Living green is a philosophical approach to life. Those of us who adapt
green lifestyles tend to consider each of our actions in relationship to the
well being of the planet and its natural processes. Every time we make a
decision, we are thus taking in to consideration what the potential
consequences of that decision will be for the planet - and for mankind in
general. Not only does green living mean caring for the environment - it
means taking great care of all living things - plants, animals, and humans
alike. By having a consciousness of the earth’s ecological processes, we are
able to make wise decisions in our daily lives about how to maintain the
planet and make sure that our race will still be around for generations to
come.The key to eco green living is to minimize one’s footprints on the
ecological scale. If any of our actions are creating a major negative impact
on the environment, then we look for ways to change those actions. There is
always a better way of doing things. By taking great care of our planet, we
ensure that the earth will be preserved for all life forms in the future.The
sad fact of the matter is that life forms all over the planet are under
threat thanks to certain unfortunate activities that human beings have
generated over the years. Effectively, the human race has made a lot of
changes since the industrial revolution in order to serve itself - without
taking in to consideration the ecological impact we were having. As long as
we are satisfied, the logic seems to go, who cares if a bunch of animals and
plants - or the environment - have to suffer.The last century has witnessed
environmental destruction on a massive scale via pollution, the extraction
of raw materials, agricultural development, and construction. What is more,
owing to the damages to the environment that have resulted in climate
change, a lot of sensitive eco systems have begun to fail since they are
unable to adapt to the fact that the planet is warming up at such an
alarming rate.We who live green lives believe that everyone on this planet
leaves behind an “ecological footprint” with each step they take. The scale
of these footprints represents the total effect we have on the planet earth
during the course of our existence. The more damage we do as individuals,
the greater the footprint we will leave behind. As the footprints pile up
and we pass away, the damage will be left for future generations on this
planet to try and cope with. This is an incredibly selfish way of living!The
two main ways that we have impacted the environment is by threatening the
planet’s bio diversity while also causing climate change to take place. The
green living movement has thus evolved from out of these problems. The idea
is conserve nature and promote sustainability through highlighting the
problems that have resulted thanks to the devastation of the natural
environment. Once we begin to understand these problems, we can begin to
educate ourselves as to how to overcome these damages - and behave in a more
productive fashion.Many people mistakenly believe that it is the
government’s responsibility to take care of these issues. While it is true
that the government has the power to regulate and enforce laws regarding
environmental protection, we as individuals also have to take responsibility
for the ecological foot prints we leave behind in our day to day lives. The
key is to learn how to reduce our foot prints - and thus reduce the
detrimental effects they have on the planet.One of the most common ways to
begin living green is to choose an organic lifestyle. By eating and using
organic products, we effectively reduce the amount of chemicals that are
used in the countryside. Thus, more forms of wildlife are able to continue
to reproduce and thrive in natural environments.Another common form of green
eco living is recycling. By recycling our household rubbish rather than
throwing it out, we effectively reduce landfills and help reduce the amount
of carbons that are released in to the environment.While a lot of
individuals recognize the importance of “cleaning up their act,” taking
actual steps to do so can be quite a challenge. But learning how to live a
green life is also quite rewarding. By introducing environmentally friendly
behavior in to one’s every day life, you will eventually grow comfortable
with these lifestyle changes and be able to appreciate the benefits of what
you have accomplished.A lot of improvements have been made in recent years
in the residential and construction sectors. More planners and architects
have begun to figure out environmentally friendly ways to save resources
through the deployment of green technology. They have also been able to find
ways to improve the ecological balance sheet of new homes and buildings
without having to involve the actual residents of these places.But there is
a lot that residents of ecologically friendly homes can do to make sure that
they make the most of what they have been given. For example, if one uses
their winter garden as a living room in winter time, thereby heating it,
then a lot of energy is wasted rather than saved. What is more, even though
thermal insulation may offer the prospect of saving energy, if the residence
is not aired regularly, then the energy savings may be thwarted.Those of US
who want to live in close harmony with nature should have no problem
adjusting to the demands of green living. Those who have spent their lives
in urban environments, however, might find it difficult to drastically
change their habits. Doing so, however, will only lead to a major
improvement - not only for the planet, but also in one’s spiritual,
physical, and emotional well being. Don’t forget - green living is also
healthy living. Not only do we need to care for Mother Earth - we also need
to take good care of our bodies as well. And believe it or not, the two go
hand in hand.

The American family farm is in dire straits and has been for decades now.
Corporate Farms have through economies of scale simply become too
competitive in the market place, offering lower costs and having the power
to lobby their will with Washington. No matter who is to blame for the
plight and destruction of family farms across America, is now irrelevant,
but maybe there is a way to make it up to them?If landowners and family
farms can put up wind turbines, sell the electricity to the grid, then maybe
they can covert those farms that once grew crops into wind farms with
hundreds of generators powering up our civilization. Think it cannot happen?
It already is in a few places in our nation. For instance in Wyoming,
Nebraska and Montana, where droughts have taken their toll on farmers, the
agricultural industry is fighting back by putting in wind farms.Of course,
if you know anything about wind turbines and alternative energies then you
have been watching the entrepreneurial capitalist efforts of T. Boone
Pickens. His plan is to turn much of South Texas into wind farms to harvest
that steady but abundant breeze in that region. And why not, why waste that
wind energy, it’s blowing whether you collect it or not.Indeed, the best
part of this strategy is the it has the full force of the government behind
it with tax incentives and fast track regulatory policies. So, in the future
when you are driving across the country, you may look out and see wind
turbines instead of only agricultural fields.

Less Mercury Is Good Mercury?In looking at the energy consumed using incandescent light bulbs it can be seen that if coal is used to generate the electricity, a significant amount of mercury will be released into the environment which is harmful.The concept currently being promoted by government is to replace incandescent light bulbs with more energy efficient mercury containing compact fluorescent light bulbs which reduce energy consumption hence less coal is burned to generate electricity and the environmental harm from mercury is reduced. It is further argued that even if the mercury in the compact fluorescent bulbs were released to the environment, the total amount of mercury released by the disposal of the bulb plus the amount emitted to power the more efficient bulb is less than would have been emitted to the environment if an incandescent bulb were powered.Let us assume that this argument is sound.The second argument made is that the small amount of mercury in the light bulbs is "safe" because it reduces harm to the environment. This argument is illogical because the concentrated release of 1 to 4 mg of mercury by the breakage of a single compact fluorescent bulb can pose an immediate health risk to persons exposed to this mercury,A coal plant emits small amounts of mercury over time to power a single light bulbs therefore the mercury release is profound for the environment where mercury accumulates in fish, shellfish etc but it does not pose an "immediate danger" to the user of an incandescent or LED light bulb. LED Light bulbs can reduce power use in lighting thereby reducing mercury emissions without the risks associated with the mercury in compact fluorescent bulbs.Perhaps we should not burn coal without means to trap mercury.If a compact fluorescent light bulb breaks, a person can be exposed to 1 to 4mg of mercury which is a significant amount in terms of health risk. The breakage of a package of 6 bulbs could release 6-24mg of mercury. In the workplace, a spill of 6-24mg of mercury would be a serious issue, and spills of 25mg or more must be cleaned up by hazardous materials specialist teams in many jurisdictions. That is how serious a mercury spill is in terms of health risk yet we allow ourselves the possibility of such an exposure when handling compact fluorescent light bulbs!Mercury is very toxic and is known to damage the central nervous system, the endocrine system, the kidneys, and other organs as well as harming the mouth, gums, and teeth. Exposure over long periods of time or heavy exposure to mercury vapor can result in brain damage or death. Mercury and its compounds are particularly toxic to fetuses and infants. Women who have been exposed to mercury in pregnancy have sometimes given birth to children with serious birth defects (Minamata disease).Mercury exposure in young children can have severe neurological consequences, preventing nerve sheaths from forming properly. Mercury is thought to inhibit the formation of myelin, the building block protein that forms these sheaths.Some studies propose that mercury poisoning may predispose Young's syndrome (men with bronchiectasis and low sperm count).Mercury poisoning's effects partially depend on the exposure conditions and breaking a single light bulbs may be a small risk.But why take a chance?

The sun is at the heart of all our power, so there really are plenty of advantages of solar power. In fact, they greatly outweigh the disadvantages. Enormous Potential. The Earth receives amassive amount of energy from the sun, far far more than we are ever likelyto use. In fact, the Earth receives about 174 PW (that’s 174 with 15 zeroes after it) and we use about 15 TW
(15 with 12 zeroes after it). Now, all that solar energy doesn’t reach the surface, but if we could tap just 1% of what we get from solar power, we would need nothing else, though granted, most of that energy goes to warming and driving the Earth’s climate. This is one of the most important advantages of solar power over the other forms of renewable energy; there is simply so much more of it potentially available. Most Suitable in Developing Regions. It would appear that “developed” countries are those that are not generally concentrated around equatorial regions (Africa, South America, India and so forth), while the “developed” ones lie more in higher latitudes. This means that those who are now developing into larger economies, and so are ripe to begin with renewable energy rather than going via fossil fuels, do in fact have the most solar energy available to them. I can probably make that clearer with a map: http:maps.grida.nogographicnatural-resource-solar-power-potential ul>em>As you can see, equatorial regions receive far more solar energy per square metre than regions at higher latitudes. This is not to say that solar panels would be wasted in Europe, say; just that they would produce more electricity in most of Africa.em>ul>strong>Cleanstrong>: One of the main advantages of solar power: it produces no greenhouse gases (though tiny amounts would be produced during production).strong>Cheap to runstrong>: Aside from production and occasional maintenance costs, solar panels do not cost much to actually run.strong>Renewablestrong>: I suppose this one is fairly obvious, really, but do bear in mind that the sun will not go anywhere. It will exist for many billions of years to come, so there is no chance of ever losing this source of energy (whereas rivers can dry up).strong>Aestheticsstrong>: Unlike wind turbines, no one complains about the erection of solar panels on a rooftop. On a small scale, they are unobtrusive. On a large scale, they are likely to be in a fairly barren and remote location anyway, for example desert land. Low
Maintenance. Once solar panels are erected, they do not require a large effort to keep them running. Unlike a gas or nuclear plant, solar panels can effectively be left to get on with it.strong>Silent. Another plus for domestic purposes, solar panels will not annoy the neighbours. It is far less likely that they would require planning permission to install (compared to a 20 foot tower). “Ecologically” Friendlystrong>: Forgive the odd choice of words, what I mean is that solar panels do not have a large impact on their environment (something which is quite heavily associated with wind power).strong>Ideal for Domestic Purposesstrong>: Essentially because of many of the reasons already listed, solar power is probably the most appropriate form of renewable energy to be applied domestically. I’m of the opinion that all new builds should include solar panels (as the cost of solar roof tiles is not that much more than regular roof tiles).strong>Safestrong>: As far as I’m aware, no one has ever died in a “solar explosion”. This is a problem which plagues effectively all non-renewable sources: deaths occur in mining, power plant accidents, and so on, not to mention the death toll which could one day be attributed to global warming.ul>So those are the main advantages of solar power. As you can see, there are rather a few. Solar power technology really has a very long way to go, and that’s why it has so much potential. I expect to see the days when solar panels are printed onto panes of glass and woven into clothing, to really maximise the amount of free energy we can gain from the sun.

The Wheego Whip, another Neighborhood Electric Vehicle, is expected to hit the streets in May, according to Engadget. That is, if Wheego Wheels can find dealers to sell these low-speed, souped-up golf carts. (I'm not just being mean; company founder Mike McQuary purchased a golf cart company and used its product as a base for the Whip).

Wheego, a division of Ruff & Tuff Electric Vehicles (seriously, that's the parent company name), is taking applications to form a network of 50 dealers. That's a strong goal in a weak economy for a new car that has limited use and range, and not much of a marketing plan.

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Originally posted at The Car Tech blog

One year ago, silicon, the most common material used in making solar panels, could not be supplied fast enough. It gave an opening to many new solar tech start-ups looking to pick up venture capitalist interest and cash.

While some technologies may not have been as efficient as traditional silicon solar panels, ...

"Should Uncle Sam provide billions in loans and grants to a promising but unproven business? Or should the government wait for the market to sort things out before it backs a U.S. company?"

Those are questions posed in a BusinessWeek article last week. However, the questions are largely rhetorical: the U.S. Department of Energy already has a $25 billion Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program, and many car and battery companies are counting on these loans to aid their development and production of lithium ion batteries.

So it's not a question of "should," it's a question of "how?"

Lithium ion batteries will add at least $8,000 to the price of a production plug-in hybrid vehicle, according to BusinessWeek. However, that amount is probably on the low side when you consider that the Chevy Volt is predicted to cost a bit less than $40,000, a good portion of that price being the battery. Another manufacturer representative estimated that a lithium ion battery currently costs approximately $22,000, effectively putting the electric car out of reach to all but the well-heeled greenies.

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Originally posted at The Car Tech blog

Desalination start-up Oasys Water is banking on the fact that water will shortly be the new oil.

Flagship Ventures, Advanced Technology Ventures, and Draper Fisher Jurvetson seem to agree as the three invested a total of $10 million in Series A funding, according to a Wednesday announcement ...

Samsung wasn't the only company showing a solar-powered cell phone at the GSMA World Congress. On Wednesday, Chinese manufacturer ZTE launched a green model of its own.

Created with Digicel and Intivation, the Coral-200-Solar is designed for emerging markets where ...

Originally posted at 3GSM blog

President Obama signed into law a government stimulus package Tuesday and said the energy provisions will pave the path for doubling the amount of renewable energy in the next three years.

Energy is a major piece of the massive $787 billion package, totaling about $38 billion in government spending and ...