Political Ideology Can Determine Whether or Not You Buy That Eco-Friendly Product

ecofriendlyKeeping the planet healthy should be something that is universally embraced by all. Unfortunately, environmental friendliness is often political, with the left more likely to embrace the movement, and the right well, not as much.

A new study found that when it comes to green products, conservatives were more likely to purchase something if the extra incentive was money based, rather than environmentally based.

Reserachers Dena Gromet and Howard Kunreuther at the Wharton School and Rick Larrick in a new study at Duke University found that, “More politically conservative individuals are less in favor of investing in energy efficiency than are those who are more politically liberal, a finding driven primarily by the polarized psychological valuation of carbon emissions reduction,” the paper, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, says.

The researchers further questioned whether or not labeling a product as ‘environmentally friendly’ might actually deter some people from purchasing it. They found that it could. Continue reading

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5 Simple Things You Can Do Right Now to Start Living Green

Starting an eco-friendly lifestyle can be intimidating. There’s so much information out there and so much to accomplish, yet the good thing about going green is that every little bit counts! Turning off the lights when leaving a room – that’s green! Buying organic – that’s green too! Gold stars for everyone.

Here are a few very simple action items that can start you on your path towards a green lifestyle. Try to work these into your daily routine and before you know it, you won’t even think twice about any of them – it’ll be second nature.

1. Reusable Bags. Stock pile a collection and keep them in various places (hall closet, trunk of your car, in your garage, etc.) so you’ll never forget to bring them with you. And don’t just use them at the supermarket – take reusable bags to the farmer’s market, the book store, the hardware store – basically any place where you can save a plastic or paper bag by bringing your reusable one. And don’t forget to give your reusable bags a regular washing.

2. Recycle, Upcycle, Donate. These days, recycling goes far beyond just bottles and cans. Many cities have set up intricate recycling systems and can take most forms of plastic, paper, or glass. This includes things like the packaging your latest gadget came in, take-out containers, cereal boxes, and everything in between.

Donate things like clothes, furniture, and toys. It’ll save energy and resources – new ones won’t have to be made!

Upcycle! Upcycling involves taking old things and repurposing them as crafty new things. Like this, this, and this. Are you a lover of DIY projects? If so, upcycling is your jam. Continue reading

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What’s Green About the 22nd Annual EMA Awards

We strive to make our annual Awards as environmentally friendly and low impact as possible. This year we are re-committing to our ZERO WASTE vision with a robust program that includes recycling, composting and food donation. Most importantly, there are no trashcans!

This year’s Awards gala will have a recycling system with color coded bins for paper, plastic, foil, glass, and cardboard. Likewise, all food will be served on compostable bamboo plates using utensils made of cornstarch.

In an effort to minimize food waste, all leftover food will be donated to the Greater West Hollywood Food Coalition. Likewise, the chef stations will be serving food that when possible is local, sustainable, and organic.

In addition to zero waste, many celebrities in attendance will be wearing eco-friendly designs.

The Awards are sponsored by Toyota and Lexus who will transport presenters to the event in alternative fuel vehicles.

Watch the Awards LIVE right here on September 29 at ema-online.org or at Facebook.com/EMAOnline starting at 6pm PT.

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World Trade Center Being Re-Built With Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Features

Eleven years after the 9/11 attacks, the World Trade Center rebuilding process is in full swing. The new WTC buildings will feature plenty of sustainable attributes that maximize energy efficiency, reduce waste and improve quality of life.

According to the official World Trade Center website, World Trade Center Towers 2, 3 & 4 are striving to achieve a U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification, as well as meet other Sustainable Design Guidelines and goals.

The buildings will also include the following green design features:

  • WTC 2, 3 & 4 will offer tenants the ability to provide direct daylight and outside views for more than 90% of their regularly occupied space.
  • Full-height low-iron glass will allow tenants to reduce energy costs by installing daylight dimming controls.
  • A high percentage of WTC 2, 3 & 4’s core-and-shell electricity needs will come from renewable energy.
  • In a typical business year, electricity costs at WTC 2, 3 & 4 will be approximately 35% lower than in a generic Manhattan office building, due in part to a power purchase agreement with New York Power Authority.
  • Environmental innovations at WTC 2, 3 & 4 exceed traditional office buildings, such as: Continue reading

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