Making the Most out of Parabolic Solar Cookers on the Road
November 19th, 2009
Many people have heard of solar power and how it is very useful in several different applications. One of the most common memories that people have is the fact that they have used a magnifying glass to concentrate the sunlight to burn small holes in paper or wood. This concept has been applied in a big way to make it possible to cook large things in pots and specialized pressure cookers with a special mirror called a parabolic solar cooker. These mirrors are concave and are pretty large. They capture a large amount of sunlight and focus it to a specific point about a few feet away. These can be used to cook food efficiently as the temperatures can get well above 450 degrees if it is a very sunny day.
The science behind it is very simple, the sunlight rays are captured by the concave mirror from several different angles. Just like a magnifying glass, the light is focused to a single point but back towards the sun. By adjusting where the cooking vessel is, you can get different temperatures to cook a wide range of items. Cooking meat will take higher temperatures to ensure that all of the bacteria is killed and so that it is safe to eat. Parabolic solar cookers may take somewhat longer to cook than a fire or gas stove but it does conserve fuel usage and there are no harmful effects to the environment.
Parabolic solar cookers are friendly to the environment by using solar energy to do its cooking. The only problems with it are that it cannot be used during very cloudy days and that it does not work at night. Cooking times will vary because of clouds and the time of day as well. The most efficient time to cook your meals is during 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM when the sun is at its peak of providing light. Although early morning use and late afternoon use are also possible with adjustment of the angle in which the sun rays are caught and whether or not the food can be supported while at that angle to be cooked.
Most people think that you need to know a lot of mathematics or be a professional to understand how to use the parabolic solar cookers but it is actually very simple. You get an instruction manual or you can learn how they work online through the manufacturer. They are made of very high grade materials and it is important that they remain clean to ensure that they work efficiently to cook your food. Improper usage of the parabolic solar cooker can lead to undercooked food or even cause fires. It is important to never allow your hands or any article of clothing or body part into the focused beam of light to prevent burns.
The parabolic solar cooker is perfect for any campers that use RVs or any large vehicle that can enjoy cooking with a renewable resource as well as reduce their impact on the environment. It is important that people who are concerned with their energy use to also look into cooking with parabolic solar cookers as they can be used whenever and wherever there is strong sunlight to provide the ability to get the high temperatures needed to cook efficiently. There are many different options and sizes of parabolic solar cookers and the largest options can focus a beam that is intensely hot. They can be a fire hazard so it is important to only operate them in safe locations.
Recreational Vehicles and the use of Solar Vaccum Tubes
November 14th, 2009
Solar vacuum tubes are not a new technology and have been employed in several homes for several years. The use of these in RV applications is growing, especially with the high cost of heating water in today’s economy. No longer do you need to use a large number of propane or electrical resources to heat the water in your RV because you are able to look into choosing the options for solar vacuum tubes in your vehicle. Of course, solar vacuum tubes are not going to work year round because the application of such systems during the winter is very difficult to control.
Many people will be sure to look into options that will save them time and money and solar vacuum tubes are a simple way to ensure that you are able to heat water during the day when you are out on the road. It is worth spending a bit of time looking into options, you wouldn’t insure your vehicle without looking at various insurance companies like Aviva http://www.aviva.co.uk/car-insurance/ or other ones, would you? So why would you not research this also?Hot or warm water applications are very useful in providing you with water in your vehicle to be used for several different purposes. Many people have RVs with shower options and one of the main problems that most people have is taking a shower with cold water. Using the showers with a propane powered water heater will consume a large amount of propane, especially when out for long periods of time.
Solar vacuum tubes are the perfect way to ensure that you are able to look into different options as well. It is important to look into the different uses for hot water to ensure that you are able to do more when out on the road. Solar vacuum tubes provide you with hot water sources that can be used to help decontaminate water by killing bacteria as well. Although having purified water supplies is often one of the main things for several RV enthusiasts, wasting this water source is often a bad idea for applications such as showers or baths. The best thing to do is use heated water that comes from an external source that will be heated through the use of solar vacuum tubes. The great thing about it is that these systems do not take long to heat up.
Several of the different options available are very easy to install but are best done by professionals who can account for the various factors such as the slope of the roof of the vehicle and or whether or not to place the solar vacuum tubing along the sides of the vehicle. The process is simple and simply requires the solar vacuum tubes to be attached in some form to the RV and an active connection to the water source that will be heated for the RV through the solar vacuum tubes. By taking advantage of this option, you can ensure that you are able to do more with your RV than ever before.
Using less propane or electricity means that you will be offsetting your carbon footprint with your RV. Although this will be a significant change it will not be enough to reduce the impact that your RV will have on the environment. It is a definite way to save money and prevent the over spending of resources such as propane. Propane was once thought to be a clean burning gas, but it does impact the earth in several different ways. It is important that you take advantage of several different options to reduce the use of resources such as propane in your RV. Options for solar vacuum tubes are easily found online.
Climatic change: Leading to species extinction
September 14th, 2009
Global warming is something that will affect nearly everyone on this planet unless something can be done to control it. There are oodles of articles which have thousands of theories about the effects of global warming and the destruction that has been wrought on the planet because of it. We as humans are aware of the destruction that we are willfully carrying out on our one and only planet; but the tragedy arises when we take a closer look at the thousands of species that have been permanently wiped out of existence due to our own ignorance.
Global warming can be explained as an increase in temperature of the earth, the air layer near to the surface of the earth, and oceans. Since the phenomenon was recorded, the has been an average increase in the global surface temperature by about 0.74 ± 0.18 °C over the last century. The increase in global temperature has changed weather conditions, caused drastic climate changes, and caused rises in sea water levels that irreparably damaged the entire delicate balance of ecosystems all over the world. The direct effect of climate change and global warming can be seen in the changes of migrations routes of migratory birds, fishes and turtles. Rare species like the little egret, the loggerhead turtle,
the red mullet, and the ringed plover have all changed their migratory patterns to stay closer to home. This adaptation can damage the existing ecosystem which was given a chance to recuperate when the birds moved to other climes. Other species adapted to the warmer climate by moving further north but this simply encroached on the natural territory of polar bears and seals that occupied the cold arctic seas all year round. The large amount of species competing for the same food has placed a large load on the arctic sea ice that is already struggling to resist melting due to raised temperatures.
Other effects that have been seen are the almost complete destruction of species like Australia’s Boyd’s forest dragon, 
Europe’s azure-winged magpie and Mexico’s Jico deer mouse which are finding it very difficult to adapt to the rapid and constant weather and climate changes. Extensive deforestation, heated water, rising water levels that are eating into beaches are contributing to a constant loss of precious animal and plant species on an almost daily basis.
Researchers say that unless something is done quickly to deal with the constant flood of greenhouse gases;there are very good chances of losing several more species as well in the long run. According to the study carried out by 14 laboratories locates in several different countries around the globe, there was a consensus that almost 1,103 native species will disappear or by extinct when the year 2050 rolls around.
Unless we actively work together, we might just land up wiping ourselves along with everyone else permanently out of existence(…)
China, India and Global Warming
September 6th, 2009
According to statistics, the contribution of India and China towards increase in carbon dioxide and pollution in the earth’s atmosphere is up on the rise. Between 1992 and 2002, the emissions of greenhouse gases by these countries were increased by 15% alone, but since the year 2002, they have gone another 10%. According to the data compiled by World Resources Institute, China accounts of 10% and India accounts for 3% of the greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere. India is the fifth biggest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world while China is the first.
Contribution to China and India in green house emissions
China and India are among the top five countries that are the major contributors of green house gases to the environment. It is a favorable fact that both the countries are developing rapidly and they are coming out of their reputation of being the countries dependent upon their agricultural land. Increasing number of industries, both national and international, are setting up their factories in these countries, leading to an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide contributed by them. Because the countries are developing, the living standards of their citizens are also rising and there are increasing number of vehicles in every household. This means that more people are traveling in their own cars, leading to increase in the air pollution.
Effects of global warming on China and India
India and China are only two countries that are going to suffer a lot because of the climate changes affecting different geographic locations. For instance, northern parts of India and China will experience an increase in the median temperature by around 8-9ºF. As the rainfall patterns are shifting to more droughts and deluges, these two countries are more likely to suffer from floods also. Indeed, the west and south parts of China are already going through a 7 times increase in the deluges, as compared to 1950s. These countries will also receive more severe pacific cyclones with Noachian rainfall and stronger winds. Fresh water will also become scarce in these countries as they receive most of their drinking water from the glaciers of Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau, feeding Indus, Ganges, Yellow and Yangtze rivers.
Himalayas are warming 3 times as far as the average in the world, as a result of which their glaciers continue to shrink more rapidly than any other part of the world. It has been estimated that they are possible to get disappeared by the year 2035. The Indus and the Ganges may become seasonal rivers rather than being year-round. The availability of water for millions of Indians and Chinese is therefore estimated to fall 20-40% in the next few years. The IPCC has projected that in addition to the earlier spring snow melting, the farm output can be slashed down by 10% by the year 2030. China is already undergoing drought conditions in half a century, having 300 million people having no or less drinking water and 50 million acres crops damaged or lost. IPCC projects that the production of rice in Asia will fall 10% for every 2º rise in the minimum temperature in the growing season.
Steps taken by the government
Apart from conducting several campaigns about making efforts to reduce air pollution, to use fewer vehicles and to use green products, one of the major steps taken in this regard is introducing the Kyoto Protocol. This is a legally binding agreement, which asks the industrialized countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2%, as compared to 1990. It aims at lowering 6 emissions including carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, sulfur hexafluoride, perfluorocarbon (PFCs) and hydrofluorocarbon (HFCs).
Lowering your electric bill by Alistair Banerjee
August 27th, 2009
Recently we hear much discussion regarding renewable and non-renewable energy resources. A very quick shortage confronted us of our non-renewable, regular energy sources. We are dealing with a serious energy predicament world-wide and not any of us are unsusceptible to its affects anymore. Must we continue to be so strongly reliant on foreign oil, to the governments, or can you discover answers for lower your electricity bills while saving our eco-system? The solution is at the tip of your finger, and here things you can do to lower your electricity bill.
Computer: We ordinarily do not switch off our monitors even after we have shut down our computers. Make certain that the monitor and the computer switched off when you are not in use. If you put this into effect even while at work, you will help save more energy for the world, while you lower your electricity bill. You may want to think about purchasing a laptop for your next PC upgrade; because of they use much less power than desktop computers.
Light bulbs: As a power-saving measure, begin using the CFL light bulbs ,compact fluorescent light (CFL) as much as possible. You may be thinking that they are more costly than the typical light bulbs, and you are right. Even though more costly the CFL bulbs will prove much more inexpensive in the long turn by the quantity of energy they will save which in effect will lower your electricity bill.
Air Conditioner: Install a programmable thermostat that the temperature can be regulated according to your schedule. Also set it at a temperature you are comfortable with contingent on the time of year, not too high or low. Setting the temperature at a reasonable level saves much energy.
Washing Machines: On no account should you operate your washing machine half full even when there are not sufficient clothes to wash, wait until you have gathered enough clothes for a full load. Reduce the quantity of washes by washing full loads of clothes every time.
Dryer: Make certain to clean the lint filter in the dryer after every load to increase air circulation additionally on your subsequent dryer purchase it is a good idea to look for the ENERGY STAR label it is the governments seal of energy efficiency.
Television: Make certain to turn unplug your tv set while not in use, because although you may not be conscious of it even though you have turned the power off it is still using power. A good way to do this is either to unplug the tv when not in use or use a power strip and hit the off switch on the power strip when in use. This may not seem a big deal but this small step will go far to lower you electricity bill.
Refrigerator: Make certain to bring hot food to room temperatures before refrigerating. You can also lower your electricity bill by taking cold or frozen food out of the refrigerator much before the mealtime so that it can thaw out, in so doing saving power in heating it.
Maldives to become carbon-neutral
April 6th, 2009
The president of the Maldives – Mohamed Hasheed recently announced that the Maldives will become carbon-neutral within 10 years by making a complete switch to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.
The President said the Maldives understood better than most what would happen if the world failed to tackle climate change. The Maldives is one of the lowest-lying countries on Earth and so is extremely vulnerable to any rise in sea level. He said he hoped his plan would serve as a blueprint for other nations.
The President announced the plan formally a couple of weeks ago, after the screening of a new climate change film, The Age of Stupid.
The Maldives is made up of a chain of nearly 1,200 islands, most of them uninhabited, which lie off the Indian sub-continent.
None of the coral islands measures more than 1.8 metres (six feet) above sea level, making the country vulnerable to a rise in sea levels associated with global warming.
“We understand more than perhaps anyone what would happen to us if we didn’t do anything about it or if the rest of the world doesn’t find the imagination to confront this problem,” said Mr Nasheed.
The Maldives will become carbon-neutral within a decade by switching completely to renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, its leader has said.
President Mohamed Nasheed said the Maldives understood better than most what would happen if the world failed to tackle climate change.
His tiny country is one of the lowest-lying on Earth and so is extremely vulnerable to rises in sea level.
He said he hoped his plan would serve as a blueprint for other nations.
Mr Nasheed was due to announce the plan formally after the screening of a new film on climate change, The Age of Stupid, on Sunday.
The Maldives is made up of a chain of nearly 1,200 islands, most of them uninhabited, which lie off the Indian sub-continent.
None of the coral islands measures more than 1.8 metres (six feet) above sea level, making the country vulnerable to a rise in sea levels associated with global warming.
“We understand more than perhaps anyone what would happen to us if we didn’t do anything about it or if the rest of the world doesn’t find the imagination to confront this problem,” said Mr Nasheed.
“So basically, we don’t want to sit around and blame others, but we want to do whatever we can, and hopefully, if we can become carbon-neutral, and when we come up with the plan, we hope that these plans also will serve as a blueprint for other nations to follow.
“We think we can do it, we feel that everyone should be engaged in it, and we don’t think that this is an issue that should be taken lightly.”
It is estimated that the Maldives, which has high levels of poverty, will need to spend about $110m a year to make the transition to renewable energy sources.
Asked how it could afford this, the president said the country was already spending similar sums on existing energy sources, and he expected to recover the extra cost within the decade.
“We start almost from scratch, we are having to go for new investments in almost all areas and it is quite pointless for us to go to yesterday’s technologies,” he said.
The Age of Stupid stars British actor Pete Postlethwaite as an old man living in a devastated future Earth, watching archive film of the planet and asking why more was not done to combat climate change.
The film’s producer, Franny Armstrong, told the BBC the Maldives had set a good example to the developed world.
Compost Pile and Green Gardening
October 4th, 2008
Most consumers today have entirely changed their family’s lives by embracing a green life style. Consumers are using their own bags, organic products, and planting gardens to all in trying to go green. Some are even making compost piles in their backyard.
A compost pile is an environment that plant waste is decomposed fast and leaves nutrients to use in rebuilding your garden. By using compost piles you are improving soil quality, nutrients, efficient water use, and lowering plant diseases.
The time it takes to build a compost pile depends on how much time and effort you are putting in to making one. Troy Bilt, a manufacturer of outdoor power equipment offers these tips to start your own compost pile.
1. Collect discarded plant materials: Get them from gardens, dinner, fruits, and vegetables and remember not to put meats, eggs, or diseased plants in the compost pile. Because if you add these things it will spread diseases and ruin the effect you are trying to get.
2. Create a compost space: Make sure that it is a three foot by three foot area and use posts and chicken wire to create the space. Make sure the area is sunny and shady.
3. Layer Debris: Layer the different components this not only allows it to decompose quicker it also helps in mixing the nutrients.
4. Turn the Pile: Use a shovel to turn the pile every other week. By doing this you are helping it to become healthy for other plants.
Once you have done all of this you have now created your own composite pile. It is now time to learn how to use it.
1. Mix equal amounts of soil and sand this will help for small planting areas.
2. Composite is great as mulch around trees and shrubs and will protect the soil from erosion.
3. It is also good for food in your garden.
4. Compost tea can be made to water your flowers, vegetables, and houseplants. This allows the plants to get a boost in growing and become healthier.
Adjusting Your Lighting for a Green Life
August 30th, 2008
You already know to save energy by turning lights off when they are unnecessary, but did you know you could save energy every time you turn on a light? An LED light bulb can use 70 percent less energy than the traditional bulb would use – some estimates are even higher! They can be found with different wattage to add the right amount of brightness to your home.
Anywhere you need light is a good place to install LED lights. While they can be rather expensive, you can find some that are on the affordable side. Once you buy one, it starts paying for itself as soon as it is turned on. LED bulbs are famous for their longevity, with some varieties lasting over 50,000 hours. An LED light bulb would be an excellent choice for using with ceiling fixtures and in regular lamps.
If you find that regular bulbs make your bathroom too hot, try installing LED bulbs instead; they usually do not heat up so much. Desk lamps can also make your office uncomfortably warm; use an LED bulb here, and you can cut down the temperature while still giving your eyes the light they need. The cooler temperature also makes these bulbs a safer choice for lamps that are within the reach of toddlers or children.
You can find lovely LED bulbs that provide the same amount of light as their counterparts, but need 15 times less energy in the form of watts! Some bulbs are manufactured especially for outdoor use, and can save you a lot of money each evening.
If you think that switching to LED light bulbs is too small a step to make much difference, consider what the research shows: if every family in America used just one LED light instead of a regular bulb, the national energy savings would exceed the energy made at one of our biggest power plants. You can see the particular light bulb this refers to here: 5 watt led
Living green can be as simple as switching a light bulb! Why not try it for yourself?
