Meditation Ideas and Experiences

Prayer Beads
Creating Love And Happiness

Going Green - Developing Eco-Friendly Architecture

One of the biggest buzzwords of 2008 and most likely continuing in 2009 is Sustainability. The Going Green movement is underway and has been branded as a means of protecting the environment and saving households money. From changing your light bulbs and taking your own bags to the supermarket to recycling and driving more efficient vehicles, the eco-friendly movement has taken the media by storm. You have changed your home to reflect a more conscious living environment, but have you adapted your business?

The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) is a non-profit organization committed to sustainable building practices. This organization works to increase the number of structures that "are environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy places to live and work," according to the USGBC website. This organization is the primary leader behind the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. This system evaluates both homes and businesses to certify a structure meets national accepted benchmarks for green design.

LEED Rating Systems

Adapting can not only move your business in a more eco-conscience direction, "greening" can also save money in the long haul. Determining the proper LEED certification for your building is the first step. There are different LEED Rating Systems for various building projects - New Construction, Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, Commercial Interiors, Core & Shell, Schools, Retail, Healthcare, Homes, and Neighborhood Developments. Each rating system focuses on core design concepts: finding sustainable sites to build, water efficiency, optimize energy performance and atmosphere, locating proper materials and resources, and creating efficient indoor environment quality. For more information on these LEED rating systems, see the USGBC website at www.usgb.com.

LEED Professional Accreditation

Becoming LEED certified professional can be achieved through the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). These professionals have honed the skills necessary to complete the LEED certification process and have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and the Rating System. For more information on becoming a LEED Professional, see the GBCI website at www.gbci.org

If you are in the process of becoming a designer, these options may be appealing to you. For instance, those studying for an Interior Design Degree, CAD certification, or Visual Communications may all be interested in green building design. Interior Designers who are well-versed in the proper materials needed to complete a sustainable room may find a niche in the green market. Completing CAD training and LEED Accreditation can ensure that you know the proper tools and have the proper training necessary to design and implement an eco-conscience home or building. Finding a way to implement your current career into sustainable building will create a new demographic for your business.

Crystal is an account coordinator with Location3 Media.

Energy Saving Books
Building Contractor Books

You Can Save Thousands With a Green Home

A "green" home is a home that is highly energy efficient, has excellent indoor environment, and is built to exceed local building code. Considering this, doesn't this mean that a green home costs more to build than a person could save on energy costs? Absolutely not! A green home is affordable to build and can save a homeowner thousands in energy costs annually. And there are thousands in tax incentives to take advantage of.

First, planned right and built well, a green home can be built for no more than regular construction, and has greater market value when it is completed. It is important to have a builder that has built green homes before, not just one that has added green features onto existing construction. The latter has no experience with the type of building techniques that lower building costs. An experienced green home builder will know that getting LEED's engineers involved in the process and restructuring the process of building to reduce waste and energy are key to starting the project off right. In addition, an experienced green home builder will be able to make valuable suggestions to the potential homeowner about trade-offs in costs and energy efficiency and apply his practical experience to estimates of energy savings.

Energy efficiency savings can be substantial. Using the weather and energy costs in Illinois as an example, and comparing an affordable green home to conventional home with forced air heating and central air-conditioning, a green home can save you around 75% on electricity, by using a combination of solar panels, landscaping, and Energy Star rated appliances and water heater and substituting central air with geothermal applications, over 90% on natural gas by using alternative heating methods, and 60% on water/sewer by implementing grey water recapture. Typical annual bills of nearly $3,000 per year could be lowered to $700 or less - a savings of $2,100 per year. Of course, these figures are for illustrative purposes only. Your actual savings depends on your electricity usage, the size of the home, the number of people you have living in your home, the number of solar panels you use, and the precise options you select for your green home.

And green homes look like regular homes inside and out, are maintenance friendly, and fun to own.

With tax incentives in the thousands, energy savings worth thousands, and greater market value, building and living in a green home is an affordable option for everyone.

Kim Ward is Marketing Director for Green Earth Energy Homes at http://greenearthenergyhomes.com

Green Earth Energy Homes offer affordable, practical, LEED and Energy Star certified homes. Save thousands on energy costs and qualify for thousands in government tax incentives and benefits. Contact Kim for more information about our green homes or to view our model.

Home Selling Books
Home Selling Books

Aum Mantra Mediation - Spiritual Video

Ahhhhh is the sound of God and can be used for meditation. Listen to this wonderful sound and try to find God in it.

Question Your Religion

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a religious help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

We Know More About What We Dont
Mental And Physical Abuse

All Natural Energy - 5 Healthy Foods to Eat While On the Go

Have you ever had one of those days where you feel like you are rushed with work, and cant fit lunch in? You are not alone! Everyone has them all the time, and they manage them in their own ways whether it is running to the local cafe, stopping by the vending machine, or not eating at all, however, a lot of people seem to push daily meals aside and make crazy headway on their daily errands. It is very important to not skip meals, so here are five ways to eat healthy while on the go:

1. Go for the fruitIts loaded with nutrients.

Fruit is a hop, skip, and a jump away from eating, say, potato chips or a chocolate bar as a quick snack. Fruit contains natural sugars that give your body raw energy. These raw sugars stimulate your brain and give you the ability to think faster and recall things quicker. Fruit also contains a lot of water. Your body is 80% water so in essence you are feeding your body with what it needs. What I personally like about fruit is that it is loaded with nutrients and is incredibly filling. Try an orange, apple, or banana, as they are great on-the-go fruits that will fill you up and travel well in your bag before you run out the door in the morning.

2. CerealNot just a breakfast food anymore.

While pouring your morning bowl, grab a baggie and throw in some dry cereal for a great late afternoon snack. It is important to note, choose cereals low in sugars like Life, Raisin Bran, Grape Nuts, Cheerios, etc. Dry cereal is low-calorie and is a good source of fiber (look for cereals with over three grams of fiber). Fiber fills you up and can tide you over until dinner time. If possible, select a cereal that is whole-grain as it helps reduce the risk of heart disease.

3. CrackersCant go wrong here.

Crackers, although many might say they are plain, are another great snack to eat on the go before your next appointment. It doesnt matter what kind of crackers you eatwhole grain, multi-grain, graham, or animalall these crackers are healthy for you, in moderation. Dont bring the whole box with you in the car, because if you are like me, the whole box will be gone before I even got home. Like cereal, grab a bag and put five or six crackers in, along with some great cheese (Cabot is my favorite) if you have it. Cheese and crackers is a great pair that provides a balanced snack for the morning or late afternoon.

4. YogurtDont forget the spoon.

Yogurt is a delicious snack that now comes in an array of flavors, with different toppings like granola and crushed Oreos. Try to avoid these toppings, as they are added fat and calories with no real nutritional benefit. Yogurt is great because it has fruit in it and it is loaded with potassium, protein, and calcium. Yogurt is also known to boost your immune system, so if youre sick, grab some yogurt and eat awayits healthy for you!

5. Energy BarsNot all of them are candy bars.

Alot of energy bars out on the market are literally candy barsloaded with fat and unneeded calories. In looking for an energy bar, you should look for one that is all natural, meaning that is has no preservatives, which does mean a shorter shelf-life, however, that means the product is more likely to be fresh. Also, look for energy bars with a lot of protein and fiber, a healthy combination and balanced snack requirement. If you would like to know what you are eating, look for energy bars that have familiar ingredients, like ones you could find in your kitchen cabinet. Do you know what potassium pyrosulfite is? I didnt think so. Go with what you know.

If you do choose to skip a meal, it is very important to at least have a healthy, nourishing snack to hold you over until your next meal. Try your hardest to resist the fast-food places and candy aisles at the grocery stores. It will be beneficial to you in the long run.

Copyright Michael Adams 2007. All rights reserved.

Michael Adams, Owner and Founder of Eddie's Energy Bars, resides in Richmond, VT where his all natural, homemade energy bars are manufactured. Michael is a firm believer in being healthy and staying active. He is currently a freshman at Bryant University in Smithfield, RI. Head on over to http://www.eddiesenergy.com to have Eddie's Energy Bars sent right to your door before you head outside!

Home Stucco Books
Drywall Books

Another Point of View on 2012

Dovid Krafchow author of Kabbalistic Tarot explains the meaning behind the Mayan calendar according to Jewish knowledge and scientific investigation.

If you're really seeking the kingdom of heaven, the glory of God and the true vision that Jesus had, check out some great Christian articles . These articles are designed to teach and educate Christians.

Amazing Sai Baba
Spiritual Journaling

What is Renewable Energy? A Summary Overview

Solar technology involves the manufacturing of solar panels which gather and concentrate the power given off directly by the sun, and convert it into electricity. In other cases, hot water can be produced from the sun. As with wind energy, solar energy creates absolutely zero pollution.

One of these renewable energy resources is solar energy. Solar PV cells continue to be manufactured that are often more energy efficient and less costly than previous models from a few years ago. Solar energy plants have been developed in in many nations. They are now more strategically placed in order to improve the national electricity grid. Over time, they are not causing environmental issues as previous placement of solar panels may have caused.

The following sections provide a summary overview of many other renewable energy sources being researched, developed, and deployed throughout the world.

Ocean current energy is discussed by governments and investors as having untapped energy generating potential. A ocean electricity generator in Europe has been in operation for a long time. It is thought to be a great accomplishment. The Irish and Scots are also running pilot facilities.

Hydroelectric power has been with us for a while. At current hydro dams, it is a clean generator of electricity. Because water and gravity is used, it is more effecient than a grid powered by natural gas. There are restrictions to the availability of the right places to set up a large dam. Many river based, or small and localized, hydro generators where created in recently due to this limitation.

Geothermal energy is extremely abundant. Since it lies directly beneath us, we only need drill just a few miles below the earth's surface to find huge amounts of energy. This energy is produced by the heating of water, trapped in layers of rock, through the earth's hot molten core. The water turns to steam, which can be harnessed and used to drive turbine engines which in turn generate electricity. Great amounts of research and development should be put into geothermal energy tapping.

Biodiesel energy is created out of the oils contained in plants. So far, the commercial stores of biodiesel have been created using soybean and sunflower oils. At the time of this writing, biodiesel is typically produced by agricultural corporations or those who want to experiment with renewable energy. Venture interest from companies across the World is on the rise. It burns much better than fossil fuel diesel.

Another renewable energy resource is solar generated electricity. Solar PV cells continue to be manufactured that are often more energy efficient and less costly than previous models from a few years ago. This involves the manufacturing of solar panels which gather and focus the sun's energy, and translate it into electricity. In some, hot water can be generated from the sun via a solar water heater. As with wind energy, solar energy creates absolutely zero pollution.

At Solargies, our mission is to spread the use of renewable energies as simply as possible. We provide U.S. homeowners the option to rent a solar electric system. We also offer entrepreneurs a no cost method to build their own solar energy business. Learn more about your renewable options at http://www.solargies.com

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