Eco Life News

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

2012-03-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

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

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

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

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

2012-03-20T00:00:00.000-04:00

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

image: depositphotos

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

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

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

2012-03-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

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

image: depositphotos

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

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

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

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Aquasana Under Sink Purification Analysis

2012-03-05T00:30:00.000-05:00

image: depositphotos

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

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

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

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

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

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What To Do About Recycling At Home

2012-03-04T00:30:00.000-05:00

What To Do About Recycling At Home
By Brent R Partner

image: depositphotos

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

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

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

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How to Organise a Community Clean-Up Day!

2012-03-03T00:30:00.000-05:00

How to Organise a Community Clean-Up Day!
By Nicholas Allen

image: depositphotos

Litter is an ever-growing problem in the UK. In 2011, it's estimated that over 25 million tonnes were dropped in Britain, spoiling both urban and countryside areas in equal measure. That amount of litter is not just an eyesore, however; it also contributed to the death or injury of nearly 70,000 animals last year. By organising a community litter-pick, you'll give people the chance to make a positive contribution to their local area while combatting a serious environmental issue. Here are a few essential tips for organising your own community clean-up!

- Decide on a location for your litter-pick. It's obviously a good idea to pick a badly affected area as your clean-up will have the most impact. Don't forget to contact any landowners to make sure you are legally entitled to access the area!

- Produce a map of the area you intend to clean up. Carefully assess any potential hazards and decide the route you're going to take.

- Decide on an appropriate time to stage your clean-up. People are more likely to be available and willing to help on a weekend, particularly in the morning!

- Find people who want to join in! Send a press release to the local press, distribute flyers and posters in the local community, inform your local MP and use all forms of social media.

- Contact people in the community using local social networks and online forums. Local social networks provide an opportunity to get in contact with motivated local groups and organisations who might be interested in a community initiative!

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A Berkey Purification For Your Residence

2012-03-02T00:30:00.000-05:00

by Anne J. Forrest

image: depositphotos

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

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

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

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

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Environmental Issues For Real - Environmentalism

2012-03-01T00:30:00.000-05:00

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

image: depositphotos

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

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

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

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

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

2012-02-29T00:30:00.000-05:00

by Sam Jackson

image: depositphotos

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

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

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

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

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

2012-02-28T00:30:00.000-05:00

by Jane Former

image: depositphotos

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

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

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

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

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

2012-02-27T00:30:00.000-05:00

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

image: depositphotos

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

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

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

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Global Warming Causes, Effects, and Controversy

2012-02-24T00:30:00.003-05:00

Global Warming Causes, Effects, and Controversy
By Angela Ralano

image: depositphotos

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

The greenhouse gases are:

Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Water Vapor (H20)
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Methane (CH4)
Nitrous Oxide (N20)

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

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A H2o Filter Can Take Care Of Your Wellness

2012-02-24T00:30:00.002-05:00

by Ray L. Taylor

image: depositphotos

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

Health: first Priority

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

Product Performance Data

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

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

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Why Would You Need A Portable Water Filter?

2012-02-23T00:30:00.000-05:00

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

image: depositphotos

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

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

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

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Solar Panels

2012-02-22T00:30:00.001-05:00

Solar Panels
By Yusuf Chy

image: depositphotos

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

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

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

2012-02-22T00:30:00.000-05:00

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

image: depositphotos

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

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

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

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

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Making A Yurt Rafter Ring

2012-02-21T00:30:00.001-05:00

Making A Yurt Rafter Ring
By Robert Frederick Lee

image: depositphotos

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

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

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

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

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Convert Waste Paper Into Free Fuel With a Paper Log Maker

2012-02-21T00:30:00.000-05:00

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

image: depositphotos

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

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

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

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Time to Redesign Our Wind Energy Future

2012-02-20T00:30:00.001-05:00

Time to Redesign Our Wind Energy Future
By Lance Winslow

image: depositphotos

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

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

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

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Responsible Organic Solvents: Exploring Government Classifications

2012-02-20T00:30:00.000-05:00

Responsible Organic Solvents: Exploring Government Classifications
By Timothy Byron

image: depositphotos

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

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

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

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Organic Solvents: Environmentally Friendly Options Exist

2012-02-19T00:30:00.001-05:00

Organic Solvents: Environmentally Friendly Options Exist
By Timothy Byron

image: depositphotos

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

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

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

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

2012-02-19T00:30:00.000-05:00

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

image: depositphotos

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

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

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

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

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Wind Power - Is It Safe for Humans?

2012-02-18T00:30:00.000-05:00

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

image: depositphotos

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

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

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

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

2012-02-17T00:30:00.000-05:00

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

image: depositphotos

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

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

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

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Why We Shouldn't Use Fossil Fuels

2012-02-16T00:30:00.000-05:00

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

image: depositphotos

Fossil Fuels

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

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

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

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

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

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