Eco-Friendly Buddhist Temple: Poh Ern Shih

We hear of houses being built in ec0-friendly manners however it seems temples are now following suit! The Poh Ern Shih temple in Singapore was designed by architects who took even the most intricate details into account.

The temple's roof is fitted with solar panels to power their lights and heat the water. They also took advantage of the temple's windy location by putting wind turbines in place to generate electricity.

Even the rainwater c0llected by the roof is passed through hydro-electric generators and purifiers to create sustainabl energy, potable water and to irrigate temple grounds.

The Poh Ern Shih temple is slated for completion by the second quarter of 2010. If you are interested in visiting the temple be sure to visit their website for the location and more information.

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Eco-Friendly Christmas Trees For Rent

Renting a live Christmas tree for the holidays might be the perfect solution for those looking for an eco-friendly alternative.

The Original Living Christmas Tree Company began this trend in 1992, however since then companies and non-profit groups such as Adopt A Christmas Tree in San Diego, and Ever Grow Christmas Trees in Vancouver, British Columbia have begun offering this service to people in their area.

The Ever Grow Christmas Trees in Vancouver does state that this service may not be for everyone as they may not appear as "perfect" as others and do require basic cares.

Their five reasons for renting a live tree:

1. It's alive. The trees keep on growing. You can even request to have your tree back the following year. When your tree becomes too big to live in its pot, it will be planted outside where it can continue to grow, sequestering carbon and converting greenhouse gases to life-giving oxygen.
2. Ultimate convenience. Tree delivery and pick-up to and from your living room or business. It's that simple. Avoid a trip across town and the hassle of wrestling a tree to the roof of your car.
3. Locally grown. These truly are 'green' Christmas trees as minimal energy is used to bring your environmentally friendly tree to you.
4. No mess. Unlike cut trees, live trees are not a significant fire hazard. Consider them like a house plant: alive and actively transpiring. All you need to do is to make sure your tree gets water.
5. Forget that old tree stand. The sturdy pots our trees grow in negate any need for a stand or support. Your tree is ready to decorate as soon as it is set down on your living room floor.

Prices range from $80 and up and usually include deliver and pickup. There are many different types of trees to choose from that range in size from five to seven feet in height.

If the prices aren't in your price range or you don't live in the areas which offer this service, another option is to buy your own potted tree this holiday season. You can either re-plant the tree in your own backyard or donate it to your local parks department.

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Photo Credit: Ever Grow Christmas Trees

Eco-Friendly Wal-Mart Opens In Waterdown, Ontario

The first eco-friendly Wal-Mart has opened in Waterdown, Ontario, expecting to use 30% less energy than other branches, according to Retail-Week. The store is also planning on holding recycling programmes for materials such as paper, plastic, organics, polystyrene, wood and metal.

“We continue to pilot new technologies, drive innovation and experiment with new prototypes to create some of the most sustainable stores in retail,” said Wal-Mart Canada chief executive and president David Cheesewright.

The eco-friendly superstore is said to be the new standard for all future Wal-marts in Canada.