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5 Essential Commercial Greenhouse Equipment that a Grower Must Have

Commercial greenhouses in the United States are in speedy growth. In Georgia alone, this great state has over 11 million square feet that holds all of the available commercial greenhouses within the state’s jurisdiction. The apparently ravenous craving for new diversities as far as vegetation and floriculture commerce and trade industry is concerned. In addition, with the overwhelming growth of the new technology, more and more people are demanding for the most basic and most natural food product. That is why most of the commercial greenhouse growers have realized the potential that this kind of venture can bring. One of the best things about putting up a business like commercial greenhouse is that you get to enjoy double gratifications. This is because with commercial greenhouses, the grower gets to enjoy the satisfaction that he is able to contribute to the community and the environment at the same time; he gets to earn remarkable income. However, as much as commercial greenhouses can provide great income opportunities to most people, who wish to have this kind of business, starting out a commercial greenhouse is not that easy. This is because it is relatively significant for the business owner to provide his hothouse with the right commercial greenhouse equipments. As they say, a business can never succeed without the right tools and devices that will aid or assist the entrepreneur in managing the business....Read more #GoGreenMagazine Read the full article

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Change Your Space with Wall Treatments

Have you ever wondered if a wall treatment can really impact the look and feel of your home's space? Surprisingly, wall treatments can really change your space. Here's how various wall treatments can change a room. The Illusion of Space One of the big reasons why people do wall treatments is to create an illusion of more space than is actually there. Here are some techniques that are used to make a space seem larger. * Light Colors - This seems pretty basic, and it is, but you'd be surprised how often just painting a room gets overlooked as a legitimate wall treatment to increase the feeling of space. Another tip from experts is to go neutral as well as light. Neutral colors do not call attention to themselves, giving the room more of a "wall-less" feeling.  * Mirror, Mirror on the Wall... - While too much stuff on your walls can look crowded and cluttered, a few strategically-placed mirrors on the walls can really enhance the feeling of space. If you position a mirror so that it reflects a window, it increases the natural light and can even look like you have another window.  * Windows - Windows are part of your wall, and how you decorate them can affect the look of your room dramatically. If you are trying to make a small room look bigger, consider no window treatments at all. If privacy is an issue, you might simply cover the glass with sheets of clear plastic that blur images - light gets in, but prying eyes don't....Read more #GoGreenMagazine Read the full article

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Advantages Of Owning Hybrid Cars

More and more people are turning to hybrid cars these days because of their promise of lesser fuel consumption and environmental friendliness. Hybrid cars, because they run on both fuel and battery-powered engines, eat up less fuel, thereby sparing the consumer the pain of falling prey to price pressures in the world oil market. In addition, it also emits significantly less smog pollutants in the air, compared to traditional fuel-operated cars.  Indeed, there are a lot of advantages to owning hybrid cars. This is why even the US government is starting to show support by welcoming more models into the country and by encouraging American auto makers like General Motors and Ford to make more units.  Here are some of the advantages of hybrid cars: 1) Efficiency Hybrid cars are electrically operated and are thus able to function well and consistently at any motor speed. This is in contrast to conventional gas-powered engines, which tend to produce less power in low revolutions per minute episodes. Hybrid cars do not need to use transmissions to make their engines run at full capacity even at reduced speeds. 2) Economy One of the advantages of hybrid cars is that the feature called "regenerative braking". Since a hybrid car works using both electric power and fuel power, each can function by itself or conjunction, depending on which is stronger at the time of use. This means that both engines complement each other and do not simply bog one when one of them becomes weaker....Read more #GoGreenMagazine Read the full article

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Creative Ways for Using Old Books and Magazines

If your home is like most, you probably have a stack of magazines you have read but do not know what to do with. You may also have many books that have been read and enjoyed some time ago. Rather than tossing these things, try one or more of the following creative ways for using old books and magazines. Create a Unique Desk This is a great way to repurpose books. You will need to have a large quantity of books and in varying sizes to make stacks the same height. A set of old encyclopedias and other hardcover books would work best, but you may be able to add in some paperbacks, too.  Decide how large you want your desk to be and mark that area on your floor with tape at the corners. Place the books, largest on the bottom, on the floor with the books in each taped corner. Continue adding books to your stacks until you get to the right height. Then place a piece of plywood, an old door, or thick Plexiglas for the top. Make Recycled Paper You can take some of the old books, phone books and newspapers you have laying around and create recycled paper. You will need a blender, paper, a screen with a frame and water. Look online or check out a book from the library to learn more. Wrap Presents There is no reason why you should pay a premium for wrapping paper for gift giving. Tape pages from a magazine together to create one large sheet; then you can use that to wrap your gifts....Read more #GoGreenMagazine Read the full article

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Reducing Personal Waste While Traveling

Reducing your personal waste while traveling helps you reduce your environmental footprint, shows respect for other countries and often inspires other travelers and even locals to be more environmentally conscious. Most non-first world countries are not very conscious of waste management. For example, in 7-11 in Thailand, even if you buy a single water bottle to drink from right away, they'll give you a plastic bag. Often times to reduce your personal waste, you need to take the initiative. Here are a few tips for doing this. ==> Cut Out the Water Bottles Water bottles are perhaps the traveler's most common waste item. Since tap water isn't drinkable in many of the countries in the world, it's common to constantly buy water bottles for clean water. Unfortunately, that results in between one and four discarded water bottles every single day. In a month of traveling, that's as many as 120 discarded water bottles! Start reducing your footprint by not using disposable bottles whenever possible. In countries where water is more or less drinkable (e.g. Poland), use a portable filter. These cost under $30 and can easily pay for itself in a week of travel on saved water costs. In countries where the water is clearly not drinkable (e.g. Cambodia), try to use water refilling stations rather than buying water bottles. ==> Learn to Say "No Bag, Thank You" In many countries in the world, it's almost traditional to pack purchases in a plastic bag....Read more #GoGreenMagazine Read the full article

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Eco-friendly Kitchen Wall Coverings

Once you have remodeled your kitchen utilizing recycled glass countertops, refurbished wood cabinets, and reclaimed wood flooring, you can start to think about what is next for your wall coverings. There are many options for eco-friendly wall coverings, from paint to paper. If you are remodeling your kitchen or just giving it a little sprucing up, going green in your kitchen does not only have to refer to the color of paint on your walls. It can mean saving the environment as well. Traditional wallpaper covering unfortunately utilizes adhesives that contain formaldehyde and chemical toxins that, over time, emit volatile organic compounds. VOCs are toxic vapors emitted from solvents, paint, glue, and adhesives that can cause negative health effects. Some of those negative health effects come in many forms: * Dizziness * Nausea * Impaired memory or vision * Respiratory illness * Chronic headaches Thankfully, today, there are other options. * Grasscloth – Grasscloth is derived from many different plants and fibers, as well such as hemp or jute. These wall covering give an all-natural, earthy tone to your kitchen walls and have a definitive way of bringing the outside indoors. * Paperweave – Paperweave is an all-natural wall covering created by hand weaving paper materials together. Paperweave typically uses all-natural vegetable dye for coloring it as well. There are no chemicals utilized in paperweave and it is sustainable and earth friendly....Read more #GoGreenMagazine Read the full article

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Go Green And Save Money

Everywhere you look these days it seems that the main message is, "go green and save money." This is an appealing message for most people as we are constantly warned of the dire consequences of global warming out of control. People want to do their bit to help save the planet, and if they can save money at the same time, then it just obviously makes sense all round. You can go green and save money just about anywhere. Your home is probably the most obvious place to start, but you can also do wonders with your car, in the office, out shopping, traveling on vacation, and much more. The opportunities are almost endless; going green doesn't have to be more expensive, you can definitely go green and save money at the same time. Your home probably leaks heat out during the winter and leaks heat in during the summer. For this reason most of us have winter heaters and summer air conditioning units. This should be the first place you investigate of how to go green and save money. Are all your windows tight? Are the door seals tight too? This is where heat can leak out and make your electricity bills soar. If your house doesn't have good loft insulation heat will pour out in winter and pour in during the summer. Insulation is one of the best ways to go green and save money. Your walls can have their cavities filled with insulating foam as well, all keeping the heat inside in winter and outside in summer for more comfortable living....Read more #GoGreenMagazine Read the full article

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Solar Lights: Both Energy Efficient and Classy

Solar lights are a great way to be energy efficient while looking great. There are many different styles of solar lights. From the spot-illuminated LEDs to the flower lotus and fairy-like lights that lay patterns all around the light, there's something for everyone. ==> Easier to Install than Normal Lights Trying to get lighting into your garden with normal lights can be a huge nightmare. First, you need wiring. Anywhere that lights go, you need to have electricity. You can try to do it yourself with extension cables, but that often leaves ugly cables trailing all around your yard. You also need to know how to protect the cables from the rain and from pests like gophers, moles or squirrels that may gnaw on or even chew through your cables. Often times people have to bring in trained electricians to handle lighting issues. That adds a huge cost to the whole installation process. Solar lights handle this issue brilliantly. There's no electrician and no wires necessary. Just stick the solar lights in the ground and you're done. They'll charge up during the day and use the power from the sun to light up your patio or garden at night. ==> The Set-Up Process Start by evaluating exactly where you'd like your lights to go. Different kinds of locations and different purposes need different lights. For your patio, for which you might want some brighter lights, you may choose to go with halogen lights....Read more #GoGreenMagazine Read the full article

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How to Buy Commercial Greenhouse Kits

For nature lovers, putting up a business based on their interest seems to be the most fulfilling job they could ever have. That is why since the success of the greenhouse industry had been gradually recognized in the society, more and more people are enticed to engage into commercial greenhouses. In Canada, commercial greenhouses were able to generate a hefty amount of more than $1 million dollars just for 1999 statistical records of the country. This goes to show that commercial greenhouse are advantageous not only to the environment but to the economy as well. Since many people are gradually realizing the potential of commercial greenhouses in generating considerable amount of income for the business as well as the economy, many people are enticed to engage into this kind of venture. However, even if the idea seems to be very appealing, it does not necessarily mean that engaging into the commercial greenhouse business is relatively easy. Like any venture, you have to equip yourself with the right tools and devices in order to succeed in the business. Hence, for those who are planning to try their luck and skill in managing commercial greenhouse, it is important to obtain a commercial greenhouse kit. With commercial greenhouse kits, you can instantly start your business without any trouble. So if you are planning to buy a commercial greenhouse kit, here are some tips that you need to know that could help you choose the best kit for your business: 1....Read more #GoGreenMagazine Read the full article

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American hybrid carmakers: racing against time

In the 1990s, the U.S. Department of Energy collaborated with GM, Ford, Chrysler, to challenge the dominance of their Japanese and European counterparts in the development of hybrid cars. Millions of dollars were put into the huge project of developing American hybrid cars.  Ten years after, Ford came up with one model entry into the market, competing against six Japanese hybrid cars. Ford started selling the Escape SUV Hybrid in September of 2004. The other two American hybrid cars manufacturers are having a hard time in delivering their hybrids to the consumer public.  Whatever happened to the big American hybrid dream cars can be anybody’s guess.  Below is a short update on the status of American hybrid car manufacturers.   Ford The public release of the Ford Escape Hybrid was finally materialized in September 2004. The original schedule however, was in 2003. The Ford’s answer to the call for American hybrid cars is a fully hybrid electric vehicle, able to run on its gasoline or its electric motor, or both. This is to meet the requirements set by driver demand to optimize performance and limit fuel consumption.   The Ford Escape was first ever among American hybrid cars.  It produces less than one pound of smog-forming pollutants for every 15,000 miles. This is more significant when compared with all light trucks average of 105 pounds of smog-forming pollutants for every 15,000 miles. The average for passenger cars, with the same number of miles, is 67 pounds.  At...Read more #GoGreenMagazine Read the full article

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Eco-Friendly Chic Decorating Tips

When it is time for a change in your home and you are concerned about the earth, you want to find eco-friendly chic decorating tips you can follow. Luckily, numerous decorating companies understand your desire to protect the environment. Not only do they make products from recycled materials, they also offer sustainable goods. The following tips will make your home both eco-friendly and beautiful. 1. No matter which room in your home you are redecorating, chances are you will want a luxurious rug in which to sink your toes. Eco-friendly rug manufacturers make hypoallergenic rugs with materials that keep the environment in mind. Choose rugs that do not use formaldehyde and other toxins. Your family and the environment will thank you. 2. Re-use and re-purpose items you may already own. If you are trying to find ways to separate the living space in a large room, a screen divider is the perfect solution. Make a screen divider out of one or more screen doors. Add a panel of fabric over each door and hinge them together. The nice part of this idea is that you have reused something you have on hand and you can change out the fabric with the seasons. 3. Natural materials are also a part of eco-friendly decorating. If you must purchase a new piece of furniture, find one that is unfinished. This will keep harmful stains out of your home. Instead, rub mineral oil into the wood to protect it and create a warm glow. 4....Read more #GoGreenMagazine Read the full article

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Slow Travel - What Is It?

A growing trend in traveling is to travel slow, instead of fast. This kind of travel allows you to really understand a culture, soak in the vibe of a city, learn a new language and befriend locals. In some cases, it can even save you some money. ==> Slow Travel: An Overview Traditionally, most travelers travel very quickly. You might spend three days in Paris, seeing all the museums and the Eiffel Tower. Then you hope over to Venice, explore the canals and the coffee shops for a couple days, then hop over to the next city. Most people who're backpacking, sightseeing or on family vacations don't spend more than a couple days in any one city. They blitz through the tourist attractions and move on to the next. Slow travel is the opposite. Instead of spending a few days in one place, you spend a week or more in each place. ==> The Slow Travel Mindset The difference between fast travel and slow travel is in the mindset. The fast travel mindset goes something like this: "Our vacation is limited in time and we need to see everything there is to see as quickly as possible." The slow travel mindset is more like this: "I'm going to really get to know this city and this culture. I'm going to take the time to really soak it in." Instead of looking for attractions and tourist destinations, slow travelers are often happy to just wander round a new country and see what happens. It's more about letting the country in than seeking out the next popular attraction....Read more #GoGreenMagazine Read the full article

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Eco-Friendly Tips for Keeping Your Home Warm

Did you know that an astounding 4 tons of greenhouse gasses is emitted by the average house just to keep it heated during the winters? Between the gas burned, the electricity used and the wood incinerated, the amount of greenhouse emissions is enormous. Learning to keep your home warm in an eco-friendly manner is not only better for the environment, but in many cases much more affordable. So how do you keep your home warm in an eco-friendly way? ==> Seal Off Your Fireplace If you have a fireplace, make sure you close both the gate inside the chimney, as well as the gate in front of the fireplace. Even just a small opening in your fireplace can result in cold air rushing into your home. It's important to note that most fireplaces really don't produce heat. If you don't use the fireplace often, it might make sense to seal it up and get an electric fireplace instead. ==> Install Storm Windows Storm windows cost just over $10 a square foot to install. It'll repay for its costs very quickly.  Your windows are usually the biggest source of heat loss in your home. Neither concrete nor wood nor drywall loses nearly as much heat as glass. Glass transfers hot and cold temperatures, if it's cold outside the glass will get cold and make the inside of your home cold as well. Storm windows alone can boost your temperature by 25 to 35 degrees. Just install them on the outside of your window and you're set....Read more #GoGreenMagazine Read the full article

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Eco-Friendly Tips for Keeping Your Home Warm

Did you know that an astounding 4 tons of greenhouse gasses is emitted by the average house just to keep it heated during the winters? Between the gas burned, the electricity used and the wood incinerated, the amount of greenhouse emissions is enormous. Learning to keep your home warm in an eco-friendly manner is not only better for the environment, but in many cases much more affordable. So how do you keep your home warm in an eco-friendly way? ==> Seal Off Your Fireplace If you have a fireplace, make sure you close both the gate inside the chimney, as well as the gate in front of the fireplace. Even just a small opening in your fireplace can result in cold air rushing into your home. It's important to note that most fireplaces really don't produce heat. If you don't use the fireplace often, it might make sense to seal it up and get an electric fireplace instead. ==> Install Storm Windows Storm windows cost just over $10 a square foot to install. It'll repay for its costs very quickly.  Your windows are usually the biggest source of heat loss in your home. Neither concrete nor wood nor drywall loses nearly as much heat as glass. Glass transfers hot and cold temperatures, if it's cold outside the glass will get cold and make the inside of your home cold as well. Storm windows alone can boost your temperature by 25 to 35 degrees. Just install them on the outside of your window and you're set....Read more #GoGreenMagazine Read the full article

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Energy-Efficient Appliances: Should You Upgrade

Whether or not you are considering upgrading your major appliances, chances are that you may not have a choice going forward into the future. Federal energy efficiency standards are such that when purchasing new appliances, stricter guidelines must be met. These stricter guidelines come in the form of energy efficiency ratings and guidelines.  Refrigerators, washing machines, and clothing dryers are the biggest consumers of energy in your home appliances. If you have a machine or appliance that is more than ten years old, then it is probably sensible to invest in new appliances - especially if you intend to stay in your home for a long period of time. There are many benefits to upgrading your appliances to energy-efficient ones. * Saving money - Energy-efficient appliances may be a bit more costly from the outset; however, the money they will save you over time is worthwhile. Using less energy means paying lower utility bills. Using less electricity while washing and drying your clothing and running your refrigerator means saving more money.  Your washer is something that you cannot do away with - unless you start hand washing all your clothing, of course. Most individuals today do not have that option. While some items may go on a clothesline during warmer months, this presents other problems such as bringing bugs and pollen in from outside. In addition, most of us have experienced forgetting to bring our clothes in before it rains!  Your...Read more #GoGreenMagazine Read the full article

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The Benefits of Using Wood and Recycled Plastic Composites

One of the most environmentally friendly materials you could use in the construction of a deck or patio are wood and plastic composites. Not only are these materials highly green, but they're also great building materials that are even more reliable than plastic or wood. Why should you use wood and plastic composites? ==> Less Maintenance Standard wood needs to be repainted and refinished every year or so. That takes a lot of manpower, as well as the use of many toxic chemicals. Wood and plastic composites bypass this need entirely. These composites come pre-made in certain colors. The entirety of the material is this color, inside and out. That means you'll never have to repaint the composite. The composites come in just about every imaginable color, so you can be sure you'll find one to match your house. ==> Made from Recycled Materials Over 50% of the wood and the plastic used in composites comes from recycled wood chips and recycled plastic materials. Every time you buy a composite, you're supporting several green companies that recycle all the various materials that go into the composites, in addition to the composite manufacturer. ==> No Rot, No Moisture, Fewer Pests Composites also don't have many of the traditional problems of wood. For example, they won't absorb moisture and mold. They won't rot over time. They're more resistant to pests like termites. It's very, very rare to see a pest infestation on wood plastic composites....Read more #GoGreenMagazine Read the full article

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Go Green In Your Home - And Save Too

If you want to go green in your home, and save a little money at the same time, it's never been easier. As the planet faces an uncertain future of global warming, which is believed to be the result of us all burning fossil fuels indiscriminately, we all have a duty to do the best we can to redress the balance. Here are some vital tips to help you get started... Your home is where you spend a lot of your income, so it makes sense to be spending it as efficiently as possible. You can start to go green in your home by insulating the house. Loft insulation, wall cavity insulation, double or even triple glazing - it will all make a tremendous difference. Yes, there is an investment to consider, but you will save in the long term, and save a lot too. We all use too much water. Go green in the home by cutting back as much as you can. We could all, collectively, save one billion gallons of water a year by changing our old flush toilet cisterns. The old ones use three and a half gallons per flush and the new high-efficiency ones use just over one and a quarter gallon. It makes a big difference! If you did only this to go green in the home you would save 20,000 gallons of water every year, and pay a lot less in water bills. The standard light bulbs that most homes have are very inefficient. Compact fluorescent light bulbs burn around 5% of the old bulbs and they last 10 times longer....Read more #GoGreenMagazine Read the full article