A Way of Going Green: Donate Your Car to Charity
February 6th, 2010
Now that ‘Cash for Clunkers’ is over, you must be wondering what to do with that older vehicle which you are trying to get rid of. You could sell it off at a not-so-great price to the junkyard that would strip away the working parts of your car and throw the rest away. This poses a great environmental hazard, since the unusable parts are now just going to sit in the junkyard and contribute to the already growing problems of excess waste. Waste can attract several different rodents, insects and when burned can even lead to creation of carcinogens.
Another alternative for your older vehicle is to donate it to your favorite charity. Car donation is a great way to help out your favorite charity while helping the environment at the same time. Since the car will now be donated, the charity will most likely resell your vehicle and this way your older car does not have to end its life. Donating it will not only help the charity but also the environment since fewer vehicles will be in the junkyard and fewer parts will be left to degrade.
Car donation is a great idea in this economy, since you can help charities without breaking your wallet. You can just donate your older vehicle and this way the charity does not suffer in this economic downturn and you get good karma for donating! Another benefit of donating your vehicle to charity is that you get tax benefits. A car donation tax deduction will generally be up to the book value of your car.
Most of the charities today accept vehicles as donations. They normally either keep the car and use it within the organization or may resell it with the proceeds going back to the charity. Another great thing is that you do not even need to get your car towed to the charity; they will normally cover the towing charge and take the vehicle from your place. So what are you waiting for? Donate now to help your charity and the environment.
Green retail and environment
December 26th, 2009
The retail and consumer goods industry is currently focusing on green and sustainable practices due to the fierce competition in the industry, intensive resource use and the penurious state of labor in some regions. In this article, we discuss how the retail sector can imbibe sustainable and green business model and also take a look at some of the efforts already taken in this direction.
A recent survey suggested that about 70 percent of American consumer factor in the environment impact of any products or services before purchasing. Hence companies are trying their best to serve consumer concern by increased focus on improving energy efficiency, reducing waste, recycling waste and raising awareness about environmental concerns.
Retail industry has a direct contact with the end customers and hence has a vital role to play in the current push towards green and sustainable practices by collaborating with its consumers and suppliers. The climate change which has become the most pressing problem facing the mankind can be addressed by reducing green house gas emission and using energy efficiently. Logistics optimization through supply chain management can be an important tool. A culture should be developed in the retail industry that encourages employees to identify energy saving opportunities and rewards them for implementing them.
Products like nanomaterials and genetically modified products that pose greater danger should be examined properly in all aspects including packaging. Retailers also have an opportunity to request suppliers to reduce excessive packing thereby reducing wastage and material cost. Organic food should be encouraged by the retailers and sustainably harvested sea food from well managed fisheries must only be offered for consumption.
The retail sector also has to look at the practice of outsourcing from a new perspective as sourcing from foreign markets might appear to improve competitiveness yet it has a negative environmental impact.
The consumer must be educated about the urgent need to adopt green and sustainable practices. The policy of three R’s i.e. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle can help make the industry more environments friendly. Green products like recycled paper and energy saving devices must be promotes in retail stores. The problem of plastic and paper bags – both of which are detrimental to environment can be avoided by promoting bags made of natural fabrics. These bags can be used to promote the retail brand too by printing the logo of the retail company. Retail companies also can save on fuel costs using hybrid fuel efficient delivery vehicles and solar power panels for refrigeration.
In the fiercely competitive retail sector it is pleasant to see the market leader at the helm of the affairs to make the sector more green and sustainable. The retail giant Wal-Mart adopts a practice of encouraging suppliers of green products through its policy of “environmental scorecards”. The company also alongside other players like IKEA and Whole Foods has started efforts to eliminate plastic bags that are non biodegradable. The company is a pioneer in adopting solar energy to generate power for its stores.
Similarly Home Depot – the second largest general retailer in U.S. has stated on its website its commitment “to the environment and pledge to continue to be an industry leader in looking for products and services that are respectful of our world.” The company highlights its green products under it Eco Option program and these products are placed at preferred positions in stores. Its charitable arm, the Home Depot Foundation pledged in 2007 to invest $100 million for 100,000 green sustainable housing and planting 3 million trees. Further the company promotes energy efficient compact fluorescent lamps (popularly called as CFL lamps) and has even created the largest recycling program for recycling of the bulbs in the U.S.
Staples Inc. was the first nationwide retailer to offer a recycling program for electronic waste. The consumers can drop most electronic equipment at any of its stores for recycling by paying a small fee. The company has adopted environmental friendly paper and is developing green products for its brand.
Although the retail industry has taken the first step towards a sustainable business model but the industry needs to overcome huge challenges like e waste. Such an approach is crucial for the growth of the industry as the material resources of our planet are limited.
A Brief Note on Waste Management
December 13th, 2009
Waste management and handling of waste materials has seen some dramatic changes over the past few decades. In years gone by we were all dependent on landfills for disposal of most waste materials, including garbage, discarded furniture and appliances, and even hazardous materials such as batteries and items that contained mercury. The planet definitely needed some sort of waste management system in order to remain healthy. Before it is too late we all must learn to:
Reduce the amount of waste materials we need to dispose of
Recycle as much as we can as often as possible
Reuse as much as we possibly can
Recover as much as possible from waste by making it a source of energy
Incineration
Incineration can remove waste and create an energy source at the same time. Burning waste materials converts waste into flue gases, particulates, incinerator bottom ash, and heat. This heat source can be used in turn as a generator of electric power. Flue gases and particulates are filtered free from pollutants before dispersed into the atmosphere. This form of waste to energy technology is “a win win” situation.
While incinerators are found to reduce the amount of original waste by eighty to eighty five percent, compared to compression (in garbage trucks) which is ninety five to ninety six percent, there is less overall to dispose of because it has been burned up and not merely compressed. Ultimately incineration reduces the volume of waste that would otherwise go into the landfill by some seventy percent.
Landfill
Waste disposal into a landfill (dump) entails burying the waste materials and this is still commonly practiced throughout the world. Many landfills were set up in previously unused or abandoned mines, quarries, or pits that had already been dug. When properly managed, a landfill can be an inexpensive and hygienic means of the disposal of waste materials. The majority of the materials buried will eventually break down into gases and dissipate into the atmosphere. Some gases may be pumped from landfills and burned in gas engines, creating electricity. This is cause for concern now days however; as there is concern the gases create greenhouse gas.
Recycling
For the past several decades recycling has come into vogue and is proving to be quite effective when practiced. The idea is to reuse as many items as possible either in their original form or transforming them into something equally useful. Paper products are a popular item to recycle and have proven a most effective means of preserving trees. Plastics and glass are effectively recycled, saving space at the local landfills. Oil used for cooking and frying can be used for a fuel source in many vehicles.
Waste Avoidance
Preventing waste materials from being created in abundance is important as a form of waste management. Reuse of second hand items, repairing instead of replacing with new, manufacturing longer lasting products (cotton bags instead of plastic bags for groceries, etc.), designing items that use less material (smaller, thinner). Less wastage created in food and food handling materials. All can be utilized to achieve less waste of many materials.
Composting (anaerobic digestion)
Many materials such as plant, food scraps, and various paper products can successfully be recycled or even eliminated through composting. An effective compost heap in ones back yard can be turned into mulch and feed for plants and grasses. This biological form of waste management can even be useful as an energy source when the gases (methane) are processed and used to generate electricity. Composting speeds up the process of decomposition of the organic matter.
Possibilities of Vertical Farming Urban Greenhouses
November 25th, 2009
The vertical farm is a concept which could be put in place in populated areas to help create a sustainable source of crops. This concept is very valuable to urban communities as it could increase employment opportunities while taking advantage of a smaller space to grow larger yields of varied crops all year round. Utilizing one acre of land to build these special vertical farms can produce yields of crops that could be comparable to 6 acres of horizontal farming or more depending on the crops being grown. Another advantage is the fact that the vertical farming facilities could take advantage of a number of efficient methods to water and feed the crops.
Vertical farming does have its challenges, but the fact that they could be put in locations where environmental factors such as weather and climate can be devastating in horizontal farming can be avoided you can reduce wasted crops. Where drought, monsoons or other factors can destroy crops vertical farms can have controlled climate to help ensure that farming can be done all year to provide food to many people. Vertical farms can even be a source of energy production to reduce strain on the power grid by using methane gas from the compost cycle of inedible parts of plants.
Pests and problems with disease can be severely reduced in vertical farming to produce organic crops free of pesticides, herbicides and inorganic fertilizers which can be harmful to your health. All water runoff can be collected and recycled through evapotranspiration, essentially reducing water usage which is normally wasted through horizontal farming. The process also allows farmland to be returned to wildlife and reduce the need to cause destructive clearing for more farm land. This is important, especially as the human population will grow and more demand for farm land will increase.
To have efficient vertical farming, the structures must be constructed with a design that saves money, reduces resource use and can be many stories tall. Vertical farms can even be designed into several new buildings that wish to add in some sustainable crop growth into their available space facing south. Different designs have been proposed to make the vertical farms more efficient as to have the largest amount of natural light flood in for crops as well as using artificial growth lights for plants that do not receive the correct amount of natural sunlight to grow well.
Conservation of wildlife and their habitats is very possible with this method of crop growth. In island nations such as Japan, the Philippines and many others, the advent of growing crops in vertical farms would help to improve diets, and maintain a larger variety of crops in season all year round. Large arid locations can also make use of vertical farming systems where land is not available or ideal enough to grow in while making use of recycled water to keep the crops hydrated and growing healthy.
These urban greenhouses in the form of large multi-story buildings for vertical farming will offer solutions which can provide higher crop yields in a smaller space while providing some of the most sustainable options for urban development. We as the human race currently have the technology to start erecting such useful vertical farms and they could be a possibility in the very near future. Successful designs could take into account alternative energy sources such as wind turbines or unused real estate on the top of the buildings for solar panels to power grow lights. Using water collection options can also help to reduce the need to depend on any drinkable water source.
Vertical farming is one of the key things that we have to master to be able to live on the surface of the moon or other planets. Contained crops would be essential for nutrition and sustenance on other planets but the technology can be used here on earth to reduce the impact of population growth and increase in required farmland which would occupy the size of a country as large as Brazil. This would be the result of a 3 billion human expanse over the next 40 years if population control is not put into effect and vertical farming is not implemented.
Ozone depletion: a silent health killer!
October 28th, 2009
Why are we advised to wear enough sun protection cream when we leave the house? Our ancestors never needed it and the survived well without any type of skin problems. They had a pollution free world with a fully intact ozone layer that ensured skin protection and good health for them all.
But these are dangerous times. We now live in a world that is racing to be as completely advanced as possible and in that race, important things are being compromised. The ozone layer is one such important physical necessity that is being actively destroyed as we are headed toward industrial advancement.
How does this work?
The ozone layer is one of the parts of the earth’s atmosphere. It is located in the stratosphere at a height of 30 miles above the earth. It acts like filter to prevent the strongest of sun rays from reaching the earth’s surface. Ozone, itself, is a bluish gas that is formed by combining three atoms of oxygen and it is considered a dangerous pollutant but in its particular position in the stratosphere; it acts like a protective blanket coddling the earth from dangerous sun rays. If parts of the ozone layer start to deplete, more and more of these dangerous sunrays that contain strong ultraviolet rays will reach the earth’s surface causing crop damage, skin damage and skin cancers and even eye damage.
How does the ozone layer get depleted?
Until only a few years ago, no one was really aware of the presence of the ozone layer let alone its slow depletion. Till the 1970s and the early 1980s most scientists were of the view that the concentration of gases in the atmosphere remained constant with check and balances automatically being regulated. But in the early 1980s, it became possible to track the amount of gases present in the atmosphere and their exact functions. Model calculations then showed that the amount of chlorine, bromine, methane and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere (from carbon tetrachloride, methyl chloroform, and hydro chloro flouro carbons) was more and increasing exponentially due to pollution and industrialization. The discovery of a large hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica and the eventual melting effect on the Antarctic icecaps scared everyone into hyper drive. The primary concern was now to limit the spread of the hole and to control the factors that were causing such a depletion.
The overwhelmingly main cause of the depletion of ozone is the use of chlorofluorocarbons that are used in many industries all over the world. Chlorine present in the CFC combined with one of the three molecules of ozone destroying the chemical structure and function of ozone. Most developed nations used wide amounts of CFC for several different applications and they were not willing to cut back on the use of CFC’s for any reason! But late in the 1970s, research started mounting about the ill effects of CFC. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration launched a satellite that reinforced the conclusion and the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite also revealed the instability of CFCs that was destroying the Ozone layer. When research results started to mount, US, UK and Canada banned the use of CFCs to protect the environment but it was too little too late.
Current effects of the Ozone layer depletion
The ozone wound is not healing and it’s steadily spreading! Most scientists agree that the huge hole over the Antarctic is not bring cured or reducing in size irrespective of the cutbacks in pollutions and CFC use. Over the past decades, worldwide monitoring has definitely shown an increase in the size of the hole with an 5% jump in the amount of ultraviolet exposure in the northern hemisphere. There has also been a concomitant increase in the incidence of malignant skin cancer over the last 40 years. Scientists estimate that for each 1% decline in the ozone layers, humans will experience a 2-3% jump in skin cancer rates. Statistics begin to get scary!
Ice meltdown in North Pole
September 3rd, 2009
We all know that Arctic is the cold icy region around the North Pole. During the last few years, many headlines have appeared in various newspapers, journals, magazines and reports that the North Pole is warming up, as a result of which, the ice over the Arctic region is melting down continuously. In the year 2005, Arctic received the least amount of ice reported in the last century. The satellite images taken recently show big openings in the perennial cover of ice. This is also considered to be a major consequence of global warming. Global warming refers to the increase in the average temperature of the entire earth.
Condition of the native animals
Because of the Ice meltdown in North Pole, the native animals of that region including the polar bears are encountering potential threat for existence. This is because these animals depend upon the sea ice for their survival and in the event of ice melting down, they do not get the cold temperature that they need for living. Polar bears use to travel across this ice for hunting the seals and with less ice on the sea, polar bears face difficulty in finding their food and thus their survival is quite tough. Researchers sway that if the sea ice continues to disappear, the animals that depend upon ice will face greater risks of extinction.
What causes the ice meltdown in the Arctic region?
The thick perennial ice of the sea typically survives the warm summer months and last throughout the year. But the recent satellite images show that up to 10% of the ice has been cracked due to the summer storms. This surprising change involves a region bigger than the British Isles. According to the scientists, humans being are only responsible for global warming, which is the major cause of ice meltdown in the Arctic. We drive cars, use electricity and burn fossil fuels like natural gas, oil and coal.
Effects of ice meltdown
Burning of the fossil fuels gives out gases, which trap the heat from sun. This causes a significant increase in the temperature all across the world. Unlike Antarctica, which is a completely ice-covered continent, ice on the North Pole rests on the top of an ocean and that is why it is susceptible to even a small level of global warming.
Soot that is emitted from incompletely burned fuel in factories and car engines is also a major accelerator of the Arctic ice meltdown. Ozone, dark carbon and methane are the major perpetrators of ice meltdown in North Pole and according to the researchers; these accelerate the melting down more than global heating and sunlight.
Some studies also state that ice meltdown in North Pole is not only the result of global warming and soot, but it is also part of some natural phenomena.
Things at the North Pole are changing very fast and the entire world is going to be affected. Some scientists say that the Arctic Ocean may become ice-free during summers within a period of 10-20 years and this may pose a tough challenge for our existence in the next 50-100 years.
Green Energy Solutions
August 29th, 2009
World is becoming technologically advanced by the day. New methods of manufacturing, medical advancements and automation has enabled us to lead a comfortable life. However, the human short sightedness has in exploring benefits out from technological advancements disrupted the global environment. We are consuming the non-renewable resources at a very rapid pace. The increase demand for petrol and electricity is already been felt across the world. Consumption supersedes the replenishment. So where are we headed?
Unless we become wise and explore Green Energy Solutions, human race would be endangered. To put in simple words, Green Energy Solutions comprises of renewable resources like water, solar energy and wind etc. These can be harnessed and used judiciously to solve the resource needs. They can replace the non-renewable resource enabled devices and machines. The very fact they are known as green is because they are eco-friendly energy options. Their use does not disrupt the environmental and ecological balance.
Types of Green Energy Solutions
Solar Power: As the name suggests, the energy from sun is harnessed through devices known as solar cells. The energy is stored and is utilized to power machine and devices. Many auto manufacturers have released solar cars which have a solar cell sheet on top to harness and energize the car. It replaces the petrol, diesel and gas – non renewable sources. Solar power is also used in solar heaters, Geysers and Cookers etc.
Bio Fuel: It is hydrogen based fuel which is used in place of petrol and diesel. It has not been commercially successful so far. Researchers are confident to realize its benefits sooner and put to use and release it globally.
Wind Energy: Wind energy is another renewable energy source. It is mainly used to produce electricity through wing mill operations. It is a cheap option to generate electricity.
Hydro Energy: Water is used to power the turbines and produce electricity. This is widely used worldwide to meet the growing energy demand. Tidal power and wave power energy options are part of this renewable and green energy generation option.
Geothermal Energy: This green energy is obtained by harnessing the heat generated from earth – volcanoes, natural geysers and hot springs. This is used in power generation and direct supply of hot water.
Biogas: Biogas can be harnessed from animal waste and sewage. It can be used in place of natural gas and as a fuel to propel boilers.
Why you should opt for Green Energy Solutions
• Some of the appliances might cost high initially, however their maintenance is minimal
• They can help you reduce your monthly utility bills
• Operational cost is cheap
• Being an eco friendly option, they don’t cause any health hazard
Green energy solutions have been implemented and put to use commercially. Their low cost of maintenance and operation has created a win-win for both business houses and customers. Their growth rate has been phenomenal. More global customers are interested in putting the green renewable resource options to work and draw benefits.
Green Basics – Transportation
February 10th, 2009
Limit your flying distance. Try to reduce the number of plane trips you take and try not to use a plane for any trips under 1000km. Plane trips are way more environmentally destructive than automobile trips.
Green Basics – Showers
September 14th, 2008
Every minute you cut from your shower is roughly 5 gallons of water. The less time your shower takes, the lower your impact on the environment.
Green Basics – Thermostat
August 30th, 2008
Some of the best ways to save money and go green are surprisingly easy, and this is a great example. For anyone who works in a location away from home during the day, setting the thermostat to a higher temperature during those hours can save money in cooling costs. But, how much can you expect to save and what temperature differences make sense?
Taking the time to program your thermostat can net up to $180 per year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). With heating and cooling costing an average household about $900 per year, that’s sizeable cut!
Keep in mind though, that if the temperature in your home fluctuates too much, it will cause the air conditioning to run a long time to catch back up. The key is incremental adjustments. The EPA recommends “raising your home’s usual temperature setting by 7 degrees when you’re away and 4 degrees when you’re asleep”.
When you plan to be away from home for a while, turn the air conditioner off by using the hold feature on your thermostat.
And just like cars that require regular maintenance, heating and cooling systems can benefit from the same sort of attention. Checking for air leaks replacing air filters regularly are just a few examples.
Energy Star has produced a video podcast that gives a good overview of how to purchase a good programmable thermostat.
This sort of planning becomes especially important as fuel sources like propane and electricity continue to increase their prices. It’s possible to save money using a manual thermostat as well, but requires more active participation from the household.
