Guest Post: 3 Free Online Courses With Green Themes

More and more highly reputable colleges offer free online courses for curious would-be students in all academic disciplines, not the least of which are in topics relevant to green and environmental topics. These online courses will give you a formal education on subjects that most people only have a passing knowledge about, including studies on ecology, animal behaviors, human influence on the environment, and so forth. These courses offer in-depth explanations of complex processes and ideas as explained in layman’s terms by some of the most prominent experts in their academic areas. And did I mention that these open courses are free? Yeah, I did, but it’s a fact that bears repeating.

Of the many courses available online in the field of green/environmental studies, here are three free options from some of the top universities in the nation.

Principles of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior

This course is taught by Professor Stephen C. Stearns at Yale College in the Spring semester of 2009. In this free online offering, you can stream video lectures and download notes about subjects including genetics, evolution, and climate. The venerable professor Stearns has a great handle on the subject material, offering easily understandable lectures on the densest topics pertaining to biology and nature in general. This course would be hugely helpful for someone who wants to learn the basics of biology across a wide spectrum of general topics. The course comes complete with copies of the exam offered in the course, so you get the full effect of experiencing the class as a college student. Try it out: it’s a Yale course, so you know it’s high quality!

The Environment of the Earth’s Surface

The next course comes from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and it involves an in depth look at the geographic structures, processes, and overall changes that affect the Earth. Taught by Professor John Southard, this undergraduate course can best be described as an entry level geology course on overdrive. Among other things, you’ll learn about the way that glaciers form in the ocean; you’ll be taught some little known facts about the Earth’s water supply; you’ll get a real grasp at the human impact on the geography of this fragile planet. The course material may seem a bit daunting, but it’ll prove a satisfying learning experience for people interested in how to preserve the Earth’s ecosystems.

Obesity Economics

The final course I’ve chosen comes from the Johns Hopkins School Bloomberg of Public Health and it discusses the problems of obesity that plague the US. I feel like this course has particular resonance with certain green initiatives, as there has been a real push to embrace greener food products (locally grown, organic produce and meat, etc.). This course, taught by Instructor Kevin Frick, addresses the complexities of obesity in this country head on. Among other issues addressed in the class, Mr. Frick discusses the health risks of obesity; the difficulties facing the average consumer who wants to avoid unhealthy foods; and the government role in curbing the rise in obese people. It’s a rewarding course that offers keen insight into a topic that’s rarely discussed with such substance. This is the perfect course for someone interested in nutrition, food science, or green dieting.

About the Author:
This guest contribution was submitted by Samantha Gray, who specializes in writing about bachelor degree online. Questions and comments can be sent to: samanthagray024@gmail.com.

Guest Post: How to Design a Green Work Environment?

There are many ways on how to arrive at better lifestyle in this contemporary era, and one the best among them is going green to preserve the world from serious harm later on. As signs of global warming have modified the world, we need to act responsibly to save our environment. We begin as individuals at our respective homes, in our neighborhood to our workplaces.

In this article, we will tackle five ideas on how our offices can be transformed and designed into a green work environment.

1. Reuse, recycle and cut your usage of paper.

Paper is one of the most consumed products in any office. We print and write notices, reminders and other important documentations on them. To constitute a green work procedure, instead of printing office notes, send them via email to co-workers, clients and suppliers instead. You can also opt for an online web portal where every stakeholder in your project or team can have access in viewing, creating or modifying notes without the use of the physical paper material.

If using paper is really necessary, suggest the purchasing department to acquire and buy recycled or reusable paper products. If your office receives regular newsletters, professional journals or magazines, ask if you can subscribe online rather than them sending you copies by mail.

Another way to cut back on paper is to take the blank side of the used printed materials (e.g. outdated manuals, forms, letters, drafts) and print internal notes on it. When photocopying, setup the printer in such a way that it prints both sides of the paper.

Place trash bins with a recycle or reuse signage near or next to workstations and other areas where there is a great number of paper spent.

2. Reduce energy consumption.

By common sense, turning off computers and lights when they are not in use can save electricity and energy. Other suggestions are:

• Replace light bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs which treats the environment better lasts much longer.
• Use natural lighting whenever possible. Arrange workstations to face the windows so that you don’t have to turn on any lights in the daytime.
• Set up time switches for your air conditioners to make the units run more efficiently. Clean and replace air filters regularly to ensure that cold and clean air is well ventilated.
• Use laptops instead of desktop computers. Laptops not only save space, it is also portable and saves lesser energy overall as it helps reduce carbon emissions. They also help save trees by using less packaging. With a PC, every part comes with a guide and in different boxes. A laptop uses only one small package while the manual can be downloaded from the Internet.
• When you’re done in the workplace and everybody has left for the day, instead of just turning electrical appliances off, unplug everything or turn power strips off. By doing so, you will save a hefty amount of energy and bills in the long term.

3. Reuse appliances.

Instead of buying new fixtures, try searching for appliances at rummage sales, second-hand or resell stores. Or if you have time, just give your old products an experience lift! Get innovative. You can also rent or lease equipment. There are companies/manufacturers now which offer to lease photocopiers and printers for other businesses.

4. Save transportation means.

When possible, try getting to work by using public transportation, carpooling, walking (if nearby) or riding a bicycle or a scooter. If work can be done at home, allow telecommuting. Working from home saves you electricity, transportation costs and other utilities; just make sure your employees can be easily be contacted wherever they are.

Arrange web or virtual conferences or phone meetings instead of going on to meeting places physically. If you can utilize the power of the Internet for business presentations, take advantage of it to reduce fuel consumption and use of vehicles that emit greenhouses gases. Moreover, greenhouse gases contribute to peoples' increase in health-related complications from breathing in the incredible amount of air pollution.

Also, sign up for using online systems such as online banking to make transactions and other business concerns.

5. Involve everyone.

Involving all employees to go green is probably the most important action. Teach them the green options and Eco-friendly efforts in the overall implementation of using, supplying and incorporating a path to becoming a green conscious business. One short example is to have them practice green considerations on their own in the office pantry. Have them bring their own dishes, utensils and reusable containers and silverware rather than disposable ones. Avoid using plastic cups and Styrofoam products.

Going green doesn't only help the environment but also saves us money. By make practicing consistently, it can save the next generation from emissions effected. Essentially, the green program is not hard to do; we just need to realize how important it to save costs, energy and our lives.

Also, going green may help promote the business, as customers would prefer earth-friendly products and they will choose a company applying green systems over others. This thereby increase profits and improve the impression of your company onto the public world.

Author bio:
Alexis Thompson is a former Mountain Backpacker and a 26 year old mother of 2 daughters, Sophie and Rhian. She is into almost all types of Music especially The Fray and Hillsong. She also has a passion in Singing and Scrap Booking. Follow her escapades on her Twitter.

Guest Post: Top 5 Ways to Improve Your Home's Energy Efficiency

Greening your home is not only better for the environment, it's better for your wallet, too. You'll lower your utility bills and maybe even gain some tax credits by making some upgrades. From major adjustments to minor changes, there are dozens of ways you can make your house more energy efficient and here are five of the top ways.

Replace Old Appliances
Older appliances are usually energy-sucking beasts. If you can afford to replace them it will vastly improve your home's efficiency. Some of the worst energy wastes are your refrigerator, furnace, A/C systems, water heater, dishwasher, stove, and laundry machines. You can find energy efficient models at reasonable prices everywhere these days. The government offers tax credits in some states for replacing old appliances so any money you spend on them will be made up through the credits and through your lower energy bills.

Clean
Reducing your energy consumption is as easy as cleaning. Your furnace and air conditioning filters should be replaced or cleaned every couple months to keep airflow at its most efficient. Even during the summer you should keep your filters clean as air conditioners circulate the air through the furnace. Keep the coils on your radiator, fridge, and laundry machines clean to keep them running efficiently because built up gunk acts like insulation and prevents the coils from heating and cooling properly. Keep your baseboards clean to keep airflow around your vents as efficient as possible. Keeping your appliances clean can be a laborious task but it not only helps reduce your home's energy consumption, it will keep your house more hygienic.

Seal Your House
Keep your house's heating and cooling systems running the best by sealing any cracks in your walls, roof, attic, windows, around faucets, and where your HVAC system was installed. If air can leak into or out of your house, it will make your heater and air conditioner work harder to maintain the temperature. Some leaks only need some caulk and an afternoon to fix, while others like leaks in your roof, might require a professional. Adding weather strips to doors that lead outside will also help keep the drafts down.

Attic Insulation
Your attic can be a major source of air leaks and temperature loss. Consider upgrading your current insulation with a layer of spray foam. Adding more insulation will make an already efficient attic even more efficient and is relatively easy to do. Check your attic for stains or discolorations on your insulation and you'll see where there are leaks. Attic fans can also vastly improve your cooling abilities by pulling hot air out of your attic and keeping your house cooler.

Power Strips
One of the easiest ways to help improve energy use is by simply plugging your appliances and electronics into a power strip. The power strip can stop anything that's plugged into it from absorbing unnecessary energy when not use. And when you're not home, asleep, or on vacation, you can reduce your energy consumption from non-essential appliances and electronics by flipping a single switch. Power strips are cheap and require barely any "installation." They're a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and stop unnecessary energy use.

Upgrading your home's energy efficiency will help you save money while helping the planet. There's no reason not to take at least one of these tips and put it to use. With the money you must spend every month on your home insurance, fixed-rate or tracker mortgage, utilities, lawn maintenance, and HOA fees, saving money using these tips is a no-brainer.

Green Home Remodeling Tips [sponsored]

Protecting the environment and improving your home don't have to be mutually exclusive goals. With the growing concern over environmental issues, making the right choices when it comes to home improvement can not only reduce your carbon footprint but also help you save money on your energy costs over the long run. Almost everything in your home from flooring to windows offers a more environmentally-friendly alternative that you can take advantage of when remodeling your home.

Windows: Although the walls of your home may be well-insulated, if the windows in your home are not insulated as well, this can reduce the energy-efficiency of your home by allowing heat to easily pass in and out of your home via the windows. Energy-efficient windows are designed to reduce the amount of heat that can transfer through a window, making your home cooler during the summer and warmer during the winter. When looking at energy-efficient windows, the two main factors to be aware of are the U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient. The U-factor measures how well the window insulates while the solar heat gain coefficient measures how much heat from the sun can pass through the window - a higher U-factor is typically more desirable while the solar heat gain coefficient should be lower, especially if you live in a hot climate or the window will receive sun for most of the day.

Flooring: While carpet and other flooring materials weren't particularly environmentally-friendly in the past, modern advancements have made this a thing of the past. When it comes to carpet, your options include carpets woven with natural fibers including sisal and wool or manufactured from recycled plastic which can in turn be recycled when the carpet wears out. Wood flooring isn't completely out of the question - bamboo and cork are both outstanding options for flooring that are strong and durable, but are produced with sustainable harvesting methods. Concrete can also be a highly sustainable flooring option as it can utilize a good deal of recycled waste in its manufacture, plus it can also be recycled to manufacture more concrete.

Paint: Paint is often an area of concern for people concerned about environmental impact. Standard paint is known to contain high levels of toxic VOCs (volatile organic compounds) like toluene that give off the fumes that give fresh paint its characteristic strong odor. Fumes from VOCs can cause health problems as well as contributing to air pollution, making them of particular concern when used in the home. Fortunately, many name brand paint manufacturers have begun offering lines of paints that are designed to significantly reduce the amount of VOCs present while still offering the same quality as standard paints. Another recent innovation is paints that are manufactured from milk and other natural ingredients, eliminating VOCs altogether.

Appliances: If you're planning on replacing any of the major appliances in your home such as the refrigerator, dishwasher or water heater - many appliance manufacturers have made great strides in developing energy-efficient appliances. Look for the Energy Star label on any appliances you're interested in - this indicates that the appliance has met federal energy standards.

Lighting: If you've already adopted CFLs for home lighting, it may be time to consider updating some of your fixtures to use LEDs instead. Currently, LEDs do have the disadvantage of costing a bit more than comparable CFL options but they offer a significantly longer lifespan and use even less energy than CFLs. LEDs also do not contain any mercury, unlike CFLs and standard incandescent bulbs that contain high levels of mercury.

Cabinets: If you're planning on replacing the cabinets in your bathroom, kitchen or other areas of your home - environmentally-friendly cabinets can be a great option. They are typically manufactured from either bamboo or wheatboard and assembled with adhesives that do not contain VOCs, making them a very sustainable option for your home.

Justin Krutz writes about home improvement for Palatin Remodeling, a Los Angeles bathroom remodeling company that also specializes in San Diego bathroom remodeling and San Diego kitchen remodeling services.

Guest Post: Filter Out Your Plastic Use

Most people with even the slightest green instinct already know that it's a good idea to recycle plastic bottles. But have you ever considered whether you could also reduce the amount of plastic you buy? Even when you recycle, the process is not very efficient and requires natural resources, including oil, so you aren’t helping the environment as much as possible. Eighty percent of plastic bottles sold end up in landfills, where they take hundreds of years to even start to decompose! With over 3 million tons of plastic used each year to bottle water around the world, it's time for each of us to make a few small changes to get away from bottled water.

Water Filtration Solutions

When you would prefer to not drink tap water, it's time to start filtering water instead. You get clean water that costs less than bottled water, so everybody's happy. There are plenty of types of filters to choose from, including pitcher filters, a countertop filtration system and a refrigerator water filter installed directly to your refrigerator. The best part is that these filters last for months at a time which significantly decreases the amount of waste you're producing and helps protect the environment.

Reusable Water Bottles

Once you have a filtration system established, it's easy to drink the water at home, but what about when you're on the go? That's when reusable water bottles come into play. Rather than taking disposable water bottles with you, invest in a few durable, safe, reusable ones. Nalgene bottles are now BPA-free and come in many sizes and styles, with an attached lid that most people love because it's hard to lose and makes a handy loop for holding the bottle. Stainless steel water bottles are another popular option, and they are very durable. You can even get bottles with built-in filters so you can refill them wherever you are and drink clean water everywhere – all without having to buy plastic bottles.

Significant Environmental Impact

The small steps you put into place today to filter out your plastic use can add up to a big impact down the road. By reducing the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills, you're protecting the earth for future generations. And remember, even when you recycle plastic, it usually gets down-cycled into other products that eventually end up in the landfill themselves. So break your water bottle habit and filter water yourself. The fish living near the Great Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch will thank you!