August 15, 2010

Greenhouse Emissions are a Reality of Life

Filed under: Green Gas Emissions — admin @ 1:17 pm

Air Pollution
Air Pollution

When fossil fuels are being burned, they emit greenhouse emissions that collect in the atmosphere. The result of these gasses collecting in our atmosphere is that warm air becomes trapped inside the ozone layer. This in turn leads to temperatures rising and it is as if the earth is literally being placed in a giant greenhouse. Greenhouse emissions are a reality that faces each person on the planet and to conserve our planet we have to lower these emissions.

Governments, the manufacturing industry and the transportation industry have realized the seriousness of global warming and are spending huge amounts of money in research. They are experimenting with alternative fuels and alternative forms of energy to help lower the greenhouse emissions that are damaging our planet.

Cars and fossil fuel emissions

The majority of cars on the roads use gasoline, which means they burn fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide is released when fossil fuels are burned. Some people argue that trees and plants use carbon dioxide for photosynthesis, but when too much carbon monoxide is pumped into the air climate changes can happen. Currently all the different forms of human transportation emit such huge amounts of carbon dioxide that it leads to greenhouse emissions of climate changing proportions. Current experimentation into replacement fuels for vehicles are pushing ahead strongly. Unfortunately some are not successful as they put out too high greenhouse emissions. So the search goes on to find a workable replacement fuel that will conserve the environment and not harm it.

Methane and landfills

Another area where we have to put in huge effort to conserve the environment is landfills. Landfills generate methane gas, which cause greenhouse emissions. The way to lower the greenhouse emissions is to create less trash. Two methods every household can use to conserve is by using biodegradable materials and to recycle. Once you start recycling you find more and more items that fall into that category in the home and in a short time recycling become a way of life. The great benefit of using biodegradable materials is that these materials break down much faster than non-biodegradable materials. This faster breakdown has a much smaller negative impact on the environment. Many businesses are already actively engaged in lowering greenhouse emissions by choosing green workplace alternatives. Creating a smaller carbon footprint starts with taking that first small step towards lowering greenhouse emissions and every person that does his or her part escalates the total effort that will benefit us all.

July 11, 2010

The Environment is Not Being Conserved by One Type of Green

Filed under: Global Warming — admin @ 12:25 pm

Global Warming
Global Warming

Global warming is not something that can continue to be ignored. It is already affecting weather patterns across the globe. In turn, changing climate and weather patterns affect the agricultural production in various countries. The ramifications are many and far reaching, it is no longer possible to sweep them under the carpet and hope for the best. Our natural environment desperately needs to be conserved and that includes the atmosphere and the air we breathe in.

A green that is not so green

There is one green that really isn’t very ‘green’ by environmental conservation standards and that is the green of greenhouse gasses. Greenhouse gasses are the emissions humans cause, through motor vehicles and other means, which lead to a greenhouse effect in our atmosphere. This greenhouse effect allows the Earth’s atmosphere to act as a giant greenhouse, trapping heat and raising the Earth’s temperature. We need to make a huge effort to save our environment and greenhouse gasses are but one way in which our planet needs to be conserved.

There are natural sources of greenhouse gasses and man made sources. It is important that human beings lower the emissions from man made sources of these gases. One of the biggest targets in the global campaign to lower greenhouse gas emissions is carbon. Carbon dioxide can be absorbed by green plants through their photosynthesis process. However, as the global human population grows, there are fewer and fewer green plants available to do this. Thus, there is only one option, lower carbon emissions from man made sources such as factories and cars.

In a bid to make products more eco-friendly, manufacturers are developing cars and other products that have lower emissions than in the past. Vehicle manufacturers are especially involved in this type of project; in so doing they are also making their vehicles more attractive to environmentally conscious consumers.

Government moves in

Governments are being made ever more aware of the pressing issued and the diminishing environment that needs to be conserved. It has come to a point where governments are beginning to step in, in countries such as the UK, in order to force consumers and businesses to lower their carbon emissions. This is where higher taxation on higher carbon emissions comes into play. It is a form of punishment meant to force both businesses and consumers to make more eco-friendly decisions in the products they use and the way in which they go about their business.

May 7, 2010

Google Invests In Wind Power Technology – Guest Submission by Jack Lundee

Filed under: Renewable Energy — Tags: , — admin @ 1:33 pm

Wind Power Turbines
Wind Power Turbines

Green solutions and technologies are needed now more than ever. Yet, many continue to be hard to find and implement on a broad scale. Sustainability efforts from large corporations are increasing, yet our dependence on fossil fuels remains steadfast. Mining and drilling for fossil fuels can be dangerous and costly, and the planet is constantly reminding us that it’s the one paying the price. It’s here that we see plenty of opportunity for clean and renewable energies to become part of the landscape green. With the right funding and investment, renewable energy technology like wind power could help turn the tide when it comes to environmental concerns.

Wind power is a clean energy system that converts the planet’s own wind into energy by using mills, turbines, and even airborne kites. The earth’s wind moves the mills that turn the turbines, which converts kinetic energy into electricity that then can be circulated to power thousands of homes. Up to this point, wind power has been a well-known clean energy source but has mostly been underutilized and under funded. However, with the web search company Google now investing in the technology, wind power is beginning to appeal to a very broad market.

Last Friday, Google made a sizable investment of $38 million to North Dakota based wind farms. These wind farms harness the wind energy of the North Dakota plains to create electricity that can power more than 55,000 homes and does so in a clean and safe manner. Google understands that an investment of this size, in a technology as beneficial as wind energy, can help create more wind farms around the country, create more jobs within this clean energy, and help stimulate the economy. For Google, it’s as much about helping the environment, as it’s about making smart business decisions about the future of this planet. Other corporations like Globetrotters Corporation (a Chicago based engineering corporation founded by C.E.O. Niranjan Shah and Hewlett-Packard are following in the same footsteps as Google. These companies are coming to the conclusion that investing in green technology and green energy is really an investment in the future of the technology, the planet, and even their own businesses.

I guess, it looks like Google realizes which direction the wind is blowing.

Tips for conserving energy

Filed under: Energy Conservation — Tags: , , , — admin @ 11:50 am

Saving Energy
Saving Energy

Energy conservation efforts will benefit everyone and even if you feel that you can’t do much to conserve energy on a planet wide scale, then think about saving some of your hard-eared money each month. When you look at the different areas in the home that consume huge amounts of energy and make changes, there will be a significant drop In your monthly energy bill.

Lights

You immediately conserve energy by changing from incandescent lights to florescent lights. Florescent lights are not only much brighter than incandescent ones, but they also last up to ten times longer. Florescent lights bring about huge energy conservation as it only uses ¼ of the electricity that is consumed by incandescent lights. Florescent lights are great for hallways, bathrooms, stairways and kitchens and will bring about a drastic reduction in your electricity bill.

Heating and hot water

Two energy guzzlers in all homes are the heating system and the hot water heater and you can address both of these together in your energy conservation efforts. The answer to conserve energy is to install timers for both your heating system and your hot water heater. You do not need the heat turned up when you sleep and neither do you need hot water. By installing timers that will shut these down a certain time after bedtime and switch them back on just before everyone gets up in the morning saves tons of money. Do the same for when everyone has left for the day; the timers switch the heat and hot water off and back on just before everyone returns home. This is a double-barrel energy conservation effort that has a truly huge impact on your energy bill.

Latent consumption

A staggering 73% of the electricity consumption of typical households goes on what is termed latent consumption. This is when you are not using appliances and have switched them off, but have left them plugged into the wall sockets. The typical list of appliances where you can hugely conserve energy by unplugging them are those that have digital displays such as microwave ovens clock radios and coffee makers. Also appliances that use remote controls such as DVD players, TVs and stereo equipment and all LED power indicators such as hand-held game chargers, cell phone chargers and battery chargers. For convenience, use power strips where you can flip a single switch to shut off several appliances and then unplug only one plug.

Energy vampires

The appliances that literally suck up electricity the fastest are clothes dryers, vacuum cleaners and irons. So restrict the dryer use to the minimum, use a broom on hardwood floors and only vacuum carpets. Look at clothes labels for fabric blends that need less ironing, you save elbow grease and electricity at the same time.

April 20, 2010

Should you Care About Renewable Energy?

Filed under: Renewable Energy — Tags: , , — admin @ 12:07 pm

Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy

Very few things in life can function without some sort of energy; some of the sources are not renewable while others are. The need to conserve and to switch to renewable energy has been the top debate of the decade. So how does it concern you and should you care about all of this or is it something only the big industries should be worried about?

The word renewable really explains it perfectly; non-renewable means that once you have used it, it is gone and cannot be replaced whereas with renewable you get some more. This means a business that uses renewable energy will not be bound to energy bills, but generate their own energy. You as an individual though can do exactly the same and reap the same benefits. Solar power and wind power are two examples that can be successfully used to generate power in your home for heating as well as to run appliances.

It is no secret that the world is running out of natural resources so there is a critical need to conserve what is left. It will be far too late to try to find alternative forms of renewable energy once there are no oil, gas and coal left.  So the answer whether you should care about renewable energy is a clear yes.

Benefits to individuals and the world

The decision to conserve natural non-renewable energy sources by switching o renewable energy sources has far-reaching benefits not only for individuals, but for the whole world.  There is no pollution when using the different forms of renewable energy, so by switching we put a stop to chemical smoke being belched into the atmosphere and fresh air is priceless.

Renewable energy does not create dangerous byproducts such as is the case with nuclear energy for instance that can be deadly if there is a leak. So moving away from an energy source such as this holds untold benefits not only for people now, but for all future generations.

Instead of stubbornly relying on the dwindling sources of non-renewable energy, conserve what is left. Look to the endless supply available through solar energy, the wind-turbines that will keep on supplying energy as long as there is a wind blowing. Our planet has huge seas that create endless waves that can be utilized to create energy, it is already available and it is free.

Global warming is starting to affect us all and it is within the power of each individual to slow this down. We have it within our grasp to create fresh and healthy air and give our planet the chance to repair the damage done. If nothing else convinces individuals to switch to renewable energy, the fact that it is incredibly cheap should do the trick.

April 3, 2010

Some Things to Know About Animal Conservation

Filed under: Animal Conservation — admin @ 10:17 pm

Fishing Trawler
Fishing Trawler

Even though tuna and other species of fish are being hunted into extinction, they are not being adequately protected by certain laws. While those who fight to prevent commercial fishing of certain species feel victorious right now, they will soon feel the pinch of starvation when there are no animals left to hunt. Rather than look at this emotionally, each person that is aware of animal conservation issues must take meaningful steps to ensure that they do not contribute further to the destruction of wild animals and their habitats

Staying on Top of the News

If you view the news online, you will find all kinds of information about animal conservation issues. For example, recently there was an attempt made to place a limited ban on commercial tuna fishing. Rather than take a scientific and reasonable approach to what the rest of the world is trying to say about bluefin tuna stocks, Japan made extensive efforts to prevent the ban from going through. As you may be aware, almost 80% of all tuna goes to  Japan so that affluent people in that country can enjoy sushi. The remaining 20% goes to impoverished people in many countries that rely on tuna for protein. Needless to say, once commercially valuable tuna and other ocean fish species go extinct, many of the  poorest people in the world will simply starve to death because of the greed of richer people.

Changing Your Financial Diet

When you start learning more about animal conservation, you will find that certain nations violate science, reason, and moral ethics over and over again. No matter whether it comes to hunting whales, tuna, skinning dogs and cats alive, you will invariably find that China, Japan, Norway, Iceland, and Canada represent the worst offenders. Rather than buy products from these countries, you should cut them right out of your wallet. At the same time, you can also stop eating tuna and other meat products that come from wild, or free ranging animals.

Many animal conservation organizations use emotionally charged videos to show what happens when animals die. At some level, every single human being realizes that death does not come easily. On the other hand, when you strip out the emotional empathies, you are left with the cold hard laws of nature. Without a question, rich, greedy, and powerful people will never see the error of their ways until they have a good financial reason to do so.  Rather than let that reason come from the extermination of wild animals, you can make a very good argument with your own wallet.

March 26, 2010

Two Easy Ways to Curb Green Gas Emissions

Filed under: Green Gas Emissions — Tags: , , — admin @ 10:29 am

Green Gas Emissions
Green Gas Emissions

Even though you may not be able to do away with your car in the next few weeks, you can still do a number of other things to reduce green gas emissions. Surprisingly enough, if you are willing to embrace a combination approach, you will be able to save money, as well as improve other areas of your health. As an added bonus, once you start making use of these suggestions, you will also be able to expand on them until you have conserved a significant number of natural resources.

Carpool for Shopping and Work

No matter how you look at it, the rampant usage of automobiles has created smog filled with pollutants that may soon wipe out all life on this planet. Regardless of whether or not you believe in global warming, the constant pressure associated with carbon monoxide poisoning, and other pollutants can, and should be seen as a severe threat to public health. While governing bodies are slow to act on this threat, it is up to each person to start making use of carpools as much as possible. At the very least, getting 50% of the current load of automobiles off the road will start reducing the overall damage to the atmosphere and environment.

Eliminate Out of Season Foods in Your Diet

As you may be aware, winter in one part of the world invariably means it will be a different season elsewhere. Therefore, many food suppliers routinely ship in foods that would not normally be available in the local region. This takes up an enormous amount of fossil fuel, and also leads to an increase in problems caused by exotic species in remote environments. On the other hand, if you limit yourself to buying season produce that is normal for your region, you will reduce fuel consumption as well as your personal damage to foreign regions. As an added bonus, when you only buy locally grown foods, you will invariably notice that they are fresher and taste better.

Each year, thousands of people are literally driven to their grave because of COPD, emphysema, and other conditions caused by toxic chemicals found in smog. In the vast majority of cases, pollution from automobiles accounts for a significant number of these deaths. At the very least, if you curb your own automobile usage, and ensure that you only buy locally grown foods, you will help reduce green gas emissions, as well as save on all of the expenses associated with transportation.

March 19, 2010

Three Tips for Sustainable Living

Filed under: Conserved Environment — Tags: , , — admin @ 12:15 pm

Water Purifier
Water Purifier

Sometimes it seems like individuals on both sides of the political spectrum are afraid to embrace sustainable living because they will not fit in with their peers. For example, many realize that eliminating meat from the diet promotes good health, saves money, and protects the environment. Nevertheless, many continue to eat meat because vegetarianism is perceived as a “liberal cause”. Today, there are three easy ways for you to save face when it comes to these issues, and still create a feasible plan that will enable everyone to reach the ultimate goal of sustainable living.

Eliminate One Serving of Meat per Day

If you are concerned about what your friends and neighbors will think, it will be best to start your conservation efforts as far away from prying eyes as possible. For example, if you cut back on one single serving of meat each day, you will help reduce water, soil, and air pollution. In fact, for every pound of meat that you refrain from eating, over 400 gallons of water will be conserved. If you factor the amount of water required to process crude and ethanol used to make gasoline for transport, the water savings increases to well over 1200 gallons of water per pound of meat consumed.

Buy a Water Purifier

Many people that buy bottled water are finding out that plastic bottles and chemicals found in bottled water are extremely dangerous. On the other hand, a good quality water purifier is usually made up of a simple carbon filter that will remove lead, pesticides, asbestos, and most other chemicals. At the same time, it also takes approximately 3 gallons of water to produce one gallon of bottled water. When you use a water purifier, there is no waste involved.

Start an Indoor Herb Garden

Even though a handful of parsley or basil may seem very small, commercially grown herbs account for millions of acres of farmland. Rather than buy dried herbs, or fresh ones at your local store, you can grow them right in your own home. Without a question, the herbs will taste better, and you are sure to enjoy having healthy, thriving houseplants in your home or office.

While you may not realize it, some of the resistance to environmental conservation has to do with social perceptions, as well as the idea that “going green” involves complex lifestyle changes. On the other hand, if you make just a few tiny changes you will be amazed at how easy it really is. Even if you skip just one meat serving per day, or start planter of parsley on your kitchen window, you can be part of saving the natural resources of this world for the next generation.

March 18, 2010

Food Choices and Forest Conservation

Filed under: Forest Conservation — admin @ 9:49 am

Conserved Forest
Conserved Forest

If you go to a store to buy any type of food, then you can rest assured that forests are being cut down in order to gain access to fresh soil and grazing land.  Unfortunately, as farms continue to destroy forests, the spent soil left behind remains unable to support plant life for years on end.  As the soil dries up and turns to sand, it creates a very dangerous desertification process.  Without a question, your choices when it comes to buying and growing your own food are extremely important.

Aeroponic Gardening and Conserved Land

Even though you may like the idea of hydroponics, or gardening with water,  these systems can be difficult to manage.  On the other hand, aeroponic systems are much safer.  At the very least, you will not have to contend with bacterial issues or root rot.  Today, there is no question that using soil for planting is one of the most wasteful methods available.  If you can purchase some good quality grow lights and an aeroponic gardening setup, then you will be saving money on your food bill, as well as create a significant shift in forest conservation.

Raising Your Own Chickens

Today, millions of acres worth are dedicated to raising chickens.  Aside from cutting down trees to make room for these farms, they also accumulate an enormous amount of waste.  Unfortunately, commercial chicken farms also make heavy use of pesticides, antibiotics, and other harmful chemicals that leach into the surrounding water and soil.  This, in turn, can quickly create an increase in disease that kill nearby trees.

Chances are, you will not like the idea of killing a pet chicken so that you can eat it.  On the other hand, chickens are social animals that can easily live in your home and provide you with plenty of eggs.  While it may take some effort to get used to the idea of having a pet hen, you will soon come to love this type of pet as much as you love your cats, dogs, and parrots.  As an added bonus, you will be able to enjoy fresh eggs on a regular basis.

When it comes right down to it, food production continues to take up an enormous amount of land that used to be covered with trees.  Even though food is a necessity of life, there are things you can do to end, or drastically reduce your reliance on commercial products.  Even if you live in a very small house or apartment, you may be able to have chickens for pets, as well as take up aeroponic gardening.

March 16, 2010

Fitting Solar Energy into Your Life

Filed under: Energy Conservation — Tags: , , , — admin @ 12:05 pm

Portable Solar Energy

Many people today find time to recycle bottles and make use of other environmentally friendly practices in order to reduce their impact on the planet.  On the other hand, achieving energy independence can be difficult when you don’t have a plan in place that enables you to achieve your goal within budgetary and time limits.  Rather than simply assume that renewable or conserved energy resources will never fit into you life, you can at least try a few simple things and then look for ways to expand your efforts.

Solar Cooking Picnics

Regardless of whether you want to go on a day long date, or you want to spend some time with your children, there is nothing quite like a picnic.   While many people make use of cold foods, you might just decide to bring along a solar cooker.  Even if you construct a device from cardboard, you are sure to enjoy letting the sun prepare your food while you are enjoying other activities.

Using Solar Power for Your Laptop

There is no question that laptops and netbooks have become a normal item to carry from one place to another.  Chances are, you also realize that a laptop takes a good bit less current than a conventional desktop computer.   In fact, a pocket sized solar power recharging kit can provide all of the electricity you will need to keep your laptop battery charged up.  No matter whether you want to sit in the park or near a sunny window, you can enjoy knowing that your laptop isn’t relying on commercial energy sources.

In a sense, our society has been programmed to believe that commercial energy resources are the most reliable and convenient way to meet daily energy needs.  On the other hand, it is very important to realize that a few simple changes now can easily grow into  bigger changes later on.   For example, while you may not think that using a solar power battery for your laptop represents a big step, it does symbolize a fundamental shift in how you think about energy and your electric bill.  In a similar way, once you begin using a solar cooker for special occasions, eventually you will look forward to using it on a daily basis.  Before you know it,  your conserved energy options will expand to a point where relying  on commercial energy will look like the worst, and most wasteful thing in the world.   At that point, when you look at others trapped by high electric bills and other problems, you will truly be glad that you have achieved energy independence.

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