Most of the energy that runs our society today comes from fossil fuels. They are not in unlimited supply, however, and we should start now to find alternative sources of energy to prepare for what is to come.

Wind, solar and hydroelectric energy have come a long way in recent years, and they are becoming more and more popular. As technology of those energy sources improves, they will become cheaper and eventually cheap enough to replace fossil fuels as our primary energy source.

There are other types of alternative energy which you may not have considered, however. One such energy source is wave energy, and people are beginning to become excited about how it is developing.

Wave energy is the densest form of energy in nature, and it doesn’t go away like the sun or wind might. Wave power generators have the capability to operate all the time.

Australia, which is famous for its waves and surfing, has many of these wind generators in place powering homes in many of its coastal cities.

A wave power plant exists off the coast of a city just south of Sydney, about 100 yards off the coast. It produces enough energy to power 500 homes and desalinates enough water to supply those homes with fresh drinking water, as well. It weighs about 500 tons.

It is built to survive almost any major storm, though it is fairly small in size. It produces about 500kW of power and it cost $4.7 million to create.

Though it is still on the expensive side, as technology develops many believe that it has the best chance of any of the renewable energies out there to become much cheaper than fossil fuels.

Tags: Wind Energy

From environmental issues like global warming to oil supply issues, going green is very hot these days. There is everything from green building to green fuel strategies. The question is whether everything should be green.

Look left. Look right. What do you see? Green and eco-friendly products. Some make sense while others are laughable. A hybrid SUV, for instance, is still a gas hog. Another odd area going green a bit are bras for women.

So, what exactly does it mean to be green? Do you have to be a hippie? Nope. It simply refers to the use of materials that do not harm the environment. This can be as simple as using natural cotton for bra cups and the like.

Going green does not have to be strange when it comes to your bra. Many do it in the simplest way possible. They simply convert to pure organic materials. Rawganique makes one such bra.

You can even go green by looking for bras with brassieres made from bamboo. Bamboo can be refined down into a cotton like material. Looking for a brand? La Senza offers them online and in stores.

Perhaps one of the odder pairings of lingerie and Mother Nature comes to us from Triumph International. The Japanese company has found a unique way to recycle the 20 plus billion chopsticks thrown away every year.

Yes, they have come up with the chopstick bra. An admitted spoof of sorts, the cups of the bra are oriented as rice cups with supporting pieces made from recycled materials and chopsticks. The bra even comes with two collapsible chopsticks.

Ah, but Triumph has not stopped there. What about personal space? Trying to quit smoking? Triumph has made the stop smoking bra. It is gaudy, but allegedly puts out a fragrance that deters the urge to smoke.

An extremely green bra from Triumph is the solar bra. No, I am not kidding. Hey, you can charge your laptop! Well, it all sounds good until you think it through. When you do, an obvious problem comes to mind.

You do not have to know much about solar energy to understand the problem. Simply put, the sun must hit the cells to charge them. This means you need to go shirtless to get a charge. Ah, the ideas of mice and men.

Ultimately, a bra has to be practical and comfortable. While the odd bras of Triumph are interesting, you can go green by simply looking for environmentally friendly materials that are both comfortable and practical.

Tags: Eco Friendly

Solar power for the home has made great strides since its early beginnings. Technological advancements have allowed commercially available building materials to incorporate solar cells, which turns them into solar panels that are virtually invisible to the naked eye.

Solar power for homes can be generated using one of two methods. An off the grid system is not connected to your utility company electricity supply and has to meet all of your home’s needs. It usually has another backup system and will store current in a battery bank for use at night. The other form is on the grid or net metering. It is still connected to the utility company and can either be used as a supplemental system or if you create enough electricity it can be sold back to the utility company.

The basic components to generate solar power for homes are the same whether you opt for a standalone system or a supplemental system. The key component is the photovoltaic panels, commonly known as PV cells or solar panels, these panels are lined with a semi conductor or solar cell that turns the rays of the sun into electricity. This electricity is then routed into a regulator/controller that keeps the current at the voltage/amperage level your system is designed for. The electricity is then routed either into your homes electrical system or into a battery array or storage system that will keep that solar power available when the sun goes down.

If your home is connected to a power company grid you do not have to install a storage system, but it does have its advantages as it will help to further lower your monthly utility bill, and it will make power available to you during a power outage.

It is now cheaper and simpler than ever before to reduce or eliminate your need for outside electricity by using solar power for homes. Several types of building materials include awnings, roofing materials, car port roofing, and edges of window panes. This kind of solar panel is known as Building Integrated Photovoltaics. If used for roofing material, such panels provide the same measure of home protection as do asphalt shingles, even while they function as a solar panel.

One of the greatest obstacles to using solar power for homes has traditionally been the up-front expense. Now, however, there are avenues to offsetting that expense. Government grants are available which go a long way toward subsidizing your household’s conversion to solar power. Federal rebates for solar power installations can vary year from year, and each state that offers one has its own incentives ranging from additional rebates to offering low-interest rates to finance green projects.

Any green project will reduce the environmental impact your home has on our world. However, the greatest pay off will be a reduced or even eliminated utility bill each month. Quite a few utility companies have a metering program under which you can sell excess power generated from your home solar power system to the local utility company, in effect making your meter run backwards. This helps more than just you. The excess electricity can be used by other customers of the power company and can reduce the reliance on fossil fuels that power companies currently use.

Tags: Solar Energy

Unless you live off the grid in a remote area (and if so, you’re probably not reading this anyway), you no doubt hear a lot about the need to reduce our carbon footprint and to live a greener life. It’s important and almost everyone will acknowledge this, but it can feel like you’re being lectured at times.

Consuming only healthy foods that have been organically produced means that you’re feeding your body well at the same time you keep the earth from pesticide contamination. Organic meats are kinder to animals and keep the environment free of growth hormones and unneeded antibiotics. It also keeps these substances from going into your body. Eating fresh food that’s been organically produced means you’re also avoiding processed foods that are prone to clogging arteries and that don’t provide enough nutrition.

Try to drive less. By combining your errands, you not only save fuel and reduce the traffic on the roads; you are giving yourself less stress from dealing with traffic jams and other drivers. Carpool or use public transit when you can. If you choose to ride a bike or walk for some of your errands, you also get needed exercise. This will help keep your heart healthy and keep you limber and toned.

You can substitute some of your household items for more green friendly items. One such item is compact fluorescent light bulbs. These bulbs are much more energy efficient, which means that they use a lot less energy (and save you money) while being about the same price as any other light bulbs - they also last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

There are a lot of things you can do to make your home a lot more comfortable and save energy. Larger, well insulated windows let in more natural light, allowing you to keep your lights off for longer periods during the day. Turn your air conditioner off when you’re not at home and make use of energy efficient appliances to save money and resources.

Another great way to save money while doing something to live greener is to use rechargeable batteries - these have greatly improved in recent years and are long lasting, easy too use and of course save money as well. When the batteries are finally used up and cannot take another charge, they may be recycled at almost any hardware store.

Once you get started, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to live greener. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel… both physically and mentally. Plus, you’ll feel better knowing you’re doing your part to have a healthier planet to live on. So go ahead… live greener and live longer. You’ll be happy you gave it a try.

Tags: Eco Friendly

It seems all you hear today is about living a greener lifestyle. You need to reduce your carbon footprint and your environmental impact. We all know that this is important, but it can feel like being lectured at times.

Happily, there are some simple steps you can take towards living a greener life. In most cities, there is curbside recycling; so all you need to do is to separate your recyclables and place them out on the curb along with your trash for pickup - the pickup service takes care of the rest, all you have to do is separate your recyclables and take them to the curb.

One great (and easy) way to live greener is to join your local Freecycle email list. Instead of throwing away unwanted items, you can post them on the list - it’s more than likely that someone will have a need for them. Of course, when you need something, you can look there first before going out and buying new things. Freecycle keeps a lot of trash out of landfills and is a great money saver.

There are also plenty of green products which you can use around the house. These are inexpensive and can end up saving you a lot of money - for instance, compact fluorescent bulbs. These are a great improvement over regular incandescent light bulbs and cost about the same while using far less energy and lasting a lot longer.

Making your home more green will also make it more comfortable. Big windows will let in more light, so you can leave your electric lights off longer, fluorescent bulbs and energy efficient appliances will save energy and money too. Turn off the air when you are away, fix those hot water leaks, hang clothes on the line when weather permits. These seem like little things but they will make a big difference in your energy bill.

Another great way to save money while doing something to live greener is to use rechargeable batteries - these have greatly improved in recent years and are long lasting, easy too use and of course save money as well. When the batteries are finally used up and cannot take another charge, they may be recycled at almost any hardware store.

Contrary to popular opinion, it is easy to be green and even easier too go green. It saves you money while doing something good for the environment. Before you know it, living green will be second nature and you’ll be looking for ways to add some more green living to your lifestyle.

Tags: Eco Friendly

Electricity is the backbone of our economy and our everyday lives. Production of energy is therefore very important to maintaining our style of life. Electricity is currently made mainly by the burning of fossil fuels (coal), nuclear fission, and with energy derived from water and wind.

With most types of electricity generation, energy is used to turn magnets in turbines which induce electric current in wiring. Here are several ways that we make electricity:

Burning fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and petrol. They can be burned to boil water in large furnaces or along heating pipes, and the heated water vapor can be used to drive large turbines. The products of burning are generally very hazardous to the environment. These fuels are also not renewable because they took millions of years to be created in the first place, so we shouldn’t be depending on them for much longer - or they will run out.

Falling water. Hydroelectric plants can be created at waterfall sites to funnel the falling water down into turbines in order to turn them. Hydroelectric dams can generate a lot of electricity and can also be used to restrict bodies of water. They may, on the other hand, damage local ecosystems.

Over 90 % of the world’s renewable energy is produced by hydroelectric dams.

Wind energy. Wind generators use propeller wings that spin in the wind to turn a generator which induces electric current in electrical lines. Wind turbines are very environmentally sound and are becoming more and more economical each day.

Nuclear fission. There is a lot of energy in matter, and some unstable elements, like uranium or plutonium isotopes, can be used to generate a nuclear reaction which is then used to heat water, create vapor and turn turbines.

Solar energy. The energy of the sun’s rays can also be used to make electricity, without turning a turbine. Photons transfer their energy directly to electrons in solar panels to start the electrical circuit.

Tags: Wind Energy

Did you know that going green can make you live longer? Odd as it may seem it is a true statement. What is healthy for the earth is healthy for you also. Using naturally grown unprocessed foods, less driving, and so many other things will improve your health and increase your lifespan.

Happily, there are some simple steps you can take towards living a greener life. In most cities, there is curbside recycling; so all you need to do is to separate your recyclables and place them out on the curb along with your trash for pickup - the pickup service takes care of the rest, all you have to do is separate your recyclables and take them to the curb.

One great (and easy) way to live greener is to join your local Freecycle email list. Instead of throwing away unwanted items, you can post them on the list - it’s more than likely that someone will have a need for them. Of course, when you need something, you can look there first before going out and buying new things. Freecycle keeps a lot of trash out of landfills and is a great money saver.

Food scraps make great fertilizer when composted and a mess in the garbage can, so why throw it away when it can be used? You can add leaves and grass as well as coffee grounds and egg shells to your pile of compost. Fruit and vegetables that have spoiled or waste from peeling or chopping certain foods such as potatoes can also go into the pile. Don’t use meat or bones as it will take too long to break down and also attract flies and other nasty insects. Water it down when it needs it to keep it active and when it comes planting time you can add it to your garden soil and grow some nice healthy vegetables.

You can also get rid of your existing yard lights and replace them with solar powered lights. These do just as good of a job of illuminating your outdoor spaces, but use no electrical power. You can find solar powered yard lights in a variety of pleasing designs and you can install theme yourself without the assistance of an electrician. Solar powered holiday lights are also available, letting you save money on your electric bill while dressing up your home for the holidays.

Batteries are another way that you can save money and go green at the same time. Modern rechargeable batteries are long lasting, easy to charge and save you a lot of money. When they do finally run out of charges for good, they are recyclable at your local hardware store, just like broken fluorescent bulbs.

Contrary to popular opinion, it is easy to be green and even easier too go green. It saves you money while doing something good for the environment. Before you know it, living green will be second nature and you’ll be looking for ways to add some more green living to your lifestyle.

Tags: Eco Friendly

It seems all you hear today is about living a greener lifestyle. You need to reduce your carbon footprint and your environmental impact. We all know that this is important, but it can feel like being lectured at times.

By eating healthy, organic foods you are not only helping your body by giving it fresh food, you are saving the earth from being contaminated by pesticides. Organic meats help by keeping the environment free of antibiotics and growth hormones. Plus you’re avoiding all those nasty things from going inside of you! By eating fresh, organic foods, you are avoiding all the processed foods that do a better job of clogging your arteries than they do of providing nutrition.

There are many things you can do to cut down on driving. Try to do everything in one trip if possible. You will save money, cut down on traffic, and reduce emissions into the environment. Driving is stressful and stress is not good for you so less driving means less stress. Ride with someone or use public transportation if you can. You can ride a bike or walk in some cases and it will also give you some healthy exercise.

Composting your food scraps can save you money in garbage waste and provide you with great soil next season for your own garden. It also keeps a lot of good stuff out of the landfills. Just keep adding your fruit and vegetable wastes, egg shells, coffee grounds, and grains to the compost pile. You can add your raked leaves and lawn clippings as well. Don’t add meat or bones they will attract insects like flies and will take longer to compost. Water the compost down once in awhile to get the enzymes activated. Come spring, you’ll have some nice compost soil to add to your own vegetable garden for more healthy eating.

Other things you can do will just make your home more comfortable. Larger windows can help let in more natural light so you don’t need to turn your lights on early. Using compact fluorescent bulbs can save you money and will save energy. Use energy-efficient appliances and don’t leave your air conditioner on when you’re not at home. You’ll be amazed at how much this impacts your energy usage.

Small things like recycling cans, bottles and plastic packaging helps lower your garbage bills and helps reduce your carbon footprint. Use cloth bags when you shop instead of taking their paper or plastic bags. Some stores even knock off a few cents when you use your own bags. All of this will help reduce pollution, which is healthier for you because you’ll be breathing cleaner air.

Once you get started, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to live greener. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel both physically and mentally. Plus, you’ll feel better knowing you’re doing your part to have a healthier planet to live on. So go ahead live greener and live longer. You’ll be happy you gave it a try.

Tags: Eco Friendly

Solar and wind power in the home are probably the most widely used forms of alternative energy. When used in conjunction they form a totally green, round the clock hybrid energy system. They can even be wired into the utility grid connected system to supply the majority of your energy needs while the utility company functions as your backup energy source.

A solar power system supplies electricity that is generated directly from the sun’s rays. Solar panels which are lined with a semiconductor that generates electricity when the sun’s rays strike it are installed using either a roof, ground or pole mount. These mounts are often equipped with motors that allow the panels to be tilted throughout the day to follow the path of the sun.

The electricity generated by such systems is routed through a regulator/controller and then to an inverter to change the direct current to alternate current. Depending upon your installation, it may be sent to your battery array as direct current or to the electrical system in your home. When it is passed to your home, it can be used to power all your appliances just as the electricity from the grid may be currently doing.

Electricity follows the same basic path in a wind power system with the exception of the generation portion which takes place in the body of the turbine, which most of us consider the “giant fan” which spins away at the top of the enormous towers they are sometimes mounted on.

In a wind power setup the wind turns the blades of the wind turbine the shaft of which is routed into a generator which as it spins creates the electricity. That electricity is then routed into your structure’s electrical or storage system to provide power on its own or as a backup to your solar power.

Wind power needs a bit less in initial equipment costs, since the bulk of the price is the turbine, which is typically less costly than many solar arrays. The negative point is that the turbine must be mounted up well off the ground on a tower like structure, which is stronger but costs more to install. This kind of installment typically needs zoning approval from your community and usually takes a little more thinking ahead.

When you use solar power in combination with wind power, each part can contribute to the overall energy output. This can add up and put a significant dent in your utility bills if the conditions are right. Some guides to create such systems claim that you can build a hybrid system for the home for around $400. This is possible if you use discounted parts and do all the labor yourself. This may not be for everyone but because it is so cheap to put up, it may be a worthwhile project for any DIY enthusiast.

Tags: Solar Energy

Are you searching for an economical way to energize your home or business with power? You can enjoy using having the energy when you need it, even if the traditional means of power goes off. You can even help create a better world by using solar panels as they are very economically and environmentally user friendly. Using solar panels will also reduce the amount due on your monthly power bill and they make great backup sources when you need them, whether or not the power company line is working. Solar panels are fairly easy to install and can be used in conjunction with other economic energy solutions such as wind or water power as they do compliment each other very well. However, there are a few things you should know about solar panels before you begin.

You might like trying your hand at making your own solar panel, which can make a really interesting home or school science projects when you make these with your children. You can make just one solar panel to see how they work or you may want to make a lot more and install them on your roof or on poles to create the energy you require. On the other hand, you can always purchase solar power kits now; there are various types from which to choose. These various kits will include all you need for solar panels such as wires, mounts, inverters and either photovoltaic or thin film panels. You might like to install them yourself and save money or you might want to hire a professional contractor to install them for you. Having a professional install them for you offers the advantage of other benefits such as solar power user incentives and an assortment of rebates.

Your solar panel incorporates the use of Photovoltaic cells. These cells will generate the power by transforming natural sunlight into energy which is then stored. You can use this energy later when you need it. When you make your own solar panels, you will also have to have an inverter when making residential treatment, especially made for converting the DC energy current that solar panels generate into, 110 AC energy for your normal everyday use.

There are also thin film solar panels which are much more lightweight than regular solar panels. Using this type of solar panel eliminates the need for rack mounting. They are generally quick and easy to install as they are applied to the roof panel. It normally takes about ten minutes to install your thin film solar panels.

Basic Supplies for making your own solar panels include:

- 1 Sheet Copper Flashing - A pair of Shears to cut your Copper Flashing - 1 Wide Mouth Jar or 1 Clear Plastic Bottle - An Electric Drill with a Brush or Sandpaper Attachment - A 110 AC power Inverter - 1 Micro-ammeter - Some Tap Water - Some Table Salt - 2 Alligator Clips

Having solar panels installed on the roof of you home or business are worthwhile additions to your structure, whether you choose to make them yourself or buy one of the various kits. You really should consider using solar panels to help lower you energy bill, whether you choose to use a photovoltaic or thin film solar panel.

Tags: Solar Energy