Author: Jesse Malcomb
Website: http://aessolarenergy.com/blog/index.php/c14/xcel-backs-down…

http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2009/08/03/daily31.html

With immense pressure bearing down from Colorado solar customers, installers, local government officials, renewable energy advocacy associations, and the Government Energy Office - Xcel has withdrawn the solar fee proposal that was slated for debate on Wednesday.

Dr. Rande Treece, Founder and CEO of Astralux, proclaimed, “This is a big win for the local solar energy community - and sends the message that concerned citizens do have the power to stop large organizations like Xcel from creating unfair policies.”

Astralux received hundreds of phone calls and emails, from customers and strangers alike, concerning this potential “solar fee”. Almost every employee and over 2 dozen customers had planned on attending Wednesday’s PUC open forum covering the matter. Fortunately, Xcel has come to their senses on this issue and everyone planning to attend can instead spend their time enjoying the Colorado summer!

Thanks to…

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Author: Elaine Shannon
Website: http://www.enviroblog.org/2009/08/bpa-high-stakes-provoke-fa…

By Elaine Shannon

Don’t underestimate the power of a consumer revolt.

No hearings. No votes. No PAC money. No lawyers. (Yes!) No lobbying. Advertising — Facebook and Twitter, virtual and viral. And free.

When it comes to cost, you can’t beat zero.

Effective? Hey, big companies can stand to lose political allies. But not customers.

That’s why Massachusetts’ strictly voluntary approach to reducing human exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), a plastic toughener that also happens to be a synthetic estrogen, may pack more punch than you might expect. On Monday, the state Department of Public Health issued a warning to parents and caretakers to avoid BPA-based polycarbonate baby bottles and infant formula packaged in cans lined with epoxy resin, another material whose key component is BPA.

Publicity impacts marketplace

The Massachusetts advisory lacks the force of laws enacted earlier this year by Minnesota and Connecticut legislators, who have banned BPA in baby…

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Author: Lisa Frack
Website: http://www.enviroblog.org/2009/08/ewgs-healthy-home-tip-2-ea…

Most people prefer their foods free of pesticides and toxic chemicals, for a whole host of (pretty) obvious reasons. I know I do.

The government isn’t doing enough
Pesticides and toxic chemicals are increasingly linked to serious health problems - especially for our children, whose developing bodies are more vulnerable to chemical exposures. We’d like to believe that our government is policing the safety of our food and the containers it comes in, but it’s not.

So what can YOU do to protect your family?
Our advice is to eat organic, fresh foods to limit your family’s exposure to:

• Pesticides. How? Buy organic or low-pesticide fruits and veggies.
• BPA and PFCs, two common toxic chemicals often used in food containers. How? By avoiding food containers that contaminate.
• Bovine growth hormones. How? By choosing more natural meat and dairy products.

Get the why’s and how’s of our recommendations here.

More about EWG’s Healthy Home Tips
In May 2009 we launched our Healthy…

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Author: Kristen Geis
Website: http://www.terracurve.com/2009/08/04/smoke-free-hotels-on-th…

If you are anything at all like me, cigarette smoke and the like could possibly be one of the most obnoxious smells around - not to mention the most hazardous to your health. So, how can a health-conscious traveler keep their distance from this airborne burden?

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Website: http://www.terracurve.com/2009/08/04/humanitarian-village-in…

Thanks to a fundraising partnership between Protravel International’s and FXB USA, an international humanitarian organization, the new Protravel-FXB Village in Cyeza, Rwanda has finally launched - offering a comprehensive package of healthcare, education and economic opportunities to 500 impoverished children and adults.

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Website: http://www.terracurve.com/2009/08/04/virginias-upcoming-sala…

With construction underway for a scheduled 2011 debut, the luxury Salamander Resort & Spa has announced plans to a new, eco-friendly groups and meetings initiative called Meeting Green.

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Author: New England Cedar Homes
Website: http://www.blogger.com/profile/07262961583355197481

We have taken our most popular large post and beam cedar home and pared it back with custom options that proved most popular over the years.

Check out the floor plan, keeping in mind that this cedar home can be buit as a log home, or a post and beam home, and can be customized to suit your needs.

Plenty of living space make this log home suitable for the growing family.

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Author: New England Cedar Homes
Website: http://www.blogger.com/profile/07262961583355197481

Log homes don’t need to be grand to be grande. Check out this tiny log home that is actually spacious.

With a large bedroom and plenty of living space you would find plenty of comfort in this log home.

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Author: easy eco blog
Website: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/easyecoblog/~3/NcrpgZ_mHro/

We have covered the benefits of having power strips in the past. Being able to turn off all devices and prevent any phantom power draw is very helpful.  Another big benefit is preventing power surge damage to electronics. Summer brownout season is starting.
Make sure you have a quality brand name surge suppressor like APC.  We [...]

Related posts:

1. Smart Power Strip
2. Power Bricks aka Wall Warts
3. CFL Power Use Controversy

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