While Metropolitan France is located in Western Europe, France also has a number of territories in North America, the Caribbean, South America, the southern Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and Antarctica. These territories have varying forms of government ranging from overseas department to overseas collectivity.
Metropolitan France covers 547,030 square kilometres (211,209 sq mi), having the largest area among European Union members and slightly larger than Spain. France possesses a wide variety of landscapes, from coastal plains in the north and west to mountain ranges of the Alps in the south-east, the Massif Central in the south-central and Pyrenees in the south-west. At 4,807 metres (15,771 ft) above sea-level, the highest point in Western Europe, Mont Blanc, is situated in the Alps on the border between France and Italy. Metropolitan France also has extensive river systems such as the Loire, the Garonne, the Seine and the Rhône, which divides the Massif Central from the Alps and flows into the Mediterranean Sea at the Camargue, the lowest point in France (2 m/6.56 ft below sea level). Corsica lies off the Mediterranean coast.
The Exclusive Economic Zone of France extends over 11,000,000 km2 (4,000,000 sq mi) of ocean across the world.
France's total land area, with its overseas departments and territories (excluding Adélie Land), is 674,843 km2 (260,558 sq mi), 0.45% of the total land area on Earth. However, France possesses the second-largest Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the world, covering 11,035,000 km2 (4,260,637 sq mi), approximately 8% of the total surface of all the EEZs of the world, just behind the United States (11,351,000 km2/4,382,646 sq mi) and ahead of Australia (8,232,000 km2/3,178,393 sq mi).
Metropolitan France is situated between 41° and 51° North, on the western edge of Europe, and thus lies within the northern temperate zone. The north and northwest have a temperate climate, while a combination of maritime influences, latitude and altitude produce a varied climate in the rest of Metropolitan France. In the south-east a Mediterranean climate prevails. In the west, the climate is predominantly oceanic with a high level of rainfall, mild winters and cool to warm summers. Inland the climate becomes more continental with hot, stormy summers, colder winters and less rain. The climate of the Alps and other mountainous regions is mainly alpine, with the number of days with temperatures below freezing over 150 per year and snow cover lasting for up to six months.
Monday, December 7, 2009
ITALY-tourist destination
Geography
Italy is located in Southern Europe and comprises the long, boot-shaped Italian Peninsula, the land between the peninsula and the Alps, and a number of islands including Sicily and Sardinia. Its total area is 301,230 km², of which 294,020 km² is land and 7,210 km² is water. Including islands, Italy has a coastline and border of 7,600 km on the Adriatic, Ionian, Tyrrhenian seas (740 km), and borders shared with France (488 km), Austria (430 km), Slovenia (232 km) and Switzerland; San Marino (39 km) and the Vatican City (3.2 km), both entirely surrounded by Italy, account for the remainder. The Apennine Mountains form the peninsula's backbone; the Alps form its northern boundary. The largest of its northern lakes is Garda (143 sq mi/370 km2); in the centre is Trasimeno Lake. The Po, Italy's principal river, flows from the Alps on the western border and crosses the great Padan plain to the Adriatic Sea. Several islands form part of Italy; the largest are Sicily (9,926 sq mi/25,708 km2) and Sardinia (9,301 sq mi/24,089 km2).
Volcanism
Italy is a volcanically active country, containing the only active volcano in mainland Europe. The country's volcanism is due chiefly to the presence, a short distance to the south, of the boundary between the Eurasian Plate and the African Plate. The magma erupted by Italy's volcanoes is thought to result from the upward forcing of rocks melted by the subduction of one plate below another.
There are several active volcanoes in Italy: Etna, the second-largest active volcano in Europe; Vulcano; Stromboli; and Vesuvius, the only active volcano on the mainland of Europe.
Climate
The climate in Italy is highly diverse and can be far from the stereotypical Mediterranean climate depending on the location. Most of the inland northern areas of Italy, for example Turin, Milan and Bologna, have a continental climate often classified as humid subtropical (Köppen climate classification Cfa). The coastal areas of Liguria and most of the peninsula south of Florence generally fit the Mediterranean stereotype (Köppen climate classification Csa). The coastal areas of the peninsula can be very different from the interior higher altitudes and valleys, particularly during the winter months when the higher altitudes tend to be cold, wet, and often snowy. The coastal regions have mild winters and warm and generally dry summers, although lowland valleys can be quite hot in summer.
Italy is located in Southern Europe and comprises the long, boot-shaped Italian Peninsula, the land between the peninsula and the Alps, and a number of islands including Sicily and Sardinia. Its total area is 301,230 km², of which 294,020 km² is land and 7,210 km² is water. Including islands, Italy has a coastline and border of 7,600 km on the Adriatic, Ionian, Tyrrhenian seas (740 km), and borders shared with France (488 km), Austria (430 km), Slovenia (232 km) and Switzerland; San Marino (39 km) and the Vatican City (3.2 km), both entirely surrounded by Italy, account for the remainder. The Apennine Mountains form the peninsula's backbone; the Alps form its northern boundary. The largest of its northern lakes is Garda (143 sq mi/370 km2); in the centre is Trasimeno Lake. The Po, Italy's principal river, flows from the Alps on the western border and crosses the great Padan plain to the Adriatic Sea. Several islands form part of Italy; the largest are Sicily (9,926 sq mi/25,708 km2) and Sardinia (9,301 sq mi/24,089 km2).
Volcanism
Italy is a volcanically active country, containing the only active volcano in mainland Europe. The country's volcanism is due chiefly to the presence, a short distance to the south, of the boundary between the Eurasian Plate and the African Plate. The magma erupted by Italy's volcanoes is thought to result from the upward forcing of rocks melted by the subduction of one plate below another.
There are several active volcanoes in Italy: Etna, the second-largest active volcano in Europe; Vulcano; Stromboli; and Vesuvius, the only active volcano on the mainland of Europe.
Climate
The climate in Italy is highly diverse and can be far from the stereotypical Mediterranean climate depending on the location. Most of the inland northern areas of Italy, for example Turin, Milan and Bologna, have a continental climate often classified as humid subtropical (Köppen climate classification Cfa). The coastal areas of Liguria and most of the peninsula south of Florence generally fit the Mediterranean stereotype (Köppen climate classification Csa). The coastal areas of the peninsula can be very different from the interior higher altitudes and valleys, particularly during the winter months when the higher altitudes tend to be cold, wet, and often snowy. The coastal regions have mild winters and warm and generally dry summers, although lowland valleys can be quite hot in summer.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
maintain our environment clean and green
Keep plants around the house. Plants are amazing at cleaning their environment. Having them in your house can reduce indoor air pollutants by more than half. Great choices are English ivy and peace lilies, which absorb toxic gases like benzene and formaldehyde. Just be sure that if you have pets and/or small children that you opt for plants that are not poisonous.
Never flush your old medications. In almost everyone’s medicine cabinet there is expired medications. But whatever you do, do not flush them! That puts them into the water, which can be dangerous. Instead inquire at your pharmacy about whether they will take them and dispose of them properly. If they cannot handle them they will at least be able to tell you where you can take them.
Don’t waste heat when the fireplace is on. An open fireplace wastes up to 85% of the gas it uses because, like a wood-burning fireplace, the fire sucks heat from inside and sends it out through the chimney. Direct-vent gas fireplaces burn more efficiently and can save you money.
Use less water when you bathe. Baths typically use less water than showers. So whenever possible opt for a soak in the tub. If you prefer showers keep them short. Ten minutes is way too long. And be sure to install a low-flow showerhead and faucet to reduce the amount of water. You can cut back nearly 50% of the water used and barely even notice the difference.
Install new toilets. Newer toilets use significantly less water than older ones. And the low-flush toilets not only conserve water but they actually reduce the greenhouse gases produced in the water-purification process. If you can’t afford to buy a new toilet, a great alternative is to place a plastic water bottle – with the cap on – in the tank. Doing so means less water is used for each flush.
Have it fixed instead of throwing it out. With the price of many consumer goods getting less and less every year, it’s tempting to simply replace old electronics and appliances when they break. But often they can be repaired for a fraction of the cost. Not only do you save money, but you’re keeping that item out of the landfill.
Hang your clothes to dry. The average household does more than 400 loads of laundry in a year. That is a lot of electricity to dry all those clothes! You can cut this down dramatically by hanging your clothes to dry. In the winter months opt for an indoor drying rack. When it’s warm outside you can move your indoor rack out to a deck or patio, or use an outdoor clothesline. There are many new styles of clotheslines available now that are easily removable when not in use or that can be elevated to keep them out of the way.
Reduce the waste when giving gifts. Instead of wrapping paper, choose newspaper (the comics work great when they’re in color), reusable gift bags or even leftover wallpaper. When you receive a gift packaged in a reusable material be sure to save it for later. Also save your greeting cards and recycle them into gift tags.
Reuse products whenever possible. Have you ever looked at just how much waste your family generates in a one week period? Manufacturers use so much packaging that it is easy for a family of four to have several bags of waste come garbage day. Next time you’re thinking of throwing something out, try and think of ways you can reuse it instead. For example old containers can be used for storage, stained clothing can be used as rags for cleaning and broken hockey sticks make great garden stakes. If you get creative you may be surprised how many new uses you can find for items you thought were trash!
Donate things you don’t use any more. Instead of throwing out items you don’t use anymore, give them to charity. Old clothing, shoes, home décor items, sporting goods and toys are all happily accepted by charities such as the Salvation Army. You’ll have less clutter in your garage and your donation will help families in need.
Say no to junk mail. So much paper is wasted on sending junk mail and flyers. Put up a sign on your mailbox refusing these items and send a message to advertisers that you want them to change their marketing techniques. If enough people do this they will eventually listen.
Use cloth instead of paper. Using paper napkins and paper towels generates a lot of unnecessary waste. Did you know that the paper industry is the third greatest contributor to global warming emissions? So instead of paper, opt for cloth. A great source of rags is to use old clothes that are too stained or tattered to be worn anymore.
Use rechargeable batteries. If yours is like most households, you have a lot of things that run on batteries. Everything from the TV remote to your camera. And if you have children you can add a seemingly endless number of toys to the list! Do the environment a favor and use rechargeable batteries. They cost more upfront but they generate significantly less waste and in the end will save you money. Solar powered battery rechargers are even available online.
Find out what you can recycle. Different cities accept different items for recycling. It is important that you know exactly what is being recycled in your area. A lot of people put out items week after week thinking they are being recycled when in fact they are being thrown in the garbage at the recycling facility. By knowing the policies in your city you can avoid buying products that are not sold in recyclable containers and you can ensure you are putting out all of your garbage that can be recycled.
Dispose of hazardous materials properly. Most municipalities have programs for properly disposing of hazardous materials such as old tires, batteries, electronics, used oil materials and toxic substances such as paint and paint thinners. Be sure to inquire in your area about programs designed to keep these potentially dangerous materials out of the landfills.
Install water saving showerheads and faucet aerators. Heating water accounts for approximately 15% of the average household energy bill. Cut this down by installing water saving showerheads and aerators on kitchen faucets. They use nearly 60% less water and chances are you won’t even notice the difference (until you get your electricity bill!)
Use all natural cleaning products. Almost all household cleaning can be done using vinegar, baking soda and water. Use vinegar as a natural disinfectant, deodorizer, all purpose cleaner and window cleaner and add it to the rinse cycle of your laundry as a fabric softener. Clean your bathtub, toilet and counters with a paste of baking soda and water. If you prefer to use commercial cleaners, there are many companies now offering environmentally friendly versions.
Buy recycled products whenever possible. Many of the products that we use every day can be made from recycled materials. Doing so saves 70% - 90% of the energy and pollution versus using virgin materials. In particular, paper products are a great place for you to choose more environmentally friendly products. Look for bleach-free toilet paper and printing paper that are made from a minimum of 80% post-consumer waste content.
Reuse paper. A lot of the paper we recycle only has printing on one side. Instead of using a fresh piece every time, print on the other side for documents that are not important. You can also reuse paper as a scratch pad for notes or put them together as a pad and keep them next to the telephone for taking messages.
Read the news online. Daily newspapers generate a huge amount of waste. Even though this can be recycled, it is better to eliminate this unnecessary use of paper entirely. Instead of subscribing to newspaper services, read the news online. Think about how much paper this will save over an entire year!
Borrow books and magazines from the library. Libraries are a great resource for anyone looking to reduce the amount of waste they generate. Instead of purchasing books and magazines, check them out of the library.
Avoid dry-cleaning your clothes. The majority of dry cleaning chemicals are highly toxic. Not only are these chemicals harmful for the environment, but also they remain on your clothes as you continue to wear them, which can present a health risk. When buying clothes, opt for items that you can wash at home rather than needing to be dry-cleaned. And keep in mind that most items that say ‘dry clean only’ can actually be washed by hand with a mild detergent and cold water. If your garment absolutely cannot be hand washed, look for a cleaning service that practices wet cleaning instead of dry cleaning.
Don’t use antibacterial cleaners. We have become a society that is obsessed with living germ free. And we may be hurting ourselves more than we’re helping. Antibacterial cleaners contain a chemical known as triclosan, which is a form of dioxin. In addition to causing a variety of health related problems including decreased fertility and birth defects, this chemical is also mixing with the chlorine in our tap water and forming deadly chlorinated dioxins. So you’re better off just using regular soap. In fact, doing so will kill 99.4% of germs. Compare that with antibacterial soap that kills 99.6%.
Teach your children about being environmentally responsible. Our children really are the future of our earth. Start teaching them early about the importance of making environmentally friendly choices and it will become second nature to them. Make sure that you also practice what you preach! Kids are much more likely to do what they see you doing – rather than what you tell them to do.
Choose environmentally friendly baby products. The amount of chemicals used to create baby products today is staggering. Not to mention the amount of waste generated! Disposable diapers are the single largest type of garbage in our landfills. Refuse to contribute to the problem by using cloth diapers. Nowadays they are designed to be easy – no more pins! And many communities actually have services that drop off clean diapers each week and pick up the soiled ones.
Have a battery free Christmas. If you have children, make next Christmas “battery free”. Tell all family and friends that instead of toys that require batteries to run, that you would rather your children be given gifts such as books, puzzles and non-electronic toys. Not only will you help the environment by using less batteries, you’ll also save money and your kids will use their imaginations more. Even if you don’t have children of your own, make it a policy to only give battery free gifts.
Pay your bills electronically. Almost all companies now offer the option to receive your bills electronically and pay them through online banking or telephone banking. Save all that unnecessary paper by using this service.
Get involved in environmental charities. There are lots of different charities that are devoted to helping the environment. Whether you choose an international organization such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) or something more local, the important thing is to get involved. You’ll feel great, help a worthwhile cause and be setting a good example for the other people in your community.
Turn the tap off. Your mother probably told you to do it when you were a child, but do you? When brushing your teeth or shaving, always be sure to turn the water off. Even a few seconds can waste a tremendous amount of water unnecessarily. It’s a simple thing that can have a big impact on the amount of water used in your home.
Buy your energy from eco-friendly utility companies. There are many companies now offering electricity that is generated from renewable resources such as wind and low-impact hydroelectric generation. Inquire in your area about companies that use these services for all or part of their electricity and make the switch! If enough people start to do this, more and more companies will begin offering it.
Wash your car on the lawn. This does double duty – you get a clean car and you water your grass at the same time. Plus you are using a lot less water than is used at commercial car washes. Be sure to use a bucket or a trigger hose attachment so you only use the amount of water you need.
Sweep walkways, patios and driveways. Instead of spraying them down with your hose and wasting water, get out the old fashioned broom. They’re just going to get dirty again soon anyway!
Look for little ways you can make a difference. Sometimes the best thing we can do for the environment is to make small changes in our every day life. When we add them all up, we can make a significant difference. Look at everything you do in a day and see what you can do differently. For example, if you are a tea drinker only boil as much water as you need in the kettle. If you generate a lot of garbage think of a couple of ways you can cut back.
Never flush your old medications. In almost everyone’s medicine cabinet there is expired medications. But whatever you do, do not flush them! That puts them into the water, which can be dangerous. Instead inquire at your pharmacy about whether they will take them and dispose of them properly. If they cannot handle them they will at least be able to tell you where you can take them.
Don’t waste heat when the fireplace is on. An open fireplace wastes up to 85% of the gas it uses because, like a wood-burning fireplace, the fire sucks heat from inside and sends it out through the chimney. Direct-vent gas fireplaces burn more efficiently and can save you money.
Use less water when you bathe. Baths typically use less water than showers. So whenever possible opt for a soak in the tub. If you prefer showers keep them short. Ten minutes is way too long. And be sure to install a low-flow showerhead and faucet to reduce the amount of water. You can cut back nearly 50% of the water used and barely even notice the difference.
Install new toilets. Newer toilets use significantly less water than older ones. And the low-flush toilets not only conserve water but they actually reduce the greenhouse gases produced in the water-purification process. If you can’t afford to buy a new toilet, a great alternative is to place a plastic water bottle – with the cap on – in the tank. Doing so means less water is used for each flush.
Have it fixed instead of throwing it out. With the price of many consumer goods getting less and less every year, it’s tempting to simply replace old electronics and appliances when they break. But often they can be repaired for a fraction of the cost. Not only do you save money, but you’re keeping that item out of the landfill.
Hang your clothes to dry. The average household does more than 400 loads of laundry in a year. That is a lot of electricity to dry all those clothes! You can cut this down dramatically by hanging your clothes to dry. In the winter months opt for an indoor drying rack. When it’s warm outside you can move your indoor rack out to a deck or patio, or use an outdoor clothesline. There are many new styles of clotheslines available now that are easily removable when not in use or that can be elevated to keep them out of the way.
Reduce the waste when giving gifts. Instead of wrapping paper, choose newspaper (the comics work great when they’re in color), reusable gift bags or even leftover wallpaper. When you receive a gift packaged in a reusable material be sure to save it for later. Also save your greeting cards and recycle them into gift tags.
Reuse products whenever possible. Have you ever looked at just how much waste your family generates in a one week period? Manufacturers use so much packaging that it is easy for a family of four to have several bags of waste come garbage day. Next time you’re thinking of throwing something out, try and think of ways you can reuse it instead. For example old containers can be used for storage, stained clothing can be used as rags for cleaning and broken hockey sticks make great garden stakes. If you get creative you may be surprised how many new uses you can find for items you thought were trash!
Donate things you don’t use any more. Instead of throwing out items you don’t use anymore, give them to charity. Old clothing, shoes, home décor items, sporting goods and toys are all happily accepted by charities such as the Salvation Army. You’ll have less clutter in your garage and your donation will help families in need.
Say no to junk mail. So much paper is wasted on sending junk mail and flyers. Put up a sign on your mailbox refusing these items and send a message to advertisers that you want them to change their marketing techniques. If enough people do this they will eventually listen.
Use cloth instead of paper. Using paper napkins and paper towels generates a lot of unnecessary waste. Did you know that the paper industry is the third greatest contributor to global warming emissions? So instead of paper, opt for cloth. A great source of rags is to use old clothes that are too stained or tattered to be worn anymore.
Use rechargeable batteries. If yours is like most households, you have a lot of things that run on batteries. Everything from the TV remote to your camera. And if you have children you can add a seemingly endless number of toys to the list! Do the environment a favor and use rechargeable batteries. They cost more upfront but they generate significantly less waste and in the end will save you money. Solar powered battery rechargers are even available online.
Find out what you can recycle. Different cities accept different items for recycling. It is important that you know exactly what is being recycled in your area. A lot of people put out items week after week thinking they are being recycled when in fact they are being thrown in the garbage at the recycling facility. By knowing the policies in your city you can avoid buying products that are not sold in recyclable containers and you can ensure you are putting out all of your garbage that can be recycled.
Dispose of hazardous materials properly. Most municipalities have programs for properly disposing of hazardous materials such as old tires, batteries, electronics, used oil materials and toxic substances such as paint and paint thinners. Be sure to inquire in your area about programs designed to keep these potentially dangerous materials out of the landfills.
Install water saving showerheads and faucet aerators. Heating water accounts for approximately 15% of the average household energy bill. Cut this down by installing water saving showerheads and aerators on kitchen faucets. They use nearly 60% less water and chances are you won’t even notice the difference (until you get your electricity bill!)
Use all natural cleaning products. Almost all household cleaning can be done using vinegar, baking soda and water. Use vinegar as a natural disinfectant, deodorizer, all purpose cleaner and window cleaner and add it to the rinse cycle of your laundry as a fabric softener. Clean your bathtub, toilet and counters with a paste of baking soda and water. If you prefer to use commercial cleaners, there are many companies now offering environmentally friendly versions.
Buy recycled products whenever possible. Many of the products that we use every day can be made from recycled materials. Doing so saves 70% - 90% of the energy and pollution versus using virgin materials. In particular, paper products are a great place for you to choose more environmentally friendly products. Look for bleach-free toilet paper and printing paper that are made from a minimum of 80% post-consumer waste content.
Reuse paper. A lot of the paper we recycle only has printing on one side. Instead of using a fresh piece every time, print on the other side for documents that are not important. You can also reuse paper as a scratch pad for notes or put them together as a pad and keep them next to the telephone for taking messages.
Read the news online. Daily newspapers generate a huge amount of waste. Even though this can be recycled, it is better to eliminate this unnecessary use of paper entirely. Instead of subscribing to newspaper services, read the news online. Think about how much paper this will save over an entire year!
Borrow books and magazines from the library. Libraries are a great resource for anyone looking to reduce the amount of waste they generate. Instead of purchasing books and magazines, check them out of the library.
Avoid dry-cleaning your clothes. The majority of dry cleaning chemicals are highly toxic. Not only are these chemicals harmful for the environment, but also they remain on your clothes as you continue to wear them, which can present a health risk. When buying clothes, opt for items that you can wash at home rather than needing to be dry-cleaned. And keep in mind that most items that say ‘dry clean only’ can actually be washed by hand with a mild detergent and cold water. If your garment absolutely cannot be hand washed, look for a cleaning service that practices wet cleaning instead of dry cleaning.
Don’t use antibacterial cleaners. We have become a society that is obsessed with living germ free. And we may be hurting ourselves more than we’re helping. Antibacterial cleaners contain a chemical known as triclosan, which is a form of dioxin. In addition to causing a variety of health related problems including decreased fertility and birth defects, this chemical is also mixing with the chlorine in our tap water and forming deadly chlorinated dioxins. So you’re better off just using regular soap. In fact, doing so will kill 99.4% of germs. Compare that with antibacterial soap that kills 99.6%.
Teach your children about being environmentally responsible. Our children really are the future of our earth. Start teaching them early about the importance of making environmentally friendly choices and it will become second nature to them. Make sure that you also practice what you preach! Kids are much more likely to do what they see you doing – rather than what you tell them to do.
Choose environmentally friendly baby products. The amount of chemicals used to create baby products today is staggering. Not to mention the amount of waste generated! Disposable diapers are the single largest type of garbage in our landfills. Refuse to contribute to the problem by using cloth diapers. Nowadays they are designed to be easy – no more pins! And many communities actually have services that drop off clean diapers each week and pick up the soiled ones.
Have a battery free Christmas. If you have children, make next Christmas “battery free”. Tell all family and friends that instead of toys that require batteries to run, that you would rather your children be given gifts such as books, puzzles and non-electronic toys. Not only will you help the environment by using less batteries, you’ll also save money and your kids will use their imaginations more. Even if you don’t have children of your own, make it a policy to only give battery free gifts.
Pay your bills electronically. Almost all companies now offer the option to receive your bills electronically and pay them through online banking or telephone banking. Save all that unnecessary paper by using this service.
Get involved in environmental charities. There are lots of different charities that are devoted to helping the environment. Whether you choose an international organization such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) or something more local, the important thing is to get involved. You’ll feel great, help a worthwhile cause and be setting a good example for the other people in your community.
Turn the tap off. Your mother probably told you to do it when you were a child, but do you? When brushing your teeth or shaving, always be sure to turn the water off. Even a few seconds can waste a tremendous amount of water unnecessarily. It’s a simple thing that can have a big impact on the amount of water used in your home.
Buy your energy from eco-friendly utility companies. There are many companies now offering electricity that is generated from renewable resources such as wind and low-impact hydroelectric generation. Inquire in your area about companies that use these services for all or part of their electricity and make the switch! If enough people start to do this, more and more companies will begin offering it.
Wash your car on the lawn. This does double duty – you get a clean car and you water your grass at the same time. Plus you are using a lot less water than is used at commercial car washes. Be sure to use a bucket or a trigger hose attachment so you only use the amount of water you need.
Sweep walkways, patios and driveways. Instead of spraying them down with your hose and wasting water, get out the old fashioned broom. They’re just going to get dirty again soon anyway!
Look for little ways you can make a difference. Sometimes the best thing we can do for the environment is to make small changes in our every day life. When we add them all up, we can make a significant difference. Look at everything you do in a day and see what you can do differently. For example, if you are a tea drinker only boil as much water as you need in the kettle. If you generate a lot of garbage think of a couple of ways you can cut back.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Follow these steps to live green
When buying your groceries, remember the four Ns. Choose food that is NATURAL, (meaning no pesticides have been used and it is as minimally processed as possible), NAKED (as little packaging as possible), NUTRITIOUS and NOW (in season).
Buy your food locally whenever possible. Most cities have farmer’s markets where you can purchase produce, meats, breads and baked goods from local vendors. Not only are you supporting your local economy, but these are usually fresher and healthier options. You can also talk to the seller directly to find out their practices when it comes to the use of pesticides, hormones and preservatives. An added bonus is that the food wasn’t trucked in which means less fuel usage and fewer emissions.
Pack lunches in reusable containers. The amount of packaging used for food nowadays is staggering. Help reduce it how you can by opting for reusable containers when packing lunches. There are lots of options available in a variety of different sizes so you can pack everything you need. Be sure to include reusable silverware if needed as well.
Purchase products you use often in bulk. Single serving food products are a huge waste of packaging materials. By buying in bulk you cut down on the amount of packaging that needs to be thrown out and buying more at a time means less trips to the store to pick things up.
Compost your kitchen waste. Composting your fruits and vegetables is an excellent way to cut down on the amount of garbage going in to our landfill sites, and provides nutrient rich soil that you can use in your garden. Some communities are now starting city run composting programs so be sure to check for a program like this where you live.
Don’t waste water while waiting for it to heat up. Running the tap while waiting for the water to heat up is an unnecessary waste. Instead of letting this run down the drain, catch it in a pitcher or pot and use it to water your plants, save it for cooking or put it in the fridge as drinking water.
Use less energy when you cook. There are several things you can do to cut back on the energy you use when cooking. When boiling water put a lid on the pot and it will boil faster. Once it is boiling, turn down the heat (water that is lightly boiling is the same temperature). Most foods don’t require the oven to be preheated so don’t waste energy on this. When using the oven for cooking items such as roasts, you can turn it off for the last 15 minutes and the heat left will finish the cooking. All of these can help you to use less energy in the kitchen.
Thaw foods before cooking them. It takes longer – and uses more energy - to cook foods from frozen. Instead, think ahead about what you will be cooking and when and thaw it first. Likewise, take items out of the fridge before it is time to put them in the oven to bring them up to room temperature.
Keep drinking water in the refrigerator. Instead of having to run the tap to get cold water every time you want a drink, keep a pitcher in the fridge. This will also help you avoid buying individual bottles of water that generate an unnecessary amount of waste.
Run the water less when preparing meals. Next time you cook a meal, put a big bowl underneath the faucet and see how much water is collected every time you wash your hands, rinse your food, etc. You may be surprised how much water is being wasted. Reduce this by instead keeping a bowl of water in the sink to wash your hands in. Keep another one to wash fruits and vegetables in. This way you are only using that one bowl of water instead of letting the tap run.
Look for paper plates that can be composted. The paper plates you are used to seeing in the supermarket are made from virgin tree pulp. They are then coated in a petroleum-based wax, which means that when you are done with them they cannot be recycled. But now there is a new type of paper plate made from “bagasse”. It is a left over from sugar processing and when used to make paper products is compostable. So now you can still be good to the environment and not have to do dishes after the family picnic!
Buy your food locally whenever possible. Most cities have farmer’s markets where you can purchase produce, meats, breads and baked goods from local vendors. Not only are you supporting your local economy, but these are usually fresher and healthier options. You can also talk to the seller directly to find out their practices when it comes to the use of pesticides, hormones and preservatives. An added bonus is that the food wasn’t trucked in which means less fuel usage and fewer emissions.
Pack lunches in reusable containers. The amount of packaging used for food nowadays is staggering. Help reduce it how you can by opting for reusable containers when packing lunches. There are lots of options available in a variety of different sizes so you can pack everything you need. Be sure to include reusable silverware if needed as well.
Purchase products you use often in bulk. Single serving food products are a huge waste of packaging materials. By buying in bulk you cut down on the amount of packaging that needs to be thrown out and buying more at a time means less trips to the store to pick things up.
Compost your kitchen waste. Composting your fruits and vegetables is an excellent way to cut down on the amount of garbage going in to our landfill sites, and provides nutrient rich soil that you can use in your garden. Some communities are now starting city run composting programs so be sure to check for a program like this where you live.
Don’t waste water while waiting for it to heat up. Running the tap while waiting for the water to heat up is an unnecessary waste. Instead of letting this run down the drain, catch it in a pitcher or pot and use it to water your plants, save it for cooking or put it in the fridge as drinking water.
Use less energy when you cook. There are several things you can do to cut back on the energy you use when cooking. When boiling water put a lid on the pot and it will boil faster. Once it is boiling, turn down the heat (water that is lightly boiling is the same temperature). Most foods don’t require the oven to be preheated so don’t waste energy on this. When using the oven for cooking items such as roasts, you can turn it off for the last 15 minutes and the heat left will finish the cooking. All of these can help you to use less energy in the kitchen.
Thaw foods before cooking them. It takes longer – and uses more energy - to cook foods from frozen. Instead, think ahead about what you will be cooking and when and thaw it first. Likewise, take items out of the fridge before it is time to put them in the oven to bring them up to room temperature.
Keep drinking water in the refrigerator. Instead of having to run the tap to get cold water every time you want a drink, keep a pitcher in the fridge. This will also help you avoid buying individual bottles of water that generate an unnecessary amount of waste.
Run the water less when preparing meals. Next time you cook a meal, put a big bowl underneath the faucet and see how much water is collected every time you wash your hands, rinse your food, etc. You may be surprised how much water is being wasted. Reduce this by instead keeping a bowl of water in the sink to wash your hands in. Keep another one to wash fruits and vegetables in. This way you are only using that one bowl of water instead of letting the tap run.
Look for paper plates that can be composted. The paper plates you are used to seeing in the supermarket are made from virgin tree pulp. They are then coated in a petroleum-based wax, which means that when you are done with them they cannot be recycled. But now there is a new type of paper plate made from “bagasse”. It is a left over from sugar processing and when used to make paper products is compostable. So now you can still be good to the environment and not have to do dishes after the family picnic!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Save Energy For The Future
household energy save
Keep your furnace running efficiently. Your furnace is the most expensive appliance in your house to run. In fact household heating accounts for 60% of all energy used in the average home. Make sure it is operating as efficiently as possible by replacing its filter every two months. A great option is to purchase one of the reusable filters that can be washed on a regular basis. You’ll pay more for them but they last for years so in the end they cost less than disposable filters. The few minutes it will take you to properly care for your furnace can increase its energy efficiently by as much as 50 per cent.
Install a programmable thermostat. Heating and cooling your house when no one is home – or when everyone is in bed – uses an unnecessary amount of energy. This is bad for the environment and bad for your checkbook! Instead of wasting that energy, buy a programmable thermostat and set the temperature to be several degrees cooler (or warmer in the summer) during the night and when the house is empty. You can easily have it back to the temperature you like by the time you wake up or arrive home.
Wrap your hot water heater in a blanket. Every hardware store sells fiberglass blankets that you can wrap around your hot water tank to help it hold in heat. They are easily installed (you can do it yourself) and usually pay for themselves in the first year of use.
Opt for a tankless hot water solution. If your hot water tank is getting old and you’re considering replacing it, choose one of the new tankless hot water options. They heat water as you need it instead of keeping an entire tank heated and ready to go at all times. As a result they use significantly less energy, which is better for the environment. And an added bonus is that you can expect to save about 50% on your hot water heating costs.
Keep your house cool naturally. Closing the blinks and curtains and using ceiling fans can dramatically decrease the temperature of your home during the heat of the summer. If you must use air conditioning, keep it at 75F and reserve its use only for the hottest days. A programmable thermostat is a great option to raise the temperature during the night and when no one is home.
Replace your incandescent light bulbs. Although they cost more upfront, the compact fluorescent light bulbs will save you a lot of money in the long run. They use 75% less electricity than incandescent light bulbs and last up to 10 times longer! That means you pay significantly less for electricity and are not throwing nearly as many light bulbs into the landfill. If you were to change only five of the light bulbs that you use the most often to compact fluorescent bulbs you could save more than $30 per year.
Turn off the lights. A lot of people are guilty of leaving lights on all over the house. But remember that every little bit of electricity you can save counts! Make it a policy in your home to always turn the lights off when you leave a room. Same making sure that the television, stereo and computer are off when not in use. For outdoor lights, consider a timer or use motion detectors instead of always leaving outside lights on.
Make sure your refrigerator and freezer are operating efficiently. Refrigerators that are more than 10 years old use approximately 60% more electricity than new models. To make sure you are not using more energy than needed, keep the temperature of the fridge at 37F and the freezer at 0F. This will keep your food at the perfect temperature without using excess electricity. Another great tip is to clean the condenser once or twice a year so that the motor does not have to run as long or as often.
Use your microwave. Not all foods are great when cooked in the microwave, but there are lots of times you can use it over your conventional oven. Since your microwave uses 75% less energy than your oven, it’s worth it to find new ways to use it when cooking!
Unplug electronics when they are not in use. Did you know that your television, DVD player, computer and kitchen appliances all use some electricity even when they are not turned on? Avoid wasting this electricity by unplugging them if you won’t be using them for a day or longer. And remember to unplug them before you leave home for vacations.
Use countertop appliances over their stovetop equivalent. When you are steaming vegetables or boiling water in the kettle, opt for countertop appliances instead of using your stove. They use significantly less electricity and get the job done faster.
Only run a full load in the dishwasher. Before running a cycle through your dishwasher, make sure it is full. You’ll use less electricity and less water – and an added bonus is that your dishes will come out cleaner! And always be sure to let your dishes air dry or use the cool dry option rather than using the heat dry setting. This alone will cut the amount of energy used for each load by 15% - 50%!
Change to digital dimmer switches. Although having dimmers on your lights is a great way to save energy, some of the older styles are no more efficient than regular switches. If you have a dial dimmer, check to see if the switch itself feels warm. If it does, you are not saving any energy by using it. Consider replacing it with one of the new digital dimmers to increase the amount of energy saved.
Make your swimming pool more energy efficient. Pools account for as much as 60% of a home’s summer energy costs – and more in parts of the world where pools are used year round. Cut this down by as much as 20% simply by using a solar blanket to help keep the pool warm. Save another 20% by turning down your pool heater by a few degrees.
Insulate your hot water pipes. Insulate the first meter of pipe leading into and out of your hot-water tank as well as any metal hot-water pipes running through unheated spaces in your home. This quick and easy project will reduce the amount of electricity you use and save you some money.
Clean out your lint filter. Having a full lint filter in your clothes dryer can result in 30% more energy being used. Be sure to clean it out before every use and scrub it with a soft bristle brush every few months. To check and see if it needs to be cleaned, fill it with water and see whether it drains. Often tiny particles can clog the holes even though it appears that they are clear.
Install motion detectors on your outdoor lights. Instead of leaving on your outdoor lights all evening, install motion detectors so they only come on when needed. This relatively simple change can save as much as 30% of the electricity needed for your outdoor lighting.
Keep your refrigerator and freezer well stocked. A half empty fridge or freezer uses significantly more energy than a full one. If you don’t have anything else to add, fill up bottles of water and put them where needed to keep things full.
Work on weatherizing your home. If your house is drafty you are literally throwing money out the window. Spend a bit of time sealing up doors and windows to cut down on heat loss. Also be sure to check that you have enough insulation. In older homes the attic in particular can benefit from increased insulation. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, it’s well worth it to hire a professional to do an energy audit.
Buy a slow cooker. Also known as “crock pots”, slow cookers can be used for everything from roasts to stews. Because new ones use only the same amount of energy as a single light bulb, they are a very energy efficient way of cooking.
Stop losing heat. There are several places in your home where you are losing heat and may not even realize it. One that most people overlook is the electrical outlets. In particular in older houses where there is not much insulation in the walls. Stop this heat loss by putting in those little plastic child proofing plugs.
Turn down the temperature of your hot water heater. Most houses have the hot water heater set much hotter than it needs to be. As a result you end up having to mix a lot of cold water in to get it to a temperature that is useable. Make sure your hot water heater is set to no higher than 140F. That is hot enough to kill germs but not so hot that it is a huge waste of energy.
Investigate grants that will help you improve your home’s energy efficiency. Changing the way we live is becoming so important that in many parts of the world the government and energy companies are helping homeowners by paying – or at least subsidizing – energy saving measures. Find programs in your area by searching the web, calling your energy supplier or asking your local officials.
Request a home energy audit. A lot of utility companies now offer free energy audits to their customers. Check with yours to see what is available. You may be surprised at what you learn about how you are wasting energy.
Keep your furnace running efficiently. Your furnace is the most expensive appliance in your house to run. In fact household heating accounts for 60% of all energy used in the average home. Make sure it is operating as efficiently as possible by replacing its filter every two months. A great option is to purchase one of the reusable filters that can be washed on a regular basis. You’ll pay more for them but they last for years so in the end they cost less than disposable filters. The few minutes it will take you to properly care for your furnace can increase its energy efficiently by as much as 50 per cent.
Install a programmable thermostat. Heating and cooling your house when no one is home – or when everyone is in bed – uses an unnecessary amount of energy. This is bad for the environment and bad for your checkbook! Instead of wasting that energy, buy a programmable thermostat and set the temperature to be several degrees cooler (or warmer in the summer) during the night and when the house is empty. You can easily have it back to the temperature you like by the time you wake up or arrive home.
Wrap your hot water heater in a blanket. Every hardware store sells fiberglass blankets that you can wrap around your hot water tank to help it hold in heat. They are easily installed (you can do it yourself) and usually pay for themselves in the first year of use.
Opt for a tankless hot water solution. If your hot water tank is getting old and you’re considering replacing it, choose one of the new tankless hot water options. They heat water as you need it instead of keeping an entire tank heated and ready to go at all times. As a result they use significantly less energy, which is better for the environment. And an added bonus is that you can expect to save about 50% on your hot water heating costs.
Keep your house cool naturally. Closing the blinks and curtains and using ceiling fans can dramatically decrease the temperature of your home during the heat of the summer. If you must use air conditioning, keep it at 75F and reserve its use only for the hottest days. A programmable thermostat is a great option to raise the temperature during the night and when no one is home.
Replace your incandescent light bulbs. Although they cost more upfront, the compact fluorescent light bulbs will save you a lot of money in the long run. They use 75% less electricity than incandescent light bulbs and last up to 10 times longer! That means you pay significantly less for electricity and are not throwing nearly as many light bulbs into the landfill. If you were to change only five of the light bulbs that you use the most often to compact fluorescent bulbs you could save more than $30 per year.
Turn off the lights. A lot of people are guilty of leaving lights on all over the house. But remember that every little bit of electricity you can save counts! Make it a policy in your home to always turn the lights off when you leave a room. Same making sure that the television, stereo and computer are off when not in use. For outdoor lights, consider a timer or use motion detectors instead of always leaving outside lights on.
Make sure your refrigerator and freezer are operating efficiently. Refrigerators that are more than 10 years old use approximately 60% more electricity than new models. To make sure you are not using more energy than needed, keep the temperature of the fridge at 37F and the freezer at 0F. This will keep your food at the perfect temperature without using excess electricity. Another great tip is to clean the condenser once or twice a year so that the motor does not have to run as long or as often.
Use your microwave. Not all foods are great when cooked in the microwave, but there are lots of times you can use it over your conventional oven. Since your microwave uses 75% less energy than your oven, it’s worth it to find new ways to use it when cooking!
Unplug electronics when they are not in use. Did you know that your television, DVD player, computer and kitchen appliances all use some electricity even when they are not turned on? Avoid wasting this electricity by unplugging them if you won’t be using them for a day or longer. And remember to unplug them before you leave home for vacations.
Use countertop appliances over their stovetop equivalent. When you are steaming vegetables or boiling water in the kettle, opt for countertop appliances instead of using your stove. They use significantly less electricity and get the job done faster.
Only run a full load in the dishwasher. Before running a cycle through your dishwasher, make sure it is full. You’ll use less electricity and less water – and an added bonus is that your dishes will come out cleaner! And always be sure to let your dishes air dry or use the cool dry option rather than using the heat dry setting. This alone will cut the amount of energy used for each load by 15% - 50%!
Change to digital dimmer switches. Although having dimmers on your lights is a great way to save energy, some of the older styles are no more efficient than regular switches. If you have a dial dimmer, check to see if the switch itself feels warm. If it does, you are not saving any energy by using it. Consider replacing it with one of the new digital dimmers to increase the amount of energy saved.
Make your swimming pool more energy efficient. Pools account for as much as 60% of a home’s summer energy costs – and more in parts of the world where pools are used year round. Cut this down by as much as 20% simply by using a solar blanket to help keep the pool warm. Save another 20% by turning down your pool heater by a few degrees.
Insulate your hot water pipes. Insulate the first meter of pipe leading into and out of your hot-water tank as well as any metal hot-water pipes running through unheated spaces in your home. This quick and easy project will reduce the amount of electricity you use and save you some money.
Clean out your lint filter. Having a full lint filter in your clothes dryer can result in 30% more energy being used. Be sure to clean it out before every use and scrub it with a soft bristle brush every few months. To check and see if it needs to be cleaned, fill it with water and see whether it drains. Often tiny particles can clog the holes even though it appears that they are clear.
Install motion detectors on your outdoor lights. Instead of leaving on your outdoor lights all evening, install motion detectors so they only come on when needed. This relatively simple change can save as much as 30% of the electricity needed for your outdoor lighting.
Keep your refrigerator and freezer well stocked. A half empty fridge or freezer uses significantly more energy than a full one. If you don’t have anything else to add, fill up bottles of water and put them where needed to keep things full.
Work on weatherizing your home. If your house is drafty you are literally throwing money out the window. Spend a bit of time sealing up doors and windows to cut down on heat loss. Also be sure to check that you have enough insulation. In older homes the attic in particular can benefit from increased insulation. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, it’s well worth it to hire a professional to do an energy audit.
Buy a slow cooker. Also known as “crock pots”, slow cookers can be used for everything from roasts to stews. Because new ones use only the same amount of energy as a single light bulb, they are a very energy efficient way of cooking.
Stop losing heat. There are several places in your home where you are losing heat and may not even realize it. One that most people overlook is the electrical outlets. In particular in older houses where there is not much insulation in the walls. Stop this heat loss by putting in those little plastic child proofing plugs.
Turn down the temperature of your hot water heater. Most houses have the hot water heater set much hotter than it needs to be. As a result you end up having to mix a lot of cold water in to get it to a temperature that is useable. Make sure your hot water heater is set to no higher than 140F. That is hot enough to kill germs but not so hot that it is a huge waste of energy.
Investigate grants that will help you improve your home’s energy efficiency. Changing the way we live is becoming so important that in many parts of the world the government and energy companies are helping homeowners by paying – or at least subsidizing – energy saving measures. Find programs in your area by searching the web, calling your energy supplier or asking your local officials.
Request a home energy audit. A lot of utility companies now offer free energy audits to their customers. Check with yours to see what is available. You may be surprised at what you learn about how you are wasting energy.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Swine flu or H1N1
Athe end of 2008, the swine flu or H1N1 looks a lot like the pattern of the Spanish flu of 1918-19 which killed millions, when the population was a lot smaller. And this version has the potential of actually causing a "double dip" in the world economies. It is that strong with that much potential. And now we have a United Nations report that looks very serious.
The swine flu pandemic could kill millions and cause anarchy in the world's poorest nations says a UN report. The disclosure will provoke concerns that health officials will not be able to stem the growth of the worldwide H1N1 pandemic in developing countries. If the virus takes hold in the poorest nations, millions could die and the economies of fragile countries could be destroyed.
Millions could die right here in America too.
Gregory Hartl of WHO said the report required an urgent response from rich nations. "There needs to be recognition that the whole world is affected by this pandemic and the chain is only as strong as its weakest link. We have seen how H1N1 has taken hold in richer nations and in the southern hemisphere. We have been given fair warning and must act soon," he said.
The report was drawn up by UN officials over the last two months. It was commissioned in July after Ban ki-moon, the UN's secretary general, expressed concern that the H1NI virus could have a severe impact on the world's poorest countries. It paints a disastrous picture for the world's most vulnerable people unless there is immediate help.
The UN's request for the money comes as the virus begins to establish itself in some of the world's most vulnerable countries. Health officials said that the African continent had recorded 8,187 confirmed cases of swine flu and 41 deaths. Swine flu was declared a pandemic in June and has since been identified in 180 countries.
Pandemic experts believe that the western world, including Britain, is facing a second wave of the virus.
The "Spanish" influenza pandemic of 1918–1919, which caused 50 million deaths worldwide, remains an ominous warning to public health.
source:-articlebase.com
The swine flu pandemic could kill millions and cause anarchy in the world's poorest nations says a UN report. The disclosure will provoke concerns that health officials will not be able to stem the growth of the worldwide H1N1 pandemic in developing countries. If the virus takes hold in the poorest nations, millions could die and the economies of fragile countries could be destroyed.
Millions could die right here in America too.
Gregory Hartl of WHO said the report required an urgent response from rich nations. "There needs to be recognition that the whole world is affected by this pandemic and the chain is only as strong as its weakest link. We have seen how H1N1 has taken hold in richer nations and in the southern hemisphere. We have been given fair warning and must act soon," he said.
The report was drawn up by UN officials over the last two months. It was commissioned in July after Ban ki-moon, the UN's secretary general, expressed concern that the H1NI virus could have a severe impact on the world's poorest countries. It paints a disastrous picture for the world's most vulnerable people unless there is immediate help.
The UN's request for the money comes as the virus begins to establish itself in some of the world's most vulnerable countries. Health officials said that the African continent had recorded 8,187 confirmed cases of swine flu and 41 deaths. Swine flu was declared a pandemic in June and has since been identified in 180 countries.
Pandemic experts believe that the western world, including Britain, is facing a second wave of the virus.
The "Spanish" influenza pandemic of 1918–1919, which caused 50 million deaths worldwide, remains an ominous warning to public health.
source:-articlebase.com
Save Now for a Greener Tomorrow
We are taught from an early age to Save for A Rainy Day, Save For Retirement, Save In Case Of An Emergency... well you get the picture. All these examples are referring to saving money, a smart prudent thing to do. For most of us in recent times, unfortunately, our savings account has become our living account. Now they are asking us to Save The Planet. Did you know that doing your part cannot only help save the earth, but also save you money in the process? You can feel good about yourself and put cash in your pocket, or back into that savings account where it belongs. There are things you can do starting today, which will only cost you the effort to implement them.
Four Tips That Will Save Money
As with most changes, sacrifice can be a part of efficiency. Here are four essential steps you can start taking today to live green, save money, and it won’t cost you a dime.
1. Turn your heater thermostats down one or two degrees in winter, and turn your air-conditioning thermostats up one or two degrees in summer. If we all did this, the combined difference would be phenomenal. You will notice a significant savings in your electric bill.
2. Start washing your clothes in cold water. Modern powders perform just as efficiently in cold water as hot. Most of the energy that goes into washing clothes is in heating up the water. So you will save on electricity, live green and save money too.
3. On sunny days think about hanging your clothes on an old fashion clothing line. You will not only save money, but your clothes will smell fresher.
4. Try to consume a little less of everything, from electricity, to gas in the car, to the food you eat. Take time to write out a shopping list, and stick to it. If you feel the impulse to buy something you don't really need, get into the habit of waiting 24 hours, then review it. The chances are you either won't want it any more, or will have forgotten all about it.
Small Investments Will Payback Ten Fold
Ways to Cut Your Energy Bill
1.If you don’t already, look for leaks, this is a good place to start. I don’t mean just water, but also energy leaks. Yes, there are such things as energy leaks. If your house isn’t properly insulated, you are losing more money than perhaps you realize. You should not only make sure your loft is insulated, but any hot water pipes as well. This is a very small price to pay, but you will recoup this investment very quickly.
2. Consider getting a new toilet cistern that will use less than two gallons of water per flush. Standard cisterns use about three and a half gallons. Because of plastics, this is no longer a big expense.
3. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are a dream come true for anyone who wants to live green and save money. They burn just 25% of the electricity that a standard light bulb burns, and they can last up to 10 times longer. Change your old bulbs today, or if you must be frugal, as the current ones burn out. The two drawbacks that critics used to discredit the fluorescent, that being the expense and the difference in lighting that the bulbs give off, have greatly diminished. The hue the fluorescent gives off, while still not the same has recently improved. I have seen these bulbs in the local dollar stores, so everyone can now take advantage of them.
Four Tips That Will Save Money
As with most changes, sacrifice can be a part of efficiency. Here are four essential steps you can start taking today to live green, save money, and it won’t cost you a dime.
1. Turn your heater thermostats down one or two degrees in winter, and turn your air-conditioning thermostats up one or two degrees in summer. If we all did this, the combined difference would be phenomenal. You will notice a significant savings in your electric bill.
2. Start washing your clothes in cold water. Modern powders perform just as efficiently in cold water as hot. Most of the energy that goes into washing clothes is in heating up the water. So you will save on electricity, live green and save money too.
3. On sunny days think about hanging your clothes on an old fashion clothing line. You will not only save money, but your clothes will smell fresher.
4. Try to consume a little less of everything, from electricity, to gas in the car, to the food you eat. Take time to write out a shopping list, and stick to it. If you feel the impulse to buy something you don't really need, get into the habit of waiting 24 hours, then review it. The chances are you either won't want it any more, or will have forgotten all about it.
Small Investments Will Payback Ten Fold
Ways to Cut Your Energy Bill
1.If you don’t already, look for leaks, this is a good place to start. I don’t mean just water, but also energy leaks. Yes, there are such things as energy leaks. If your house isn’t properly insulated, you are losing more money than perhaps you realize. You should not only make sure your loft is insulated, but any hot water pipes as well. This is a very small price to pay, but you will recoup this investment very quickly.
2. Consider getting a new toilet cistern that will use less than two gallons of water per flush. Standard cisterns use about three and a half gallons. Because of plastics, this is no longer a big expense.
3. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are a dream come true for anyone who wants to live green and save money. They burn just 25% of the electricity that a standard light bulb burns, and they can last up to 10 times longer. Change your old bulbs today, or if you must be frugal, as the current ones burn out. The two drawbacks that critics used to discredit the fluorescent, that being the expense and the difference in lighting that the bulbs give off, have greatly diminished. The hue the fluorescent gives off, while still not the same has recently improved. I have seen these bulbs in the local dollar stores, so everyone can now take advantage of them.
Making your home eco friendly
Making your home eco friendly can be fun and easy. Most importantly, it doesn’t have to cost a dime! Many eco friendly strategies, such as converting to solar or wind power, are impractical or impossible for most people. There are still plenty of small things that you can do, however, that are will make a big difference over time.
Basically, it’s all about habits. Small changes in everyday behaviors will have an enormous impact on how eco friendly your home becomes. Developing a habit takes about 21 days so commit to doing things a little differently over the next month. Choose just one or two areas on which to focus and, once those habits are set, move on to another area.
Eco Friendly Habits
Take a cloth bag every time you go shopping – Plastic and paper bags waste a tremendous amount of resources and clog landfills. Re-purpose a tote bag that you already have or get one from a local thrift store.
Use natural, homemade cleaning products – Baking soda and vinegar, either alone or together, are safe and effective for a variety of home cleaning needs. Search the Internet for non-toxic, homemade cleaner recipes.
Cut down on waste – Buy items in bulk or with minimal packaging. Don’t bring anything into the home without assessing its useful life and whether you really need it. Creatively re-purpose or recycle as many items as possible. Make sure to compost food waste and yard trimmings.
Conserve water –Turn off the faucet when bushing teeth or shaving. If possible, install low flow showerheads and faucet aerators. Place a gallon milk jug full of water inside your toilet tank. An adequate flush depends more on the fall of the water than the quantity. Displacement within the tank effectively reduces the water used for every flush. If a gallon jug is too big, try the half-gallon size instead.
Conserve electricity – Turn off the lights when leaving a room. Turn off and unplug computers, printers, televisions and other electronics when not in use. To make this task easier, plug these items into power strips and use the switch to turn them all off at once. Wash clothing in cold water and line dry. Rinse dishes under slowly running cold water if washing by hand and air-dry if using a dishwasher.
Switch to cloth napkins – Paper napkins waste valuable resources. Make your own from cloth or buy them inexpensively at a local thrift store.
Save on heating and cooling – Adjust your thermostat. Just a few degrees cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer can make a huge difference. Turn the system off when nobody is home. Change furnace filters monthly or as recommended. Use ceiling or portable fans to circulate air, reducing the need for additional heating and cooling.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Be on the lookout for other ways to make your home more eco friendly!
source:-articlebase.com
Basically, it’s all about habits. Small changes in everyday behaviors will have an enormous impact on how eco friendly your home becomes. Developing a habit takes about 21 days so commit to doing things a little differently over the next month. Choose just one or two areas on which to focus and, once those habits are set, move on to another area.
Eco Friendly Habits
Take a cloth bag every time you go shopping – Plastic and paper bags waste a tremendous amount of resources and clog landfills. Re-purpose a tote bag that you already have or get one from a local thrift store.
Use natural, homemade cleaning products – Baking soda and vinegar, either alone or together, are safe and effective for a variety of home cleaning needs. Search the Internet for non-toxic, homemade cleaner recipes.
Cut down on waste – Buy items in bulk or with minimal packaging. Don’t bring anything into the home without assessing its useful life and whether you really need it. Creatively re-purpose or recycle as many items as possible. Make sure to compost food waste and yard trimmings.
Conserve water –Turn off the faucet when bushing teeth or shaving. If possible, install low flow showerheads and faucet aerators. Place a gallon milk jug full of water inside your toilet tank. An adequate flush depends more on the fall of the water than the quantity. Displacement within the tank effectively reduces the water used for every flush. If a gallon jug is too big, try the half-gallon size instead.
Conserve electricity – Turn off the lights when leaving a room. Turn off and unplug computers, printers, televisions and other electronics when not in use. To make this task easier, plug these items into power strips and use the switch to turn them all off at once. Wash clothing in cold water and line dry. Rinse dishes under slowly running cold water if washing by hand and air-dry if using a dishwasher.
Switch to cloth napkins – Paper napkins waste valuable resources. Make your own from cloth or buy them inexpensively at a local thrift store.
Save on heating and cooling – Adjust your thermostat. Just a few degrees cooler in the winter and warmer in the summer can make a huge difference. Turn the system off when nobody is home. Change furnace filters monthly or as recommended. Use ceiling or portable fans to circulate air, reducing the need for additional heating and cooling.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. Be on the lookout for other ways to make your home more eco friendly!
source:-articlebase.com
Healthy Living
Is living clean and green difficult? Well, it can be a little difficult when you are not completely sure how to go about doing it. Some may assume that living green is a complex or difficult process. In the past, it was tough to live green. Other than keeping your energy expenditures down and replacing inefficient appliances, there was little a person could do. Those with significant budgets could procure solar panels for the home. Today, solar panels are not a luxury as they have come down greatly in price. And, thankfully, there are scores of other minor methods that can help improve your home's ability to go green. Some of these other methods are well worth exploring.
For example, did you know that there are organic cleaning agents that can replace many of the traditional chemical detergents that are commonly available on the market? These detergents are made with natural products that do not deliver the problematic fumes that can make the interior of a home unsafe. And, most damaging to the environment is the release of these chemicals into the environment when they are washed down the drain. The impact of such weak disposal on the environment can be significantly enormous. Through using biodegradable and natural detergents, this negative impact will be completely eliminated. These natural detergents are also no where near as expensive as some assume which makes them quite accessible to a variety of budgets.
Sometimes, taking a few basic simple steps is all that is needed to enhance the ability of a home to go green. Purchasing incandescent light bulbs is another simple method for reducing your home's proverbial carbon footprint. Such light bulbs use far less electricity than the traditional light bulb and last much longer. In addition to helping the environment, these light bulbs also help keep you home budget in check!
Then, there is the most common means of making sure a home is green: recycling. Recycling is significantly important to preserving the environment because it is able to reduce a number of problems associated with environmental depletion. Paper, as most are well aware, derives from trees. When you recycle something as basic as a newspaper, you are eliminating the need to need to cut down trees for future paper production. Recycling plastics is something many people will take part in although they may not be completely sure how this improves the environment. The reason it is so helpful is because plastic derives from petroleum which requires oil to product. By recycling plastic, you are reducing the need to deplete oil reserves. This helps keep the environment clean and keeps the price of a barrel of oil low.
Yes, the steps one can take to ensure a home is properly green are no where near as tough as some assume. Simply taking a few basic steps will certainly deliver the results needed to turn your home into an environmentally
sound abode. Yes, if you want to contribute to the environment, you can do something about in a rather easy to achieve manner.
source:-articlebase.com
For example, did you know that there are organic cleaning agents that can replace many of the traditional chemical detergents that are commonly available on the market? These detergents are made with natural products that do not deliver the problematic fumes that can make the interior of a home unsafe. And, most damaging to the environment is the release of these chemicals into the environment when they are washed down the drain. The impact of such weak disposal on the environment can be significantly enormous. Through using biodegradable and natural detergents, this negative impact will be completely eliminated. These natural detergents are also no where near as expensive as some assume which makes them quite accessible to a variety of budgets.
Sometimes, taking a few basic simple steps is all that is needed to enhance the ability of a home to go green. Purchasing incandescent light bulbs is another simple method for reducing your home's proverbial carbon footprint. Such light bulbs use far less electricity than the traditional light bulb and last much longer. In addition to helping the environment, these light bulbs also help keep you home budget in check!
Then, there is the most common means of making sure a home is green: recycling. Recycling is significantly important to preserving the environment because it is able to reduce a number of problems associated with environmental depletion. Paper, as most are well aware, derives from trees. When you recycle something as basic as a newspaper, you are eliminating the need to need to cut down trees for future paper production. Recycling plastics is something many people will take part in although they may not be completely sure how this improves the environment. The reason it is so helpful is because plastic derives from petroleum which requires oil to product. By recycling plastic, you are reducing the need to deplete oil reserves. This helps keep the environment clean and keeps the price of a barrel of oil low.
Yes, the steps one can take to ensure a home is properly green are no where near as tough as some assume. Simply taking a few basic steps will certainly deliver the results needed to turn your home into an environmentally
sound abode. Yes, if you want to contribute to the environment, you can do something about in a rather easy to achieve manner.
source:-articlebase.com
Green Marketing and Ethical Issues
Green Marketing and Ethical Issues
INTRODUCTION
The marketer need to know about what is the relevance of Social Marketing in order to protect the environment and to improve the quality of life and are concerned with issues that include conservation of natural resources, reducing environmental pollution, protecting endangered species, and control of land use. Many companies are finding that consumers are willing to pay more for a green product. The last three decades have seen a progressive increase in worldwide environmental consciousness. This has been driven by a number of factors from increased media coverage to rising evidence of environmental problems such as the depletion of the ozone layer, acidification of rivers and forest degradation, global warming, the rise of pressure group activity, tougher legislation and major industrial disasters. Concern has moved from the local scale to a national and increasingly global scale.
The rate of environmental degradation has intensified. The nineteenth century brought the first large scale pollution as companies geared themselves to produce goods as fast as possible, with virtual disregard for human or environmental well-being. Nations battled for industrial supremacy using raw materials and creating pollution at a staggering rate. As countries became economically stronger, competition also grew. More efficient production methods were employed, and few companies, if any, gave a thought to the impact they were having on their surroundings. With the increase in water pollution from the chemical works, and air pollution from the iron and steel industry, towns and cities began to pay the price for high industrial productivity.
Ass the 1980s progressed, it became increasingly clear that, although the starkest predictions of resource depletion and population explosion had failed to materialize, all was far from well with the planet. A number of published analyses of the environment showed that according to a wide range of indicators, the environment was coming under increasing stress. Concern among consumers and the electorate began to mount, with the inevitable consequence being that environmental issues moved from the fringes to the center of the business and political agenda.
The environment’s role in business is profoundly obvious, but easy to overlook. It provides every business with its inputs, and a destination for all its outputs. It also provides the business with the physical space within which its operations occur. For businesses dealing directly with environmental resources, such as agriculture, tourism or oil, the importance of the physical environment has always been apparent. Society in its present form and on its current trajectory of development, however, cannot be sustained indefinitely. The physical environment has limited resources and limited capacity to absorb pollution and waste. The underlying cause of society’s current unsustainability relates to the way in which economics and technology have come to dominate our thinking about business and the environment. Conventional marketing within industry is very much a product of this techno-economic perspective. This has created a ‘grey’ culture which is not sustainable and is therefore terminal. To transform this into a ‘green’ sustainable culture, there is a need to balance consideration of the economic and technical impacts and aspects of businesses with understanding of their social and physical implications.
It is now widely accepted that societies, economies, and the businesses within them need to find a more sustainable path to for future development. In the business world the vocabulary of management was suddenly expanded by the discussion of ‘green consumers’, ‘green markets’ and ‘green products’ and the practice of ‘environmental’ or ‘green marketing’. For majority of the companies improving environmental performance has, until recently, been a question of legislative compliance and occasional reactions to external events and pressures. It has only been companies in the front-line sectors such as oil, chemicals, power and cars that have gone beyond a reactive and tactical approach to green issues. However, by early 1990s a shift away from a technical-compliance oriented approach towards a more proactive green strategy orientation was noticed. Companies were increasingly pursuing competitive advantage and product differentiation by increasing investment in environmental marketing, green design and improving overall corporate eco-performance. In addition to these externally motivated changes, the realization is dawning within industry that sustainability will not be reached simply by demand-pull from the market and compliance-push from the regulators. The changes that are needed to safeguard the future of the environment and the economy must partly be driven from the business community, which means they must proactively integrate eco-performance into the strategies, systems and cultures of the organization.
Eg: Toyota has become quite successful with their hybrid cars.
The three R s of environmentalism are:
Reduce
Reuse and
Recycle.
Green marketing refers to the development and distribution of ecologically-safe products. It refers to products and packages that have one or more of the following characteristics:
(1) Are less toxic
(2) Are more durable
(3) Contain reusable materials
(4) Are made of recyclable material. In short, these are products considered “environmentally responsible”.
In the early to mid 1960s created concern about the social responsibility of businesses and their impact on the natural environment and the health and welfare of the planet. This concern was heightened during the early 1970s in response to Limits to Growth and resulted in the emergence of both the ‘societal marketing concept’ and the ‘ecological marketing concept’. In response to the new green challenge that emerged during the early 1980s, these early concepts have amalgamated to create an environmental marketing concept. Green marketing is thus a form of socio-ecological marketing whereby the goods and services sold, and the marketing practices involved in their sale take into account the environmental ramifications of society as a whole. The marketing process essentially involves matching the controllable internal variables of the marketing mix with the demands of the marketing environment. Environmental marketing is no different, in principle, although the internal variables and external demands that must be reconciled are a little different.
Green marketing takes account of the wider relationship of the organization and its products to the surroundings. It is about a more aware, open, targeted and sensitive approach that integrates the strategic link between the company, the environment, and marketing, rather than being primarily concerned with tactical communications opportunities. The prime emphasis is on, developing relationships and satisfying separate Stakeholders needs in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. The key stakeholders are customers, investors, parent company, directors, employees, the community, legislators, pressure groups, suppliers, and the media
Green marketing differs from its societal and ecological predecessors in it’s intertwining of ecological and social concerns, in the breadth of the ecological agenda that it tackles, and in its potential application across all types and sectors of business. Green marketing goes beyond societal marketing in four key ways:
It is an open-ended rather than a long-term perspective.
* It focuses more strongly on the natural environment.
* It treats the environment as something which has an intrinsic value over and above its usefulness to society.
* It focuses on global concerns rather than those of particular societies.
The key elements of green marketing can be summarised as under:
* A balanced approach to the social, technological, economic and physical aspects of businesses and societies.
* An emphasis on long term sustainable qualitative development rather than short-term unsustainable quantitative growth.
* A holistic approach aimed at reversing the reductionalist and fragmented approach of previous business theory and practice.
* A consideration of consumers as real human beings rather than as hypothetical ‘rational economic’entities.
* An emphasis on meeting the genuine needs of consumers, rather than on stimulating superficial desires.
* A recognition that consumers and society have multiple and sometimes conflicting wants and needs.
* A view of the company and all its activities as part of the ‘product’ that is consumed.
* A recognition that the large scale long distance nature of the current economy is not sustainable, and that in the future small and local will be beautiful.
* Embracing the concept of eco-performance which incorporates the non-market outputs of the company, with performance of the product during and after use and the environmental impact of companies which contribute to the creation and marketing of the product elsewhere in the supply chain.
* The pursuit of added socio-environmental value as well as added techno-economic value.
source:-articlebase.com
INTRODUCTION
The marketer need to know about what is the relevance of Social Marketing in order to protect the environment and to improve the quality of life and are concerned with issues that include conservation of natural resources, reducing environmental pollution, protecting endangered species, and control of land use. Many companies are finding that consumers are willing to pay more for a green product. The last three decades have seen a progressive increase in worldwide environmental consciousness. This has been driven by a number of factors from increased media coverage to rising evidence of environmental problems such as the depletion of the ozone layer, acidification of rivers and forest degradation, global warming, the rise of pressure group activity, tougher legislation and major industrial disasters. Concern has moved from the local scale to a national and increasingly global scale.
The rate of environmental degradation has intensified. The nineteenth century brought the first large scale pollution as companies geared themselves to produce goods as fast as possible, with virtual disregard for human or environmental well-being. Nations battled for industrial supremacy using raw materials and creating pollution at a staggering rate. As countries became economically stronger, competition also grew. More efficient production methods were employed, and few companies, if any, gave a thought to the impact they were having on their surroundings. With the increase in water pollution from the chemical works, and air pollution from the iron and steel industry, towns and cities began to pay the price for high industrial productivity.
Ass the 1980s progressed, it became increasingly clear that, although the starkest predictions of resource depletion and population explosion had failed to materialize, all was far from well with the planet. A number of published analyses of the environment showed that according to a wide range of indicators, the environment was coming under increasing stress. Concern among consumers and the electorate began to mount, with the inevitable consequence being that environmental issues moved from the fringes to the center of the business and political agenda.
The environment’s role in business is profoundly obvious, but easy to overlook. It provides every business with its inputs, and a destination for all its outputs. It also provides the business with the physical space within which its operations occur. For businesses dealing directly with environmental resources, such as agriculture, tourism or oil, the importance of the physical environment has always been apparent. Society in its present form and on its current trajectory of development, however, cannot be sustained indefinitely. The physical environment has limited resources and limited capacity to absorb pollution and waste. The underlying cause of society’s current unsustainability relates to the way in which economics and technology have come to dominate our thinking about business and the environment. Conventional marketing within industry is very much a product of this techno-economic perspective. This has created a ‘grey’ culture which is not sustainable and is therefore terminal. To transform this into a ‘green’ sustainable culture, there is a need to balance consideration of the economic and technical impacts and aspects of businesses with understanding of their social and physical implications.
It is now widely accepted that societies, economies, and the businesses within them need to find a more sustainable path to for future development. In the business world the vocabulary of management was suddenly expanded by the discussion of ‘green consumers’, ‘green markets’ and ‘green products’ and the practice of ‘environmental’ or ‘green marketing’. For majority of the companies improving environmental performance has, until recently, been a question of legislative compliance and occasional reactions to external events and pressures. It has only been companies in the front-line sectors such as oil, chemicals, power and cars that have gone beyond a reactive and tactical approach to green issues. However, by early 1990s a shift away from a technical-compliance oriented approach towards a more proactive green strategy orientation was noticed. Companies were increasingly pursuing competitive advantage and product differentiation by increasing investment in environmental marketing, green design and improving overall corporate eco-performance. In addition to these externally motivated changes, the realization is dawning within industry that sustainability will not be reached simply by demand-pull from the market and compliance-push from the regulators. The changes that are needed to safeguard the future of the environment and the economy must partly be driven from the business community, which means they must proactively integrate eco-performance into the strategies, systems and cultures of the organization.
Eg: Toyota has become quite successful with their hybrid cars.
The three R s of environmentalism are:
Reduce
Reuse and
Recycle.
Green marketing refers to the development and distribution of ecologically-safe products. It refers to products and packages that have one or more of the following characteristics:
(1) Are less toxic
(2) Are more durable
(3) Contain reusable materials
(4) Are made of recyclable material. In short, these are products considered “environmentally responsible”.
In the early to mid 1960s created concern about the social responsibility of businesses and their impact on the natural environment and the health and welfare of the planet. This concern was heightened during the early 1970s in response to Limits to Growth and resulted in the emergence of both the ‘societal marketing concept’ and the ‘ecological marketing concept’. In response to the new green challenge that emerged during the early 1980s, these early concepts have amalgamated to create an environmental marketing concept. Green marketing is thus a form of socio-ecological marketing whereby the goods and services sold, and the marketing practices involved in their sale take into account the environmental ramifications of society as a whole. The marketing process essentially involves matching the controllable internal variables of the marketing mix with the demands of the marketing environment. Environmental marketing is no different, in principle, although the internal variables and external demands that must be reconciled are a little different.
Green marketing takes account of the wider relationship of the organization and its products to the surroundings. It is about a more aware, open, targeted and sensitive approach that integrates the strategic link between the company, the environment, and marketing, rather than being primarily concerned with tactical communications opportunities. The prime emphasis is on, developing relationships and satisfying separate Stakeholders needs in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. The key stakeholders are customers, investors, parent company, directors, employees, the community, legislators, pressure groups, suppliers, and the media
Green marketing differs from its societal and ecological predecessors in it’s intertwining of ecological and social concerns, in the breadth of the ecological agenda that it tackles, and in its potential application across all types and sectors of business. Green marketing goes beyond societal marketing in four key ways:
It is an open-ended rather than a long-term perspective.
* It focuses more strongly on the natural environment.
* It treats the environment as something which has an intrinsic value over and above its usefulness to society.
* It focuses on global concerns rather than those of particular societies.
The key elements of green marketing can be summarised as under:
* A balanced approach to the social, technological, economic and physical aspects of businesses and societies.
* An emphasis on long term sustainable qualitative development rather than short-term unsustainable quantitative growth.
* A holistic approach aimed at reversing the reductionalist and fragmented approach of previous business theory and practice.
* A consideration of consumers as real human beings rather than as hypothetical ‘rational economic’entities.
* An emphasis on meeting the genuine needs of consumers, rather than on stimulating superficial desires.
* A recognition that consumers and society have multiple and sometimes conflicting wants and needs.
* A view of the company and all its activities as part of the ‘product’ that is consumed.
* A recognition that the large scale long distance nature of the current economy is not sustainable, and that in the future small and local will be beautiful.
* Embracing the concept of eco-performance which incorporates the non-market outputs of the company, with performance of the product during and after use and the environmental impact of companies which contribute to the creation and marketing of the product elsewhere in the supply chain.
* The pursuit of added socio-environmental value as well as added techno-economic value.
source:-articlebase.com
Green living
Green living
is easier said than done. There are many facets to green living that need to be considered before you can do a radical change of your approach to life. First, you need to realize that green living is not just leaving your car at home occasionally once in a week and taking public transportation instead. There is a lot more to it than that. When you attempt the goal of green living, you are making a stand and demanding that the foods that you eat are healthy and free of pesticides, the clothes that you wear is not contaminated, and the water that you drink is free of chlorine.
In addition to this, green living requires lowering the amount of energy that your equipment consume, embracing solar power, and changing your way of life so that you do not damage the environment. If you own your own home, this can call for some costly changes. Your old top loading washing machine would need substituted by a machine that wastes much less water and electricity. If you live in a sunny area, you would need to take advantage of your roof space to install solar panels. Obviously, green living can be done cheaply. Nonetheless, for the serious individual, there is quite a lot of planning and changes involved in making a home environmentally friendly.
Green living can affect making changes to the cleaning products you use as well. Cleaning materials are one of the topmost sources of pollutants made from a home. Spray tins add fumes to the air, liquid mixtures add chemicals to the water that is flushed down the toilet or sink. The chemicals wiped onto paper towels end up in landfills, which then contaminate the water and soil near the trash dumps. By changing the cleaning products you use, you can drastically lower the amount of harm that is done to the environment. The more biodegradable items you purchase and use, the nearer to a state of green living you achieve.
Having a green home is not the only thing that you can do to aid the environment. Purchase products that are attested as doing little damage to the environment when they were made. Purchase cleaning supplies that are biodegradable and do not cause long term harm to the waterways and the life that lives in those waters. Do not buy products that harm the environment. If you do your part by owning a green home, you can be a living example that it can be done without sacrificing comfort and ease of living.
There are other many elementary things that you can do that won't cost you much, or any, money and allow you to start a green living way of life. Recycle everything you can and throw away as little as possible. Purchase foods that do not have excessive packaging. There are many butcheries and fruit markets that use recyclable wrap when selling their goods. Drive your motor vehicle less and learn about how the choices you make in your life affect the environment.
source:-articlebase.com
is easier said than done. There are many facets to green living that need to be considered before you can do a radical change of your approach to life. First, you need to realize that green living is not just leaving your car at home occasionally once in a week and taking public transportation instead. There is a lot more to it than that. When you attempt the goal of green living, you are making a stand and demanding that the foods that you eat are healthy and free of pesticides, the clothes that you wear is not contaminated, and the water that you drink is free of chlorine.
In addition to this, green living requires lowering the amount of energy that your equipment consume, embracing solar power, and changing your way of life so that you do not damage the environment. If you own your own home, this can call for some costly changes. Your old top loading washing machine would need substituted by a machine that wastes much less water and electricity. If you live in a sunny area, you would need to take advantage of your roof space to install solar panels. Obviously, green living can be done cheaply. Nonetheless, for the serious individual, there is quite a lot of planning and changes involved in making a home environmentally friendly.
Green living can affect making changes to the cleaning products you use as well. Cleaning materials are one of the topmost sources of pollutants made from a home. Spray tins add fumes to the air, liquid mixtures add chemicals to the water that is flushed down the toilet or sink. The chemicals wiped onto paper towels end up in landfills, which then contaminate the water and soil near the trash dumps. By changing the cleaning products you use, you can drastically lower the amount of harm that is done to the environment. The more biodegradable items you purchase and use, the nearer to a state of green living you achieve.
Having a green home is not the only thing that you can do to aid the environment. Purchase products that are attested as doing little damage to the environment when they were made. Purchase cleaning supplies that are biodegradable and do not cause long term harm to the waterways and the life that lives in those waters. Do not buy products that harm the environment. If you do your part by owning a green home, you can be a living example that it can be done without sacrificing comfort and ease of living.
There are other many elementary things that you can do that won't cost you much, or any, money and allow you to start a green living way of life. Recycle everything you can and throw away as little as possible. Purchase foods that do not have excessive packaging. There are many butcheries and fruit markets that use recyclable wrap when selling their goods. Drive your motor vehicle less and learn about how the choices you make in your life affect the environment.
source:-articlebase.com
Go Green
This Life Choice is Not for Everyone
I do not what anyone reading this to think that I have personally gone completely green. In the past few years I have tried to go greener, but by no means do I want you thinking that I have adopted this life style. Many of the ideas and tips set down in this article I do currently live by, however, it takes a very special individual to make this kind of a concerted effort of commitment. I can only assume that you are researching it to either improve your current green efforts, or to find out what it will take to completely go green. There are so many things we must do other than recycling and change your light bulbs to the fluorescent kind. To help you with this decision I have broken going green or environmental living into four major parts. If you can make these changes in your life style, along with your recycling and other noble efforts, you will be well on your way to completely going green. As I see it, these are the four major categories.
1. Renewable Energy: Residential solar and wind power cannot only help save the planet, but thousands of dollars in utility company cost. Many chose to go off grid, and still other’s actually make money by selling energy back to the utilities.
2.Car Conversion: There are several choices available when converting your car to be green. Bio-fuel, electric, and HHO technology are your options.
3. No More Chemicals: Completely rid yourself and your family of all products that have any chemicals in them. This includes cleaning products and detergents, bath and beauty products, and pets products.
4. Eat All Natural and Organic Foods: This is hard unless you can afford to pay the higher prices or you live on a farm. The best way to go about it is to first grow an organic garden, than take the money you are saving to buy all naturally fed meat and poultry.
Do-It-Yourself and Save
Do Only What You Can Accomplish for You
We are told that we all must do our part. You hear this all the time. The plain truth of the matter is that we can only do what we can do. Each one of the fore mentioned categories will help save the planet, as well as your families health and financial well being. There are resources I have found that will make any desired transition much mor affordable and easier than you might imagine.
1. Solar is a much better option for residential installation than wind power is. If at all possible, especially in windy areas, both forms of renewable energy are preferred. Besides the obvious reason for considering solar, the fact that it is a renewable non- polluting source of energy, you should also know that it has no moving parts to break down, and requires very little maintenance. Another very important aspect is that contrary to most contractors’ misconception it is not a difficult installation. For those of you who live or are considering living in extremely remote or rural areas if electricity is available it is usually expensive. In those cases solar power is undoubtedly the right way to go. However, even in areas where power lines are nearby, solar may still be a viable alternative to being connected to a power company. An average home has more than enough roof area to produce enough solar electricity to supply all of its power needs. All that is needed is an inverter, which converts direct current (DC) power from the solar cells to alternating current (AC), which are what most home appliances run on. A solar home, except for the obvious changes to the roof, will look and operate just like any home does when it was connected to the power line.
Small wind turbines are designed for individual homes, farms, and small businesses, and are electric generators that utilize wind energy to produce clean, emissions-free renewable power. They are defined as having rated capacities of up to 100 kilowatts. So if you were thinking that one wind generator will power your house, I’m sorry but it won’t. Keep in mind that the wind turbine is simply a collector just like a solar panel is. In this case the collector is the spinning rotor, made up of a number of blades that rotate to turn the electrical generator. Small blades result in a small rotor diameter, which translates into a small collector area, which further translates into small amounts of generated electricity.
2. Car conversion has become primarily a grass roots movement in recent years. There is a major difference between bio-fuels and bio-diesel. The main difference is that bio-diesel with little or no modification needed, can only be used in diesel engines. It is made from soybeans and can be used in its pure form, but it is usually mixed with standard diesel fuel. They do have a few very important aspects that are alike however. Bio-fuels, such as ethanol are made from corn and other crops. Like bio-diesel, bio-fuels are not only stemming the tide of global warming but helping support American agriculture. You can’t just dump a few gallons of vegetable oil in your tank however. You will ruin your engine. The conversion is grassroots technology, and for the most part a do- it- yourself process. Although the government seems to be behind it in theory, I wouldn’t go changing over until you investigate it thoroughly. If you are interested in learning more about homemade bio-diesel however, there is a source.
Electric cars. Wow, how about that Tesla Motors. If you haven’t yet seen what their coming out with next year, it is amazing. The Model S is Beautiful, 250-300 mile range, and 0-60mph in less than six seconds. I think that most of us don’t have the $50k asking price however. Most of the manufacturers of electric cars just don’t get it. They expect that to save the planet we will put up with 50 mile range before having to recharge, and a speed of 60mph. Well, there are some do- it -yourselfer’s that claim their conversion will give you 100 mile range, and it only cost a few hundred dollars. I think that if you are someone that does not drive on the highways often, an electric car might be perfect. In addition the government will give you a tax credit for driving a clean fuel vehicle.
Although hydrogen cells are what most experts claim to be the fuel of the future, I have found a grassroots movement that uses
water as fuel today. You will still have to take the occasional trip to the gas pump, because water is supplemental to your gas or diesel fuel, and 100% water cars are still on the drawing board. Moreover, extracting energy from water to double or triple your fuel economy is VERY EASY. This is not new technology. People have been using water to gas converters in vehicles for years. This is proven technology. Using a simple device, you can use the electricity from your battery to separate water (H2O) into a gas known as HHO. HHO is two parts’ Hydrogen and one part Oxygen. HHO is a supercharged gas that burns effectively and produces significant energy, greatly improving your fuel economy. Incredibly, the waste product is water! The green car of the future just might be sitting in your driveway. Because the hydrogen is produced On-Demand, this technology is perfectly safe for you and your passengers. Imagine going from 20-25 mpg, to 50-60 mpg or more, and at the same time reducing your carbon foot print.
This Organic Tomato Came From My Garden
No More Chemicals in My House
3. Imagine a home with zero chemicals. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air we breathe inside our homes could be as much as five times as polluted as the air outside. These cleaning products expose you and your family to chemicals that could be more harmful than the germs they are trying to rid you of. Other studies have shown that the average American will, flush down the toilet, wash down a sink, or place in the garbage, more than 20 gallons of toxic and hazardous chemical products. It is all right to be conscientious about recycling or energy consumption, but think about the potential for affecting the health of people, plants, animals, land and water because of this waste.
If all of this seems overwhelming to you, do not threat because you can have all the information you and your family needs to end your dependence on chemicals. Zero Chemicals- Chemical Free Living is a two-volume guide to chemical free-living options. You can use it to go completely without chemicals, or just choose what you feel is right for your circumstance. For every chemically based product, there is an equally effective and totally safe natural alternative. And the amazing thing is that you will actually save money with this method. With your new home environment you will see a change in everyone. They will feel a boost to their immune system, an energy explosion, and generally an improvement to their overall health.
4. The First Lady has made planting and growing your own garden, fashionable again. After years of eating supermarket food and other fast foods your body begins to store all of the toxins and chemicals. These toxins can affect your body in many ways. I will say that, for my wife and me, the last two years of having our own garden have been not only extremely healthy but fun and mouth watering, as well. I had no idea that there is a system to growing a backyard garden, which entailed more than simply planting a bunch of seeds, watering and weeding. We struggled for a few years before we discovered the secret to growing an organic garden. I am sure that we are healthier for it. However, the taste is extraordinary, and, I promise, will be the first thing you notice.
I wish that we knew what we know now the first garden we planted. There is indeed a correct way of doing anything, and planting seeds is no exception. For example, I had no idea that the soil needs to be properly prepared, and that there are organic fertilizers that should be used. There are many dangers you should be aware of, including what exactly should be done with those pesky weeds. I found everything we needed to know in a guide quite appropriately named, My Organic Food Garden. Absolutely everything you need to know about organic gardening at home can be found in this guide. This book was written so that the absolute beginner can setup a professional quality garden without the headaches.
source:-articlebase.com
I do not what anyone reading this to think that I have personally gone completely green. In the past few years I have tried to go greener, but by no means do I want you thinking that I have adopted this life style. Many of the ideas and tips set down in this article I do currently live by, however, it takes a very special individual to make this kind of a concerted effort of commitment. I can only assume that you are researching it to either improve your current green efforts, or to find out what it will take to completely go green. There are so many things we must do other than recycling and change your light bulbs to the fluorescent kind. To help you with this decision I have broken going green or environmental living into four major parts. If you can make these changes in your life style, along with your recycling and other noble efforts, you will be well on your way to completely going green. As I see it, these are the four major categories.
1. Renewable Energy: Residential solar and wind power cannot only help save the planet, but thousands of dollars in utility company cost. Many chose to go off grid, and still other’s actually make money by selling energy back to the utilities.
2.Car Conversion: There are several choices available when converting your car to be green. Bio-fuel, electric, and HHO technology are your options.
3. No More Chemicals: Completely rid yourself and your family of all products that have any chemicals in them. This includes cleaning products and detergents, bath and beauty products, and pets products.
4. Eat All Natural and Organic Foods: This is hard unless you can afford to pay the higher prices or you live on a farm. The best way to go about it is to first grow an organic garden, than take the money you are saving to buy all naturally fed meat and poultry.
Do-It-Yourself and Save
Do Only What You Can Accomplish for You
We are told that we all must do our part. You hear this all the time. The plain truth of the matter is that we can only do what we can do. Each one of the fore mentioned categories will help save the planet, as well as your families health and financial well being. There are resources I have found that will make any desired transition much mor affordable and easier than you might imagine.
1. Solar is a much better option for residential installation than wind power is. If at all possible, especially in windy areas, both forms of renewable energy are preferred. Besides the obvious reason for considering solar, the fact that it is a renewable non- polluting source of energy, you should also know that it has no moving parts to break down, and requires very little maintenance. Another very important aspect is that contrary to most contractors’ misconception it is not a difficult installation. For those of you who live or are considering living in extremely remote or rural areas if electricity is available it is usually expensive. In those cases solar power is undoubtedly the right way to go. However, even in areas where power lines are nearby, solar may still be a viable alternative to being connected to a power company. An average home has more than enough roof area to produce enough solar electricity to supply all of its power needs. All that is needed is an inverter, which converts direct current (DC) power from the solar cells to alternating current (AC), which are what most home appliances run on. A solar home, except for the obvious changes to the roof, will look and operate just like any home does when it was connected to the power line.
Small wind turbines are designed for individual homes, farms, and small businesses, and are electric generators that utilize wind energy to produce clean, emissions-free renewable power. They are defined as having rated capacities of up to 100 kilowatts. So if you were thinking that one wind generator will power your house, I’m sorry but it won’t. Keep in mind that the wind turbine is simply a collector just like a solar panel is. In this case the collector is the spinning rotor, made up of a number of blades that rotate to turn the electrical generator. Small blades result in a small rotor diameter, which translates into a small collector area, which further translates into small amounts of generated electricity.
2. Car conversion has become primarily a grass roots movement in recent years. There is a major difference between bio-fuels and bio-diesel. The main difference is that bio-diesel with little or no modification needed, can only be used in diesel engines. It is made from soybeans and can be used in its pure form, but it is usually mixed with standard diesel fuel. They do have a few very important aspects that are alike however. Bio-fuels, such as ethanol are made from corn and other crops. Like bio-diesel, bio-fuels are not only stemming the tide of global warming but helping support American agriculture. You can’t just dump a few gallons of vegetable oil in your tank however. You will ruin your engine. The conversion is grassroots technology, and for the most part a do- it- yourself process. Although the government seems to be behind it in theory, I wouldn’t go changing over until you investigate it thoroughly. If you are interested in learning more about homemade bio-diesel however, there is a source.
Electric cars. Wow, how about that Tesla Motors. If you haven’t yet seen what their coming out with next year, it is amazing. The Model S is Beautiful, 250-300 mile range, and 0-60mph in less than six seconds. I think that most of us don’t have the $50k asking price however. Most of the manufacturers of electric cars just don’t get it. They expect that to save the planet we will put up with 50 mile range before having to recharge, and a speed of 60mph. Well, there are some do- it -yourselfer’s that claim their conversion will give you 100 mile range, and it only cost a few hundred dollars. I think that if you are someone that does not drive on the highways often, an electric car might be perfect. In addition the government will give you a tax credit for driving a clean fuel vehicle.
Although hydrogen cells are what most experts claim to be the fuel of the future, I have found a grassroots movement that uses
water as fuel today. You will still have to take the occasional trip to the gas pump, because water is supplemental to your gas or diesel fuel, and 100% water cars are still on the drawing board. Moreover, extracting energy from water to double or triple your fuel economy is VERY EASY. This is not new technology. People have been using water to gas converters in vehicles for years. This is proven technology. Using a simple device, you can use the electricity from your battery to separate water (H2O) into a gas known as HHO. HHO is two parts’ Hydrogen and one part Oxygen. HHO is a supercharged gas that burns effectively and produces significant energy, greatly improving your fuel economy. Incredibly, the waste product is water! The green car of the future just might be sitting in your driveway. Because the hydrogen is produced On-Demand, this technology is perfectly safe for you and your passengers. Imagine going from 20-25 mpg, to 50-60 mpg or more, and at the same time reducing your carbon foot print.
This Organic Tomato Came From My Garden
No More Chemicals in My House
3. Imagine a home with zero chemicals. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air we breathe inside our homes could be as much as five times as polluted as the air outside. These cleaning products expose you and your family to chemicals that could be more harmful than the germs they are trying to rid you of. Other studies have shown that the average American will, flush down the toilet, wash down a sink, or place in the garbage, more than 20 gallons of toxic and hazardous chemical products. It is all right to be conscientious about recycling or energy consumption, but think about the potential for affecting the health of people, plants, animals, land and water because of this waste.
If all of this seems overwhelming to you, do not threat because you can have all the information you and your family needs to end your dependence on chemicals. Zero Chemicals- Chemical Free Living is a two-volume guide to chemical free-living options. You can use it to go completely without chemicals, or just choose what you feel is right for your circumstance. For every chemically based product, there is an equally effective and totally safe natural alternative. And the amazing thing is that you will actually save money with this method. With your new home environment you will see a change in everyone. They will feel a boost to their immune system, an energy explosion, and generally an improvement to their overall health.
4. The First Lady has made planting and growing your own garden, fashionable again. After years of eating supermarket food and other fast foods your body begins to store all of the toxins and chemicals. These toxins can affect your body in many ways. I will say that, for my wife and me, the last two years of having our own garden have been not only extremely healthy but fun and mouth watering, as well. I had no idea that there is a system to growing a backyard garden, which entailed more than simply planting a bunch of seeds, watering and weeding. We struggled for a few years before we discovered the secret to growing an organic garden. I am sure that we are healthier for it. However, the taste is extraordinary, and, I promise, will be the first thing you notice.
I wish that we knew what we know now the first garden we planted. There is indeed a correct way of doing anything, and planting seeds is no exception. For example, I had no idea that the soil needs to be properly prepared, and that there are organic fertilizers that should be used. There are many dangers you should be aware of, including what exactly should be done with those pesky weeds. I found everything we needed to know in a guide quite appropriately named, My Organic Food Garden. Absolutely everything you need to know about organic gardening at home can be found in this guide. This book was written so that the absolute beginner can setup a professional quality garden without the headaches.
source:-articlebase.com
Go Green
This Life Choice is Not for Everyone
I do not what anyone reading this to think that I have personally gone completely green. In the past few years I have tried to go greener, but by no means do I want you thinking that I have adopted this life style. Many of the ideas and tips set down in this article I do currently live by, however, it takes a very special individual to make this kind of a concerted effort of commitment. I can only assume that you are researching it to either improve your current green efforts, or to find out what it will take to completely go green. There are so many things we must do other than recycling and change your light bulbs to the fluorescent kind. To help you with this decision I have broken going green or environmental living into four major parts. If you can make these changes in your life style, along with your recycling and other noble efforts, you will be well on your way to completely going green. As I see it, these are the four major categories.
1. Renewable Energy: Residential solar and wind power cannot only help save the planet, but thousands of dollars in utility company cost. Many chose to go off grid, and still other’s actually make money by selling energy back to the utilities.
2.Car Conversion: There are several choices available when converting your car to be green. Bio-fuel, electric, and HHO technology are your options.
3. No More Chemicals: Completely rid yourself and your family of all products that have any chemicals in them. This includes cleaning products and detergents, bath and beauty products, and pets products.
4. Eat All Natural and Organic Foods: This is hard unless you can afford to pay the higher prices or you live on a farm. The best way to go about it is to first grow an organic garden, than take the money you are saving to buy all naturally fed meat and poultry.
Do-It-Yourself and Save
Do Only What You Can Accomplish for You
We are told that we all must do our part. You hear this all the time. The plain truth of the matter is that we can only do what we can do. Each one of the fore mentioned categories will help save the planet, as well as your families health and financial well being. There are resources I have found that will make any desired transition much mor affordable and easier than you might imagine.
1. Solar is a much better option for residential installation than wind power is. If at all possible, especially in windy areas, both forms of renewable energy are preferred. Besides the obvious reason for considering solar, the fact that it is a renewable non- polluting source of energy, you should also know that it has no moving parts to break down, and requires very little maintenance. Another very important aspect is that contrary to most contractors’ misconception it is not a difficult installation. For those of you who live or are considering living in extremely remote or rural areas if electricity is available it is usually expensive. In those cases solar power is undoubtedly the right way to go. However, even in areas where power lines are nearby, solar may still be a viable alternative to being connected to a power company. An average home has more than enough roof area to produce enough solar electricity to supply all of its power needs. All that is needed is an inverter, which converts direct current (DC) power from the solar cells to alternating current (AC), which are what most home appliances run on. A solar home, except for the obvious changes to the roof, will look and operate just like any home does when it was connected to the power line.
Small wind turbines are designed for individual homes, farms, and small businesses, and are electric generators that utilize wind energy to produce clean, emissions-free renewable power. They are defined as having rated capacities of up to 100 kilowatts. So if you were thinking that one wind generator will power your house, I’m sorry but it won’t. Keep in mind that the wind turbine is simply a collector just like a solar panel is. In this case the collector is the spinning rotor, made up of a number of blades that rotate to turn the electrical generator. Small blades result in a small rotor diameter, which translates into a small collector area, which further translates into small amounts of generated electricity.
2. Car conversion has become primarily a grass roots movement in recent years. There is a major difference between bio-fuels and bio-diesel. The main difference is that bio-diesel with little or no modification needed, can only be used in diesel engines. It is made from soybeans and can be used in its pure form, but it is usually mixed with standard diesel fuel. They do have a few very important aspects that are alike however. Bio-fuels, such as ethanol are made from corn and other crops. Like bio-diesel, bio-fuels are not only stemming the tide of global warming but helping support American agriculture. You can’t just dump a few gallons of vegetable oil in your tank however. You will ruin your engine. The conversion is grassroots technology, and for the most part a do- it- yourself process. Although the government seems to be behind it in theory, I wouldn’t go changing over until you investigate it thoroughly. If you are interested in learning more about homemade bio-diesel however, there is a source.
Electric cars. Wow, how about that Tesla Motors. If you haven’t yet seen what their coming out with next year, it is amazing. The Model S is Beautiful, 250-300 mile range, and 0-60mph in less than six seconds. I think that most of us don’t have the $50k asking price however. Most of the manufacturers of electric cars just don’t get it. They expect that to save the planet we will put up with 50 mile range before having to recharge, and a speed of 60mph. Well, there are some do- it -yourselfer’s that claim their conversion will give you 100 mile range, and it only cost a few hundred dollars. I think that if you are someone that does not drive on the highways often, an electric car might be perfect. In addition the government will give you a tax credit for driving a clean fuel vehicle.
Although hydrogen cells are what most experts claim to be the fuel of the future, I have found a grassroots movement that uses
water as fuel today. You will still have to take the occasional trip to the gas pump, because water is supplemental to your gas or diesel fuel, and 100% water cars are still on the drawing board. Moreover, extracting energy from water to double or triple your fuel economy is VERY EASY. This is not new technology. People have been using water to gas converters in vehicles for years. This is proven technology. Using a simple device, you can use the electricity from your battery to separate water (H2O) into a gas known as HHO. HHO is two parts’ Hydrogen and one part Oxygen. HHO is a supercharged gas that burns effectively and produces significant energy, greatly improving your fuel economy. Incredibly, the waste product is water! The green car of the future just might be sitting in your driveway. Because the hydrogen is produced On-Demand, this technology is perfectly safe for you and your passengers. Imagine going from 20-25 mpg, to 50-60 mpg or more, and at the same time reducing your carbon foot print.
This Organic Tomato Came From My Garden
No More Chemicals in My House
3. Imagine a home with zero chemicals. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air we breathe inside our homes could be as much as five times as polluted as the air outside. These cleaning products expose you and your family to chemicals that could be more harmful than the germs they are trying to rid you of. Other studies have shown that the average American will, flush down the toilet, wash down a sink, or place in the garbage, more than 20 gallons of toxic and hazardous chemical products. It is all right to be conscientious about recycling or energy consumption, but think about the potential for affecting the health of people, plants, animals, land and water because of this waste.
If all of this seems overwhelming to you, do not threat because you can have all the information you and your family needs to end your dependence on chemicals. Zero Chemicals- Chemical Free Living is a two-volume guide to chemical free-living options. You can use it to go completely without chemicals, or just choose what you feel is right for your circumstance. For every chemically based product, there is an equally effective and totally safe natural alternative. And the amazing thing is that you will actually save money with this method. With your new home environment you will see a change in everyone. They will feel a boost to their immune system, an energy explosion, and generally an improvement to their overall health.
4. The First Lady has made planting and growing your own garden, fashionable again. After years of eating supermarket food and other fast foods your body begins to store all of the toxins and chemicals. These toxins can affect your body in many ways. I will say that, for my wife and me, the last two years of having our own garden have been not only extremely healthy but fun and mouth watering, as well. I had no idea that there is a system to growing a backyard garden, which entailed more than simply planting a bunch of seeds, watering and weeding. We struggled for a few years before we discovered the secret to growing an organic garden. I am sure that we are healthier for it. However, the taste is extraordinary, and, I promise, will be the first thing you notice.
I wish that we knew what we know now the first garden we planted. There is indeed a correct way of doing anything, and planting seeds is no exception. For example, I had no idea that the soil needs to be properly prepared, and that there are organic fertilizers that should be used. There are many dangers you should be aware of, including what exactly should be done with those pesky weeds. I found everything we needed to know in a guide quite appropriately named, My Organic Food Garden. Absolutely everything you need to know about organic gardening at home can be found in this guide. This book was written so that the absolute beginner can setup a professional quality garden without the headaches.
I do not what anyone reading this to think that I have personally gone completely green. In the past few years I have tried to go greener, but by no means do I want you thinking that I have adopted this life style. Many of the ideas and tips set down in this article I do currently live by, however, it takes a very special individual to make this kind of a concerted effort of commitment. I can only assume that you are researching it to either improve your current green efforts, or to find out what it will take to completely go green. There are so many things we must do other than recycling and change your light bulbs to the fluorescent kind. To help you with this decision I have broken going green or environmental living into four major parts. If you can make these changes in your life style, along with your recycling and other noble efforts, you will be well on your way to completely going green. As I see it, these are the four major categories.
1. Renewable Energy: Residential solar and wind power cannot only help save the planet, but thousands of dollars in utility company cost. Many chose to go off grid, and still other’s actually make money by selling energy back to the utilities.
2.Car Conversion: There are several choices available when converting your car to be green. Bio-fuel, electric, and HHO technology are your options.
3. No More Chemicals: Completely rid yourself and your family of all products that have any chemicals in them. This includes cleaning products and detergents, bath and beauty products, and pets products.
4. Eat All Natural and Organic Foods: This is hard unless you can afford to pay the higher prices or you live on a farm. The best way to go about it is to first grow an organic garden, than take the money you are saving to buy all naturally fed meat and poultry.
Do-It-Yourself and Save
Do Only What You Can Accomplish for You
We are told that we all must do our part. You hear this all the time. The plain truth of the matter is that we can only do what we can do. Each one of the fore mentioned categories will help save the planet, as well as your families health and financial well being. There are resources I have found that will make any desired transition much mor affordable and easier than you might imagine.
1. Solar is a much better option for residential installation than wind power is. If at all possible, especially in windy areas, both forms of renewable energy are preferred. Besides the obvious reason for considering solar, the fact that it is a renewable non- polluting source of energy, you should also know that it has no moving parts to break down, and requires very little maintenance. Another very important aspect is that contrary to most contractors’ misconception it is not a difficult installation. For those of you who live or are considering living in extremely remote or rural areas if electricity is available it is usually expensive. In those cases solar power is undoubtedly the right way to go. However, even in areas where power lines are nearby, solar may still be a viable alternative to being connected to a power company. An average home has more than enough roof area to produce enough solar electricity to supply all of its power needs. All that is needed is an inverter, which converts direct current (DC) power from the solar cells to alternating current (AC), which are what most home appliances run on. A solar home, except for the obvious changes to the roof, will look and operate just like any home does when it was connected to the power line.
Small wind turbines are designed for individual homes, farms, and small businesses, and are electric generators that utilize wind energy to produce clean, emissions-free renewable power. They are defined as having rated capacities of up to 100 kilowatts. So if you were thinking that one wind generator will power your house, I’m sorry but it won’t. Keep in mind that the wind turbine is simply a collector just like a solar panel is. In this case the collector is the spinning rotor, made up of a number of blades that rotate to turn the electrical generator. Small blades result in a small rotor diameter, which translates into a small collector area, which further translates into small amounts of generated electricity.
2. Car conversion has become primarily a grass roots movement in recent years. There is a major difference between bio-fuels and bio-diesel. The main difference is that bio-diesel with little or no modification needed, can only be used in diesel engines. It is made from soybeans and can be used in its pure form, but it is usually mixed with standard diesel fuel. They do have a few very important aspects that are alike however. Bio-fuels, such as ethanol are made from corn and other crops. Like bio-diesel, bio-fuels are not only stemming the tide of global warming but helping support American agriculture. You can’t just dump a few gallons of vegetable oil in your tank however. You will ruin your engine. The conversion is grassroots technology, and for the most part a do- it- yourself process. Although the government seems to be behind it in theory, I wouldn’t go changing over until you investigate it thoroughly. If you are interested in learning more about homemade bio-diesel however, there is a source.
Electric cars. Wow, how about that Tesla Motors. If you haven’t yet seen what their coming out with next year, it is amazing. The Model S is Beautiful, 250-300 mile range, and 0-60mph in less than six seconds. I think that most of us don’t have the $50k asking price however. Most of the manufacturers of electric cars just don’t get it. They expect that to save the planet we will put up with 50 mile range before having to recharge, and a speed of 60mph. Well, there are some do- it -yourselfer’s that claim their conversion will give you 100 mile range, and it only cost a few hundred dollars. I think that if you are someone that does not drive on the highways often, an electric car might be perfect. In addition the government will give you a tax credit for driving a clean fuel vehicle.
Although hydrogen cells are what most experts claim to be the fuel of the future, I have found a grassroots movement that uses
water as fuel today. You will still have to take the occasional trip to the gas pump, because water is supplemental to your gas or diesel fuel, and 100% water cars are still on the drawing board. Moreover, extracting energy from water to double or triple your fuel economy is VERY EASY. This is not new technology. People have been using water to gas converters in vehicles for years. This is proven technology. Using a simple device, you can use the electricity from your battery to separate water (H2O) into a gas known as HHO. HHO is two parts’ Hydrogen and one part Oxygen. HHO is a supercharged gas that burns effectively and produces significant energy, greatly improving your fuel economy. Incredibly, the waste product is water! The green car of the future just might be sitting in your driveway. Because the hydrogen is produced On-Demand, this technology is perfectly safe for you and your passengers. Imagine going from 20-25 mpg, to 50-60 mpg or more, and at the same time reducing your carbon foot print.
This Organic Tomato Came From My Garden
No More Chemicals in My House
3. Imagine a home with zero chemicals. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air we breathe inside our homes could be as much as five times as polluted as the air outside. These cleaning products expose you and your family to chemicals that could be more harmful than the germs they are trying to rid you of. Other studies have shown that the average American will, flush down the toilet, wash down a sink, or place in the garbage, more than 20 gallons of toxic and hazardous chemical products. It is all right to be conscientious about recycling or energy consumption, but think about the potential for affecting the health of people, plants, animals, land and water because of this waste.
If all of this seems overwhelming to you, do not threat because you can have all the information you and your family needs to end your dependence on chemicals. Zero Chemicals- Chemical Free Living is a two-volume guide to chemical free-living options. You can use it to go completely without chemicals, or just choose what you feel is right for your circumstance. For every chemically based product, there is an equally effective and totally safe natural alternative. And the amazing thing is that you will actually save money with this method. With your new home environment you will see a change in everyone. They will feel a boost to their immune system, an energy explosion, and generally an improvement to their overall health.
4. The First Lady has made planting and growing your own garden, fashionable again. After years of eating supermarket food and other fast foods your body begins to store all of the toxins and chemicals. These toxins can affect your body in many ways. I will say that, for my wife and me, the last two years of having our own garden have been not only extremely healthy but fun and mouth watering, as well. I had no idea that there is a system to growing a backyard garden, which entailed more than simply planting a bunch of seeds, watering and weeding. We struggled for a few years before we discovered the secret to growing an organic garden. I am sure that we are healthier for it. However, the taste is extraordinary, and, I promise, will be the first thing you notice.
I wish that we knew what we know now the first garden we planted. There is indeed a correct way of doing anything, and planting seeds is no exception. For example, I had no idea that the soil needs to be properly prepared, and that there are organic fertilizers that should be used. There are many dangers you should be aware of, including what exactly should be done with those pesky weeds. I found everything we needed to know in a guide quite appropriately named, My Organic Food Garden. Absolutely everything you need to know about organic gardening at home can be found in this guide. This book was written so that the absolute beginner can setup a professional quality garden without the headaches.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Global Warming Crisis
Global warming is one, if not the most discussed concerns of our contemporary society. In fact, it has engendered protracted debates between and among our top scientists, whose differing theories seek to unravel not only the real causes but also certain viable solutions which can be framed to address it. If only to cite, two schools of thought emerge from these heated discussions. On the one side of the spectrum, one group of scientist-thinkers claims that the rapid increase of carbon dioxide emission, owing much from the exponential growth of industries of the post war era, is the chief cause of the present global warming crisis. By contrast, another group that which strongly disagrees with the aforesaid stance maintains that global warming is not really attributable to an increased carbon dioxide emission as it is to due to the inevitability of the earth’s natural processes of cyclic heating and cooling within a given span of time.
Thus, while it is agreed that the globe is in fact warming, I believe carbon dioxide is not the underlying reason behind it. This paper makes a case for the necessity of continuing studies as regards to the matter, as I am more inclined to believe that, based on my readings, carbon dioxide emission does not constitute the real cause of global warming, if by ‘cause’ we take to mean that the increased production of carbon dioxide acts as the sufficient explanation of global warming, let alone its sole mitigating factor. The stance which this paper takes is a somewhat critical to the more popular understanding of global warming crisis; i.e. this paper is specifically critical to Al Gore, along with some 2,500 scientist who work at the IPCC (The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) and roughly about 86% of American citizens, who summarily hold that global warming is a problem brought about by human doing. This paper seeks to underscore the incurable ambiguities which mark the contention that global warming is entirely due to the increased incidence of greenhouse concentrations, which in itself is nothing but the consequential result of the perceived increase of carbon dioxide emissions.
Carbon Dioxide Emission as Causative Ingredient to Global Warming?
As previously mentioned, there are many scientists who claim that the current state of the industrial societies is a key determining factor that aggravates the noticeable increase of world atmospheric and marine temperatures. Crucial to this is to cite that world economies’ heavy dependence on fossil fuels, which in turn leads to excessive carbon dioxide emission, is responsible for the increased incidence of greenhouse effect being experienced the world over. For instance, Homer-Dixon, the author of the book The upside of Down: Catastrophe, Creativity, and the Renewal of Civilization he cites that “concentration of greenhouse gases are increasing fast and the earth is getting hotter” (Homer-Dixon 162). And it, in fact, is not hard to establish that there is a direct correlation existing between the increasing world temperature and the equally rapid increase of carbon dioxide emission recorded in as many years. One only needs to show that many studies, such as the one published by the Environmental Protection Agency, rely on arguing the fact that carbon dioxide discharge and the world’s atmospheric temperatures have risen “by over 35% since the rise of Industrialization” so to make a convenient conclusion that it is the primary cause of global warming(Carbon Dioxide, 2008).
The EPA’s argument is relevant in the discussion since it brings into the fore the tendency of many organizations to take carbon dioxide and global warming under the lenses of cause-effect model. In many respects, this is likewise the crux of the arguments espoused by the Kyoto Protocol – an international environmental accord sanctioned by the United Nations, aimed at decreasing world production of greenhouse gases. According to the agreement, world governments acceding to such an accord must ensure that steps are undertaken to cut their respective carbon dioxide emissions “below the range” which can be devastating to nature (Kyoto Protocol). This, moreover, is also the assumption of those who are advocating the use of nuclear power as an alternative to fossil fuels. According to Max Schulz who is the writer of the article Nuclear Power, explains that the world needs to discover viable sources of energy through “clean technology”… “without pollution or greenhouse gas emissions (Schulz 90). Herein, it would be necessary to note that the reasoned premise of the Kyoto Protocol and arguments for nuclear power rests on the plain assumption that there exists a direct cause-and-effect correlation between carbon dioxide production and rapid increase of world atmospheric temperatures. Which is why, these arguments tend to regard global warming as anthropogenic in essence – i.e., it is a phenomenon brought about by human doing.
That having said, there are still reasons to think that no one can really stop the continued warming of the world. Not even the Kyoto Protocol – an already massive initiative, to say the least, taken by humanity to address the problem – dares to dream of averting the rise of world temperatures all together. As indeed, our optimum technologies nowadays have yet to frame adequate solutions to curb the rate of global warming. If this perceived helplessness in respect to global warming speaks of anything about our present situation, it merely proves that there is more into the problem than merely attributing it to human doing. This is because if global warming is really a problem constituted by human fault, then it is with human initiatives that such problem can and must be remedied. Apparently however, human progress cannot be blamed for the recent rising trends of global temperatures.
Global Warming as the Earth’s Natural Way of Being
While it may be easy to establish the correlation between the amounts of carbon dioxide emitted in the last 50 years and the rise of world temperatures, it is nevertheless difficult to construe a necessary cause-and-effect connection between them. For say that carbon dioxide alone is the sufficient explanation to global warming means that we are reducing the problem into a single cause; and this must not be so. In Homer-Dixon’s book he cites a quote from Michel Jarraud who is the secretary general of the United Nations World Meteorological Organization. Michael Jarraud contends,
“You cannot attribute (global warming) to a single cause. It’s about the very complex interaction between all the elements that make up the very complex machine that is the Earth…But global warming is likely to lead to more frequent extraordinary events and greater intensity of these events” (Homer-Dixon 162).
In the first place, global warming should be seen as a natural process or occurrence, or a phenomenon not generated by human activities. In fact, global warming happens periodically; as this was proven by Petr Chylek who is the Professor of Physics and Atmospheric Science. For instance, in his report, he maintains that during the 1920’s, Greenland’s temperature was recorded higher than it was during many instances 2005. With such telling evidence, he concludes that, “the Greenland warming of 1920 to 1930 demonstrates that a high concentration of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases is not a necessary condition for period of warming to arise” (Chylek). The same may be said of the trend which shows that during the period of 1900-1940, the temperatures were rising even when industrialization was not as massive compare to what we have now. After this era, the Post-War economic boom was to commence. Ironically, this was the period when the temperature dropped and did not begin to rise until four decades later. Besides, one must also note with care that the past 150 years have seen a very minute increase in world temperature – only half a degree Celsius. If with the massive production of carbon dioxide the rate of world temperature increase does not appear to be so drastic, then it is evident that carbon dioxide is not the sole cause of global warming.
Secondly, where carbon dioxide is in question, it is certainly insightful to note that human activities do not really generate as much carbon dioxide emission as does nature itself, when it produces the carbon dioxide in manner being more significant, if not undeniably massive. This is certainly an interesting angle to look at; for while we agree to a certain respect that carbon dioxide is a heat-generating compound in the atmosphere, it nevertheless is just one of the many gaseous compounds comprising greenhouse gases. As such, carbon dioxide comprises a meager 0.97% of the total greenhouse gasses present in the air (USA TODAY). Moreover, human activities are not to sole progenitor of carbon dioxide. The earth’s land surface, it must be noted, emits carbon dioxide as well. For instance, when a volcanic eruption occurs, the earth produces more carbon dioxide than the amount produced by industrial factories around the world, and certainly more than the amount of the same emitted by human beings. This is to speak only of the earth’s terrestrial surface, which is roughly about 30% of the world’s surface area. The largest emitter of carbon dioxide is by the larger marine surface, as it makes up the remaining 70% of our world’s geographical composition. Thus, humanity must not be the one to be blamed for the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere right now. Besides, on account of the fact that carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere is insignificant, there is a truth in saying that carbon is not the sole reason that explains global warming.
Thirdly, not only must people start to realize that global warming is a phenomenon that happens on a natural basis, they too must take into careful account the significant role which solar radiation plays in ushering the world into another phase of warmer temperatures. In other words, the warming of the earth is in fact believed to be caused by the sun. This is exactly the contention leveled by Jeffrey Gordon in his book called Solar Energy: The State of the Art. He contends that solar energy acts as the major contributor to the warming of the earth. This is because he believes that “urban temperature and the sky view” manifest a direct correlation (Gordon 14). To briefly explain, Gordon believes that cloud formation in the sky is influenced by the amount of solar radiation being emitted by the sun. Ordinarily, we speak of cloud formation as a phenomenon explicable by the rate of evaporation and condensation of water vapor transpiring in the earth’s atmosphere (The World Book Encyclopedia 111). But, Gordon believes that cosmic rays are the actual reason behind the formation of clouds – i.e., sun rays play a role in the formation of clouds. Therefore, if clouds are generated by cosmic rays, and that they absorb and reflect solar radiation, which in turn make the earth’s surface cool or warm according to the cloud density, then it is with good reasons to claim that global warming is indeed caused by natural processes and not by human doing.
Still, there is a need to further underscore the fact that many doomsday prophecies in respect to the true state of the earth appear to be patently exaggerated, if not wholly unfounded as well. A glaring example would be to cite how scientists from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change came up with analyses and reports accentuating the correlation between the earth’s temperatures on the one hand and the levels of carbon dioxide on the other hand. This, we might as well be reminded, is in itself an indication of correlation but not of necessary connection, as argued hereinabove. Unfortunately, these scientists argued that, using the temperature-carbon dioxide correlation, the warming globe would be a precursor to a significant rise in sea levels within the next one hundred years. And by further claiming that sea levels are expected to rise at least twenty feet above the present level, these scientist warn of extensive flooding, reduction of earth’s land surface, and all sorts of natural disasters.
We need to point out, however, that this claim is at the very least preposterous. This is for the plain reason that, according to the recent studies shown in a BBC documentary called ‘The Global Warming Swindle’, it would take another 1000 years to have our sea level to rise dramatically by twenty feet, or less (Scott). Hardly over, another example pertinent to some scientists’ tendency to proffer unfounded studies comes through research by Thomas Knutson of the NOAA’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory. According to him, “a greenhouse gas-induced warming may lead to a gradually increasing risk in the occurrence of highly destructive category-5 storms” (Knutson 16). Another scientist from the IPCC agrees with Knutson, and even further researched on this case and concluded that we are on the way to another ice age. Once again, the extremities palpable in their conclusions make their claims highly dubitable. At the very least, we need to inquire why scientists arrive at differing conclusions – i.e., one speaks of catastrophic hurricanes, yet another prophesies a looming ice-age – using the same climate model as evidence. We have reasons to believe that these scientists have deliberately pushed their interpretation beyond what their evidences imply. And reason behind this, we might as well surmise, lies in the need to attract the public attention at the expense of portraying the truth of the matter regarding the state of our nature.
Providing evidence for this case, the authors J. Timmons Roberts and Bradley C. Parks in their book, ‘A Climate of Injustice: Global Inequality, North-South Politics, and Climate Policy’ would most likely support my case. Roberts and Parks cite that, “Though it would be impossible to say that any single hurricane was caused by global warming, the increase in air and water temperatures has undoubtedly increased the evaporation and energy in the climate system.” This phrase is so significant because it disproves that global warming is the trigger towards storms. It also shows that the increasing carbon dioxide has no correlation towards rising temperature, inasmuch as it is mainly evaporation and energy that affect climate.
Finally, it is imperative to note that many scientists’ tendency to lopsidedly zero in on construing doomsday leaves no room for appreciating the positive ramifications of global warming. During the course of my research, I realized that there are those who say that a warmer globe does not necessarily spell doom for humanity. On the contrary, it may even be beneficial for us. Bruce E. Johansen in his book The Global Warming: Desk Reference for instance contends, “a slight rise in temperatures and carbon dioxide levels would stimulate the growth of many plants” (Johansen 105). This is because the plants will more largely absorb carbon dioxide when there is more of it. Moreover, this proves that the earth’s natural cycle is on course, and that there is no need to unnecessarily incite panic from among the greater public. The earth will learn and adapt to climate changes as much as humans, and every other animal, would.
With the evidence from many studies from authors such as John Christian, Roy Spencer and many listed above, I confidently believe that carbon dioxide is not the reason behind global warming. Maybe our media is so influenced by our political leaders today that many of us follow behind them into believing that carbon dioxide is causing the warming of the earth. Why do they want us to believe this? My theory is when politics wants to be involved in any issue; their main concern is to search for benefits. So what is the solution behind global warming? There may seem like there is no solution but ultimately the solution is for the selfish to become unselfish for the selfish reason. If carbon dioxide is the real cause of global warming, our governments should use more of their money to create better ways of transportation rather than gain income from the warming. Transportation infrastructure includes more biking routes, bus stops, underground trains etc. This is proven to work as European countries implement it into their infrastructure. Thus, if global warming is a natural cycle, then we cannot do anything but to use more of the governments’ income to invest in other ways of living as global warming comes closer each day.
By way of conclusion, I wish to end with a thought which affirms the central roadmap and chief contention of this paper – i.e., the debate about global warming cannot be laid to rest, so long as the entire truth about the matter is not fully unraveled. Right now, the world is fed with much-publicized but too-often-pessimistic views about the ill-effects of global warming. And much too often, these supposed scientific studies pin the blame on human beings and their otherwise magnificent activities and achievements. This, I believe, is rather unfair. In the discussions that were developed, it was seen that there is more into global warming than merely attributing it to carbon dioxide emissions of the last few decades, and the increased concentration of greenhouse gasses observed in the present times. In the final analysis, we have to admit that the earth’s climate has always been changing. And as we have been through cold and warm periods, we must appreciate the fact that nearly all living species have found, in ways more than one, their respective ways of surviving. Certainly, the debate is far from being over.
source:-articlebase.com
Thus, while it is agreed that the globe is in fact warming, I believe carbon dioxide is not the underlying reason behind it. This paper makes a case for the necessity of continuing studies as regards to the matter, as I am more inclined to believe that, based on my readings, carbon dioxide emission does not constitute the real cause of global warming, if by ‘cause’ we take to mean that the increased production of carbon dioxide acts as the sufficient explanation of global warming, let alone its sole mitigating factor. The stance which this paper takes is a somewhat critical to the more popular understanding of global warming crisis; i.e. this paper is specifically critical to Al Gore, along with some 2,500 scientist who work at the IPCC (The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) and roughly about 86% of American citizens, who summarily hold that global warming is a problem brought about by human doing. This paper seeks to underscore the incurable ambiguities which mark the contention that global warming is entirely due to the increased incidence of greenhouse concentrations, which in itself is nothing but the consequential result of the perceived increase of carbon dioxide emissions.
Carbon Dioxide Emission as Causative Ingredient to Global Warming?
As previously mentioned, there are many scientists who claim that the current state of the industrial societies is a key determining factor that aggravates the noticeable increase of world atmospheric and marine temperatures. Crucial to this is to cite that world economies’ heavy dependence on fossil fuels, which in turn leads to excessive carbon dioxide emission, is responsible for the increased incidence of greenhouse effect being experienced the world over. For instance, Homer-Dixon, the author of the book The upside of Down: Catastrophe, Creativity, and the Renewal of Civilization he cites that “concentration of greenhouse gases are increasing fast and the earth is getting hotter” (Homer-Dixon 162). And it, in fact, is not hard to establish that there is a direct correlation existing between the increasing world temperature and the equally rapid increase of carbon dioxide emission recorded in as many years. One only needs to show that many studies, such as the one published by the Environmental Protection Agency, rely on arguing the fact that carbon dioxide discharge and the world’s atmospheric temperatures have risen “by over 35% since the rise of Industrialization” so to make a convenient conclusion that it is the primary cause of global warming(Carbon Dioxide, 2008).
The EPA’s argument is relevant in the discussion since it brings into the fore the tendency of many organizations to take carbon dioxide and global warming under the lenses of cause-effect model. In many respects, this is likewise the crux of the arguments espoused by the Kyoto Protocol – an international environmental accord sanctioned by the United Nations, aimed at decreasing world production of greenhouse gases. According to the agreement, world governments acceding to such an accord must ensure that steps are undertaken to cut their respective carbon dioxide emissions “below the range” which can be devastating to nature (Kyoto Protocol). This, moreover, is also the assumption of those who are advocating the use of nuclear power as an alternative to fossil fuels. According to Max Schulz who is the writer of the article Nuclear Power, explains that the world needs to discover viable sources of energy through “clean technology”… “without pollution or greenhouse gas emissions (Schulz 90). Herein, it would be necessary to note that the reasoned premise of the Kyoto Protocol and arguments for nuclear power rests on the plain assumption that there exists a direct cause-and-effect correlation between carbon dioxide production and rapid increase of world atmospheric temperatures. Which is why, these arguments tend to regard global warming as anthropogenic in essence – i.e., it is a phenomenon brought about by human doing.
That having said, there are still reasons to think that no one can really stop the continued warming of the world. Not even the Kyoto Protocol – an already massive initiative, to say the least, taken by humanity to address the problem – dares to dream of averting the rise of world temperatures all together. As indeed, our optimum technologies nowadays have yet to frame adequate solutions to curb the rate of global warming. If this perceived helplessness in respect to global warming speaks of anything about our present situation, it merely proves that there is more into the problem than merely attributing it to human doing. This is because if global warming is really a problem constituted by human fault, then it is with human initiatives that such problem can and must be remedied. Apparently however, human progress cannot be blamed for the recent rising trends of global temperatures.
Global Warming as the Earth’s Natural Way of Being
While it may be easy to establish the correlation between the amounts of carbon dioxide emitted in the last 50 years and the rise of world temperatures, it is nevertheless difficult to construe a necessary cause-and-effect connection between them. For say that carbon dioxide alone is the sufficient explanation to global warming means that we are reducing the problem into a single cause; and this must not be so. In Homer-Dixon’s book he cites a quote from Michel Jarraud who is the secretary general of the United Nations World Meteorological Organization. Michael Jarraud contends,
“You cannot attribute (global warming) to a single cause. It’s about the very complex interaction between all the elements that make up the very complex machine that is the Earth…But global warming is likely to lead to more frequent extraordinary events and greater intensity of these events” (Homer-Dixon 162).
In the first place, global warming should be seen as a natural process or occurrence, or a phenomenon not generated by human activities. In fact, global warming happens periodically; as this was proven by Petr Chylek who is the Professor of Physics and Atmospheric Science. For instance, in his report, he maintains that during the 1920’s, Greenland’s temperature was recorded higher than it was during many instances 2005. With such telling evidence, he concludes that, “the Greenland warming of 1920 to 1930 demonstrates that a high concentration of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases is not a necessary condition for period of warming to arise” (Chylek). The same may be said of the trend which shows that during the period of 1900-1940, the temperatures were rising even when industrialization was not as massive compare to what we have now. After this era, the Post-War economic boom was to commence. Ironically, this was the period when the temperature dropped and did not begin to rise until four decades later. Besides, one must also note with care that the past 150 years have seen a very minute increase in world temperature – only half a degree Celsius. If with the massive production of carbon dioxide the rate of world temperature increase does not appear to be so drastic, then it is evident that carbon dioxide is not the sole cause of global warming.
Secondly, where carbon dioxide is in question, it is certainly insightful to note that human activities do not really generate as much carbon dioxide emission as does nature itself, when it produces the carbon dioxide in manner being more significant, if not undeniably massive. This is certainly an interesting angle to look at; for while we agree to a certain respect that carbon dioxide is a heat-generating compound in the atmosphere, it nevertheless is just one of the many gaseous compounds comprising greenhouse gases. As such, carbon dioxide comprises a meager 0.97% of the total greenhouse gasses present in the air (USA TODAY). Moreover, human activities are not to sole progenitor of carbon dioxide. The earth’s land surface, it must be noted, emits carbon dioxide as well. For instance, when a volcanic eruption occurs, the earth produces more carbon dioxide than the amount produced by industrial factories around the world, and certainly more than the amount of the same emitted by human beings. This is to speak only of the earth’s terrestrial surface, which is roughly about 30% of the world’s surface area. The largest emitter of carbon dioxide is by the larger marine surface, as it makes up the remaining 70% of our world’s geographical composition. Thus, humanity must not be the one to be blamed for the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere right now. Besides, on account of the fact that carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere is insignificant, there is a truth in saying that carbon is not the sole reason that explains global warming.
Thirdly, not only must people start to realize that global warming is a phenomenon that happens on a natural basis, they too must take into careful account the significant role which solar radiation plays in ushering the world into another phase of warmer temperatures. In other words, the warming of the earth is in fact believed to be caused by the sun. This is exactly the contention leveled by Jeffrey Gordon in his book called Solar Energy: The State of the Art. He contends that solar energy acts as the major contributor to the warming of the earth. This is because he believes that “urban temperature and the sky view” manifest a direct correlation (Gordon 14). To briefly explain, Gordon believes that cloud formation in the sky is influenced by the amount of solar radiation being emitted by the sun. Ordinarily, we speak of cloud formation as a phenomenon explicable by the rate of evaporation and condensation of water vapor transpiring in the earth’s atmosphere (The World Book Encyclopedia 111). But, Gordon believes that cosmic rays are the actual reason behind the formation of clouds – i.e., sun rays play a role in the formation of clouds. Therefore, if clouds are generated by cosmic rays, and that they absorb and reflect solar radiation, which in turn make the earth’s surface cool or warm according to the cloud density, then it is with good reasons to claim that global warming is indeed caused by natural processes and not by human doing.
Still, there is a need to further underscore the fact that many doomsday prophecies in respect to the true state of the earth appear to be patently exaggerated, if not wholly unfounded as well. A glaring example would be to cite how scientists from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change came up with analyses and reports accentuating the correlation between the earth’s temperatures on the one hand and the levels of carbon dioxide on the other hand. This, we might as well be reminded, is in itself an indication of correlation but not of necessary connection, as argued hereinabove. Unfortunately, these scientists argued that, using the temperature-carbon dioxide correlation, the warming globe would be a precursor to a significant rise in sea levels within the next one hundred years. And by further claiming that sea levels are expected to rise at least twenty feet above the present level, these scientist warn of extensive flooding, reduction of earth’s land surface, and all sorts of natural disasters.
We need to point out, however, that this claim is at the very least preposterous. This is for the plain reason that, according to the recent studies shown in a BBC documentary called ‘The Global Warming Swindle’, it would take another 1000 years to have our sea level to rise dramatically by twenty feet, or less (Scott). Hardly over, another example pertinent to some scientists’ tendency to proffer unfounded studies comes through research by Thomas Knutson of the NOAA’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory. According to him, “a greenhouse gas-induced warming may lead to a gradually increasing risk in the occurrence of highly destructive category-5 storms” (Knutson 16). Another scientist from the IPCC agrees with Knutson, and even further researched on this case and concluded that we are on the way to another ice age. Once again, the extremities palpable in their conclusions make their claims highly dubitable. At the very least, we need to inquire why scientists arrive at differing conclusions – i.e., one speaks of catastrophic hurricanes, yet another prophesies a looming ice-age – using the same climate model as evidence. We have reasons to believe that these scientists have deliberately pushed their interpretation beyond what their evidences imply. And reason behind this, we might as well surmise, lies in the need to attract the public attention at the expense of portraying the truth of the matter regarding the state of our nature.
Providing evidence for this case, the authors J. Timmons Roberts and Bradley C. Parks in their book, ‘A Climate of Injustice: Global Inequality, North-South Politics, and Climate Policy’ would most likely support my case. Roberts and Parks cite that, “Though it would be impossible to say that any single hurricane was caused by global warming, the increase in air and water temperatures has undoubtedly increased the evaporation and energy in the climate system.” This phrase is so significant because it disproves that global warming is the trigger towards storms. It also shows that the increasing carbon dioxide has no correlation towards rising temperature, inasmuch as it is mainly evaporation and energy that affect climate.
Finally, it is imperative to note that many scientists’ tendency to lopsidedly zero in on construing doomsday leaves no room for appreciating the positive ramifications of global warming. During the course of my research, I realized that there are those who say that a warmer globe does not necessarily spell doom for humanity. On the contrary, it may even be beneficial for us. Bruce E. Johansen in his book The Global Warming: Desk Reference for instance contends, “a slight rise in temperatures and carbon dioxide levels would stimulate the growth of many plants” (Johansen 105). This is because the plants will more largely absorb carbon dioxide when there is more of it. Moreover, this proves that the earth’s natural cycle is on course, and that there is no need to unnecessarily incite panic from among the greater public. The earth will learn and adapt to climate changes as much as humans, and every other animal, would.
With the evidence from many studies from authors such as John Christian, Roy Spencer and many listed above, I confidently believe that carbon dioxide is not the reason behind global warming. Maybe our media is so influenced by our political leaders today that many of us follow behind them into believing that carbon dioxide is causing the warming of the earth. Why do they want us to believe this? My theory is when politics wants to be involved in any issue; their main concern is to search for benefits. So what is the solution behind global warming? There may seem like there is no solution but ultimately the solution is for the selfish to become unselfish for the selfish reason. If carbon dioxide is the real cause of global warming, our governments should use more of their money to create better ways of transportation rather than gain income from the warming. Transportation infrastructure includes more biking routes, bus stops, underground trains etc. This is proven to work as European countries implement it into their infrastructure. Thus, if global warming is a natural cycle, then we cannot do anything but to use more of the governments’ income to invest in other ways of living as global warming comes closer each day.
By way of conclusion, I wish to end with a thought which affirms the central roadmap and chief contention of this paper – i.e., the debate about global warming cannot be laid to rest, so long as the entire truth about the matter is not fully unraveled. Right now, the world is fed with much-publicized but too-often-pessimistic views about the ill-effects of global warming. And much too often, these supposed scientific studies pin the blame on human beings and their otherwise magnificent activities and achievements. This, I believe, is rather unfair. In the discussions that were developed, it was seen that there is more into global warming than merely attributing it to carbon dioxide emissions of the last few decades, and the increased concentration of greenhouse gasses observed in the present times. In the final analysis, we have to admit that the earth’s climate has always been changing. And as we have been through cold and warm periods, we must appreciate the fact that nearly all living species have found, in ways more than one, their respective ways of surviving. Certainly, the debate is far from being over.
source:-articlebase.com
Environmental Issues
There's an old saying that we only are renting the world for a little while from its true owners – our children. This can help remind us that the choices we make today about our lifestyles and our consumer habits can directly impact many future generations. We can help our children by not only bringing up topics to talk about in environmental issues, but also lead by example.
Easy Green Tips for Protecting Groundwater
Although the average human being can last up to three months without food, it can only last three days without water. Climate change and unwise uses of water supplies have lead to massive droughts in Australia, Europe and North America. For example, Spain decided to cater to the tourist industry by building many golf courses. Unfortunately, grass golf courses require lots of water in order to maintain. Spain now is in the midst of its worst drought in recorded history.
Certainly by now you know about conserving water as much as possible. But you also need to protect the water we have left. Much of the drinking water supply comes from groundwater, which (as its name implies) means that it's located just underneath the ground. Because it's just under the ground means that it's very easy to contaminate.
The best thing you can do to protect groundwater is not to dump harmful chemicals into it. But you don’t do that, you say. Oh, do you really Do you add fertilizers and insecticides to your lawn Those wash off easily and sink into the groundwater. And what about the cleaners and washing detergents you use Many of these harsh chemicals are destroying groundwater.
Use only a fraction of the recommended amount of laundry detergent. You'll still get the clothes clean but without dumping so many chemicals in the groundwater. Better yet, use environmentally safe cleaning products made of botanical oils, bleach or vinegar. Look for a label showing the word with the words Design for the Environment U. S. EPA on it.
Instead of using chemical foam drain cleaners, use a couple of cups of baking soda and a kettle full of boiling water. It may take longer to work than a foam or liquid commercially made pipe cleaner, but it won’t harm your pipes, the groundwater or your kids.
Polluting Yourself
There's no sense talking to your kids about environmental issues if you do not treat your own body with respect. You may not think that your body has anything to do with the environment, but it does. The way you treat yourself is often subconsciously reflected in the way we treat the environment.
Kids can easily recognise hypocrites. They'll nod in agreement with you only to please you but then ignore all of your advice and teachings if they think you are a hypocrite. There's no sense preaching green tips if you drink, abuse drugs or smoke. Abusing alcohol, drugs and tobacco not only harms your body but also harms the environment.
How does smoking affect the environment? There are different facts on smoking. Most of them tackle our health. But guess what the most prominently kind of trash is found on beaches all over the world lighters, cigarettes, matches and tobacco pouches. Tobacco is poisonous to many creatures such as small dogs that can die from eating a few cigarettes.
source:-articlebase.com
Easy Green Tips for Protecting Groundwater
Although the average human being can last up to three months without food, it can only last three days without water. Climate change and unwise uses of water supplies have lead to massive droughts in Australia, Europe and North America. For example, Spain decided to cater to the tourist industry by building many golf courses. Unfortunately, grass golf courses require lots of water in order to maintain. Spain now is in the midst of its worst drought in recorded history.
Certainly by now you know about conserving water as much as possible. But you also need to protect the water we have left. Much of the drinking water supply comes from groundwater, which (as its name implies) means that it's located just underneath the ground. Because it's just under the ground means that it's very easy to contaminate.
The best thing you can do to protect groundwater is not to dump harmful chemicals into it. But you don’t do that, you say. Oh, do you really Do you add fertilizers and insecticides to your lawn Those wash off easily and sink into the groundwater. And what about the cleaners and washing detergents you use Many of these harsh chemicals are destroying groundwater.
Use only a fraction of the recommended amount of laundry detergent. You'll still get the clothes clean but without dumping so many chemicals in the groundwater. Better yet, use environmentally safe cleaning products made of botanical oils, bleach or vinegar. Look for a label showing the word with the words Design for the Environment U. S. EPA on it.
Instead of using chemical foam drain cleaners, use a couple of cups of baking soda and a kettle full of boiling water. It may take longer to work than a foam or liquid commercially made pipe cleaner, but it won’t harm your pipes, the groundwater or your kids.
Polluting Yourself
There's no sense talking to your kids about environmental issues if you do not treat your own body with respect. You may not think that your body has anything to do with the environment, but it does. The way you treat yourself is often subconsciously reflected in the way we treat the environment.
Kids can easily recognise hypocrites. They'll nod in agreement with you only to please you but then ignore all of your advice and teachings if they think you are a hypocrite. There's no sense preaching green tips if you drink, abuse drugs or smoke. Abusing alcohol, drugs and tobacco not only harms your body but also harms the environment.
How does smoking affect the environment? There are different facts on smoking. Most of them tackle our health. But guess what the most prominently kind of trash is found on beaches all over the world lighters, cigarettes, matches and tobacco pouches. Tobacco is poisonous to many creatures such as small dogs that can die from eating a few cigarettes.
source:-articlebase.com
Chemical Free Living for Life
I can remember back when the experts said aerosol cans were ripping a hole in the ozone layer. Many of these cans have been replaced by squirt bottles that seem to stop working, when there is still a quarter of the liquid chemical remaining. The point is, we are still using the chemicals. Recent studies prove those cleaning products are hazardous to our health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air we breathe inside our homes could be as much as five times as polluted as the air outside. These cleaning products expose you and your family to chemicals that could be more harmful than the germs they are trying to rid you of. Other studies have shown that the average American will, flush down the toilet, wash down a sink, or place in the garbage, more than 20 gallons of toxic and hazardous chemical products. It is all right to be conscientious about recycling or energy consumption, but think about the potential for affecting the health of people, plants, animals, land and water because of this waste. Believe me when I say, I am not trying to scare, but merely inform. Of the roughly 17,000 chemicals found in common household products, only 3 in 10 have been tested for their effects on human health.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the agency responsible for the safety of consumers, does not require manufacturers to test household cleaning products before they appear on store shelves. So we as the consumer must rely on the label to get any pertinent information about safety and health hazards. They are only required to provide hazard symbols, such as "poison" and "flammable," and must give information about first aid treatments for those ingredients. Marketing and advertising gimmicks are not proof of the safety of the household products. It is their function to come up with words and phrases that will promote their product. So words like “natural” don’t have anything to do with the safety of the product, and phrases like “eco-friendly, and “environmentally safe” have no real meaning, other than to sell their products to unsuspecting consumers who only bother to read the pretty part of the label.
Your Own Chemical Warfare
A Few Tips to Fight Back
There are things you can do immediately to stem this chemical tide. For the next time you go shopping, here are a few green tips that will help you and the planet to a healthier future.
1. If a product is making cleaning too easy there might be a reason for it. If you are not using any elbow grease, you should be a little weary. Chemicals from these cleaning products have been known to emit fumes even while being stored.
2. Remember those aerosol cans are still around. People who use air fresheners in excess should know that they contain synthetic fragrances, whose chemical make up has been linked to cancer in rodents.
3.Most dish and detergent soaps are made from petroleum, a nonrenewable synthetic resource, another good reason to go with formulas that are plant-based, biodegradable and contain no phosphates. Your fabric sheets that have “fragrance” on their label, means that they are also petroleum based.
Zero Chemicals Are Possible
Help Is Just a Click Away
If all of this seems overwhelming to you, do not threat because you can have all the information you and your family needs to end your dependence on chemicals. Zero Chemicals- Chemical Free Living is a two-volume guide to chemical free-living options. You can use it to go completely without chemicals, or just choose what you feel is right for your circumstance. For every chemically based product, there is an equally effective and totally safe natural alternative
. And the amazing thing is that you will actually save money with this method. With your new home environment you will see a change in everyone. They will feel a boost to their immune system
, an energy explosion, and generally an improvement to their overall health.
source:-articlebase.com
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the agency responsible for the safety of consumers, does not require manufacturers to test household cleaning products before they appear on store shelves. So we as the consumer must rely on the label to get any pertinent information about safety and health hazards. They are only required to provide hazard symbols, such as "poison" and "flammable," and must give information about first aid treatments for those ingredients. Marketing and advertising gimmicks are not proof of the safety of the household products. It is their function to come up with words and phrases that will promote their product. So words like “natural” don’t have anything to do with the safety of the product, and phrases like “eco-friendly, and “environmentally safe” have no real meaning, other than to sell their products to unsuspecting consumers who only bother to read the pretty part of the label.
Your Own Chemical Warfare
A Few Tips to Fight Back
There are things you can do immediately to stem this chemical tide. For the next time you go shopping, here are a few green tips that will help you and the planet to a healthier future.
1. If a product is making cleaning too easy there might be a reason for it. If you are not using any elbow grease, you should be a little weary. Chemicals from these cleaning products have been known to emit fumes even while being stored.
2. Remember those aerosol cans are still around. People who use air fresheners in excess should know that they contain synthetic fragrances, whose chemical make up has been linked to cancer in rodents.
3.Most dish and detergent soaps are made from petroleum, a nonrenewable synthetic resource, another good reason to go with formulas that are plant-based, biodegradable and contain no phosphates. Your fabric sheets that have “fragrance” on their label, means that they are also petroleum based.
Zero Chemicals Are Possible
Help Is Just a Click Away
If all of this seems overwhelming to you, do not threat because you can have all the information you and your family needs to end your dependence on chemicals. Zero Chemicals- Chemical Free Living is a two-volume guide to chemical free-living options. You can use it to go completely without chemicals, or just choose what you feel is right for your circumstance. For every chemically based product, there is an equally effective and totally safe natural alternative
. And the amazing thing is that you will actually save money with this method. With your new home environment you will see a change in everyone. They will feel a boost to their immune system
, an energy explosion, and generally an improvement to their overall health.
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