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How Walking Helps the Environment

contentseo — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 12:37:31 +0000

Did you know that walking is good for both your health and the environment’s? We can reduce automobile exhaust emissions by choosing to walk instead of drive. For errands less than a mile away, this is especially true. For these short trips it is best to leave the car at home and walk instead. It is critical to have a great pair of walking shoes. If we walk more and drive less, we can all work together to reduce the impact of greenhouse emissions on global warming.

Cars emit the most toxic exhaust when the engine is still cold, particularly immediately after being started. This occurs because the car’s emissions control equipment has not reached its optimal temperature. On very cold winter days, your car might not warm up to optimal efficiency until you’ve driven at least 10 miles.

Noise pollution is caused, in part, by driving. What is noise? It is any type of sound that is disturbing or undesirable. The adverse effects of traffic sounds are far greater than one may realize. Noise pollution can cause a plethora of problems, including stress, discomfort, pain, difficulty concentrating, and problems hearing other people. Older cars (and motorcycles) cause a great deal of noise pollution. Therefore, choosing to walk instead of driving can help eliminate traffic sounds in our communities.

By walking, we can help reduce traffic congestion and accidents. Traffic is greatest around workplaces and schools typically at starting and quitting times during the day. If you are able to walk, bike, or take public transportation, you should. Parents should also walk their children home from school whenever possible.

Those who walk may be enticed to help benefit the environment in other ways. When we drive instead of walk, we must focus on driving safely, instead of the environment. Litter is much more visible to walkers. Walkers become more alert to neglect or abandonment of vacant land or buildings. When we See Problems, we can also take action to clean them up.

Walking can also keep our community healthier! Regular exercise, such as walking, can help prevent heart attacks and strokes. It helps relieve stress—which is a major cause of multiple health problems. Walking also helps make us stronger, and have more energy. Who knows, if a significant number of people who commute short distances walked instead, there may be fewer trips to the local hospital emergency room.

Looking To Nature For Inspiration: The Study of Biomimicry

contentseo — Sun, 30 May 2010 17:33:45 +0000

Biomimicry is the process of transferring nature’s principles into human technology. Scientists and inventors are increasingly borrowing ideas freely from nature. Why?

Man-made technology will probably never catch up with nature. After all, a car that can travel 70 miles on a single gallon of gas is pretty impressive, but nothing compared with, say, a tiny hummingbird that can fly 500 miles nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico.

Still, nature made humans such that we can’t help trying.

In this quest for constant innovation, why not take advantage of nature’s tested principles which have been fine tuned for millions of years!

If all this sounds abstract, take a look at these innovative examples of biomimicry.

Achieving color without pigment: Following the inspiration of the Blue Morpho Butterflies which get their color just from ambient light, IMOD displays have been designed for easier to read screens even in bright sunlight.
Aerodynamics, Fuel-efficiency and Safety: Despite its funny shape, the angular box fish is surprisingly aerodynamic, and it has proven as an inspiration for Mercedes’ Bionic Car.
Seaweed secretion wards of bacteria: Compounds have been created that mimic the furanones in seaweed which help prevent bacterial build up. A departure from ‘anti-biotics’ which kill bacteria, this approach simply inhibit bacterial growth.
Microscopic texture to keep surfaces clean and dry: Inspired by lotus leaves that repel water and dirt from their surface naturally and easily, a class of wet-proof, self-cleaning products are making their way into our lives.
Getting the sun to work harder for us: Mimicking the translucent polar bear hair that keeps the polar bear warm even in their frigid habitats with little direct sunlight, a translucent polyester fabric has been invented that recreate the effect of solar energy collection.
Staying sharp with lots of use: Imitating the process of bruxing which rats use to keep their incisors sharp, a new generation of industrial blades have been invented that self-sharpen with each use.

As you can see, Biomimicry is already yielding breakthrough technologies.

In an inspiring talk, Janine Benyus, author of an authoritative book on the subject of Biomimicry (biomimetics, bionics, or bio-inspiration, as it is sometimes called), provides more fascinating examples of this concept.

And because the champion adapters in the natural world are, by definition, those that can survive without destroying the environment that sustains them, biomimicry can contribute to the long-term health of our planet.

Let us hope for more earth-friendly innovation inspired by nature in these coming years.

The Facts of Global Warming Effects

contentseo — Sun, 30 May 2010 17:33:42 +0000

The Global warming effects of climate change can be physical,ecological,social,or economic. There is evidence of observed climate change that includes the instrumental temperature record. This does also include rising sea levels. There’s also a decreasing snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change many of the global average temperatures since the middle of the 20 century is almost certainly because of the observed increase in human greenhouse gas. Future climate changes is predicted to incorporate further global warming and a rise in the ocean level. It may include a more frequency of extreme weather events. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change signatories have agreed to implement some policies so as to reduce emissions on their greenhouse gases.

The instrumental temperature record has shown a trend in climate of increased global mean temperature over the past hundred years.This also means a increase in Global warming effects. There are other observed changes of arctic shrinkage, arctic methane release in coastal sediments, and sea level rise. The arctic methane which releases terrestrial carbon from permafrost regions has also been observed.Over this century it is predicted that the global average temperature will rise. That will have a possible increase in the frequency of extreme weather events and changes in rainfall patterns. The probability of the warming having any consequences will multiply with the rate,magnitude, as well as duration of the climate changes. Some of the physical impacts of the climate change can’t be reversed at continental or global scales. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, having a medium confidence level concluded that with the worldwide average temperature increase of 1 to 4 degrees C ( of 1990-2000),partial deglaciation of would take place over many centuries or millenniums.

Global warming effects across the world population won’t evenly be distributed. Some areas may experience benefits from this while some will experience costs. Since greater levels of warming are happening it is likely that the benefits will start decreasing and the costs will raise. The lower latitude and less developed areas will be at the greatest risk.

There are particular regions that are more susceptible to Global warming effects. As a result of projected high rates of warming the Artic is more susceptible to warming. The continent of Africa,especially the sub-Saharan district, low capability to adapt to climate change and projected impacts. Any of the small islands are vulnerable to being effected by global warming.

Steer Clear Of Consuming Tap Water And Drink Filtered Water Instead

contentseo — Sat, 29 May 2010 21:03:56 +0000

An effective bottled water cooler features many unique phases for the water for being filtered through. Concerning how sophisticated and intricate the reverse osmosis system is, it depends on the measures that are involved in configuring it. Most reverse osmosis filters have got four to five stages. One of the troubles persons encounter when getting this type of system in their house relates to avoiding the membrane from clogging. Replacing the filters may expand the life span of the system. The actual levels of the typical home based reverse osmosis h2o cooler system are usually the following:

Firstly work with a deposit prefilter to take out the biggest polutants from your water, which often include corrosion, dirt and other rather large contaminants. When this is successfully done the water will become much less cloudy.

Next, you may choose to ensemble your system with a 2nd carbon prefilter. These filtration systems are used to clear away almost all of the chlorine and natural chemicals in the drinking water. This will likely give the normal water a lot less of a chlorine flavor and odor. This may also assist safeguard the chlorine-vulnerable reverse osmosis membrane.

Next will be the reverse osmosis membrane layer. That is ordinarily made out of a slim film composite membrane layer. This is used to gather the water that has been filtered. An unfortunate result of the membrane is that the trace mineral deposits found in the water will be removed. We all require these trace minerals to supplement our vitamins and minerals.

The last step is adding a carbon post filtration which catches any chemical substances which have been still in the drinking water. In addition, it helps against tainting the drinking water that is within the storage container, as well as helps get rid of any kind of artificial chemicals that have not already been removed via the membrane layer.

Change now, Change Often, Think Simple and Go Green!

contentseo — Sat, 15 May 2010 13:35:44 +0000

So how’s that 2010 new years resolution doing? In any case, for those who’re like many of us, you may have already given up. It can be extremely difficult to change one habit. In fact, we may well proceed year after year making the identical vow to ourselves to break a nasty issue. Then we tend to end the promise of breaking that pattern (sound familiar smokers, routine soda drinkers, or fast-food eaters?). It’s a vicious cycle! How do we smash it?

I propose we adopt a strategy of changing various simple things in our lives, right now, rather than developing just one purpose for transformation. What if shifting in just one way isn’t enough? Since we tend to formulate decisions to change, yet in small ways, we obtain momentum in addition to self-confidence in our power in making helpful adjustments regarding a number of the tougher things like working out repeatedly and at last losing that extra weight. So let’s start building with the purpose of gaining confidence!

I estimate two straightforward yet imperative ways I know how to adjust our planet as well as myself. Firstly, I’ll make use of eco friendly reusable or recycled bags rather than plastic one use bags and paper bags whenever I go to the grocery store. Secondly, I’ll keep in mind to utilize reusable water bottles. You could be surprised as a result of what a constructive influence these two painless behaviors might have for the world.

These different approaches are simple, effortless plus inexpensive. Moreover, in spite of widely held belief, plastic containers and bags are not enslaving (we swear, no withdrawals or cravings)! Numerous aren’t heedful of how our usage of these products have an effect on our planet’s wellbeing. Once upon a time not way back, we weren’t alert of the harmful effects of cigarettes. We accepted cigarette smoke for the status quo. A number of us still smoke or live in places where smoking is permissible inside public places. Utilizing reusable grocery bags and reusable water bottles can be fresh healthy ways of life and so easy in comparison to something similar to quitting caffeine, high fructose corn syrup or removing fast food from our diet programs. Keep a reserve of eco bags inside your vehicle or your tote sac. Make a small investment in a stainless steel reusable water bottle and carry it with you everywhere you go. You will not only shrink the destructive impacts of disposable bag and disposable bottle rubbish in the environment, additionally you will inspire other folks to build these uncomplicated transformations in their life at the same time as well. The most excellent outcome is how you may feel in regards to yourself when you realize you are now a part of the solution, and not the trouble. Take a look at the stats as well as the facts:

Disposable bag usage:
Plastic bag waste pollutes our lands, trees, ponds, rivers, lakes, and oceans.Just since year started out (as of March 1st, 2010), currently its estimated that in excess of 82 Billion plastic bags are consumed inside of the USA.
According to the EPA this contributes towards the deaths of hundreds of 1000s of oceanic mammals (who ingest and subsequently gag or pass away of hunger because of this). In California alone, an estimated 19 billion plastic bags wind up in landfills each year. Although there may be arguments concerning which one (plastic opposed to. paper) is worse for our environment, there is no arguments that the widespread adoption of eco friendly reusable shopping bags is by far the top answer for this significant environmental problem.

Plastic bottle usage:
According to the Container Recycling Institute (CRI), more than 21 billion beverage cans and bottles have been land-filled, littered and incinerated so far this year (yes just since 2010 kicked off). CRI also states that Americans buy an estimated 34.6 billion disposable plastic bottles every year and hundreds of millions end up in the same places that disposable bags end up.

We all dream of a day when we finally break loose of our bad habits: quitting smoking, removing fast food in our diet, or just getting off the couch and working out! You already know you are able to do it! Determine what you are able to simply modify now, and be proactive on it. So formulate an easy change in your desire today: Implement a reusable shopping bag and stainless steel water bottles habit and begin building momentum for greater lifestyle improvements that are beginning affecting your destiny right now!

The Benefits of Solar Water Heaters

contentseo — Sat, 15 May 2010 13:35:42 +0000

Often when referring to solar fuel plus solar power, the reference is to photovoltaic or PV panels to generate electricity, though actually solar thermal panels are much better at capturing fuel. Therefore more along with more people are interested in building their own solar thermal unit in addition to are looking for solar water heater plans to build their own version of a solar heater. Firstly, dissimilar many extra do it your self projects, building a solar water heater is completely realistic, as well as can be carried out with anyone by means of a even only a basic grasp of hot water heating systems. The appeal of capturing solar warmth is clear, as once the charge of installation is met, the energy is then essentially free. This warmth can be captured into the water, and be used for more than a few applications. The water could be used for washing, in sinks along with baths. The water could also be used to warmth swimming pools, which can play a major role in reducing running costs. The water can also be used for heating applications via radiators or with under floor heating systems. Depending on the climate, the warmth generated via the solar water heater will either meet all your requirements or component of your requirements. What ever the scenario, it can decrease your current energy costs.

Learn more about Solar Water Heater Plans

The main components of a solar water heater are the solar thermal collector, flow plus return heating pipes, a pump as well as a hot water storage vessel. The hot water can then be used on demand when required. There are a variety of locations the solar thermal units can be placed. The key requirement clearly is to be in direct sunlight for the majority of the day. In many cases solar water heaters are installed on the roof of the property. The reward are that it is taking advantage of a space that cannot really be used for any extra application supplementary than solar electric panels. There are considerations that must be considered by roof mounted solar water heating systems. Firstly is if wind speed is an issue, positioning a solar water heater on your roof may not be practical. Also, many of the solar water heater designs are not very aesthetic. The additional choice is base the unit on the ground, which does have more than a few advantages. Firstly the solar water heater is visibly easier to construct as well as install, in addition to aesthetics is no longer so much of an issue. A underground water storage vessel can also be installed below the solar collector, taking advantage of the insulating properties of placing the tank below ground. The plans for constructing a ground based solar water heater are also much simpler to build.

Read more about Solar Water Heater Plans and Facts

The greatest design to build your self is a passive system, specifically the integrated collector storage. This is where the hot water tank also acts as the solar collector. The design of this system is very straightforward. Firstly a tank is required, the size of the tank will reflect your hot water requirements, the tank must be black to capture as much solar energy as possible. Connected via flow as well as return pipes to the property, the tank is then placed in a insulated collector box.

More information on Solar Water Heater Plans and DIY

A look at Biodiesel Processor – An Introduction

contentseo — Sat, 15 May 2010 13:35:38 +0000

Biodiesel takes center stage as an alternative fuel. It has many benefits over commonly used diesel fuel. It helps you reduce your gas expenses. Also, homebased production for Biodiesel is possible. The risk involved in production is nothing critical.

How To Make Biodiesel – Introduction

Special knowledge or skills are not required in learning Biodiesel. A Biodiesel processor can promote efficiency and effectiveness in Homemade Biodiesel.Your investment cost for Biodiesel processor and supplies is still below than you would take out from your pocket for your normal diesel supply, so it makes sense to start making your own Biodiesel at home with a Biodiesel processor.

Reasons for Acquisition

You may wonder why you need a Biodiesel processor. You may source out Biodiesel supply from local sources. What you may overlook is that your Biodiesel supply is more likely a blend product.

Although blends demonstrates better quality than straight diesel fuel, they are the ideal way to test Biodiesel.

Pure Biodiesel, otherwise known as B100, is more advantageous for your vehicle and more friendly for the environment.

Making your own pure Biodiesel is not really difficult. With a processor it is actually quite simple because the processor performs most of the tasks with the B100 product as the final output.

What to be Expecting

Most Biodiesel processors come fully assembled. Thus you can start Biodiesel production right away. Your operations manual should be in place and must identify what necessary supplies are needed.

The Biodiesel processor is designed to undertake most of the work load, thus you can proceed with Biodiesel production with minimal preparatory tasks.

The process can be quick pending the inputs to be used. If you use used vegetable oil expect the process to take a little longer.

Moreover, with a Biodiesel processor you can generate a good Biodiesel output since the processor is made to produce only high quality fuel. Your margin of error is low compared to that of a kit.

How to Use It

You should run your Biodiesel processor in a designated and exclusive area, Since your Biodiesel processor is likely for regular use it is adviseable to set it up for ready use if the need arises. Moreover, your processor can be secured from damages.

You have to strictly follow the set of directions in making Biodiesel to ensure quality output and maximize the benefits from your processor.

Change From Oil and Gas, To Wood Pellet Systems

contentseo — Thu, 06 May 2010 22:02:39 +0000

Wood is a very general term to a wide range of possible energy sources. Biomass can be purpose grown fuel source or a waste, or currently perceived waste. When biomass is referenced, in many cases the reference is still to do by way of biomass. Timber has been used for fuel production for thousands of years, as well as does along with will continue to play a central role in wood fuel along with biomass combustion. Yet, woody wood is only on small component of the picture, potentially all grasses, straws, energy crops in addition to even animal waste is a likely source of fuel due to biomass incineration. The key issue with all of these raw materials is how do you use them. All of these resources have a different shape, size, density plus moisture content. To manufacture a biomass incineration solution which can use all these potential energy sources would be extremely difficult, fee along with not a very practical exercise. Also transporting these low density along with high moisture content materials is also not very practical or price effective. Some of these wood materials will have a moisture content as high as 50%. So in essence transporting this material means half of the transport costs are spent on moving water. When biomass is promoted as a green fuel with low carbon emissions, unnecessary transportation is the biggest drawback to wood fuel resources.

Learn more about Pellet

Therefore what is answer? Well, in many cases processing the biomass into pellets for biomass combustion is the most practical along with affordable solution. A pellet is a highly compressed form of the biomass material into a uniform size along with shape by way of a moisture content below 10%. This gives the wood completely different combustion characteristics, and means that many different types of wood resources can be used in one system designed to burn pellets. At present the biomass pellet energy market is dominated with wood pellets, and not only wood pellets but premium wood pellets. This was to generate a pellet fuel which formed the least ash content probable to try in addition to compete by means of oil as well as gas systems in terms of maintenance. The resources used to produce premium fuel pellets are definitely a valid energy source, they cannot meet the future likely pellet fuel market demands. Therefore more different grades of biomass plus additional biomass fuel pellets will grown in demand.

Benefits and Drawbacks to Wind Power

contentseo — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 14:05:25 +0000

Over the last decade, residential wind turbines have improved substantially, to the point that they’re now a realistic, serious option for a growing number of homeowners. The improved designs of today generate more energy from less wind than was previously possible, thanks in part to advanced materials and technologies. Furthermore, there are all kinds of styles and sizes of residential turbines on the market now, and consumers are certain to find one that meets their needs with regard to size and power.

Benefits

Permanent energy

We’ll never run out of wind (though the same can’t be said about some other sources of energy). The wind will keep on providing energy – as long as we do what it takes to harness it – permanently. Fossil fuels can’t make that claim. Oil and natural gas supplies are not permanent. As hard as it may be to imagine, we will eventually run out of those things. Wind energy isn’t affected by economic factors in the same way – it will always be cheap and plentiful, unlike fossil fuels.

Power at no cost

If you’re using wind energy, there’s no more need to keep track of kilowatt hours or anything like that. The one-time cost associated is that which comes from installing a wind turbine; once you’ve done that, wind power is absolutely free. The previously impossible goals of going off the grid and saying goodbye forever to electric bills are now widely available thanks to residential wind turbines.

No emissions

Wind power is totally free of pollution. Fossil fuels, on the other hand, result in a lot of pollution. You can reduce your carbon footprint significantly by switching to wind power.

Forget about foreign oil

Dependence on foreign oil is an important issue that affects us not just as individuals, but as a country. One of the most effective ways to reduce dependence on foreign oil to change to wind power, as this will eliminate the need for oil of any sort.

Power day and night

Residential wind turbines can produce electricity 24 hours a day in any weather. Solar panels, meanwhile, only generate electricity when the sun is out. Therefore, with solar panels, it’s likely that you’ll still be required to buy in electricity from a power company. Wind power, though, isn’t subject to these limitations.

No problems with space or positioning

Another advantage of wind power is that, unlike with solar panels, you don’t need to worry about the surrounding environment so much. This means that solar panels aren’t a good option for homes that have a lot of shade, or where the roof isn’t aligned appropriately. The function of a wind turbine isn’t restricted in any way by the orientation of your home. Wind turbines are also more efficient in terms of use of space than solar panels are.

Disadvantages

Startup cost

Even though the ongoing costs of wind energy are miniscule, some potential users are intimidated by the startup costs. The money you’ll save from using the electricity produced by your own wind generator, though, is more than enough to make up for the initial cost. Furthermore, you can seriously reduce that cost by building your own wind generator, as many people do. To read more about how to do it yourself visit Wind Generator Kit.

Height necessity

If you’re using a larger type of wind turbine, you’ll need to be certain that it’s mounted high enough to be exposed to consistent, strong wind. It may be necessary to mount the turbine at a significant height depending on the level of surrounding buildings and trees. In these cases, it’s often necessary to mount wind generators on towers or other tall structures. The HOA permits or approvals that can be necessary in order to carry this out can increase the up-front cost of starting up a wind generator. Though, again, building a homemade wind generator can help mitigate the costs.

Wind requirement

Although wind power doesn’t have the same strict requirements for generation as solar power does, it does need consistent wind. Thus, the most appropriate locations for wind generators are those which experience the strongest and most consistent wind. In other words, the fewer buildings and trees are present in the area, the better it will be for wind energy production. While you can produce significant wind power in areas with tall trees or buildings by placing the wind generator on a tall structure, it is certainly still better and more cost-effective to generate wind power in areas that don’t have these features. One of the guides mentioned above will tell you how to build a wind turbine.

These characteristics make wind power different from any other type of power. For most people, the disadvantages appear to be pretty insignificant in comparison to the advantages. Even solar power doesn’t match wind power in terms of versatility and convenience. Where solar power may suffer somewhat, wind power truly shines. The only disadvantage shared by both types of power is the startup cost. If you’re able to build your own wind generator, though, even this obstacle can be largely eliminated.

What is a Micro Inverter?

contentseo — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 14:05:24 +0000

A solar power system for your home is a great option if you’d like to lower or even eliminate your monthly electricity bill. Solar power systems have seen a series of improvements over the years, and they’re now more efficient, more affordable, and easier to install than ever before. One of the most recent improvements is the addition of micro inverters to solar panels. There are various kinds of solar power inverters used today. You can go toSolar Power Inverter for further information about solar power inverters.

In most cases, solar systems have the same basic configuration. The solar panels are placed on the roof of the home, or in a location where they will be exposed to as much sun as possible. When the panels are exposed to sunlight, they generate DC electricity.

This DC electricity is then sent to a large inverter, which is generally located near the home’s electrical panel. Appliances in the home use AC electricity, and the inverter converts the DC electricity to AC for this purpose.

Previous solar power systems had long wires carrying the electricity from the panels to the inverter, and this cause a fair amount of power loss. Low voltage DC electricity is especially susceptible to power loss. The only solution in the past was just to produce more power to make up for the loss.

The answer to the problem of power loss is now here,in the form of solar micro inverters. Micro inverters are small inverters that are built into the panels themselves, converting the electricity on the spot. This way, the solar panel provides a complete solution for your energy needs. AC electricity can move a longer distance with less loss than DC electricity. This also removes the stress of having to upgrade your inverter, as the micro inverters take the stress away from the regular inverter, or even eliminate it completely, meaning that you’re able to expand your system according to your needs. Despite the slightly greater up-front cost, these advanced solar panels will enable you to save even more money in the long run, thanks to their superior efficiency.

Virtually any solar power system that utilizes batteries requires a solar charge controller. Their function is to regulate the power moving from the solar panels to the batteries. If you want information about solar charge controllers, visit Solar Charge Controller.

For the best guide to building your own homemade wind turbine, you can check out Earth4Enegry Review.