Using Biofuels As A Green Energy Resource

Biofuels are also a green energy source. It has been around for a very long time and lately, people are beginning to take notice.

Liquid biofuel which is the one used in cars is a natural and renewable domestic fuel that can only be used for diesel engines. This can be made from vegetable oils mostly soy and corn. The nice thing about it is that it contains no petroleum, is nontoxic and biodegradable.

By fueling up with biofuel, you reduce the pollutants in the air because it does not emit anything. Right now, it is the only fuel approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), passed every Heath-Effects Test of the Clean Air Act and meets the requirements of the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

One example of this is biodiesel which is made from alcohol like methanol and a chemical process that separates glycerine and methyl esters (biodiesel) from fats or vegetable oils. Apart from methanol, some countries have also experimented with corn and sugarcane to create their own adaptation of biofuel.

Glycerine is a everyday product and this is used in making toothpaste and soap. Since it is quite new, the process of converting it is quite expensive and right now, this is still much more expensive per gallon compared to petroleum.

But if you look at what you pay for it, the returns are huge because you get to do your share to preserve a cleaner environment, an improvement in air quality and a reduction of cancer-causing agents.

A cheaper and primitive way to make bio-diesel is by collecting cooking oil and then processing it. This may not good your car?s engine so be cautious if you determine to use it.

If you are skeptic about biodiesels, studies have shown that its performance on the road is just as good as petroleum in terms of power to efficiency, hauling and climbing. You can use this in its pure form or blend with petroleum fuel. The most common mix in the market is 20/80 and is referred to as “B20.” This means that 20% is biodiesel and the remainder is 80%. Another version is the E85 which is fuel composed of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.

The best part about using biodiesel is that you only have to make a few changes in your engine to be able to use it. Aside from making the car run, it also helps clean the engine. If you are worried that this will void the warranty of your vehicle should there be a problem, don?t worry because it doesn?t. In the US, B20 is the most common one available but there are only a few gas stations that carry it.

When car?s first rolled out in the beginning of the 20th century, Henry Ford planned to make these vehicles especially the Model T?s run using ethanol. Tests have even shown that these may also run using peanut oil.

This never materialized because huge oil deposits were discovered and diesel was economical. It was only when our demand for oil increased in the 1970?s, 1980?s, 1990?s and in the early part of this year that people began to realize that to reduce our demand for foreign oil that we should try using biodiesels and other forms of alternative energy.

Is it too late? Not yet because there is still time to use biofuels and others as green energy sources.

Jason Livingston operates iBuyLessGas.com and is spreading the word about the Ethos FR+ Gas Saver. Jason is dedicated to helping the world to improve gas mileage.

Electricity, How Is It Produced?

Long ago before the world power crisis, one of our greatest discoveries was electricity, discovered by Benjamin Franklin when he flew a kite during an electrical storm, he attached a metal key to the kite string close to the kite. After that man began to find different ways to produce electricity, then over time humans also found ways to produce electricity in greater and greater amounts. The first thing humans started to use to produce electricity was a non-renewable energy source, such as fossil fuel, natural gas, water and as time passed, nuclear fission, with the discovery of uranium. Also, in time humans learned to use the sun and the wind which are renewable energy sources.

Electricity, exactly how is it produced?

The easiest way to explain how electricity is made is to take a look at the alternator in your automobile, as the alternator spins it produces electricity that keeps your battery charged. Generators much like the alternator in your car, the difference being that your alternator is very small in comparison to the very large house sized generators used to produce the power you use in your home. Fan belts connected to your engine turn the alternator so when your engine is running the alternator is spinning producing electricity to keep the battery charged and supply the car?s electrical requirements. However, to turn a generator that produces the power that you use in your home they use turbines, turbines are like huge fans, when you force air, water, or steam through the blades they begin to spin. When you connect the generator to the fan and when the fan is turning it turns the generator and the generator produces power.

Now let us look at some of the non-renewable energy sources and renewable energy sources that we use to turn a turbine and the differences between them. Renewable energy sources as you will see are much better for the environment.

Non-renewable energy sources:

~ Fossil fuels - consist of crude oil, coal, and natural gases are all used to heat water to bring it to the boiling point in what is commonly known as a boiler, this turns the water into steam then the steam is forced through the turbine which makes the turbine rotate. Man has used fossil fuel for a long time and the problem with that is, they pollute the air and the supply is very limited.

~ Water - Man has been building dams for a long time, We build them to obstruct the flow of rivers to make larger bodies of water like small lakes that serve a couple of purposes, one is to make reservoirs for storing fresh water that we drink daily. Another purpose is to rotate those massive turbines that turn the large generators that make electricity. Hoover Dam, is one such dam which creates massive amounts of power. One could consider water a renewable energy source and it does not pollute the air but it negatively impacts the ecosystem downstream from the dam, again an adverse impact on the environment.

~ Nuclear Power - Is much the same as burning fossil fuel the difference being that instead of burning fuel to produce the heat to turn water into steam atoms are split with neutrons which produce more neutrons which in turn split more atoms causing a chain reaction, these chain reactions produce very large amounts of heat. Primary coolant water is then used to cool the reactor?s core where the atoms are being split then a secondary coolant system is used to cool the primary coolant water. The heat from the primary coolant water turns the secondary coolant water into steam to turn the turbines, it is then cooled and condensed back to into water and sent back to cool the primary water that cools the reactor core. The biggest problem with nuclear power is the radioactivity, the devastating effects of a meltdown if it occurs, and the waste from used up uranium which can remain radioactive for hundreds of years. Once again unlike renewable energy sources terrible for the environment.

Renewable energy sources:

~ Solar Power - The best source of electricity that will last for as long as the sun burns. Solar panels collect the sun?s energy and store it in solar cells so that even on a cloudy day or at night there is stored up power that can still be used. Solar power is not only a renewable energy source but is also very good for the environment as it does not pollute.

~ Wind Power - Wind is another excellent renewable energy source. Windmills have been used for a very long time to do things like pump water, turn large mills for grinding wheat and oat and more recently to produce power. The only draw back would be the region in which you live. If you live in a low wind region, you may not get enough air flow to spin the windmill’s blades.

Non-renewable energy sources took millions of years to produce and we are using them up very quickly, to conserve what is left we must look to renewable energy sources as a viable solution to the quickly exhausting non renewable ones.

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Living Off The Grid To Save Power At Home

Before we get into what living off the grid means and how it can help us save power at home let us take a look at our present situation. First, are we facing a world power crisis? I think we all know the answer to that. Yes, we are facing a world power crisis and by living off the grid we can help save power, the environment, and money.

Now with the shortage of energy that we know we face, the ever-increasing consumption of non-renewable energy and increasing demand for power, and the daily warnings about pollution should be enough to tell us that it’s time we do something. So, what can we do as individuals that will make a difference? Well to start with, we can live off the grid. If this proposal startles you, than think about this, living off the grid would not only help the environment and help save power at home; it can also reduce your electric bill considerably. Now, that alone is a good benefit apart from the good you will do for the world. Believe me, it feels good doing this knowing you are helping the environment as well as your wallet.

OK, first let’s look at the advantages of living off the grid.

? We reduced dependability on non-renewable energy sources: Do you know anyone that likes depending on public utilities all the time? Living off the grid means you rely only on your own energy sources thus, you will save power at home and not have to rely on the electric companies. How often have you been faced with a power outage in the middle of important work on your computer and lost it because of the outage or in the middle of a party? Wouldn?t it be nice to be able to control your power and not have outages affect your life? With alternative power solutions, you can.

? One wonderful advantage is the freedom of usage: Wouldn’t it be great if you didn’t have to pay for the electricity you use? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to use as much power as you want without worrying about the cost of power? You can make use of the limitless electricity available to light up your house and to cook your food. The solar power solutions and the wind power solutions are the answers to save power at home and keep more money in your wallet (literally!).

? We already talked a little about this, reducing or even eliminating power costs, helping you save more of your money: How would you feel if the power bill stop coming and instead you received a check in your mail box? Alternative energy sources give you a return on investment quickly, thus making the power that powers your home eventually free! In some areas the power companies are required to buy your excess power, that’s right, you can get paid for extra power you produce!

? If you save power at home with alternative energy, it will help with the environment: Years ago we faced a tree shortage so, we planted trees not expecting them to miraculously grow? We planted those trees for the future generations. We can make the future of our future generations more secure by giving them a greener, healthier world. We cut down on the consumption of our non-renewable sources of energy. We should try to cut down on water consumption as well. Drinking water, whether you know it or not, is also a nonrenewable energy source.

You may be thinking it is not very feasible to live off the grid, but, if you look for alternative energy sources you will be surprised to find how many there are and that they are not only cost-effective but also extremely feasible.

Every thing we do to conserve energy will help make what non-renewable energy sources that are left last longer. Implementing the use or renewable energy sources will help save power at home and the use of renewable energy sources can prolong the non-renewable sources. For more information on how to save power at home.

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Paperless Guestbooks

If recycled or handmade recycled paper isn’t your thing, there are many more options. Did you know paper can be made out of many materials without harming one single tree? Before the nineteenth century, many types of plants and fibers other than trees were used to make paper. When industrial wood pulping technology was developed, forest resources were taken advantage of in the United States and the lumber business grew quickly. Today the lush forests are long gone, and even though many trees are planted specifically for the paper industry, they cannot grow fast enough to meet demand.

Loss of trees is not the paper industry’s only ecological problem. While the impact on the world’s forests is undeniable, the industry consumes vast amounts of energy and water to convert trees into paper. In addition, many chemicals that are used in the process end up in our air, water, and soil in large amounts, causing serious pollution.

Tree-free paper is one eco-friendly alternative. The fibers from most plants can be made into quality paper products. Rapidly renewable resources such as flax and hemp can create quality paper. Experts believe the most effective and environmentally friendly resources for tree-free paper can come from otherwise discarded agricultural waste. Stalks and husks left after harvesting a main crop are perfect; corn, barley, oats, wheat, rice, rye, coffee bean skins, sugar cane husks, and even tobacco fiber can be made into paper. This method makes use of existing waste and turns it into something beneficial while saving natural virgin resources such as hardwood trees.

Some of the most popular alternative materials being used for paper- making today include the following:
?Bamboo is being used for everything from flooring to clothing and even paper. Bamboo paper and rice paper have been made on a small scale in Asia for centuries.
?Bagasse is the husk and pulp that remains after extracting juice from sugar cane; it can be processed into paper.
?Waste bark from banana trees can be made into paper. Banana leaf paper is known as abaca.
?Coconut husks can be processed into thick, textured paper.
?Corn plant stalks, known as corn stover, can be made into excellent paper pulp comparable to North American hardwood pulp.
?Cotton paper can be made from old cotton rags and other recycled cotton material, cotton processing waste, or even fresh organic cot?ton fibers.
?Paper can be made from bacteria- and odor-free elephant dung.
?Hemp paper is a superior quality product. It is said that Thomas Jef
ferson drafted the Declaration of Independence on hemp paper.
?Jute can be made into high-quality specialty paper.
?Kenaf is a hibiscus from Africa that has been used to make paper.
?Mango paper is made from the mango leaf and paper mulberry.
?Straw fibers are very similar to wood and make great paper. At one time, the United States produced straw paper, but the industry no longer exists.
?The petals and leaves from the tamarind tree can be made into paper.

Hemp is considered to be the best alternative to regular wood pulp paper. It is said that the world’s first paper was made from hemp.Hemp paper is stronger than wood-based paper and will last centuries longer than regular paper. It does not crack, yellow, or deteriorate. Hemp paper does not require any bleaching and can be grown and processed with very little chemical use.

Tree-free paper is not entirely a mainstream product yet, so it may be hard to come by at your local office supply store or printer. However, as with everything else, demand pushes supply up. As more people start asking for tree-free paper, mainstream stores will start supplying it to the general public. Until then, you can search in your local health food and natural supply specialty stores and online.

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Great Tips For Eco-Friendly Wedding Receptions

Everything from the simplest details to the most complex choices can have an impact on the environment in some way. For example, what if you are having a big reception and you decide to use disposable place settings, napkins, and utensils? Everything would end up in a landfill afterward.

You can stop the excess landfill pileup by choosing to use reusable plates and tableware that you rent or purchase for the occasion. Alternately, you can buy compost able, biodegradable, disposable table settings made from sugar cane fibers, natural corn and potato starches, or bamboo.

It comes down to personal choice and what is the most convenient for you. Either option is greener than regular wax- coated paper, Styrofoam, or plastic disposable plates and utensils.

There are many ways to have an eco-reception. Try incorporating some of these ideas into your event and into any pre-wedding parties:

Ditch the disposables. Say no to plastic, Styrofoam, and waxy coated paper plates. This goes for anything that is a single-use product not just tableware and eating utensils but also serving trays, punch bowls, dessert trays, and food warmers. Talk to your caterers to make sure they use reusable products.

Rent or purchase reusable items. Most catering services offer complete table settings or have a recommended rental service. You might even want to scour the thrift stores. You may find a variety of table settings that can be mixed and matched for an elegantly eclectic dinner service. If you don’t need everything you bought, you can donate it to a good cause such as a homeless shelter, soup kitchen, battered women’s shelter, or to a thrift store such as Goodwill or the Salvation Army.

If you do opt for some disposable products, make sure they are made from recycled materials and/or that they are biodegradable or can be recycled or composted.

Opt for a late evening or night-time reception and only serve drinks and cake. Other options include having a reception at a time of day where you are not required to serve a whole meal. At an afternoon reception, you could have just drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and cake.

Consider organic, fair-trade, and local food choices when selecting a menu.

A meatless menu is a very green choice. It can also help you keep costs down, because meat can add quite a bit to your bill.

Keep it as simple as possible by having a buffet. Guests can serve themselves while they mingle, and you have fewer catering staff to pay for.

Make sure your venue and caterer are as eco-friendly as possible. While there is no similar list for caterers yet, ask ahead of time about your caterer’s practices arid make sure they recycle and adhere to other green standards.

If you are considering a hotel for your reception location to find a hotel that has implemented environmentally friendly practices in its daily business.

For a great listing of green businesses for all your reception needs check out online versions of Green Pages to find screened and approved green businesses. If you want, you can also order a print copy of the Green Pages.
Don’t throw out leftover food. Send it home with guests instead. Have some packed up for you to take home if you aren’t leaving right away for your honeymoon. You could also donate leftovers to a local shelter or soup kitchen; make arrangements ahead of time to make sure they will accept prepared food, then appoint someone responsible to deliver it after the reception.

Encourage recycling and proper disposal of waste. Make sure your venue or caterer has containers set up to collect and separate recyclables. Make sure compostable items are composted. The goal is to keep as much out of the landfill as possible.

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Unique Wedding Locations

Nothing says green like an outdoor wedding in the middle of nature’s glory. Beautiful flowers, sunny skies, big trees full of green leaves, a lake with a waterfall in the background, how enchanting! You have so many choices parks, botanical and organic gardens, nature preserves, and other welcoming sites. .Just make sure to choose an area that won’t be harmed by humans tromping and stomping all over the place. A pristine wilderness will be damaged by a wedding party trampling through the area, whereas a park, nature preserve, or garden is made for both natural preservation and human enjoyment.

Some other interesting outdoor options include:
?A clearing in the woods by your house, along a local trail, or in a park
?A beach
?The desert
?An orange grove
?A rooftop garden
?An outdoor ice skating rink in the middle of winter
?A pumpkin patch

However, any of these outdoor locations may pose their own challenges. Weather unpredictability being the biggest issue, you’ll want to find a location that has options if the weather is bad a pavilion, a large building, or a location where a large event tent can be set up to shelter everyone in case of rain.

Another big problem in the great outdoors can be pests, specifically mosquitoes.

Organic Orchards and Farms
Orchards and farms often have rustic charm combined with natural beauty. Maybe they have a big barn you could rent for your reception after having your ceremony in a grove of apple trees. An orchard wedding in the autumn would be perfect. Your guests could enjoy hayrides while sipping fresh apple cider after a ceremony surrounded by trees filled with ripe apples ready to be picked. The fall colors swirl in the breeze, offering a fantastic backdrop. Centerpieces could be baskets filled with apples and pears, favors could be jars of apple butter and organic jams and jellies made at the very location you are having your special event.

Organic Vineyards
Vineyards are becoming very popular places to hold wedding ceremonies and receptions. The natural beauty and gorgeous scenery combined with rustic elegance and charm make them a perfect choice. Add to that the love of fine wine and you’ve got the perfect location. Check out vineyard websites or visit a winery in person and you will be awestruck by their picturesque quality. They offer romance and elegance amid the beautiful and bountiful settings of nature. While any vineyard can be a good eco-choice, an organic vineyard is the greenest choice because they grow their grapes without the use of harmful pesticides. You should investigate growing practices before booking though you might be so amazed by the beauty of the location that it may not matter if they grow organically. If the vineyard is local, it has the benefit of allowing you to cut back on the amount of manufactured goods, paper products, and other waste. Non organic vineyards are still greener than many other reception areas, and they provide you with a beautiful and natural setting.

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An Evaluation Concerning Solar And Geo Thermal Power

If you are in a situation that you are needing to modernize or put in a modern heating system, you have the chance to utilize an environmentally friendly product such as solar power or geo thermal heat.

There are numerous factors to think about when looking at the two potentially new heating systems.

Solar Power - Pros

Solar energy has a minor carbon impact compared to regular heating sources. After the solar panels are complete they are no longer in the carbon imprint index.

Solar energy makes no noise. There are no moving parts, therefore no noise pollution to deal with.

You can make solar energy anywhere. There is no need to be ‘on the grid’. So, isolated locations are not affected.

Solar energy can generate enough energy to function any size of request. There is no limit to the number of panels you require for your personal applications.

Solar panels can be put on top of existing roof tops. There is no requirement for major changes to the house or surrounding land.

Once operational there are no more expenses associated with solar energy.

Solar energy will run the entire house, not only the heat.

Solar panels require very limited upkeep. Usually only keeping panels clear of excessive dust and debris.

Solar Power - Cons

Weather conditions can have an effect on the operation of the solar panels. Even though technology is changing, overcast days can affect power productivity.

Solar energy just produces during daylight hours. Consequently you need batteries and a converter to have reliable power, have the addition of wind power or stay ‘on the grid’ throughout the evening.

Solar power has been known to be affected by smog levels. This can be problematic if you reside in a city.

Initial cost of solar panels can be high. The standard price for a panel is $1000, and you may need more than one depending on your families needs.

Geo thermal Heat - Pros

Geo thermal heat not only heats the house but also provides air conditioning and can be designed to heat up your water.

Geo thermal has lower operating costs than typical furnaces. It uses 25% to 40% less electricity.

Geo thermal heat is more efficient than conventional heating systems. The advantage is your heating system will not need to run as often.

Life span of the geo thermal system is twenty-five years for inside parts and forty years for exterior components.

The geo thermal heating system is much quieter than conventional furnaces.

Geo Thermal Heat - Cons

The cost of a geo thermal system is high. Around $30,000 for an 1800 square foot home.

You are restricted on where you can install geo thermal heat. If there is the space to run the system outdoors, and you will still require electricity to operate the system, so it is not obtainable ‘off the grid’.

Conclusion

Equally solar and geo thermal heat offer environmentally friendly choices and their pros far out way their cons. If you look at both systems, solar offers definite advantages. With solar power you can set the system up so that you will no longer require electricity from an outside source, it can be installed it in any geographical site. Also, solar power is not land size sensitive. You can set up solar everywhere, no matter how much land you have available. It is also easier to put in solar energy to an existing house, so a change is not as destructive.

When making the choice to go environmentally friendly with your furnace, you have viable options in both solar power and geo thermal heat. Take your project into account and the least expensive alternative will present itself.

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