How To Save Money On Your Household Lighiting With LED and CFL lamps

An average household dedicates about 10% of its energy budget to lighting. Switching to energy-efficient lighting is one of the fastest ways to cut your energy bills. Timers and motion sensors save you even more money by reducing the amount of time lights are on but not being used.

Indoor Lighting

You have many choices in energy-efficient lighting. The most popular light bulbs available are halogen incandescents, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Although they can initially cost more than traditional incandescent bulbs, over their lifetime they save you money, because they use less energy.

Energy-Saving (also called Halogen) Incandescent Lighting

Energy-saving, or halogen, incandescent light bulbs are about 25% more efficient and can last up to three times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. They are available in a wide range of shapes and colors, and can be used with dimmers.

CFL Bulbs. ENERGY STAR®-qualified CFLs use about 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than traditional incandescents.

CFL bulbs last about 10 times longer and use about one-fourth the energy of traditional incandescent bulbs. A typical CFL can pay for itself in energy savings in less than 9 months and continue to save you money each month.

You can buy CFLs that offer the same brightness and colors as traditional incandescent bulbs. Some CFLs are encased in a cover to further diffuse the light and provide a similar shape to traditional incandescent bulbs.

CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury and require special handling if they are broken. CFLs should be recycled at the end of their lifespan. Many retailers recycle CFLs for free. Visit epa.gov/cfl for cleanup and safe disposal steps.
LED Lighting

LEDs: A New Kind of Light. LED bulbs offer similar light quality to traditional incandescents, last 25 times as long, and use even less energy than CFLs. Choose ENERGY STAR-qualified LEDs for the highest quality and energy savings.

LED bulbs are rapidly expanding in household use. ENERGY STAR-qualified LEDs use only about 20%-25% of the energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. They come in a variety of colors, and some are dimmable or offer convenient features such as daylight and motion sensors.

In addition to standard screw-in bulbs, you'll find LEDs in applications such as recessed downlights, desk lamps, kitchen undercabinet lighting, and outdoor area lights.

Indoor Lighting Tips

    Replacing 15 inefficient incandescent bulbs in your home with energy-saving bulbs could save you about $50 per year. For the greatest savings, replace your old incandescent bulbs with ENERGY STAR-qualified bulbs.

    Visit ENERGY STAR to find the right light bulbs for your fixtures. They are available in sizes and shapes to fit in almost any fixture and provide the greatest savings in fixtures that are on for a long time each day.

    When remodeling, look for recessed light fixtures or "cans" which are rated for contact with insulation and are air tight (ICAT rated).

    When replacing incandescent bulbs from recessed light fixtures, use energy-efficient bulbs that are rated for that purpose. For example, the heat buildup in downlights will significantly shorten the life of spiral CFLs.

    Consider purchasing ENERGY STAR-qualified fixtures. They are available in many styles, distribute light more efficiently and evenly than standard fixtures, and some offer convenient features such as dimming.

    Controls such as timers and photocells save electricity by turning lights off when not in use. Dimmers save electricity when used to lower light levels. Be sure to select products that are compatible with the energy-efficient bulbs you want to use.

    Keep your curtains or shades open to use daylighting instead of turning on lights. For more privacy, use light-colored, loose-weave curtains to allow daylight into the room. Also, decorate with lighter colors that reflect daylight.

Outdoor Lighting

Many homeowners use outdoor lighting for decoration and security. A variety of products are available from low-voltage pathway lighting to motion-detector floodlights.

LEDs work well indoors and outdoors because of their durability and performance in cold environments. Look for LED products such as pathway lights, step lights, and porch lights for outdoor use. You can also find solar powered outdoor lighting.
Outdoor Lighting Tips

    Because outdoor lights are usually left on a long time, using CFLs or LEDs in these fixtures will save a lot of energy. Most bare spiral CFLs can be used in enclosed fixtures that protect them from the weather.
    CFLs and LEDs are available as flood lights. These models have been tested to withstand the rain and snow so they can be used in exposed fixtures.

    Look for ENERGY STAR-qualified fixtures that are designed for outdoor use and come with features like automatic daylight shut-off and motion sensors.

Energy Saving Tips For Home - Kitchen

Refrigerator

• Do not open door frequently.
• Set thermostat in medium cooling position.
• Keep adequate space from wall.
• Do not overload the refrigerator.
• Defrost your refrigerator regularly.
• Regularly defrost manual-defrost refrigerators and freezers; frost buildup increases the amount of energy needed to keep the motor running.
• Leave enough space between your refrigerator and the walls so that air can easily circulate around the refrigerator.
• Don't keep your refrigerator or freezer too cold.
• Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight.
• Cover liquids and wrap foods stored in the refrigerator. Uncovered foods release moisture and make the compressor work harder.
• Do not open the doors of the refrigerators frequently.
• Don't leave the fridge door open for longer than necessary, as cold air will escape.
• Use smaller cabinets for storing frequently used items.
• Avoid putting hot or warm food straight into the fridge.

Mixers

• Avoid dry grinding in your food processors ( mixers and grinders) as it takes longer time than liquid grinding.

Electric Stove

• Turn off electric stoves several minutes before the specified cooking time.
• Use flat-bottomed pans that make full contact with the cooking coil.

Gas Stove

• When cooking on a gas burner, use moderate flame settings to conserve LPG.
• Remember that a blue flame means your gas stove is operating efficiently.
• Yellowish flame is an indicator that the burner needs cleaning.
• Use pressure cookers as much as possible.
• Use lids to cover the pans while cooking.
• Bring items taken out of refrigerators (like vegetable, milk etc.) to room temperature before placing on the gas stove for heating.

Microwave Ovens

• Consumes 50 % less energy than conventional electric / gas stoves.
• Do not bake large food items.
• Unless you're baking breads or pastries, you may not even need to preheat.
• Don't open the oven door too often to check food condition as each opening leads to a temperature drop of 25º C.

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How Long Does It Takes To Decompose

The Advantages & Benefits of LED Lighting

LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, are a form of solid-state lighting that is extremely efficient and long-lasting. While incandescent and fluorescent lights consist of filaments in glass bulbs or bulbs that contain gases, LEDs consist of small capsules or lenses in which tiny chips are placed on heat-conducting material.

Size and Efficiency

LEDs measure from 3 to 8 mm long and can be used singly or as part of an array. The small size and low profile of LEDs allow them to be used in spaces that are too small for other lightbulbs. In addition, because LEDs give off light in a specific direction, they are more efficient in application than incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, which waste energy by emitting light in all directions



Long Life

The life of a high-power white LED is projected to be from 35,000 to 50,000 hours, compared to 750 to 2,000 hours for an incandescent bulb, 8,000 to 10,000 hours for a compact fluorescent and 20,000 to 30,000 hours for a linear fluorescent bulb. LED lifetimes are rated differently than conventional lights, which go out when the filament breaks. Typical lifetime is defined as the average number of hours until light falls to 70 percent of initial brightness, in lumens. LEDs typically just fade gradually.

Lower Temperatures

Conventional lightbulbs waste most of their energy as heat. For example, an incandescent bulb gives off 90 percent of its energy as heat, while a compact fluorescent bulb wastes 80 percent as heat (see References 4). LEDs remain cool. In addition, since they contain no glass components, they are not vulnerable to vibration or breakage like conventional bulbs. LEDs are thus better suited for use in areas like sports facilities and high-crime locations.

EnergyStar LEDs

Poorly designed LEDs may not be long-lasting or efficient. LEDs that are EnergyStar-qualified should provide stable light output over their projected lifetime. The light should be of excellent color, with a brightness at least as great as conventional light sources and efficiency at least as great as fluorescent lighting. The LEDs should also light up instantly when turned on, should not flicker when dimmed and should not consume any power when turned off.

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12 Fabulous Reasons To Take Cold Showers

Seriously, regular cold showers are incredibly beneficial and incredibly healing.  They can improve circulation, help boost white cell activity, dissolve tension, bring more blood flow to your organs, help your body detox, balance hormones,  revitalize chakra’s and cleanse the auric field.

1: Mood booster:

It gives you an instant rush, leaving you feel awake and alive.  Cold water releases natural endorphins into your blood stream and brain. It shifts your mood. There are many scientists who even believe cold showers can help alleviate symptoms of depression.

2:  Releases stress and tension:

Tension is generally blocked energy and a cold shower helps move and shift that blocked energy.  Better energy flow equals a more relaxed and less stressed you.

3: Improves circulation:

Cold water stimulates blood flow to the core of your body bringing better blood flow to your organs and glands.  Improved blood flow equals more oxygen and a healthier you.

4:  Flushes out toxins:

The cold water contracts your muscles to encourage the flushing out of toxins.  With improved circulation the removal of toxins and pathogens is far more efficient.

5:  Clears negativity from your aura:

When your aura is strong it acts as a protective shield.  When fragile or damaged it can leave you drained and depleted.  Cold showers are excellent for cleansing, uplifting and strengthening the energy field around your body.

6: Cleanses your chakra’s:

Cold water is known to spin your chakras.  Its such a simple way to cleanse and revitalize them.  Make sure the cold water reaches all chakra’s, in particular the throat chakra which can often get missed if your neck is not fully open and extended.

7: Strengthens your immune system:

Improved circulation, more efficient removal of toxins and better oxygen flow throughout your body all support a healthier immune system.

8:  Speeds up the healing process:

For all the above reasons your body is working more effectively in healing and repairing itself from illness.

9:  Restores your energy levels:

Each cold shower boost the flow of energy throughout your body, releasing fatigue and lethargy.  You are left feeling refreshed and uplifted.

10:  Brings you fully into your body and fully into the present moment:

Without a doubt having a cold shower brings you 100% into the present moment.  It is very difficult for the mind to wonder if you are in the middle of a 1 minute cold shower.  You are totally focused on your body in the here and now.  Try and worry about something else when you are having a cold shower. It’s kind of impossible.

11: Cheap and environmentally friendly:

Cold showers are a very green thing to do.  It costs virtually nothing plus you are saving energy by not using hot water.  I personally only have a 3 minute cold shower due to our current water restrictions.

12:  Clears negative thinking:

Our cells contain water, and water holds memory of our thoughts, beliefs and lifestyle.  Regular cold showers help clear those cells of negative thinking supporting a more positive way of being.


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Plants To Improve Your Home’s Air Quality

Clean Your Air With Three Plants

According to Rentokil, it only takes three large plants to reduce volatile organic compounds in your air by around 50-70 percent, in a room the size of 120 sq meters.

If that’s the case, then grab yourself a bunch of these plants and clean up the air in your home. This should be especially important for pregnant mothers or families with infants and small children. Improve the health of your home and the environment in general by eliminating these compounds from the atmosphere.


Here is a list of plants which you can use to clean the air in your home.

Dracaenas
This is an architecturally pleasing plant from Africa which is quite suitable for any room of your home. It’s said to be best at filtering Trichloroethylene and Benzene from our air. If you have a lucky bamboo plant, you’ll also be happy to know that it is a form of Dracaena.

You can find out more about Dracaenas and the different species, including the more popular Lucky Bamboo species, here.

Chrysanthemum
This is the perfect gift for Mothers’ Day. Give you mother a potplant with a Chrysanthemum in it and she’ll be pleased at the sight and fresh smell. These flowers also filter Trichloroethylene and Benzene from the air but they have the added benefit of replacing it with an interesting smell.

Take a look at this page for more on how this plant can improve your livelihood.

Devils Ivy (also called as 'Money Plant' in South Asian countries)
Perhaps my favourite plant to keep in my room has to be Devils Ivy or Epipremnum aureum, as it’s known scientifically. It’s a fast growing, hardy plant which can be grown hydroponically and filters Benzene from the air.

It’s a great little plant to have and you can keep taking off cuts and sticking them in water to get them to grow from bottles in every room of your house. I’m very proud of the little one I have growing on my desk and sometime these holidays I hope to recycle some bottles for some off-cuts I’ll make. This plant comes highly recommended.

Check out more details about this plant at Wikipedia and the Potho Production Guide.

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Cold shower guidelines

I’ve gathered notes and fliers over the years from many different naturopaths and holistic healers.  Here’s a collection of facts and variations that I hope you find as helpful as I did.

Have one when you get home from work:

As I mentioned before, I feel this is one of the most beneficial times to have a cold shower.  Helps clear negativity from your energy which you may have been exposed to during the day.

Essential times to have a cold shower:

Many practitioners recommend 2 or more cold showers a day.  This is particularly essential if you are working on shifting a physical or emotional problem.  The majority recommend at least 3 a day. First thing in the morning, when you get home from work and before you go to bed.

Start cold, warm, then finish cold:

The most common approach is to alternate.  Start with a cold shower, washing yourself  normally with warm water and then finish with cold water.  If you can’t start with a cold shower (not just yet anyway) at the very least finish with a cold shower.

Avoid when menstruating:

It’s quite a common recommendation to only have warm showers during your moon day cycles.

Start with 15 – 30 seconds:

Start small and gradually work up to 1 or 2 minutes.

Begin with your feet then move to your knees and legs.  Gradually introduce the cold water to all parts of your body.  Some practitioners  say its not absolutely necessary to get your head wet, just your face and back of neck (an important energy location)

Be sensible:

Little and often is far more effective than eight minutes at once.  Be mindful if you are feeling weak, listen to your body and start with small steps.

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Benefits Of A Bicycle

Benefits Of A Bicycle

Benefits of Cold Water Showers

While doctors may no longer instruct their patients to take a cold bath and call them in the morning, a shot of cold water can still impart real health benefits:

Improves circulation
Good blood circulation is vital for overall cardiovascular health. Healthy blood circulation also speeds up recovery time from strenuous exercises and work. Alternating between hot and cold water while you shower is an easy way to improve your circulation. Cold water causes your blood to move to your organs to keep them warm. Warm water reverses the effect by causing the blood to move towards the surface of the skin. Cold shower proponents argue that stimulating the circulatory system in this way keeps them healthier and younger looking than their hot water-loving counterparts.

Relieves depression
 Lots of great men from history suffered bouts of depression.  Henry David Thoreau is one such man. But perhaps Thoreau’s baths in chilly Walden Pond helped keep his black dog at bay. Research at the Department of Radiation Oncology at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine indicates that short cold showers may stimulate the brain’s “blue spot”- the brain’s primary source of noradrenaline — a chemical that could help mitigate depression. I guess a bout of the blues isn’t so bad after all.


Keeps skin and hair healthy
Hot water dries out skin and hair. If you want to avoid an irritating itch and ashy elbows, turn down the temperature of your showers. Also, cold water can make your manly mane look shinier and your skin look healthier by closing up your cuticles and pores.

Strengthens immunity
According to a study done in 1993 by the Thrombosis Research Institute in England, individuals who took daily cold showers saw an increase in the number of virus fighting white blood cells compared to individuals who took hot showers. Researchers believe that the increased metabolic rate, which results from the body’s attempt to warm itself up, activates the immune system and releases more white blood cells in response.

Increases testosterone
During the 19th century, many doctors and ministers recommended that young men take baths in cold water to reduce the sin of “self-pollution,” i.e. whacking off. Cold water was thought to extinguish a man’s flaming carnal desires. There was even a ghastly device invented on this principle.

How wrong they were! The same study by the Thrombosis Research Institute cited above showed that cold water showers actually increase testosterone production in men. Increased testosterone levels not only boost a man’s libido, but also his overall strength and energy level. If you’re looking to increase your testosterone, instead of juicing up like Mark McGwire, hop into a cold shower.

Increases fertility
Trying to become a dad? Cold showers are good for your little swimmers. Your testes aren’t meant to get too hot; that’s why they hang outside your body. Sperm counts decrease when the temperature of a man’s testes increases. Experiments done in the 1950s showed that hot baths were an effective contraceptive. Men who took a 30 minute hot bath every other day for 3 weeks were infertile for the next six months. More recently, the University of California at San Francisco did a study with men who were exposed to 30 minutes of “wet heat” (hot baths and such) a week. When the men cut this exposure out, their sperm count went up by 491%, and their sperm’s motility improved as well. While switching from a hot to cold shower may not have as dramatic an effect, if you’re trying to create some progeny, it surely won’t hurt.

Increases energy and well-being
Every time I end a shower with cold water, I leave feeling invigorated and energized. Your heart starts pumping, and the rush of blood through your body helps shake off the lethargy of the previous night’s sleep. For me, the spike in energy lasts several hours. It’s almost like drinking a can of Diet Mountain Dew, minus the aspartame. And while it hasn’t been studied, many people swear that cold showers are a surefire stress reducer. I’m a believer.


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Energy Saving Tips For Home

Lighting

• Switch off lights and fans when not required.
• Replace bulbs with tube lights & CFL(Compact Fluorescent Lamps).
• Utilize natural light by using electronic chokes & regulators.
• Optimize use of lights in malls, multiplexes & hotels.
• Turn off the lights when not in use.
• Take advantage of daylight by using light-coloured, loose-weave curtains on your windows to allow daylight to penetrate the room. Also, decorate with lighter colours that reflect daylight.
• De-dust lighting fixtures to maintain illumination.
• Use task lighting; instead of brightly lighting an entire room, focus the light where you need it.
• Compact fluorescent bulbs are four times more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs and provide the same lighting.
• Use electronic chokes in place of conventional copper chokes.

Electric iron

• Select iron boxes with automatic temperature cutoff.
• Use appropriate regulator position for ironing.
• Do not put more water on clothes while ironing.
• Do not iron wet clothes.

Fans

• Replace conventional regulators with electronic regulators for ceiling fans.
• Install exhaust fans at a higher elevation than ceiling fans.

Washing Machine

• Use after 10 PM or before 10 AM.
• Run washing machine only with full load.
• Use the shortest cycle time.
• Always wash only with full loads.
• Use optimal quantity of water.
• Use timer facility to save energy.
• Use the correct amount of detergent.
• Use hot water only for very dirty clothes.
• Always use cold water in the rinse cycle.
• Prefer natural drying over electric dryers.

Geyser

• Use before 10 AM.
• Switch off when not required.
• Reduce thermostat setting from 60º to 50º C.
• Use Solar Water Heater - a good replacement for a electric water heater

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Power Saving Tips For Air Conditioner

ACs are possibly the biggest cause of any summer power crisis. Every time one more AC is switched on and every time the temperature is lowered by one more degree, a huge load is added to the system. We can however work towards uninterrupted power – if we give up ‘freezing’ for ‘cool enough’. Let’s all go 24 this summer - it's actually quite comfortabl 

• Ensure proper sealing of doors and windows.
• Set thermostat at 24º C for optimum cooling.
• Clean AC filter every month.
• Use film / tinted glass on windows.
• Prefer air conditioners having automatic temperature cut off.
• Keep regulators at "low cool" position.
• Operate the ceiling fan in conjunction with your window air conditioner to spread the cooled air more effectively throughout the room and operate the air conditioner at higher temperature.
• Seal the doors and windows properly.
• Leave enough space between your air conditioner and the walls to allow better air circulation.
• A roof garden can reduce the load on Air Conditioner.
• Use windows with sun films / curtains.
• Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. The less difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower will be energy consumption.
• Don't set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling.
• Don't place lamps or TV sets near your air-conditioning thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
• Plant trees or shrubs to shade air-conditioning units but not to block the airflow. A unit operating in the shade uses as much as 10% less electricity than the same one operating in the sun

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Do Not Give Up On Recycling Trash

Lately I came across a post about people giving up on recycling. Have you ever known someone to take rubbish out and not even bother sorting through it?

Well here’s a simple opportunity to do something for the environment without actually doing anything yourself! Could it get any better?

Just have a chat with the person and tell them that they should go through the extra effort to sort their rubbish before throwing it out. Better still, sell them on the idea – ultimately they will benefit by leaving more room in their non-recycling bin (Not that you should encourage them to throw out more, but it does help convince them to do so).

If you need further help convincing them here are some facts about recycling which you could find useful:

• Well run recycling programs can cost less than land-filling and incineration
• You can earn money by disposing cans and bottles in some places
• Every tonne of paper recycled, saves 17 trees
• The energy we save by recycling a glass is equivalent to lighting a light bulb for 4 hours
• Recycling reduces air and water pollutants in your city
• You can reduce our dependence on oil by recycling plastics
• Products developed out of recycled goods use less water and energy
• If America recycled 30% of waste, the greenhouse gas emissions saved would be equivalent to removing 25 million cars from the road
• Lastly think of the baby seals – just kidding – but really, recycling prevents further habitat destruction.

As you can see there are many benefits to recycling. Just have a go at convincing those people who are giving up on recycling.

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LED Lighting For The Future

All the rave now in lighting are the new environmentally friendly LED lights.

They are brighter, whiter, cheaper to run and they even produce less heat than their energy draining counterparts. Despite these great benefits though, they still cost a lot. Although, I have seen a considerable drop in the pricing of these magnificent lights in recent times.

At first that may seem very expensive, but when you tally up the benefits of these lights, it becomes evident that you’re getting much more than environmentally friendly and pocket friendly lighting. For instance, here are a list of benefits which I can see from using LED lights:

• Less energy consumption – Lower Electricity Bills for you and that fuzzy feeling that you’re reducing your impact on the environment.
• Pure white light produced – So you have the choice of working under a great looking light.
• Less heat production – Reduced risk of fire danger and less strain on Air Conditioning.
• Brighter for less wattage – So you can have blindingly bright light at a fraction of the power of more dull bulbs.
• Longer life – Meaning you won’t have to waste time and money replacing dud light bulb.

With benefits like those, I’m amazed why people aren’t taking LED lights more seriously. Perhaps government subsidies and consumer awareness will be key in order to switch people over to this fascinating technology. Afterall, the more demand that’s out there for these lights – the cheaper it is (and more environmentally friendly) for us all!

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20% Of Worlds Population Consume 80% Of Reosurces

We the richest fifth of the world's population already consume more than our fair share of the world's resources. 

 It is important to bear in mind that this elite does not simply consist of the super-rich strata with incomes of above half a Million pounds a year. It includes the majority of the citizens of these countries. As well as the isolated pockets of rich elites from traditionally poor nations such as India Ecuador Kenya etc.: in other words, the world's consumer class. This same 20% does not exclusively grow, supply or create all of these resources - they are the product of the whole world's labor: and although we may receive the benefits of using these resources, and have control over their distribution, they are not necessarily ours to consume in the first place. In fact, in order for the elite to live at the standard it does, the majority have to go without... and this is one of the major (if not the major) causes of world poverty, albeit one that is largely ignored, unknown or denied.

Perhaps a more graphic example is that of the lowly quarterpound hamburger. To produce just one requires 1.2 pounds of grain to feed the cattle, and 100 gallons of water part of the hidden cost consumers never see.
 
The simple example of the car illustrates this point. Less than an eighth of the world's adult population own a car. This many cars (450 million vehicles) is already responsible for 13% of the global carbon emissions from the burning off fossil fuels, and a larger share of the production of acid rain. If every adult or family in the world owned a car, these emission levels would be beyond any technological solution. Some future fuel efficiency technology might possibly double or treble how far a car can travel on a gallon of fuel, but this would not be enough to bring the emission levels within safe limits. A fuel efficiency increase of twenty times the present rate would be needed to cope with a world wide car density similar to our own, and this is only to keep Pollution levels at the same rate as they are now, let alone reducing them . And a twenty- fold increase in petrol efficiency is beyond the laws of thermodynamics.

 Since the same mathematics applies to almost all other pollution producing consumer goods or practices, we are in effect faced with a simple choice.
 A: We continue to have a high standard of living and deny the rest of the rest of the world the opportunity to do the same. We then use green technology to bring the pollution we produce down to a level the biosphere can absorb without sustaining long-term damage,

or B: We 'allow' the majority to develop, and lower our standard of living, with every individual then living a lifestyle that produces no more than their 'share' of a sustainable global rate of pollution.

Option B is not compatible with our consumer culture, as long as that culture continues to tell us, 'More is always better.' 

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Source:
http://articles.cnn.com
www.enough.org.uk

Melting Polar Ice Caps - A Reason To Worry

It should be first noted there is a technical definition of an icecap and the colloquial one; a true icecap is a mass of ice less than 50 thousand square kilometers, while the polar icecaps are much larger than this. However, one will assume the question refers to the total ice mass on the surface of Earth, as melting of the polar caps would necessitate melting of all others.

To begin with, there are currently 30 million cubic kilometers of ice mass on Earth; from using density values, this is equivalent to 27 million cubic kilometers of liquid water.

Earth currently has 361 million square kilometers of surface area in oceans, and 149 million square kilometers in 'land' area, for a total of 510 square kilometers. The source is not clear whether this is the equivalent flat area (i.e. if Earth were a perfect spheroid) or if this is the true area, including raised and uneven terrain.

So, if we only consider the ocean and consider the rise this would present, we are working out the depth 27 million km3 would make over 361 million km2.
From these numbers, simple division tells us the sea level would rise by 27/361 = 74.8 meters beyond its current value.

No information could be obtained regarding the elevation of the Empire State Building; however, assuming it stands at 50 meters above sea level and a 4 meter average storey height, we end up with the sixth floor being new sea level.

The main ice covered landmass is Antarctica at the South Pole, with about 90 percent of the world's ice (and 70 percent of its fresh water). Antarctica is covered with ice an average of 2,133 meters (7,000 feet) thick. If all of the Antarctic ice melted, sea levels around the world would rise about 61 meters (200 feet). But the average temperature in Antarctica is -37°C, so the ice there is in no danger of melting. In fact in most parts of the continent it never gets above freezing.

At the other end of the world, the North Pole, the ice is not nearly as thick as at the South Pole. The ice floats on the Arctic Ocean. If it melted sea levels would not be affecte­d.

There is a significant amount of ice covering Greenland, which would add another 7 meters (20 feet) to the oceans if it melted. Because Greenland is closer to the equator than Antarctica, the temperatures there are higher, so the ice is more likely to melt.

NASA finds that thickest parts of Ice Caps are melting faster. This ice is generally called as old ice which is actually formed by ice that has survived at least two summers.
Read Here : http://www.nasa.gov/topics/earth/features/thick-melt.html

Melting Ice caps not just affect humans but the entire earth in general. Penguins, polar bears, whales, seals and dozens of other animals who are inhabitants of these polar regions. Imagine. these animals migrating to human colonies to find food and causing chaos. Our greed not just affects us but the entire planet in general.

There is a complete life chain that runs on polar regions. Polar bears, polar foxes, penguins, whales, seals and other creatures. If we disturb them they will disturb us.

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Source:
http://wiki.answers.com
http://science.howstuffworks.com
http://www.nasa.gov

Gujarat Solar Power Plant : Biggest in ASIA

Gujarat CM Narendra Modi at solar power plant

An innovative solar power project in Gujarat has started generating 1 mw of power, that is 1.6 million units of electricity per year, enough to meet the domestic power requirement of 16,000 families. The project, mooted six months ago by the state power department, was operational on March 28 and will be inaugurated on April 24. In a first, solar panels were placed on a .75 km stretch of a canal of the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam (SSNN) near Ahmedabad, thus saving land costs as well as preventing water evaporation.

Gujarat CM Narendra Modi at solar power plant

The government is also planning to insert micro turbines into the steel structure of solar panels to produce low-intensity hydropower. The state is already the leading solar power producer in the country. Solar parks in Gujarat have been generating 600 mw since March. This is twice the solar power generated in the rest of the country. One particular plant at Charanka village in north Gujarat produces 214 mw-the largest single park in Asia to do so. This solar energy prevents eight million tonnes of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere; it also represents 9,00,000 tonnes of coal and natural gas saved annually. By 2022, the state plans to produce 10,000 mw of solar energy.

 

Says D.J. Pandian, state energy secretary, who oversaw the execution of the project, "When Chief Minister Narendra Modi mooted the idea in 2011, many thought it was difficult to execute. But we took the risk and today it is a reality. Solar plants require large tracts of land for installation as well as water for maintenance. This project requires none and also saves money by preventing evaporation of the dam water." S. Jagadeesan, managing director, ssnn, says the project has greater potential: "Solar power generation is possible on 3,500 km of the Narmada dam's 7,600-km-long branch canal network."


It can produce 1 MW electricity and you would be surprised to know that it can save 1 crore litres of water per kilometer annually by preventing it from evaporating. This project has the ability to tackle both energy security and water security, thus leaving behind a green footprint for future generations.

 
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 Source: Read more at: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/

20 Tips For Saving Water

The 20 simple tips to save water are as follows:

1.     Stop Leakage of water from taps. Around 30 liters of water is wasted by a slow dripping tap in 24 hours.
2.     Use the minimum amount of water needed for bath.
3.     Don’t waste dirty water .You can use that dirty water to water your plants.
4.     Water your garden during early morning or late evening so as to reduce the evaporation.
5.     Wash vegetables and fruits in Bowl rather than washing them under tap.
6.     Don’t leave the tap open while brushing you teeth or shaving.
7.     Wash clothes only when there is full load.
8.     Consider using a car duster to remove dust instead of pressure hose.
9.     Avoid installation of fountains and other ornamental water features.
10.     Prefer broom instead of sprinklers to clean your sidewalks and streets.
11.     Don’t flush the toilet unnecessarily and use toilet paper as much as possible.
12.     Try to cover your swimming pool when not in use to reduce evaporation.
13.     Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.
14.     Try to use Commercial car wash service which recycle water.
15.     Promote the conservation of water with posters and media.
16.     Use Dip irrigation method for irrigation purposes.
17.     Install a rain sensor system on irrigation to save water while its raining.
18.     Teach your children to turn off your faucets tightly after each use.
19.     Implement rainwater harvesting systems to collect rain water and use it in future.
20.     Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.

When The Last Tree is Cut, The Last River Poisoned And The Last Fish Dead... We Will Discover We Can't Eat Money - Cree Indian Proverb

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Oil Drilling In Africa : The Exploitation

Petroleum is abundant in Africa and in some regions, has very special incentives for western investment. Oil off the west coast of Africa has less of a threat of insurrection and local instability which hampers drilling efforts. This is because most oil drilling takes place off-shore. Additionally, African oil, especially West African oil has the added benefit of having shorter transport routes to US refineries. Without the need to transport it through politically sensitive or militarily vulnerable routes.

The exploitation of resources in Africa is a long and sordid history. Western nations have always plundered the resources of Africa for the gain of Western nations. Much of the blame lies not only with Western nations and corporations but with corrupt, cynical and even what can be described as evil African leadership. Men who have used the proceeds from oil and other commodities to line their own pockets, letting their nations go into financial decay and even ruin in the process. Consequently, this paper will not be a typical exercise in Corporate bashing while decrying the maltreatment of Africans.

Development of Africa’s resources for Western exploitation is going to be a key issue from now until the end of the age of oil, or until a viable alternative energy source is discovered. Thus Africa, the war on terror and Western's new found interest in deploying troops into long running conflicts needs to be explored with care and accuracy so as not to fall into typical cliche and well-worn conclusions.

Yet we must understand the while there are substantial oil reserves in Africa, they are dwarfed by the reserves in the Middle East and Russia. It would be wise to remember the overenthusiastic estimates of oil reserves in the Caspian Sean Basin. While significant oil and Gas reserves are present, the actual amount of recoverable oil that exists in Africa may once again be somewhat exaggerated. Nevertheless, because oil production in many parts of the world is declining, Africa will be a target for Western nations and companies for exploitation. Not only for western nations but for India and China as well, as their economies become increasingly industrialized.

    The Cons of Oil Drilling on the Environment
 
    Environmental
        Oil drilling can potentially have negative environmental effects. Drilling disturbs local ecosystems and a spill can cause catastrophic damage if not contained quickly.
    Economic
        Oil drilling can lower property values in nearby residential areas. Oil spills can harm local economies if they effect nearby fishing or farming.
    Pollution/Oil Dependency
        Drilling oil is an energy intensive process that releases pollutants into the air. Increased drilling means that countries have less reason to research environmentally-friendly energy alternatives. It also discourages consumers from purchasing more fuel-efficient vehicles which would add less pollutants to the environment.


Most of the wars and exploitation in Africa is based on control of these natural reserves. Be it oil or diamonds. Africa continues to be exploited and Africans living in these situation have terrible life. We must not exploit other for our lavish lifestyle.

Help Save The Earth, There Is No Life Elsewhere

 


Source : http://www.markswatson.com/afrioil.html

15 Tips On How To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Many folks can't afford solar panels or a new hybrid car — and newly produced items like those can actually add to a personal carbon footprint, because of the energy and resources needed to make them.

But there are simple, constructive ways to reduce your carbon shoe size without the big price tag. Lisa Wise, executive director of the Center for a New American Dream, says everyday choices and actions can make a huge difference:

    1. Buy organic and local.
    When possible, buy organic or "fair trade." There's a better chance the food was grown in an Eco-friendly way, and if it's locally grown, it didn't have to travel that far. This also goes for those double lattes — coffee often has a large carbon footprint because of the distance those beans had to travel to get here, and how they were produced. Also, try eating at restaurants that serve locally produced or seasonal foods.
    2. Pay attention to packaging.
    When out shopping, try to go to stores or co-ops that keep packaging to a minimum. For example, you may chose to buy the loose tomatoes rather than boxed or plastic-wrapped tomatoes. Also, take reusable bags to the grocery store. When it comes to resources, plastic is better than paper — but a reusable cloth tote-style bag is better still.
    3. Ditch bottled water.
    Bottled water has a huge carbon footprint — it's bottled at one location in small plastic bottles and shipped all over. Try buying a reusable water bottle or canteen for your water. Also, a lot of restaurants have made the move from offering fancy bottled water, usually imported from an exotic source, to using in-house filtration systems that make tap water a good choice. Many plastic water bottles are recycled, but most are not, making the footprint even bigger.
    4. Energy-proof your home.
    We're not talking major upgrades here... Make sure all of your windows close properly and that the attic in your home is properly insulated. This can save you big bucks on your energy bill. Also, keep your heating and cooling systems properly maintained, and switch to reusable filters when possible. Try switching from incandescent to compact florescent light bulbs. Compact florescent light bulbs use about 75 percent less energy than our normal light bulbs and last much longer. Compared to regular bulbs, the fluorescent are more expensive, but they will eventually pay for themselves due to lower energy costs.
    5. Go native.
    Use native plant species to landscape around your home or business. The plants will probably grow better in a familiar environment, and the plants may also get shipped a shorter distance to get to your local nursery. Also, use organic soil when planting — it's made using more eco-friendly methods, and uses less resources. And remember, green plants are a good way to offset carbon. So plant something, anything — it helps.
    6. Window shop.
    If you have the urge to spend, try window shopping or browsing first. This helps ensure you are only buying things you really need, or really want, and you're not just impulse buying. Remember, every item in a store, no matter how small, has a footprint — so if we are conscious consumers, we can reduce our own footprint and the overall footprint of our nation.
    7. Take a direct flight.
    If you need to travel by airplane, try taking a direct flight when at all possible. Your impact is reduced when you take one flight, as opposed to hopping on a couple or more passenger jets to reach your final destination. You might also feel a little less harried when you arrive, because changing planes can be a real hassle.

    8. Switch water heaters to vacation mode.
    Most water heaters have a "vacation" setting for when you are away from home for an extended period of time. Switching to that "away" mode still keeps the water warm, but will not use the energy it takes to keep a tank full of piping-hot water. Enjoy your vacation even more, knowing that you're saving money and reducing your footprint.


    9. Unplug it!
    Unplug appliances that you don't use frequently. Most electronics have a standby mode that siphons energy even when not in use. Cell phone chargers, laptops, televisions, stereos — there's a whole list of items that should be unplugged when not in use. Try using a power strip for groups of electronic items. One flick of the switch and it's all off.
    10. Keep your car.
    With gas prices seemingly always on the rise, it's tempting to buy a hybrid or electric vehicle. But if your older-model car is in good condition, you're better off keeping it in good running condition. Even hybrids create a big footprint when they're built, so consider driving that old clunker for a little while longer. Also, try more Eco-friendly modes of transport when possible, like buses, trains, a bicycle, telecommuting or even walking.
    11. Chuck your microwave.
    Admittedly, this is a bit drastic. But this speaks more to those convenient frozen dinners some rely on because of their busy schedules. A freezer full of meals is actually more energy-intensive — it costs more to freeze foods, ship them cold, display them frozen in the grocery store and keep them frozen in our homes. So while the modern convenience of the microwave and the Lean Cuisine is enticing, it's much more resource-intensive. Cook fresh food when you can, and you'll also find yourself eating out less often.
    12. Use cold water.
    No, not in the shower... but maybe in the washer. Try using cold water to launder things that don't need to be cleaned in hot or warm water. It takes a lot of energy to heat up water — multiply that by the number of loads, and that's a big footprint. Most major detergent makers sell detergents designed to have the same cleaning power as with regular soap. Try washing mixed loads in cold water, too.
    13. Have the family over.
    Family gatherings are a good way to spend some quality time with loved ones, with very little carbon impact. Cooking and entertaining for larger groups is more efficient and, per person, a lot less expensive. And who can put a price on these "carbon freebies"?
    14. Make time for errands.
    A lot of us try to run errands in-between work and other commitments. Try bundling errands together to reduce how far you need to travel. Going back-and-forth to the same part of town on different days to run errands uses more gas than if you planned and did everything in the same area all at once. And if you really want to make it a "carbon freebie," try carpooling and running errands with a buddy.
    15. The Three Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
    It seems like something from a kid's sing-a-long, but sometimes we lose sight of just how much we buy. Try buying less, and reusing and fixing things when you can instead of buying new. And for a lot of people, recycling is as easy as rolling the trash bin to the curb. Just remember to do it at work, too.

Help Save The Earth, There Is No Life Elsewhere

Source: http://sustainability.publicradio.org/consumed/tips.html
By Millie Jefferson, producer, Weekend America®

Threats to Aquatic Wildlife : A Pictorial Representation

Global Warming's Rising Threat to the Paradise(Soon to be Lost) of the Maldives

Is the Maldives, a country of about 1,200 coral islets and 400,000 people in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka, living on borrowed time? Is it likely to be wiped off the face of the earth in another 40 years, engulfed by seas rising from the effects of global warming?

I’m sure there are people — politicians, businessmen, even scientists — who’d ridicule this notion and the very idea of global warming, but for the Maldives, one of the world’s smallest nations, the fear is almost mortal. The country feels it’s living in the very jaws of death and has pleaded with the world, on many occasions, to come to its rescue.

In 1992, speaking at the UN Earth Summit, the then Maldives’ president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom declared his fear of doom in these words: “I stand before you as a representative of an endangered people. We are told that, as a result of global warming and sea-level rise, my country, the Maldives, may sometime during the next century disappear from the face of the earth.”

In late 2007, at the UN climate change meeting in Bali, Gayoom sounded desperate. “Over half of our islands,” he said, “are eroding at an alarming rate. In some cases, island communities have had to be relocated to safer islands. Without immediate action, the long-term habitation of our tiny islands is in serious doubt.”

But behind these frantic pleas is a growing realisation that action by the global community just isn’t round the corner. The Maldives was the first country to sign the Kyoto protocol to fight global warming, but others haven’t quite shared its enthusiasm. So it has decided to take matters in its own hands and do whatever it can to the best of its ability.

Its immediate goal is to become a fully carbon-neutral country by 2020, switching from fossil fuel to 100 per cent renewable energy sources. It’s thinking of a mix of wind turbines and rooftop solar panels, plus power plants burning nothing but coconut husks. Its long-term goal is to save up enough to buy a new homeland elsewhere and relocate its entire population before the crunch comes.

While carbon neutrality isn’t difficult to achieve, how feasible is the idea of a new homeland? The Maldives’ new president, Mohamed Nasheed, says the savings are to come mainly from revenues earned from tourism. They could. Tourism is a major segment of the Maldives’ economy, accounting for over 30 per cent of its GDP, and the more than 600,000 tourists who visit every year are mostly high-spenders and long-stayers.

But where does one find an alternative homeland for an entire nation? It won’t be easy to find an island that’s high and safe and uninhabited or that’s not a nation already or part of a nation. And though the Maldives has held relocation talks with Sri Lanka, India, and Australia, would any country want to carve out a part of its territory and sell it to another?

Perhaps, the Maldives should start looking for a solution that’s more practical and pertinent. The basis for such a solution already exists in the form of an artificial island that’s being built just off the country’s main inhabited island of Male. It’s called Hulhumale, or New Male, and many consider it a smart answer to the Maldives’ problem of survival.

The Maldives is nowhere more than six feet above the sea level, and seas rising from a global snowmelt could easily swamp it. Memories are still fresh of the devastating 1987 floods that submerged most of Male and the December 2004 tsunami, when 53 of the country’s 199 inhabited islands suffered severe damage — 20 were totally destroyed, and 19 of its 87 luxury resorts were badly mauled.

After the 1987 floods, a frantic government responded by erecting a concrete sea wall against the waves, which now rings Male. However, since the concrete tetrapods can only soften the blow and not thwart the surges altogether, the government also began, in 1997, to build Hulhumale as an alternative refuge several feet higher than the existing height of the rest of the country.

Hulhumale, about four times the size of Male, is actually a shallow lagoon being filled with sand dredged from the ocean floor. Its straight, wide streets, modern apartments, and more than basic facilities have already attracted several thousand people to move there. More are willing to follow to escape from Male’s congestion.

For the Maldives living in fear of doom, this is a possible way out. There are other shallow lagoons in the island chain where more Hulhumales could be built, if needed, to protect its people and economy. It’s going to be costly, no doubt, but at least it makes more sense than looking to buy a new homeland, and the UN, the Asian Development Bank, and the World Bank might be called upon to help.

Source: business-standard.com

Dr. Seuss The Lorax - Movie For The Environment

I am Lorax and I Speak for the Trees

The Lorax didn’t have the joy and humor but instead left its readers with a poignant message and dire warning.

Charles Cohen, a Dr. Seuss enthusiast and scholar, who helped publish several of Dr. Seuss’s lost stories last year in a collection, “The Bippolo Seed and other Lost Stories,” agreed in part, that Dr. Seuss was not one for a political tirade.

Cohen said that at the time Seuss wrote The Lorax, it was an attempt to bring ecological and environmental problems to the attention of young children.

“He knew that he was taking a moral stand and he said, in his words, that it was the only book that he’d written up to that point which he’d consciously tried to preach and to propagandize,” Cohen said.

Cohen insisted the point of the Lorax was not to condemn industry or lumbering as immoral. Instead, it is meant to serve as a lesson about conservation.

The movie has been through critisism from logging indusrty which says that they have been reseeding and harvesting trees.

Weather or not, the movie is successfull or it faces critisism but it sure gives a very strong message about envirnment and the trees. Yes, we need wood to meet our needs but at what cost ? Proper harvesting and reseeding has to be insured.

Trees are living and the have a life, they just can't speak. We invest billions to save human lives, which is very good. But now we must also invest, individually to save Green cover.

Help Save The Earth, There Is No Life Elsewhere

The History Of MAN...

Did you do all the things today as you have planned ?

Did all your beloved ones did everything today as planned ?

If your answer is 'YES' then consider yourself lucky!

 

For most of us things did not ended up as planned. We just don't know what might happen to us the very next moment. There is one thing for sure that we do plan things as if we have all the time in our hand. We plan for the worse to happen and hope for the best.

If this is the case then why are we not planning for our mother; Mother Earth.

Mother needs us and we have to answer her call. For thousands of year she has been providing space to live, to nourish and grow up only to see herself exploited ?

Every drop of water you save in your home or office or outside is a favor returned to Earth. Every time you turn off you engine on traffic signal is clean sir for everyone and for our kids. Every time you switch off something is a green planet for all of us. Every tree you plant is a new life on Earth.

We all know that global warming, melting ice caps, rising sea level, pollution are on the rise yet we are so selfish that we ignore it as though it doesn't matter to us.

Please plan for this Earth,

• Practice and preach environment saving tips, which includes saving paper, water, fuel or any other means.
• Include Green habits in your daily life style such as wasting less tissue paper, turning off anything that is not to be used for long time.
• Teach your kids about the importance of Green Environment. Help them learn and understand importance of saving.
• In your office, start a initiative(and reward people who follow it) to save paper and electricity. Printers/faxes, monitors, CPUs, tube-lights, ACs don't need to remain on if there one one in office. This will not only bring down your operations cost but also help environment.
• Use public transportation until you are in very urgent need of using your own.

Help Save The Earth, There Is No Life Elsewhere