dependence on foreign oil and contribute to a cleaner environment. Watch the Energy 101: Electric Vehicles video to learn more.
9. The electric vehicle market is growing faster than you might realize. More than 7,000 plug-in and all-electric vehicles were sold in October 2012 — making it the highest month of electric car sales to date.
8. Currently there are 13 electric vehicle models on the market, and the number continues to rise. For model years 2013 and 2014, manufacturers are expected to debut at least 18 new plug-in hybrid and all-electric vehicles, including the 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV and Fiat 500e — both of which were unveiled at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show.
7. Electric vehicles are a highly efficient mode of transportation. Up to 80 percent of the energy in the battery is transferred directly to power the car, compared with only 14-26 percent of the energy from gasoline-powered vehicles.
6. Unlike gasoline-powered vehicles, electric cars emit no tailpipe pollutants when running on electricity — cleaning the air we breathe and helping automakers meet the Obama Administration’s new fuel economy and emissions standards.
5. The battery technologies in almost all of the electric vehicles on the road today were created with support from the Energy Department, which also played a key role in the development of today’s lithium-ion batteries. Argonne National Laboratory developed breakthrough battery technology — a combination of lithium-rich and manganese-rich mixed-metal oxides that offers at least 50 percent more energy storage capacity — that is licensed by several companies including Envia, Toda, BASF and Compact Power/LG Chem. The Department continues to support the advancement of the next generation of battery storage technologies that will lower cost and improve range as part of the Joint Center for Energy Storage Research.
4. The battery is one of the most expensive parts of an electric vehicle, but technological advances are making batteries less costly. Before 2009, a 100-mile range electric battery cost $33,000. Today it costs about $17,000, and it is projected to drop to $10,000 by the end of 2015.
3. Beyond wiper blades and tires, all-electric vehicles require little maintenance, saving consumers money over the life of the car. Even the brake pads last longer in electric vehicles because they use regenerative braking to slow down — a method of converting the energy used to reduce the car’s speed into power that is stored in the car’s battery.
2. In the United States, electricity costs between 3 and 25 cents per kilowatt-hour while a national average for a gallon of gasoline is $3.42. It costs only $1 for today’s all-electric vehicles to travel the same distance as a similar-sized gasoline car would on a gallon of fuel. This adds up to a savings of more than $2 a gallon or $1,000 a year in refueling costs, and the next generation of electric vehicles will bring even bigger savings.
1. A majority of the electric vehicle owners charge their cars overnight at home when the electricity costs are lower. But with more than 5,000 public charging stations across the country, refueling your electric vehicle while away from home is even easier. Check out the Alternative Fueling Station Locator to find one near you.
Want to know more about electric vehicles?
Source: Energy.gov
Monday, July 9, 2012 | By Jennifer Gates |
No CommentsCurrently, The Wilderness Society is celebrating the Wild Days of Summer – and who doesn’t like summer? Summer is the season of fun, and it offers the opportunity to reconnect with wilderness and share your love of wild places with others. Join us as we celebrate and explore the wildest corners of America. While you’re busy celebrating your own, personal wild place this summer, The Wilderness Society is working hard to ensure the wild places you love are protected.
Interested in visiting a new wild place this summer? Break out the compass and find your way to our wilderness.org/wild for descriptions and pointers on must-see wilderness destinations and tips on wilderness activities, including hiking, camping, family-friendly fun, and much more.
About The Wilderness Society
The Wilderness Society is the leading American conservation organization working to protect our nation’s public lands, the 635 million acres collectively owned by the American people and managed by our government. From well-known icons to hidden gems, these lands provide us all with clean air and water; abundant wildlife; havens for recreation, learning, and solitude; and a foundation for a healthy planet. They are also important sources of renewable energy and vital natural resources that must be managed wisely. Visit us at www.wilderness.org
Monday, June 11, 2012 | By Jennifer Gates |
No CommentsJune is National Great Outdoors Month
Americans are urged to spend time in the great outdoors and to uphold our nation’s legacy of conserving our lands for future generations. Friends and families can explore, play, and grow together from hiking and wildlife watching, to canoeing, hunting, fishing and playing in the neighborhood park…all activities that can help you stay healthy, active and energized.
You don’t have to travel to get a dose of the great outdoors. Spending time in your own backyard can have the same effect. Plan a cookout or picnic, go fishing or camping, hike, ride a bike, plant a garden, go to the beach (or river, lake or park), visit a local wildlife center, or even a zoo. National Great Outdoors Month highlights the benefits of getting outdoors and enjoying our wonderful shared resources of forests, parks, refuges, and other public lands and waters.
Some fun ways to celebrate the great outdoors include:
- June 1-25 – Go Camping America – Take the family camping in a tent, pop-up trailer, or RV
- June 4th is National Trails Day – America has over 200,000 miles of trails for hiking, biking and backpacking.
- June 4-12 is National Fishing and Boating Week.
- June 11-17 – Great Outdoors Week – Everyone is encouraged to enjoy the outdoors, even if briefly, every day this week.
- June 11 – National Get Outdoors Day, Fee Waiver Day in National Forests (sponsored by the US Forest Service which operates 17,000 recreation sites and manages 193 million acres of public land), and National Marina Day (showcases the fun and benefits of boating and the marina lifestyle).
- June 21 – Fee-Free Day in National Parks – Fee-free days at more than 100 national parks that usually charge entrance fees.
- June 25 – National Wildlife Federation’s 7th annual “Great American Backyard Campout” – Spend a night of outdoor family fun under the stars…right in your own backyard.
Communities across the nation celebrate nature and engage in fun outdoor activities during National Great Outdoors Month. Check with campgrounds in your state, National parks or Forests, or visit your local waterfront. The National Wildlife Federation’s website offers more inspiration to celebrate the great outdoors. You can put in your zip code for a list of nature centers, parks, hiking trails, and other outdoor spaces nearby. Visit www.nwf.org and click “GET OUTSIDE” today.
The National Wildlife Federation …Inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children’s future. NWF has offices across the country, including nine regional centers, and 48 state affiliates . NWF gives voice to the wildlife conservation values that are part of our country’s heritage.
Monday, April 16, 2012 | By Northshore Nancy |
No CommentsReusable snack bags!
For a limited time only, you can get 50% off these cute reusable snack bags. Perfect for lunches, on the go snacks & a great way to teach your kids to go green!
They are 100% cotton, lined with leak-resistant nylon; available in 2 sizes.
Free of BPA and phthalates and FDA approved for everyday food use.
You can buy them (while available) at http://www.getmyperks.com/publishers/entercom-neworleans/daily_deals/69743
Thursday, April 12, 2012 | By Tpot |
No Comments
The eco-friendly kitchen begins with eating green, but it doesn’t end there. Energy-efficient food preparation and cleaning habits and dodging toxic chemicals are also important if you want to have a truly healthy kitchen.
Boil Water in a Tea Kettle
- Boiling water in a tea kettle is quicker and more energy efficient than bringing your water to boil in a pan, so when cooking veggies, boil the water in your kettle before transferring to a pan. You could invest in an Eco-kettle which is cordless and saves a great deal of energy.
Use a Microwave and Slow Cooker
- A microwave is the most eco-friendly way to cook, as it uses the least amount of energy.
- Invest in a slow cooker, as it is the most energy efficient of the lot.
Use Wood Cutting Boards
- Wooden cutting boards are better than plastic because they don’t pollute during the manufacturing process, and the wood has natural antibacterial properties.
Leave the Oven Open
- In the winter, leave the oven door open after turning it off, as it will help heat the kitchen.
Monday, April 2, 2012 | By Kat |
No Comments
Household uses for orange peels…
- Due to the high content of flammable oil in orange peels, dried peel makes a great fire starter or kindling.
- It seems that cats don’t like the smell of orange peel, so you can place them around plants where you don’t want cats digging.
- Dried orange peels can be placed in a cloth bag and placed in closets and cupboards to reduce musty odors.
- A puree blend of orange peel and water can be applied to an area to discourage ants from crossing.
- Most insects hate limonene – the oil in the peel. Small piles of zest can be placed around an area to keep it free from flies and mosquitoes. Some people claim rubbing orange peel on your skin will prevent mosquito bites.
- To deodorize a garbage disposal unit, throw down a few peels while it’s operating.
- While on the topic of garbage, placing orange peel at the bottom of your trash can, before putting the bag or bags in is said to reduce odor and also help discourage insect infestation.
- Use the orange skin to scrub and deodorize your kitchen sink.
Thursday, March 29, 2012 | By Tpot |
No CommentsBicycling to work is easy, safe and fun. If you’ve never done it before, NOLA Bike to Work Day presented by Entergy and Bike Easy is for you. Experienced riders will meet at five different locations and ride together to downtown. If you have time before work, stop by Gallier Hall for coffee and free safety schwag!
There are some specific group bike routes and more details on pre and post work-day group events at http://bikeeasy.org/events/archives/264/
Plus, you could even win a bike in time for Bike to Work Day! Check out all of these contests for a Trek 7000 Bike!
http://freebloaders.b97.com/asp3/ContestDetail.aspx?AID=184242
http://websiteworkforce.magic1019.com/asp3/ContestDetail.aspx?AID=184236
http://workforce.bayou957.com/asp3/ContestDetail.aspx?AID=184203
COMMUTER TIPS:
Bicycling to work is easy and safe. To have the best experience possible, follow the tips below:
- Chat on Facebook to find a ride buddy or strategize your route. You can also plan a route with Google’s Bicycle Trip Planner or using the map above.
- Act as if you were driving a vehicle – ride in the direction WITH traffic, stop at stop signs, be predictable
- Routes that parallel busy streets are often better for bicycles. Look for smooth surfaces, low traffic speeds and volumes
- Determine where you will store your bike while you work before you show up (many places have garage or locations inside!)
- Wear comfortable clothing, it’s okay to change when you get to work
- Make sure your bike is in working order the night before
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 | By Green in Gentilly |
No Comments
Free light bulbs along with other ways to save money & make your house more energy efficient are coming to a library near you…
Energy Smart is an energy efficiency program which provides audits and cash rebates to Entergy New Orleans electric customers who take steps to increase the efficiency of their homes and businesses. They’ll be visiting local libraries on the dates below to talk about the residential programs offered through Energy Smart: free light bulbs, $75 off A/C tune-ups, energy audits, incentives for insulation, air sealing, air conditioning and more.
Here are the library locations & dates/times:
Central City 2405 Jackson Ave, Ste C-235 Thursday, March 22 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Latter 5120 St. Charles Avenue Saturday, March 31 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Martin Luther King 1611 Caffin Avenue Thursday, April 5 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Nix 1401 S. Carrollton Avenue Thursday, April 28 3:00 – 4:00 pm
More info at http://energysmartnola.info
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 | By Steve Suter |
No Comments
The politicians are all talking about the price of gas, but every time you fill up or just pass the sign in front of the station with another increase…it’s not like you were gonna forget. So I’ve pre-Googled these tips for you (saving you all that hand-energy!) on ways we can really cut our gas bills down.
1) Public Transportation. Okay, New Orleans isn’t exactly a public transit model for the country, but those buses you get frustrated driving behind are available to all of us. Technically as a taxpayer we’ve already invested in these services – so why not try it out. Full disclosure…It costs the average commuter about $2.50 to drive to work everyday and that’s about the same price it will cost you to take a bus, but it does save the wear and tear on your car – which is ultimately a huge “hidden” cost of your commute.
2) Drive Smarter. The stuff we know we should do – let’s really do it. Check that tire pressure often, not just when you get an oil change. Get regular vehicle maintenance. Combine errands – like make your grocery trip a stop on your way home from work. And it turns out the biggest savings of all might be in our feet. Well, our right foot to be specific. Accelerate slowly and drive smoothly.
3) Carpool. Splitting a commute with another person automatically cuts your fuel costs in half – so think, how bad could it be? Maybe they’ll make the coffee.
4) Drive Smaller. Trade in the SUV. This is a hard one for a lot of us who got accustomed to the extra cargo space, being able to see over all the other drivers and all those extra cup holders! But, think about how much easier parking would be with a smaller car. Not to mention the average commute in a Prius is about $3 LESS than the same commute in an SUV.
5) Bike to Work or Errands. This is another tough one for those of us who drive in from the Northshore everyday, but if you live close enough to work – talk about saving on your gas bill! Also might not be a home-run for August in New Orleans, but this time of year – it actually feels nice to be outside. And even if you can’t bike to work, consider making your next trip to the neighborhood drug store or other nearby errand a bike ride.
Monday, March 12, 2012 | By Tpot |
No Comments
There’s nothing quite like the joy that comes from riding a bike. Whether it be on pavement, through dirt, or over rocks. Hopping on a bike is one of life’s simple pleasures. Bikes are a way to get around town, to relax, to have adventures, and to stay happy and healthy. And every time we pedal our way forward, we not only get to where we’re going, but we also show the rest of the world just how powerful human power really can be.
EVENT:
Bicycle Second Line: Downtown 2012
Sun, May 20th, 9am-11am
Starts and ends by Bayou St John at Jefferson Davis Pkwy and Lafitte St
Read more at http://bikeeasy.org
