Did you know that some of your favorite retail stores actually generate some of the energy they use onsite? Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released a list of the top twenty on-site energy generators in the country. You might be surprised to find some retailers you frequent on the list.

Just to name a few, Macy’s, Khols, Wal-Mart, Safeway, and even Sierra Nevada Brewing Company,  are just a few of the companies that together help generate millions of kilowatts of green power onsite. This is a great start, but of course there is always more that can be done to increase the amount of green power we use in this country. Learn more about the others who made the top twenty list of onsite green energy producers.

Businesses, however aren’t the only ones getting in on the efforts to generate the energy needed to operate daily onsite. Around the country, cities and municipalities are helping too. From San Diego and San Francisco to Ann Arbor, Michigan and Iowa University, public offices are getting in on the green energy action by generating their own wind, solar and biogas power.

Green power is generated from renewable resources such as solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, biogas, and low-impact hydropower. On-site green power is deployed directly at energy users’ facilities rather than at central power plants. Green power electricity generates less pollution than conventional power and produces no net increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

If you have a small business, or a business of any size that wants to purchase green power, take a glance at the Green Power Partnership program operated by US EPA. While you may not make the top twenty list next year, you will be helping to reduce your company’s carbon footprint – a sales point your customers will appreciate.

Its been what seems to me like forever since I posted to BeGreenMinded but I am thrilled to be easing back into my regular posting position with some great news for some major U.S. cities. Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency annouced the top 25 cities that are home to the most buildings certified as ENERGY STAR energy efficient. Nationwide there are more than 3,200 buildings, representing 750 million square feet.

Take a moment to see if your hometown made this years list.

ENERGY STAR certified buildings help reduce our nation’s reliance on carbon-based fossil fuels – energy sources which contribute to global climate change. In 2008 alone, ENERGY STAR buildings and plants across the country have saved more than $1.1 billion in energy costs and reduced more than 7 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions-savings equal to the emissions associated with the electricity use of more than 1 million homes for a year.

2008 showed an increase of 130% from the number of ENERGY STAR buildings built the year before. With the passage of a “green” economic stimulus package in Congress which includes incentives for the construction of energy efficient buildings, it’s likely that in 2009 and 2010 we will see an even greater bump in the number of ENERGY STAR buildings.

And what is good for the environment, is good for the economy too. Building energy efficient buildings reduces the amount of energy the building will use over the life of the structure. ENERGY STAR qualified office buildings cost $0.50 cents per square foot less to operate than average office buildings. Even better, ENERGY STAR qualified office buildings consume nearly 2x less energy per square foot as average buildings.

While the buildings included in this latest announcement are commercial in their use, everyone can take a lesson in energy efficiency. Check out ways you can incorporate energy efficiency and ENERGY STAR into your home.

Have a tip that you think others can use to improve their home’s energy efficiency? Share it below in the comments.

It would be a shame to let the month of January get away from us without acknowledging that it is National Radon Action Month and letting you know how to properly celebrate no matter where you reside.

Radon is a silent intruder that you cannot see or smell but can build up at dangerous levels in your home. Exposure to radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers in America, claiming the lives of 20,000 people a year. Sadly, nearly all exposure to radon is entirely preventable and if high levels are detected in your home, there are steps which can be taken to protect you and your family.

Radon is found in every state of the country, contrary to what you may have heard in the past. It is a radioactive gas which is emitted as uranium, which is found in soil, decays. The gas rises through the ground reaching the air above through cracks in your home’s foundation where it becomes trapped and builds up within the walls of your house. Any home, new or old, with or without a basement, can test high for radon.

If your home uses well water, learn more about radon in water and what you can do to ensure your safety.

This month, put testing your home for radon at the top of your to do list and make sure you check it off! It’s easy and inexpensive. The National Safety Council offers a discount coupon for a radon safety kit (either long or short term). Kits can also be ordered directly from NSC’s Helpline at (800) 557-2366 (credit cards only). Some states also offer discounted and even free kits to help you test your home for radon.

There is no known safe level of radon in your home, but risks can be reduced if high levels are found. Solutions can be as simple as sealing cracks in your foundation and crawl spaces or as complex as a soil suction radon reduction system. Check out the brochure for more information.

Now that you know more about radon and its silent effects on health, spread the word. Tell your friends and neighbors about how they can obtain test kits. Just as radon is found in every state, it can be found in one home and not another, even if they are neighbors. Want to make an even bigger impact? Share your new knowledge with your local newspaper by writing a letter to the editor encouraging readers to obtain test kits too.

Did you know that January is also National Hot Tea Month and National Oatmeal Month? We live and learn.