Leaving PCs on overnight wastes billions in energy costs, study says: Scientific American Blog

In the world of sustainability and the "green movement," the converted already understand how small changes add up to BIG resource conservation. As educators we strive to get this message out to the rest of the populace, and in these tough times perhaps there is no better incentive than underscoring how much MONEY can be saved by adopting sustainable practices.

A recently released study conducted by Stamford, Connecticut and the Alliance to Save Energy, (a Washington, D.C., coalition of business, government and environmental organizations) found that in the US alone, energy waste by PCs adds up to $2.8 billion.

Just think what we could do with that $2.8 billion if it were not being spent unnecessarily...

See the full article here:

Leaving PCs on overnight wastes billions in energy costs, study says: Scientific American Blog

Vote Earth! Your Light Switch is Your Vote

On March 28th at 8:30pm local time the Eiffel Tower, Golden Gate Bridge and Sydney's Opera House---just to name a few iconic landmarks---will be turning off their lights for “Earth Hour” to shine a spotlight on climate change. So far 2,140 cities, towns and municipalities in 82 countries have already committed to VOTE EARTH as part of the world's first global election between Earth and global warming. To add your destination to the list of communities responding to this challenge, visit http://www.earthhour.org/.

Green Building Expo Open to Public March 14

Our region's first ever Green Building Expo, featuring experts in green construction, landscaping and other facets of environmentally friendly living will take place at the Shops at Wiregrass off State Road 56 in Wesley Chapel, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. March 14.

Sponsored by the Tampa Bay Builders Association, the Green Building Expo will host seminars, demonstrations and discussions explaining how public and private efforts are creating programs to promote green building in the Tampa Bay area, says association president Dan Molloy, president and CEO of Oak Creek Land Company.

Among speakers scheduled to appear are:
• Chris Dewey, coordinator of the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods program of the Pasco County Extension Service.
• Pasco County Commissioner Jack Mariano, who will discuss county programs established to promote green living
• Jonathan Greaves will discuss green remodeling.
• Drew Smith, vice chairman of the Florida Home Builders Associations’ Green
Building Council, will discuss statewide efforts by the building industry.

These experts and others will showcase their products and services, explaining how they are integral parts of Florida’s green-building initiative. Among the topics are green washing, Green Building 101, Florida Friendly Yards, what to look for when shopping for a green builder and more than a dozen other topics.

Admission is free and the expo is open to the public.

Headquartered in Tampa, the Tampa Bay Builders Association is a professional organization serving Tampa Bay-area construction-related businesses including builders, developers, suppliers and subcontractors. Its members also include lending institutions, architectural and engineering firms, as well as other related businesses.
Currently, the TBBA has more than 1,300 member firms, and is among the largest building-trades organizations in Florida.

The TBBA promotes professionalism and continuing education within the Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco county building-and-development industry, while encouraging industry participation in the community at large.

To reach the Shops at Wiregrass from Interstate 75, go to State Road 56 (Exit 275).
At the end of the exit ramp turn right onto S.R. 56 and go about 2.5 miles. If coming from the north, turn left off the exit ramp unto S.R. 56.

For further information about the Green Building Expo or TBBA, call (813) 873-1000, or visit http://www.tbba.net/.

March Marks the Beginning of Florida's Bike Month!

Susan J. Miller, Pinellas County Planning Department via TampaBayCycle.com

The Tampa BayCycle campaign offers fun and educational activities throughout Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. This year's Bike Month events include: bicycle and gear giveaways, group rides, children's safety rodeos, street skills classes, festivals for people of all ages and abilities, and much more.

Bike Month is your chance to discover quiet, safe, beautiful routes for excursions or everyday trips to work, school, or play. Feel the sun on your face and the wind in your hair. Get fit. Save money. Fall in love with your commute.

Distinguish yourself by becoming a Tampa BayCycle Ambassador or one of the 1,001 Friends of Cycling.

Join the growing number of people who experience the pleasure of cycling in the month of March, and every day of the year. Visit the Tampa BayCycle Facebook group page, and share your ideas for Bike Month 2009. Help us make cycling an integral part of the transportation culture in the Tampa Bay area.

Watch for details regarding events and other information on how you can participate. There will be great prizes and group activities again this year.

Check out our Events page for the latest on Tampa BayCycle happenings.