Maryland recently made strides to increase green energy in the state, with Governor Martin O'Malley signing a law that will increase access to recycling in multi-family buildings.

Now, under Maryland law, an apartment building or condominium that has 10 or more units is required to have recycling available to residents.

"Recycling is the easiest way for everyone to 'go green' in their daily lives and we applaud those involved in the passage of this law," said Heidi Brock, president of the Aluminum Association. "Access to recycling in multifamily units has been a regular challenge for recycling experts; this law will certainly increase the recycling rate and the long-term sustainability of Maryland."

An estimated 95 percent of the energy and greenhouse gases associated with primary production are saved by aluminum recycling, making it vital for saving energy and cutting greenhouse emissions.

Recycling aluminum is highly effective as a green living practice, because it saves about 95 percent of the energy and cuts about 95 percent of the greenhouse gases associated with primary production. And more people recycle aluminum cans than any other kind of beverage packaging, with about 58 percent of all aluminum cans recycled in 2010.

Not far away from Maryland, American Public University System, an online education provider focused on military and public service students, installed the largest solar array in West Virginia, which is comprised of 1,671 high-performance solar panels.