Natural Environment Blog

Photo Credit: Richard Masoner/Cycleicious

September is a busy month with kids going back to school, but make sure to mark your calendars because September 22 is World Carfree Day! This day was actually first organized in the 1970s during the oil crisis and then again cropped up in Europe in the 1990s.

For the past few years, it has been a staple day to celebrate the world we live in by doing our best not to pollute it further. The goal of World Carfree Day is to get people thinking about the environment and show them that we can in fact, make do without a vehicle, at least in some areas.

While World Carfree Day is only one day a year, the message that is being spread is to promote to people to consider other ways of living and to change their lifestyles. The goal of this day is not to take part and then turn around and go back to your ‘normal’ life the next day, but to make a continued difference.

We all know that cars are pollution causing, money draining, environmental pests. However, almost all of us own one or drive one on a regular basis. What many people don’t realize are that the benefits of not driving aren’t limited to just your wallet and the environment. It is also healthier for you when you choose to walk or ride your bike instead of drive. You get fresh air, exercise, and sunshine and it can be a great way to start your day.

While not all of us are able to make it to the office via bike, there are other options to go carfree. You can take public transit, which can sometimes even shorten your journey. Another option is to carpool which cuts your carbon footprint for that activity in half.

With the ever growing threat of global warming and the constant environmental damage, September 22, 2011 is the perfect day to give Mother Nature a break and to consider a lifestyle change. We need to start looking towards a more sustainable living attitude now in order to protect this planet for future generations.

This article was contributed by Amy Lizee from Environment911.org.

Environment911.org is an interactive website for individuals to come and discuss the environment from green business to natural disasters. We feel it is important for people to come together and share their thoughts, ideas and visions for the future.

A quick note to mention that the Nature Conservancy is accepting entries for its 6th Annual Digital Photo Competition.

You can submit your entries in one of two ways:

• Enter your Facebook login details at The Nature Conservancy Photo Contest page.
• Via the Nature Conservancy’s Flickr photo sharing group. Details here.

This year, they are looking for digital photos that feature the natural wonders of the lands, waters, plants, animals and people around the world. All photos must be original, of course.

At least 35 photos will be selected as honorable mentions and finalists, and the Nature Conservancy online community will vote for their favorite images to determine the winners. The grand prize winner will be featured on the cover of the 2013 Nature Conservancy calendar.

To give you an idea of the photo quality you will need to produce, take a look at these previous winning photos.

Photo submissions need to be uploaded by 11:59 pm PST Monday, September 12, 2011.

So what are you waiting for?

The hemp plant is of foremost importance to protecting the environment. It is simultaneously the most useful and the most underutilized plant of anything we have access to. The environmental implications of hemp are wide reaching and extremely powerful.

Not only is hemp great for the Earth’s environment, but it is the most nutritious resource for the human body’s internal environment.

While hemp’s benefits require pages upon pages to describe completely, I’d like to give a brief overview of everything this one plant is capable of.

Growing Hemp

The act of simply growing hemp is great for the environment. The roots are incredibly long, and break up the soil to make it easier for other crops to grow in. This also brings up nutrients from deep down for future crops, including more hemp.

One report from Kentucky stated that a batch of hemp was grown on the same land for 14 consecutive years, without any reduced yields or soil depletion. This is pretty incredible, considering that hemp can yield four times as much pulp per acre as trees, and three times as much fiber as cotton.

One ton of carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere for every two tons of hemp grown, and since hemp can produce as much as twelve tons per acre, the carbon dioxide removed adds up fast.

Hemp Products

Hemp can be used to make all kinds of environmentally friendly products, and is a great way to help us use much less petroleum.

Hemp can be used as a clean biofuel which releases no sulphur oxides when burned, and as a biodegradable alternative to petroleum plastics.

Hemp paper is stronger than wood pulp paper, can be recycled up to 8 times (compared to 3 with regular paper), and does not require dangerous bleaching agents.

The list goes on and on, but what is perhaps most important is the power of hemp nutrition.

Hemp Food

Seed from the hemp plant is the most nutritious food in the world. It contains 11 grams of protein per 3 tablespoons, but the quantity is not as important as the quality. Hemp protein is 100% complete, with all the essential amino acids, but an even better characteristic of hemp protein is its bioavailability. It is 65% globulin edestin, a simple type of plant protein that is very easy to digest. This is the highest in all the plant kingdom and it makes hemp protein the best protein in the world.

As if that wasn’t good enough, hemp protein has the perfect balance of Omega-6 and Omega-3 essential fatty acids, along with Omega-9 fatty acid. These acids are critical for the body to efficiently perform life sustaining chemical processes, and having high quantities of good fatty acids will reduce the risk of all types of diseases.

Further still, hemp seed has lots of fiber (10% soluble, 90% insoluble), minerals (magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, zinc, calcium, and more), antioxidants, and chlorophyll.

Why is this especially important?

Hemp seed can be baked into bread and used as a staple food. If this were the staple of the world, there would be no malnutrition at all, and that goes for developed and undeveloped countries. The power of hemp needs to be utilized by the world, for the sake of the environment’s health and our health!

This article was written by Justin Kander from Versativa, an innovative new company which produces raw hemp food and a powerful type of hemp seed concentrate. Dozens of people with little raw food or hemp experience have used these products to change their lives and experience the benefits of hemp for themselves. If you want highly detailed information about the company, products, and dozens of testimonials, check out the Versativa Superfoodspage.

Today, most people know all about the various green ways of generating electricity: wind turbines, solar panels, hydro-electricity. But green heating methods for the home are somewhat less known. Let’s have a look at the various methods of heating your home in an environmentally friendly and economical manner.

Solar Heating

Similar to solar panels used for generating electricity, solar heating panels can be installed to generate hot water for your home to be used for central heating as well as tap water. If installed to an optimum standard, this method can account for 40-60% of your hot water, the remainder made up by traditional gas heating.

In the winter when there is less sunlight, solar heating naturally is not as effective, so this method is not as reliable throughout the year. However, the important thing to remember is that the resource that it requires, sunlight, is free.

Electric Radiators

This modern, state of the art approach to central heating is highly cost effective. Compared with traditional radiators, electric radiators are much cheaper to run, costing just a few pence per hour. They do not require pipes, keeping the heat confined to the radiators themselves. They also use a lot less electricity than your average storage heater.

If your home is solar or wind powered, this method of central heating truly makes your home totally self sufficient.

Geothermal Heating

This method of heating is gaining large popularity. Geothermal heating utilises the heat found deep underground. By running pipes underground, heat can be brought into the home, and hot air extracted to be ventilated into the building. This heat supply is much more constant than solar heating throughout the year and is readily available for whenever it is needed. This method can provide up to 70% of your heating requirements and, like solar heating, can be combined with a traditional gas source. It is no wonder why this method is gaining such popularity.

Under Floor Heating

This is a very popular heating method. Under floor heating is especially useful for homes that are built in older renovated buildings that do not have existing central heating systems.

This method comes with two options: wet or dry. As the name suggests, the wet option involves pipes with running warm water keeping the home at an optimal temperature. The dry option involves electricity and woven materials. This is a much more expensive option than the wet option, however it is much easier to install in older buildings where the system needs to be build into existing architecture.

Conclusion

You may be thinking that these methods of heating are expensive to install. While this is true, it is important to consider the money that you would save over the coming years by purchasing less gas, or even no gas, to heat your home. These methods, combined with good insulation, can save you as much as 70% on your heating bills. It’s time to move our heating methods into the 21^st century as we gradually say goodbye to our old fossil fuel friends.

Guest post written by Chris Johnson on behalf of Electric Radiators

In light of the growing threat of global warming and other environmental catastrophes, the need for new green technology that will contribute in saving the environment likewise rises.

Green technology refers to the continuously developing system of research, methods, theories, products, and practices that all lead towards safeguarding the earth’s natural environment. It also includes the promotion of sustainability of natural resources, reduction of waste and pollution, and development of green alternatives in modern technology.

This year, 2011, new green technology has surfaced. These breakthroughs are considerably major steps in saving the environment. Below are the top five green technology breakthroughs in the last six months of 2011:

1. GE Refrigerators Going Green

General Electric has recently announced that it is now using gas which significantly reduces the emission of greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gas, which is the trapped heat in the earth’s atmosphere, is one of the most common factors that affect climate change. Examples of greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, water vapor, nitrous oxide, methane, and ozone.

Industrial processes involved in the manufacture of modern machinery likewise result to GHG or greenhouse gases—examples of which are sulfur hexaflouride, perfluorocarbons, and hydrofluorocarbons. In order to reduce the emission of these gases, General Electric is conducting research and development and their latest breakthrough in refrigerators this year is proof of their success in the said field.

The company will switch to the new gas in its procedure of pouring in foam installation to its fridges. Dubbed as “atmosphere-friendly gas,” this latest initiative from GE paves the way for about 99 percent of greenhouse gas emission reduction. This innovation is part of GE’s Ecomagination system, a company initiative which was launched in support of green technology.

2. Mini Hydrogen Fuel Cells

Hydrogen Fuel Cells are electrochemical energy converters. The fuel cell converts hydrogen and oxygen into water and during this process of conversion, electricity is produced. These fuel cells are, in a way, working like batteries. The difference is that the chemicals contained in a battery eventually dies and cannot be replenished. In a hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen and oxygen is continually supplied so it then becomes a very practical and useful power generator.

This year, the company Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technologies is making it possible for people to have their hand-held mobile devices powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Through the product called “MiniPak” (which is a non-toxic and recyclable pocket-sized personal power generator), your smaller techie gadgets can now be powered by hydrogen fuel cells. The MiniPak costs $99 dollars for now but it is expected to have a price drop to $29 in the future.

3. Solar Power Technology

There are a number of new green technology breakthroughs in the field of solar power technology this year. Leading the list is an educational initiative launched by California manufacturer OWI, In.c, which has recently produced educational toys which are also solar-powered. These toys are meant to educate children as to why renewable energy is important as well as how battery-free toys can help in saving the environment.

Another innovation in solar power technology is the solar charger from Solar Tech USA. The charger is meant primarily for Apple iPhones. Phone chargers can now be redefined as eco-friendly with the trend to be set by these solar-powered chargers of mobile handsets.

4. Energy Waste Reduction

Desktops and laptops as well as the mini-laptops or notebooks are known to waste energy. Thus, there has been a challenge to reduce this energy wastage.

Just recently, Tricklestar launched an external hardware accessory that responds to this challenge. The gadget can minimize energy consumption when you connect it to your personal computer with the standard USB plugs.

5. Travel Accessories

Another outstanding breakthrough in green technology is the development of travel accessories which are eco-friendly.

Among these products are the lightweight solar bags and backpacks. These nifty travel items were developed by Konarka Technologies. It is also worth noting that apart from its usage of Power Plastic (which can charge small electronic gadgets), these items are also durable. Being lightweight, these environment-friendly luggage and briefcases can be lightweight—you get to travel hassle and stress free whilst contributing to the safeguarding of mother nature.

These are only five of the many, ongoing developments in green technology. Halfway through the year, various companies which have pledged a corporate social responsibility program continue their efforts in researching and developing better methods and more efficient products that will benefit both mankind and our environment.

This post was contributed by Amy Lizee of Environment911.org.

In an effort to help spread the word for independent filmmakers with an environmental slant, here’s a post about BlueGreen - a film that explores the human connection to the ocean.

Featuring some of the world’s most talented surfers, including Keith Malloy and 7-time Women’s World Champion, Layne Beachely, combined with footage shot around the world, BlueGreen examines the connection between humans and the ocean and explores this connection through thoughtful insight from scientist, activists, athletes and enthusiast. From the physiological to the spiritual, filmmaker and surfer, Ben Keller explores the power of the ocean and how it affects our lives and why we are all attracted to it in one way or another.

“Blue green is a surf film, yes. But it is more than that. It is an exploration of our ties to the ocean – beyond the obvious” explains Cinema Libre Studio, the distributor for BlueGreen.

“Of course, if you are going to expound upon the human connection to the ocean, you can’t really avoid an environmental message. You bump right up against it. So the film explores that as well, from how the surf industry affects it to what we as people need to consider.”

According to the BlueGreen press release, “There is an environmental message that Keller pays special attention to - in light of the rise in the man-made pollution (i.e. Deepwater Horizon oil spill) - and he believes there is a fundamental lack of understanding and knowledge of just how important a role the ocean plays in our daily lives and hopes a better understanding will lead to its protection”.

BlueGreen: Our Connection to the Ocean is now available on DVD.

To find out more about this film, check out the BlueGreen: Our Connection to the Ocean website.

You have one week to enter the Nature Conservancy’s 5th Annual Digital Photo Competition.

Entries for the competition close on October 4.

The Nature Conservancy are looking for “beautiful nature photography representing the diversity of life on Earth”.

Photos can include original digital images of lands, waters, plants, animals and people in nature.

The winning photo will be printed in the 2012 Nature Conservancy calendar - reaching nearly 2 million households worldwide, and will be featured on The Nature Conservancy’s website, nature.org, which is visited by more than 3 million people annually.

If you’d like to submit a photo, you can learn more about the competition at the Nature Conservancy’s photography page.

There is a lot of buzz around eco-friendly passenger cars, however some truck manufacturers have also decided to go greener. Many companies are interested in hybrid and all-electric vehicles, but the price of the vehicles may be discouraging. That is why the U.S. government decided to help the industry develop.

US Government Grant

In March 2009 President Obama announced Transportation Electrification Initiative worth $2.4 billion. The money will go to support companies manufacturing advanced batteries and related drive components as well as for demonstration and deployment projects. The general aim is to accelerate and facilitate the market introduction of advanced electric drive and plug-in hybrid vehicles of all kinds.

Examples of Companies Testing Greener Trucks

Some examples of companies that that want to test the greener trucks include: UPS, Coca-Cola, AT&T or FedEx.

• UPS recently ordered 200 hybrid trucks. Thanks to the new vehicles in their fleet, the company aims to decrease fuel consumption by over 170,000 gallons a year which means a reduction of CO2 emissions by 1,786 metric tons. The vehicles purchased by UPS use a Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation body and a hybrid power system from Eaton Corporation. The trucks are equipped with diesel engines combined with lithium ion battery packs and regenerative braking system.
• AT&T has purchased all-electric Ford Transit Connect vans. The lithium ion batteries enable the vehicles to go up to 80 miles (129 km) on a single charge and at a top speed of 75 miles per hour (121 km/h). The van will be officially available in the second half of 2010.
• FedEx has also invested in a greener fleet. This year they have started testing an all-electric truck called eStar. It is a medium-duty vehicle with a range of 100 miles, fully rechargeable in 6 to 8 hours. A huge advantage of eStar is that the battery is a cassette-type one and can be changed in 20 minutes, which enables the truck to be used 24/7 if needed. FedEx claims that the operating cost of eStar compared to a standard truck is 30% lower. Will it be enough to cover the extra purchase price?

For the time being the governmental grants will help the green truck industry develop. Hopefully, in the near future the manufacturers will profit from economies of scale, and their vehicles will be attractive to buyers not only due to environmental concerns.

This post was written by the team of Mascus.com. Visit our site to find various new and used trucks for sale.

University of southern California experts show us a more powerful use of graphene solar panels.

Is it possible to imagine people powering their cellular phone or music/video device while jogging on a sunny day?

A University of Southern California team has produced flexible transparent carbon atom films that may have great potential for a new breed of solar cells.

In a paper recently published in the journal ACS Nano, researchers stated that organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells have been proposed as a way to create low cost energy due to their ease of manufacture, light weight, and compatibility with flexible substrates.

This work shows that graphene, an extremely conductive and highly transparent form of carbon consisting of atoms-thick sheets of carbon atoms, has high possibility to fill this role.

While graphene’s existence has been known for many years, it has only been studied extensively since 2004 because of the impossibility of manufacturing it in high quality and quantity.

The Study

The University of southern California team has produced graphene/polymer sheets ranging in sizes approximately 150 square centimeters that in turn can be used to create dense arrays of flexible organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells.

These organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices convert solar radiation to electricity, although not as efficiently as silicon cells.

The power provided by sunlight on a sunny day is approximately 1,000 watts per meter square, for every 1,000 watts of sunlight that hits a square meter area of the standard silicon solar cell, 14 watts of electricity will be generated, Organic solar cells are less efficient; their conversion rate for that same 1,000 watts of sunlight in the graphene-based solar cell could be only 1.3 watts.

Benefits of OPV

But what graphene organic photovoltaic (OPV) lack in efficiency, can potentially be compensated by its lower price and, greater physical flexibility.

Researchers think that it may eventually be possible to cover with inexpensive solar cell layers extensive areas like newspapers, magazines or power generating clothing.

In the meanwhile Prof. Ruoff and his colleagues of the mechanical engineering department at the University of Texas at Austin, are studying the basic science in the development of graphene-based ultracapacitors for usage in electronics and other fields.

Batteries vs Ultracapacitors

Prof. Ruoff says batteries are relatively slow, they can store energy but require sometime to charge up, and then they distribute energy slowly, over time.

Ultracapacitors can be charged quickly, within seconds, and discharge in a short time, but, right now, they’re not able to store very much electrical energy.

The introduction of stable and less expensive ultracapacitors could be a key step in using wind or solar-generated power, specially if researchers can discover methods to enable capacitors to store energy longer, that is not yet possible.

Current Potential Usage

Even with their current storage capacity, the graphene devices could provide quick energy when needed in certain situations on the ecological way.

They could be used, as an example, to absorb the heat generated in braking an automobile or train, and store it for a short time, and use it for the electrical needs of the vehicle (i.e. starting the car or acceleration).

About the writer - Sophia H. Walker writes for the solar panel battery charger blog, her personal hobby site focused on tips to help individuals save energy using solar power for small devices.

Chris over at Fly.co.uk recently informed me of an infographic on their website. The infographic shows some interesting statistics on world carbon dioxide emissions.

For example, according to the infographic, in 2009, China produced 6,200 million tonnes of CO2 compared to 5,800 for the United States. One only needs to look at the population of these two countries to see that something appears to be out of whack.

China has over 4 times the population of the US and yet, the US emits almost as much CO2 as China. Unfortunately, this gap is bound to widen as China becomes more and more prosperous.

As one would expect, the infographic has an airline/transport spin (no doubt due to the fact that its on a flight website), so there are some interesting statistics in that area.

A copy of the infographic is below. Due to its size, I’ve resized it to fit on this blog.

You can view the full-sized infographic here.