sustainable energy
Your Questions About Sustainable Energy Companies
Carol asks…
can u give me some new ways of saving energy for future use?
i have to make a board on ”save energy for a secure future” and i need some new points not the old solar energy, turn off the light and all. i have that much of basic info but i need some new ways.
admin answers:
Hi
Here’s a fun but innovative product concept. Sculptures/furniture that illuminate with daylight charge using new more aesthetic material. Http://www.body-luma-lighting.com/
I think if you take a look at companies focusing on sustainable design, you will find some great ideas and information
Hope this inspires
Daniel asks…
What projects have the greatest potential for positive impact for humanity and the planet?
Towards the goal of a healthy, peaceful, sustainable world that works for all people and all life, what are the most important projects to embark on next? Which projects have the ability to do the greatest total good with the resource invested? Which should be done first from a strategic perspective? Which are most critical? Please refer to implementable strategies rather than general concepts as much as possible. Thank you.
admin answers:
The most implementable stragegy that I can think of lies in the field of education. Much has been done through the media and the schools already; however, much of the effort does not seem to be as effective as the people who initiated theses projects maybe wish it were. The strategies that are implemented need to be realistic and not for profit or exploitation on the part of individuals or companies. Businesses trying to profiteer out of the environmental issues appear to present a problem at some level, and the business approach might end up being a counterproductive force. Education requires relatively low amounts of tangible resource material and money for investment.
Separation of waste material is an issue that needs to be addressed. For example, people seem to dispose of their garbage in one place rather than to be bothered to separate the materials. They throw out plastic and styrofoam materials along with the ones that are biodegradable.
Composting can cost a lot of money when the purchase and maintenance of compost bins becomes a major part of the practice. I am sure that a hole in the ground in an inconspicous place would work just as well as a bin and be less revolting, at least in many places.
People need to be encouraged to rely more on their own energy than on vehicles that run on carbon fuel. Houses would be more energy-efficient if they were designed differently, without regard to solar heating. The media itself makes people want superficial things, and it often entices them into pursuing lifestyles that are not in harmony with the long-term wellbeing of the environment. It often portrays people looking cool while engaging in some gestures and activities that are ecologically damaging in terms of their potential in the long run. Unfortunately, the media is integrally connected with the sector of big business.
The recycling of computer parts seems to make a lot of sense. It costs money to manufacture new parts and it consumes a lot of energy. Nothing is wrong with rebuilding engines rather than investing money in new cars, which are costly in terms of investment on the part of the owner and also in regard to the potential for environmental damge in the manufacturing process. Small steps on the part of individuals can make a lot of difference. Even the purchase of reusable cups for beverages can make a positive difference. Motivating people to carry them is where the challenge lies. People also need to find new and constructive ways of earning a living.
Education about the use of natural products rather than synthetically manufactured ones and about the effectiveness of some home remedies for certain conditions has the potential do do a lot of good. However, the public should first be educated about what is wrong with the manufactured chemical alternatives. People need to be told in a direct manner and in comprehensible terms about the deliberate nature of much of the damage on the part of the system. Honesty is the key.
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy For All
Donna asks…
Any suggestions for building an eco-friendly house?
I am planning to build a house (about 1400 square feet) that will hopefully be mostly off the power grid. What sorts of non-toxic building materials and (or) viable forms of sustainable energy generating sources for heating, cooling, and lighting a house can you recommend? I already have a cabin in the woods with kerosene lanterns, a fire place, and a wood burning stove.
Why is that ‘incredible’?
admin answers:
I think it’s incredible that you’re going to build a green home!
My main suggestion is to do your research before beginning.
Rather than listing off a bunch of suggestions, I think it would serve you better to give you a list of resources that you could use as you’re researching ways to make your new home green.
1. Dwell home–the website of the magazine of the same name, which focuses a great deal on green design. Http://www.dwell.com
2. HGTV–the website of Home and Garden Television. This year, they started an annual Green Home Giveaway. You can go to their website and read all about the finishes and materials that they used to make the home earth-friendly. Http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/green_home_2008/article/0,,HGTV_30916_5816498,00.html
3. I will also refer you to a particular post on my own blog, Addicted 2 Decorating. The post is about the new Chamber of Commerce building in my city, which is the first green Chamber of Commerce building in the United States. There are several great ideas you can incorporate into your new home. Http://blog.addicted2decorating.com/2008/06/momentous-occasion-in-my-city.html
Linda asks…
What Major should I pursue if I want to work with Green Technology?
I want to make new, more efficient, solar panels and develop green or sustainable energy sources in the future. In addition to that, I hope to make it more applicable for commercial use, such as designing a unit based for airplanes. I figure that might require an aeronautics engineering degree, but what degree would you guys recommend for studying green energy technology? Any colleges too? Not just community colleges. THANKS GUYYYYSSS
admin answers:
Engineering, but avoid “Environmental Engineering.”
Go for one of the traditional Engineering disciplines. For solar (photovoltaic) this would be Electrical Engineering or Electronics Engineering Technology.
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy
Donna asks…
what does it mean to have sustainable energy and how can we achieve it?
Also Sustainable Environment, Sustainable Energy, and Sustainable Water Resources can it be achieved through recycling or is that not enough ? i understand that we have to use energy resources that are renewable but what about countries that can’t afford green energy what should they do ?
admin answers:
In order for something to be called sustainable, its present actions or uses cannot negatively impact its future integrity. The concept of sustainability can be applied in many contexts: the environment, resources, business, development etc.. To use energy as an example, the present use of fossil fuels is unsustainable since it is a limited resource that will not be available in the future. In contrasts, sources of energy like wind and solar power can be seen as more sustainable because that energy source is unlimited.
So to answer your question, although recycling is great, simply recycling is not enough to achieve environmental sustainability, also because the recycling process actually consumes a lot of energy itself.
Your next question is a tough one, because people are really divided on this subject. Some say that developing countries should be held to the same emission standards as the developed world, some say that the developed world should subsidize the development of sustainable energy sources in the developing world, some say that the developing would should be allowed to use whatever energy source is cheaply available to them and it is only the developed worlds responsibility to address the problems of high CO2 emission and climate change etc..
Personally I think it is unfair to require a country with limited means to invest in expensive forms of renewable energy rather then use the forms they have cheaply available to them in order to spur their development. However, I believe that as countries develop, it is crucial for environmental sustainability to become increasingly kept in mind during policy making.
Richard asks…
In your opinion,what issues must be considered if a country is to develop a sustainable energy policy?IMPORTAN?
In your opinion,what issues must be considered if a country is to develop a sustainable energy policy?
admin answers:
So Slobovia is considering ways to use only energy that doesn’t just go away in the future? Good for Slobovia. They should consider:
Where do we get energy now?
Can it run out in 10 or 50 years? Are we scared? If yes, then:
What sustainable sources are available?
Wind? How much wind do we get, and where? How will we deal with no-wind days?
How much would it cost to build wind turbines? How will we distribute the power to homes and businesses? How will we raise funds for that project? How do we get the politicians to agree? Will they get re-elected if they raise taxes?
Do we believe that the climate is warming due to burning fossil fuels? Is the ocean rising drowning Slobovia, or is Slobovia traped in an endless drought? Or maybe not, so we don’t care?
Ask similar questions about solar (sun) sources of power.
And the list goes on and on …
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy Without The Hot Air
Ken asks…
Where is harder to survive..?
Northern Canada/Russia (with lots of cold and snow) or a desert in Nevada?
Assume that there is no countries or cities around, you are the only human in the world and you have to survive by yourself. I am talking about lifetime sustained survival. Not just survive until you get out kind of thing.
PS: I didn’t use a desert in Africa like sahara because obviously there is absolutely 0 chance of sustainable human life.
admin answers:
The Sahara desert has been home to thousands of people for thousands of years. So has the Namib desert and the Kalahari desert where the bushmen have hunted very skillfully for many generations and they eat well.
The Nevada desert can feed you too if you find the skills to get the food it harbours.
Learn some biology. Then you can eat. Learn geology and you can find water. And oil.
The driest desert in the world is the Atacama. It’s beautiful. I’ve been twice. It’s got places where no rain has fallen for more than four hundred years.
But it hasn’t got the driest air in the world.
That’s in Antarctica where water is frozen out of the air and where scientific instruments, especially for infra red measurements which get ruined by water vapour in the air absorbing infra red, are stationed in the scientific research stations at Ross Island and around the South Pole.
It’s easy to look it up. ..Antarctic Research Stations.
The driest air in the world lays over a huge sheet of ice and snow…frozen water.
Cold places give you water but more importantly they demand more in supplies than hot places. It takes more energy and more materials to heat things than to cool them.
Without enough heat you’re soon dead. Providing it and keeping it is costly in materials and clothing..
Deserts get cold at night, even the Sahara. You get a break from the heat and bright Sun.
You can burn camel dung or other dung and dried grasses to get enough heat for cooking. That’s all the heat you need.
Move when it’s cooler in the morning and evening and get shade under a high tent or in the shadow of rocks during the hottest part of the day.
You can cross the Sahara with a lighter load than for crossing Siberia.
Both places you need wildlife to live on or take your own animals. Move to where they can eat so you can keep them alive.
The reindeer herders in the far north of Finland do that, where a warm night in winter is -20C.
Reindeer provide milk and meat, furs for clothing and shoes, tents and sleeping mats, and bone for knives and ornaments.
Sami people have been living in the far north for more than two thousand years
http://norskfolke.museum.no/en/Stories/Set-1/Sami-baptismal-boots/ .. .
Http://www.suite101.com/content/the-sami-of-the-north-a222034 . . . .
In the Sahara camels and goats and sometimes sheep provide the milk and meat, and give wool for cloth to make clothing and tents and bedding rolls, and leather for shoes.
Nomads move to where the grazing is best, in the Gobi desert, and in the Sahara and Namib deserts.
In both cold and hot places you can trap birds and small animals.
Hares and arctic foxes in the far north…or lizards and snakes and the few small mammals that live in the desert..
Many cold places have rivers with fish, and by the coast the sea provides food as well….seaweeds, molluscs, fish and seals.
Desert or frozen tundra…you can live in both and thousands do.
In desert you can still get water.
Hang a fine net to collect the dew. Some plants do that.
Dew collects on the hairy leaves and stems overnight in desert air and provides water for birds and small animals. Be up early enough or it’s gone down animals throats or into the plant or back up into the sky.
That’s where the net idea came from….hairy plants that collect water from dew.
Nets are also used to collect water from fog in remote mountains,and in deserts eg in Chile.
Http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2001/11/1101_TVdesertbeetle.html . . . . . .
You can dig condensation pits or condense water from plants.
Http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Water-in-the-Desert . . .. ..
You can dig into the desert where the signs tell you water lays underneath. When it’s close enough to the surface wind-blown seeds take root and you get an oasis.
Thousands of people have lived in deserts and frozen tundra for thousands of years, long before modern equipment existed like expensive water reservoirs for backpacks instead of far more useful and versatile water bottles which keep Arabian nomads alive in the fierce desert heat but are too simple for ‘must have the latest’ techy walkers.
Learn to live where you are and then you can live. Generations long past past did that quite well enough for the current populations to be there……
Have fun
Desert walks….
Http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100704125838AAOUFkW . . . . . . .
Mandy asks…
So why isn’t nuclear power being developed if global warming is such a threat?
Sustainable Development Commission statement on nuclear power: http://www.sd-commission.org.uk/presslist.php/51/nuclear-power-wont-fix-it
Further to my question on Nuclear Power (yes or no) many AGW proponents pointed out that they were in favour of it, or at least had no serious objections.
But if that’s at all representative, and if AGW is such a threat, why isn’t nuclear power being actively pursued? Take the UK, pretty much all ‘Green’ groups vehemently oppose it. The government is being advised on it’s energy policy by a commission which it set up and appointed Jonathan Porritt to head (ex-Greenpeace anti-nuclear campaigner).
It’s obvious that – for the short and even medium term – renewables and energy saving won’t cut it. See the calculations at www.withouthotair.com
I ask because it seems that both warmists and sceptics seem to agree on nuclear. If that’s at all representative of the views of most people then why aren’t we actually doing something rather than planning another massive conference in some far-flung location?
admin answers:
Because a lot of the people who are in charge of solving global warming are either:
a. Completely ignorant of the fact that wind and solar can’t solve global warming.
B. Heavily influenced by fossil fuel interests that would be hurt if nuclear power took away their market in the process of solving global warming.
B(2). Influenced by the fossil fuel unions who don’t want to lose their power (the workers don’t have much to worry about though, the time it’ll take to switch to nuclear will be more than enough for retraining and a lot of them would probably end up working at a vastly safer nuclear plant anyway).
C. See global warming as a means to force people to use less energy and return to ‘simpler’ times whether the population wants it or not (never mind that most people would choose global warming over what the greens want).
D. Are afraid of losing the votes of the anti-nuclear kooks.
The green groups should not be thought of as environmentalists, for the most part they are urban trendoids who don’t really have a clue about the environment but want to feel good about doing something. There’s also a big focus on appearance for the greens and probably a bit of residual Christian morality making a virtue of sacrifice.
The views you get here probably aren’t representative of the majority of the population although the anti-nuclear movement is in decline, they should be almost gone within the decade.
The scientific community probably hasn’t done enough to tell the public and politicians what the scientific consensus on nuclear power is and why renewable energy isn’t going to be able to do what we need it to.
As for _Sustainable energy without the hot air_, that is probably a bit (or maybe a lot) optimistic for renewables although it covers the UK which has a relatively high population density, other countries might be able to get all their energy from renewables assuming that enough decent energy storage systems could be built (we don’t really have that though, pumped hydro is the best we’ve got but we don’t have enough suitable sites for it).
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy For All
Lisa asks…
What are some good jobs for recent non-science, liberal arts grads?
I’m very interested in sustainable energy, alternative energy, wind, solar, etc. I want to work somewhere exciting. I’d really like to own my own company but coming up with money to start is tough.
admin answers:
I just had to chime in after reading chuckles’ ridiculous, uninspired answer. Does she think that everyone running the company is a scientist? Of course not. They need salespeople, marketing people, SEO experts, and so on, just as most companies of all sorts have.
Let’s talk about salespeople. Most successful companies look at *everyone* as a salesperson. Forget the retail store salesperson stereotype. In the green industry, salespeople are *consultants* who solve problems for their customers.
You’ve picked the right industry. Obama will be focusing a large amount of gov’t resources in this sector.
I hope this helps you.
PaymentKey.com
Linda asks…
Where can I buy a nice men’s hoodie that benefits an environmental cause?
I’ve been checking the sites of the Nature Conservancy, National Wildlife Fund, etc., and I can’t seem to turn up any nice-looking men’s hoodies. My boyfriend’s an environmentalist, so I’d like to get him something that would also benefit a cause he believes in, like helping nature or wildlife or sustainable energy, that sort of thing. Any ideas? There must be somewhere I’m not thinking of.
admin answers:
Why don’t you get him a donation to the Nature Conservancy or the National Wildlife Fund? You can skip the jacket all together and give the max to the environment.
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy Fund
Sandra asks…
What is the difference between democrats and republicans?
What is the difference between democrats and republicans? I really don’t understand the difference and why some people hate republicans and why some people hate democrats.
admin answers:
These are only broad generalizations and any one Democrat or Republican may differ from their party on a particular issue.
Social:
Abortion – Democrats believe a woman should be allowed to terminate a pregnancy, Republicans support the life of the fetus
Homosexuality – Democrats wish to extend rights to homosexuals (right to adopt, legalize civil unions or same-sex marriage, right to serve openly in the military), Republicans believe granting rights to homosexuals will destroy the traditional (man + woman) family structure and harm children
Guns – Republicans oppose most gun control laws. Most Democrats support some measure of gun control, though this varies widely from politician to politician. Many are in complete agreement with Republicans, many would be satisfied with only stricter enforcement of current laws and closing the gun-show loophole, and many want further restricted access.
Environment – Democrats are in favor of policies that would limit the omission of carbon dioxide and develop sustainable energy. This is an area where many Republicans disagree with each other. Some deny there is climate change, some accept climate change but do not this human activity is responsible, and some accept that human activity has led to climate change. Of those in the last group, some support government action to reduce human impact on the environment, others do not.
Economic:
Taxes: Democrats favor of a more progressive tax system (one in which a person pays a larger percentage the more they make) and want to raise taxes on those making $250,000 per year or more. Republicans favor keeping taxes at the levels passed under President Bush or cutting them. This is one area where the rhetoric of both parties does not match well with the numbers, as the actual difference in percentages is quite small (about 4% for the top bracket) when compared with historical income tax data.
Public spending: Both parties support continuing Medicare. Most Democrats support some expansion of government health coverage. Republicans oppose further government involvement in the health sector. Democrats support more funding for food stamps, unemployment, Medicaid etc. Than do the Republicans. Democrats support continuing government-run Social Security. Republicans have a mixed record and under President Bush pushed the idea of Social Security privatization. Democrats are in favor of spending on infrastructure. Some Republicans favor these programs and some do not.
Labor: Democrats support the Employee Free Choice Act while Republicans believe it would lead to coercion on the part of unions and harm businesses. Democrats favor raising the minimum wage while many Republicans feel this would also harm businesses.
Corporate regulations: Democrats generally favor increased regulations in the private sector. Republicans generally oppose restriction on the free market.
Government spending in general: Both parties, particularly the Republicans, vocally support curtailing government spending. However, neither party does much on this front. In modern times, Presidents Reagan and George W. Bush have been the highest spenders in percentage of GDP. Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter, and Clinton have been some of the more fiscally conservative. President Obama’s first year in office was marked by high spending. Democrats say this spending was necessary, using the New Deal as a historical model. Republicans say that increasing the debt will further harm the economy. Both parties usually blame the other when it comes to spending.
Foreign policy and homeland security:
Iraq: Many Democrats supported the invasion, many did not. Democrats have favored deescalation since before the 2004 elections. Agreements to begin the withdrawal of troops were begun under President Bush.
Afghanistan: Some Democrats support increased troop involvement in Afghanistan – which President Obama ran under – some favor withdrawal. Republican in general support escalation.
International relations: Democrats favor increased diplomacy with both allies and enemies. Republicans feel the tone of the Obama administration has been too apologetic and hurts American security.
Gitmo: Democrats are in favor of closing Gitmo and sending the prisoners to other facilities, some within the United States. They are opposed to techniques such as waterboarding. Many Republicans are opposed to closing Gitmo, although President Bush and John McCain as a candidate both supported closing it. Many Republicans believe enhanced interrogation techniques helped security, though there are notable exceptions such as John McCain.
Privacy vs. Security: Democrats are vocally opposed to any infringements on civil rights, such as NSA warrantless surveillance and provisions under the Patriot Act. Republicans feel such actions are necessary to protect citizens.
George asks…
What is your position on the use of taxpayer dollars to fund green energy companies?
admin answers:
If it was a form of energy that is sustainable, and actually works, and the company actually makes a profit, then I have no problem with it. I just have a problem with politicians giving the money away as political favors.
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy
Donald asks…
How much does a sustainable energy home cost to build?
I am contemplating buying/building a house, for the first time, with no deadline. I haven’t selected a site yet (I know that changes things) but I want to know what I can expect. How does the intial cost of a sustainable energy home typically compare with a less green option?
admin answers:
This of course depends on a lot of different factors. But… For the most part it really doesn’t cost as much as many people think. Since you are building a home instead of trying to remodel a home it makes things much less expensive. Many people think that to be “sustainable” everything needs to be run entirely off of solar and will cost a fortune. This is very wrong.
First you need to figure out where most of the energy in your home is going to be used.
1. Heating/cooling
2. Water heating
3. Major appliances
4. Lighting & smaller appliances
So if you can reduce the energy needed by the largest energy users you can almost elminate your energy bill.
Solutions…
Like the first person answered, GEOTHERMAL heating/cooling system. This is something that anyone building a new home that has enough yard to bury some pipes should get. My sister just built a house with one of these systems and it only cost them $3000 more than a traditional system and they will have twice the heating/cooling power. And the system will have paid for itself after 3 years.
The department of energy’s page about Geothermal heat pumps
http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/space_heating_cooling/index.cfm/mytopic=12640
2nd… Heating your water. This is another huge energy use in the home. This can also be done using some Geothermal systems or you can go solar. Using solar Thermal collectors is a great way to heat your water. This method has been used for a long time and is also used in industrial situations for hotels and outdoor swimming pools. A new system for residential can cost around $5000.
Http://www.solarroofs.com/purchase/index.html#C
Check out this company just for kicks, they build some of the biggest solar heating systems in the world for resorts and Olympic pools.
Http://www.heliocol.com/commercial/commercial1.html
Spending more on better isulation, windows, and doors is another way to save on energy. People don’t realize how much of a difference that can make. You save maybe $20-50 on a cheaper window but in the long run you would be saving a LOT more by getting the better one.
You can add energy generating devices to your home for a lot less than you might think. And by using the solutions above the remaining energy needs should be significantly reduced. A grid-tied windmill that can supply 1000+ KWH a month is only about $5000.
Places like this offer packages for all types.
Http://www.wholesalesolar.com/complete-systems.html
Most of the places I listed here offer assistance or install by professionals but you can also do a lot of it yourself without having to go to school to know how.
Susan asks…
How much does a sustainable energy home cost to build?
I am contemplating buying/building a house, for the first time, with no deadline. I haven’t selected a site yet (I know that changes things) but I want to know what I can expect. How does the intial cost of a sustainable energy home typically compare with a less green option?
admin answers:
This of course depends on a lot of different factors. But… For the most part it really doesn’t cost as much as many people think. Since you are building a home instead of trying to remodel a home it makes things much less expensive. Many people think that to be “sustainable” everything needs to be run entirely off of solar and will cost a fortune. This is very wrong.
First you need to figure out where most of the energy in your home is going to be used.
1. Heating/cooling
2. Water heating
3. Major appliances
4. Lighting & smaller appliances
So if you can reduce the energy needed by the largest energy users you can almost elminate your energy bill.
Visit this site, this maybe helpful for you
http://buildyourownhomeenergy.blogspot.com/
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy Solutions
Jenny asks…
What would be an energy chain for wind energy?
I basically know the energy chain, but I want to see what other people have to say. When I say energy chain I mean like mechanical-thermal-electrical- etc.
admin answers:
Energy efficiency and renewable energy are said to be the twin pillars of sustainable energy. Some ways in which sustainable energy has been defined are:
“Effectively, the provision of energy such that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. …Sustainable Energy has two key components: renewable energy and energy efficiency.” – Renewable Energy and Efficiency Partnership (British)
“Dynamic harmony between equitable availability of energy-intensive goods and services to all people and the preservation of the earth for future generations.” And, “the solution will lie in finding sustainable energy sources and more efficient means of converting and utilizing energy.”
“Any energy generation, efficiency & conservation source where: Resources are available to enable massive scaling to become a significant portion of energy generation, long term, preferably 100 years..” – Invest, a green technology non-profit organization.
“Energy which is replenishable within a human lifetime and causes no long-term damage to the environment.”
Daniel asks…
What is the solution to global warming if the causes are natural?
If global warming is from natural causes as opposed to human activity, what would be some solutions? Is it any different?
admin answers:
… This may help:
Solutions to Global Warming
Reducing your family’s heat-trapping emissions does not mean forgoing modern conveniences; it means making smart choices and using energy-efficient products, which may require an additional investment up front, but often pay you back in energy savings within a couple of years.
1.The car you drive: the most important personal climate decision.
When you buy your next car, look for the one with the best fuel economy in its class. Each gallon of gas you use is responsible for 25 pounds of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere. Better gas mileage not only reduces global warming, but will also save you thousands of dollars at the pump over the life of the vehicle. Compare the fuel economy of the cars you’re considering and look for new technologies like hybrid engines.
2.Choose clean power. More than half the electricity in the United States comes from polluting coal-fired power plants. And power plants are the single largest source of heat-trapping gas. None of us can live without electricity, but in some states, you can switch to electricity companies that provide 50 to 100 percent renewable energy
3.Look for Energy Star. When it comes time to replace appliances, look for the Energy Star label on new appliances (refrigerators, freezers, furnaces, air conditioners, and water heaters use the most energy). These items may cost a bit more initially, but the energy savings will pay back the extra investment within a couple of years. Household energy savings really can make a difference: If each household in the United States replaced its existing appliances with the most efficient models available, we would save $15 billion in energy costs and eliminate 175 million tons of heat-trapping gases.
4.Unplug a freezer.
One of the quickest ways to reduce your global warming impact is to unplug the extra refrigerator or freezer you rarely use (except when you need it for holidays and parties). This can reduce the typical family’s carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 10 percent.
5.Get a home energy audit.
Take advantage of the free home energy audits offered by many utilities. Simple measures, such as installing a programmable thermostat to replace your old dial unit or sealing and insulating heating and cooling ducts, can each reduce a typical family’s carbon dioxide emissions by about 5 percent.
6.Light bulbs matter.
If every household in the United States replaced one regular light bulb with an energy-saving model, we could reduce global warming pollution by more than 90 billion pounds over the life of the bulbs; the same as taking 6.3 million cars off the road. So, replace your incandescent bulbs with more efficient compact fluorescents, which now come in all shapes and sizes. You’ll be doing your share to cut back on heat-trapping pollution and you’ll save money on your electric bills and light bulbs.
7.Think before you drive.
If you own more than one vehicle, use the less fuel-efficient one only when you can fill it with passengers. Driving a full minivan may be kinder to the environment than two midsize cars. Whenever possible, join a carpool or take mass transit.
8.Buy good wood.
When buying wood products, check for labels that indicate the source of the timber. Supporting forests that are managed in a sustainable fashion makes sense for biodiversity, and it may make sense for the climate too. Forests that are well managed are more likely to store carbon effectively because more trees are left standing and carbon-storing soils are less disturbed.
9.Plant a tree.
You can also make a difference in your own backyard. Get a group in your neighborhood together and contact your local arborist or urban forester about planting trees on private property and public land. In addition to storing carbon, trees planted in and around urban areas and residences can provide much-needed shade in the summer, reducing energy bills and fossil fuel use.
Naturally Occurring Warming
Volcanic Eruptions
Large volcanic eruptions can throw so much dust into the sky that the dust acts as a shield to solar radiation and causes a cooling trend in the atmosphere. You probably can’t remember such an eruption as they are rare and infrequent occurances.
Sunspots
Changes in the Earth’s solar radiation levels can have some impact on the Earth’s climate. Increased solar activity can cause short-term warming cycles on the Earth.
The Wobbly Earth
As the Earth spins, it does not achieve perfect rotation. It actually wobbles slightly, thus alternately exposing the northern and southern latitudes to more and less solar radiation. This wobble in the Earth’s rotation has been causing changes in the temperature of the atmosphere for many millions of years.
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy Technologies
Michael asks…
What are some sustainable living options? – and some extended details please?
I am doing some homework on designing a poster for Technology Class. I just need some help on what I should choose, they all seem good. I need this ready for the 31st of March. Thanks! And if you cannot answer this question, then you could probably try to answer my other question about using sustainable or renewable energy in our lives 🙂 Thanks!
admin answers:
1. Make compost from all vege waste.
2. Install a composting toilet
3. Grow your own food using the compost.
4. Fully insulate your house
5. Add solar gain to your house like a conservatory
6. Re-use as much as possible
7. Recycle what you don’t re-use.
8. Turn your car into a glass-house to grow tomatoes etc.
9. Ride a bicycle
10. Collect rain water
11. Use water sparingly
12. Go to bed at sunset and get up just before sunrise
Helen asks…
What role should the fed gov’t play in developing alternative energy?
Energy‘s like nuclear, biomass, hydro, hydrogen, solar, wind and others need to be developed to supplement traditional sources. Should and how should the government play a role?
admin answers:
In the US, the federal government should foster research through grants to universities and not-for-profit research organizations. To be feasible on a large scale, there needs to be significant advances in a variety of technologies. Corporate and consumer tax credits will foster consumer momentum to jump-start adoption of new technologies. Currently, many industries are already “going green” due to reduced long-term energy and environmental costs. Additional hydrocarbon taxes can increase this incentive to use sustainable energy. Fostering technology development and innovation utilization is the best role for the federal government.
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy Definition
Richard asks…
Define the factors that make a society sustainable?
Is our society sustainable?
admin answers:
A society is sustainable when it can survive indefinitely. This may seem like a broad definition, but it really gets to the heart of it. A society becomes sustainable when all the processes and methods it uses for continuation of economic, social, environmental, and institutional aspects will remain feasible in the future.
Our society, right now, is not sustainable. I could go on for hours, but one of the major problems is our reliance on oil and coal. It is sustainable short term, but these are not renewable resources, so in the long run we will run out. This is one aspect of the green movement, is trying to switch over to renewable energy (ie wind, water, solar, geothermal, etc). We are also slowly but surely killing off the environment. Actually, the Wikipedia article on sustainability is a very accurate and helpful one, and I judge this based off of a few years of studying sustainability and sustainable technologies.
Http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainability
Maria asks…
How does an open system contrast with a closed system?
A) An open system is prone to collapse, while a closed system is typically more sustainable in the long term
B) An open system is open to scientific scrutiny, while a closed system is not
C) An open system is able to convert energy from one form to another, while a closed system is not able to do so
D) An open system exchanges energy and/or materials with its surroundings, while a closed system does not
admin answers:
D
That’s the definition of open vs. Closed. A closed system is self-contained. An open system gets inputs from and gives outputs to the part of the world outside it.
However, bear in mind that to some extent, it’s a matter of definition. A nuclear power plant might be considered a closed system, on the power source side anyway, by considering the atomic pile part of the system. And at the same time, the same people might consider a coal plant open on the power source side because of the constant feed of coal from the world. In truth, that’s more of a defined difference. The atomic pile, for instance, might need refueling only every several years while the coal plant needs it every second, but they both still need refueling from the world outside the system.
Time IS a major factor in defining open vs. Closed. In a related way, so is the ease with which the transfers occur. And often one defines something as closed because the aspects of it that are open are not of concern to the definer.
Of course, there’s no truly closed system. Most wouldn’t be much use anyway. And nature is notoriously leaky when it builds systems so built-by-chance doesn’t really produce anything close to closed either.
However, one should also point out that the other three choices are incorrect. So D) is the answer for positive and negative reasons both.
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy Technologies
Linda asks…
Who is down for using permaculture and new sustainable energy technology to put corporations out of business?
Come on, now. We can do better than following the destructive plans of corporations and governments.
I’m doing it, and I think you should too.
admin answers:
You are not about to put large corporations out of business. I am just being a realist. They are not ignoring the new technologies, they are using warfare tactics to maintain their place in the market.
Permaculture in itself is not a bad idea, and something you really adopt for other reasons, but don’t expect to put any corporations out of business. More than likely they will be able to push for legislation to outlaw home gardening- and if you read the new “food safety” law- your home gardening days are numbered.
Books you should read:
“Seeds of Deception”
“Seeds of Destruction”
Videos you should watch:
“Sweet Misery” (a history of Aspartame and how it managed to get FDA approval via political leverage.
“The World According to Monsanto”
“Monsanto: Patent for a Pig”
“Food Inc”
And there are many more. Do not expect to see them on US television, the influence of Monsanto is too great for that.
I can hear Granny now- “…Ya aint gettin ma seeds! Ya can try pry my tomato seeds out of my cold dead hands!….”
Lizzie asks…
can anyone give me a Research on a new found sustainable energy? easy 10 points?
I just need to report it tomorrow, i had research this “Technology Harvests Energy from Railroad Train Vibrations” but it is short. Any ideas?
admin answers:
Look into the fairweather field…it is an electric field that is around us all the time. A very long looped wire simply placed in this electric field experiences a current.
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy
Steven asks…
What are some methods of sustainable energy?
What are some methods of sustainable energy? a method that can be researched and enough information can be written about it
thanks!
admin answers:
How to get water in a waterless area with out resort to wells or pumps.
How to get electricity in an area not served by the grid again without resort to generators.
Growing your own food.
Almost anything and every thing you do or need as most of it relies on energy from sources outside of yourself that are not sustainable.
Michael asks…
Does anyone know of a good car donation charity that goes towards promoting sustainable energy?
I live in Minnesota and have looked at options for donating my car which is a 1996 Pontiac Grand Am that still runs good except for the entire muffler/exhaust system came detatched and I am not willing to pay for it to get fixed. I’m having difficulty finding charities online that contribute to sustainable energy or something of the latter.
admin answers:
I dont know of any for contributing to sustainable energy,But Our Lady Of The Wayside helps with mentally challenged Adults perhaps you would reconsider where you would want your donation to help.(its tax deductible)
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy Solutions
Sandra asks…
How can we bring sustainable energy to the world? Practical and Viable solutions?
Considering the rising energy crisis in the world, What could be some solutions to shift from conventional energy sources to more reliable energy sources? Now, I would like detail on how to shift to sustainable energy. Not the types of sustainable energy.
Solutions should be logical and implementable on a global scale.
Be specific with reference to third world countries, If possible.
admin answers:
I just read an article about Bangladesh and its government backing/paying for the installation of solar panels on people’s roofs in that country over the past several years. They went from only 7000 solar-powered homes in 2002 to more than 1 million today. While I don’t condone a One-World Government for more than one reason, I do think that the people of each respective nation should continue to push for their governments to subsidize the installation of solar panels on homes, and have requirements that all NEW homes, especially new housing tracts built by developers, have enough solar panels built into the roof to run just about everything, but still be connected to “The Grid” for back-up purposes only. This would also encourage more people to buy plug-in electric vehicles secure with the knowledge that they’re not using coal-based electricity from power plants to power their vehicles.
Donna asks…
Why aren’t people investing more into sustainable energy use practices like carpooling?
Is it just because they don’t know about the ways in which they can save energy?
admin answers:
“sustainable” What’s so sustainable about it?
Well I don’t think people use common sense when talking about energy conservation.
In reality most people don’t live and work in the same area.
We are not connected to our neighbors in close net communities.
It IS inconvenient for most if not all people to have someone else drive them around.
The government shouldn’t punish us and business for being independent from one another, God I could write a book on why we don’t live the life style they wish we would live.
But it’s really irrelevant, carpooling is insignificant to the real problem.
Bio fuels, wind power and solar energy will never work.
To create enough Bio-fuel to run cars and generators to power our daily lives would require 2/3rds more land mas JUST to grow the crops neededto make the fuel, now think about how much more we will need in the future if our needs go up.
Wind power is great in windy areas, but where it is not so windy, Solar would out perform the windmills.
At the current level of solar technology we would have to cover the entire planet with solar panels to generate enough power for our needs.
Oil really is the only solution, we just don’t have the technology to implement alternative sources, it just doesn’t exist.
But yet people are asking us and the world to suffer till it becomes available..why?
Oil and gas can been burned more efficiently, but Governemnt is blocking all attempts to promote this idea..why?
To appease the environmentalist maybe?
I think we should demand that the Government stop trying to punish the oil commpanies, because it doesn’t work, it only hurts us.
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Your Questions About Renewable Energy Definition
Linda asks…
Is tidal Power tiddle power compared to the power of the Nukes Industry?
Slim Footwear (Greenpeace) responding to Chris Hulme’s announcement that 8 Nuclear Power Stations are to be built and the Green Energy tidal generation plans will be scrapped.
“Lib Dem voters backed a party that supported renewable energy and opposed taxpayer handouts to the nuclear industry..”
admin answers:
It depends largely on how you cost the two proposals. If you ignore the cost of decomissioning and waste treatment, then nuclear power is more economical.
If however, you factor in the cost of decomissioning and treatment of waste – the case for nuclear power becomes very, very difficult to support. That’s just the financial cost – there’s also human costs as regards unwanted land use.
Tidal power – by definition – does not take up any land, other than to manufacture the equipment.
This is very disappointing.
Paul asks…
What is the difference between renewable and sustainable energy sources?
Can something be sustainable but not renewable?
admin answers:
Renewable energy is energy generated from natural resources—such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat—which are renewable (naturally replenished)Renewable energy is derived from natural processes that are replenished constantly. In its various forms, it derives directly from the sun, or from heat generated deep within the earth. Included in the definition is electricity and heat generated from solar, wind, ocean, hydropower, biomass, geothermal resources, and biofuels and hydrogen derived from renewable resources.
Each of these sources has unique characteristics which influence how and where they are used.
Sustainable energy sources are most often regarded as including all renewable sources, such as biofuels, solar power, wind power, wave power, geothermal power and tidal power. It usually also includes technologies that improve energy efficiency
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy Companies
Michael asks…
Can there ever be a sustainable company?
That is, a company that uses completely renewable energy and does not waste any of earth’s resources or pollutes the environment. Plus also produces ethical goods (ie. not made from animals) and workers are well paid, etc. There is no company at present that can fulfill all elements of sustainability; but can there be one? Please state your sources as well. Thanks.
admin answers:
No company on earth can function effectively under the parameters you describe. To make anything, ANYthing, requires resources, which in turn creates waste products. Workforces do not work for nothing and will not work for what they are worth. They will always want more, which in turn means the employer can afford to employ fewer of them and they will have to do more work per head as a consequence. Try working for yourself for a while and you will see what I mean.
Sharon asks…
Major in ChemEng, and minor in sustainable energy, good idea?
I want to do a Major and Minor, University of Toronto offers chemical engineering program and it says i can minor in 1) sustainable energy 2) environmental engineering 3) biomedical engineering
I would choose 1) because i think it has the highest demand in the future.
So, will I be able to find a job with a minor in like lets say, Hydro company with my minor in sustainable energy.
Does having a minor really help?
admin answers:
You have a winning combination./
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy For All
Joseph asks…
United Nations resolutions that China has signed concerning renewable energy?
I know that China has a lot of renewable energy in their country but i’m in Model United Nations and I’m having a hard time finding *specific* resolutions or acts that China has signed or agreed to from the United Nations. If someone could direct me to a website or a name of a resolution concerning sustainable energy It would be much appreciated!
admin answers:
Here is a list; http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2009/sgsm12381.doc.htm
Maria asks…
What engineering major am I looking for?
The development of a sustainable energy source has fascinated me for years. During the past few years, I have tinkered with wind turbines, solar panels, and other types of renewable energy sources. I do not want to confine my education to the already existing energy sources (wind, energy, solar, thermal, etc) because I believe that a revolutionary, sustainable energy source will be discovered – like zero point energy. Does anyone have any suggestions for possible engineering fields that are centered on the development of sustainable energy sources?
admin answers:
I am a mechanical engineer graduate with masters. I would say mechanical engineering for two reasons. First, I think it suits exactly what you want to do (wind turbines, solar panels, energy sources, solar thermal etc) are all completely mechanical engineering related, I did most of them myself. Secondly, suppose you were to change your mind and for instance, would like to go to the finance sector. I think that institutions prefer hiring mechanical engineers than other types of engineers because its the toughest and they are generally perceived as the most competent.
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy Systems
Laura asks…
Is America doing a good job at training it’s future geniuses?
Standardized testing seems to be pushing teachers to teach toward the mean, more than every before. Can this system train the next generation’s Einstein’s, who will solve problems like Climate Change, Food Distribution, Sustainable Energy, and Political Issues that are arising.
admin answers:
Sadly no. The next generation’s Einstein will need to think outside the box, and that is not encouraged in our public school systems.
Mandy asks…
How is high speed rail in the UK sustainable?
I’ve heard that high speed rail in the UK is sustainable. Obviously I know it hasn’t been built yet but the government say it will be sustainable? How so? And also what is the argument about it? WHY IS IT CAUSING SUCH A STIR?
admin answers:
Elia – Good or bad? In the new scenario of alternative transport, a specific type begins to stand out: the bullet train. Several countries have already begun to adopt this model and plan to invest heavily to make real mass transit in this type of vehicle. Despite the promised environmental, economic and social, some environmentalists oppose this transport option.For advocates, the bullet train can help reduce global warming and protect environmental resources. Studies undertaken by the Authority Railway High-speed link from California to invest in bullet trains, rather than building new roads or airports can generate several benefits by 2030.These benefits include: lower environmental impacts, low energy (1 / 3 of what it takes to move planes and 1 / 5 required for car travel) and economy of 12.7 million barrels of oil, even with the improving the energy efficiency of transportation today. The study also shows that the construction of high-speed rail can prevent the emission of more than 5 million tons of CO2 by 2030.Today these vehicles can pass the 500 km / h and carry a lot of passengers in a short time. But experts DeFede that this speed can be much higher. This makes them more advantageous than the planes as they do not spend time with loading and unloading and are not subject to climate change. They are also safer and quicker than traveling by car.
Despite the apparent advantages, many people have sniffed for these investments. For some environmentalists, the implementation of this system requires the construction of new railways, since the high-speed trains require rails specific.He adds: “Do not get me wrong. With the decline of the airlines and the condemnation of the automobile transportation system, we desperately need a new rail system. But we already have a system that was envied around the world to be abandoned. And right now we have neither the time nor the resources to build a new parallel network.All the promise of government, so let’s wait –::
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy Without The Hot Air
Chris asks…
Are there ways to save energy without unplugging appliances?
admin answers:
I have a HUUUUGE list available at www agua-luna com it’s like 33 pages long and would just spam this whole answer. But here’s a few cut from the list below. If you’d like the entire list feel free to visit www agua-luna com or email me through the site directly and I’ll send you a copy.
Also Agua-Luna com now offers Carbon Offsetting Credits, since our Team of Volunteers is already accomplishing several carbon eliminating projects, we’re now converting the carbon offsets to you. Visit www agua-luna com for a FREE carbon calculator to calculate your carbon footprint for free and more info on carbon credits.
You could also Volunteer with us, planting a tree or working on a Sustainable Renewable Energy Building Project in Mexico with us. Again see www agua-luna com for more info.
I also do some free consulting, there’s more info on the site about that too. Here’s some more ways to help the environment…
Recycle paper, cardboard, newsprint and magazines.
Recycle aluminum cans.
Recycle all batteries.
Recycle and reuse. Roughly 50% of the average person’s trash can be recycled. Don’t forget that hazardous waste like batteries, your printer’s ink cartridges, and cell phones can be recycled too! Find out how and where to recycle in your area. Always buy recycled paper. Just 1 ton of recycled paper saves 17 trees.
Just because your community doesn’t pick up all recyclables on the curb, it doesn’t mean there are not viable alternatives nearby. Check with dry cleaners, supermarkets, manufacturers, your local public works department and civic organizations to find out where recycled goods can be dropped off, at a location near you.
Did you know that just in 1995 alone, recycled toner cartridges kept over 21,000 tons of trash out of landfills? Believe it or not, now you can recycle your printer’s toner cartridges! Every year, Americans throw out enough printer cartridges to stretch from Los Angeles to New York City and back again. Toner cartridges can be recycled, having just as good a performance as an unrecycled cartridge. To recycle your toner cartridges, find a local business that does printer cartridge recycling, or contact the manufacturer of your current toner cartridge and ask about a cartridge recycling program.
Not only should you recycle, but buy products that are recycled. By purchasing these products, you are helping to conserve natural resources, and to protect the environment.
Wash clothes in cold water.
Hot water is unnecessary for most clothes. When needed, use warm water.
Fill your toilet tank.
Put a plastic bottle or two, filled with water and rocks, in your tank to reduce the amount of water used in each flush.
Clean your filters.
Clean the filters of your air-conditioners once a month to improve energy efficiency. While you’re at it, change your car’s filters as recommended in your manual.
Get a low-flow shower head.
Stop at the hardware store on your way home, and get a low-flow shower head. Takes a few minutes to install, and it’ll save gallons of water a day.
Lower your thermostats.
If you use heating, get by with less heat and wear warmer clothes. If you use air-conditioning, get by with less cooling and wear cooler clothes.
If it’s a nice sunny day, hanging clothes only takes a few minutes, and you’re using solar power instead of electricity to do the job. It also makes your clothes last longer.
Turn down your water heater.
Most people have their water heater’s thermostat turned up too high, wasting energy. Turn it down to 130 degrees, saving energy but still hot enough to kill bacteria.
Use CFC light bulbs.
If your light bulb burns out, replace it with a Compact Flourescent bulb (those spiral-looking ones). They’re more expensive, but if you just replace them one at a time, it doesn’t cost much, and the energy savings is great. And as they last longer, over the long run, you’ll save money.
Wash and dry only full loads of laundry and dishes.
Follow your community’s water use restrictions or guidelines.
Install a low-flow shower head.
If you are not looking to change your car just yet there are a number of ways you can be more environmentally friendly and help you save money by conserving fuel.
Lighten your car to reduce weight by not carrying unnecessary items.
Cut your speed and stick to the speed limits
Drive smoothly avoiding heavy accelerating and braking.
When stationary for a long time, switch off the engine.
Closing windows will make the car more efficient by being more aerodynamic. Remove roof bars when not is use also helps.
Make sure your tyres are properly inflated as under inflated tyres cause more resistance.
Where possible, walk, cycle or even use public transport.
If possible lift share to reduce the number of cars on the road.
Try mass transit.
Millions of people use it, and it saves tons of fuel. If you don’t already, give it a try.
Unload your car.
Remove excess weight from your car (such as stuff that might be in the trunk) to reduce the amount of fuel you use.
Walk instead of drive.
You don’t have to do this all the time, but walking the short trip to a store, or to lunch from work, or some other short trip like that, can reduce the amount of fuel you use over the long term, and you shed some fat at the same time. Or at least burn off that morning donut.
Buy a smaller car.
You won’t be able to do this today, probably, but the next time you’re in the market for an automobile, get a smaller and energy-efficient car rather than a big, lumbering one. It’s one of the best things you can do to reduce your fuel consumption.
Inflate your tires.
Many people don’t realize that their tires are under-inflated. Check the recommended pressure for your tires, and fill them up to that pressure. It only takes a few minutes, but it will save you on fuel consumption (a little) and more importantly, make your tires last longer and reduce the rubber that’s worn off your tires.
Get creative with gift-giving. The gift of time, services, or environmentally positive gifts may be more appreciated than disposable goods that are not to the taste or needs of the recipient.
Look into those lifestyle changes you’ve been putting off
Work from home more. Many organisations, when prodded a little, will accept flexible work arrangements where there is no impact to the work that needs to get done.
Use your oven less.
The oven not only uses a lot of energy, it heats up your kitchen, requiring more cooling. Instead, use toaster ovens, crockpots, microwaves, and electric grills when you can. And when you do use your oven, open it less – you lose 25% of the heat every time you open the oven door.
Mend your stuff.
Try not to throw stuff away and buy new stuff if the old stuff can be fixed. Torn clothing? Takes a few minutes to sew up.
Install a water filter.
If you buy a lot of bottled water, use your tap instead. Some places need a filter to make tap water taste drinkable, but they don’t cost much and they can save money, water, and plastic bottles over time.
Unplug appliances.
If you don’t use an appliance several times a day, it’s better to unplug it, as they often use energy even when turned off
Use rechargeable batteries.
Instead of throwing your batteries away all the time, reuse rechargeable batteries. Costs a little more, but cheaper in the long run.
When you’re looking to buy appliances, be sure to research the most energy-efficient ones. They may cost a little more, but they’ll more than make up for that in the long run with lower energy bills.
Buy a smaller home.
The next time you’re home-shopping, instead of buying the McMansion, look for a smaller home that’s big enough to meet your needs comfortably. Reducing the amount of stuff you own is a good way to need less house. It’s cheaper, and requires less energy to heat and cool. And easier to clean at the same time.
Look for energy efficiency.
Use acryllic paint.
Compost.
It’s not hard to set one up (look it up online), and you can save a lot of waste from the landfill and help your garden at the same time
Water grass early in the morning.
Reduces the amount of water you need to keep your grass looking fabulous.
Plant shade trees near your house.
It’ll take awhile before they can make a difference, but shade trees greatly reduce the need to cool a home.
Coat your roof.
This’ll take up an afternoon, but you only have to do it once every few years. And it’ll save you a lot of money and energy in heating and cooling over the long-term, more than making up for the cost of paint.
Avoid fast food.
Instead, eat at home or at a sit-down restaurant. Fast food restaurants are one of the worst polluters of the environment, both in the massive amounts of beef they must raise, in the wasted packaging, and in the energy they use in so many ways. And they’re tremendously unhealthy.
Buy a manual reel mower or electric mower.
If you’re looking for a new lawn mower, and you have a small yard, consider getting a manual one. They’re much advanced from the reel mowers of our grandparents’ generation, much quieter, cheaper, and they save on fuel and pollution. Electric mowers are also quieter and use much less energy.
Clean up.
Hope this helped, feel free to contact me personally if you have any questions if you’d like assistance in making your first self sufficient steps, I’m willing to walk you step by step threw the process. I’ve written several how-to DIY guides available at www agua-luna com on the subject. I also offer online and on-site workshops, seminars and internships to help others help the environment.
Dan Martin
Alterative Energy / Sustainable Consultant, Living 100% on Alternative & Author of How One Simple Yet Incredibly Powerful Resource Is Transforming The Lives of Regular People From All Over The World… In
Lisa asks…
What can we do to avoid further negative impact of global warming?
admin answers:
One important thing we can do is get more people to realize that global warming and climate change is real. It is hard to believe that there are some that can’t see what global warming is doing to the planet and that we can just go on without doing anything to reduce and eliminate it, but there are: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AjtSjGqmYUtFD73QACdiNsXsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20100522093338AAjOu9z&show=7#profile-info-WcvGeYaoaa
Part of my answer to the problem can be found in my answers to other questions:
Yes, it is real…
I honestly believe “global warming”, now referred to as climate change, is real. From where you and I live, we can see it in longer growing seasons, snow that melts a lot faster, more rain and ice than snow, etc… We can also see local warming trends, called urban “heat islands”. The next time you go shopping, realize that the parking lot that you stand on, on a hot summer day, is a lot hotter than the forest that used to be there before the land was developed by the stores you shop at… Your car is only one of millions and millions of vehicles, cars, planes, etc… That send emissions into the atmosphere that cause more and more heat to be trapped near the earth’s surface – enough for most people to realize that global warming and climate change are indeed real.
With all this said, scientists and many others know that the earth has been on a warming trend naturally for thousands of years, since the last ice age, and scientists also know that the billions of people on earth and our industrial and commercial activities are adding to and perhaps even accelerating this warming.
So, with all this knowledge, we can at least try and reverse this trend before things go out of control on the only planet we have to live on. One thing that has been done already is the phasing out of CFCs in air conditioners and other gadgets so that we do not destroy the ozone layer, the thin layer of gas in the atmosphere that prevents ultraviolet rays from reaching the planet’s surface. Now, we are in the process of finding ways to run our economies without the use of fossil fuels and using alternative energy, so that we do not destroy this world that we have taken so long to build…
No, “global warming” isn’t a government trick. Governments have a vested interest in continuing on as they have by growing their economies and if they can, finding a way to reduce global warming without reducing economic growth…
And
Read about:
1) Going off the “grid”. There is a movement called sustainable living, where you can make an attempt to live on power that you create (hydro-electric – dam generated power, geothermal, solar, wind, etc…) so that you are not dependent on fossil fuels.
2) Driving a Hybrid vehicle. Although it isn’t the final solution, it is a step in the right direction. People I know that drive Priuses and other hybrids just love the fact the their car is helping to reduce pollution, and, they can’t remember that last time they had to fill up their gas tank !
3) Building an Eco friendly “greenhouse” to live in… There are new ways of building houses that make clever use of recycled materials and allow for much larger energy savings…
4) Read up on the subject at the following websites to find out about more or about anything that you can do :
Stop global warming: http://www.care2.com/causes/global-warmi…
Yahoo!’s green page: http://green.yahoo.com/
Yahoo’s green directories: http://dir.yahoo.com/Society_and_Culture…
http://dir.yahoo.com/Society_and_Culture…
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/green-1…
http://www.care2.com/channels/ecoinfo/gl…
http://www.treehugger.com/
http://www.futurefriendly.com/Home.aspx
http://everygreenthing.net/
and,
those are just a few of my thoughts on the subject, you’re more than welcome to read my other answers that I’ve posted to this topic…
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy Definition
Mandy asks…
What is a sustainable Development in biology terms?
I have this biology project and don’t know what it means because I missed the module because I changed schools late. Can anybody help me?
admin answers:
Well the technical definition is: a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This basically means, growing enough food and sourcing our energy and raw material needs without doing irreversible damage to the environment.
Hope it helps!
Laura asks…
How is sustainable development sustainable? *sigh*?
I know its a hard question. At our school the statement ‘sustainable development as a concept is unsustainable’ came up. i disagreed but couldnt come up with any valid arguments.
Lets see if anyone here can. it will be much appreciated ; )
admin answers:
Sustainable development :
Sustainable development is a pattern of resource use that aims to meet human needs while preserving the natural environment so that these needs can be met not only in the present, but in the indefinite future. The term was used by the Brundtland Commission which coined what has become the most often-quoted definition of sustainable development as development that “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
The field of sustainable development can be conceptually broken into three constituent parts: environmental sustainability, economic sustainability and sociopolitical sustainability.
The United Nations Division for Sustainable Development lists the following areas as coming within the scope of sustainable development:
* Agriculture
* Atmosphere
* Biodiversity
* Biotechnology
* Capacity-building
* Climate Change
* Consumption and Production Patterns
* Demographics
* Desertification and Drought
* Disaster Reduction and Management
* Education and Awareness
* Energy
* Finance
* Forests
* Fresh Water
* Health
* Human Settlements
* Indicators
* Industry
* Information for Decision Making and Participation
* Integrated Decision Making
* International Law
* International Cooperation for Enabling Environment
* Institutional Arrangements
* Land management
* Major Groups
* Mountains
* National Sustainable Development Strategies
* Oceans and Seas
* Poverty
* Sanitation
* Science
* SIDS
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* Technology
* Toxic Chemicals
* Trade and Environment
* Transport
* Waste (Hazardous)
* Waste (Radioactive)
* Waste (Solid)
* Water
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Your Questions About Sustainable Energy Companies
John asks…
What is the best energy company to go with in Houston?
Finally gettin my own place but damn im overwhelmed i come from a city where there was just on energy provider but in houston there’s like at least 20, does neone know who is the best to go with as far as rates and where i could save money every month
admin answers:
I would suggest going with the energy company that provides wind power, a sustainable natural resource. 🙂
Susan asks…
I just want to know what is Obama planning to do with alternative energy if he wins the Presidency?
Obviously, we can’t rely on fossil fuels anymore.
*Please no links. If you’re a die-hard Obama supporter, then please provide me with a one or two sentence summary of his alternative energy plan.
Thanx Danny Boy.
admin answers:
This is what he proposes, from his website:
“Require 25 Percent of Renewable Electricity by 2025: Obama will establish a 25 percent federal Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to require that 25 percent of electricity consumed in the U.S. Is derived from clean, sustainable energy sources, like solar, wind and geothermal by 2025.
Clean Technologies Deployment Venture Capital Fund: Obama will create a Clean Technologies Venture Capital Fund to fill a critical gap in U.S. Technology development. Obama will invest $10 billion per year into this fund for five years. The fund will partner with existing investment funds and our National Laboratories to ensure that promising technologies move beyond the lab and are commercialized in the U.S
Deploy Cellulosic Ethanol: Obama will invest federal resources, including tax incentives, cash prizes and government contracts into developing the most promising technologies with the goal of getting the first two billion gallons of cellulosic ethanol into the system by 2013.
Double Energy Research and Development Funding: Obama will double science and research funding for clean energy projects including those that make use of our biomass, solar and wind resources.
Convert our Manufacturing Centers into Clean Technology Leaders: Obama will establish a federal investment program to help manufacturing centers modernize and Americans learn the new skills they need to produce green products.
Increase Renewable Fuel Standard: Obama will require 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels to be included in the fuel supply by 2022 and will increase that to at least 60 billion gallons of advanced biofuels like cellulosic ethanol by 2030.
Establish a Grant Program for Early Adopters: Obama will create a competitive grant program to award those states and localities that take the first steps to implement new building codes that prioritize energy efficiency.
Reduce Carbon Emissions 80 Percent by 2050
Cap and Trade: Obama supports implementation of a market-based cap-and-trade system to reduce carbon emissions by the amount scientists say is necessary: 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. Obama’s cap-and-trade system will require all pollution credits to be auctioned. A 100 percent auction ensures that all polluters pay for every ton of emissions they release, rather than giving these emission rights away to coal and oil companies. Some of the revenue generated by auctioning allowances will be used to support the development of clean energy, to invest in energy efficiency improvements, and to address transition costs, including helping American workers affected by this economic transition.
Expand Locally-Owned Biofuel Refineries: Less than 10 percent of new ethanol production today is from farmer-owned refineries. New ethanol refineries help jumpstart rural economies. Obama will create a number of incentives for local communities to invest in their biofuels refineries.
Renewable Fuels: Obama has worked on numerous efforts in the Senate to increase access to and use of renewable fuels. Obama passed legislation with Senator Jim Talent (R-MO) to give gas stations a tax credit for installing E85 ethanol refueling pumps. The tax credit covers 30 percent of the costs of switching one or more traditional petroleum pumps to E85, which is an 85 percent ethanol/15 percent gasoline blend. Obama also sponsored an amendment that became law providing $40 million for commercialization of a combined flexible fuel vehicle/hybrid car within five years.”
Planning and proposing is one thing, but to actually do it is another. Let’s hope Obama can actually implement and execute what he wants to do if, and only if, he becomes President.
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