Be Eco-Logical Seven Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
After the Bali Climate Summit there was proof that governments can be slow tools for vital social change. Many scientists have proved climate change; the few sceptics have slunk off into the night. What few people can agree on is how we could or should tackle it.
One way is to simply exercise the Power of One. Individuals can make a huge contribution to a healthier environment by simple actions and strategies adopted as a daily routine or habit.
Here are seven actions that you can adapt and incorporate into your own daily life. It is important to do these feeling empowered. It does no one, or the planet, any good if you only do things out of guilt, shame or remorse! Those are not feel-good emotions. Environmental actions need to feel good and be a positive statement against despair. Think of these actions as small deposits in an environmental bank that your grandchildren and future generations will be able to draw upon. This is a great legacy to leave!
1. Do you Really need to make that Journey?
Get strategic about journeys. Carpools are great for routine runs. Where we do not always see an opportunity is with journeys that are a greater distance. Think of all the tasks you might need to do - a visit to the library, running a pet to the vets, shopping requirements, dentist appointments. Try to cluster these activities to one central area. Then be logistic when making appointments so that you need only one car run.
Use reciprocity. Ask friends or relatives if they need anything when you are going to take a journey to accomplish appointments or tasks. Going to the dump? Do they have any items that will fill the car? Think carefully. People will appreciate being asked and your saving them a journey. They, in turn, will think of you and return the compliment.
2. Plant a Tree - or a Forest Even!
Carbon offsetting is a way of paying your carbon debt to the environment. You can visit many sites that will help you figure out what level of offsetting you need to be doing. You need to take into account your daily commute to work if you drive instead of using public transportation, as well as business and personal flights. In Ireland, for instance, I can visit www.carbonneutral.ie and they can tell me how many trees I need to plant each time I fly home from Dublin to visit family in New York.
The simplest way to offset your carbon emissions is to plant trees. Since Ireland is the most deforested country in Ireland, I have a number of choices. I can purchase a tree through www.nativetrees.ie who will plant on my behalf in a forest project. In the past though I have purchased trees as presents for people who have the space and land for trees. It makes an unusual gift that keeps on giving.
3. Packaging - Bin It!
Spurn plastic carrier bags and get reusable ones. Ireland brought in a tax levy on plastic bags that has helped de-litter the countryside. Get a pretty cloth, hemp or raffia bag. If it is eye-catching you won’t forget it.
When you are out shopping avoid getting fruit or vegetables in plastic containers. Look and see if the plastic can be recycled. If it doesn’t say so on the label then opt for products in glass. Go easy on foil and canned products as these can be the hardest to find recycling receptacles at Recycle Centres.
As a rule of thumb, if you don’t have a way of recycling an item them look for an alternative.
4. Eat Organic and Less Meat
I have to confess that my favourite meat is beef. But cattle and sheep do create a lot of methane and that does not help the ozone layer or the polar ice caps. So I try to have it as a treat and opt for sustainable fish and organic poultry instead.
Organic vegetables and meat are not subject to pesticides and herbicides which are tied to the petro-chemical industry. They not only save on depleting natural resources but they enhance the environment. Organic vegetables thrive on healthy soil; healthy soil fosters produce with more minerals and vitamins than conventional produce. UK scientist recently proved this. Organic food really is healthier, not just for the planet, but for the consumer.
5. Read the Food Label - Is it Local?
Food miles, the distances that food has to travel to get to our plates, has lengthened considerably in the past two decades. If you don’t have a garden to grow some of your own organic vegetables, patronise local organic market gardens, vegetable box schemes, or farmers’ markets.
Read the labels in the supermarkets for the country of origin. Buying produce grown in your own country is not only patriotic and supporting your home agri-economy, it supports the planet.
Last of all, maybe we need to fall out of love with exotic ingredients that come from across the world. Revive national cuisine and use local and seasonal produce. I am not talking seasonal in California when you live in Ireland. I am talking about eating what can be grown in your own country and in season - for your own country or region.
6. Switch to Renewable Sources of Energy
Many of us has switched to low energy light bulbs. Others consider slapping solar panels on their roof. That may not be an option if you rent your home or have not got the cash to invest in that home improvement at the moment. You might be able to do that in the long term but there is something everyone who pays an electricity bill can do.
You can switch to a provider who generates your electricity from a renewable resource. Here where I live, we have a number of wind turbines that generate electricity. We switched to the major provider in Ireland, Airtricity. Every country and region will have a company offering this alternative. Shop around!
7. Strut your stuff while you walk the talk
Cotton is the most heavily, chemically treated crop on earth. The next time you need to replace a pair of socks or knickers, consider buying organic cotton ones. There are also organic bamboo and silk/wool combinations if you prefer. Mail order is a real boon for shopping for organic clothing. Get online and find a provider that is relatively close to home. That means if you live in the USA finding someone in the USA using USA organic cotton if possible. For Europeans, that means sourcing organic cotton from Turkey or Egypt if you want to cut down air mileage.
The Carbon Footprint Of Log Homes And Timber Frame Homes
Log Homes and Timber Frame Homes may have the lowest carbon footprint of any other type of construction. A carbon footprint is the measurement of carbon dioxide released as a result of using a particular product or other human activity. Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas released into the atmosphere and major contributor to global warming.
A report prepared by the Edinburgh Center for Carbon Management (ECCM) compared the carbon dioxide footprints of three structures and the benefits when more timber was introduced into the construction. The results were astounding. ECCM estimated that there could be up to an 88% reduction of greenhouse gases by using log or timber structural elements wherever possible rather than other conventional building materials. The reduction of greenhouse gases was achieved by replacing materials high energy, high CO2 production values, such as steel and concrete, with solid wood. The report states that the production of steel and concrete materials accounts for 10% of the total global emissions of greenhouse gases. These materials have a high CO2 output created during the extraction of raw materials, refining, processing and manufacturing of the finished product. As reported in a study published by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, the energy consumed to process a tree into a finished sawn timber is about one-tenth of steel production.
In another report prepared by The Consortium for Research on Renewable Industrial Materials (CORRIM) compared four different structure using different wall systems - two woods, one concrete and one steel. The report found that the steel wall system generated 33% more greenhouses gases than wood and the concrete wall generated 80% more greenhouse gases than wood. The study also reported that the wood structures out-performed the steel and concrete houses in energy use and the impact on air and water quality.
Wood walls are typically framed or solid. Conventionally framed walls use a combination a several materials including processed wood products such as plywood or other laminated wood products, fiberglass insulation, exterior siding, interior sheetrock and some type of wall covering. Solid wood walls using logs or timbers have basically one product - the log or timber. The energy consumed and the CO2 produced in the production of logs and timbers is a fraction compared to the production of all the various materials in a conventionally framed wall.
Consumers are much more aware the environmental impact of using different materials and are being increasing sensitive to the hazards of exposure to chemically processed materials. Logs and timbers are 100% natural. As a natural product, they do not emit VOCs or other pollutants into the outdoor or indoor space. Trees are produced from soil, water and air combined with the energy from the sun, in a miraculous process of photosynthesis. Ecologically and environmentally, solid wood is the only building product that is renewable, biodegradable, recyclable, energy efficient and extremely beautiful.
Sustained and plantation forest growth actually reduces greenhouse gases by consuming CO2 out of the atmosphere while the trees are growing. Political pressure to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, such as the Kyoto Protocol, is sure to continue and it will become increasingly important to find solution. The use of solid wood construction such as log homes and timber homes can make a positive contribution.
Activated Carbon Water Filters vs Distillation Systems
U.S. municipal drinking water / tap water is far from being clean and pure; considering the increased water contamination the need to purify and filter water of municipal sources becomes apparent. Current water treatment facilities are timeworn and municipal city water sources contaminated with pollutants; the problem of impure, unsafe and contaminated water is increasing at an alarming rate.
So the question is: Which water treatment solution / water filter system ensures the purest, cleanest and healthiest water for the family? The examination of two common water filtration & purification methods throws light on this question.
Water Distillation Systems Lack Effective Contaminant Removal
During the water purification process of distillation water is heated until it reaches its boiling point and begins to vaporize. A constant temperature is maintained to keep the heat and provide constant vaporization of the water. The process prohibits other undesirable elements from vaporizing (salts, metals, sediment - anything that won’t boil or evaporate - remains in the distiller and must be removed) and separates the water molecules from microscopic, disease-causing organisms; the pure (or mostly pure) steam leaves the non volatile contaminants behind.
When all water is vaporized, the vapor is led into a condenser and cooled down until it condenses back into liquid water, and runs into a receiving container. However, a carbon filter or other filters should be used along with a distiller to ensure the complete removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which will evaporate and condense with the water vapor.
Healthy Natural Trace Minerals Will Be Removed
Only activated carbon filters and KDF (Kinetic Degradation Fluxion) are able remove the molecularly smaller substances and chemicals like pesticides, herbicides and chlorine. Another disadvantage of Distillation Systems is the removal of naturally occurring and healthy minerals along with harmful contaminants. These minerals make the water tasty and support vital functions in our body system.
Water without these trace minerals can actually be unhealthy for the body. Long-term consumption of such de-mineralized water can be harmful to the body system and result in mineral deficiencies in the body. Above all, distillation does not remove pesticides, herbicides, and chlorine solutions.
Activated Carbon Filters Reliably Purify Water
The process of water filtration with Activated Carbon Filters is characterized through the flow of water through a granular bed of sand or another suitable media (e.g. several stages of carbon and multimedia filters). The media retains most solid matter and ensures the removal of all unwanted materials while permitting the water to pass. The first filtration stage will remove the most concentrated chemicals like chlorine and Trihalomethanes; subsequent stages will remove smaller and more evasive chemicals, like herbicides or pesticides.
Carbon Adsorbs Chemicals
Granular Activated Carbon Filter Systems clear water of larger compound materials (e.g. salt) and retain trace minerals in it, and also selectively remove much smaller and more dangerous chemicals like chlorine and pesticides, which Reverse Osmosis Systems can’t remove. These water filters use a chemical adsorption process (which means to attach by attraction). In this way a variety of dissolved contaminants are attracted to and held on the surface of the carbon particles. Above that, these systems do not require a heat or pressure source, which makes them fairly cost-effective.
Pesticides, solvents and other volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) are not completely removed by Reverse Osmosis Systems because the pores of the membrane are blocking only larger molecules. Only if an additional post carbon filter is used, these filters are effective and able to remove the molecularly smaller substances and chemicals like pesticides, herbicides and chlorine.
Conclusion
Granular Activated Carbon Filters are effective and valuable water treatment devices, but the consumer has to consider its limitations. One has to keep the water pressure at a uniform and steady flow rate that needs to be maintained for optimal performance, and the filter cartridge must be changed according to the manufacturer’s recommendation and/or the number of gallons the filter is rated for.
The most effective Home Water Filtration and Purification System currently available on the market is a Point-of-Entry Water Filter System, which combines two filtration technologies: Granular Activated Carbon and KDF process media, where water runs through several layers of GAC and KDF media for maximum exposure and purification.
Carbon Copy Pro By Jay Kubassek - Helpful Or A Scam?
Have you heard about the Carbon Copy Pro Marketing System and wondering if it’s a scam or legitimate? This article will give you an unbiased review of the system.
CarbonCopyPro is an automated marketing system put together by Jay Kubassek with the help of Mike Dillard. Jay was once a marketer of Liberty League. He then decided to move on to become involved with Wealth Masters International.
Jay has had his up and downs in the industry and after he achieved success, he decided to create his own marketing system. Jay claims, “After 4 years, $400,000 of marketing testing, and millions of dollars in earnings, we have perfected the most powerful, automated, turn-key, sales and marketing system on the planet.”
So what is CarbonCopyPro and what does it have to do with Wealth Masters International?
CarbonCopyPro is a marketing system that has been developed by Jay and his associates to try to help solve many of the problems that most people face in a home based business. They claim that with Carbon Copy Pro there is no phone calling, no selling, and no cold calling.
Basically what Carbon Copy Pro has done is create a funnel system that invites prospects to their company. CarbonCopyPro was released after The Reverse Funnel System by Ty Coughlin, but it works very similarly. The users of the system pay a monthly fee to use Jay Kubassek’s branded information.
The users of Carbon Copy Pro advertise the system to drive prospects to the webpage that works to “pre-qualify” them. The prospects have to fill out a questionnaire after they have paid a $49 application fee.
The potential customers follow along through this funnel system in an effort to find out the real cost of Wealth Masters International. The cost to join is $1,500. The goal of this Jay claims is to weed out the “tire kickers”. If a person is not willing to pay the $49 fee, they will certainly not be willing to pay the $1,500 to join WMI.
Your total start up investment into this program will be about $2,000, plus advertising. There are also co-ops to be a part of as well.
In conclusion, while The Carbon Copy Pro marketing system is not a scam, there is one major downside that I see to the system. That is that you are branding Jay Kubassek and his program. The goal of online marketing is to brand yourself, not someone else. For new online marketers who are completely satisfied with spending their money to drive traffic to someone else’s site, Carbon Copy Pro could work just fine for them. However, it is unreasonable to believe that there is a totally automated system. People are going to want to talk to a live person before they spend $1,500. At some point you will have to start branding yourself to achieve success online. The other downside would be the significant monthly costs involved with the program. Again, when you are paying to use someone else’s system, it is going to cost you.
Copper Enclosed Carbon Nano-Tube Construction - Reducing Radiation Risks and Energy Collection
Long-term robotic probe or manned human space flight will require special strategies, to prevent electronic equipment failures or health risks. New materials will be needed to wrap a safety factor around the capsule or probe. New innovative power and propulsion systems will be needed for unlimited durations, something that we still have not completely perfected.
One interesting proposal set forth by the online think tank is to have multiple layers of carbon nano-tube construction with copper atoms that bounce inside the nano-tubes, a few layers back. These bouncing copper atoms will provide electricity to run the systems, as well as become a radiation barrier to prevent the harm to human health or organic sustainable systems. It would also prevent damage to electronic equipment, while providing energy that would normally be wasted and unused.
How close is such technology to becoming a reality? Well, the technology is here, but the cost is very high and therefore it will take a while until mass production can be attained at a cost that is realistic to building large quantities of material needed to see such a concept to fruition. If we are to send humans into space for long-periods of time, perhaps in excess of their lifetimes, then we must consider future technologies which will allow for this.
Experimenting with carbon nano-tube technologies in material sciences makes sense and the potentiality for transfer technologies clearly justifies the cost, even if such strategies are never used in space or leap-frogged by the next newest thing in the future. Think on this.
The Carbon Footprint Of Log Homes And Timber Frame Homes
Log Homes and Timber Frame Homes may have the lowest carbon footprint of any other type of construction. A carbon footprint is the measurement of carbon dioxide released as a result of using a particular product or other human activity. Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas released into the atmosphere and major contributor to global warming.
A report prepared by the Edinburgh Center for Carbon Management (ECCM) compared the carbon dioxide footprints of three structures and the benefits when more timber was introduced into the construction. The results were astounding. ECCM estimated that there could be up to an 88% reduction of greenhouse gases by using log or timber structural elements wherever possible rather than other conventional building materials. The reduction of greenhouse gases was achieved by replacing materials high energy, high CO2 production values, such as steel and concrete, with solid wood. The report states that the production of steel and concrete materials accounts for 10% of the total global emissions of greenhouse gases. These materials have a high CO2 output created during the extraction of raw materials, refining, processing and manufacturing of the finished product. As reported in a study published by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, the energy consumed to process a tree into a finished sawn timber is about one-tenth of steel production.
In another report prepared by The Consortium for Research on Renewable Industrial Materials (CORRIM) compared four different structure using different wall systems - two woods, one concrete and one steel. The report found that the steel wall system generated 33% more greenhouses gases than wood and the concrete wall generated 80% more greenhouse gases than wood. The study also reported that the wood structures out-performed the steel and concrete houses in energy use and the impact on air and water quality.
Wood walls are typically framed or solid. Conventionally framed walls use a combination a several materials including processed wood products such as plywood or other laminated wood products, fiberglass insulation, exterior siding, interior sheetrock and some type of wall covering. Solid wood walls using logs or timbers have basically one product - the log or timber. The energy consumed and the CO2 produced in the production of logs and timbers is a fraction compared to the production of all the various materials in a conventionally framed wall.
Consumers are much more aware the environmental impact of using different materials and are being increasing sensitive to the hazards of exposure to chemically processed materials. Logs and timbers are 100% natural. As a natural product, they do not emit VOCs or other pollutants into the outdoor or indoor space. Trees are produced from soil, water and air combined with the energy from the sun, in a miraculous process of photosynthesis. Ecologically and environmentally, solid wood is the only building product that is renewable, biodegradable, recyclable, energy efficient and extremely beautiful.
Sustained and plantation forest growth actually reduces greenhouse gases by consuming CO2 out of the atmosphere while the trees are growing. Political pressure to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, such as the Kyoto Protocol, is sure to continue and it will become increasingly important to find solution. The use of solid wood construction such as log homes and timber homes can make a positive contribution.
Carbon Fiber Parts
Carbon Fiber reinforced plastics are very strong and lightweight. It is also very expensive. It has found a wide array of use; most notably in the racing scene: be it motorcycles or cars. The reason for such popularity is the material’s impressive strength to weight ratio. It would amaze most people how such a light weight object can be as strong and as sturdy as it is. Aside from all the strength and weight benefits offered by this material is also very stylish and can readily turn heads because of its aesthetic qualities.
One of the main reasons why the wide use of carbon products has been hindered over the years is because of its high cost. If the price was any less, we would be seeing more and more cars, aircrafts and motorcycles made out Carbon Fiber. The possibilities of carbon fiber use may be limitless but the budget isn’t.
Motorcycles - The use of parts in the production of motorcycles is very low. Most often used in parts like in: Fairing Panels and Mudguards/ Huggers. Because of its strength, it may be used in making self supporting seat units and effectively removing the need for metal frames. Is also being used as motorcycle frames, but such use for it is extremely limited. May also be used to make carbon silencers with carbon sleeves, fiber wheels, instrument panels/ protectors, brackets, battery boxes, air boxes and air tubes - it has been seen yet in gloves as knuckle protectors.
Parts have become synonymous with motorcycle parts and racing, there have been a lot of fakes introduced to the market. These fake parts look great and almost similar to real ones. It is only upon closer inspection that flaws are seen. And, as these parts are fakes - it cannot be expected to have the same strength a real carbon fiber parts have.
Understanding The Carbon Footprint And How It Affects The Environment
First of all, the term carbon footprint refers to a measurement of greenhouse gases released by human activities based on the amount of carbon dioxide units that is produced. This helps scientists and government decision makers gauge how severe a particular human activity affects the environment by contributing to the so-called Greenhouse Effect.
You can compute your own primary carbon footprint, by taking into account your fuel consumption in your household and your travel activities per year.
In the first category which is fuel consumption per household, you should factor in the following:
• electricity consumption per year for your household
• natural gas consumption per year for your household
• LPG (liquified petroleum gas) consumption per year by your household
• household oil consumption per year by your household
• coal consumption per year by your household
• and the number of people who live in your household.
For the second category, which involves travel activities per year, you should factor in these:
• total mileage of your vehicle per year
• total mileage of your second vehicle per year
• miles traveled on the train per year
• miles traveled on both local buses and underground transportation systems per year
• miles traveled on long distance bus and coach per year
• yearly travel by air, in terms of short-haul return flights, medium-haul return flights, and long-haul return flights.
You can use an online carbon footprint calculator and enter in all these factors. The online calculator will do the computing for you so you can see just how extensively your activities affect the environment by contributing to carbon dioxide emissions.
Once you know how your activities affect Mother Earth, you can start taking steps to minimize your contribution to carbon dioxide emissions. This is very important, particularly since African and Asian countries are revving up their economies which means a proportional increase in fuel consumption.
Some things you can do are:
• look for a green energy supplier who will supply power to your household. (A green energy supplier relies on renewable energy sources such as hydroelectric and wind power, which wreaks less havoc on the environment);
• turn off electricity-dependent machines if you really do not need to use them, or at least minimize usage of these items;
• minimize your central heating by up to 2 degrees;
• minimize water heating by up to 2 degrees;
• use a timer for your central heating at home so that it turns off when you leave home;
• only turn on the washing machine and clothes dryer if you have a full load of laundry to put in;
• try reducing water to heat in the kettle if you do not need that much hot water in the first place;
• do not overcharge your cellphone;
• defrost freezers and refrigerators periodically, even before ice builds up;
• try shopping only once a week, making bulk purchases so you can cut down on car fuel consumption;
• and minimize use of the tumble dry function – rather try using a clothesline and the sun to dry laundry.
There are many other things you can do to minimize your carbon footprint. Leave less of a carbon footprint and you will leave behind a more stable environment in the wake of your activities.
Keep Your Home Carbon Monoxide Free
Winter is almost here, which means that people will be looking for all sorts of affordable ways to heat their homes. The use of electric heaters, gas fireplaces, and wood stoves rise as the temperatures drop. Under normal operating conditions, these are safe to use, but if something malfunctions, it can put your family at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide is a gas can that be released from: space heaters, gas stoves, car exhaust, chimneys, kerosene heaters, generators, tobacco, and many others. As you can see, the list is made up of things we come into contact with regularly during the winter, which makes the next few months the most dangerous of the year.
What makes these household objects suddenly turn into potential hazards? Often it’s due to a lack of maintenance. Chimneys for instance, should be checked annually by a professional for any leaks or obstructions. The same goes for your central heating system. By staying on top of any repair work that needs to be done, you’re making sure that your family stays safe.
Aside from proper maintenance and making necessary repairs, lack of ventilation is another way that carbon monoxide can enter your home. Make sure that all gas and kerosene heaters have vents, and never leave your chimney flue closed when burning a fire. If you need to warm your vehicle up before driving, take it out of the garage before doing so. Taking these simple precautions could save your life.
Another area where homeowners put themselves at risk is during a power outage. Electric heating sources are no longer available, leaving your family in the cold. If you have a propane fueled heater or camping stove, do not bring them inside the house. While it may be inconvenient and uncomfortable doing your cooking in sub-zero temperatures, it’s more important that you keep carbon monoxide levels low inside the house.
If carbon monoxide does reach toxic levels in your home, you will feel symptoms that are similar to having the flu, such as dizziness, headache, and nausea. Chest pains can also be present, as well as hallucinations and shortness of breath. The amount of time it takes to breathe in lethal amounts of CO depends on many factors, including the person’s weight, height, age, and overall health. The concentrations of the gas present, and amount of ventilation, also contribute to its toxicity factor.
Carbon monoxide reduces your body’s ability to bring oxygen to your cells, which can lead to organ malfunction, brain damage, and death. Too many people die needlessly each year because they haven’t taken the steps to protect themselves.
Remember to regularly get your heating appliances checked and repaired, and be sure to have a quality carbon monoxide detector installed. It’s a good idea to have one on each floor of the house, and to maintain them as you would a smoke detector. Always have fresh batteries on hand. If your alarm does sound, immediately get out of the house. CO deprives your body of oxygen, so you need to get as much fresh air as possible.
Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of fatal poisoning in the United States. Your home is your sanctuary from the world, so protect it.
Are your Carbon Fiber - Graphite Car Parts Real
We have all heard about carbon fiber car parts by now. Carbon fiber or graphite fiber is a lightweight graphite cloth that when coated in resin becomes a very light composite material. Carbon fiber because of its strength and weigh is used extensively in the aerospace and racing industry. These parts have started to trickle down to the consumer. But are these parts the same material NASA or Indy are using?
If you see “carbon fiber” hood advertised on ebay for 500 dollars, chances are it is a single ply of graphite over a fiberglass hood. If you want graphite for a cosmetic reason, this may be a great way for you to save money. What you need to know though is this hood has little in common with a true racing part. Graphite over glass fiber has no where near the strength of a true carbon fiber laminate. The other issue is what grade resin is being used and is it UV stable? For a hood its all about weight savings not strength so a fiberglass/graphite one cannot be all bad can it? Actually most fiberglass laying methods produce a composite twice as heavy as its carbon fiber counter part. For an example of a purely carbon fiber build look at: http://graphite.volvospeed.com/gallery/p17_sectionid/4/p17_imageid/7
So can you even get all carbon fiber racing parts? Yes, but they are expensive. For a hood expect to pay 2-3 thousand dollars. What you will get will be a very light racing component. Though it varies vehicle to vehicle, graphite hoods are often in the 7-10 pound range. If you are looking for the real thing and not a cheap copy, you now know what to expect and what questions to ask.