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Tesla Motors becomes profitable and adds 250 open positions in 10 days!

Finally some good news from the EV market. After the demise of Coda Automotive and the near death of Fisker (still on life support), it was about time to hear some good news from the Clean Transportation segment of the green economy.

Tesla reported sales of 4,900 Model S sedans with a revenue of $561 Million, and a net profit of $11.2 million. The sales volume exceeds the prior forecast of 4,500 Model S sales. Forecast for the year was increased to 21,000 from 20,000.

Tesla also payed back $13 million of its $465 million loan from the Department of Energy. Tesla said it will repay the loan in half the time originally established. That should mute some of the criticism about the DoE loan programs for green companies.

The company, with a green workforce of over 2,000, has stepped up its hiring in the past 10 days, with 250 open positions added since May 1st.

A clear sign of Tesla's hiring spree is a key new hire: a Human Resources Coordinator.

As of May 10th, two thirds of its 266 open positions were in California, and one third spread across 18 US states, as Tesla continues its aggressive dealership expansion. Top 5 states: New York, Illinois, Florida, Hawaii, North Carolina.

Tags: electric car, electric vehicles, green business, green jobs, tesla motors

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Green Cars

For those who strive to be green, the concept of recycling seems like an obvious way to play their part and make a difference. However, according to a November article on isciencetimes.com, a new Kelton survey suggested that a large portion of Americans don’t feel like they’re doing enough when it comes to the environment, do not feel knowledgeable in what they should be doing and would like to learn more about being more environmentally and socially responsible.

Therefore, isciencetimes.com divulged 13 easy ways to be a better recycler. This is the second blog post in this series. Below is outlined the last of the 13 tips toward better recycling habits.

7. The common phrase ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ is very important when it comes to green education. Just as important as recycling is learning to reduce our imprint and reuse what we already have as opposed to merely trashing it. The secret is lessening the amount of garbage you create in the first place. For example you can reuse plastic bags to pick up dog poop or as trash bags in small garbage cans.

8. Before purchasing anything, check and see if it’s recyclable or that it contains recycled content either in the product or in the packaging and avoid products that have wasteful practices.

9. Reuse plastic bags in your car by making separate trash and recycling bags for items that accumulate in your car.

10. Keep sorting through trash and recycling in all areas of your home. Keep separate bags for your bathroom and living room so that you can ensure that product used in any room make it to the proper bag.

11. Make sure to always recycle soda and soup cans. Metal can be recycled numerous times but if it ends up in the landfill, it takes a long time for it to biodegrade.

12. Consider giving unwanted items to charity rather than throwing them away or even recycling. One of the best ways to be green is to reuse ...

It’s starting to get cold outside, which means that many may be headed for warmer climates in order to get in some fun and sun before winter really sets in. Oftentimes, when we go on vacation we also tend to take a vacation from our responsibilities, including our responsibility to remain sustainable and green. There are lots of green travel tips to reduce our impact on the environment even while we’re on vacation. Here are a few ways to be green even while on vacation.

Reduce your impact on the environment wherever you are by taking alternate forms of transportation including riding bikes, walking or taking public transit. Not only is this a form of green travel but walking and biking keeps you on your feet and healthy and is a great way to actually see and participate in your surroundings.

Carry a reusable water bottle. One of the easiest ways to be green even while on vacation is to bring your own water bottle. Not only will this will eliminate production and shipping issues involved with plastic water bottles, it will also help to eliminate water bottle trash.

If you can afford it, green travel starts with booking nonstop flights. A large portion of a plane’s carbon emissions come from takeoffs and landings. By eliminating a stop in between takeoff and your final destination you could be considerably reducing your vacation’s impact on environment.

When sightseeing, make sure to buy local products instead of products that have been manufactured elsewhere and flown in for sale. Not only will this boost the local economy it will also reduce the carbon footprint as a result of the shipping.

Recycling is such an important aspect when considering ways to be green, so it’s essential that we keep up our recycling practices wherever we go. If you’re staying at a hotel make sure to ask about the hotel’s recycling program, this may even help to decide where you want to stay. Sort your trash according ...

According to a September 24, 2012 ABC News blog post, Toyota is planning to roll out additional green car models. One of the undisputed leaders in green technology and Japan’s biggest car maker, Toyota is reportedly planning for 21 new hybrids within the next three years, a new electric car by the end of 2012 and a fuel-cell vehicle by 2013. Toyota is the creator of the Prius, the world’s leading gas-electric hybrid.

Creation of more green transportation is top of mind for many car makers due to the increased demand for fuel efficiency and less dependence on foreign oil, especially as the presidential election heats up. Later this month Toyota is already revving up to unveil an electric version of their popular Rav-4 sports utility vehicle, which is collaboration between Toyota and American electric vehicle maker, Tesla Motors.

In addition, their highly anticipated fuel-cell vehicle will be released in 2015. Fuel-cell vehicles run on hydrogen gas rather than gasoline and emit no harmful tailpipe emissions. As a result they have the potential to reduce global warming as a result of harmful emissions as well as dependence on foreign oil. Though there are still several challenges to overcome before fuel-cell vehicles can compete with conventional vehicles, the fact that Toyota aims to have their first fuel-cell vehicle unveiled within 3 years time is very exciting for the green community.

According to Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota Executive overseeing technology and new model development, the long-term potential for fuel-cell vehicles are impressive compared to electric cars due to their increased cruise range and shorter charging time. Fuel-cell vehicles or FCV’s will resemble conventional vehicles from the outside but the technologically advanced components found under the hood are quite impressive. The fuel cell stack is where the magic happens, converting hydrogen gas stored onboard with oxygen from the air into electricity ...

The leaves are changing colors and the temperatures are slowly starting to dip. Fall and winter are on their way and there is no better time to consider efficient energy alternatives at a time when energy bills have the potential to skyrocket. There are many simple and effective ways to be green and stay warm and cozy this winter without paying a fortune on energy bills.

Here are a few suggestions for staying energy efficient yet comfortable during the upcoming winter months.

Prepare Your Home
Before winter comes it’s a good idea to winterize your home. Winterizing your home can consist of taking a number of measures to assure that the cold air of winter is not finding its way into your house. Owners of green homes consistently check all windows to make sure they’re sitting properly on their tracks and are adequately sealed as to not let in any unseen breezes. Also check all doorways to make sure they’re insulated on the tops and bottoms. Doorways are where a majority of cold air drafts take place.

Turn Down the Heater
Once you’re sure that your house is sealed and isn’t letting in any unwanted cold breezes, the most ideal way to stay energy efficient is to turn down the heater. By turning down your heater in the winter to 68 degrees can save 5% to 10% on heating bills. It’s also a good idea to turn your heater down at night when you’re sleeping under your covers.

Snuggle Up
Another good way to save on winter heating costs is to snuggle up in warm clothing. Staying warm can be as simple as wearing your comfy warm slippers, slipping on a sweater or bundling up with the family under blankets while watching a movie. This is an inexpensive way to stay warm without turning up the heat and can even bring your closer to your loved ones.

Block and Bundle
If you have a fireplace it may be a good idea to keep your damper closed when not in use to prevent cold air from seeping ...

There is a lot of talk about converting to earth friendly transportation choices. Much advancement has been made over the last few years in green technology, especially in the area of cars that can be run with green fuels. However, choosing a truly earth-friendly vehicle can be difficult. Here are a few options of some eco friendly fuel choices for those wanting to convert to driving greener.

The Ins and Outs of Electric Vehicles
There are a growing number of cars that run off a rechargeable battery. This is currently by far the most eco friendly car on the market because it uses absolutely no fuel. The main drawback of electric cars has been the battery which must be recharged frequently and for long periods of time. This, however, is rapidly changing with many vehicle companies expanding their green technology research. Many electric cars today have great improvements in their battery life and charging time. One of the main benefits for the driver of electric cars is the amount of money they will save on fuel. Many green fuels are still very expensive, making the electric car a great investment.

Exploring Hybrid Cars
Hybrid cars are vehicles that run on a variety of alternative energy sources from biodiesel made from vegetables such as soybeans to solar powered vehicles. The problem with some hybrid cars is that they still have fuel emissions that are pollutants. Biodiesel is probably one of the safest options of green fuels next to electric cars. Biodiesel is a fuel that has been made from vegetables oils, animal fats, or in some cases, recycled restaurant greases. Although using biodiesel doesn’t completely eliminate fuel emissions, it does significantly reduce the percentage of carbon dioxide emissions. Several hybrid car options, while not perfected, can significantly reduce the negative impact on the earth.

Green Fuels of the Future
With the increasing amount of research in the area of green technology, ...

Tags: electric vehicles, green fuels, green technology, hybrid cars, solar power, water power

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Green Energy , Green Cars , Green Technology

Renewable energy has understandably—and thankfully—become increasingly important not only to those involved in green events but also to scientists, engineers, and businessmen. The creation and use of green fuels remain shrouded in political controversy and popular skepticism. The substitutes and experiments already in circulation that could move our culture away from oil dependency have failed to permeate the majority of the population due to cost and compatibility. Making green fuels accessible and popular seems like an impossible dream although it is a desperate need.

Preservation
As experts have been assuring us for some time now, renewable energy can be harvested while preserving the environment. In fact, the preservation of the environment may even be dependent upon the effective use of green fuels. Pollution destroys more than most of us would like to admit. While green events can ignore this devastating reality, the growth of the cities and suburbs in America demands the discovery of a solution other than just another government regulation. Many environmental activists, however, fail to realize the vast preservation opportunities by using the natural resources that are abundantly available. For example, among the solutions for green fuels that are chemically possible is water. With over 70% of the earth’s surface covered with water, what more renewable energy source could be found? While scientists have discovered and tested this amazing solution, red tape, big business monopoly, and lack of funding have prevented the preservation many have touted but few have supported.

Popularization
While green events have increasingly become tools for political parties and campaigning over the past decades, the government itself continues to hamper the dependence on renewables, which is entirely possible in this 21st century. Successfully popularized green fuels would revolutionize the economy in ways that would benefit the independence ...

Tags: green events, green fuels, renewable energy

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Green Energy , Sustainability , Green Technology

Is it possible to be eco friendly in the kitchen? With all the modern technology that kitchens contain, it seems like it could be a hard thing to convert a kitchen to a more sustainable center. However, there are many green homes implementing earth friendly habits even in the kitchen. Here are a few tips on how to cut down on the kitchen’s effect on the environment.

Buy energy-saving appliances. From dishwashers, to refrigerators, to ovens, there are now many modern technology options that are more socially responsible and earth-friendly. Many dishwashers now use less water and cut down on the amount of power they use. Gas ovens are made to use less gas and cut down on the gas emissions they make. When shopping for your appliances, be sure to check out the companies and their commitments to helping people with green homes fulfill their goals.

Cut down paper use. Let’s face it. Kitchens are one of the main places in the house where paper is heavily used and wasted. Instead of paper towels for cleaning messes, swap them out for quality cloth towels. Utensils and plates should be reusable as much as possible. If paper products must be used in the kitchen, care must be given that they are properly recycled.

Cook in quantities and less often. Cooking up food ahead of time is a great way to save energy. It eliminates frequent and short uses of the oven, stovetop, and other appliances. If it is possible, cooking several things at once in the oven cuts down on the time of the oven. This seems like such a simple things, but it is a great step for green homes to be more socially responsible.

Buy Green, Organic, and Local. There are many new products lines for kitchen small appliances, utensils, flatware, and even dinnerware that are more eco friendly. Buying local food not only supports the local farmers, it also promotes those businesses who are not wasting fuel consumption by trucking and flying food in from other ...

Tags: cooking, environmentally conscious, environmentally friendly, green homes, shopping, socially responsible

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Green Homes

Finding genuinely green jobs can be challenging if you are trying to limit your contribution to global warming. While it would be nice if there were plenty of eco friendly jobs available, that isn’t always the case. However, there are a few ways that you can reduce your carbon footprint with the job you do have. It may take a bit of creativity, but there are ways that you can start today.

Skip the Commute, Work from Home
There is a widespread movement among the corporate world of working from home as much as possible. This is one of the biggest “green transportation” options you have! If you have an office job, check with your company to see if it would be possible to work at least a few days out of each week from home. Think of all the fuel, time, energy, and money you would save if you didn’t have to commute everyday to work! Even those with green jobs have to commute, whereas you would be taking an extra step to fight global warming by not wasting the fuel needed for driving to work.

Find Green Transportation Options
If you have a job in which working at home is not an option, your best option is to find some greener ways to get to work. Those who commute a short distance have the healthy, natural choice of walking or biking to work. This would eliminate any fuel waste on your part! However, if your work takes you a significant distance from home, then you’re probably not going to walk or bike that far. In this case, there are still some green transportation options. Try riding an eco friendly city bus line if that is available. Many cities have a “Park and Ride” system that would be a great alternative. If you prefer to drive your own car, then try finding a car that runs on alternative energy, to reduce your impact on global warming.

Green Jobs Made Easier
If you’ve decided to take the initial step toward making your job a more earth friendly job, then you’ve made a great decision. There are plenty ...

Tags: employment, global warming, green, green jobs, green transportation, greener jobs

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Green Cars , Green Misc.

There is hardly a better way to make your yard a sustainable and replenishing haven than growing an eco friendly garden. Gardening can be a fun and relaxing project for you and your family. Here are a few ideas on how to be green in your gardening endeavors.

Beginning Your Garden
When you are shopping for plants, look for plant containers that are made from recycled materials. Many companies now make containers that will decompose and add nutrients to the soil after planting. If you start your own seeds, use recycled plant trays.

There are lots of damaging chemicals in fertilizers and potting soil which harm the environment. Instead of using fertilizers and chemical-filled potting soil while planting, use organic soil which adds nutrients to your garden soil. Many organics soils are just as effective as potting soil and much more sustainable and earth friendly.

Composting is also a fantastic way to be green and add essential nutrients to your soil. When composting kitchen scraps, make sure that you only compost organic products. This is a great way to boost your plants’ health while going green in your eating habits and gardening.

Water Plants Efficiently
An often overlooked way to be green while gardening is conserving water. To eliminate wasting water, plant your garden in groups according to water needs. If at all possible, avoid using sprinklers for watering. Instead, place the water sprayers at the roots of the plants and water only when needed. Keep your garden well mulched or plant it with a cover crop. This will hold the water in the soil and cut down the need for frequent watering.


Things To Avoid
Pesticides are filled with chemicals that not only harm the environment, but they also deter garden-friendly critters. Bees, butterflies, and other friendly bugs are beneficial for your garden’s health. Spraying with nasty insecticides and pesticides will scare ...

Tags: be green, garden, gardening, going green, green gardening, green homes, sustainable

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Green Homes , Sustainability