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Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Living Green Is Going To Have A Positive Impact On Our World Which We Can Leave To Our Children

Living Green Is Going To Have A Positive Impact On Our World Which We Can Leave To Our Children
By Howard Grier

image: depositphotos
We are now living in a world where pollution is adversely affecting everything in nature, and we're seeing terrible effects like acid rain and global warming. It appears as if we're ignoring the damage we're causing this amazing planet of ours. How wonderful it would be if we could breathe natural air in our cities, uncontaminated by poisons and toxins due to our way of living. However, this is no longer attainable; we humans have guaranteed that with the pollution we've created we'll be breathing in airborne poisons, which can impair our habitat and ultimately our health.

All types of life found in that massive body of water, our oceans, which total 70% of planet earth's surface, are being ravaged by pollutants such as oil and chemical spillage, which inevitably affects us as well. Lots of fishing jobs that were reliant on the healthy bounty of the sea have been wiped out. Since way back in time, fishing has fed and given economic means to a significant section of our population, all of which is already being taken from many. Anyone wanting to be persuaded of how harmful oil spills are, need look no further than the recent Deep water Horizon disaster, which cost billions to subsequently fix and left many unemployed. The whole ecosystem was damaged through the large numbers of wildlife that perished, avian as well as marine, causing a backlash along the whole of the food chain. An unfortunate example of mankind prioritizing its short-term necessity for oil, a dead substance, over the well-being of the earth and its other inhabitants.


Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Switching To Solar And Wind Power To Help Save Cash And The Planet

Switching To Solar And Wind Power To Help Save Cash And The Planet
By Howard Grier

image: depositphotos
When it comes to the advantages of making use of solar and wind power you're going to see that 2 of the main reasons that men and women should do this is to save the planet and to save money. Individuals can wind up saving an enormous amount of cash by utilizing these alternative energy sources as they are able to help people eliminate their power bill. Due to the costs involved in switching your house over to run on solar and wind power, is among the primary reasons this isn't something that is practiced more widely. Even though converting your house to run on solar and wind can be expensive it's significantly less expensive than many men and women believe.

In order for the major electrical companies to supply electricity to all of the homes, they ought to use an enormous amount of our natural resources. Individuals can in fact decrease the amount of electricity that the big organizations need to create simply by switching over to solar and wind power, and as a result this would reduce pollution. You can save cash, our resources and in addition decrease the pollution that's created each day by simply making use of these clean energy supplies. These reasons alone should be more than enough reason for any person to think about making use of these alternative energy sources.


Monday, March 19, 2012

What's Trending in Wind Power Development Technology in India?

What's Trending in Wind Power Development Technology in India?
By Nina Varghese

image: depositphotos
Newer technologies in wind power generation have greatly improved in the last twenty years. India also has benefited from these developments in wind power technology.
One of the emerging trends in India has been the multi mega watt turbines which can be installed at higher hub levels. The diameters of these rotors are larger than the earlier ones so the energy generated is more from one unit. The increase in altitude helps the wind turbine generators utilize the benefits of more powerful winds and reduced turbulence.

The installation of bigger turbines has seen a ten per cent increase in capacity from 1998 to 2010. The wind turbine generators which have been installed in India have seen a growth; 767 kW in 2004 to more than 1000 kW five years later. More than half the newly installed wind power turbines in India are these mega watt generators.

Two factors have resulted in more power being generated than estimated earlier: the advances made in technology and increasing the height of the hubs. In India, wind speeds fall in the moderate to low range, except in certain parts of the coast in the southern state of Tamil Nadu and in the Rann of Kutch, in the western state of Gujarat.


Monday, March 5, 2012

Aquasana Under Sink Purification Analysis

image: depositphotos
I have attempted personally an under sink purification through the past couple of many preferred to alter to a new model. I wasn't pleased with the effectiveness or possibly the filter alternative costs in the present model I had been using.

I desired the chance after i moved in a the place to find really research and obtain the best sink filter that will provide me with cleaner and much more healthy water for consuming and cooking.

Around this time around around I essentially used the region water companies filtration models they offered. After I started to appear online I recognized that there's been much more options and large discount rates.
Among the sink filtration models I heavily investigated was the Aquasana under sink purification. Aquasana has two under sink models, the AQ-4600 along with the AQ-4601. The only real distinction involving the 2 may be the 4601 includes better faucet options.

Listed below are my findings for the Aquasana 4600 and 4601 under sink water filters...

Filtration Method
These filters make use of the multi-stage filtration that's probably most likely probably the most advanced filtration techniques available on the market. They normally use a combination of mechanical filtration, absorption and ion-exchange that's also called carbon filtration and sub micron filtration.
Their filtration techniques are really individually examined and licensed by Underwriters labs along with the California Department of Public Medical health insurance they may filter around 30 gallons water that's clean hourly.


Sunday, March 4, 2012

What To Do About Recycling At Home

What To Do About Recycling At Home
By Brent R Partner

image: depositphotos
When we look at the havoc wreaked by humanity on the planet's natural ecology, it can be hard to fathom how to help rectify this situation. At the most basic level the answer is simple. We can as individuals, families and communities recycle and reuse our waste at home. By beginning the recycling process in small incremental steps in our homes and communities we can make an impact eventually at a national level - and who knows - later at a total concerted global level.

I don't think there is anyone among us who do not want a bright sustainable future for our children and grandchildren. So what better way to invest in our progeny's future than by working on building a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable environment for them to live in? What better way of educating our young than by leading by example.

The green movement has become very political around the globe in the past twenty years, much to the chagrin of many voters. But no matter what your political convictions, it is a small investment of time and money to begin recycling around the home. At its heart it is merely the effort of buying some recycling bins for home and obtaining some basic information from your local recycling station on what type of materials they accept for recycling. What is so terribly difficult about that?


Friday, March 2, 2012

A Berkey Purification For Your Residence

by Anne J. Forrest

image: depositphotos
Water may be the substance connected with existence. While using the minutest microorganism for that finest great whale, natural furthermore to great water that's clean is essential to reside. By using this total requirement, you will have to ensure that you just contain the best water you'll be able to picture to make the most of together with foods, drinks or even for self-care. This Berkey purification provides an many assistance in this region. The Berkey purification system should omit almost all pathoenic agents from your water system.

For instance, the Crown Berkey pure purification technique is an amazing choice for the higher types of 4 or greater filters. This type of model is effective in environs for example chapels, residence, private sanatorium or orphanages. Not always needing electricity to operate, the Crown method is the finest option for crisis that befall any community coming from from such things as a traditional devastation.

Cleansing with water, you'll have the ability to expose the raw water of stagnate watering holes, or contaminated supplies for that Berkey purification systems as well as eliminate pathoenic agents and chemicals lower to 99.99% giving the customer apparent and crisp water to sample.

The stainless construction isn't just very functional and, but in addition visually pleasing for that eye, which is an very healthy welcome accessory for your work or home place. Fairly simple to create, you don't need to drag all of your pals to try and construct it with you. There's a ceramic filters inside the Berkey pure purification system continue for quite a while and you don't have to spend every day cleaning them either. These filters are utilized around the world in very harsh conditions and still have proven their worth frequently. Plant and animal existence are permitted to carry onto succeed while using the Berkey water filters in position.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Environmental Issues For Real - Environmentalism

Environmental Issues For Real - Environmentalism
By J. Mark Dangerfield Ph.D.

image: depositphotos
Environmentalism has been with us for a century and the world would be a poorer place without the efforts of the vocal and active minority who are its practitioners. Great swathes of land have been saved from the chainsaw and the plough, pollutants are fewer, and planning for development is now tempered by the need to consider more than just profit.

At the advent of agriculture 10,000 years ago there were perhaps 1 million Homo sapiens. Back then the Earth must have seemed vast, boundless and bountiful.
With so few people there would always be the next forested valley to forage into, the next herd of game to hunt and the next pristine glacial lake to fish.

Our numbers began to increase once we figured out how to grow our own food. More babies survived to adulthood and adults lived longer simply because of improved nutrition. Then our numbers exploded once we discovered abundant energy from the burning of fossil fuels. And for a long time during these agricultural and industrial revolutions we kept that boundless and bountiful feeling about the world we live in. We went on to grow food everywhere and increase in numbers building cities and farming infrastructure as we went.

Environmentalism was the "hey, hold on a minute" call that we needed to have.
A few vocal individuals reaslised that natural resource renewal was compromised by the impact of our growing numbers on organisms and habitats, that habitats and species were being lost, and even that our actions would have a collective effect on climate. Environmentalism pointed out the very real limits to this growth and the need to prevent some of the damage it causes.


Wednesday, February 29, 2012

A Conveyable Purification Or Portable Water Purifier Can Keep Your Existence On A Journey

by Sam Jackson

image: depositphotos
For a person happening the large trip where you'll be in a number of places, you have to tote around the most effective things that you'll want for your journey. Knowing that you'll be inside the wild, then you definitely should consider getting portable water filters and portable water skin skin cleansers for travel and hiking to be capable of make sure that you'll usually have healthy and water that's clean to drink wherever you're.

Every so often, especially, for example certain nations or large towns with plenty of pollution, the traditional within the water isn't fit to drink whatsoever from the tap or possibly the rivers. In places such as this, they tell each of their individuals to make certain and clean everything before there's a glass or two, for example by boiling it first or making sure to train on a filter over their taps.

In places such as this especially, you shouldn't risk your wellness simply by consuming anything you find and assuming you'll fine. Poor h2o might cause real problems, for example stomach bugs and infections additionally to harmful undesirable microbes that may lodge themselves within you and possess you queasy for the prior to deciding to realize just what the issue is and still have it taken proper proper proper care of.

The advantages of a filter you might take together with you're it does not matter that you simply complete, additionally, you will have something to drink. If you're out camping or hiking, most of the beneficial because who knows which type of supply you'll have inside the wild.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

A Baby Shower Celebration Celebration Purification Can Take Care Of You Against Older Home Plumbing Hazards

by Jane Former

image: depositphotos
Showers in your house recently occupied are not considered regarding acquiring a baby shower celebration celebration purification. This will really be one of the greatest things the occupant should check and, if there is not basically one, realize that certain is installed. What many individuals do not understand is the fact insufficient you may create any adverse health problem for the whole family when using the shower.

 It may seem hard about having a product that's helpful for heavy jobs for example metal degreasing, dry cleaning and disinfectants in regards to the taking it towards the body. Pool water could be a bleaching agent helpful of these processes nevertheless it's place in public h2o and pools. It's presently flowing through every home's water system who lives in a occupied area.

 Filters within the polished brass polished brass polished brass shower head will get rid of the Pool water that flows utilizing a home's water system. They prevent this chemical along with other harmful pollutants from touching your body and leading to undesirable problems. They're a great preventive tool to help keep a seem body inherited.

 When bathing the foremost is more uncovered to more Pool water compared to what they are when consuming water. This constant flowing within the bleached water within your body exposes anybody to a lot of additional elements too. It's been proven that Pool water frequently changes the dwelling of other components in water, which will make them more harmful within the overall picture.

Monday, February 27, 2012

How To Stop Raping Our Heritage By Blocking Huge Wind Turbine Plans

How To Stop Raping Our Heritage By Blocking Huge Wind Turbine Plans
By Geoff Morris

image: depositphotos
Promoting plans for giant wind turbines has become a much practiced art, by people whose main aim is to feather their own nests, in sometimes total disregard for the communities they totally unsettle. This means that to increase your level of success in overturning these planning applications, your approach needs to be made in a very special manner.

What has to be remembered, is that this government (and the last one), are determined to push ahead on their agenda to produce a very high proportion of electricity from renewable sources, especially from wind power. Sometimes this would seem to be carried out in what can only be described as a dictatorial approach, and for those companies who are well-versed in pushing your local planning committee down the road that company wants, usually has the backing of lawyers, other so-called 'experts', and unfortunately, bottom-less purses.

This means that you have to adopt a totally different approach to the way many of you have tried (and failed) in the past to block what can only be described as hideous desecration of our Heritage. Forget the emotions ('Not in our backyard' etc), but you have to present as many economic objections as you possibly can. Why? Because your local council has been elected (allegedly) to ensure that you get the very best value for money in the manner in which your local taxes are spent, and if not, heads will probably roll at the very next local elections.


Friday, February 24, 2012

Global Warming Causes, Effects, and Controversy

Global Warming Causes, Effects, and Controversy
By Angela Ralano

image: depositphotos
Living things are able to survive on Earth because of its atmosphere. Without it, there would be no life and Earth would be just another inhabitable planet like the other planets of our solar system.
Because of our atmosphere, greenhouse gases are able to trap in heat that would otherwise escape from Earth. In many ways, this is a very good thing because we don't want the Earth to be too cold. However, the problem is that due to pollution from burning fossil fuels, car exhaust, and other chemicals we use, we are building up too much of the greenhouse gases too quickly for the Earth's biosystem to remain stable.

The greenhouse gases are:
  • Carbon dioxide (CO2)
  • Water Vapor (H20)
  • Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
  • Methane (CH4)
  • Nitrous Oxide (N20)
Carbon Dioxide
Scientist have reported an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide due to our reliance on fossil fuels. Plants help to decrease the amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere because they use it during photosynthesis and then release oxygen.
However, not only have humans been busy driving their cars (car exhaust is one of the biggest contributors to carbon dioxide emissions), but they've also been busy destroying the world's rainforests. If the rainforest continues to be destroyed at its present rate then there won't be enough trees and plants available to lessen the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere from pollution.


A H2o Filter Can Take Care Of Your Wellness


by Ray L. Taylor

image: depositphotos
A h2o filter is an important health consideration for the family members. These come in many styles and dimensions. Water filters are for your kitchen, shower or even the whole home filter. So selecting the very best h2o filter to suit your needs may be confusing. Allow me to help, continue reading through through please.

 Health: first Priority

 The initial priority is to discover h2o filter that safeguards your wellness by getting rid of all water borne pollutants. While you shop the initial guide is product performance data. Inside a couple of states, h2o filter publication rack needed to provide these particulars together with their sales literature. But regulation isn't across the country, so based on where the organization are available, they is most likely unable or prepared to disclose performance particulars.

 Product Performance Data

 Don't buy any h2o filter that doesn't provide product performance data. This really is really the very first rule for looking for h2o filters:

 Product performance data sheets can help you compare the effectiveness of an item (what it really leaves in, what it really removes), with the cost helpful, either if the involves gallons water strained or maybe this requires time. It might be somewhat difficult to determine in the beginning, but heres the easiest formula that people have discovered.


Thursday, February 23, 2012

Why Would You Need A Portable Water Filter?

Why Would You Need A Portable Water Filter?
By Kristie Brown

image: depositphotos
Years have shown you that you can get by without a portable water filter, so why should you put out the cash for one now? Not that you drink a whole lot of water in the first place, because you'd much rather have a soda or another cup of coffee, but in a pinch you can always buy bottled water. So what's the big deal about people buying straws and drink cups that have filters in them? Is this really a necessity of 21st century life?

To start with, no matter how young you are, you need to start thinking about your health. When you're hanging out with friends, the Cokes and beers probably flow freely. However, beverages other than water aren't providing your body with the hydration it needs to stay healthy. Without enough water in your system, your kidneys can shut down, and waste products remain in your system far longer than they should. Only water will do an adequate job of sustaining your healthy body and mind, which is a good argument for carrying water with you at all times.

Bottled water is proving to be no bargain. People spend a fortune on bottled products that don't contain water that's any better than what they can get from their own taps. In fact, many of the bottling plants actually pump local tap water into their bottles, and municipal water is far from perfect. If you're looking of water that's of a consistently-high quality, you're better off using a portable water filter and creating your own.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Solar Panels

Solar Panels
By Yusuf Chy

image: depositphotos
In general, solar energy can be described as the energy that is received from the sunlight and converted by a mechanical source for home use. It's cheaper and reliable for operations since the sun is readily available. On the other hand, solar panels are the mechanically built materials whose main purpose is to convert solar energy to electrical energy. They are built from an element called silicon. It is the core duty of the silicon element to covert the solar energy to electricity. The solar power can either be directly or indirectly gotten from the sunlight. When it's cloudy the intensity of the solar power delivered perfectly, the photovoltaic solar materials deliver sun rays into electricity and the solar thermal receiver changes the solar power into heat solvents, such as oil and water. This type of power is used in, iPod chargers, charge batteries water heaters, cell phone chargers and spacecrafts.

How do solar panels work? They practically work on the photovoltaic invention. Its name is derived from the technology used, which is also known as PV, which is made from silicon element. They are basically semiconductors made from sand built into large computer chips. When sun rays falls on the PV materials, the PN junction in it with its metal conductor helps produce electricity. At this juncture, the PN junction is the positive and negative charges that assist to produce electric current. Solar energy is available in different systems, grid connection, inverters and power storage. In a different system, the PV takes up large space up the roof to produce more energy. It can also be built on land space and produce up to 5-9 Megawatts per hour. They can also be useful in street lighting.

Liquid Batteries Doubling As Stability Control for Weight and Balance, and Ballast

Liquid Batteries Doubling As Stability Control for Weight and Balance, and Ballast
By Lance Winslow

image: depositphotos
If you look at a hybrid car, or a fully electric automobile, then you will note that they have quite a few Batteries. Those batteries have liquid inside, and that liquid does move around. Yes, often they have membranes, baffles, or even a webbing which also doubles as a component of the battery to help it charge faster, or hold the charge longer. However, as long as they have liquid inside, we might be able to turn that challenge into an opportunity.

Okay so, let's talk about all this for second if we might.

There was a brilliant article on Physorg (dot) com recently titled; "Liquid batteries could level the load," posted on February 14, 2012 by David L. Chandler. Interestingly enough, the title of that article reminded me of an old engineering concept that I had long ago about a UAV or unmanned vehicle which would eat itself as it flew, as the wing spar would be wrapped in fuel and as it used up the fuel the wing would decrease its camber, and not needing that extra weight after climb-out it would increase its speed. Anyway you get the point.

Now then, taking this article title in Physorg (dot) com and dismissing what the article was really about, which was distributing the level of electric output - and then considering my engineering design, think about liquid batteries and how they might assist in the stability of aircraft, vessels, motorcycles, cars, rail, submarines, or other transportation devices when it really matters. What if the batteries were not box shaped, but layered on top of each other?


Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Making A Yurt Rafter Ring

Making A Yurt Rafter Ring
By Robert Frederick Lee

image: depositphotos
One of the most basic components, yet one of the most crucial structural elements of any yurt is the rafter ring. This device holds each rafter in place, ensures geometrical and structural integrity of the building, allows for installation of the essential dome vent and must be installed so as to apply uniform weight and pressure to each rafter at the same time that each rafter equally holds it in place. There are a number of pieces that make up this assembly, whether it is designed and constructed in-house or custom ordered.

The ring, in some instances, is built from one piece of wood. However, this is quite a costly venture, relative to the total cost of the yurt. Other wooden rings use a layered approach, sandwiching a layer of OSB between pieces of dimensional lumber, or the reverse. Other rings are constructed from metal, or metal and wood combinations, while a few are built of polymers. Since most yurt-dwellers have a core of self-sufficiency, I recommend constructing the ring completely from dimensional lumber, in layers.

For this piece of your modern Mongolian yurt, you will need fourteen eight-foot lengths of one by six spruce, fir or pine planks. As well, one quart of carpenters glue and one hundred eighty two-inch construction screws complete your parts inventory. For tools, you will need a variable speed drill, � inch drill bit, screwdriver bit, jig saw with blades and a small paint brush.

Begin by cutting all of the eight-foot lengths of planking into four-foot lengths. Lay them side by side, using nine pieces on the first layer to form a near-square. Due to the actual width of a six inch plank (5.5 inches) he total width should be 49.5 inches - slightly wider than the length. At this point, this is not important. Next, tie these boards together temporarily, using one of the four-foot lengths screwed across the centre point of the nine boards. Apply a liberal coat of carpenters glue to the surface.


Convert Waste Paper Into Free Fuel With a Paper Log Maker

Convert Waste Paper Into Free Fuel With a Paper Log Maker
By Paul C H Smith

image: depositphotos
As utility bills continue to rise, more and more people are looking for an alternative way of heating their homes which offers significant savings to their heating costs. A Paper Log Maker enables you to recycle your waste paper, junk mail, envelopes and even leaves into free fuel, which in turn should save you money on your heating bills whilst also helping to conserve woodland and reduce landfill. Paper logs can burn as well as wood for up to two hours at a controlled rate in a fire grate or wood-burning stove.

DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) has estimated that each person in the United Kingdom sends around 300kg of household waste to landfill each year, of that under 40% is going on to be recycled. Much of the waste ending up on the landfill sites is used newspapers, cereal boxes, junk mail and envelopes that people simply can't be bothered to sort into the correct recycling bin for collection. This could all be converted into free heating using the paper log maker, and it will also contribute thus reducing landfill and helping to lower your usual heating costs. Estimates show that each household could create around five hundred paper logs just from the waste we send to landfill each year.

There are several different types of log maker. The most popular is the wet fill model. The all metal construction has two levers and a removable well. Using the paper log maker is a simple process. Wet the newspapers, junk mail, envelopes etc. by placing them into a large bowl, bucket or drum full of water. Once they start to break down, lift them out and squeeze to get rid of any excess water. Then place the soggy paper into the paper log maker's well. Once full, press the handles to squeeze out any excess moisture and create the brick shape log.


Monday, February 20, 2012

Time to Redesign Our Wind Energy Future

Time to Redesign Our Wind Energy Future
By Lance Winslow

image: depositphotos
From an engineering stand point, I'd say all these very large modern wind turbine designs are rather cumbersome and less-than-optimal. No, I am not taking anything away from the brilliant engineering designers using high-tech materials to make all this work, truly it's an amazing feat. We now have carbon-composite blades with special aerodynamic tricks, one design even uses the organic evolutionary design from the leading edge on the fin of a hump back well, and to that I say; Bravo, and Well Done!

Still I'd like to talk about this for a moment, because I was having a recent discussion with a graduate engineering student from the University of Maryland Baltimore County who has spent considerable time researching wind turbines. It seems that we really need to take all this to the next level, the next step, and do a complete re-design on the current modern day wind turbines. Today, they are top heavy, dangerous in high-winds, and the ROI is not anywhere near what's been purported, thus, it isn't the answer for inexpensive energy generation.

Many months ago, we were having a similar discussion on all this at our Think Tank considering all the challenges which have inadvertently been created with these wind turbine designs currently in use. Okay so, let's talk about this for a moment shall we?

Responsible Organic Solvents: Exploring Government Classifications

Responsible Organic Solvents: Exploring Government Classifications
By Timothy Byron

image: depositphotos
Businesses invest quite a bit of cash into their machinery and mechanical parts, and consequently take upkeep procedures very seriously. While accumulation of dirt and dust is perfectly normal, the truth is that if these materials are not properly washed off machinery, they will cause long-term problems like corrosion.

More seriously, when these materials are not washed off of critical parts like ball joints, these components become dangerous to use and can lead to human fatality. For this reason, many organizations choose to use solvents to clean their machinery and parts. These substances use a solid, liquid, or gas to dissolve another solid, liquid, or gas. In the process, these materials end up being uniformly distributed so that no residue remains. Environmentally responsible organizations will go a step further and use organic solvents because their natural ingredients do not pose a threat to users or the environment. Yet when a company is concerned with more than just grime and needs to remove grease or oil, a degreaser/ MIL-PRF-680 will not only get the job done, but also allow the company to breathe easier knowing that their product is environmentally preferred.

Companies will find that there are actually four different classifications of MIL-PRF-680 degreasers. They are classified based on the four different types of petroleum distillates, and the degreaser's flash point. A flash point is simply the lowest temperature at which a material will vaporize. Additional information on each level of classification can be found below.


Sunday, February 19, 2012

Organic Solvents: Environmentally Friendly Options Exist

Organic Solvents: Environmentally Friendly Options Exist
By Timothy Byron

image: depositphotos
Industrial machinery represents a very high operating expense for organizations. It is no surprise then that corporations have a lot to gain by devoting time and energy to the upkeep of their various machines and parts. Businesses that take the time to care for essential machinery will extend the life expectancy of those resources, which ultimately affects the bottom line. One standard threat to industrial machinery is the accumulation of dirt and dust, which occurs naturally over time. While most companies would expect regular cleaning procedures to be sufficient, one can never be entirely sure. All it would take is just a hint of overlooked dirt to damage the metal of the machine, leading to corrosion. For this reason, many companies utilize solvents to ensure that their equipment receives a sufficient cleansing. So how do they work?

Put simply, a solid, liquid, or gas is used to dissolve another solid, liquid, or gas. Once one substance is dissolved into another, a solution is formed. During the chemical reaction, all of the ingredients end up being uniformly distributed, and no residue remains as a result. However, there is also a major environmental risk that comes from the use of solvents. If they reach the soil, they can migrate great distances which can quickly lead to widespread soil contamination. Even more troublesome is when solvents reach the water supply, which can induce health effects like damage to the nervous system, reproductive damage, kidney damage, and cancer.

Though there are risks, businesses should not stop using these substances altogether. Residue left on machinery will not only affect the condition of the machine, but when washing high precision parts like ball bearings, any remaining residue will have substantial safety implications of its own. The question remains: how do companies wash their essential machinery and parts without risking harm to the environment? The answer is organic solvents, which are made up of organic compounds and contain carbon atoms. Since their ingredients occur naturally, they are much safer for employees to work with and pose less of an environmental risk.

Mandatory Eco-Lighting Light Bulbs in Our Homes or More Efficient LEDs?

Mandatory Eco-Lighting Light Bulbs in Our Homes or More Efficient LEDs?
By Lance Winslow

image: depositphotos
The new eco-light bulbs that became mandatory in the US do use less energy. However they do not last as long as promised in some cases. Luckily, they seem to be of similar brightness. However, it may be that we could do one step better in the future with the new high-tech LED lights, and I'd like to talk to you about this for a few moments if I might.

There was an interesting piece recently in the Wall Street Journal on February 8, 2012 titled, The Quest for Cheaper, Better Lights - Start-Up Founded by Famed Scientist Seeks More Efficient, Affordable LEDs; Doubters Cite Cost" by Don Clark.

Yes, where as it is true that the price point is not quite there yet, the durability is, and it appears to be better than these current CFL bulbs we have just switched too. Not long ago, I was talking with Jeff of Eco Light Bulbs, and he told me that;

"Although many (most?) people have switched to CFLs (compact fluorescent Light Bulbs), the truth is that we can still do much better by utilizing the LED (light emitting diode) eco-friendly bulbs. These bulbs have the advantages of lasting much longer than even the CFL bulbs, plus they don't have the mercury like CFLs, they use even much less power than their CFL counterparts, and they're solid-state devices so they don't have the fairly-easily breakable glass tube. LED bulbs are generally still a little higher priced than CFLs, but it's money well spent."

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Wind Power - Is It Safe for Humans?

Wind Power - Is It Safe for Humans?
By Lance Winslow

image: depositphotos
Over the years, I've been completely amazed at the environmental crowd which is usually out in full force when it comes to any type of man-made energy generation which is killing wildlife, and yet, merely passes on the challenges with wind power generation. Today, we realize that wind turbines are killing birds, and bats, and creating ultrasound which is bad for biological health of living organisms, yes, that would include humans.

Still, somehow this is considered to be okay by the environmentalists, because wind power has been put on the pedestal of the eco-friendly energy schemes. The reality is it takes quite a bit of CO2 to make the concrete which is used for the base of these large wind turbines, and it takes over 15 years to offset that amount of CO2 which is created in discharged in the atmosphere for that amount of concrete.

Perhaps you are unaware of the tremendous problems which are caused by ultrasound and frequency pollution near these large wind farms. Living out in the Coachella Valley, not more than 20 miles from Palm Springs California where there are thousands of wind turbines, we can attest to the challenges to health from these wind turbines.

Friday, February 17, 2012

What Can We Do With All the Plastic Polluting Our Environment - Eat It?

What Can We Do With All the Plastic Polluting Our Environment - Eat It?
By Lance Winslow

image: depositphotos
Although plastic water bottles are quite thin and decompose rapidly in the environment due to UV rays in sunlight, not all plastic de-materializes quickly. Worse, there are so many different types of plastic, and so many products made with plastic, that they have ended up all over our planet, including throughout our oceans. But what if we could collect all of this plastic, put it into one place, and either recycle it, or turn it into something else?

Well, I'd like to talk to you about this for a few moments if I might. You see, there was an interesting article recently in PhysOrg (dot) titled; " Amazon fungi found that eat polyurethane, even without oxygen," published on February 3, 2012 which stated; "Until now polyurethane has been considered non-biodegradable, but a group of students from Yale University in the US has found fungi that will not only eat and digest it, they will do so even in the absence of oxygen."

Why not let nature figure out a way to eat polyurethane plastic for us? In a way it would be a new symbiotic relationship, and one which brings us back full circle in the eco-recycling arena. The organism would be completely happy doing this work, and it is perfectly suited to do so, meanwhile humans win by eliminating these wasted plastics, and the environment wins also without the added pollution. It is interesting that we will be able to take a man-made product and polymeric chains, and let nature break it back down very quickly into usable molecules which are benign.


Thursday, February 16, 2012

Why We Shouldn't Use Fossil Fuels

Why We Shouldn't Use Fossil Fuels
By Pete A Harris

image: depositphotos
Fossil Fuels

Consumers are familiar and comfortable with conventional power sources. Power generated by fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas, or petroleum (oil) is widely used across the world and many countries rely on these finite resources as the primary source of power production. According to the latest report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (2011a), fossil fuels are expected to continue supplying much of the energy used worldwide, with petroleum based fuels remaining the largest source of energy.

However, there are significant problems with relying on this type of energy. Firstly, fossil fuels are not considered a renewable energy. The formation of coal, natural gas and oil takes millions to billions of years; consequently these resources will be consumed well before they are renewed. Experts have suggested that the world is currently at the peak of oil production, with only another forty years of oil reserves available and sixty five years of gas remaining. With population growth continuing to rise and the nature of economic growth and consumption, undoubtedly these fossil fuels will become very scarce and eventually unavailable.

It is reasonable to expect that as these resources become further reduced, the cost of power will increase and it will become less affordable for many people. This is a scary prospect, especially for future generations.

Whilst there are very legitimate concerns about the future availability of fossil fuels, another problem is the environment impacts of using fossil fuels for our principle energy source. Fossil fueled power stations are major emitters of carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas considered one of the major contributors to global warming within the last century. For example, the burning of brown coal emits three times as much CO2 as natural gas, and black coal emits twice as much CO2 per unit of electric energy generated. Unless new technology can be developed to make energy production 'greener', regulations to reduce CO2 emission will certainly impact the consumer, whether this is by higher prices due to carbon taxes or a limitation to the amount of energy available.

The impact of burning fossil fuels on human health is also a major concern. For example, exposure to particulates released from coal power plants has been proven to increase death through respiratory and cardiac problems (Grahame and Schlesinger, 2007). These particulates irritate small airways in the lungs, which can lead to increased problems with asthma, chronic bronchitis, airway obstruction, and gas exchange (Nel, 2005). Uranium, thorium and other naturally occurring radioactive isotopes are also found in low levels within coal. Whilst they are in low concentrations, there is enough coal being burnt that there is a significant amount of these substances being released, causing radioactive contamination of the environment. Other damaging side effects of burning coal are the contamination of waterways. Research has shown that the coal ash produced by coal-fired power plants dumped at sites across America has lead to the contamination of ground water with toxic element, including dangerous poisons such as arsenic and lead (Schoof, 2010).


Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Wave Energy Generation Finally Getting Some Much Needed Praise

Wave Energy Generation Finally Getting Some Much Needed Praise
By Lance Winslow

image: depositphotos
As the coordinator for a think tank, I've always fancied the idea of ocean wave energy, much more than wind and solar. Wind for instance is 750 times less dense than air, and solar is already 50% inefficient before you start your high-end MIT mathematics calculations to determine its capture - the Sun does not shine at night - that's 50% of the time remember.

There was an interesting announcement on the Department of Energy DOE website on January 28, 2012 titled; "DOE Reports Show Major Potential for Wave and Tidal Energy Production Near U.S. Coasts, and in the press release it stated:
"The DOE released 2 US resource assessments showing that waves and tidal currents off the nation's coasts could contribute significantly to the total annual electricity production, further diversify the nation's energy portfolio, and provide clean, renewable energy to coastal cities and communities. These new wave and tidal resource assessments, combined with ongoing analyses of the technologies and other resource assessments, show that water power, including conventional hydropower and wave, tidal, and other water power resources, can potentially provide 15% of our nation's electricity by 2030."

Okay so, if you are like me you are saying "no kidding" and wondering what on Earth took so long? Well, I'll tell you what;
Bureaucracy
Politics
Lobbyists
Slow Motion Archaic Thinking

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Organic Cotton Bags: Eco Friendly and Person Friendly

Organic Cotton Bags: Eco Friendly and Person Friendly
By Saffron Adiana Luci

image: depositphotos
As you're busy running your daily errands you may not have thought much about organic cotton bags, but here are a few reasons why you may want too. Organic bags are eco friendly and practical and they really are better then plastic for both you and the environment.

If you visit five stores a week, four weeks a month and receive only an average of two bags per store, you will have received ten disposable bags a week or forty in a month. These bags are rarely recycled, in fact it has been estimated that out of 400 billion plastic bags used in the USA only 4 billion are recycled thats only 1%!

The bags are often just thrown out or used to hold trash. Once the bag is disposed of it can take 1000 years before it decomposes. Bags that don't end up in the landfill can find there way into the wild or into oceans where thousands of animals are killed by them every year(often due to thinking the bag is food). The use of organic cotton bags helps eliminate this waste. An organic cotton bag while last a very long time and can replace up to 1000 plastic bags. The organic bags often hold more and can be used many times over.

Monday, February 13, 2012

What's Your Excuse For Not Using a Portable Water Filter?

What's Your Excuse For Not Using a Portable Water Filter?
By Kristie Brown

image: depositphotos
You've undoubtedly heard people talking about the glut of plastic bottles that are cluttering our landfills and the fact neither municipal or bottled water meets the basic health demands that our bodies require. Why, then, are you still drinking from a disposable plastic water bottle? Don't you know that just the plastic itself can be dangerous to your well-being? When our parents were kids, no one ever thought of taking water with them wherever they went. With the advent of bottled water, however, people started forming the habit of carrying their water along everywhere they were going. Didn't you always know that there had to be a better way?

There are so many reusable filtered drink bottles available today that there's no reason for anyone to continue to buy pre-bottled water. These new devices actually make the water you put into them cleaner and safer to drink. They remove chlorine, bacteria, metals, chemicals, and other contaminants from whatever water you have available. They can convert your faulty tap water into clean, fresh-tasting H2O, and if you happen to like to hike or camp, you'll be able to use any water source available, because your bottle will filter out the impurities.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Exploring Water Ionizers and Their Benefits

Exploring Water Ionizers and Their Benefits
By Kristie Brown

image: depositphotos
Water ionizers are devices which use a process called electrolysis to separate water into acids and alkalines. Three types of water ionizers are available on the market, and there are pros and cons about each type. They come in drop-ins, sticks, and pitchers. Many experts are convinced that there are no health benefits from drinking ionized water; however, there are still a lot of people who believe that ionization improves the water quality.

Drop-ins come in the form of drops, tablets, and powders which are added to the water. They are made up of minerals in liquids, powders, and compressed tablets. When dropped into water they raise the pH and create a mild negative charge. Many people like drop-ins because they are small and quite portable. There is, however, some debate about how much of these products a person should use each day. Plus, they only add to the water and don't work as filtration devices in any way. In order to use drop-ins, you must first start with water that has already been filtered. They make a good choice if you're only going on a short trip, but for long term use there are better alternatives.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Safety Solvents: An Easy Solution for Eliminating Harsh Chemical Agents

Safety Solvents: An Easy Solution for Eliminating Harsh Chemical Agents
By Timothy Byron

image: depositphotos
The use of volatile cleaners brings about concerns both in regards to human and environmental safety. Companies require solvents in order to clean parts or equipment during manufacturing, maintenance, or other industry specific processes. Several chemicals will evaporate under regular temperature conditions thus making them potentially more harmful and certainly more difficult to use or store. Formed gas from evaporation enters the air without any visual sign that can make them very dangerous. Health problems have been directly linked to highly volatile solvents in addition to being problematic for the environment. Indoor concentrations pose increased risk to individuals because they are much higher. Air filtration systems and other methods may be taken to reduce this hazard, but the amounts often released in the immediate environment are still troublesome. The Environmental Protection Agency or EPA has created usage regulations to reduce the adverse effects of volatile solvents. Suppliers have taken steps to provide safety solvents that offer reduced danger of fire as well as minimal evaporation, and fall within compliance of EPA regulations to deliver an affordable yet effective industrial solution.

Organic Solvents: What Measures Have Been Taken to Reduce Hazards?
Degreasers can consist of numerous hazardous ingredients that put companies at risk for human injury as well as EPA violations. Newer organic solvents do not contain chlorinated compounds or other high-risk ingredients to provide a safer product for businesses that must apply these cleaning agents quite frequently.

Part cleaning is a constant process in most manufacturing and mechanical servicing industries. New products are being offered to businesses requiring these agents to operate efficiently. Environment oriented organic solvents include minimal to no hazardous materials and are typically hydrocarbon based. Hydrocarbon is an organic compound created from combining two specific elements: carbon and hydrogen. These compounds may be alkaline, alkene, cycloalkane, or alkyne-based in nature. Hydrocarbons may be utilized as a gas, liquid, polymer, or solid ranging from simple to complex combinations. Methane, ethane, butane, propane, and octane are a few of the simplest hydrocarbons.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Electrical Contact Cleaner: Less Hazardous Products Offer Equal Success

Electrical Contact Cleaner: Less Hazardous Products Offer Equal Success
By Timothy Byron

image: depositphotos
Electrical cleaning supplies are utilized in various settings including the automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and maintenance industries. Contacts on parts can become soiled during use or creation causing the need for an efficient yet environmentally friendly industrial product. Cleaners remove soil, oil, grease, or metallic buildup when applied to parts or equipment. Moisture or corrosion are common causes for this type of buildup and can be easily alleviated with the right electrical contact cleaner. These supplies do not leave residue, and evaporate quickly to prevent harming components such as ignition systems, equipment, relays, or other types of electrical controls. A manufacturer may utilize these products to remove contaminants from electrical assemblies and circuits as well. The purposes of cleaning products have remained much the same over the years; however, the chemical makeup continually changes to accommodate environmental regulations.

Industrial Degreasers: New Chemicals Minimize Evaporation Dangers
Several propellants have been used to create industrial degreasers and cleaners; however, many are now outlawed due to the negative impact they pose to the environment. Companies must find an effective solution that not only falls within environmental regulations but also supplies the necessary results. Traditional chemicals include chlorofluorocarbons, carbon dioxide, Propane, and isobutane. These propellants come in a pressurized liquid form that is used to create a pressurized gas for application. Solvents used in these products consist of organic or petroleum concentrates but can include others depending on how the electrical cleanser will be used. Common solvents include:
  • Hexane
  • Isoethene
  • Methane
  • Acetone
  • Trichloroethylene

Alternative solvents can be found to reduce environmental harm without affecting solution capabilities. Contact cleaning supplies may be used to remove debris or contaminants from electrical parts for proper circuit operations. They also have automotive applications such as ignition system or motor grime removal. Industrial degreasers may be found in manufacturing settings or in environments where heavy duty cleaning is required.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Portable Solar Power Generators

Portable Solar Power Generators
By Ian D Worrall

image: depositphotos
Have you ever thought about how great it would be to get a solar panel for your home? It would be awesome to stick it to the power companies who have been bleeding you dry with their constant price increases without adding any additional benefits wouldn't it?

But there may be reasons why you can't add solar panels to your home.
  • If you're in an apartment or condo, the landlord or condo corp might not look too kindly to you putting one on your balcony.
  • The start up costs are admittedly high
  • You might simply not have the skills to install a solar panel yourself.
But fret not. You can always get a portable solar power generator. Similar to a gas powered generator, and about the same cost, a portable solar power generator can be great for many uses.
  • during a power outage they have the added benefit of being useful if there's also a gas shortage.
  • If you're in a remote area where electricity is non existent and you need to use your lap top or any other medium draw electronic.
Another benefit over a gas powered generator is that they do not emit any air pollution and little or no noise pollution.

Some things to watch for in choosing one are to make sure the solar panel you buy can handle your needs. To do so check amps of your electronics and the panel you intend to buy. There have been cases where reading negative reviews on Amazon people have chosen a solar panel that wouldn't be able to carry the load of their lap top and the thing wouldn't power their computer.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Can We Design a More Efficient Wind Turbine Which Does Not Kill Bats or Birds?

Can We Design a More Efficient Wind Turbine Which Does Not Kill Bats or Birds?
By Lance Winslow

image: depositphotos
Okay so, folks often ask me what think tanks actually do, you see that's what I do, I run one. Generally, I explain to people that think tanks solve problems, but really it is more than that, and merely solving a problem isn't good enough, because inevitably you solve one problem only to create 3-more, so it's a never ending battle. In fact, perhaps this is why the American People have lost trust in our government leaders. Is it really their fault or is this just the nature of problem solving in complex systems such as; our economy, infrastructure, or the government itself?

Yes, could be, still, there are so many problems to solve it's hard to say which one is worthy of one's brain power. Let's take a simple example as a case study sample here. Not long ago, Mark from the UK was explaining that we need more efficient wind-energy designs, which do not kill birds or bats. Yes, that's true, that is something we need isn't it, especially if you are one who believes in global warming or takes it as a new kind of religion. Mark had contemplated using a hollow ring around the turbine blades to collect the wind "covered with netting or a shield so that animal strikes do not happen."

Well, this is a decent idea actually, however, it doesn't solve the bat problem, the bats crash from flying behind the wind turbines due to the low-pressure area they create + the ultrasound confuses them for a few moments. Birds generally crash due to strikes and then cannot catch their fall due to low pressure area + vortices coming off the blades. They just have not yet evolved for such things.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Three Ways of Getting Off The Grid and Why This Will Change Your Life

Three Ways of Getting Off The Grid and Why This Will Change Your Life
By Rebecca K Mccormack

image: depositphotos
When Physics look at outer space for Alien life, they don't look for little green men. They look for type one, type two and type three civilizations. A type one civilization has harnessed its planetary power. They control Earth quakes, the weather and volcanoes. They have cities on the ocean. Anything planetary they control. That's type one civilization.

A type two civilization is stellar. They have exhausted the power of the planet and they get their energy directly from their mother star. They use the power of the sun to energize their huge machines. Eventually they exhaust the power of a star and they go galactic. They harness the power of billions of stars within a galaxy.

What are we on this scale? We are type zero. Humans don't even rate on this scale. We don't get our energy for stars or galaxies, we get our energy from dead planets oil and coal.
So here we are a relatively immature species, struggling with the possibility of self destruction. Where do we go from here? How do we begin to live like these other highly intelligent civilizations?

The entire universe is filled with energy. One term for this energy might be the "general active force." By utilizing technologies that tap into this life force, we are working with nature instead of against it.
A torus is a shape that is created by rotating a circle around a coplanar axis that is not within the circle itself. It is a ring-like shape. The easiest way I would explain it is to imagine a doughnut. Strictly speaking, the torus is just the surface of the doughnut (i.e. where the powdered sugar is).

Monday, February 6, 2012

Great Green Inventions

Great Green Inventions
By Ivy Newport

image: depositphotos
Who says that "green" can't be fun? Sustainability is quickly becoming synonymous with innovation. Here are some awesome inventions you may never have heard of-all eco-friendly, of course!

The Eco-Nightclub
First launched in London in 2008, the eco-nightclub features a bouncing floor and a series of power generating blocks that generate over 60% of the necessary energy to run the club. They serve only organic spirits in polycarbon cups. The venue features air flush, waterless urinals and low flush toilets. The best part? You get in free if you can prove that you walked or biked to the club. Customers are only allowed in if they sign a pledge promising to work towards curbing climate change.

Green Roofs
Quickly gaining popularity, these "sky gardens" can be found on many rooftops in large cities. They can be used as community spaces, areas for stressed workers, or even to grow food. Not only are they good places for social activities, but they also reduce run-off when there is heavy rain, and they reduce the heat that gets trapped inside buildings, reducing the need for air conditioning.

The Lilypad
Architect Vincent Callebaut was alarmed when he read about the prediction that ocean levels would rise by 70 cm over the 21st century. In response, he designed the Lilypad, also known as the "Floating Eco-polis for Climate Refugees," an "ecotectural" masterpiece. The idea behind his project was to create a series of floating, self-sufficient eco-city islands. Each one would be able to house up to 50 000 people and they would support an abundance of biodiversity. Collecting pools located in their centres would gather and filter water for use. Callebaut envisions the Lilypad to be able to be manufactured around the year 2100.



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