A recent study done in Canada shows that Canadian residents exposed to an excess of certain emissions gave birth to more girls than boys, which is the opposite of the normal ratio. Scientist James Argo claims that this is not surprising because it has been proved that there is a close link between gender and the emissions they found in the Canadian town.
For more on this, visit http://www.enn.com/health/article/24136
This is now messing with our posterity. Emissions of greenhouse gases is such a serious problem and we are taking the environment for granted. We assume that the Earth will just fix itself no matter what we do to it. What if the solution that the Earth comes up with is to rid itself of humans, since we're clearly doing all of the damage. This is a very simple problem to fix, and I think that with a little cooperation and understanding, it could be remedied very quickly.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Go Green Online
Online Shopping is a multi-billion dollar industry. Almost every retail corporation in the world offers customers the ability to shop online. Shopping online allows customers to avoid traffic and crowds, and search for exactly the item they are looking for. Customers are not pressured to buy and and can read reviews and other useful information when shopping online. Websites such as Ebay and Amazon allow customers to shop for any item imaginable and have it shipped right to their homes. One website takes the online shopping experience and pairs it with eco-friendliness.
Going green is a trend that is now taking over almost every market. From the automobile industry, to the building of new houses, and now even green e-shopping. BuyGreen.com is a new website that focuses on selling eco-friendly products. This website offers a wide variety of environmentally friendly products available to individuals as well as businesses.
Not only does this website offer green products, it also gives the buyer the information about how the product affects the four main categories of green standards: materials (source), manufacturing, usage, and disposal. Each product is held up to green standards that judges the product in each category.
Is BuyGreen the Ebay of the future? If current trends continue to grow, eco-shopping will be the next big thing. For further reading, check out http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/1096/
Going green is a trend that is now taking over almost every market. From the automobile industry, to the building of new houses, and now even green e-shopping. BuyGreen.com is a new website that focuses on selling eco-friendly products. This website offers a wide variety of environmentally friendly products available to individuals as well as businesses.
Not only does this website offer green products, it also gives the buyer the information about how the product affects the four main categories of green standards: materials (source), manufacturing, usage, and disposal. Each product is held up to green standards that judges the product in each category.
Is BuyGreen the Ebay of the future? If current trends continue to grow, eco-shopping will be the next big thing. For further reading, check out http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/1096/
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Lightning Power
Of course, in the pursuit of leaving behind those pesky, dirty fossil fuels, new ideas for powering the globe are coming out of the woodwork. Some of those ideas are very sound, and some are very foolish (I read an article about creating a twenty kilometer tall tornado in a nuclear plant cooling tower to power wind turbines and cool the plant at the same time). But there is one major power source that seems to have been largely neglected- until now: Lightning.
You may remember lightning from such memorable instances as: getting struck by it, getting the crap scared out of you by it, and trying to count the different colors of it (yes, lightning comes in many colors). You might not remember it, though, as pure electricity. You know, that stuff we power our civilization with? Well, someone thought of that, and came up with a plan to harvest it.
The plan would involve hundreds of three foot metal poles, specifically designed to capture the energy produced by a lightning strike. These poles, placed in areas of high thunderstorm activity, would be able to power significant portions of the country. As it was put, one mid-west storm has the potential to power the entire United States for up to twenty minutes. That is a lot of power.
Of course, there are probably drawbacks to the idea, and limitations, but it is still just an idea, and such things have yet to be hammered out or even discovered. But is our goal of a renewable planet, having such powerful energy free of cost or side effect in production would be a giant step forward indeed.
The article about lightning can be found here: EcoGeek.org
You may remember lightning from such memorable instances as: getting struck by it, getting the crap scared out of you by it, and trying to count the different colors of it (yes, lightning comes in many colors). You might not remember it, though, as pure electricity. You know, that stuff we power our civilization with? Well, someone thought of that, and came up with a plan to harvest it.
The plan would involve hundreds of three foot metal poles, specifically designed to capture the energy produced by a lightning strike. These poles, placed in areas of high thunderstorm activity, would be able to power significant portions of the country. As it was put, one mid-west storm has the potential to power the entire United States for up to twenty minutes. That is a lot of power.
Of course, there are probably drawbacks to the idea, and limitations, but it is still just an idea, and such things have yet to be hammered out or even discovered. But is our goal of a renewable planet, having such powerful energy free of cost or side effect in production would be a giant step forward indeed.
The article about lightning can be found here: EcoGeek.org
New Zealand to be 90% Renewable
New Zealand, well known for providing the clean, fresh landscapes seen in The Lord of the Rings, is planning on becoming a little cleaner, soon. It was announced not long ago that the country intends to be ninety percent renewable by the year 2025. This bold announcement seems as though it might be difficult to fulfill, but the country is already seventy percent renewable. Actions are already being taken to prevent construction of any new fossil fuel plants in the country.
This idea of being almost completely renewable in resources sounds easy, especially for a country like New Zealand, which is already nearing its goal, but in other areas of the globe, it will not be easy to attain even half renewable status ever. The United States, for instance, is a much larger country, and has a much more complicated power grid. For the country to compete with New Zealand, not only would we need a radical change in structure, we would also need a radical change in political makeup. Currently the administration is slow on the uptake, preferring instead to pay borderline enemies for the substance that sustains the country.
New Zealand is setting an example for the rest of the world, and it is my hope that more countries will follow its lead, striving to make themselves a poster-country for renewable practices. And the benefits for such a move would surely be worth any cost paid. Health does have a price tag, and right now that price tag is probably the cost of making a country follow New Zealand's lead.
The article can be found here: EcoGeek.org
This idea of being almost completely renewable in resources sounds easy, especially for a country like New Zealand, which is already nearing its goal, but in other areas of the globe, it will not be easy to attain even half renewable status ever. The United States, for instance, is a much larger country, and has a much more complicated power grid. For the country to compete with New Zealand, not only would we need a radical change in structure, we would also need a radical change in political makeup. Currently the administration is slow on the uptake, preferring instead to pay borderline enemies for the substance that sustains the country.
New Zealand is setting an example for the rest of the world, and it is my hope that more countries will follow its lead, striving to make themselves a poster-country for renewable practices. And the benefits for such a move would surely be worth any cost paid. Health does have a price tag, and right now that price tag is probably the cost of making a country follow New Zealand's lead.
The article can be found here: EcoGeek.org
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Green Architecture
Green architecture, also known as sustainable architecture, is a new concept designed to improve economic and ecological efficiency in the construction of new buildings. By using more environmentally friendly resources, the goal is to reduce the impact that construction has on the environment.
Smaller homes are now being preferred over larger ones because large homes take up more space, meaning more resources are required, and larger spaces are more costly and damaging to heat and cool. Small houses that use natural resources, such as rock and grass, as insulation are making their way into the mainstream market. Solar energy is also being preferred as an efficient and inexpensive way to power a house. By harvesting the suns natural light and energy, solar panels allow us to convert that into energy we use to power homes.
Techniques and remedies, such as shower head flow restrictors and low capacity toilets, are new ways to conserve water, saving money as well as our most important natural resource. Plants are also being used to help out. By placing a few plants around the house, air circulation and filtration are greatly increased, improving the quality of life.
But what can you do to help? There are many things you can do to help our environment. Purchasing fluorescent light bulbs instead of tradition ones helps. Fluorescent bulbs use up to 60% less energy and last up to 40% longer. By reusing plastic shopping bags when you go to the grocery store, you can reduce the amount of trash as well as emissions from bag factories. When in the market for a new appliance, choose one with an energy efficient logo, such as Energy Star. Probably the most important thing you can do- RECYCLE!!!
For more reading on Green Architecture, http://alvinadriano.clickrightnow.com/2007/10/10/sustainable-green-architecture/
Smaller homes are now being preferred over larger ones because large homes take up more space, meaning more resources are required, and larger spaces are more costly and damaging to heat and cool. Small houses that use natural resources, such as rock and grass, as insulation are making their way into the mainstream market. Solar energy is also being preferred as an efficient and inexpensive way to power a house. By harvesting the suns natural light and energy, solar panels allow us to convert that into energy we use to power homes.
Techniques and remedies, such as shower head flow restrictors and low capacity toilets, are new ways to conserve water, saving money as well as our most important natural resource. Plants are also being used to help out. By placing a few plants around the house, air circulation and filtration are greatly increased, improving the quality of life.
But what can you do to help? There are many things you can do to help our environment. Purchasing fluorescent light bulbs instead of tradition ones helps. Fluorescent bulbs use up to 60% less energy and last up to 40% longer. By reusing plastic shopping bags when you go to the grocery store, you can reduce the amount of trash as well as emissions from bag factories. When in the market for a new appliance, choose one with an energy efficient logo, such as Energy Star. Probably the most important thing you can do- RECYCLE!!!
For more reading on Green Architecture, http://alvinadriano.clickrightnow.com/2007/10/10/sustainable-green-architecture/
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Energy Efficient China.
It was recently announced the China has made a huge movement for the environment. China is now only producing energy efficient lightbulbs and banning the production of incandecent lightbulbs. Studies estimate that this could reduce global greenhouse emissions by 500 million tons annually.
To read more, visit http://environment.about.com/b/a/256931.htm
This is a huge step for the environment because prior to this, energy efficient lightbulbs were more expensive than regular lightbulbs, but now, with China halting produciton of regular lightbulbs, energy effiecient ones will have to be cheeper. China produces 70 percent of the worlds lightbulbs, and so with energy efficient lightbulbs becoming more available, the price will have to go down. This makes the green choice also the more affordable choice. And most of the time, people don't do green because they have to spend extra money in order to be energy or water efficient. This will create a big pull toward energy efficient lightbulbs and thus make a huge impact on the greenhouse gas emissions.
To read more, visit http://environment.about.com/b/a/256931.htm
This is a huge step for the environment because prior to this, energy efficient lightbulbs were more expensive than regular lightbulbs, but now, with China halting produciton of regular lightbulbs, energy effiecient ones will have to be cheeper. China produces 70 percent of the worlds lightbulbs, and so with energy efficient lightbulbs becoming more available, the price will have to go down. This makes the green choice also the more affordable choice. And most of the time, people don't do green because they have to spend extra money in order to be energy or water efficient. This will create a big pull toward energy efficient lightbulbs and thus make a huge impact on the greenhouse gas emissions.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Hybrid Sports Cars
Whats next in automotive technology? Hybrid sports cars will soon be hitting the road. The typical image that comes to mind when one thinks of a hybrid car is the small, boring looking sedan, however a few automakers are trying to change that. Hybrid sports cars will soon be seen on the streets in an effort to mix environmental friendliness with chic styling and superb performance.
Over the past few years however, many automakers have been trying to change the image of the hybrid from boring and bland to functional and stylish. Ford has recently released the Escape Hybrid, a compact SUV that mixes fuel economy and eco-mindedness with performance and that go-anywhere capability. Even the high-end market has been doing there part by being earth-smart. Lexus recently released their LS600h, a full size, full priced (base price $104,000), full hybrid, all out luxury green machine.
The only category of cars that has not been to tapped to be green is the sports car. Auto companies such as Toyota and Mazda are currently developing sporty roadsters that use hybrid technology as the main source of power. But will these new aged green speed machines sell? Toyota's sports hybrid, the Priapus, is estimated to start at $70,000. Hopefully those who can afford a car of that price will make the decision to go green. I guess we will have to wait and find out.
http://asiantornado.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!5F9963132F59AF5F!120.entry
Chris Michaels
Over the past few years however, many automakers have been trying to change the image of the hybrid from boring and bland to functional and stylish. Ford has recently released the Escape Hybrid, a compact SUV that mixes fuel economy and eco-mindedness with performance and that go-anywhere capability. Even the high-end market has been doing there part by being earth-smart. Lexus recently released their LS600h, a full size, full priced (base price $104,000), full hybrid, all out luxury green machine.
The only category of cars that has not been to tapped to be green is the sports car. Auto companies such as Toyota and Mazda are currently developing sporty roadsters that use hybrid technology as the main source of power. But will these new aged green speed machines sell? Toyota's sports hybrid, the Priapus, is estimated to start at $70,000. Hopefully those who can afford a car of that price will make the decision to go green. I guess we will have to wait and find out.
http://asiantornado.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!5F9963132F59AF5F!120.entry
Chris Michaels
Friday, October 5, 2007
Global Warming- killing off the cutest animals ever!
Over the summer I saw a report on World News Tonight about the newest addtion to the endangered species list. The American Pika was added to the endangered species list in July of 2007 because of Global Warming. (http://www.worldwildlife.org/pikas/index.cfm?sc=AWE0700ACG00&searchen=google)
This adorable little creature lives in the moutains of Mid-West America and has a very specific alititude it lives at because of the temperature and amount of oxygen in the air. Because of rising temperatures all over the world due to things such as an increse of CO2 in the air, these Pika are being forced further up the mountain to find the temperature that they are able to live in. However, once they do find a comfortable temperature to live at, they are so far up the mountain, that there isn't enough oxygen for them to breathe, and so they are suffocating and dying. Those who stay lower on the mountain are dying from the sever heat because of the thickness of their fur.
It could be argued that endangerment and eventual extinction is a natural process through which mother nature makes room for new species. However, species are depleting at an alarming rate and new species are not replacing them fast enough. Also, the endangerment of the American Pika can be directly related to humans and things we, as a species have done to the environment. A change has to be made because the Pika are one example of something we've been turning a blind eye to.
Can we really stand by while these adorable fluffy creatures die?
Katherine Whitman
This adorable little creature lives in the moutains of Mid-West America and has a very specific alititude it lives at because of the temperature and amount of oxygen in the air. Because of rising temperatures all over the world due to things such as an increse of CO2 in the air, these Pika are being forced further up the mountain to find the temperature that they are able to live in. However, once they do find a comfortable temperature to live at, they are so far up the mountain, that there isn't enough oxygen for them to breathe, and so they are suffocating and dying. Those who stay lower on the mountain are dying from the sever heat because of the thickness of their fur.
It could be argued that endangerment and eventual extinction is a natural process through which mother nature makes room for new species. However, species are depleting at an alarming rate and new species are not replacing them fast enough. Also, the endangerment of the American Pika can be directly related to humans and things we, as a species have done to the environment. A change has to be made because the Pika are one example of something we've been turning a blind eye to.
Can we really stand by while these adorable fluffy creatures die?
Katherine Whitman
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