Sandy asks…
what is the best way to start up an eco friendly business?
Starting an accounting business, but a green one, obviously there is things like using recycled paper, using solar energy, things like that, but what about on a bigger scale? Is there companies out there that create ‘green buildings’? and what would be the best way for a business to reserve water and be more eco friendly. Also does anyone have any links or information on eco friendy office equipment? Any helpful hints on helping the business be as ‘green’ as possible would be greatly appreciated.
The Expert answers:
Buy your electricity from a green-electricity provider. You don’t need to install solar panels on-site, really. Also, you can buy products from Amazon’s Green Store: http://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Green/b/?_encoding=UTF8&node=394379011&redirect=true&tag=gree046-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957
Laura asks…
Does anyone know of a good eco-friendly laundry detergent?
I’ve been using Tide for years and it has always worked really well. However, I know that it’s not biodegradable (okay the packaging says it is BUT in reality it takes 5 years for Tide to completly biodegrade) and I really don’t feel good about polluting the water so I can have clean clothes. Any suggestions on eco–friendly laundry detergents that work well? Thanks!
The Expert answers:
I have used Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent for about 15 years and highly recommend it. If every household in the U.S. Replaced just one bottle of 18 load petroleum based powder laundry detergent with our vegetable based product, we could save 93,200 barrels of oil, enough to heat and cool, 5,300 U.S. Homes for a year! See – oil in many more things than our gas tanks!
* Non-toxic.
* Biodegradable
* No petroleum based cleaners
* No optical brighteners
* No phosphates
* No dyes or artificial fragrances
* No chlorine bleach
* No NTA or EDTA
* Safe for septic and greywater systems
The seventh generation laundry detergent works well on general cleaning. The whites do get a bit dingy after awhile but you can use OxyClean or hydrogen perioxide bleach to whiten them up again.
Buy from drugstore.com, gaiam.com or some grocery stores (Krogers in eastern US). Drugstore.com has a sale right now.
With free shipping! I’m gonna stock up right now.
PS….Please don’t use Tide!
Mark asks…
What are some good eco-friendly or “green” companies to invest in, and why?
I was wondering what some good “green” (eco–friendly) stocks, or anything like that, to invest in. Also, why? Thank you in advanced.
The Expert answers:
I own three:
Zoltek (ZOLT) a manufacturer of carbon fiber. Currently used in the blades of super large wind turbines. Soon to be used in cars to make them stronger, lighter and more fuel efficient. With dozens of other energy saving uses in the future.
Composite Technologies (CPTC) a manufacturer of the largest wind turbines (the D8.2) and of very high efficient electric transmission cable to save energy.
Plug Power (PLUG) a manufacturer of fuel cells which in the near future will be used to power cars with hydrogen and will only emit water vapor. They also will will be producing natural gas home energy units which will heat homes and produce hydrogen used to fuel your fuel cell car.
Zoltek is profitable, the other two are not. All three have potential for explosive growth. Good luck!
David asks…
What’s the best eco-friendly or biodegradable disposable plates, etc. for a party?
I am looking for eco–friendly disposable plates, utensils, cups & napkins for an 18th birthday party. I may want maybe Square plates or something a little different, as it is a Luau. Thanks!
The Expert answers:
Here’s an interesting site where they have everything you’re looking for…and even organically-grown bamboo….(fits right in with your Luau theme)
http://www.branchhome.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=36&gclid=CMy9_-uGu6ACFQZg2godN2xUJA
Linda asks…
How can I turn my automotive business into an eco-friendly company?
What steps can I take? What other ideas do you have to help me save our environment from a business standpoint? What possible set backs can I expect to encounter? What other automotive companies have paved the way for an eco–friendly automotive industry? Thank you all!
The Expert answers:
Recycle everything you can. Some stuff you can get $ for.
Old tires can be converted into plantert or swings. Scrap metal doesn’t pay well But it’s free$ and keeping stuff out of land fill. Sometimes coolant can be strained and reused.
Recycling takes up some of your time.
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