Greener World: Afghanistan

Afghanistan is considered impoverished and “one of the world’s poorest” (Wikipedia, 2011) countries. As its “unemployment rate is 35% and roughly the same percentage of its citizens live below the poverty line,” it comes as no surprise to hear that “about 42 percent of the population live on less than $1 a day” (Wikipedia, 2011). And as such, this brings a glaring question to the forefront – how does a country whose primary concern is simply on surviving through another day, possibly make headway on any environmental idea?

A Cool DIY Vertical Axis Wind Generator

http://www.instructables.com/id/V10_vawtsavoniusvertical_axiswindturbineamete/ Here’s what you need: 5 pvc tube. size 3″X10′ (hardware store)$48 3 bike wheels. size 12″ (junk yard or ask your kid to use their bikes for a minute) maybe $5 Ametek38 volt (ebay or surplus store) $60 (a problem with ametek, it needs 500 rpm to reach 14.1volt. Or buy windblue alternator (ebay) … [Read more…]

Eco-Controversies: Disposable or Reusable?

Many of the reusable products created are using an excessive amount of CO2 emissions during the process of creation. Though the products might be used again and again, the effects of them being created cause one to wonder if it is really worth it. Not to mention the process of them being destroyed. Sure, we may use our Rubbermaid containers again and again and again until they finally crack and break down on us, but how many of us actually take the time to recycle them once they’re done in? Many of these reusable items simply end up in the same landfills we were initially hoping we’d avoid filling and yet because of the nature of the material being used for these products, many of them are even less biodegradable then their disposable alternatives.

Eco-Controversies: Hybrid Cars

“Hybrids are sexy and make a statement, but require no real sacrifice. Sure, they cost more per mile to run than an economy car because people pay more for them up front. But so do Hummers. People buy hybrids because they’re upscale and make a very public statement about being eco-friendly, just as Hummer owners make their own statement to the tree huggers” (Mitchell, 2007).

Just One Phone Call to Ban Fracking

From http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/take-action/ Ban Fracking on 9/13 — Spread the Word! Mark your calendar: Call the White House at (888) 498-2945 tomorrow and tell the President to Ban Fracking! Help build the momentum by spreading the word for the National Call-in Day to Ban Fracking — Tuesday, Sept. 13th! http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/take-action/

Electricity-Generating Exercise Bikes

Many people have exercise bikes in their home or at their gym. I haven’t taken the time to figure out how much energy could actually be generated, but there are lots of ideas about generating electricity from stationary bikes (which people are using anyway). Generally speaking (very generally), one hour of good bike riding can … [Read more…]

An Amazing Whale Encounter

At a time when we are learning a lot about the destruction we are causing to our planet through our actions here, it’s really great to take a moment to be reminded of the beauty, and beautiful experiences, that our planet offers us humans. Coming across this video today, I wanted to share it with … [Read more…]

Eco-Controversies: Eco-Labelling

“Take USDA Organic as an example. When you buy USDA Organic, you buy food that has been grown without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. The seal doesn’t guarantee that animals have been allowed to feed outside; it doesn’t mean that the produce is seasonal or locally grown; and it doesn’t mean that the farm offers its laborers a decent living wage. Moreover, as earning the label requires time, resources, and money, many small farmers simply cannot afford certification. As a result, products carrying the USDA Organic seal tend to come from large industrial farms or agricultural conglomerates. Although the seal is one of the most trusted eco-labels in agriculture, for many environmentally conscious consumers, it’s woefully inadequate” (National Green Pages, 2011).