Green Europe

Geothermal Energy 101

There’s a need for alternative energy sources in this world that seems to inhale power these days. For many years, coal has been used to create energy. Now, there is solar power, hydroelectric power, wind power, and biomass energy. There is also geothermal energy and it’s becoming noticed more all the time.

Geothermal is made from the Greek words, “geo” meaning “earth” and “therme” meaning heat, and this is a good description of geothermal energy. This is energy that originates from deep underground in the Earth. Chemical reactions create phenomenal heat in the Earth’s Core, which is located 4,000 miles under the surface of the Earth. Temperatures of this heat can go as high as 9,000 degrees Fahrenheit and can be used in the production of energy.

That’s the basic premise of geothermal energy but there are many other steps in the process of making viable heating systems from it. For various reasons, it’s not possible to get this heat directly from the Earth’s core. So systems must be created that can hold the residual heat found in molten rock located under the crust of the Earth. The water reservoirs located in the molten rock is tapped into and the heat can be channeled. Some of that water is as high as 700 degrees Fahrenheit. You can compare it to Old Faithful located in Yellowstone National Park.

The geothermal reservoirs can be utilized by drilling wells into the Earth. This heated water and steam are allowed to surface and are used in running geothermal power plants and more. The heated steam is most often used to run power to turbines. Then energy is generated and harnessed as electricity. That’s great news because geothermal energy will be much more affordable in terms of those high electricity bills that just keep climbing all the time.

When the heat and water from the Earth is used to create energy, it can be utilized on any size project, large or small. It’s also a renewable energy source because you can’t use up all of the Earth’s heat. There will always be more of it. This energy is safer and cleaner than a lot of other energy types, which makes it an amazing source of ecologically sound energy.

Reduce Indoor Air Pollution

A lot of people may not be aware of it, but polluted air can also be found indoors. Thought you were safe inside your home or your office? Think again. There are several factors that contribute to indoor air pollution and there are several ways of curbing the problem. They will be discussed in this article.Below are some of the usual sources of indoor air pollution. You may be surprised by what you’ll find out.

• One of the most common sources of indoor air pollution is second hand smoke. This is especially the case if there is a smoker in the household. This can produce serious health risks such as lung cancer and heart disease.
• Even household cleaning agents can be indoor air pollutants. They can be more harmful if the place is poorly ventilated. The fumes tend to get trapped in the room and could affect the people inside it. The fumes could cause dizziness, allergic reactions and the likes.
• Then there are biological pollutants such as molds and dust mites. This poses a threat to people with lung problems. Presence of these biological pollutants can cause health problems.

The list only shows the most common sources of indoor pollution. There are others more which pose a threat to people’s health.Now that you know what the common threats are, here are some ways you can prevent them.

• Keep your room well-ventilated. This is especially the case with basements which have little ventilation. Good ventilation prevents toxic fumes from settling in a room and getting inhaled by the people there.
• In basements, it is best to use a dehumidifier to keep pollutants off the room. Care should be taken, however, when cleaning the device.
• And if there are smokers in a household, it would be good to talk to them and ask them to either stop smoking entirely or just smoke outside the house.

Is living off the grid possible?

Most people believe that living off the grid and alternative energy means that it’s about giving up the modern amenities that they’re accustomed to. That’s why they think it’s something more suited to hippies, that love simpler ways, where technology isn’t as important.

But, the real truth is that anyone can live off the grid. You do need to invest a bit if you want to power appliances that need a lot of energy of chest freezers, but all in all, it’s about having a bigger system.

Since renewable energy systems are in demand now, components that are easier to use and more efficient have appeared, which means that anyone can life off the grid if they want to. Wish it and do something about it and you will see how easy it is.

It’s quite easy getting sources of renewable energy to work. What you need is a source of power, either wind, water or sun, that can offer you the low voltage current which you invert after that and make it on AC current, usable in a house. What you make besides your consumption can be kept in battery banks. You can later use that current if you don’t have a sufficient energy production.

People think that off the grid living is a lot of work, but it’s quite automated. The only thing you need to worry about is maintaining the batteries. You should just monitor how much energy you’re using, so that the demand isn’t bigger than the supply. What’s important when trying to live off the grid is to make sure the system you’re building can meet the demand of your appliances.

Off the grid living can be a great feeling. Think about how great it would be to have complete energy freedom, not depending on fuels and helping the planet at the same time. Find out which type of energy source will work well in your area and build your renewable energy system accordingly.

Residential Solar Power Systems

With the rising cost of fuel and the issue on global warming, cheap, efficient and environmentally-friendly power production are the orders of the day. Right now, scientists are hard at work in trying to find alternative means of energy that will end our dependence on fossil fuels.

One such alternative being proposed is the use of solar power. It is an option which harnesses the energy from the sun to generate power.

The benefits of solar energy have already been recognized by the ancient Greeks, Native Americans and the Chinese. It is only now, however, that people are trying to get the most out of this energy source.Probably the most common method of harnessing solar energy is through the use of the so-called photovoltaic effect. This is done by using a solar cell which absorbs the light from the sun and converts it to electricity.

When used in homes, a PV system is installed to the roof of the house to absorb as much as solar energy as it can. And since the energy generated is direct current (DC), it couldn’t be used by appliances which use alternating current (AC). The energy should therefore be converted from DC to AC using an inverter.In order to make the most use of the energy absorbed by the PV system, it should be stored in batteries so that the power could be utilized even at night or during cloudy weather.

While using solar energy is an ideal way of generating electricity, it has yet to come into the mainstream because of several factors. On top of the list is the price. It isn’t cheap to build a solar home because the materials are expensive at this point. Unless they can be produced cheaply, solar energy may not take off as an alternative source of power.

Gas Suppliers – Which is right for you?

This article will discuss the steps recommended to choose the best gas supplier for your home or business. It can be difficult to choose the right option out of all the gas suppliers available, this article hopes to aid you in making the right decision. Following are 5 steps to help you through the process of finding, selecting and signing up with the best gas suppliers.

Step 1

Create a list of all the gas suppliers in your area who are able to provide natural gas to your home or business. You can usually find this information on government (either local or federal) resource websites. Be sure to include all possible options, including private suppliers.

Step 2

Prepare your criteria for selection. Your criteria should reflect which features your gas provider should have, as well as items for comparison between gas suppliers such as rates, fees, penalties and service zones. Ask yourself questions such as “do I require online billing?” and “will I require installation of additional gas mains?”.

Step 3

This step involves researching each provider, either online or by telephone, and gathering data regarding their services, features and company policies that you outlined within your criteria in Step 2. This is the most important step as it will allow you to make a well-informed decision down the track.

Step 4

Compare the benefits and costs of each potential gas supplier and make a decision. Be sure to weigh up your options carefully and make your decision based on which gas supplier provides the best bundle of benefits at the most competitive price. This step also involves budgeting and calculating what your monthly bill would be with a given gas supplier based on your currently usage.

Step 5

Contact the chosen gas supplier and sign up for their services. The important next step is to retain all paperwork provided by the gas supplier and to closely monitor your usage and rates charged by the provider to ensure that your expenses are correct.

It is important to follow the above steps closely to avoid selecting a gas supplier that will be overly expenses or possibly not provide the necessary services. Always remember to do your research thoroughly before committing to a particular gas supplier, and to always keep an accurate record of your paperwork and any correspondence with the gas supplier.

Renewable Products

Earth 911’s Act Locally section is your place to go for up to date information on what’s happening in your area. Local programs, events and news fill our Act Locally section with actionable information that you can use in your own backyard.

THE RECYCLING OF RENEWABLE PRODUCTS

• The EPA estimates that 75 percent of what Americans throw in the trash could actually be recycled * Incinerating 10,000 tons of waste creates one job; landfilling 10,000 tons of waste creates six jobs; recycling 10,000 tons of waste creates 36 jobs
• The national recycling rate of 30 percent saves the equivalent of more than five billion gallons of gasoline, reducing dependence on foreign oil by 114 million barrels
• According to the EPA, recycling (including composting) diverted 68 million tons of material away from landfills and incinerators in 2001, up from 34 million tons in 1990
• Recycling aluminum cans at the curb not only covers the cost of collecting and re-processing aluminum, but helps subsidize the collection of other recyclables.

CURBSIDE RECYCLING
Curbside recycling now serves half of the U.S. population, providing the most convenient means for households to recycle a variety of materials. While all curbside programs differ, the most commonly included materials are - The Big Five:- aluminium, glass, paper, plastic and steel. If curbside recycling is not available in your area, consider starting your own recycling program.

ALUMINIUM
Recycling aluminum cans at the curb not only covers the cost of collecting and re-processing aluminum, but helps subsidize the collection of other recyclables.

The aluminum can is the most valuable beverage container to recycle and it is the most recycled consumer product in the U.S. today. Recycling aluminum cans provides environmental, economic and community benefits to communities and organizations across the country.

Beverages packaged in aluminum cans are purchased by millions of consumers around the world each day. Have you ever wondered where does that aluminium can goes after you toss it into the nearest recycling bin?

• Two out of every three cans produced in the United States begin the recycling process either at local recycling centers, community drop-off sites, charity collection sites, reverse vending machines or curbside pick-up spots.
• Aluminum cans from these sources are then gathered at large, regional scrap processing companies. There, they condense the cans into highly dense, 30-pound briquettes or 1,200-pound bales and ship them off to aluminum companies for melting.
• At the aluminum companies, the condensed cans are shredded, crushed and stripped of their inside and outside decorations via a burning process. Then, the potato chip-sized pieces of aluminum are loaded into melting furnaces, where the recycled metal is blended with new, virgin aluminum.
• The molten aluminum is then poured into 25-foot long ingots that weigh over 30,000 pounds. The ingots are fed into rolling mills that reduce the thickness of the metal from 20-plus inches to sheet that is about 10/1,000 of an inch thick.
• This metal is then coiled and shipped to can makers, who produce can bodies (the side of a can is the same thickness as a human hair!) and lids. They, in turn, deliver cans to beverage companies for filling.
• The new cans (stocked with your favorite canned beverages, of course) are then ready to return to store shelves in as little as 60 days, only to go through the entire recycling process again!

GLASS
Glass is one of the most popular materials to be recycled today, both because of the purity of the ingredients and the quick turnaround of recycling. Your glass containers actually begin their life as readily-available domestic materials, such as sand, soda ash or limestone. Similar to paper, glass comes in a variety of colors, and this does come into play in the recycling process.

The primary end product of recycling glass is new glass bottles and jars, as glass can be recycled infinitely without losing its purity or strength. However, there are some other uses for recycled glass, including:

• Fiberglass production (second most popular use of post-consumer glass behind beverage containers)
• Frictionator for matches and ammunition
• Abrasives in sand-blasting
• Ingredient in concrete and highway reflective paint
• Ceramic tiles and picture frames around the house
• Providing additional sand to beaches that have been depleted by erosion

PAPER
Paper is one of the most versatile and important materials used in homes, schools, offices, and businesses throughout the world. Each day we enjoy the benefits of paper products, from the newspaper we read in the morning; to the box that holds our cereal; to the paper we use for homework and business purposes; and the documents that mark the significant achievements of our lives.

Paper recovered for recycling is categorized into grades. Each grade of paper has specific characteristics, as well as its own value to manufacturers. Dozens of grades exist, however, they are generally grouped into categories including corrugated (îcardboardî), newsprint, mixed (different colors and types, like inserts and circulars), and office paper. The type of paper collected determines the new product that can be made from it. Generally, the lower grades, such as corrugated and newsprint, go back into the same new products. Higher grades, such as the high quality fiber found in offices and schools, can go back into printing and writing papers, among other uses.

• It is estimated that by the year 2012, the paper industry hopes to recover 60% of the paper Americans consume.
• Every ton of paper recycled saves more than 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space.
• Nearly 80% of America’s papermills use recovered fiber to make some or all of their products. Approximately 140 papermills use recovered paper exclusively.

PLASTICS
The Seven Types of Plastic Why are most plastics marked with a number inside a recycling symbol? The simple answer is that each number represents the type of resin made to produce the plastic.

Because each resin is different, these numbers affect how and where you can recycle plastics. You don’t have to remember the name. Plastics are identified by numbers 1-7.

Here’s some common products you’ll find of each type:

• #1 PET (Polyethylene terephthalate)*: soda bottles, oven-ready meal trays and water bottles
• #2 HDPE (High-density polyethylene)*: milk bottles, detergent bottles and grocery/trash/retail bags
• #3 PVC (Polyvinyl chloride): plastic food wrap, loose-leaf binders and plastic pipes
• #4 LDPE (Low-density polyethylene): dry cleaning bags, produce bags and squeezable bottles
• #5 PP (Polypropylene): medicine bottles, aerosol caps and drinking straws
• #6 PS (Polystyrene): compact disc jackets, packaging Styrofoam peanuts and plastic tableware
• #7 Other: reusable water bottles, certain kinds of food containers and Tupperware

Plastic recycling affects a range of products, from drink containers to shopping bags to pipes. Plastic is almost always the product of petroleum, a non-renewable resource. This makes recycling plastic even more important. Curbside programs often make recycling plastic containers easier than other plastic products. You’ll likely be unable to recycle plastic bags, packaging and Styrofoam at the curb. These materials are very recyclable, but only at a qualified recycling center.

STEEL
Steel is an extremely valuable metal that is present in many of the containers and appliances we use on a daily basis. While steel is the dominant material in the cars we drive and beams of the buildings we work in, for the average person recycling steel will involve the proper disposal of steel cans and scrap metal.

Steel is the most recycled material in North America, and it can be recycled infinitely and turned into new steel products. The majority of the steel produced today, is in some form recycled content. So when you buy a steel product (from a soup can to a washing machine), it’s manufactured with recycled steel. Some of the different products that are made with recycled steel include: * Appliances * Bridges * Cans * Cars/trucks * Construction materials * Desks * File cabinets * Fire hydrants * Guard rails * Utility poles

Steel recycling is an infinite process because there is no loss of durability or quality over time. Some raw materials are mixed in during manufacturing. Starting with recycled steel makes the entire process cheaper and more eco-friendly.

Eco Friendly Fabrics

What are your so called eco friendly clothes made of? Are they really as environmentally friendly as they claim to be? There are many different clothing stores out there that claim to have the most eco friendly clothing available but there are many different factors to consider when determining if clothing is eco friendly. Here we look at just one factor that you should consider for all eco friendly clothes first. How eco friendly is the material the clothing is made from?

Wool
While wool itself can be a fantastic resource, little to no eco friendly clothes will be made of wool today. Factory farmed sheep live in appalling conditions and cuts are common in efficiency driven farms. Wool has a much larger carbon footprint.

Cotton & Organic Cotton
Contrary to popular belief cotton is not typically an eco friendly product. People usually think that because the cotton is natural it is also naturally eco friendly. Cotton is responsible for around a third of the world’s use of pesticides. It is difficult to obtain real organic cotton. Most organic cotton has no bleaching agents used on it but still has a large proportion of pesticides used. Be on the look out for the Soil Association logo to prevent purchasing a wrongly labelled product.

Hemp
Hemp plants grow quickly, densely and have a natural resistance to pests so the use of pesticides on them is generally not required. They are the fastest growing eco friendly clothes material on the market today because of their benefits. It requires no irrigation and the minimum of processing which means its carbon footprint is significantly less than other materials. It was traditionally used as naval rope due to its fantastic ability to resist water and therefore rot. Clothes made from Hemp are made to last.