What Will Happen on 21 December 2012?

The end of the world 2012 scenario has come to the fore lately, but what is it all about? Will the world really end in this year, or are we looking at an elaborate hoax or Hollywood movie scenario? Being prepared though is a good option as nobody really knows what will happen. Which beggars the question: are you ready for 2012 and all that it entails?

Many people are preparing for 2012 like they did for the Y2K scare. Some individuals have started stocking up on essentials in the event that a whole host of natural disasters do occur in 2012. But will these bunkers really keep them safe? This really would depend. If the forces of nature are really going to be as horrible as people claim, it’s really debatable. The massive earthquakes that could occur as a result of the shift in the earth’s magnetic poles, for example, could rip apart any shelter.

Being prepared for any disaster is a good idea, of course. You should always have a first aid kit, emergency rations, and things like a flash light, radio, and blanket stored in an easy to access location. You should also go over disaster plans with your children. This will stand you in good stead though even if 2012 didn’t happen; you and your family would know what to do in the event of a “normal” natural disaster happening. NB! Check out this link: 2012 doomsday to learn more about 21 December 2012

If you do want to be prepared for 2012 though, learning all about it is a must. You can browse over to the 2012officialcountdown.com site for all the relevant advice and information on all things 2012. The guide on surviving the disaster and thriving after it is especially useful.

I hope you found this information useful. Good luck..

Mobile Phone Goes Green

So many things are now going green and now the mobile phone is set to hit the market too.

If you appliances already have the energy star they are deemed to be green and of course you have the option of going green when it comes to the car thanks to the hybrid. However, when looking at purchasing your next mobile, will there be an option out there for somebody who wants to save the world?

Well there is and it comes in the form of Sprint and Samsung teaming up. The new phone is actually made from corn and is made up using 80% recyclable materials. The real question is, why hasn’t this been done before? With just about everybody in the developed world owning at least one mobile phone, it seems really strange why this sort of thing wasn’t released earlier!

The phone charger itself now has the energy star on it and some of the applications on the phones are even put on there beforehand to try and make you a greener person. Pre-loaded apps from the Discovery Channel are put on there to help turn you into a greener person as a whole. There also happens to be a glossary on there explaining things on climate changes.

This isn’t it for this phone, it is also a smartphone that has GPS, Web browsing and speech recognition. It also shows something else, technology seems to be leaping forward at an alarming rate.

Of course it doesn’t just have to stop on the phone, you can buy so many different things for the home that are green and eco-friendly now whether that is eco kitchen accessories as well as eco bathroom accessories So whatever ethical homeware you are looking to change there is always something out there for you to choose.Whatever will they come up with next. Technology is a wonderful thing, but where will it all end?

 

6 Advantages of Portable and Flexible Solar Panels

There are many benefits of flexible or portable solar panels.This article will focus on 6 of these benefits.

1. Solar Power is a Stable Source of Alternative Energy: These panels are powered by the sun’s energy through photovoltaics. Fossil fuels can become low, but the sun’s energy will be available for a long time to come.

2. Portable: Until recently solar panels have had their limitations. They were bulky and too big to easily carry around. Because of the increased desire for people to find better sources of energy for themselves and families, better designs have been created to make solar panels smaller and easier to carry around. These portable and flexible solar panels can be layed out flat on the ground or the roof of your car to power your cell phones and can easily be rolled up and put inside your pack.

For portable, flexible and backpack solar panels go here

3. Waterproof: When they were first developed, the stability of the solar panels were such that they had to be protected by a special casing which severely limited their capabilities. Solar cells are being made with a technology called thin-film, allowing for a variety of uses. You can bring a flexible or portable solar panel on your boat to easily charge items like Ipods and cell phones.

4. Variety of Uses: A flexible solar panel can be used in a variety of situations, such as to recharge batteries, charge your cell phone, iPods, etc. Portable and flexible solar panels are now being manufactured inside jackets and backpacks. For the adventurer, this thin-film technology allows you to document your travels more efficiently then ever before. You will not longer need to carry heavy and bulky batteries.

For portable, flexible and backpack solar panels go here

5. Durable: Because these rolled panels are an amorphous solid, you can depend on it for durability. The no glass parts leaves them practically unbreakable. These portable and flexible panels are weather tolerant, making them usable almost everywhere.

6. Can Be Used Almost Anywhere: Flexible solar panels or rolled solar panels can be carried and used practically anywhere, even in the middle of the ocean. Several extreme sea kayakers used this thin-film technology to document their journey. People who aren’t extreme kayakers and hikers can use this thin-film technology the same way. Whether you are going camping or heading out for a day on the lake, you can roll out the flexible and portable solar panels to power your equipment.

For portable, flexible and backpack solar panels go here

How To Build a DIY Perpetual Motion Machine To Generate Electricity

Learning how to build a DIY perpetual motion machine allows you to enjoy cost free energy and if used well, it can be a great energy saving device for every households. To get started, it's important to understand that it's very difficult to understand, rather to conceptualize a perpetual motion machine because it can take decades to create it.

Still, there are very many contradicting theories as to how one can come up with this type of magnetic generator because in real sense, it’s very difficult, near impossible. However, thanks to the advancement in technology and various scientific breakthroughs such as using magnets as the main material for this machine, people have started conceptualizing the idea in their minds.

Here are some of the advantages a DIY perpetual motion machine has:

• It is able to adapt in different kinds of environment and needs only a small amount of space.
• Cut your electrical bill completely, depending on how you implement the machine.
• Works in different types of conditions such as extreme hot or cold temperatures.
• The material needed to build a magnetic generator is inexpensive and easily accessible anywhere in the world.
• Possesses a life changing functionality.

As an alternative source of power in the house, its long term advantages are numerous particularly when its full potential is utilized well in a way that will emit even a portion of its real potential. However, the system has been a specimen for many researches as well as a source of controversy as to whether or not there is a possibility to come up with such a machine. But with the tangible evidence available at hand, it's believed that a DIY perpetual motion machine is certainly able to be used as an alternative source of power just like a wind energy thermal, a solar energy and other sources of alternative energies that the human species currently utilizes.

With the current findings, it's believed that this type of alternative energy will be the cheapest source of energy when one factors in the cost of having it and the amount of work required to maintain it properly.

The DIY perpetual motion machine is said to emit energy at nearly no cost at all. In other words, scientists are saying that this source of power will be affordable to many and one wouldn't be required to invest a lot of money to acquire energy from it.

d adWhile a few decades ago this technology was just a legend, thanks to the efforts of scientists anvancement in technology, this legend is no longer a legend but a reality. Magnets have been used to make this legend a reality, while the current technology provides the backup necessary to turn the motion created into usable energy.

As per the look of things, a DIY perpetual motion machine is arguably the best technological breakthrough in regards to alternative energy in the present era, all with the aim of making life better and easier.

Living Grid Free, and Enjoying it

Isn’t living off the grid something everyone would like to do? Take care of your own needs! No more electricity bills! Have power during the rolling blackouts and winter storms! It’s all so grandiose, and for most people, so completely out of reach.

But never fear; there are options. Even someone whose world is confined to an apartment complex has options available to them that can decrease their co-dependence on the grid. But first, let’s break the issue down into manageable pieces, with help from the experts at Evergreen Mountain Labs and http://www.EvergreenGasLabs.com, and look very briefly at each puzzle piece in turn.

There are basically five items to address in order to live completely grid free. You can put as many of these ideas as you want to into practice, but the secret is that you have to start somewhere.

1. Cooking
2. Heating, Cooling
3. Electricity
4. Food
5. Water, Sewer, Laundry

1.     Cooking Needs. It all boils down, no pun intended, to how you use energy. Find the cheapest way that you can to cook your food. For some people out there, this means installing a wood stove. For some people it means getting a little propane camp stove and then stocking up on propane. For some people, assuming that they receive lots of good sunlight each day, it might mean having to cook with a reflective solar oven. And for everybody, it means consuming more dried goods and fresh fruits and vegetables, and cooking less often, or only cooking one pot of stew or something in the morning, and then serving from it all day. Electric stoves aren’t really even up for consideration here; they just plain use too much electricity.

2.      Heating and Cooling.For general living space heating and cooling, you need to do two or three things. If you can install in a wood stove, and store up enough firewood to feed it, do so. If you can score a swamp cooler someplace, versus an air conditioner, do it. And insulate everything; then insulate it again. It takes less energy to keep well insulated items at the right temperature, than uninsulated ones.

3.      Electricity. You just have to have electricity to survive in today’s world. So the idea is to minimize our electrical consumption wherever, however, and whenever possible (heating, cooling, cooking, entertainment, laundry, etc). And the first item to remember is this, you HAVE to CONSERVE electricity in every way that you can by using energy efficient appliances, lights, equipment and etc, and turning them OFF when you are done with them. The second thing to consider is to NEVER, NOT EVER use electricity to produce heat; it’s grossly inefficient and very wasteful to boot. Find other options. As for generating your own electricity (including you apartment dwellers), get at least one 12volt, deep cycle battery, one solar panel you can place in a window to keep it charged (or one of the small, pollution free generators being developed by Evergreen Mountain Labs), and a 300Watt AC inverter to power whatever it is you need. If an item takes more than 3 or 400 Watts, you can probably do without it – with the possible exception of your washer. 5KW generator to run things like that (just NEVER, EVER run them indoors), and then find someplace to buy fuel for it cheap. A diesel generator can run on biodiesel that you can make yourself or get for free from a nearby restaurant.

4.      Food is a bit of a trick sometimes, but even in an apartment building, there are still ways that you can raise enough food for yourself to survive on. Forget meat (unless you can stomach mouse and rat), and focus on growing vegetables and fruits. Start with tomato plants, grown upside down, out thru holes in the bottom of hanging pots. If everything is right, they never stop bearing fruit, and will thereby cover many of your daily vitamin needs. The trick here is to grow plants that produce a variety of nutritious vegetables for you on a continually ongoing basis, that won’t take over your entire living space in the process…

5.     Drinking water and sewer disposal can also be an issue sometimes, but there’s still hope, even for someone living in an apartment complex. Rain water, snow water, and even creek or pond water can all be stored and filtered (or boiled). So to start with, go get a trustworthy water filter and replacement cartridges (since distillers take energy). As for your sewer needs, consider buying an indoor, odor free composting toilet, and you suddenly have plant fertilizer as well. Washing the laundry, since it uses so much water, can sometimes be an issue. The only thing I can offer there is learn to do it by hand if the need arises, because your washing machine simply takes too much power

 By addressing all five areas of grid dependence in our lives, and by learning to conserve, live simply, and find other options, anyone, including people in apartments, can learn to live off the grid and be energy independent and grid free.

 Some of the products mentioned in this article are, or soon will be, available at http://www.SurvivalOffTheGrid.com, along with more info, ebooks, and more.

Make Your Own Chemical Free Compost

compost barrels

Making your own compost has become a popular past time with todays gardeners and as an alternative to chemical fertilization of crops, its also very good for the environment.  Compost is organic and as such contains no chemicals or nitrates.

When starting out in the garden, a common question is how one should make your own compost?

A lot of people make their own compost barrels .

The most crucial thing to ensure when selecting a barrel or tub to make organic compost in, is that it has not been used before for storing chemicals or toxic substances. This could contaminate the compost and subsequently poison or otherwise harm you or your plants.

Generally, a plastic barrel of about 55 gallons will work quite well. Many people choose barrels that are food safe. If you are interested in recycling, you may be able to get your barrel from a food service organization or a restaurant. If it has been used for deep frying oil, you will need to scrub it clean to get all traces of food out of the barrel.

Once you have your compost barrel cleaned and ready to go, you should drill half inch holes all over the barrel, in about six to nine rows. Space the holes approximately four to six inches apart, and even drill a few holes in the bottom of the barrel to allow for the drainage of excess moisture.

Make sure that if you are opening your compost container from the top the lid is hinged as well as latched. Many people turn their compost by rolling the barrel around their yard, which could be disastrous if the lid should come open.

Obviously, compost barrels are not the only things you can use to make your own compost. You can also build or purchase a compost bin, or even better a compost tumbler.  A tumbler is the best option if you can afford one, as the task of turning the compost regularly becomes much easier.  To accelerate the composting process you need to ensure the compost is aerated properly.  The best way to ensure this is to turn the compost over on a regular basis.  With a tumbler all you have to do is turn a handle, as opposed to turn it with a fork.  I know which method I prefer! 

 

Build A Real Greenhouse – Use Recycled Materials

Some might say that you aren’t quite green enough yet. It took me a long time to realize that recycling really is essential. If you are looking for information on greenhouse building plans, don’t ignore the recycled option!

I now look for products that are marked as recycled, have started going to salvage centers as well instead of only buying new building materials.

Do you want a lean to greenhouse? You say you want homegrown organic food for your family, so I say why not build that greenhouse out of salvaged and recycled materials? By taking on simple projects like this we are doing our part to leave behind a better world for our children and grandchildren.

You first need to consider your foundation, as it is necessary before building your greenhouse. You could check out the local salvage yard and buy some used brick or concrete blocks at bargain prices.

I have heard of folks lucky enough to stumble upon a demolition site where they found windows, doors in their frames, and bricks they could use for the foundation. Take care of the foundation, then begin building your greenhouse.

You can choose to build from salvaged items or purchase products that contain recycled material. Not comfortable with a salvage yard – then head over to your local building supply and ask about recycled materials or “scratch and dent” items that are virtually brand new.

Most salvage yards will let you take what you find on a what you see is what you get basis. I challenge you to find a better value dollar for dollar than what you will find in a salvage yard.

It is time to learn how to make a greenhouse. By doing your part to save the Earth, you are also saving money and your family by feeding them organic food. I can’t imagine any better feeling than knowing your own greenhouse is made from recycled materials.

Building a Solar Hot Tub Is Easy

Are you dreaming about a long soak in your own hot tub under the stars – or perhaps a tub party with champagne and lots of good friends?

Buying a hot tub will set you back at least ,000 and probably a lot more.  Then you have to face the heating bills. But a solar hot tub can be made for about 0, and the heating bills will be zero.  Free! 

Making a solar powered hot tub is simple.  You will get a great addition to your backyard and you will be able to enjoy it in all weathers.  The water will actually get so hot that you will need to fit a pressure relief valve for safety!

Begin with a good set of diy plans.  Included should be a full list of materials needed, clear step-by-step instructions and diagrams, plumbing schematics and setting-up details.

The basic components of a solar hot tub are:

• Solar collector panel

• Stock tub

• Filter

• Pump (optional, depending on the site)

• CPVC pipes, connectors, elbows, etc.

• Safety, inlet and outlet valves

The solar collector can be a simple sheet of corrugated tin in a shallow wood box.  The box base can be made of ¼ inch or ½ inch ply sheet, edged with 2 x 6 inch lumber (or whatever you happen to have in your shed), and finished with an insulating foam sheet as a liner.

CPVC pipes (3/4 inch will do) are laid and fastened along the corrugations and connected in series causing water to enter at the lowest point of the solar collector and leave from the highest. CPVC pipe is best, incidentally, because it has better heat tolerance then PVC. Paint the inside of the solar collector box and the pipes flat black, and close the top with a sheet of polycarbonate glazing.  

You can try out various stand-alone tubs at your local hardware store and choose a suitable size, usually between 150 and 500 gallons depending on the number of people to use it at one time.

Mounting the solar collector at least one foot lower than the tub will allow thermosyphoning of the water.  If unable to do this you will have to install a suitable pump (150 GPH should do) close to the tub outlet.

Pipe runs should be as short as possible, and avoid sharp bends.  You should fit a filter near the cold water outlet, otherwise you will need to empty and refill the tub regularly, which is a chore. Finally you should fit inlet and outlet flow control valves as well as a safety valve to relieve excess pressure in the system.

After testing the solar hot tub for leaks fit as much insulation as possible – all outside plumbing, the sides of the tub and the tub cover (vital to minimize nighttime heat losses).

The tub will not need any external support so you will be free to build any structure around it you want, to hide the plumbing or provide an access platform, for instance.

The solar collector must be sited correctly.  In northern latitudes place it facing due south, or within 10 degrees of it, and sloping at between 15 and 30 degrees from the horizontal. It also needs to have a slight tilt lengthwise to encourage better water flow through it.

What time can you expect to take for heating the solar hot tub water?  It might take as long as two days to establish a comfortable 110 degrees first time around. Then you will need to keep the water temperature down rather than up!

Remember, proper planning is essential before you start to build the solar hot tub.  Determine the size of tub you want, and where you want to build it.  Then the best, and safest, bet is to get some good professional advice.

 

 

 

Going Green Stone Drink Coasters

David Artsmith  – Green cars, solar panels, bamboo plates and green furniture. The world is going green with almost everything. You can also go green with your drink coasters. Coasters made from degradable materials such as sandstone are as durable, beautiful and useful as the synthetic ones. These materials are recyclable and will not damage the environment. Another benefit is the feeling that you will get inside, knowing that you are doing something to help out the world around you.

By using natural propducts in our homes, instead of man made manufactured items, we can greatly reduce the amount of waste that we generate over the course of the year. Not only does a factory not have to manufacture the amterial, but the materials itself is a part of the world, and as such, it is not truly garbage, even when it is broken or when it is time to throw it away. Stone can't ever be garbage, its part of the world? Rock is the material that the entire earth is made of.

You can use them in your kitchen, mini bar, patio or in the garden. Wherever used, they serve the same function as their wood, paper or plastic versions.

Coasters protect your furniture from damage in an environmentally responsible way. You will be able to shield your tables, desk or coffee tables from stains, discoloration and warps. This way you can make them last longer, preserve their shine and maintain their beauty.

Sandstone coasters come in various shapes and sizes. They can have customized logos or have themed graphics. If you have a bar, you can have your slogan or logo neatly printed on the sandstone coasters. You can also have these types of coasters in your restaurant where you have pieces of advertising messages on them. Stull further, you can use these green coasters as giveaways, gifts, or souvenirs for patrons at your eatery. If you had an environmentalist friend, the sandstone coasters will serve as a perfect gift for them.

Choosing eco friendly coasters demonstrates your commitment to the protection of the world’s resources. Using them to protect your furniture will complement conservation efforts.

Canada uses submarines to chart the Arctic

Believe it or not Canada has just received a piece of technology that no other country has currently in the world. Remote controlled submarines are new to the world and basically they are submarines which do not need people on board to operate them. This is a great thing because oxygen is not required for anything and the submarine can be controlled at a base where lots of people can see what is going on.

This has come into the equation because many countries are in argument over who has access to the Arctic. This current argument includes Russia, Norway, Denmark, Canada and of course USA. The argument basically seems to be over oil. Because of the effects of global warming, the ice around the Arctic has slowly been melting away leaving previous areas where nothing could venture into, more accessible. This in turn means that more than likely there is going to be untapped natural resources discovered and the arguing countries will of course want to snap them up for themselves.

The oil giant USA is obviously going to be involved in this as their oils supplies are running extremely low and need to find other means to supply the country with electricity before time runs out. Oil would provide the USA with more time to develop newer ways of making electricity which is why they are so interested in it. The real reason is probably likely to be that the USA are power hungry and simply want more money. If you look at the Iraq war as an example; was it not just a failed ploy to get at Iraq’s oil supply?

Of course Canada itself is a marvellous place to visit so why not take an Alaskan cruises and jet off on one of those Canada tours today. There may be more in your holidays to Canada than you might first think

 

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