Consider the New Hybrid Vehicles, are you going to purchase one?

There are 6 official new hybrid vehicles in the year 2009 for the American market. Five are from domestic manufacturers and one from European origin.  The Toyota Sienna is still being postponed. The list is:

1) The Cadillac Escalade hybrid. This full size SUV is only available in 2-wheel drive and comes standard with a 6L 8-cylinder engine and automatic transmission. A combined fuel mileage of 20 mpg and a suggested retail price of $73,135-$87,435.

2) The Chevrolet Silverado 15 hybrid. This full size truck is available in both 2 and 4 WD. Standard 6L 8-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission. A combined fuel mileage of 21 mpg for the 2-wheel version and 20 mpg for the 4-wheel version. Suggested retail price of $38,020-$47,305.

3) The Chrysler Aspen HEV. This full size SUV comes standard with a 4.8L 8-cylinder engine and automatic transmission. A combined fuel mileage of 21 mpg and a suggested retail price of $45,270.

4) The Dodge Durango HEV. This full size SUV comes standard with a 4.8L 8-cylinder engine and automatic transmission. A combined fuel mileage of 21 mpg and a suggested retail price of $45,040.

5) The GMC Sierra 15 hybrid. This full size truck is available in both 2 and 4 WD. Standard 6L 8-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission. A combined fuel mileage of 21 mpg for the 2-wheel version and 20 mpg for the 4-wheel version. Suggested retail price of $38,390-$47,675.

6) The Mercedes-Benz ML450 hybrid. This medium size SUV comes standard with a 3.5 liter V6 engine that produces 340HP. The fuel mileage is forecast to be 30.5 mpg and the suggested retail price is in the neighborhood of $50,000.

All six new models utilize the same technology that was developed in a cooperative effort of GM and Daimler Chrysler called Two-Mode Hybrid. This hybrid system reduced fuel consumption by supplying some of the energy of the drive train from the battery.

We would love to hear some reports from people that have purchased any of these new hybrid vehicles.  Are they worth the money?  Did you buy one to save money on fuel or just to help the environment?

The next generations of those who go green are all over this going green tip. Do you look around only to see what you consider to be junk everywhere? Well did you ever consider what you think is junk could be exactly what someone else was looking for?

Well now you can make you trash someone else’s treasure. This is not a way to make money off of your old useless things. This is just a way of passing along items that are no use to you anymore. It’s one less thing heading to the junkyard and helping our environment in the long run.

So what exactly am I talking about? It’s called freecycling or freesharing. Freecycle dot org is similar in design to craigslist dot org. Everything on their website is free though. You search for your local group by city and state. Then it’s a simple process to join the group and you can start posting your junk or searching for things you need.

The reviews are in and those who have joined really enjoy freecycling. It’s all the rage when it comes to going green tips. Keep checking back with waytogogreen dot org for other tips on going green.

Every time you turn on the television, you hear someone else talking about reasons why you should live a greener life. Though there are many organizations that work with people on some of the bigger issues, there are a lot of Ways To Go Green At Home. The easiest way to get started is by starting in your own backyard.

Control Heat:
First of all, make sure your thermostat is set on the appropriate settings. In the summer months, keep your temperature at around 70*, and 68* in the winter. This will help save energy and keep your electric bill at a manageable level. Also, make sure that the temperature settings in your refrigerator and freezer are set at the correct levels.

Control Electrical Use:
Simple things such as shutting off lights in unused rooms can go a long way in going green. Fixing leaky faucets and unplugging electrical items that aren’t used on a regular basis are also ways to go green. Though they may seem like normal home improvements, they reduce waste and save energy.

Save Money:
You don’t have to be rich, or work with an entire organization, in order to go green. A few simple changes in your own home is all it takes. There are many Ways To Go Green At Home, which will save you money and help in the go green movement. If you’re serious about going green, your best bet is to start at home. You might find that by doing so, you’ll get your entire family involved and pass along vital information for the future.

Update: March 27, 2009 -
You just have to visit the Blog of MaureenGreenCNY.com
Her post titled “Cents and Sensibility“ is right down your alley.

Some people feel that by donating hundreds of dollars to environmental organizations, they’re doing their part to save the world. This may be true, but there are other ways that you can pitch in, without spending a small fortune. There are even some Ways To Go Green For Free that you may never have thought of before.

Reuse:
How often do you bring home all your groceries in those little plastic bags? Rather than just throw these bags out, keep them for future use. Reuse them as liners in your smaller garbage cans, or donate them to local organizations. They also work great when sending small, fragile items through the mail.

Improvise:
Rather than spending your money on paper towels, reuse your worn out and stained clothes. Old t-shirts and thread-bare towels work great for cleaning a kitchen or bathroom, and old socks make the best dust rags. Best of all, they can be washed and reused. You save money and the environment at the same time.

Start at Home:
If you really want to do your part, start in your own backyard. If out walking or hanging at the park, throw away any trash you see lying around. Even though it’s not your mess, you’re creating a safer environment. Shut off lights in unused rooms and unplug any items that aren’t used regularly. Though they may not be running, they’re still drawing electricity.

Save Money:
You don’t have to spend a ton of money in order to do your part. There are many Ways To Go Green For Free, starting right at home. You save energy, the environment, and money. What better reason to join the go green movement?

Join the Discussion:
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Your input is needed to keep us going in the right direction.

Thank you.
Cato

There are a million different reasons as to why go green. Most of them are things we were all told to do as children, but did you realize that there are also different things you can do at different times of the year? Each season has a whole list of ideas that will help the environment, as well as your budget. Here are a few ideas on Ways To Go Green In Winter.

Going Green at Home:
First of all, don’t crank up your thermostat just because it’s getting colder outside. When it’s cold out, set your thermostat at about 68 degrees. This will keep things warm inside, while keeping your heating bill down to size. If you begin to feel a chill, add another layer of clothing such as slippers or a sweater. Another thing you might try is adding a few kerosene lamps around your home. These will create light and heat at the same time, without adding to your bill.

Fix Leaks:
Next, check around all the doors and windows in your home. Fix any leaks where you feel cold air coming inside. With windows, a simple winter trick is by covering with plastic from the inside. Some people place the plastic on the outside, but this can become damaged from wind and/or other elements. With doors, add a piece of weather stripping to the bottom of the door, or place a small area rug in front of it. You might also roll a small towel up and lay it in front of the exterior door, for a bit more insulation.

Insulation:
Check to see if you feel air coming in electrical sockets on outer walls. If so, simply add an electrical socket insulator behind the plate. These can be purchased from any hardware store for pennies on the dollar. You might also check light switches and do the same thing. This will help stop any drafts from invading your warm house. Insulation can come in mini-forms but perform a major task.

Save Money by Going Green:
With just these few Ways To Go Green In Winter ideas, you will not only save hundreds of dollars on your electrical bill, you’ll also be doing your part to save the environment. It doesn’t take a lot to join the “go green” movement. A few simple acts of common sense and you become one of the millions going out of their way to save the planet.