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	<title>Frugally Green</title>
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	<link>http://frugallygreen.org</link>
	<description>Saving Earth one dollar at a time</description>
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		<title>5 Ways To Bring New Life To Old Credit Cards</title>
		<link>http://frugallygreen.org/5-ways-to-bring-new-life-to-old-credit-cards/</link>
		<comments>http://frugallygreen.org/5-ways-to-bring-new-life-to-old-credit-cards/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:00:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tyler</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[At Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Do It Yourself]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Having Fun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips & Tricks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugallygreen.org/?p=1943</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sure, it may only be a 2.125” high by 3.375” wide piece of plastic. Pretty small, right? Yes, but what is not small is the number of credit cards in circulation; an estimated 2.7 billion by the year 2015! Unfortunately, when they expire or need to be replaced, many people just chuck ‘em. However there are some crafty ways [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/8-simple-ways-to-be-energy-efficient-at-home-and-save/' rel='bookmark' title='8 Simple Ways To Be Energy Efficient At Home And Save'>8 Simple Ways To Be Energy Efficient At Home And Save</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/4-ways-to-be-green-and-save-money-with-your-hvac-system/' rel='bookmark' title='4 ways to be green AND save money with your HVAC system'>4 ways to be green AND save money with your HVAC system</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/frugally-green-summer-tips/' rel='bookmark' title='Frugally Green Summer Tips'>Frugally Green Summer Tips</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Sure, it may only be a 2.125” high by 3.375” wide piece of plastic. Pretty small, right? Yes, but what is <em>not</em> small is the number of credit cards in circulation; an <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/global-credit-cards-circulation-reach-2-7-billion-160128437.html" target="_blank">estimated 2.7 billion</a> by the year 2015!</p>
<p>Unfortunately, when they expire or need to be replaced, many people just chuck ‘em. However there are some crafty ways you can bring new life to your old credit card. Here are 5 ways you can re-use them for something else.</p>
<h2><strong>1. Jewelry</strong></h2>
<p>That may sound crazy, but do a Google search for “credit card jewelry” and you will see there are tons of pendants, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that can be made from them. But more surprising is that many of them actually look pretty cool! Many make creative use of the person’s name that was embossed on the credit card. Meanwhile, others make a pop-culture statement on status by crafting American Express Gold and Platinum cards into chic accessories.</p>
<h2><strong>2. Ice Scraper</strong></h2>
<p>Have you ever been caught in a snowstorm without an ice scraper? As someone who grew up in Michigan, trust me, it’s not fun! Thankfully the time it happened to me, I had a couple credit cards in my pocket. Obviously they aren’t the ideal tool for the job, but I was successful nonetheless in using them to scrape ice from the windshield. You never know when your spouse, relative, or friend might borrow the scraper from your car and forget to put it back. So if you live somewhere it snows, you may want to shove a couple old Visa or MasterCards into that glovebox.</p>
<h2><strong>3. Artwork</strong></h2>
<p><strong></strong>At the Graphic Design Museum in the Netherlands, there&#8217;s an astonishing mosaic that&#8217;s completely made of credit cards. It takes up an entire wall and the cards are arranged by color. But if you think mosaics are the only thing you can make, think again. Check out <a href="http://www.crookedbrains.net/2009/09/design_28.html" target="_blank">the mosaic and more</a> to see the dozens of different ways people have incorporated these pieces of plastic into their artwork.</p>
<h2><strong>4. Phone Stand</strong></h2>
<p>I love my iPhone, but what I don’t love is the fact that there’s no built-in stand. Fortunately it’s as simple as folding a credit card in two different places and voila! You have a fully adjustable stand. Best of all, this <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Cheap-and-Quick-Portable-iPhone-PMP-stand/" target="_blank">cheap and quick iPhone stand</a> can be assembled in a matter of seconds, wherever you may be. The author on the aforementioned link notes that it’s the perfect stand for flying, since it’s so compact and portable.</p>
<h2><strong>5. Construction</strong></h2>
<p>This is another use I can personally vouch for, because I&#8217;ve used old credit and debit cards on a number of occasions. How so? Well it&#8217;s the perfect rounded edge for caulking and a straight edge for plastering (i.e. fixing nail holes in your wall with a dash of plaster). In fact, during the last occasion, I actually found my old Bank of America debit card to work better than my $6 edging tool from Home Depot.</p>
<p>So there you have it… 5 ways to give your old credit card new life. It’s worth pointing out that not only will these uses work for bank cards, but also just about any plastic card you can think of. Everything from an old Walmart gift card to an expired YMCA membership card. So next time you find yourself with one that’s no longer needed, save it for later use.</p>
<p><em>Mike owns and operates CreditCardForum, which is a message board for <a href="http://creditcardforum.com/" target="_blank">comparing credit card deals</a> and what people are saying about them. His most recent review was of the <a href="http://creditcardforum.com/blog/walmart-money-card-review/" target="_blank">Walmart Money Card</a>, which he gives a big thumbs down to. Rather than paying the high fees on it, he recommends using it for any of the five purposes above!</em></p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/8-simple-ways-to-be-energy-efficient-at-home-and-save/' rel='bookmark' title='8 Simple Ways To Be Energy Efficient At Home And Save'>8 Simple Ways To Be Energy Efficient At Home And Save</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/4-ways-to-be-green-and-save-money-with-your-hvac-system/' rel='bookmark' title='4 ways to be green AND save money with your HVAC system'>4 ways to be green AND save money with your HVAC system</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/frugally-green-summer-tips/' rel='bookmark' title='Frugally Green Summer Tips'>Frugally Green Summer Tips</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Ten Advantages to Using Solar Energy</title>
		<link>http://frugallygreen.org/ten-advantages-to-using-solar-energy/</link>
		<comments>http://frugallygreen.org/ten-advantages-to-using-solar-energy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:54:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tyler</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[At Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Investing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Products]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugallygreen.org/?p=1939</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When you flip your light switch on you probably don&#8217;t think twice about how that light is powered, but if you trace it all the way back, you&#8217;ll probably see that it comes from a coal or gas resource used to put power all over the world. Although the convenience of simply flipping a switch [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/could-you-benefit-from-a-solar-energy-course/' rel='bookmark' title='Could You Benefit from a Solar Energy Course?'>Could You Benefit from a Solar Energy Course?</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/why-use-solar-panels-to-power-your-home/' rel='bookmark' title='Why Use Solar Panels to Power Your Home?'>Why Use Solar Panels to Power Your Home?</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/three-innovations-for-easy-and-afforable-solar-power/' rel='bookmark' title='Three Innovations For Easy and Afforable Solar Power'>Three Innovations For Easy and Afforable Solar Power</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;" align="center">When you flip your light switch on you probably don&#8217;t think twice about how that light is powered, but if you trace it all the way back, you&#8217;ll probably see that it comes from a coal or gas resource used to put power all over the world. Although the convenience of simply flipping a switch is one that almost everyone enjoys now, it won&#8217;t be so convenient in the future when these power systems stop working.</p>
<p>Solar energy, on the other hand, is a renewable resource which means that as long as it&#8217;s replaced, it will continue to provide. For example: trees. If someone cuts down a tree and then plants a new one to take the place of the tree which was cut down, then this is a renewable resource. Unfortunately, there&#8217;s no way to replace the coal and gas that we rely on now for power. There are ten advantages to using solar energy in your home.</p>
<p>First and for most, solar energy is renewable so you never have to worry that the sun will not produce light. As long as the sun shines there will be a source of energy. And if it ever stops shining, well, we&#8217;ve got much bigger problems!</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Solar energy is great for the environment.</strong> It doesn&#8217;t produce any nasty byproducts; solar cells will not emit any harmful gases that pollute the air.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>You can rely on renewable resource collectors such as solar panels.</strong> A panel can produce thousands of hours of solar power with minimal maintenance. Solar power panels and other supplies can be purchased direct at <a href="http://www.ploughcroftsolar.co.uk">www.ploughcroftsolar.co.uk</a>,  so you can create a self-sufficient home.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> <strong>There is no hum or noise that comes from any type of solar cell</strong>; although there is a simple little noise, it is nothing like that which comes from a power plant in your back yard.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>You are able to control your cost more effectively with solar panels</strong>. You have an initial expense when purchasing the tools and equipment to set up your solar power system, but it will pay off over time. You won&#8217;t receive a monthly bill from the sun; simply flip on your switch and enjoy.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>There are many different types of Plough Croft solar panels to choose from</strong>, and there are also different prices so you can select the one that best suits your needs. Whether you have a small one bedroom cottage or a huge multi-level business building, you can find the right size and type of solar panels to purchase. Some of these panels cost just a few hundred pounds while others could be in the thousands, but you can control your own cost.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>When you use solar energy you are self-sufficient</strong>, so you never have to link up to the main power grid. This means that you no longer have service charges or other charges associated with your home.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Consider selling your extra energy</strong>. When your panels are large enough and generate more than enough power, your energy meter will actually spin backwards and the power company can then buy the extra from you if you&#8217;re connected to the grid.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>In some places, you can receive a tax credit at the end of the year</strong> to help when you are able to provide proof of your purchase of solar energy equipment. You can expect to get back up to 30% of your total cost. This is a big saving that will help you to enjoy using the solar power panels.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><strong>Solar energy is always changing as more and more is being discovered.</strong> There are several solar panel kits that you can purchase at <a href="http://www.ploughcroftsolar.co.uk">www.ploughcroftsolar.co.uk</a>  for any size of home. So now, you can create a self-sustaining home no matter where you live.</li>
</ul>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/could-you-benefit-from-a-solar-energy-course/' rel='bookmark' title='Could You Benefit from a Solar Energy Course?'>Could You Benefit from a Solar Energy Course?</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/why-use-solar-panels-to-power-your-home/' rel='bookmark' title='Why Use Solar Panels to Power Your Home?'>Why Use Solar Panels to Power Your Home?</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/three-innovations-for-easy-and-afforable-solar-power/' rel='bookmark' title='Three Innovations For Easy and Afforable Solar Power'>Three Innovations For Easy and Afforable Solar Power</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Make Your Home Energy Efficient for Wintertime</title>
		<link>http://frugallygreen.org/make-your-home-energy-efficient-for-wintertime/</link>
		<comments>http://frugallygreen.org/make-your-home-energy-efficient-for-wintertime/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:56:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tyler</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[At Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Do It Yourself]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugallygreen.org/?p=1933</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ This year’s end promises to be a particularly cold one. Early Winter is upon us, yet already portions of the U.S. have been wracked by mid-winter style snowstorms, with temperatures dipping well below freezing. Reactionary home owners might be tempted to crank up their heaters in anticipation for further chilly weather, but environmentally (and financially) [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/making-your-home-energy-efficient/' rel='bookmark' title='Making Your Home Energy Efficient'>Making Your Home Energy Efficient</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/15-no-brainer-ideas-for-an-energy-efficient-home/' rel='bookmark' title='15 No-Brainer Ideas for an Energy Efficient Home'>15 No-Brainer Ideas for an Energy Efficient Home</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/8-simple-ways-to-be-energy-efficient-at-home-and-save/' rel='bookmark' title='8 Simple Ways To Be Energy Efficient At Home And Save'>8 Simple Ways To Be Energy Efficient At Home And Save</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong> </strong>This year’s end promises to be a particularly cold one. Early Winter is upon us, yet already portions of the U.S. have been wracked by mid-winter style snowstorms, with temperatures dipping well below freezing. Reactionary home owners might be tempted to crank up their heaters in anticipation for further chilly weather, but environmentally (and financially) conscious homeowners should stop and think before touching the thermostat.</p>
<p>There’s no use avoiding the fact that going green in the wintertime might be a little tougher than in the warmer months. With less daylight and constant cold temperatures, homeowners will have to use all their resources to safeguard their homes in order to stay warm. Less sunlight also means that solar energy sources won’t be producing electricity at optimum levels, so those who subscribe to green energy companies will see their bills rise during wintertime. But there are ways to cut energy costs this season without allowing your house to turn into an icebox.</p>
<h2><strong>Dress for warmth inside</strong></h2>
<p>Ok, this might not seem like the most enlightening piece of advice, but you’d be amazed at how much money you can save by wearing extra clothing in your home. When you feel a chill in you house, try putting on some thick wool socks, pajama pants, or even a comfy beanie to combat the cold. Your body heat will stay trapped against your skin when you bundle up; simply walk around your house for a bit while fully clothed and you might just reconsider turning on the heater. Keep your warm clothes on when you go to bed at night and you might not even have to touch the heater!</p>
<h2><strong>Inspect and make safe sources of heat</strong></h2>
<p>It’s critical that you check all major heating sources before the serious winter season sets in so you can warm your house safely when the temperature outside starts dropping dramatically. If you have a functioning fireplace, for example, check that the flue (the inside of the chimney) is clear and unobstructed by sooty buildup before you consider starting a fire. Most chimney related hazards could be avoided by taking a few minutes to ensure a clear passage for the smoke from your fire.</p>
<p>Also be sure to check your water heater and water pipes to ensure that they’re winter proof. Exposed pipes should be wrapped and secured in insulation or heating tape to prevent from cracking in freezing temperatures. As a preventative measure, a large thermal blanket should cover water heaters in order to shield them against the cold. A well-insulated water heater won’t have to work as hard to produce hot water, an effort that ends up saving you money in the long run.</p>
<p>If you don’t feel up to these tasks yourself, there’s no shame in hiring an experienced plumber to check and properly pad your water pipes and water heater. The fee you’d pay the plumber to secure your house’s heating system pails in comparison to the money and trouble you’d go through to repair your pipes if they broke during particularly icing weather conditions.</p>
<h2><strong>Seal and reinforce your windows</strong></h2>
<p>Homeowners in older homes should pay close attention to this tip. Oftentimes older homes retain their original windowpanes, frames, and fixtures that have deteriorated over time. It’s highly likely that these decrepit windows allow much more cold air into your home than you’d expect, keeping temperatures inside your house low despite the heater.</p>
<p>Like I suggested with pipes and water heaters, you can ready your windows for the winter in two ways: do it yourself or hire a professional. If you’re looking to save money then you could simply seal off cracks between windows and their frames, or invest in some heavy curtains or drapes to trap in some of the intrusive cold air. If you’re especially industrious you could purchase and install replacement panes for your windows. But if you don’t have the time to manage the repairs yourself, don’t hesitate to call a trained window repairman to update your windows. Well-crafted windows won’t only keep out the cold during the winter; they’ll also keep your house cool in the summer. Updating your windows could be the wisest investment you make in your hose this season.</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">By-line:</span></strong></p>
<p><em>This guest post is contributed by <strong>Lauren Bailey</strong>, who regularly writes for <a href="http://www.bestcollegesonline.com/">best online colleges</a>. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: blauren99ATgmailDOTcom. </em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/making-your-home-energy-efficient/' rel='bookmark' title='Making Your Home Energy Efficient'>Making Your Home Energy Efficient</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/15-no-brainer-ideas-for-an-energy-efficient-home/' rel='bookmark' title='15 No-Brainer Ideas for an Energy Efficient Home'>15 No-Brainer Ideas for an Energy Efficient Home</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/8-simple-ways-to-be-energy-efficient-at-home-and-save/' rel='bookmark' title='8 Simple Ways To Be Energy Efficient At Home And Save'>8 Simple Ways To Be Energy Efficient At Home And Save</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>How to Save Money on Organic Products</title>
		<link>http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-save-money-on-organic-products/</link>
		<comments>http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-save-money-on-organic-products/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:00:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tyler</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[At Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Do It Yourself]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugallygreen.org/?p=1901</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By now you probably know that most organic products are better for you, your family, and the environment than their non-organic counterparts. You also know that they tend to cost more. It&#8217;s for this reason that many folks haven’t yet found a way to fit organic items into their budget. If this sounds like you, [...]


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<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/7-steps-to-simple-organic-vegetables/' rel='bookmark' title='7 Steps to Simple Organic Vegetables'>7 Steps to Simple Organic Vegetables</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-make-your-own-skin-and-hair-care-products/' rel='bookmark' title='How to Make Your Own Skin and Hair Care Products'>How to Make Your Own Skin and Hair Care Products</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>By now you probably know that most organic products are better for you, your family, and the environment than their non-organic counterparts. You also know that they tend to cost more. It&#8217;s for this reason that many folks haven’t yet found a way to fit organic items into their budget. If this sounds like you, don’t give up on organics just yet. You&#8217;ll be glad to know there are many simple ways to save money on organic products.</p>
<h2><strong>Watch for Sales</strong></h2>
<p>With organic products being as popular as they are, supermarkets would be silly not to offer sales on them. Be sure to pick up the weekly ads from all of the grocery stores near you. From there you will be able to see what organic items are on sale each week. Often times stores will offer “Buy 1, Get 1 Free” sales on organics, which can save you a lot of money. If you find that the products you want are included in the sale, by all means take advantage of it. Just be sure to check dates and be logical when purchasing. If your household won’t use the product, don&#8217;t purchase it just for the sake of it being on sale. Only buy what you will use.</p>
<h2><strong>Find and Use Coupons</strong></h2>
<p>You may not think that coupons exist for organic products, but the truth is they do. You may have to look a little harder for them, but it is usually worth it. Besides checking your Sunday paper, be sure to scan your supermarket ads, as they sometimes include coupons for various products. If you have certain organic products in mind, check the manufacturers’ websites. Many companies that produce organics put coupons online. All you have to do is print them out and take them shopping with you.</p>
<h2><strong>Buy in Bulk</strong></h2>
<p>Although they may not offer a huge selection, some warehouse-type stores have begun carrying certain organic products. If you find that a product you use is available in bulk for a better price, pick it up. Buying in bulk will not only save you money, but trips to the store as well. If you have more of something, you will not run out as quickly.</p>
<h2><strong>Grow Your Own Organic Produce</strong></h2>
<p>A surefire way to save money on organic produce is to grow it yourself. Organic gardening is relatively simple, and the results will be well worth your time and effort. You basically grow a garden as you normally would, just remember to use organic pest control products, as well as organic fertilizers. When you grow your own organic vegetables and fruits, you should have enough to freeze, can, or store for future use. Not only will you have a year-round supply of organic produce, but you will save a great deal of money as well.</p>
<h2><strong>Make Your Own Organic Cleaning Products</strong></h2>
<p>You may think that food is the only thing that can be organic, but the truth is household cleaners can be as well. Non-organic cleaners contain many harsh chemicals that truly aren’t necessary for keeping your home clean and free of germs. Unfortunately organic cleaners on the market can cost a lot of money. You will be happy to know that it is possible to make your own organic household cleaners with simple ingredients that you may already have on hand. Things like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils can all be used to easily create organic cleaning products. There are many recipes that can be found online, so doing a simple search will bring up many results. Your house will be chemical-free and clean, and the stress on your wallet will be greatly reduced.</p>
<p>These are all wonderful ways to save money on organic products. The savings will allow you to provide yourself and your family with safer things to eat and use on a daily basis. After discovering how easy it is to save money on organic products, you may wonder why you did not find these tips sooner.</p>
<p><em>Guest post from Adam. Adam writes for FrugalDad.com, an <a href="http://frugaldad.com/coupons/" target="_blank">online coupon</a> site.</em></p>


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<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/7-steps-to-simple-organic-vegetables/' rel='bookmark' title='7 Steps to Simple Organic Vegetables'>7 Steps to Simple Organic Vegetables</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-make-your-own-skin-and-hair-care-products/' rel='bookmark' title='How to Make Your Own Skin and Hair Care Products'>How to Make Your Own Skin and Hair Care Products</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Green Living Tips for College Students</title>
		<link>http://frugallygreen.org/green-living-tips-for-college-students/</link>
		<comments>http://frugallygreen.org/green-living-tips-for-college-students/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2011 14:00:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tyler</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[At School]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips & Tricks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugallygreen.org/?p=1897</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When some people talk about college students, they envision young men and women wearing jeans and a t-shirt, with a book in one hand and a team pennant in the other. They probably imagine college students are concerned with nothing more than whether or not they’ll pass the next test. But quite a few college [...]


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<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/35-tips-for-sustainable-gardening/' rel='bookmark' title='35 Tips For Sustainable Gardening'>35 Tips For Sustainable Gardening</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/frugally-green-summer-tips/' rel='bookmark' title='Frugally Green Summer Tips'>Frugally Green Summer Tips</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When some people talk about college students, they envision young men and women wearing jeans and a t-shirt, with a book in one hand and a team pennant in the other. They probably imagine college students are concerned with nothing more than whether or not they’ll pass the next test. But quite a few college kids are concerned with the environment. Some are actively involved in living a ‘green’ lifestyle. If you’re one of them, you may be interested in these green living tips for college students.</p>
<h2><strong>Ride a Bike</strong></h2>
<p>One of the best ways to help the environment is to cut down on exhaust from gas or diesel powered vehicles. Riding a bike on campus instead of driving a car will help accomplish that purpose. It’s something nearly anyone can do, doesn’t cost a lot to get started, and can actually help you stay healthy in the process. A bicycle is faster than walking so you won’t have to start out for your next class as early. It would be a good idea to wear a helmet and to carry a bicycle chain so you can stay safe while riding and be reasonably sure the bike will be there after class. Bicycles are also relatively small so storing them shouldn’t be hard to do, and they’re lightweight so walking or carrying them up and down stairs won’t wear you out.</p>
<h2><strong>Buy Used Books</strong></h2>
<p>Instead of buying brand new textbooks for each class, many students buy used books. Recycling the books not only helps save the environment, it also saves money. Another way to help save trees is to share textbooks with other students who live nearby and have the same classes. This will also provide you with a study partner, which may help you learn better and faster.</p>
<h2><strong>Recycle Paper</strong></h2>
<p>Another way to help save the forests from being cut down in order to make paper is to recycle the paper you now use. When you’re taking notes, use both sides of the paper. You can also use recycled paper for doing homework assignments. Whether you use a computer and printer, or write out your assignment longhand, recycled paper will help save the environment.</p>
<h2><strong>Collect Paper for Recycling</strong></h2>
<p>Colleges and universities go through tons of paper each year. Even if the majority of students use recycled paper, at the end of the year there’s a lot of paper that has to be disposed of. You can begin collecting used paper, or start a drive to collect the paper, and take it to a recycling plant. You may even be able to make a few dollars in the process.</p>
<h2><strong>Set Up Recycling Bins</strong></h2>
<p>In your dorm room or apartment, you can take steps to live green by separating items for recycling. Set up a bin for recyclable plastic bottles and another for paper. They don’t have to be anything fancy&#8211;a tub or paper sack will suffice. Whenever you finish with a bottle of soda or a notebook, simply drop into the recycle bin. When the bins get full, take them to a recycling center.</p>
<h2><strong>Other Recyclables</strong></h2>
<p>You can also recycle other items to help save the environment. Buying your furniture or other household items from a second-hand store or at a garage sale will help keep those products in use and delay their taking up space in a landfill. If the items need a little repair to keep them useable, you can always barter with a ‘handyman.’ Maybe one of your classmates isn’t doing so well in a certain subject that you’re proficient in. You can offer to tutor them in return for repairing your used furniture.</p>
<p><em>Guest post from Pat Singer. Pat writes about <a href="http://www.accreditedonlinecolleges.com/" target="_blank">online colleges</a> for AccreditedOnlineColleges.com.</em></p>


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<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/frugally-green-summer-tips/' rel='bookmark' title='Frugally Green Summer Tips'>Frugally Green Summer Tips</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>5 Car Companies Protecting the Environment &amp; Your Wallet</title>
		<link>http://frugallygreen.org/5-car-companies-protecting-the-environment-your-wallet/</link>
		<comments>http://frugallygreen.org/5-car-companies-protecting-the-environment-your-wallet/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:00:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tyler</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Cars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Making Choices]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugallygreen.org/?p=1907</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Companies all over the world are changing their environmental practices. From their offices to their production plants; even notoriously pollutive automakers are cleaning up their emissions. Going as far as appointing executives to oversee environmental protection strategies, car manufacturers understand the importance of boarding the efficient and environmental bandwagon. In fact, some manufacturers are not [...]


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<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/whats-the-greenest-way-to-move-a-car/' rel='bookmark' title='What&#8217;s the Greenest Way to Move a Car?'>What&#8217;s the Greenest Way to Move a Car?</a></li>
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</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Companies all over the world are changing their environmental practices. From their offices to their production plants; even notoriously pollutive automakers are cleaning up their emissions.</p>
<p>Going as far as appointing executives to oversee environmental protection strategies, car manufacturers understand the importance of boarding the efficient and environmental bandwagon. In fact, some manufacturers are not only transforming their vehicles, they’re changing the way they make them by using recyclable, sustainable materials, decreasing landfill waste and reducing water consumption.</p>
<p>While Mother Earth benefits from automakers’ newfound environmentalism, so does the consumer – and not just by breathing cleaner air. With gas prices reaching almost 5$ a gallon in some parts of the U.S., the savings at the pump can equalize, if not outweigh, the upfront cost of a low-emissions or hybrid vehicle.</p>
<p>For example, assuming 15,000 miles of annual driving and a fuel cost of $4.51, a car with 40 Highway Miles Per Gallon (HMPH) will save you $8,437 more than a car with 20 HMPG over 5 years.</p>
<p><em>($1,700/year to operate 40 HMPG and $3,375/year for 20 MPG)</em></p>
<p>Here’s a comparison of the top 5 car companies rolling out low-cost, greener cars and manufacturing processes:</p>
<p><strong>1. </strong><strong>Toyota</strong>: Reduced CO2 emissions by 42%, landfill waste to less than 1% of the FY1995 level, and water consumption by 7.1% by 2009.</p>
<p><em>Green Cars: Prius and 11 other hybrids<br />
</em><em>Car Cost: $24,000-30,000<br />
</em><em>HMPG: 51</em></p>
<p><em></em><strong>2. </strong><strong>BMW: </strong>Reduced CO2 emissions by 27% and water consumption by ~300,000 cubic meters in 2008. They’re also rolling out electric vehicles in connection with &#8220;project i&#8221; in the next 5 years.</p>
<p><em>Green Cars: BMW 328i, 128i<br />
</em><em>Car Cost: $34,000-56,000<br />
</em><em>HMPG: 28</em></p>
<p><em></em><strong>3. </strong><strong>Hyundai: </strong>Launched LPi hybrid and gasoline hybrid vehicles in 2010.</p>
<p><em>Green Cars: Elantra<br />
</em><em>Car Cost: $15,000-20,000<br />
</em><em>HMPG: 40</em></p>
<p><em></em><strong>4. </strong><strong>Honda: </strong>Reduced automobile CO2 emissions by 12.6% between 2000-2010.</p>
<p><em>Green Cars: Insight, Honda Civic Hybrid<br />
</em><em>Car Cost: $24,000<br />
</em><em>HMPG: 43</em></p>
<p><em></em><strong>5. </strong><strong>Volkswagen: </strong>Built numerous alternative energy plants around the globe and analyzed every vehicle model in terms of its CO2 emissions, recyclable materials, logistic processes and output of greenhouse gas.</p>
<p><em>Green Cars: Volkswagen Jetta TDI, awarded ‘Green Car of the Year’<br />
</em><em>Car Cost: $17,000-20,000<br />
</em><em>HMPG: 42</em></p>
<p><em>This is a guest post from Jeff at <a href="http://findthebest.com/" target="_blank">FindTheBest</a>.</em></p>


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<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/whats-the-greenest-way-to-move-a-car/' rel='bookmark' title='What&#8217;s the Greenest Way to Move a Car?'>What&#8217;s the Greenest Way to Move a Car?</a></li>
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</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Could You Benefit from a Solar Energy Course?</title>
		<link>http://frugallygreen.org/could-you-benefit-from-a-solar-energy-course/</link>
		<comments>http://frugallygreen.org/could-you-benefit-from-a-solar-energy-course/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 06 Oct 2011 21:39:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tyler</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[At Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[At Work]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugallygreen.org/?p=1887</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[We all know how important renewable energy is as we try to integrate it into our lives more and more. People are using the sun, wind and even rain to run their homes. You might have noticed, passing a row of houses, that many now have solar panels attached to their roofs. Many people who [...]


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</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>We all know how important renewable energy is as we try to integrate it into our lives more and more. People are using the sun, wind and even rain to run their homes. You might have noticed, passing a row of houses, that many now have solar panels attached to their roofs.</p>
<p>Many people who use solar panels to run their home are even making money from the energy they produce. Most solar panels can produce more than enough electricity to power the home and many households are left with energy they can sell back to the electricity board. This means solar panels pay for themselves after a time.</p>
<p>If you are looking to get solar panels for your house, one option is to take <a title="solar courses" href="http://www.ploughcrofttraining.co.uk/solarcourses.php">solar courses</a>. If you already work in a trade such as a plumber or an electrician, there are a number of different courses you can take to help you understand solar panels more.</p>
<p>You can learn about different types of solar panels that are used in the industry For instance, if your trade is plumbing, you can learn about vented and un-vented solar panels and how they attach to a roof safely. Ploughcroft Solar offers a variety of different courses in various places around the country. It&#8217;s only a matter of finding the right one to suit you.</p>
<p>You can even train with a qualified installer on the job. That means you get first-hand experience of the job and how to install everything properly. This live demonstration would surely be one of the best ways to learn.</p>
<p>With the ever increasing popularity of solar energy it may be time to get on board. Or, if you know someone who works in a trade, then this may be a great career expanding option for them. Maybe they&#8217;ll even help install your system!</p>
<p>By preparing now for the renewable energy switch, you&#8217;ll be one step ahead of the game.</p>


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<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/why-use-solar-panels-to-power-your-home/' rel='bookmark' title='Why Use Solar Panels to Power Your Home?'>Why Use Solar Panels to Power Your Home?</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Greening Up Your Home this Fall</title>
		<link>http://frugallygreen.org/greening-up-your-home-this-fall/</link>
		<comments>http://frugallygreen.org/greening-up-your-home-this-fall/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 01 Oct 2011 13:00:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tyler</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[At Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Do It Yourself]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Doing the Right Thing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tips & Tricks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugallygreen.org/?p=1881</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Though we typically think of reds, oranges and lovely golds when it comes to fall colors, when September rolls around, the color we can’t forget is green.  While winter and summer typically get all the excitement for “green season prep,” that’s not to say that fall and spring don’t have ample opportunity to grasp a [...]


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</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Though we typically think of reds, oranges and lovely golds when it comes to fall colors, when September rolls around, the color we can’t forget is green.  While winter and summer typically get all the excitement for “green season prep,” that’s not to say that fall and spring don’t have ample opportunity to grasp a hold of and run with.  So, this fall as we prepare to return to routine, break out the warm cardigans and enjoy the rich smells of baking apples, consider these easy tips for greening up your home this fall.</p>
<h2><strong>Transform Fresh to Lasting</strong></h2>
<p>If you haven’t tried your hand at canning yet, it’s one of the very best ways to green up your home this fall.  You’ll be able to take advantage of the flood of fresh produce that is available to us during the fall months and preserve it to get you through the winter months when the only other way to get it would be to purchase something shipped from across the globe.</p>
<p>Craving raspberries in December?  Then you will <em>love </em>your homemade canned raspberry jelly.  Peaches?  Canned!  Drying is another great option.  Apples are one of my favorites to eat dried, and since they are abundant in fall, this is the prime time to stock up and stockpile dried stashes.  Nothing beats your own fruits and veggies in the middle of winter that you didn’t have to sacrifice your green principles for.</p>
<h2><strong>Switch Out Those Light Bulbs</strong></h2>
<p>With the start of fall comes the beginning of shorter and shorter days and you’ll naturally be using your lights for more hours each day.  Switching to energy efficient light bulbs might seem like a small thing, but if you haven’t done it yet already, this can go a long way to saving energy.  CFL (fluorescent) bulbs can even be up to 80% more efficient than the typical bulb.</p>
<h2><strong>Pesky to Perfect</strong></h2>
<p>You know those leaves that pile up so quickly in the front yard, the back yard, the side yard….  They seem pesky and annoying and often get a bad rap for taking up too much time and killing the grass underneath.  But, with a green mindset, those pesky leaves can become the perfect spring fertilizer.</p>
<p>Skip raking the leaves and ditching them in garbage bags on the side of the street and contributing to more energy use and consuming more landfill space.  Instead, shred them up and add to your composting bin.  Come spring, you’ll have a lovely, rich organic fertilizer.</p>
<p>And remember!  Rake, don’t go out with a leaf-blower.  One gas-powered leaf blower running for an hour is equivalent in emissions to driving 350 miles.  Other great green leaf uses?  Frame a few for fall décor or turn them into a potpourri.  Just crush, store in mesh bags and spread them throughout your house for the ultimate smell of fall all season long!</p>
<h2><strong>Add Some Green Inside, Literally!</strong></h2>
<p>Fall is the perfect time to move your “garden” from outside to inside.  Plant an herb garden for your windowsill.  You’ll get to keep that summer feeling going all year long with fresh mint in your tea, newly picked rosemary for those portabella burgers and perhaps even spinach.</p>
<h2><strong>Start Prepping Insulation </strong></h2>
<p>As soon as those daily temps start dropping, it’s absolutely appropriate to start “winterizing” your home.  There’s no need to wait for the first snowfall (in fact, that’s a really bad idea); plenty of us live in locales where fall most certainly calls for early effort to save precious heat.</p>
<p>Get prepped with draft blockers for the doors and for behind your light switches.  Insulate the hot water heater.  Consider caulking or double-checking the caulk all around sneaky spaces like windows, pipes, wires, etc.  You might want to look into getting a programmable thermostat that will automatically turn down and off at the appropriate times, relieving your less-than-perfect memory of the responsibility.  Change out all of your furnace filters.  As they become dirty, the airflow gets restricted, meaning more energy needed to push through.</p>
<p>And of course, you can get your own “insulation” invest in some good warm, heavy sweaters so you can keep that thermostat set low!  Stock up on propane, de-ice and any winter products you might need, <em>now,</em> before price increases to meet demand.</p>
<p><em>Freelancer Jocelyn Anne writes about greening up the home on a regular basis.  Her favorite fall methods include canning lots and lots of apple pie filling and thoroughly playing in the leaves before composting.  At the moment she’s promoting the efficient, energy saving <a href="http://www.air-n-water.com/product/g70.htm">G70 garage heater</a> for the winter season.</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


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<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/make-your-home-energy-efficient-for-wintertime/' rel='bookmark' title='Make Your Home Energy Efficient for Wintertime'>Make Your Home Energy Efficient for Wintertime</a></li>
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</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>How to Add a Little Green to Your Halloween</title>
		<link>http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-add-a-little-green-to-your-halloween/</link>
		<comments>http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-add-a-little-green-to-your-halloween/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:00:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tyler</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Clothing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Do It Yourself]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Having Fun]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugallygreen.org/?p=1863</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There is something more terrifying about Halloween than all the ghosts, ghouls, and goblins of the world running amuck for one frightful night &#8211; the price tag of doing so. Every year, Americans spend an average of $4.75 billion on Halloween costumes and decorations, with each participating person spending around $56.31. Also, costume manufacturers rely [...]


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</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There is something more terrifying about Halloween than all the ghosts, ghouls, and goblins of the world running amuck for one frightful night &#8211; the price tag of doing so. Every year, <a href="http://www.nrf.com/modules.php?name=News&amp;op=viewlive&amp;sp_id=790">Americans spend an average of $4.75 billion on Halloween costumes and decorations</a>, with each participating person spending around $56.31. Also, costume manufacturers rely on huge profit margins during the holiday season. So, the costumes you buy probably won&#8217;t survive the holiday, and they will probably be over-priced.</p>
<p>While parents might feel just fine &#8220;throwing something together&#8221; for their office party, children can be very sensitive about homemade costumes. They want to be their favorite movie character and impress, or at least blend in, with their friends.</p>
<p>So, we&#8217;re not suggesting gluing a cotton ball to your child&#8217;s rear end, calling her a bunny and sending her on her merry way. But there are many ways that you can add a little green to your holidays this year.</p>
<h2>Compromise With Your Children or Yourself</h2>
<p>There&#8217;s something about the psychology of wearing a store bought costume and, as much as your frugally focused mind might not want to admit it, you have to compromise with your children to get them on board. But this doesn&#8217;t mean that you have to go out and buy an expensive full costume. Especially with <a href="http://www.halloweenexpress.com/movie-costumes-c-221.html" target="_blank">movie Halloween costumes</a>, there&#8217;s usually one defining piece of the costume that makes the whole thing come together. So, you might consider buying the one defining piece at the store and frugally handling the rest. For example:</p>
<ul>
<li>Leonidas from 300 &#8211; The Spartan Helmet</li>
<li>Jason from Friday the 13th &#8211; The Hockey Mask</li>
<li>Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean &#8211; The Pirate Hat</li>
</ul>
<p>Always think of ways to cover both ends of the problem with Halloween costumes. While you might want to save money on your Halloween costumes, there&#8217;s nothing wrong with purchasing a single item for your child to help preserve their self esteem.</p>
<h2>Holiday Costumes Entirely From Scratch</h2>
<p>There are also <a href="http://cltampa.com/dailyloaf/archives/2010/10/15/green-diy-make-your-own-halloween-costume#.TlaVXKjw8ow" target="_blank">movie costumes that can be made entirely from scratch</a> with a bit of ingenuity, like:</p>
<ul>
<li>Indiana Jones from Raiders of the Lost Ark</li>
<li>Harry Potter from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows</li>
<li>Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz</li>
<li>Woody from Toy Story 2</li>
</ul>
<p>For portions of a costume (or entire costumes) that you would like to treat frugally, use the following techniques to put together costumes that look good, without requiring you to shell out that $56.31.</p>
<p><strong>Make a list of what you need:</strong> Ask your child (or yourself, of course) what he or she would like to be for the upcoming holiday. Ask him or her to make a list of the possibilities. Then, use these to start on your own list. Find a picture of the character and start making a list of all the items that make the costume come together. For example, if you want to be Jack Sparrow, you might make the following list:</p>
<ul>
<li>Pirate Hat</li>
<li>Red Bandana</li>
<li>Long Black Wig (with multicolored beads)</li>
<li>Black Makeup</li>
<li>White Shirt</li>
<li>Blue Vest</li>
<li>Belt with Large Buckle</li>
<li>White and Brown Sash</li>
<li>Brown Pants</li>
<li>Black Boots (or spats)</li>
<li>Sword and Sheath</li>
</ul>
<p>You now have a shopping list (or scavenger list) for all of the costume items. If you have multiple people to dress up, consider convincing them to wear complimentary costumes (like a vampire and his victim) to cut down on both costs and shopping time. Take this list and a picture of the character with you as you hunt for the necessary items.</p>
<p><strong>Check your own closet first:</strong> You&#8217;d be surprised what you can <a href="http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/recycled-halloween-costume-470708" target="_blank">find in the forgotten depths of your own closet</a>. A loose white shirt can easily become part of Jack Sparrow&#8217;s ensemble. That old berry picking basket would be perfect for Dorothy or Little Red Riding Hood.</p>
<p><strong>Visit the local thrift shops:</strong> Thrift shops are obviously a gold mine for Halloween costumes. While you would never wear or own a frilly white shirt, for example, you might be able to find one at the thrift store. Keep an eye out for extra items that you didn&#8217;t think of in the first place too. For example, you might find some garish rings that look like the ones Jack Sparrow wears in the movies. But be careful &#8211; it can be easy to accidentally spend much more money than you anticipated at the thrift store. Sometimes you can even end up going over the original store-bought budget.</p>
<p><strong>Alter existing items:</strong> If you have a hard time finding one item, consider using a bit of creativity to make another one work. You might not find boots that fit you for your costume. But, by cutting out the bottoms, you can make some spats to wear over normal black shoes. This works best with boots that don&#8217;t have laces. Along the same lines, if you can&#8217;t find a cheap whip for your Indiana Jones costume, consider simply wrapping a piece of rope in a loop on your belt. It doesn&#8217;t have to be a fully functioning whip to be an effective accessory. If all else fails, try just going without. Can you look like Captain Sparrow without donning a black wig?</p>
<p><strong>Take advantage of seasonal sales:</strong> If you just can&#8217;t get creative, ask around to see if anyone has old Halloween costumes in their attics. Or, buy your costumes right after the holiday, when they are priced up to 80% off. This tactic is best for costume accessories rather than whole costumes (children grow out of clothes quickly). Also, you very well might find yourself wearing that Indiana Jones hat to keep the sun out of your eyes while you work in the garden during the year &#8211; giving you an extra bonus.</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-make-green-choices-in-the-grocery-store/' rel='bookmark' title='How to Make Green Choices in the Grocery Store'>How to Make Green Choices in the Grocery Store</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/how-a-home-buyer-can-lower-their-carbon-footprint/' rel='bookmark' title='How a Home Buyer Can Lower Their Carbon Footprint'>How a Home Buyer Can Lower Their Carbon Footprint</a></li>
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		<title>Finding the Perfect Eco-Friendly Automobile</title>
		<link>http://frugallygreen.org/finding-the-perfect-eco-friendly-automobile/</link>
		<comments>http://frugallygreen.org/finding-the-perfect-eco-friendly-automobile/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:00:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Tyler</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[At Home]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cars]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Consumerism]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Making Choices]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://frugallygreen.org/?p=1872</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The automotive industry is one of innovation and creativity which has transcended into the ever-growing movement towards alternative energy.  Many individuals are now looking for automobiles that promote a green environment rather than settling for the traditional, petroleum based vehicles.  The problem that arises is that while many people want to contribute to a cleaner [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/an-explanation-of-eco-friendly-cars/' rel='bookmark' title='An Explanation of Eco-Friendly Cars'>An Explanation of Eco-Friendly Cars</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/5-car-companies-protecting-the-environment-your-wallet/' rel='bookmark' title='5 Car Companies Protecting the Environment &amp; Your Wallet'>5 Car Companies Protecting the Environment &#038; Your Wallet</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-make-an-eco-friendly-raised-garden-bed/' rel='bookmark' title='How to Make an Eco-Friendly Raised Garden Bed'>How to Make an Eco-Friendly Raised Garden Bed</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The automotive industry is one of innovation and creativity which has transcended into the ever-growing movement towards alternative energy.  Many individuals are now looking for automobiles that promote a green environment rather than settling for the traditional, petroleum based vehicles.  The problem that arises is that while many people want to contribute to a cleaner environment, the litany of options available can sometimes be a bit overwhelming.</p>
<p>In order to help consumers solve this problem, <a href="http://www.findthebest.com/">FindTheBest</a> has designed a new platform which allows users to find and compare the most <a href="http://fuel-efficient-cars.findthebest.com">fuel efficient vehicles</a> based on vehicle class, engine size, miles per gallon (MPG), fuel type, green vehicle rating, and more. With nearly 2,500 different cars to compare, you’re bound to find a green automobile that meets your specific needs and desires, without the hassle of traveling from dealership to dealership trying to locate a particular car.</p>
<p>Looking for a small car with a combined MPG greater than 80 and powered by an electric battery?  Need a specific make or model that can fit an entire family?  Simply set the filters accordingly and let the tool display all the options available.</p>
<p>The days of polluting the environment by driving huge trucks and SUV’s are hopefully fading, and tools like this help to both educate and perpetuate the green lifestyle.  With so many incentives at both the state and federal level, the idea of owning an eco-friendly automobile is becoming more and more a reality.  <a href="http://car-insurance.findthebest.com/">Insurance companies</a> are now offering affordable plans that incorporate a discount on the premium you pay due to the fact that purchasing an environmentally-friendly car conveys a dependable image in the eyes of insurance companies; therefore, reducing the probability of settling accident claims.</p>
<p>Next time you’re considering purchasing a new car, be sure to take the time to research automobiles that not only add value to your personal life, but also add value to the world around us.</p>
<p><em>Michael Bracy is a Business Development Associate for <a href="http://www.findthebest.com/">FindTheBest</a>, a comparative search engine that compares a variety of green products from Energy Star refrigerators to photovoltaic solar panels. </em><em> </em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/an-explanation-of-eco-friendly-cars/' rel='bookmark' title='An Explanation of Eco-Friendly Cars'>An Explanation of Eco-Friendly Cars</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/5-car-companies-protecting-the-environment-your-wallet/' rel='bookmark' title='5 Car Companies Protecting the Environment &amp; Your Wallet'>5 Car Companies Protecting the Environment &#038; Your Wallet</a></li>
<li><a href='http://frugallygreen.org/how-to-make-an-eco-friendly-raised-garden-bed/' rel='bookmark' title='How to Make an Eco-Friendly Raised Garden Bed'>How to Make an Eco-Friendly Raised Garden Bed</a></li>
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