Posts tagged "world"

The Relevance of Alternative Energy Sources in the Modern World

As the reserves of nonrenewable fossil fuels like natural gas and petroleum is fast depleting, focus has been shifted to the alternative sources of energy like wind, solar and tidal energy. In the United States , fossil fuels meet 81.6% of the total energy supply, and only a 7.3 % of energy needs are catered by the alternative sources of energy. However, these energy sources are nonpolluting and non-diminishing, which makes it a dependable source of energy in the years to come. It is estimated that the fossil fuels will be largely used up within the twenty-first century, which has brought back the focus on alternative sources of energy for a sustainable global economy.

By endorsing the Kyoto protocol, which spells out an action plan to reduce fossil fuels in a phased manner, many countries in the European Union have reiterated their commitment to shift away from nuclear and fossil fuels- both detrimental to the environment. As a first step, these countries have set an initial goal of generating 12% of its total energy and 22% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2010.

Solar energy is probably the most convenient energy source, which can be utilized as heat or can be converted to electricity using photovoltaic cells. It is a cost effective and non polluting energy source that can be used for heating and lighting homes, offices and streets. Greenhouses and solariums are common examples of the direct use of solar energy,

Tidal energy is another promising source of renewable energy. Water when passed through turbines electricity can be created and it is a clean and renewable source of energy. 
Wind power is one so the most ancient forms of energy harvested by man and a windmill can convert it into mechanical energy which can be converted into electricity using generators.

The power generation cost in wind energy is slightly higher than hydropower and lower than nuclear power. Alternative energy sources will be the corner stones of the future economy and these cheap and eco friendly forms of energy need to be harvested fully.

More Alternative Energy Articles

Save the World Today, Go For Alternative Energy!

Unlike the regular power resources such as coal, uranium, and fossil fuels, this form of energy is renewable because it is usually generated from biomass, hydro power, solar and wind energy. But the good thing is that, they are non emission sources, which of course is a great help to our environment. The power generators are proven safe to use, hence there will be no worries about harmful exhaustion and toxic waste production.

Nature is priceless. Since alternative energy sources from renewable materials none of its valuable supplies will be used up and shortage is not likely to happen. This only means that a great deal of the environment’s natural resources is preserved. Combustions produced by traditional power plant generators operated by fuel accelerate global warming due to the release of greenhouse gases and pollutants in the air. And if nothing is to be done, not only today’s lives are compromised but also the lives of the next generation.

Oil, or the so called black gold, as a fuel is one good example of a resource that we can save by using alternative energy. Studies show that the world right now is at a point where oil production is decreasing, rendering world governments to find immediate solutions to the staggering problem. Several proponents of oil argued that the usage of alternative energy will drop off the economy if the traditional fossil fuels are to be disposed; however there are quite a few researchers who believe that the inception of alternative energy actually is beneficial to the economy. Proof to this matter is the increasing rate of companies doing research and providing alternative energy.

Indeed, it is true that where there are advantages, disadvantages come next. But with alternative energy the advantages versus the disadvantages has a considerable difference. There’s more to the positive side rather than the negative ones. An estimate of 108,234 tons of waste per day is incinerated around the globe, nonetheless, with a system this large amount of waste will be converted to useful resources. It takes only 90% less energy to convert the world’s waste into a power source than to generate new power supplies out of the fossil fuels. Not only is mother earth saved from destruction but also the life of the future generation is ensured. So, why wait for tomorrow if things can be done today?

Mae Russell is a pro blogger and writer of several blogs about alternative energy and just about anything that interests her. Check out http://investalternativeenergy.wordpress.com/

Green Home and Green World with Green Bags

An integral part of making the world green movement is making the home green as well. Similarly, having a green home requires taking care of the things that otherwise might seem insignificant though in reality they are not. That is why the world is now turning towards many reusable products and one of the most important home accessories that require attention is the shopping bag.

What is Reusable Shopping Bag 
Reusable shopping bags are also known as the bags for life and these are bags that can be used multiple times. Unlike the paper bags that can get destroyed easily even in one use, they are quite durable. An example is cloth grocery bag that can be used for quite long time without any fear of the bag getting damaged or unusable. These are sort of carrier bags and are available in most of the shops and market complexes.

Why They Are Better 
Reusable shopping bags or reusable tote bags are green bags in real sense because they result in less wastage of materials like oils and they also emit much lower quantum of carbon die oxide gasses. In fact a lot of carbon dioxide gas is emitted in the process of manufacturing plastic bags.

Materials Used in Reusable Bags 
More often it is synthetic fabric, canvas, and synthetic fiber, ordinary cloth with a little coating, or thick plastic that is used for the purpose. However when it comes to pollution prevention, disposable plastic bags are one of the major problems before the society at large. They are not destructible and they are the greatest threat to ecological balance. On the other hand cloth and other bags are eco-friendly and reusable.

Effective Means of Discouraging Plastic Bag Use 
Plastic shopping bags became popular in United States in the 1980s and 1990s. However during the late 1990s scientists arrived at the conclusion after prolonged research and experimentation that such bags are detrimental to the ecological balance of the earth. Taking cue from the steps taken by the federal and state government to regulate the use of such plastic bags, reusable shopping bags arrived in the market.

With the world growing conscious green bags like reusable cloth bags are gradually taking the place of disposable plastic bags thereby considerably reducing the threats posed to ecological balance.

Descendants hail landmark status for massacre site
Salt Lake City— Descendants of massacre victims at a Utah site said the elevation of the Mountain Meadows area to national landmark status brings some healing.
Read more on Detroit News

Germany sells vision for ‘green toys’ to world

Sol System: An Alternative Energy Exploration


Image by the_exploratorium
A number of dreamers and makers of DIY electric vehicles joined us for an alternative energy exploration at Exploratorium After Dark in October.

Photo by Shannon Laskey Paras.
© Exploratorium, www.exploratorium.edu

Germany sells vision for ‘green toys’ to world
The hottest “green” toy in Germany isn’t made of organic or recycled materials. That’s so 2010. This one has a solar panel and only runs if kids remember to insert bright red “energy stones” that power the rest of the space station.Germany,…
Read more on The New Zealand Herald

USF, Dominican Republic Energize Relationship
An agreement signed Wednesday has USF working with the Caribbean country on renewable energy initiatives.
Read more on University of South Florida

Behr Returns as SAE World Congress Exhibitor In 2011

Governor Quinn learning about the benefits of plug-in electric hybrid vehicles


Image by Center for Neighborhood Technology

Behr Returns as SAE World Congress Exhibitor In 2011
Behr America will showcase its latest electric and hybrid-electric vehicle technology as well as a variety of engine-mounted components for downsized engines at this spring’s SAE International World Congress scheduled for April 12-14 in Detroit.
Read more on PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance

The world at 100 miles per gallon
How can a car that runs 100 miles per gallon change the world? A car is just a car, and even one that reaches efficiencies never before seen on the world’s roads will not make any difference on its own.
Read more on The California Aggie

Toyota hybrid to get lithium ion batteries
Automotive News reports on Toyota’s plan to start using lithium ion batteries in some hybrids.
Read more on CNET

Consolidation Committee proposes change in choice of town vehicles
A gradual turnover of all municipal vehicles could take three to five years but would cost the town less money than reusing old police vehicles, according to Special Assistant to the Town Manager Patrick O’Brien. Based on his report, the Consolidation Committee voted Tuesday night to recommend a new strategy for replacing town vehicles.
Read more on Old Colony Memorial & Plymouth Bulletin