Energy Eden

In the face of rising global temperatures and increasing air pollution in many urban areas, it is no surprise that interest in alternative energy sources has risen dramatically over the past decade. This has led to a boom in funding for new technologies intended to increase energy output while simultaneously attempting to reduce the amount of harmful emissions created by these industries.
Wind farms are a perfect example of alternative energy sources. Giant turbines feature huge propellers that are spun by the wind generating electricity. When used in large numbers, these generators power homes and businesses in many areas around the world. It is generally only useful to utilize wind turbines when the wind is blowing greater than 10 mph (16 km/h), as the power required to run the turbine would be greater than the power generated.
Hydroelectric dams are also examples of alternative energy sources. These behemoths use rushing water to spin turbines in order to generate energy, much the way wind farms do with air. The Hoover dam produces 4.2 billion KWh of energy each year. Regardless, its not just energy, it’s our future. These types of innovations will be necessary for our energy needs in the future.

There are many hardware items that I aremade from recyclable materials, largely due to the emphasis on trying to protect our environment through a large recycling effort. Many hammers of today are made from recycled metals, which have been melted down and used to make hammers that can be used in all types of construction and repair work. Some of the less expensive hammers are composed of melted down aluminum that was reshaped and fashioned into working hammers. Some of the higher-quality hammers are made from recycled iron. Many of the electronic components of computers, are composed of recycled copper (more…)

The sun is the ultimate origin of all power of earth that is not man made nuclear energy. From the grass, to the animals, to the dinner table. The coal we use, the wood we burn, the ancient animals that became modern gasoline, the sun is the truest power source. Modern man has found ways of directly powering out lives with the sun as well. Many people know about solar power cells, but fewer are aware of how useful these items might be in reality.

Solar panels are well known. These items involve photovoltaic cells (more…)

Eco-friendly energy is the wave of the future, and a great way to be more socially responsible, cutting down on your carbon footprint. One option for you if you’d like to use green energy is to install a windmill turbine. You can use your wind turbine to harness all of your home’s electricity or just a fraction of it.

Be conservative with energy and it will be affordable. The amount of windmill energy that you need will depend (more…)

CSX Corporation (CSX), a leading rail-based transportation supplier reports that according to EPA estimates, “for every ton-mile, a typical truck emits roughly three times more nitrogen oxide and particulates than a locomotive. If just 10 of the nation’s freight were shifted to rail, fuel savings would approach one billion gallons annually.” With this knowledge in mind, CSX Corporation launched the National Gateway Project in May 2008, an 842 million public-private infrastructure initiative to create a highly efficient freight transportation link between the Mid-Atlantic ports and the Midwest. CSX reports that when complete, the project will also improve the flow of goods between eastern and western rail networks as well as benefiting the nation as a whole by:

• Avoiding 20 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions;
• Reducing the nation’s dependence on foreign oil;
• Assisting states in attainment of federal clean air standards;
• Reducing 7,000 tons of nitrogen oxides;
• Reducing 1,000 tons of particulate matter;
• Saving nearly two billion gallons of fuel;
• Improving safety and highway congestion by maximizing the efficiency of freight rail and partnering with trucking companies to reduce truck miles traveled by more than 14.3 billion miles;
• Increasing economic competitiveness by saving 3.5 billion in shipper and logistics costs, significantly increasing freight capacity, reducing transit times by 24 to 48 hours between West Coast ports and major population centers; and tripling the (more…)

Absorbers: Dark colored material or surface that soaks up the heat in a solar collector.Annual Solar Savings: The annual solar savings of a solar building is the energy savings attributable to a solar feature relative to the energy requirements of a non-solar building.Anode: The positive electrode in an electrochemical cell (battery). Also, the earth or ground in a cathodic protection system.Base Load: The average amount of electric power that a utility must supply in any period.Cloud Enhancement: The increase in solar intensity caused by reflected irradiance from nearby clouds.Crystalline Silicon: A type of photovoltaic cell made from a slice of single-crystal silicon or polycrystalline silicon.Days of Storage: The number of consecutive days the stand-alone system will meet a defined load without solar energy input.Diffuse Insolation: Sunlight received indirectly as a result of scattering due to clouds, fog, haze, dust, or other obstructions in the atmosphere. Opposite of direct insolation.Direct Insolation: Sunlight falling directly upon a collector. Opposite of (more…)

For years we have saved time and energy by car pooling with friends and family, but who would have thought to share a car with total strangers? Zipcar is a unique, new company that offers a different solution for your traveling needs. You can become a Zipcar member by joining online. Once you receive your Zipcard, you are able to reserve a car either online or over the phone, choosing the time, location and type of car you would like to use. When it’s time to use your reserved car, you can unlock it by scanning your Zipcard with a device in the windshield, and when you’re done, you simply return it to its spot. Car sharing reduces the number of cars on the road, which in turn reduces CO2 emissions. This type of transportation also reduces the amount of driving each person does and can significantly save costs in oil spending. (more…)

Finding alternate sources of energy has become a priority throughout the world. One renewable source that is rapidly gaining popularity is wind power. If the power of the wind were used to its maximum potential throughout the world, we could generate more than 15 times the current world energy demand. Denmark currently leads the world in wind power, using wind to generate 20 of national electricity demands.In order to utilize wind to generate electricity, wind turbines must be installed in areas with the wind capacity to support them. One of the reasons this is becoming such a popular endeavor is because of the quick payback time. Wind conditions and other factors can contribute to variations, but a wind turbine usually creates enough electricity to pay for all of its costs within ten years. (more…)

When gas prices hovered near 4.00 in 2007, Americans finally began to seriously demand alternate fuel sources. In the last few years, the presence of hybrid vehicles that run on a combination of petroleum fuel and an electric battery has grown. These cars have enjoyed much better gas mileage than traditional gasoline-powered cars because of their battery use. Many attempts in the last few decades have been made to create an electric car that is not only energy efficient but practical for the average commuter. This futuristic-style car is now on its way to market. The Nissan Leaf, which is set to be released in December, will run entirely on an electric battery. The Leaf battery is supposed to have the capacity to travel 100 miles on one charge. Because this car is 100 electric, there is no tailpipe. (more…)

There are a number of reasons why saving gas and improving your mileage are beneficial. Gas prices are unstable and constantly rising, much or our oil comes from foreign countries with whom we have rocky relationships, and the pollutants produced when burning petroleum are harmful to the environment. While buying a hybrid or a new electric car is a noble way to reduce your energy use, there are a number of free, easy ways to save.Use your air conditioner as little as possible. Obviously when the thermometer registers 90 degrees, AC is a necessity. But when the weather is nice, roll down the windows and cool down with fresh air. Another way to conserve fuel is by taking it easy on the brakes. This is best practiced in heavy traffic. (more…)