Wind Turbines Noise Not Dangerous
One of the biggest complaints against using wind turbines as a source of alternative energy is the fact that they could possibly be detrimental to our health. What has been termed as wind turbine syndrome, it believed by many that wind turbines could affect our hearing. The American Wind Energy Association released a report earlier this month that there is no evidence to show that wind turbines have a negative effect on our health.
There is no evidence that the sounds, nor the sub-audible vibrations, emitted by wind turbines have any direct physiological effects on humans.
The above quote by Dr. Robert McCunney, one of the co-authors of the study really goes against the who theory of the wind turbine syndrome. It is believed that the noise generated from wind turbines is equivalent to what you would normally experience in an average city.
There are always going to be some that may be annoyed by the noises generated from wind turbines or even have some symptoms they may feel are connected to wind turbines running. This does not mean that we should not continue to build on this great source of energy that has unlimited potential in our future energy portfolio. It’s great that this study was done by real doctors and scientists to combat those who are fighting hard against the growth of wind energy and its introduction in our local communities.
Understanding and Evaluating Energy Saving Technology
With the recent climate change talks in Copenhagen, it is safe to say that even though all countries aren’t actually making an effort to change their actions, most at least understand it is extremely important for the environment for us to change our ways and focus on reducing pollution.
Rather than waiting for our politicians to step up and mandate the changes needed to help save our environment, I feel that it is our duty to help make this world a better place, after all it is the only one we have.
One of the most effective ways of doing this is to help cut down on our energy costs, both in our vehicles and at home. However, when considering some of the technologies available today, it is very important to weigh not just the energy savings, but also the cost of manufacturing these devices.
Heating and Cooling
In the home, there are usually few appliances that are as inefficient as our heating and air systems. However, if you live in an area that gets very hot or cold, simply doing without isn’t safe, nor is it comfortable. Fortunately, there are a number of more energy efficient heating and air systems available, which can cut back on our energy use, without having to sacrifice our comfort.
One of the most exciting technologies available to help reduce energy costs is the Geothermal Heating and cooling unit. Geothermal heating and cooling uses very long tubes that extend into the Earth and actually pull heat from the ground. In the summer, the same process can be reversed, sending the heat from the house, into the ground.
Using a geothermal system, it is possible to heat a 1500 square foot house for less than a dollar a day. Of course, they are quite expensive to install and depending on the location, can require that a very deep hole is drilled. To help off set this cost, many power companies will offer incentives for installing a geothermal heating and cooling system, with some options also available from the government. While the initial cost is very high, the savings over a 10 year period could easily offset this initial investment.
Another option for those wishing to cut heating and cooling costs is the Cold-Weather Air Source Heat Pump, which uses an additional compressor that is used when the temperature drops below 30 degrees. The second compressor is necessary because a traditional heat pump does not work well when the temperature drops below freezing, so auxiliary heat must be used. Auxiliary heat, or emergency heat, is very expensive to operate, as it uses a great deal of energy.
Using a Cold-Weather Air Source Heat Pump ends up using less power than a standard heat pump would when it gets very cold. Further, when the temperature is above freezing, only one compressor is used, so the energy usage is similar to that of a traditional heating system.
Generating Your Own Power
For years, people have been putting solar panels on their home to help reduce their dependency on fossil fuels and the power company. While this can save you a great deal of money and it is even sometimes possible to sell your excess power back to the power company, the initial investment has always been quite steep.
Recently, however, the cost of solar panels has begun to drop, as new manufacturing technologies have been introduced. This, coupled with rising energy costs across the country, has made installing solar panels a much more attractive idea.
Several companies have recently developed very thin solar panels that are relatively inexpensive to manufacture, but because they rely on some semi-rare minerals, so it remains to see whether this can be used on a very large scale.
Going Green in Your Automobile
Another popular move has been to use a more energy efficient vehicle, with a number of hybrids, which are cars that use a mixture of gasoline and stored electricity, and battery powered vehicles available.
Currently, GM, Nissan, Honda, Ford, and Toyota all offer some sort of battery powered vehicle, but when considering these cars, it is important to take into account the environmental impact that manufacturing them has.
For example, the Toyota Prius uses a very expensive battery, which uses nickel that is mined in Canada, using a mining technique that is bad for the environment. Then, the nickel must be shipped across the world, converted into batteries, and subsequently shipped back over to the US. So, with all of the environmental costs associated with the manufacture of the Prius, it tends to off set the benefits of driving it.
It All Starts with You
What a lot of people don’t always realize, myself included, is that the things we do everyday can have a major impact on the environment and the future. Even if you don’t have the money to invest in something like a geothermal heating system, you can still help the environment by changing your actions.
For example, making an effort to shut off the water when you wash your teeth and shave can save a tremendous amount of water. Also, consider setting the heat to around fifty-five and putting on an extra sweater or perhaps wearing some thermal clothing, rather than cranking up the heat.
If everyone made what are essentially very small changes to their lifestyle, it would no longer be a small change and could have a tremendous impact on the World.
About the Author
Tiger is a writer who understands the importance of protecting the environment. In addition to writing about the environment, he also writes about a number of other topics, including lift chairs. Lift Chairs are devices that in design are similar to a recliner, but contain a powerful lifting system, which helps to make it easier to stand. They are especially popular among the elderly and lift chairs Medicare are available, for those who live in the United States and are currently enrolled in Medicare.
Have A Green Christmas
I want to wish everybody a great holidays and hopefully you make this Christmas a green one 
Pinemark Green Certification
A major concern by many individuals and companies is the environment impact they have on the environment. A great way to determine just the impact you or your organization has on the environment is to get a PineMark Certification.
What is a PineMark Certification?
A PineMark certification provides you a comprehensive score of our four major environmental impacts:
- Energy: Based of an person’s home/building energy use comprised of both electricity and gas. The certification takes into account your location to better determine the score as well as any green energy sources being used.
- Transportation: Determined from the fuel efficiency a person’s vehicles along with daily commuting times.
- Water: Calculated based on how conservative an individual is with their water consumption.
- Lifestyle: The daily lifestyle changes that we decide to make that include our home’s appliances to our eating habits and even recycling.
Each of the four categories mentioned above are weighted into the overall score that is out of 100 (higher is better). The overall score breaks down each category and allows you to pinpoint exactly which areas you need to improve upon.
Benefits
Beyond just receiving the certification and score, PineMark also provides great ways to save at many top green retailers including clothing, food and more.
My Thoughts
I went through the entire certification and must say that PineMark did a great job. They ask various questions that hit each of the four sections I mentioned above. The questions ask for various information like exact energy use, what kind of cars you own, public transportation you use and what kinds of foods you eat. Each section is also laid out well and every aspect of the test is easy to use.
PineMark was nice enough to provide all of my readers with the opportunity to get their own certification at $10 off using the following code: paystolivegreen. Give PineMark a shot to find out your exact score.
Mountain Top
Eco Friendly Deicers
Ice is so much more difficult that snow to remove from our sidewalks and driveways that it’s convenient to have deicer. There are so many deicers available that it can often be hard to choose which ones are safe for the environment and our payment. Here are some great deicers that will get rid of that dangerous ice while still being friendly towards the environment.
Natural De-icers
One of the easiest and cost effective ways to fight off ice is to use a natural deicer. There are many to choose from, but one of the most common is alfalfa meal. It works effectively by not only providing better traction to walk on, but it also melts the ice since it contains nitrogen. What’s even better is that alfalfa meal is safe for the environment and can be found at most local nurseries. Sand can also work to help gain better traction on the ice, but it does not have any melting properties.
Ice Chopper
One of the best ways to get rid of that ice is to avoid a deicer all together and use a ice chopper. All it requires is a little muscle and some determination to get all that ice up. Most ice choppers are safe for your concrete and should not crack your concrete. Ice chopper can be used in coordination with a deicer to be even more effective. A great chopper I found was the Bully Heavy Duty Ice Chopper that is made from high quality steel and made in America.
Eco-Friendly Deicer
Many stores are now marketing eco-friendly de-icers that provide a great product without the great risk of environmental damage. Here is a great resource that goes through many of the common chemicals used to combat ice and their pros and cons in terms of price, effectiveness and danger to the environment. Just be wary as many of the store bought deicers have proprietary that some companies do not disclose what is contained. They may just be blends that many be just a combination of the chemicals mentioned. If you go down this route, do some research to make sure are getting the product that is being advertised.
Hopefully these deicers will help make this winter a little more safe and green.
United Nations 15th Climate Change Conference Recap
The United Nations 15th Climate Change in Denmark (COP15) came to an end on December 18th leaving many feeling disappointed with the results. The long two weeks that strove to make a big difference on combating global climate change did not end in the manner so many thought it would.
The Copenhagen Accord is the final result that was drafted between several major countries including the US. Many of the tough provisions that were originally thought to be included in this agreement were removed because of conflicts between some of the nations. The deal set lower standards on climate changes and allowed many of the more developed nations to set their own targets. There will also be an initial $30 billion a year fund to help developing nations cope with the affects of the rapid climate change we are facing. This number will rise in 2020 and also be used to help slow down deforestation and having developing nations move to more green technologies.
One of the biggest complaints of this accord is that the temperature targets set for climate change are not strict enough and that this is not a legal binding document. That basically means that no nation is forced to follow it. There is also concern that some nations may be trying to prevent their emissions to be independently monitored.
With so little that seems to be gained from this accord, there are some still that feel that having all nations in the UN to sign this document is huge progress. Another good result of the document is that deforestation could drastically reduced in many developing nations.
Regardless of how many felt about the results of this conference, hopefully more change will continue to occur and next years conference will be more successful.
Buy From Local Stores This Holidays
Christmas is quickly approaching and this weekend could be you chance to get those last minute gifts. We often get caught up so much in having to go to the mall that we forget all the great local stores in our area.
Try changing up the shopping routine this year and try going to a local shopping store in your area. You might be surprised at some of the variety of gifts you can buy.
Recycled
I have gone into many of the local shops in my area and found a great selection of gifts that are made using recycled materials. The most common item made from recycled materials is jewelery, but I have seen bags and decorations for the home. What I really like about recycled gifts is that they are usually one of a kind. That really makes a special gift for anybody you know.
Naturual/Organic Materials
Many local stores usually contain items made from all natural or organic products for both kids and adults. Some great toys to get for you kids could include stuffed animals and blankets made from natural/organic fibers and wood toys. Not only are many of these toys made locally, but they are also much safer for our kids. Many local boutiques sell clothing for both adults and kids that are often made locally and from all natural materials.
Be sure to check out many of the great local stores in your area to get a unique gift that is also much more friendly on the environment.
