Enterprises TV Examines Water Pollution in the U.S.

In the U.S., 40% of the rivers and 46% of the lakes are polluted, and unsafe for swimming or fishing. Fourteen pounds of garbage, mostly plastic, is dumped into the ocean every year.

Water Pollution and Its Dirty Affects

Water pollution is defined by the Business Dictionary as the presence in water of harmful or objectionable material in sufficient quantity to measurably degrade water quality. It harms plants, and all living species in the body of water. Enterprises TV notes that polluted water can harm the entire ecological system in its proximity also. Seventy percent of industrial waste is dumped into the water bodies and pollute the usable water supply. All living things need fresh water and water that is clean in order to survive.

Getting Clean Water

For most people in the U.S., getting clean water can be as simple as installing a water filter in refrigerator water dispensers or on kitchen faucets. City and county water departments are tasked with cleaning and maintaining a clean water supply residents use for cooking, bathing and quality of life. Every US state has environmental protection laws and policies that businesses and homeowners must follow. However, there are times when the system and its processes break down, and natural bodies of water become a toxic mess. This is when the citizenry steps up and makes raises attention about making the water clean.

What We Can Do

Use water filters at home. . Buy reusable water bottles and refill them with filtered water from home. (Not all water cooler companies have the same standards.) Speak up when local natural bodies of water become polluted. It’s your water too.

Enterprises TV Hails the New Walkable Communities in America

Ask someone who lives in the big city suburbs where they really want to reside, and most will say they prefer someplace with a small town feel. There communities like this dotted across the country. Almost everything anyone could want is within walking distance of their front door. Enterprises TV hails the new walkable communities in America.

Have a seat and let's catch up

Known Thy Neighbors

It is increasingly more challenging to get to know the neighbors when people like in big suburban planned neighborhoods, apartment complexes and condo communities. We tend to come home, close the door and stay inside until it’s time to go out again. We drive a few miles to the store, to the bank, to a gas station, and to work. All this driving can be tiring one out. There’s no energy or enthusiasm left to walk through the neighborhood.

Benefits of Walkable Communities

One of the nice benefits of walkable communities is the ability to get outside and walk to the aforementioned businesses. Maybe even ride a bank. Passing neighbors along the way gives us the chance to greet each other and catch up. Communities have green spaces centered so everyone has easy access to them. Small shops are close enough to homes. Front porches are spacious and give residents the opportunity to sit out front and enjoy the peace and quiet.  

Americans can become quite sedentary. We sit in our vehicles as we commute here and there. We come home and sit for dinner, and sit watching television or spending time of digital devices. Walkable communities allow us the opportunity to add more movement to our lives. It binds neighbors and neighborhoods. Small towns may seem like they are long gone, but through innovative community planning and interest, they are returning. MarketWatch mentions a few good such communities in the South.

Enterprises TV Relays Environmental News

Commercial buildings are rarely built using Eco-friendly materials or designs. Yet, there are some that meet LEED-related guidelines, and some which go even further. Enterprises TV relays some good environmental news.

National Environmental News

The U.S. is four months away from the presidential campaign, and two months before the soon to be elected president takes office. No matter which candidate one votes for, President Barack Obama has implemented environmentally-friendly official guidelines which will be added permanently to the Federal Register shortly. The guidelines are categorized under climate change and its impact, and are noted to help federal agencies guide and propose action for affected communities. It is clear to almost everyone that the Earth is hotter, there is more drought, wildfires, and other catastrophic events stemming from climate change.

Northeast City and Regional News

The city of Pittsburgh, PA has always been one leading the way in commercial innovation. The new Frick Environment Center is a stunning example of how one city can sustainably build a center for the public to enjoy using materials that preserve and conserve the natural resources around it. Below are the stunning facts about the construction, materials and water use for the site that achieved net zero energy and water:

• Building materials were used from no further than 1,200 miles away to reduce the carbon footprint of the site. 
• Ground-source heat pumps, radiant floors, photovoltaic array, and a reclaimed water system that captures and filters storm water for reuse in irrigation and non-potable uses. 
• Contractors and sub-contractors and trades people were hired from the county and region only.

Well done, Frick Environment Center and the City of Pittsburgh. That's what you are known for -- creativity, strategy, innovation.m

Enterprises TV Filters through Clean Air News

Clean air is essential to good health, strong respiratory systems, and necessary for life. Whether we are at home, at work, or outside, we need clean air. Enterprises TV filters through steps to obtain and maintain clean air in common places.

Keep indoor air clean from allergens

Home Indoor Air Quality

We spend 80 percent of our time every day indoors at home and work. It is also where we can improve the quality of the air we breathe. Some of the ways in which to do this are:

• Regularly clean or replace air conditioner filters.
• Inspect and clean A/C units inside for debris and fungus. Hire a professional to do this.
• Inspect and maintain outside A/C units.
• Replace household products which contain chemicals which products that are made with natural products. There are many brands sold that work great without chemicals.
• If allergies to dust, mold and mites are common, find an affordable air purifier. These clean the air and remove the allergens to make breathing easier.

Business Indoor Air Quality

Clean indoor air is just as important to have in the workplace, as it is at home. Small offices and individually owned businesses will have better success at this as they are able to control all aspects of providing and maintaining clean air. Large office buildings are managed by maintenance companies and there is usually a process in place for air conditioning repair and maintenance. Enterprises TV suggests using an air purification product if the air a small office needs to be better filtered.

Clean indoor air keeps our lungs and respiratory systems functioning well, which in turn maintains our health. 

Enterprises TV Shares News from America’s Green Cities

Cities throughout the United States are utilizing alternative energy in a myriad of ways.  From city busses running on clean energy to post office processing centers installing solar panels to generate clean power, America is slowly but surely getting on the “green” train.

Even though the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not have established criteria to rank the environmentally-friendliness of a city, some cities are taking the initiative anyway. Some of the ways in which they measure their “greenness” include:

• Improving air and water quality
• Efficient recycling and waste management policies
• Allotting more land for parks and nature areas
• Utilizing renewable energy sources in buildings and public transportation

Chicago, IL City Hall with roof gardens

A few of America’s big cities have already taken giant strides toward these goals:

• Austin, Texas – The city is well on its way to being run by 100 percent renewable energy by 2020 with strong programs by its energy company.
• Chicago, Illinois – The city initiated a “green roof” plan and now some of its tallest buildings sport gardens on the top.
• Seattle, Washington – The city currently has 20 public buildings which are LEED-certified or are under certification.
• Berkeley, California – The city of Earth-loving residents has a growing industry for wind, solar, hydro and biofuel powers.
• Eugene, Oregon – The city has always been green, but is more so with a hybrid public transportation system, and more than 30 miles of off-street bike paths.
• Oakland, California – The city has the cleanest tap water, hydrogen-powered public transportation, and the 17 percent of its energy is from renewable sources.

While these great American cities are forging toward a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future, there are more places in the U.S. doing the same. Enterprises TV reminds readers that city power companies have plans, some of which are being implemented , to move toward using renewable energy. Go online and find out what your city and your local power company are doing to become more environmentally-friendly. It may surprise you.

Enterprises TV Features Earth-Friendly Tips for People and Businesses

Every day should be Earth Day where you live and work. It takes very little effort to go green, be Eco-friendly and take an active part in preserving Earth. Enterprises TV is happy to share Earth-friendly tip with people and businesses.

One of the easiest ways to be more Earth-friendly is to read the labels on all packaging. Look for packaged that use recycled paper. Other ways to know that the product packaging is environmentally safe is to see if there is an EPA-regulated symbol like the Energy Star if the Safer Choice symbol on it. These tell consumers that the product meets the EPA’s stiff efficiency standards, and that the chemical-based product includes the safest ingredients for the consumer and environment.

Don’t use plastic anything. Buy some reusable water bottles instead of buying bottled water. Too many people throw away plastic water bottles because they are too lazy to find a recycling container. Reusable water bottles hold more liquid than the standard size plastic water bottle. Invest in the affordable cloth grocery bags. They hold more items than the plastic store bags and are more sturdy and durable. They can be washed and reused thousands of times.

Enterprises TV likes the idea of ordering groceries online. For most non-perishable goods such as toilet paper, laundry detergent and items like them, order online (Google groceries online). The shipping companies bundle items together by zip code, move them in full trucks. This reduces the amount of emissions individual autos we drive to and from the store.

May every day Earth Day. 

(image:pixabay)

Enterprises TV Celebrates Earth Day

Happy #EarthDay.  The world celebrates Earth Day by pledging to take better care of it. Enterprises TV joins the celebration with some helpful suggestions.

We honestly didn’t even think about this first one:

Recycle or Donate Textiles No Longer Wanted

The fibers that made our clothes can also pollute the planet.  Textile production is massive around the world, and the waste that it generates is estimated to grow 34.4 billion pounds in 2019, according to the Council for Textile Recycling.  Of the 82 pounds of textiles that each US resident produces per year, only 15 percent is donated to recycled. Instead of throwing old socks, underwear, torn T-shirts, and etcetera in the trash, repurpose them as dust clothes, scrub clothes, and use them to protect fragile items such as china or fragile home decorations.

Donate no longer wanted clothes, in relatively good shape, to community centers, women’s help centers, non-profits, or to a name brand store collecting them, such as H&M.

Ditch Plastic Grocery Bags for Cloth Bags

We are all in a collective effort of sustainability and to that extent, isn’t it about time to start using cloth grocery bags? Many of these are sold in the grocery store for a couple of dollars. If buying them doesn’t fit your sensible frame of mind, find and use cloth and reusable tote bags in the home.  These bags hold more and are sturdier than store plastic bags.

If this Earth-friendly concept doesn’t fit your lifestyle, at least take the plastic bags to the nearest recycle box at the store where you received them. Look outside where the garbage and recycling cans are.

Pitch Non-Eco-Friendly Detergents

There are so many great Earth-healthy detergents being sold today that Enterprises TV finds it hard to know why people still buy the old chemical-laden ones.  The additives and chemicals in traditional detergents pollutes soil and water.  Seek and find the affordable Eco-friendly cleaners and detergents.  Mother Earth will be most grateful as will her non-human inhabitants.

And One More Thing, Please

As an aside, please always flush the toilet when done in a public building. No water is saved because the next person to use it will flush the toilet anyway. Be polite. Please flush the john. Happy #EarthDay 

Enterprises TV and Community Involvement

Many American companies take part in some form of involvement in the community. It is good for business. Activities usually range from walk-a-thons to supplying disadvantaged school children with supplies. There are numerous ways in which any size business can give back to communities near and far.

Enterprises TV has long been a strong supporter of the local and global community. Employees have given back to local schools, resupplied food banks, provided children with back to school supplies, sent needed items to wounded troops, and much more. It takes nothing more than a little time and effort, and perhaps some money, to make a difference.

Enterprises TV staff giving back to the community

The world is connected in so many ways. Instantly, we know when something new is done, said or shared. Companies can enhance their corporate image by sharing the time management and staff spends volunteering and/or contributing to the communities with fans, followers and friends on social sites. These are moments which can be re-shared and spread throughout the online world. Good corporate citizenship goes a long way in reminding clients and customers that the business not only cares about profit, but about the world at large, even when that world is next door. Enterprises TV asks: what is your company doing to give back to the local or global community?

Enterprises TV Shares Insight on Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is one of the top items in the US agenda for the next four years. The Obama administration is aiming for all federal agencies to draw 20 percent of their energy from renewables in that time frame. Enterprises TV shares insights to

Oil and gas exploration in the United States is controversial due to the methods in which these resources are found. Seismic survey tests are conducted on land and in the oceans to determine if there is oil and gas depositories beneath the surface. If so, then drilling operations are set up. Fracking, as it is called, is not earning a good reputation due to the possibility of its harm for wildlife, wildlife habitat loss, and possible polluting of natural water sources and air. Yet, US oil production produced over 9 million barrels last year.

Other sources of renewable energy come from the wind, sun and biomass fuel. These accounted for 11 percent of energy produced in the United States in 2014. More businesses and homes use solar power to heat spaces than before. It is efficient and affordable. Heating oil is also a by-product from the shale fracking industry. Prices for heating oil are expected to be lower this year than last year and continue to decline in the future.

The Enterprises TV show encourages consumers to research renewable energy options for both business and home. There are affordable and efficient choices. Fuel for vehicles is expected to be low and stay low, which means savings for the average consumer. The price of fuel alternative vehicles is slowly inching downward which means that daily commute to work and home will cost less. For those who prefer the traditional fuel, today’s new vehicles are more fuel-efficient than before. All of this is good for the future of the nation, the world and the Earth.

Enterprises TV on the Resurgence of Walkable Neighborhoods

There could be many reasons why people want to build or buy home in a smaller, walkable community. Enterprises TV takes a look at the resurgence of the walkable neighborhood.

Ideally, the perfect place to live would have nice weather year-round, grocery and other stores nearby and all be within walking distance. But in reality, we live a few miles from the business establishments we patronize.  The love consumers had with their cars is waning – thanks to higher maintenance costs, gas prices and longer commutes to work. The re-entry of neighborhoods where getting to and from regular establishments is experiencing a resurgence across America. A survey conducted by the National Association of Realtors found that more than half of the respondents prefer homes withy smaller yard and shorter commutes, and would buy a smaller home if it meant an easy walk to schools, stores, and restaurants.

The Enterprises TV show also notes that economic uncertainty makes life troublesome. People want to believe they can get a good job, keep the good job, and be able to get to and from that job without spending too long in a vehicle. If we can find affordable homes which are within easy walking distances to the places we visit often, we will strongly consider those areas desirable. Walkable neighborhoods are making a comeback.

Connect with Enterprises TV on Google+
View more Enterprises TV Press Releases
Watch Enterprises TV videos on Vimeo

The Enterprises TV Show Weighs In on Coal Versus Renewable Energy

The world is choosing renewable energy over coal-generated energy.

Coal is an old-fashioned American way to generate power. In light of newer environmental laws, coal is on its way out. Natural gas is in and is becoming more popular. It’s cleaner and a healthier to work with than dusty coal.

Coal used to be the cheapest commodity. However, it was not cheap to the people who lost relatives in coal mine disasters and to lung-rated cancers caused by the dust coal kicked up. US power plants used coal to generate power. Now, they are switching to natural gas which is cleaner fuel. Americans and American power plants want more sources of renewable energy. We seek personal hybrid vehicles, ride city buses utilizing cleaner fuels, seek an estimate on solar roof panels to warm showers and homes.  We are deeply embedded in recycling everything we possibly can. But some homes and businesses are still provided with electricity generated by coal. The Enterprises TV show notes that the price is coal is getting cheaper since it is not so much in demand as it was in previous years. Renewable energy is on the rise and in strong demand.

*********************************

Connect with Enterprises TV on Google+
View more Enterprises TV Press Releases
Watch Enterprises TV videos on Vimeo

The Enterprise TV Show Offers Sustainable Business Tips

As Earth Day 2015 approaches, the Enterprises TV show offers tips to make businesses more sustainable and Eco-friendly.

There are a great many steps business owners can take to ensure business as a whole and the workplace are environmentally sound and sustainable for the future. The amount of effort and money invested in green practices is dependent on what wants to be accomplished. In many cases, it is relatively easy and inexpensive to make a few swaps in the office or warehouse.

• Keep shipping boxes and reuse them.
• Choose recycled paper products versus others.
• Swap standard bathroom fixtures with low-flow toilets and motion-sending faucets.
• Bring in your own coffee mug to use instead of paper cups, which when thrown out, fill and landfills. 
• Set all computers, printers, scanners, etc on energy settings and plug them into a power strip. Turn the power strip off in the evening.
• Store all files if possible on storage drives or on the Cloud. Don’t print anything that does not need printing. Files for presentations can be emailed to participants instead of printed and handed out.
• Open the blinds and let the sunshine in. It boosts mood and productivity, as well as save on overhead florescent lights.
• Speaking of which: the Enterprises TV show also suggests replacing florescent lights with compact florescent lights or even the lower-energy using LED lights.

Find more imaginative ways to save energy and adopt sustainable business practices. 

Enterprises TV Looks at How the World Cup Affect Local Economies

(Manaus, Brazil at sunset)

As soccer fans prepare to watch the month-long World Cup from their homes and sports bars, some fans will travel to a remote city in Brazil to see it in person. Enterprises TV takes a look at how the World Cup affects local economies.

Manaus, Brazil, is a city located in the Amazon of Brazil. Its population is about 2 million. The city is surrounded by miles and miles of rainforest. The country’s economy is improving and Brazilians are feeling a little better. It is considered a free trade zone where business tax incentives are good, and it’s a starting point for Eco-tourists to explore the rainforest. It even has a brand new sports stadium which cost Brazil $300 million dollars. It goes without saying that the city hopes get a huge boost from the widely popular sporting event.

Sports stadiums actually do very little to boost local economies over the long run. They are usually hit with over budget costs, lack of funding for security and inadequate transportation to and from the event. The Enterprises TV show learns that countries which host major sporting events want to show the World their city, show off their culture and gain more respect as a tourist destination. Brazil is a large country with a strong national soccer team. It has two beautiful tourist spots – São Paolo and Rio. It now adds Manaus to the list. It is yet to be seen how the World Cup will affect this city’s revenue. Hopefully, it will raise the city up as a cool, new destination for those who want to explore the natural beauty of the rainforest. 

**************************************************

Connect with Enterprises TV on Google+
Visit Enterprises TV on Blogspot
Watch Enterprises TV videos on Daily Motion
View Enterprises TV on Vimeo

Enterprises TV Reports on the EPA Emissions Report

When it comes to continuously clean air, Vermont beats all the other states. Enterprises TV shares news from a recent EPA report on emissions.

The new emissions limits for power plants in operation, the first one ever to rein-in carbon dioxide, was released with great fanfare by the Environmental Protection Agency. Its goal is to reduce emissions over the next 15 years. The agency is working toward a 30 percent drop below the 2005 levels. Along those lines, it published a report which shows where each state ranks in terms of emissions. The top five states which need to crack down on them are: Washington, Arizona, South Carolina, Oregon and New Hampshire. The five states which do not take any action or very little action are: Vermont, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Maine, and Hawaii.

Coal burning plants are one of the emission-producing culprits. Many states are taking active and aggressive steps to switch from using coal and fossil fuels as energy to the more environmentally-friendly nuclear, hydropower, wind and biomass. The Enterprises TV show believes that with responsive management, our atmosphere will become cleaner. The national agency is also giving states credit for implementing green policies. Nationwide, it wants to see a 30% drop below the 2005 levels. In order for consumers to do their part, auto makers will have to lower the price on green cars, SUVs and trucks to make them more affordable for the general public.

**************************************************

Connect with Enterprises TV on Google+
Visit Enterprises TV on Blogspot
Watch Enterprises TV videos on Daily Motion
View Enterprises TV on Vimeo

Enterprises TV with an Eye on the Environment

What contributes to environmental events which cause extreme weather conditions? Enterprises TV reviews the effects of global warming with an eye on the environment.

The National Climate Assessment and two United Nations reports found that climate change is happening and at a much faster rate than was expected. Storms are becoming stronger, as we have seen in news reports, ice is melting faster and the seas are also rising much quicker than scientists ever expected. While there are some who deny the effects of climate change, global warming and how greenhouse emissions are the root of the cause, we cannot continue to ignore what’s happening.

Enterprises learns from the report that average temperatures have risen across the country since 1901, seven of the top 1- hottest years on record in the Lower 48 have happened since 1998, and nine of the 10 largest wildfires in terms of acres burned have happened since 2000.  Also, the number of tropical storms has risen dramatically.

What can we do to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions we are responsible for?

Eat locally. Buy locally grown produce and locally raised meat and chicken

Use Eco-friendly products to clean and decorate homes

Use energy efficient appliances

Weatherproof homes, reduce electricity in the home

Together, we can keep an eye on our environment and become part of the solution for a better tomorrow.

**************************************************

Connect with Enterprises TV on Google+
Visit Enterprises TV on Blogspot
Watch Enterprises TV videos on Daily Motion
View Enterprises TV on Vimeo