This document contains information about recycling, green schools, energy efficiency tips, and nanotechnology. It discusses how recycling conserves natural resources and energy, and provides examples of how long it takes common materials like plastic and aluminum to degrade. It also outlines how a company donated funds to make a school more energy efficient by installing solar panels and efficient heating/cooling systems. The document encourages individuals to take small steps to save energy at home, such as lowering their thermostat and insulating their water heater. Finally, it briefly explains nanotechnology and its potential applications in energy storage, transportation, and agriculture.

1. de08e604-481e-458d-9ea5-9d0ab7405eb9-150209221325-conversion-gate01
Thisnewsletterisa monthlypublicationfromGreenAlternative EnergyTM
andis distributedelectronically.
newsletter@greenae.com
CONSERVATION BEGINS WITH RECYCLING
Recyclingisa keyplayerinthe conservationof natural
resources. Reusing or recycling paper, glass, metals,
and plastics that are used everyday reduces the
energy and fossil fuels needed to produce new and
replacement versions of these items.
For example,ittakes20 times more energy to make a
new aluminum can than to recycle one. Paper
recycling uses 60% less energy and conserves 7,000
gallonsof water. Recycling also keeps these products
out of landfills, as shown in the following chart
Product Time to Degrade
Glass.........................................1 Million Years
Aluminum Cans ............................ 80-100 years
Plastic...............................................700 years
Plastic cups .........................................20 years
To conserve energy and the environment, everyone
needstoparticipate.Overthe next six months, Green
AlternativeEnergywill askforyourhelpasit beginsits
sponsorshipof National Disposal’s recycling program.
GAE HELPS JAMESON
CHARTER SCHOOL GO GREEN
You’ve heard of green homes and businesses, but
what about green schools? Green schools are a
growing trend, and as part of its commitment to give
back to the community, GAE recently donated
$75,000 in labor and supplies toward the upcoming
renovation of Jameson Charter School.
As part of the renovation, GAE will install a rooftop
photovoltaic system. GAE will also purchase several
highly energy-efficient systems for heating and
cooling.
Studies show that students in green schools have
fewer absences and have higher test scores. GAE is
excited to be a part of improving not only the
performance of the school but also the performance
of its students.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that U.S.
schools spend approximately $125 per student in
annual utility costs. Green schools save up to $50
annually per student, cutting costs while improving
the environment.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Didyou know that withlittle stepsyoucanmake great
strides in improving the energy efficiency in your
home this winter? No, this doesn’t mean you have to
replace your current heating system or install solar
panels.Below are simple, everyday things you can do
to reduce your utility bills.
TURN DOWN YOUR THERMOSTAT.
By turning down your thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees
at night, you reduce utility costs by 10%.
Close your curtains. In the winter, close the curtains
on any windows that don’t receive sunlight. By doing
so, you reduce heat loss by 10%.
Lower your hot water temperature. For each 10 F
you lower the temperature, you save 3-5% in energy
costs.
Insulate your water heater tank. Using a minimum R-
24 insulation saves you 4-9% in heating costs and
reduces heat loss by 25-45%.
The followingchart shows potential cost savings over
a three-month period for a 3,000 sq. ft. home.
Month Thermostat Water
December $17.62 $7.48
January $21.32 $10.21
February $18.91 $9.18
NANOTECHNOLOGY: THE SMALLEST THING
IN ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

2. de08e604-481e-458d-9ea5-9d0ab7405eb9-150209221325-conversion-gate01
Nanotechnology is a big word with great promise. In
essence, nanotechnology is science and engineering
on a molecular scale—working at the level of atoms,
molecules,andsupramolecularstructures.Ultimately,
nanotechnology increases the potential for
sustainable material design and resource use.
In the area of transportation, nanotechnologies will
improve energytransductionandstorage in batteries,
and in agriculture, nanotechnologies will remove
pesticidesandcleanwater.Further,itisexpectedthat
nanotechnologies will bring about improvements in
storing and transporting energy, something that will
become increasingly important as we reduce our
reliance on fossil fuels.
Several commercial, private, educational, and
governmental institutionsare makingnanotechnology
a top priority.Formore information,you can review a
copy of Nanotechnology and the Environment, which
can be found at www.nano.gov.