Eco Friendly Products

The Process of Making Biodiesel

2008-09-26T09:42:00.001-04:00

By: Mike Hirn

Procedure for making Biodiesel.

Transforming vegetable oil and making it into a homemade fuel is one of the best option for optimizing cost against the use of petroleum diesel. Not only that but it is also very easy to do.

Nearly all the major European vehicle makers now provide their cars with warranties on the use of a pure form of biodiesel. Some individuals are manufacturing their own fuel. No negative effects from this harmless process have yet been heard of.

Home biodiesel production requires the following items:

* 1 liter pure, unused vegetable oil (cooking)

* 250 ml pure methanol

* either sodium hydroxied (lye) or potassium hydroxide

* An electric blender that has a pitcher made of glass

* A set of scales that can measure with precision, down to 0.01 grams

* 1 liter high Density polyethylene container

* 2 bottles for settling

* Duct tape

* Thermometer

All the equipment must be clean and dry. The process of making biodiesel is as follows:

Be sure to wear the necessary shielding equipment such as gloves, protective eye glasses, respirator, long-sleeved shirt and long pants. Be very cautious as you perform each step. Extreme care should be taken in handling the harsh chemicals used in the process. Do a quick inventory of all parts to reassure good quality. It is necessary to make sure the blender is securely sealed and all parts clean and dry.

Before pouring oil into blender, heat it to 550 C. Carefully add into your blender, the sodium methoxide (or potassium methoxide) which was made from the HDPE container. Next, seal the lid and, for 30 minutes, carefully blend the mixture at a constant speed and temperature.

The moment the process is complete, you must pour the mixture carefully into a mini-processor. After completing the process, let the mixture sit for 12 hours or up to one day. The vial for liquid gathering is devided into two sections. One Of The Fluid Is Yellow Colored While As The Other Is Dark Colored Which Are The Byproducts Of Glycerin Biodiesel is in the top layer. The color of the fuel created depends upon the oil used but is generally a pale shade of yellow. It may be cloudy or clear, which is not much of a problem. It will become clear after awhile.

You must then take a wash test. If it makes it through the washing test, proceed with washing the remainderof the biodiesel.

Article source: The Process of Making Biodiesel

Author: For more information about how to make your own biodiesel and vegetable oil diesel fuels visit http://www.biodieselgeneration.com

www.the-home-sauna-center.com

The Future Of Wind Energy

2008-09-26T08:40:00.001-04:00

By: James Nash

f you're one of those people who every winter puts out 10,000 holiday lights or every summer keeps the air conditioning cold enough to make frozen treats on the kitchen counter - or whether you're like everyone else who simply likes the modern convenience of electrical - then you should care about how we will generate electricity in the future.

We are in no danger of running out of coal, the primary fuel source for electricity generation in the US and many other parts of the world. And we could have as many new glowing nuclear power plants as we want. But the reality is that the pollution and safety impacts of these electricity-generating technologies forecast their necessary demise:

1) The problems with coal-fired power plants include sulfur (acid rain) and mercury pollution; coal-fired power plants are the biggest source of greenhouse gases in the world; and coal mining scars land and people alike.

2) Nuclear power plants are very clean in terms of emissions of typical pollutants, including carbon dioxide (the principal greenhouse gas), but the potential for accidents and terrorist strikes has most people doubting the wisdom of more nuclear power. And let's not forget that we still don't know what to do with the tons of long-term radioactive waste nuclear power plants produce.

So what does the future look like for electricity generation? We must start making major strides towards cleaner technologies like wind, solar, wave, and biomass. Today we talk about wind energy in an article that was adapted from materials made available by Lester Brown and the Earth Policy Institute.

People have been harnessing the power of the wind for centuries. The concept of wind energy is simple: the wind pushes against angled blades, causing them to move (much like the sail on a boat); the blades are attached to a hub and cause it to turn, which in turn can drive other components.

In olden days - back when wind-powered devices were called windmills - the turning motion of the hub was transferred to mechanical devices such as grist mills or groundwater pumps. graphic of wind turbines In a modern wind turbine, the hub drives an electrical generator and the output is electricity.

The modern wind turbine has come a long way in terms of sophistication, and the designs of today's wind turbines are elegant and very efficient compared to wind turbines from even a decade or two ago. Designers have also solved some problems associated with early wind turbines, such as birds dying by flying into them. Additional advancements have been made in siting technology - wind turbines can also be sited off-shore now.

With wind-generated electricity, the principal production cost is the capital outlay for initial construction. Since wind is a free fuel, the only ongoing cost is for maintenance. Given the recent volatility of natural gas prices, the stability graph of wind power cost; shows cost has come down from 38 cents per kilowatt hour in 1982 to 4 cents per kilowatt hour in 2002 of wind power prices is particularly appealing. With the possibility of even higher costs of natural gas in the future, natural gas-fired plants may be used increasingly as backup for wind-generated electricity.

When the wind industry first began to develop in California in the early 1980s, wind-generated electricity cost 38 cents per kilowatt-hour. Since then it has dropped to 4 cents or less in prime wind sites. And some long-term supply contracts have been signed for 3 cents per kilowatt-hour. By 2020, many European wind farms will be generating electricity at 2 cents per kilowatt-hour, making it cheaper than all other sources of electricity.

Wind-generating capacity worldwide is growing at over 30% per year and has jumped from less than 5,000 megawatts in 1995 to 39,000 megawatts in 2003 - an increase of nearly eight-fold. The fossil fuel with the highest growth rate - natural gas - grew at just over 2% annually during the same period. Oil grew at less than 2% annually, and coal at less than 1%. Nuclear generating capacity expanded by 2% annually.

Wind is appealing for several reasons. It is abundant, cheap, inexhaustible, widely distributed, clean, and climate-benign - a set of attributes that no other energy source can match. When the US Department of Energy (DOE) released its first wind resource inventory in 1991, it pointed out that three wind-rich states - North Dakota, Kansas, and Texas - had enough harnessable wind energy to satisfy all of the nation's electricity needs. Those who had previously thought of wind as a marginal potential source of energy obviously were surprised by this finding.In retrospect, we now know that the 1991 data was a gross underestimate of the potential of this renewable energy source, because it was based on the technologies available in 1991. Advances in wind turbine design since then have enabled turbines to operate at lower wind speeds, to convert wind into electricity more efficiently, and to harness a much larger wind regime. Such advancement have perhaps tripled the amount of harvestable wind. Thus, while the DOE could say in 1991 that North Dakota, Kansas, and Texas had enough wind-energy potential to supply all national ELECTRICITY needs, we may now be able to say that they have enough harnessable wind energy to supply all national ENERGY needs. (See sidebar for more information.)

Once we get cheap electricity from wind, we have the option of electrolyzing water to produce hydrogen, which provides a way of both storing and efficiently transporting wind energy. At night, when the demand for electricity drops, the hydrogen generators can be turned on to build up reserves.

Once in storage, hydrogen can be used to fuel power plants, in much the same way that natural gas is used. This hydrogen can be used either as a backup for wind power or as an alternative to natural gas, especially if rising prices make natural gas prohibitively costly for electricity generation.

Hydrogen is also the fuel of choice for the fuel-cell engines that automakers worldwide are working on for our everyday vehicles. While hydrogen-powered vehicles may still seem far off in the future, if push comes to shove on the climate front - i.e. once it becomes more obvious that we must stop burning so much oil and pumping so much CO2 into the atmosphere - cars with gasoline-burning internal combustion engines could be converted to hydrogen.

Europe is leading the world into the age of wind energy, spurred in part by concerns about global warming. The record heat wave in Europe in August 2003 that scorched crops and claimed 35,000 lives has accelerated the replacement of climate-disrupting coal with clean energy sources.

The European Wind Energy Association projects that Europe's wind-based electricity-generating capacity will nearly triple from 2003 to 2010. By 2020, wind-generated electricity is projected to satisfy graph of wind power capacity by country; shows a steady upward trend for all countries, with Germany leading, followed by Spain and the U S, then Denmark and India the residential needs of 195 million Europeans - half of the region's population.

After developing most of its existing 28,400 megawatts of capacity on land, Europe is now tapping offshore wind resources as well. A 2004 assessment of Europe's offshore wind-energy potential concluded that if Europe moves more aggressively to develop its vast offshore resources, wind could be supplying all of the region's residential electricity by 2020.

Many countries in Europe are pushing hard to bring in more wind power. Here are a few examples.

1) The United Kingdom is requiring an investment of over $12 billion in off-shore wind farms that should satisfy the residential electricity needs of 10 million of the country's 60 million people.

2) Tiny Denmark, which led Europe into the wind era with the development of its own wind resources, now gets an impressive 20 percent of its electricity from wind.

3) Germany overtook the United States in terms of wind-based generating capacity in 1997. Now Spain is close to overtaking the United States as well.

Europe's leadership on wind energy has given it a major economic bonus: nine of the world's ten leading wind turbine manufacturers are in three countries - enmark, Germany, and Spain. These happen to be the three countries that have had the strongest and most stable market incentives for developing wind energy.

In the US, wind power has grown 26% per year on average over the last 5 years, but the United States is lagging in the development of wind energy. This is not because we can't compete technologically with Europe in manufacturing wind turbines, but because of a lack of leadership in Washington. The wind production tax credit of 1.5 cents per kilowatt-hour, which was adopted in 1992 to establish parity with fossil-fuel subsidies, has been permitted to lapse three times in the last five years, most recently at the end of 2003 when Congress failed to pass a new energy bill. Such uncertainties disrupt planning throughout the wind power industry.

The United States, with its advanced technology and wealth of wind resources, should be a leader in this field, but unfortunately it continues picture of wind farm to rely heavily on coal - a nineteenth century energy source - for much of its electricity at a time when European countries are replacing coal power with wind power.

Europe is not only leading the world into the wind age, it is also leading the world into the post-fossil fuel age - the age of renewable energy and climate stabilization. By demonstrating the potential for harnessing the energy in wind, Europe is unveiling the new energy economy for the rest of the world.

Lester Brown is founder and president of Earth Policy Institute. He has been described by the Washington Post as "one of the world's most influential thinkers" and as "the guru of the global environmental movement" by The Telegraph of Calcutta. His most recent book is Plan B: Rescuing a Planet Under Stress and a Civilization in Trouble.

One final note about wind power. There are naysayers out there who claim that we would have to blanket the country with "wind-meels" to replace all our coal and nuclear plants. Don't believe it. Remember that on a wind farm, the "footprint" of the operation - the turbine base plus the service roads - occupies only 5% of the land area. That makes wind power a perfect partner with open-space operations like farming and ranching.

And oh, by the way, our current electricity-generating technologies are blanketing the country with pollution!

Article source: The Future Of Wind Energy

Author: James Nash is a climate scientist with Greatest Planet (www.greatestplanet.org). Greatest Planet is a non-profit environmental organization specialising in carbon offset investments.

James Nash is solely responsible for the contents of this article.

Amazing Amounts Of Flooding And Other Natural Disasters Are Plaguing The World

2008-09-25T11:37:00.000-04:00

By: Aydan Corkern

Some people truly believe that the world has become extremely plagued by natural disasters of all kinds. Some believe that we are only recognizing disasters on a broader scale because of the availability of media coverage from all places on the earth. The thing about that theory is that we have had media coverage that could be related all over the world for some time.

If not as quickly as today, we have been able to get reliable information within a few days for many, many years now. Ever since the transatlantic telegraph was put in place, news from across the globe has gotten to us regularly and not in memorable history have we saw such an outbreak of disasters like has taken place in recent years.

The number of worldwide disasters that were recorded during the 1980's was around 400 or so. In the year of 2007 it is said that the number of natural disasters worldwide is thought to have doubled and more that number to about 960. This is a tremendous increase by any standard. Not all of these disasters claimed as many lives and caused as much damage as some, but they were all devastating to the numbers of people they did affect whether it was just a few or thousands.

The most recent, memorable, and deadly disasters were not from the same type of events either. In 2004 an earthquake occurred and caused a very deadly tsunami for 11 countries. India, Thailand, and Sri Lanka were the most devastated by this event and at least 225,000 were killed. Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar recently killed 84,000. The recent earthquake in the Sichuan Province in China killed 69,000. In the United States we all remember hurricane Katrina and most recently hurricane Ike. These disasters were small in the numbers of people killed, but the economic loss and displacement of people was huge for us.

When we have natural disasters like these that are taking place all over the world, it makes you wonder what could possibly be in the minds of terrorists who purposefully instigate and carry out wars, car bombings, embassy bombings, and worst of all for us a tragedy like 9/11? Do we not have enough to deal with without adding to the miseries that we can not prevent?

Many people believe that all of these tragedies and disasters are implicating the end of time. That is a personal belief that some might not share, but no one can deny the fact that we are experiencing so many of these things. Some believe the natural disasters that are occurring are because of the warming climate and some believe it is the wrath of God. No matter what you do believe, the truth is that we should be doing all that we can to correct the warming climate, if we can. Whatever comes after that will not be in our hands.

Article source: Amazing Amounts Of Flooding And Other Natural Disasters Are Plaguing The World

Author: Aydan Corkern is a writer of many topics, visit some of her sites, like
Water Damage Restoration and New York Water Damage Restoration.

Tax Shifting And Environmental Economics

2008-09-25T09:35:00.000-04:00

By: James Nash

The need for tax shifting - lowering income taxes while raising taxes on environmentally destructive activities - in order to get the market to tell the truth has been widely endorsed by economists. The basic idea is to establish a tax that reflects the indirect costs to society of an economic activity. For example, a tax on coal would incorporate the increased health care costs associated with breathing polluted air, the costs of damage from acid rain, and the costs of climate disruption.

Nine countries in Western Europe have already begun the process of tax shifting, known as environmental tax reform. The amount of revenue shifted thus far is small, just a few percent. But enough experience has been gained to know that it works.

Among the activities taxed in Europe are carbon emissions, emissions of heavy metals, and the generation of garbage (so-called landfill taxes). The Nordic countries, led by Sweden, pioneered tax shifting at the beginning of the 1990s. By 1999 a second wave of tax shifting was under way, this one including the larger economies of Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Tax shifting does not change the level of taxes, only their composition. One of the better known changes was a four-year plan adopted in Germany in 1999 to shift taxes from labor to energy. By 2001, this had lowered fuel use by 5 percent. A tax on carbon emissions adopted in Finland in 1990 lowered emissions there 7 percent by 1998.

Environmental tax reform is spreading, with the reform process now under way in Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The United States imposed a stiff tax on chlorofluorocarbons to phase them out in accordance with the Montreal Protocol of 1987. At the local level, the city of Victoria, British Columbia, adopted a trash tax of $1.20 per bag of garbage, reducing its daily trash flow 18 percent within one year.

One of the newer taxes gaining in popularity is the so-called congestion tax. City governments are turning to a tax on vehicles picture of urban traffic entering the city, or at least the inner part of the city where traffic congestion is most serious. In London, where the average speed of an automobile was 9 miles per hour - about the same as a horse-drawn carriage - a congestion tax was adopted in early 2003. The $8 charge on all motorists driving into the center of the city between 7am and 6:30pm immediately reduced the number of vehicles by 24 percent, permitting traffic to flow more freely while cutting pollution and noise.

Environmental tax shifting usually brings a double dividend. In reducing taxes on income - in effect, taxes on labor - labor becomes less costly, creating additional jobs while protecting the environment. This was the principal motivation in the German four-year shift of taxes from income to energy. The shift from fossil fuels to more energy-efficient technologies and to renewable sources of energy reduces carbon emissions and represents a shift to more labor-intensive industries. By lowering the air pollution from smokestacks and tailpipes, it also reduces respiratory illnesses, such as asthma and emphysema, and health care costs - a triple dividend.

When it comes to reflecting the value of nature's services, ecologists can, for example, calculate the values of services that a forest in a given location provides. Once picture of logging operation these are determined, they can be incorporated into the price of trees as a stumpage tax of the sort that Bulgaria and Lithuania have adopted. Anyone wishing to cut a tree would have to pay a tax equal to the value of the services provided by that tree. The market would then be telling the truth. The effect of this would be to reduce tree cutting, since forest services may be worth several times as much as the timber, and to encourage wood and paper recycling.

Some 2,500 economists, including eight Nobel Prize winners in economics, have endorsed the concept of tax shifts. Former Harvard economics professor N. Gregory Mankiw, who was nominated to be Chairman of the President's Council of Economic Advisors in early 2003, wrote in Fortune magazine: "Cutting income taxes while increasing gasoline taxes would lead to more rapid economic growth, less traffic congestion, safer roads, and reduced risk of global warming - all without jeopardizing long-term fiscal solvency. This may be the closest thing to a free lunch that economics has to offer." Mankiw could also have added that it would reduce the military expenditures associated with ensuring access to Middle Eastern oil.

The Economist has recognized the advantage of environmental tax shifting and endorses it strongly: "On environmental grounds, never mind energy security, America taxes gasoline too lightly. Better than a one-off increase, a politically more feasible idea, and desirable in its own terms, would be a long-term plan to shift taxes from incomes to emissions of carbon." In Europe and the United States, polls indicate that at least 70 percent of voters support environmental tax reform once it is explained to them.

Subsidies, which are essentially "negative taxes," also must be reformed. Each year the world's taxpayers underwrite $700 billion of subsidies for environmentally destructive activities, picture of oil rig such as burning fossil fuels, over-pumping aquifers, clear-cutting forests, and overfishing. A 1997 Earth Council study, Subsidizing Unsustainable Development, observes that "there is something unbelievable about the world spending hundreds of billions of dollars annually to subsidize its own destruction."

Subsidies are not inherently bad. Many technologies and industries were born of government subsidies. Jet aircraft were developed with military R&D expenditures, leading to modern commercial airliners. The Internet was a result of publicly funded efforts to establish links between computers in government laboratories and research institutes. And the combination of the federal tax incentive and a robust state tax incentive in California gave birth to the modern wind power industry.

But just as there is a need for tax shifting, there is also a need for subsidy shifting. A world facing the prospect of economically disruptive climate change, for example, can no longer justify subsidies to expand the burning of coal and oil. Shifting these subsidies to the development of climate - benign energy sources such as wind power, solar power, and geothermal power is the key to stabilizing the earth's climate. Shifting subsidies from road construction to rail construction could increase mobility in many situations while reducing carbon emissions.

In a troubled world economy facing fiscal deficits at all levels of government, exploiting tax and subsidy shifts with their double and triple dividends can help balance the books and save the environment. Tax and subsidy shifting promise both gains in economic efficiency and reductions in environmental destruction, a win-win situation.

History judges political leaders by whether they respond to the great issues of their time. For today's leaders, that issue is how to deflate the world's bubble economy before it bursts. This bubble threatens the future of everyone, rich and poor alike. It challenges us to restructure the global economy, to build an eco-economy.

The choice is ours - yours and mine. We can stay with business as usual and preside over a global bubble economy that keeps expanding until it bursts, leading to economic decline. Or we can adopt Plan B and be the generation that stabilizes population, eradicates poverty, and stabilizes climate. Historians will record the choice, but it is ours to make

Article source: Tax Shifting And Environmental Economics

Author: James Nash is a climate scientist with Greatest Planet (www.greatestplanet.org). Greatest Planet is a non-profit environmental organization specialising in carbon offset investments.

James Nash is solely responsible for the contents of this article.

Types Of Solar Power And How They Work

2008-09-24T11:33:00.000-04:00

By: James Nash

Some people enjoy baking cookies in the oven, some people enjoy baking themselves in the backyard. Even if oil-soaked sun-worshipping Saturday afternoons are the most direct experience most of us every get with the energy of the sun, we know picture of the sun instinctively that the sun is essential for life. It turns out it's also essential for just about any type of energy you can think of.

Solar energy is free and inexhaustible, and has been for the 5 billion years or so that the planet has been in existence. In the broadest sense, solar energy supports all life on earth and is the basis for almost every form of energy we use.

1) The sun makes plants grow, which are burned as fuel or rot in swamps and are compressed underground for millions of years to become coal and oil.

2) Heat from the sun causes temperature differences between areas, causing the wind to blow.

3) Water evaporates because of the sun, falls on high elevations, and rushes down to the sea, spinning turbines as it passes.

But the term "solar energy" usually refers to ways the sun's energy can be used as heat, lighting, and electricity.

One simple, obvious use of sunlight is to light our buildings. The sun can also affect a building's heating and cooling costs: If properly designed, a building can capture the sun's heat in the winter and reject it in the summer, while using daylight year round for lighting. With the exception of that guy down in the bowels of the Grinning Planet accounting department who seems to thrive on flickering fluorescent lighting, most of us prefer natural light.

Besides using design features to maximize use of the sun, some buildings have active systems to gather and store solar energy. Solar collectors sit on the rooftops of buildings to collect solar energy for space heating, water heating, and space cooling. Most solar collectors are large flat boxes, painted black on the inside, with glass covers. In the most common design, pipes in the box carry liquids that take the heat from the box and bring it into the building. This heated liquid, usually a water-alcohol mixture to prevent winter freezing, is used to heat water in a tank or is put through radiators to heat the air.

Oddly enough, because of the cooling effect moist air has when it evaporates, solar heat can also drive a cooling system. Such systems are currently at work in humid southeastern climates, like that of Florida.

By using mirrors and lenses to concentrate the rays of the sun, solar thermal systems produce high temperatures that can be used to heat water for producing picture a trough style solar energy system steam to drive an electric turbine or for industrial applications, like boiling water to sterilize soup cans.

Solar concentrators come in three main designs: parabolic troughs, parabolic dishes and central receivers. The most common is parabolic - long, curved mirrors that concentrate sunlight on a liquid inside a tube that runs parallel to the mirror. Parabolic dish concentrators and central receivers can produce much higher temperatures and produce electricity more efficiently but are more complicated and are not in common use.

In 1839, French scientist Edmund Becquerel discovered that certain materials would give off a spark of electricity when struck with sunlight. Solar cells work because the silicon substrate has a weak grip on its electrons. The cells are made of two layers of silicon, one with too many electrons (the n-layer) and one with too few (the p-layer). When light hits the first layer, electrons are knocked loose. As they flow toward the layer with too few electrons, they pass through an electric circuit, the current from which can be used to power equipment and devices.

In the 1970s, a serious effort began to produce photovoltaic panels that could provide cheaper solar power. Experimenting with new materials and production techniques, solar manufacturers cut costs for solar cells rapidly, as the following graph shows.

Many solar panels are used today to power cellular phone transmitters, road signs, and water pumps, as well as millions of solar watches and calculators. But most of the market for solar electric is concentrated in off-grid homes, in the villages of developing countries and the vacation homes of industrial countries. Developing nations see PV as a way to avoid building long and expensive power lines to remote areas.

Recently, even utilities in developed countries have been attaching photovoltaics to their power grids. In some locations, it is less costly and politically difficult to install distributed solar panels than to upgrade the transmission and distribution system needed to meet ever-growing electricity demand.

This distributed-generation approach provides a new model for the utility systems of the future. Small generators, spread out in a city and controlled cartoon drawing of a solar panel by computers, could replace the large coal and nuclear plants that dominate now.

As the cost of photovoltaic systems continues to decline, they will find increasingly larger niches. No other electrical generator is as easy to install or maintain. Even among the various types of renewable energy, photovoltaics have great potential. The cells are made of silicon, one of the most plentiful materials on earth, and they draw power from the everlasting sun, so they will never run into the problem of fuel scarcity. As PV prices continue to fall, solar power will become a significant source of electricity in the 21st century.

We now pause to remember our dear departed surfing Uncle Sandy, who once started a referendum in Beach City to annex "the warmth of the sun and all of the gnarly waves." We suspect that all those years of sunlight striking his head must have knocked loose a few cranial electrons.

Article source: Types Of Solar Power And How They Work

Author: James Nash is a climate scientist with Greatest Planet (www.greatestplanet.org). Greatest Planet is a non-profit environmental organization specialising in carbon offset investments.

James Nash is solely responsible for the contents of this article.

Environmental Cost Accounting And Ecological Truth

2008-09-24T08:32:00.000-04:00

By: James Nash

WorldCom, Enron, Tyco: These company names have become very familiar because they all used accounting tricks that masked the truth about the true state of the companies' financial health. In the end, disaster befell each of them.

What if the entire planet was being run that way? Gulp. Unfortunately, to a large extent, it is. And it puts us all in peril - peril way, way worse than the danger Martha Stewart's cell mate would face if she criticized Martha's hand-carved carrot shiv.

The key to restructuring the economy is the creation of an honest market, one that tells the ecological truth. The market is an incredible institution.... It allocates scarce resources with an efficiency that no central planning body can match. It easily balances supply and demand and it sets prices that readily reflect both scarcity and abundance. The market does, however, have three fundamental weaknesses:

1) It does not incorporate the indirect costs of providing goods or services into prices.

2) It does not value nature's services properly.

3) It does not respect the sustainable-yield thresholds of natural systems such as fisheries, forests, rangelands, and aquifers.

Throughout most of recorded history, the indirect costs of economic activity, the sustainable yields of natural systems, or the value of nature's services were of little concern because the scale of human activity was so small relative to the size of the earth that they were rarely an issue. But with the sevenfold expansion in the world economy over the last half-century, the failure to address these market shortcomings and the irrational economic distortions they create will eventually lead to economic decline.

As the global economy has expanded and as technology has evolved, the indirect costs of some products have become far larger than the price assigned to them by the market. The price of a gallon of gasoline, for instance, includes the cost of production but not the expense of treating respiratory illnesses from breathing polluted air or the repair bill from acid rain damage. Nor does it cover the cost of rising global temperature: ice melting, more destructive storms, damage to agricultural productivity, or the relocation of millions of refugees forced from their homes by sea level rise. As the market is now organized, the motorist burning the gasoline does not bear these costs.

Something is wrong. If we have learned anything over the last few years, it is that accounting systems that do not tell the truth can be costly. Faulty corporate accounting systems that overstate income or leave costs off the books have driven some of the world's largest corporations into bankruptcy, costing millions of people their lifetime savings, retirement incomes, and jobs.

Unfortunately, we also have a faulty economic accounting system at the global level, but with potentially far more serious consequences. Economic prosperity is achieved in part by running up ecological deficits - costs that do not show up on the books, but costs that someone will eventually pay. Some of the record economic prosperity of recent decades has come from consuming the earth's productive assets - its forests, rangelands, fisheries, soils, and aquifers - and from destabilizing its climate.

Once we calculate all the costs of a product or service, we can incorporate them into market prices by restructuring taxes (without raising them overall). If we can get the market to tell the truth, then we can avoid being blindsided by faulty accounting systems that lead to bankruptcy. As Oystein Dahle, former Vice President of Exxon for Norway and the North Sea, has pointed out: "Socialism collapsed because it did not allow the market to tell the economic truth. Capitalism may collapse because it does not allow the market to tell the ecological truth."

Article source: Environmental Cost Accounting And Ecological Truth

Author: James Nash is a climate scientist with Greatest Planet (www.greatestplanet.org). Greatest Planet is a non-profit environmental organization specialising in carbon offset investments.

James Nash is solely responsible for the contents of this article.

Why Do We Recycle Our Waste

2008-08-12T07:25:00.000-04:00

By: Alisha Dhamani

Plastics production also involves the use of potentially harmful chemicals, which are added as stabilisers or colorants. Many of these have not undergone environmental risk assessment and their impact on human health and the environment is currently uncertain. Plastics have a low entropy of mixing, which is due to the high molecular weight of their large polymer chains.

A macromolecule interacts with its environment along its entire length, so its enthalpy of mixing is large compared to that of an organic molecule with a similar structure.

Recycling may be the most wasteful activity in modern America: a waste of time and money, a waste of human and natural resources. Recycling the recovered materials is simple for metals and glass; they can be melted down, reformed, and reused. Yard waste can be composted with little or no equipment. Recycling preserves natural resources by reducing the need for virgin materials. So do source reduction and reuse.

Reduce your need; reuse bags until they're torn. Use old bags to pick up dog waste. Reducing the amount that we consume, and shifting our consumption to well-designed products and services, is the first step. Finding constructive uses for ?waste?

Recycling is a manufacturing process with environmental impacts. Viewed across a wide spectrum of goods, recycling sometimes cuts pollution, but not always. Recycling separates paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and other materials, from the garbage for reuse or reprocessing into new products. Recyclable materials, food scraps and yard waste are collected curbside in almost all areas of King County.

Recycling aluminum cans requires less than 10 percent of the energy required to produce aluminum from bauxite. The recycling of cans has grown along with the penetration of aluminum into the beverage can market.

Recycling means to use something again. Newspapers can be used to make new newspapers. Recycling means taking a product or material at the end of its useful life and turning it into a usable raw material to make another product. To find recycling locations and programs near you, use our recycling locator. Recycling helps conserve landfill space, preserve natural resources and control rising waste disposal costs.

Recycling yard trimmings will save the city in landfill costs and extend the life of landfills. Recycling can be a significant component of an integrated waste management system. Depending on markets and contract arrangements, various materials can help reduce the cost of waste management practices. Recycling reduces waste, cuts air pollution and saves energy.

Recycling is the recovery and reuse of materials that would otherwise be wasted. First, salvageable items such as metals, paper, and glass are separated from other wastes.

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Why Are People Hostile Towards Environmentalism?

2008-08-11T07:21:00.000-04:00

By: Stephanie Foster

One of the things that saddens me most in the environmental movement is how hostile people can be towards it. Some people don't just disagree with living greener; they flat out oppose it. Calling people who care for the environment nut cases or granola are some of the milder terms used.

And yet, at it's heart much of environmentalism strikes me as simple good sense. Where is the harm in trying to use fewer resources? In trying to decrease pollution? In trying to keep more animal species from becoming endangered or extinct?

Most of the people who really cannot stand environmentalism look to the most extreme points of environmentalism and apply it to anyone who simply wants to live greener. It's as though the more moderate stances that are far more common are invisible.

You can point all you want to the fringe environmental groups who sometimes do more harm than good in their efforts to redirect how the rest of us live, but that's not the average environmentalist you'll meet every day.

Sure we want practical solar power. If it can be done more efficiently and cheaper than coal, why shouldn't we? The technology has made some great leaps this past year, and is looking promising at long last. It may have taken a few more decades to reach that point than originally hoped, but that's technology for you. Advances cannot be scheduled.

And yes, many an environmentalist would like to see fewer pesticides used on our foods. That's why organic produce is becoming so much more popular. And it appears that pesticides are doing a great deal of harm to our oceans. Organic farming can be done quite efficiently, and in many areas of the world would be far more cost effective than the constant use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

If the food is healthier for you and tastes better, while production is still good, why not?

There are not many environmentalists who want all humans to go back to a primitive lifestyle. Simplification is encouraged, yes, but don't confuse that with primitive.

And of course there's the fuss over global warming. Yes, environmentalists consider it to be a concern. Quite probably an urgent one.

Now I ask, what is the harm in trying to avoid global warming? Investigating it has resulted in a number of inventions, in new industries. I don't think it's going to hurt the economy as much as some fear. But the cost of ignoring the possibility could be much higher. I'd rather take my chances on trying to make a change today than do nothing.

No, not everything I do to live a greener lifestyle is comfortable. Most of what I do as an individual really won't add up on a scale the world will notice. But the more individuals who work at it, the more businesses who take note and make an effort, the greater the impact we can have.

Author Resource:-> Stephanie Foster blogs at http://www.greensahm.com/ about trying to be a green stay at home mom. Get more tips by visiting her site.

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Caring for the Environment: Used Moving Boxes

2008-08-10T07:19:00.000-04:00

By: Amy Nutt

When moving, it is inevitable that you need boxes to place all of your belongings in. Could you imagine taking all of your things and placing them inside a moving truck without having something to put everything in? That would literally take you forever and it is that very reason why moving boxes are so important in the moving process. That's worse than going to a supermarket and having all of your items placed inside the cart without bags. Your time placing the items in your car could double, triple, or even quadruple without them. Now just imagine moving an entire house that way. But the invention of the moving box has made the entire moving process easier.

However, boxes are made out of paper and paper is made out of trees. That means that more and more trees are cut down to make these beloved moving boxes that make our lives easier. Then there is the fact that many of these moving boxes end up meeting their demise in the dump rather than being reused. It is here that they become mushy messes of wet paper that really isn't all that great for the environment. That box could have been sold or given to a moving supply store to be reused by other movers. That means less demand for moving boxes, so fewer trees are cut down to meet the demand. That also means no mushy cardboard adding to the demise of our environment.

Acquiring used moving boxes

You can go to your local moving supply store and purchase boxes to move with. You can buy them brand new in bulk, and boy do those new boxes look beautiful. They look so beautiful that it is hard to resist them. However, the moving supply store may also give you the option to purchase used boxes at a cheaper price. This can leave you rather torn because those new boxes look so great, but those used boxes are so much cheaper. What do you do?

Here's another scenario to think about: If you have ever called your local supermarket and told them you needed large boxes, then you are reusing boxes. There was some type of merchandise that was shipped in that box before you got a hold of it and it seemed to hold up pretty good, right? So why not go for the used boxes at the moving supply store? Or if you have enough time, you can call up your local supermarket and ask them to hold boxes for you when they process their next shipment. No matter what you do, you are doing something great for the environment by not going for those brand new boxes that will perform in the same manner as the brand new ones.

Are there any cons?

There are cons no matter which way you look at it. The new boxes are more expensive when moving is expensive enough. The old boxes have been used by others and could possibly have fleas or spiders in them. The supermarket boxes have come from places that you are not familiar with, so you don't know what might be inside of them. However, spiders, fleas, and other annoyances exist within the moving supply store. You never know when a spider might crawl up into that crisp new box. You don't even know where those boxes were before they arrived to the store. They had to be shipped there somehow as well, right? So don't let any of that bother you. Think about the environment and what you are doing to make the world a better place to live. Every little bit counts.

Author Resource:-> A major provider of used moving supplies EcoBox adheres to the Buy Green, Save Green principle putting money back in your pocket while saving the environment.

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Recycling To Reduce The Landfills

2008-08-09T07:16:00.001-04:00

By: Paul Hata

Each year more and more landfills are being opened up to handle the garbage that people are throwing out. The more garbage we send to these landfills, the more chances we have of increasing the greenhouse gases that are affecting the environment.

The best way to become eco-friendly and help protect our environment is by recycling. Recycling is the process of taking some of our garbage and re-use it again and again. This helps to eliminate the problem of landfill areas becoming filled with junk that could harm the soil as well as the environment.

Here are some simple tips to get you started on the right track with recycling your goods:

Check with your local recycling center and see what items they collect. The most common items recycling centers collect are paper products, plastic, glass, aluminum and tin cans. Designate an area in your home that can easily be reached to store your recycling products. Segregate these items by using recycling materials like paper or plastic bags.

In some cities, the recycling center will send someone to pick up your recycled items from you, while at others you have to drop off your products at the center yourself. If pick-up is available, make sure you know what day it is on and do not forget to place the recyclables on the curb for them to pick up.

If you drop off your products to a center, do schedule a day each week or every other week to get them there. If you forget to take care of the products, you are more likely to just throw them away to get rid of them.

If your city does not have a recycling pick-up option or a center to take your products to, then talk to your city officials. If you can get enough people interested in recycling their products to save the environment, they can contact the local recycling centers in nearby cities to find out how they can arrange a pick-up of your city recyclable goods.

Recycle some of the products yourself. Some craft items and even bird feeders can be made from materials you may already have at home. A plastic liter bottle can make an excellent bird feeder. Check your local library for books on making crafts and things from recycled material.

Donate some of the items you want to get rid of. Libraries may take some of those old books you have, if they are in good condition. Donate the good clothes to places like the Salvation Army. What may be junk to you, would be a nice treasure for someone less fortunate than you.

If you are not one to use the grocery store bags for other purposes, consider purchasing some nice sturdy canvas bags to take to the store with you when you shop for groceries. They can be reused for a long time and you will not have to worry about the space the plastic and paper grocery bags take up in your home or in the landfills!

Author Resource:-> Paul Hata is active in various social and community programs aimed at providing equal access to education,health and jobs to all.Paul has over 10 years experience in managing a multi-million dollar advertising company.Paul can be reached at - TradePlanets.com

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Stop Laundering Your Energy Money

2008-08-08T07:15:00.000-04:00

By: Gary Transmeier

Laundry may be the one daily chore nobody wants to think much about. However, two of the larger energy consuming appliances in your home are in the laundry room. The clothes washer uses both energy and water, especially if you wash in hot water. The clothes dryer is a large heater blowing hot air through your wet clothes. The water heater accounts for 13% of the average US home's annual utility bill. Of that up to 26% can be due to washing clothes. Therefore, about 3.4% of your utility bill is for heating the water to wash your clothes. Read the following tips to stop wasting money from your clothes washer and dryer.

Wash in the lowest needed temperature and rinse in cold water. Most of the energy used for the clothes washer is consumed at the water heater, about 80 to 90%. Top load washers have tubs which can use 45 to 60 gallons of water per load. Front end washers use only about 17-26 gallons. If hot water is selected on the washer, then most of the above water comes from your water heater. Using the lowest water temperature is the best action to reduce energy consumption of your clothes washer.

Fill tub completely. If this is not possible, then adjust water level to the load. Waiting until there is enough dirty clothes for a full load will minimize the time the washer is used. However, overloading the washer may prevent sufficient cleaning of all the clothes. In the few cases some clothes must be washed, adjust the water level.

Use gentle cycle when possible. The washer also has an electric motor to spin the tub (drum) and agitator. Less energy is needed for a gentle agitation. Energy Star qualified front end washers do not have an agitator.

When buying a new washer, consider front end washers that are Energy Star qualified. Front end washers use less water and energy than top load washers. Energy Star qualified washers use over 40% less energy and water. Even if a washer is Energy Star qualified, energy use can vary between models and manufacturers. Always compare the yellow EnergyGuide tag posted on the appliance.

Dry your clothes outside on a clothesline. The clothes dryer has an electric or gas heater to dry the clothes. These heaters can be quite large, requiring a 240 volt connection in the US for electric heaters. Most of the energy used by the dryer goes into the heater. There is a fan to pull air through the drying clothes and out through a vent; and a motor turns the drum. The energy used by the clothes dryer is similar between models and manufacturers. Since there is little that can be done to reduce energy, they are not required to display EnergyGuide tags and are not included in Energy Star requirements. To save energy runtime must be reduced. The greatest reduction in runtime comes from drying clothes outside; let the sun do the work. Some homeowner associations do not allow or restrict the use of clotheslines.
Clean lint filter after every load. Lint in the filter slows the airflow and results in longer time to dry clothes. Make sure entire vent to the outside is clear of lint.

Using spin dry features of the washer saves drying time. Spinning your clothes in the washer pulls water from your clothes by means of centrifugal force. This uses less energy than the heater in your dryer. Energy star qualified washers spin clothes two to three times faster. More water is extracted which reduces dryer run time.

Do not over dry clothes. This runs your dryer longer than needed, wasting energy. When buying a new dryer, consider one with a moisture sensor.

Do not forget other devices that use energy. The use of the clothes iron is declining in our fast pace permanent press world but they do use energy when used. Irons can pull 1000 to 1800 watts. Use irons only when needed and make sure you do not leave it on. A sink may be used to aid in stain removal. Any use of hot water will use energy at the water heater.

To summarize, the major factor in energy use of clothes washers is water temperature. Try using warm water instead of hot water. Use cold water for colors and delicates. Rinsing can be with cold water. There is no advantage to rinse with warm or hot water. There is little control over the heat used by the clothes dryer; simply, do not run the dryer when it is not needed. These efforts will stop wasting energy when you do laundry.

Author Resource:-> Gary Transmeier has worked over 25 years providing paying clients methods to save energy in their buildings. Now he offers ways to save energy to everyone. At The Home Energy Place you will find details on over a 100 ways to save energy in your home.

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How Carbon Solutions Can Benefit Climate Change

2008-08-07T07:13:00.000-04:00

By: Anna Stenning

Everyone have become familiar if not in tune with the term carbon footprint and reducing ones carbon footprint. The term has only recently been revealed to people as this is something we are all unaware of doing on a daily basis from the comforts of our home. Carbon solutions have been instigated in the form of guidance for people to follow as a way of reducing ones carbon footprint. However, in order to make this fully effective, the first thing that would need to be put across is letting people know what carbon footprint is.

Carbon solutions are all about climate protection. One leaves their carbon footprint by producing an increased amount of greenhouse gases, which is released into the atmosphere. This is measured by the amount of CO2 emissions, which is the main cause for concern over global warming. Human activity is believed to be the cause of the increasing risk of global warming. One can measure how much carbon footprint they leave behind by measuring how much energy they use in one year.

Each individual uses enough energy, through their normal daily activities, producing a certain of CO2. One can produce plenty of CO2 emissions from travelling by car to work, leaving their computers on, leaving the light on, washing their clothes at forty degrees as opposed to the recommended thirty, or even use aerosol deodorants as opposed pump sprays. This can cause a problem for people looking to reduce their carbon footprint and pose a problem for the solution to this problem.

Climate change has affected many parts of the world, with the people in the UK noticing the difference of weather change. Climate change is a relatively new concept to which even experts are working on ways of find solutions to this problem. With people consuming less energy and partaking in carbon solutions, this may affect the climate change and reduce the risks of global warming. Green electricity is also a new concept, which uses sustainable and reusable energy sources, to produce the amount of electricity.

The Christmas is possibly one of the worst periods for energy consumption due to the amount of lighting put up for decoration, high consumption of food, gift purchases and paper wastage, higher usage of travelling vehicles and more electricity used in the home. This produces up to 650kg of CO2 emissions; the government aim to reduce to just 250kg. This is a difficult solution to instigate, however, this is possible with people practising the concept of recycling and learning to use energy saving equipment.

Author Resource:-> Anna Stenning is an expert on carbon solutions, having researched this to become more energy efficient in her daily life.

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Three Ways Businesses Can Save Money By Using Bins For Recycling

2008-08-06T07:11:00.001-04:00

By: Christine Harrell

Today, it is a well-known fact that recycling has a massive impact on the environment. It saves raw materials, utilities, and greenhouse gases to name a few. What many people don't realize, however, is that bins for recycling can have a positive impact directly on their business. With recycling as fast and easy as throwing something in the garbage, why not hop on board?

Recycling Initiatives

With so many different initiatives available, recycling is more than just feasible. Using bins for recycling is actually cheaper in many places than garbage removal. Cities, towns, and other levels of government offer businesses a discount on their services if they choose to reduce the amount of garbage they throw out.

Others impose monetary fees on garbage pickup. To encourage companies to use recycling bins, Toronto started a 'Yellow Bag Program,' which requires businesses to pay a flat fee to empty a dumpster or they need to purchase a 'yellow' garbage bag in order to have their garbage hauled away. The city charges businesses a fee of $3.10 per bag while the pickup of recycling costs nothing.

Advertising

Other governments have found different ways to encourage the use of bins for recycling. Some allow businesses to 'adopt' recycling bins. The business is responsible for calling the city if the bin gets full between pickups, and in return, the business gets a free advertising space.

Most companies spend hundreds and thousands of dollars to increase their word of mouth advertising. You get a large portion of this free when you use recycling bins. Toronto companies and businesses in other areas find that they gain many valuable relationships through their eco-friendly waste management practices. Organizations such as bin suppliers, and recycling haulers work with many different businesses that can prove to be extremely valuable to your company.

Specialized Recycling Programs

A new wave of incentives associated with the increased use of bins for recycling involves fresh new programs and ideas to the industry with new programs constantly appearing. Non-profit organizations will come into your business to pick up your recyclables, process them, and ship them away for the profits. This way, it doesn't cost you a thing to use your recycling bins. Toronto and charity organizations in other areas often use this type of program to collect cans and bottles for the deposit.

Other programs involve allowing non-profit organizations to have your recyclables to make crafts and products that they can sell for money. Yet another idea is a 'swap a bin' program where you trade your unwanted products with another company who discards materials you can use like paper shredded for packing material.

Using bins for recycling is just as healthy for your company as it is for the environment. You can avoid penalties for your garbage, save from incentives, profit from advertising, and even help others through simple donations that essentially cost you nothing. With all of the benefits, eco-friendly ideas like these are quickly becoming an essential component of successful business plans.

Author Resource:-> Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on Recycling

Bins Toronto, visit http://www.wastewiseproducts.com.

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Keeping Control Of The Pests

2008-08-05T07:09:00.000-04:00

By: Peter Geisheker

During the warmer seasons you will notice that the bug population becomes much larger. Not only does it become larger, but it also becomes more apparent and annoying. Bugs that will eat your home and bite you are more than just a simple problem. They are a big problem that must be kept under control. Using chemicals to rid your home of pests could create quite a health problem for the human inhabitants of the house. They smell horrible and when they are breathed in they can cause respiratory problems.

One way to rid your home of insects and not cause yourself any health problems is the use of a bug blocker. These simple solutions have increased in popularity as people become more aware of the dangers of chemical pesticides. There are many bug blocker types to choose from if you decide to use one of these methods to eliminate bugs in your home. A window shield is one type of bug blocker that can work very well to keep the bugs from invading your home. They are ventilated to allow the air in your home to circulate and keep the bugs out at the same time.

Wire mesh that is installed over your doors and windows is another method that can be used to keep the insects out. Windows and doors are the primary ways that bugs enter our homes. They are simple to install and are very effective at stopping bugs before they get into the home.

Do some homework and comparison-shopping before you decide on the type of insect control device you are going to use in your home. You will have to consider the insect type that you are trying to eliminate and whether or not you have pets and small children in the home. There are devices that are very effective at ridding the home of mosquitoes and others that are good for a host of pests that could be running around your home, from cockroaches to mice.

The electronic devices that are used to rid a home of pests are very friendly to the environment and will not hurt any human inhabitants in your home. Some of them can be quite expensive and you should do some shopping around before you buy one. There are lower cost alternatives to the expensive devices that do just as effective of a job. The difference in the devices is the amount of time they take to work.

If you are having a difficult time with the insect population in your home you should go online and do some shopping for electronic pest control devices. You should be able to find various sites that have these devices for sale and at a very reasonable price. You can compare prices among the different sites and find the best price for the device that you want. You can usually order the device online and have it delivered to your home. It's a great way to go shopping.

Termites are one problem in the home that must be dealt with right away. At the first sign of termite damage you should begin looking for an effective way to get these insects out of your home before they cause more problems. You can usually find an effective poison for termites that can be used in and outside of your home. It is helpful to put the poison around your home so that you can keep them from getting in.

Author Resource:-> Peter Geisheker is the CEO of The Geisheker Group marketing company.

Peter develops and implements strategic marketing programs for businesses including termite control and electronic pest control.

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Could Packaging Machinery Soon Be Obsolete

2008-08-04T06:56:00.000-04:00

By: Catherine Harvey

You don't have to go that far back in time to come across a time when local grocer's shops would package everything up in brown paper bags for us to take home. Shopping was a pleasure that came with a personal touch. We weren't inundated with a plethora of plastic bags, plastic and polystyrene packaging and reams of cling film with no environmentally friendly way of disposing of them. Even people did become slightly more aware of environmental concerns it was then decided we shouldn't chop down trees for paper bags, but use this other rubbish instead.

Better communication systems and more choices in travel meant that people were spread further and further across the country. On top of that the population was growing at an alarming rate. This gave birth to the necessity for larger shops and more mass produced food that could be harvested, prepared and onto the shop shelves in as short a time as possible. It was also necessary to find a way of storing the food for longer, preventing contamination and making it last longer.

Of course, this would have been done originally in a factory by workers but at the end of the day, it simply wasn't a quick enough method and packaging machinery was called for. Machines were built that could prepare food and package it in a much more clinical and hygienic way, thus leading to less contamination but at the same time, fewer jobs as not so many people were needed to run these machines.

As time has gone by, packaging machinery has required less and less input other than the initial set up. Now, most packaging machinery comes equipped with its own on-board computer and after a few minutes programming by one person, it is set to run through more food preparation and packaging in one day than one person could carry out in a month. This has meant more job losses.

On top of this, we now understand more about the environmental impact that this non-recyclable packaging has on the environment. Landfill sites full of food packaging that takes forever to rot away are having a detrimental effect on the very air that we breathe.

Dyes in the printing on the packaging are also causing problems. Some of this packaging is shipped to other countries for an attempt at recycling but the material has to be washed and stripped of its dye first. This then runs into the local water system causing further pollution but sending the problem to a different area is just no good.

So, are we looking at a time that will see us going back to the days when food was packaged in brown paper? I, for one, hope so. The Americans have the right idea. Their groceries are packed in strong, recyclable paper bags. Not only are these good for our planet but have you seen someone carry them? Without handles, you have no choice but to carry the bulk of the weight in front of you in your arms. This is the correct way to carry a heavy weight.

Many a time I have seen women struggling back from shops with heavy plastic bags at their sides, pulling them down to a stooping posture and cutting into the hands. This is bad for the hand and arm joints, it is bad for the shoulders, back and neck and can cause lasting damage. A sensible bag that can be carried in the correct way and would not be harmful when disposed of has to be so much better than ruining our bodies and environment with this plastic rubbish. Even if it does mean the loss of packaging machinery.

Author Resource:-> Environmental expert Catherine Harvey looks at the way packaging machinery will be needed less and less in future.

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Electric Bikes: Why They Are Great For Our Environment!

2008-08-03T07:05:00.000-04:00

By: Scott Miscall

The electric car is fast gaining ground and for good reason. Not only does this car look trendy but it also contributes in its own small way to save our environment. However, if you thought the buck stops there think again. The electric bike is even more eco friendly and here are some reasons why!

Great efficiency
The battery of an electric bike has a shelf life spanning one or two years. With 300 charging sessions the battery can run across 15000 kilometers. The bike's blade provides horsepower. This is as powerful as the power produced by a regular 250 4-stroke motor. The blade continues to run silently while delivering exceptional performance. Depending on the type of ride the blade controls can be adjusted. The weight of an electric bike is also much lesser as compared to a regular bike. This again works to the user's advantage.

Big dividends
Many people refrain from purchasing an electric motorcycle because they are daunted by the high costs. However, this is just an initial setback. When considered over a long term perspective electric motorcycles work out far cheaper than their gasoline counterparts. When your bike runs on electricity the fuel costs are just 1/10th of what it would be on a gasoline bike!

Zero emissions
The primary advantage of an electric motorcycle is the fact that there are virtually no gaseous emissions. Besides, these bikes operate on silent mode which means you are in a way helping to reduce noise pollution! The advantage with an electric motorcycle is that you can afford to do away with gas stations altogether. All that is needed is a couple of hours of charging everyday and your bike's batteries are good to go!

Low maintenance
If you love a bike that provides high service without you having to spend too much time on maintenance then the electric bike is your answer. You do not need to keep changing the oil as you would in case of a gasoline run bike. Plus since your bike runs on electricity instead of oil there is less residue build up on the bike. That means a lesser need for regular washing and cleaning.

Fun and different!
The beauty of electric bikes is that they offer the consumer a very different riding experience. We all have ridden a gasoline bike at some point of our lives. However, an electric run bike is a different story altogether. The thrill of seeing your bike run for hours without the need for any fuel is a powerful impetus to get an electric bike! Plus you obviously end up saving a lot since you will not be spending precious money on fuel. This is a win-win situation and you will also be doing your own bit to conserve our environment.

So if you are looking for a bike that is high on efficiency, low on costs and helps save the environment the electric bike is the only answer!

Author Resource:-> Do your bit to save the environment. Invest in eco friendly furniture at Modern Eco Homes to create stunning interiors that keep our Earth in mind!

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Protect The Environment - Don't Use Old Appliances

2008-08-02T07:02:00.000-04:00

By: Ray Toofan

With the plight of the environment being at the forefront of many new government drives to protect the environment have you ever wondered how green your home or office is? Many people now understand the value of recycling and will try to cut down on the amount of paper and plastic bags they use, but have you thought about your appliances? Appliances that are over 15 years old tend to be less environmentally friendly than newer ones and ones that are older still present even more of a risk.

You might not be aware of just how harmful using old or inefficient appliances can be to both the environment and your pocket. Every time you use an old appliance you are contributing to the pollution of the Earth and spending more money than you should on your utility bills in the process. Here are some of the reason that you should be changing your old and inefficient appliances for newer, greener and more efficient ones:

-Old refrigerators contain CFCs (chlorofluorocarbon) which is a gas that was used as part of the cooling process that goes on inside the refrigerator. It was once considered safe but extensive studies have shown that CFCs are very harmful to the environment, especially the ozone layer as it can damage it. CFCs were also used in aerosols but this use was banned in the US and England some time ago. CFCs have a lifetime of between 20-100 once they are released into the atmosphere and as a result can do a lot of damage. Old refrigerators can leak these CFCs so they need to be disposed of carefully. If you need to know more information about the safe disposal of an old refrigerator check with your local government office to see if there is a scheme near you.

-Old appliances will usually use up to 40% more electricity than a newer, more efficient model. This has an impact on the environment by using so much electricity, so it is better to switch to a more energy efficient appliance to save electricity and money on your bill.

-Many old appliances are in a bad state of disrepair and can use up far more electricity due to having to work harder to produce the same results. So if your refrigerator, freezer, heating, air conditioner or other appliances seems to be taking longer to heat up or cool down it is time to replace it.

-If you discover that your air conditioning vents are leaking you could be spending an extra 30% on running it as it is not being efficient and is costing you more money than it should be.

So if you have any large appliances that are over 15 years old you really should think about replacing them with more efficient, newer models. By doing this you will be helping the environment by not using up as much electricity and saving yourself money on bills in the process. If you would like advice on getting a new air conditioning system, refrigerator or freezer you should get in touch with your local HVAC technician who is an expert in this field. Tell them your requirements and they will provide you with an environmentally friendly, efficient solution which will not break the bank.

Author Resource:-> Giant Mechanical is a leading Chicago area company that provides Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, and a variety of other services. Find out how Giant Mechanical can help you with your commercial, residential, or institutional needs by visiting http://www.giantmechanical.com.

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Recycling Plastic Makes Economic and Environmental Sense

2008-08-01T06:51:00.001-04:00

By: Kadence Buchanan

Plastics products are ubiquitous throughout the world. As dependency upon these light weight and durable products increased, so too has the need for global innovation in recycling technologies. Over the decades recycling companies developed a variety of processes to turn discarded plastics into hundreds of products from paint brushes to rugs and pillows, boat hulls and railroad ties.

Calling the Consumer
The greatest challenge to recycling manufacturers is educating and engaging the public. About 75 percent of Americans recycle newspaper and cardboard while little more than 25 percent recycle plastic. Industry analysts think this low response rate might be due to a lack of understanding about the coding on recyclable plastics - the small triangle with a number in the center - that identifies what kind of plastic an item is.

The most frequently recycled plastics of the seven groups of polymer plastics are PET 01,used in soft drink bottles and smaller jars; PE-HD 02, a harder and more durable plastic used in milks bottles and large trash bags; and PE-LD 04 that's tough yet flexible and used in frozen food bags, flexible container lids and squeeze bottles.

Although the recycling rate of these and other products is not yet impressive, the numbers have been steadily rising since 1990. In 2006, about 2.2 billion pounds of PET plastic bottles were recycled and 928 million pounds of HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) containers made it to recyclers.

Innovating PET Production
As awareness of the environmental damage done by polymers increased, so too did the urgency to encourage recycling. At the same time, experimentation with processing and application rose. For example, according to a CNN report, a Ph.D. in India, Dr. S. Madhu, included shredded and melted plastic in a roadway surfacing mix. Working for the Kerala Highway Research Institute, Madhu mixed the plastic with aggregate and bitumen to create a surface that withstands the pounding of annual monsoon seasons.

Working in a highly regulated environment, conventional recycling manufacturers focus on producing a long list of common products. Although processes vary, they generally follow a common methodology. First, plastics are sorted according to their PET identification number. This is often done before the recycled products reach the manufacturer. The "dirty" PET containers are also cleaned of labels, glue and other residual materials. A dirty regrind of the PET then goes to re-claimers who process the material into a form that can be used by manufacturers. Re-claimers further clean the materials of contaminants and materials that are lighter than the plastic. The final flakes of PET are washed with a special detergent that gets rid of glues, food or dirt.

Next, the PET materials are further treated with processes that separate the heavier PET particles from the lighter ones - this is called the float-sink stage. The plastics are then dried and ready to become new products in the hands of manufacturers throughout the world.

But, new methods are constantly being developed to recycle PET products, including a de-polymerization process that "reverses" the chemical process used to make the polymer. There are pilot projects using this method, as well as other innovative processes to make plastic recycling more environmentally friendly and economical.

Demand for Recycled Products
The importance of recycled PET and HDPE cannot be ignored. The latter, heavier PET is used to make building materials that become backyard decks that last longer than wood; it becomes lawn furniture, trash cans, office products, buckets, safety cones and much more. HDPE can also be used to manufacture above and below ground water storage tanks that withstand decades of use.

Of five major classes of PET plastics, the most high-end use is to manufacture new PET bottles and containers. Other classes include plastic sheeting or plastic that's used for molding small items such as scoops for laundry detergent; strapping materials for packaging and transportation; resins that are used in molds for automobile components; and material that's combined to make fibers for carpeting, fabrics and fiber fillings.

Recycled PET can show up in unexpected places such as business cards, sleeping bags, baseball caps and the welcome mat at your front door.

In the Hands of the Consumer
Ultimately, it's all up to the consumer. Awareness of the environmental benefits of recycling plastic and the viability of manufacturing with recycled PET can mitigate environmental damage and support a global industry that returns economical and useful products to the marketplace.

In the U.S., many municipal governments have made it easier for consumers to recycle plastic. Cities accept all plastic products with the recycle symbol and do the sorting themselves before shipping off for further processing. The consumer doesn't have to deal with separating PET numbers or peeling off labels. Many states have passed legislation commonly known as "bottle bills" that charge a small fee for plastic containers. There is greater value to the consumer to recycle when there is the incentive of a redemption value. Some communities have "drop off" recycling centers and others have "buy back" centers that pay consumers for recyclable materials.

Whatever the method of recycling or the process that recreates value from discarded PET products, it's clear that the public, governments and industry share a financial and environmental stake in the practice of plastic recycling.

Author Resource:-> Visit us for additional information on rotational molding and rotomolding equipment.

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Quick and Easy Methods to be More Green

2008-07-31T18:27:00.002-04:00

Quick and Easy Methods to be More Green
By: Matthew Smith

Being green is seen with increasing importance recently. In the last few years people are doing more and more to recycle and purchase environmentally friendly products. There is however always more that can be done and some things are so simple and easy that you will wonder why you never did this before.

The one thing better than recycling is to remove the need for the product entirely. For example, at work, it is better to use your own cup from home everyday, rather than recycle the paper cup that you buy from the coffee bar. Using your own cup and making the cup of tea of coffee yourself could save you a couple of pound a day, be more environmentally friendly and if there is a queue at break times, it is probably quicker!

Reading newspapers is seen my most as an essential in the morning to finding out what has happened in the world. This maybe true but consider sharing a newspaper with fellow commuters or reading the newspaper online. Saving paper and money too!

When shopping for food think about the miles that the food has travelled to get to your plate. If you buy items that are in season and from the right place, they will not only be cheaper than supermarkets but will usually taste vastly superior. Look for farmers markets or try organic box schemes where local, in season, fruit and vegetable is delivered straight to your door. Farmers markets are another great idea where local farmers come together to sell local produce direct to you. This cuts out the middleman saving both you, and the farmer money. This is again greener and saving you money.

Another simple change is to switch to energy saving light bulbs. These may initially be more expensive but the savings will easily outweigh the initial costs and if you go to any environmental fairs you can get them for free. Alternatively try eBay, if you buy in bulk from a seller they can be much cheaper than the shops. Energy saving bulbs last a lot longer than standard bulbs too. Although do not place them in areas that are not used that often e.g. Cupboards as energy saving bulbs have a shorter life if they are constantly turned on and off quickly.

Following these simple tips will not only save you money but make you a lot greener. After following these you will wonder why you never did it before! You could use the money you have saved to implement some other green facilities, e.g. home insulation, or just enjoy a few more drinks down the pub!

Author Resource:-> Matthew Smith has a interest in being green and aims to help others become greener and save money at by Green Living

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Camping Green: How To Enjoy the Outdoors Enviro-friendy

2008-07-08T08:47:00.001-04:00

Camping Green: How To Enjoy the Outdoors Enviro-friendy by Ben Anton

For some people, camping is a way to get back to nature while for others it means bringing out the big toys and having some fun. For the people who bring out the big motor home equipped with satellite television, cook tops, refrigerators and other neat gadgets, camping can leave a negative impact on the environment. For the people who wish to camp and do so while leaving the smallest ecological footprint possible, there are some clever tricks to keeping your camping “green” and safe.

LED Flashlights and Lanterns

LED lights are the most energy efficient light source currently available for flashlights and lanterns. They produce a brighter sustained light while still using less battery power than a traditional flashlight. In fact quality LED flashlight can provide over 600 hours of light from one set of regular AA or AAA batteries. The combination of battery savings and bulb efficiency results in up to 90% less energy consumption than any other flashlight. LED lanterns use the same bulb technology making them a good idea for having around the campsite as well.

Wind-up LED flashlights are an even more environmentally-conscious light source. These are fairly easy to use. All you have to do is wind them up to create power creating friction and turn it on. These lights don’t put out as strong of a light as a regular LED but they are an excellent option for short hiking excursions.

Cookware

Don’t use styrofoam cups while camping, no matter how convenient they may seem. The same goes for paper plates and disposable plastic forks. Instead, camp with reusable dishes and utensils and wash them after each use. This will drastically decrease the amount of trash you burn (bad for the enviro-gases pollute the air) or throw away (plastics don’t biodegrade quickly, overfilling our landfills).

Recycle

Think about what you do at home to be ecologically friendly and institute it on your camping trip. Keep paper bags or bins around for recycling. You can then easily take this stuff back with you and recycle it appropriately when you get home. Also, consider composting your trash in a bucket if you can.

Go Low -Tech

A tent and sleeping bag is far more environmentally friendly than a motor home or camper trailer. Motor homes require large amounts of fuel and energy to keep in operation every day. With the cost of energy and fuel where it is right now, your camping trip could cost you a lot less if you consider more green camping alternatives.

You can enjoy a true outdoor camping excursion more if you do it electricity free. Leave the games, portable TVs, and computers at home. Pack a cell phone or PDA in case of emergencies but turn it off or just plain leave it alone. Every little bit helps when it comes to reducing how much energy we consumer every year.

Cookstoves

Unless you’re allergic to smoke or have strong asthma symptoms, the campfire is still the most ecologically friendly way to cook food. Fueled grills require propane or electricity to operate. Campfire requires wood that can be easily picked-up off the forest floor and a light source. It may not be practical to cook everything you want on a fire but you can use it for some things to help reduce the amount of time you cook on a fueled cook stove.

Going on a green camping trip can actually be one of the more fun vacations you take this summer. Look into ways you can help make less of an impact on the environment the next time you venture out into your home state’s mountain country or forested parks.

~Ben Anton, 2008

Ben Anton lives in the Northwest and writes for Discount Lights and Knives.

Ben invites you to check out energy-efficient LED flashlights and other green camping options on DLKs website for durable camping equipment.

Article Source: Article Directory and Catalog | Free Web Content Articles | ArticleCat.com

Samsung Biodegradable Cell Phone

2008-07-07T10:38:00.000-04:00

Samsung Biodegradable Cell Phone by maria tillinghous

How can you sell more cell phones in such a fierce market? The best solution is to make "green" phones. The global Korean consumer electronics corporation Samsung announced at the Seoul World IT Show that it plans to begin offering two environmentally-friendly handsets. The W510 is the very first. Manufactured from corn-based bioplastic, the W510 is free from risks associated with hazardous heavy metals, like lead. the heavy metals mercury, currently a concern in the consumption of any fish products, and cadmium, a potentially toxic element that internal combustion engines spew.

This is the earliest Samsung bioplastic-based telephone. On the other hand At the CES in January, Samsumg was not the first or only big-time manufacturer of consumer electronics who utilizes the unconventional material Fujitsu showed off a laptop with a bioplastic case. Additionally, the 3310 Evolve model, newly introduced by the mobile phone giant Nokia, a cell phone partially constructed from biomaterials.

Completely disposing of petroleum-based plastics is a terrific idea, however, it is currently known that plastics are not sustainable, but corn can be a replacement for fuel. Our hope is that Samsung's later models will convert to a more sustainable, next-generation bioplastic, although we understand, the thought process behind testing out the market for bioplastic with cheap and readily available corn before any decisions are made.

Samsung has come out with a new phone. It is called the F268 and the company confirms that this phone does not contain either PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) or BFR (Brominated flame retardants). This telephone is a leap forward in the company's project to cease the use of PVC and BFRs in all of its mobile telephones by 2010.

Samsung has received accolades from Greenpeace for it's environmentally-friendly electronics. This is based on the recent "Greenpeace Guide to Greener Electronics", which cites that since March the company has earned a ranking of 7 out of 10. putting it beside the best. Invariably, It also received praise for its planned schedule for phasing out use of PVC and BFR. On the other hand while, last November, Samsung began bringing to market PVC-free LCD panels. The Greenpeace ranking system deducted points becaues it did not implement a complete redemption and recycling program.

Maria is a freelance journalist with an interest in recycling and schemes where you can recycle your old mobile phones for cash.

Article Source: Article Directory and Catalog | Free Web Content Articles | ArticleCat.com

Building a green home today

2008-07-06T10:37:00.001-04:00

Building a green home today by Al Zan

What does it mean when people say that they are building a green home? There are several features that most green homes have include using the sun and land for natural heating and cooling, reduced construction waste, using sustainable resources, and/or using energy efficient appliances and fixtures. There are many ways that these features can be implemented in both building a green home and in updating existing homes.

So, in what way can you go about building a green home? There are really some very simple steps you can take to improve the home that you have now or to take into consideration when building a green home. A huge step you can take on the road to greenness is to update fixtures and appliances, most importantly, those which use water.

An essential step to take is to update your toilet. Old toilets use much more water than updated ones and can be replaced relatively easily. It is also important to check your faucets in your home. Gallons of water can be wasted each day from leaky faucets and you may not even realize it! I realize that replacement is expensive, but top-loading washers do use more water than do front loading washers. Don’t run out and buy a new washer today, but do keep this in mind when you are in the market for one.

Other features to keep in mind when building a green home or updating an existing home are windows and insulation. When building a green home, energy efficient windows can really help cut heating costs, especially with fuel costs the way that they are. Also, having your home properly insulated can cut heating and cooling costs.

While I understand that it is not always possible to go out and spend a lot of money on updates for your home, there are many things that you can do to that are very inexpensive. I think the most inexpensive thing that I have done to make my home more green is to purchase a water-saving showerhead. I only paid seven dollars for it, and it uses half of the water that my old showerhead did. Building a green home is pretty simple and doesn’t have to be expensive.

For more on Green Building, go to GreenHomeGuide.org.
Read more on Environment here.

Article Source: Article Directory and Catalog | Free Web Content Articles | ArticleCat.com

A Wind Power Turbine Generator--Build Your Own At Low Cost

2008-07-02T09:22:00.000-04:00

A Wind Power Turbine Generator--Build Your Own At Low Cost by John Mowatt

Wind turbine power is the wave of the future.Clean,free and abundant it is by far the best alternative energy form.You can make a difference to our environment,while saving money to boot,by harnessing wind power to generate all or part of your electricity supply.Generate electricity from the wind with your own small wind turbine. You can buy them from many sources now or save a lot of money by building your own wind turbine power generator.

From the 1930s through the 1950s small wind power generators were common on farms.Wind power was also used for such jobs as pumping water from wells.In those days people were much more inclined to save money in this way than we are today. Since then with increasing prosperity and little care for the environment we rely almost completely on the power company to supply our electric power.

These days attitudes,of necessity are changing.We have become aware that we must reduce our impact on the environment or face increasing problems in the years ahead. Many are now looking for alternative energy sources.The most viable alternatives are wind power or solar panels.Solar panels are however expensive and produce limited amounts of power.They have a place in some applications but are presently too expensive for general use as a power supply.

Wind power turbines are now in use to supply all or part of the power supply for many cities all over the world including the USA.They supply "green" power at a cost competitive to conventional power generating facilities.Wind turbine power generators are now being used by many to produce all or part of their power needs.

Small wind turbines for private use are now available from many sources. They can be mounted on a rooftop or on a small tower or pole.They are however quite expensive.A better solution than buying a wind power generator is to build your own which can be done at quite low cost.Plans are available for building a wind generator using new or used auto parts.Any home handyman who can use simple tools can build a wind turbine which will supply part of the power needs of an average household.All or most of the power requirements of a home can be supplied with several generators.Power can be stored in storage batteries till put to use.

Power companies in many areas now will buy any excess power which you generate.When you are at work or away from home any excess power which you generate from your wind generators will earn you money.You will not only be helping to preserve our environment but making money into the bargain.It doesn't get any better than that

Build your own wind turbine,or if you don't mind the cost,buy one.You will help mother earth and do yourself a favor.You can save money and reduce your impact on our climate by generating power with a wind turbine.Do it today and be an example to your neighborhood.You can obtain more information by clicking on the URL below.

John Mowatt is a retired businessman.He is interested in harnessing wind power to help preserve our environment and writes on this subject.For more information on building a wind power turbine at low cost go to http://www.greenwindpowerturbine.com

Article Source: Sustainable Living Articles

Going Green in Three Easy Steps

2008-07-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

Going Green in Three Easy Steps by Virginia Ginsburg

Reducing our impact on the Earth doesn't have to be complicated, and it can also have many benefits for our pocketbooks, as well! By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing our use of natural resources we can significantly decrease our Global footprint. Here are some simple things that you can do today to go green.

1. Change Your Light Bulbs

A "normal" light bulb is known as an incandescent light bulb. You probably use incandescent bulbs to light most areas of your home. The trouble with incandescent light bulbs is that they generate a high level of heat while running, which wastes a lot of electricity. Thus, they are very inefficient.

Comparatively, fluorescent bulbs create light without generating heat. This allows them to be much more efficient and produce between 50 and 100 lumens per watt, making them four to six times more efficient than incandescent bulb. They also last much longer than incandescent bulbs.

Replacing your bulbs is simple. The next time one blows, simply note the wattage on the incandescent bulb and visit your local hardware or lighting store. Fluorescent light bulbs are marked to indicate their actual wattage and the comparable wattage to an incandescent bulb. This means that if you had a 60-watt incandescent bulb, you can buy a fluorescent bulb marked as 15-watts (equivalent to 60-watts incandescent).

Once all of your bulbs are replaced, you will notice a significant cost-savings in your energy bill. This is a truly win-win situation, as you will also have the added benefit of replacing your bulbs less frequently!

2. Switch to Low-Flow Shower heads

Water is a precious resource that is limited in many regions of the U.S. This natural resource is increasingly affected by our population growth: the EPA reports that the public demand for water has more than tripled since 1950.

One of the largest household uses of water is showering: the average shower takes 10 minutes and 20 gallons of water. Significant progress has been made towards creating low-flow shower heads that feel just as powerful as regular shower heads but can cut water use by 25% to 60% and reduce annual water bills by almost $100 for an average family of four people. These cost (and environmental) savings include both the use of water and the energy cost of heating it.

Installing low-flow shower heads is simple to do. Simply visit your local home improvement center and choose from the many options available.

3. Recycle

The reasons for recycling are many. First, recycled materials allow us to conserve land and use less energy to harvest virgin natural resources. Secondly, it usually takes significantly less energy to make a recycled product than it does to refine it from raw materials. Aluminum is one of the best examples: it takes 95% less energy to create it from recycled materials. Thirdly, recycling cuts down on the space and resources required for landfills.

The ease of recycling varies based on where you live. Some cities have curbside recycling bins that require you to separate items, others have you place all items in a single bin, and some cities have not yet adopted a curbside recycling program, which means that you may need to take your recycling items to a recycling center.

Typical items that can be easily recycled include paper, aluminum and glass. Plastic containers, bags and packaging can be difficult to recycle, so you have to check for the recycling code on the packaging. Better still - reuse plastic bags, or avoid them altogether, as much as possible.

Some cities pay for certain recyclable materials, so check with your local recycling center to see if you can financially benefit from your good deeds.

By taking these three simple steps, you can greatly reduce your impact on the Earth, while also making a positive impact on your wallet. There are many resources available online through government agencies to help you make green decisions about your household - check them out!

Virginia Ginsburg specializes in research related to ecologically-sound life and business practices. She writes about green living and socially-conscious investing. Her company, Green Baby Gifts http://www.greenbabygiftsonline.com , specializes in gifts that are both beautiful and ecologically-sound.

Article Source: Sustainable Living Articles

What is Ethical Clothing?

2008-06-30T08:56:00.001-04:00

What is Ethical Clothing? by Davinos Greeno

In the developing world countries such as Indonesia and China mass produce enough clothes to reach to the moon and back every day, this routine production and exploitation in the name of fashion by major brands has increasingly come under fire as they continue to under pay staff, and offer no additional benefits while reaping huge profits from these suffering workers.

Ethical clothing guarantees that workers have not only been paid well but also have access to a range of benefits from maternity leave and pensions to healthcare and education.

In December 06 War on Want published a reporting stating that mainly women workers in Bangladesh are regularly working 80 hours a week for just 5p an hour, in potential death trap factories, to produce cheap clothes for British consumers for sale in retailers such as Primark, Tesco and Asda.

Primark, Tesco and Asda have all made public commitments to the payment of a living wage to suppliers – commonly calculated to be a minimum £22 a month in Bangladesh. I used to volunteer as a teacher in Nepal which is next to Bangladesh and the primary school teachers were paid around £40 per month. I know from experience that even £40 per month is a struggle for a family to survive on as there is no welfare system to help. Even though the cost of living is much cheaper than the UK and USA, the cost of living is rising faster than wages making them even poorer.

Yet starting wages in the factories researched for War on Wants report were as little as £8 a month, barely a third of the living wage. Even better paid sewing machine operators receive only £16 a month, which equates to 5p an hour for the 80 hours they regularly have to work each week. The minimum wage for garment workers in Bangladesh halved in real terms during the 1990s, and many complain their pay is too low to cover food, housing and health costs.

Primark, Tesco and Asda have also pledged that their suppliers must not be required to work more than 48 hours a week on a regular basis which is the same as the European Time Directive that applies to UK workers. We are not forced to work over 48 hours per week, why should they?

Workers interviewed for War on Wants report can toil up to 96 hours a week – double the supposed maximum – and often lose their day off and face the sack if they refuse.

The choice appears simple, avoid dirt cheap clothes where possible and as the excellent ethical campaign by Marks and Spencers says …look behind the label.

See the Full War on Want article here The ethical directory lists 100s of ethical items and take a look at Ethical Articles to learn more about these issues.

Article Source: Sustainable Living Articles

Your Mouth Has A Lot To Say About Your Health

2008-06-29T08:53:00.001-04:00

Your Mouth Has A Lot To Say About Your Health by Darrell Miller-1603

Many people in America have started buying organic foods. Organic food sales have shot up from $180 million in 1980 to over $6.5 billion last year, not only in health food stores but in grocery stores as well. Actually, grocery stores sales made up fifty-six percent of organic food sales in the past year. Although organic food sales only make up two percent of national food sales, the organic market has definitely begun soaring, especially on Wall Street.

Experts expect the figure to more than double by the year 2010. The USDA has finally released an official definition of what qualifies as “organic” food in response to the great increase in sales. It is also developing labeling standards which should be in effect by this summer. Up until the past couple of months, a definition of what actually qualifies as organic foods did not even exist.

Throughout the past decade farmers and conventional farming organizations have been debating the need for federal organic labeling. Fear that the organic labels would create an unfair bias against conventional products kept conventional farmers from encouraging labeling.

In December, the Grocery Manufactures of America actually complained about the new organic standards, claiming that the new labels will mislead consumers into believing that organic products are safer and more nutritious. The agricultural secretary denies the accusation of bias stating that although the organic seal will give more validity to organic products, the seal will not imply that organic foods are safer or more nutritious. Of course, users of organic foods often believe that organic foods are safer, since they contain fewer pesticides, more nutritious because they contain more trace minerals and nutrients, and also better for the environment because organic growing practices are kinder to the soil, sky, and water.

The new USDA standards mean you will get better organic food for your buck due to an official and national standard for what foods can be called organic. You will now know with certainty that the organic foods you purchase contain no synthetic pesticides and no added chemicals. Organic farmers will also use no genetic engineering, no irradiation and no sewage fertilization. Additionally, live-stock raised under these standards will be given 100 percent organic feed and will not be treated with antibiotics.

Before the standardization, consumers often had to trust misleading labeling claims on organic products. Even with the new standards, the question is whether it is worth it to purchase organic. Americans who consume organic foods often have substantially higher monthly grocery costs. Actually, in 1998 average costs of organic foods were fifty-seven percent higher than conventional foods.

Additionally, a recent report on 20/20 stated that organic foods contain dangerous bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella. However, more and more doctors believe that organic foods are safe and are well worth the additional cost. Those doctors who support organic eating often believe that the cumulative effects of toxins in our food, water, and air can be extremely harmful to our health. They also believe that anything we can do to reduce the toxins is well worth it.

If you only have a small budget but would like to go organic, there are still some things you can do. Some foods are more known for pesticide residue than others. Start with buying these if you can only buy limited amounts of organic foods. Citrus foods are usually not a high risk because of their thick skins, as well as asparagus, bananas, broccoli cauliflower, cherries, corn, onions, pineapple, sweet peas, and watermelon. These are considered by the FDA and EPA to be the ten cleanest foods.

Additionally, make sure to wash all the produce you buy, whether or not it is organic. You can regularly take an antioxidant supplement which will help the body to remove any toxins that are on the produce. Most importantly, be sure to keep eating fruits and vegetables, as they are essential to good health.

More information on buying organic foods is available at http://vitanetonline.com where a large selection of organic foods is available.

Article Source: Sustainable Living Articles

Raising a Green Baby

2008-06-28T08:51:00.000-04:00

Raising a Green Baby by Virginia Ginsburg

Raising your baby in a green environment has multiple rewards. First, green products tend to have fewer dangerous chemicals associated with them. Second, by taking care of your baby's world today, you are ensuring that there will be trees, flowers and bees for her to enjoy in the future.

There are many reasons for adopting a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle, not the least of which is that it is usually healthier for you and your family because most products that are considered "green" contain less chemicals and hormones. On a larger scale, going green can have a significant impact on the health of our World. The world population continues to grow at an alarming rate: 1 billion people in 1800; 2 billion by 1922; and by 2000 an estimate 6 billion are estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau. It is estimated that the population will swell to over 9 billion by 2050.

That means that if we evenly distributed the Earth's natural resources (which we don't), the population in 2050 - when your children's children are growing up - will have only 25% of the resources per capita that we had in 1950. With limited resources available on Earth, we need to watch our consumption. We must become more ecologically-minded and preserve precious resources in order to leave the world in a state that can sustain our grandchildren.

Becoming environmentally-friendly doesn't have to be hard. In fact, one of the best ways to do it is in small stages - one or two steps at a time. The deeper you get into green living the more you will see that there are infinite things that we can do, both big and small, to improve our environment. It is easy to become overwhelmed, but don't worry - just do as much as you can, and remember that every little bit helps!

Here are three small steps that you can take today to raise a green baby:

1. Organic Foods: Thanks to the growing popularity of organic foods, it is increasingly easy to find organic options for your baby. In many supermarkets you can find organic fruits and vegetables, organic cereals, and other baby staples.

2. Household Cleaners: Having a baby makes you realize how many chemicals there are in the home. Chemical-laded cleaners can easily be replaced by environmentally-friendly cleaners that are better for the world and your baby's skin.

3. Diapers: There are two green options in diapers: cloth and organic/unbleached. Diaper services can take much of the headache out of using cloth diapers, but some people simply don't like them. Luckily, you can now get affordable organic diapers that require fewer chemicals to produce, thus reducing overall stress on the Earth.

4. Milk: If you can, then breast feed your baby. If you are looking at it from a strictly environmental and economic point of view, this is the way to go. Of course, if you cannot breast feed for any reason, then you can still purchase organic baby formula, which will cut down on the chemicals and hormones in your baby's milk while reducing the impact on the environment.

5. Recycle Gift Packaging: Babies bring with them a lot of gifts! Every gift that you receive probably comes wrapped in cardboard, paper and plastic materials that can all be recycled. You can save nice gift bags and ribbons to wrap future presents, and recycle everything else.

As more people adopt a greener lifestyle, we are seeing more and more organic and environmentally-sound products in local supermarkets and even stores like Target and Wal-Mart. Keep your eyes open, and you'll realize that raising a green baby doesn't have to be a struggle.

As a mother, writer and entrepreneur, Virginia Ginsburg is constantly working to minimize her ecological impact. Please visit http://www.greenbabygiftsonline.com

Article Source: Sustainable Living Articles

Mobile Phones and Recycling

2008-06-27T08:48:00.000-04:00

Mobile Phones and Recycling by maria tillinghous

Are you done with that old cell phone you have been using for a couple of years? Before you throw it away, listen to this! First you should look at the metals inside the cell phone.

There could be gold, silver, copper, and many other kinds of metals inside. Some of these metals are at near-record prices, so it could get you a pretty penny! This is called "urban mining" which is where you look through old electronics products to search for valuable gems like iridium or gold. This system is a growing industry world-wide as the prices of such metals are rising.

The recycled materials can be used in the production of new electronic items and the gold and other metals are collected and sold separately to jewellers, speculators, and manufacturers, who use gold as a conductor in the production of circuit boards for mobile phones.

Did you know that discarded mobile phones yield more than 30 times the amount of gold yielded from one gold mine? Research conducted by Yokohama Metal reveals that a tonne of ore from a gold mine produces a mere 5g of gold on average, while a tonne of discarded mobile phones yield 150g or more. In addition, the same volume discarded mobile phones produces approximately 100kg of copper and 3kg of silver, as well as a number of other metals. The recycling of mobile phones remains popular as metal prices hit an all time high. In the US, gold trades for roughly $890 an ounce, after hitting a historic high of $1,030.80 in March. Not only has the price of gold hit a record high; copper, tin, and silver prices are also well above long-term averages.

In Japan, they use recycled electronics because there are plenty of old electronics such as cell phones and other gadgets that are tossed away by consumers annually that can be used to feed the billion dollar electronics industry. They don't have enough natural resources to constantly make new electronics. First, the recycled electronics and other gadgets are sorted into different groups and disassembled by hand. Then, it is placed in chemicals that dissolve unneeded materials, and then, the metal that is left is refined.

The environmental industry struggles to get enough old cell phones for their recycling plants, despite a growing interest in the environment and recycling. In Japan, the 128 million people average a cell phone use of two years and eight months. Thus, many cell phones are discarded every year, but only 10 to 20% of phones are recycled because people would rather store them in their cupboards to keep the personal data on their phones from being violated. Only 558 tons of old phones were collected to be recycled in the year to March 2007. This is down a third from three years ago, according to industry figures. With metal prices on the rise, the Japanese industry encounters a growing competition for scrap, raising prices for all.

Some companies in Japan are importing previously-used circuit boards from Singapore and Indonesia, due to the fact that they contain valuable minor metals that are particularly desirable to Japan. Indium, one of these minor metals, is a crucial ingredient in flat panel televisions and computer screens. Antimony and bismuth are vital for producing an array of high-tech products. Due to the fact that China's export controls are tightened, these metals are difficult to obtain, which subsequently make it more difficult for Japanese manufactures to acquire them. That is where the urban miners come into play.

Maria is a journalist interested in mobile phone recycling and Envirofone

Article Source: Sustainable Living Articles

Eco-friendly Processing in Textile Industry

2008-06-26T08:45:00.001-04:00

Eco-friendly Processing in Textile Industry by fibre2fashion

Textile Industries use different chemicals in different processes like, dyeing, finishing, scouring, bleaching, softening, washing etc. The textile chemicals & dyeing industry consume large quantities of water and produces large volumes of wastewater from different steps in the various processes. Wastewater from textile processing and dyeing containing residues requires appropriate treatment before being released into the environment. Interest in eco-friendly processing in textile industry has increased in the current scenario because of increased awareness of environmental issues.

www.fibre2fashion.com has got feedback from the eminent players of the textile industry regarding eco-friendly processing.

Huntsman Textile Effects

The textile industry is one of the largest industries in the world, employing over 25 Mio people. Consumers spend around $1.3 Trillion on textiles every year, most of it on clothes.

The study of the environmental impact of textiles is extremely complex. It is clear, however, that enormous amounts of water and energy are consumed in the production and care of textiles in addition to the transportation of the goods.

Huntsman Textile Effects is dedicated to provide innovative solutions to conserve the worlds resources in textile production and textile care.

Huntsman delivers innovative solutions for textile processes, which:

• reduce water and energy consumption during preparation, coloration and finishing

• reduce aqueous waste and off-gases

• improve process efficiency

• reduce exposure to hazardous chemicals

Serving Resources in Textiles:

Huntsman delivers a range of innovative effects, which:

• reduce the amount of energy required in the care of garments

• keep clothes fresher without washing

• keep garments looking new for longer

• reduce or eliminate the need to tumble dry or iron

• eliminate the need to dry clean

Living sustainability for all Huntsman Textile Effects (TE) associates is based on a solid foundation encompassing all aspects of Product Stewardship.

Product Stewardship demonstrates Huntsmans commitment to responsible care. It is an integrated business process for identifying, managing and minimizing the environmental, health and safety (EHS) impacts at every stage of a products life cycle.

View Full Article Fibre2Fashion.com - Leading B2B Portal and Marketplace of Global Textile, Apparel Fashion & Retail Industry, Also Provides complete information on Textile Dyes industries through products, Articles, News, Jobs, and Events.

Article Source: Sustainable Living Articles

Space Based Solar Energy, More Than Just Science Fiction

2008-06-23T09:01:00.000-04:00

Space Based Solar Energy, More Than Just Science Fiction by John Kuzniar

For many reasons, solar power is growing rapidly in many states across the United States. Among these reasons are:

Solar power produces almost no pollution

The amount of pollution produced by solar panels is significantly less than the amount of pollution produced by other power sources. For example, these days carbon dioxide is one of the most talked about atmospheric pollutants. Even though carbon dioxide is a natural part of the atmosphere, in recent years, we as humans have began to overwhelm the earth's eco system to the point where carbon dioxide has begun to reach toxic levels. We introduce carbon dioxide into the atmosphere in many ways, but one of the primary ways is via burning woods or fossil fuels for heating. Solar panels do not emit carbon dioxide and when we replace traditional energy sources such as wood or fossil fuels with solar panels, we decrease the amount of carbon dioxide that we introduce into the atmosphere.

Solar power saves you money

The upfront purchasing and installation cost for solar panels on the typical home is currently more than the cost of equivalent traditional energy appliances such as radiators, hot water heaters, and so on. Things are changing however as recent advances in solar panel technology not only make them cheaper to produce but also increase their kilowatt output efficiency. This means that even though the initial upfront investment costs may be higher for solar panels, the long term payback in energy saving will be more dramatic and occur at a quicker rate than ever before. If you want to free yourself from the spiraling costs of oil and gas, now may well be the perfect time to take a new look at the solar technologies available in your city and state.

Solar power tax credits helps to save you even more money

Few people know this but in 2005 congress passed the Energy Policy Act which gives a 30-percent tax credit to any home that purchased residential solar water heating, photovoltaic equipment, or fuel cell properties. The law has since been extended to the end of 2008 and will potentially be extended again.

In addition, many states offer their own tax credits to homeowners and businesses. Massachusetts, for example, offers tax incentives to individuals and business that install renewable energy systems at their homes or offices. The state of Oregon's Business Tax Credit, under certain conditions, covers up to 50% of the solar system cost. More states are climbing on the solar power bandwagon every year so it's definitely worth your while to not only take advantage of the federal tax credits but also check if there are state or local tax credits available to you as well.

Solar power panels are virtually maintenance free

Solar panels, in general, have less moving parts than traditional energy appliances so there's less to go wrong. Typically, once a year you'll have to do a visual inspection, but for the most part, assuming that you've purchased quality panels, once the solar panels are in place, there's not much you have to do to maintain them - estimates range to less than 20 hours a year.

It's been a long road getting here, but solar power is finally coming into its own. And not a moment too soon, because we can no longer afford the energy sources of the last century.

John Kuzniar is a freelance writer who writes articles relating to portable solar power systems on the rise and other energy saving resources and tips. Visit his site at http://www.solarpowerfamily.com .

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Biodiesel: Applications & Uses

2008-06-22T08:57:00.001-04:00

Biodiesel: Applications & Uses by Peter Van den Berg

Alternatively this fuel can also be blended in any proportion with diesel in the diesel engines of modern automobiles. However gaskets and hoses made with natural rubber as found in automobiles made up to the early nineties tend to be degraded more by biodiesel than by petro-diesel because of certain solvent properties of biodiesel. Modern engines however use FKM in place of rubber as it does not react with biodiesel. The transition from petro-diesel to biodiesel may be made gradually since the latter is often found to disintegrate the residual petro-diesel deposit on the fuel tanks resulting in clogging of the fuel filters. A blend of the two types of fuels in appropriate proportions should be resorted to before switching over fully to biodiesel to reduce this possibility. A better option while using biodiesel is to replace the fuel filters on the auto engines and heaters.

Availability

Applications and productions of biodiesel are rising in Europe, USA and Canada. It is being used in mixture with diesel in automobiles and the growing demand for this fuel has made it available in the fueling stations in the above countries. Petroleum diesel is although cheaper at present than biodiesel, perishable nature of the former cannot keep its cost down in the long term. While man cannot restore the gradually depleting oil reserve, more and more agricultural subsidies will be made available to encourage production of biodiesel ultimately bringing down its price.

Uses

The debate continues over which one is a better car fuel- petroleum diesel or biodiesel. Producers of petroleum driven by their vested interests try to establish that petroleum diesel is better for car engines. The producers of biodiesel claim that pure biodiesel in fact increases the life of the engine by reducing its wear and tear. This is supported by independent bodies also. Fuel stations sell biodiesel produced with standards set by the authorities regulating production and use of the fuel and the consumers are satisfied with performance of this fuel. However the higher cost still encourages the consumers to opt for the petroleum diesel fuel for their car engines or blending small proportion of biodiesel with the traditional oil. Use of less than 5% of biodiesel in the blend was initially advised by car dealers like Volkswagen and DaimlerChrysler in the USA to secure lives of their car engines but the recommendation has since gone up to 20%. Even 2% addition of biodiesel in the mixture reduces the viscosity of petroleum diesel and increases the lubricity of the mixed fuel. The standard proportion of biodiesel now followed most widely is 5%. World’s first biodiesel train by Richard Branson, the famous British businessman, was run on 20% biodiesel. Branson’s first commercial aircraft to run on biodiesel in February, 2008 signaled the important role this fuel is going to play in future aviation.

Article written by Peter Vandenberg for Biodiesel Expansion. If you would like to make your own biodiesel, you can use the biodiesel ebook

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10 Alternate Energy Sources To Live Well With Global Warming

2008-06-21T08:43:00.000-04:00

10 Alternate Energy Sources To Live Well With Global Warming by Erik Leipoldt

Feeling hot under the collar?

Glaciers and polar ice are melting, ocean levels are rising, hot, dry weather, huge forest fires, water restrictions, crop failures

You name it, if these don't feature in your life yet, they soon will. Global warming and climate change are facts of life now, according to the International Panel on Climate Change, and many scientists.

Huge problems beyond our control!

But are you hot under the collar?

If you're not, you probably live in a city where half of the Earth's citizens live now and take much for granted. Because in city living we are far removed from natural processes that deliver our food, clothing and energy.

Does your child even know that milk comes from a cow - or a soy bean if you're that way inclined - and not from a milk carton?

Even in the city you cannot stick your head in the sand (or under the asphalt?) and you are not immune from climate change. Witnesses are the 15,000 mostly elderly people that died in Paris alone in the sizzling hot European summer of 2003. Or the many killed in New Orleans at the 'hands' of cyclone Katrina.

And if you are hot under the collar, do you think perhaps that there will be some miraculous scientific break-through so they ever-responsible 'They' will fix the Earth? The ultimate stem cell technology maybe that can clone a new home for us!

Seriously, for many of us it is just all too hard.

All we want is to live a life where we may raise our children to have a future.

A future of some predictability: of schooling, a job, a family, community, of achievements and an enjoyable life - on a healthy planet Earth.

Is this a fading dream, once a reasonable expectation?

Maybe, maybe not.

Our world is changing. There are great challenges ahead and it is too late to stop global warming. The Earth has changed and the processes it uses to regulate itself are adjusting themselves. And these changes will not suit human life as it is.

But you are not powerless.

Each person alone can change the world, one by one. Let me explain.

Do I say that these problems are under our control then?

Well, yes and no.

We are talking about a severely disabled world really.

And from the experience of disability we can learn how to survive and thrive!

"Come on, get real", you say? Do I hear: "Just show me the right alternate energy sources and we'll get out of this mess."

Yes, we desperately do need to switch to renewable energy sources that do not make a greenhouse out of our home, the Earth. But all the technology in the world will never be enough to survive and flourish.

Renewable energy sources alone will not teach us to accept limits, unpredictability and what it is to lead a rewarding life.

How we have lived collectively, in our billions, for the last few hundred years, has got us to this point. And by changing what we do we can live through climate change as best as we might.

Even now.

It's simple and it's hard work. No way out of that.

Many people with severe disabilities know this. And they report the same or better life satisfaction as anyone else--under highly challenging, vulnerable circumstances.

So, we can learn to live well in a disabled world.

Regardless of what is to come you and I will be well served by the beliefs and strategies that people with disabilities use to - not just to survive - but to live well.

These are true alternate energy sources.

Those that guide us how to use what we have sustainably.

These 'disabled people' believe this:

* Accept that all of us are fragile and vulnerable

* The world is full of limits. We need some of these to live well

* Vulnerability and dependence are an inevitable part of a whole life

* No-one is independent, but interdependent

* Connection with others is our lifeline and our wellbeing

And they do this:

* Engage with others to build positive relationship, where you live, work and play

* Pay attention to other's needs and that of the environment

* Take responsibility for the situation you're in

* Care for others and the environment competently

* Be assertive and use your humour and creativity

Not all people with disabilities act in this way of course. And I'd be the last to portray people with disabilities as heroes. We're just people - trying to get on.

You try that!

Talk to that elderly woman in your street. Offer a hand when someone needs it.

Doing such small things will connect you with others and your environment.

And do also use the 'regular' renewable alternate energy sources, and recycle too.

You can change your local world by acting in these ways.

And if all fails - regardless?

Well, it's the only way to go!

Perhaps your world might be just as hot but it'll be cooler under your collar!

Dr Erik Leipoldt has long been concerned about the effects of global warming. He uses his experience of severe disability in practical approaches towards alternate energy sources to survive and thrive with climate change.

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Materials Used In Recycled Promotional Gifts

2008-06-20T08:34:00.000-04:00

Materials Used In Recycled Promotional Gifts by Gareth Parkin

Are you looking for promotional items but want to make use of environment friendly products? If so then use recycled promotional methods for promoting and advertising your brand which helps in marketing your brand and reaches out to the consumers. These recycled promotional gifts make use of recycled materials that are environment friendly. The range of promotional products includes recycled notepad, sticky notes, coasters, pens and many other items. Log on to www.ideasbynet.com for the best quality recycled promotional products.

The different recycle promotional products make use of different types of materials. The recycled promotional gifts like the promotional eco-recycled bags are made up of biodegradable natural cotton and last for very long time. These are easily washable and can be gifted to the clients and consumers for promoting the brand. You can choose recycled promotional items like recycled paper bags also for promoting and advertising your brand.

The recycled promotional products like coasters are also apt for promoting and advertising your brand. These recycled coasters make use of tyres or CD cases. The recycled tyre coasters are made up of recycled tyres and are effective in getting your message across to the receivers. They incorporate non slip formula so that it is stable at one point and comes in square shape or round shape. The recycled CD cases coasters are also unique and attracts a lot of attention. The recycled mouse mats can also be used as promotional gifts for promoting your brand. Like recycled tyres coasters, these mouse mats are also made of recycled tyres and are eco-friendly.

The recycled promotional items like recycled mugs are very useful to everyone and can be used for promoting your brand. At www.ideasbynet.com, there are a variety of different types of promotional mugs that can be used as recycled promotional gifts and can be gifted to your clients and consumers. You can select from non chip recycled mugs, standard recycled mugs or the classic recycled mugs. They are made up of recycled plastic and can be gifted to people of all ages. All these different promotional items can be seen on the website through the online catalogue and selected as per your requirement.

There are a number of stationery items also that are recycled and environment friendly. You can select any of these recycled stationary items for promoting your band. The brand name and business logo can be imprinted on the stationary items so that it remind the consumers of the brand and attract them to it. The different stationery products include rulers, notepads, pen, pencils, sticky notes and notepads.

These eco-gifts can create a major impact and can attract people to your brand easily. It shows that the said company is concerned about the environment and is conscious towards it.

Gareth Parkin is the co-founder of Ideasbynet, the UK's largest online source of recycled promotional gifts and other recycled promotional products and items. He has taken the UK gift market by storm by the application of modern business thinking and the latest search engine marketing techniques. For more details on recycled promotional gifts visit www.ideasbynet.com

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Eco Friendly Pet Furniture

2008-06-19T08:32:00.000-04:00

Eco Friendly Pet Furniture by IC

Your dog or cat is probably is not all that worried about global warming and deforestation, but a lot of owners are, and so many are now adding environment friendly pet furniture to the eco-friendly items they have in their homes.

In just the last couple years there has been an explosion in eco friendly pet furniture sales, and to meet the demand manufacturers have produced a vast new array of pet related eco-friendly products.

Pet owners across the country are now seeking out quality, eco-friendly items for their pets, giving the same emphasis to buying planet saving products for their pets, as they do to their homes and vehicles.

This movement seems to be mushrooming each year, with sales of these products, such as certified organic pet beds booming across the nation. Many owners now feed their pets, as well as themselves, on organically produced food items.

Many vinyl and plastic toys for pets are produced from soft PVC, which contains several harmful toxic chemicals. When your dog chews on his favourite squeaky ball these harmful chemicals can leach into the animals system, causing serious side effects such as organ damage and tumors.

It is preferable to search out toys that use natural dyes or organically grown fibers that are chemical and pesticide free, these items are also biodegradable.

Another good example of pet and planet saving products are certified organic pet beds which are filled with various materials, often100% fleece scraps that have been recycled.

These beds can be slightly more expensive than regular pet beds, but are a better long-term investment as they are completely washable, even the soft filling. So instead of dumping the bed in the trash after a couple years, the bed should last your pet's lifetime.

There are many other eco pet products available, such as environment friendly pet furniture, one stylish example is the ‘Kings Bed,’ a classy off the ground certified organic pet bed made from bamboo.

Holden designs have produced several upmarket pieces of eco friendly pet furniture including their chic raised pet feeding units. There are also dog and cathouses made of eco-friendly materials, such as replenishable wooden doghouses and interior cat homes made with recycled cotton materials.

Therefore, your pet can be as environmentally conscious as you are, with food, toys furniture and pet houses that are made from materials that will not harm the planet or you’re pet.

For more information about Green Living please visit Modern Eco Homes dot com, which sells a wide range of eco friendly pet furniture and eco friendly office furniture.

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Modern Prefab Homes Are Spread Across The Globe

2008-06-18T08:29:00.001-04:00

Modern Prefab Homes Are Spread Across The Globe by IC

Whoever thought that prefab homes could ever become a hot item, but that is what is happening with new modernist prefab home designs. Even ten or fifteen years ago, owning a claustrophobic plastic box home was not considered the height of elegance.

But that is changing rapidly, just like ‘red can become the new black’ modern prefab homes have become the latest chic, must have, in housing design. Many top residential architects are now trying their hand at designing eco-friendly, prefab homes.

Demand for these new designer, prefab homes is booming across the globe. Everywhere from Australia to Europe, to North America, people are now turning to housing that is built off-site then brought in to the home owner’s lot to be quickly assembled.

Modern prefab homes are suddenly considered to be a mainstream alternative to traditional block and brick structures and have moved a long way from the image of being the only suitable for retired residents in a senior’s friendly, Florida development.

Like all great new ideas, modern prefab homes are not actually a new idea; nearly 100 years ago Sears were advertising ‘mail-order’ housing in their catalog, 30 years ago. Japanese developers were selling what they dubbed ‘living capsule’s’ for Tokyo's land deprived masses.

All over the world architects, designers and large corporations are moving in on eco-friendly prefab homes. One example is trendy Swedish furniture maker Ikea, who built an entire village of modern prefab homes at a place called Boklok in Sweden, all of which were snapped up in by eager buyers, even before construction began.

And in a twist to the prefab home market the company has just started selling ‘flatpacked’ apartments to the residents of London for just $140,000, by London standards that is the price of a garage.

Never slow to catch on to a hot new idea, the Japanese company Muji is offering eco friendly prefab homes for around $200,000 fully inclusive of all interior and exterior fittings, again by Japanese standards this is far less than the cost of a minuscule apartment.

In the US, several household name stores are moving into the modern prefab house market, and with good reason. Market research company Freedonia has reported that it expects the market in the US for eco-friendly, prefab homes to reach $15 billion this year. Well-known big-time investors, like Warren Buffett are buying into manufacturing companies that are involved in the production of modern prefab homes.

Many of these new eco-friendly, prefab homes are built using environmentally sustainable materials, previously not considered such as bamboo. An architectural design company down in Australia has gone even further producing a house made of recycled cardboard stuck together with Velcro, for now, that may be a step too far, even for the most eco-friendly, prefab home owner.

For more information about Green Living please visit Modern Eco Homes dot com, which sells a wide range of eco friendly pet furniture and eco friendly office furniture.

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5 Smart Ways to Cook Healthily, Greenly and Eco-friendly

2008-06-17T08:27:00.001-04:00

5 Smart Ways to Cook Healthily, Greenly and Eco-friendly by chloe w.

1. Keep your refrigerator 70% full

Do you have the problems with unfinished and outdated food on your refrigerator and you have to throw away? Be careful, you are ruining our earth. According the statistics of environmental protection association, one third of our food doesn't be eaten by human beings, but be discarded. These wasted food will become trash buries and aerify to increase global warming. So, it is important to keep your refrigerator not fully loaded and you should finish the food before it is outdated.

2. Eat fresh salad

Eat salad not only good for your body, but good for our environment. Salad have vitamin C and other nutrition that will be gone if you cook. Also, eating salad can save gas and energy. But some food you need to cook before you eat such as spinach, or amaranth since they contains the massive oxalic acid.

3. Cook food together if you can

If you need to use oven, you can put your food together at one time. This allows you to use one-time energy. If you need to cook vegetable or meats, you can boil water in a pot first. Then you can cook vegetable, then seafood or meats without throwing away the water. Make sure your put the lid to shorten the cooking time and save energy.

4. Steam your food

The smart way to cook your food is using steam. For example, if you stew vegetable or meant, some nutrition might be gone. To keep the nutrition in the food, you can use steam and the food is quicker to get cooked. It is a good way to save both water and gas.

5. Heats up with the natural solar energy

The summer day is a good source of free energy. If you don't have any solar device, don't worry, you can still save the energy. For example, you can pour un-boiled water in the metal pot, and puts it on the place with direct sunshine with several hours. It will increase temperature and reduce the time of boiling water. Of course, you also do a great job on saving energy.

http://www.icetab.com, www.thegreenguide.com

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The Modern Eco Friendly Home Movement

2008-06-17T08:25:00.001-04:00

The Modern Eco Friendly Home Movement by IC

For several years there has been a strong movement that grows continuously, involving the manufacturing of modern eco homes. This movement has seen many new and existing companies, mainly located in the United States, which are successfully marketing modern prefab homes to a much wider audience than before.

But why would anyone buy modern prefab homes when so many preconceived prejudices make them unattractive? Simply because it is more profitable not just economically, but also environmentally. Modern prefab homes can reduce construction costs while lessening the environmental impact of construction projects.

These modern eco homes are designed by professional architects, many of whom previously only worked in traditional construction, but now find themselves drawn into this more eco-friendly and flexible building.

One reason these architects are turning to this construction method is the amount of control they can have over every aspect of construction. It is far easier for them to oversee every detail in a controlled environment, like a prefabricated home construction centre, than it is on a cold, wet traditional on-site building location.

Another reason is that a house may look fine on paper, but as construction continues problems may arise in terms of practical design or a feature that is unappealing to the eye, it is a much simpler and cost-effective to alter the design in this situation, than it is out on a construction site.

Modern prefab homes are also intended to be reproduced multiple times with slight variations, as opposed to a one-off construction on the site. Therefore, it is far more practical to make changes to a plan when the same design may be used multiple times, rather than it is when you are dealing with a single unit.

Eco friendly prefab homes are beautifully adapted for modern life, and it make sense from a financial point of view, because of the lower cost of construction. Also these prefabricated houses are of superior quality because it is easier to control the quality of work in a factory than on a construction site.

This modern eco homes movement was born from the needs of ordinary people for affordable housing. Typically, modern houses are too expensive to build for many people's pockets; modern prefab homes offer an affordable, quality alternative to traditional construction methods.

One reason is the care and craftsmanship that is needed to build modern-style prefab homes compared with a traditional-style, on-site built house. For example, the architecture of the modern-style house often needs a backbone of steel or concrete, which costs far more than modern wooden frames.

The prefabricated house is an option for ordinary people to have access to modern eco homes in an architect designed style that works in harmony with nature, rather than abusing it.

For more information about Green Living please visit Modern Eco Homes dot com, which sells a wide range of eco friendly furniture and solar powered products.

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How to Incorporate More “Green” Into Your Diet

2008-06-12T07:42:00.001-04:00

How to Incorporate More “Green” Into Your Diet by Diana Walker

While the term “living green” is synonymous with being eco-friendly it also describes the kind of food we should all be eating more of for improved health.

This isn’t news for most people. Yet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that less than one-third of American adults eat the amount of fruits and vegetables the government recommends. What makes this even more troubling is the fact one of the leading killers of Americans is colon cancer. According to the American Institute of Cancer Research up to 75% of cases of colon cancer could be prevented by diet. One of the best ways to arm ourselves in the fight against cancer, especially colorectal cancer, is to eat foods rich in folic acid and fiber. Green leafy vegetables fit the bill for this requirement.

The challenge for many people is to identify enough vegetable varieties and come up with enough recipes that will be tasty and satisfying. Some great leafy vegetables include spinach, turnip greens, beet greens, kale, collard greens and lettuces (Romaine, Boston, Arugula and many other tasty varieties).

For those of you looking for some interesting and tasty meal suggestions for inspiration consider the following less known varieties and food preparation ideas.

Kale is a beautiful leafy vegetable that is from the same family of vegetables as cabbage, collards and Brussels sprouts. It has a pungent flavor that is great eaten on its own or mixed with other vegetables. Raw kale is delicious with a bit of olive oil, red wine vinegar and freshly ground pepper.

If you’re not from the south then you may not be as familiar with collard greens. Just ask for insight on this vegetable from someone who knows about it and you’ll likely get an enthusiastic response. Collard greens have a unique smoky flavor that comes alive when lightly steamed with olive oil, onion, garlic and lemon and served as part of a main dish.

Much more familiar to most people is spinach. Raw spinach is a nutritional superstar! It’s got twice as much fiber as other greens and is loaded with vitamins and minerals. To make your spinach a little more interesting add your favorite healthy dressing. Consider mixing together olive oil, Dijon mustard, sea salt, ground pepper, lemon juice and pressed garlic to make your own delicious Cesar dressing. It will provide one of the tastiest toppings for your spinach salad. Sprinkle in any of your favorite vegetables like red peppers or even mix in flavorful lettuce like Arugula and you’ve got a delicious meal.

Since the Dijon mustard in your spinach Cesar salad will provide tremendous flavor why not look to the plant from which mustard originates. Mustard greens are very tasty and have an interesting peppery flavor. It’s no wonder their seeds have such a kick to them! Mustard seeds are of course used to make delicious Dijon mustard. To add this tasty element to your own recipes simply sauté mustard seeds and sprinkle then on casseroles, pasta salad and even sweet potatoes. The sharp flavor will add an interesting bite to your meal.

For over 20 years, Diana Walker has assisted people like you in using natural, safe options for creating vibrant health and well-being. Get her gems of wisdom and healthy recipes mini- e-book via her free newsletter at: www.diana2.com

Article Source: GreatArticlesforMoms.com

Is Solar Energy a Reliable and Practical Source of Electrical Power?

2008-06-11T11:40:00.002-04:00

Is Solar Energy a Reliable and Practical Source of Electrical Power? by Martin Barwise

You have probably heard it said by environmental groups that we should switch to solar energy as a power source because it is free, there is an unlimited supply, and it is a cleaner source of electrical power because there are no by-products (compared to fossil fuels like oil and gas which release greenhouse gases into the earth's atmosphere when burned for power.) However, can solar energy be a reliable and practical source of electrical power indeed?

When we use the term solar power nowadays, it usually refers to man-made technologies that rely on the flow of sunlight from our sun to create electricity or even mechanical power. Early pioneers in the conversion of solar power into usable forms of power were Auguste Mouchout, Frank Shuman, Charles Tellier, and John Ericksson. But the real breakthrough in conversion of solar power into pure electricity was achieved by the Bell Laboratories research team when they created the solar cell. Other people have been able to build on this development so that solar cells now have an efficiency of more than 40% and their prices have fallen to not more than $3 per watt.

Solar power technology is categorized as either being active solar, passive solar, direct solar, or indirect solar. One way solar power is directly used nowadays is to heat water for households. Solar power has an efficiency level of up to 86% when it is applied for creating hot water, which makes it a very attractive option for countries with cold climates where people find it hard to survive without hot water. Another way solar power directly affects our lives is when solar cells are integrated into everyday electronic gadgets such as calculators, or as a steady source of power for satellites in orbit around the earth. Households can now have solar panels installed on their roofs so that they can take advantage of sunlight to power their home. However, the demand for solar panels may be affected because of the shortage of refined silicon supplies.

The more cost-effective solution for large-scale use of solar power for power generation needs is construction of solar power plants. Solar power plants may either be of the older type of concentrating solar thermal power plant or the newer multi-megawatt photovoltaic facilities. The first kind, which relies on concentrating solar thermal technology, basically relies on mirrors or lenses to direct sunlight into a much smaller area of focus. However, this type of solar power technology can be disadvantageous to rely on when skies are overcast and there is little direct sunlight.

It is also interesting that solar power can also be used nowadays to power light vehicles. Proof of this is the biannual World Solar Challenge in Australia, where solar cars developed by researchers from both industry and universities have been able to reach speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour during the race itself. Which is not bad, considering the speed limit for South Australia where the race is conducted is set at 110 kilometers per hour.

A very practical usage of solar power is to disinfect water supplies so that they become drinkable. Water can be disinfected either through solar water pasteurization or through solar water disinfection. Solar water pasteurization relies on solar power to make the pasteurization process work, involving sustaining application of heat to water for a certain period of time so that water temperatures stay within the 60 degrees to 70 degrees Celsius range. Solar water disinfection is a less intense use of solar power because the water is aerated first by vigorous shaking in a container which is then left to be exposed to direct sunlight.

All these uses of solar power indicate that eventually solar power may become a widespread source of power not just for large enterprises but also for the average human household. All that is required is for people to be able to afford the technology and its upkeep for solar power to become a practical and dependable source of power on a daily basis.

Green Store UK sells eco friendly gifts and energy saving gadgets. We have various energy saving gadgets such as the Smart Adapter which is a remote control plug set which enables you to quickly and easily turn off electric items off standby.

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Ethanol Touted as Innovative Solution to Today's Rising Gas Prices

2008-06-11T10:43:00.001-04:00

Ethanol Touted as Innovative Solution to Today's Rising Gas Prices by Stephen Pierce

Copyright 2006 Stephen Pierce

As gas prices continue to surge higher and higher and concern over our country's reliance on foreign oil grows more serious by the day, many experts are pointing to ethanol as a quick and easy solution to the current energy crisis.

What is ethanol? Ethanol is a clean-burning, high-octane fuel made from plants, often corn, that many claim will be safer for the environment as well as reduce our reliance on oil from the Middle East.

This is Not Your Father's Ethanol

While ethanol first gained minor notoriety as a "fad fuel" that was introduced in the 1970s but never really caught on, the ethanol industry has made numerous innovations and improvements to the ethanol production process as well as the final product over the years and now expects to produce over 5 billion gallons of ethanol this year alone.

Of the ethanol that is produced, much is used to boost the octane rating of gasoline. Premium gasoline is made by adding ethanol to the gasoline mixture. The two most common blends are:

1. E10 - 10% ethanol and 90% unleaded gasoline. E10 is approved for use in any make or model of vehicle sold in the U.S. Many automakers recommend its use because of its high performance, clean-burning characteristics. In 2004, about one-third of America's gasoline was blended with ethanol, most in this 10% variety.

2. E85 - 85% ethanol and 15% unleaded gasoline. E85 is an alternative fuel for use in flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs). There are currently more than 4 million FFVs on America's roads today, and automakers are rolling out more each year.

Adding ethanol to gasoline is beneficial because it not only decreases the fuel's cost, increases the fuel's octane rating and decreases gasoline's harmful emissions but it also, according to a recent study, lets drivers travel farther for less money.

At current market prices, $20 worth of ethanol-blended fuel allows a vehicle to travel up to 15 miles farther than on gas without ethanol, according to a pilot study conducted by the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), a national trade association for the ethanol industry headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. "On a twenty dollar bill, drivers who choose ethanol-blended fuel will travel miles farther on less money than those burning straight gasoline," Ron Lamberty, Vice President of Market Development for ACE said in a press release about the study. "Not only is ethanol's cost-per-mile lower than regular gasoline, the blending economics of ethanol translate to lower prices at the pump for consumers."

Prices for E10 around the Midwest are as much as 10 cents less per gallon than regular unleaded, the ACE press release indicated. A recent Consumer Federation of America study shows that blending low-cost ethanol with high-priced gasoline can bring down prices at the pump by up to 8 cents per gallon.

The Next Step

With results like those mentioned above and with new innovations continuing to be rapidly introduced in the ethanol production process, it's little wonder that many fuel experts are now beginning to talk about shifting from ethanol as a fuel additive to ethanol as a replacement for petroleum-based fuel.

According to these experts, such a switch could allow us to break free from our addiction to foreign oil, could slash gas prices at the pump, could strengthen our national security, could produce jobs to rural America instead of the Middle East , all while protecting our environment.

To see an example of the benefits of increased reliance on ethanol, Americans have to look no further than nearby neighbor Brazil, which has been committed to using ethanol for 30 years.

In Brazil, cars can run on gas or ethanol thanks to "flex-fuel cars." Drivers can simply choose between the two types of fuel or a mixture of both each time they pull up to the pump.

How far is America away from offering drivers here this same luxury? Many of the flex-fuel cars that triggered the ethanol boom in Brazil were made by GM and Ford and cars with the same technology were first introduced here in the U.S. three years ago. In fact, already three of every four new cars sold in the U.S. have the flex-fuel technology.

Maybe that's why in a recent speech, President Bush felt compelled to say, "Ethanol will replace gasoline consumption. Ethanol is good for the whole country."

To learn more about Ethanol and get free details on "Facts About Ethanol Production" please visit http://www.agfinity.com

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How Can I Benefit From Bio Diesel?

2008-06-09T07:14:00.000-04:00

If you have an interest in being environmentally friendly, then no doubt you're aware of the damage fossil fuels are doing to our environment. Not only that, but at some point they will run out. Add in the recent jump in gas prices, and it's hardly surprising that more people are talking about making their own biodiesel fuel. Although it sounds like a great idea, you need to consider a few points before going ahead and making your own biodiesel fuel.

What Is Biodiesel?

To start with, let's take a look at what biodiesel fuel actually is. At its most simple, biodiesel fuel is made from either vegetable oil, animal fat, or mixture of the two. It's a clean burning fuel that is made from renewable resources hence the name biodiesel.

Generally, biodiesel fuel is made from straight vegetable oil, sometimes referred to as SVO. So if you want to make your own biodiesel fuel, you'll need to have an adequate supply of the basic ingredients. Unfortunately, most households don't produce enough waste animal fat or vegetable fat to come anywhere close to making enough biodiesel fuel to keep the family car running.

Using Recycled oil

This has led to a whole new industry, with the basic aim of sourcing much larger quantities of raw product. They get together with restaurants, bakeries, and any other business that uses a deep fryer, so that they can collect the used oil for recycling. The oils are then blended and used as the basis for biodiesel fuel. The processes are the same as you'd use to make biodiesel fuel at home, but by having access to a much larger supply of raw products, these companies can produce biodiesel in quantities that are more viable.

Can I make it at Home?

One thing to remember is that it's not quite this simple! Used vegetable oil needs to be mixed and stored, which can be quite a problem if you have large amounts of it. You also need to dewater, filter and deacidify the waste oil before it can be used for making biodiesel. This makes the production of biodiesel fuel at home a lot more complicated.

Having said that, it's certainly still quite possible to make biodiesel fuel at home, simply by buying straight vegetable oil, rather than using waste products. Even though it will cost you a lot more, when you compare it to the cost of buying the necessary amount of gas to run your car for a year, you can still save an enormous amount - somewhere around 75 percent. Even better, you're saving the environment too.

Can I mix it with Petroleum?

The short answer is yes! It can be blended with petroleum in any percentages and used as fuel. There is a fuel called B20 which is 20 percent biodiesel that has shown significant environmental benefits. It can be used in an existing diesel engine with either little or no modifications. The only thing to be aware of is that biodiesel acts as a solvent and can remove old deposits on on your fuel tank walls and your fuel lines. This may lead to a clogging of your filters so care should be taken. But hey - then you have a clean system!

So if you're interested in saving money and helping out the environment, look at the option of making biodiesel fuel at home. It takes a little bit of effort, but the rewards are definitely worthwhile.

Steve Dolan is an environmentalist concerned about global warming and non-renewable resources. Biodiesel may form part of the answer. Find out more by clicking BioDiesel and Alternative Fuels

Is Ethanol The Alternative Fuel?

2008-06-08T07:12:00.000-04:00

Ethanol (commonly called "Alcohol") has assumed a very important place in the worlds economy. It is a vital raw material for a number of chemicals. It has been a major source of revenue by way of excise duty for the Governments.

Industrial alcohol produced from sugarcane molasses has a significant role to play in the world's economy. Alcohol is a by-product of sugar industry which is linked to agriculture. Sugarcane crop is a renewable source of energy. Therefore alcohol produced from molasses deserves a preferential place as a substitute feed stock for chemicals industry to bridge the gap in any countrys energy needs for increasing requirement for potable purpose. Sugarcane can also be directly used to produce ethanol.

Alcohol Based Chemicals

Ethyl Alcohol is an important feed stock for the manufacture of
chemicals. These chemicals are Acetic Acid, Acetone, Butanol,
Butadiene, Acetic Anhydride, Vinyl acetate, styrene, MEG PVC etc. Synthetic rubber industry also requires large quantity Of Alcohol. The main product INDUSTRIAL ALCOHOL is used in the manufacturing of the following Alcohol based chemicals, the uses of which are also given below.

a) Acetaldehyde : Can be used for industrial use as
Chemicals derivatives Pharmaceutical
applications and synthetic resins and
for manufacture of Acetic Acid.

b) Acetic Acid : Used in Pharmaceuticals applications,
Textiles, Dyestuffs, Ethyl Acetate,
and is the basic chemical for Alcohol
based chemicals via Acetaldehyde
route...

c) Acetic Anhydride : Used in Bulk Drug manufacturing

d) Ethyl Acetate : Used in manufacturing of Paints,
Dyestuffs and Pharmaceuticals .

e) Substitute to : Used in manufacture of HDPE, LDPE etc.
and Chemicals other Petroleum based
petroleum based chemicals such as
Ethylene Glycol.

Potable Alcohol

Manufacture of alcoholic beverages from alcohol is also an attractive diversification. There is large demand for alcoholic beverages i.e. Brandy, Whisky, Rum, gin , Vodka and Wine. The need for alcohol for potable purpose is as high as the alcohol being used for industrial purposes.

Alcohol as fuel/Ethanol Blended petrol

The trend in the world (particularly Brazil and USA) is towards the use of alcohol as an alternative fuel. During World war II, alcohol in the form of power alcohol was used for blending with petrol in the proportion of 80% petrol and 20% power alcohol. Brazil has developed a technology which has made possible large scale substitution of petroleum derived fuel. Now Anhydrous Alcohol is exclusive fuel for automobiles. Alcohol powered vehicles have taken the first position
in Brazil & accounting for 80% of overall sales of about 500,000 alcohol powered vehicles every year.

Anhydrous Alcohol (99.5% v/v) is being used as fuel, by mixing it with Petrol. The blend of Anhydrous Alcohol and petrol is called Gasohol. In Brazil 4 million Vehicles are running on Gasohol. The content of alcohol in Gasohol varies from 10% to 85%. Alcohol works as Oxygenate in petrol combustion and superior to other oxygenate MTBE and ETBE. Alcohol reduces CO (Carbon Monoxide) emission and cause less pollution compared to petrol.

It can be seen that demand for alcohol will be ever increasing & there would not be any problem in marketing alcohol (either for Industrial or for potable purpose ) produced by distilleries.

It is debatable whether corn should be used for producing ethanol or for that matter any food grain.

The author is a professional chemical engineer having expertise in neutral spirits distillation. He is a free-lance web developer and has a flair for writing articles on a diverse range of subjects including Ethanol, Chemicals and Software Downloads.

Wishing for Practical, Affordable Solar Power

2008-06-07T07:18:00.000-04:00

Solar power has been available for decades. Safe, relatively clean energy, but the cost of the panels has long been too high for the average consumer. They're also the one problem with solar energy, for those wondering about the relatively clean energy part. But the recycling of them should improve over time.

Many people would love to go solar in their homes. It's a practical energy source in many places, even ones where you wouldn't expect it to do all that well. And in places where homes aren't built near a pre-existing grid, solar power is often much, much more reasonable than having wires run out.

The fact that energy prices have been steadily rising also helps solar energy appear more reasonably priced. The cost is almost all upfront, which is perhaps the greatest challenge. A good solar power system sufficient to heat the average home in the United States runs many thousands of dollars. However it also offers tremendous savings over time.

Some people even generate enough excess to where they sell electricity back. It doesn't bring in much money on the average, but you must admit that having the power company pay you has an appeal, especially if you aren't paying them anything anymore.

Is solar power ready to take off at long last? It could be. We've been hearing for a long time that the day would come when solar power became affordable, something the average family could do, rather than something strictly for the affluent and environmentally aware.

States are becoming more interested in encouraging solar power as well. Many offer rebates or tax incentives to homeowners who install solar panels, and some are starting to look at businesses as well. May as well put those rooftops to good use, after all!

Unfortunately, not all states do this yet. It sounds like they will soon! There is federal legislation requiring states to consider adopting net metering standards by 2008. How this works from state to stat can be tricky, but since 40 states already have net metering, which allows customers to sell excess electricity back, paying only when they need more than they produce, things are looking better all the time.

Solar power is starting to fare better politically too. While it still lacks the funding of the coal or oil industries, it has popular backing. That does make a difference.

Choosing solar power still isn't the easiest thing. As with other home improvements there's a lot of paperwork, plus finding a reputable contractor with good solar panel installation experience. But things are definitely looking up.

Stephanie Foster runs http://www.seriouslysolar.com/ as a resource for people interested in solar power. Visit her site to learn more about the advantages of solar power.

Observations at the Grocery Store

2008-06-06T07:07:00.000-04:00

Just going grocery shopping can be interesting when you want to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. I was shopping the other day and just marveling at some of the wasteful stuff there.

I like buying from my local Henry's as they have a good selection of organic foods, although not exclusively organic. But I especially like the bulk bins. I could wish for a choice between paper and plastic bags at the bins, but let's face it... it's much harder to keep a paper bag from leaking small stuff like flour, so I understand the choice. Then there's the problem of trying to have the paper bags available neatly rather than torn and all over the floor.

But I don't shop there exclusively. It was at the other grocery store I go to that I really got to thinking about some of the waste.

Like putting gallon milk bottles into plastic bags. Individually. It's a problem than can be avoided by those who think to tell the clerk to not put it into the bag, or by having your own reusable cloth bags, but few do.

Hey, folks, these things have handles! If only one's going into the bag, what's the point of putting it into a bag in the first place?

Then there are the 3 pound bags of apples. Once again, just watch and they'll put those into their own little bag. Never mind that the plastic bags they use on these are pretty heavy duty. They bag them anyhow.

I'm steadily learning to avoid many of the convenience foods. Frankly I don't like most of them all that well anyhow. I can mix up my own stuff fairly well and for less money. I'm pretty sure there's less packaging involved too. Hard to tell when you're mixing things up from several containers but since generally each ingredient can be used in multiple recipes there's a pretty good chance there.

The worst of the convenience foods, of course, are the single serving ones. Frozen dinners, individually wrapped snacks and similar have far more packaging to dispose of. Even if the entire package is recyclable it makes more sense to buy in larger packages whenever possible. It's that little part of the equation called "reduce."

When I think about the environment, I want to buy glass. It recycles well. When I think about my kids handling the products, I want to buy plastic, in case they drop it. It's a definite balancing act, but so many things these days don't give you a lot of options.

Going to the grocery store isn't something you can give up. But you can think as you shop and even as the clerk checks your purchases out for you.

Stephanie Foster runs http://www.greensahm.com/ and blogs about her progress towards living a more environmentally friendly lifestyle. You can read more about environmental news on her site.

Turning Your Kids Green

2008-06-05T07:04:00.000-04:00

One of the great challenges I've noticed with trying to live a reasonably environmentally conscious life is teaching my children to do the same. Young children have very little sense of the future; for example, my daughter intends to be Rapunzel when she grows up.

However, they do possess a decided desire to please. Things don't always turn out the way they intend, but children generally do mean well. And this means you can teach them.

Start out by talking about why you make the decisions you do in terms of helping the environment. Even a preschooler can begin to learn what gets recycled, thrown in the compost or in the trash.

A garden is a great way for kids to learn to care for plants, as well as a great way to get them interested in eating their vegetables. Start them out with organic techniques so that they really learn them and because it's much safer for them than using chemicals.

Older kids can help you make more environmentally friendly household cleaning supplies if that's one of the things you do. Measuring quantities and mixing them together is a bit of math practice and a way to teach them that harsh chemicals aren't the only way to clean.

Teach your kids about energy conservation. You can talk about the amount of power the various kinds of light bulbs use and have them help you make a good selection. You can make any child old enough to reach the light switch be responsible for keeping extra lights off.

Have them help you to conserve water too. They can help you replace plants that need a lot of water with ones more suited to your area, for example.

Show your kids ways to reuse all that wasteful packaging material found in children's toys and electronics. So much of that doesn't recycle easily in most areas, but you might be able to use some of it at home. Styrofoam packaging in large pieces combined with golf tees and a pounding implement makes for loads of fun for younger kids. Of course you'll have to supervise with smaller kids, but those dratted wires that hold just about every toy in its box these days can be added to the craft supplies.

Also talk to them about using only what they need. This is a really tough one for kids these days, as they are likely to want all the stuff their friends have. As a parent it's up to you to help your children control their more acquisitive urges and to enjoy what they have.

Children don't always take naturally to the sacrifices required to live a greener lifestyle, but it's a great time for them to learn the skills. Have a little fun with it and let your children explore their options as they help you help the planet.

Stephanie Foster runs http://www.greensahm.com/ as she tries to figure out how to live a more environmentally friendly life. With two kids and a husband she finds plenty of challenge in this.

5 Reasons Why You Should Recycle

2008-06-04T10:24:00.000-04:00

5 Reasons Why You Should Recycle by Guna Seelan

Recycling is the process of reusing natural resources or man made resources which slows down consumption and subsequent depletion. Although many people and organizations are doing a lot to encourage recycling, most people are not doing enough. If everyone done there part then not only would the earths limited resources last longer, but the earth as a whole and everyone on it would benefit as a result.

Recycling Saves Trees and Wildlife Habitat Around 95% of forest areas in the USA have been cut down, and around 50% worldwide. This is only going to get worse as regions of the world become more commercialized and as shortages increase the value that can be generated from cutting them down. With the decrease in forest areas, wildlife that previously lived in forest areas has nowhere to go and as such wildlife dies as a result.

Recycling Cuts Toxic Chemical Consumption and Slows Down Global Warming - Toxic chemicals can be reused from already consumed products meaning that the need to cause further harm from their creation can be reduced and even avoided completely in the case of many chemical products. The creation of products which involve using natural resources such as fossil fuels that burn carbon dioxide is not needed for a large amount of products. For example, glass can easily be recycled but is not being done as much as it could because it is not as cost-effective for manufacturers.

Recycling Can Help Curb Water Pollution Water pollution is caused by a variety of factors, however the most prominent of these is in the manufacturing process where water is used to help make products, and it is then polluted before being put back into water reservoirs, lakes and the ocean. This is, for the most part, an unnecessary evil which could be stopped and reduced by using removed parts of the manufacturing process through using already created raw materials and manufacturers materials which form the essence of products that have already been consumed.

Recycling Stops the Continued Growth of Landfill Sites Landfill areas give off chemicals into the air and pollute water that is under the ground as well as causing acid rain from their evaporation. This is something which could be stopped by putting less chemicals and pollutants into the ground, and instead reusing them to make products which humans consume and use.

Recycling Creates Prosperity in the Economy Recycling creates new jobs through adding new dimensions to the economy as well as creating work for specialist companies that consult on recycling; waste management companies who split waste into reusable and non reusable parts; and increased margins for companies that use finite resources. In a study conducted by the Conversation Commission it was found that in 12 Southern States of the United States over $18Billion was created by the recycling industry alone. Considering the small fraction of the earths population that accounts for, recycling creates opportunities world wide and also reduces the inherent state costs of dealing with pollution, which in turn increases the amount of money that the private sector and individuals have and can potentially generate as a result.

Recycleinme.com, The best online source for trade of scrap and recyclables. Find thousands of scrap buyers and scrap suppliers. It offers scrap news, scrap prices and other metal prices.

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Recycled and Earth Friendly Eco Smart Promotional Products

2008-06-03T10:20:00.000-04:00

Recycled and Earth Friendly Eco Smart Promotional Products by J. M. Leander

Every organization needs Promotional Products to create a unified, professional look for the workplace and to use as Corporate Gifts. Uniforms and office items are a must, but when choosing Promotional Items to give away, what message should they convey? As climate change concerns skyrocket, there is one easy way to show that your business is committed to the solution and that through environmentally-conscience Promotional Gifts. Using environmentally friendly promotional products will help you and your business do your part to save the world.

'Eco-friendly' or 'Environmentally friendly' means that their products pose no harmful effects on the environment or its inhabitants. This includes the methods being used to produce merchandise. Unlike petroleum-based (traditional) plastics, biodegradable plastic does not produce greenhouse gases as it is formed because it is made from plant fibers. Since the aim to have as little affect on the earth as possible, these companies ensure that all products are made in a way that avoids clear-cutting forests, wasting water, using insecticides, burning fossil fuels, etc. They support the use of eco friendly products and encourage others to pave the way for a brighter, cleaner future.

Did you know that a plastic beverage bottle takes roughly 450 years to decompose? Take a look at the numbers found by the U.S. National Park Service:

Time it takes for garbage to decompose in the environment

Glass Bottle ---------------------------1 million years

Monofilament Fishing Lines--------600 years

Plastic Beverage Bottle--------------450 years

Disposable Diaper--------------------450 years

Aluminum Can-----------------------80-200 years

Foamed Plastic Buoy----------------80 years

Foamed Plastic Cups----------------50 years

Rubber-Boot Sole--------------------50-80 years

Tin Cans-------------------------------50 years

Leather---------------------------------50 years

Nylon Fabric--------------------------30-40 years

Plastic Film Container---------------20-30 years

Plastic Bag----------------------------10-20 years

Cigarette Butt-------------------------1-5 years

Wool Sock----------------------------1-5 years

Plywood-------------------------------1-3 years

Waxed Milk Carton------------------3 months

Apple Core----------------------------2 months

Newspaper-----------------------------6 weeks

Orange or Banana Peel---------------2-5 weeks

Paper Towel---------------------------2-4 weeks

Information Source: U.S. National Park Service; Mote Marine Lab, Sarasota, FL.

Across the globe, businesses are taking the initiative to become more environmentally conscious in almost every aspect of their operation. To help reduce negative impacts on the environment, businesses are now turning to eco-friendly promotional products as a wholesome marketing solution. Choosing these products is not as difficult as it sounds. You don’t need to make-over your staff with organic hemp clothing or spend a fortune on hybrid delivery trucks, it can start with simple choices.

Many online promotional product distributors offer a selection of environmentally friendly products. For example, InkHead.com recently adds recycled and Earth Friendly EcoSmart product line. Here are some great Promotional Products that will show your company’s commitment to the environment, without breaking the bank:

Re-usable Water Bottles: Have your logo added to Nalgene-type bottles and hand them out to employees and customers. Encourage everyone to refill their bottles instead of purchasing new water bottles every time.

Insulated Coffee Mugs: Using re-usable coffee mugs as promotional products is a great way to ensure your marketing message and logo travels everywhere your employees and customers do. Not only will you gain exposure, you’ll also get recognition as a company who is concerned about the future of the earth. Adding an inspirational message about “going green” in addition to your logo is also a great idea.

Tote Bags: There has recently been a lot of media-hype around the flood of plastic grocery bags in city landfills. Considering the lengthy time (20 years) it takes for bags to break down, Tote Bags are a healthy solution for the earth. Offer them to customers with purchases or sell them as your own brand. Your bags will be used for years, if not decades to come. You can turn any shopper into your own billboard, by having your logo and personal message added.

There are many great ways to reduce negative effect of modern industries on the earth. As environmental concern rises, cater to your conscience customers by showing you are dedicated to positive solutions, one step at a time.

For more information on Promotional Products, Eco Friendly Promotional Items click on text links to visit InkHead

J. M. Leander
Marketing Specialist
Prime Interactive, Inc
http://www.primeinteractive.com

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Power Your Home With Solar Energy Power

2008-06-03T06:17:00.001-04:00

Power Your Home With Solar Energy Power by Kozen Huseyin

You get your electricity bill, and get shocked that it is so high! There must be a better way! Wouldn't it be great if you could never see that electricity bill again, and still have power? What about leaving your lights on all the time, and it does no harm to your pocket or the environment?

Is it really possible to achieve all this with solar power? I mean, imagine, imagine leaving your lights on constantly, and it does no harm to the planet Earth or your pocket!

For many years man has utilized the raw products of Earth, which even though are part of Earth, the fossil fuels and gases being burnt, turns the Earth into a planet that looked like when it was uninhabitable for life as we know it. As we have entered the new millennium, a few of us, you and me, have looked for better ways.

The question really comes, is solar power any good? Can solar power really light your home, and give you all the energy you need to run your home? There are a lot of questions with solar power; after all it is a technology not being grasped by many. However, more and more people are looking to solar power to power the home.

One thing to keep in mind is that solar power is not cheap. You need the solar panels, and some other equipment. Having solar power also requires having a certain amount of light, so Alaska may not be the best place to install solar panels!

Benefits of having solar power to power your home are:

* Free electricity

* Cost of solar power parts gets cheaper

* Zero pollution on the environment

Homes which are constantly getting brownouts and blackouts can benefit from solar power. You may be able to earn money, by selling your excess power to other homes or the electricity companies. And if you don't have enough power at the times of the year when there is not much sun light, you can get extra electricity from electricity companies, and your costs would be much lower.

Using your solar power in your home over time has many benefits. Each year, each month, and each day more you use solar power, you get to the point when you are actually getting into profit by having solar power. The tax breaks can also be phenomenal, making solar power an added advantage.

What is solar power? Can solar energy companies allow you to run your home with electricity from solar power? www.homesolarenergysystems.info

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More States Than Ever Are Supporting Solar Energy

2008-06-02T18:34:00.001-04:00

More States Than Ever Are Supporting Solar Energy by John Kuzniar

As more people become aware of the critical energy crisis, solar power is moving into the forefront of alternative energy sources. Here's why:

Solar power is virtually pollution free

The amount of pollution produced by solar panels is significantly less than the amount of pollution produced by other power sources. For example, these days carbon dioxide is one of the most talked about atmospheric pollutants. Even though carbon dioxide is a natural part of the atmosphere, in recent years, we as humans have began to overwhelm the earth's eco system to the point where carbon dioxide has begun to reach toxic levels. We introduce carbon dioxide into the atmosphere in many ways, but one of the primary ways is via burning woods or fossil fuels for heating. Solar panels do not emit carbon dioxide and when we replace traditional energy sources such as wood or fossil fuels with solar panels, we decrease the amount of carbon dioxide that we introduce into the atmosphere.

Solar power saves you money

The upfront purchasing and installation cost for solar panels on the typical home is currently more than the cost of equivalent traditional energy appliances such as radiators, hot water heaters, and so on. Things are changing however as recent advances in solar panel technology not only make them cheaper to produce but also increase their kilowatt output efficiency. This means that even though the initial upfront investment costs may be higher for solar panels, the long term payback in energy saving will be more dramatic and occur at a quicker rate than ever before. If you want to free yourself from the spiraling costs of oil and gas, now may well be the perfect time to take a new look at the solar technologies available in your city and state.

Solar power tax credits helps to save you even more money

Few people know this but in 2005 congress passed the Energy Policy Act which gives a 30-percent tax credit to any home that purchased residential solar water heating, photovoltaic equipment, or fuel cell properties. The law has since been extended to the end of 2008 and will potentially be extended again.

In addition, many states offer their own tax credits to homeowners and businesses. Massachusetts, for example, offers tax incentives to individuals and business that install renewable energy systems at their homes or offices. The state of Oregon's Business Tax Credit, under certain conditions, covers up to 50% of the solar system cost. More states are climbing on the solar power bandwagon every year so it's definitely worth your while to not only take advantage of the federal tax credits but also check if there are state or local tax credits available to you as well.

Solar power panels are virtually maintenance free

Solar panels, in general, have less moving parts than traditional energy appliances so there's less to go wrong. Typically, once a year you'll have to do a visual inspection, but for the most part, assuming that you've purchased quality panels, once the solar panels are in place, there's not much you have to do to maintain them - estimates range to less than 20 hours a year.

It's been a long road getting here, but solar power is finally coming into its own. And not a moment too soon, because we can no longer afford the energy sources of the last century.

John Kuzniar is a freelance writer who writes articles relating to solar power benefits and other energy saving resources and tips. Visit his site at http://www.solarpowerfamily.com .
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Camping Green: How To Enjoy the Outdoors Enviro-friendly

2008-06-01T10:01:00.000-04:00

Camping Green: How To Enjoy the Outdoors Enviro-friendly by Ben Anton

For some people, camping is a way to get back to nature while for others it means bringing out the big toys and having some fun. For the people who bring out the big motor home equipped with satellite television, cook tops, refrigerators and other neat gadgets, camping can leave a negative impact on the environment. For the people who wish to camp and do so while leaving the smallest ecological footprint possible, there are some clever tricks to keeping your camping “green” and safe.

LED Flashlights and Lanterns

LED lights are the most energy efficient light source currently available for flashlights and lanterns. They produce a brighter sustained light while still using less battery power than a traditional flashlight. In fact quality LED flashlight can provide over 600 hours of light from one set of regular AA or AAA batteries. The combination of battery savings and bulb efficiency results in up to 90% less energy consumption than any other flashlight. LED lanterns use the same bulb technology making them a good idea for having around the campsite as well.

Wind-up LED flashlights are an even more environmentally-conscious light source. These are fairly easy to use. All you have to do is wind them up to create power creating friction and turn it on. These lights don’t put out as strong of a light as a regular LED but they are an excellent option for short hiking excursions.

Cookware

Don’t use styrofoam cups while camping, no matter how convenient they may seem. The same goes for paper plates and disposable plastic forks. Instead, camp with reusable dishes and utensils and wash them after each use. This will drastically decrease the amount of trash you burn (bad for the enviro-gases pollute the air) or throw away (plastics don’t biodegrade quickly, overfilling our landfills).

Recycle

Think about what you do at home to be ecologically friendly and institute it on your camping trip. Keep paper bags or bins around for recycling. You can then easily take this stuff back with you and recycle it appropriately when you get home. Also, consider composting your trash in a bucket if you can.

Go Low -Tech

A tent and sleeping bag is far more environmentally friendly than a motor home or camper trailer. Motor homes require large amounts of fuel and energy to keep in operation every day. With the cost of energy and fuel where it is right now, your camping trip could cost you a lot less if you consider more green camping alternatives.

You can enjoy a true outdoor camping excursion more if you do it electricity free. Leave the games, portable TVs, and computers at home. Pack a cell phone or PDA in case of emergencies but turn it off or just plain leave it alone. Every little bit helps when it comes to reducing how much energy we consumer every year.

Cookstoves

Unless you’re allergic to smoke or have strong asthma symptoms, the campfire is still the most ecologically friendly way to cook food. Fueled grills require propane or electricity to operate. Campfire requires wood that can be easily picked-up off the forest floor and a light source. It may not be practical to cook everything you want on a fire but you can use it for some things to help reduce the amount of time you cook on a fueled cook stove.

Going on a green camping trip can actually be one of the more fun vacations you take this summer. Look into ways you can help make less of an impact on the environment the next time you venture out into your home state’s mountain country or forested parks.

~Ben Anton, 2008

Ben Anton lives in the Northwest and writes for Discount Lights and Knives.

Ben invites you to check out energy-efficient LED flashlights and other green camping options on DLKs website for durable camping equipment.
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The Relationship Between Recycling and the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

2008-05-31T11:55:00.000-04:00

The Relationship Between Recycling and the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Martin Barwise

Greenhouse gas emissions are known to be directly related to the perceived heightened warming of the earth's oceans and near-surface air. But how does recycling help in cutting back on greenhouse gas emissions?

Recycling is used to refer to the reprocessing of previously manufactured products (such as plastic bottles) so that their core elements (in this case, the plastic substances that make up plastic bottles) can be used to make new products later on. It should be clarified that recycling is different from re-use, because the latter simply means that the previously manufactured product (such as a plastic bottle) will be used for other purposes aside from its original use (such as when a plastic bottle is cut in half and then converted into a plant container.)

When previously manufactured products are recycled, this helps in reducing the amount of energy used to produce new products (compared to "virgin production" where products that are manufactured from substances that were taken purely from the earth's environment , also known as raw materials.) One substance that has been quite damaging to the environment is plastic, because it does not degrade and become re-absorbed into the environment. There is also less waste that goes into disposal systems such as landfills when recycling is put into play.

When products are recycled, there is less need to look for raw materials from virgin sources. For example, aluminum is one substance which can be recycled over and over again without a decline in the quality of the substance. When plastic is recycled, up to 70% of energy is saved. If paper is the substance being recycled, up to 40% of energy is saved. When less energy is used to produce a product, that means less greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere, which helps reduce the impact on the environment through the greenhouse effect.

Energy is also saved because there is less of the virgin or raw materials that has to be sought after, there is less energy needed to transport these virgin materials from their original sources, and there is less energy to be expended trying to clean up the environment when pollutants like non-biodegradable aluminum and plastic containers are dumped into landfills.

Some criticize recycling since there is still a level of energy required to transport recyclables to recycling centers and recycling plants, and in the recycling process itself. However, the energy savings derived from recycling are considerable, and much less energy will be used to make new products from recyclables compared to the use of virgin materials for manufacturing new products. Another criticism is that recycling can become impractical because the cumulative costs for recycling a certain product may outweigh the environmental benefits derived from recycling.

Despite such criticisms, it is generally accepted nowadays that recycling does help the environment by significantly reducing demands on energy supplies, so that less greenhouse gases are emitted, and can be a cost-effective solution in certain cases.

Green Store UK sells eco friendly gifts and energy saving gadgets. We have various energy saving gadgets such as the Smart Adapter which is a remote control plug set which enables you to quickly and easily turn off electric items off standby.

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Go Green With Energy Efficient Kitchen Appliances

2008-05-30T11:50:00.000-04:00

Go Green With Energy Efficient Kitchen Appliances by BraegHeneffe

Using environmentally friendly cleaning products, recycling and using biodegradable bin liners are just a few ways families are going green in the kitchen. However one of the most important, and significant changes many households are making is buying and using energy efficient kitchen appliances.

For many families, the kitchen is the room in the house where the most energy is consumed. Refrigerators, cookers, ovens, dishwashers and other kitchen appliances can account for nearly 40% of the total energy consumed in some homes. Buying energy efficient appliances, and changing the way kitchen appliances are used on a daily basis can easily make the kitchen a greener place.

Once you make the decision to buy kitchen appliances, for your new eco-friendly kitchen, it's important that you consider the size of the kitchen appliances. Many families buy oversized kitchen appliances that they don't need and end up wasting energy in the process. Larger kitchen appliances with lots of features can be very tempting. However if you have a small family, it's best to buy energy efficient kitchen appliances that will fit your family's needs, rather than opting for larger models. You'll save space, money and you'll be helping to save the environment too.

Dishwashers are great for convenience, but it's important that you use them wisely. Did you know that many of the newer, more energy efficient dishwashers use less water than old models? Additionally, many of them are engineered so that you don't have to waste additional water rinsing your dishes before you place them into the dishwasher. When buying an energy efficient dishwasher, choose a compact model, and remember to run it only when it's full to help save both energy and water.

It's imperative for families that cook often to use energy efficient appliances. Using kitchen appliances such as cookers and ovens can require a great deal of energy. When possible, use microwaves or other smaller kitchen appliances to prepare or heat food. And if you need to boil water, try using more practical smaller kitchen appliances such as a cordless kettle, rather than utilizing the cooker.

Do you still use an oven that requires preheating? Most newer models have made preheating a thing of the past, thus just one of the ways energy efficient ovens can help you reduce energy consumption. And remember, when it's time to use the oven, always try to cook more than one dish.

Another great kitchen appliance to consider when going green is a range hood. A range hood can help with the ventilation in your home, and keep the air in your kitchen cleaner. Clean air is essential in any eco-friendly environment.

When considering buying new kitchen appliances, the first thing that probably comes to mind is the price tag. While purchasing energy efficient appliances can be a significant investment initially, you'll see the savings instantly on your energy bill and save even more in the long run. Energy efficient appliances can save you between 10 - 50% in monthly energy costs. So in reality, by purchasing energy efficient appliances you're not only doing your part to help protect the environment, you're also saving a substantial sum on energy costs too.

Internet Kitchen Appliances is a leading online retailer of branded, quality kitchen appliances. CompareBase. For more information and free, impartial advice on buying energy efficient appliances, visit Internet Kitchen Appliances (IKA) online.

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The Rise in the Trend of Green Living

2008-05-29T11:25:00.002-04:00

The Rise in the Trend of Green Living by IC

More eco-friendly enthusiasts are coming out of the woodwork every year. The effects of global warming on our environment are increasing in its awareness and more people want to help make the earth a livable place for future generations to come.

Green living is on the rise all across the globe, not just in the United States. In many areas across the world, recycling has taken off and in some cases, has become a way of life. Some cultures find recycling a necessity because their own natural resources are limited and they don’t have the funds to buy new items all of the time.

Companies are making eco-friendly cleaning and pesticide products for use in the home. Instead of using chemical-based aerosols, more natural ingredients are used in the cleaning agents and bug-killing aerosols. They’re better for you and the environment.

People are beginning to tend their own organic gardens. By eliminating the harsh chemicals that are released into the air and soil, they’re making all living things healthier as well as the environment.

There are green living enthusiasts that are taking to walking or riding a bike to help save the air from the harmful emissions from congested traffic. Some are also beginning to carpooling to lessen traffic. They help the air become more breathable again.

Consumers are buying more biodegradable products - or ones that can be easily recycled. This helps keep the landfills from growing out of hand will all of the trash we throw out that won’t break down or will contaminate the soil and water supply.

There are those who are cutting down on energy costs. The less energy used in our homes, the better off the environment will be. Most of the energy saving tips are inexpensive and easy for anyone to do.

Water usage is coming down over the last decade. The more global warming awareness that we put out there, the more people are trying to save the water supply by using less water in their daily activities.

Some people are even choosing to repair the broken appliances instead of sending them off to the landfill. This not only helps the environment, but also saves people a lot of money in some cases. If it can be easily repaired, why not avoid throwing a perfectly good item away?

The bottom line is - more people are starting to care about the planet. By doing everything they can, the earth will continue to be a wonderful place to live for future generations that will inhabit it.

For more information about Green Living please visit Modern Eco Homes dot com, which sells a wide range of eco friendly pet furniture and eco friendly office furniture.

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Global Warming-Fact or Fiction?

2008-05-28T08:45:00.000-04:00

Global Warming – Fact or Fiction? by Nicky Bullimore

Some people who have studied global issues would say there was no such thing as global warming and it is all a big hoax. However, others disagree and believe that since the industrial revolution, we are having a negative affect on our environment.

The best place to start is to look at what we have already been led to believe.

The Greenhouse effect is the relationship between the earth and the sun. The sun provides the earth with the heat and energy it needs and the earth releases back that energy into space.

The greenhouse effect comes into play as the gases in the earth trap that energy so that it cannot be released back into space therefore, warming the earths environment.

The greenhouse effect is a natural process and vital to our survival, without it, the earth would be cold.

Gases such as Methane, Carbon dioxide and water vapour all trap energy from the sun and enable the warming of the earth.

It is commonly known that plants provide Carbon dioxide (C02), but not so commonly known that plants also remove carbon dioxide.

This is because, when a plant dies and is buried into the earth, these plants become fossil fuel which is coal and oil.

When coal and oil is burned, this then removes the carbon dioxide from the air around it.

200 years ago, before machinery was invented and cars filled our streets, global warming wasn’t an issue.

The natural gases which came from the earth would trap energy to warm the earth, however, since the industrial revolution, more gases are being produced, which means more energy is trapped and result is global warming.

Activists and researches cannot agree as to whether or not humans are causing global warming, but I think we can all agree that when something unnatural occurs, it affects the natural.

If we are producing more gases than what is known as natural, then you would expect that this would have an affect on our environment, but whether or not this affect is causing global warming, well, we will have to leave that down to the scientists.

It is said that in the last century the earth has warmed by 1%, although this is not a massive amount, it still could be an unnatural 1% which would have an effect on the earth’s climate.The truth of the matter is, the earth works in a certain way that even the best scientists in the world cannot fathom it. We can never assume we know it all just as we cannot 100% rely on what we already believe we know as there could be many unknown factors that have not been taken into account.

It is natural to believe that we are having some kind of affect on our environment in comparison to 200 years ago, but is the cause of global warming? I guess we couldn’t say either way, but what we do know is that we need to keep it in mind and do what we can to help our environment.

Nicky Bullimore has been working in Search engine markeing and writing articles on various topics for a number of years. For more information about Environmental News and global warming issues, please visit the Enlighten website.

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Do We Really Need To Save Water?

2008-05-27T08:40:00.000-04:00

Do We Really Need To Save Water? by John Edwin

Most U.S. citizens, when they think about water shortages, most likely think about them as a local problem. Maybe in their town or city, or maybe in their state or region. They probably don’t usually regard such problems as particularly worrisome, being confident in the fact that the problem will most likely be handled by investment in infrastructure or other management strategies. If any water feuds arise, for instance between Arizona and California, they expect them to be resolved through negotiations or a courtroom.

However if we shift from a local to a global perspective the issue dramatically changes. The World Bank reports that eighty countries now have water shortages that threaten health and economies while 40 percent of the world, more than 2 billion people, have no access to clean water or sanitation. In this context, we cannot expect water conflicts to always be amenably resolved.

Another interesting point to consider is that more than a dozen nations receive most of their water from rivers that cross borders of neighboring countries viewed as hostile. These include Botswana, Bulgaria, Cambodia, the Congo, Gambia, the Sudan, and Syria, all of whom receive 75 percent or more of their fresh water from the river flow of hostile upstream neighbors.

What does this have to do with me? I live in the U.S., I can’t help the poor people of Botswana with their drought problems. I can only do what I can do, right? That may be the case, but when you consider the water shortage problems worldwide, the issue becomes a lot more real to you. You may start to take water shortage issues with some context and realize that your own country could be afflicted by similar issues in the not so distant future. “How do you mean?” you say. “Where’s the drought?”.

I’ll tell you where the drought is. It’s in half of the United States. The following link goes to a U.S. Drought Monitor that updates on a daily basis. It only takes a cursory glance to see that we are not immune to effects of drought and water shortage. We may not have hostile borders, and our rivers may be our own, but an ever increasing population still results in an ever decreasing amount of groundwater.

Consider the cycle that brings us fresh water. Rain falls from the sky. This water collects in the ground, feeding lakes, rivers, etc. Cities and towns tap into this resource and people like you and I wash our dishes, clothes, bodies and water our lawns. Consider the fact that our population is ever increasing, however we can’t make it rain. Now you may begin to see the importance of being aware of your water consumption habits.

Water conservation is one issue out of many environmental issues, that with only a slight awareness, we can make a dramatic reduction in our everyday consumption. Better to cut back now, than pay through the nose later in my opinion.

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Water Saving Toilet Refill Tube

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Biodiesel: The Fundamentals

2008-05-26T08:36:00.000-04:00

Biodiesel: The Fundamentals by Peter Van den Berg

Any vegetable oil like Soya oil as also oils used for frying can go to make biodiesel. In diesel engines, one can either use biodiesel fully replacing diesel or combination of diesel and biodiesel in any proportion. The fuel tank can be filled with just diesel, just biodiesel or diesel-biodiesel at any ratio.

Why Biodiesel?

Demand for fuels like diesel or petroleum is so overwhelming that most of the countries have to import them. On the other hand, biodiesel can easily be manufactured indigenously. Thus precious dollars which would otherwise have gone to a foreign country can be saved and dependence on them for fuels reduced. While biodiesel manufacturing would create job within the country, reduction of import would strengthen the balance of trade. Isn’t that great? Apart from these economic considerations, the other weighing factor is that the oil is not going to last forever. Oil is non-renewable and also a pollutant. Biodiesel is ever renewable and without any toxic effects. As it is made from vegetable oil, it is no pollutant of air. We all know how rampant use of carbon fossil fuels is contributing to global warming and climatic change. The air is foul with carbon emissions. With biodiesel which is almost free from carbon, emissions warming the globe are almost gone and we can take a deep breath in a cleaner air. The wear and tear of automobile engines is far less when diesel is replaced by biodiesel. Even a small addition of biodiesel to the diesel increases the lubrication which means longer engine life. Less noise and less smoke- that’s what clinches the deal for biodiesel. Anyone who has abhorred the belching smoke and the engine noise of a diesel run automobile would heartily welcome the soothing biodiesel.

Minuses

Biodiesel is also not without its disadvantages. In spite of steadily rising availability, biodiesel is still to be available readily across the country. The consumption for biodiesel is increasing by leaps and bounds (gone up 5 times in 5 years between 2001 and 2006) and the indigenous production can hardly keep pace with this growth in consumption. Using biodiesel in fuel tanks hitherto using diesel clogs the fuel filter by peeling off the accumulated diesel on the tank wall. This may be a problem for the fuel injectors. Biodiesel is more gelling than diesel and at a temperature below 32 degrees Fahrenheit may get a little sticky. The problem can be overcome by keeping the proportion of biodiesel to 20% and mixing the fuel with 80% diesel. This combination is most widely used having a gel point of 15 degrees Fahrenheit. In extreme cold climates, additives like kerosene in the diesel-biodiesel mixture can further bring down the gel point. While biodiesel poses no problems for new cars, rubbers used in fuel lines of old cars may get eroded with use of biodiesel. The NOx emissions from biodiesel cause smog but reductions of greenhouse gases far outweigh this small disadvantage.

This article is written by Peter Vandenberg for Biodiesel Expansion.
http://www.biodiesel-expansion.com is a website dedicated to alternative fuels.

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Your Water Footprint-Do You Use Over 1,000 Gallons Per Day?

2008-05-26T08:30:00.000-04:00

Your Water Footprint - Do you use over 1,000 gallons per day? by John Edwin

I consider myself a pretty average person as far as my personal habits are concerned. I get up for work just like everyone else. I hop in the shower, I shave, I have breakfast, I brush my teeth. Sounds pretty average to me right? Turns out, my "average" habits, mean I use 1,219.42 gallons of water per day! Well, maybe I'm an anomaly. Maybe the Water Footprint calculator I used went screwy on my personal data. The average American must use way less water than that, right? Apparently the average Water Footprint of an American is 1,190 gallons per day! How can that be possible?

Start by asking yourself a few questions. We'll start with the easy ones. How much time do you spend in the shower each day, ten minutes maybe? How much time do you spend in front of you bathroom sink each day? Maybe another ten minutes? Do you turn the faucet off when you brush your teeth? Do you "let it mellow"? That last question had me stumped. I had to Google the definition. Suffice to say, most people probably don't let it mellow, count yourself among them.

If you answered ten minutes, you don't turn off the faucet and you don't let it mellow, you are just like me. You are well on your way to using 1,219.42 gallons of water a day my friend! Impossible you say? Well, let's ask ourselves a couple of harder questions then.

Do you have a low-flow showerhead in your home? How about a low-flow toilet, or any low-flow faucets? I actually do not have any of these conservative appliances and it's a real shame, but at the same time, I use more water than the average American. By using a low-flow or dual flush toilet you can evidently save as much as 2.5 gallons per flush. A low-flow showerhead can reduce water consumption by up to a gallon per minute! If you have any low-flow appliances in your house you're doing better than me, but are you doing better than the average American at 1,190 gallons per day? We have a few more questions yet.

Do you eat meat and dairy like the average American? Do you recycle your papers and plastics? How about recycling your clothes? How much do you drive? Conserving gasoline means conserving water as well. The production processes of all these things use obscene amounts of water, and the only way to cut down on that kind of water consumption is to either not consume the product, or cut down on your consumption. Take meat and dairy as an example. I like my steak and eggs as much as the next guy. Turns out that I am indirectly consuming over 1,000 gallons of water a day from my eating habits alone! Now I don't expect anyone to become a vegetarian in the name of water conservation, but there are few things we can do, that will not only decrease our water consumption levels, but decrease our overall waste as well.

Recycling depots for paper and plastics are very common and easy to find in every city. Consider that by recycling these products, you not only save on some of the water that goes into producing them (don't kid yourself, it will take water to recycle them as well), but you can conserve trees and the mountains of waste that go into dumps and landfills every day, not to mention the energy expended in the production process.

Maybe we can't reasonably save 1,190 gallons of water every day in our consumer based society, but I'm willing to bet we can cut down substantially on that number. I know I can. The low-flow appliances look to be the easiest to implement, and how cool will your bathroom be with a dual flush toilet installed? It all starts at home, and it can be a real eye opener when you realize just how much water can be saved with virtually no effort.

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Green Buiding and Green Design On the Rise

2008-05-25T08:22:00.000-04:00

Green building and green design on the rise by Al Zan

Green building is becoming increasingly more popular with architects, builders and homeowners each year. Consumers’ environmental awareness is growing and they have come to demand more naturally sustainable and recycled materials incorporated in the construction and renovation of their homes and favor homes that utilize construction and design techniques that improve energy efficiency and reduce indoor air pollution. These green home building techniques not only let homeowners feel good about leaving a smaller environmental footprint, but can provide long-term savings in utility bills.

Does a greener house have to look like a yurt or geodesic dome like so many of the first-generation eco-houses of the 1970s? On the contrary, green-built homes are often indistinguishable from their traditional counterparts. Green buildings will, however, function much differently. Their heating and cooling costs will be lower if they are sited to maximize wind-sheltering trees and incorporate passive solar design principles.

Green building is a growing segment of the new home and home renovation market. Go to any Homebuilders Expo these days and you’ll find plenty of vendors exhibiting green building products and services, from energy-efficient appliances to roof shingles made of recycled plastic to architecture firms that specialize in sustainable design. The hit television series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition has incorporated green building in many of its episodes, in part to help out its financially struggling families with lower energy and maintenance bills for the future, but also in recognition of this progressive trend in the building industry.

Realtors are finding that green architecture components are a good selling point for their listings. Homebuyers in this relaxed housing market can be more selective about their many housing options and the long-term economies of green homes make for an attractive real estate package. Banks and financial lenders are also recognizing the investment value inherent in green construction and are responding by offering more favorable terms for these loan customers.

There is also the social trend of environmentalism as a way of life. Just as consumers are veering away from sport-utility vehicles and snapping up hybrid and more fuel-efficient cars, so too are prospective home buyers thinking twice about the status of traditionally-designed houses and thinking more about building green.

If you are interested in learning more about green design, check out your next home builders fair in your area or contact a local architect to discuss this exciting home building and renovation option. You’ll be happy you did.

See more on the topic of green homes at Greenhomeguide.org.
Click here to read more on Science.

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People Are Becoming Aware of Eco Friendly Outdoor Furniture

2008-05-24T08:10:00.000-04:00

People are Becoming Aware of Eco Friendly Outdoor Furniture by IC

Around the world, as people become more aware of the serious environmental problems affecting everyone, many are burying their heads in the sand and hoping it will all go away. For others there is no avoiding this problem, and large numbers of ordinary people are turning to environmentally friendly products to use in their everyday lives.

These people are trying to make small but significant changes in the way they look at their everyday lives, and the items they purchase, with a view to not only cost and quality, but also how the manufacture, and use of these products impact the world at large.

Modern eco-friendly furniture is a small but significant part of this new environmentally conscious attitude towards the items that we buy for our homes. Many people these days want to be able to make an informed decision with regard to how an item was produced in relation to this environmental impact.

Modern eco friendly furniture will not in itself save the planet, but with the threat of global warming it is important to try wherever possible, to make environmentally friendly decisions with regard to any home decor buys.

Eco friendly outdoor furniture is made from renewable and nontoxic materials and is made with processors that do not cause environmental damage.

For example, many pieces of modern eco friendly furniture are made from wood; well you wouldn't think that was very environmentally friendly, cutting down trees.

But as opposed to regular wood furniture found in your local store, modern eco friendly furniture is made from timber produced by certified wood harvesting sites.These sites are closely monitored to ensure the trees are grown specifically for harvesting and after the mature trees are cut down they are replaced at the same time by planting saplings.

In addition, developments in manufacturing methods mean that a significant proportion of ‘wooden’ eco friendly outdoor furniture is not actually made from wood; it is produced from bamboo, which grows at a fast rate and is easily replenished.

By making a conscious decision to buy this ‘eco friendly’ outdoor furniture, you can help to prevent deforestation, because no virgin forest is involved in its manufacture.

Unlike many overpriced environmentally friendly products, this eco-friendly outdoor furniture has a comparable price to regular outdoor furniture.There is an excellent choice of styles available from the traditional to the ultramodern, there is a wide choice of quality furniture available, and if there is not a store near your home it is easy to order online.

For more information about Green Living please visit Modern Eco Homes dot com, which sells a wide range of eco friendly furniture and solar powered products.

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Has The Electric Dryer Come To The End Of Its Life?

2008-05-20T09:44:00.000-04:00

Has The Electric Dryer Come To The End Of Its Life? by Kelly Nickless

As Global Warming and Climate Change start to show us that they are indeed a real advent of our modern society, when do we get to a point and say, well some things just have to change!

Our kids demand of us we leave this planet in the best shape we can if they say so or not, its our own moral duty that can actually save us money when we go about it. Some key points that are discussed here revolve around the availability of environmentally friendly products that can be used to dry any amount of household washing.

The main environmental aspect of using these eco friendly products is that your homes eco foot print is minimised, as the CO2 emissions produced for powering tumble dryers are reduced or eliminated altogether.

One of the largest consumers of energy in the home is the electric or gas fired tumble dryer, and I often wonder how big a change could be made if everybody got behind the removal of these energy suckers from the planet.

This also has a flow-on effect in the home as your electric and energy bills are reduced, your clothing smells better plus lasts longer, and you have more money in your back pocket to spend how you please, not just pour into ever increasing utility bills.

Right at your very feet in your local hardware or on the net, you will find a selection of eco friendly products to dry clothes in all sorts of situations.

Products available today include ones such as ceiling mounted clothes airers that utilise the heat trapped in your home or your homes heating to dry washing.

On sunny days outdoor washing lines like folding frame and wall mounted lines plus rotary lines are free to run and can dry clothes in a very short period of time, especially when you have a small breeze blowing.

Washing lines, drying racks and airers provide many ways to dry clothes wether inside or out, and in all countries throughout the world.

I believe that with all these environmentally friendly drying products available today, there will come a time when we see a large shift away from the electric tumble dryer and maybe even its ultimate demise, which I do not see as a bad thing at all!

kelly writes for Eco Washing Lines and the new UK washing line site Mrs Peggs Handy Line

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Does Eco Friendly Mean The End for the Tumble Dryer?

2008-05-18T07:55:00.003-04:00

Does Eco Friendly Mean The End For The Tumble Dryer? by Kelly Nickless

As Global Warming and Climate Change start to show us that they are indeed a real advent of our modern society, when do we get to a point and say, well some things just have to change!

Our kids demand of us we leave this planet in the best shape we can if they say so or not, its our own moral duty that can actually save us money when we go about it. My key focus for this article today is the electric tumble dryer or electric clothes drying devices, as I feel these types of products can easily be replaced with modern day eco friendly products for the drying of laundry and washing.

Carbon Dioxide pollutants can be slashed in your home when Eco friendly products are used instead of conventional dryers.

One of the largest consumers of energy in the home is the electric or gas fired tumble dryer, and I often wonder how big a change could be made if everybody got behind the removal of these energy suckers from the planet.

This also has a flow-on effect in the home as your electric and energy bills are reduced, your clothing smells better plus lasts longer, and you have more money in your back pocket to spend how you please, not just pour into ever increasing utility bills.

Right at your very feet in your local hardware or on the net, you will find a selection of eco friendly products to dry clothes in all sorts of situations.

Products available today include ones such as ceiling mounted clothes airers that utilise the heat trapped in your home or your homes heating to dry washing.

Another type of device is the rotary washing line or clothes line that is for outdoor use, which uses the suns warmth and energy to dry your washing at no cost to you or the environment.

Portable washing line and clothes lines are also very popular as they allow you to dry your clothes outside in the sun on a fine day or inside using your homes warmth on a miserable or rainy day.

If the world changed overnight and the electric dryer was gone, I would shed no tear as these types of products are not needed with the technology available to us today!

Kelly is a very keen eco friendly writer and writes for Eco Washing Lines and also Mrs Peggs Handy Line

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Green Wedding

2008-05-17T09:14:00.001-04:00

Green Wedding by

How do you feel about the environment and living green? Why not have an all-natural, eco-friendly wedding! Green weddings are actually some of the most beautiful weddings around, not only is having a Green Wedding is great for the environment but the wedding is very unique from all the others. When planning a Green Wedding there are three things to keep in mind; Reduce, reuse and recycle! It’s just natural for it to be stylish.

Obviously when it comes to the food, it will be organic or fair trade. That’s just a given. Try even serving berry pies with organic berries rather than a wedding cake. A great drink to serve is biodynamically farmed wines. Also, donating left overs is very popular because you are not letting any food go to waste. A great idea for invitations is to use recycled materials or even email. It still get the job done, but in an environmentally friendly way. There are several materials that can be used for confetti. The first is biodegradable confetti also known as ecofetti or flower pedals which is actually very traditional itself. When it comes to kitchenware, use eco-friendly products. You can even use compostable cutlery. It’s made from non GMO corn starch and can literally be thrown into your home compost pile. The wardrobe in the wedding is always very difficult to decide on. In a green wedding, clothes should be rented so they keep on being re-used. If you know you are going to wear the outfit more than once, then it is safe to buy it because it will not go to waste. Or you can look for Hemp gowns or clothes made with organic cotton. Many women are interested to recycle their wedding dress. You can visit nearlynewbridal.com to buy or sell used wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, tuxedos, flower girl dresses, etc. Hold the wedding ceremony locally.

You will spend less on traveling and also save on gas. Car pooling is a great idea; this saves a huge amount on gas, especially if you’re planning a large wedding. This will keep for a healthier environment and will reduce the amount of pollution being put into the air. At the dinner table, rather than using regular paper napkins use rice paper napkins. When it comes to decorating, hemp draping should be included. Now listen to this, a new product has come to the market in candles. In your green wedding be sure to use Soy Candles. They are made from renewable crops and burn cleaner and 30% longer than paraffin candles, and they contain 100% biodegradable materials. Great additions to centre pieces are milk soaps. They are hypoallergenic and are made from all natural ingredients which make them great for the skin! Another idea for all natural centre pieces is herbs and natural spices. They would look stunning in small crystal glasses tied in neat ribbon for decoration. A common centre piece is small jars of honey stack in several patterns on the table. Each guest is able to take one home with them as a gift from the newly weds. Another great idea for gifts to the guests are all natural lip bombs made from all natural ingredients.

Wedding Photography Videography Disc Jockey Limos in TorontoBabylon Productions Wedding Photography & Video Productions Toronto we specialize in individually tailored Wedding Photos & Videography

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Eco-Friendly Choices

2008-05-15T09:00:00.001-04:00

Eco-Friendly Choices by Stacey Moore

Increasingly, consumers are working to protect the Earth from such growing environmental threats as global warming, chemicals leaching into the soil, overflowing landfills and the rising cost of petroleum.

The good news is that environmentally friendly products are available, including consumer goods made from recycled materials, such as paper towels and plastic utensils.

One solution is EATware™, a line of environmentally friendly, high-quality, single-use products for fast food restaurants and food packaging. The line is part of a trend toward using not just biodegradable ingredients, but sustainable ingredients, as well. Instead of using petroleum, EATware is made with fast-growing bamboo, sugarcane, and other readily available fibers. It's environmentally friendly not only as post-consumer waste, but is created using an ecologically sound manufacturing process to minimize energy consumption and environmental pollution.

To learn more, visit the Web site at www.eatware.com.

Products made from sugarcane, bamboo, and other readily available fibers are helping reduce the waste in America's landfills.

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Packaging & The Environment: Corrugated Cardboard

2008-05-13T20:21:00.000-04:00

Packaging & The Environment: Corrugated Cardboard by Mark Reid

Eco-friendly products are currently in high demand. Consumers are very much aware of the need for products which can be reduced, re-used or recycled. This even goes as far as the packaging materials in which the product arrives. Many traditional packaging materials are not eco-friendly, such as polystyrene loosefill or plastic blister packs, but many of these products have alternatives which would achieve the same results, whilst keeping costs to a minimum. As suppliers, more attention needs to be paid to sourcing packaging which is much more ‘ecologically sound’.

Corrugated cardboard is used as one of the most fundamental items in packaging, the humble cardboard box. Used extensively throughout the world, cardboard boxes or cartons are the backbone of most transit packaging. Corrugated cardboard may at first seem like a very bad resource for use in eco-friendly packaging materials, (destruction of forests, destroying eco-systems) but this is not strictly true, as many of the paper based materials in use are cut from sustainable woodlands. Aside from this, there are other benefits to using corrugated cardboard packaging.

All cardboard boxes can be reused & recycled. This means that less resources are used in the future, as recycled corrugated cardboard can be used in making further cardboard boxes, and re-use of boxes ensures maximum life-span of the original materials. Although many corrugated cardboard boxes are not usually 100% recycled, (70-90% on average), it is possible to purchase boxes which are entirely made from recycled corrugated cardboard.

It is not just the corrugated boxes which can be made of recycled materials but also inserts for these boxes., such as those used to hold wine bottles in place or specialist die-cut inserts.

Boxes are not the only product made from corrugated cardboard. Single-face corrugated paper rolls, corrugated mailing wraps, shredded kraft papers & corrugated sheet-board made from 100% recycled materials can all be purchased.

The incentive to use recycled corrugated cardboard packaging materials is due to a number of factors. These include the reduced cost of packaging materials, (as recycled materials generally cost less than virgin materials), & the opening up of further demographic markets, as many consumers will base their purchasing habits on how eco-friendly a product appears to be, including the packaging materials products are despatched in.

It is no longer just good enough to provide a quality product at an affordable price. It must be considered just how eco-friendly your product is, including any packaging materials which are involved. If this is over-looked, then be prepared to pay in lost sales & lost customers.

Mark Reid works for Postpack Ltd, an online manufacturer & distributor of packaging materials throughout the UK, Ireland & Europe. They provide free samples if required, offer free delivery for orders over £100 and operate a free bespoke design service. Click here to order a comprehensive range of environmentally friendly packaging materials online

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Recycling Cell Phones

2007-09-18T13:21:00.001-04:00

cycling Cell PhonesRecycling Cell Phones

Recycle Cell Phones
Technological advancements providing users with improved reception through integrated antenna systems, reduced size and weight of cell phones, along with numerous feature sets, and storage improvements have caused the bulk of cellular phone users and enthusiasts to upgrade to new and improved handsets. The low cost of cell phones and the added technological improvements mean that the majority of cellular phone users are on their 2nd or 3rd generation hand set.

Environmental Concerns
What many don't realize is that in many cases, the materials used to construct cell phones are toxic. Toxic elements found in many of today's cell phones can include arsenic, in semi-conductors and lead in the solder material. While the materials in a single phone are minimal consider the number of discarded cell phones in the relatively short time the technology has been available. The placement of these devices in landfills will cause long lasting damage and harm to the environment.

Recycling aged wireless equipment is a sensible alternative. Valuable materials can be recovered from used wireless devices in a number of different ways. In some cases, certain components may be separated by manual or simple mechanical means. The components can often be reused or melted down for alternative uses.

Cell Phone Disposal - What Options Exist?
Cell Phone Disposal - What Options Exist? The cell phone industry, understanding concerns related to the disposal of cell phones and PDAs have created alternatives to both refurbish and recycle the materials in older style cellular phones.

Wireless Recycling - http://www.wirelessrecycling.com - ReCellular Inc. is the largest recycler and reseller of used wireless phones and accessories in the wireless industry. A pioneer in charitable recycling arrangements, ReCellular has well-established partnerships with Easter Seals, the March of Dimes, and National Organization on Disability, Goodwill Industries, and The Body Shop. In addition, over 2,000 grassroots organizations from Boy Scout troops to religious organizations around the country work to collect wireless phones to support their philanthropic efforts. Charities can raise funds by increasing community awareness and acting as a wireless collection center.

Wireless Foundation - http://www.wirelessfoundation.org/DonateaPhone/index.cfm - Wireless Foundation refurbishes and provides cell phones to victims of domestic violence so that they can be used in the event of an emergency. The Call To Protect campaign also collects wireless phones to benefit victims of domestic violence. Proceeds from the sale of phones help fund agencies that fight domestic violence and are used to support educational efforts of the Wireless Foundation. Other phones are refurbished and become lifelines for domestic violence victims when faced with an emergency situation.

Recycle Wireless Phones - http://www.recyclewirelessphones.com - Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association (CTIA*) and its member companies are committed to the goal of sustainable development and the environmentally sound management of their wireless products at end-of-life. Through its Wireless . . . The New Recyclable program, CTIA is educating the public on the options available for properly recycling used wireless devices. The program seeks to promote the collection of used wireless devices and ensure that collected wireless products will be managed properly. The site provides a directory of collection options.

AT&T Wireless - http://www.attwireless.com/our_company/cares/recycle_program.jhtml - Through the AT&T Wireless Reuse & Recycle program, consumers are invited to bring unwanted wireless phones, accessories and batteries (regardless of the manufacturer or carrier) to an AT&T Wireless retail store for recycling. AT&T Wireless is the first wireless carrier to partner with Keep America Beautiful, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that focuses on waste impact minimization, litter prevention, beautification, community improvement and improvement of public places. Proceeds from the recycling of wireless phones, batteries and accessories are donated to Keep America Beautiful.

Call2Recycle - http://www.call2recycle.org/ - RBRC’s Call2Recycle™ program collects used cellular phones to benefit the environment and charitable organizations. With the help of consumers and 30,000 participating retail locations, RBRC's do their part in helping to keep cell phones out of the landfills.

HopeLine - http://www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline - The HopeLine phone recycling program is an exclusive program that uses wireless services and equipment to assist victims in emergency domestic violence situations. HopeLine collects wireless phones that are no longer being used. The used phones are either refurbished and recycled or sold. With the funds raised from the sale of the refurbished phones, Verizon Wireless purchases wireless phones and donates airtime to victims of domestic violence through human services and law enforcement agencies.

About the Author:

Sharon Housley manages marketing for NotePage, Inc. http://www.notepage.net a company specializing in alphanumeric paging, SMS and wireless messaging software solutions. Other sites by Sharon can be found at http://www.softwaremarketingresource.com , and http://www.small-business-software.net

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Eco-Friendly Fashion Footwear

2007-09-01T08:58:00.001-04:00

Eco-Friendly Fashion Footwear: Cruelty Free Fashion Shoes Every Woman Must Have This Fall/Winter by Sara Kubersky

Most Vegan women like myself dread of the thought that over 35 million beautiful, intelligent animals are killed just for their fur or leather on their backs (and that’s only the wintertime!), but that doesn’t stop us from being every bit as stylish as our carnivorous counterparts. Except for the fact, that we only want cruelty-free fashion, we have the same desire to collect dozens upon dozens of sandals, sneakers, loafers, flip-flops, knee-high boots, and other footwear for our shoe wardrobe. Ten years ago, this would have been a challenge – one that would seem almost impossible as all vegan shoes practically looked the same.

Nowadays, finding cruelty-free shoes isn’t as hard as it sounds. Now more than ever, companies are beginning to cater to those with a cruelty-free fashion sense and are now offering a wider variety to choose from. As this trend continues to emerge, the only challenge you will have is figuring out how many shoes do you really need. You’ll have to begin asking yourself how many of them do you really love, and how many fit well, complement your fashion style and are versatile enough to serve multiple purposes.

Here are 5 fall/winter fashion shoe styles to help you create a cruelty-free shoe wardrobe so all encompassing, so perfect, that no matter what the occasion is, you'll have just the right eco-friendly shoe

1. One pair of weather-protective footwear.

If you could only buy one boot in your life, an eco-friendly, air-seal range boot like the 14-Eye Boot from Vegetarian Shoes is the one to go with. If you spend a good amount of time outdoors, go with two pairs. Air-seal range boots sporting steel tipped toe and a sole made from rubber tires will provide you with that everlasting quality you need and want.

2. One or two pairs of fashion boots in a medium or dark neutral.

These leather alternative boots are classic enough for work-wear yet sexy enough to add an edge to jeans and an everyday tee. Top-of-the-calf boots with a flat heel are one of the cold weather season’s hottest looks, but are surprisingly in-demand even as the weather grows warmer. For those of you who love the Engineer boots, but want something a little more fitted, the Biker boots are perfect! When you’re feeling a little “rebel”, wear them as biker boots. When your style is more classic looking, just take off the buckle, instantly providing you with simple, comfortable boots that go with everything.

3. One pair of chic looking boots

Almost knee high boots like the Aurora, give you a chic look with straight skirts and classic-cut trousers. They can be worn with bare legs or opaque winter stockings. Plus, they work well with formal and near-formal wear, they add sophistication to jeans, and instantly dress up a denim skirt and cardigan like nothing else can. You can also get the same look with Alta style that is only 11” from the top of the shoe to the bottom of this eco-friendly fashion footwear. The upper is made from the highest quality synthetic micro-fibers while the lining is usually comprised of extremely soft synthetic micro-fibers or fleece.

4. One pair of neutral-colored casual boots for the weekend

A woman can never go wrong with classics such as the Amy boot. Your weekend casual cruelty-free boot should have an extremely soft and flexible sole making it extremely comfortable for all day wear. Make sure your casual eco-friendly boots exteriors are made of “leather" like synthetic micro-fibers giving you that stylish look, while the interior is made of a soft cotton lining and a generous foot bed that will accommodate your feet.

5. One pair of attractive non-leather sneakers.

The fall time is the perfect time to run around the track at your nearby park, and enjoy your surroundings. Whether your eco-friendly non-leather sneakers are made from hemp or synthetic micro-fibers, they are go well with your tracksuit, yet hard-working enough to perform at the gym. The best athletic/sporty shoes are the pairs that have an extremely supportive EVA sole, and a thick padded tongue.

If you follow the above tips you will create the perfect eco-friendly fall/winter woman's fashion footwear wardrobe, that no matter what the occasion is, you will have the perfect non-leather shoe. Remember, no one can have fashion without compassion.

Sara Kubersky and her sister Erica,Founders of Moo Shoes, opened the first cruelty-free store of its kind in NYC. Later as popularity for eco-friendly fashion-wear grew, they opened their Vegan online store. Subscribe for their Moo News monthly newsletter at http://www.mooshoes.com/news.html, and be the first to find out about new shoes, bags, accessories and cosmetics and other products hitting the Vegan marketplace.

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Select An Earth Friendly Product

2007-08-30T08:57:00.001-04:00

Select An Earth Friendly Product: Good For Your Health, Good For The Environment by IPRWire Staff Writer -

Our earth is everyone’s responsibility. We all want to have a healthy environment to pass on to our children, but it can often seem like eco-friendly behavior is difficult to attain. Environmentally conscious consumers will be happy to hear that more and more earth friendly product lines are being developed to make healthy living simple and convenient.

Living an earth loving life is not just good for the environment in the long run, it is also good for your health immediately. The chemical products that have become so ubiquitous in our society’s day to day life are making people very sick. Research is now linking chemicals found in everyday household products to a prevalence of allergic reactions, occurrences of asthmatic attacks, and even the rise of cancer. An earth friendly product provides a healthy alternative that will work great and not make people sick.

There are many harmful aspects of our homes that we have little control over. It is unfortunate, but many of us live in homes that were built in ways that are not ecologically friendly. Although many people are not aware of it, their homes are filled with pollutants in the form of paint, fabrics, and the very building materials that hold up the roof. These products emit fumes and gases that actually cause the air inside a house to be more polluted than the air outside.

Although homeowners tend to start in an environmental deficit, this does not mean that they cannot make their houses healthy over time. Natural home products have been developed for all aspects of life, including home building materials, chemical free cleaning products, organic foods, natural beauty products, and environmentally friendly fabrics. By always selecting an earth friendly product, consumers can ensure that everything new entering the house will contribute to the overall good of the family’s health and the environment’s future.

There is now no excuse for using chemical based products. First, it is easy to find retailers that carry natural products. Shoppers no longer have to go to specialty stores because the earth friendly product they desire is likely stocked on their local store’s shelf and can even be found online. Second, as the products gain strong fan bases, clear favorites are starting to stand out. Next time you are out shopping, look to see which products most people are reaching for. Finally, unlike before, natural products are very competitively priced, making them affordable for all budgets.

The goal of LiveEarthFriendly.com is to bring news, tips, information, links, earth friendly products and natural skin care products that are earth friendly together in one place.

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Live An Eco-Friendly Lifestyle

2007-08-29T10:30:00.001-04:00

Live An Eco-Friendly Lifestyle by Wendy Mitchell

Celebrities, politicians, designers and others are jumping on the "green" wagon to promote easy and stylish ways to complement their lifestyle and protect the Earth. Living green is the latest trend, and with so many manufacturers and retailers now offering environmentally friendly products and services, it is "in" to be green.

"Living an eco-friendly lifestyle has never been more important," says Eva Yusa, also known as "Eva the Shopping Diva," shopping expert and blogger for comparison shopping Web site ShopLocal.com. "With lower-emission cars, energy-saving homes and appliances and vintage clothing, consumers have multiple choices when it comes to making a difference."

Incorporating green items into your everyday routine can be a smooth transition. However, the biggest challenge can be recognizing how and where to find Earthsaving savvy products while shopping. Eva offers these easy ways to go green:

Create Your Own Green Scene

If you're looking to refresh your home's décor, check out manufacturers that use rapidly renewable resources in furniture, mattresses, flooring and beyond. Both aesthetically and environmentally pleasing, high-style green furniture features materials such as reclaimed plastic and nontoxic dyes and stains, which all help sustain the environment and produce little to no off-gassing in your home. In addition, there are a number of green, energy-saving appliances on the market to choose from to complete any kitchen or laundry space.

If you're itching to add a little color to your walls, companies that produce low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paint offer a wide variety of shades and finishes that are sure to satisfy your decorating whims.

Stylish and Sustainable

Eco-friendly fashion has come a long way from burlap tunics and hemp sandals. Nowadays, many clothing labels incorporate natural and recycled fibers such as organic cotton and silk produced without pesticides into trendy jeans, tees, dresses and lingerie.

Designers have even taken an environmentally friendly approach to accessories by using low-impact materials such as bamboo and other sustainable woods in everything from sunglasses to belts. You can search online to find designers and labels dedicated to keeping the world both fashionable and green.

Or go vintage with antique clothing, linens and accessories that can be purchased at second-hand or specialty stores.

Show Retailers Some Love

Since shipping can have negative effects on the environment, you can take advantage of Web sites such as ShopLocal.com to find and compare bargain prices right in the neighborhood. Finding deals online first and then buying locally can help the environment by cutting down on the amount of gas used traveling from store to store in search of the perfect item.

For more information on what you can do to please Mother Earth, go to Eva's blog at www.ShopLocal.com/EvatheShoppingDivaBlog.fp.

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How To Make An Organic Moisturizer

2007-08-29T09:31:00.002-04:00

How To Make An Organic Moisturizer by Louise Forrest

Organic Skin Care must include moisturizers. Although it is handy to purchase these in a ready to use form, you may want to try some of the following homemade moisturizers for a luxurious change on occasion.

You will find that they leave your skin feeling like a million bucks. If cost is a concern, check prices online before choosing a certain recipe. Keep in mind that the more essential oil that the recipe calls for, the more expensive it is to make. In places that the essential oil is more for light fragrance than for necessity to the recipe, it is marked as 'optional.' Any essential oils marked this way can be omitted or changed to a scent that you prefer. For those not marked optional, you need them for the recipe to work like it should.

By packaging the moisturizers in small Mason jars, you leave yourself open to decorate and give as gifts in a pinch. Place a bit of colorful fabric over the flat lid to the jar, screw the ring on, wrap a color coordinated ribbon around the ring and add a personal tag and you have a ready to give, organic skin care gift from the heart. Just be sure that you are willing to share the recipe or they may drive you crazy wanting more!

Quick and Simple Moisturizer:

Jojoba Oil is great for any skin type and absorbs easily. Apply a small amount to your freshly cleaned face before you dry it. The water on your face is very important to the use of this oil as a moisturizer. For added enjoyment, mix a drop of your favorite organic essential oil to the jojoba just before application. For anti-aging help, use one teaspoon of jojoba and a dab of active royal jelly (found in refrigerated in health food stores); keep your royal jelly refrigerated or it becomes inactive and no good to you.

Anti-aging Dry Skin Moisturizer

4 ounces shea butter

2 ounces organic olive oil

2 teaspoons organic vitamin E oil, 5000 IU

1 teaspoon active royal jelly (refrigerated section of health food stores)

6 drops organic lavender essential oil

Mix all ingredients on high until smooth and creamy. Store refrigerated in an airtight container. It is necessary to make small amounts of this at a time and keep refrigerated because of the active royal jelly. This is an awesome ingredient for its healing properties and well worth the effort.

Super Simple Moisturizer

With only 2 necessary ingredients, this one is a breeze. Mix 1/4 cup pure aloe vera gel (directly from plant) and 2 tablespoons organic vegetable glycerin. This amount is for use over the entire body. Use immediately because aloe vera gel begins to lose potency immediately. For added effects, you can add 3 or 4 drops of your favorite essential oil or you can add 1/2 teaspoon of active royal jelly for anti aging effects. Active royal jelly must be kept refrigerated to remain active and can be found in refrigerated sections of health food stores.

Dry Skin Moisturizing Cream

This moisturizer has the healing qualities of aloe vera, the anti-oxidant qualities of Vitamin E, and a variety of oils specifically chosen to infuse dry, tired skin with moisture and a renewed radiance.

1/3 cup aloe vera gel (taken directly from plant)

1/4 cup beeswax (liquefied)

1/3 cup coconut oil

3 drops grape seed extract

6 drops of organic lavender essential oil (optional)

3/4 cup organic olive oil

1/4 tsp vitamin E (5000 IU)

2/3 cup water (distilled)

Combine olive oil, coconut oil, and beeswax and melt in a large, microwave safe bowl then pour in blender and let cool until it is about as thick as a milkshake.

While the above is cooling, combine your water, aloe, essential oil, vitamin E, and grape seed extract in a large liquid measuring cup, pour this into blender when the other mixture has cooled enough. Blend until smooth and creamy.

If you are lucky enough to have a heavy duty kitchen mixer (the kind that is on its own stand with its own bowls), you may find that it works better for you because the mixture does become very heavy.

Store refrigerated in small Mason jars.

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Eco-Friendly Paper Boom

2007-08-29T09:27:00.001-04:00

Eco-friendly Paper Boom by Karishma Roy

Handmade Paper Journey from Valley to the Peak the Indians is said to hold the credit of having used paper from cellulose fibers during third century BC. Skilled Indian makers use a variety of raw materials for making handmade papers.

The handmade paper in India is produced mainly by recycling waste agro raw materials such as cotton rags, in the form of tailor cutting, hosiery cutting; and small quantities of waste paper. Other agro fibers like jute, straw, banana are also used to blend with the primary fibers for effect purpose etc. The major states for acquiring raw material for manufacturing are Tamilnadu, Kanpur, Mumbai etc.

The process to make is also Eco-friendly i.e. there is no machinery involvement or any kind of chemical usage done. They come in appealing varieties, with small dried flowers and leaves, colored fiber etc., making them attractive.

It's popularity is increasing day by day due to the effective inbuilt qualities as it has huge tensile, bursting, tearing and double fold strength as compared to mill paper and it does not turn brittle due to aging. The possibilities for what can be accomplished with handmade paper and paper pulp are limitless.

These are effectively used in making a variety of decorative items, greeting cards, wallpapers, carry bags, gift boxes, art portfolios and much more. Also in the stationery field many items like paper letterheads, visiting cards, envelopes, note pads, memo cubes and many more items are seen to be made of this. Today, this industry has approximately 157 working units all over the country. The paper industry in India could be roughly categorized into three according to the raw material used that is wood based, agro based and waste paper based.

A wide range of raw materials, such as bamboo, wood grass, rice and wheat straw, jute, rags and waste paper are made available for paper and board making. The Indian pulp and paper industry has recently experienced enormous growth, coupled with consolidation due to the value addition activities like embossing embroidery on handmade paper etc.

The industry in India offers considerable potential to meet the increasing demand for paper products in an environmentally sound way.

Delhi is an ideal location to find both of these materials because it has a thriving rag trade, which provides abundance of old cloth and vast amounts of used paper.

The cost difference between handmade paper and millmade paper is marginal. The concern about the disappearance of forests, coupled with renewed interest in the quality of papers generated new study of the paper maker's materials, especially the pulps and fibers. With several technological changes taking place in the paper industry, the government has to rethink its land use policies and conservation strategies to protect the natural resources.

The Indian government has provided funds to different supplying councils like KVIC (Khadi & Village Industries Commission) which tie up with banks and through banks provide funds to promising entrepreneurs who want to start handmade paper making business. Seven years back UNDP provided funds to improve activities further in the industry which gave a lot of exposure of that market.

Also the government had come out with REGP plans (Rural Employment Generation Program) where the government gave loans to village people to start small handmade paper units thus boosting the rural areas to further develop. India is said to produce approximately Rs.21crore worth of handmade papers, providing full time employment to around 10,000 persons in the rural areas.

They also plan to carry out similar activities in northeastern states also to boost the northeastern regions of paper industry. This year two major units, The Sthaneshwar Handmade Paper P.C.I.S. LTD and Handmade Paper & Board Industries under the KVIC sector won National Award through the president of India for supplying best quality products.

Mr.K.Sudhakar - Dy.Director I/C (Handmade Paper and Fiber industry) is of the opinion that the "Handmade Paper products is a real treasure with full of creative, innovative and thought provoking ideas and the industry has got an excellent future because of value addition and export oriented prospective."

The sector also plans to tab or explore the very big area of packaging industries be it for medicine packaging or fertilizer packaging etc. Even the Internal Trade Fairs like PAPEREX have been fruitful trade encouraging activities. This year in PAPEREX 2005, Carlton Coats Pvt.Ltd. were the ones to win the 1st prize. Each unit in India is said to roughly provide fifty crores worth material.

Most of these units have become totally export oriented. Ever growing International market for Handmade Paper Though countries like Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines have already emerged as `handmade paper giants'; India is being looked upon as the country with the maximum growth potential. The country is almost self-sufficient in manufacture of most varieties of handmade papers. There has been phenomenal growth in the export market for Indian Handmade Paper and its products, especially in the developed countries like the United States of America, West Germany, European Countries, Australia etc.

The last decade witnessed rapid growth in export as a number of Handmade Paper and paper products manufacturing units have become hundred percent export oriented units and helped in increasing the foreign exchange of the country. The export of handmade paper and paper products from the last two year was estimated for around fifty crores and this year the approximate growth was estimated to be 20% more and in the coming years it is said to be growing in many folds or multiples.

The Eco-friendly quality and long shelf life of the handmade paper fetches a high premium in the international market. Exports from Sanganer alone accounts for nearly 70 percent of the total handmade paper exports from India. The paper and allied products are sold in the US, Australia, Japan, Britain and South Africa. Besides paper sheets, items like paper bags, sacks, gift wrappers, art books, photo albums, diaries gift boxes and photo frames find ready buyers abroad.

The international demand for handmade paper and its value-added products are increasing at an approximate rate of 30-35 percent a year, which is phenomenal compared to five-seven percent a decade back. The industry, however, has weaknesses in terms of market concentration to a few countries and lack of technology for product conversion resulting into low production capacity.

Other than this other threat that would have to be overcome would be the competition being posed by more pioneering countries like China. But it is said that like any other commodity, handmade paper too goes through a cyclical trend depending upon the demand-supply scene in the international markets. Even the prices in the domestic market are inextricably linked with the paper price movements internationally.

But the growing preference for environment-friendly products worldwide and increasing demand for handmade paper products have eradicated the limitations of the handmade paper industry and once again it has emerged as one of the market leaders. In the era of globalization, handmade paper is one of the prime sectors, which has a major say.

Karishma Roy works at Netlink Solutions (India)
Limited as a Web Content Writer

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Solar Energy Advantages And Disadvantages

2007-08-28T13:20:00.000-04:00

Solar Energy Advantages And Disadvantages by href="http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Neil-MacLeod/10513">Neil MacLeod

Solar energy can be collected in two main ways – either by heating water (Solar Thermal) or by converting light into electricity (Solar Photovoltaics).

Here follows a brief run down of the main advantages and disadvantages of solar energy as a green energy source encompassing both solar thermal and solar photovoltaics.

Advantages

Solar energy is free. There is an initial capital cost but once you have made the investment the energy harvested from the sun costs you nothing. No one will be sending you a bill for sunshine.

Solar energy is abundant. Even in mid winter we are blessed with a moderate amount of natural daylight provided courtesy of the sun. Okay, it might not be sunny everyday but we are still experiencing radiation from the sun and it is this which can be gleaned for our own renewable energy purposes.

It’s clean. It is a clean alternative to fossil fuels and nuclear power and it will never run out.

It’s silent. Solar power can be captured anywhere without creating noise pollution that might otherwise up set neighbours and wildlife.

It works wherever the sun shines. It doesn’t matter how remote, solar can generate energy where no other form of power can be obtained.

It’s cost effective. Solar photovoltaics are still relatively expensive, however, the technology is growing rapidly, as is production and as a result the costs involved are coming down. Solar hot water panels have been greatly improved in recent years and, with lower cost, payback times for domestic systems can no be as short as five years. As coal, gas and oil prices continue to rise solar energy will become a viable alternative.

It’s secure. We live in uncertain times and we are increasingly relying on our fossil fuel supplies coming from areas abroad over which we have little or no control.

Disadvantages

Continuity of supply. Those of you who live and work here in the UK may have noticed that the sun doesn’t shine for 8 hours a day every day. Fortunately the latest technology allows more of the sun’s energy to be captured even at relatively low levels. There is also the opportunity to create hybrid renewable energy systems that take advantage of the synergy between solar and wind energy.

Cost. Even if solar power is a viable alternative to mains power, the initial capital cost may be prohibitive for many. There are some grants available, however, as yet these are not sufficient to encourage widespread investment in the technology.

Visual impact. In some instances panels will be intrusive and may detract from the attractiveness of buildings and landscapes. Most of us can appreciate that it would not be suitable to cover a building of particular historical, conservational or aesthetic value with a huge array of solar panels. Visual impact becomes less of an issue as the technology improves and the size and look of the panels improves.

Location is important. Correct location of solar panels is of the utmost importance and not every building can benefit from a solar array. Ideally, panels need to be facing south and shouldn’t be subject to any shading.

Neil MacLeod writes for ecofreak, more information about solar power and solar panels can be found at www.ecofreak.co.uk .Its like this, you want to be green.. but you don't want to be a tree hugger. Take a step in th eright direction with ecofreak. We've complied some great products that are ecofriendly, practical and fun.

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Environmentally Friendly Eco-Swag

2007-08-24T22:27:00.001-04:00

Reduce Trade Show Waste with Environmentally Friendly Eco-Swag. by Mark Yokoyama

If you want to change the way the world does business, the change has to start with you! Across the globe, businesses are taking the initiative to become more environmentally-conscious in almost every aspect of their operation. To help reduce negative impacts on the environment, businesses are now turning to eco-friendly promotional products as a wholesome marketing solution.

If you're looking for a place to start, consider the next trade show you plan on attending. Industry trade shows are notorious for the sheer volume of promotional products they use. To help combat the waste produced at these events, stick with eco-friendly promotional merchandise made from recycled, biodegradable, or organic materials. These products are identical to their synthetic cousins, but they won't harm the planet or stick around for years after they've been thrown away.

Don't wait until the trash bags are full. Here are some ways to be more eco-friendly at your next trade show.

Paper, plastic … or recycled fabric? Did you know that 100 BILLION plastic bags end up in landfills each year? Instead of using plastic bags to distribute trade show goodies, its time to switch to a more eco-friendly option. Promotional tote bags made from recycled materials are an excellent alternative to plastic bags. These reusable totes will serve a purpose outside the confines of the exhibition, which is good news for the environment and your logo.

Purchase eco-swag as giveaway items. Instead of handing out traditional giveaways, opt for environmentally-friendly promotional products that demonstrate your commitment to helping the planet. Solar powered gadgets, recycled note pads, or even plant seed packets are great giveaway choices for a green company. Attendees will be drawn to your booth and impressed by your admirable product choices. Who knows, you may even inspire other companies to switch to similar products!

Replace printed materials with eco-friendly products. A big part of the waste that accumulates at trade shows comes in the form of printed material that is thrown away shortly after it's received. Instead of wasting paper, try to fit your message on an eco-friendly promotional product. Not only will this benefit the environment, but it will benefit your company as well. Attendees are much more likely to hang on to free merchandise, and they're more likely to remember your company.

There you have it! The planet needs our help, and that means we all have to stop making excuses and start making a difference. Environmentally friendly promotional products are a great way to promote your business while keeping environmental impact to a minimum. So don't wait - start browsing selections of eco-friendly tradeshow giveaways today!

Mark Yokoyama is Director of Marketing for ePromos Promotional Products, Inc., one of the largest promotional product and corporate gift distributors in the US.

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Would You Like Paper Or Plastic?

2007-08-02T18:30:00.000-04:00

Would You Like Paper Or Plastic? by

With the move to get rid of our excess waste and the worlds attention to the environment, why do grocery stores still insist on asking the age old question; “would You Like Paper or Plastic?”. Since most grocery stores can’t seem to get away from the plastic option, we need to take it upon ourselves to step in and refuse the plastic. You don’t have to go paper either, there is a better solution.

According to scientists, a single plastic bag can take up to 500 years or longer to photodegrade. Plastic bags don’t biodegrade. Plastic bags are created from a man made polymer called polyethylene. Microorganisms do not recognize this as food, therefore they don’t degrade.

Plastic bags over time and with consistent exposure the sun will breakdown, but this does not destroy the polymer. When exposed to the UV radiation from sunlight, polyethylene's polymer chains become brittle and start to crack. What this means is that the plastic will eventually fragment into millions of little pieces. It will never be completely gone.

Based on research, when something begins to biodegrade, it gives off Carbon Dioxide, when a plastic bag begins to photodegrade, there is no Carbon Dioxide present, therefore these polymers do not biodegrade.

The U.S. goes through over 100 Billion plastic bags each year, think how long it is going to take for these bags to photodegrade. We have choices, it’s up to us to make the right choice for the welfare of our environment. There are options out there and the trend is becoming fashionable and trendy.

When you go to the grocery store, instead of selecting paper or plastic, bring your own eco-friendly tote with you. If you are going for a few items, not shopping for a weeks worth of groceries, save a bag and bring your tote.

Eco-Friendly totes are flying off the shelf. Hundreds of people stood in line in New York City in the pouring rain to get their hands on an eco-friendly tote. In Taiwan, crowds waiting in line for an eco-friendly tote started a massive riot because there were not enough to satisfy the demand. People everywhere are refusing th option of paper or plastic and stuffing their totes with their groceries. Now it’s the grocery store chains turn to lead by example and get rid of these non earth friendly parasites.

Around the world, retailers are looking ata ways to either recycle the plastic bags or even banning them outright. For example, Retailers in Modbury, England recently committed to ban plastic bags all together. In California, most large grocery stores are legally required to recycle plastic bags. That is a start, now which states, nations are going to follow suit? We can’t wait for the government to make it mandatory. Since lobbyists work for the enemy, we need to take it upon ourselves and educate our friends, family and neighbors and set the example.

Even if the idea of carrying in a tote to the grocery store does not appeal to you, re-use your plastic bags several times over, or better yet go back to paper. I like the tote idea myself.

MD owns the electric scooter shop and promotes electric transportation. Get an electric powered scooter and go CARBON FREE.

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Eco-Friendly Footwear: Cruelty Free Fashion Shoes Every Woman Must Have This Fall/Winter

2007-08-02T18:24:00.000-04:00

Eco-Friendly Fashion Footwear: Cruelty Free Fashion Shoes Every Woman Must Have This Fall/Winter by Sara Kubersky

Most Vegan women like myself dread of the thought that over 35 million beautiful, intelligent animals are killed just for their fur or leather on their backs (and that’s only the wintertime!), but that doesn’t stop us from being every bit as stylish as our carnivorous counterparts. Except for the fact, that we only want cruelty-free fashion, we have the same desire to collect dozens upon dozens of sandals, sneakers, loafers, flip-flops, knee-high boots, and other footwear for our shoe wardrobe. Ten years ago, this would have been a challenge – one that would seem almost impossible as all vegan shoes practically looked the same.

Nowadays, finding cruelty-free shoes isn’t as hard as it sounds. Now more than ever, companies are beginning to cater to those with a cruelty-free fashion sense and are now offering a wider variety to choose from. As this trend continues to emerge, the only challenge you will have is figuring out how many shoes do you really need. You’ll have to begin asking yourself how many of them do you really love, and how many fit well, complement your fashion style and are versatile enough to serve multiple purposes.

Here are 5 fall/winter fashion shoe styles to help you create a cruelty-free shoe wardrobe so all encompassing, so perfect, that no matter what the occasion is, you'll have just the right eco-friendly shoe

1. One pair of weather-protective footwear.

If you could only buy one boot in your life, an eco-friendly, air-seal range boot like the 14-Eye Boot from Vegetarian Shoes is the one to go with. If you spend a good amount of time outdoors, go with two pairs. Air-seal range boots sporting steel tipped toe and a sole made from rubber tires will provide you with that everlasting quality you need and want.

2. One or two pairs of fashion boots in a medium or dark neutral.

These leather alternative boots are classic enough for work-wear yet sexy enough to add an edge to jeans and an everyday tee. Top-of-the-calf boots with a flat heel are one of the cold weather season’s hottest looks, but are surprisingly in-demand even as the weather grows warmer. For those of you who love the Engineer boots, but want something a little more fitted, the Biker boots are perfect! When you’re feeling a little “rebel”, wear them as biker boots. When your style is more classic looking, just take off the buckle, instantly providing you with simple, comfortable boots that go with everything.

3. One pair of chic looking boots

Almost knee high boots like the Aurora, give you a chic look with straight skirts and classic-cut trousers. They can be worn with bare legs or opaque winter stockings. Plus, they work well with formal and near-formal wear, they add sophistication to jeans, and instantly dress up a denim skirt and cardigan like nothing else can. You can also get the same look with Alta style that is only 11” from the top of the shoe to the bottom of this eco-friendly fashion footwear. The upper is made from the highest quality synthetic micro-fibers while the lining is usually comprised of extremely soft synthetic micro-fibers or fleece.

4. One pair of neutral-colored casual boots for the weekend

A woman can never go wrong with classics such as the Amy boot. Your weekend casual cruelty-free boot should have an extremely soft and flexible sole making it extremely comfortable for all day wear. Make sure your casual eco-friendly boots exteriors are made of “leather" like synthetic micro-fibers giving you that stylish look, while the interior is made of a soft cotton lining and a generous foot bed that will accommodate your feet.

5. One pair of attractive non-leather sneakers.

The fall time is the perfect time to run around the track at your nearby park, and enjoy your surroundings. Whether your eco-friendly non-leather sneakers are made from hemp or synthetic micro-fibers, they are go well with your tracksuit, yet hard-working enough to perform at the gym. The best athletic/sporty shoes are the pairs that have an extremely supportive EVA sole, and a thick padded tongue. .

If you follow the above tips you will create the perfect eco-friendly fall/winter woman's fashion footwear wardrobe, that no matter what the occasion is, you will have the perfect non-leather shoe. Remember, no one can have fashion without compassion.

Sara Kubersky and her sister Erica,Founders of Moo Shoes, opened the first cruelty-free store of its kind in NYC. Later as popularity for eco-friendly fashion-wear grew, they opened their Vegan online store. Subscribe for their Moo News monthly newsletter at http://www.mooshoes.com/news.html, and be the first to find out about new shoes, bags, accessories and cosmetics and other products hitting the Vegan marketplace.

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Recycling Aluminium

2007-06-19T17:07:00.003-04:00

Recycling Aluminum by Harry Browar

Cans, foil, and other items such as trays are made out of aluminium. In North America one of the major product being recycled is aluminium. Though Americans recycle about 65-70% of the aluminium used in their household, thousands of tons of this is discarded each year.

When most people think about recycling aluminum, they think of pop cans. But you can actually recycle other products such as lawn furniture and anything else made from aluminum. If you have an item that you would like to recycle, but are unsure if it is recyclable, contact your local recycling depot.

The process which aluminum products must go through before they can be used in new products is an interesting one. Aluminum products are collected from various recycling depots and taken to a processing plant that deals with scrap.

When the aluminum gets there it is sorted and then crushed into slabs. Any labels or coating on the cans or other pieces will be taken care of at their next stop, the aluminum company.

Once at the aluminum company the slabs are shredded and crushed. During this process any labels, coating, etc is removed. The shredded aluminum is then melted with new aluminum. Most aluminum products that we buy have approximately 50% recycled product in them.

Once it has been melted the aluminum can be made into any shape necessary. Of course, the process will differ slightly depending on the type of product that is being being made. Aluminum recycling sounds easy doesn't it?

As aluminum is the most common metal on the planet, why do we bother recycling it? We aren't going to run out of it for eons, but using new product is actually more energy consuming. Another issue is the waste factor.

A large amount of waste is being produced in North America. They are being put in landfill sites. Landfill sites are difficult to find and it is getting increasingly difficult to dispose our waste. Apart from this the waste is harmful to the flora and fauna in the area of the landfill.

One way that companies can encourage consumers to recycle aluminum is deposits. Most aluminum cans require you to pay a deposit. In order to get that deposit back you must return the can. The can is then transported to the recycling depot and then to the processing plant.

Recycling is good for everybody as it lessens waste accumulation, saves energy, and creates jobs. A lot of people are more environmentally conscious than ever before, but there are still a number of them who don't think about it or decide it's too much trouble. They are still just tossing used aluminum cans and other recyclables.

You can be the first in your area to form an environmental group that wants to start a recycling program. You will most likely find that both individuals and businesses will want to join you.

Harry Browar is the owner and operator of First Alluminum, the web's premier resource for information about alluminum. For more articles on alluminum visit: http://www.firstaluminum.com/articles

This and other unique content aluminum articles are available with free reprint rights.

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Women's Activewear and What's Hot for Summer 2007

2007-06-16T21:12:00.001-04:00

Women's Activewear and What's Hot for Summer 2007 by Grant Eckert

Summer, those lazy, crazy days or not. Summer is the time to become active, to take part in all those sports and activities you don’t have time for or don’t feel like doing during the winter months. Summer 2007 has some killer outfits for you to wear. In fact, you have your choice of clothing designed as activewear or activewear designs incorporated into designer fashion.

Consider track pants. They have made their way onto this year’s runway, as have hoodies, anoraks, and T-shirts. Designers have adapted active sports wear concepts into their collections. In Paris, for example, Dries Van Noten combines sequined tank tops with track pants and creamy polo shirts with pencil thin skirts. Even Chanel and L.A. based Mike & Chris are incorporating hoodies into their fashion. As a result, you can dress for a sport and be in style.

There are collaborations between designers and sportswear labels. Y-3’s and Stella McCartney’s collections for Adidas and Nike last year are cases in point. In some instances, the emphasis is on eco friendly outfits. Green consciousness and activewear inspired Eco sportswear and Rogan Gregory’s Edun line. It is a case of rocker T-shirts and jeans inspired by nature. Meanwhile, Levi’s cuffed capri pants aim to attract the active and environmentally conscious crowd.

Activewear is everywhere. L.L. Bean continues to combine style with sense. This year, they feature the French sailor shirt. You can purchase it in six different colors and in three different cuts: Henley style, classic crew net and in the popular quarter-zip pullover. The ever reliable Bette and Court continue their practical line of microfiber capris, shorts and skorts. They offer a wide selection of shirts to suit all your active needs – striped, colored or white, sleeveless or short sleeve. Quality defining Leon Levin is ready for this summer with their line of fashionable capris, polo shirts, cardigan sweaters, and comfortable casual collection.

There is also the specialty activewear. REI has developed an extensive and colorful yoga line. Champion continues to produce their own unique style of yoga clothing. Casall offers workout clothing for power Pilates. Lucy prides itself on activewear for anytime, any place. Royal Robbins offers Zenon Stripe Strappy Tank tops made from moisture stretch jersey. Swami has some amazingly comfortable Shilo Capris perfect for golf and afterwards. Coldwater Creek calls their offering crop pants.

Overall, activewear styles vary widely. The basics, however, remain the same. You will need a hoody, shorts, polo or golf shirts, a skirt, skorts, shorts and pants. The major buzz, in this year’s fashion world, is the ongoing love affair with Capri pants. Capris are a piece of clothing blending different sports and sectors of your life into one. They are comfortable, stylish and oh so practical. Almost any sports store and an amazingly broad sector of low and high-end stores stock them. It is an example of women blending their real life interests with their clothing choices.

Materials vary as much as the clothing does. There are drawstrings, mesh fabrics, spandex and jersey. Jersey is always popular. It stretches and can adapt to so-many different uses. It is versatile, tough and soft. Lululemon prefers a silverescent fabric. Its selling point – it does not stink. This is something to keep in mind if you are a very active woman. Lacoste has a new stretch polo with a two-inch longer hemline – perfect for tucking it in without worries of riding up and out during a crucial shot or moment.

Cotton is still the norm, particularly organic cotton. Old Navy sells popular cotton blend shorts. Levi’s Eco line is 100 per cent organic cotton washed in natural dyes. Linen is still a trendy material in some circles. They provide swimsuit shorts with a crisp, fresh look.

Overall, the textures of activewear fabrics for Summer 2007 are clean, the lines simple and the colors, traditional. There are the usual pastels, subdued prints and darker tones. The only exception is in swimwear. Here the palette is a dazzling one ranging from rocker to romantic, Hawaiian tropics to California surfer culture, retro ‘50s to East Coast nautical.

The only common trend, beyond capris and eco consciousness, is a simple one. Women’s active wear for 2007 doubles as casual wear.

About Author: Grant Eckert is a writer for Leon Levin. Leon Levin is a leading provider of Womens Clothing | Womens Activewear

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Just What Does Biodegradable Mean?

2007-06-14T18:00:00.000-04:00

Just What Does Biodegradable Mean? by John Grimes

There is little doubt that we as a society have become more conscious of the impact we make on the world around us and the need to protect it. This brings us to the subject of biodegradable products.

Just What Does Biodegradable Mean?

When you are shopping for products, you tend to see a lot of different claims on products. If you are environmentally conscious, you probably keep an eye out for environmentally friendly products. Once such claim that is commonly made on products is that they are biodegradable. Well, what does biodegradable mean?

Biodegradable material is that which can be naturally broken down into organic components. The process can work in two ways. With aerobic degrading, the materials are broken down by bacteria in an oxygen environment. As you might guess, anaerobic degradation is the second method and does not require an oxygen rich environment. To satisfy this component, the materials comprising the product usually need to be organic to begin with, but not always.

Society is a beautiful thing. When a society shows an interest in some subject, businesses hustle to provide products in that gap. If you doubt this, look no further than hybrid cars. When a swath of society started showing interest in cars that were more fuel efficient and less harmful for the environment, every car manufacturer started producing hybrid cars. In perhaps the ultimate irony, there are now hybrid SUVs! Well, society has shown the same interest in biodegrable products, and the business industry has reacted.

Plastic products are all around us. Classic plastic products, however, are hardly biodegradable. The hall of shame in this regard is the plastic used to hold six packs of beer and soft drinks together. It takes 450 years on average for this convenience packaging to break down. 450 years! This is hardly good news for the plastic industry, so it has come up with something new that it likes to claim is biodegradable.

Bioplastics are the new craze in the plastic industry. Bioplastic is produced from the components of organic materials such as soy oil and corn starch. The goal with bioplastics is to produce a plastic that is…well, biodegradable. The technology is fairly new, so nobody is really sure how well it degrades. It is generally considered to be superior to traditional plastic, but that isn’t really saying much given the 450 year life span of plastic six pack holders. The real question is how long will it take for the bioplastics to degrade? While there are certainly a lot of claims, independent studies have not yet produced definitive results.

From a practical perspective, you need to be careful about buying products that claim to be biodegradable. Technically, everything will eventually break down. Much like many over inflated supplement claims, may supposed biodegradable products may not deliver what they infer.

John Grimes is with AllTerrainco.com - makers of natural, biodegradable soap products.

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Eco Friendly Baby & Family Products

2007-06-12T10:33:00.000-04:00

Eco Friendly Baby & Family Products by GuideMeGreen

These minimize the impact on the environment and by taking actions such as recycling you can set a good precedent for the future generation. You can now buy most things in a ‘green’ version for babies including organic baby clothes. There is an increasing movement to return to the old days and use cloth nappies instead of the disposable ones which add to the land fills. Imagine how many of these nappies you can get through in the first years of the babies live? Hundreds if not thousands! Many of these cloth nappy companies are stating ease of use, financial benefits, less rubbish and the comfort of natural cloth over paper and gel against delicate skin as some of the many reasons for making this change. See the green directory for companies that offer cloth nappies and other eco products for babies and the home.

I want to enable parents to choose and use products which will benefit baby and his or her family now and protect his / her future environment. GuideMeGreen is essentially a result of my own search for natural and eco-friendly products for my family and offers a service that makes it far easier for other parents to find the right products for them. I often receive requests from teenagers asking for ethical clothing shops and other products of interest them. If teenagers are interested, GuideMeGreen must be doing something right!

David Oglaza is the founder of the Green and Ethical directory http://www.guidemegreen.com. This growing green resource lists 100s of Organic, Fairtrade, Eco and Ethical companies. Green jobs and a discussion board coming soon!

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Environmental Awareness And Our Health

2007-06-10T11:19:00.000-04:00

Environmental Awareness And Our Health by Marcia

As Human Beings, we should all have the common goal of valuing the choices that will lead to enhancement of our Personal lives, our Communities and our Earth. In order for our Environment to be Healthy, the People within it must also be Healthy. We do this by becoming aware of the products that we use in our day to day lives, by living healthier lifestyles and through personal development.

Us as Humans tend to exploit our Environment. The same environment that we depend on for clean air and water. If our Environment does not protect us from harmful UV rays, does not prevent the spread of disease causing organisms and control pests then how will it sustain us?

Our Ecosystem has a natural balance which we should try to maintain. By using natural products we can reduce the amount of waste material we release into the environment. We can contribute to climate stability by simply planting more trees, which reduces Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere and hence reducing respiratory illnesses. A cleaner environment will have less disease causing organism and hence a healthier population.

Global Warming is a major concern. Global warming describes changes in climate due to human influence and results in increased temperatures. Naturally occurring processes contribute to Global Warming. Some of these include greenhouse emission of gases like Carbon Dioxide, water vapor, ozone, volcanic emissions and solar activity.

Increases in temperature can have devastating effects on us and our environment. Disease carrying organisms favor warmer temperatures, an example of which is the mosquito which spreads dengue fever which can be fatal. Increase in the number of disease causing organism can lead to increase in human mortality.

Other negative effects of Global Warming are increase in sea levels and subsequent damage to coastlines, increase in intensity and extreme weather conditions which can wipe out whole communities. Glacier retreat presents a problem. Fewer crops will be produced leading to greater malnutrition, less healthy individuals and animals.

Unnatural increase in greenhouse gases result from industrial production by burning of coal, oil and natural gas.

Many Environmental groups are advocating for action against Global Warming on the Consumer level. We can do our part by equipping our houses with environmentally friendly products and saving money at the same time through our purchases and changing lifestyles.

We need to be aware that their are Companies that also value our Environment, are aggressively promoting products that contribute to Healthy Lifestyles. Gaiam, pronounced Guy-Um, is one such Company. They are not only merchants for Health and fitness related products and services, but also are involved with conservation programs that so far have resulted in the planting of 52,000 trees which of course will increase absorption of Carbon Dioxide.

Gaiam’s products reflect Gaiam’s commitment to ensuring that our World is Healthier because we are utilizing eco-friendly products and Gaiam is delivering services that ensure our personal development.

In addition to media, Gaiam’s products include mind-body fitness and wellness solutions, organic cotton apparel and home textiles, and renewable energy solutions.

Let us renew our commitment to making ourselves both Healthy in mind and body and helping to preserve our home by using eco- friendly products.We might seem insignificant in the big picture, but our contributions will eventually add up.

http://www.smahi.com

The Author is a stay at home Mom having been disabled from the pain of RSD. Read about RSD, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. Find articles on Health, Travel and Environment as well as links to Health and Wellness Merchants. Locate Merchants with unique products.
http://www.smahi.com

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Gadgets To Help Save Our Environment - Towards A Greener, Cleaner Planet

2007-06-09T09:27:00.000-04:00

Gadgets To Help Save Our Environment – Towards A Greener, Cleaner Planet
By Anmol Taneja

Transportation is a major contributor to pollution and the green house effect that is leading to global warming culminating in the melting of the polar ice caps and the heating of the environment as a whole. The fuel emissions from internal combustion vehicles are a major contributor to green house gases. An innovation called the ‘Scrubber’ is fitted on to the exhaust of polluting vehicles to reduce the pollutant emissions. The scrubber is nothing but a water filled container that is fitted on to the exhaust line of the vehicle with an electronic pump to force the exhaust out through the water filled tank. This liquid treated with some chemicals, removes the carbon monoxide from the exhaust and the suspended particulates as well. The result is almost no pollution into the environment. The liquid is later treated and disposed of.

Conventional fire-extinguishers use ozone depleting agents to extinguish fires. Airbus has developed an eco-friendly fire extinguisher that does not use Halon as the extinguishing agent. This extinguisher is manufactured by Siemens for in-flight fire extinguishers. The eco-friendly extinguisher will finally make it into the market for conventional use in buildings and homes.

A lot needs to be done to develop gadgets that will help us to protect our environment. Government Agencies here is an opportunity for you to fund research in this area. Additionally economic incentives for people to use eco friendly gadgets will also go far. This could take the form of sales tax / VAT exemption on eco friendly gadgets or tax rebates on your Income Tax return for use of higher priced eco friendly gadgets.

Anmol Taneja is a Gadget enthusiast, and critique. He has written several articles on various aspects of gadgets and the role they play in our day to day lives. Anmol is involved with several organizations involved in the evaluation and review of gadgets including http://gadgets.in thegadgetcast.com and gadgetenclave.in

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Choosing An AC System That Benefits The Environment

2007-06-08T20:47:00.000-04:00

Choosing An AC System That Benefits The Environment by Stacey Moore

There are many factors to consider when replacing or installing an air-conditioning or heat pump system and one of them is the environment. Besides comfort issues, such as cold spots, drafts, humidity and air quality, the air conditioner should also be environmentally friendly.

According to the Clean Air Act, by the year 2010, heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) manufacturers can no longer produce new air conditioners and heat pumps that use R-22 refrigerant, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) that contributes to ozone depletion.

Since R-410A will likely become the new refrigerant standard to replace R-22, HVAC manufacturers are already starting to produce air-conditioning equipment that uses this refrigerant.

However, refrigerant substitutes, such as R-410A, cannot be used in an air conditioner that currently operates with R-22 refrigerant, unless a contractor makes some changes to the HVAC system.

New cooling systems, on the other hand, incorporate compressors and other components specifically designed for use with environmentally friendly replacement refrigerants, such as R-410A.

Another point for homeowners to keep in mind is that the HVAC contractor they select should be properly trained in the installation and service techniques required for the use of substitute refrigerants, like R-410A.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), homeowners should select a reputable contractor that employs service technicians who are EPA- and NATE-certified to handle refrigerants. Properly installed AC systems rarely develop refrigerant leaks, and with proper servicing, a system using refrigerant will have a minimal impact on the environment.

Energy-Efficient Equipment

Another important thing homeowners can do for the environment and their wallets is to purchase an energy-efficient system. HVAC manufacturers, such as Johnson Controls, offer several types of energy-efficient air conditioners. For example, the York® Affinity™ 15+ SEER air conditioner uses innovative scroll compressor technology that features a two-stage design, making it as much as 60 percent more efficient than traditional air-conditioning units.

To learn more about energy-efficient and environmentally responsible air-conditioning systems, call (877) 874-7378 or visit www.yorkupg.com/affinity.

Make sure the HVAC contractor that you select is certified and knows about the latest environmentally friendly regulations concerning air conditioners.

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Simple Steps To More Enviromentally Friendly Living

2007-06-08T20:24:00.000-04:00

Simple Steps To More Environmentally Friendly Living by Gabriel Adams -

A lot of people want to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle but they just don’t know how. We are going to show you some tips and tricks to help you live a good life and still help the environment.

The first thing you should do is always recycle. Every time you throw something in the garbage it will end up in a big waste site and eventually buried under ground. By recycling you are helping keep stuff out of the garbage pits and helping to find other uses for it. Spent garbage is used to make a variety of things.

Another thing you should do is buy an environmentally friendly car. When buying a car you can try to find a good hybrid. These cars usually run on gas and electricity. The objective by the dual fuels is to let the car get better mileage on one gallon of gas and to help it run cleaner.

Consider buying solar cells to help power your house. By using solar energy you can keep your electricity bill down and help the environment at the same time. If you don’t have much space in your yard for solar panels consider setting them on your roof. The roof will usually have better exposure to sunlight and this will leave your yard open to other things.

Another good way to live environmentally friendly is to keep trees and plants in your yard. Having a bare yard won’t let animals and nature have any place to be in your yard. Also, having shade trees will help keep your heating bill down during the summer.

There are so many different ways to be environmentally friendly. If you wish to do good to the environment the best way is to not do anything to purposely harm it. If you make an effort not to try to ruin nature then it will thrive.

For more information visit the Living Greener Everyday blog: http://livinggreener.typepad.com/

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Do You Run An Eco-Friendly Household?

2007-06-07T18:33:00.000-04:00

Do You Run An Eco-Friendly Household? by Marcus Brooks -

It seems the media is bombarding us with a whole range of new terminology I call eco-vocabulary. It's the latest band wagon that has attracted the attention of environmental groups around the world and is making householders review and question the ways in which their lives interact with the world at large.

Terms like global warming, carbon offsetting, carbon footprints, waste recycling and energy saving are used frequently in day to day conversation now.

Governments around the world are including "green" policies in their portfolios in attempts to attract the eco-vote that is becoming ever larger as the media covers these subject areas with increasing regularity.

An example of this is the UK Government which expects to fight a re-election contest in the near future, and is fighting head to head with opposition parties as they try to take the high ground on environmental issues. The government is funding various groups including the Carbon Trust, which champions initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Some of their projects are commendable but projects like their carbon labeling scheme are perhaps a step too far at this stage. In this project, companies are being encouraged to use product labeling to indicate how carbon friendly their manufacturing and distribution processes are and how they are reducing carbon emissions over time. Will the shopper really be swayed to purchase food products that are brought to the supermarket shelves in a way that produces slightly less carbon dioxide? There's no question that many large commercial operations are signing up to these schemes with admirable intentions, but there is also no doubt that many will leverage the current eco-momentum to their own advantage through associated marketing programmes.

Schemes like this labeling project are aimed at targeting the conscience of shoppers and include no penalty or reward as the incentive. Other schemes are more direct and attract penalties for those who do not comply. A prime example of this type of scheme is government taxation on things like flights, which allegedly generate huge amounts of carbon dioxide when compared to other forms of travel. The eco-taxation card can also be played quite easily by governments when it comes to cars. Encouraging people to chose smaller, more efficient vehicles is easy when you hold the ability to target people finances directly.

So how can the typical householder contribute efficiently to cleaner environmental ways of living? Well the easiest step is tackle the simple things first, things that take very little extra effort but make significant contributions. Some of these include using your car less - one or two journeys saved per week by everyone will have a big impact. Careful disposal of all candidate waste from the home is also a simple step - paper, cardboard, glass, tin cans can all be recycled easily. Recycling all suitable garden and vegetable waste in a garden composter is also simple. Purchasing food items with less packaging is very easy to do. More ambitious home projects such as solar panelling and small wind turbines for home energy production are becoming more popular and attract government grants in many countries now.

Other ways of reducing carbon dioxide production include various energy saving ideas like turning off unnecessary lighting in the home, completely switching off appliances that have standby modes or appliances that you may have left on when not in use, for example home computers.

With a view to the longer term, there are two things that should not be forgotten when it comes to tackling environmental concerns. Firstly, education should be a headline initiative. Teaching our children about the global warming impact of the ways in which we lead our daily lives is crucial. Acceptance of any initiative in the future will be much easier if people already understand the issues at stake.

The second important factor is that this really is a global problem. By that I mean that the actions of one nation can positively or negatively affect the lives of others. The admirable actions of one nation can be quickly cancelled out by the neglect of another. Also the people likely to be most affected by global warming are not those causing the problems in the first place.

So look at the way your run own home. Are you doing the basic things to contribute to more effiecnt use of energy and resources. These things take little extra effort or cost. Then if you want to make a more significant contribution, take further, more ambitious steps, to run an eco-friendly household. You'll feel better for it and, eventually, so will others in the future!

Marcus Brooks reviews environmental issues for various home, property and environmental sites. His latest views can be found on skip hire and improve your home.

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Enviromentally Friendly Products for Kitchen Design

2007-06-07T18:20:00.000-04:00

Remodeling? Try an Eco-friendly Kitchen by TCThorn

It's quite refreshing how many people are interesting in using environmentally friendly products these days, even when they're taking on expensive home improvement projects such as remodeling the kitchen. Fortunately, you can now get "green" materials without paying any more than you would for other high-end materials. Unfortunately, you can't always find these eco-friendly countertops, cabinets, and floors at your local home improvement store.

Specialty stores (those that emphasize green living) are your friend here, but since they're smaller, they won't always have all the options. It's a good idea to research online and decide what kind of flooring, countertops, appliances, etc. you want before you even look for a buyer.

That's where this article can help. We'll look at a few areas where you can make environmentally friendly choices when remodeling the kitchen. In the end, your new kitchen will look as good as anybody else's on the block (maybe better).

Countertops

There are lots of eco-friendly options for kitchen countertops. Concrete is low-maintenance and easy to mold into whatever shape and thickness you want. Natural stone such as granite, though a somewhat limited resource, doesn't give off harmful vapors that man-made materials can. Countertops made from recycled materials are increasingly popular. You can find everything from paper to glass to ceramic (how would you like a handsome Terrazzo countertop made from old toilets, sinks, and tubs that would otherwise be cluttering up landfills?).

Eco-friendly Flooring

Bamboo is becoming very popular in the flooring arena, both in the kitchen and other rooms of the house. Since it's a grass, it grows much more quickly than trees, so it's an easily replenished resource. If you prefer hardwood flooring, consider wood harvested from sustainable forests. You can also get hardwoods made from salvaged or reclaimed wood (such as from old buildings that were torn down). These natural materials are often more eco-friendly than man-made compounds.

Kitchen Appliances

Make sure to choose Energy Star appliances when you're shopping for your new oven, dishwasher, refrigerator. They may be more expensive than traditional models, but these appliances use 10-50% less energy and water so you will save money in the long run. You don't have to give up style for energy efficiency; you can get stainless steel and other high-end finishes in Energy Star-rated models.

Cooktops

Is there such thing as an environmentally friendly cooktop? Of course. The new induction units on the market use electricity to produce a magnetic field that causes molecular movement, which heats pans instead of burners. This method of heating uses less energy than gas and electric stoves, and induction cooktops are safer too (no need to worry about a child touching a hot burner).

Cabinets

Choosing cabinets that are functional and handsome is a big part of a kitchen remodel, since they take up a large portion of the room. When you're looking for eco-friendly options, choose the same sorts of materials you would with flooring. Bamboo and reclaimed wood are handsome choices. If you need less expensive cabinets, you can get fiberboard or particleboard, but make sure to find cabients that don't contain urea formaldehyde, which is as unpleasant as it sounds; it's not something you want in a healthy kitchen.

Paints and Finishes

Kitchen remodeling isn't just about countertops, cabinets, and shiny stainless steel appliances. Think about the paints you'll use on the walls and the finishes you'll use on cabinets and countertops too. You should choose paints and finishes with Low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) ratings. (Many conventional materials have high VOCs, and these compounds produce potentially harmful gases when they're applied. These can be troublesome for those with allergies or chemical sensitivities, and they diminish the indoor air quality for all.

Windows

Most kitchens will have at least one window. You can help save energy by installing Energy Star-qualified windows (in the rest of the house as well as the kitchen).

Remember Recycling

The eco-friendly homeowner will make recycling a part of his or her life. You can make separating jars, bottles, and cans easy by building a recycling center into your kitchen. When choosing the cabinets you want to install, consider adding one with a slide out unit that holds a traditional garbage receptacle and a can or cans for recycling too.

TC Thorn is a freelance writer and website owner who specializes in home improvement. For more information on green living and kitchen remodeling, visit the author's home improvement site.

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Bamboo Flooring - Eco-Friendly Flooring and Easy to Fit

2007-06-07T18:02:00.000-04:00

Bamboo Flooring - Eco-Friendly Flooring and Easy to Fit by Chris Elliott

The modern, environmentally friendly and durable alternative to hardwood is bamboo flooring. Being a grass, as opposed to timber, gives bamboo the edge as not only a building product (being strong and at the same time flexible), but also as a sustainable resource: wood takes approximately 15-20 years to reach maturity, whereas the non-harmful harvesting of bamboo takes a mere 3 to 5 years. Bamboo has traditionally been the material of choice in most of Asia, and it is only recently that its benefits and environmental properties have begun to be utilised more fully in the west.

The growth in popularity in recent years for wood flooring has increased the burden on already stretched timber resources. Bamboo flooring shares many of the properties that attract discerning customers to hardwood; it’s low maintenance, hard wearing, and looks contemporary while having a timeless appeal; but it is without any of the environmental concerns that are attached to its hardwood counterpart.

Due to its flexibility as a material, bamboo flooring has a broad appeal that can be manipulated to suit a variety of styles. Its range of applications varies from period homes to offices, designer hotels and bars.

As well as being environmentally sound, bamboo flooring is competitively priced and easy to fit. Ease of fitting is always a worry for the prospective purchaser, with bamboo flooring the process has been simplified by the formulation of three different methods:

1) Floating floor: this involves gluing the tongue and groove joints of the bamboo flooring together over an underlay.

2) Secret Nailing: the bamboo floor is ‘secretly’ nailed down to a wood sub-floor.

3) Gluing down: literally gluing the bamboo floor to a sub-floor.

Each of these methods has its own benefits.

One concern that has arisen with the implementation of bamboo flooring is regarding the use of Urea Formaldehyde, which is used as a binder or adhesive in the manufacture of bamboo flooring. Using the present technology, its use is unavoidable. However, reputable bamboo flooring suppliers with firm environmental principles, make every effort to ensure that its use conforms to the rigid E-1 European Standards. It is important to stress that exposure to any dangerous chemicals in bamboo flooring is negligible.

The benefits of choosing bamboo flooring are chiefly to found in the warm, comforting ambience it creates. Bamboo flooring immediately draws attention and recognition to a room, giving it character and focus. With its hard wearing properties, environmental benefits and natural beauty, bamboo flooring is the flooring of choice for generations to come.

Chris Elliott is a Bamboo Flooring Expert. More information about Bamboo Flooring can be found at http://www.bambooflooringcompany.com

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Eco-Friendly Furniture Benefits both You and the Environment

2007-06-07T17:28:00.000-04:00

Eco-Friendly Furniture Benefits both You and the Environment
By Vicki Duong

Most people equate comfortable living to having the right furniture pieces for your home, in addition to an adequate budget, working car, among a list of other necessities. However, with the heightened awareness of eco-friendly EVERYTHING, one should think about investing in one of these options, starting with environmentally friendly furniture for their home.

There are many benefits to owning environmentally sound furniture versus the mass produced alternative; the most obvious being that you're doing your part in reducing waste and saving the environment. Some furniture manufacturers even donate a certain percentage of their profits to organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council that work to fight against deforestation, global warming, and logging, so it's always a good idea to see if your purchase will in some way help in the battle of saving the environment.

Furniture from websites such as Eco-Furniture.com offer many environmentally friendly furnishing alternatives, along with advice and quick tips on how to green out your home. Offering furniture that is only made from recyclable materials and sustainably harvested wood, consumers are ensured that the making of their furniture did not harm the environment. Sustainably harvested wood means that the wood used in making a particular product was taken from a certified wood harvesting site and not unsustainably logged, which can have an adverse effect on the environment.

Many ready to assemble (RTA) furniture items are also made from recyclable materials and sustainably harvested wood. The reason being is that many RTA furniture manufacturers are hell-bent on reducing waste, cutting out excess chemicals and unnecessary bells and whistles. Usually constructed from medium density fiberboard and sustainably harvested plywood, consumers can rest assured knowing that their RTA investments are affordable, durable and recyclable.

As a consumer, it's not impossible to do your part in greening your home. Paying attention and asking where your furniture was manufactured, whether the wood was harvested from a certified wood harvesting site, and whether any harmful chemicals were used in the making of your product are among a list of questions you should always ask before making a furniture purchase. Whether or not you're an environmental skeptic, it's never alright to harm the planet we live on. As humans, there are necessary factors that need to be met in order to live as comfortably as possible; however our decisions impact the planet and we should consider how we can reduce waste and give back to the environment while achieving an acceptable standard of comfortable living.

For a wide selection in bed frames and dining tables, be sure to visit Eco-Furniture.com.

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Eco-Friendly Fashion - Finding Alternatives To Leather, Suede And Fur

2007-06-07T15:00:00.000-04:00

Eco-Friendly Fashion - Finding Alternatives To Leather, Suede And Fur
By Susie Kim

Although there are many designers who insist on exploiting animals in the name of fashion; there is a growing trend of buying Eco-friendly products. Looking at the latest fashion magazines, there are beautiful models clad in clothes made out of fur, leather, and suede. All the latest must have accessories are all made of animal materials. (Hermes Ostrich Birken bag anyone?) It seems that these items have somehow become a status symbol that screams high fashion.

What's a girl to do?

I admit it's irresistible at times to resist and I do cave in to my fashion needs. But is it possible that we could become more sensitive to the fact that many animals are killed for such materials? Are there alternatives?

Some designers such as Stella McCartney have take a step to introduce Eco-friendly wear for the elite. However, not everyone can afford Stella. So what about those who are budget conscious. Could we still be fashionable and at the same time be ecologically minded. Yes, we can. Companies are now realizing that many consumers are driven in searching for Eco-friendly products.

According to Lucky Magazine,

"It seems as if everyone and everything now a days is trying to be green and Eco-friendly. From Eco-friendly cosmetics to Eco-chic organic fabrics — to be in style you must be Eco. .... Eco-chic" is the new buzzword when it comes to fashion. Mainstream companies are rolling out organic-fabric clothes and beauty companies are doing anything they can to compensate for it."

Here are some companies that provide Eco-friendly fashion wear.

Bourgeois Boheme: their motto is fashion with compassion. They have a range of natural & organic products & quality non-leather accessories. Their shoes and bags are incredibly chic. The company is based in the U.K but they do ship internationally.

NY Artificial: another great fashion forward company that also uses natural or recycled materials. Based in New York City, they have a store in trendy Chelsea and Meat Packing District. They also have an online store where you can purchase their products. Their bags are divine. (the Leila bag pictured above)

Moo Shoes: vegan-owned business that sells an assortment of cruelty-free footwear, bags, t-shirts, wallets, books and other accessories. MooShoes insists that one cannot have fashion
without compassion. Their products seem to lean more on the crunchy granola types. Perfect for running to yoga studio in. But still very fashionable and affordable. They have a store in New York City.

I think it's amazing that we as a society are becoming more socially conscious and starting to become aware that the planet does not belong solely to us. And the animal furs, leather, and skin do not also belong to us. I hope that this article shows you that there are alternatives. And that you can be fashionable and green.

resources:
Lucky Magazine
Msn.com
Lucky Magazine
Msn.com
Mooshoes.com
nyartificial.com
bboheme.com

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