Green Resources

As climate change issues and socially responsible practices become more mainstream, and increasing amount of content is flooding onto the web (including this blog). As with everything in life, there simply isn't enough time to check out everything. I thought I would let you know some of the best resources I have come across, and then readers could add anything they feel I have missed they they particularly like. Of course there are many different categories and topics, but for now I will try and focus on general informational resources.

Recently I came across Green Maven, which is a search tool for green solutions across the web. It seems to follow a wide spectrum of sites and organizations that have a green focus, and has a fairly comprehensive directory. Most of the feeds are a consolidation of various other sites, which can save time if you want to stay up to speed.

Squidoo has a green Blogosphere that has tons of information on everything from news, energy saving tips, and of course personal thoughts on a wide array of issues. Also, I read today on TechCruch that GigaOm has just started a clean tech blog called Earth2Tech. This site definitely shows promise, and I am excited to see what sort of content they can deliver. My other personal favorites include and , which have lots of great current information.

For a 'sassier shade of green', Ideal Bite offers lots of tips on how to make your life more green. Another fun green living site is FiveLimes. They seem to have a diverse green listing, and some interesting articles as well.

For lots of great info on the science of climate change, check out the David Suzuki Foundation site. This site has lots of great info for everyone, especially in the blog, but there is a particular focus on Canadian issues.

Green Buildings - The answer to a healthier life.

The overall condition of health in society has never been so poor as the present. People continue to rely on an increasing dosages of prescription medication and health aids. Typically when most people think of health issues in society they think of average adults, but issues with children are in a state of disrepair as well. Conditions such as asthma now affect 1 in 20 people and rising, and now more then 18% of children are overweight. Some blame television, other blame the parents. Personally, I can't help but think of the impact that a persons everyday indoor environment has on an individuals health.

North Americans spend more more then 90% of their time indoors, so if an indoor environment is unhealthy it makes sense that anyone inside will be adversely affected. It is exciting then that so many buildings are entering the market that are considered 'green'. The benefits of green buildings are huge for all stakeholders affected by a new development. Developers realized long-term savings and increased marketability. Consumers realize healthier living conditions with more light, higher air quality, and reduced energy bills. Communities are presented with new business opportunities, greater access to green space, and lower waste buildings. Studies have also shown that society at large benefits from reduced sick days, greater productivity, increased retention rates, reduced stress on health care systems, and many other valuable intangibles.

These benefits have been proven by a great mound of research, and green buildings are now recognized as an available alternative. The necessary step now is to create market awareness so that consumers realize that green certified buildings such as LEED exist. It always seems to come down to personal education, and this is no exception. This education may come from developers, real estate agents, or governments. In the end, consumers need to learn about the benefits that green buildings can provide and support sustainable developments. Without strong consumer demand, the building industry won't be in a rush to take new risks and try something new.

Green buildings make sense, and the technology exists now to make them equally priced on the market to traditional alternatives. Home owners save money, increase their health, and help save the environment by reducing their footprint. People always ask me how they can make a difference in their day to day actions without sacrificing their standard of living. This seems like a great solution.

Solar makes sense, so why the hesitation?

Lots of companies are now producing solar technology that is very affordable for every day consumers. Photovoltaics have come a long way since their creation, and are now more efficient then ever. They are increasingly more accessible at major retailers, and some companies will even come to your house and install them for free. So why doesn't everyone have one of these on their roof?

There is no question that having solar installed in your home is a smart thing to do. It is saves you money on your energy bill, and its better for the environment because it makes use of a renewable resource. Some provinces and states in North America even allow you to sell the additional capacity created by solar panels back to the utility and make money from solar. From a business perspective, it can even make your company more desirable to work at. Google installed solar this year and estimates that the investment will pay off for itself from the new talent it attracts alone!

Is there just a lack of awareness about the benefits of using solar? What are the major barriers to getting everyone to change their existing behaviour and make the change. Personally, I think it's a no brainer.