Is There a Green Light for the “Kia Ray” to Enter the Hybrid Market?

At the recently held 2010 Chicago Auto show, Kia unveiled a snazzy concept hybrid car “The Kia Ray” that turned a few heads at this prestigious show. Upon a first glance, this car proves to be very eye catching with its EcoDynamic inspired design. This amazing four seat compact sedan has a proposed mileage range of about 746 miles with an impressive fuel rating of 202 mpg. The battery alone can power the car for about 50 miles on a single charge. This truly green car reduces its carbon footprint by utilizing roof top cool glazing solar glass and recycled materials whenever possible

Kia’s popularity has been gaining momentum in the US market since it’s official entry into the market in 1994. Recently Kia opened a plant in Georgia employing 2,500 people and creating an additional 7,500 jobs in the surrounding area. Their best quarter sales were stated in 2009. They continue to diligently and methodically market themselves and are spreading their consumer awareness through providing an affordable vehicle and a solid 10 year 100,000 mile warranty.

If you are curious about how the various Kia vehicles perform, rent a Kia on your next vacation or road trip. Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Dollar, National & Alamo all provide Kia car rentals. Do your own research, make your own decision and remember, invest your money wisely. Choose companies and products that resonate with your core beliefs.

Heat loss isn’t just your house’s fault…..3 tips you can implement today!

Tip #1 - Did you know 50% of your personal heat loss is lost through your head? If you want to save money on your heating bill in the coldest months, wear a beanie while you are in the house! Seriously, you will notice that you can keep the house cooler during the day and not even feel the difference if you insulate your body better.

Tip #2 - Do you walk around the house in bare feet? No wonder you are cold! Put on some heavy socks or slippers You’ll be amazed at how much warmer you’ll be. Common sense dictates that you wouldn’t go outside on a winter day in your bare feet or without something to keep your ears and neck warm.

Tip #3 - Are you one of people that begrudging shut off your heater at night because you don’t want to listen to it going on and off all night? Instead of counting sheep you are watching dollars flying out the window? Before you turn on your electric blanket might I make an interesting suggestion? Do you have a good quality sleeping bag that you use for camping? Why not temporarily use your sleeping bag? You’ll stay nice and toasty and you’ll pocket a decent chunk of change when you’re not turning on the heater in the winter months.

Yes, this blogger is from California and is kind of spoiled because the pipes at our house never freeze and as far as I know the temperature in the Bay Area has never reach 20F. But I also don’t want to just hand my hard earned money over to P G & E. Plus I am working really hard to reduce my carbon footprint. I know I’ll never be as good as Colin Beaven who wrote No Impact Man, but I have to try and if it means wearing a beanie in the house, I can do that….

25% of your TV & Computer energy consumption is being sucked alive by “Vampire Energy Consumption”

Check out this link from Amazon and watch a 4 minute video on where your hard earned money is sneaking away to and how you can put a stop to “Vampire Energy Consumption.”

Monster Power HD PowerCenter 900 with GreenPower [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging]

Although these power centers are quite pricey you might want to watch this video as a comparison. These smart strips are much less expensive. You can leave a comment on this post if you want to purchase one and through this post I can get you a good deal through a friend of mine that I recently met at the San Francisco Green Festival.

http://bitsltd.net/ConsumerProducts/Downloads/Smartstrip%20Short.wmv.

Christmas is a time of buying high end electronics and if you want a great way to make your new computer or TV pay you back might I recommend that you buy a “green power strip” Fight back! Do not knowingly allow 25% of your energy consumption sneak out the door while out equipment is turned off but still plugged into the wall. Remember the good guys win in the end….

Even if you are not purchasing a high end electronic this Christmas Season. The smart strip is a great gift for college students and teachers as everyone is trying to do their part in reducing our carbon footprint. So feel good about your gift giving this year. Set an example, make an impact.

Looking forward to your comments

Uplifting Green is a Certified Contra Costa County Green Business

After a few months of making a few minor changes around the house and developing a few new habits, I am proud to announce that Uplifting Green has joined the group of over 300 small to medium sized businesses in Contra Costa County whom are certified as a “Green Business.” Taking the time to understand what this certification represents and how much of an impact each and every one of us has on our local environment has been a humbling experience. It is my personal goal to heighten the awareness of what each of us can do to live a sustainable, eco friendly lifestyle by continually reducing our carbon footprint. The purpose of Uplifting Green is to bring cities, businesses and consumers together through continually providing information about events, green businesses, and the latest news and tips on the “Green Movement.” It is not enough these days to talk about going green it’s time to take action. Together we have the ability to change law, our buying habits, and we can even make good lifestyle changes that will protect our environment for future generations. I encourage those of you that read this blog to leave comments and ask questions. If you are a green certified business and need a fresh marketing angle, this is the place to be. Green businesses have a voice here. My goal is to write reviews, post green advertising, green classifieds and upload green videos. Let’s make a commitment to “uplift” businesses that are taking the initiative to make our world a better place to live.

If you are interested in obtaining the Contra Costa County Green Certification click here.

If you are interested in “Green Marketing”  contact me directly: Diana Dobbie, Uplifting Green 925.513.7241