How To Create An Eco-Friendly Office

Did you know that you can go green virtually anywhere? That includes the office, too!

Reducing your environmental impact can be done in a variety of ways and here are few ideas that you can use to make the workplace more eco-friendly!

1. The Ecobutton – Small, convenient, genius. This little button easily powers down your computer when you step away from your desk to avoid wasting energy.
2. Water Powered Calculator – Use non-toxic, water powered batteries to generate your figures!
3. Mac Mini – This affordable Mac has taken energy efficiency to the next level. It provides the same essential capabilities as a traditional Mac using only a fraction of the power.

Let us know how you’re going green in the office by commenting below or tweeting us @circlebartprk!

Charging Green

You’ve already changed the that way you shop, eat, and dispose of your trash in an effort to live a healthier, green life.

Looking for new ways to live a greener lifestyle? This summer, it just may get a little easier.

New cell phone chargers from AT&T will soon have you and your phones living greener. The AT&T Zero Charger is a new cell phone charger that will automatically shut down when it’s not charging your phone. Unlike other phone chargers (electronics, appliances), the Zero Charger will no longer consume energy when it’s not powering your phone. This means you can even leave the charger plugged in (as long as you want) and still reduce your energy consumption! The charger will also have USB connections, making it compatible with other phones and devices that can be charged using a USB cable.

The green cell phone charger will be available this summer from AT&T is to be set around the same price as other replacement phone chargers.  Stop by 8081 Phillips Highway #10, Jacksonville, FL 32256, the closest AT&T store to Circle at Bartram Park Apartments and check out the new green charger!

Sun = Power

Is the sun powering your apartment?

Green Energy has long been the focus in creating a self sufficient, renewable energy source and the U.S. is now putting it’s money where its mouth is. The Federal Government has allocated $2 Billion to improving our renewable energy infrastructure by giving this money to two solar energy companies. Some of this money will be used to fund the Solana project, which when completed will be the largest solar power plant in the world. By putting America at the forefront of these green endeavors, we are ensuring our future as we will no longer have to rely on oil produced by other countries. Also, the amount of Carbon emissions will be greatly decreased over time as we continue to improve the technology.

Let us know what you think about green energy by commenting below or tweeting us @circlebartprk!

Save On Power With Google

Want to know how you can reduce your power bill and save money for free?

DUH! Everyone is looking to save a few dollars these days and Google wants to help. Teaming up with JEA, Google has created a tool that you can use for FREE to track and monitor your home’s (or apartment’s ) energy consumption.

Start saving today with Google’s Powermeter! Let us know what tools you’re using to save money by commenting below or tweeting us @circlebartprk!

Get Your Green On

Recycle Your Phone

Can you hear me now?

Every year nearly 130 MILLION cell phones are thrown away in the United States alone.

That’s a lot of useless equipment… Well, almost useless. The millions of unused cell phones wasting away in landfills are only considered useless because we decided to throw them out.

Did you know that cell phones are recyclable?

Yep, instead of tossing out your 1st generation iPhone when you get a new one, donate it! Not only will you be helping others in need, you’ll also be saving the planet from harmful toxins and pollutants (See it for yourself). Here are a few ways to put your old phone to use!

Let us know what you think about recycling our old cell phones by commenting below or tweeting us @CircleBartPrk!

Tips for Bike Safety

Warm weather means its time for outdoor activities like bicycling. Whether you’ve already taken the plunge and ditched your car or are considering riding your bike to work, it is always good to brush up on bicycle safety.  Just like pedestrians, too-often bike riders are not seen by approaching vehicles and cyclists can end up being seriously injured or killed. According to the CDC, more than 500,000 people are treated in emergencies and over 700 people die each year from bicycle related injury.

However, you can take extra steps to avoid becoming a negative statistic.

Gear

• Buy and wear a well-fitting helmet. Make sure it’s bright and highly visible to passers-by.
• Check your brakes and tires regularly.

Traffic Rules

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  photo credit: Wolfgang Staudt

  Go with the flow of traffic. Obey all traffic rules and avoid swerving in and out of traffic.

• Use hand signals. Remember what you learned in driver’s ed? If not, it’s time for a refresher.
• Do not ride on the sidewalk. Riding on the sidewalk makes it difficult for pedestrians to walk comfortably, and makes you more susceptible to getting hit by a car when you attempt to cross an intersection.  To a car, it looks as if you came out of nowhere.
• Be visible. At night, wear reflective clothing and use headlights. In the day, avoid distractions like talking on a cellphone and focus on making sure that everyone can see you.
• Watch out for debris. Keep an eye out for trash, potholes, parked cars or open car doors that can create unfortunate accidents when struck.
• Watch for turning cars. Motorists tend to think they are going much faster than you and can overestimate a “quick” turn. Also, they may not be looking for cyclists when they are attempting to change lanes.

Now go ride!

Get some exercise and pat yourself on the back for using an alternative method of transportation.

Sun = Free

Do you ever wish that wouldn’t have to worry about your phone or iPod running out of battery?

Now you don’t! Harness the power of the sun to charge your gadgets anytime, anywhere….Well, during the day at least.

Add To Your Shopping Cart

Let us know what you think of this eco-friendly gadget by commenting below or tweeting us @CircleBartPrk!

Step Into The Sunlight

Are you still charging your phone with a cord attached to an OUTLET!?

Pfff, that was SO 2009. This is 2010.

Introducing “Blue Earth” by Samsung – The world’s first solar powered full-touch smart phone. This phone is not only smart because it enables its users to download the latest useful apps and search the web, but also because it converts energy from the sun to power itself. 95% of the energy used by cell phone chargers is WASTED, while only 5% is actually used for your cellular device (assuming you keep it plugged in at all times like most people…including myself ). Blue Earth is taking an active approach to dealing with this issue by allowing you to charge your phone simply by walking outside, but that’s not the only eco-friendly feature about this cell phone. Here’s a run down of a few more reasons you should invest in a Blue Earth.

• Solar-panel on back of phone
• Made from recycled plastic extracted from water bottles
• Free from harmful substances
• Eco-Mode
• 5 star energy efficient charger (If needed)
• Small and light package made from recycled paper

Let us know how you’re saving the planet by commenting below or tweeting us @CircleBartPrk!

Plug In

How Green Are You?

While it seems like everyone has realized that there must be a change to our lifestyles in order to preserve this planet, few are willing to give up the luxuries that many of us have come accustomed to over the years.

Still driving a car that sucks down gas like Frank The Tank?

It’s time to make a change, my man.

Recently, Nissan has announced their development of a completely gas free car, the LEAF. Skeptical at first, I decided to do a little research about this eco-friendly ride. Here are a few things that I’ve discovered:

• No Tailpipes – The Leaf is 100% battery powered resulting in Zero emissions.
• 100 Miles per Charge – While you won’t be able to go on a cross country road trip, you’ll still be able to make it to work, the grocery store, and back home all in one charge.
• Power – Even with a loaded vehicle (Up to 5 passengers) the car still performs at full power.
• Estimated Cost = $25,000-$30,000

OK, OK… So it’s not the sweet hover crafts I thought we’d be cruising in by now like on The Jetsons, but it’s definitely a step towards the future.

Let us know how you’re improving the planet by commenting below or tweeting us @CircleBartPrk!

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