(NewsUSA) - We've known for a long time that it pays to be green. Earth Day's been around for a couple of decades, and the Arbor Day Foundation's been around longer than that. But if you're like other Americans, you have neighbors and celebrities reminding you of simple ways to not only protect the environment, but also to save money on your energy bills. Low-flow showers, filtered tap water, energy-efficient computer tools and hybrid cars are being used in record numbers.

With modifications coming in every shape and size, there is no denying that alternative forms of energy are making their way into our everyday lives. Including our cars. Now it's time for an alternative to spark plugs, too. Pulstar pulse plugs provide a distinct alternative to spark plugs.

Independent tests conducted at certified labs demonstrate that pulse plugs improve engine performance and fuel economy by an average of 6 percent. If, during the normal replacement cycle, Pulstar were to replace spark plugs, 250 million existing cars per year could reduce fuel consumption by 22.5 billion gallons. Since each gallon of gasoline generates almost 20 pounds of carbon dioxide, a major contributor to the current global warming situation, pulse plugs alone could reduce this greenhouse gas by 450 pounds within four years. Worldwide, pulse plugs could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1 billion metric tons per year.

According to the Council on Foreign Relations, "If Every American home replaced just one light bulb, we could save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, more than 600 million dollars in annual energy costs and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars."

If you're thinking about improving your carbon footprint, reducing your dependence on foreign oil and saving money, there is a means to do it:

-; Install pulse plugs in one of your vehicles.

-; Change at least six of your home's incandescent lightbulbs to fluorescent bulbs.

Your return on the investments will be 356 percent, and you will reduce carbon emissions by .35 metric tons each year. By the time your pulse plugs would have to be changed, your savings combined could be a minimum of $468, and you would've reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 1.4 metric tons.

If you have any questions on how to purchase Pulstar pulse plugs, please visit www.pulstar.com.

(NewsUSA) - From heated discussions surrounding global warming to the debates on the rising cost of oil, a variety of environmental concerns have come to the forefront of many Americans' minds. This year's Earth Day will also bring to light another topic that is of "green" concern -; food sustainability.

What does it mean for a product to be sustainable? At its core, the concept of sustainability is raising or growing food in a way that is healthy for both the environment and consumers. While this philosophy can be applied to a variety of areas where food for human consumption is raised or grown, one of the greatest sustainable concerns is the fish we eat.

While many types of fish are sold in grocery stores and served at restaurants, several breeds of fish are not considered sustainable, due to factors including pollutants in water sources, overfishing and unhealthy antibiotics fed to fish. To help alleviate the many stresses affecting oceans worldwide, many experts are stressing the importance of buying and consuming fish that don't hinder the well-being of the animal, the environment or the consumer. One type of popular fish -; U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish -; is a top choice when it comes to sustainability.

"Unlike fish production facilities located in rivers, bays or on the coastline, enclosed U.S. catfish farms are not subjected to natural or man-made pollution from outside sources. U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish is not only a great-tasting, healthy food -; it's one of the most sustainable products consumers can purchase today," said Roger Barlow, president of The Catfish Institute.

U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish is listed by Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program as a "best choice" due to its abundance and well-managed, environmentally friendly farming practices. All U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish are raised and processed with special attention to keeping pollutants away from breeding ponds and feeding fish high-protein food free of antibiotics, which ensures consumers receive a premium, high-quality product.

By becoming more mindful of how your food is raised and processed, you can help make a difference in the "green" fight. For more information on the safe and sustainable benefits of U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish, visit www.USCatfish.com.

(NewsUSA) - Motorists who want to "go green" don't have to change vehicles to help the environment; they should change a few habits, say the experts at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence.

Regular vehicle maintenance and better driving habits are two easy-to-implement strategies that can put you on the road to environmentally conscious car ownership. ASE, a nonprofit organization that tests and certifies automotive technicians, offers the following tips:

* Keep the engine running at peak performance. A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 30 percent. Replace filters and fluids as recommended in the manual.

* Keep tires properly inflated and aligned. This reduces the engine's effort - and gasoline consumption.

* Have your vehicle's air conditioner serviced only by a technician certified to handle and recycle refrigerants. Older air conditioners contain ozone-depleting chemicals, which could be released into the atmosphere through improper service.

* Avoid speeding and sudden accelerations. Both habits guzzle gas. When waiting in the car, shut off the engine. Consolidate daily errands to eliminate unnecessary driving.

* Remove excess items from the vehicle. Less weight means better mileage. Don't forget to take down the rooftop luggage carrier after vacations.

* If you do your own repairs, properly dispose of engine fluids and batteries. Some repair facilities accept these items. Or call your local government for information.

Visit www.ase.com for more care car tips and for information about the benefits of using ASE-certified technicians for auto repairs and service.

ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas of certification. Their employers often display the ASE sign.