Change the World & Drive Smarter Competition!
Want to help McHenry County win the Change the World & Drive Smarter competition?
The National Association of Counties is having a competition between Counties to see which County can collect the most number of pledges from employees and residents to change a light in their home to an energy-efficient one and another competition where residents pledge to drive smarter in order to save energy.
It's easy to participate! Simply visit www.greencounties.org/changetheworld to pledge how many light bulbs you are willing to change in your household and visit www.drivesmarterchallenge.org to learn smarter ways of driving. Please spread the word! Not only will you save money and be environmentally friendly, but you will also be supporting McHenry County's efforts in making our County be one of the greenest in the United States!
Eco-Friendly Water Powered Clock!
Save money on batteries and help eliminate the use of harmful chemicals with the clock that is powered by water! The epitome of a greener gadget and sustainable design this Eco-Friendly clock is actually powered by the water. Without the need for batteries, the Eco-Friendly clock keeps perfect time as electrodes harvest energy from the water. All you have to do to make the clock run is fill its tank up with tap water and cut a lemon into quarters and squeeze some juice into the water 
tank. This procedure will enhance the power generated by the clock and make it work more efficiently. You need to change the water in the tank every so often and add lemon every 5 - 7 weeks!. The clock has a memory function that remembers the time as you change the water. Save on the cost of buying batteries! Measuring approximately 4” high and 3.5” wide, this playful yet eco-conscious timepiece is truly what’s next in going green. Do your part and participate in the fight against global warming today!
To get more information about this clock, visit their website at http://www.bedolwhatsnext.com.
2008 Green Guide - Recycling Directory for McHenry County
Ever wondered what you do with old paint that you can't throw in your trash? Or what about tires and items that are strictly prohibited from being tossed by your trash company? That is what the Recycling Directory for McHenry County is here for. This excellent guide created by the Northwest Hearld and MCC can you help you find these places. Click here for complete recycling guide for McHenry County.
Interested in Saving Gas Money?
With the number of people losing jobs these days, I think we all have started to tighten our wallets. What a better way to save money and the environment by riding a bus or carpooling?!
McHenry County has set up a program with Pace that makes it easy for County employees to find other County employees that may take a similar route to work! For further information, please click here. Or, to find a bus and view the bus schedule, simply go to www.pacebus.com.
Does Your Pet Need a Wash? By: Pam Lundquist - Article Courtesy of National Geographic
Since many chemical-laden dog and cat grooming products abound, it's often tempting to forgo the bath altogether! Earthbath, a company based in San Francisco, has an array of natural, soap-free alternatives, blending plant essences and oils for a least-toxic pet and environmentally friendly scrub. And your pet's well being isn't Earthbath's only concern: All products are 100 percent biodegradable.
Whichever product you pick, avoid pet shampoos with insecticides, synthetic fragrances, artificial deodorizers, or colors. In particular, skip products with pyrethrins, pyrethroids and carbaryl.
Earthbath Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo: A fragrance and dye-free wash, tailor made for puppies, kittens, or pets with skin sensitivity. www.earthbath.com
The 10 Most Fuel-Efficient 2009 Cars and SUVs By: Dan Shaply - Article courtesy of www.thedailygreen.com
1. 2009 Toyota Prius
2. 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid
3. 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
4. 2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid (Tie)
4. 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid (Tie)
4. 2009 Mazda Tribute Hybrid (Tie)
5. 2009 Smart Fortwo
6. 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
7. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (Tie)
7. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen (Tie)
8. 2009 Toyota Yaris
9. 2009 Mini Cooper (Tie)
9. 2009 Mini Cooper Clubman (Tie)
10. 2009 Honda Fit
Why buy new? In terms of fuel efficiency, environmental impact and fueling costs, the 2000 Honda Insight outperforms every car on the 2009 list. It gets a combined 53 mpg, and costs less than $1,000 to fuel up each year. Before you make your decision, consult fueleconomy.gov to compare models, both new and old.