Green Guru Network

The Zen of Going Green is a way of looking at the world you live in and your mind set.

Going green does not require a master’s degree or have age limitations. Zen emphasizes experimental wisdom in the attainment of enlightenment.

Maybe we just need to take a look at nature and how we see ourselves connected to it. Get re-acquainted with the forest, the ocean, and the sky. Go to the beach to watch the waves and listen to the sound of the surf. Walk in the woods and look at the environment that you are viewing on your stroll. Drink in the beauty in your mind’s eye and let nature connect you to the green that’s all around, even when its winter there is some much natural beauty outside it can open up your Zen path to going green.

The way you make a difference is in the small daily choices that start you down the green road.

Sometimes undertaking a worthwhile project to help others can lead to a fulfilling green endeavor that achieves Zen enlightenment that could not have been possible any other way.

Here is a great story about a 12 year old girl and her Zen Journey.

Saving the Earth one sip at a time:

“I am a 12-year-old girl who attends sixth grade at Tomlinson Middle School. I write to tell you about my love for this Earth, and my small step to help protect it.

Last year, as a student at Dwight Elementary School, my grade was assigned the task of designing and making an invention for the school's annual Invention Convention. I created "SipSavers," tags that slip around the neck of a recyclable water bottle, so that you can identify the water bottle as your own. What makes my invention unique is that the tags are biodegradable, as they are made out of seed infused paper. When done with the water bottle, rip off the tag, cover it with soil, and it will grow wildflowers. How cool is that?”

Her website http://sipsavers.com/home

Read the story: http://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/default/article/Opinion-Saving-the-Earth-one-sip-at-a-time-468799.php

Get your Zen on and make a difference starting with your brainpower, put it to work on good green practices. Put your green in Mother Nature’s bank account and your Zen will bloom into wisdom that creates good thoughts for you and your life.

More Zen ideas: We know it’s very easy and convenient to get into the car and run down to the store. What about cycling and walking to the store, does this provide an opportunity to get your Zen on? We all know even the greenest cars use up tons of resources (literally) and contribute greatly to greenhouse emissions. Autos are one of the biggest emissions contributors in most people’s daily lives. OK so it’s too cold for you to walk to the store, what about once a day you take 10- 15 minutes and do some Tai Chi. That’s right I did say Tai Chi and does not cost you anything or the need to leave your room. Just think about it this way, you’re stretching your body and relaxing your mind. I found before I go to bed doing a light Tai Chi warm-up relaxes me and I get to sleep sooner. I call that the Zen of freeing your mind of the days burdens.

Turn your gray matter to green

If you are planning multiple upgrades such as insulation, heating and cooling systems, and more, it may qualify for a Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund rebate under the Home Performance Program. The Program is available for single family or multi-family site specific projects. The financial incentive is determined based on the cost and energy savings of the home performance project.

Energy you lose through leaky doors, windows and ductwork can be a major cause of high energy bills. Many air leaks and drafts are easy to find because they are easy to feel, but holes hidden in attics, basements, and crawlspaces are usually bigger problems and not noticeable to the eye. Home energy assessment including a blower-door test which pinpoints critical drafts and air leaks can reduce the amount of air flow, improving your comfort level and reducing your energy bills. Building Performance Analyst are skilled in evaluating current and needed air flow,  reducing excessive infiltration and carefully adhering to important indoor air quality standards of a home. Once the leaks are found the technicians starts sealing the areas were the air is infiltrating the home. Using the blower door to re-analyze the air flow as they seal is an important tool to monitoring the proper amount of air changes needed for that home.
Duct testing to assess air leaks within the duct-work system is part of the Home Energy Audit and is a great tool to evaluate to current condition of your HVAC system. If you have older metal ducts and they are not insulated or sealed properly they could be losing up to 30% of your heat. Sealing your existing ducts can reduce the loss of heated air through your ducts and cut your heating costs. If you have central air conditioning, sealing your ducts will also save you money on cooling your home. Sometimes it makes sense for home owners to take advantage of utility rebates and available tax credits to upgrade to a new, energy efficient heating and cooling system. After the Technician has sealed all possible leaks, you will be provided with a Duct Air Flow report. This report will provide you with the necessary information to identify if any additional work is necessary to further improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.
Here are a few other important reasons to have the Home Energy Audit performed on your home.
• Hot water-saving measures including low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators will be installed.
• Rebates for qualifying central air conditioning systems and for replacement of certain inefficient appliances with qualifying energy-efficient models.
• Installation of energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs.
• Incentives for insulation upgrades.
• A “kitchen table wrap-up” where the building analyst will review the work that was done in your home and tell you about additional resources that can help you save energy and money.

If you do not live in CT call your local power company and they will help you

Going green over the Holidays Christmas is a holiday that we often go overboard with our consumption habits. Maybe adopting some new Christmas traditions this year like going green, but even more important, showing your family and friends that you are doing your part as a green leader. Here are a few ways to start. (1) Christmas cards Most Christmas cards end up in landfills. This year why not consider sending e-cards to loved ones who have computers. That way you can send loving thoughts of the season while doing something positive for the environment. (2) Using Fabric for gift wrapping Using something like a cotton fabric is a great Idea. It folds and can be manipulate into custom shapes that are great for all kinds of gifts. Right now many cotton fabrics are available with wonderful Christmas patterns and colors. If you make some good plans the fabrics can be used next year. The Japanese believe the wrap is just as important as the gift itself. Using fabric could be a way of putting your individual stamp on your gift giving, and another way of saying you are environmentally conscious, creative, and have flamboyance for the unusual. (3) Buy your living Christmas tree in town if possible Select a living tree that will grow in your area and can be kept in a pot outside until you are ready. Maybe bring it in a week before Christmas. After you take down the tree put it back outdoors. If you live in an apartment, or don't have room in your yard for an evergreen, check into the option of donating it to a local rest home or children center after the holiday. (4) Saving Energy Turn off the room Lights when the Christmas tree lights are on, the lights on your Christmas tree should provide enough lighting to find your way around the room. Set the tree lights on a timer and not have to turn them on and off can save you money. Adding candles throughout your home will give the house the old fashion holiday glow, without adding to the electric bill. Going green over holidays is gift to you and everyone who lives in your home. There are many good ways to get started. Here is a great article by Michelina Docimo, (Season’s Greenings!.) http://michelinadocimo.com/myartobiography/2010/11/28/seasons-greenings/ Michelina is a gifted writer and concerned environmentalist, she is always giving the gift of sustainable knowledge in every way. Michelina is currently studying the CSO training course at the New Canaan Nature Center. Have a happy green Christmas.

Very interesting article about consumer confidence.  How can consumers rely on products? What measurable standards are available?  Check out this interesting article by Art St. Armand in Greener Life Consultant Blog.