Clean And Lean: Why Green Energy Is Such A Hot Topic
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Filed under Green Energy
Switching over to green energy isn’t as hard as people think. You can help the environment, regardless of how large-scale the changes you make to your habits are. In the following article, you will read about some helpful information that will show you how to take advantage of green energy technology.
Are you a farmer? If you have a farm or know the owner of a farm, you may be able to rent some land to a utility company for installing a wind turbine. This installation will provide energy while taking little space and it will provide energy to you and perhaps your neighbors.
Clean your furnace filters regularly and replace them at least one time a year. It is also a good idea to install filters on warm-air registers. This not only helps keep debris (and kids’ toys) from entering heating ducts, which reduces efficiency.
If possible, use cold water in your clothes washer. If you use warm or hot water in your washing machine, almost 90% of your energy use goes towards heating the water. As long as you have reliable clothes washing detergent, using cold water is just as effective. Also, make sure your load is a full one so you do not waste energy washing several small loads.
Use drapes or curtains in your windows for when you are not home. They will help to keep the temperature and the energy consumption of the house down when the house is vacant. Pay particular attention to covering the windows on the south side of your house. They typically admit the most sun. Window coverings such as roller shades, roman shades or dark curtains can be used on all windows.
If you have a dishwasher make sure you only run it when it is full. Your dishwasher consumes the same energy and water, even if it is half full. When running the dishwasher, turn on the setting for energy conservation.
If you would like to reduce the cost of your hot water, use solar energy. Solar hot-water systems can reduce your energy bills significantly. You have the choice for an indirect or direct circulation system. Most individuals will find the indirect option to be their best choice, as this option has methods in place to alleviate the problem of pipes freezing in the coldest months of winter.
It is beneficial to maintain your refrigerator to keep it working efficiently. You have to ensure it is in great working condition, as it sucks up energy like a sponge. Make sure you clean out any dust from around heating coils. Also ensure that the rubber seals around the doors are clean and making tight contact.
Make energy efficiency a priority by buying products to assist you to reduce energy. Use products such as double-glazed windows or eco-friendly doors to help reduce your energy usage without sacrificing your home’s needs. Using this type of product will cut down on heating and cooling energy costs.
Desktop Computers
Desktop computers require a lot of energy, so why not opt for a laptop? You can save a ton of electricity by using a laptop. Both the Internet and most word processing software packages use a lot of energy on desktop computers, so getting a laptop can really save money if you use these features. Another benefit of the laptop is that it’s portable, so it can be used anywhere.
Despite that it may seem to be, implementing environmentally friendly changes shouldn’t feel overwhelming. You have plenty of options if you want to go green, as you’ve seen in this article. Now that you have read the article, begin to incorporate what you have learned into your life. Although the effort isn’t considerable, going green does have some tremendously great effects.
Should You Use Green Energy? Check Out The Reasons Why!
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Many people want to go green but have no idea how to go about it. There are a myriad of solutions available to help customers protect the environment through the use of alternative, renewable energy sources. The article below discusses some great ways to go green.
Whenever possible, you should use cold water to wash your clothes. Almost 90% of the energy you use when you do laundry is due to heating water. Washing clothes in cold water can be just as effective as a warm cycle, especially with today’s cold water detergents. Another great tip is to always fill up the washer with a full load so that you’re being as efficient as possible.
Instead of using fuel oil to heat your home, try to make a switch to biodiesel. Many systems allow a switch to biodiesel or biofuel with slight modifications. Biodiesel is cleaner to burn than petroleum, making it more efficient to use in the wintertime.
Keep covers on your windows when not in your home. This allows your home to be kept cool when you aren’t there, and in addition, it helps keep energy costs down. Usually, the windows facing the south get more sun because of where they are in the house. Therefore, it is especially important to use heavy window coverings on these windows.
Check what other energy sources are available in your neighborhood. Find out what the cost of using these utilities to run your home would be. You might be able to save money by switching to well water or natural gas heat.
If you are planning a solar system for your home, be sure to calculate your potential energy production using the amount of sun to expect in the cloudiest month. Using this metric means you will meet your energy needs in the winter, while greatly exceeding them in the summer. If your electric company bills on net usage, you will actually make money because yu generate more power than you consume.
Replace an energy-hogging water heating tank with a greener, tankless variety. Although they still use gas or electricity, they only heat on demand rather than maintaining an entire tank of hot water at all times. You can get a tankless heater that will supply the whole house or one that supplies a single hot-water faucet.
Active Power
Learn the difference between passive and active solar power. Passive solar power doesn’t require the costly power-storage cells that active power does. Active power requires the installation of solar panels, mechanical systems, and cells. Passive power, instead, just stores the energy gotten from the sun inside your home.
One way to participate in the green energy movement is buying products that are specifically designed to save energy. Ecologically friendly windows and doors can minimize the energy you need to operate your home efficiently. This type of product is perfect for reducing AC costs.
As you read from the article above, green energy technology is a subject that dominates politics today as the price of oil has only gone up. With the correct information, it is a lot easier to start incorporating green energy options into your life. Heed the advice you learned here, and start enjoying your green life today.
How You Can Run Your Home On Solar Power
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You may have heard about green energy before, and you were just not sure how to implement it into your home. This is the best place to learn more about green energy and the technology that goes with it. Read the tips and advice here to learn how you can make your home green.
Cutting back on your daily electricity usage is a simple way to conserve energy. When not using a certain appliance, unplug it from the outlet. Turn off lights, television sets and other small appliances when you are done using them. This is a simple tip that can help you save money, too.
Instead of using your air conditioner in the summer, try to wear fabrics that are natural. Natural fabrics, such as cotton, allow skin to remain cool by drawing moisture away from skin. Light colors help you to feel cooler than darker or warmer colors.
Solar Panels
Solar panels can be installed on your roof allowing you to use solar energy. Before you do this, you should research just a few things first. The most important consideration is how much your home is exposed to sunlight. If you home is shaded, the amount of energy collected from solar panels will be greatly reduced.
Find out about various energy sources that are available in your area. Checking the costs of running a home with utilities should also include recent legislation about energy costs. You might be able to save money by switching to well water or natural gas heat.
On hot, summer days, hang your clothes outside. The sun could give your clothes an incredible smell. You clothes will smell clean and fresh when line dried. Additionally, you will save both money and energy.
Turn you appliances off when you are not using them. Any rooms in the home that are vacant should not have any electronics or lights left on. Get a power strip so you can turn off all of your electronics at the same time, rather than letting energy get wasted in standby mode.
If you clean your dishes using a dishwasher, refrain from doing a load until the dishwasher is completely full of dishes. The energy used is the same whether you are washing a small load of dishes, or one that is larger. Also ensure that it is set to air-dry if you are aiming to reduce your energy consumption.
Degrees Warmer
One of the best ways to go green and cut energy costs is by dressing more warmly. Even just a lightweight sweater keeps you two degrees warmer, and a heavyweight sweater will keep you four degrees warmer. You don’t need to be cold at home, get yourself some nice warm clothes you can use in your house today!
Since you now have a better idea of how to use different green technology in your household to your advantage, you can slowly make efforts to change your home. Use the strategies in this guide to help you make use of green technology in your house. Your wallet and the environment will be very thankful for this technology.
Green Energy Information Everybody Needs To Know
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Today, the trend is looking for ways to make everyone’s life more green. What exactly is green energy? Green energy is energy deemed to be renewable thanks to energy-efficient technology, and it has significant environmental benefits. Green energy is so accessible that any home can use it, as you will see through the following article.
Use solar heating systems to heat all your water in order to save money. Using natural gas and electricity is certainly the norm, but it’s not very energy efficient. By contrast, solar energy is very efficient, and it keeps water temperatures steady just as well as traditional heating methods. While some upgrades cost more initially, they can qualify you for deductions on your tax return for using green energy.
Shade your windows from the sun to prevent energy usage. Curtains or blinds can also be used to do this. Keeping your home cool in the summer means you will not be tempted to use the air conditioning as much. This means that you will save energy as well as money.
Are you living on a farm? If you own a farm, consider installing an energy turbine on your property, or renting land to a utility company for that purpose. You and your neighbors will benefit from free energy and this installation will not take a lot of space.
Clothes should always be washed in cold water, if possible. Almost 90 percent of the consumed energy while washing your clothes is spent on heating up the water. Cold water will do the job just as well; all you need is an effective clothes washing detergent. Another great tip is to always fill up the washer with a full load so that you’re being as efficient as possible.
Keep drapes drawn when you are not home. This helps to keep your house at a cooler temperature and lower the amount of energy used. Pay particular attention to covering the windows on the south side of your house. They typically admit the most sun. When possible, however, cover all of your windows with special shades like roller shades, roman shades or dark, thick curtains.
Don’t run the dishwasher unless it is filled to capacity. It consumes the exact same amounts of electricity and water even if it’s not full. Also ensure that it is set to air-dry if you are aiming to reduce your energy consumption.
If you’re installing a solar energy system, be sure to place the batteries in close proximity to the cells. Power can be lost over long cables so this will lessen the impact. The cable also is less likely to block power generation by providing shade if you do this.
Storm Doors
If you have storm windows and doors in your home it helps control air flow. Storm doors and windows decrease cold air from drafts. Storm doors and windows can help save as much as 45 percent on energy costs.
If you love green energy and green living, consider using electric heaters less during the winter months. Instead, make sure each member of your family has sweaters, robes and slippers, and heat your living areas with a pellet stove or fireplace. Keep in mind that cooler air is better for your breathing while you sleep as it prevents your airways from becoming dry.
So to sum it all up, green energy is a popular subject to investigate at the moment. Green energy consists of energy efficient technology and renewable energy, both of which are environmentally friendly. By following the tips found here, you can be friendlier to the planet while saving a bundle on your energy costs at the same time.
Green Energy Tips: Is This Eco-Friendly Option Right For You?
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You have probably heard that solar systems are a great way to save electricity and money. There are a few advantages to solar panels, from the obvious one of saving the environment, to financial incentives created by government programs. The following guide will state the benefits of using solar panels and give you an idea on where you can purchase them.
You can save a phenomenal amount of energy just by using less electricity every day. If you have appliances that are not in use, keep them unplugged until you need them. Make sure you turn off lights and electronic appliances when you do not plan on using them. This can save you money and it’s simple.
Do you have a large plot of land? You could rent a small portion of your property to an energy company willing to install a wind turbine. You and the neighbors can benefit from this free installation and energy which won’t take up much space.
Whenever possible, use cold water to wash your clothing. Almost 90% of energy consumption during clothes being washed is a result of the hot water usage. Modern laundry detergent does just as well with cold water as hot water. Additionally, always wash with a full load of laundry, as this helps to lower the amount of energy you use.
Be sure to cover your windows with drapes or blinds when not at home. This allows your home to be kept cool when you aren’t there, and in addition, it helps keep energy costs down. Typically, the south facing windows are the ones that get the most amount of sun due to their location. Dark, lined curtains, roman shades or roller shades may be something to consider using on your windows.
You can consider getting solar water heaters to heat your water. Best for locations with a warmer climate, a solar water heater uses the sun’s energy to heat water that circulates through it. It is still a good idea to keep a regular water heater in case of excess hot water usage or overcast weather.
Electric heaters are an energy hog and should be avoided as much as possible in the winter. They are not environmentally friendly. In order to do this, you need to do two things. First, buy the necessary clothing and slippers, to keep family members warm. Second, use a pellet stove or fireplace for heating. Also, it has been shown that people sleep better in cooler temperatures.
Rather than using an energy-hogging desktop computer, switch to a laptop. This can lower your electrical use by as much as 75%, particularly if you are someone who stays on the Internet for long periods of time. Since laptops are portable, you can use them anywhere.
Professionals can help to analyze your home and give you tips on making it more green. They can advise you about how much inefficient appliances cause you to lose financially, and they can estimate the price of upgrading or simply replacing your old systems.
Solar Panels
It’s clear that solar panels have lots of benefits to home owners, including cost and energy savings. They are easy to buy and install, plus they last a while. Solar panels are a great addition to your going green efforts and will instantly update your home.
Tips And Advice On Clean And Green Energy
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As a result of our current economic struggles, green energy has become more popular than ever. Using sustainable resources is a great way to keep energy costs down and reduce utility bills in hard economic times. So, keep on reading so you can learn what it takes to go green.
Choose solar-powered lights when installing outdoor lighting in your yard. Not only are these lamps cheap, but they only need power from the sun. This will save you a ton of energy. It also means you don’t need hard wired outdoor lights.
If you want to preserve energy, keep your windows so they are shaded from sunlight. You can also try putting blinds or curtains in. Keeping your home cool in the summer means you will not be tempted to use the air conditioning as much. You will save energy and money.
When you install a solar energy system, place the batteries close to the cells. This makes sure power is not lost somewhere in the cable. It also reduces shading of the solar shells. Shading reduces solar panel energy generation.
Use a green and tankless model as opposed to a tank-style water heater. While heaters that are tankless still need electricity or gas, they will not heat more water than you need, which is what a water tank heater does. You can get a tankless water heater to heat your entire home’s water supply or you can get a smaller one that heats only water that comes out of a particular faucet.
There are products available for purchase that can help you reduce your energy costs. Certain green products, like double glazed windows, eco-friendly doors and windows really help reduce the amount of energy needed to run your home efficiently. Utilizing these kinds of products permits you to reduce the costs of cooling and heating your home.
Before you decide on large energy-saving projects for your home, get a professional evaluation of your existing appliances, windows and insulation and your heating and cooling systems. These professionals can point out inefficient appliances and systems, and they can also help you determine how much it might cost to upgrade them.
There are countless things you can do it you want to live a environmentally friendly lifestyle. While you might not have much money to spend on going green, you can begin by cleaning up furnace filters every month and set the heat to 60 degrees when you aren’t home. Lowering the temperature of the water heater to 120 degrees will save you money too. The little things add up.
Heat your home with biofuels. Biofuels consist of vegetable or animal fats, wood and oils. If you have a propane furnace, a professional can usually make changes that allow you to use this blend of fuels. That would be around 20-99% biodiesel. Schedule a consultation with a professional prior to making the switch to biofuels in your home.
Green Energy
Not only will these tips save you money, but they will benefit the environment. Green energy can be a wonderful way to save money in this economy, and if you use the tips in this article, you will see how simple and helpful green energy can be.
Natural Insulation Options To Live A Greener Lifestyle
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The Earth needs our help to keep it healthy, and green energy is one great way we can help this process along. From harnessing the power of wind and solar to biofuels, there are numerous ways to obtain environmentally-friendly electricity. What can you do to add green energy to your lifestyle? Continue reading to learn about it.
Replace and clean furnace filters yearly, and check them monthly. Warm-air registers should also have filters installed on them. This helps keep debris (or Hot Wheels cars) from getting into heating ducts and reducing efficiency.
Speak to a technician to find out if your fuel oiled heating can be changed to an alternative fuel, such as biodiesel. Some systems can easily be changed to biodiesel without having to make major modifications or installing extra parts. Biodiesel burns cleaner and more efficiently than conventional petroleum, reducing your home’s environmental impact during the winter.
During the summer months, think about using the heat from the sun to dry your clothes instead of utilizing a dryer. The sun could give your clothes an incredible smell. They will smell fresher than if you used the dryer. You will also save money on utility bills by doing this.
Turn off appliances you aren’t using. Make sure that all lights are off when you exit a room, and also consider switching off the power for your television set, computer and stereo. A power strip offers a handy way to shut down multiple devices at once, and it prevents passive electrical use due to standby modes.
Winter Months
If you are considering the installation of home solar energy, make sure you are aware of how much energy you will receive during the winter months. This will prevent any unpleasant surprises during the winter months, while leaving you safely ahead of your needs during the summer. If you are on a net usage plan, during the summer, you’ll receive money back from the utility company for the energy you generate!
If you want to live greener and have a greener home, avoid running electric heaters during the winter. Instead, make sure each member of your family has sweaters, robes and slippers, and heat your living areas with a pellet stove or fireplace. By inhaling cooler air during the sleeping hours, your breathing will be better as your airways are less likely to get dry.
Take the time to learn about active, and passive solar power. Active power is energy that gets stored and is used later. Passive is energy that can be used without expensive cells. Active power will require a large installation process and can cost a great deal more. Passive systems simply use the sun’s energy to heat your house or water.
Instead of utilizing a desktop computer which eat up lots more energy, purchase a laptop. It can mean a savings of up to seventy-five percent on the electricity if you are a frequent Internet user or if you use word-processing software. Laptops are also portable which makes them much more functional and handy in times of need.
Green Energy
It is becoming abundantly clear that now is the time to transform our energy sources from old, wasteful and pollutant to greener and more economical ways. Green energy helps decrease the impact on the environment. After reading this article, you are now aware of how to incorporate green energy into your life.
Green Energy Tips And Techniques For Your Home
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Many people want to be green, but don’t know how to start. The good news is that if you want to go green, you can choose from many alternative energy sources to help you and the environment. Keep reading to find out how you can do your part and make the right choices.
Dry your clothes on a line or rack in the summer instead of a dryer. The sun could give your clothes an incredible smell. They will feel and smell fresher than machine-dried clothes. As well, you save quite a bit on monthly utility costs.
When you plan a solar system for your home, try calculating what the energy generation of your system will be when you use hours worth of sun in the winter. This can prevent surprises in the winter, so you ensure your home has proper energy inventory. If you’re using a type of net usage plan, you’ll receive money back during the summer from your utility company for energy you’re generating!
Electric heaters are an energy hog and should be avoided as much as possible in the winter. They are not environmentally friendly. Dress more warmly when around the house. Wear slippers and a heavy top, and light up your fireplace or pellet stove for increased warmth at low cost. Cooler air is better for sleeping anyway, because it prevents airways from becoming dry.
One of the best ways to go green and cut energy costs is by dressing more warmly. Lighter sweaters can add 2 more degrees of warmth, while heavy sweaters increase warmth by 4 degrees. It’s not necessary to dress good at home, so grab a sweater to save money.
Keep the heat as low as you can, unless you absolutely have to raise it. Wear sweatpants and a sweater if you are chilly. When your heat is running it uses more energy than necessary.
A solar oven is a great consideration if you are an avid baker. You can make one out of a box, wood, and some foil. These makeshift ovens can achieve temperatures of 300 degrees or more with no help from traditional energy sources, and they are simple to produce.
Although this may seem like common sense, many people still keep the lights, appliances and electronics on when they are not using them. By being more conscious and vigilant, they can help save both the planet and money on their electric bills. Raise your consciousness about your electricity use in order to save electricity and money. Don’t leave appliances or lights on that nobody is using.
Buy products made of bamboo when buying wooden items. Bamboo serves as a green replacement for wood. Though it is a grass, it has much more strength and durability than many commercial woods. Since it grows so quickly, it can cheaply and efficiently be made into all kinds of home goods without damaging the environment. Using bamboo can help conserve energy when making new products as well as saving on the costs of recycling old products.
Always maintain modern, energy-efficient windows at home. Not only will you reduce your energy bills, you will enjoy a much quieter home. You will also have a lot less condensation, resulting in less mold growth and water damage.
You have likely read a lot of different articles that espouse a more green lifestyle. As energy costs have skyrocketed, you may want to learn how to save on your energy bills. If you posses the right information, it becomes a lot easier to include green energy in your life. Utilize advice found in this article, and you can enjoy a greener life today!
Green Energy Solutions For An Older Home
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Maybe you don’t consider the environment as you go about life in your home. All of these items impact the environment. There’s tons of ways to use green energy to improve the environment. This article has some great “green” tips.
Plan out and calculate your energy consumption rates for your home solar system for the winter months so that you know what you can consumer on a daily basis. This prevents unpleasant surprises in the winter, and it saves money during the summer. If you’re using a type of net usage plan, you’ll receive money back during the summer from your utility company for energy you’re generating!
Replace your tank-style water heater with a green, tankless model. Even though these green versions of water heaters still use electricity or gas, they only need it to warm the water you’re using instead of heating it at all times. There are tankless heaters designed to not only provide one area with hot water, but also to heat entire houses.
If you try to promote living sustainably then use your heater as little as you can during winter. Wear several layers of warm clothes instead, and heat main rooms with a pellet stove or fireplace. In addition, this is beneficial to your health, as cooler air keeps your airways from getting too dry, allowing you to breathe easier while sleeping.
Wearing warmer clothes helps slash energy costs as you go green. Wearing a sweater can make you feel two to four degrees warmer, depending on the thickness of the sweater. It’s not necessary to dress good at home, so grab a sweater to save money.
Active Solar Power
Learn the difference between passive and active solar power. Passive solar power is power on demand and does not require cells for power storage. Active solar power has plenty of power storing ability so you will have energy ready anytime you may need it. Active power needs solar panels installed, cells, and mechanical systems. Passive power, on the other hand, stores the power in your walls and allows it to radiate outward, heating your home.
Use a laptop for your computing needs rather than a power hungry desktop. You will find yourself shaving 75 percent off of the amount of electricity used for computer usage, especially if you go on the internet often. You can also bring your computer anywhere if you have a laptop.
There are many renewable energy rebates offered by the government, so be aware of them. In some situations, your local utility company may provide rebates to offset some of the cost of such upgrades. If this is not possible, you can find out if upgrades can be used as tax deductions. You may also be able to get credits from the government, either state or federal. You’ll find that these discounts can effectively reduce the price of adding green energy alternatives into your home.
You may not be used to thinking about energy use and environmental considerations; and truth be told, you are not alone. You can make changes though, now that you have more information about the environment. By using the ideas provided in this article, you can start incorporating green energy into your home, and reduce the amount of damage to the environment.
Appliance Options To Use Green Energy
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You, like most people, do not think about the environment when you’re using common items at home. But it is important to remember that everything we do has some impact on the environment. It is possible to make use of green technology to reduce your home’s impact on the environment. The next few paragraphs will serve as a primer on green energy technologies that you can use in your home.
You can cut your energy consumption by a lot if you just cut back on the electricity you use. Unplug your electrical appliances from outlets when not in use. When you are no longer using them, turn off lights and the television. This may be a simple tip, but it does save you money.
Changing your heating to solar water can reduce the price to heat your water, hot tub and pool. Using natural gas or electricity is not as efficient as solar power, and solar water heaters can keep the water temperature steady. By doing certain upgrades to your home, you can often earn extra incentives and even cut backs on your energy bill.
Clothes should always be washed in cold water, if possible. Almost ninety percent of the energy used by a washing machine comes from heating the water for a warm or hot cycle. As long as the washing detergent you use is reliable, using cold water instead of hot water will wash your clothes just as well. Also, make sure your load is a full one so you do not waste energy washing several small loads.
You may be able to use solar water heaters, and they can warm your water efficiently. If you live in an area where freezing temperatures are not a problem, you can purchase a system that heats water through a heater that is solar before it pumps it in your home. Having a conventional heater as a back up if you expect a surge in hot water use can be wise.
Hot water can be obtained in a low cost, environmentally friendly manner through solar energy. Get a solar hot-water system. There are direct circulation systems as well as indirect systems. For colder regions,indirect is a better option.
One of the simplest ways that you can go green is by dressing warmly. You can wear a heavy sweater instead of a light one to give yourself more warmth when you’re at home. You don’t have to wear a t-shirt and shorts in your home, so dress warmly and save money!
Save Energy
Buy products that save energy so that your home is more energy efficient. Some green products such as eco-friendly doors, windows, and double-glazed windows can help you save energy and run the home efficiently. This type of product is perfect for reducing AC costs.
Pay attention to any federal or local rebates offered for making alternative-energy updates to your home. In some instances, the local company gives rebates for upgrading to green tech. In some cases, there could be credits or tax deductions either from the federal or state government. Receiving these kinds of credits and rebates can make installing the updates much less expensive for you.
Avoid turning the heat up in your home unless you have to. Put on a sweater and sweatpants when it’s cold. Having the heat up high wastes a lot of energy.
You might not have thought extensively on environmental issues, and you’re not alone. You can change this, however, now that you know more about green energy. Use the ideas that work for you, both small and large, and you’ll help to make the planet environmentally safe for generations to come.