Environment

Conserved Energy - Means Greener Environment

2010-04-19T04:42:00.000-07:00

Conserved Energy - Means Greener Environment and More Money in Your Pocket by Emilio A
in Society / Environment (submitted 2010-04-02)

In a sense, conserved energy can always be thought of as saved money. For example, if you can reduce your electric bill by ten dollars each month, you will have an extra 120.00 to spend on something else by the end of the year. While you may need to spend money on a few extra gadgets, the long term savings will skyrocket as the price of energy continues to go up.

Today, many people are concerned about reliance on foreign sources of petroleum and other natural resources. While some advocate increased drilling, and increased reliance on nuclear fuel, it is still up to consumers to take a step back and stop using so much energy. A drop in commercial energy demand will translate into lower prices, less dependence, and a healthier environment.

If you are interested in enjoying all the benefits associated with conserved energy, you can begin by making a list of everything in your home that relies on some type of energy. From there, you can begin creating categories, or clusters of items. For example, you might put your microwave, crock pot, and stove in one cluster, while coffee makers, electric can openers, and other gadgets would go in a second cluster. Once you see which items overlap, you can start eliminating ones that require a lot of current.

Consider a situation where you have a stove, microwave, rice cooker, bread maker, and a crock pot. Invariably, the microwave will use less current than your other appliances. In fact, if you cook rice in the microwave, you can also get rid of one appliance. Rather than increase your burden on the landfill, you can simply resell appliances that you don't want, or give them away in a free cycle program. Needless to say, it will also be of some help to avoid buying appliances that take more than 12 volts of current.

No matter how you look at it, commercial energy comes with a price tag that is too high for the environment, and also too high for consumers. A bit of creative thinking can easily help you cut your energy usage in half. This is especially important to consider if you live in a large household, or your expenses are higher than what you can afford. At the very least, when your energy bills are cut in half, you can begin to devote attention to other parts of your budget.

Care to save energy and help conserve the environment? Click here to find out how.

About the Author
Emilio A is a web promoter and developer with knowledge in variety of different areas and topics.

Recycle is very beneficial for the environment

2010-04-02T21:03:00.000-07:00

How to Recycle by Mark Etinger
in Business (submitted 2010-04-01)

It may seem simple enough, but there are certain specifics to recycling that can help the environment and your sanitation service. Recycling reduces waste that builds in landfills in order to make new products from the old. This is rewarding for us and the world in which we live. But it may not be as simple as it seems. Haven't you ever wondered if you recycle this or that? And if so, how? Does it go with the plastics, or the metals, or the papers? Well prepare to have all of your questions answered.

1. First, find out what your sanitation or recycling service requires. Some prefer to separate all kinds of products, like the plastic bags from the cardboard boxes and the cans from the newspapers. If this is the case, make sure to designate a specific area for each kind of recycling.

2. Some states provide cash for recycling bottles and cans. If yours is one of them, save up and take them to a recycling center for some extra monies.

3. Some services require that you wash or remove lids from your recycling.

4. Paper is especially easy to recycle. If you work in an environment that uses a lot of paper, keep some around to use as scrap by writing on the backs of it. Keep a bin under your desk or a stack that you can easily move to the recycling can. This way you save time by disposing it all in one trip and you help to conserve a valuable resource.

5. At home, reuse your plastic bags. Whether you have extras from grocery shopping or you have empty bread bags or newspaper bags, they can easily be reused as smaller garbage can liners. Just make sure they don't have holes - if they do, double up. If you still have extras you can bring them with you when you do your grocery shopping to hold your groceries or to drop off at a recycle center at your local supermarket. You can even use plastic bags in the car to hold scraps and stray litter. Plastic bags are also great to clean up after your pets when you walk them or clean out the litter box or yard (you can even bring them to the animal shelter because if you don't need them, they sure do). You can save them for packaging when sending boxes or use them as stuffing for shoes to help keep them keep shape while drying. Plastic bags also have potential for art - you can make a wreath or scarf by melding bags together.

6. There are tons of items that you may not think of when you hear the word recycle. Here are just a few: magazines, milk cartons, packing peanuts, cell phones, batteries (especially important) styrophome (also takes forever to decompose) old televisions, and computers.

Recycling is very beneficial for the environment and for the soul. It helps you to feel like you're contributing to the good of the world, and is a good habit for today and for future generations.

About the Author

Excellent Poly Bags provide plastic bags of all kinds, including custom orders. They have a wide variety of poly bags for companies in all fields of business.

Keep Products/Environment Clean

2010-03-10T21:44:00.000-08:00

The Truth About Environmentally Safe Cleaning Products by Dave Roth
in Other (submitted 2010-03-09)

The 'Green' revolution that has taken over modern advertising in recent years has brought to light a number of products that boast their environmental benefits to both the consumer and the world, but how many of these products are merely an advertising slogan and which actually live up to their boasts?

The question isn't an easy one to answer and while this article certainly can't comment on every single one, we'll give you a general idea on what to look for and what to avoid when it comes to the cleaning products in your home. After all, if you're concerned for the environment, the planet, and your own family's protection, you want to be absolutely sure your 'green' products really are safer, right?

In 1960, the federal government passed the Federal Hazardous Substances Labeling Act that basically freed companies from having to disclose any dangerous ingredients in household products unless certain reaction or side effects would immediately be noticed after use. If you think about it, this is a rather sobering fact. Actually, it's an amazingly scary fact when you realize companies are legally protected from warning you about hazards to your family's health.

For starters, cleaning products don't fall under the same government regulations that food products, for example, do. If you purchase a product that is labeled 'bio-degradable' or 'eco-friendly' or 'natural,' these words are, in effect, meaningless. There is no oversight with regard to these labels as there are in foods that claim to be 'organic,' for example.

So, that eco-friendly, biodegradable dish soap you bought -- and paid extra money for over traditional brands -- might be exactly the same as that traditional brand that costs less.

How many products are in your home right now that claim to be natural or biodegradable? What is 'natural?' Lead is natural but we've learned in recent years that it's not something we would really want to be around everyday. We certainly wouldn't want our children to be exposed to lead on a regular basis, would we? But it's natural. Then there's the biodegradable label. If you wait long enough, just about every product ever created with degrade.

In recent years, however, there have been new programs develop to combat the misleading and sometimes malicious labeling that occurs within the cleaning product business. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has created the DfE label that it affixes to products that use the safest available ingredients from each category in its products. This doesn't classify a product as 'safe,' however.

The Green Seal, created by the company with the same name, is attached to products that are non-toxic, non-corrosive, free of carcinogens, mutagens, and are truly biodegradable. So when you're looking for the best cleaning products, look for these labels. Don't forget to take a closer look at that vacuum cleaner you're using, either. Many of these new bagless systems boast environmentally safe claims as well.

The best advice is to look closely at the fine print and do your homework.

About the Author
Dave Roth owns and operates Vacuum Cleaner Talk, specializing in reviews about vacuum cleaners. Learn about Hoover, Rainbow, Dyson, central vacuum cleaners, and more.

Create a better environment

2010-03-05T03:46:00.000-08:00

What should we do after Chile Earthquake by venturi@lesishu.org
in Society / Environment (submitted 2010-03-04)

From the recently news, we usually hear some information about the latest situation about Chile. On the 27th, Feb, 2010, at 03:34 local time, rating a magnitude of 8.8 earthquake happened and lasting for about three minutes. Lots of people died and still others have been reporting missing. There are so many people's house were damaged that they lack of water, food and so on. They are now in tight place. Facing these things, what should you think? The aid to Chile is necessary, but do you think others?

Several month ago, we all know that there was also happened a huge earthquake in Haiti. According to the Haitian Government reports that about more than 200,000 had been identified as dead, an estimated 300,000 injured and 1,000,000 homeless.

On May 12, 2008 in Sichuan province of China was also happened a great earthquake. And at least 68000 people were died, still lots of people were injured and missing.

May be from these news we will ask why so many disasters occured in recent years?

I think it is a warning to our human that we should pay more attention on protecting our earth and environment. Yes, with the development of society, we enjoy lots of benefits and happiness on high technology and see the big change of the world. However, there are more and more problems come out gradually, like Ozone Hole, Greenhouse Effect, or the Sea Level Rise for the climate change and so forth which are all threaten to our existence.

Watching the disaster happened one by one, we should not think it is far from us, we are on the earth, we are a whole family, they are near us. So it is our all duty to protect the environment from you and me. Maybe we cannot do the big contribution to the world, but if we do each small action and add them together, I think that would become a great for our world. Let all of us thrive to future together and reduce grief and create a better environment for generation and generation.

About the Author
Copyright (c)Chinese Handicrafts Team. Largest selection of handmade crafts for sale, such as Chinese knots, Chinese Paper-Cutting, cloth art & embroidery, shadow puppet, straw plaiting, etc. With profound historical culture, they are the best Chinese gifts or ornaments. We assure you of our Best Services at all times.

Natural Environment and Disasters

2010-02-28T17:34:00.000-08:00

Earthquakes Increasing: So what does it mean? by Miss LaVonne Washington
in News / World News (submitted 2010-02-27)

Earthquakes today are now occurring in even greater frequency and intensity, and amazingly enough are quickly moving across the entire globe itself. On February 27th, 2010, the Isle of Chile experienced a horrific earthquake of its own, measuring on the Richter scale an 8.8. This massive earthquake, thereafter triggering and sending a jet liner tsunami racing towards Hawaii and smaller islands as well as even the Western Pacific Seaboard of America, threatened and displaced hundreds of thousands. Furthermore, at the time of writing this report, the death toll of human lives is unknown. Nevertheless as televised, the grave devastation remains certain, as buildings and homes lay toppled down, and the broken dreams of residents now in a state of ruins.

Many of us today presumed for years that natural disasters such as earthquakes were regionalized or confined based on geography; that is, earthquakes occurring only on the West Coast, affecting such places as California and other specific regions. However, recently we have witnessed as earthquakes are proving to defy presupposed boundaries and restrictions based upon geographical locations, as underground fault lines are now being discovered all over the world.

Since the beginning of this year 2010, we have witnessed and immediate and noticeable increase in the number of earthquakes occurring all over the place. In California on January 9, 2010 an earthquake struck off the shores of Northern California measuring at 6.5. On January 12, 2010, the island of Haiti was struck by an earthquake measuring on the Richter scale at 7.0. Weeks later and on February 12, 2010, Cuba itself experienced a minor earthquake measuring at 5.4, and in other parts of the world even countries such as Russia and China experienced a jolt and earth pains of their own on February 17, 2010 measuring at 6.5. As we watch once again, no doubt, many may be asking what does all this death and destruction world wide mean?

Jesus WARNED us of such occurrences in the Holy Scriptures. In the Gospel of St. Matthew 24:7, Jesus prophesied and spoke of the very things we are currently witnessing, and NOW with even greater frequency TODAY. He says, "nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be FAMINES, and PESTILENCES, and EARTHQUAKES, in several and various places."

So what does it all mean...the increase in wars, the gross famines, escalation of disease and plagues, and the frequency of earthquakes? Well according to the Bible, it is the indicator light that we are nearing or very close to the time of Jesus' return (read entire Chapter Matthew 24). So how do I know? Well even Jesus' disciples asked prior to the above prediction in Matthew 24:30, "Tell us what shall be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the world?" Furthermore, Jesus himself categorizes earthquakes in various places as one of the primary signs of his return, and refers to it as what would be "the beginning of sorrows" (Greek word birth pains). So what we should be doing is of even greater importance to ask ourselves? I would say to make ourselves ready for what lies beyond this present world and life, and all of its unpleasantness. That is, to live each day ready and in the light of Jesus' return and ETERNITY!

Sources: foxnews.com, huffingtonpost.com

About the Author
LaVonne looks at all of everyday life and living through the lens of the Bible, and uses it as the final authority in all of her posts pertaining to finances, health, and the world. She is a self-published author of Christian Cartoon Storybooks. She enjoys writing, and is an avid reader,student, and lover of the Bible. She is a writer for newsletter Illumination Christian Publications. In addition, she enjoys being a paid blogger, freelance writer, and affiliate marketer for advertisers.

Green and Efficient Home

2010-01-26T06:53:00.000-08:00

Green Home For Our Environment

2010-01-26T06:50:00.001-08:00

Make a Green Home by Michael Duggan
in Environment (submitted 2010-01-26)

Making a green home can have a number of advantages for you, your family and the environment. It can save you money on your energy and water bills, as well as the general up keep and maintenance of your home. A green home can also reduce your ecological footprint by reducing your reliance on fossil fuels and minimising the production of waste. Another reason to building green is the improvement on your quality of life and the health of your family. There are a huge amount of options now available to make a green home and this article will concentrate on five main areas for you to improve the sustainability of your home.
The goal of making a green home is to reduce energy and water use, save money, minimise waste, and improve the health of its occupants. This can be achieved in many different ways, on a range of budgets and in new and existing dwellings. One of the best ways to achieve a green home is to start at the design stage, before construction begins. However it is also possible to green a home that has already been built.

Reducing your energy consumption can be achieved in a variety of ways. The most cost effective way is also the simplest. When you leave a room, turn the light off and when you're not using an appliance switch it off. You can also purchase products that have a high energy efficiency rating to further reduce your energy use when you are using a particular appliance. Air-conditioning and heating accounts for more than half of the average household's energy consumption. The design and materials used in the construction of your home can significantly reduce the need to use mechanical heating and cooling. This will save you money on energy bills and make your home more comfortable to live in.

In many parts of Australia, water is a precious resource. Minimising our use of water is very important and there are many options available for your household to do this. Fitting water saving devices is the easiest way to achieve water use reductions. The purchasing of water efficient washing machines and dish washers can further reduce your water consumption. The installation of rainwater tanks can supply additional water resources for flushing toilets and watering the garden. It is also possible to reuse grey water by running it through a treatment system. This water can then be used in the laundry and toilet.

Reductions in waste can be made at different stages of a homes life cycle. During the construction phase, you should ask your builder how he disposes of site waste. Encourage the reuse of materials and the recycling of products that don't get used.

About the Author
FWR Group Pty Ltd provide clients with sustainability consulting services for all facets of the emerging sustainable development sector, including technology, strategic planning, sustainable business and education/training industries.

Save and Help The Environment

2009-09-12T02:16:00.000-07:00

Build A Solar Panel-Help The Environment

2009-09-12T02:11:00.000-07:00

Build A Solar Panel-Help The Environment by Virgil Sandberg

More and more people today are turning to homemade solar panels as a way to save money, and help the environment. Modern technology has made home solar power systems available to everyone. Solar cells have been around for over 150 years, but only recently have become available and affordable to anyone interested in home solar cells.

The invention and improvement of semiconductors in the 1940's and 50's have led to the development of today's modern conveniences, transistors, microprocessor chips, in fact anything that's computerized or uses radio waves depends on semiconductors, as do all home solar panels.

In the 1950's, at the beginning of the space age, communications satellites needed a reliable and long term way to be powered. The use of solar energy was the answer. This led to research and development funding from private companies and governments into making solar cells practical, and made today's homemade solar cells possible.

A homemade solar power system is actually easy to build. There are several photovoltaic products on the market. Photovoltaic cells are devices that convert light directly into electricity by the photovoltaic effect. The term solar cell is reserved for photovoltaic devices intended specifically to capture energy from sunlight. You do not have to make the photovoltaic cells, they are readily available at surprisingly low costs.

When you build a homemade solar panel, you are making a box with an aluminium or wood frame with glass on the front to protect the cells from the elements. The solar cells go in the box and you connect the wiring, and that's it.

There are manuals available that not only cover the construction of the panel, but also have step by step wiring instructions. The best ones have video instructions that make the whole process of diy homemade solar power easy. To learn more about making your own solar panels visit the leading authority in Home Built Solar Panels.

About the Author
The author is an avid environmentalist and diy enthusiast, his website can be viewed at go2solarpower

Clen and save environment

2009-08-29T20:35:00.000-07:00

Saving the environment

2009-08-29T20:31:00.000-07:00

Easy Paper Recycling by Terry Gruber

The environment is the number one supplier of man's basic needs in life. But are you aware that the environment or the earth is on a great danger in these times? This is brought by the various junk present in the environment. As a matter of fact, papers take up a large percentage when it comes to the wastes that can be found in the environment. However, There are certainly effective ways in which you can help save the earth from its critical condition. And one of these ways is through simple paper recycling.
Recycling papers is actually one of the easiest kinds of recycling which you can do. In definition, paper recycling is simply the practice of converting and modifying used old papers into usable byproducts. You can do your part to contribute to paper recycling in several ways. The first and easiest way is to simply take your old papers and newspapers down to your local recycling center. They will see that your old papers are properly recycled. Don't forget that your local recycling center will also accept your old plastics and metals, so take them too.

Indeed, the paper recycling process is just so easy that you can in fact do it on your own in the comfort of your home. But such process though simple can already contribute a lot in saving the environment. Hence, it is now safe to say that it is not yet too late and that you can still do something in rescuing the earth from its serious condition in order to have a very fresh and clean environment to live in.

About the Author
Terry Gruber likes to write articles on various subjects. Check out his latest website on TV tray tables. TVtraytables.org helps people get the best deals and other products that come in handy when watching TV.

Environmental Tips-How to Go Green

2009-06-15T06:57:00.000-07:00

2009-06-15T06:56:00.000-07:00

Going Green With Your Business by Lynne Saarte

If your company has been eating the dust of your competitors, chances are your company has not been using the best practices approach. Today, if your company is not committed to excellence, your company would not survive. Look around you and see for yourself, you will find that business owners and employees who are constantly working to improve the quality of the product or services and continuously finding new ways are not only persevering but are growing as well.
It is fortunate for those lagging behind that there are those who are pioneers which they can benchmark from. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to business owners everywhere. Take the example of companies who have achieved a milestone in ensuring that their business interests are attuned with the principle of environmental sustainability.

Greening the Company Going green is the current trend today. All business processes are being reviewed, from the use of energy to water conservation efforts - all in the name of environmental sustainability. Fortune 500 companies are reviewing their carbon footprints, ushering in a new and sustainable business processes.

Companies in the manufacturing sector are creating a new environment division that offers a line of eco-friendly packaging products that also meets the budgets of clients and prospects - a new and innovative way of going green without going beyond the budget. Companies in the print industry are offering eco-friendly materials for their flyers or poster printing. These materials, although they're not considered cheap poster printing, come in the form of recycled paper or bio-degradable inks.

Bigger companies are taking the extra step by switching to 100 per cent solar power. Admittedly, these photovoltaic cells cost a lot but in the long run, the savings generated from these solar panels will offset the initial cost. Others have invested in water treatment facilities to recycle effluent water. These treatment facilities convert effluent water for gardening or flushing purposes. The savings from these initiatives as well as its benefits will generally outweigh the initial costs of building the infrastructure.

Not only are these companies' efforts protecting the planet, it is also creating a niche for themselves in corporate social responsibility. Establishing a good reputation in the causes such as environment conservation is definitely a plus factor for any business. It gives the impression that they are not only after profits, they are also looking after the welfare of their customers as well.

For comments and inquiries about the article visit: Poster Printing, Cheap Poster Printing

About the Author
Lynne Saarte is a writer that hails from Texas. She has been in the Internet business for some years now, specializing in Internet marketing and other online business strategies.

2009-05-22T17:24:00.001-07:00

2009-05-22T17:23:00.001-07:00

Gaining the Perks of Going Green by Art Gib

voteWith all of the hype surrounding the environment and reducing emissions from vehicles, factories and manufacturing facilities corporations and individuals alike have jumped onto the green bandwagon. Corporate office buildings are being redesigned and recreated to work harmoniously with the environment. Energy efficient lighting elements and heating and cooling systems that rely on the internal energy of a building or solar sources to power air conditioners and lighting are being reengineered into existing buildings and new edifices are being architecturally engineered to accommodate nature lighting and energy sources that are beneficial to the environment.
Automakers are also involved in reducing vehicle emissions through the introduction and growing interest in hybrid technologies that support low emission gasoline engines combined with electric power plants to increase fuel economy while emitting few pollutants into the atmosphere. Almost every major car manufacturer has joined the hybrid market with a cross system gasoline and electric engine, but the green movement does no stop there. Company sponsored car pools are giving incentives to employees that share rides to work, producing fewer emissions and alleviating congestion, both on the roads and in the parking structures.

Recycling plants and waste management companies have teamed up to provide homeowners with alternatives to piling almost half of the refuse disposed of by households into landfills. Recycled products made from plastic bottles, glass and paper are gaining in popularity as the trend toward recycling continues to expand. Even beyond recycling waste products made of plastic, consumers are mow turning to renewable and reusable products like stainless steel water bottles that can be refilled with clean, clear water or taking natural fiber woven shopping bags to the grocery store instead of loading up on plastic bags that are not biodegradable.

Organic products that are biodegradable are appearing in more grocery stores. Organic products do not rely on chemical treatments for growth of stimulus. Not only are the healthier for consumers, because they are growth without the use of sprayed chemicals they are also better for the environment.

With more and more people contributing to the environment in a positive manner corporations are stepping forward to offer employees incentives and rewards for helping to protect and renew the environment. Companies realizing the need for environmental change to take place are turning to green incentive companies to help inspire and motivate the natural inclination to reduce waste and use replenishable resources. There is still much more that can be done to cut done on harmful emissions and reduce wasted resources, but thanks to the green movement many Americans are helping to heal the plant.

About the Author
Green Benefits (http://greenbenefits.net) provides environmentally sound products such stainless steel water bottles, as incentives and perks for individuals, businesses and organizations that support going green initiatives for the environmental. Art Gib is a freelance writer.

Save Our Environment

2009-03-30T17:33:00.000-07:00

2009-03-26T19:15:00.001-07:00

Save energy, save power, save environment by StudyLite

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pluggedYou know incandescent light bulb was used to bake brownies in olden times. Guess the amount of heat a 40 Watt bulb generates is great for baking brownies but certainly not for conserving electricity and saving money. Not to forget some other applications of the incandescent bulbs such as incubators (for hatching eggs), brooding boxes for young poultry, heat lights for reptile tanks, infrared heating for industrial heating and drying processes. Does it ring a bell in your ears? Well if you care for the environment, it sure will. There is no way a 40 Watt bulb incandescent light bulb generating about 310 lumens light per watt can fulfill the Kyoto protocol. As most countries are banning incandescent bulbs and setting new standards for lighting, manufacturers like BPL are promoting green products. However experts say if this ban is regulated worldwide by 2015, it will cut carbon dioxide emission from lightening by 60 per cent. Australia has completely banned the use of bulbs in the range of 40 W to 150 W producing 310 - 2600 lumens of light. By making these changes, they indeed claim to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 800,000 tonnes (Australia's current emission total is 564.7 million tonnes), a saving of approximately 0.14%. And you don't have to be an environmentalist to make such a decision. It's not a debate; there is no right and wrong here. It's simply being conscious of and responsible for your environment. For sure it's not a rocket science - simply requires some lifestyle changes. And certainly we don't need a government regulation for this. The traditional approach to the cost however is misleading. Most energy-saving bulbs are costlier than the traditional incandescent bulbs but they have advantages that clearly outweigh the cost. For instance you would need 50 incandescent bulbs to light a room for 100,000 hours as compared to 1 LED bulb or 10 CFL bulbs. On the contrary you would be saving upto Rs 14,940 on the total cost of electricity used. However it would be quite useful if major players in this sector would highlight the differences in lifetime, running costs, carbon emission, and electricity on their products; for informed consumer choices or manufacture products like study lamp, decorative lamps using energy-saving LED lights. In the same league, many production houses have been quite inspired to look out for ways to save energy and environment. BPL's StudyLite Lamp is a breakthrough in this spectrum. Developed in collaboration with Sankara Nethralaya, the StudyLite™ has been designed to provide ideal lighting, for children, for their studies.
The light source used in StudyLite™ is premium quality LEDs, unlike incandescent bulbs and CFLs, which splash light in all directions, LED bulbs are directional. They emit light white light exactly where it is required - good for the eyes and saves energy. And has no UV or IR radiations. However comes with a battery back-up, with a life of upto 6-hours during power outages. StudyLite™ uses a dual power source: it can be powered either via mains power supply or through a solar panel that BPL provides as an additional accessory.

About the Author
StudyLite is a BPL Techno Vision Private Limited (BTVL) product designed to provide ideal lightening for studying. To know more about it checkout www.studylite.in

2009-03-25T08:10:00.001-07:00

2009-03-25T08:01:00.001-07:00

Water Purifiers - The Basic Necessity of Today by Tom Lopez

1
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pluggedWater purifiers have today become a necessity rather than a thing of show off. It has become more necessary in cities and towns where the pollution is increasing day by day with the increase in population. It is especially necessary for the kids who go to school and drink water from school taps which is often not a RO purified water. So, if you do not have a water purifier installed at your home, you should think about it.
Almost all the top branded companies like Philips, Kent, Electrolux offer water purifiers which come at affordable prices. If look at all the brands and the models offered by them, you will find that there is not much difference in the way they are made or the way purify the water to convert it into drinking water.

The commonest water purifier comes with 8 liters of water storage and has 4 stages of water purification - sediments purification, Pre-Carbon Filter, carbon purification and Reverse Osmosis technology purification. It is also known as Reverse Osmosis Method/Technology. It uses semi-permeable membrane to divert dissolved salts, heavy metals, chemicals, micro-organisms and other impurities to drain. In later stage it uses a resin carbon cartridge, which polishes water to ensure fresh testing water. The Ultra-violet purification system (found in some of them) has a lamp which helps in eliminating bacteria and viruses thus providing safe drinking water.

So, with all this process of water purification, the water becomes utmost safe to drink. With more and more of chemicals being drained out of factories and other such factors and all this waste being thrown into rivers, it is vital that each and every home should have a water purifier installed. These water purifier come in the range of 12,000/-Rs 20,000/- . Being a little costly, one must think of saving money while purchasing these. The best way to do this is to buy them from an online shopping store like Home Shop 18, which offers the best quality products at lower price. With offers like discounts and memberships these are a better option than the showrooms which give the same products at MRP. So, if you have not checked the online shopping store, check it now....

About the Author
Author Suggest to you Purchase best n latest appliances like water purifiers, steamers, toasters, coffee maker, juicers and many more.

2009-03-25T00:36:00.001-07:00

2009-03-25T00:35:00.001-07:00

A Simple Understanding To How Does Solar Energy Work by Marcos Hoffman

1
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pluggedDear Friend; How does solar energy work? In this article we hope to uncover the secrets in a quick, clear and concise manner. So that you will start to appreciate the wonders that the sun has to offer. Solar energy is here to stay. That is for certain. And more people are beginning to see its merits. In California in the 80's for example enough solar power panels were installed to power 10 million homes. We are all familiar with solar energy. Even if it is only through our little portable calculators. But the time is coming when we will wonder how we ever lived without solar power.

So how does a solar energy system work. Let's find out. Simply put a photovoltaic cell converts some of the solar energy from the sun into an energy we can use. And that energy is a clean form of electrical energy. This photo cell is made of a sandwich of two slices of silicon. Each slice of silicon is charged differently. One is positive and the other is negative. Between these 2 slices of silicon are small wires which make up the circuit. And when the sun beats down on the cell the negatively charged neutrons are knocked free. But not too free, they are caught by the wires and form an electric current.

We're getting a good handle on how solar energy works. We've created our electricity with the solar panels. But not so fast young whipper-snapper. This is direct current which we can't use for most residential applications. So along comes inverter to save us and convert the direct into the alternate current. And the good news is these inverters are around 95% effective at this conversion.

Friends, you've learned how does solar energy work. It's really not that complicated. And the benefits are beyond peace of mind. It is quiet energy. And it can be used for more than just your lights. How about heating your water. And if you have a system tied to the grid and you have a roof full of solar panels you could become energy independent. Most of these systems can easily create from 75% to 100% of your energy needs.

As more and more people are feeling the pinch they are looking to save on utility costs. And they are seeking answers to how does solar energy work. And they are finding the huge benefits for the planet and for their wallets that solar energy offers. It is getting less and less expensive all the time. And with current technology you can have a small home based system built in a weekend. To find the best click here: www.JasonBReviews-GreenEnergy.info.

About the Author
Marcos Hoffman writes regularly about news related topics. I hope you enjoy this article.

2009-03-24T19:04:00.001-07:00

2009-03-24T19:03:00.001-07:00

Clean Power - Facts, review and user feedback by John Slater

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pluggedSolar power is clean power. Solar energy is the future, and the future is just about to hit you square in the face. The energy generated from the heat or light from the sun will soon power the entire world, all by itself. Solar power, also called solar energy, can be used to produce heat, light, hot water, electricity, and even cooling. It is reliable and efficient, especially now, and as time goes on it will get even better. Solar power is even evident on cloudy days, because much of the sun's radiant energy can reach you even through the clouds. That's why so many people get sunburned on overcast days, they play outside all day without sunblock, and end up sunburned.
Solar power is produced by using photovoltaic (PV) cells that capture the energy of the sun and convert it into electricity. The basic units of the system are solar cells, all of which are connected together into modules. Solar power is rapidly becoming the solution for many businesses and home owners who want to control the escalating cost of electricity. Global warming and generous rebates and tax incentives are in the process of ushering in the next wave of alternative energy. Solar power is also currently being widely used by owners of recreational vehicles (RVs) and luxury boats as well. Solar power is a major player in a sustainable energy plan. In sunny areas, many people have installed panels on their roofs to help with powering their air-conditioning, lighting, and other household necessities; people are beginning to find that the panels pay for themselves. Solar power is an incredible source of power emanating from a practically inexhaustible source - the Sun. It is a form of energy derived from the Sun, which is then converted into electricity or heat. Solar power is actually the heat that we receive from the Sun on a daily basis. The Earth, being placed at a certain distance from the Sun, receives enough light and heat to keep it warm.

Solar power has to be part of the global energy mix. The global power economy is in the early stages of a shift as profound as the shift when gasoline began to be widely used. It is currently heavily dependent on government subsidies to promote rapid introduction and acceptance by mass markets. Solar is an inert process that makes it difficult to compare to other non-inert technologies when comparing costs, considering that current solar modules are generally warranted for a 25 year life span.

Solar power is pollution free during usage. Production end wastes and emissions are manageable using existing pollution controls. The power is made from the sun's rays, which is completely natural and renewable. Concentrated solar power, also called solar thermal, is a means of gathering solar energy distinct from the use of photovoltaic (PV) panels. Instead of directly converting solar energy to electricity as in PV panels, concentrated solar power concentrates sunlight onto a relatively small point, which heats a medium.

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) systems use lenses or mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam. The concentrated light is then used as a heat source for a conventional power plant. Concentrating solar power systems generate electricity with heat.

To see the best energy saving products, facts, review and user feedback: http://www.neverpay2much.info

About the Author
To see the best energy saving products, facts, review and user feedback: http://www.neverpay2much.info

2009-03-23T20:13:00.001-07:00

2009-03-23T20:12:00.001-07:00

Guide To Building Your Own Greenhouse by Joey Simmons

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pluggedA person may have the pleasure of building his own greenhouse. He may choose from various designs and sizes he would like to build. A greenhouse gives a person comfort whenever he attends to his plants, vegetables, flowers, and orchids. It also provides the needed sunlight and humidity for these plants. He may relax and enjoy every time he visits a place where he has exerted all his effort of building such a wondrous place.
He may save more money if he decides building a small greenhouse. There are supplies and materials that he can use which should be just enough according to his prepared budget. If there is enough space that can accommodate a larger greenhouse, which is more advisable because he may maximize the place where he wants to develop more plants and vegetables.

If he really desires to build a greenhouse where he can develop and propagate more plants, he may consider different factors that would be necessary on the type of greenhouses he would like to build. Here are some tips and factors he would like to consider in building his own greenhouse.

1. He may consider using salvage materials if he intends to make a larger greenhouse. He may use these materials in designing and planning for a low cost budget greenhouse. This will also help him minimize the expenses of the other supplies and materials needed.

2. He should also determine the climate of the place where he lives. An insulated greenhouse should be appropriate for cold climate areas. This will help him provide the needed warmth and heat for his plants. For warm places, a greenhouse that has a shade control should be advisable.

3. He also needs to make sure that his greenhouse will be designed with proper air circulation spaces, ventilation, pest control soil, heaters for winter season, and humidity control devices. He may create an environment that would be appropriate for the types of plants that will grow in the greenhouse.

4. The location of the greenhouse should be built were there is enough sunlight. He may choose a solar greenhouse for vegetables and exotic fruit bearing plants if he would like his greenhouse to be situated on the east-west part where his place is more exposed to sunlight.

5. It is also important to consider the covering of the greenhouse. The most advisable shades are the expensive glass made coverings and fiberglass. They provide more durability and they do not deteriorate quickly compared to plastic coverings. A greenhouse covered with glass or fiberglass allows more humidity and warmth.

6. He has the option to choose on what kind of foundation he would like to use. The foundations can be concrete for a more secured greenhouse. Others prefer the less expensive lightweight foundation where they use improvised materials such as railroad ties, which they can easily attach to the ground. It all depends on how much he is willing to spend on the structure of the greenhouse.

7. He may consider building a greenhouse that will maximize its full potential. He may add benches or materials that will be used for his comfort every time he wants to relax in the greenhouse. He may add many accessories to the place like automatic watering systems, heating systems, ventilation system and other automatic equipments that are effective in maintaining the plants.

8. He may use the "good bugs" for his pest control chemical. They prevent and control the spread of the bad bugs in a greenhouse. If ever he may find insects in a plant, he may isolate the plant and if possible place the plant outside the greenhouse so that the insects would not house the other plants.

9. He may allot a space where he can store fertilizers, potting soil and other tools that are essential in the greenhouse. He may place a tool rack nearer to the potting place so that it would be easier for him to transfer the soil from the pot of the plants. He may also place buckets and tool holders to accommodate the other equipment when they are not in use.

He can develop and grow all sorts of plants with a versatile greenhouse. He may also propagate from the grown plants to fill the greenhouse with a variety of plants. Putting up a greenhouse will be more enjoyable if it done with the help of the family and friends.

About the Author
Read about annabelle hydrangea and hydrangea pruning at the Plants And Flowers website.

2009-03-21T20:17:00.001-07:00

2009-03-21T20:16:00.001-07:00

Home Built Solar by Anthony Cutajar

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pluggedYou can hardly look anywhere these days without power and energy being mentioned. Traditional energy sources are diminishing, and current estimates suggest that within as little as 25 years, carbon emissions will reach a critical point. Power production has shifted from burning fossil fuels to using alternative sources that are better for the environment. Alternative electricity generation should be embraced because it is extremely environmentally friendly, as it does not produce any waste products.
So if you want to do your bit, is it practical to generate your own home solar power? Not only will installing a home solar system help he to cut down on energy bills, but is also something that is good for the environment. One of the great things about a home solar power system is that it is easy to install. In fact you can do it yourself, with guidance from online sources dedicated to the topic. The interest in the home solar kit has soared over the last half decade and as a result of the huge amount of interest in alternative energy and the advantages and making your home green, the home solar kit has become the product that everyone is talking about.

If you've decided to perform a do it yourself solar panel installation on your own home then you'll want to know as much as possible about the subject before you start. Wouldn't it be nice if you could dump your monthly energy bills once and for all...with your own homemade solar panel system? First of all then you'll be interested to know that you can install your own solar power system for less than $200!

Building homemade solar panels does not require any real skills. With full video instructions, anyone can build them. The best part of building homemade solar panels is that you can do it for a fraction of the price. You can make your do it yourself solar panels one at a time, you are fully capable of doing your own repairs and maintenance and as you require more, you are able to build more. Do it yourself solar panels work in the same way as professionally installed systems. Basically, the photovoltaic cells on the panels capture sunlight and create direct current (DC). This is then converted through an inverter into alternating current (AC) that is suited for a home power supply.

For more information visit the website below:

http://housesolar.info/home-built-solar

About the Author
Anthony Cutajar is neither an engineer nor a technician but he is a do it yourself advocate.

2009-03-19T00:40:00.001-07:00

2009-03-19T00:35:00.000-07:00

Sustainable Energy is The Solution To Polution *Earth 4 Energy* by Lance Thomas

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pluggedThe World Health Organization, United Nations and governments around the world are affected by pollution. Calling celebrities you hear a call to arms, to join against. A frenzy of media on how polluted the entire planet is the case of the decade.
The pollution caused by the instability, discomfort, disorder and damage to the environment and people living in it. There are many types of pollutants that could be noise, energy, light, heat, chemicals and worse.

Sources of pollution

There are two types of pollution sources, pollution from point sources or non-point source pollution. Point source pollution, is aptly named because the source is readily identifiable and can be identified. Usually, a point source that only affects a single area or area of space, while the point of origin will not affect a larger area. Would not cover pollution usually bodies of water. Its so bad that it will not be able to reverse the harmful effects.

A history of pollution

If you think back to a traditional way of life will be reduced, or at least lessen the effects of pollution then youre wrong. The moment the fire was discovered, milling and metal contamination was used then. Even human waste probably some contaminated areas since the Paleolithic times, but at the time that human actions dwarves giving nature a recovery period.

Gradually increases as the pollution that mankind evolved and developed society. Indeed slices glacier in Greenland show contamination in relation to ancient Mesopotamia, Greek, Roman and Chinese era. One study showed that greater pollution increases with the increasing use of metals. With the fall of any social progress, human middle age showed a slow progress of pollution, but pollution in general are concentrated in urban areas such as bagging.

The gradual increase of populations and the widespread use of industrial processes saw the materialization of a civilization that is slowly but surely creating a negative impact on nature. It was inevitable that the contamination was so severe that people finally realized that the environment is slowly degenerating. The industrial revolution opened the way for the total environmental pollution as we know it today

A Declaration

Unknown to many people, the issue of pollution is not one thats been discovered during the 19th century. During the 9th to the 13th century Arabic writings with respect to the pollution already prevalent.

The first half of action in which Western society first notice was so basic and simple that it is literally all around us: the air. Pollution as a cause was popular at the end of World War II when the effects of atomic testing and the atomic bomb became undeniable destructive. In 1952 it dropped to great smog of London led to the deaths of over 8000 people. This event precipitated legislation sanctioning the use of coal and other polluting energy resources prevalent in those days.

Over time, the increasing pollution caused people to realize that the main cause of death is our implacable nature of energy use. This led to the ecology and the quest for sustainable energy. Energy is an integral part of the human world. We can not live without energy, our very existence depends on it. It is therefore imperative that we find alternative energy resource that never runs out and not harm the environment over time.

About the Author
Stop Paying For Electricity And Let The Power Campanies Pay You Click Here!

2009-03-16T23:35:00.001-07:00

2009-03-16T23:29:00.001-07:00

Save Our Environment: Carbon Offsets by Addison Deon

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plugged{a href=" http://carboncreditplanet.com/"} Global warming is not a current issue. We all are aware about it and its effects. Nevertheless, due to the melting snow capes, changing climate and rare occurrences taking place; global warming has become much important, to talk about. In this discussion, we will come across a term referred as Carbon Offsets.

Carbon offsets allows the different organizations to decrease the amount of carbon dioxide emissions. It includes energy efficiency, reforestations and renewable energy projects. The concept of carbon offset is very simple. The burning of oils, fossil, fuels, natural gas and coal results in carbon dioxide emissions. Everyone living on the earth uses energy and thus causes carbon dioxide emission. The supply of energy is limited, and thus, it is necessary to reduce and reproduce the energy we use to keep our planet Earth healthy and free of pollution. Here the role of carbon offsets come into picture.

Carbon offset is also referred as the act of offsetting the emission of gas. The very common instance of carbon offset is purchasing carbon offsets with an aim to compensate the production of carbon dioxide because of air travel. The simple activities like cooking, watching TV, making a call, sending an email, all contribute in producing carbon emissions. In such cases, carbon offsets is the best alternative that decreases the emissions by allowing people compensate for their carbon emissions.

The renewable energy sources like geothermal energy, biomass energy, solar panel installation, hydro turbines, etc all can create carbon offsets by displacing the fossil fuels. Some other types of {a href=" http://carboncreditplanet.com/"} carbon offsets are those resulting form reforestation projects, methane capture from livestock and fills, energy efficiency projects that absorb the carbon dioxide gas from the environment. It is estimated that carbon offsets along with personal carbon reductions will offer one of the best solutions to the problem of global warming.

Carbon offsets offer a better understanding to the effects of global warming. Many people do not know global warming and its adverse effects. Thus, it is very important to make people aware and educate them regarding this. If people remain unaware of the effects of global warming, they will not care about it. However, instead if they know everything, they will remain active and thus make a difference by simple activities like planting a tree, switching electrical companies, donating small plants to organizations.

Carbon offsets are measured in tons of carbon dioxide equivalents. They purchased and sold by a number of trading platforms, online retailers and international brokers. For instance, the wind energy companies frequently sell carbon offsets. Those who purchase the offsets are on the benefit as they can say that their purchase has resulted in a new and non-polluting energy, whereas the company benefits as the {a href=" http://carboncreditplanet.com/"} carbon offsets that it sells make the projects like this one, economically viable.

The commercial system is contributing greatly to the increasing demand of voluntary offsets among organizations, individuals and companies. These carbon offsets are cheap and a convenient alterative to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels.

About the Author
Addison Deon is expert in writing articles about protecting the environment which provides information about global warming.

2008-11-09T05:18:00.001-08:00

Get A FREE Energy Efficient GREEN Home Design At SustainableCommunities.com by Ashley Steyaert

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pluggedIntroduction to Tropical Green Building
Green building is the revolutionary development practice centered upon the mission of creating buildings which apply an increased efficiency of resources such as energy, water, and materials. In turn, green building reduces building impacts on human health and the environment by implementing improved site location, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal -- encompassing the complete life cycle of building.

Natural building is a similar concept, which usually operates on a smaller scale and tends to focus on the use of locally available natural materials.

The related concepts of sustainable development and sustainability are integral to green building. Some of the primary outcomes of effective green building include 1) reduced operating costs promoted by increasing productivity and using less energy and water, 2) improved public and occupant health as a result of improved indoor air quality, and 3) reduced environmental impacts by means of, for example, lessening storm water runoff and the heat island effect. Practitioners of green building often seek to achieve not only ecological but aesthetic harmony between a structure and its surrounding natural and built environment, although the appearance and style of sustainable buildings is not necessarily distinguishable from their less sustainable counterparts.

A fundamental principle of sustainable development concentrates on keeping our planet in a condition which will indefinitely support future generations. This is an enormous challenge due to the state of stress and overuse our global ecosystem is experiencing. Unfortunately, finite sources of energy and materials are being depleted, and much of our environment is being polluted or spoiled. Green building aims to repair the damage that less sustainable building methods have had on our environment and promote a system of building that enables us to live in a state of equilibrium with our surroundings.

The construction industry plays a major role here as a primary consumer of materials and energy. At the building scale, sustainable construction aims to provide long-lasting, health-minded, useful buildings. This goal can be accomplished by conserving limited material and energy resources by using durable, recyclable, and renewable materials through energy-efficient design, and by using environmentally neutral energy sources such as wind, sun, geothermal, and mechanisms including shading, simple evaporation and cooling.

At the urban and regional scales, sustainable construction involves planning that preserves environmental quality, conserves energy through efficient design, reduces waste and consumption through sensible design, and reduces pollution by establishing efficient transportation networks. At all scales, sustainable construction aims to support ecosystems through design with nature by establishing and improving habitats for wildlife, supporting biodiversity, replenishing groundwater instead of channeling rainwater into storm sewers and more.

Contact www.sustainablecommunities.com for your FREE Energy Effecient Home Design

About the Author
Ashley Steyaert is a freelance writer currently working out of Costa Rica where she writes articles and promotional media for local web designers, magazines and entrepreneurs. Please contact Ashley at asteyaer@gmail for further

2008-07-15T04:31:00.001-07:00

Environmental Problems: Your First Steps by Charles Pierce

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Environmental issues have been a major concern recently. More and more people are debating environmental issues, and that is mainly due to increased understanding and publicity of the problems caused by global warming. Though climate change has been a problem for some time, it is far more problematic these days.

There are three basic categories of environmental issues. First of all is climate change on a global level. This includes global warming problems, and the impact that climate change has on weather patterns, plants, animals, land masses, and so on. This also incoporates the reasons for climate change, which can include various kinds of underlying scientific reasons for natural climate change, as well as man made problems such as pollution and overpopulation.

The second broad category is the overuse of global resources. This can include deforestation, the stripping of fossil fuels from the land, land degradation, and other human activities that adversely affect our environment. This also relates to many endangered species, as they are often endangered because of humans encroaching on their territory.

The third category is about waste management. This includes most forms of human pollution, including pollution of the water, land and air, and covering all types of pollutants, including chemicals, oil spills and nuclear waste.

It's a great thing that so many people are involved in environmental issues, because that means that more can be done to reverse the negative trend. Human societies have often moved ahead without considering what it would do to our planet, and now is the time to start changing things before its too late.

Sometimes, ordinary people feel overwhelmed in the face of such world-wide problems, but we can all make a positive contribution to environmental issues. Taking responsibility for your own actions is the first step. It doesn't take much effort to recycle, walk to the station, or buy long life light bulbs You can act on environmental issues. Think globally, act locally!

About the Author

For a deeper discussion of environmental issues see Economics for a Round Earth http://www.economicsforaroundearth.com

2008-03-10T03:43:00.001-07:00

Environmental benefits of wearing wool by Keith Barrett

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Concerns about the natural environment and the consequences of global warming mean that many of us are looking at different areas of our lives in a new way. Is it possible to find environmentally friendly clothes.

With much of the media dominated by environmental concerns, every aspect of modern living is under the microscope. How we work, how we travel and what we eat have all been closely inspected. What we wear is likely to come in for increased scrutiny.

We're all becoming increasingly aware of our carbon footprint and how it can be altered depending upon how much energy we use. One area that makes a large contribution to global carbon dioxide emissions is the burning of fossil fuels to meet our energy requirements.

Experts have been calling for all of us to try and reduce the energy that we use in our own homes. One element of this has been to try and get households to switch to energy efficient lighting.

Another has been the call for us all to turn down the heating in our homes. A small reduction in temperatures could lead to a large saving in terms of energy usage.

One way to make this possible is for us all to wear a warm layer of clothing. Wool is perfect for this task.

It has the added benefit of being a natural product, meaning that the amount of energy used in producing a garment should be considerably less than with man-made equivalents.

Given that wool comes naturally from animals, it's also a renewable source of clothing. These renewable, energy efficient qualities mean that wool based items of clothing are really making a comeback.

If you want to do your bit for the environment, then the message seems to be that you should put on your favourite woollen sweater and turn down the heating!

About the Author

An alternative to sheep's wool, is possum wool, as Keith Barrett found out. This article may be published on any website but this resource box must be included in full. The author retains all copyright.

2008-03-08T01:47:00.001-08:00

Environmental Movement: How it Affects Property Developments in Thailand by Kert Stavorn

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Environmental Movement: How it Affects Property Developments in Thailand

The debate over the existence of global warming seems to be over. Now it is a question of what governments across the globe can do to reduce our environmental impact and bring our planet back from the brink. It is no great revelation to discover that property developments across the board have contributed significantly to the degradation of our natural ecosystem. In our need to cater to continuing demand for new properties, large tracts of forests have been removed over the years to make way for property developments.

Government Initiatives

In light of green awareness throughout the world, the Thai government is trying to balance this need for economic growth with environmental preservation. Ever since 1992, the National Environmental Quality Act has introduced the use of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for large property developments. Condominiums with more than 79 units and housing estates utilizing more than 100 rai of land or with more than 500 units require an EIA. This regulation has been met with some mixed success in the past, however, recently the government has taken a tougher stance on this issue and developers have been forced to comply or risk not being in compliance.

Buyers Beware

In fact, the Secretary General of the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP) recently made a statement that there have been several cases of unscrupulous condominium developers submitting plans with 79 units or under so they would not have to apply for an EIA. They would later divide these units into smaller portions and sell them off separately. The Secretary General has warned that such units, if discovered, will not be transferable at the Land Office as it has circumvented ONEP directives. This means that if you have bought one of these units before it was discovered, you may be prevented from selling it off at a later date. It is important, therefore, to check that the condominium unit you wish to purchase is in compliance with any ONEP rules before purchasing. This should now be a part of your standard due diligence checks on the property.

New Rule for Property Developments

Further to this, in December 2007, ONEP issued a new regulation which will now apply to all new property developments. This rule requires developers to plant a tree that is at least 5 meters in height and diameter for every air-conditioning unit between 12,000 to 24,000 British Thermal Units (BTU) depending on the ability of different trees in absorbing the carbon dioxide emission from the air. A guideline as to the type of tree suitable for this purpose is available from ONEP. This is designed to off-set the carbon emissions caused by air-conditioning units in a localized area.

The real estate industry calculates that such measures would increase the cost of property development by 2 to 6% as developers will need to acquire more land or reduce units to comply with this new rule. Analysts predict that these new rules will, however, not have much impact on housing estates as land is less of an issue. Condominiums, however, will face greater difficulty obtaining extra land to meet this requirement and may be forced to make changes to their project design. Nonetheless, many environmentalists believe this is a step in the right direction with property developers being forced to take urban planning into greater consideration.

Too Many Environmental Rules, Too Soon?

There are a few voices out there saying that all these environmental regulations are well intentioned but that Thailand is not ready to embrace it so readily. A few developers are saying that the rules are too strict and would only result in consumers absorbing the added costs. This may be true to some extent but Thailand has to start somewhere and beginning with property developments across the country is perhaps not a bad place to start.

Nevertheless, environmental awareness is not a new phenomenon in the country. It is in fact enshrined in the Thai Constitution. Section 79 of the Thai Constitution provides that:

The State shall promote and encourage public participation in the preservation, maintenance and balanced exploitation of natural resources and biological diversity and in the promotion, maintenance and protection of the quality of the environment in accordance with the persistent development principle as well as the control and elimination of pollution affecting public health, sanitary conditions, welfare and quality of life.

Final Word

Thailand still has some way to go in embracing environmental progress. More perhaps could be done in regards to renewable energy resources and implementing tax breaks or providing grants to help put into practice more environmentally friendly projects. However, Thailand is well on its way and taking a tougher stand on these issues would mean better quality projects being built and less substandard construction which are harmful to the environment or even dangerous to occupants. It paves the way to create a quality committed industry that would inevitably improve its reputation on the international arena and therefore leading to, possibly, more profits.

By Kert Stavorn

Kert Stavorn is a senior legal consultant for Siam Legal International. Kert's practice primarily focuses on real estate, construction and corporate matters.

http://www.siam-legal.com/realestate/thailand-property.php

About the Author

Kert Stavorn is a senior legal consultant for Siam Legal International. Kert's practice primarily focuses on real estate, construction and corporate matters. http://www.siam-legal.com/realestate/thailand-property.php

2008-03-05T02:16:00.000-08:00

A Life Threatening Environment
By: Reed Langdon

Environment is a very broad subject, and something during my life, I have always been at least aware of what is going on around me . Just over the past year though, one topic really got my attention in todays environment, things are in fact physically changing on a global basis, that will affect everyone in some way.

I know you have heard this, and it is standard stuff, but on the contrary, it is happening right now, and this my friends is Global Warming. You may hear it in the daily news, but I have never been more sensitive to this before, since I have personally encountered some events that got my attention.

Global Warming : Another broad topic one might say, just listen to the environmentalists talk about all the theory, etc. Well I have news for you, I live in a foreign country, worked all around many countries world wide, including most of Asia, and all areas of Japan.

Todays Environment: Sometime within the last year, the automakers in Japan announced facts about global warming by an increase of 1 degree. Now, at that point I listened, but later just kind off pass it off as standard news. Well, traveling through Japan, I have many professional friends, who I have a lot of respect for, running major factories, and they are very sensitive to environmental conditions.

I know the culture and basic way of living probably better than the average person just from travel experience, friends, working with many factories.
So, when this announcement was made, it triggered a prior agreement , basically requiring reducing emission control in automobiles.

Now, you have to understand, its like turning yourself into the local police station, a confession. I was very impressed with the automakers, and Japan, actually taking initiative, which will probably be very costly. Lets call this a mild wake up call, which got my attention.

More Global Warming: I was watching discovery channel, and noticed a brief segment I recall on the cook islands, and how tidal flooding had occurred across the entire island. Villagers had never experienced this every before. I thought this was very unusual circumstance.

I live in the tropics, and have been in a drought over the past 4 years, until this year, and now, way to much water, tropical down pours, and here in Thailand, they call it the 60 year storm, mudslides, the works. Well, coming from California, this is quiet common, along the ocean, and we call it the 100 year storm.

Changing Environment: Well, living in Thailand I was here during the Tsunami. Just over a year or so ago. Now this was very unfortunate act of nature, but from California, I am use to earthquakes, and went through some big ones. Time has passed, people move on in life, but last month, I came across a situation that I will call my real wakeup call, and I wanted to share with readers everywhere.

I was traveling south to a large industrial area called Rayong. Many factories, ocean on one side, Cambodia on the other. This was just a get away weekend. I was driving along the Oceanside by a city near Rayong I have passed many times over the years, but this was a very unique situation, which I have seen on Thai news reports many times .

Some of the area is very low to sea level. Miles out,
I could see telephone poles in the ocean, following the streets, all under water now, six feet deep and more in some areas, and this wasnt just a rare high tide.

The locals I spoke with were just bewildered as best described, dont know why, and a bit scared . It had been this way for quiet some time, approximately 1 year or so, and many homes were either under water, dismantled and moved miles inland on higher ground. Just to understand the magnitude of the situation, and area, the Thais say over 11,000 Rai, which is about 5,000 thousand acres, now underwater, did that get your attention ? It certainly got mine.

Side note, telephone poles are made from cement/steel rebar, so they stand like statues in the ocean. This was quiet a wake up call. Now, this probably didnt show on BBC, or CNN, but when you phsically experience something like this, it leaves you with a very empty feeling, and the reality hits hard.

Changing Environment/ Global Warming: I dont have all the answers, but in general wanted to share some of my experiences, as the indicators noted. I am very proud of the Thais for making major changes from oil, to NGV on all taxis, city buses.

You could say this is cost driven, but Bangkok is the most crowded traffic in the world, with many improvements in the works, you can probably imagine the emissions as a result, and now cleaner air is in fact happening rapidly. A very strong effort by all to improve these conditions. Now my concern is Bangkok, and how close to sea level the entire city of 12 million is. How many years until all is under water?

Last, I believe the environment is a responsibility for all to some level. These are changing times, and I think we should all take a second look, and see if there might be something we can all contribute. I decided to reduce using my vehicle by 50%, and to my surprise, using public transit, I am probably at 70% plus have added time to read the paper, since not driving. More amazing is the cost savings as a result.

What can you do to help, and take just a bit of this responsibility to help others, its not that difficult to pitch in, dont foget the future, and what the next generation will be faced with. Possibly there is something each can do to help towards a solution.

Article Source: http://www.1articleworld.com

2008-03-04T01:43:00.001-08:00

Work Environments: Distinguishing Creative Thought from Time-Wasting by V B Velasco Jr., PhD

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Creativity. Virtually all companies say that they want it. Not many do a good job of fostering it though, and it's easy to see why.

Creativite thought tends to look unproductive. It can require dissociating one's self from one's normal work, and it typically requires periods of quiet contemplation. Such activities aren't physical in nature and they don't look like "work." As a result, companies often expect their employees to simply buckle down and produce, instead of fostering an environment that allows ideas to mature and percolate.

Therein lies the tragedy. Sometimes, the worst thing you can do is to crank out results without giving ideas time to develop properly. This is true in any creative endeavor--engineering, programming, ad design, artwork, script writing, you name it. In contrast, when a company has creative-minded people and the right kind of environment, the results can be magical.

Consider Leonardo da Vinci, one of the greatest creative minds of all time. While creating his masterpiece, "The Last Supper," Leonardo would spent half of each day in quiet reverie. Only after this period of contemplation would he start painting. To the casual observer, it might have seemed that Leonardo was just goofing off, but in reality, he was allowing critical ideas to take shape.

I also speak from personal experience. I once had a job writing software for a firm that developed traffic control systems. The managers expected everyone to get his job done, but they did not resort to clockwatching or micro-management. The result? Almost without realizing it, I was able to produce some of my finest work, and well ahead of schedule. The higher-ups were so pleased that when I received another employment offer, my immediate manager and one of the vice-presidents tried urgently to get me to stay.

Having said that, it's clear that companies might not want to give their employees completely free rein. Without the right system of checks and balances, this type of freedom becomes easy to abuse. While a truly creative person can use these period of reverie productively, a less conscientious worker mighty simply use them as an excuse to goof around. It's not always possible to distinguish between the two.

So how can a company provide a creative environment that also keeps people accountable? I'd like to suggest the following.

First, set the proper example. That is, don't simply expect your employees to be creative. Instead, show them how you personally apply creative thinking techniques and how this yields results. Spend time in contemplation and mild diversion, but also show them the work that you produce. The goal is to help employees understand that it's not enough to simply pursue periods of playful reverie or quiet contemplation; rather, they should deliver creative results, just as you do.

Second, engage the employees in your own creative processes. Ask them for input on the work you produce. Pull them into brainstorming sessions, even if it's only to provide an outsider's viewpoint. Ask for their wild ideas, or ask them questions that are designed to engage their imaginations--questions like "If you were a customer, which of these designs would you prefer? Which would be more likely to make you buy a product or use our services?"

And third, keep the lines of communication open. Encourage employees to openly brainstorm, voicing their thoughts out loud - if not to you, then to other employees. Not only does this helps keep people accountable, it also distinguishes employees who are actively dreaming from those who are merely daydreaming or otherwise wasting time.

Of course, this approach can only work if employees are willing to adopt the whole creative culture. On the one hand, they must understand that a measure of contemplation and playful diversion is important; on the other hand, they must also know that thoughtfulness and diversion are not the ultimate goals, and that their efforts must yield results. Employees also need to understand that voicing wacky, half-baked ideas is a natural and productive part of the brainstorming process and not something to ridicule. People who don't grasp these concepts can sap morale and discourage others from pushing the limits of their creativity.

About the Author

V. B. Velasco Jr., Ph.D. works for a small biotechnology firm in Ohio. Their product portfolio includes ELISPOT readers and cryopreserved PBMC samples.

2008-03-01T01:04:00.003-08:00

Using Your Wardrobe To Help The Environment by Victor Epand

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This day and age everyone is concerned about the environment. It all started years ago when scientists discovered that the ozone layer developed a hole from all of the chemicals and emissions that we create. Many people now recycle and reuse paper and plastic in an effort to have a "greener" earth. There is much more that we can do to help preserve the earth, and it involves our wardrobe. That is correct, we can use our clothing to help the environment.

The first thing that you can do to help your environment is hang dry your clothes. Yes, I know, it takes time and is less convenient than just throwing everything in the dryer. The energy that dryers take is enormous, and reducing the use of electrical dryers can truly help the environment. Even if you use the dryer less often, you are helping the environment. Give it a try. Perhaps it isn't as hard as it seems.

Another step you can take to go green with your wardrobe is recycle your clothes. Don't throw them away! There are plenty of places where old clothing can be donated to other people who are less fortunate. Not only does it help the environment, but it is a respectable act of charity. You are helping others who need clothes, and you are helping the environment at the same time. If the clothing is in poor condition, use it as rags for cleaning around the house. You can also sew old pieces of clothing together to make a blanket.

If the clothing that you no longer want or fit is in good condition, you can sell your used clothing. Other people will probably appreciate the discounted price of your clothing, especially if it has been kept well. You can also help the environment by purchasing used clothing. If you buy used clothing, you can save a great deal of money and help the environment at the same time.

Buy organic clothing. Yes, there is such a thing as organic clothing. Organic cotton is a popular material for "greener" clothing. The organic cotton is grown without the use of harmful pesticides and other chemicals. It is then used to make organic shirts, pants, underwear, and other clothing items that people wear everyday. There are several websites that sell organic cotton clothes. It is important to remember, however, that cotton is a heavier material, and it takes longer to dry when wet. If you do purchase organic cotton clothing, make sure not to overuse the dryer, or the point of getting the organic clothes is almost cancelled out.

Did you ever think that being more careful about the clothes on your back would matter to the environment? Well, now you know. It is up to you to do your part and help the environment with your clothes. Please consider these tips, and put at least some of them into practice. You will feel better about yourself, and the earth will thank you.

About the Author

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for used clothing, used watches, and vacuum food sealers. When shopping for used clothing, used watches, and vacuum food sealers, shop only at the best online stores for recycled clothing, used watches, and vacuum food sealers.

2008-03-01T01:03:00.001-08:00

How to reduce Carbon Dioxide emissions by Enviro Saver Carbon Offsets

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It is so very important that people work to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide they put into the air. Why is it so important? It is important because scientists have found that the carbon dioxide people put into the air every day from their activities is what is adding to global warming. Carbon dioxide is one of the greenhouse gases that go up into the atmosphere and holds in the heat, which causes the average temperature of the planet to rise. This is a real concern because raising the temperature of the earth creates major climate changes that can actually trigger the extinction of many species who cannot cope with the changes. Here is a list of things people can do in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions:
* Change the incandescent lights to fluorescent lights. Fluorescent lights use far less electricity than the incandescent lights.
* Reduce the need for travel. This will lessen the amount of fuel used.
* Make sure all vehicles are properly tuned and have properly inflated tires. This can lower the amount of gas being used.
* Recycle more.
* Turn off lights when the room is not in use. Leaving lights on in an empty room consumes energy that could have been saved for another time.
* Turn off computers and monitors when finished for the day. Why leave these items on when they are not going to be used over night, or over the weekend? Even in standby these items consume energy.
* Only print off what is absolutely necessary.
* Adjust thermostats.

* Plant trees. During the day, trees take in carbon dioxide from the air and exchange it for oxygen.
* Purchase carbon offsets.
* Purchase local goods.
* Fund programs that are working to find alternative ways to get energy.
* Use a hybrid.
* Keep doors and windows closed when the heat or air conditioning are on.
* Use less hot water.
* Use more energy that has been created by green means, if possible.
* Have water conservative shower heads installed.(Imagine the amount of water saved in a hotel if it did that with all its shower heads.)
* Avoid goods that are over-packaged.
* Encourage car pooling.

These are only twenty of the many options out there for businesses to choose when trying to reduce the carbon emissions they put into the air. While it may seem expensive to make some of these changes at first, it will not only help reduce the carbon emissions, but it will also help save money in the end.

About the Author

Enviro Saver Carbon Offsets

2008-02-25T00:47:00.001-08:00

Help Protect The Environment By Converting Your Car To Run On Water by Scott M.

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If you are concerned about global warming and want to help protect the environment or are just tired of paying over $3.00 a gallon for gasoline why not convert your car to run on water?

Think I'm crazy? Read on!!!

The technology to run your car on water has actually existed since the 1960's. The reason why it is becomming very popular today is because people are more environmentally conscious and because gasoline prices are increasing. The process of converting your car to burn water is fairly easy and relatively inexpensive. In fact, you can do it for less than $150.00.

How does it work?

Everyone knows water (H20) is composed of two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen (HHO). An HHO fuel cell is a simple device that uses electricity to separate the hydrogen and oxygen found in water. The separated hydrogen and oxygen are mixed with gasoline and outside air. The 'mixed' gas is drawn into the engine using vacuum pressure where it is ignited by the spark plugs. Mixing the gas is a very safe, simple and effective process.

What are the benefits of HHO gas?

1. Increases gas mileage by 30- 70 %

2. Saves money. The average driver will save over $1,000.00 a year on gasoline.

3. Increases horsepower and performance of your engine.

4. Dramatically reduces your car's emissions.

5. Makes your car run quieter and smoother.

6. IRS will give you a tax deduction.

If you want to know more about converting your car to run on water, you can find more information here:

http://scotty1106.water4gas.hop.clickbank.net/

About the Author

Scott M. is a 43 year old living in South Florida.

2008-02-21T04:23:00.001-08:00

Seven Simple ways to Help The Environment and Your Wallet
The world is a big place with big problems. Some environmental activists demand we stop living our lives and look at everything we do as an Earth-changing event, but not everyone can focus their entire lives around saving the planet. The truth is that it isn't necessary to make drastic changes in one's life to make a difference. It isn't even necessary to spend more money to be environmentally conscious. Below are seven simple ways to make a difference in the environment, and save money doing it.

1. Buying compact fluorescent light bulbs instead of incandescent ones. Advances in technology have led to a light bulb that's designed to last up to 15 times the life of a standard bulb. They cost more up front, but they are replaced much less often, which makes them cheaper in the long run. Plus, these bulbs will use less than a third of the power of incandescents, which will reduce electricity costs. They also generate less heat, so less air-conditioning is needed in the summer.

2. Reusing shopping bags. Every bag reused is one less bag that needs to be manufactured. Also, several supermarket chains have started giving small credits towards their customers' bills when they bring in old bags to reuse. Some people like to keep old shopping bags in their trunk, just in case. Even more of an improvement would be using non-disposable canvas bags - they still count towards the credit at the check-out, but are made from eco-friendly materials.

3. Carpooling. Most people associate carpooling with going to work, but there are many other opportunities to share a ride. A great deal of money could be saved on gasoline by one car going to the mall rather than two. Also, with a little planning, shopping trips could be taken less frequently.

4. Turning off the water when not in use. Simple things like using half a sink full of water to wash dishes instead of running the water can prevent waste. Turning the water off while brushing your teeth is also a good idea. Finally, making sure faucets aren't left dripping will make a significant difference in water bills.

5. Completely turning off electronics. A great many of today's appliances and electronics have a standby mode. Televisions and stereos in particular tend to use a great deal of electricity while on standby. Plugging devices into a power strip that has an on/off switch can give consumers more control over their electricity use. Particular attention should be paid to anything with a big transformer plug, as these devices tend to use the most power and waste the most money.

6. Turning off the air-conditioning and/or heat when leaving the house. A great deal of electricity is wasted cooling or heating an empty home, which leads to bigger bills. Even setting the temperature one or two degrees different, keeping the system from activating as often, can save significant amounts of money each year.

7. Turning off the lights. A good rule of thumb is, "light is useless if there's nobody there." Turning off any ceiling fans, floor fans and lights when leaving the room saves just a little bit of electricity, and money, every time it's done.

Of course, there are many more ways to help the environment while saving money. These seven are simply among the most often overlooked easy solutions. Public libraries and environmental websites are great sources of further information.
About the Author

Juan Anselmo Borla is a freelance writer and poet. He lives at Dancing Rabbit, a sustainable ecovillage in northeast Missouri. There, he hopes to make the world a better place by using his Chemical Engineering degree to develop an alternative fuels program. His fiancee and two cats hope he doesn't blow himself up in the process.
Spread The Word

2008-02-20T01:26:00.001-08:00

Protecting the Environment is a serious issue
By: rolfie
Protecting the environment

A day doesn't pass without comments about our environment. In fact being a little older myself I can remember that not many years ago you would hardly ever hear about the major challenges that we are continously building up. Today we are confronted with some very serious issues regarding our environment.

The issues related to the air we breath and water we drink are hugh. Only a very small portion of our natural water resources are even left unpolluted. This issue is a major problem. Learning to deal with our rapidly changing surroundings warrants a serious effort but we yet aren't totally convinced about these issues.

The air we breath, water we drink and all the things around those resources we benefit from are in serious trouble.. Whether it be esthetic or physical our entire lives are encompassed by the impact from our natural resources. Filthy water, difficult living conditions, dirty air, unhealthy vegetation, smoke, oil and hundreds of other polluting items just simply add on to the problem.

Much effort is being expended in developing green stuff. Items that are unique and innovative that will make life better and help our surroundings at the same time. Improving our lives with products that are green, sustainable, recycled, organic and energy efficient qualify and are widely available.

One simple and yet interesting example:

A 100 watt compact fluorescent bulb costs about $4 vs. 25 cents for a regular bulb; but uses only 23% of the electricity. Based on an electricity rate of $.08/kWh and three hours of usage per day, you will save $6.75 per year on your electrical bill. That is an investment return of 180%.

How it helps the environment: A single compact fluorescent bulb reduces greenhouse gas by over half a ton during its useful life. Multiply that by the number of bulbs in your house and you get the picture!

Additionally, compact fluorescents last up to 13 times longer than incandescent bulbs.Your electricity rate and usage level will affect your return but for almost anyone; it makes financial sense to replace the majority of your light bulbs immediately with compact fluorescents.

Fun green stuff lends itself to entertainment, fashion, food and drink, home, personal care, transportation and travel. So, as you can see there are many area's where our thoughtful efforts can yield big benefits in the environment.
Article Source: http://www.a1-articledirectory.com

2008-02-19T04:45:00.001-08:00

Prince Albert Raises Awareness Of The Monaco Environment by Henri Boulanger

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Monaco's Prince Albert had long been thought of as a playboy while his father was the country's leader. He was known for his carefree lifestyle, much of which he learned while attending college in the United States.

Since Prince Albert has taken over the throne in Monaco, he has changed his ways and become a leader concerned about the future of the second smallest country in the world. To this end, he has worked hard to protect the environment of Monaco.

Prince Albert takes such a remarkable interest in the global warming cause in part because his small country sits on the Mediterranean Sea. As the level of the seas slowly rose, he became quite concerned that Monaco would be disastrously affected. In April 2006 he journeyed to the North Pole to make a point about the seriousness of global warming and saw first-hand how glaciers were slowly melting.

Environmental and social issues are a big part of Prince Albert's agenda. He has gone to great lengths to heighten awareness of global warming and ways to work together to protect the environment. The first act that Prince Albert achieved in his environmental efforts was to sign the Kyoto Protocol; a treaty signed by many nations to help reduce the greenhouse gases that affect the environment.

The Monaco Embassy in Washington, D.C. is known as "The Green House", a nickname given it by a Monaco travel site YourMOnaco.com. Many believe that this embassy was established in order for Monaco to exert influence over the US Congress on social and environmental issues. Monaco publishes Gross Domestic Product statistics, which allows them to have full participation in the Third World and donates 7% of GDP to UN agencies appropriately. The embassy was designed to be one of the best, reflecting perhaps the quality of hotels in Monaco.

The "plant a billion trees" campaign has Prince Albert's participation. The purpose of this campaign is for companies, communities and other organizations to plant more trees in their surrounding areas. Participants pledge to report how many trees they commit to plant to the United Nations Environment Program. The goal of the program is for at least 1 billion trees to be planted worldwide each year.

From April 19-27, 2008, the Tennis Masters Series will take place at the Monte Carlo Country Club. This event attracts the elite of the male and female tennis arena, many hailing directly from Monaco. Prince Albert will once again take the opportunity to use the popular annual event to raise money for sustainable development of the country, as well as environmental protection endeavors. The proceeds from the event go directly to the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

It is easy to see that Prince Albert cares much about the environment of his country. There was concern that the residents of Monaco would not share Prince Albert's enthusiasm for environmental causes.

Would his spotlight on environmental issues diminish their claim to fame as a favorite tourist attraction country, with the Monaco Grand Prix and other popular venues? Since Prince Albert has found a way to keep environmental issues in the UN and not hurt revenues within the country, however, people are onboard with Prince Albert and they congratulate his contribution to a better understanding of the environment.

About the Author

Information about Monaco can be found at Monaco travel guide YourMonaco.com, and the information includes details of the Monte Carlo casino, competing in today's world with online poker plus a Monaco weather forecast and today's weather in Paris France

2008-02-16T01:54:00.001-08:00

Enemy Of The Environment-The Truth About Ethanol by Jason Witt

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When you receive the Seal you will see the sign of global warming as the approaching end-times. So you will not be surprised to see a new study show ethanol use will actually increase global warming.

The date is Thursday February 7 2008 and a new study is out showing what past studies have failed to consider: changes in land use for growing ethanol will make global warming worse.

Just a few months before this president Bush signed into law an energy bill calling for increasing ethanol use (as a fuel) 6 times by the year 2022. The purpose was to reduce dependence on foreign oil.

While such measures may reduce dependence on fossil fuels they are no better for the environment and now are shown to be actually worse for the environment, increasing instead of reducing greenhouse gases.

Previous studies said greenhouse gases would be reduced by 20 percent by using more ethanol as a fuel. This study shows using ethanol will increase greenhouse gases by 93 percent when compared to using gasoline for 30 years.

Ethanol can be produced from switchgrass as studies have recently shown. But this is likely to give an incentive to people to cut down more rainforests to make room for more cropland.

And the rainforest stores much more carbon than fields full of switchgrass. The switchgrass growth would even absorb less carbon than other kinds of cropland, both less than the rainforest.

Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide are polluting the air in ever-increasing amounts. They are blamed for causing global-warming and heating the earth like a greenhouse traps in heat of the sun but does not let it escape.

Vast tracts of rainforest currently absorb a lot of the carbon dioxide that is polluting the air since the vegetation breathes it in to grow. But when forests are cleared to make way for switchgrass, a lot less of the carbon dioxide in the air will be absorbed.

These scientists who agree global warming is threatening the viability of life on earth are not alone in their dire predictions. Jesus predicted the end-times Himself, and His Predictions agree with what science is discovering.

Jesus taught the simple parable of the fig tree. When the fig tree blossoms, you know that summer is approaching. That "summer" is the season of the end-times according to Jesus.

And sure enough, scientists all over the world agree the end of the world is coming and is literally a summer. Global warming is turning spring, fall, and winter into summer. The fig tree is blossoming and summer is approaching.

This was the prediction of Jesus. But it is not only a prediction today. Today it has already started happening. Temperatures worldwide have climbed steadily for 20 years and natural disasters are on the rise.

Natural disasters caused by the imbalance in nature include floods and droughts, and wildfires and more severe windstorms. More of these disasters have been happening than ever before recorded in history.

When you are sealed you will see the sign of the end-times in global warming. And you will prepare yourself to meet God. You will have no more home on earth but eternal Life in Heaven when you receive the Seal.

About the Author

And now Jason would like to invite you to get your FREE report Are You Making These Mistakes as a Christian? and "Get God's 'Seal of Approval' and Get the Victory Over Evil" Jason Witt

2008-02-03T02:50:00.001-08:00

Global Warming by Della Franklin

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Global warming is becoming a serious issue. The world is starting to see a quick rise in temperatures everywhere. When temperatures rise, the sea level also starts to rise because of the fact that the ice around the world melts with the higher temperatures. With more water taking over on earth, and warmer climates, global warming is causing many negative effects in the world. It is important that everyone knows what global warming is, and the effect that it has on our atmosphere. It is also important that we all know what things that we do that contribute to global warming and ways that we can prevent any further damage to the atmosphere.

1) One of the main contributors to global warming is greenhouse gases. One of the most devastating greenhouse gases includes carbon dioxide. When natural gas is burnt, it raises the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The same thing happens when oil is burnt, as well as coal. It is important that we reduce the amount of these types of substances being burnt. Additionally, gasoline that is used in vehicles and other types of equipment that is powered by gasoline contributes to the amount of carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere.

2) Many industries, specifically those that are agricultural and electrical, contribute to various types of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. In turn, these gases cause the issue of global warming to become more serious. It is important that we try to purchase products locally and avoid using more electricity than we need to use. If we do this, we can reduce the effects of global warming.

3) When we cut down the trees in the world, we are causing global warming to become more of an issue. Trees are used to create many paper products and are also cleared away for various types of land development projects. We should try to find products that are used by recycled products instead of products that are freshly cut. If we do this, more of the trees in the world will be saved and there will be less greenhouse gases being sent into the atmosphere.

4) The more electricity that we use, the more that we contribute to the greenhouse gases that enter the atmosphere and lead to global warming. It is important that we try to use products that are considered energy efficient and we learn to cut things off when they are not in use. This will reduce the amount of harmful substances that are required to burn to provide us with electricity. If these things are reduced, then the atmosphere will see less greenhouse gases. If there are less greenhouse gases, then the global warming progression will slow drastically.

5) It is important that we convince the people around us to preserve and protect our environment. We can do this by informing them of ways that they can help reduce the effects of global warming. This is the most important step of all when it comes to reducing greenhouse gases.

About the Author

www.tellmeaboutglobalwarming.com brings you thought provoking information about global warming. Be sure to check out all the pages and decide for yourself. © 2007 copyright by DSquare Marketing and Della Franklin.

2008-02-01T01:09:00.000-08:00

Home Changes for Global Warming Prevention by Della Franklin

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There are many changes that we can make in our homes in order to prevent global warming. In order to reduce the rate of damage that is occurring as a result of global warming, we must be willing to do our part. Many people go all out and change as much as they can in order to prevent global warming. Other people only make a change or two. It does not matter how much change you make, as long as you are trying. Everything helps a little. Of course, more is better. If you are not able to implement all of the tips that are listed in this article, that is ok. Just pass the information along and see what a difference that we can all make by working together.

1) The first thing that you can do to change your home in order to prevent global warming is to make sure that you are using light bulbs and appliances that are considered energy efficient. Using standard light bulbs and appliances that are not energy efficient will only lead to the issue of global warming getting worse. If you are unable to afford the expense of replacing all the light bulbs in your home at once, start with the ones that are used the most and then move on to the rest as you are able to afford it.

2) The next step to changing your home in order to assist in preventing global warming is to ensure that you do not run any unnecessary water. You should turn the water off as you are washing dishes, make sure that you only run a dishwasher and a washing machine when you have full loads, do not fill the tub all the way up when you are taking a bath, turn off the water as you are brushing your teeth, and keep your showers short and sweet. You may also want to limit the amount of water that you use in order to provide moisture to the grass, and fill up swimming pools and spas in the home.

3) If you run an air conditioner and/or heaters, you should try to use a thermostat whenever it is possible. This will help save a load of money on your heating and cooling costs. It will also help reduce the amount of harmful gases that enter in the atmosphere and result in the issue of global warming. Try to keep the thermostat around the upper 70 scale. It is also very important to ensure that the vent filters in your home are kept cleaned and changed on a regular basis.

4) You should try to reduce the amount of trash that is produced in your home. You can do this by learning to recycle products for use in the home, or recycle them in your community. You can also reduce trash by ensuring that you limit the purchases of items that contain a lot of unnecessary garbage that you will end up throwing away.

5) If it is possible, share a ride with another co-worker or with your spouse so that you don't produce car emissions or polution. Besides the benefits already mentioned, you will also save on the purchase of gasoline and will have company on your trip. On the weekends plan your schedule so you use only one car to do all of your errands. Again this saves gas and cuts down on the polution.

6) If you have the space, grow some of your own food. Fresh vegetables are better for you and if you grow them yourself, you will not have to buy them at the grocery store. You will also save on gas and time because they will be within walking distance. If you have a "bumper crop", you can always can or freeze them so you will have them during the colder months. You can also recycle the "waste products" (skins, tops, etc.) which you would usually throw away to make compost material.

These are just a few things you can do at home which will help lessen the ill effects on our environment. As mentioned above, start with 1 or 2 as you have the time or can afford them. Then continue to add more as time goes by. If we all do just a few of these things, then the cumulative effect will start tipping the scales of global warming toward the good end.

About the Author

www.tellmeaboutglobalwarming.com brings you thought provoking information about global warming. Be sure to check out all the pages and decide for yourself. © 2007 copyright by DSquare Marketing and Della Franklin.

2008-01-30T00:36:00.000-08:00

Environmental Technologies and their benefits by Rose Diana

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With the globe becoming increasingly pollution-prone, all of us face the threat of a dark future devoid of the present beauties of the world. Globally, there is an alarming increase in environmental pollution. Considering the depletion of useful natural resources and the pollution of the environment, the predictions about the end of the Earth no more seem to be wild fantasies. In such a bleak scenario, only environment-friendly technologies can save us from environmental disasters.

Global Warming is one of the most adverse threats the Earth is facing today. It is taking its toll on the world through a whole lot of pollutants. It is high time we heed this alarming fact and take measures to battle the impending hazards.

Environmental Technologies are the only way to curb pollution and create a hazard-free environment. The main concept behind environmental technologies is to convert environmental beneficial material into value added products and services. The purpose of implementing environmental friendly technology is to minimise environmental pollution. Some of the beneficial factors are:

1. Minimum materials as input 2. High energy conservation. 3. Least pollution. 4. Minimum waste disposal. 5. Numerous valuable by-products are recovered.

Environmental Technology is the cleanest and most resource efficient technology. Corporations can gain competitive advantage using these technologies. Many companies utilise environmental technologies to produce common consumer products. Leading players like NTIC produces Polymer Energy with the help of environmental technology for economical and environmental gain. It is an alternative and effective method to recycle and dispose plastic wastes. The Polymer Energy system effectively converts plastics into crude oil with the use of catalytic pyrolysis. Every single ton of plastic waste is converted into 775 litres of crude oil.

Approximately 230 million tons of garbage is generated which is converted into Nature-Tec environmental friendly plastic. Bio-based or bio-degradable plastics are produced using environmental technology. These plastics are fully degradable and prevent the soil from getting polluted. Some of the useful applications of these plastics are carry-out bags, packaging films, trash bags. They can also be used as extrusion coat papers which are used in coated paper cups, trays and others.

NTIC is an extremely environment-friendly and eco-conscious organisation which has completely understood the concept of environmental technology. It is constantly striving to utilise environmental technology to its fullest extent and offer value-added products to consumers. NTIC stands in offering an environment-beneficial clean technology to the public. Further information about NTIC can be found in www.ntic.com

About the Author

Rose is interested in writing the articles about various topics and very much interested in technology related issues and business issues. Further information about Environmental Technologies can be found in http://www.ntic.com

2008-01-26T00:50:00.001-08:00

Global Warming Warning-The End As Jesus Saw It by Jason Witt

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When you receive the Seal you will recognize global warming for what it is: the sign of the end-times. This is the end of the world coming, and you will prepare yourself accordingly.

Temperatures are on the rise and have been especially climbing in the last 10 to 20 years. The main culprit is carbon dioxide, a pollutant being emitted in great amounts by countries like the United States.

In fact, the US has been the world's biggest polluter with CO2 for a while now. China has recently claimed the infamous title as being another great polluter with its rising industrial growth.

Along with economic growth in the world comes pollution. And with that pollution come projections of how much it will affect life on the planet. Few of the projections of rising CO2 levels are good news. But there is a problem with the projections.

The projections of climate change are not very accurate. They can not possibly be accurate. Because this is the ushering in of the end-times and prophecy about when it will happen is futile.

Jesus said no person knows the hour of the end--not even any angel. Only God the Father knows when the end will be. But Jesus did tell you how you know when the end is approaching.

And that end is approaching when the fig tree blossoms showing that summer is near. Jesus likened the end-times to a "summer." That "summer" is global warming.

You do not need the notoriously inaccurate projections of future warming to know when the end is going to be. God will not reveal the end-times like that. You need to look at what is already happening, because that is what Jesus told you to do.

The fig tree is blossoming. The "summer" is approaching. How do you know? Because the earth has started warming. In the last 10 to 20 years the warming has progressed steadily, more than at any other time in over 100 years.

Along with the rising temperatures, natural disasters are on the rise. There are more wildfires now. There are more droughts. There are more floods. Hurricanes and windstorms are more severe.

In the year 2005 Hurricane Katrina and a few others like her came to the US and did catastrophic damage. The neglect of New Orleans by the federal government was a well-publicized event.

Since such disasters have already struck a nerve in the wealthy and well-prepared US, you can see how they will devastate the poor people in many regions of the world.

The delicate balance of the ecosystem of the earth is being disrupted by pollution. This pollution can not be buried in landfills and is directly affecting us now. It is making the earth warmer.

When you are sealed you will come to realize that the fig tree is blossoming and the "summer" of the end-time is approaching. What does it mean that the end is approaching?

It means you need to get right with God. You can get right with God today by becoming sealed. God will write His Name upon your forehead and so you will belong to Him when you receive the Seal.

About the Author

And now Jason would like to invite you to get your FREE report Are You Making These Mistakes as a Christian? and "Get God's 'Seal of Approval' and Get the Victory Over Evil" Jason Witt

2008-01-20T03:07:00.001-08:00

How to save money and the environment at the same time! by Steve

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Global warming is a threat that everyone needs to take action against. Although government policies and corporations can make the biggest impact, you personally can also do your part. These 15 tips will help you save your hard earned money on utility bills, save you time and energy, and most importantly, save the environment at the same time!

1. Stop Annoying Junk Mail
Think about how much paper goes to waste just from the junk mail you receive. Recycling is just not enough. Stop the mailing all together. You will save trees from being cut down for paper use, as well as finally stop all that annoying mail. Smartmoney.com wrote a great article on how to stop junk mail.

2. Insulate and Seal Your Windows and Doors
Not only will sealing your windows save you energy and money, but it will also help reduce uncomfortable wind drafts and help reduce mold and mildew problems. Insulation will help keep your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Insulation and sealants are easy and cheap to install, and you can pick up the supplies you need at your local home improvement store. We have personally found that Door Sweeps and Door Bottoms can not only stop a draft from a door completely, but saves a noticible amount of money on utility bills.

3. Buy EnergyStar Appliances
Every electronic in your house that you can think of has energy star equivalents. Air conditioners, heaters, fans, lights, phones, refrigerators, washers, dryers, televisions, dvd players, and so on. Next time you purchase any electronic, make sure it is Energy Star Compliant to ensure that you are saving money when you power your electronics.

4. Drive a Fuel Efficient Car
Hybrid cars are becomming more popular for a good reason. Not only will they save you a lot of gas money immediately, they are becomming much more affordable with lower ticket prices and more government tax credits.

5. Inflate Your Car Tires
Driving on underinflated tires can reduce your gas mileage and tire life by more then 15%, and also increases your chances for your tire to explode while driving. Be safe and save the environment by keeping your tires inflated.

6. Use the Microwave Instead of the oven or Stovetop
Microwaves can use about 50% less energy then conventional ovens. Especially make sure you use the microwave in the summer because the conventional oven will heat up your kitchen, forcing your air conditioning to work harder.

7. Close Vents and Doors of Unused Rooms
Do you have a guest bedroom, a dining room, or a study that is rarely used? Close all the air vents in that room and keep the door closed. By doing this, your heating and cooling systems will not have to work harder to regulate extra space that just goes unused anyway.

8. Install CFL Lightbulbs
Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) use 75% less energy, last 10 times longer, and give off a lot less heat compared to the standard incandescent lightbulb. Considering the average household spends 11% of their energy consumption on lighting, CFLs could really help you save energy and money.

9. Take Shorter Hot Showers
Take short showers instead of baths. If you take hot showers, lower the temperature a little and take quicker showers. Don't forget - sometimes a cool or cold shower feels a lot better then a hot shower so don't get stuck in a routine and always take a hot shower.

10. Plant a Tree on the South Side of your Home
By planting deciduous shade trees such as Maple Trees or Oak Trees on the south and/or southwest side of your home, you will save cooling costs in the summer. These trees will shade your home from the sun as well as naturally cool the air. In the winter when the leaves fall off, the sun will then be able to shine on your house, giving you heat when you really need it.

11. Insulate Your Hot Water Heater and Pipes
Put the back of your hand against your hot water heater. If it is warm or hot, then you are wasting valuable money and resources every second. The heat that is supposed to be heating your water is leaking out of the appliance. Most insulation packages come in easy to install kits and are relitavely cheap.

12. Lower Your Hot Water Heater Thermostat
Many hot water heater manufacturers set their water heaters to 140ï¿½F before shipping them out of the factory. This not only reduces the life of your hot water heater, it wastes energy. It could also be a health hazard by making you suseptible to burns and scalding from hot water. Having your hot water heater set to anything higher the 120ï¿½F is a waste of energy and money. 115ï¿½F - 120ï¿½F will do just fine for most homes.

13. Get a Free Energy Audit
Almost all utility companies offer free energy audits to help your household reduce the energy bill. Give your electric company a call and schedule an appointment. It's free and you will end up saving money on your monthly payments. Why not take advantage of this free service?

14. Use the Stairs Instead of the Elevator
Save energy and stay fit! As long as your floor is less then 5 floors away, making the walk is not really asking that much. It takes a lot of energy for that elevator to operate.

15. Use Power-management Settings on your Computer
Some computers can use as much as much as 800 watts! This can really big a nice portion of your energy consumption throughout the day, yet it is so easy to fix. There are a few very simple steps you can take to make sure your computer uses up less energy, which you can read in our article on How to Save Energy by using Power-Saving Settings on your Computer.

About the Author

This article was written by Mission Environment to inform the public for free. If you would like to publish this article on your website or blog, please keep the entire article as-is and provide proper recognition with a link back to http://www.missionenvironment.com.

2008-01-18T01:46:00.001-08:00

We Could Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions - If We Were Willing
By: Lee J. Zeff

If we just looked at it from a mathematical and statistical level, it seems that it should be fairly easy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The root of the problem lies in the fact that we just don't want to eliminate many of the things in our lives that create methane emissions. They make life easier and many folks find it convenient to turn a blind eye to these problems. By reducing methane emissions and improving the carbon sequestration of our planet, we can not only slow down the production of greenhouse gas emissions, but we can actually reverse their effects.

We need to examine our options to determine if radical action is required to achieve the future we want. As one method to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we can attempt to reduce the number of human beings, as we are the individuals responsible for producing these emissions. This means attempting to minimize the rate at which our species reproduces. We once needed large families to help out with the upkeep and care of vast areas of farmland. Eventually, modern mechanical wonders have mostly taken the place of people working the land. Having nine offspring is no longer a necessity for most families. The detrimental effects on the environment that are created by the billions of persons living on this planet can be reduced by population control efforts.

Cutting down on the amount of meat we eat, or even vegetarianism would also help considerably. Currently Americans consume much more protein than they physiologically require. We would have far fewer cattle if we ate healthier diets. If the majority of people switched to a vegetarian diet, this alone would greatly reduce our CO2 emissions. Food production would be simplified, as producing, feeding, killing, processing, and transporting mass quantities of animals would become unnecessary. The emissions from these steps in food processing are huge--both from the animals' bodies themselves and from our efforts in moving and processing the animals.

We could also reduce greenhouse gas emissions - or at least their effects - by improving our planet's ability to engage in carbon sequestration as well. Plants use carbon. Soil and water absorb carbon. Since carbon is a main ingredient in a lot of greenhouse gases, destroying the rainforests severely hampers the rate at which our planet can perform carbon sequestration, which leaves vast amounts of carbon to roam free and form dangerous gases.

The fact is, we could reduce greenhouse gas emissions if we were willing to alter our lifestyles just a little. If we would insist that the powers that be created transportation infrastructures and put a stop to the amount of meat production in which we are engaging. Cleaner transportation and reduction in meat production is just a few of the ways we can make a difference.

Article Source: http://www.go-see.info

2008-01-02T01:17:00.001-08:00

How to Save Fuel with Synthetic Oils while helping the Environment!
By: Lee J. Zeff

Reduce Skyrocketing Gas Costs With AMSOIL Synthetic Oil...the Number One rated Synthetic Oil in the World!

Industry tests have shown improved fuel economy of 2 - 5% in vehicles using synthetic lubricants. Many AMSOIL customer testimonials tell of even greater savings. But there is another way to reduce oil usage. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are designed for extended drain intervals and reduce the amount of oil used by as much as 80%. Fewer oil changes means less oil used. "Keep America on the road with AMSOIL, the original synthetic motor oil.

"We can reduce the dependency on foreign oil by converting our vehicles to synthetic oils and lubricants. Amsoil is 100% American made and manufactured. Amsoil puts less waste back in the environment, and it saves gas. This is a WIN-WIN combination for America right now. Let's do our part to reduce our dependency on Middle Eastern Oil."

AMSOIL gives a 5% increase in fuel economy on average, and in some cases 20% and even more! Why use ordinary oils when our superior AMSOIL synthetic oils outperform all others? AMSOIL Synthetic Oil achieves superior lubrication, extends engine life by reducing friction and wear and creates more horsepower. As a home-based AMSOIL dealer, you can build a great repeat-order business.

WELCOME TO THE 21st CENTURY!

You love technology! Personal computers, hand helds, cell phones, and digital cameras. Your vehicle is state of the art engine technology. Then why are you using dinosaur squeezings to lubricate it? Petroleum oil is the way we lubricated the first cars in 1890. Synthetic oil is Jet Engine technology. Don't use 19th Century technology on your 21st Century vehicle. Welcome to the future, the future is now! Synthetic oil's time has arrived, don't get left in the past!

AMSOIL lubricants reduce friction in your engine, your transmission, and your gear boxes. When friction is reduced it takes less energy to turn the wheels of your vehicle, thus increased efficiency and increased fuel economy. Many customers report having to set down their idle on the fuel system because it was too high after switching to AMSOIL. Engines run higher RPM on the same fuel, reduced friction means better gas economy and better protection for your engine.

AMSOIL should save you enough per year in fuel savings to pay for all your vehicles lubrication needs.- If you get an average of 20 miles per gallon and travel 15,000 miles per year you use 750 gallons of gas per year. At the present cost of unleaded gas ($2.58) in my area, you'll spend $1935.00 per year on fuel. If you can get a 2 mile per gallon increase (10%), your gas usage will decrease to 682 gallons or $1759.00 per year. That's a savings of $176.00 per year! You can get your engine and transmission protected with AMSOIL for a lot less. Even just a one mile per gallon increase would save $93.00 per year, which is enough to switch over your engine to AMSOIL for the year plus you'll have $48 left over!

PREVENT BILLIONS OF QUARTS FROM BEING DUMPED
Most automobile manufacturers recommend oil drain intervals of 3,000 to 6,000 miles for petroleum motor oils. AMSOIL recommends up to a 35,000-mile oil change which is 5 to 11 times fewer oil changes. Just think about the savings on the environment if, for example, the 135 million cars (excluding trucks, buses and taxis) in the United States were equipped with AMSOIL motor oil. Assuming an average service-life of 100,000 miles and an oil capacity of 5 quarts each, 11.4 billion to 22.3 billion quarts of used oil will be generated during a regular service lifetime (with regular oil changes every 3,000 to 6,000 miles). If you put 22.3 billion quarts of used oil into 55-gallon barrels and loaded them onto semi-trucks, a line of trucks would stretch end-to-end from Los Angeles to Washington D.C. and back to Los Angeles.

AMSOIL SOLUTIONS
For nearly three decades, AMSOIL INC. has been recognized as the leader in synthetic lubrication technology. AMSOIL was the first to introduce a synthetic motor oil qualified by the American Petroleum Institute, the first to recommend 25,000-mile/1-year drain intervals, the first to recommend 35,000-mile/1-year drain intervals, and the first to implement a system for dramatically increasing drain intervals with oil analysis. Decades of research, laboratory analysis and millions of engine miles have kept AMSOIL the leader in automotive applications for synthetic lubrication. Although the results have paid off in maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste, they are not conclusive. AMSOIL is the leader in synthetics and with continued research, analysis and product development will remain the industry's leader.

LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE
In 1983 AMSOIL created the TRI-GARD system. The life of a lubricant is dependent on the quality of oil and the filtration system's ability to keep it clean. The AMSOIL TRI-GARD system incorporates AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil, the AMSOIL Foam Air Filter, the AMSOIL By-Pass Filter and oil analysis to dramatically extend the oil change interval. Less oil changed means less oil disposal and less oil pollution. With regards to the environment, the AMSOIL TRI-GARD System is the most technologically sound, environmentally friendly motor oil program to reduce oil disposal.

OTHER ECOLOGICAL/ECONOMICAL BENEFITS OF AMSOIL
Reduces Emissions: Increases Engine Life
Each year nearly 600 million gallons of motor oil are burned and exit through the tailpipes of cars and trucks, creating emissions pollution. Petroleum oils volatilize (burn off) more readily than AMSOIL synthetic oils and create more emissions pollution.
The graph at the right (will be available soon) shows the results of five oils that underwent the NOACK Volatility Test. Of all the oils tested, AMSOIL shows dramatically less weight loss . . . less than half the weight loss of its closest counterpart. Some oils tested lost 20 percent of their weight. That means almost one fifth of the oil boils away and is released into the environment. For most cars, that's approximately a quart of oil being burned and expelled into nature.
The thicker oil left behind after volatization contributes to damaging deposits, sticky piston rings and oil blow-by, all of which cause reduced engine life, reduced fuel economy and increased air pollution.
"Each month, petroleum products emit the equivalent of an 'oil spill' into the Los Angeles Basin's air as massive as the 10-million-gallon spill from the Exxon Valdez, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District." (Truckers' News Magazine)

GREATER FUEL ECONOMY
The advanced lubricity (slipperiness) of AMSOIL synthetic lubricants has been proven to increase fuel economy by 2-5%. AMSOIL reduces friction and allows your engine to use its heat-energy more efficiently.

How Much Is a 5% Savings in Fuel? The average person drives slightly more than 10,000 miles each year. A 5% savings in fuel gives you more than $25 in savings a year (assuming you get 30 mpg, at $1.60 per gallon). And if you get 20 mpg a 5% savings in fuel gives you $39 in savings a year and you get better gas mileage!

Worldwide Vehicle Population: 1970: 245 million 1985: 520 million 2000: (est.): 800 million If, in the year 2000, these vehicles change oil 3 times each year and have 5 quart systems, 1 billion quarts of waste oil will be generated each month.

Article Source: http://www.go-see.info

2007-12-30T00:59:00.001-08:00

Environmental Therapies - Clinical Ecology by Franchis Adam

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The Belief that our environment can affect our health is not new. Hippocrates, the ancient Greek father of modern medicine (today's physicians still respect the Hippocratic Oath even if they no longer take it), recorded the beneficial and harmful effects of certain foods in the 5th century B.C.

Today our bodies face a daily assault undreamed of by the ancient Greeks: our crops are sprayed with pesticides, our food is packed with preservatives, and the air we breathe is often full of gasoline fumes and pollution.

The overall effect on our bodies is a weakened immune system that makes us even more susceptible to allergies and sensitivities. Air pollution is one of the worst problems, caused by industries, agriculture, power stations, aerosols and other chemicals, coal and other fires. As a result we suffer from headaches, respiratory tract infections and ailments, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, eye problems, and eventually a profound breakdown in health manifested by various cancers. Other environmental hazards include lead from gasoline which causes hyperactivity birth defects - acid rain, carbon monoxide poisoning, water pollution, and radiation.

Clinical ecologists treat illnesses and disorders that they believe stem from an individual's reaction to these environmental factors. They practice what is known as environmental medicine, and they estimate that between 10 and 30 percent of the population suffer from some form of ecological illness.

he Natural Choice Directory glossary of enviromental, health and spritual terms.

Acupressure-- This technique stimulates specific acupuncture points through applying pressure with the fingers or hands.

Acupuncture-- In 1997, the National Institutes of Health officially recognized acupuncture as an effective treatment for pain and nausea. Acupuncturists insert specially made needles into specific points to stimulate the body's natural energy. Licensed in Washington and more than 30 other states, acupuncturists work as independent providers of health care for a range of conditions from pain management to women's health problems.

Aikido-- The Japanese name of this martial art literally means "the way of spiritual harmony." Like tai chi, Aikido exercises emphasize harmony and grace of movement.

Body-Oriented Psychotherapy-- This growing and wide-ranging field combines counseling with bodywork. Practitioners believe the most effective changes come when they involve all levels of being: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Massage, movement techniques, breathing and body awareness are emphasized.

Bowenwork-- The original Bowen Technique was developed in the 1950's by the late Tom Bowen of Geelong, Australia. Bowenwork is a gentle, non-invasive form of bodywork. Subtle moves performed over the muscles and connective tissue send messages deep into the body stimulating the nervous system to reset and initiate healing.

Clinical ecologists believe that foods are still the most common environmental factors causing illness. They identify the particular foods or chemicals to which an individual is sensitive and advise on treatment. The simplest treatment is to avoidu the foods and chemicals that cause problems. Howeer, people are often sensitive to several different substances. If these are foods, removing them all the diet could lead to nutritional problems; if these sensitivity is to a very common environmental pollutant,or to a chemical with which an individual works. it may be practically impossible to avoid. In this case tretment concentrates on desensitizing the individual.

Desensitization involves diluting the troublesome foods or chemicals and placing drops of the solution under the tongue. Solutions of varying strengths are used until a tolerance level is established. Then it will usually be possible to withstand limited exposure to the harmful food or chemicals.

About the Author

Read out for Massage therapy. Check out mediterranean diet and herbs for high blood pressure

2007-12-18T01:20:00.001-08:00

Making Freight Forwarding More Environmentally Friendly by Victoria Selman

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Only a few years ago concern about the environment was limited to the minority. However, recently the issues of global warming, climate change and pollution have found themselves at the forefront of the political agenda. David Cameron made a well publicised trip to Antarctica to raise awareness of the damage we are doing to the planet. Whilst world leaders meet regularly to discuss how to address the problems we face.

The freight industry has been criticised by some for the amount of environmental damage it does by transporting goods around the world. After all the amount of pollution generated by lorries and planes moving goods around the globe is high. Doing so both undermines general air quality and also contributes to global warming.

Transporting freight is also un-ecologically sound because of the energy it uses, accidental spills that occasionally occur and the disposal of waste.

In this article we discuss some ideas to help make freight forwarding more environmentally friendly. We will show that doing so makes good business sense as well as being a moral imperative.

1. Use Greener Fuel

Using unleaded petrol is much more environmentally friendly than relying on lorries that run on diesel engines. It is also much cheaper to do so.

2. More Efficient Use of Vehicles

Increasing the amount of goods that you load onto a vehicle reduces the number of journeys that you need to make. This in turn reduces the amount of pollution you generate, cuts down on the number of vehicles on the road and costs you less.

3. Train your Staff

Encouraging your staff to â€˜think greenâ€™ is essential if you want to increase your companyâ€™s green activities. It will help motivate them and spur them on to come up with new ways in which you could make your company more environmentally friendly.

You could think about running training courses and putting up posters around your office. This will ensure that they are constantly reminded of the importance of reducing your organisationâ€™s carbon footprint.

About the Author

GBS Freight runs a global freight forwarding service.

2007-12-09T01:05:00.000-08:00

Unique Holiday gifts - How about honoring the environment around you? by H. Veronika Gaia

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Nature photographers are always chasing the light, especially early morning and late evening, in the hopes of capturing the magic of subtle color. Sunrise and sunset present ever-changing moments of light and cloud formations that embrace the landscape environment. These moments can offer us a new day or provide reflections of a day completed. However, one can feel very blessed and humbled when starting and ending a day with hues of golden light and clouds of pink, blue, red and amber all around you.

Recently, I moved to a small town in Colorado and I am amazed with the sunrise and sunset here each day. The earth, in its majesty, reminds me each morning and evening to stop, be aware and honor the life around me. Each colorful light show provides me with moments of awe, inspiration and environmental awareness. Therefore, it has become part of my normal routine to wait with anticipation, camera ready, for each new sunrise and sunset. I have found that this form of nature photography art has provided me with personal inspiration. I have framed and matted sunrise and sunset landscape photography in my home of my own backyard experiences. As I view these photographs during my working day, I re-awaken my humility, gratitude and connection to humanity. These fine art prints become not only a source of beauty but also motivate me to honor all life in my world each day.

The holidays are upon us now. As we each pursue our gift giving routines, why not consider nature photography art and landscape photography as unique gifts to reflect the intentions of peace, environmental awareness and hope for our future? It is also quite affordable to seek out greeting card assortments with landscape photography. Many have inspirational sayings and could be framed and placed on oneâ€™s desk as a source of peace and inspiration. Let your holidays be unique this year with gifts that honor the environment and the earthâ€™s magical gifts to us: humility, gratitude and connection to humanity.

About the Author

H. Veronika Gaia is a teacher, writer and nature photographer. She believes that every persona can make a difference in our world and that PeacemakersArt.com provides opportunities for you to make your contribution by purchasing with a purpose. Veronika sells inspirational nature photography art as greeting cards, motivational posters and fine art prints with peaceful intentions for self awareness, human potential and community service. Please

2007-12-06T00:49:00.001-08:00

Air Travel Carbon Emissions are destroying the Environment by Davinos Greeno

The growth of air travel is growing at an unprecedented rate. The low cost of air travel and the growth of budget airlines means that millions of passengers are flying abroad more than ever before, but at what cost to the environment?

The UK government is aiming for a 60% cut in carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 but we will not be able to meet our goals on climate change without curbing the demand for air travel. At present the experts predicts that only 5.5% of the UK carbon emissions is due to air travel and that the government should concentrate on the other 94.5% as the UK air travel industry generates thousands of jobs and billions of pounds in revenue and these figures are set to increase as the airline industry wants to increase the number of passenger movements in UK airports from about 200m per year now to about 470m by 2030. If this happens then air travel will account for over 10 % of carbon emissions in the UK. It will be more than 10% if other polluting sectors such as car travel are reduced due to an increase in public transport use and cleaner fuels.

What can we do to prevent this growth in flying?

The government has said it wants aviation included in the next round of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. What is this? Well...

There is an emissions trading scheme in operation internationally but many people are not aware that this is perceived to be the cornerstone of the climate change policy in the EU and USA.

Firms are set quotas on how much carbon dioxide they can produce per year, if they produce more than this allowance, then they buy an allowance from another firm that has not reached its quota on how much it can produce in one year! Get it?

Emissions Trading is particularly suited to the emissions of greenhouse gases, the gases responsible for global warming, which have the same effect wherever they are emitted. The idea of the carbon-trading scheme was to raise the cost to firms of continuing to pollute while creating a market to give an incentive to become more environmentally efficient.

Another suggestion to curb travel is airlines paying higher taxes on short haul European flights to reflect emissions, even if this results in higher fares. The thinking is that taxation through passenger duty would be easier and quicker than focusing on the Emissions Trading Scheme but any proposed increase in taxation would need to be enough to slow down the growth and eventually decrease the number of short haul flights.

A decrease in flights would be bad for airports and airlines as they would see a decrease in airport generated profits and could lead to a number of job losses and competitiveness for the UK economy, but other sectors of the UK economy such as domestic tourism would benefit thus creating jobs and revenue for the tax man to get his greedy hands on.

Most of the wealthier nations in Europe are developing an air dependent culture and its clear that something needs to be done. Frequent flying for business and pleasure and second homes abroad is fuelling this growth in air travel. Other forms of public transport such as rail are getting more expensive making domestic flights within the UK more affordable and convenient. In the USA this tends not to be the case due to the distance between major cities.

Carbon offsetting helps you to offset the carbon dioxide that you use when flying by planting trees or installing solar panels and thereby removing your contribution to global climate change. You contribute to pollution by flying; you reduce the pollution by planting trees! You are carbon neutral!

About the Author

Davinos Greeno works with the Organic directory http://www.guidemegreen.com This growing green products directory lists 100s of Organic and Fairtrade food and drinks companies plus Green Jobs at http://www.jobs.guidemegreen.com and Campaigning Videos at http://www.videos.guidemegreen.com

2007-12-03T20:01:00.000-08:00

Healthy Environment For Self Esteem by sas_vanfurl

Healthy self esteem originates in the environment found in the: family, school, peer group, work place, and community. There are certain characteristics of your environment that need to be present in order for self esteem to be fostered and grow.

The main component of a healthy environment for self esteem is that it needs to be nurturing. It should provide unconditional warmth, love, and caring. It needs to provide the realization that other people are recognized as deserving to be nurtured, reinforced, rewarded, and bonded to.

Healthy environment for self esteem transmits messages of warmth, loving, and caring by physical touch, meeting the survival needs of food, clothing and shelter, and providing a sense of stability and order in life.

A healthy environment for self esteem should provide acceptance. It will recognize that other people see each other as worthy individuals who have a unique set of personality characteristics, skills, abilities, and competencies making them special. Acceptance enables people to develop relationships with others, yet maintain healthy boundaries of individuality within themselves.

In the healthy environment for self esteem should be good communication, everyone should be heard and responded to in a healthy way so that healthy problem solving is possible. Appropriate giving and receiving of feedback is encouraged and rewarded. Communicating at a "feelings" level is a mode of operation for these people, allowing them to be in touch with their emotions in a productive manner.

The healthy environment for self esteem must contain recognition and acceptance of people for who they are. That recognition and acceptance should not be based on the condition that they must first conform to a prescribed standard of behavior or conduct. This is unhealthy. Unconditional recognition and acceptance given in the form of support allows individuals to reach their ultimate potential.

The healthy environment for self esteem should be clearly defined and enforced limits known to individuals with no hidden tricks or manipulation. Limits set the structure for the lives of individuals, allowing clear benchmarks of appropriate and inappropriate behavior. Limits enable individuals to recognize their responsibilities and to chart their course of behavior in a rational way.

Respect and latitude for individual action within the defined limits of the healthy environment for self esteem should be present as well. This encourages individuals to use their creativity, ingenuity, and imagination to be productive within the established structure. Restrictions that suppress individuality can lead to a narrow focus, with people becoming stunted and handicapped in the use of their personal skills, abilities, and resources.

Finally, healthy environment for self esteem should be bonding, which is the physical/emotional phenomenon between individuals and the others in their environment. This is necessary for the development of healthy self esteem. Bonding is forming a mutual emotional attachment between an individual and a "significant other" (parent, child, friend, lover, etc.). This involves the significant other giving unconditional love and support as well as developing an emotional link between each other.

About the Author

MotivationNews.com
Motivation Articles Directory

2007-11-29T02:58:00.001-08:00

The Use Of Flower Pictures In Creating A Feng Shui Environment by Justine Richards

A flower picture, or most likely a selection of carefully placed flower pictures, with carefully chosen frames and borders can add to the harmony in your office and home. Believers in feng shui, the ancient Chinese practice of the arrangement and placement of objects in space, or space around objects, to achieve harmony with the environment, use it to affect the health, wealth and personal relationships of the people operating within that space.

Feng shui is closely engaged with nature. When it was first practiced in China over 2000 years ago, it relied on astronomy to find correlations between humans and the universe. Agricultural practice at that stage, and still today in some areas of the world, relied on natural guidelines for agricultural planning, such as planting in accordance with the phases of the moon. Indeed today still, whether furniture is being optimally arranged or flower pictures are being placed on walls, space, weather, astronomy, and geomagnetism are the factors underlying the feng shui decisions made.

Nature is integral to feng shui. Take the literal meaning of the word, which is "wind-water". In Eastern philosophy, spiritual practice and art, the shapes, textures and colors of trees, plants and flowers have always been central. Using flower pictures in any interior decorating project designed on feng shui lines, essentially brings together several strands of Chinese thought and culture. So many beautiful royalty free flower pictures are available online now, that can be resized, manipulated and refined and then well-framed to create perfect balance within a room or even a series of rooms. It is advisable first to define the space you will be managing according to feng shui principles. The wall-color will then be chosen and it might then be a good time to plan flower pictures. There will be expanses of bare wall. One can decide on one or a series on a certain theme, with certain shapes and with a certain feeling they induce in the viewer. Identify the particular flower picture or set you will be using and then redefine them until they fit perfectly into the room or rooms, enhancing the harmony. They may even be framed and hung before proceeding with the rest of the furnishings.

This is a particularly tasteful and controlled way to go about incorporating flower pictures in to feng shui décor, since flower pictures have no practical function as such other than to improve the quality of life. The feng shui designer will have his senses wonderfully concentrated going about a project this way. It is a more pure and harmonious way than placing the desk first, say, and then the couches and side tables and then finally fitting a flower picture onto the wall as an afterthought.

There are a number of variables that can be applied to any flower picture. A photograph can firstly be resized, then its color and intensity can be manipulated, which in this context can mean changing it completely or just changing the shades and tints. A flower picture can be cropped, zoomed in, textures removed or added, detail softened or heightened. Done with sensitivity this can create a flower picture that is utterly suitable to the environment it is planned for. The essence of the flower should remain, but it should harmonize utterly with other complementary flower pictures and the space around it as a whole. Be warned that to retouch a flower picture badly is just about the worst thing one can do to the energies of such a picture. Do exercise enormous restraint and discretion when doing this. Call on designers or artists to advise if you are unsure.

Equally important is the framing of a flower picture. Even a beautifully retouched shot can be mutilated visually by bad framing. Pay the extra dollars and get a highly creative framing shop to frame your feng shui flower pictures. The results will far outweigh the cost.

About the Author

Justine Richards is an SEO writer, publisher and online bookstore owner. Read more at A Flower Gallery, A Hosting Review and A Billion Books

2007-11-26T01:19:00.001-08:00

Just About Recycling to Clear the Environment by Dumo Maseko

Prior to the formation of the Department of Sanitation, more than three quarters of all waste from the city of New York was simply dumped into the ocean. Just a decade later, in 1895, the very first recycling plan was implemented by Commissioner George Waring in which his plan separated household waste into three categories; there was food waste, rubbish and ash.

New York City had filled to capacity six landfills and needed to keep them closed from 1965 to 1991, which left open only one active landfill; Fresh Kills in Staten Island, which remained the only trash-accepting landfill until it closed for good in 2001.

Recycling bags helping the environment

If there are cats in your house those left over bags from the grocery store come in handy when cleaning out the litter box. Just having the bags around when you have to touch something you really don't want to. By having the bags, in hand, the actual touching of the item is no longer an issue and it will help with germs being passed from cat litter box to human, which can cause all kinds of illnesses.

You should become aware of what we use and how such items can be reused. No matter where you shop or what purchases you make, if, at the end of the day you're surrounded by plastic bags, there's always a way to get more use out of them.

Outdoor play time

Without a doubt the best play time is spent outside in the fresh air and in an effort to remain responsible to the environment there are a few things to keep in mind when out and about.

If a mode of transportation is needed to arrive at the spot you're headed to, try to use the least pollutant-adding means possible. Riding a bike is better than driving a car, so depending on the distance that is needed to travel, make the best choices that will not add to the pollutants our air is facing. If it is a possibility, use mass transportation to get to where you need to go. A bus or a train is always better than driving, but if you have to drive, be sure to pack as many people into one vehicle as is possible. You may need to drive, but driving one car is a whole lot better than driving four of them.

About the Author

To get more reviews on manufacturing and personal care manufacturing visit: Manufacturing industry information.

2007-11-16T01:16:00.001-08:00

Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Methods by Keith Barrett

There is an increasing drive for many of us to be more environmentally friendly in all aspects of our lives. We take a closer look at how environmentally friendly cleaning methods can help.

Being environmentally friendly can mean making all sorts of changes to our daily lives. Many of us are now much more aware of the impact that we may be having and we're looking for new solutions to old problems.

The area of cleaning is one that has started to come under the microscope in recent years. Experts have suggested that the use of such a wide range of chemicals cannot be good for the planet. As a result, some have tried to cut down on chemicals about the home, or looked for alternative products.

UK companies are now looking at the issue of cleaning building exteriors too. The impact of cleaning the outside of our homes, shops and offices has been given far too little consideration.

For decade, cleaning techniques have largely focused on using abrasive cleaning methods, together with a range of chemical solutions.

This activity has caused a number of negative effects. The abrasive method of cleaning has been successful in clearing up some unsightly buildings but it's also led to some long term damage to some of the country's finest monuments and buildings.

The abrasive cleaning actually hastens the effects of weather and erosion on many of our best loved monuments and buildings.

When combined with the environmental effects caused by the use of chemicals, it's become clear to some UK specialists that a new approach is needed.

As a result, UK building cleaning companies have increasingly looked to reduce the amount of abrasive cleaning that is being done. By finding new, more gentle methods, they have found that all sorts of buildings can now be cleaned efficiently and sensitively.

At the same time, the new cleaning methods have also allowed for a reduction in the use of chemicals. This can only be good for the environment.

These modern approaches to building cleaning promise a better future for all of us.

About the Author

Keith Barrett spoke to EcoLogic Systems, specialists in monument cleaning. This article may be published on any website but this resource box must be included in full. The author retains all copyright.

2007-11-15T00:32:00.001-08:00

Your Cell Phone And The Environment by Roberto Sedycias

An astonishing number of people own and use a cell phone (celular), with current figures totaling over 800 million worldwide. It has has become an important part of daily life, and improves business and travel opportunities, whilst providing the best possible level of communication across the globe.

However, the high numbers of users are also subject to changing trends for a number of reasons including improved features, fashion and accessories. This means that upgrades are a regular occurrence, with each device being used for an estimated 12 to 18 months. This means that there is a lot of cell phone waste.

Many users are not aware of the potential damage to the environment that incorrect disposal of cell phones (celular) can cause. Incorrect disposal means throwing any cell phone away, which is the typical fate assigned to an unwanted device. However, components within it can have a terrible impact on the environment and so need special disposal. All cell phones (celular) contain persistent metals which do not degrade in the environment. They also contain bioaccumulative metals which become toxic over period of time.

For instance, cadmium which is present in a cell phone (celular) is significant enough to cause damage in small doses. It is the seventh most harmful known chemical, and is capable of causing cancer. Cell phones also contain lead which causes liver damage in adults and neurological development problems in children when entered into the bloodstream. Other hazardous substances such as nickel and mercury provide further cause for concern.

If not disposed of properly, the metals from the cell phone (celular) can leak into the environment through corrosion and cause a series of problems in the environment. If thrown away, it will go to a landfill where it will remain. As many elements do not decompose, the level of harmful toxins increases and so does the potential damage. Lithium can burn with water exposure, and so can potentially begin underground fires when present in large quantities. Any of the hazardous or poisonous substances could contaminate local water supplies or the nearby soil. If either of these is affected than the toxins enter the food chain with terrible results.

In effect, incorrect disposal of the cell phone (celular) can create a form of poisoning. The immediate effects include health problems such as genetic or reproductive defects and detrimental effects upon the nervous system and delayed general development. The long term effect is global pollution. When waste that can not be broken down properly such as that in a cell phone (celular) is decomposing it creates methane gas. Methane gas is more damaging than CO2 and so has major impact on global warming. Not many people realize that all this can be caused by disposing it in an incorrect manner.

The best way to combat cell phone (celular) damage to the environment is to recycle it by returning it to a shop. This includes the accessories also. Some shops will ensure the product is sent to developing countries for reuse. Others will reclaim the metal parts to prevent them going into a landfill. Some cell phone companies even make a charity donation for every recycled device to encourage the practice. The other possibility is that they will ensure the product is sent for proper disposal. This includes disposal of hazardous materials.

Whichever option is used, the positive side effect is that less hazardous waste goes into the environment. Now that you know the facts, make sure that you dispose of your cell phone (celular) properly and remain environmentally sound with this one simple gesture.

This article is under GNU FDL license and can be distributed without any previous authorization from the author. However the author's name and all the URLs (links) mentioned in the article and biography must be kept.

About the Author

This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from the Article section of page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/celular.php

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for http://www.polomercantil.com.br

2007-11-14T00:52:00.001-08:00

Have Environmentalists Gone Too Far? by James Heimler

Our days are filled with one environmental issue after another. It may be an Ivory Billed Woodpecker spotted in Arkansas. It may be a landfill spilling waste into a local stream. There is one aspect of a climate crisis that many people find humorous. It is an aspect of the global warming debate and some people consider it an environmental issue. What is it? It is gas. To be more specific, it is crudely known as "farts" and is touted by vegetarians and PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) as a global warming fact.

Population levels have risen considerably in the past two centuries and are contributing to the environmental issue. This is thanks to living longer and a better quality of life. But the more humans on the planet, the more food is needed. Animals are bred for food. Animals digest plants and other materials and then give off methane gas. Groups believe that these gases are the number one cause of the greenhouse gas effect. Those of us who eat meat might laugh at this but there is a kernel of truth to the argument.

Both animals and humans are responsible for producing carbon dioxide and methane gas. If you feel that there are too many animals in existence, it can also be pointed that there are way too many humans on our Earth, contributing to the problem of greenhouse gas as well. Is there a solution to this problem? Essays suggest that by mere existence, humanity has made its own issues environmentally. They go further to suggest world wide population regulations and the actual euthanasia of humans may be a viable solution to our self created environmental problems.

Many vegetarians feel that humanity needs to reduce the number of animals that are eaten. If you are not a vegetarian, you might think that there is no reason to even discuss this controversy. What it all amounts to, in the end, is personal beliefs and opinions. Facts and percentages can, and will, be manipulated to match ones opinions or preferences. It's as simple as that.

It is our responsibility to be aware of our actions and impact on an environmental issue. Humanity has already shown that we can change our wicked ways of polluting by helping save species that are becoming extinct, before they actually do. We have voted for legislation to ensure that corporations can not dump toxic chemicals into our landfills and water streams. When there is concrete information regarding the global warming debate, then we will take our part as well.

About the Author

James Heimler, Architect Los Angeles California, owns and operates a cutting-edge architectural firm specializing in green architecture and environmental sustainable design practices.

2007-11-12T00:30:00.001-08:00

Do You Live In A Green Environment Or Is Your Environment Transparent? by Alex L.

People today are becoming more concern about the environment and go green environmental services than the last century. Over the century, our environment has gone from green to transparent. Transparent meaning chemical use more and more taking the natural product and turning it to transparent with so many chemicals a person reading the label would hardly find the natural product.

Today and for years we eat, sleep, breath, walk, drive, work, play, wear, and see with chemicals. As we know, most foods today made with chemicals or made up with chemicals to make the fastest way to prepare food. The cooking equipment we use, to the coffee pot for morning coffee is chemical made. We sleep on chemical pillows, sheets, blankets, comforters and yes, the pajamas are full of chemicals. To find out more about good quality bedding for the sleeping and where to purchase the bedding, check out environmental green web directory, and go green environmental services.

Soaps and laundry aids. Use low suds soap and the more organic the better for everyone. Today going to the store and buying a shampoo could be a chore. A whole isle of chemical treatment for washing your hair waits anyone. Using good organic shampoo for hair will not only help the environment in addition, will help keeping your hair healthy. Look for the go green environmental services label on the packages to make sure this is environmental safe.

Start with replacing energy efficiency appliances in the home. Look at the green innovative lighting use light bulbs that give great light still help with efficiency and has the go green environmental services logo. Look at the fixtures in the home, the bathroom, kitchen, laundry area and other rooms. Some of the fixtures are simple to replace and low cost to help with saving for the larger replacement for going green.

Furniture has chemicals in the finishing's, stains, fabric, and foam. Start with simple improvements with the furniture though out the home. Beds that are made of wood known to hold bugs and diseases replace with metal bed frames. Metal bed frames will not let bugs and diseases in bed in the metal. Metal is also easier to keep clean. Mattresses that have chemicals, that are unhealthy replace with good cotton filled and spring mattress. Some of the mattress for going green is fire resistant and stain resistant. Look for the go green environmental services logo before purchasing the mattress.

Are you thinking about remodeling a room, home perhaps thinking about building a new home? Construction companies are becoming more aware of the going green environment using products for energy efficiency and fewer chemicals to build a home.

Searching the internet is a good place to find tips and suggestions on how you today can start with turning your transparent environment back to green. Go green environmental Forum & Articles and environmental green web directory can help you get started today.

About the Author

Environmental green web directory has sites that can help anyone to start to become green. The directory offers sites for environmental services, shopping and Go green environmental Forum & Articles to help with the green products and green innovative lighting . V

2007-11-12T00:29:00.001-08:00

Using Web Forms To Help Save The Environment by Kyle Ware

As defined in wikipedia, webform "allows a user to enter data that is, typically, sent to a server for processing and to mimic the usage of paper forms." By it's very definition a web form can help to improve the environment.

How much paper can be made from a tree? Or, how many trees are required to make a certain amount of paper? It's very difficult to answer these questions directly and the best that can be obtained are ballpark estimates. In the 1970s a report by the Conservatree estimated that a ton of newsprint paper saves 17 trees. This is a rough estimate. News paper isn't made of the same tree materials that office paper is made of.

It's difficult to make exact calculations on converting trees to paper as paper is made from a mix of trees. Some are hardwood, others are softwood. Some are young trees while others are old growth. Some are wide trees while others are skinny trees. Some paper is made from sawdust.

Whether or not we can calculate exactly how many trees can be saved by switching from paper forms to web forms isn't an issue. No one can deny that the environmental impact of corporations and government switching from printed forms to online web forms would be significant.

Therefore, all corporations and government should be encouraged to use web forms wherever possible instead of paper forms. Imagine the savings that would result if every year hundreds of millions of government forms were converted to web forms. The environmental impact would be astronomic.

If all corporations joined the drive to move to a "paperless" society and stored all their information in electronic format as well as keeping all records in electronic format then hundreds of millions more sheets of paper would be conserved each year. Wherever possible corporations should issue each other web invoice forms instead of paper forms. All accounting records should be stored in electronic format. Services such as Createforms.com can help save the environment if used by government and businesses.

About the Author

Kyle Ware is the marketing manager of a leading software development company for the past 10 years.
Kyle Ware recommends the following travel and news sources:
World Newspapers
Online Magazines
Vancouver Canada

2007-11-12T00:25:00.001-08:00

Feng Shui Interior Decorating: Create A Balanced Environment by Adam Peters

Feng Shui interior decorating is a wonderful way to help increase the flow of positive energy in your life. By employing the techniques and practices into the decor and furniture placement in your home, you can help to create a home and life that is more satisfying and balanced.

Many homeowners turn to Feng Shui interior decorating to change the feel and energy inside of their homes. It is believed to not only help your home to flow better, but everything around you as well.

Feng Shui is based on a Chinese belief that everything has energy in your life, including things, places, and people. It is translated as "wind and water" and it is a theory of placement that is believed to help you achieve harmony and balance with the environment around you.

In Feng Shui, five elements are included to help create a balance in your environment. They are wood, metal, water, fire, and earth. Each of these elements is considered just as important as the other in creating harmony in your environment and your life.

Simply moving the furniture around or redecorating your home is not what Feng Shui is all about. There is much more attention and thought given to the furniture placement and décor in Feng Shui to help restore or increase the flow of positive energy in your home and your life.

Feng Shui interior decorating is all about balance and harmony. This balance helps the positive energy to flow in your life, as well as decrease the negative energy. Feng Shui interior decorating has been used for centuries to help in the areas of happiness, romance, and love in families and relationships. It is also thought to be helpful in the area of education, due to the fact that it can help increase concentration and focus.

By employing this type of furniture placement and decorating, you can help to increase the positive energy in your life. It is not all about sitting and waiting on the good things. It is about working for the positive things in your life, so that you have a part in making your life the best it can be. Some millionaires claim that Feng Shui helped them to get where they are, but you better believe that a great deal of the responsibility for their success comes from their hard work, too.

Feng Shui is about creating an environment that is healthy and positive for your life. It is not just about moving your furniture around to help your room to look better. It is about creating a better life for you and your family through using Feng Shui interior decorating. Give it a try. You will be glad you did!

About the Author

Adam Peters use to write on bedrooms and similar subjects for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . You can find more information and resources on Feng Shui decorating at his website.

2007-11-12T00:21:00.001-08:00

Oil Production Helping the Environment by Bob Jent

In beautiful areas around the world, natural gas and oil seepages naturally occur in the ocean, just off shore, much to the chagrin of environmentalists, citizens, and tourists alike. Animal life and fragile ecosystems can be adversely affected by these seepages as well, often times resulting in oil slicks floating on or just beneath the waterâ€™s surface and oil washed up on tranquil beaches. Natural seepage of hydrocarbons from the ocean floor in the Santa Barbara Channel represent some of the largest seepages by volume in North America and even the world. This haven for vacationers, bird watchers, and beach-goers has long been a mainstay in west coast oil and natural gas production, one just need look from the beach to catch glimpses of the offshore platforms on the horizon. While these platforms might seem like eyesores to some, most people would be surprised that studies show that the offshore drilling has actually proven beneficial to Santa Barbaraâ€™s air quality and water quality as well as harvesting the much needed petroleum products for use by its increasing population.

Researchers in Santa Barbara have found evidence that the natural seepage from the ocean floor releases mostly methane into the air and that the amount released is equal to twice the emission rate from all of the automobile traffic in Santa Barbara County. Researchers have also noticed the air getting progressively better since the main offshore platform, Platform Holly, began pumping the oil from the seepage in 1968. The more oil that has been pumped from the channel has decreased the pressure within the reservoir beneath the silt and rock on the ocean floor, thus decreasing the emissions by 50 percent or greater.

This reduction in seepage has had more visible effects as well. The air is cleaner, meaning less hazy sunsets, less trouble for allergy sufferers plagued by poor air quality, and less methane released means less effect to the ever depleting ozone caused by increased Californian population and their much loved automobiles. The beaches have shown promise from this reduction as well. Less natural seepage has helped remove nearly 30 barrels of oil per day from the surface of the sea, resulting in a 15 percent reduction in the amount of tar found on beaches within Santa Barbara County. Oil and natural gas companies like NorthernStar Natural Gas in Santa Barbara and Triple Diamond Energy Corp in Texas are doing their part to make the environment better while providing the fossil fuels American consumers desperately need.

About the Author

About the Author: Bob Jent is the president of Triple Diamond Energy Corp. Triple Diamond Energy specializes in acquiring the highest quality prime oil and gas properties. For more information, visit http://www.triplediamondenergyc

2007-11-11T03:58:00.001-08:00

Feng Shui Interior Decorating: Create A Balanced Environment by Adam Peters

Many homeowners turn to Feng Shui interior decorating to change the feel and energy inside of their homes. It is believed to not only help your home to flow better, but everything around you as well.

About the Author

Adam Peters use to write on bedrooms and similar subjects for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . You can find more information and resources on Feng Shui decorating at his website.

Environment and international project selection

2007-11-10T18:13:00.000-08:00

company that chooses to implement an international project is obligated to conduct a thorough research in order to understand if such project is viable and can be brought to life in a certain country. Numerous factors have to be taken into consideration and investigated; it has to be done objectively from the point of view of the host country in which business will be performed. Thus the home company can ensure the realization of the project in specified terms with regards to projected profits and spending funds.

While analyzing foreign environment companies have to pay close attention to various factors that will effect, or help if used efficiently, future success of business in a new economy. First of all it is necessary to carefully examine the firm’s competitive position and understand if a project is able to bring profit in the global industry. Adequate financial resources, successful global ventures in the past, risk levels that a company is able to undertake and growing international demand are those few questions that need to posed before a firm can make any projections as to doing business abroad. There are also factors that are directly connected to specific projects and situations and that influence the outcome of the venture and have to be considered.

In case when a company is ready to start international project in terms of its internal situation, it has to study issues and challenges that are caused by macro economical and other environmental factors. Legal and political factors are essential for the implementation of the project abroad and each country has its own laws and regulations that could be of negative or positive influence which greatly depends on the nature of business. Economic condition of the host county is a core issue in deciding where and when project will be carried out and if it is feasible at all. Such environmental issues as GDP, inflation fluctuations and population growth have to be considered in order to comprehend conditions in which business will operate. Infrastructure and geography are among other factors that will affect the project or not allow its execution in case a host county has severe weather conditions or undeveloped infrastructure; for instance unpaved roads and no electrical power can easily fail the project in the very beginning and thus knowing such conditions is necessary. Security of the country in which project will be developed is essential as well, people make things happen and if they are in a dangerous environment it is priory impossible to do business. Workers who are knowledgeable about cultural differences in a host country are more likely to perform successfully as traditions and holidays can play a huge role in certain marketing campaigns and serve for the good image of the company.

Working in a foreign country requires a great deal of preparation and assessment of all possible differences that business is about to encounter. As was already said major role is deciding whether of not the project will be successful is comprehending macro environment of a new country. Studying its economical condition, security levels and infrastructure system is a core competence of a company who wants to be more successful that its competitors. In case when all of those factors are studied and considered advantageous for a new enterprise it is important to bear in mind that cultural differences can make all efforts void. Thus such countries as the United States must attentively analyze what changes have to be made in the business plan and what people are best suit for the its implementation. Often companies hire professionals already experienced in such ventures with foreign education who speak two or more languages. Those intermediaries who are familiar with host country’s traditions and have social connections are great helpers in establishing a good image of the company abroad and in avoiding mistakes in a setting up period.

Selecting and training employees for the international project is very important for the future success of the company. Culture shock and coping with it are issues that have to be addressed to potential workers because people who cannot sleep at night of nervous breakdown are unable to work effectively. Consequently firms need to inform and train employees how to cope with cultural diversities and benefit from them to better manage in the new environment. Multiplicity of the factors that have to be thought through by the international project managers can be outstanding but successful implementation will be rewarded by monetary and personal contentment.

Author Info:

Jeff Stats is an expert at Mindrelief.net. Our custom essay writing service is a great chance for you to present an essay of the highest standard to your professor. The assistance of our writers is a priceless input in your professional development. Order college essay or research paper from our writing service.

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2007-11-10T16:54:00.001-08:00

Are Our Environmental Issues a Result of our Psychic Clutter? - By: Leslie Reynolds Benns

As we all recall, during the energy crisis of 1972, the entire country participated in the search for alternate fuel sources. Home owners in states with abundant sunshine got tax rebates for installing solar panels. Wind mills flourished in the deserts. We were all conscious of conserving fossil fuels. Then the crisis ended, and most of us went back to business as usual, some with a vengeance. One consequence of giving up an ideal is that the abandoned ideal is added to our psychic clutter, the unexamined and/or unconscious material that often runs our lives outside of our awareness.

While we have created supposedly nonpartisan agencies to protect the environment, environmental protection has become associated with the Democratic party. During recent Republican administrations, regulations have been changed to favor business interests over environmental ones. Big business and environmentalists seem to be in conflict. On one hand, environmentalists are labeled tree huggers, conjuring up images of pot-smoking hippies. On the other hand, business interests are characterized as ravenous wolves. Business, however, provides the jobs that keep our economy rolling. And most of the environment-offending companies are publicly owned corporations and therefore their stockholders or their elected representatives guide the company. Are you a stockholder or do you know any? What are your priorities? Are you in a situation to make a difference?

When the bottom line is most important, we human beings can easily lose sight of where we are dumping our effluent or how much our smokestacks are contaminating the air. We can perceive ourselves as victims of environmental interests, perceiving them as “messing with” our bottom line. We seek to go forward with the oil exploration on formerly protected pristine lands in Alaska. We allow exploration for fossil fuels in National Monuments. Do we lobby to spend a portion of the oil and gas exploration costs to make renewable energy less expensive? Are we happy with these conditions? Or, if not, do we say nothing and collect the resultant clutter from that undelivered communication?

What kind of stewards are we? Do we look for the “green” insignia when shopping for products? Do we recycle our household trash? Or does convenience take precedence, producing clutter in our environment and in our selves? Do we lobby our city to provide curb-side recycling if it’s not provided? Lobbying might take time, always in short supply. But consider the possibility that any excuse may, in fact, be clutter.

And most scientists agree that global warming is increasing due to a buildup in the atmosphere of human produced, heat-trapping, greenhouse gases -- primarily carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. The campaign to reduce global warming urges Americans to help fight it by driving less, driving fuel-efficient vehicles, recycling and turning down the thermostat a few degrees in winter and up a few degrees in summer. The Bush administration decided that global warming needed only more study.

The campaign to end global warming calls on citizens to lobby in support of clean renewable energy sources, other environmental legislation, and the 1997 Kyoto Protocol that the Bush administration rejected. President Bush irritated many U.S. allies by pulling out of the Kyoto pact, saying it would hurt the U.S. economy. Instead, he has proposed independent policies to encourage industries to trim emissions. America is the largest greenhouse-gas polluter in the world. With 4 % of the world’s population, it discharges a quarter of the world’s carbon dioxide. Since each person is responsible at some level for the policies of our government, do you have clutter in this area?
Excerpted from Confession Is Good for More than the Soul
www.confessionisgood.com

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2007-11-09T18:32:00.000-08:00

Print Green – Help Conserve The Environment

Author: Alfred Anderson

Conservation of the environment has always been an important concern for all of us. There has always been a continued effort in checking the processes that produce harmful wastes polluting the environment. One such process that needs concern in this regard is printing. In the digital age, printed material still has a lot of importance. Printed products such as booklets, brochures, business cards, notepads, postcards, calendars, stationery products, posters etc are always high on demand and thus are produced extensively.

It is a matter of concern that printing houses not only produce harmful wastes but also are one of the major users of natural resources. Thus the need is to print green. Green printing refers to the process of printing that conserves the environment. Most printing houses produce volatile organic compounds that if accidentally released into the environment not only add to air pollution but also damage soil and groundwater. Green printing takes care of this and implements measures to reduce the production of volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere.

Green printing also regulates the use of natural resources. The process of printing relies heavily on natural resources such as trees and fossil fuels. Green printers that are certified by an authoritative agency check the amount of energy usage and keep it to the minimum while carrying on a particular printing process. The jobs are carefully planned to render optimum print quality at minimum use of natural resources. Papers required for printing is sourced only from companies certified by an authoritative certifying agency. This ensures that the paper comes from forests that are in compliance with proper environmental standards. Besides, electricity is used to the minimum and the supplies including paper are recycled and reused to curb down the consumption of natural resources giving rise to environment friendly printing.

The need of printed products is constantly on rise among the consumers. While eco-friendly printing green might cost a bit more than traditional printing, whatever extra you pay is your personal effort towards environment conservation.

This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.a1articles.com/article_210131_53.html

2007-11-07T21:00:00.001-08:00

How climate warming threatens manking and environment - By: Dirk Wolbers, Posted on: 2007-10-17

Scientists have already warned the world of the possible results of global warming some thirty years ago. After present day wars it is the biggest threat to our way of life. Due to the change of climate which is caused by global warming, floods and landslides aggravate, sea level are rising, glaciers are melting, droughts affect crops and livestock production, destructive storms prevail,. These are some of the disasters brought about which need speedy solutions and a strong resolve to cope with the situation. But have we done anything to rectify the problem? Do we allow it to carry on without fighting it? Now it has grown to such huge proportion that a worldwide effort of every country and government is required to promote awareness among the population on how to alleviate the situation. Governments should not only foster action among individual citizens and corporations, but also among other countries worldwide.

This cooperation of government with its citizens and businesses and with other countries should aim to grow research and experimentation on the long term effect of climate change. How will it affect our rain forests and the world's major bodies of water like the rivers, oceans, lakes, and the livelihood of people who are depending on them. Addressing all such environmental issues is desperately needed to tackle the effect of global warming. We need to start reducing carbon emission and emission of other greenhouse gases, teach people about climate change issues and what practical solutions can be done.

Each country has to map out of how much carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases it produces and emits into the atmosphere and in the same way it has to decide how much greening of the environment through reforestation in the rural areas and planting of plants and trees in urban areas is needed to neutralize these harmful gases emitted into the air. Once these gases are in the atmosphere, they stay there for a long time thus trapping the heat in the lower atmosphere and radiating some of it back to earth. With huge amount of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere it would increase the global surface temperature, thus ordercausing drought, change in weather, higher sea levels, and disrupting not only the natural balance of world's climate but the ecological balance of the environment as well.

Through environmental awareness, every individual can help in his own little way to combat global warming. Every little thing you can do at home in the use of gas emitting equipment or vehicles will help. You need to minimize their use if you cannot totally avoid them. Any equipment or vehicle using oil and gas produces carbon dioxide. Greenhouse gas is emitted by compressor-run equipment like airconditioning units, refrigeration and freezing units, etc. which need to be reduced because of the effect it can bring to our ozone layer.

These gases are the most devastating global warming gases which remain in the atmosphere for a long time. Energy efficient appliances should be encouraged and by saving energy help reduce gas emission of power plant generators generating electricity. So it is better to discard inefficient equipments and switch off the appliances, lights and compressor-run equipment when not in use. If you are going somewhere not far from your home try walking, it is not only a good exercise but you also help save the environment from deteriorating.

(This article is adapted from an article written byh Arnold Cafe who is an active online marketer and the author of Ideas Galore at website: http://www.affleap.com/blog/)

Article Source:- www.EzinesArticle.Com >>>> Jiah Khan

2007-11-01T04:03:00.001-07:00

Using Web Forms To Help Save The Environment by Kyle Ware

About the Author

2007-11-01T04:00:00.001-07:00

Environmentalism and Post-modernism as Ideas of Progress by Sam Vaknin

Introduction to Reactionary Ideas of Progress

By definition, most reactionary ideas of progress hark back to an often illusory past, either distant or recent. There, in the mists of time, the proponents of these social movements search for answers and remedies to the perceived ills of their present. These contemporary deficiencies and faults are presented as the inevitable outcomes of decadent modernity. By using a romanticized past cast as ideal, perfect, and unblemished to heal a dystopian and corrupt present, these thinkers, artists, and activists seek to bring about a utopian and revitalized future.

Other reactionary ideas of progress are romantic and merely abandon the tenets and axioms of the prevailing centralized culture in favor of a more or less anarchic mélange of unstructured, post-structural, or deconstructed ideas and interactions, relying on some emergent but ever-fluid underlying social "order" as an organizing principle.

Recent Reactionary Ideas of Progress - Post-modernity

Jean-François Lyotard and Jean Baudrillard (and, to some extent, Michel Foucault) posited post-modernity as both the culmination and the negation of modernity. While modernity encouraged linear change in an asymptotic and teleological pursuit of progress, post-modernity abets change for change's sake, abandoning the very ideal of progress and castigating it as tautological, subjective, and obsolete.

Inevitably, post-modernity clashes with meta-narratives of progress, such as Marxism, positivism, and structuralism. Jurgen Habermas and Timothy Bewes described post-modernity as "anti-Enlightenment". They accused post-modernity of abandoning the universalist and liberalizing tools of rationality and critical theory in favor of self-deceptive pessimism which may well lead to totalitarianism.

Some post-modernist thinkers - such as David Harvey and Alasdair MacIntyre - regarded "late capitalism" or consumerism as dystopian and asocial, if not outright antisocial. Such a view of the recent past tied in well with prior concepts such as anomie, alienation, and atomization. Society was disintegrating while individuals accumulated assets, consumer goods, and capital. Post-modernity is an escape route from "Fordism" and an exit strategy from the horrors of the Brave, New World of mass production and mass consumption.

But paradoxically, as Michel Maffesoli noted, by its very success, post-modernity is sawing off the branch it is perched on and may ultimately lead to a decline in individualism and a rise of neo-tribalism in a decentralized world, inundated with a pluralistic menu of mass and niche media. Others (Esther Dyson, Henry Jenkins) suggest a convergence and confluence of the various facets of "digitality" (digital existence), likely to produce a global "participatory culture".

Still, in a perverse way, post-modernity is obsessed with an idea of progress of its own, albeit a reactionary one. Heterodox post-modern thinkers and scholars like Anthony Giddens, Ulrich Beck, Castells, Zygmunt Bauman and even Jacques Derrida regard post-modernity as merely the second, "late", progressive (albeit "liquid", chaotic, and ambivalent) phase of the agenda of modernity.

Recent Reactionary Ideas of Progress - Environmentalism and Deurbanization

Exurbanization and "back to nature", "small is beautiful", ersatz-preindustrial arts-and-crafts movements dominated the last two decades of the twentieth century as well as the beginning of the twenty-first. These trends constituted "primitive", Jean-Jacques Rousseau-like reactions to the emergence of megalopolises and what the Greek architect and city planner Constantinos Apostolos Doxiadis called "ecumenopolis" (world or global city).

A similar, though much-perverted celebration of the natural can be found in the architecture and plastic arts of the Third Reich. As Roger Griffin observed in his essay "Springtime for Hitler" (The New Humanist, Volume 122 Issue 4 July/August 2007):

"Albert Speer's titanic building projects ... the "clean" lines of the stripped neoclassicism of civic buildings had connotations of social hygiene, just as the nude paintings and statues that adorned them implicitly celebrated the physical health of a national community conceived not only in racial but in eugenic terms."

The concept of "nature" is a romantic invention. It was spun by the likes of Jean-Jacques Rousseau in the 18th century as a confabulated utopian contrast to the dystopia of urbanization and materialism. The traces of this dewy-eyed conception of the "savage" and his unmolested, unadulterated surroundings can be found in the more malignant forms of fundamentalist environmentalism.

At the other extreme are religious literalists who regard Man as the crown of creation with complete dominion over nature and the right to exploit its resources unreservedly. Similar, veiled, sentiments can be found among scientists. The Anthropic Principle, for instance, promoted by many outstanding physicists, claims that the nature of the Universe is preordained to accommodate sentient beings - namely, us humans.

Industrialists, politicians and economists have only recently begun paying lip service to sustainable development and to the environmental costs of their policies. Thus, in a way, they bridge the abyss - at least verbally - between these two diametrically opposed forms of fundamentalism. Still, essential dissimilarities between the schools notwithstanding, the dualism of Man vs. Nature is universally acknowledged.

Modern physics - notably the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics - has abandoned the classic split between (typically human) observer and (usually inanimate) observed. Environmentalists, in contrast, have embraced this discarded worldview wholeheartedly. To them, Man is the active agent operating upon a distinct reactive or passive substrate - i.e., Nature. But, though intuitively compelling, it is a false dichotomy.

Man is, by definition, a part of Nature. His tools are natural. He interacts with the other elements of Nature and modifies it - but so do all other species. Arguably, bacteria and insects exert on Nature far more influence with farther reaching consequences than Man has ever done.

Still, the "Law of the Minimum" - that there is a limit to human population growth and that this barrier is related to the biotic and abiotic variables of the environment - is undisputed. Whatever debate there is veers between two strands of this Malthusian Weltanschauung: the utilitarian (a.k.a. anthropocentric, shallow, or technocentric) and the ethical (alternatively termed biocentric, deep, or ecocentric).

First, the Utilitarians.

Economists, for instance, tend to discuss the costs and benefits of environmental policies. Activists, on the other hand, demand that Mankind consider the "rights" of other beings and of nature as a whole in determining a least harmful course of action.

Utilitarians regard nature as a set of exhaustible and scarce resources and deal with their optimal allocation from a human point of view. Yet, they usually fail to incorporate intangibles such as the beauty of a sunset or the liberating sensation of open spaces.

"Green" accounting - adjusting the national accounts to reflect environmental data - is still in its unpromising infancy. It is complicated by the fact that ecosystems do not respect man-made borders and by the stubborn refusal of many ecological variables to succumb to numbers. To complicate things further, different nations weigh environmental problems disparately.

Despite recent attempts, such as the Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI) produced by the World Economic Forum (WEF), no one knows how to define and quantify elusive concepts such as "sustainable development". Even the costs of replacing or repairing depleted resources and natural assets are difficult to determine.

Efforts to capture "quality of life" considerations in the straitjacket of the formalism of distributive justice - known as human-welfare ecology or emancipatory environmentalism - backfired. These led to derisory attempts to reverse the inexorable processes of urbanization and industrialization by introducing localized, small-scale production.

Social ecologists proffer the same prescriptions but with an anarchistic twist. The hierarchical view of nature - with Man at the pinnacle - is a reflection of social relations, they suggest. Dismantle the latter - and you get rid of the former.

The Ethicists appear to be as confounded and ludicrous as their "feet on the ground" opponents.

Biocentrists view nature as possessed of an intrinsic value, regardless of its actual or potential utility. They fail to specify, however, how this, even if true, gives rise to rights and commensurate obligations. Nor was their case aided by their association with the apocalyptic or survivalist school of environmentalism which has developed proto-fascist tendencies and is gradually being scientifically debunked.

The proponents of deep ecology radicalize the ideas of social ecology ad absurdum and postulate a transcendentalist spiritual connection with the inanimate (whatever that may be). In consequence, they refuse to intervene to counter or contain natural processes, including diseases and famine.

The politicization of environmental concerns runs the gamut from political activism to eco-terrorism. The environmental movement - whether in academe, in the media, in non-governmental organizations, or in legislature - is now comprised of a web of bureaucratic interest groups.

Like all bureaucracies, environmental organizations are out to perpetuate themselves, fight heresy and accumulate political clout and the money and perks that come with it. They are no longer a disinterested and objective party. They have a stake in apocalypse. That makes them automatically suspect.

Bjorn Lomborg, author of "The Skeptical Environmentalist", was at the receiving end of such self-serving sanctimony. A statistician, he demonstrated that the doom and gloom tendered by environmental campaigners, scholars and militants are, at best, dubious and, at worst, the outcomes of deliberate manipulation.

The situation is actually improving on many fronts, showed Lomborg: known reserves of fossil fuels and most metals are rising, agricultural production per head is surging, the number of the famished is declining, biodiversity loss is slowing as do pollution and tropical deforestation. In the long run, even in pockets of environmental degradation, in the poor and developing countries, rising incomes and the attendant drop in birth rates will likely ameliorate the situation in the long run.

Yet, both camps, the optimists and the pessimists, rely on partial, irrelevant, or, worse, manipulated data. The multiple authors of "People and Ecosystems", published by the World Resources Institute, the World Bank and the United Nations conclude: "Our knowledge of ecosystems has increased dramatically, but it simply has not kept pace with our ability to alter them."

Quoted by The Economist, Daniel Esty of Yale, the leader of an environmental project sponsored by World Economic Forum, exclaimed:

"Why hasn't anyone done careful environmental measurement before? Businessmen always say, 'what matters gets measured'. Social scientists started quantitative measurement 30 years ago, and even political science turned to hard numbers 15 years ago. Yet look at environmental policy, and the data are lousy."

Nor is this dearth of reliable and unequivocal information likely to end soon. Even the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, supported by numerous development agencies and environmental groups, is seriously under-financed. The conspiracy-minded attribute this curious void to the self-serving designs of the apocalyptic school of environmentalism. Ignorance and fear, they point out, are among the fanatic's most useful allies. They also make for good copy.

About the Author

Sam Vaknin ( http://samvak.tripod.com ) is the author of Malignant Self Love - Narcissism Revisited and After the Rain - How the West Lost the East.

He served as a columnist for Central Europe Review, Global Politician, PopMatters, eBookWeb , and Bellaonline, and as a United Press International (UPI) Senior Business Correspondent. He was the editor of mental health and Central East Europe categories in The Open Directory and Suite101.

2007-10-30T16:39:00.001-07:00

Monaco Environment Plan Starts To Work by Roger Munns

When Prince Albert became Monaco's Sovereign two years ago he soon set a path that would show him to be a leader among leaders for the environment movement.

In an effort to encourage more people to leave their cars at home and use public transport - not easy in a country that has the highest density of millionaire's in the world - bus fares were cut to a Euro for a single journey, and a year later figures show bus usage has risen 17 per cent.

Prince Albert visited the North Pole last year to publicise how the arctic regions are changing with global warming, and one of his first acts as Monaco's Sovereign was to sign the Kyoto Protocol - along with the US, Monaco was one of the few countries in the world not to endorse it before Prince Albert put pen to paper.

As well as the Monaco Grand Prix, the principality is Europe's best known tax haven, with residents enjoying a zero rated income tax.

With property prices among the highest in the world, residents of Monaco normally need to spend six months a year there to maintain residency.

An announcement has been made recently that a new island is to be built off Monte Carlo, and this will provide more land and property in the world's second smallest country.

Bidders for the development have been asked to take the environment into account - and also the Monaco Grand Prix, which suggests a possible new route for the race.

Despite being one of the world's most glamourous sporting events the Monaco Grand Prix is notorious for a lack of overtaking opportunities, and the new space might in time address the historical criticism of the race.

Property prices in Monaco are high due to the lack of land - in the past one of the districts, Fontvieille, had much of its area reclaimed from the sea, but property prices there equal those of the better known Monte Carlo.

One of the most popular buildings in Fontvieille, Seaside Plaza, has average prices of three to four million Euros for a three bedroom apartment, and a four bedroom four bathroom one is currently on the market at close to ten million Euros.

With a population of under 40,000 Monaco could be forgiven for believing that overseas embassies were an unnecessary expense.

Until now the world's second smallest country has been content to co-operate with French embassies around the world for any necessary representation.

But Monaco has just opened her first independent embassy outside of Europe - in Washington D.C.

Commenting on the new embassy, one local Monaco travel guide says that despite the population equivalent of a small US town, environmental reasons could be behind the move.

'Forget about this being primarily for Monegasques running into trouble in the US and needing assistance. We think this is more to do with Prince Albert wanting to influence the movers and shakers in the world as he is very concerned about global warming and the environment generally. And where better for that than Washington? It's Monaco's greenhouse next to the White House.'

The new embassy, chosen after a visit by Prince Albert, is in the Kalorama district of Washington.

About the Author

For more information about Monte Carlo and Monaco visit YourMonaco.com

The guide includes a map of Monaco, details about the Royal Family, today's Monaco weather and a five day weather forecast, plus a new section about the casino in Monte Carlo's Casino Square.

2007-10-14T01:26:00.001-07:00

Environmental Benefits of LED Lighting

By: Ben Anton

LED lights are a wonderful invention that has changed the way the world is lit. Not only are they long lasting, they have many environmental benefits. LED lights are four times more efficient than a regular incandescent light bulb and last 10 times as long. LED lights also use between 50 and 80 percent less energy than an incandescent bulb.

LED lights are considerably less expensive to operate, however are a little more expensive to purchase. LED home lighting requires only one third of the energy that an incandescent bulb will use. A single 18-watt LED light can replace a 75-watt incandescent and in the lifetime of the LED light, will save 570 kWh of energy. At a basic eight cents per kilowatt rate, that equals $45 dollars in energy bill savings.

By switching to low energy LED home lighting in your home, even one bulb will keep one half of a ton of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere through the lifetime of the bulb instead of using incandescent bulbs. Switching also keeps sulfur oxide and nuclear waste out of the atmosphere as well, leading to a cleaner world and one that will last much longer. By simply switching, our environment could easily revitalize itself without having to deal with the excess carbon dioxide, sulfur oxide and nuclear waste emissions that are currently being released into the atmosphere every day. Even changing one lonely bulb in every home to LED home lighting would make a significant impact on the environment.

If every home in the United States were to switch to LED home lighting, 90 power plants could be retired, a potentially powerful impact to the long-term health of the environment. Being energy efficient and environmentally conscious doesn’t have to disrupt your entire life. The switch is as difficult as changing one light bulb in your home, the results of which would save you money on your electricity bill each month. Just one home lighting fixture, one light bulb can be a positive step forward for your household. Take a look around your home and count how many bulbs you use and consider how often you change them. Say, for example that you change a bulb every two months. Now, consider that by changing them all to LED lighting for your home, you could leave them and not have to replace them for 20 months. The slightly higher upfront costs of LED lights make sense.

LED lighting is finding its way into many niche markets. You can get a LED flashlight that also uses less battery energy, ensuring that the next time the power goes out in your home, you can be confident that your batteries will last. There are also LED lanterns that you can choose from that are ideal for camping or hunting. They last for considerably longer than other lanterns because they use 10 times less energy to run than standard incandescent bulbs and even less energy than a kerosene lantern.

For LED home lighting, there are many options available other than just bulbs. You can find LED light fixtures for your home, indoor and out, that will provide low energy, environmentally-friendly lighting that can save you money on your energy bill.

We all are challenged to do our part to conserve energy. By making small adjustments to the way we live, we can begin to make an impact on our world. One small change we all can make is to switch our home and outdoor light fixtures to LED light options. There are a large number of options for LED home lighting and LED camping and hunting outdoor equipment available on the market, all of which provide the energy efficiency benefits inherent in LED products. The benefits can become apparent very quickly as we begin to see our energy bill costs reduce over a period of a few months.

~Ben Anton, 2007

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ben Anton lives in the Northwest and writes for Discount Lights and Knives.
Ben invites you to check out more LED headlamp and long-lasting LED flashlight options on DLKs website for affordable camping gear.

Article Source: http://www.article-directorysite.com

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2007-10-08T04:11:00.001-07:00

Global Warming - A Threat To Humanity And Environment by Arnold Cafe

Some thirty years ago, scientists had already alerted the world regarding the possible repercussions of global warming. It is the biggest threat to our civilization after the cold war. Due to climate change that is brought about by global warming, glaciers are melting, sea levels are rising, devastating storms prevailing, floods and landslides aggravating, droughts affecting crops and livestock production happening and etc. They are some of the catastrophic effects brought forth in our midst where solutions and immediate resolve urgently needed to cope with the situation. Have we done something to address the problem? Are we allowing it to continue without the objective to combat it? Well, it is now considered a mega proportion predicament that we need to put up our collective effort and partnership that every country and government should promote environmental awareness to their citizens on how they can contribute in alleviating the situation. It should not only encourage and inspire action individuals, businesses, but also other countries and governments worlwide as well.

The partnership aims to conduct research and experiments on the long term effect of climate change. How will it affect our rainforests and the world's major bodies of water like the lakes, rivers, oceans and the livelihood of people who are depending on them. Addressing this particular environmental issue is profoundly vital in tackling the impact of global warming. We need to initiate to reduce carbon emission and other greenhouse gases, educate the people about climate change issues and what practical solutions can be done.

Each country have to map out of how much carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases it has produced and emitted into the atmosphere and the same way it has to come out of how much greening it has to the environment through reforestation in the rural and planting of plants/trees in urban areas, to neutralize these harmful gases emitted into the air. Once these gases are in the atmosphere, they stay there for a long time thus trapping the heat in the lower atmosphere and radiating some of it back to earth. With huge amount of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gases in the atmosphere it would increase the global surface temperature, thus causing drought, change in weather, higher sea levels, melting the north/south pole glaciers and disrupting not only the natural balance of world's climate but also the ecological balance of the environment as well.

Through environmental awareness, every individual can contribute in his own little way in combating climate change. Every little thing you can do at home, say the use of gas emitting equipments or vehicles, you need to minimize their use if you cannot totally avoid them. Any equipment or vehicle using oil and gas when burned produces carbon dioxide, nothwithstanding the greenhouse gas emitted by compressor run equipments like the airconditioning units, refrigeration and freezing units, etc. which need to be regulated because of the effect it can bring to our ozone layer.

These gases are the most devastating global warming gases remaining in the atmosphere. Energy efficient appliances and by saving energy help reduce gas emission of power plant generators generating electricity. So it is better to discard inefficient equipments and switch off the appliances, lights and compressor run equipment when not in use. If you are going somewhere not far from your home try walking, it is not only a good exercise but you also help save the environment from deteriorating.

About the Author

Arnold Cafe is an active online marketer and the author of Ideas Galore at website: http://www.affleap.com/blog/

2007-10-07T21:41:00.001-07:00

Do Your Part - Computer Recycling Helps the Environment by kausik dutta

With environmental issues taking center stage, more and more people are trying to do their part and be environmentally responsible. Most people know about water and energy conservation, but what a lot of people don't know about is electronics recycling.

There are many reasons to get involved in electronics recycling. One is that most people simply have a lot of electronics that are out of date, obsolete, broken or simply unused. There is a wide range of electronics that can be recycled: cell phones, computers, monitors, televisions, printers, copiers, fax machines, calculators, keyboards, stereo systems, and the list goes on and on. Basically, everyone has something in their home that isn't used and can be recycled.

Computer recycling, as well as recycling other electronics, is one of the best ways to help the environment - especially because e-waste is becoming one of the worst pollutants to threaten our environment. E-waste describes any electronic device that is improperly disposed of and contains toxins that when left in a landfill can seep those toxins into the surrounding earth and water supply. Electronics contain toxins such as mercury, lead, arsenic and other toxic materials. Many people don't recycle their electronics simply because they don't realize the hazard caused by improper disposal. Another reason is because they don't know about local facilities that will recycle their computers, cell phones, and other electronics.

Computer recycling is one of the most important things to get involved with, as only about 20% of obsolete computers are recycled. Computers and monitors make up about 40% of e-waste in landfills and almost everyone has a computer that is outdated or unused. Your old computer, along with old cell phones, printers, etc. can have a negative impact on the environment if they end up in a landfill.

If you are interested in helping the environment, consider electronics recycling. The best way to get started is to evaluate your electronics that are not being used, broken, out of date or simply collecting dust in your basement, garage or storage facility. Do some searching and find a facility in your area that recycles these electronics and take them there to be recycled. Make sure you check out the website or call first to ensure that the facility takes all of the electronics that you have. If they don't, they should be able to direct you to other facilities that can take what they don't.

It doesn't take much time to collect your old electronics, find a facility and drop them off - but the impact from those actions can be huge. You will be happy to know that you are helping the environment by combating the harmful effects of e-waste.

About the Author

K.S. Louman writes consumer information articles on environmental issues. For more information on electronics and computer recycling or to learn more about how electronics recycling helps the environment, please visit www.electronicrecylcers.com.

2007-10-05T01:31:00.001-07:00

Understanding the Carbon Footprint and How It Affects the Environment by Martin Barwise

First of all, the term carbon footprint refers to a measurement of greenhouse gases released by human activities based on the amount of carbon dioxide units that is produced. This helps scientists and government decision makers gauge how severe a particular human activity affects the environment by contributing to the so-called Greenhouse Effect.

You can compute your own primary carbon footprint, by taking into account your fuel consumption in your household and your travel activities per year.

In the first category which is fuel consumption per household, you should factor in the following:

•electricity consumption per year for your household

•natural gas consumption per year for your household

•LPG (liquified petroleum gas) consumption per year by your household

•household oil consumption per year by your household

•coal consumption per year by your household

•and the number of people who live in your household.

For the second category, which involves travel activities per year, you should factor in these:

•total mileage of your vehicle per year (for those who own their own private vehicle)

•total mileage of your second vehicle per year (for those who have an additional vehicle)

•miles traveled on the train per year

•miles traveled on both local buses and underground transportation systems per year

•miles traveled on long distance bus and coach per year

•yearly travel by air, in terms of short-haul return flights, medium-haul return flights, and long-haul return flights.

You can use an online carbon footprint calculator (like that found on http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.html) and enter in all these factors. The online calculator will do the computing for you so you can see just how extensively your activities affect the environment by contributing to carbon dioxide emissions.

Once you know how your activities affect Mother Earth, you can start taking steps to minimize your contribution to carbon dioxide emissions. This is very important, particularly since African and Asian countries are revving up their economies which means a proportional increase in fuel consumption.

Some things you can do are:

•look for a green energy supplier who will supply power to your household. (A green energy supplier relies on renewable energy sources such as hydroelectric and wind power, which wreaks less havoc on the environment);

•turn off electricity-dependent machines if you really do not need to use them, or at least minimize usage of these items;

•minimize your central heating by up to 2 degrees;

•minimize water heating by up to 2 degrees;

•use a timer for your central heating at home so that it turns off when you leave home;

•only turn on the washing machine and clothes dryer if you have a full load of laundry to put in;

•try reducing water to heat in the kettle if you do not need that much hot water in the first place;

•do not overcharge your cellphone;

•defrost freezers and refrigerators periodically, even before ice builds up;

•try shopping only once a week, making bulk purchases so you can cut down on car fuel consumption;

•and minimize use of the tumble dry function - rather try using a clothesline and the sun to dry laundry.

There are many other things you can do to minimize your carbon footprint. Leave less of a carbon footprint and you will leave behind a more stable environment in the wake of your activities.

About the Author

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.

2007-10-02T02:37:00.001-07:00

The importance of understanding cultural factors in environmental issues by Richard Carroll

The word "culture" has many different meanings, at its most basic referring to the tillage of the soil to grow crops. However, when applied to people, it can be defined as "the totality of socially transmitted behaviour patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, and all other products of human work and thought characteristic of a community or population" . Culture in this context is all-embracing, it relates to both tangible and intangible aspects of society expressed through values, identity, place, politics, ideologies and art.

Until recently, Western societies have tended to regard humans as separate to nature which was seen to be at our disposal to be exploited and shaped to our will . Our culture is thought to be external to environment and not part of it. Griffiths argues that "nature has often been seen to lie outside culture, as an absolute and a given, as a hard, physical, earthy, empirical reality against which culture defines itself". We are now seeing the results worldwide of a system that has no respect for the natural world. Indigenous peoples tend to see nature and themselves as one, where everything is imbued with life in a network of mutually dependent relationships. The one cannot survive without the other. The land is their culture, it is who they are. Deborah Bird Rose describes the Aboriginal concept of country:

People talk about country in the same way that they would talk about a person: they speak to country, and long for country. People say that country knows, hears, smells, takes notice, takes care, is sorry or happy. . . country is a living entity with a yesterday, today and tomorrow, with a consciousness, and a will toward life. Because of this richness, country is home, and peace; nourishment for body, mind, and spirit; heart's ease.

Attitudes towards environmental issues can be widely different depending on the culture of the people involved. Understanding these attitudes is essential to the implementation of projects such as natural resource management. In Australia, animals considered as pests by government departments may be seen as a valuable resource by the Aborigines, who have adopted it into their culture. What we might see as just another tree to be cut down and used may be of huge significance to Indigenous people, for example the Asmat of West Papua and the gharu tree (this will be the subject of the next post). Environment and culture are completely interdependent. Our surroundings shape us and we shape them according to our attitudes and beliefs. If we want to address environmental issues, we have to take into account the cultural context.

About the Author

Richard Carroll writes about environmental and humanitarian issues; he expresses his concern for the world we live in, in a way that is both insightful and knowledgable. To read more, visit: http://www.richardcarrollonline.com

2007-10-01T02:25:00.001-07:00

Judge Commutes to Work via Bike by idreamofgreen.blogspot.com

One judge is doing something very honorable for the environment and her name is Judge Deborah White-Labora. Rather than drive, she, her husband Alex, and her son Patrick commute to school and work by bicycle. Uncertain if it was possible to arrive at work in acceptable condition, she resolved to bravely attempt something most people would view as an inconvenience. As a matter of fact over 22% of all motor vehicle trips Americans make are less than one mile long, and 50% of the working population travels five miles or less to work, a distance manageable by bike. "My idea was that if I could ride to work in my work clothes and arrive presentable , I would do it. So far it has worked out much better than anticipated" she says .

The daily commute also seems to be generating a positive response within the community. "This is so funny; I get more attention over this bike than anything... Every morning I lead us to school, Patrick comes next and Alex follows. People are very kind. Yesterday we rode near a construction site and when the workers saw we had a child with us, they stopped the machines, cleared a path and gave us a few verbal encouragements too." Everyday her efforts have the chance to inspire others in the community to follow her example ; to take part in bettering the environment and their health in tandem . If the average person biked to work instead of driving or at least made the effort to drive less often, we could prevent about one billion gallons of gasoline from corrupting the environment each year.

The idea of traveling to work and school by bike began in the summer, the lease of her Pacifica was about to expire and she was thinking of buying a Prius. Over the Summer, with vacation and school not being in session, she came to the realization that maybe an additional car wasn't needed. Like most of us, she dreaded the prospect of car shopping. Her husband Alex is and has been an avid cyclist for years and she belongs to a bike club that meets twice weekly , so cycling was a great alternative option. Patrick, her son excited as well about the idea of riding his bike to school , so the decision was made. "We took a couple of trial rides on the weekend, discovered the best route and decided to give it a try ."

She emphasizes that not only is cycling a functional solution, but its also quite fun and less taxing than you might think . "It is so much fun to gently pedal down the street, the (self generated) breeze is great and it is perfectly manageable in terms of heat and humidity...I am having a great time riding to school and work, it is really FUN!" An added bonus for those of you thinking about commuting to work by bike; the average car costs about $7,000 a year to own and operate, biking is an expense of aound $120.

Another great effect of her commute is that it has ignited the urge to explore more solutions that benefit the environment . "Before this little experiment my "green" efforts were limited to curbside re-cycling and trying to remember to save water and turn out the lights. But, I must say this whole experience, especially the amazing encouragement we have received from the AMK-8 community has certainly opened my eyes to the possibilities of doing much more to live healthy and help the environment" she says. Its inspiring to see such an influential member of our community do so much for the environment!

To view this article in its original format visit idreamofgreen.blogspot.com

About the Author

idreamofgreen.blogspot.com is a blog about living Green and protecting the environment.

2007-09-29T06:48:00.001-07:00

Companies Struggling to Manage Multichannel Contact Center Environments by ICMI

Many centers not measuring key metrics nor tracking quality and customer satisfaction across all contact channels

ANNAPOLIS, MD (Sept 15, 2007) -- According to a recent study of 611 global contact center professionals by the International Customer Management Institute (ICMI), true multichannel success eludes most centers today due to several key operational shortcomings.

According to the study, the biggest problem is that what needs to be tracked and measured in today's dynamic environment often is not. For example, More than a third (34.9%) of centers surveyed do not measure the first-contact resolution rate for calls handled by live agent, despite FCR being considered one of the most critical KPIs by many experts. Nearly one half (47.5%) of centers fail to measure FCR for their email contacts, and one in two centers (50%) that handle chat do not measure first-contact resolution for chat sessions. Results were even more dismal for other customer contact channels - i.e., Web calls, Web callbacks and fax.

Assuring quality across all channels is also a problem. While 98.7% and 92.2% of centers surveyed reported conducting quality monitoring for traditional calls and email transactions, respectively, only 71.1% of centers monitor their IVR calls to ensure that the IVR system is working properly and efficiently; only 73.8% of centers monitor their Web callbacks; just 75.6% of centers monitor their fax transactions; only 79.2% monitor the Web calls they receive; and 81.4% of centers monitor their chat sessions.

Similar red flags were raised with regard to customer satisfaction measurement, with many centers failing to formally gauge the customer experience across all channels. Following is the percentage of centers that do not bother to survey customers who contact them via:

* Chat - 63.3% * Fax - 63% * Web self-service - 61% * Web callbacks - 60.4% * Web calls - 56.2% * Email - 51.7% * IVR calls - 51.6% * Phone (live agent)- 21.5%

Not surprisingly, the majority of respondents (56.7%) feel that workforce management in the multichannel environment is either "much more" or "somewhat more" challenging than it is in a traditional call center environment.

The challenges aren't likely to dissipate any time soon, as contacts are growing across nearly all contact channels. For every channel, the majority of respondents reported either an increase in contact volume or no change over the past year. The channels showing the most growth over the previous 12 months are phone (live agent), email and Web self-service.

Following are other key findings from ICMI's Multichannel Contact Center Study III:

* More than four in five centers (83.9%) handle customer email transactions. Two in three of these centers (67.8%) an email response time objective of 24 hours or less. Only 43.7% of them have an email response management system in place to enhance email routing, tracking and reporting.

* Just over half (55.4%) of centers support a Web self-service application, with the most common features of these apps being FAQs, customer access to personal accounts, help options, and a knowledgebase/search engine.

* Web chat in contact centers appears to have plateaued -- 15% of centers surveyed this year currently handle chat transactions, compared to 15.6% in the 2005 study. However, more centers today (58.4% vs. 50%) have their chat agents use Web collaboration tools during sessions with customers.

* Web callback transactions have yet to take off either -- with just 9.3% of centers handling such contacts (down slightly from 10.9% in 2005)

* Click-to-talk Web calls remain rare in contact centers: only 6% of centers surveyed currently handle such contacts (up slightly from 4.3% in 2005).

* Only 29.4% of respondents reported having a multiple contact management system in place in their center.

* Top recruiting hiring practices respondents use to ensure that their center is staffed with qualified multichannel agents include using the Web more when recruiting, assessing candidates general writing skills, and screening candidates early based on email/chat skills and general Web savvy.

* 44.8% of respondents feel that their center is behind others in their industry with regard to the development/management of their multichannel environment.

* The three biggest multichannel management challenges cited by respondents include: 1) technology implementation/integration issues; 2) securing budget for multichannel needs; and 3) ensuring quality/consistency across the various contact channels/types.

* The three most common changes/improvements planned for the next 12 months are: 1) improve service level/response times for all contact types; 2) revamp training for e-contact/multichannel agents; and 3) begin monitoring all contact types.

ICMI's Multichannel Contact Center Study III may be purchased directly from ICMI's Call Center Knowledge Online site (www.icmi.com/ccko). The report costs $143.65 for ICMI members; the cost is $169 for non-members. ICMI's Call Center Knowledge Online, launched in 2003, is an online resource center that provides call center professionals with 24-hour access to downloadable documents--such as Call Center Management Review article bundles, ICMI research studies, tutorials, checklists and book excerpts--from the industry's definitive source of call center knowledge.

About the International Customer Management Institute (ICMI) ICMI, International Customer Management Institute, is the global leader to the call center industry for consulting, training, management tools, seminars, conferences, trade shows, networking, professional membership and publications.

ICMI's mission is to provide the comprehensive information resources required by call center professionals to achieve operational excellence, attain superior business results, and enhance the strategic value of every customer interaction. Our team's sincere dedication, extensive experience, uncompromised objectivity and results-oriented vision has earned ICMI the reputation of being the industry's most trusted resource. For more information about ICMI, visit www.icmi.com, or call 800.672.6177 (410.267.0700).

About the Author

(see above)

2007-09-26T01:43:00.001-07:00

Bio-diesel as a possible answer to the energy crisis by Aarti Narang

Bio-diesel as a possible answer to the energy crisis

Man has realized since the last five or six decades that our planet's bounty is getting exhausted slowly but steadily. There are a lot of issues than man has brought in through his greed and unrestrained population explosion. This in turn has raised a number of issues regarding the non-renewable energy and resources such as potable water, coal, minerals and so on.

Man has already destroyed a lot of his environment and as a result has thrown nature out of balance. The planet has lost entire species of animals resulting in major break down in food chain. Entire forests have been turned into dessert areas due to over-abuse of wood resources bringing in the green-house effect. Side by side man has increased pollution to such an extent that even the ozone layer which is thousands of meters up in the sky has been broken down allowing the sun rays create havoc on earth.

There is a lot of harm that has been created. Man is now trying to find ways and means to protect what has remained of the planet; he is trying to make amends. These amends are specially done by protecting animals, the green cover of the earth and by trying to find alternative energy so as to be ready for the time when the natural fuel will run out.

A wonderful alternative at the horizon

One of these alternatives which have hit big way is the bio-diesel. The name is self-explanatory, i.e. diesel made out of biological means or plants. As a matter of fact all the fuel that man consumes today is also made with the help of plants. But this fuel has been compressed in the earth for eons to become coal, or crude oil that we transform into petrol, diesel and kerosene. With these sources diminishing at an alarming rate, any alternative or hope for alternative is promoted with great enthusiasm.

While searching for the best means for the next generation fuel, the jatropha tree has been stumbled upon. The scientific name of this tree is Jatropha curcas. The seeds of this tree are not used for any particular purpose. But the oil that is extracted from this can be slightly mixed with diesel and presto! You get a perfect bio-diesel. This can be used to run any machine; it has no pollutant emissions; no residue and is totally safe on the machinery. The waste product that results after the oil is extracted is made into an extremely potent fertilizer.

There are a number of countries who have launched full research on this plant, such as India, Indonesia, Mexico, Malaysia, Tanzania to name a few. The good news is that this tree has very few demands from earth or water and hence, in normal circumstances of moderate conditions, one hectare can produce close to five tones of seeds from which some 1500-2000 liters of bio-diesel can be safely produced. If this experiment will really hit off, it could be the best substitute to the fossil-based-fuel of today. And as it will be used more to replace the latter, the undeveloped countries too will get a chance to boost their economy with this wonder crop.

The advantages of using bio-diesel

The best part of the bio-diesel is that it is renewable. You can make as much as you want and whenever you want. The second and the most critical aspect is that it creates no pollution absolutely, which is very vital in today's environmental set up. The amount of carbon dioxide that this seed produces is negligible, and hence it will negate the greenhouse effect that has been initiated by burning the fossil-based-fuels.

The USA and Europe has already accepted the fact that the shift from the fossil-based-fuel and are planning to introduce it in the market big time in the next 5-10 years. Reports say that the European Union has already targeted for 2010 the use of 15 billion liters which could be worth more than US $5 billion.

The jatropha tree can provide a good income for the developing countries all over the world, by opening this new avenue for income. For underdeveloped countries and marginalized people this could mean the discovery of a fortune. Every hectare could yield upto US $2000/- which can prove of immense financial relief, employment and industrial development besides the fact that it will provide a clean and renewable alternative to fossil-based-fuel.

The jatropha seed bio-diesel boon or bane

Jatropha trees can grow on any type of soil. The waste product that results from oil extraction can be used as fertilizer. Besides, this material also acts as pest repellant. Jatropha seeds need the least energy as compared to soy or sunflower producing the same amount of diesel.

India is emerging as the leading producer of jatropha seeds and as a result, the highest producer of oil. There are other countries which are looking into this development and are planning to cash on the emerging possibility both for alternative fuel as well as means for development of a new cash crop.

There are other reports which deny the importance of jatropha as an emerging source for the next generation fuel, because it involves too much cost to produce in the long run. However, the comparative reports with other type of seeds have shown jatropha leading on all accounts. It does not need any special conditions and it gives good results from any type of soil.

There are other experiments whereby ethanol is mixed with the regular fossil-based-fuel to reduce the dependency of the world on this depleted source. Other sources are rape seed, corn, sugar and so on. Ethanol is really the most accepted bio-diesel today. However, the jatropha seed is the best alternative till date. It remains to be seen whether this wonder bush can really solve the crisis of the diminishing fossil-based-fuel or will create more problems while promoting an agriculture based economy which might not deliver its promise.

It is true that it is time to move away from take-take-take attitude that man has had till the recent past; but is the jatropha seed the answer? Time will only tell.

About the Author

I am a professional writer provide my SEO writing services to various commercial and educational websites on a variety of topics ranging from consumer-level to detailed documentation. My numerous articles offer valuable insights and tips coupled with new thoughts & crisp facts based on compelling ideas & research on typically confusing topics. I also have an experience in writing for magazines.

2007-09-24T20:39:00.001-07:00

Environmental Benefits of LED Lighting

By: Ben Anton

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Article Source: http://www.article-directorysite.com

2007-09-21T16:06:00.000-07:00

Environmental Link Creates Kitchens Of Tomorrow - Creating The Eco-friendly Home Appliance by Amy Nutt

Accessible technology, restaurant-style quality and high-end design are emerging not merely as trends, but requirements for today's home enthusiasts. Add to that the desire for design and home appliance choices that reflect environmental sustainability and it's clear that the kitchens of tomorrow have a lot to live up to.

The Kitchen Rises to the Occasion

In the past, the kitchen served a utilitarian role where people gathered for the basic purpose of cooking and eating. The kitchen will continue to be a central gathering place in the future but on a more social level. For example, it has become the room of choice to entertain guests, featuring all the equipment you need...including the wine cellar. The kitchen will also gain greater control of the rest of the household with touch screen computers allowing consumers to control a variety of aspects of the home including lighting, heating and cooling, entertainment systems, security and more, bringing the focus to the kitchen like never before.

Green - the newest colour trend in kitchens

Along with the kitchen changing to a more social centre, going "green" with appliances and materials is becoming more common. There are two interpretations of 'green' - the first is the more universal thought, that "green" means environmentally sustainable materials and/or appliances that are more conservative when it comes to resource use (electricity and water consumption being the main focuses there). The second is the actual health impacts on those interacting with the materials and appliances. For instance, some cabinet interiors use pressed woods. The sealants and binders for these woods can experience "off-gassing," expelling urea formaldehyde into the immediate environment. This can be a problem for those sensitive to conditions that affect air quality. Instead, particularly sensitive individuals, or those concerned with possible adverse health effects may need to make use of alternatives such as Agra board or wheat board for those interiors. For the environmentally sustainable aspects, bamboo has become a hot material since it quickly reaches maturity. Energy Star®-labeled appliances fit with specific environmental guidelines, offering consumers energy-efficient options, making it easy to save money while protecting the environment for future generations. Many refrigerators and dishwashers bear this environmentally friendly label. Other options for 'going green' include choosing an induction cooktop, allowing for more efficient energy use. Although many of the "green" treatments we're beginning to see in North America have been on the market for some time in Europe, expect to see an even greater increase in the use of materials and appliances under this category as more provinces look to address issues regarding shortages of resources or landfill areas.

Practical Design for the Home Chef

In terms of design, hot trends for kitchens right now include the integration of multiple materials, such as granite or marble countertops with floating glass counters off of them (to provide a place for people to sit and interact with a cook). Wood counters are being introduced to create a warmer feel to the kitchen, while stainless steel is being used from a practical standpoint in regards to food prep and easy cleanup. Another trend can be seen in the expansion of the classic work triangle to provide additional room to welcome the help of a second person when it comes to preparing a meal. Counter-depth refrigerators are reflecting the style and integration of build-in models. Technology is becoming more and more a part of the kitchen: ovens that can accurately measure the internal temperature of meat, poultry and liquid-based casseroles, and can automatically convert conventional times and temperatures to their convection oven equivalents; dishwashers that clean with steam and have sensors to determine if plates are clean; and humidity-controlled crispers that add just the right amount of moisture to fruit and vegetables. A trend that had been big years ago is making a comeback - vent hoods are again being displayed as a focal point. These hoods have beautiful detail and a look that helps compliment the surroundings. New over the-range microwave-hood combination ovens offer seamless design and a space saving option. Professional- grade appliances will become more popular in high-end kitchens to improve functionality and offer the details that matter to those who love to cook. While technology and functional design improvements will increase the capacity and output of the home's hub, green design elements will help decrease the impact on its occupants' health and the external environment.

About the Author

KitchenAid products are the choice for producing great results. Offer most major home appliance and acessories. www.kitchenaid.ca

2007-09-20T02:04:00.001-07:00

What is "environment"? by Richard Carroll

To me, "environment" is any place we may be at any given time. It could be a pristine forest or a room in a high-rise building in the CBD. Our relationship with this environment is expressed in every breath we take - we are an integral part of our surrounds, be they natural or artificial and our actions impact directly or indirectly on them. However, most people still think of the environment as the natural systems of the world that are somehow separate from humans. Our health and well-being depend on many factors such as climate, vegetation, landscapes and the health of these systems. House design should be informed by these factors to maximize efficient energy use and living conditions.

I grew up in small towns on the Atherton Tablelands in North Queensland and was always out in the bush by a creek, playing in the mud or up a tree. Apart from a few brief interludes in London, Philadelphia and Brisbane, I have lived most of my life in the country in isolated farmhouses or small villages. I like to be surrounded by trees, hills, birds and other creatures, where I can watch the magic of nature unfold endlessly in the sky and on the earth.

Unfortunately, Australia's natural systems have been degraded through 200 years of European-based ideas of agriculture in a country totally unsuited to these methods. The colonists and even modern-day scientists think they know better than the Indigenous people who have lived here for maybe 60,000 years and know what they call "country" intimately. I think we have a lot to learn from other cultures and especially the Aborigines. Their knowledge is priceless to our understanding of our relationship to the land and how best to manage environmental issues.

The following definition is from "The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language", Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. en*vi*ron*ment ( n-v r n-m nt, -v rn-) n. 1. The circumstances or conditions that surround one; surroundings. 2. The totality of circumstances surrounding an organism or group of organisms, especially: a. The combination of external physical conditions that affect and influence the growth, development, and survival of organisms: "We shall never understand the natural environment until we see it as a living organism" Paul Brooks. b. The complex of social and cultural conditions affecting the nature of an individual or community. 3. Computer Science a. The entire set of conditions under which one operates a computer, as it relates to the hardware, operating platform, or operating system. b. An area of a computer's memory used by the operating system and some programs to store certain variables to which they need frequent access.

About the Author

2007-09-17T19:35:00.001-07:00

Agriculture: Our Biggest Environmental Disaster

By: Michael Dappert

There are no "good old days" of farming. From when people first started to herd animals and scratch the ground to plant seeds, farming has been an environmentally destructive force. We have heard a lot in recent years about the destruction of the rainforest in South America and the Red Woods in California. Every state has some form of agriculture. Every ecosystem in the United States has been impacted by agricultural activities. The rainforest and the Redwoods are more glamorous than the Prairie Lands of Illinois or Iowa.

In decades past, organic farming or sustainable agriculture were discredited among farmers as being a movement to return to 18th century farming practices. Chemical and fertilizer companies used these images to impress farmers that if you wanted to use any alternative to "modern" farming practices you would probably be spending a lot of time looking at the wrong end of a horse. But, 18th or 19th or even early 20th century farming practices were just as destructive as today's practices.

So, how are we supposed to feed ourselves? We do it through agriculture. Anyone who thinks I am suggesting we quit farming and go back to hunting and gathering is jumping to conclusions. The problem with agriculture has always been the way it has been done. From slash and burn to no-till industrial chemical agriculture, through centuries of human attempts at raising a crop, the impact on the surrounding area was of little consideration.

In the 1970's American farmers were encouraged to take out all their fence rows and plant every available inch to maximize their profits. This attitude was fostered to not really benefit farmers but rather to benefit companies that farmers sell their products to. So what, if you gained ten acres more on a thousand acre farm. The benefit was not that great because the price of corn was low.

Along with taking out the fence rows farmers plowed their pastures, took out timber, and otherwise degraded their properties in search of profits. Or, maybe it was not just profits but a desire to participate in the otherwise booming consumer economy at a level similar to laborers or other people who actually worked for a living. The effect of their activities was increased erosion, destruction of wildlife habitat, loss of biodiversity, and increased run off of chemicals.

Agriculture by nature is a disruptive activity. But, how much agriculture do we need? How much of the millions of bushels of grain actually go to feeding people? Is feeding the grain to livestock and then eating the livestock really worth the amount of resources and environmental destruction that is the result of this practice? A trip to a grocery store reveals aisle after aisle of things people can eat. But so much of it is so processed the actual food value is depleted and some of it is such a toxic mix of chemicals and additives it is not worth the energy used to produce it.

The best days of Human Agricultural activity are still in the future. Until the full impact of agricultural practices on the environment are reflected in the final cost of the product on the shelf, agriculture will continue to be a wasteful destructive force.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michael Dappert is a co-founder of Winco, Inc., a provider of wireless internet access to small communities in West Central Illinois. Everyone is invited to discuss a wide range of issues at Flyoverfolks.com.

Article Source: http://www.article-directorysite.com

2007-09-15T14:22:00.001-07:00

London office supplies: What does it mean to be green? by Robert Griffith

If the worrying predictions of climate scientists are correct, London will be severely affected if measures are not taken imminently to address the threat of global climate change. Whole swathes of the city could be submerged by 2050 if forecasted sea-level rises are accurate. The lush green expanse of Hyde Park could more resemble the dry, dusty plains of sub-Saharan Africa. Every individual, family and organisation needs to play their part; including companies whose trade is to supply the city's offices with the products they need to operate.

There are clear indications that some of London's office suppliers are taking their environmental responsibilities seriously. The changes in attitude are partly being led by industry leaders, but also by their customers who, for a number of reasons, expect the trade to help them achieve their environmental objectives. The image-conscious industries of London including advertisers and marketing consultants are keen to show potential clients their green credentials to help win business. Charitable organisations consider their responsibilities to the environment an integral part of a broader moral purpose. Generally speaking, there is a growing awareness by London's companies of the connection between their activities and the potential consequences outlined earlier in this article.

There is a huge business potential in the supply of green office products. A swarm of online retailers who offer a range of everyday products that are green in varying degrees has emerged to capitalise on the demand. These companies are very keen to trumpet their virtues, but are not so willing to acknowledge that their goods tend to be delivered in diesel transit vans that spew out carbon emissions to and from their destinations. In the office supply trade product-sourcing and delivery make the largest contribution to a company's carbon footprint. If London's offices want the goods they buy to be greener, they need to look beyond what their products are made from and examine the broader implications of production and delivery.

More established office suppliers are gradually making important changes to their businesses to address environmental concerns. If your company's trade is to supply office products, van deliveries are a necessity, not an option. Companies that run their own fleet of vans, such as my own employer, are better positioned to reduce their carbon footprint. RED BOX, whose large and varied customer base is located within Greater London, once prided itself on the same-day delivery service that it could provide. The company now actively encourages its customers to opt for next-day delivery. The streamlined delivery schedule reduces the number of split deliveries, but still provides the level of service that demanding London companies expect. It also enables the company to reduce costs that can be passed onto the customer in the form of savings.

Green alternatives to commonly-bought products are also being introduced by established office suppliers. Last year, 34% of RED BOX customers bought green products; now the figure is closer to 40%. In 2006, the average spend on green products was 5.6%. As customers are being made aware of green ranges and in some cases demanding them, the figure has risen to 6.3%. Unfortunately many products used mainly by creative companies do not have green alternatives, but there are indications that this situation is changing. Xyron systems present a viable alternative to spray adhesive. The machines apply a sticky layer to materials but do not contaminate the air or emit the CFCs that destroy the fragile ozone layer. Many products may not be particularly environmentally-friendly, but there are plenty of initiatives that can be taken to limit waste. Many types of toners can be recycled for instance. Instead of plastic packaging, reusable cardboard delivery boxes can be used instead. When the customer is finished with them, the boxes can be returned when the delivery driver makes the next delivery.

Alongside the office suppliers who are making genuine efforts to change their businesses to meet these aspirations, there are others that are, perhaps cynically, using green language and hollow gestures to present an image of environmental virtue. There are signs that green window dressing is no longer good enough to win the custom of environmentally-conscious customers. An increasingly well informed customer is emerging who is prepared to challenge the claims made by companies in the industry. My employer recently had a customer who felt our use of plastic packaging to deliver her goods contradicted our ethics that we so proudly display on our website. All her company's orders are now delivered in the distinctive red reusable delivery boxes. For unscrupulous customers, the shallow claims made by some office suppliers are enough to satisfy their green aspirations. The office suppliers who have a genuine interest in reducing their carbon footprint will have to work hard to help inform customers and potential customers about what they truly need to do to be green. At one end of the spectrum, RED BOX has a customer who spends around 26% of their stationery budget on green products, but there are companies of a similar size and budget who spend as little as 3.6% or lower.

For many office suppliers, the logical conclusion of efforts to become greener is to reach carbon-neutrality and in turn sustainable growth. Almost all human activity in some way generates a degree of carbon emissions. In the case of office suppliers, the greatest carbon-burden is released through the sourcing of products. Office product manufacturers are under pressure to produce their goods in countries with low labour costs such as China and parts of Eastern Europe to remain competitive. Unfortunately, the products have to travel a considerable distance to reach their markets in places such as London with the emissions that this movement produces trailing behind. Once the products arrive in places like the UK, they are distributed to distribution centres and then onto suppliers, sometimes through wholesalers on the way - these journeys also accumulate carbon. Addressing the issue of sourcing presents the greatest challenge to the industry. Drastic measures to reduce the carbon footprint will not make a company completely carbon-neutral. It's inevitable that commercial enterprises will generate some carbon. Initiatives such as carbon-offsetting and carbon-capture schemes can help to compensate for this. In short there is plenty still to do.

About the Author

Robert is Business Development Assistant at RED BOX, London.

2007-09-15T00:12:00.001-07:00

Understanding Bacteria and Enzymes by Leo Malantis

The adaptable nature of bacteria makes it possible to exploit particular strains for their beneficial qualities. The natural biodegradation of organic waste can be greatly enhanced by the introduction of naturally occurring, non genetically engineered, non pathogenic bacteria. Biodegrading "specialists" are scientifically selected for their exceptional enzyme production and long term stability.

In the natural environment, both bacteria, and the enzymes they produce, play a significant part in biodegradation: Bacteria produce the enzymes essential for metabolizing the food source (organic waste) into energy necessary for further growth of the living organism. Enzymes facilitate the phase of metabolism in which complex compounds are broken into simpler ones (catabolism). This, in turn, speeds the process of converting the food source into an available energy supply for bacterial growth and reproduction (and continuous enzyme production).

A. BACTERIA

1. General Background Although some bacteria may cause certain diseases, many more bacteria are not only harmless, but they actually are very beneficial. The positive influence of these numerous useful microscopic organisms in our biosphere is incalculable. For example, without bacteria, the soil would not be fertile (and all plants and animals ultimately are dependent upon soil fertility for life sustaining materials). Various species of bacteria are concerned in the decomposition of organic matter, fermentation, and the fixing of atmospheric nitrogen. Many of the common bacteria of air, soil and water are capable of digesting dead organic materials, proteins, carbohydrates, fats and grease, and cellulose breaking them down to simpler molecules and in utilizing these substances. This impressive ability of bacteria as a group to produce such a great diversity of biochemical changes and end results constitutes one of the outstanding facts of the natural world.

2. Rate of Multiplication Given reasonable and suitable conditions for growth, the rate of asexual multiplication of bacteria is very rapid; it has been found that a cell divides every 20 to 30 minutes. So, assuming that conditions are conducive to a rate of one division every 30 minutes, a single individual cell will have produced 4 cells at the end of the first hour, 16 at the end of two hours, and about one million (1,000,000) at the end of fifteen (15) hours. Thus, when products containing millions of selected bacteria per milliliter are introduced under suitable conditions, the eventual bacterial growth is astronomical, and, by virtue of the presence of such great numbers of efficient, beneficial bacteria, the presence and growth of less productive and often harmful, naturally occurring bacteria are greatly reduced by competitive exclusion. Simply stated, the selected, introduced bacteria are more efficient and out compete the naturally occurring bacteria for the food source.

3. Conditions Affecting Growth of Bacteria

a. Food requirements. Bacteria must obtain from their environment all nutrient materials necessary for their metabolic processes and cell reproduction. The food must be in solution and must pass into the cell.

b. Temperature. For every bacterium, there 'are certain cardinal points of temperature at which growth is most rapid. Although different bacterial species differ widely, the optimum growth temperature for most bacteria lies between 5° C and 55° C (41 ° F to 131 ° F). Growth may slow at temperatures below 5°C (41 ° F) and cell damage may occur at temperatures above 60° C (140° F). The ordinary cells (non spores) are damaged at temperatures of 60° to 80° C (122° F to 140° F); hence a single boiling of a fluid or even pasteurization (application of a heat of 63° C or 145° F) is sufficient to eliminate them. Bacterial spores, however, must be subjected to very prolonged heating at higher temperatures before they are distressed.

c. pH. Each bacterium has a pH range within which growth is possible. Growth will occur in environments that have pH values between 4.5 and 10; the optimum pH value differs greatly between species but an environment kept close to neutral (pH 7) will sustain most bacterial species.

d. Moisture. Bacteria require moisture. The importance of moisture for bacterial growth will be seen clearly if it is realized that bacteria have no mouth parts and all their food must be absorbed in a soluble form by the process of diffusion through the cell wall; without sufficient moisture, therefore, the inflow of food and the outflow of excreta becomes impossible.

e. Oxygen. Bacteria of various kinds exhibit wide differences in their relation to oxygen of the air. Some need oxygen for respiration and cannot grow unless it is provided. These are known as aerobes. Others grow only in the absence of free oxygen and are unable to use it in their respiration, they are called anaerobes. Still others can grow under either condition and are termed facultative.

B. ENZYMES

1. Introduction Bacteria exhibit great diversity in their physiological activities. The energy necessary for carrying on cell activity and the building materials needed for the formation of new cells during multiplication is secured in a variety of ways. The acquisition of energy and materials, in turn, is related in large measure to the different enzymes produced by various bacteria.

2. Examples of Enzyme Action Many enzymes are discharged from the cells that produce them and, therefore, function outside the living cells ("extra cellular"). For example, the secretions of the digestive tract of animals contain many such extra cellular enzymes. All of the enzymes of the digestive tract act to convert the complex molecules of food into smaller, simpler molecules which are easier to take into the bacterial cell. The process of degradation is called hydrolysis. This degradation, which involves the conversion of solids into water soluble substances, and of large water soluble molecules into smaller ones, is the essence of the process of digestion.

C. SPORE FORMATION

Some bacteria are able to form spores. Spores are formed usually when conditions become unsatisfactory for active metabolism and for cell reproduction. Bacterial spores are extremely stable, and resistant to heat, drying, light, disinfectants and other harmful agents than the original vegetative bacterial organism. Spores may survive for many years.

When more suitable conditions present themselves, the spore germinates and again develops a cell similar to the one that originally formed the spore. This new cell, under favorable conditions of moisture, temperature, pH and food supply, begins active metabolism, reproduction, and enzyme production.

D. CONCLUSION

Bacteria in nature actively compete for nutrients and the most successful species in a given habitat will be those capable of best utilizing the conditions that prevail. The introduced, specially selected, beneficial, problem solving bacteria dominate the system they are added to, and safely and economically resolve problems by eliminating the source of the problem (the organic waste is broken down, digested and metabolized).

Odors are reduced by eliminating their source; and as a result, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Suspended Solids (S/S), and Volatile Fatty Acids (VFA) are reduced; and the primary byproducts of this microbial degradation are water (H20)and carbon dioxide (C02).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BASIC DEFINITIONS

Aerobic Bacteria: Bacteria that require the presence of oxygen to live and function.

Anaerobic Bacteria: Bacteria that do not require the presence of oxygen to survive they are capable of living and functioning in the absence of oxygen.

Bacteria: Any of a group of diverse, ubiquitous, microscopic single celled microorganisms.

Biochemical Oxygen Demand I(BOD): The amount of oxygen that is required/consumed by bacteria during the digestion of the organic waste in water. BOD is a relative measure of water quality since the higher the BOD, the greater the amount of organic waste in the water. Surcharges and fines are based on the BOD levels of the wastewater.

Biodegradation: The digestion of organic substances by biological action, a process usually involving microbes, particularly bacteria.

Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD): The amount of oxygen that is required/consumed during the digestion of organic waste by chemical means. COD is a relative measure of water quality since the higher the COD, the greater the amount of organic material in the water.

Chemotaxis: The ability of an organism, in this case bacteria, to detect and move toward a particular chemical. Selected bacteria exhibit positive chemotaxis and move toward higher levels of biochemical food sources. This ability is particularly advantageous when the goal is the efficient digestion of organic materials.

Colony Forming Unit I(CFU): The standard microbiological method used to count bacteria. The number of viable cells that give rise to a colony of bacteria on a suitable agar medium.

Enzyme: (a/k/a non living chemical catalyst): Any of various complex organic substances originating from living microorganisms, and capable of producing certain chemical changes in organic substances by catalytic action. Enzymes are the chemical catalysts of living cells.

NOTE: While bacteria metabolize a wide variety of organic material, enzymes are substrate specific. For example:

Protease enzyme catabolizes ("breaks down") protein Amylase enzyme breaks down starch and carbohydrate Lipase enzyme breaks down fat and grease Xylanase enzyme breaks down plant material (xylan) Cellulase enzyme breaks down cellulose Urease enzyme breaks down urea

Facultative Bacteria: Bacteria that are capable of living and functioning either in the presence of oxygen or absence of oxygen.

Microbial Degradation: The beneficial activities selected of bacteria in carrying out biodegradation.

Motile: Capable of motion. Selected bacteria are motile, enabling them to move about their immediate environment.

Spore: The inactive/dormant, protected/resistant form that some bacteria can temporarily assume, when conditions are not satisfactory for active metabolism and cell reproduction.

Suspended Solids (SS): Particles of organic waste suspended in water. The levels of SS are often used to indicate water quality.

Volatile Fatty Acids I(VFA): Volatile Fatty Acids are the compounds primarily responsible for the "sour" or "rancid" odors emanating from decaying organic material. The presence of high levels of VFA's are indicative of inefficient microbial degradation of organic waste.

About the Author

Leo is the developer of Earths Balance, an Earth friendly company leveraging the science of probiotics and other natural remedies to benefit people, pets and planet. You can learn more by visiting http://earthsbalance.com

2007-09-14T22:45:00.001-07:00

Helpful Hints on Teaching your Kids about the Environment by Michael Raber

Educating your children on the environment and global warming is an important task. Raising children who have awareness about environmental issues will have a profound impact on our climate in the future. Children are naturally inquisitive and have a deep desire to understand and learn about the world around them. This makes them perfect candidates for change in the future.

The easiest way to teach your children about the environment is through participation. Allow your children to help with activities at home that relate to environment. Children often learn best through doing and example. While living your daily life and doing your environmental part allow your children to help and explain the task at hand and what its impact on the environment may be.

Recycling is the first step in teaching your children about the environment. Have your children recycle their own garbage. Show them where you put paper, plastic, glass, and metal. Explain the importance of reusing and recycling on our natural resources. You can even arrange a trip to the local recycling facility with your child and their friends or classmates.

Plant a new tree in your yard. Not only is this an exciting project for your child because they like watching things grow and getting their hands dirty. It also is an excellent opportunity for you to explain why trees are important and the effect that planting trees has on the environment. Let your child pick the tree and help select the planting location, this will get them more interested and involved.

Walk with your child to school rather than drive them. It may not be practical for everyday, but you can do it a few days a week. This is an opportunity to talk to them about reducing pollution. It is also an excellent way to bond and get some exercise.

Teach your kids about energy conservation. Talk to them about turning off light switches and other appliances when they leave a room. You can also have a family game night once a week, where rather than watch TV or go on the computer, the entire family unplugs and spends time together the old fashion way.

Have your kids use less water. Show your kids what a gallon of water looks like. Explain to your children that when they leave the water on while brushing their teeth they waste about 150 gallons of water per month. Encourage them to shower instead of taking a bath. Baths typically use 50 gallons per bath, opposed to about 25 to 30 gallons if you take a 10-minute shower with a water saving shower head.

Encourage your kids to select recycled school supplies. Many companies make notebooks, pencils and other supplies from recycled products. Point these products out when shopping for school supplies and make your child feel proud for choosing them over the flashier products.

Encouraging your kids to reuse items is another excellent way of teaching them environmental responsibility. Show them how to make old things new with paint and fabric. Stress the importance of using both sides of a sheet of paper and also saving paper and supplies that can be reused.

You can also create your own compost as a family. Encourage your children to separate trash from recycle items, trash items and items for compost. Later you can use the compost to plant a garden or another tree.

There are many ways to teach your children about the environment and their individual responsibility to the environment. Living by example is the best way. If your children grow up in an environmentally friendly home and live that type of lifestyle from the beginning they will grow up more environmentally responsible themselves. That being said though it is never to late to start.

Before it's too late, be Earth-Friendly, be informed, just click GLOBAL WARMING

About the Author

Hi, this is Michael Raber an avid environmentalist. I have been around and have seen the negative effects of our abuse of this world's natural resources the most alarming of which is global warming. I felt it was my obligation to do something and I wrote some articles on the subject. Give them a read and let's start making a difference for our children's sake.

2007-09-11T17:22:00.001-07:00

Make a Difference - Study Environmental Science by Michael Raber

Do you hear about the current global warming debate and cringe? Do you get upset every time you hear about the near extinction (or total extinction) of a wildlife species? Do you care about preserving animals, plants and specific ecosystems for generations to come? If you do, it sounds like you are a prime candidate to study environment science. What is environment science, and why should you consider studying it?

Environmental science, like all other types of science, is focused on describing and trying to understand how the world around us works. However, environmental science probes the workings of various ecosystems, especially the most vulnerable ecosystems of this planet that are being threatened. Environmental science treats any number of topics and subjects that are tied to how the earth's ecosystems work and with a definite focus on preserving the earth's ecosystems and plant and animal species. In essence, environmental science attempts to describe the way that humans and the myriad ecosystems of this planet work together (or against one another). Especially at this point in the history of human civilization, it appears that environmental science stands at an important crossroads in helping human beings understand their environment, and how their activity and actions may threaten the environment that nurtures human life on earth.

More specifically, environmental science is most concerned with subjects such as overpopulation, soil erosion, and recycling, alternative sources of energy, especially renewable energy sources, global warming, toxic waste, air pollution, human health in light of pollution, deforestation, species loss, biodiversity, and various other topics. The field of environmental science is constantly changing and the topics always evolving. In short, the field of environmental science, like most other fields of science, is constantly changing as new information and events in the history of the world unfold. Also like other fields of science, environmental science seeks to use established and sound scientific principles. The field of environmental science seeks to address all of the major environmental issues that are facing human society at this point in history. Environmental science, then, seeks to define the problems and issues that are currently challenging and threatening the environment.

The field of environmental science, unlike most other fields of science, peculiarly poised towards change. That is, the field of environmental science seeks to give a complete assessment of our most prescient environmental problems, and it seeks to provide answers to these problems. That is why, if you care about the environment, studying to become an environmental scientist is a proactive approach to dealing with the problems that are most threatening our environment.

What sort of topics can you tackle in the field of environmental science? There are many, many topics that in the field of environmental science, and they are growing and changing all the time. No matter what you are interested in learning about or studying, or what environmental problem you mean to solve, chances are there will be something in this very large field to keep you busy. As an environmental scientist, you can study how ecosystems work, you can tackle the problem of finding new and better renewable resources, you can consider the always prescient topic of pollution and prevention, and you can help design a more safe and sustainable future for all of us. You can design new and more efficient ways of creating energy to power our planet and find new ways to make renewable energy sources such as solar energy and wind power more readily available to greater amounts of people.

In short, if you want to make a difference on this planet, studying environmental science allows you to understand the way our world works, and allows you to access to new and more sustainable solutions.

Before it's too late, be Earth-Friendly, be informed, just click GLOBAL WARMING

About the Author

2007-09-11T02:08:00.001-07:00

How Light Pollution Can Effect the Environment by Michael Raber

We have all heard of water pollution and air pollution. Furthermore, most people would not argue the fact that they are indeed a problem. However, light may be the only source of pollution that is overlooked by the average consumer. That may be because the average person does not think "light" when the word pollution comes up in the news or in conversation. After all, it is just light right? No, it is actually not that simple. Light pollution is defined as the lightening of the night sky due to artificial light being scattered about, it is also known as sky glow. Unnecessary light not only wastes massive amounts of electricity, but it adversely affects wildlife as well.

So, what kind of lighting is harmful? The truth is that there are indoor and outdoor lighting that can be harmful in the long run. Research has been being done on the subject for years and it is well known that indoor fluorescent lighting can cause many health problems such as migraine headaches, fatigue, irritability and many other health conditions. But as for the outdoor environment, nighttime security lighting poses the biggest threat in terms of light pollution. Moreover, studies have shown that outdoor security lighting does not reduce crime, and uses approximately 800 pounds of coal each year per light. Have you ever looked up into the sky at night only to see a haze of dim light? This is the perfect example of light pollution. Researchers have been studying this problem for years and have produced actual photographs of landmasses, cities and rural areas around the world at nighttime. The results spoke for themselves; nighttime light is definitely a problem.

Did you know that constant lighting could destroy crops, trees and even wildlife? Plants depend on the cycle of light and dark for proper growth. For some plants, the onset of darkness is crucial to the flowering and reproduction process. Birds have been known to fly into towers and windows at night due to the confusion caused by nighttime lighting. Night was meant to be dark, but that is no longer the case in our large urban communities. In fact, in some places like Las Vegas, you cannot even tell it is night because the billions of lights are so bright you feel like you've stepped into another dimension.

Nighttime lighting unravels our natural internal clock, the one that naturally tells us when it's bedtime. Nighttime is meant to be a rest period, with the exception of the animals that are nocturnal. Which brings me to another point, lights scare away the predators and critters that roam about hunting at night. That may sound good to you if you keep your side porch light on in hopes of scaring away raccoons from your trashcans, but for the animals that hunt at night, it poses a real threat to their existence. The same goes for marine life. Many amphibians and reptiles come up at night to feed on algae and other such materials. When light is introduced, they simply take cover.

So, what can you do about it? First things first, if you must have outdoor lighting, you can take measures to make sure that the light is pointed downward instead of upward. Also, do not use more watts of power than is absolutely necessary for any light inside or out. Not only does it conserve energy, but also it minimizes the amount of sky glow in the atmosphere. And lastly, like your mother always said, turn off any light that is not being used. This is especially true for fancy floodlighting and advertising lighting late at night and in the early morning.

Before it's too late, be Earth-Friendly, be informed, just click GLOBAL WARMING

About the Author

2007-09-10T17:32:00.001-07:00

Clean Career And A Bright Future In The "Green Field" by William B. Piker

With all the greening of America and the talk of the Kyoto environmental accords does the "green sector "offer job and career opportunities for you? After all many industries are now affected be "environmental "concerns and industry as well as state, local and federal demands.

Indeed the environmental "green "sector is one of the fastest growing fields in the labor market/. With higher than average salaries, unprecedented growth and huge vacancies, the green, or environmental is offering an exciting an expanding alterative to many other more staid job and employment markets.

Green jobs cut across multiple sectors and are multidisciplinary in nature, touching on virtually every aspect of the American economy. There is a huge potential for people to work where they want. Every geographic and indeed every industry in America is exempt from environmental requirements. True while opportunities can be said to geographically specific - say with oil refineries in Texas and in industrial areas on the eastern seaboard there are opportunities nationwide and indeed in your local areas.

Many companies that a reputation of goodwill and good product can be sullied in a moment. Companies now strive to be considered good corporate citizens. A 60 minutes camera crew at head office is not good for anyone's career advancement.

Generally organizations with green activities tend to fall into three categories, Environmental goods and services, which often require licenses and monitoring in their programs; revenue generating companies which are largely governed by self interest ,such as mining and forestry, but which also comply with very strict environmental policies; and government.. Employees of these organizations undertake a wide variety of initiatives. with water quality , testing and monitoring being the most common, followed by waste management, environmental training and education with public awareness following close behind.

Generally, although not exclusively e environmental practitioners have high levels of post secondary education as well. About 70 % hold university degrees while the remainders hold college degrees. About 35 percent of all environmental practitioners are female. . But as more and more workers seek retirement, the green industry is currently experiencing a most severe shortage of employees, most prevalent at the middle and senior levels of staffing and management. It became apparent as early as 2004 that were tons of vacancies that companies could not fill. Not enough young people at colleges and universities consider the possibilities of environmental jobs and employment. As a result there is a shortfall if graduates with environmentally related degrees. You would think that at this point in technology that high school kids have good levels of math skills and comprehension of science with all the times kids spend on computers. Sadly these kids are often doing not much more than email, downloading and burning music or playing computer games on the internet. These green jobs are not only environmental. The skillsets fills the gamut. English majors are needed to write Technical documents and prepare presentations. Graphic designers and video editors are needed to prepare professional videos and audio presentations. Computer people are needed to write computer programs for the field - including specialized monitoring software as well as to develop and maintain computer network systems.

There is a clean, clear bright future in the employment areas of the "green field"

About the Author

Ace for Training Worst Bosses Manitoba Job Shop Ace Temp Employment

2007-09-09T17:55:00.001-07:00

Auto Transport - A Good Move for Our Environment by John Roehll

The move toward "greener" more environmentally friendly practices can be seen all across our nation. Hybrid cars are a huge hit leaving dealers with waiting lists of customers who want to help reduce the effects of global warming. Green homebuilding is all the rage and helps reduce waste in landfills as well as save on energy consumption. But there is one type of company that has been fighting this battle for years without a lot of fanfare: auto transport companies.

It has been reported that just one auto transport company can save almost 3 million gallons of fuel resulting in more than a 38 million pound reduction in greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. That's a significant savings!

For example, if there were only one auto transport company in each state, the national savings would equate to almost 150 millions gallons of fuel saved and almost 2 billion pounds of greenhouse gases that were prevented from escaping into the atmosphere. Multiply that by the hundreds, or possibly thousands, of auto transport businesses across the nation and the figures are staggering.

Of course, not every vehicle can be shipped. Many must be driven to their destinations. However, auto transport companies take pride in knowing that their industry is having a positive affect on global warming.

It might be hard to imagine that by choosing an auto transport company to ship a vehicle rather than driving from origin to destination, you would be contributing to the fight against global warming. It certainly does. Transportation is the biggest source of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions: more than factories or homes. So you can see that when it comes to global warming, how and what we drive are two of our most powerful choices.

The burning of fossil fuels (gasoline, diesel, etc.) to facilitate transportation and the subsequent release of carbon dioxide and other suspected greenhouse gases is under strong critique. The reduction of these environmental menusis must be a top priority if we hope to save our planet and prevent further permanent damage due to global warming.

The following emission data is from the Department of Energy website at www.DOE.gov.

One gallon of gasoline produces 19.564 lbs of carbon dioxide. Average mpg for a car or SUV is 19 mpg. One gallon of diesel produces 22.384 pounds of carbon dioxide. Average mpg for an auto transport truck is 4.7.

Just one auto transport company shipped over 90,000 vehicles within a 12-month period of time and had the following impact:

> > 2,926,000 gallons of fuel saved

> > 38,216,000-pound reduction of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere

As significant as this sounds, this example shows two very important things. First, the need is great! Even with auto transport companies and other eco-minded businesses involved, we have a long way to go. Second, just imagine the tremendous impact we could all have if we took the needed steps to protect our environment. Individual participation is the key.

The next time you get into your car, take time to consider your driving habits. Consolidating trips, carpooling, driving at slower speeds and shipping your car when applicable are simple and painless changes that can have a long-lasting impact.

About the Author

John Roehll is Executive Vice President of Dependable Auto Shippers (DAS), the largest privately owned auto transport company in the U.S. When you need reliable, affordable vehicle transport, visit http://www.dasautoshippers.com or call 866-298-4221. © 2007, All Rights Reserved

2007-09-06T19:34:00.001-07:00

The environment-friendly sustainable development projects by Bryan Wayne

All countries need to develop and evolve with time and other nationalities. Sustainable development projects are born out of this development drive. Sustainable development projects typically revolve around green causes and should be adopted by both large and small businesses.

Development should meet the needs and requirements of the present while not compromising, in any way, the ability of future generations to meet their own requirements. This takes into account the impact of development on the environment and tries to minimize damage to it, if any.

Many corporations have already recognized the importance of sustainable development projects and have designed entire ad campaigns, which give them an environment-friendly image. Small businesses may also incorporate sustainable development by incorporating business principles which are environmentally sound. This also includes the development and promotion of contemporary strategy for economic development.

It follows the following guidelines:

*The region or location's environment continues to be healthy, safe and vibrant. *The region's economy as well as workforce maintains strength, diversity and the ability to compete equally with other global concerns.

*All the citizens of the region, regardless of age, race, education or income get ample opportunities to share the benefits which are derived from a healthy environment as well as a prosperous economy.

The U.S. government, along with the Chinese government, has already taken steps to help sustainable development. Business leaders from both the countries are trying to collaborate on a variety of projects of social, economical as well as environmental specifications. The focus is on expanding the usage of clean burning bio fuels and also developing a more sustainable strategy for the cement industry of which China is the largest global producer. Bio product synergy systems are to be implemented which allows companies from a particular industry to reuse bio products in the form of feed stocks for another.

There are several ways to make your business environment friendly. These include:

*Turning off equipments which are not in use. This saves energy by 25% and turning off computers at the end of a working day may save an additional 50% more.

*Communicate through email, and print them only if necessary.

*Fax related paper waste can be helped by using fax modems. Fax modems allow documents to be sent directly through the computer and therefore, need not be printed out first.

*Producing double-sided documents, whenever possible, can help.

*Taps should not be left dripping and should be closed tightly after use. 1 drip per second equals 10,000 litrest wasted per year.

*Install displacement toilet dams in toilet reservoirs.

Other methods include finding paper with maximum available recycled contents, choosing suppliers who take back packaging for re use, instigating searches for environment-friendly products and services in the local community and instead of purchasing new office furniture, trying to refurbish the old sets.

All these measures, if taken into account, can go a long way in making the sustainable development projects a success.

About the Author

Bryan Wayne owns and operates http://www.projectmanagementfundementals.com Projects Management

2007-09-05T05:44:00.001-07:00

Print Green - Help Conserve The Environment by Alfred Anderson

It is a matter of concern that printing houses not only produce harmful wastes but also are one of the major users of natural resources. Thus the need is to print green. Green printing refers to the process of printing that conserves the environment. Most printing houses produce volatile organic compounds that if accidentally released into the environment not only add to air pollution but also damage soil and groundwater. Green printing takes care of this and implements measures to reduce the production of volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere.

Green printing also regulates the use of natural resources. The process of printing relies heavily on natural resources such as trees and fossil fuels. Green printers that are certified by an authoritative agency check the amount of energy usage and keep it to the minimum while carrying on a particular printing process. The jobs are carefully planned to render optimum print quality at minimum use of natural resources. Papers required for printing is sourced only from companies certified by an authoritative certifying agency. This ensures that the paper comes from forests that are in compliance with proper environmental standards. Besides, electricity is used to the minimum and the supplies including paper are recycled and reused to curb down the consumption of natural resources giving rise to environment friendly printing.

The need of printed products is constantly on rise among the consumers. While eco-friendly printing green might cost a bit more than traditional printing, whatever extra you pay is your personal effort towards environment conservation.

The article illustrates how we can contribute to environment conservation by printing green.

About the Author

Alfred Anderson has rich experience in the field of online brand marketing. His interests includes Internet marketing and research on emerging online business trends. Environmental Printing

2007-09-03T00:21:00.001-07:00

The Environment Is Big Business by Jon T Norwood

When the environmental concern Global Warming is discussed the three main topics of debate seem to be does it exist, what is too blame for it, and who is responsible for fixing it. What can be done to correct the problem is rarely at the forefront of the debate unfortunately, but the responsible party always seems to default to the U.S. government. While it seems logical that the United States government should drive the movement towards a healthier environment the business sector has an important role to play as well. The resources commanded by the top 100 companies in the world outweigh those of the poorest 100 countries. With this level of power the business sector might very well be able to fix Global Warming before the government can decide who to blame for it.

Power consumption in the business sector has always been a large percentage of the whole. With Information Technology now such an important part of business, power needs have been on the rise. Stanford University professor Jonathan Koomey researched this issue and found that 1.2% of all U.S energy was being consumed by business data centers alone. Burning through this much power, as well as all of the computer waste being created by business means a giant carbon footprint. Although power consumption is not being addressed, the waste products are.

While refurbished laptops and computers are increasing in popularity due to large financial savings, the recycling of electronics is definitely on the rise. Thousands of tons of computers, cell phones, VCR's, and DVD players are finding their way out of landfills and into recycling plants. Goodwill Industries now has a computer division that does nothing other than collect old computers, then refurbish and re-sell them at seriously discounted prices. The recycling business is in such demand in fact, the US based computer recycling company Metech was recently purchased for $22 million in cash and stock. Metech made $44 million in revenue in 2006 so there is definitely money to be made in doing the right thing.

So what can businesses do to prevent waste from winding up in landfills? Start here:

* Reduce paper - Businesses should only purchase recycled paper, and then as little as possible. Most major office supply stores sell recycled paper.

* Recycle Everything - well you can't recycle everything, but a recycle center should be set up at the office with clear directions on what goes in the trash and what doesn't.

* Educate - Make sure employees know what they can do to help the businesses improve the environment.

About the Author

Jon Norwood is a founder and managing partner of Refurbished Laptops, a site dedicated to providing information regarding laptop and desktop computers as well as guides on how to best choose a product.

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2007-09-02T23:52:00.000-07:00

Pollution-free urban environment with eco taxis

By: ingrid sure

Earth… the planet we live in and the planet we cause so much damage to. Every day, we keep on adding more and more factors that contribute to global warming and pollution of the atmosphere. We do not respect the fundamentals of recycling, we do not care for the protection of the environment and we continue on using polluting fuel. As a consequence, the global temperatures are rising, storms, floods and droughts appear more often than we wished for and acid rain is no longer a novelty.
All over the world people are fighting respiratory and cardiovascular problems caused by the over-polluted atmosphere and problems just keep on growing and growing.
Ok, the drawn picture is not positive at all. It is a cruel reality and this is why it is so important to pay attention to it. We, as human beings, are completely responsible for the disasters created and thus it is our mission to improve the status of global warming. Every year statistics show that greenhouse gas emissions are responsible for polluting the atmosphere but fortunately the situation seems to be improving. Electric cars and plant-based oil fuel represent perhaps two of the technologies that will dominate the transportation industry in the future.
Eco cabs are means of ground transportation that protect both you and the environment. They serve important communities, including Newcastle (upon Tyne), Hexham, Jesmond and Northumberland. They can also take you to the country house golf resort of Slaley Hall, to the residential suburbs of Gosforth and to incredible parts of Haydon Bridge. As well as being a usual but eco-friendly cab service taxi, they deal with airport transport, the drivers being able to obtain flight information and serve to every need you may have.
If have ever taken a taxi and you surely have, I am almost sure that the chauffeur wasn’t exactly what you were expecting. With eco cabs, you get to ride in a luxury car and enjoy the services of a trained chauffeur. These companies hire only professionals, who know how to be polite, respectful and cater to every need of the customer. They specialize in providing environmentally-friendly taxis for important places and destinations, using biodiesel fuel and providing only the highest standards of comfort.
Someone said about biodiesel fuel that it is less harmful than salt and perishes as fast as sugar. The truth about this kind of fuel is related to the environmental impact. If you choose to ride in an eco-friendly car, you are responsible for reducing greenhouse gas emissions of that car almost completely. They provide the service you need but on the condition that you are just as green as their taxis.
Eco cabs represent one of the prominent choices for ground transportation and one can learn more about their services on the Internet. They have definitely given their contribution against pollution and they are well known for their green thinking. We do not have to suffer the harmful consequences of the greenhouse gas emissions. We do not have to breathe an over-polluted air. We can change all that by using a vegetable-oil based fuel, ride with eco-friendly cabs and keep our planet clean. We can’t even begin to describe the environmental benefits on the long run but it would be a good start to show your interest in global warming by opting for ‘green’ cabs. A strong interest towards such matters demonstrates that you care and that every small step may stop a big problem from further developing.

Article Source: http://www.superfeature.com

2007-08-30T00:17:00.000-07:00

Using Tarps to Benefit the Environment by Robert Page

You may not think that a plastic tarpaulin can help you with green living. However, these versatile items are excellent for a large number of environmentally sound uses. Recycling gets a lot of attention as a way to save the Earth, but people frequently forget that reducing our use of resources in the first place is a better method. By using tarps to protect your building, landscaping, and other materials from damage and degradation, you can assure yourself that you'll use the minimum possible.

When left out to the weather, metal rusts, materials like concrete react and solidify before they are supposed to, paint can be contaminated, and plastics degrade. To keep your materials safe, place them on pallets above the ground and be sure to cover them with the appropriate tarp. Choosing the right tarp for your use is an important part of protecting the environment. The wrong tarp might not cover your materials adequately, or may degrade before its purpose is served. Because of this, you should be certain to make the right choice the first time you buy a tarp.

Originally, tarps were made of oiled canvas. This kind is still available, and is appropriate for some uses. However, canvas tarps are generally very heavy and awkward, as well as being expensive. A well-selected poly tarp is a better choice for many applications. It's possible to find polyethylene tarps made out of recycled materials. The item you use to protect your building materials may once have made up drink and food containers. Polyethylene accounts for the majority of plastics recycling. However, plastics cannot be recycled into items that contain edibles, because of contamination risk. This means that a lot of recycled plastics see a new life as stuffing for pillows and jackets, trash bags, and, of course, tarps.

You're probably used to seeing the standard blue tarp sold at hardware stores. These are good for lightweight applications that don't expose them to the sun much. They're usually about 6 mils thick. If you're looking for a heavy duty tarp to take some punishment, like a carport cover, try getting an 11 or 12 mil tarp, or even a super heavy duty grade ne - 23 mils thick. Unfortunately, like lumber, the specified size of the tarp isn't actually the size. Most of these items will be 4-6 inches smaller in every dimension. The size specified on the package is the size prior to hemming. Be sure to take this into account when buying your tarp.

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About the Author

Robert Page CEO of Tarpaflex US LLC and Tarpaflex Ltd UK has had over twenty years experience in the Tarps Industry.