Uses for Solar In Every Day Life

Solar energy is an important advance in the effort to save the environment. Perhaps the most easily usable and most convenient of the renewable energy sources (which also include wind and water), solar energy has been used since the beginning of time as a heating source. In the 1830's one of the other solar energy platforms was developed, as a solar energy cooker was used on a safari. Since then, many other solar energy applications have been formulated, and almost everyone can take advantage of one of these.

One of the most common of the solar energy application is to use it as a power source. Since the 1970's, many people have been putting solar collectors on their roofs and using the resulting collected power to run their households. While having enough solar collectors to obtain power that will run an entire house may not be common, it is becoming more so. Most of these types of solar powered homes run their appliances and other needs directly off the solar collectors' power during the day, and use power that was stored from the solar cells in batteries at night. In this way, the homeowner can avoid ever having to use power that was generated by a non-renewable resource.

Another of the common solar energy applications is to use solar power to heat your hot water. These systems can either use passive solar energy (in the case of heating a tank of water by leaving it out in the sun) or by using solar collectors with a heat transfer fluid. These systems require the homeowner to install solar panels, behind which run tubes filled with fluid. These tubes collect the heat from the sun and transfer it into the fluid – these tubes, filled with the heated fluid, then run around a water storage system, and the heat from the fluid is transferred into the water.  Another way is to have water running through the tubing and have it obtain the sun's heat directly -  this heated water is then pumped into swimming pools, so that pool owners don't need to run a pool heater to keep their water warm.

In the last 10 to 15 years, solar manufacturers have started to develop new, creative applications for solar power. One development is the portable solar panel, a popular product used on RVs by vacationers. On a smaller scale, there are solar panel packs that fold out like a small ledger and are used to power up anything from laptops to cell phones. As time passes, new products along this line are expected to continue to come on the market.

It doesn't matter which of the solar energy applications you choose to implement in your own home or life – even a small change to solar power over traditional power sources can help the environment. The more we can use solar energy, the less dependent we become on non-renewable resources, and the more we help the Earth.

According to Environmental Defense, a leading nonprofit organization committed to protecting the environment, the United States is ranked the No. 1 global warming polluter. What can you do to help change that? Here are some small steps that you can take every day toward becoming a more conscious consumer:

* Buy in bulk. It's cheaper in the long run, and you buy more of the product and less of the packaging.

* Look at the businesses you buy from. Does your coffee shop recycle? Does your rental car agency have hybrids? Businesses take note of consumers' questions; your inquiry could be the one to tip the scale and make a change.

* Make an appointment for the Earth. At participating Aveda salons, a minimum of $1 will be directed to Aveda's Earth Month partners when customers make appointments for a haircut, style, massage or facial.

* Support your local farmers. Farmers' markets are where some of the healthiest and freshest food can be found. By supporting farmers in your own community, you're doing your own body good and cutting down on carbon dioxide emissions of food transportation.

* Recycle! Plastic comes from crude oil and paper comes from trees. By recycling just these two items in your household, you're helping to save two of the Earth's valuable resources and reducing your home's carbon dioxide emissions.

* Pay your bills online. It saves stamps, paper, fuel for mail transport and ultimately saves you money.

* Purchase thoughtful gifts. Aveda's limited edition Light the Way candle, for example, is made with certified organic rose geranium and helps support organic farms in South Africa. All proceeds from the candle will go to organizations working to save threatened and endangered species.

* Think "eco-fashion." A number of designers are now using clothing materials that go beyond organic cotton, such as biodegradable fabrics and fibers made of recycled plastics.

* Spread the word. If you find a "green" product or company that you like, tell your friends. Consumers can use their collective purchasing power to spearhead change.

The World Turns To Renewable Energy

When one thinks of the amount of energy needed to power the modern world, it is easy to get a headache. The sheer volume is so massive as to be difficult to picture. Now that we have awakened to environment, climate and societal problems associated with the continued use of fossil fuels, it is interesting to hear the politicians suddenly thinking green.

Ten years ago, who would have imagined the Terminator, now the Governator of California, driving around in a hybrid hummer? Well, he does. More so, Governor Schwarzenegger happens to arguably be the greenest politician in the Unites States when it comes to actually taking action. California, after all, has just instituted a 3 billion dollar solar energy plan.

Alas, the federal government falls on its face when it comes to energy issues. Beholden to big oil, there current administration simply refuses to acknowledge there is a problem, much less take action. For many in the country, this must give the impression that nothing is being done around the world. In fact, much is being done, but the U.S. simply is not taking part.

For example, give some thought to Victoria, Australia. This province has just committed itself to obtaining 60 percent of all of its energy from renewable sources by 2016. That is a staggering number.

How about Germany? The Germans lead the world in wind and solar technology. By 2020, a full 20 percent of the total German energy supply will come from renewable energy. If you have ever experienced the lights of Berlin at night, you know that is impressive.

How about Norway? The country is 99 percent reliant on renewable energy sources. Norway has no petroleum powered power plants. None! It imports no oil. In fact, it exports nearly all of its oil resources, making it the third biggest exporter in the world behind Saudi Arabia and Russia. 

How about Brazil? The country is known for its “interesting” political situation, yet it has managed to turn itself into a clean energy giant in South America. The reason is the country has converted much of its transportation, public and private, to ethanol. By 2007, it is believed most transportation in Brazil will run on 100 percent ethanol, which is a biofuel made from sugar cane. The price per gallon of ethanol is half that of oil. If the United States was to take the same step, the savings on oil each year would be close to $2 trillion dollars. 

The above represent only a few samples of a world making a concerted clean energy effort. Unfortunately, the United States is both the biggest consumer of fossil fuels and emitter of greenhouse gases. Until we follow these changes, the process will be incomplete.

Long thought to be a continent covered in ice like Antarctica, we now know the Arctic is a small land mass covered by ice that spreads well out from the land. Put another way, the area is mostly a giant flow of ice. It is so large, it is four times the size of Texas. As has been reported in the news recently, it is melting at a fairly alarming rate.

66-33 is the magic number. Everything above it is considered the Arctic Circle, which puts parts of countries such as Russia and Canada within the circle. Greenland is included in this group, an island covered in over one mile thick slabs of ice.

The Arctic Ocean surrounds and submerges under the massive ice flow. Although the ocean is the smallest in the world, roughly eight percent the size of the Pacific, more fish live in it and along the edges than in any other ocean.

Although Antarctica and the Arctic seem similar at first glance, they are strikingly different. The Arctic has animals, plants and people living on it throughout the year. Antarctica has none of these things with the exception of penguins, which bread on the ice in Antarctica. Whereas Antarctica is nearly always below freezing, temperatures in the Arctic can get as high a 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Of course, they plunge far into the negatives in the winter, but why quibble.

Surprising to many, the Arctic receives very little snow from the atmosphere. Total precipitation for the year averages only 8 inches. This makes the current melting of the ice flow somewhat troubling. In the last two decades, the Arctic has lost over six percent of the ice flow to melting. The amorphous greenhouse gases and global warming are blamed or refuted depending on your particular point of view. What isn't debated, however, is the climatic impact of all this new water.

The oceans of the Earth are actually one body of water. Through this body of water flows a monstrously long current known as the Conveyer. This current controls climates because it circles the entire globe and brings warm water to areas that would otherwise be very cold. The warm water stabilizes and warms the climate in such places as Europe. Nobody is exactly sure how much fresh water is being added by the melting of the Arctic, but recent evidence shows it is negatively impacting the conveyor.

The nature of the conveyer is beyond this article, but the massive fresh water is slowing it down. Recent evidence shows it may have lost up to 40 percent of its pace. If it stops or reverses, which has occurred numerous times in the history of the planet, climates will change all over the world. These changes would occur quickly, often within five to ten years. Temperatures in Europe would drop 20 degrees, while other areas would see wild swings as well. Hurricanes and such would appear in unexpected areas and be much stronger than we currently see. Put another way, our relatively calm climate would become a bit more aggressive.

The Arctic is generally out of sight out of mind unless they see a documentary. If it continues to melt, people are going to learn more about it than they ever imagined.

First, it’s not that rainy.  It may rain a lot, but that doesn't mean you won't see the sun. The typical pattern in the rainy season is to have sunny days and rainy evenings, or a patch of sunny days followed by a few rainy ones. If you avoid the rainiest month of October, you will be assured to still see plenty of sunshine.

Second, it’s the 'green' season.  To the locals this is the 'green' season, not the 'rainy' one. More rain means the plants thrive and for nature lovers this is the best part of the year with the dust being swept away, and the jungle's full lushness coming to the fore.
 
Third, it’s more economical. Generally costs for just about everything, from the price of the vacation rentals to tours is brought down in the rainy season, making it an easier time of year to visit on your wallet.

Fourth, you’ll be able to avoid the crowds. Anyone who has stood in one of the national parks on a busy 'high season' weekend can tell you that it’s hard to enjoy the beautiful beaches and spot animals when the place is overrun by camera wielding tourists. Visiting when there are less crowds make everything from relaxing on the beach to going for a meal a much more pleasant experience.

Fifth, you can sit back and enjoy the show.  Thunderstorms in the tropics are an astonishing sight. Much more powerful and dramatic than those in the more temperate regions of the world, these are an astounding display of light and sound. So after a great morning at the beach, lie back on your hammock, sip a cup of Costa Rican coffee, and let the show begin.

Sixth, enjoy your rest.  Nothing will lull you to sleep quicker than the soothing sound of rainfall outside whilst you are tucked up safely in your bed.
 
Seventh, you’ll enjoy more comfortable temperatures.  The 'dry' season in Costa Rica is hot - REALLY hot, and humid as well. For those who like a more moderate temperature, the few degree drop in the rainy season can make all the difference. The air is still nice and warm, but not oppressive like it can be in the summer months.

Eights, capitalize on mango season. Costa Rica abounds with natural fruit and vegetables, but many of the trees only bear fruit once summer has ended. One example of this is the mangos - if you visit from June onwards, you can literally pick up ripe juicy mangoes off the floor as you go about your day.
 
Ninth, swimmers and surfers will enjoy better waves. Costa Rica is famed for its killer surfing all along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Although great all year round, the green season is when the swells tend to be bigger, and the surf better.

Tenth, experience rainy season mornings.  Dawn after a heavy night of rain is a magical experience in Costa Rica. As the sun is rising and the clouds are clearing, sip your coffee as you watch the jungle glistening with freshness and inhale the fragrant cool air.

South Africa is leading the way in shark diving eco tourism. South Africa is probably the best place for seeing the so called “man eater”, the Great White Shark. The Great White is the most feared predator on earth. Fears fuelled by movies like “Jaws” and “Deep Blue Ocean”. There are literally hundreds of places in South Africa where you can go shark diving and just as many operators willing to take you there. From the safety of a solid steel cage, you can view Great White Sharks of up to 6m in length.

The dive operators take you to spots between two and fifteen kilometers offshore and throw dead fish and blood on the water to lure in any sharks in the area. Some sharks can small a drop of blood up to two kilometers away; to we’re talking a lot of sharks. Once the sharks are in sight the cage is dropped and some fake seal lures are hung over the boat to attract the sharks even closer. You can expect to spend between twenty and forty minutes in the cage. Sharks are often curious about the cage, so close encounters are not uncommon.

Diving with sharks from the safety of a cage not extreme enough for you? Well there are plenty of places where you can dive in the open water with different species of shark. Most sharks will not attack humans unless they feel threatened or they think they’re prey. This makes scuba diving with sharks relatively safe.

Some of the best areas you can dive in the open water with sharks are in The Caribbean, Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland, CoCos islands, Mexico, The Maldives and The Bahamas. There are literally dozens of species of shark on offer. What sharks you’re likely to see depends on what time of the year you go. For more information visit our site.

One experience that will literally take your breath away is diving with a Whale Shark. The whale shark is the biggest fish in the world, measuring up to 46+ feet! Scared? You shouldn’t be, the Whale shark is a herbivore! The biggest shark in the world doesn’t eat meat. In fact, the Whale shark is the most docile of all sharks and doesn’t mind a bit of human interaction. Sharing space with this enormous fish truly a life changing experience. Whale sharks are found anywhere in the warm waters near the equator, but they are hard to find and you often need to travel quite a distance offshore.

So does swimming in shark infested waters still sound like a crazy idea or have I wet your appetite for some shark diving? For more information on diving with the sharks you can visit our website, sharkdiving.us. So next time you’re stuck for a summer vacation idea, maybe you should think about going diving with the sharks!

Avid4 provide summer camps for kids aged 5 and up and introduce them to activities such as kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, white water rafting, mountain biking (the right way) and horseback riding among others.  Great for kids raised in towns and cities that don't get much chance to take part in these activities.

To date the program has resulted in:

· A reduction in coal consumption of 17 tons, or the weight of 42.5 mini vans
· A reduction in emissions of 33 tons, or the weight of 238 male African elephants

To help achieve this they:

· Purchase carbon offsets from payments made by families that drive to camp

· Offer discount camp coupons to those that use public transportation to get to camp, use car pool, walk or cycle to camp.  They then get their camp cheaper for being carbon friendly.

· Staff members get an RTD Ecopass, bike discounts and company vans for car pooling.

Not only do the kids get a great summer camp, but their summer activities have less impact on the planet, and they also learn to be eco-friendly. These small eco-warriors and their families learn about the resources that on their own doorstep when they want to repeat their camp experience, as the vast majority do.  This cuts gas consumption by introducing them to local adventures where they previously would have driven great distances.  Saving on carbon emissions and on cash - gas is getting no cheaper, and will continue to rise!

Avid4 Adventure are demonstrating what can be done with a little initiative, and the benefit of their approach lies not so much in the carbon they save, which is considerable since their goal is to make their camps carbon negative, but in the education and example provided to the children enjoying the facilities. They leave each summer camp more aware of what they can do themselves to reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

Whether you agree with the global warming theory of carbon emission or not, this can only be a good thing.  The nation's children should be made aware of the problems the planet is facing and what can be done to relieve them, if only by a tiny amount. Lots of tiny amounts can add up to a pretty large whole.

It is important that many other camps and schools follow the example being set by Avid4, whose pioneering environmental conscience is certainly working in terms of their carbon footprint. They also provide family trips and multi-day camps that are designed around the logistical needs of parents, and introduce the outdoors to the schools rather than having to bus children to the outdoors. 

They operate a Leave No Trace outdoor ethic, so the countryside is left as they found it.  This also educates the kids to respect nature, and the younger element also enjoys half days of art, yoga and music and movement. 

There is little doubt that this group are not only doing their share of reducing carbon emissions, but also demonstrating to our children the importance of this, and also how to respect nature and the outdoors in general.  If more follow them, particularly the schools, we can be sure of leaving this planet in good hands.

About 1 in 100 people have sensitivities to sulfites.   And among these people, about five percent are clinically allergic to sulfites.  As a result, the FDA has even required a sulfite warning to be placed on wine bottles containing sulfites.

How do you know if you are sensitive or allergic to sulfites?  Signs can include headaches, rashes, cramps and lightheadedness.  Serious reactions to sulfites are possible, including a life threatening anaphylactic reaction.
 
Interestingly, those with asthma, liver problems or other allergies are most susceptible to sulfite reactions.  But anyone can be affected by ingesting sulfites.

Sulfites are found virtually everywhere today.  But there are things you can do to avoid sulfites.  Most importantly, if you are allergic, do not eat in restaurants or places where food is prepared for you.  Never eat food from a salad bar, which is probably the most common source of sulfite containing foods.  Additionally, be sure you have your Epi-pen with you at all times.

When you cook at home, prepare your meals with organic foods.  Stay away from processed and canned foods.  Do not eat dried fruits, and remember that alcoholic beverages probably contain sulfites.  And finally, ask your doctor or pharmacist if your vitamins or medications have been preserved with sulfites.

If you experience a mild reaction to sulfites, drink lots of water.  You may also reduce your symptoms by taking Pepsid AC.  Benadryl may give you relief as well. 

If you believe you are allergic to sulfites, make an appointment with your physician to be tested, and immediately begin to avoid sulfites.

   Persons                8,479,562                       Decadal Growth 1991 - 2001:
   Males                   4,316,401                          Persons:   (+) 19.20 %                                      
   Females                4,163,161                         Males    :   (+) 17.47 %
                                                                      Females:   (+) 21.06 %                                
                                     Sex Ratio: 964
Population (0 - 6 years):
                                                       Decadal Growth 1991 - 2001:
   Persons                1,319,393          Persons   :       15.56 %
   Males                      692,272          Males      :       16.04 %
   Females                   627,121         Females   :      15.06 %
    
                                       Sex Ratio: 906

                          Total Geographical information

                                Total area: 51,125 km²
 
1. Hill Area                     : 92.57%
2. Plain Area                  : 7.43%
3. Area Covered By Forest: 63%
3. Longitude 77° 34' 27" East to 81° 02' 22" E
4. Latitude 28° 53' 24" North to 31° 27' 50" N
5. Male                       : % 51.91
6. Female                   : % 48.81
7. Rural Population     : 76.90 %
8. Urban Population    : 23.10 %
9. Literacy Rate         : 65%
10 .Villages               : 15620
11. Cities and Urban Areas: 81
                              Wild resources
(I)        Tiger        2003 245
(ii)        Leopard 2003 2090
(iii)       Elephant 2002 1582
(iv)       Chital  2001 35000
(v)        Musk Dear 2001 160
(vi)       Himalayan Black Bear   2001 375

          Major Peaks (height in m above sea level)
    
                          Gauri Parvat (6590)
                                Gangotri (6614)
                          Panch Chhuli (6910)
                            Nanda Devi (7816)
                              Nanda Kot (6861,
                                    Kamet (7756)
                               Badrinath (7140)
                                    Trishul (7120)
                           Chaukhamba (7138)
                                  Dunagiri (7066)

                             Major Passes
                               Mana (5450)
                            Nitipass (5070)
                           Lipulekh (5122)
                     LumpiaDhura (5650
                                 Water resources
1. The Ganga& its tributaries.
2. The Yamuna its tributaries. 
District Wise Distribution of Population:
Distt Total Population  Rural population  Urban Population  % of urban population
Almora  6,30,446 5,76,497 53,949 8.5
Bageshwar  2,49,453 2,41,650 7,803 3.1
Nanital  7,62,912 4,93,126 2,69,786 35.3
U.S. Nagar  12,34,548 8,31,407 4,03,141 32.6
Pithoragarh  4,62,149 4,06,025 56,124 12.1
Champawat  2,24,461 1,91,727 32,734 17.0
Uttarkashi  2,94,179 2,71,255 22,924 7.8
Chamoli 3,69,198 3,19,613 49,585 13.4
Rudrprayag  2,27,461 2,24,740 2,721 1.1
Tehri 6,04,608 5,46,133 58,475 9.6
Dehra Dun  12,79,083 6,01,965 6,77,118 52.9
Pauri  6,96,851 6,06,629 90,222 13.0
Haridwar  14,44,213 9,98,550 4,45,663 30.8
                                                                           Source: Directorate of Planning
All above information about state natural resources clearly indicating towards nature’s supported environment in all sphere of life in Uttranchal.  It was the part of one of largest Indian state Uttar Pradesh in that era it could not get its share in development as it’s deserved because than political power houses were in plains. But injustice done in past with this hilly land popularly called dev bhomi could be its future, unexplored hydro capacity, hydro-power &virgin pollution free environment, which will be the future high demands commodities in our world. The state has hydro initials of two Major Rivers of nation namely Ganges (Gangotri) and Yamuna (Yamunotri), which are being joined by their tributaries all across the state making this mountainous land, high rich in hydrological resources. In hydro power, it has potential to 15000 Mega watts out of this only 1248MW is explored to date. Pollution level in cities& towns are on high ends in all across the nation, people in future will find difficulty to get pollution free environment around them. Then virgin Uttranchal will be solace place for pollution’s hunted people of nation. To achieve that status in coming era Uttranchal needs followings.
1. Controlled population. As population table shows that 46.69%of Uttranchalis lived in three terrain districts: Haridwar, Dehradun &Uddam Singh nagar, which amounted 16.6% of total area of state. So development to all but little disturbance in natural harmony should be basis of state policies planners.   
2. Special industrials zones. It will limit the pollution prone area in state.
3. Multi levels mini environment friendly hydro power projects. To use threshold level of every natural water resources in the state.
4. Preservation of forests.
5. Keep rivers pollution free. This should be the main agendas of uttranchal for future status in water austerities world.
Uttranchal needs only stick to its rich environmental heritage and try to make all around development keeping coordination with nature, not running after urban centric & blind folded industrialization. The nature has created this holly land to serve special role in future polluted situations.
                                                                              Ms.Prabha                
                                                                     Senior correspondent
                                                                      abcnewsnetwork.com                                      
                                                               e-mail:prabhaabcnews@yahoo.co.in

Scrapbooking is all about creative use of paper products. Paper is an all-natural, renewable resource, automatically making it an environmentally friendly medium. Plus, you never need to throw anything away-every little bit of paper can be used to make a scrapbook. Here are some scrapbooking tips from the Abundant Forests Alliance:

1. Start off on the right foot-or the right paper, that is. Look for "acid-free" or "archival" paper, which can protect your scrapbooking materials and fingertips. While paper is a natural, renewable resource, it is also recyclable. Remember to always recycle or use your scraps.

2. Protect those photos. After gathering your photos, make color copies of the originals so you can use them for something else besides your scrapbook.

3. Can't scrap it? Snap it. If you cannot fit a large object in your scrapbook, you can take a photograph of it and include that instead.

4. Save the small stuff. Save small items from special events and day-to-day life, and recycle them in your scrapbook. Using a variety of materials adds personality and texture to every page.

5. Repurpose gift wrapping. Instead of throwing away used wrapping paper or gift bags and tags, include pieces in a holiday or birthday scrapbook as page decorations and colorful reminders.

6. Bring the outside in. Take your kids on a nature walk. Collect items such as leaves, flower petals, bark and pebbles to include in your scrapbook.

7. Celebrate a special newborn. In addition to taking photos of a child's special day, create a scrapbook that honors his or her first day in the world. Recycle that day's newspapers to chronicle world and local events.

8. Create rainy day memories. Initiate a rainy day scrapbook with a scavenger hunt for the kids and ask them to collect items that represent a good day at home, such as a label from a favorite food, a drawing of a favorite toy, or magazine cutouts of words and pictures.

9. Say "I do" to scrapbooking. Whether you are her friend or the bride herself, collect fun items from a wedding to remember the special day. Natural resources include invitations, dried flowers, photos, confetti, dress fabric and ribbons.

10. Remember to recycle. Scrapbooking by its very nature relies on a renewable resource-paper. Paper is also recyclable, so remember to recycle your scraps.