A catalyst for homes, industries, schools, universities and business, the incredible diversity of enterprises is driven by a common bound to move to a green lifestyle.

Inhabiting a world where environmental awareness is a vital concern to the future of our planet, it is important to take note of the consequences of improper building materials and environmental degradation. The implementation of Eco-construction and green energy home solutions will play an important role in the transformation to a healthier and sustainable world.

Throughout the greater part of the 20th century, a naturally-occurring mineral known as asbestos was utilized in a variety of applications. Due to its flame resistant, highly durable and inexpensive qualities, it became the ideal choice for manufacturers as a form of insulation, piping, brake lining and flooring. There are many green, Eco-friendly materials that replace the need for asbestos and can reduce energy costs annually.

Tips to avoid exposure

If any suspected asbestos is located, the best advice is to leave it alone. If you are having home renovations, performed, do not panic. Again, asbestos that is left un-disturbed will normally pose no threat.

It is recommended for home or business owners removing asbestos to have it performed by a licensed abatement contractor who is trained and equipped in handling hazardous materials. It is also important for the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) not to be violated.

Exposure to damaged asbestos has been proven to be the only known cause of a rare but aggressive form of lung cancer known as mesothelioma. Approximately 2,000 to 3,000 cases are diagnosed every year in the United States, accounting for three percent of all cancer diagnoses. Diagnosis of this asbestos-related lung illness is a difficult task due to a long latency period and many mesothelioma symptoms mimicking less serious ailments.

GO GREEN and Don’t Go Back

Utilizing Eco-friendly methods of building and insulation can have many environmental, economic and health benefits, including enhancement of air quality, improvement of pulmonary health, increase property value and reduction of energy costs.

Currently, many cities in the U.S. have created lumberyards which re-store where you can purchase recycled building materials that are authentically strong and inexpensive. The implementation of green alternatives such as cotton fiber, lcynene foam and cellulose can reduce annual energy costs by 25 percent. Cotton fiber is also becoming a favorite insulation method. Made from recycled batted material, it is then treated to be fireproof. Water based spray polyurethane foam, lcynene, is a healthy insulation which contains no toxic components.

The Department of Energy concluded that cooling and heating counts for up to 50-70 percent of all energy used in the average home in the U.S. In today’s state, this philosophy can also save natural resources. Recently, congress passed an economic stimulus package that promotes energy efficiency for home and business owners.

The American Recover and Reinvestment Tax Act of 2009 includes incentives for upgrading to more Eco-friendly/sustainable methods of energy and insulation. Many locations throughout the United States are swiftly changing their construction practices to suit the environment and the health of human beings.

New Orleans, LA (AHN) - Using only one cup of water per load, U.K.-based Xeros‘ new type of washing machine will instead rely on reusable nylon beads to trap dirt and stains.

Along with partners GreenEarth Cleaning, Xeros, which has been testing the machine for three years, will sell the machines in North America, at first mostly to commercial dry cleaners and Laundromats, LiveScience reported.

Because the Xeros machine uses 90 percent less water than traditional washing machines, it also saves energy by cutting down on the need for a dryer. It also uses less energy and detergent.

One of the reasons we eschew nylon fabric in clothes is because it easily retains dirt and stains, which is why the nylon beads the Xeros washing machine uses attracts dirt and stains from clothes, the Economist reported.

The green washing system was presented at the Clean Show in New Orleans, held June 18 through 21. It uses thousands of tiny nylon beads to mop up the dirt released by detergent from dirty clothes.

Xeros commissioned an environmental consultancy group, URS Corp, to evaluate the washer. URS found the system’s carbon footprint to be 40 percent smaller than more existing systems for washing and drying laundry, the Economist reported.

Xeros partner GreenEarth claims there’s negligible impact on the clothes cleaned by the nylon beads.

“The testing completed to date has indicated no appreciable difference in wear between garments processed in the Xeros technology versus the traditional laundry process,” Tim Maxwell, president of GreenEarth Cleaning, told LiveScience. “Extensive testing with silks, embroidered garments, and other delicate items have shown no ill effects.”

From: EcoMerge  Friday June 5, 2009