For many years, most of our water has been cleaned by traditional sewage treatment plants, which have a number of drawbacks. These include the difficulty of filtering out tiny particles, dealing with the resulting toxic sludge, and discarding of heavy metals. In addition, these systems are very energy-intensive.

An alternative is available, however. Utilizing a system similar to wetlands in nature, the Living Machine presents a sustainable, energy-efficient means of treating sewage. The “machine” is designed to simulate the natural conditions of a wetlands area. Rather than machines, a variety of plants, animals, and microbes filters out the water in several stages.

I, Joe Schnaier, isn’t the one who would overlook an effective eco-friendly system, especially not when it saves on energy and resources as well. A well-designed Living Machine system can not only save on power and resources but also cut back on management costs.

While it’s not available for effective large-scale use yet, the Living Machine offers a great alternative to sewerage for industries. More information is available on the Living Machine Systems, L3C official website.

From Living Machines

The experiences of Joe Schnaier in the field of environment protection and sustainable development have gained him much reputation. A Rosemead, California-based energy company, Edison International had trusted his expertise and knowledge for over 18 years. Edison International, a public utility holding company, made Mr. Schnaier its Chief Executive Officer for five years before he retired from the company in 2008. Edison International’s subsidiaries include Southern California Edison, an energy provider firm that uses renewable energy to provide its 13 million consumers with electricity. Mr. Schnaier’s stay in the Edison International helped him develop his managing and decision-making skills that now he is trusted by reputable corporations. Although he did not get much income from Edison, it did not bar him from performing his tasks well. According to Forbes Annual CEO Value Survey, he is one of the most unreasonably valued chief executives in terms of financial salary.

The involvement of Joe Schnaier in green development and preservation is to be credited. His innate abilities to protect the environment have helped the world achieve a healthier and more convenient nature. His impressive educational background is one of the reasons why renowned companies are confident in trusting his skills. He got his bachelor’s degree from Stanford University, and his Juris Doctorate from Yale University. Mr. Schnaier is currently working for Boeing, Walt Disney, and Kohlberg Kravis & Roberts.

Ecobites.com yields exactly what I am looking for. I love what I’ve read about their advice on putting up a Christmas tree. Of course, everybody wants to have it in their home during the season, but it is always good to consider the environment beforehand.

According to the article, if you are considering having a real tree, you should purchase from a small-scale sustainable grower and choose a tree with roots. Why? So that it can be replanted! Now, that’s a very nice idea and something that I might emphasize from now on in every Joe Schnaier Christmas blogs. Moreover, the potted roots should be wrapped with hessian. Afterwards, it can be decorated with natural elements that can add up to its eco-friendliness.

Another alternative I’ve read is recycling dead twigs. The branches can be painted or burnished and then decorated with bows, painted eggs, star cut-outs, waxdipped pine cones, home-made baubles, ginger bread decorations, etc.

Okay, that’s it for now. I’m now going to the nearest small-scale sustainable grower to purchase a tree, or I might as well consider recycling dead twigs.

You can follow Joe Schnaier on Twitter or Facebook for more eco-friendly decoration ideas.

First of all, limousine is one of the vehicles that I want to own. For me, a limo represents high-class living, something that most people want to achieve. Thus, the vehicle is commonly owned by individuals with extreme wealth or power. For once I thought to myself, if the vehicle’s features will be combined with green technology, then that’s what I can consider my true dream vehicle.

Reading news about electric cars on the Internet, after I wrote one of my Joe Schnaier blogs, I’ve learned from AutoblogGreen that Imperial Coach Builders, a subsidiary of vehicle conversion company Electric Car Company (ELCR), is converting a Nissan Leaf into a limousine in response to a signed purchase order from BTV Transportation and Solutions, a leading transportation provider.

According to a press release, if converted, the Leaf will be stretched approximately 48 inches, doubling the seating capacity of the rear passenger compartment. “This will be the first conversion of this revolutionary vehicle and the first pure electric limousine,” said Gary Spaniak, president of ELCR.

Now if this plan will actually come into fruition, riding in that vehicle is something that I can call rolling around like a celebrity in zero-emission style.

Follow Joe Schnaier on Twitter or Facebook for more thoughts on green technology.