DIY Home Made Energy

Nicole Schubert asked:


Cold and flu season is here, conjuring up visions of fevers, aches, pains, bed rest, tissues and chicken soup.

No one likes to be sick but it’s hard to control whether or not you’ll come in contact with the cold and flu culprits: unhealthy germs floating through the air. You can, however, affect your immune system. A weak immune system makes a cold or flu worse by letting germs in easily, whereas a strong immune system fights them off. That’s where the green energy drinks combined with other immune boosting strategies come in.

1. Get a green plan. Eat 5 - 9 servings of fresh veggies a day, mainly for chlorophyll. Chlorophyll, the basis of plant life, provides oxygen to the brain and body, stops unhealthy bacteria, alkalizes and rebuilds blood cells, helps cure infections and heal wounds, neutralizes pollutants and helps purify the liver.

Green drinks, or green juice, are an easy way to get your greens (one scoop of green drink powder equals two pounds of veggies!). Green drinks are chock-full of the immune boosters and antioxidants necessary to keep your body primed to fight invading viruses, including:



Echinacea — The top cold and flu remedy in the U. S. before antibiotics, echinacea strengthens white blood cells and stimulates the lymph system.

Barley Grass and Wheat Grass — Rich sources of chlorphyll and totally alkaline.

Spirulina and Blue Green Algae Powder — Stimulate cells that fight everything from cancer to HIV to the common cold.

Chlorella Powder — Contains chlorophyll; vitamins E and C; all the Bs; trace minerals; beta-carotene; and amino acids.

Broccoli Powder — Loaded with phyto-chemicals, this green is famous for fighting cancer (and therefore other unhealthy invaders) and providing beta-carotene and vitamin C.

Spinach Powder — Another rock star green, spinach contains the antioxidant lutein, iron, and folate and is vital in maintaining red blood cells.

Green Tea Leaf Extract — A famous antioxidant, recent studies show green tea boosts immunity as well.



2. Keep stress levels down. Do one fun thing just for you every day; exercise; take walk-breaks at work; meditate; vent to a friend; laugh.

3. Have a weekly exercise plan and follow it. Even if it’s a half hour walk in the morning, exercise has an exponential effect on everything you do to keep your body healthy.

4. Eat fresh fruit or veggies high in vitamin C every day. Citrus is your best bet. Red peppers are another tasty source.

5. Drink eight glasses of water a day. The purer the better. Thirst isn’t a good guide; you’re already dehydrated when you feel thirsty.

6. Follow the fist, thumb, fist rule. Keep your blood sugar stable, body metabolizing and immunity strong by eating the following at every meal:



a fist of lean protein (chicken, protein powder)

a thumb of healthy fats (fish oil, nuts)

a fist of complex carbs (leafy greens, green energy drinks, oatmeal)



If you have children, are recovering from illness, or come in contact with a lot of people, you’re a prime target for cold and flu germs. Giving your body a daily green drink and other immune boosters can make a big difference in how you fight them off.



GARLAND

Ricky asked:


A. The kinetic energy of the gasoline is converted to heat, then to kinetic energy of the car.
B. The stored energy of the gasoline is converted to heat, and then to the stored energy of the car.
C. The kinetic energy of the gasoline is converted to heat, then to potential energy of the car.
D. Potential energy is stored in gasoline, which is converted to heat, then to the kinetic energy of the car.

LAVERN

Adedamilola A asked:


What percentage of energy do electrical appliances use when on standy? I’m aware that energy is still being used when a tv or set top box is on standby; but some quaters are peddling info bout energy being used when an appliance eg phone charger or hair dryer is plugged in although the socket switch is off!! If this is true what percentage? Almost .001%?

MANUEL

Nick Tart asked:


Thousands of organizations and businesses are going the extra mile and spending the extra dollar to buy utility-scale energy from renewable resources. So much so that the United States E.P.A. (Environmental Protection Agency) compiles a quarterly list of the top green power companies from their Green Power Partnership program which came out in July 2008.

Some businesses take diminutive steps towards a green campaign, but these companies are proving their allegiance to a greener environment by voluntarily spending millions of dollars on clean energy.



Intel purchased 1.3 billion kilowatt hours of electricity in January 2008. This compensates for 47 percent of the companies overall energy use.

PepsiCo purchased 1.1 billion kilowatt hours of electricity in 2007, the equivalent of powering 90,000 homes for an entire year. This accounts for 100 percent of their annual energy use. PepsiCo was named Green Power Partner of the Year in 2007 by the E.P.A.

U.S. Air Force has already purchasd 9 million kilowatt hours of electricity this year as of July 2008. They have invested in a number of biogas, biomass, geothermal, solar and wind energy providers.

Wells Fargo has purchased 5.5 million kilowatt hours of electricity from wind energy providers thus far in 2008. They are also a Green Power Partner of the Year in 2007. More than green energy, Wells Fargo has made a number of other commitments to their green campaign including LEED certifying their buildings and offering online account statements.

Whole Foods Market, the past two years has purchased enough green energy to compensate for 100 percent of their energy use, totalling to over 5 million kilowatt hours annually. The company is also investing in multiple other efforts to reduce their carbon footprint on the environment.



Other organizations ranking high on the E.P.A.’s list are Starbucks, Johnson & Johnson and the University of Pennsylvania.



MERRILL

Paige Green asked:


According to the Australian Burean of Statistics, around 56 per cent of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions are generated from the home. While it is important that we pressure business and government for sustainable initiatives, some of the easiest changes can be made in our own dwellings. From simple lifestyle changes such as adopting the Green Pages Top 50 tips to a more substantial investment in your home’s design features.

For many, building a sustainable home may seem too challenging, too daunting or just not feasible. Many people claim ‘we can’t afford it’, ‘I already own a home (and am still paying it off!)’, or ‘I’m renting’; these are all ready made excuses that make even the most die-hard greenie resistant to making a more substantial investment in a sustainable home.

‘Money is always one of the major impediments to investing in a sustainable home,’ says Julien Laclave, renewable energy promotions officer for Australian and New Zealand Solar Energy Society (ANZES). A green home can save a family thousands of dollars a year. ‘We can’t force people to invest in a sustainable renovation or a new home, but we can show them that it really pays off.’ Reduced energy bills from renewable energy sources and more comfortable living conditions that don’t require artificial heating or cooling are just some of the benefits of a sustainably designed home.

Lacave is also the project manager of the ANZES Sustainable House Day, a nationwide event that showcases a number of sutainable homes to the public. This year, over 100 homes were on diplsay and visitors could speak directly with the owners and get first hand information about the home and its sustinable features. Lacave finds taht many attendees come to sources ideas for their own projects. ‘People who visit the homes find it very inspiring. It’s very unique to be able to talk wiht the residents,’ he says.

So what’s behind good green design?

Essentially, building a ‘green home’ is to ensure a house is as ’self sustaining’ as possible. Key features include minimising energy use, rainwater harvesting, managing waste water disposal and even sustaining its inhabitants with a lush green garden. Renowned celebrities such as Csate Blanchett have brough popularity to green residences. Sustainable home design is reaching the mainstream. People are realising eco homes make good sense. Households can lower their energy bills by as much as 50 per cent and save on their water bills. Green homes stay comfortable throughout the year without the aid of artificial heating and cooling, which make them a real pleasure to live in. ‘A sustainable house is just a house that is well designed and cleverly thought out’, says Lacave.

For more information on the green home visit the Green Pages, Australia’s leading directory for all things green.



ROMEO

Joseph Toth asked:


Green Energy: Its Time to Use it now

Author: Joseph Toth

Green Energy: Its Time To Use It Now    

At the present time when electricity and other utilities are skyrocketing, this is the perfect time to stop talking about green energy and start using it.  

Here in Wisconsin, we have a new windmill project that is already up and running in Dodge county and Fond Du Lac county. These windmills stretch for miles and miles and aren’t nearly as unsightly as some people might say.  

Wisconsin is currently looking at a project to put windmills out on Lake Michigan. I say ‘great’ ‘go for it’, but on the other hand there are people who don’t want it to happen. This is wrong. The windmills don’t produce any pollution to hurt the lake. They will be placed in a area that doesn’t interfere with the traffic of large ships going back and forth across the lake. Most importantly, we can benefit from having them.  

Windmill farms and solar panel farms are two resources I would like to see more of. This is free energy given to us by Mother Nature that doesn’t involve any land mining for coal.  

That’s another thing; These people that stand in the way of the clean operating windmills, … where are they when we mine fore coal which involves stripping the land and giving coal workers lung problems from the coal dust. Then the pollution created by train exhaust to use the railroad to haul the coal to a power plant where it will be burned, needing the use of ‘huge smoke stacks at the power plant where the coal is burned.’ Smoke stacks that send their discharges into the air we breathe! The loud mouths apposing windmills don’t look at this entire picture. They just want to be heard complaining.  

Something else we can do to conserve electricity is start converting our household light bulbs to the new cutting edge L.E.D. light bulbs that just started coming out. Compact fluorescent bulbs save a lot of money over the old incandescent bulbs. However, the new L.E.D. bulbs blow the compact fluorescents right out of the water as far as savings in electricity. These bulbs cost just coins per year to operate, a minimum of three times the savings of using compact fluorescent bulbs.  

Another benefit to L.E.D. bulbs is they don’t have the dangers of CFL’s or incandescent. CFL’s contain mercury, not recommended for homes with children where lamps and bulbs can get broken. Mercury is a element that can kill human beings. Mercury is absorbed through the skin and then enters the blood stream.  

Additionally, CFL’s and incandescent bulbs produce razor sharp broken glass when broken. The new L.E.D. bulbs don’t do any of these things. In fact, if dropped they won’t shatter because they are made of plastic and there are no dangerous chemicals or gases inside.    

Reporter Joseph Toth  

Washington Micro Bank BBS



STERLING

Green Rewards asked:


Here’s our essential guide to skiing and snowboarding the green way

Skiing and snowboarding are not the obvious choice for an eco-friendly traveller. After all, air flights, luxury spas and hacking your way through the pristine snow are a far cry from a tree-planting camp in Devon.

But it doesn’t have to be like that - winter sport is about enjoying the great outdoors, so we’ve looked at some of the best ways to respect it too. Here’s our advice on how to get there, where to stay and what kit you should bring with you. 

Take the snow train

If you’re looking for a greener way to the slopes than flying and are tired of the inconvenience of flight delays, then travelling by train could be for you. Thousands of skiers and boarders choose to make their journey to the heart of the slopes this way every season.

Rail Europe’s Snow Trainis an overnight sleeper service from London St Pancras and Ebbsfleet International, Kent, to a number of skiing destinations in the French Alps. There is a specially designated sound-proofed disco carriage, so you can party all night, or if you’d rather save your energy for the slopes, there is comfortable, flat-bed sleeping accommodation.

In many cases, ski train journeys are similar in length to flying. Remember, by train there’s no two-hour check-in time, fewer delays and (on most trains) no long transfers to your resort.

Plus, most independent research says that travelling to the slopes by train produces a relatively small carbon footprint compared to flying or going by car.

It’s worth remembering though that you need to change platforms at Paris before travelling onto the stations at Chambery, Albertville, Moutiers, Aime la Plagne, Landry and Bourg St Maurice.

The Snow Train can also be more convenient if you’re taking your own gear, as there is no charge for carrying your skis or boards in their ski locker. You arrive early Saturday morning and depart last thing the following Saturday, so you get maximum time on the slopes.

Eco-friendly coach travel

Coach travel to the Alps is a long-haul option but it is also great value. National Express’s Eurolines service runs from London Victoria to nine resorts in both France and Switzerland, and there is no charge for skis and snowboards.

The journey takes approximately 18 hours and most coaches leave in the afternoon and arrive early next morning. Reclining seats means you should get a decent night’s sleep and there’s usually a film to watch in the evening.

Greener accommodation

Finding a good value eco-friendly hotel or chalet can feel like an uphill struggle, as they are few and far between. But if you look hard, you can find wood fires, solar panels, and composting heaps among the hot-tubs, spas and gyms.

If it’s composting toilets you’re after you may well be out of luck, but lots of companies are increasingly looking out to protect the environment that their holidaymakers enjoy. Here are some of our favourites…

Whitepod

This unique Swiss eco-camp located above Les Cerniers, a small village at the foot of Dents du Midi, features five wood-fire heated domes around a 19th-century chalet. The igloo-shaped pods are each made from weatherproofed cotton stretched over a storm-proof steel frame, which should keep you snug and warm.

Inside, the pods are lit by petrol lamps and are furnished with recycled or sustainably made furniture. You can only get there on skis or snowshoes and your luggage is delivered via snowmobile, so it’s a good choice if you’re looking to get away from the crowds.

If you don’t want to ski or snowboard you can always go snowshoeing, dog-sledding, relax in the hot tub or try the star-gazing platform with telescope. If you have children, the site also offers an Eco Kids Camp from July to August, which includes wildlife observation, local farm visits, organic picnics and evening games.Winner of the Responsible Tourism Awards 2005 for innovation.

From 325 euros per night including coffee and afternoon tea.

For more information:Whitepod

Whitepod is renovating the camp to cut its footprint and ensure that the level of service remains high. As a result, it will not be open for this coming winter 08/09. However, their mountain refuge, which sleeps up to 60 guests, is open from 1 December 2008.

Green Rides - Challet Montperron

This luxurious 18th century eco-chalet is based just outside Bourg St Maurice. With five large double bedrooms, it includes all the usual chalet amenities such as wi-fi and cable as well an open log fire, spa area and a wood pellet-fired hot tub.

The electricity is sourced from wind and solar farms in northern France. All food waste is composted, the rubbish is recycled and energy efficient light bulbs are used throughout the property. The owners are also planning to install a solar panelled roof and offer a discount to customers who take the Snow Train.A week typically cost from £385 per person.

Green Rides

Karibuni - Lodge Aravis

This 100 year old catered chalet is set in the Aravis Mountains near La Clusaz and sleeps 35 people. It has a gym, sauna and massage room as well as a children’s area and an onsite ski hire shop.France can be hard for veggies but Lodge Aravis has been accredited by the Vegetarian Society, soust ask for their vegetarian menu. All waste is either composted or recycled and they aim to source as much fair trade, local, and free range produce as possible. The chalet also offsets its carbon emissions through Climate Care.

The people behind Lodge Aravis also run a number of other smaller chalets, including Chalet Aravis which can sleep up to 11 people and uses solar panels to heat all of its water.

From £580pp a week (including a lift pass for seven days of skiing).

Location: Aravis Mountain, French Alps. For more information: Karibuni

Green shopping for snow gear

When it comes to being green on the slopes, skis, snowboards and winter gear can pose a problem. Nearly all of them are made of a combination of wood, fibreglass, foam, plastic and steel, which are stuck together by epoxy resin, and are nearly impossible to recycle.

However, many manufacturers are taking green steps, from carbon offsetting to using sustainable materials, such as bamboo, and even solar-powered factories.

New Zealand company Kingswood Skis won a product sustainability award for their bamboo-core carbon neutral skis. They are also looking into a flax alternative to fibreglass which is used in almost every ski and board made today. And they provide a clear breakdown of all the materials used in their products on their website.

Arbor makes its snowboard’s cores from renewable, fast-growing bamboo, which has come from sustainably managed forests and the bases are made with leftover poly-ethylene. They have pledged to donate a portion of all their revenue to organisations involved in protecting the environment. Also, its factory’s machines are wind-powered.

Don’t forget the eco-benefits of buying secondhand gear or renting ski or snow equipment. Freecycle and Ebay are just a couple of online places you could try. 

Take a look at our shop now for the best eco friendly shopping.



AVERY

Max Loodlin asked:


Did you know that you can save up to 80% on your energy bill by going green? In just a month you can start saving hundreds of dollars just by creating your own natural energy source. Now is the best time to start going green with the economy doing very bad. You have better things to spend your cash on than your energy bill.

Making your own natural energy source is relatively easy as well. You can create your very own solar panel or wind generator over a weekend. With the right guide and the right resources, making a natural energy source can be incredibly easy and fun.

Forget spending thousands of dollars on having a solar panel or wind generator installed. You can build your own renewable energy source for less than $50. And with that money you will be able to create an energy source that will pay for itself within a month.

You can even earn money from a reneable energy source by selling unused energy back to your utility company. Think about it. Energy is constantly being produced throughout the day. Do you really think you are going to need all of it? Making a natural energy source is a great way to save cash and earn it!

Once you get things going you will have yourself an automated source of income! For a cheap and effective guide on how to create your own natural energy source click the link below. The market of green energy is about to explode. Don’t get left behind and pay the price. Go green and get cash right now!

http://www.squidoo.com/howtomakenaturalpower

 



JIMMIE

Andy Adams asked:


In these days of increased energy costs whether it’s Gas, Oil or Petrol many governments around the world are looking for an alternative that is both cost-effective and kind to our environment.  The green issue seems to be the latest concern of the government in the UK and with oil prices skyrocketing they are keen to levy their dependence on these fuels.

Alternative energy sources have already been introduced sporadically in the UK with wind turbines being placed in windy areas of the country such as just outside Barnsley in South Yorkshire.  The idea has caught on with many wind farms being situated all over the country, much to the ramblers and country folk’s disapproval.

One new proposal involves yet another alternative energy source derived from nature, tidal power.  In January of this year the Welsh Assembly and UK Government launched a study into whether using the Severn estuary to capture href=”http://www.moneysupermarket.com/utilities/cheaper-gas-electricity.aspx”>electricity through tidal power was possible.  After all the River Severn has the second largest tidal range in the world.

There are two different methods being tested for feasibility, being Tidal streams and Tidal ranges.  Tidal streams generate electricity by having large free standing turbines turned by the force of the water, this works in a similar fashion to wind turbines and is considered to have a lower environmental impact.

Environmental impact is a big concern for the initiative as the area is a vital feeding ground for many wading birds and any major installations would disrupt the local wildlife.

The other tidal method, ranges involves a large chain of devices which take advantage of the large difference between low and high tide, and stores water to be released when the tide is low passing it through a turbine which generates the energy that will be used to create href=”http://www.moneysupermarket.com/utilities/cheaper-gas-electricity.aspx”>electricity.  Engineers believe this to be the best method for the Severn estuary but it is much more invasive to local wildlife.

Whilst it is admirable that we are looking to renewable energy and natural means of getting href=”http://www.moneysupermarket.com/utilities/cheaper-gas-electricity.aspx”>electricity it is important that we consider all the implications such as wildlife when we start putting up wind farms and water turbines.



ALFONSO

Chris Jensen asked:


Step one is to hire an energy auditor. We need to turn to the experts, to people who are best at it when we need something done. They could tell you about what is making you poorer by heating and cooling your home as well as other areas.

If you are not sure where they are located then just run a google search. Perhaps you might consider looking up the yellow pages otherwise. These guys have got some high-tech tools which include infrared cameras, pressurizing fans, moisture meters and smoke blowers (or pencils).

He might even get a brand new house fan fitted to the outside doorway. It creates pressure, holding out a smoke pencil could help you understanding where you are becoming poorer. He might want to use a moisture meter to figure out extra moist places of your house. High RH or Relative Humidity can make a home’s inhabitants feel uncomfortable and add to high energy costs.

Second step is to find effective solutions. I have got a problem. You have found a guy to investigate it. Now is the time to fix it. Mostly he is going to suggest solutions. Sometimes you might be able to fix it yourself or at times you might need those experts to do it for you. It may be as simple as caulking gaps on the exterior of the homes siding with a good silicone sealant and adding insulative foam electric outlet sealers to go behind your home’s electrical outlet switch plates with plug in outlet covers to reduce drafts and air loss.

Other more extensive energy saving features may aid in lowering fuel costs as well. Among these are adding attic insulation, Low E glass windows, high SEER HVAC system (13 or better), tankless water heater and Energy Star appliances.

Couple example cases, this place had absolutely no insulation in the walls, though it did have a little insulation at the attic. On pier and beam with hardwood floors, there was no insulation underneath the home as well. On acting on the experts suggestion, believe it or not, the gas and electricity bills dropped down. It’s a perfect way to check your energy efficiency.

This expert is going to help you determine how to modify your house into an energy effective place which conserves energy. She conducted another audit on this one model 2 story with zoned HVAC. There was one heater and an aircon unit at all levels. At this audit, she learned more about the way air flow works. Apparently if you leave the bedroom doors open, then the HVAC is going to work better. So if you get an expert, he is going to help you modify older homes in energy effective, even though they weren’t meant to be that way.



CHASE