Goal For The Green

The current world record for fuel economy is currently set at 12,665 miles per gallon on a gasoline equivalent, according to Fueleconomy.gov. The PAC-Car II, which set the record in 2005, in France, placed the bar quite high for other vehicles.

However, automakers do deserve some credit. More eco-friendly cars are available now than ever before, giving buyers numerous options to go green.

Ford has been working steadily to develop a line of fuel-efficient vehicles that will measure up to the competition, and it looks as they’re succeeding. Here are four of the company’s most eco-friendly offerings. If you’re in the market for a green vehicle, Ford might have just what you’re looking for.

Green vehicles by Ford

C-Max

The new C-Max may be setting a new standard in the hybrid category, and upsetting the current dominance of the Prius in the process. According to Motortrend.com, the C-Max beats out the Prius in almost every category — it’s faster off of the line, gets slightly better gas mileage and handles significantly better. It was impressive enough that the senior features editor of the magazine was quoted as steering potential Prius buyers away from the car, and toward the C-Max.

The car starts off with a base price of $28,995, and an estimated fuel economy of 47 mpg. With four doors and a hatchback, it offers plenty of room for a small family.

Fusion

The Fusion now comes in five different power trains, some of which are extremely environmentally friendly. Ford recently released the newest addition, the Energi, a hybrid plug-in vehicle. The Fusion can go an estimated 100 miles per plug-in charge using gasoline and electricity. Charge time is around 7.5 hours in a normal outlet, and 2.5 hours when plugged into a charging station.

The new plug-in hybrid electric comes at a cost, though. With an MSRP of $40,200, it’s almost twice as expensive as the basic 2.5 gas-engine Fusion. For some, though, the price will be worth it.

If you’re looking for something more modest, the Fusion also offers several other fuel-efficient engine models, including a 1.6-liter EcoBoost and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost, with an estimated fuel economy of 22/25 mpg and 31/37 respectively. According to Forbes.com, the 2.0-liter version is an excellent option if you want to spend less, with a starting price of $30,200.

Lincoln MKZ

According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2013 Lincoln MKZ is one of the 10 best green cars of the year. The hybrid luxury vehicle offers the best of both worlds, fine materials and craftsmanship, combined with an eco-friendly hybrid drive train.

Some argue that there isn’t much difference between the Ford Fusion and the Lincoln MKZ as the Lincoln was based upon the less expensive Fusion.

The MKZ starts out at $37,815, although it can get a bit pricier with the luxury add-ons. It comes standard with a 2-liter, 240-horsepower EcoBoost engine. The New York Times reviewer was unable to achieve the 22/33 mpg abilities that the car is supposed to get, instead averaging about 26 mpg.

What does eco-friendly shopping mean?

Eco-friendly shopping means comparing prices online and even considering well-maintained used models. Market demand sets prices for previously owned vehicles, so consider expanding your shopping zone outside your local area. For example, Ford dealers in Phoenix, which is a large consumer market, might have somewhat better prices than a small market like Taos, N.M., which has a population of only 5,700.

In our lifetimes, we will likely never see the 12,000-plus miles-per-gallon vehicle, but we’re seeing better mileage than our parents and grandparents saw half a century ago.

This post can also be viewed live at PR Web http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/5/prweb10701153.htm

Imagine being a young girl living in poverty. Then add to that, not being able to afford feminine hygiene products.  Many young girls in poverty stricken countries miss a week of school or even drop out every month.  It happens because they are scared of leakage and embarrassed about these problems associated with their periods happening at school.

At Ruby Cup Press 2013 there is a call to take action.  The goal is to reduce waste and have a product that can be re-used for up to 10 years, all while helping keep young girls in school!

GoalForTheGreen has partnered with  Ruby Cup to share information about their product and raise awareness about their new campaign at Ruby Cup Press 2013 .Wonderful   pictures of their work at Ruby Cup and stories about how Ruby Cup has helped some girls in Kenya are very inspirational.  At Ruby Cup Press 2013, taking action will help keep young girls in school while sharing the opportunity to try Ruby Cup for yourself.

The Ruby Message

Menstruation is surrounded by stigma and taboo. A red Ruby is something valuable; something to treasure. When you invest in a Ruby Cup it’s an investment in your health, your economy, and your environment. The name Ruby re-brands menstruation from taboo to treasure.     

In the global south menstruation is a main cause of school drop out for girls in poverty.  With every purchase of a Ruby Cup, the company gives a Ruby Cup to a schoolgirl living in poverty. Girls living in poverty can’t afford menstrual hygiene products. Often girls living in poverty stricken countries are scared of leaking in public,so they stay home from school during their period. This amounts to 20% of their school-time. With every Ruby Cup sold and given,the goal is to help save the planet from the environmental impact of waste, while changing the health and lives of girls living in poverty. The folks at Ruby Cup believe the solution is not to start dumping billions of pads in the developing world that will then harm the environment and create dependency on monthly product donations.

The freedom Ruby Cup gives is liberating. Now, instead of these girls being scared of leaking in public they are free to swim, dance, walk, sleep, jump – and even look good naked! Welcome to the modern world, where your period comes with no strings or wings attached. What a phenomenal self esteem booster thanks to these menstrual cups.

Ruby Cup is designed in Denmark by three young women, in collaboration with experts from the world leading healthcare company Coloplast. It has an easy to grab stem and a large capacity which means users can go up to 12 hours without emptying it. Ruby Cup is a healthy, high quality and sustainable menstrual hygiene product made of 100% top Medical Grade Silicone and can be re-used for up to 10 years. Think of all the money that is saved, as well as the help to the environment.

The smooth consistency of Ruby Cup enables soft insertion and removal, and its frosted feel provides an easy to clean surface. When using a Ruby Cup menstrual cup, its almost like forgetting about your period! Get ready to spoil your body with a superior menstrual hygiene product. While treating yourself, why not keep that feel good solution going by  supporting a Kenyan schoolgirl with every purchase!

Ruby Cup was the winner of the Global Social Entrepreneurship program in 2012 as well as Venture Cup 2012, a selected Sustainia100 Solution, Finalist in Ben & Jerry’s Join Our Core 2012, and second prize in the Future Impact Award 2012.

Barbara Rae is owner/author of GoalfortheGreen.com.  Stop by any time and learn to set green goals, become Earth conscious, Energy smart, and optimally Healthy.

To get the best performance and mileage out of your vehicle, regular maintenance is a must. However, most of us prefer to take our vehicles to our neighborhood mechanic shop, because they usually have the best prices and great personal customer service. The local guy knows how to treat and value his customers and appreciates your business.

All the car maintenance places in Pittsburgh really don’t understand the value of a good customer-or one that keeps coming back because they like the service they received. But, the folks at Western Pennsylvania Toyota are an exception to that notion. They truly have customer service down to a science. You bring your car in, they greet you at the door and immediately start trying to help you. It’s a smooth process, and makes the trips in for service and maintenance so much faster each and every time.

Pittsburgh, PA: Scion xD (Photo credit: harry_nl)

In addition, they have great deals at Pittsburgh Toyota maintenance, so no matter what kind of condition your car is in, they can help you fix the problem. They offer every kind of service under the sun, and they don’t make any fuss about answering your questions, even if you’re not sure what’s wrong with your vehicle, they can figure it out.

The mechanics on site at Pittsburgh Toyota maintenance, are also very friendly and respectful. They treat cars extremely well, so your car looks even better than when you went in for a repair or checkup. With the maintenance plans they offer, you can even get to know the staff and find out about more specials that they offer each week.

They currently have some amazing deals on tires, probably the cheapest in Pittsburgh. But, the best part has to be the staff at Pittsburgh Toyota maintenance. They truly don’t “fake” personality or customer service. They realize that your time is as important as their own. They are courteous and prompt,and don’t allow you to wait around, so that you can carry on with your day. They value you and your time, and that is a major factor that keeps a happy customer returning for future service.This is one dealership maintenance department that goes out of their way to treat you right. With some of their amazing specials you can understand the value, save a lot of money and get great service each and every time from someone you can trust.