Bring Me Up: The Environment
Friday, May 30, 2008
Plasma? Superstorms?
The descriptors, the images, it's so Ghostbusters!

NASA scientists have uncovered new details about how plasma from superstorms interact with Earth's magnetosphere.

Violent activity on the sun, such as a solar flare, can produce a monster superstorm that releases plasma into the solar wind.

A CME can spew billions of tons of plasma away from the sun and toward Earth at speeds faster than 1.5 million mph. The plasma affects Earth and the vicinity surrounding Earth dominated by its magnetic field, called the magnetosphere.

As plasma from a superstorm interacts with Earth's magnetosphere, it can trigger spectacular displays of the Northern Lights, called auroras, interfere with communications between satellites and airplanes traveling near the North Pole, and interrupt global positioning systems and our power grid.

And while the folks at ScienceDaily understand all that jargon, I honestly have no clue what it means.

So what is a Superstorm?

A global superstorm is a severe consequence of global warming. Essentially, it is all the fun consequences of global warming and not just one precise event. This period of warmth is brief in the actual scheme of the planet. It ends when there are enough greenhouse gases in the planet's atmosphere to trigger another ice age, introduced by a superstorm. And then, the cycle goes on and that means another ice age.

The only way of delaying this time of thing would be to cut down emissions. We all know this, it is nothing new. But if we don't want to live "The Day After Tomorrow" we should probably try understanding this and so Ima gonna. =o)

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posted by Christy @ 5:37 PM   0 comments
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
So you're telling me vodka is green?
Perhaps you have an enormous supply of vodka on hand and you want to know other ways to use it other than just drinking it?

Well, that is part of what "being green" is all about; finding several different ways to use one item.

According to thedailygreen.com, "Many people have reported that if they immediately pour vodka over an area that has contacted poison ivy, the alcohol will wash away the culprit, urushiol oil, and they won't experience an uncomfortable reaction. Some have said that the vodka needs to be at least 100 proof to work."

Another interesting thing you can do with vodka is to spray it on your clothes. Apparently spraying the alcohol on your clothes will keep them smelling fresh. Simply spritz your clothes, then hang to dry in a well-ventilated area. (Do a spot-test first to be safe.)

Vodka kills odor-causing bacteria, but doesn't leave a scent when dry.

Kind of makes you wonder who pondered and than tested these interesting rules of thumb. =o)

Read more vodka green tips here >>

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posted by Christy @ 7:06 AM   0 comments
Sunday, May 25, 2008
DIY Cardboard chair
Doubtful it will become a trend amongst parents, but I do think children will like this cardboard chair kit. "Finish Your Self Junior chair" by Dutch product designer, David Graas.

The cardboard chair is simply built up with some basic slitted shapes that can be slotted together. For children too young for more advanced furniture building, this is perfect. And perhaps they'll take good care of it because they put it together with their own hands.

Kids will like it because it is a hands-on activity. They get to build their own chair and it is absolutely functional, though you might want to suggest they sit on a pillow or chair pad instead of the rough slots.

One thing the parents might like is the fact that once their children are done building, playing and sitting they can recycle what is left because it is 100% recyclable.

Maybe you don't need the kit, but I think it is better than cutting cardboard boxes apart because that materials isn't as sturdy as this corrugated cardboard.

SOURCE

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posted by Christy @ 5:02 AM   0 comments
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Energy data
The Energy Information Administration reported yesterday:

U.S. carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels increased by 1.6 percent in 2007. Factors that drove the emissions increase included weather conditions that increased the demand for heating and cooling services and a higher carbon intensity of electricity supply.

Total U.S. energy-related carbon dioxide emissions have grown by 19.4 percent since 1990. Energy-related carbon dioxide emissions account for over 80 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

I found these stats to me particularly interesting and alarming. Though I will admit you cannot always believe what you read. Statistic especially can be skewed depending on the target audience and the presenter.

Even more interesting is what President Bush said about this topic last year after the EIA released data for 2006, "We are effectively confronting the important challenge of global climate change through regulations, public-private partnerships, incentives, and strong economic investment." lol.

SOURCE

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posted by Christy @ 10:51 AM   2 comments
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Reboot pod house
Vetterlein has exceptional visions of a conceptual house for the future. Named as Reboot, it seems Victor has been inspired by the Jetsons for conjuring up this pod house.

Breaking all the norms of today's architectural notions, this high-tech futuristic stands out for being totally self-sufficient and environment friendly. The pod-like house makes use of solar cell paint, wind turbines and rainwater collection to harvest energy.

The internal environment is digitally controlled and operated by voice activated sensors, remote controls and touch pads or remotely from a mobile phone or computer.

The building is constructed with a space frame, and the outer skin increases structural strength through double curvature. The skin system consists of a vapor barrier, dense foam insulation, and metal sheathing where the exterior face is glazed in solar cell paint. The surface of the building serves as a solar energy collector.

Reboot is computer operated, fully automated, and wired to the max. The household living environment is managed by a direct digital control (DDC) system that oversees support networks such as lighting, heating, cooling, music, entertainment, and security. The user operates this system through voice activated sensors, remote controls, and touch pads.

Wow! Sign me up. I think the only worry I would have is on how hot it must get. First of all, we know heat rises, secondly it's painted in some sort of formula which attracts and stores the solar-ness. I also don't know where it would be able to be built considering the large top and narrow/long base. But I suppose as a concept house it's all about dreaming big.

SOURCE

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posted by Christy @ 7:11 AM   0 comments
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
18,645 buried in town near quake epicenter
My heart goes out to all those affected by the recent earthquake in China.

I have to admit I'm getting nervous about all the massive tragedies happening across the globe recently. With the recent quarantine in Canada, deadly tornadoes in the states, the cyclone which kills tens of thousands in Myanmar and now the 7.8 scaled quake turning large sections of China into rubble. These things happen, I know, but in succession and in such large scales? I suppose I should stop fretting and just try to do my small part in helping.

News of the quake has been alarming. At least 8,500 people died in the Sichuan province alone after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit their region. And again much like in Myanmar, the government is welcoming and asking for aid but also stating aid workers are not allowed. Wang, the disaster relief official, said international aid workers would not be allowed to travel to the affected area. "We welcome funds and supplies, we can't accommodate personnel at this point," he said.

Chinese media says 18,645 buried in town near quake epicenter. You would think they would want all the help they can get for rescue efforts.

At this point in time I am unaware of specific places to donate money to the cause. The only fund set up appears to be with the Red Cross and unfortunately I feel they don't always give enough of the donations to the cause at hand. Every little bit helps of course.

Those of you more local to the quake site are encouraged to donate blood to victims. There is a definite shortage at this point and government officials are requesting blood donations from as many as possible.

There is a charity, Love Without Boundaries, which gives specifically to children and orphanges. You can donate money to their charity, choose the earthquake from the drop down of where you would like the amount to go.

Mercy Corp has set up an area to read the updated news about the earthquake and donate to the cause. The link will bring you right to the donation page.

China Mobile and China Unicom have also set up a service that allows mobile phone users to donate 1 or 2 kuai to the Red Cross Society of China by texting the number "1" or "2" to 1069999301.

The Beijing City International School has also launched an appeal for the victims of the May 12th earthquake, details of how to contribute available on their website. Also, we've just heard via a colleague who paid a visit to Lan at lunch that 1 kuai from every meal eaten at Lan and South Beauty nationwide will be donated to Jet Li's One Foundation earthquake relief fund.

Operation Blessing is a Christian charitable organization based in Beijing. They also have an office in Chengdu and are helping to coordinate any efforts to provide aid for victims of the earthquake victims. They work with the China Charity Federation and China Foundation in collecting funds legally and coordinating disaster relief activities.

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posted by Christy @ 6:48 AM   0 comments
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Material upcycling
Take this table for instance, the materials used to make it include reclaimed and upcycled wood and repurposed composite materials. Even the steel base has been "upcycled." The designer calls them "eco-art" and I agree with statement. He says what is reclaimed and incorporated into these designs should never have been discarded.

The designer of these functional pieces of upcycled artwork is Michael Yonke. His profile says upcycling is achieved by repurposing the materials into objects with higher end use value that will endure and inspire for centuries.

However, I admit he lost me completely when I saw the prices for the items in his store. I'm certainly not spending nearly $3,000 for a 3' table unless of course it cleans itself or tells me the winning lottery numbers. But I do like idea of upcycling.

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posted by Christy @ 3:22 AM   1 comments
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Outreach: Myanmar Cyclone
While many, if not all, realms of media are reporting on the tragedy which has killed over 20,000 people and left a million homeless, I thought I'd report on how each of us can reach out and help.

"Our biggest fear is that the aftermath could be more lethal than the storm itself," said Caryl Stern, who heads the U.N. Children's Fund in the United States.



Why should you help? Because I am sure you would hope for the same kindness if in a similar situation.

State radio said most of the 22,464 dead, as well as the 41,000 missing, were in the densely populated Irriwaddy delta, home to 6 million people. It said 671 were killed in the Yangon area. Brig. Gen. Kyaw San, the information minister, said most fatalities were caused by tidal waves.

The death toll is the highest from a natural disaster in southeast Asia since the tsunami of December 2004 killed 229,866 people in Indonesia, Thailand and other parts of southeast and south Asia.

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posted by Christy @ 8:32 PM   2 comments
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Take Back the Filter
Clorox has joined the "green" movement and made it publicly known. So why do they continue to make and profit from carbon filters?

Here is a statement from Clorox, "With the aim of creating a practical way to green your home without making trade-offs, each product contains over 99% natural ingredients that are biodegradable. Green Works cleaners are not tested on animals and use recyclable packaging."

Interesting.

Brita filter cartridges consist of activated carbon housed inside a plastic body which cannot be opened by the consumer for refilling or recycling. The plastic body must be land filled or incinerated each time the filter is changed.

There is currently no way to recycle or refill Brita filter cartridges in North America at all.

Time to do your part, folks. Sign the petition to persuade Clorox to make a change. I signed it. It's your turn.

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posted by Christy @ 9:29 AM   0 comments
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