Your Questions About Green Living

Ruth asks…

Are Aveda products Eco-Friendly?

I recently discovered that Dove Soap uses Palm Oil which is very bad for forests since they tear down millions of palm trees to get the oil. In addition, the carbon emission from this process is endangering our atmosphere. So, I am looking for a different soap product to switch to but want it to be ecofriendly. I used to use Aveda soap and liked it. Anyone know if their products are ecofriendly or not? (please provide proof, not opinions)

The Expert answers:

Maybe these will help:
http://www.aveda.com/pdf/ourmission/
ingredients_policy.pdf

http://www.dld123.com/q&a/index.php?cid=4824

Sorry! I see that you cannot access the first site. However, the second site has a link to the first site.

David asks…

What are some “home” eco friendly products?

The Expert answers:

1.2.Yeast is a safe, effective eco-friendly way to help keep your septic system operating well. Once a month, fill a small bown with about a cup of warm water, then sprinkle one or two teaspoons yeast (or one package) over the water, then “proof” it (make sure it is active) by sprinking about one teaspoon of sugar over it. Wait until the yeast is dissolved and sort of frothy, then pour down the drain and flush with warm water. The yeast helps dissolve solids in your septic system, but is much cheaper and just as effective as the commercial products that are sold for this purpose.

Sandy asks…

What is a eco-friendly product or a organic food?

What is really concidered a an ecofriendly product. recycaled paper? If you kno what a ecofriendly product is, please list them and where you can get them. The same with organic food.

The Expert answers:

Eco-friendly Product: A product that may be recycled; and/or a product that does not harm the environment and is biodegradable.

Organic Food: Food that is grown (carrots, tomatoes, etc) without using chemicals.

Thomas asks…

are eco-friendly products only for the rich?

please reply fast cauz i need it for tomorrow’s elocution.

The Expert answers:

Many eco-friendly products are more expensive than average commercial, non-eco, products. So you don’t have to be rich but you may have to be selective in what you purchase.

Here are some other thoughts to mull over on the topic…

Many people’s first reaction to the idea of buying eco-friendly products is that they can’t afford them. Products that don’t harm the environment can sometimes come at a higher price to the consumer. There are reasons for this however, and understanding them may help people to get past the initial sticker shock:

+ Competition pushes prices down, but in the current market there is very little competition between companies producing eco-friendly products. When there’s more compet. Prices will drop.

+ The larger the quantity of a product produced the lower the price. Currently there is not enough demand in the eco-friendly market for manufacturers to produce at these price-lowering levels.

+ The processes used to make eco-friendly products often are more costly to the producer. In organic farming for example, the lack of pesticides leads to the loss of larger portions of their crop and ultimately a smaller quantity of food. This causes a reduction in profit for the producer and also the quantity-price dynamic discussed above.

+ Many companies are able to produce cheaply only because they exploit the land and labor used to make their goods. They can choose to manufacture their goods in countries like China where basic human rights are ignored and this lowers the price consumers see on the label.

These are just a few of the reasons why eco-friendly products carry higher price tags.

What consumers need to understand however, is that the “cost” of a product may be much more. Cleanup and health care costs, as well as damage to the planet are figures that need to be factored into the price of non eco-friendly products.

There’s your talk points…

Daniel asks…

How eco-friendly are corn products?

For my college honors program I recently read “The Omnivore’s Dilemma” by Michael Pollan. I want a second opinion. How many calories of petroleum go into a calorie of corn, and how does this affect the sustainability of the corn products, such as compostable cups, plates, straws, etc. Links would really, really be helpful if they lead to legit information.

The Expert answers:

Yeah, any product other than from plastics is great for the mankind.
So propably the corn too causes a good result after all it is from a plant not from a factory

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Your Questions About Green Living

Robert asks…

Can we use heat in the air or materials around us at room temperature to generate electric energy?

Can we use the molecule kinetic energy in materials and air around us to power electric generation?
What kind of issues would be encountered in terms of environmental impact?

All molecules at room temperature have energy due to their motion, and there comparative position gives some potential energy.

What physical process can be used to extract this ambient heat?
a thermal gradient is needed but how to artificial induce a gradient to accumulate heat . Usually heat dissipates from hotter to colder masses. right?.

Also if such mechanisms were workable and economical and they became popular in use, what kind of impact would it have on the environment? Would “cold” pollution be a severe issue like global warming is an issue at the moment?

The Expert answers:

Ambient heat can’t be exploited. The only way to exploit heat energy if there is a heat sink that is at a lower temperature than the heat source.

Steven asks…

Has anyone else out there recieved an intention to fine, from the Environmental Department of Perth W.A.?

I recieved a letter in the mail stating that my car smoked longer than the reccomended 10 or so seconds whilst stationery and that if I did not have the problem fixed I would be fined for this reason, mind you I only just started it up and left home. They are concerned about the little things that contribute to the poluting of the environment, but are not really looking at what needs to be done to the major companies that add dangerous and toxic gas emmissions to the environment every day. Why are they always targeting the little people and over looking the big people, they already take enough money from us in other ways; this is simply another way to make revenue and at the same time make the hole they have already put in our pockets bigger. If they are gonna target us, then be fair howard and carpenter start with the bigger issues; or are you afraid the big companies have too much money and will win in court, or is it that you are just simply not interested in them or the environment

The Expert answers:

I havent gotten one bc i recently moved away from australia, however, they do that to “the little people” because if everyone has cleaner cars, it helps everyone as well…however, it does suck that it seems they are only fining individuals rather than heaps of corporations that pollute way more. There is legislation, however, changing this as well, all be it very slowly…

Ken asks…

what’s the best way to vote in canada?

I’m so confused this year because all I’m hearing about is environmental issues, and while that’s important, I’m pretty worried about the economy…so who’s the best party to prevent us from financial doom?

The Expert answers:

Personally, I like the NDP. I’ve always been a Liberal person until Stephan Dion took over. I just didn’t like him. But, after watching him in the debates last week my view has changed. He is smart and seems to care. He has good ideas. In fact, all the parties have some good ideas–except the Conservatives. All I hear is “Strong, strong, Liberals suck, love George Bush, strong..blah blah” Steven Harper didn’t actually say anything at the debates–what IS his platform?!! I think if he gets a majority we will all be in trouble.

Vote ABC–anything but Conservative.

I suggest you visit each parties websites to read their policies. Skip the slander and hate comments about other parties because the comments are misinformed and distort the truth.

If you like two parties and can’t pick then vote for the riding that is more likely to win. Like me, now I can’t decide between NDP and Liberal, but the NDP is more likely to win in my riding. Problem solved.

Charles asks…

Why was Gibson Guitar told by the Obama Administration to use Madagascar labor, and not US labor?

So the Obama Administration prefers OUTSOURCED labor instead of US laborers? Why would it matter to them what labor is used?

excerpt…
The federal government seized wood, guitars and electronic records from Gibson’s Nashville warehouses in 2009 and again last week. According to [Gibson Guitar CEO Henry] Juszkiewicz, that’s when the Feds made an unusual request from the American manufacturer.

On KMJ airwaves, Juszkiewicz revealed that representatives of the US government told Gibson that their legal issues would “disappear” if they used Madagascar labor instead of American labor.

Gibson factories have been raided twice, most recently last week, by federal agents who say ebony exported from India to Gibson was “fraudulently” labeled to conceal a contravention of Indian export law.

Juszkiewicz, who’s long maintained a relationship with Greenpeace and other environmental organizations, says that a broker probably made a mistake in labeling the goods but that the sale was legal and approved by Indian authorities.

The law ensnaring Gibson is the Lacey Act of 1900, originally passed to regulate trade in bird feathers used for hats and amended in 2008 to cover wood and other plant products. It requires companies to make detailed disclosures about wood imports and bars the purchase of goods exported in violation of a foreign country’s laws.
http://www.kmjnow.com/pages/landing_news?Gibson-CEO-Feds-Demanded-Foreign-Labor=1&blockID=546848&feedID=806

The Expert answers:

Lord Percy, the issue is that Gibson did NOT break the law.

They are being told that the wood is fine and perfectly legal. They are being told that they are not allowed to WORK with the wood on US soil. Their alleged “crime” is refusing to use foreign labor. It wasn’t “smuggling” illegal wood. Get your facts straight or keep your mouth shut.

Gibson is one of the last American companies manufacturing quality products inside the US. This is why they are coming under fire.

Our government is ran by GLOBALISTS and they are de-industrializing us and outsourcing our labor ON PURPOSE.

Maria asks…

What Environmental problem?

I am doing a project in Chemistry class and I need to present a project to the class on an environmental problem.

My teacher has explained to us that he does not want to have Global Warming or air pollution and that the issue needs to relate to chemistry.

Please Help!

The Expert answers:

Okay, here ya go…

Go to the Merk Manual and look up Winkler Titration. Find out the steps for titrating NH+ out of a solution and relate it to the amount of cow waste that enters into rivers and streams along large cattle operations….that is a real environmental problem that the EPA just can’t get its arms around.

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Your Questions About Green Living

Mandy asks…

Why does Obama’s clean energy rely on electricity generated by coal plants?

There seems to be a little secret that no one is talking about. It’s the move to electric energy vehicles.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204348804574402673476299290.html

Of course the “hybrids” rely on gasoline engines to generate electricity (and pollution) but the purely electric vehicles require a battery charge. That charged comes from our electric grid. And that electricity is generated by coal fired plants for the majority of America’s energy.

Obama promised to bankrupt the coal plants. See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hdi4onAQBWQ

With cap and trade, the next least costly way to generate electricity is with natural gas. By doing so, it drives up the cost of natural gas and increases our heating bills tremendously. Heating oil is already going to consume 2% of its power from soybeans which will further strain domestic crop production for food and the alternative of waste materials makes that small 2% increase heating oil costs 30% to 50%.

The truth is that we need nuclear energy plants desperately. While the rest of the world hasn’t been hampered by the laws the Democrats imposed on Nuclear Plant regulations, we have fell way behind the rest of the world. 80% of France’s electrical energy is derived from Nuclear power plants while only 19% of US relies on nuclear energy.

Obama’s solution is a federal loan guarantees to companies going through the regulation process. IOW, if they don’t make it through the regulation process Uncle Sam picks up the cost of the work they have done up until that point. While many think there were laws against nuclear power plants that was not the case. After 3 mile island the Democrats made regulations so stiff that no company was willing to risk an investment to only find out they couldn’t pass the regulations. This is why we haven’t had a new nuclear plant in 30 years. It worked the same way Obama is going to bankrupt the coal plants he described in his video above.

By using a loan, at any point congress decides to avoid nuclear energy they can simply enforce their regulations, the company will default on their loan and the government will pick up the tab. No one is the wiser and most likely the news will simply say, “ABC Corporation pulled out of the Nuclear Plant deal.”

So far Obama has only offered $8 Billion in loans for two plants and then ironically canceled the waste dump near Las Vegas by withdrawing the Energy Department’s license application for the proposed dump. These mixed messages are far from Nuclear power plant development, when Senator Graham proposed sufficient loans to build 60 additional nuclear reactors and while earlier the Lieberman-led nuclear bill included a $100 billion boost for the federal loan guarantee program, as well as additional regulatory risk insurance.
====
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704107204574473724099542430.html
===========
Lincoln6, get a clue. Every gas well is drilled, contained and shipped by an oil company. In fact they have to be drilled much deeper.

Oil companies will be the “energy” companies of the future, regardless the fuel. Just like Nikon not going out of business when 35MM film died.

Shell has a number of “true” solar factories, the latest one being a factory that can produce 1 GigaWatt of Solar Panels every year… power of a small nuclear power plant.

Capitalism is what generates the future… Socialism, such as Obama delivers doesn’t have enough money or momentum. They simply are throwing money at the solar companies that are generating heat to power steam to power generators. Terribly inefficient and without a future.
Shell has already moved solar cells two magnitudes beyond the common silicon cells, and one magnitude beyond cadmium telluride… each magnitude steps are considerably cheaper to make as well. Obama is just creating busy work since capitalism drives technology and he knows it… he would just be reinventing the wheel and having his socialism compete with the big oil companies that isn’t sustainable.

But guess what… Shell will still produce the lubricants that Obama will need with his “steam machine” but they are not so stupid to follow that path as they created electricity directly from solar energy.

The Expert answers:

Bit of an oxymoron there isn’t it? Dirty up the air for clean driving vehicles. I can’t understand that myself and I can’t see any good coming out of Obama’s plan without alternative sources of power. I just don’t see it happening and Nuclear energy is as dangerous as coal energy in the long run.
A greater investment should be given over to the solar power and wind powered generators.

Steven asks…

What is Harper doing with our money? Is green money all green? Oh Canada!?

Is green designated money really going to green projects or infrastructure and other things that should be paid for from other sources?

Check in your area, local news, talk to your officials and read the fine print.

Make sure you know what green funds should be used forby common definiton! Examples;investing in alternative energy, green buildings, innovation and so on.

Does the process that approve the spending of these funds meet those criteria?

How are these gifts of moneies being promoted and does the PR match the use of the money. Example, city name…gets green funding! To go to green projects! then it goes to infrastructure with a token amount to a something that could be considered moderate green innitiative.

I am seeing some things are being approved that are just normal stuff that should be covered by municipalities.
This happened in our community 2007.

The Expert answers:

So far, we haven’t seen alot of money going to green projects, but, I expect come Monday, we’ll see that change in a hurry. Harper is going to present a “voter friendly” budget on Monday, and I’m betting we’ll see tax incentives for “greening”, money for the environment. Then shortly after this budget, he’s calling a spring election.

I discovered something the other day that sent me into orbit: the majority of blue box material ( in some cities) goes to landfill and not for recycling. Apparently, if there is the slightest amount of waste ina load of recyling, the whole load becomes waste. Check this out in your city….you may be surprised….

Great question!!

Robert asks…

Why do some people still love the Clintons?

The only president ever impeached on grounds of personal malfeasance
– Most number of convictions and guilty pleas by friends and associates*
– Most number of cabinet officials to come under criminal investigation
– Most number of witnesses to flee country or refuse to testify
– Most number of witnesses to die suddenly
– First president sued for sexual harassment.
– First president accused of rape.
– First first lady to come under criminal investigation
– Largest criminal plea agreement in an illegal campaign contribution case
– First president to establish a legal defense fund.

“Many of you are well enough off that … the tax cuts may have helped you. We’re saying that for America to get back on track, we’re probably going to cut that short and not give it to you. We’re going to take things away from you on behalf of the common good.” (Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton – June 28, 2004, in San Francisco at a Democrat Party fundraiser)

“I want to take those profits and put them into an alternative energy fund that will begin to fund alternative smart energy alternatives that will actually begin to move us toward the direction of independence.” (Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton – February 2, 2007, at DNC Winter Meeting – regarding profits earned by oil companies, which are not [yet] owned by the government)

“As president I know I can’t kill, jail or occupy every nation we don’t agree with and I cannot just wish that all the terrorists be wiped off the face of the Earth” (Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton – February 10, 2007, at a campaign appearance in New Hampshire)

“We’re going to change the way we finance the system by taking away money from people who are doing well now” — (Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton — March 24, 2007, at a health care forum in Las Vegas)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070728/ap_o…
why do libs march like russains
why do libs march like russains

The Expert answers:

They idolize the absence of personal responsibility that are the Clinton hallmarks.

Helen asks…

Biochemistry, Chemistry, or Environmental Studies?

Hello wise people. With all this excitement and news about global warming and the energy crisis, I decided that it would be great to go into a field regarding alternative energy source development. I’m graduating high school in a few weeks, and I’ll be going to college where I’ll eventually have to decide what to focus my studies on. (BC 2012!! Go Eagles!) At first, I thought that I should major in Environmental Studies, but I want to work on developing new energy sources, so I thought why not major in Chemistry and minor in Enviro. Then I talked to my Research in Molecular Biology teacher, and he told me that with just a Chemistry degree, I will not get as many opportunities as with a BioChem degree. So, my question is: if I want to work with alternative energy sources and save Mother Earth, would majoring in BioChem and minoring in Enviro be the best combination? Thanks for all your help!

The Expert answers:

Some of the alternatives and associated disciplines are

1. Nuclear
nuclear physics, atomic and molecular physics, metallurgy, materials science, engineering, applied mathematics, physical chemistry

2. Solar
solid state physics, physical chemistry, electrical engineering

3. Wind&tide
physics, fluid dynamics, applied mathematics, physical chemistry, engineering

4. Biofuels
biochemistry, physical chemistry, physics, molecular biology, botany, chemical engineering, biosystems engineering

As you can see, research projects in alternate energy tend to be multidisciplinary. A combination of biochemistry with physics or engineering would be a good choice.

Thomas asks…

Biochemistry, Chemistry, or just Environmental Studies?

Hello wise people. With all this excitement and news about global warming and the energy crisis, I decided that it would be great to go into a field regarding alternative energy source development. I’m graduating high school in a few weeks, and I’ll be going to college where I’ll eventually have to decide what to focus my studies on. (BC 2012!! Go Eagles!) At first, I thought that I should major in Environmental Studies, but I want to work on developing new energy sources, so I thought why not major in Chemistry and minor in Enviro. Then I talked to my Research in Molecular Biology teacher, and he told me that with just a Chemistry degree, I will not get as many opportunities as with a BioChem degree. So, my question is: if I want to work with alternative energy sources and save Mother Earth, would majoring in BioChem and minoring in Enviro be the best combination? Thanks for all your help!

The Expert answers:

It sounds like you’ve got this one figured out already. Major in BioChem with a minor in Envir. This should prepare you very well for the position you want.

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Your Questions About Green Living

Helen asks…

Who are the most inspiring environmental/eco friendly designers?

I am fascinated by design from house to interiors, from land to clothing. I would love to read more about them. Who are the most inspiring environmental/eco friendly designers?

The Expert answers:

Try www.popsci.com they had an article on a completely green house and clothing.

Lizzie asks…

Is hand-washing dishes and clothes a more eco-friendly approach?

Of course it would be for energy, but does it use less water?

The Expert answers:

Nope. Statistics say dishwashers are more water efficient if you only scrape the dishes, not rinse or prewash them and only wash when completely full. (I don’t have a DW so can’t say how it works out)

As for hand washing……for delicates, I’d still hand wash since they last longer which is super eco-friendly to having to buy new items more often. I can’t see handwashing larger items but rather only wash full loads and then hang to dry.

Paul asks…

Fair Trade or eco-friendly brands and stores?

I love shoppping ecofriendly and fair-trade. Any clothing or makeup brands that go along with this, preferably not an online store, but thats ok too!

The Expert answers:

Well, to be fair I think you can accomplish both. Fair trade is being marketed in quite a few big box stores even Walmart has some fair trade items. Most can be found online though and at Wholefoods Market stores and Trader Joes. You wil find some boutique stores that carry only fair trade or eco friendly products but you will have to look up in your local area.

William asks…

Eco-friendly Clothes?

What are they? How are they made? When were they made? Its a question i wanted it to be answered for a long time.

Hope you can help me… Thx!

The Expert answers:

Well, most clothes are made out of either cotton, or synthetic fibers.
Eco-friendly clothes are made out of substances that the production of which is better on the environment. Such as organic cotton (non-organic cotton farming uses a lot of pesticides, so if you buy organic cotton clothing, you are helping prevent the release of more pesticides into the environment), hemp, and silk.

Chris asks…

Is making your own clothes eco-friendly?

The Expert answers:

If its eco-friendly material. If its made out of trees and animal pelts…probably not 😉

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Your Questions About Green Living

Charles asks…

Could taxing carbon emissions actually reduce the overall cost of energy?

“Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., one of three chief sponsors of the bill, disputed both assertions, saying the bill would provide tens of billions of dollars a year in tax breaks for people facing high energy costs and for other measures to ease the transition from oil, coal and other fossil fuels, which are the cause of impending changing climate.

She argued that people actually may end up paying less to fuel their cars because a price on carbon emissions would accelerate the push for more fuel efficient vehicles and alternative fuels.”

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nationworld/politics/wire/sns-ap-climate-politics,0,1881509,full.story

It’s too bad many republicans were shortsighted concerning this critical issue which goes far beyond our pocketbooks to our very survival as a species.

It’s too bad we have to convince people first this is in their economic interests. Indeed “Money is the root of all kinds of evil.”

The Expert answers:

It won’t reduce the financial cost of energy, but it will accomplish some other things:

1) Reveal the true cost of fossil fuel-based energy by adding the environmental cost to the monetary cost.

2) Fund alternative energies which will allow them to become cost-competetive with fossil fuels.

3) Create new green tech jobs.

4) Encourage people to become more energy efficient which will save them money in the long run.

Claims that a carbon tax or cap will harm our economy are extremely short-sighted.

Joseph asks…

http://www.usnews.com/usnews/news/articles/070527/4turkey.htm-Read Article in this link can they coexist why?

ISTANBUL—Walk down the pedestrian-jammed Istiklal Street in Istanbul’s fashionable Beyoglu neighborhood day or night, and you sense the tremendous energy that has been unleashed in Turkey during the past decade. Founded by Italian merchants in Byzantine times, this vibrant district, rising above the northern shore of the Golden Horn, was until recently one of the city’s shabbier quarters. But since its conversion into a mostly car-free zone in the late 1990s—one of the many shrewd calls made by the city’s then Islamist government—Beyoglu has taken off. The maze of narrow streets branching off the boutique-lined Istiklal buzz with trendy cafes, clubs, and restaurants, while apartments that sell faster than they can be refurbished appreciate at the clip of about 25 percent a year.

Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul before a giant photo of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
IHLAS NEWS AGENCY/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
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If he were alive today, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the modern Turkish republic, would embrace this booming, cosmopolitan neighborhood as the fulfillment of his modernizing dream. And Beyoglu is only contemporary Turkey writ small, a dramatically compressed version of what is happening throughout the rest of the country.

Averaging around a 7 percent GDP growth rate for the past five years, Turkey is flooding the world with exports produced by its “Anatolian Tigers,” as the heartland-born (and often religiously conservative) members of the new industrial and commercial elite are called. With inflation and taxes down, and with continuing prosperity expected, what’s to complain about?

As it turns out, quite a lot. Grumbling, partisan sniping, and even large public demonstrations have become the order of day ever since Turkey’s Supreme Court—nudged by threats of a military coup and a large pro-secularist rally in Istanbul—annulled a parliamentary vote that made the candidate from the religiously tinged Justice and Development Party (AKP) the likely successor to the presidency. Events surrounding the court’s May 1 decision have brought to a head tensions that some analysts say had been building for at least a year—tensions that are bound up with modern Turkey’s perennial debate over religion, democracy, and secularism.

Mosque and state. At issue, says an assortment of secularly oriented Turks, including the staunchly Kemalist Republican People’s Party (CHP), are the efforts of the governing AKP to bring religion into the center of the nation’s political and civic life. If unchecked, the critics charge, the AKP would effectively dismantle the mosque-state barriers that Ataturk erected after creating a republic in 1923.

Not surprisingly, AKP leaders object. They deny that they are Islamists or have any designs on creating a religiously governed state. They claim only to be building a clean, open, and vigorously free-market society. If the AKP has an agenda, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan repeatedly says, it is to prepare Turkey for membership in the European Union—and to do so despite recent rebuffs from Germany and France.

This is one domestic squabble that the whole world is watching, and not only because of the large question mark hovering over Turkey’s bid to join the EU. The second-largest provider of troops to NATO after the United States, Turkey offers a much needed alternative to Russia as a passageway for pipelines bringing oil and gas from the Middle East and Central Asia to Europe.

The Expert answers:

Interesting article.
I guess the only real answer lies in knowing what the different factions’ true objectives are.
It’s quite obvious that Sharia law and a “free and independent” state cannot co-exist.
The fact that certain decisions by the Supreme Court were influenced dramatically by the threat of a military coup is not very encouraging when the objective is alleged to be “a clean, open and vigorously free market society.”

Thomas asks…

Will the BP Gulf oil spill have positive effects?

Along the lines of –
what people think about our oil needs, how much we use and where we get it from
and
funding and researching alternative sources

I think this will only be good news for people around the world who are pushing green energy. currently no countries really spend enough R&D on green energy and any breakthroughs in the area are ages away.

The Expert answers:

In the way of “lessons learned” there should be a lot of good that comes out of this. But i dont see where this is going to push green usage any further or speed up the transfer process.as far as other countries go, they aren’t feeling the effect or seeing like we are so they prob wont give too much thought about it unless the oil starts washing up on their shores, they say Iraq pollutes more than what they use as far as oil drilling and consumption (whether or not its actually true idk) but if it is true it hasn’t caused them to consider green energy anymore than anyone else.There is so much money that goes into oil and the economy that it will take over 100yrs to completely transfer to green usage without collapsing anyones economy….Economically speaking, there are going to be unfortold downfalls of gas prices being hiked through the roof…not because of the spill in general but the cost that BP is going to have to offset for the clean up and restitution for the people living in the gulf. Theres a lot of talk about BP going bankrupt but i dont see where they would go bankrupt before they attempt to hike the price of homegrown oil. And then the obvious “Eco System disaster” the effects are going to topple like dominoes before they actually get this issue fixed.. Jobs, Food, the local economy in the gulf (which is already being felt) plus the seafood industry in general. Im not exactly sure on how much of our seafood comes from the gulf but i think its a safe bet to say that its over 25%. Think about that the next time you have shrimp for dinner. Look at what the katrina disaster did for the cost of lumber during that time…it nearly doubled…given the pollution and the amount of time for the ecosystem to balance back out properly the cost of seafood may go up permanently. Not to mention they say that the gulf gains a football field of marshland every 40 min. What effect will that have on the people living there(and thats not oil related) but obama seems to think that investing money will actually “restore” the gulf…I voted for him but i dont see that happening no matter how much money you put into it.

Betty asks…

Will the BP Gulf oil spill have positive effects?

Along the lines of –
what people think about our oil needs, how much we use and where we get it from
and
funding and researching alternative sources

I think this will only be good news for people around the world who are pushing green energy. currently no countries really spend enough R&D on green energy and any breakthroughs in the area are ages away.

The Expert answers:

It’ll help us get the oversight and regulations we need to drill in exotic/unique locations. We’ve been drilling on land and in shallow water for so long that we’ve taken oil extraction for granted. It’s time we admitted that some drilling has a whole lot more risks and needs more oversight.

Unfortunately, I don’t think it’ll get America going on alternatives. After the gas crises of the 1970’s everyone was with Carter and his plan. Then gas became plentiful again and everyone lost interest. Same thing happened after the Exxon Valdez. Americans don’t have the will to carry through with the programs unless they’re inconvenienced. In the mean time, both India and China are taking the lead in lowering their carbon footprint (20% by 2020) and in developing alternatives. The US doesn’t seem to think it needs to be a world leader in this area.

Susan asks…

Why is it that between friday and sunday this appointment has changed twice?

On whose recommendation are the appointments made and what was wrong with the original replacement?
There has been a lot of activity in the past few days in the insurance sector. Is it prudent to make this appointment at this time to this person? Considering this man’s trade union expertise and experience at the electricity board he seems better qualified to hold a different post.
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_09/February22161212RA.html
He is by all indicators in the wrong department.Perhaps the vacancy should remain so until the proper candidate is vetted for the post.
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/080601/FinancialTimes/ft326.html
Mr Kariyawasam said alternative energy solutions such as solar, wave, wind, mini hydro, biomass and tidal are extremely costly. The investment cost for 1 MW of installed capacity of solar power is US$10 million. Wave power costs US$4 million per 1 MW, biomass US$3 million, wind US$3 million, mini hydro US$1.5 million and tidal US$4 million. In comparison, diesel and natural gas in internal combustion engines cost US$0.9 million per 1 MW while central generation using fossil fuel costs US$1 million per MW.
I am well aware that the interchangeable Minister Murkherjee is in Colombo this week as I am well aware of the Sampath project which remains unapproved, I am also well aware of Namaste as I am well aware that Murkhejee is not Prime Minister. I understand the world view is skewed at 4’6″ but small mindedness and short perception do not have to operate in conjunction with dimunitive stature. I am also well aware of the recruitment of ex-cons into the US alternative energy sector as it was on the news today, Mr. Murkherjee- the US was so looking forward to having its young, non-criminal proponents of alternative energy working on these federally mandated projects, much more so than building mafias.It is also wise for an external minister of one country to stay out of the internal affairs of its neighbor especially when there are verfiable links of cross border terrorism that span 30 years. In Sri Lanka we have experienced the devolution of “former terrorists” to mafia elements that still carry on terrorist acts. To that end Mr. Murkherjee I pose the question – What is your involvement with Namaste and was your participation and/or “expertise” requested? For your “expertise”,per your designation, in Sri Lanka’s internal affairs, foreign policy and national security are not requisite or a pre-requisite to our sovreignity. Senator McCain, please have a conversation with Vice-president Biden regarding this matter. I had also asked him to pass along information regarding certain Arizona residents that were at 8/27 to your attention.
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=12160614&ch=4226713&src=news

The Expert answers:

I agree with you and it must stop..I think we should boycott Arizona.

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Your Questions About Green Living

Ruth asks…

Are eco-friendly products really that beneficial?

What are the disadvantages? I’m doing a project and all of the topics are an issue to the economy meaning this topic is also. Anyone know how the issue effects the economy (actual dollar value)? Government laws/policies/initiatives or do you know specific regions/people/cultures of canada are effected/involved? if you know none help contribute some cons, thanks!

The Expert answers:

If you go to Yahoo Green you can find some good info.

Mary asks…

Will you buy eco-friendly products even if it is 3 times higher than normal price?

The Expert answers:

I tend to stick to house hold stuff like vinegar lemon juice tomato sauce cola etc for cleaning as a lot more cost effective, I do buy certain eco friendly products which are more expensive, but I think it is better to do so and the more people who buy them the pricedoes come down.

Joseph asks…

Eco Friendly Products?

I recently decided that I wanted to start buying things that are more Ecofriendly. I know that it helps to bring your own bag to shop with, instead of using the plastic ones they offer. It also cuts down on what you buy!

Any other ideas?
Oops, I realize I put this in the wrong category >.<

The Expert answers:

Buy organic products. (No harmful chemicals/pesticides used).
Learn about biodegradable remedies by making your own whenever possible.
Recycle (including using old clothes as cleaning rags). Write your grocery list on the back of a junk e-mail letter rather than using new paper to avoid killing more trees.
Go to health food stores that carry many of the latest “green” brands. (I buy my cosmetics at a good health store and biodegradable shampoo with most of the ingredients grown here in North America).
Drive a fuel efficient car (or a hybrid if you can afford it). Public transportation is the best if it is efficient in your area.
Buy a solar calculator rather than one with batteries to avoid filling up landfill sites with old batteries.
One lady (link below) even gave her house to “recycling” so give away before throwing it away.
Vote for politicians with clear and “do-able” green agendas.
Visit as many “green” websites as possible for new ideas. I am still amazed by how much I learn reading them.

Make your own cleaners:
http://www.greenyour.com/home/housekeeping/cleaning-products/tips/make-your-own-multi-purpose-cleaners?subject=510

Ideas:
http://home.earthlink.net/~bnvarma/Articles/Green%20House.html

Lady recycles her old house:
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2008/08/07/ot-freehome-080807.html?ref=rss

William asks…

Help me find industry-relevant eco-friendly promotional products!?

I work for a Fork Lift / Material Handling Distributor in Michigan. We want to promote our Green Solutions (lower gas emission trucks, electric trucks, used trucks) and will be creating a website with industry-relevant information on “Going Green” as opposed to “Being Green.”

Can you help me find ecofriendly AND relevant promotional products? Thanks!

The Expert answers:

Http://www.europeanwear.com/acatalog/environmentally_friendly_Clothing.html

Donna asks…

what are some eco friendly products?

i need some eco freindly products for my homework

The Expert answers:

Radiator booster
http://www.nigelsecostore.com/acatalog/Radiator_Booster.html

Biodegradeable carrier bags

Eco friendly detergents – phosphate free (reduces water pollution) low temperature efficient, sold in refillable bottles

Solar battery chargers

Low energy light bulbs

John H (no, I’m not part of the list, but I am fairly eco friendly !!!)

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Your Questions About Green Living

John asks…

Physical Science Research paper?

I missed a lab and am now able to write a 5 page (minimum) research paper to make it up. It’s for a non-major physical science class. He said it can be anything that relates to physical science but gave us some options of: history of physical science, environmental issues, physical science in industry, or biographical sketches of a famous scientist. Since I’m not too familiar with the subject, I’m having a hard time finding a topic to write about.

If anyone has any ideas, it’d be greatly appreciated!

The Expert answers:

Search on how environmental elements like water, air … Can tolerate and absorb a fairly large amount of pollution.

Paul asks…

How far out of the spotlight has climate change been pushed?

And more importantly, what are the future prospects for carbon emission reduction policies and other man made global warming reduction measures?

According to Newsweek, the outlook is rather grim for what over the last couple of years has been the number one environmental agenda issue, the hot potato so to speak. Here are some interesting snippets:

“…controlling the global climate turned out to be a lot more complicated than the advocates of fierce and fast CO2 cuts would have us believe.”

“…economists disagree widely on whether the cost of the current set of policies, such as carbon caps and green-fuel subsidies, is justified by the avoided damage from warmer temperatures.”

In many ways, green projects have become just another flavor of grubby interest politics. Biofuels have become a new label for old-style agricultural subsidies that funnel some $20 billion annually to landowners with little effect on emissions…”

“A new climate realism would more carefully weigh the costs and benefits of emissions controls, and look at other options beyond the current set of targets. The new debate will be more pragmatic and include a broader mix of policies.”

What are you thoughts on the source article? http://www.newsweek.com/2010/07/12/a-green-retreat.html
Dana – Let me guess, 97% of certified and chartered economists support cap and trade. The 3% who don’t are either unqualified, retired, haven’t published in years or are economy-deniers like Bjorn Lomborg.

I patiently await the publication of the supporting study/poll. However, it will be fascinating to see if it’s published in a peer-reviewed economy journal or a climate journal.
virtualguy – I believe it was written by Wilt Chamberlain.

The Expert answers:

If Copenhagen didn’t deflate the expectations of the AGWers nothing will.
The very governments they hope to initiate change, walked away washing their hands.
Like rats deserting a sinking ships, they will hope that the world will forget about this conundrum called climate change.

Daniel asks…

do you know ways on how to apply “conservation of mass” in our daily lives?

our prof is making us do this report about our experiment on conservation of mass. do you know any activities/ways/applications wherein the concept of conserving mass is used in our day to day activities..(like a social issue, environmental issue..etc.) ex. experiment on icecream making: featuring “selecta”/”magnolia”… <— something like that… tnx!

The Expert answers:

Water may be frozen, melted or turned to steam with zero change in mass. Ordinary chemical reactions result in no change in mass (only nuclear reactions change mass). Burning gasoline (in a car) combines oxygen with hydrocarbons to form CO, CO2, and H20 vapor (ignoring NOx’s) and the weight (mass) of the gasoline and oxygen exactly equals the weight of the products of combustion. Eating and metabolizing ice cream does not result in a net change in mass (although a person’s weight may change because he does not exercise enough to produce sufficient CO2 and metabolic water).

Joseph asks…

What can I do to protect the environment?

Most people are concern of environmental changes and issues like pollution or global warming. What can we do? We are millions, if all of us can do something, even if is the slightiest one, we could help.
There is always something we can do. Half of electricity produced in USA, is the result of burning thousands of tons of coal per generating plant. Every second tons of Carbon Dioxide is expelled to the atmosphere. We can try not to use electricity unnecessarilly.
I remember most police cars in many towns in USA, are running idle their motors in the police park lots. “Just in case” they said. USA is the biggest consumer of fossil fuel. Many scientist have said there will be a point of no return in 50 years or so. Oceans will be uncapable to absorbe that much Carbon Dioxide. Algae, coral and plancton will die. Global tempereature will rise. It could be the next global extintion, all caused by humnans. But humans can think and take awareness fo this. We cannot wait for this to happen

The Expert answers:

I wouldn’t worry. The “pollution” cars supposedly kill the o-zone layer with have been coming from volcanoes and other things of natural for thousands of years. The ozone layer has dealth with it just fine up until now.

William asks…

Can I take a Honda Element from California to Canada when I move?

I am moving from California to Canada and wanting to buy a Honda element before the move. Can I take it with me over the boarder and register it in canada? My dad seems to think that there will be issues with the smog and environmental laws, since he thinks that they differ from the US to canada. Any ideas where I can get information on this? Thanks in Advance!!

The Expert answers:

Honda Elements are built in North America…Marysville, OH to be precise. Check the Canadian owners threads on the forum at http://www.elementownersclub.com If you don’t find what you’re looking for post this question there. The EOC is a very active and helpful site with tons of information from enthusiastic owners.

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Your Questions About Green Living

Ken asks…

Environmental Issues?

i need to write a research paper about the any topic that has to do with environmental issues. I was thinking of doing one about oil spills, but im not sure. I need a list of ideas.
I don’t want links to stupid Study abroad schools! Spammers be spammers but don’t spam me please 🙂 So, if I could get some ideas, that’d be great…
everyone is doing endangered species, and I really want to make a WOW impression on my teacher, as the first and second marking periods will be used for class placement in High School.

The Expert answers:

-Global warming
-Global dimming
-Deforestation
-Acid rain
-Hole in the ozone layer
-Endangered species
-Urbanisation
-Over population
-Renewable energy
-Nuclear waste
-Oil spills
-Landfill & Incineration
-Bio-gas
-Ethanol and hydrogen for fuel
-Economy vs environment
-Sustainable development

Donald asks…

environmental issues?

someone help me or give ame a brief idea of how to explain these environmental issues as they relate to tourism an events industries
– sustainability
-Waste management
– energy use and efficiency
-resource use and efficiency
– water resource management
-recycling/re-use

The Expert answers:

Phuhuynh7garden says Hello!
Have a nice day!

Susan asks…

environmental issues?

I need a good environmental issue for a paper due tomorrow!!

The Expert answers:

Http://www.globalissues.org/EnvIssues/

http://environment.about.com/

http://www.globalstewards.org/issues.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_environmental_issues

Mandy asks…

environmental issues?

ok i need help with a research paper. i have to do a paper on a environmental issue. the environmental issue i choose was “Is Clean Coal Really Clean?”. i need help with this research paper.
so you wanna help plz and thanx

tanner t

The Expert answers:

Well, since you were honest about asking for homework help, i’d suggest googling “clean coal” and go from there. Also, check the discovery, science, natgeo and green channels for documentaries on “clean coal”. Be advised there is much “clean coal” propaganda out there–put forth by the coal industry–and is factually unreliable. Your job should be to present both sides of the issue (whether clean coal is actually clean) and reach a conclusion. Hint: clean coal is anything but. Good subject matter–and good luck.

Helen asks…

Environmental issues?

is war an environmental issue? and why.

The Expert answers:

Fdwef

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Your Questions About Green Living

David asks…

Ecofriendly clothing line with a message?

I’m looking for an online ecofriendly clothing line that actually displays the message of Environmentalism. Anyone know of a line like this?

The Expert answers:

I agree cafepress is great you could also try shirts of bamboo. I just ordered two more out of their clearance area for ten dollars and with a google code they had free shipping.

Chris asks…

Where can I get Eco-friendly clothes?

But not ones that are terribly expensive

The Expert answers:

Wal-Mart, cotton is eco-friendly…what are you looking for. Linen etc is all eco friendly. Look around where you live and go for all natural fibers. Google it and

Lisa asks…

Eco-friendly stores in the US?

Are there any??
Only ecofriendly clothes, bags, etc, etc.

The Expert answers:

Pink & brown sells organic clothing

Jenny asks…

has anyone tried to wash clothes with these new eco friendly ball things?

i have and my clothes dont smell fresh,what do you think?
these contain little balls that do the cleaning,you dont use powder!

The Expert answers:

No they dont seem to work for me either, however if you want fresh smelling clothes put 1 cap of vinegar into your wash AS A PRE WASH, this kills all nasty odours that you get when you are ironng OH an forget what the washing packs say if you can wash them at temperatures above 40 then do so, germs and bacteria can still live at 40 degrees

Betty asks…

What are some cool DIY clothing and accessory ideas & instructions?

I’m making a clothing line of eco friendly DIY clothing and accessories. Does anyone know any really cool, unique clothing or accessory ideas?

The Expert answers:

Http://ohmystars.net/craft/index.htm
http://www.instructables.com
http://www.thriftdeluxe.com/
http://www.craftster.org

Home


http://community.livejournal.com/t_shirt_surgery/
All great 🙂

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Your Questions About Green Living

Helen asks…

Alternative energy?

Does anyone kow if Vanguard has or will have an alternative/green fund? I already have 2 funds with them and thought it would be easier to stay. Any suggestions if not?

The Expert answers:

Vanguard sells only one alternative energy mutual fund. It is Guiness Atkinson Alternative Energy Fund (GAAEX).

They have a high expense ratio of 1.98%.

While I respect your desire to invest in alternative energy, I don’t think it will be a big money maker for you. The analogy is bowling alley stocks in the 1950s and dot-coms in the 1990s. Back then, everone loved bowling and things that were online. The problem was that the fundamentals underlying both industries was all wrong and both sectors did not live up to the hype. Such is the same with alternative energy. The issue is that coal is by far the cheapest form of energy out there, followed by nuclear, then natural gas and crude oil. Meanwhile, most green fuels are double and triple the cost of traditional fuels.

Hooray for ethanol, but it’s pretty screwed. First, it takes almost as much hydrocarbons to fertilize, sow, maintain and then harvest corn (the main feedstock for US-based ethanol). Now gasoline made from crude oil costs about $1.70/gallon wholesale. It costs about $1.50 to refine corn into ethanol. There is about $0.51/gallon is corn subsidies per gallon of ethanol. And ethanol has only 67% of the energy capacity as gasoline. So ethanol costs about double the price of gasoline before you’ve even bought the corn. In theory, we can create ethanol from cellulosic sources (i.e. Think grasses and trees), but we haven’t come up with the right enzymes to break down the cellulose into alcohol. Fuel cells? Billions upon billions upon billions went into VC funds to fund hydrogen fuel cells. Bottom line… Still more far, far more expensive than gas. More nuclear power? More natural gas plants (with their highly explosive regassification plants). NIMBY is far too powerful in a democracy for people to vote to have a power plant near their home. They always want it near someone else’s home. Wind power has promises because it can compete against hydrocarbon based power on a price basis (after including long-term operation, fuel stock and capital expenditures). However, really windy place out in the middle of nowhere where people want them are in only a few places. Furthermore, we still haven’t invented a superconductor that works without having to freeze the thing. So we use copper and its highyl inefficient transmission methods as ohms suck away all the energy.

No, my friend, people will always choose powerplants to be built in someone else’s back yard, give lip service to green energy but won’t actually buy it when it costs triple what gasoline costs. The solution is taxing oil with a huge tax to fully cost in the crude (e.g. Polution), but no politician is going to touch that with a ten foot pole until it is too late.

The world is going to consume more oil like it has for the last century and an unstoppable 2% march, like’s its done for decades and decades. More wars will be fought. When oil reach really, really high prices – where alternative energy can compete on cost as opposed to just environmentalism at a massive cost to the consumer – will alternative energy thrive. That’s when we reach the tipping point.

Laura asks…

Alternative energy?

i am trying to find pros and cons of energy sources, (especially nuclear, and hydro wind, ECT.) i want to know all the facts before i decide i really dont like something, i dont think i agree with nuclear but I cant say i dont until i hear all the sides of it.
can anybody help?

The Expert answers:

Wikipedia could do this better than I can, but here’s a short list

nuclear
pro-clean, fairly abundant fuel(expensive but there is a large supply), efficient
con-what to do with the waste fuel (a problem mostly sovled with breeder reactors and such) they are a potential terrorist target, verly low possiblility of a meltdown
hydro
pro-clean, sustainable
con-building dams can damage the enviroment, difficult to expand projects as many rivers are already dammed
wind
pro-clean, sustaible
con-needs windy area, expensive, can damage wildlife/ruin the view
solar
-pro-clean, sustainible
-con- expensive, need a sunny area
coal
pros-cheap, supplies should last another 200 years or so
cons-very polluting, coal mining damages the environment

Daniel asks…

What is alternative energy and what are some examples?

I need a few examples of alternative energy and what it is.

The Expert answers:

Alternative energy is a term that refers to methods of generating energy that are not the usual method (i.e. Fossil fuels). There are many forms of alternative energy, but, as energy is conserved, you have to ask yourself where the energy comes from (and the answer is always “the sun”). You should always be careful when you look at energy forms, because some of them just won’t work – like the idea of putting water in your gas tank that another user has suggested (thermodynamics shows that these ideas won’t work).

The sun undergoes nuclear reactions which result in the release of photons (beams of light that have energy associated with them). Alternative energy forms just capture the energy from the sun in different ways (actually, fossil fuels also got their energy from the sun a long time ago).

Here are a few alternative energy sources and how they relate to the sun:

Bio-fuels: We can grow plants (such as algae, corn, sugar cane) which collect the photons from the sun and use the energy in the photons to create sugars. We can harvest those sugars and and turn them into liquid fuels such as ethanol.

Solar Energy: This technology directly harnesses the energy of the sun by absorbing photons through photovoltaic solar cells and which create an electrical current when they absorb a photon. Additionally, you can use the energy of the sun to thermally heat an object, which is referred to as solar-thermal energy.

Wind Energy: When the photons from the sun hit the air in the atmosphere, that energy can cause the generation of wind. We can harvest the wind energy by using turbines which spin when the wind hits them. The spinning motion is used to turn a generator which produces electricity.

Hydro-electric: When the sun hits water, it can cause the water to turn into a gas and later that gas can result in rain. If the rain occurs at a high enough elevation and gets held behind a dam, the water now possesses a high potential energy due to the energy from the sun. That energy can be turned into electrical energy by converting the potential energy of the water into kinetic energy which is then used to turn a turbine in a hydroelectric dam.

I came accross a new, proven and tested home made wind power system and solar power system which eliminates our electricity bills. It was written by a Renewable energy enthusiasts Michael Harvey the diy called Earth4energy. You can get your copy to save energy and help environment while eliminating your power bills. Get it from here: http://homemadeenergyreviews.blogspot.com/

Donna asks…

Alternative Energy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!????????????????????????????/?

What are the types of alternative energys?

The Expert answers:

Solar(sun)
Windmill(wind)
Hydroelectric(water)
Biofuel(Growing plants and burining them for energy)
Geothermal
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nuclear

They’re all alternative,but nuclear isn’t renewable.

John asks…

What major should I choose if I want to help construct ways to find alternative energy sources? ?

I took an AP Environmental Science class and I fell in love with the idea of harnessing alternative sources of energy to help the world. But I have no idea what major I would choose in college. I really want to go to UCSD by the way 🙂 thanks for the help:)

The Expert answers:

Engineering and then there are several areas you can specialize in

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