Green Living Q & A

what can i do to make my furnitures looking like new ones?

http://kin.naver.com/detail/detail.php?d1id=5&dir_id=514&eid=/0wkng35zKoNFGjP/Q5KmHktY07O7aLF

these are pics of my 2 bookcase 3 table, 1 bed table, 1 desk
what can i do to make these looking pretty next my new beige color couch?
i was thinking one of those wall sticker paper, but i don’t know where to get them and many people don’t know what that is.. iit’s like a decorative wallpaper but it’s sticky behind it, so it’s a sticker and u can just cut it and cover your old table or whateve to make it compeletly diffrent looking.
or..how about painting?i heard that to paint the furnitures you have to use nontoxic eco friendly paint? please help me with details!!!!

Need some ideas for my interior design final?

For my final I have to choose furniture for every room of the house (4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, dining room, living room basement, laundry room etc.), create an invention for something in my house, tell how my house is eco friendly, make a floor plan and make an elevation drawing of one room.
1. How could I make my house “green” other than recycling or solar panels. Everyone else is doing that.
2. Could you post a picture of your favorite piece of furniture you can find online. I have a lot of it picked out, but I am looking for some funky, fun out of the norm things. Think Ikea style.
3. Any ideas for my invention? All my ideas have sucked like a light that blows out bubbles haha(:

Do you think it’s possible for a family of clutterbugs to adopt a minimalist lifestyle?

I come from a long line of messies, who keep lots of unnecessary stuff that we will probably not use again, or wouldn’t miss if it was gone. I’m now a single mom of two teens, and they’ve adopted the family tradition. We’re not exactly hoarders, in that there’s plenty of space to sit down and live comfortably. Guests don’t mind visiting our home at all, and seem to like like to “cozy” and lived in feel of it. But we get pretty disgusted ourselves and depressed when we look around, and the task of decluttering seems monumental. We do it it spurts , but it never seems to stay that way.

Here’s the thing: We now live in a large, older home, but I want to build a very small, eco–friendly house soon. I would really like a house with clean, contemporary line, minimalist in terms of furniture and ‘stuff’. Actually, the house wouldn’t be big enough to accommodate a lot of stuff; only 900 sq. ft. I feel like we would be so much happier, and less anxious and stressed in that kind of environment. Is it likely that we can accomplish such a change in lifestyle?
Sometimes, I want to just let somebody come in, tell them what absolutely needs to be kept, and let them have at it. For us to just leave the house until they’re done.

Disowning my family, what can I do to support myself from now on?

I suffer from depression, but have come to terms with it and just try and get on with things in life. I have been at university since September, and love my course, despite the fact I have been ill (physically).

I have decided today though to disown my family. My parents split last year, and my Dad barely has anything to do with me (possibly because there is every chance a new woman is in his life). The only time I get correspondence from him is on Christmas and birthdays. I saw him for my birthday last month and offered to see him again, but he said he was busy, even though he is retired and lives in the same city as what I am studying in (Edinburgh).

I go up north home once a month or so to see my Mum and Nan, and things were ok, until I came back for Christmas. Ever since I came back, arguments have arisen; I was very upset to find that my car had been used by my Mum and the diesel not replaced etc; it’s in my Nan’s driveway as she has said I can keep it there, yet my Mum’s so called cheeky friend from Hungary had the nerve to park hers there, so mine was right by the road and there have been a few reported incidents of dustcarts driving recklessly on the roads there, so am concerned. I also discovered this Hungarian mate of my Mum’s will be living at home for two months. I dont like the friend and it has always been the case that if my Mum doesnt like my friends, I am not allowed to have them back. When I mentioned this she said “it’s not YOUR house”.

At the same time last year, we sold our much loved house of 15 years, everything about it was perfect. I hate the house my Mum lives in now, where my things are. At the old house, I had security and privacy, now it feels like I have nowhere to go, as she says it’s not my room etc. Today in particular was awful as I got up early to do my Christmas shopping. I had four angry missed phonecalls from my Mum fuming that I had accidently locked her out, yet she blamed me solely as she didnt have her key with her. When I got back, she wanted me to move my car from my Nan’s driveway as my cousins were arriving today so I did, but before I did, she said I was to blame for most things and am so selfish; there was a misunderstanding with my Nan, as I asked her if she needed anything from the shops when I was in town, to which she replied my cousins would get it, so left them to it. However, today she asked for cough medicine, and again, I got the blame for the misunderstanding. It was also mentioned that one of the nosy neighbours saw me twice and I “was so rude to ignore her”- even though the first time I hadnt seen her, the second I was speaking on my mobile and briefly acknowledged her.

I have said to my Mum that I no longer want to be part of the family, and she said that was good, as she wants me out. I am 23 and although this is the first year I have left home for uni, can stand on my own two feet, but do need some advice.

So firstly, I need to get my stuff into storage. Does anyone know prices for storage rooms (UK)? I have six medium to large pieces of furniture. Also, I have a car, but the uni forbids me to keep it on campus (silly green policy, even though my car is the most eco friendly car going with low CO2 emissions). How can I get around this? I am frightened if I leave it back at home, she will have it towed away or something.

Any other suggestions most appreciated. Please dont mention about God etc though, as I dont believe in that, thanks.
Well Jean Luc- seeing as that’s quite a rude and personal question to ask- growing up was difficult and I had to work that bit harder at school/college over a period of years to get to where I want to be now.
Sanchez- Why dont you grow up?!! Selfish my arse. If you knew the course I was doing, maybe you’d change your mind.
Actually Sanchez, I think you will find I am not. I am prepared to listen to people, but not prepared to be insulted like some of the folk on here have. Sounds like you are having a wonderful Xmas as well to have a pop at me!
Awomack- Already done that I’m afraid!

Could someone correct my translation in UK-English? It’s for exam.Thanks a lot!?

Imagine that you are answering the final question from very popular quiz…and the last question is…Which is the fastest growing plant on this planet having almost the same strength as the steel? Hmmm…Maybe you cannot bring to your mind the answer quickly. Ok…But when you will hear some other amazing facts about it, you will probably remember it. The correct answer is – bamboo.
A brief introduction: bamboo is a woody perennial evergreen plant that is actually part of the true grass family. There are over 1000 species of bamboo on the earth. Bamboo can be found all over the world in varied climates, from the cold mountainous regions to the hot tropical areas. They can be found in North and South America, throughout East Asia, northern Australia, and southern Africa. Although they can grow to towering heights – ranging from miniatures to 60 meters, bamboo is not actually considered a tree. Bamboo along with being one of the tallest grasses in the world is also the fastest growing plant in the world, capable of growing up to 1 meter per day!
In addition to these characteristics, bamboo also boasts incredible environmental benefits. Despite its lowly reputation, bamboo may be the strongest stuff on the planet. Its growth pattern makes it easily accessible in a minimal amount of time. Bamboo provided the first re-greening in Hiroshima after the atomic blast in 1945.
A grove of bamboo returns 35 percent more oxygen into the air than an equivalent stand of trees. By taking in more carbon dioxide and emitting more oxygen bamboo naturally battles global warming and climate change. Bamboo does it year around because it is an evergreen. Fuel made from bamboo would have a neutral carbon dioxide impact because any fuel made and burned from bamboo will release the same amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere that was consumed by the bamboo while it was growing. In an age ridden with fuel wars, and an ever-declining ozone layer, natural products like bamboo have taken a front scene in the international energy crises, primarily for production of renewable ethanol and diesel.
Bamboo is exquisite component of landscape design. Its anti-erosion properties create an effective watershed, stitching the soil together along fragile river banks, deforested areas, and in places prone to earthquakes and mud slides.
Another important benefit of bamboo cultivation is that it helps sustain China’s endangered panda population. Giant pandas usually eat only the four or five kinds that grow in their habitat of southwestern China.
Bamboo is strong–it’s one of the strongest building materials in the world. Yet despite its strength, when made into clothing, bamboo is softer than the softest cotton and smoother than the smoothest silk. The bamboo fiber is eco–friendly, without any chemical additives. It takes 150 grams of chemical fertilizers to produce one cotton t-shirt. In contrast, bamboo requires very little water because it is 300 percent more absorbent than cotton and it requires no harmful pesticides or insecticides. In addition, growing bamboo actually enriches the soil with nutrients while growing cotton depletes it. More importantly, bamboo fiber is a unique biodegradable textile material. As a natural cellulose fiber, bamboo fabric can be 100% biodegraded in soil by microorganisms and sunlight. The decomposition process does not cause any pollution in the environment.
What other about bamboo? Thomas Edison also successfully used a carbonized bamboo filament in his first experiment with the light bulb.
In Limon, Costa Rica, only the bamboo houses from the National Bamboo Project stood after their violent earthquake in 1992.
It is interesting also that…bamboo furniture is light, durable, and affordable…bamboo shoots provide nutrition for million of people worldwide. In Japan, the antioxidant properties of pulverized bamboo bark prevents bacterial growth and it’s used a natural food preservative….current research point to bamboo’s potential in a number of medicinal uses, especially in cure of some types of venereal diseases and cancers…bamboo is a mystical plant as a symbol of strength, flexibility, tenacity, endurance, luck and compromise. Throughout Asia, bamboo has for centuries been integral to religions ceremonies, art, music and daily life.
With time and dedicated research, perhaps our future will be a bit brighter due to the widespread use of bamboo. We will be not surprised to see a bamboo plantation pop up in a field near us!

what are some environmental issues in the area of Los Angeles?

I have to write a paper on some environmental issue in the area of Los Angeles, i cannot think of any though. Any ideas?

what are the current environmental issues in Finland?

i have a geography project due in a few days and i need to know what the current environmental issues in finland are?

What’s the best source for looking up social, health and environmental issues facing both the regions & China

What’s the best source for looking up social, health and environmental issues facing both the regions and China?

What topic can i write about that deals with environmental issues?

I have to write a paper detailing the history, current events and anticipated future ethical issues. I also have to provide my opinion about the significance and the imperative of environmental ethics. I just cant seem to think of a topic to write about. Can someone please help me….

What are some Environmental issues regarding mining?

What are some Environmental issues regarding mining?

How to involve ourselves to bring a peaceful world?

There are so many governmental and non-governmental organizations who are claimed as a peace maker. They have been trying to help on humanitarian issues and others.

In the name of political problems and natural disaster many organizations and governments help financially and materially. We acknowledged that I hope. However still it is far from the goal they have made.

All the religious organizations are not sincerely share their peace making efforts to each other. May be I am wrong but it is my observation.

Most of us know we are having many serious problems on humanitarian and environmental issues, many people would like to contribute something for the sake of our universe but some of them never know how to involve.

So, what should we do?

What do you think about Hummers and Suv’s?

Do you believe that in these times, when environmental issues have an effect on us all, when a large protion of the violence in the Middle East is a result of our fight to obtain as much oil as possible, when these bigger vehicles are responsible for guzzling more gas and causing double the amount of road accidents since their inception than any other vehichle, even four door sedans, that driving an SUV, especially a Hummer, is political, socially, and personally irresponsible?
And please don’t give me an answer like Harrison who was too busy criticizing my supposedly slanted question. I mean, really, Harrison. Do you think we would have defended Kuwait if they didn’t have our most precious export? Hmmm..
.
You’re a tool and a fool. Answer the question (if you’re smart enough to try) or go away.

What do you think about SUVs? Aren’t they bad for the world?

And Hummers too?

Do you believe that in these times, when environmental issues have an effect on us all, when a large protion of the violence in the
Middle East is a result of our fight to obtain as much oil as possible, when these bigger vehicles are responsible for guzzling more gas and causing double the amount of road accidents since their inception than any other vehichle, even four door sedans, that driving an SUV, especially a Hummer, is political, socially, and personally irresponsible?

How know legible do you consider yourself in terms of political issues?

I ask the question because it dawned on me that I really don’t know enough about the political ins and outs of health care. The election will be here before I know it. That’s a hot botton issue that I plan to research thoroughly before voting next November. I consider myself knowlegible about farm and livestock subsidizing, campaign finance laws, environmental policy, abortion laws, lobbying, gun crontol, and taxation.
My weaknesses include: knowledge about overall federal expenditures and earmarks, healthcare, and foreign policy. Because I don’t know enough about the politics, economics, and laws of other countries intertwined with us there’s no way I can truly consider myself educated on foreign affairs. I haven’t done indept research on the health care systems of other modern nations. I don’t really know which models would be a viable option for the U.S. to imitate, if any.

What do you consider your strengths and weaknesses?
What do you wish you knew more about?

Electric or gas to heat water for showers, which is cheaper?

I currently heat my water tank for our power shower/bath with gas. i have three daughters and they all shower in the morning, the gas is on for three hours to ensure there is enough hot water for all of them. However, our tank has an electric switch connected to the immersion heater in the tank which gives us instant hot water (like using and electric shower). My question is, would it be cheaper to have the water heated by the electrics for 30 minutes while the girls have showers or to heat the whole tank for three hours with gas. I know gas is considered cheaper than electricity but even in this case? And what about the environmental issues?
Does anyone know what it would actually cost to heat with gas for three hours and with electricity for thrity minutes? Please give a reason for your answer!!! Thanks
I live in North London

Which major is related to alternative energy?

I would like to know what I should major in if I wanted to have a career in alternative energy.

Specifically, I would like to work on creating new means of alternative energy for the future?

And Also, What careers have to do with what I am interested in?
Thanks.

What are Barack Obama’s ideas for an alternative energy source?

Ok, so I want to kow what Obama thinks we should use as an alternative energy source instead of burning fossil fules. I realize he wants to minimize the use of fossil fules but what does he think we should use instead?

What will it take for Americans to realize that we need to work even harder to find alternative energy?

It takes a war for oil, sending our troops to die for oil, gas prices skyrocketing, proposing to drill and destroy Alaska (one of the most beautiful places in the U.S. who’s ecosystem is already suffering from warming due to using gas), global warming and middle eastern powers and terrorists having something we need from them….all these things we do for oil. Isn’t it time we wake up? We need to work harder to find alternative energy!

Should we start looking for an alternative energy source in this decade?

If so, what do you think is the best source of alternative energy?

alternative energy. I want to be informed, where do I start?

I want to be a supporter for the alternative energy movement but not sure where to start. There are a few sites I came across myself but instead they use the subject to promote political means. Is there a site or book or something that can give me the facts as a beginner?

What are some good podcasts, YouTube channels, twitter/Facebook pages and other medusa? I want to be as immersed and informed as possible. Local resources where I live are a joke, which is why I ask for those above. Thanks

Does rain water harvesting count as a renewable energy source?

Obviously rainwater is renewable, but would harvesting it actually be counted as a renewable energy source?

what are the new and improved ways to renewable energy resources?

new and improved ways of working with renewable energy resources and bringing them to the front so that they are primary sources of energy for the US and not merely reduced to being “alternative” energy sources.

what is the most common and renewable energy sources?

what is the most common and renewable energy sources?

I have NO idea how to start my report on renewable energy sources?

Can someone please help me with an intro and what I should talk about. I have to compare 3 types of renewable energy sources. I already chose geothermal energy but I need two more, which 2 are also the best?

I have no idea how to start it, should I start talking about one source or introduce them all together? HELP PLEASE 🙁

Why can’t the Federal Govt increase subsidies to renewable energy companies instead of passing Cap and Trade?

All they have to do is increase their subsidies and incentives to companies in the renewable energy industry, create an easy to entry barrier with full Govt support, these Co.s will then invest the money in R&D and very soon there will be the advent of a new breakthrough in technology which will be cheaper than the current energy sources we have today.

This, in place of taxing CO2 and every molecule out there with out including H2O and O2.

Are there any interesting gifts for a 16-year-old?

I’m turning 16 soon and my parents want to let me pick something relatively small in addition to the (currently unknown) gift they’ve chosen. The funny thing is that I have almost no clue as to what I want. There are plenty of things out there, but nothing pops out as being amazingly useful or otherwise cool. Ideally, I’d like to get something that won’t break the bank (costs under $300), but is useful. Because this is a bit of an odd question, I’ve put it in two different formats below. The first uses lists to describe my buying habits, and the other one tries to describe the type of person I am. You can read one or the other and still be able to give a pretty good answer.
—–
If you could recommend something that fits in one of the following categories or something similar, please let me know:
portable gadgets like the Kindle, blogging, reading, making projects that involve music and/or graphics, eco–friendly ideas, money (really good investments), and advertising and marketing.

I’m either not interested in, not eligible for, or already have enough of things like a car, clothes, videogames, music and movies (like CDs and DVDs), temporary things like food or subscriptions, gift cards, furniture/decoration, cameras, phones, and MP3 players.
—–
If a description of behavior and personality works better for you, I’d say that even though most of my friends are higher on the “social food chain” at school, I’m a bit of a closet geek. While I don’t participate in the robotics club or anything like that, I’ve bought high-end iPod docks, use Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and Renoise to make pictures, websites and music, and read a lot of books in my spare time. I used to run a relatively successful (around 50 hits per day) blog where I pointed out cool things and wrote guides to everyday tasks, but shut it down due to privacy concerns.

Thank you so much for any help you can offer in this decision. Sorry for this question being so long–I just want to make sure that I get the best answers possible.

Are there any gadgets that would be good gifts for a teenager?

I’m turning 16 soon and my parents want to let me pick something relatively small in addition to the (currently unknown) gift they’ve chosen. The funny thing is that I have almost no clue as to what I want. There are plenty of things out there, but nothing pops out as being amazingly useful or otherwise cool. Ideally, I’d like to get something that won’t break the bank (costs under $300), but is useful. It should be pretty unique too–no keychain photo albums.

Because this is a bit of an odd question, I’ve put it in two different formats below. The first uses lists to describe my buying habits, and the other one tries to describe the type of person I am. You can read one or the other and still be able to give a pretty good answer.
—–
If you could recommend something that fits in one of the following categories or something similar, please let me know:
portable gadgets like the Kindle, blogging, reading, making projects that involve music and/or graphics, eco–friendly ideas, money (really good investments), and advertising and marketing.

I’m either not interested in, not eligible for, or already have enough of things like a car, clothes, videogames, music and movies (like CDs and DVDs), temporary things like food or subscriptions, gift cards, furniture/decoration, cameras, phones, and MP3 players.
—–
If a description of behavior and personality works better for you, I’d say that even though most of my friends are higher on the “social food chain” at school, I’m a bit of a closet geek. While I don’t participate in the robotics club or anything like that, I’ve bought high-end iPod docks, use Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and Renoise to make pictures, websites and music, and read a lot of books in my spare time. I used to run a relatively successful (around 50 hits per day) blog where I pointed out cool things and wrote guides to everyday tasks, but shut it down due to privacy concerns.

Thank you so much for any help you can offer in this decision. Sorry for this question being so long. I just want to make sure that I get the best answers possible.

Is it wrong to sell a car that was passed down to me?

My parents are giving me their 04 Nissan Xterra, I was looking to sell in order to get a more Eco–friendly car. I do feel sort of bad since its a gift, but I really don’t want to harm the planet. I am 19 btw if that matters.

Are there any shops in London where I can go in PERSON & buy a new recycling newspaper Log-Maker gadget thing?

I am looking to buy one of these new eco–friendly gadgets (they make logs/bricks that you can burn on your fireplace – from your old newspapers and junkmail!) You just put in old papers, and press down on the handles (or a button, depending on the type!) and a brick pops out. Apparently they burn for up to 2 hours. COOL!

I have seen lots on websites, but I’d like to buy one in a store in PERSON in London, UK, as a gift tomorrow, if I can. Does anyone know if any of the green stores or eco-charities have started stocking them yet? I am quite deperate for one tomorrow, if I can – they are a brilliant innovation!

Many, many thanks to all out there!

Is there such thing as “Making your own Scarf”? How do you make one?

I really want to be eco friendly by making one, and not buying one. I also thought it would be a good gift too!

Can you please help me a little?
I was just thinking of buying fabric, and adding ribbon and beads for borders?!

Sustainable Development?

What role do you see for yourself as an individual, or as a future professional, in contributing to sustainable development? What barriers might limit your success?

sustainable development?

Sustainable development of a country like India?

sustainable development?

if anyone can give me a good website that has to do with sustainable development and tells me 6 reason why it’s good i will give you a best answer

Sustainable development…?

I am stuck on a question for biology, its asking me for an example of sustainable development and i need to explain how it works and why is it important. does anyone know? ive searched but im unsure what the answer is, thanks

Sustainable development?

Hi there!! well here is my third environmental question!!, actually this could seem very easy but it is more complicated than it looks… give your own definition of sustainable development, and i mean do not google it and do copy paste :p

For a better world!!

Where can i find sight of the most recent environmental issues?

i need 1 page plus sight on an issue that involves the environment, and i need to write a summery about it and other stuff. It needs to be extremely current like with in from oct. 20 till today would be best.

What’s a good book that talks about the environment, global warming, and other earth issues?

I’m trying to write a fictional novel about humans destroying the environment but I don’t know a lot about it… What is a good book that talks about today‘s environmental issues? Topics such as pollution, destruction of habitats, the atmosphere, and global warming are key to what I’m doing.

Please, I’m not looking for science textbooks. I just need to know basic things about the environment and a short book would do fine. Thanks.

Why are we not serious towards environmental issues?

Today everybody talks about development but what kind of development we need is not known. Filling ponds, water bodies etc. and making houses over there is a kind of development, cutting trees and destroying forests by making roads, schools, colleges etc. is another kind of development. There are so many such examples. Can you suggest any solution.

I need a good list of environmental issues…?

Only serious ones please.
I need a list of any environmental issues that you think are pressing today, e.g. litter.
Thanks!

In your opinion, what is the most critical environmental issue facing man or society today?

Why should green jobs be create when every green job destroys on average 4.8 regular jobs?

A Spanish study concluded that subsidizing renewable energy leads to a loss of 2.2 jobs for every one green job created. The study also found Spain needs to increase the cost of electricity by 31 percent to pay for its deficit, largely caused by renewable energy subsidies. Spain’s unemployment is 19 percent, indicating green job growth is not an effective way to stimulate an economy. A similar study in Italy found each green job displaced 4.8 jobs in the overall economy.

Legislation in Pennsylvania, such as House Bill 80 and House Bill 2405, would dig the hole deeper by mandating that utility companies purchase even more electricity from alternative sources than they are already required.

Alternative energy mandates arbitrarily decide which energy sources are “green.” Clean energy such as nuclear power and natural gas-which have minimal carbon dioxide emissions-do not make the list, while expensive sources like wind and solar do. Such bills replace sustainable energy jobs with jobs that are entirely dependent on taxpayer-funded subsidies, based on who has the best lobbyists.

Additionally, mandates kill jobs by raising electricity prices. States with binding renewable portfolio standards, like Pennsylvania, have electricity rates that are nearly 40 percent higher than states with no mandate. While state electricity costs are affected by other factors, alternative energy mandates necessitate higher energy prices. Pennsylvania’s utility companies predict that HB 80 will add between $9 billion and $12 billion to electricity costs to meet proposed mandates by 2024.

http://www.commonwealthfoundation.org/research/detail/green-jobs-destroy-good-jobs
@stratm663 Who gives a damn about a smaller carbon foot print. Man does not cause global warming anyway

How many schools & hospitals will be closed and manufacturing jobs lost by Obama’s high priced wind power?

Alternative energy is very expensive. Either companies lose money or they need a massive handout from hard working taxpayers.

When Obama and Dems give money to windmills, that money comes from taxpayers and is no longer available for schools, medicare, or medicaid. Obama could mandate that consumers pay the higher prices when they use electricity, but that would force manufacturers that use a lot of electricity/energy to countries like China where energy is cheap.

If wind energy power fields are so financially sound;why aren’t more private companies doing it?

I ask because of all the wind energy jobs being advertised. I think it is unfair that the government has, not only an advantage, but the ability to shut down and cap other companies out of existence…..but here are my questions

Why does the government have to ne involved at all?
Will the energy output be worth it (be able to pay for) for the land, construction, workers maintenance and every other cost that is involved.

If it was cost efficient, why didn’t more Private companies do this?
Is ir because the land could be used for much more money-making projects.

If all goes well with this new project, will wind power etc,be a source for money in addition to lessened need for taxes? (that is after the initial costs)

The way I see it, If there s money to be made somehow, someone WILL do it.Why is this not being more taken advantage of.
Main point-
Does this mean that gas/oil will be taxed to the point where they will not be able to stay in competition with government sponsored/paid for alternative energy? It “could” solve one pronlem, but if the goveernment continues these iactics it will essentaially shut dpwn and staganste private growth and the economy as a whole.
It seems to have, and could progress to what could be perceived “fascist”. Government contolling what should be perivate sector jobs and deciding what the country “needs”. Facsism doesn’t just mean warmongering as MANY think. Remember Nazi means – National Socialist Workers Party. Not take ver the world and kill ppl. party.
Just to make it clear. I am not in favor of wind energy, per se’. I am just against the government’s gigantic investments in it and basic “monopoly” of sorts (i used monopoly very loosely). I keep seeing commercials about how over 15,000 (18,000 comes to mind) new plants will be made by the government and need workers.(which is good, except I will be paying them)
Basically, I do not believe the government should be involved, or especially own or controll businesses/ I don’t really care about alternative energy for the most part. I think if anything we should pefect nuclear energy, especially fusion..
That was my point. Not let the gov dictate and epend our money on whatever they feel like. (AND money we don;t have).

What are some good jobs for recent non-science, liberal arts grads?

I’m very interested in sustainable energy, alternative energy, wind, solar, etc. I want to work somewhere exciting. I’d really like to own my own company but coming up with money to start is tough.

Help deciding on a major? Chemistry and green jobs?

I was thinking of majoring in Biochemistry, and while I would really like to work in a lab, I also would like to work with the natural world.

Is there any chance of getting a “green” job with a Biochem/Chemistry degree?
And

What is the largest market for green jobs? Is it sustainable farming, alternative energy or what?

Thanks.

Some Policy: Obama Spent $24 Billion on Energy in 2011?

The Congressional Budget Office says that the government provided $24 billion of tax credits and direct subsidies to the energy industry in 2011. Here’s how it was divided up:

$2.5 billion in various tax credits to the fossil fuel industry
$6 billion to the ethanol industry
$16 billion to renewable energy and energy efficiency programs
So, the industry that receives about 10 cents of each dollar of incentives the government provides produces 85% of all the energy to keep America going. And, yet it is the industry that Barack Obama demonizes and wants to punish with higher taxes.

It is important to understand that the various government incentives do not all come in the same form. The hydrocarbon industry takes advantage of tax credits designed to incentivize more investment in exploration and production. Most of it is identical to the kind of depreciation and expensing credits available to every other business in America. However, much of the support to ethanol and green technology is direct subsidies and grants; the government literally sends them a check.

Not only does the oil and gas industry supply us with the vast majority of the energy we need, it returns an average of 41% of net income back to the government in taxes and fees amounting to $85 million every day of the year. Meanwhile, the media is full of stories about bankrupt and struggling green energy companies that are net “takers” rather than “payers” to the Treasury.

With growing outrage over soaring gasoline prices, instead of approving the Keystone Pipeline and policies that would increase supplies, Barack Obama has renewed his attack on oil and gas calling for Congress to “eliminate this oil industry giveaway right away.” He reportedly wants to take the additional taxes from oil and gas and further subsidize green energy. Higher taxes would of course increase gas prices even more.

In 2008 we imported 57% of our oil, now we import 45% of our oil, thank you President Obama?

According to the study, the United States reduced net imports of crude oil last year by 10%, or 1 million barrels a day. The U.S. now imports 45% of its petroleum, down from 57% in 2008, and is on track to meet Obama’s long-term goal, the administration maintains.

Imports have fallen, in part, because the United States has increased domestic oil and gas production in recent years.

U.S. crude oil production increased by an estimated 120,000 barrels a day last year over 2010, the report says. Current production, about 5.6 million barrels a day, is the highest since 2003.

The U.S. has been the world’s largest producer of natural gas since 2009, the report says. Use of renewable sources of energy, such as wind and solar, is still relatively small but has doubled since 2008.

The report credits administration policies for the improvements. It cites initiatives such as the higher fuel efficiency of passenger cars, the jump in renewable energy output, and improved weatherization of 1 million homes.

But independent analysts attribute much of the fall in oil imports to slack U.S. demand in a still-anemic economy. And to a certain degree, they say, the boost in domestic oil and gas production is the result of decisions energy companies made during the George W. Bush administration to develop key reservoirs.

The report, titled “The Blueprint for a Secure Energy Future,” appears aimed, at least in part, at tamping down political fire from Obama’s Republican rivals and other critics who say his administration has not done enough to fight higher gasoline prices.

“We’re experiencing yet another painful reminder of why developing new American energy is so critical to our future,” the report states. “We know that there are no quick fixes to this challenge.”

Domestic gasoline prices rise and fall with global crude oil prices, which have been driven up by the gradual economic recovery and by market jitters over mounting tensions with Iran, one of the world’s largest oil producers. The closing of several U.S. refineries also has pushed gas prices higher.

Most Americans are convinced that Obama and Congress could do more to reduce gasoline prices, according to a recent Gallup poll.

GOP candidates on the campaign trail and some oil industry leaders have charged that Obama’s energy policies stifle domestic production, and they have urged the administration to open as much public land and offshore areas as possible to drilling.

Can we afford Obama?

If Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) Could Enact All Of His Campaign Proposals, Taxpayers Would Be Faced With Financing $874.35 Billion In New Spending Over One White House Term:

Updated February 14, 2008: Obama’s National Infrastructure Reinvestment Bank Will Cost $60 Billion Over Ten Years; Equal To $6 Billion A Year And $24 Billion Over Four Years. Obama: “I’m proposing a National Infrastructure Reinvestment Bank that will invest $60 billion over ten years.” (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks On Economic Policy, Janesville, WI, 2/13/08)

Obama’s Health Care Plan Will Cost Up To $65 Billion A Year; Equal To $260 Billion Over Four Years. “[Obama] campaign officials estimated that the net cost of the plan to the federal government would be $50 billion to $65 billion a year, when fully phased in, and said the revenues from rolling back the tax cuts were enough to cover it.” (Robin Toner and Patrick Healy, “Obama Calls For Wider And Less Costly Health Care Coverage,” The New York Times, 5/30/07)

Obama’s Energy Plan Will Cost $150 Billion Over 10 Years, Equal To $15 Billion Annually And $60 Billion Over Four Years. “Obama will invest $150 billion over 10 years to advance the next generation of biofuels and fuel infrastructure, accelerate the commercialization of plug-in hybrids, promote development of commercial-scale renewable energy, invest in low-emissions coal plants, and begin the transition to a new digital electricity grid.” (Obama For America, “The Blueprint For Change,” www.barackobama.com, Accessed 1/14/08, p. 25)

Obama’s Tax Plan Will Cost Approximately $85 Billion A Year; Equal To $340 Billion Over Four Years. “[Obama’s] proposed tax cuts and credits, aimed at workers earning $50,000 or less per year, would cost the Treasury an estimated $85 billion annually.” (Margaret Talev, “Obama Proposes Tax Code Overhaul To Help The Poor,” McClatchy Newspapers, 9/19/07)
• Obama’s Plan Would Raise Taxes On Capital Gains And Dividends, And On Carried Interest. Obama’s tax plan includes: “[i]ncreasing the highest bracket for capital gains and dividends and closing the carried interest loophole.” (Obama For America, “Barack Obama: Tax Fairness For The Middle Class,” Fact Sheet, www.barackobama.com, Accessed 1/8/08)
Obama’s Economic Stimulus Package Will Cost $75 Billion. “Barack Obama’s economic plan will inject $75 billion of stimulus into the economy by getting money in the form of tax cuts and direct spending directly to the people who need it most.” (Obama For America, “Barack Obama’s Plan To Stimulate The Economy,” Fact Sheet, www.barackobama.com, 1/13/08)

Obama’s Early Education And K-12 Package Will Cost $18 Billion A Year; Equal To $72 Billion Over Four Years. “Barack Obama’s early education and K-12 plan package costs about $18 billion per year.” (Obama For America, “Barack Obama’s Plan For Lifetime Success Through Education,” Fact Sheet, www.barackobama.com, 11/20/07, p. 15)

Obama’s National Service Plan Will Cost $3.5 Billion A Year; Equal To $14 Billion Over Four Years. “Barack Obama’s national service plan will cost about $3.5 billion per year when it is fully implemented.” (Obama For America, “Helping All Americans Serve Their Country: Barack Obama’s Plan For Universal Voluntary Citizen Service,” Fact Sheet, www.barackobama.com, 12/5/07)

Obama Will Increase Our Foreign Assistance Funding By $25 Billion. “Obama will embrace the Millennium Development Goal of cutting extreme poverty around the world in half by 2015, and he will double our foreign assistance to $50 billion to achieve that goal.” (Obama For America, “The Blueprint For Change,” www.barackobama.com, Accessed 1/14/08, p. 53)

Obama Will Provide $2 Billion To Aid Iraqi Refugees. “He will provide at least $2 billion to expand services to Iraqi refugees in neighboring countries, and ensure that Iraqis inside their own country can find a safe-haven.” (Obama For America, “The Blueprint For Change,” www.barackobama.com, Accessed 1/14/08, p. 51)

Obama Will Provide $1.5 Billion To Help States Adopt Paid-Leave Systems. “As president, Obama will initiate a strategy to encourage all 50 states to adopt paid-leave systems. Obama will provide a $1.5 billion fund to assist states with start-up costs and to help states offset the costs for employees and employers.” (Obama For America, “The Blueprint For Change,” www.barackobama.com, Accessed 1/14/08, p. 15)

Obama Will Provide $1 Billion Over 5 Years For Transitional Jobs And Career Pathway Programs, Equal To $200 Million A Year And $800 Million Over Four Years. “Obama will invest $1 billion over five years in transitional jobs and career pathway programs that implement proven methods of helping low-income Americans succeed in the workforce.” (Obama For America, “The Blueprint For Change,” www.barackobama.com, Accessed 1/14/08, p. 42)

Obama Will Provide $50 Million To Jump-Start The Creation Of An IAEA-Controlled Nuclear Fuel Bank. Obama: “We must also stop the spread of nuclear weapons technology and ensure that countries cannot build — or come to the brink of building — a weapons program under the auspices of developing peaceful nuclear power. That is why my administration will immediately provide $50 million to jump-start the creation of an International Atomic Energy Agency-controlled nuclear fuel bank and work to update the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.” (Sen. Barack Obama, “Renewing American Leadership,” Foreign Affairs, 7-8/07)

Which internship will help me in my major and field?

I am a construction management fifth year student and had an internship two years ago for an international general contractor. This summer I studied abroad/did research on renewable energy. Anyways, what do you all think?

1) Approach contractors for internship in exchange for school credits.

2) Apply for the Port of _____ in the Civil Engineering department (meet their requirements and they pay at least $12 for 20 hours week, but I have an average gpa).

I want to work in commercial properties but it is really bad where I am. I think working with CE will be helpful in learning from their perspective (also taking Construction engineering elective class this quarter). I want to gain skills that will help me graduate and be useful in my field.

Why would anyone think tying a Solar PV to the grid increases cost, when it decreases cost?

There seesm to be so much misunderstanding about solar electric, and the grid. I you are not ied to the grid you would need batteries for at night and ba weather. The power company would not be able to buy your excess power during the days when you are at work and kid’s at school, then credit you and use those credits so they supply you at night and bad weather. perfect exchange. Grid tied is the least expensive and most reliable solar PV installation, because of the bi-directional connection with the grid. payback is 8-20 years, depending on where you live. In sunny weather like CA, payback can be 8 years at today’s rates, and if prices double 4 years. Then free electric for 20 years because the panels are warranted for 25 years. Why people argue against solar is very purplexing. Works great in CA, NY, NJ, CO and 21 states have power company incentages and there are allowable tax deductions, just like other allowable deductions to know your tax bill down. Why would people argue against renewable energy