global warming

What is a Smart Grid?

jplatt — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 08:00:00 -0400

President Barack Obama's economic stimulus plan includes US$4.5 billion to create a "smart grid" electrical transmission system. But many people still ask, what exactly is a smart grid?

Basically, a "smart grid" really is just that -- it's a smarter version of our national energy grid that uses advanced communication tools and a whole new range of computing technologies to make the transmission and distribution of energy more efficient.

The first step would involve deploying an infrastructure that will automate electricity metering. This is more than just putting the guy who comes to your house to read your meter out of a job. It creates a two-way communication system between customers and utilities, allowing everyone to see how much their energy use is costing them on a second-by-second basis. For instance, you'll be able to decide if you want to run your dishwasher in the afternoon, when rates are higher, or at night, when you can see that rates are lower.

The smart grid will also improve the adoption of renewable energy sources. Let's say you install solar panels on your roof, and they actually generate more electricity than you need. With a smart grid, you'll be able to sell your excess energy back to the utility and upload it into the national electrical grid.

It will also make it easier to generate electricity from wind and solar in one part of the country, and then transmit it thousands of miles to a completely different part of the country. That's not possible with today's antiquated grid, which is not set up to transmit energy long-distance.

Theoretically, a smart grid would create enough efficiences that it would actually reduce carbon emissions by 25%.

We're not going to see a smart grid tomorrow, but this technology isn't too far off, if we allow it to come to being. All it takes is willpower, and a lot of money. But think of what we'll save when it comes to pass.

One Month Until Earth Hour

jplatt — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 09:00:00 -0500

One month from now, people around the world will turn off their lights for one hour to show their support in the fight against climate change.

The Earth Hour event takes place March 28th, and encourages everyone who signs up to turn off every light in their homes from 8:30-9:30 pm (local time).

Earth Hour started two years ago, when 2.2 million people participated. This year, sponsor WWF is trying to take it to the next level, with a goal of 1 billion participants in 1,000 cities.

The Earth Hour site goes beyond individual acts and encourages you to tell your friends and influence your community. Think you can get local stores and government offices to turn off their lights on March 28, too? Then go ahead and do it! There are also all kinds of downloads to help promote events on a corporate and community level.

So if you'd like to send a message about our impact on the planet and climate change, go ahead and sign up for this year's Earth Hour. You never know how much change you can create on your own until you try.

Fight Global Warming While You Surf the Web

jplatt — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:00:00 -0500

How many times do you search the Internet every day? Five? Ten? Twenty? Two hundred?

What if every time you searched, you could do a little bit of good for the environment? Does that sound like something you'd like to try?

Well then, download and install the free Environmental Defense Fund Toolbar (for Firefox or Internet Explorer). Once this toolbar is installed on your browser, use it to search the Web instead of first going to Google or Yahoo or another search page. Every time you use the toolbar search, a donation will be made to the Environmental Defense Fund, which will then use the money to help fight global warming and support its other environmental initiatives.

The searches are powered by Yahoo, so you know you're getting good results. You'll also have the ability to get EDF action alerts directly through the toolbar, and spread the news about EDF activities to your friends and colleagues.

At a few pennies a search, those donation dollars can add up pretty quickly -- especially if you do a few hundred searches every day like me!

Give it a try. After all, even the little things you do can help make a difference.

Fight Climate Change, Win $75,000

jplatt — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 09:00:00 -0500

Got an idea to fight climate change by reducing carbon emissions? The Forum for the Future wants to hear about it. They have teamed with the Financial Times for the new Climate Change Challenge competition, which seeks innovatitive, practical ideas that can be implemented quickly and create real change.

The $75,000 prize for the top idea has been sponsored by HP. The winner will be expected to use the prize money to help make their idea a reality.

What is the competition looking for? Any good idea that has already made it off the drawing board will do: "We want to find ideas that are below the radar – being developed by think-tanks, academic institutions or individual entrepreneurs – and identify those that can be taken to scale quickly and make a real difference. We will be scouring the world for the most exciting low-carbon ideas. These could be new technologies, systems or services, novel organisations or business models."

Forum for the Future will collect and review all the entries, and then pick 12 of the most promising ideas to a panel of judges, including Sir Richard Branson and other business and environmental leaders. Five of those ideas will then be published in the Financial Times this March for reader voting. The winning idea will be announced in April 2009.

Interested in entering? Don't delay. The deadline is January 30, 2009.

Top 10 Recycling Resources

Marcus — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

We all mean to recycle. The problem is that it’s sometimes quite difficult to actually get your recyclables to the proper facilities. If your apartment building or neighborhood doesn't have a recycling program in place, you're on your own. And even if it recycles ordinary stuff, there are always those difficult items -- like computers or big things -- that need special handling.

But fear not, friends. This handy list will help you ease those recycling woes and give your old stuff a new lease on life.

1. www.ForRecycling.info

Get motivated with this great site for general info on what happens in the process of recycling, what the benefits are, what materials can be recycled, and an extensive list of links for further information. A great overview.

2. www.Earth911.org

Earth 911’s most compelling feature is a recycling center search engine that allows you to search by location and material that you’re looking to recycle. Like ForRecycling, above, it also has general information and useful tips.

3. www.Resource-Recycling.com

Here's a huge database of links that covers pretty much everything recycling-related, from recycling and composting equipment sites to state and regional organizations and centers.

4. www.Recycle-Steel.org

Recycle Steel has everything you need to know about recycling- you guessed it- steel. There's info on how to responsibly dispose of anything from an old car to a toaster oven.

5. www.MyGreenElectronics.org

My Green Electronics provides information and resources for how to recycle those old, neglected electronics that you’re just not sure what to do with.

6. www.ShareTechnology.org

Share Technology focuses on recycling computers. Whether your computer’s still in usable shape, or only a few parts can be salvaged, this site will show you the most eco-friendly method to dispose of your Mac or PC.

7. www.rbrc.org

The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation provides you with a wealth of information about the benefits of recycling rechargeable batteries and cell phones, and has information about where to drop these items off to ensure that they are re-used.

8. www.DressForSuccess.org

The mission statement of this non-profit that recycles women’s business clothing is to “promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.” That pretty much says it all.

9. www.OperationFairyDust.org

This site recycles formal and prom dresses for girls who would not otherwise have the economic resources to obtain them.

10. www.NewEyesForTheNeedy.org

Instead of throwing out those old eyeglasses when your prescription changes, donate them to New Eyes For The Needy -- you’ll be reducing the garbage problem and helping out someone who truly needs it.

Want to find out more about recycling?

Recycling Tips: Did You Know You Cannot Recycle Messy Pizza Boxes?

The Benefits of Recycling: Let’s Talk Trash

Recycling the Looking Glass: When Garbage and Art Collide

Recycled Record Snack Tray

The Benefits of Recycling Cardboard

The Art of Garbage

Reduce, Reuse… FREECYCLE

Recycle Those Electronics!

Back to Basics—RRR

Picking Up Garbage TVs and Recycling as Art

Students Recycle and Reduce Garbage: Take It Or Leave It

Knight Rider Recycled—Reborn With Green Twist!

Recycling Your Garbage: Where Does it All Go?

Why We Need Trees?

Orbitmanifesto — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:32:28 -0400

Trees, unlike humans, take in Carbon Dioxide and release Oxygen. Humans make the opposite exchange. One acre of forest puts out four tons of oxygen – that’s enough to meet the annual oxygen needs of 18 people, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Since Carbon Dioxide is the major contributor to Greenhouse gases, the less CO2 in the atmosphere the better. Trees absorb some of the Carbon Gases that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. According to ColoradoTree.org, about 800 million tons of CO2 are stored in the trees that make up the urban forests of America. This means the more trees on our planet, the less CO2 in the earth’s atmosphere. If every American family planted just one tree, the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere would be reduced by one billion pounds annually. Planting trees is the cheapest, most effective means of drawing excess CO2 from the atmosphere.

Trees also reduce the greenhouse effect by shading our homes and office buildings. This reduces air conditioning needs up to 30 percent, thereby reducing the amount of fossil fuel burned to produce electricity. This combination to CO2 removal from the atmosphere, carbon storage in wood, and the cooling effect makes trees a very efficient tool in fighting the greenhouse effect.

My company Bizcard really cares about the world.

Can green algae help save the world?

RenewableMinute — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 13:22:47 -0400

Corn and sugar cane, move over. Several US companies are harvesting an algae that can be converted to oil and refined into biodiesel. Amazingly, the algae can grow in waste water, where it feeds on carbon dioxide. This means the algae offers a double benefit: it eats up excess CO2 while it matures into a non-polluting fuel source.

Algae may one day be the preferred feedstock for biofuels. Because it's not grown in soil and isn't edible, algae doesn't compete with food. One of the great biofuel scams going on right now is the use of corn, soy, and sugar to produce ethanol, which are being blamed in part for higher food prices and deforestation around the world. The AP just reported that:

Corn prices have shot up nearly 30 percent this year amid dwindling stockpiles and surging demand for the grain used to feed livestock and make alternative fuels including ethanol. Prices are poised to go even higher after the U.S. government this week predicted that American farmers -- the world's biggest corn producers -- will plant sharply less of the crop in 2008 compared to last year.

Algae has a high energy density and can produce 15 times more oil per hectare than other biofuel crops currently being harvested (rape, palm soya, and jatropha plants). The algae matures in 24 hours, converting 50 percent of their weight into usable fuel! Growing ponds can be built and operated on a massive commercial scale, creating the opportunity to produce a cost effective alternative to traditional oil supplies.

Where are we at with biofuel algae? The Florida-based company PetroAlgae plans to have an operational initial production facility this year and hopes to test a commercial system as early as next year. Fuels giant Royal Dutch Shell and HR Biopetroleum recently announced the creation of a joint venture called Cellana to make biodiesel from algae in Hawaii.

For more renewable energy news, visit The Renewable Minute.

How to Get Carbon Free in 10 Years – Reduce Global Warming

susan — Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Cutting your carbon footprint is one thing - but becoming carbon free in 10 years? Sounds impossible? Putting out ZERO carbon emissions requires major deprivation and sacrifice, right? Not so. You’d be amazed at how simple, painless changes can help you snag the gold ring -- saving yourself money and saving the planet from fire and (melting) ice.

Now for the details: I found one of the best step-by-step breakdowns of how one family can do it in Yes Magazine. This helpful article takes a hypothetical family of three and proposes changes they’ll need to make each year to go from producing 60,000 pounds of carbon emissions per year to zero.Here’s a sampling of what you can do to make the biggest difference - with the least effort and expense. Remember, even if you can’t do it all and get to ZERO, taking any of these actions will be a move in the right direction.

Year 1

Switch to CFLs
Wash clothes in cold water and air dry them
Turn off the computer when not in use
One adult commutes by bus three days a week

Year 2

Insulate attic and basement
Insulate heat ducts
Patch air leaks around the home

Year 3

Commute by bus daily
Sell second car
Weatherize windows and doors

Year 4

Take train (not plane) when you go on vacation

Year 5

Trade in old car for an electric model

Year 6

Lower hot water heater temp
Insulate hot water heater and pipes
Replace old refrigerator with energy-efficient model
Eliminate second refrigerator

Years 7 to 10

Vacation close to home
Buy energy-efficient washing machine
Convert to solar hot water system
Commute by electric bikes 8 months of the year
Replace furnace with electric heat pump that also cools
Buy certified green, renewable power from their electric company

Now that wasn’t so hard was it?

For more details, see Yes Magazine.

For more on Reducing Your Carbon Footprint:

Carbon Footprints

What Exactly is a Carbon Footprint?

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint From Travel

Wash Your Carbon Footprint Away

The Quest For The Perfect Carbon Calculator

Top 10 Lesser-Known Myths about Global Warming

kbutler — Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

Sure, there’s lots of finger pointing when it comes to who is to blame for global warming. Kyoto Protocol aside, there are whispers of other mysterious figures who may responsible for August arriving in May. (At least in Los Angeles, where the idea of “Hey, at least we don’t have humidity” is being swiftly losing ground to “When did the Mojave Desert expand into Santa Monica?”)

It’s a conspiracy by…

10. The fur industry to get animals to abandon their fur.

9. Bitter athletes who want to end Canadian dominance in hockey. Not so cool when you skate in slush, is it?

8. Evil supermodels sick of having to cover up in the winter.

7. Annoying guys who walk around saying “Hot enough for ya?”

6. Hollywood, who wants less money spent on heating oil and more money spent on blockbusters about the ravaging effects of global warming.

5. Pot smokers who want to see how high they can get off trapped greenhouse gases.

4. The pork industry, who wants to promote bacon by openly frying it on the sidewalk.

3. Failed plastic surgeons eager to see people’s faces melt off.

2. Icelandic folk sick of wearing Icelandic sweaters.

1. Real estate magnates who have already bought up the soon-to-be balmy south coast of Antarctica.

Want to learn more about global warming?

New Report: Doubts Grow About Global Warming

Send an Instant Message, Fight Global Warming

Top 10 Ways to Prevent Global Warming

Global Warming Cartoons

Jared Leto Pushes Back on Global Warming

Clean, Renewable Energy: The Answer to Global Warming

What You Eat Can Affect Global Warming, New Study Shows

New Report: Doubts Grow about Global Warming

jkraft — Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400

If you thought the red state/ blue state divide was extreme in our nation’s politics, now there’s evidence for increasing polarization between green states and grey states… of mind.

How you feel about global warming these days largely depends on your demographic. The more conservative you are, the less likely you are to trust Al Gore and his cohort of climate change scientists.

The Pew Research Center for the People & the Press released a report on May 8 showing that while 84% of Democrats and 75% of independents say there is evidence of global warming, only 49% of Republicans do.

The partisan divide also holds when Americans consider the cause of purported global warming. While nearly 60% of Dems and half of Independents blame human activity for the atmospheric sauna, only 27% of Republicans agree that we’re the cause.

Yet when the believers in both parties were polled about possible solutions to the problem, they both attest that we’ll be able to curb its potentially disastrous effects. But despite the optimism, nearly half the public believes that “major sacrifices” will be required to roll back climate change.

Overall, global warming seems to be slightly less of a priority concern for both parties than it was one year ago; however, Republicans put it at the bottom of the list of their top 21 issues.

Want to learn more about global warming?

Top 10 Lesser-Known Myths About Global Warming

Send an Instant Message, Fight Global Warming

Top 10 Ways to Prevent Global Warming

Global Warming Cartoons

Jared Leto Pushes Back on Global Warming

Clean, Renewable Energy: The Answer to Global Warming

What You Eat Can Affect Global Warming, New Study Shows

Want to learn more about Eco-Politics?

Check Out Obama’s Global Warming Plan

See What McCain Will Do About Climate Change

Hillary Clinton on the Environment

There’s More Than One Way to Hug a Tree

Top 10 Signs You’re Not Running a Green Campaign

Mirror, Mirror, On the Wall… Who’s the Greenest President of Them All?