Tag: green

Village Green Apothecary’s Green Initiatives

April 21st, 2011 by Paula Gallagher

We wish we could change the world so that our environment was clean and healthy (and our healthcare system was based on a preventative model!). We have not yet been able to accomplish such large goals, but we believe that small steps add up, and that everyone can help make a difference. To that end, we would like our friends and customers to know about some of the eco-friendly initiatives we are doing in our business:

* We purchase 100% wind power through Electric Advisors, from WGES Clean Steps Wind Power. Residential consumers can also sign up to purchase 100% renewable energy at a discounted price through Electric Advisors.

* Our customers can dispose of unwanted and expired drugs using the TakeAwayTM Environmental Return System at our store. This is a safe, environmentally savvy way to keep over-the-counter and prescription medications from ending up in the Chesapeake Bay and other waterways. Learn more, then download a Medicine Disposal Form. Continue reading “Village Green Apothecary’s Green Initiatives”

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Going Green: Actions (and Cash) Speak Louder Than Words

April 14th, 2011 by Steve Stillwater

When it comes to going green, do you follow through on good intentions?

People talk a lot about living a greener lifestyle, but when the time comes to actually go green, most people seem to be commitment-phobic. The problem is that most normal folks are not yet willing to pay a bit more to lower their carbon footprints.

Recent car-buying behavior is telling. A USA Today/Gallup Poll surveyed car buyers and found that 35% said they would “strongly consider” buying a hybrid car. But how many actually bought one? Only 4.3%. What is the reason? Almost certainly it is the other kind of green: money.

A Ford Escape hybrid that gets 32 miles per gallon is priced at $30,825, but the non-hybrid version netting only an average of 23 miles per gallon is available for as little as $23,225 (that ‘s stripped, not equipped). Saving $1000 per year on gas still requires about 7 years to earn back the cost premium for the hybrid. Most consumers won’t fork over that much extra for a hybrid, preferring to pay more for gas but quite a bit less for the car.

This is just a guess on my part, but I think gasoline prices would need to be about $6 per gallon or more to push a significant number of car buyers toward the hybrid. What do you think?

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Are You Being Greenwashed?

April 6th, 2011 by Steve Stillwater

The trend toward greener, healthier lifestyles has not gone unnoticed by companies, both large and small. Businesses of all types are looking for ways to promote their products and services as “green” and “environmentally friendly.”

Some of these label claims have substance behind them. For example, appliances that earn the EnergyStar designation have met standards of energy efficiency validated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Other green label claims are less reliable.

Some of these green claims are, in fact, downright questionable. How does one assess the validity of a cleaning product with a “green” or “nature-friendly” designation? Continue reading “Are You Being Greenwashed?”

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EBook Excerpt: Home Energy Consumption Breakdown

November 3rd, 2010 by Steve Stillwater

Here is the next in our weekly series of excerpts from the EBook, “6 Weeks to a Greener Lifestyle.” See the note at the end of this post for more information. — Paula

What are the biggest consumers of energy and resources in and around the home?

On average, most homes existing within modern industrialized nations will use their energy in approximately the following percentages:

· Heating – 31%
· Cooling – 12%
· Water heating – 12%
· Lighting – 11%
· Computers and electronics – 9%
· Appliances – 9%
· Refrigeration/freezing – 8%
· Other – 8%

This data indicate that improvements in the efficiency of these various areas of the home will automatically lower costs. Many of the improvements that lead to a “greener” home can be made without a lot of out-of-pocket expense.

How? Continue reading “EBook Excerpt: Home Energy Consumption Breakdown”

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EBook Excerpt: Your Costs and Your Carbon Footprint

October 27th, 2010 by Steve Stillwater

Here is the next in our weekly series of excerpts from the EBook, “6 Weeks to a Greener Lifestyle.” See the note at the end of this post for more information. — Paula

Want to know how to calculate your carbon footprint? Here is great resource. Follow these steps, and you may be surprised by the result.

1. Go to the carbon footprint calculator.

2. Enter your country and state of origin. This will give you a more accurate estimate, as some factors vary by location. Note: As the site says, the calculations for secondary emissions are based on estimates developed by Carbon Footprint to illustrate the impact on the environment from your day-to-day activities.

3. Start with HOUSEHOLD and be prepared to enter the following information regarding your house: the number of people in your household and your consumption of electricity, natural gas, heating oil, coal, and the like. It may be helpful to have a year’s worth of utility bills handy.

4. FLIGHTS is an area where it’s key to be prepared by knowing where you traveled and in which class – yes, the class matters in this calculation, as you take up about twice as much space in first class. Continue reading “EBook Excerpt: Your Costs and Your Carbon Footprint”

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    Paula Gallagher
    Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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