Conservation definitions range from individual to individual. It depends on what you are looking to accomplish. Some individuals are conserving energy to save the earth, others to save few bucks. Some are conserving wildlife and landscape for karma to the earth, others to save the outdoors for their families. The following section addresses energy conservation such as renewable energy, sustainable energy, wind power and solar power.
Consumers and businesses turn to certifications by third parties to help determine the green power they might purchase or use. One group is the Green-e program. The Green-e Renewable Electricity Certification Program (non-profit Center for Resource Solutions). Green-e certifies renewable electricity products that meet the environmental and consumer protection standards. In each states where Green-e is active, they work with diverse stakeholders to help ensure consumer protection and environmental standards work.
Energy saving ideas can come from alternative energy sources such as south facing roof solar panels used to heat your water storage tank through flat or evacuated solar collector panels. The pumps used to flow the heat can also use a solar panel or it can be hooked up to traditional fuel sources. Another area for solar heat can be under floor radiant heating tubes. Since heat rises, locating solar generated heating tubes beneath your floor as a radiant heating system can be a possible option. Due to the design layout most home owners find that this type of heating is only feasible in new homes.
Heavy heat and cooling losses due to poor insulation can have damaging effects on your energy bill and usage. Energy Star Partner windows with proper installation by a qualified contractor can help control loss. The National Fenestration Rating Council helps provide independent ratings on energy efficient windows, glass doors and skylights. When used in conjunction with the US Government Energy Star program, a home owner can find capable products. Energy covering or shades can have a large effect on a homes demand for energy and ability to conserve energy. Many different type of shades allow for variable light and heat or cooling reducing such as honeycomb designs. Proper choice of low energy usage lights Finally, the insulation in the walls and ceilings must be properly installed and of the properly rated material. The US Federal Government's Energy Star Home Web Site is a great resource for those looking to conserve energy and lower bills (even through certain federal and state tax rebates).
PREFERRED PURCHASING PROGRAMS
Or you may think of conservation as purchasing and practicing recycling programs. Sustainable Conservation advances the stewardship of resources by using innovative and practical strategies to engage businesses and private landowners in conservation of their lands and supply.
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP)
EPA's Environmentally Preferable Purchasing program encourages and assists federal agencies in purchasing environmentally preferable products and services. The site explains EPA's guiding principles for including environmental performance in purchasing decision making and posts case studies of successful pilot projects in both the public and private sectors.
Waste Wise
Waste Wise is a free, voluntary EPA program through which organizations eliminate costly municipal solid waste, benefiting their bottom line and the environment. The program provides hands-on assistance to members to help them purchase or manufacture recycled-content products, prevent waste, and recycle solid waste materials.
The EPA's Vendor Information (VendInfo) search page, a repository of more than 1200 listings of pollution prevention equipment, products, or services. This page allows you to find listings using a free text method, or by selecting from the various equipment categories.
US Federal Government Guy Green Program The Buying Green Program Area includes many links to green product information, federal regulatory policy mandating its use, guides to successful purchasing programs, and conferences and workshops dedicated to environmentally preferable purchasing.
US Government General Services Administration - An Environmental Aisle has been added to GSAAdvantage!® online shopping experience. The Environmental Aisle allows federal buyers with direct access to our variety of products offerings that contain environmental attributes. This is the latest effort to assist federal customers in making "green" purchases.
