Oh, The places I can go...

Do you want a scooter but feel you are missing out on some physical fitness opportunities? Check out Ultra Motor. They have an electric bike that allows you to get the benefits of pedaling, but the freedom to cruise. I love to ride my bike, but sometimes in Florida, if you want to ride your bike to work you will show up all sweaty and gross. If you have an electric bike you can have the best of both worlds. You can cruise to work, and then pedal home to burn some calories. Or if you are like me and underestimate how strong the wind is blowing and realize this when you are heading home against it. Now you don’t have to knock on some strangers door to call your husband because your legs are no longer working and you think you might be going in cardiac arrest. My favorite bike from Ultra Motor is the Eurpoa which has a seven speed gear shift for those days when you ate a little bit too much and need to get your pedal on. I wonder if I can attach a baby seat to this bad boy, then I’m in heaven.

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Green ways to spend your tax refund

If you are eligible for a tax refund this year, why not spend it the green way. This year, I’m going to help stimlulate the economy and green business by putting my refund towards green purchases. Thankfully, the Obama Administration is going to make that green purchase even more rewarding. They just increased the tax cuts towards home weatherization products, like solar panels and other appliances. LowImpact living has a great breakdown of the rebates here.

So what are my picks

Tankless Natural Gas Water Heater. The hot water heater that came with my home purchase was a lease that I just continued. The thing looks pretty damn old, and might poop out any day now. Tankless water heaters use very minimal gas and energy to heat, and conserve mass amounts of water by heating on demand. For me, I feel this is a more economical and realistic option than a solar hot water heater, which really requires a back up heat source.

Solar Pool Heater. This is purely for luxury, it just happens to require no energy. I would love to be able to use my pool year round, it just sits there and taunts me during the winter. It is so small and the Florida sun get’s so hot, it could almost function as a hot tub on a really sunny day. Double bonus.

Organic Garden. So if you don’t own a home, the above options might not really be on your radar. Even if you rent, you can still get up on an organic garden. Throw some plants out on your porch, or by a window.

“Economy Stimulation” shopping spree ( at least that is what we are telling the husband/wife, we are helping America here people) Choose to make your purchases from one of the 100 Most Sustainable Companies.

Buy some green stock. This is a great way to reinvest your refund and grow your portfolio in a green way.

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