Your Questions About Green Living

Mary asks…

Are there any good eco friendly lesbian dating sites?

I’m looking for a lesbian dating site that is geared towards eco friendly dating. I know that there are a lot of regular lesbian dating sites, however, I am more interested in green dating sites for lesbians. I only want answers from people who can be respectful of my question. Thanks so much.

The Expert answers:

Http://www.hotgaydating.com

Susan asks…

What is a good company name that encompasses both toothpaste and eco-friendly?

I need a company name for a school project that brings together toothpaste and eco friendly in some way. Any suggestions?

The Expert answers:

Try this site (i’ve used it): http://sitefinance2010.notlong.com/2AA2Cb2

William asks…

What are fun and cool ideas to make our school more eco-friendly?

My friend and I decided we wanted to make our school more eco friendly. We asked if we can have a contest of the class who can recycle the most but we thought that kids will just go crazy only for the prizes and later on, stop recycling. So good ideas. We need it fun, good prizes! Please help!

The Expert answers:

Send all the kids home, permanently. Then they won’t have to travel there, and the kids will enjoy the extra long vacation!

Do anything to make the kids believe without thinking. Contests are a wonderful way to create an eco Granfalloon. Http://www.reference.com/search?q=Granfalloon.

Mandy asks…

What is the most Eco Friendly fleet service in India?

I have noticed that the CNG driven vehicles (DTC busses, Taxi services) propose they are “Eco Friendly” which still emit CO2. Considering the number of staff transportation vehicles in New Delhi & NCR, I wonder if there is a fleet provider who is eco friendly.

The Expert answers:

Delhi Metro is one such.
Every power driven vehicle will atleast emit some thing or other, which is not totally ‘Eco Friendly’.
Cycling will be Zero Emission option – but that may not be possible everywhere and everyone – for other practical reasons.

Carol asks…

I have an area of concrete stained from grass/plants, do you know of a eco friendly solution to remove stains?

The concrete is red and I would prefer to have the stains taken out with a solution that is cheap and eco friendly.

The Expert answers:

Use a power washer, you probably will not need any cleaner just keep the tip close to the concrete. Only problem is you will want to do all the concrete to match the clean area.

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Your Questions About Green Living

Laura asks…

Why do we allow the importation of goods not made under the same labor and environmental rules and regulations?

we use ? How in the hell are we suppose to effectively compete?

this was actually a question that Unka Dano on another question asked and he got 7 thumbs up and zero thumbs down —

so it occurred to me that this might actually be an issue that most of us agree on — just wondering

The Expert answers:

Because if the US did not allow the importation of those products there would be many repercussions. The US would be in vioation of many international trade agreements. It would invite retaliatory tarriffs and/or empargoes. It would reduce the availibility of affordable products for the average American. It would the basically chase more companies out of the US.

Really, the question is why do we regulate and thus price ourselves out of effective competition?

Banning certain imports from certain countries is honestly an awful plan. I think a better plan would be to re-ignite the American Manufacturing Machine. Make the US the preferred destination for manufacturers through the use of technology, higher/better productivity, reasonable/rational labor agreements and reasonable/rational environmental regulations. Right now there are way too many hoops to jump through for many companies to want to set up shop or even keep their existing shops in the US.

Helen asks…

Who or what is Leadership U, is religion based, if so which one?

We have some friends that have been attending these weekly meetings with 400+ in attendence. Our friends can’t explain in any detail what exactly is being represented, just that they feel better; more positive. There are those who have been very successful selling something; again they’re not sure what.
I pulled up a website called Leadership U, and it seems to be
a Christian based organization with the main focus being on environmental issues. Our friends want us to attend a meeting with them, but I’m very skeptical and want to know more before I agree to go.

The Expert answers:

Yikes – I’d share your concern.

Susan asks…

did mexicans colonize or immigrate to the us?

Did the group face prejudice,
segregation, racism or any combination of the three? If so, how and why?
Was this group effected by or did it participate in any of the following forms of
discrimination? If so, describe:
• Dual labor market
Environmental justice issues
• Affirmative action
• Redlining
• Double jeopardy
• Institutional discrimination
• Reverse discrimination
• Glass ceiling, glass walls, or glass escalator
o Do you culturally identify more with the ethnic group you examined, with United
States mainstream culture, or with both equally?

The Expert answers:

Click the link below to read about the Zoot Suit Riots in Los Angeles in1943.

Ken asks…

How do we get people to distinguish between living with a heightened awareness and being fearfully paranoid?

Education is paramount when it comes to being able to fix the problems plaguing us in today’s world. However, environmental issues such as global warming, issues over the war in Iraq, terrorism, and problems regarding health and personal safety are difficult for people to evaluate without feeling the fear of what they know. The fear can even become the source of apathy. People often believe what you don’t know won’t hurt you, but it can. You must somehow develop the ability to distinguish between living with a heightened awareness of circumstances without becoming too afraid and paranoid as well as ensuring others don’t quickly call you paranoid because of what you know but they do not. But that doesn’t answer my question. How do we get people to distinguish between living with a heightened awareness and being fearfully paranoid?

The Expert answers:

The same way that we teach our children to be aware of people that they don’t know with out making them afraid to go out side.
You let them know what the dangers are you teach them things that will help give them some control and than you pray they never have to use them.
There isn’t much more that you can do but that. When my daughter’s were very small, I sat them down and explained to them about people who might mean them harm, I gave them a couple of things that would enable them to feel in some sort of control. I told that that they could say no to an adult if they felt uncomfortable with what the adult wanted them to do. I told them that they could yell an scream at an adult to enable them to get away. I also gave them a password that only they and I would know in case I had to send someone they weren’t expecting to pick them up from school and everyone even my father had to use the word if he didn’t they didn’t leave with him. This was to get them in the habit of using the word so that if it ever was some one they didn’t know well they would remember to ask for the word. This is the same sort of thing we have to do as a society be prepared and know what your options are and than pray that you never need to use it.

Paul asks…

A couple of environmental policy questions…?

Hi,

I am doing a research paper on current happenings in US environmental policy. I have come across a couple of things I am unsure about, and am searching for some help.

1.) An article talks about various possible energy sources, and then talks about “government subsidies”. What exactly is a government subsidy, particularly in relation to environmental policy?

2.) In many articles I have been reading, I have come across the fact that a possible solution to warming is capping greenhouse-gas emissions, issue tradable permits, and giving plants the right to sell their credits. However, I was under the impression that this is already standard practice. Am I thinking of something else, or about something similar? Because I truly thought this was currently going on currently in the US industries.

Thanks very much for any help provided.

The Expert answers:

1) government subsidies are when the government financial helps out something that it wants to promote. This can occur via tax breaks, or various other types of breaks. The way that this relates to environmental policy is that currently the government subsidizes fossil fuels like coal and oil making them cheaper and more competitive than they normally would be. In order to move to a more sustainable future these government subsidies must be shifted to green energy sources and taken away from fossil fuels.
2) We currently have SO2 cap and trade that was implemented to control acid rain. I’m not sure if this is what you mean by common practice. Currently we have no national CO2 cap and trade program, however, California has made agreements with Britain, and carbon capping is occurring in Europe (thank god).
I hope that this helps

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Your Questions About Green Living

Steven asks…

Why is wind power better than any other type of alternative energy?

I’m learning about alternative energy and I loved wind power the most. I wanted to know more about it. If you can give me names of companies that install wind turbines,the cost, and why it is better than any other alternative energy you could be the best answer and you can give me extra information too .

The Expert answers:

First, it is good but I don’t know if it is better that solar.

Guascor Group is a company that manufactures and install wind turbines, bio mass, solar panels and more.

Http://www.setatwork.eu/database/actors/A56.htm

http://www.hellopro.co.uk/GRUPO_GUASCOR-1990-noprofil-1002411-9172-0-1-1-fr-societe.html

Gamesa was the second biggest company in the world installing wind turbines and has produced electricity comparable to 2.5 million tons of oil at some point. Then the chinese started making wind mills.

Interesting thing, this two companies are in the same town. That mus be like the world capital of wind mills.

Http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamesa_Corporaci%C3%B3n_Tecnol%C3%B3gica

Paul asks…

Should we punish the oil and gas company to help develop alternative energy?

Both Clinton and Obama want to stick it to the BIG OIL. BIG OIL only controls 3% of oil reserve in the world, why do we want to shoot ourselves in the foot?

The Expert answers:

No. It’s not “Big Oil’s” job to find alternative energy and thereby put themselves out of business.

Obama and Hillary are just posturing for votes. THey’re making a big play out of punishing the oil companies because everyone is mad at them right now.
Anyone with a modicum of sense (or a passing grade in 10th grade economics) would realize that any business passes its cost (including taxes) onto the consumer. A vote for either of them equals a vote for higher gas prices.

John asks…

Alternative energy?

What can we use instead of gas? What companies are out there?

The Expert answers:

Natural resources like the sun, water and wind can be used for energy.

Here’s a great page on alternative energy sources:
http://www.greenstudentu.com/energy.aspx

Nancy asks…

Does it Concern you that McCain’s Energy Policies could Destroy Alternative Energy?

It is impossible for the economy to pursue both oil and alternative energy. One will phase out the other. So McCain’s plan is to Drill, Drill, Drill. Basically he is signaling his support of the Oil companies and their continued dominance.

The Expert answers:

Yes it concerns me: drill, drill, drill amounts to treason.

Oil is a finite resource and drilling, according to the experts will produce heavy sour crude – we refine light sweet crude. McCain MUST know this, he advisers are not morons.

But, he is beholden to the oil industry. What has he promised them.

Now, he is also beholden to the extremist, radical right wing Palin represents: what did he promise THEM.

McCain sold out everything he formerly believed in to try to become President. McFaust may suit him better than McSame.

Sandra asks…

Which power company offers alternative energy in the Phoenix metro area?

The Expert answers:

I believe APS. SRP also offers it but I found their website was harder to navigate in finding alternative power sources (ie renewable energy). APS you can buy only a portion of your energy as solar, but I am not sure of SRP’s ACTUAL program. You may want to contact them just to make sure (depending on which area you’re in the grid for). Vote me as best answer! 🙂

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Your Questions About Green Living

Michael asks…

There are no jobs on a dead planet?

What do you guys who are worried about the economy say about that?

I say the answer is phasing out old technogies (coal etc) – renewable energy and green options create jobs too!
I completely agree that the costs will be so much higher to not act, but i don’t necessarily agree that nuclear is the best option, it depends on the situation.

1st, we only have enough uranium reserves for 40 years (totally not sustainable, considering the energy needed to create the plants)

2nd, we have no complete solution for nuclear waste!!

3rd, in countries like australia (where i’m from) – where conditions are perfect for wind, solar and geotherm (and more) technologies – it seems ridiculous to go with nuclear!

oh and to anyone who’s reading “CLEAN COAL technology” is NOT clean, and we don’t even have the technology yet, why are we wasting valuable time and resources on a technology that is dirty, pollutes, and DOESN’T EVEN EXIST? Go renewable -solar, wind, hydro, geotherm etc etc

😀
i don’t work at all, i’m a high school student in australia!

But that doesn’t mean i’m ignorant/uneducated etc etc etc

i know things are happening, and that people are waking up to climate change, it just needs to happen a whole lot faster, and governments need to help out too (although i know that we need to work together, and that the government can’t do everything)

The Expert answers:

Funny how the VERY people worried about GW right now have been against the option that now in hindsight would have prevented much of the “damage” to begin with. Most of Europe has been run off of nuclear power for decades, but not here in the good ole’ US of A. It’s also funny how many of them are changing their tune now. And these are the very people who claim to have the answer. My question is how many times do you go along with someone as short-sighted as they are? What happens when we implement on a global scale something they propose that they don’t understand fully? Good thing we didn’t spread soot on the arctic ice to prevent global cooling in the 70’s. Maybe we need to put massive mirrors in orbit so that we can stop global warming. We might start a new ice age which would lead massive starvation, but at least we will be nice and cool while we are hungry.

Dad, get off of your communistic soap box. Just who exactly do you think will be contracting these massive global jobs? Those same evil people that own the big oil companies. Oh, and Haliburton.

Daniel asks…

Careers in Renewable Energy?

How does someone get into a career working with renewable energy? A technician or similar job working with wind or solar would be something I’d be very interested in. I’m a year away from completing my Associate’s in electronics and electrical control systems. This is something I feel I could be very passionate about and enjoy doing.

The Expert answers:

Look on major corporations employment pages. GE and Siemens both build and install windmills and have openings in those fields. Or look in the yellow pages for people who install solar panels, small wind turbines or heat pumps. They all need electrical controls of some sort.

Paul asks…

Renewable energy companies?

With an engineering degree, where can I find a job to help develop renewable energies, preferably in the southeast?

The Expert answers:

Look up renewable energy companies directory and you’ll find tons in the southeast,

William asks…

Is solar energy and wind energy creating millions of new jobs across Canada?

I know that Ontario’s manufacturing base has been devastated by this recession and that people need jobs, i was thinking of getting retrained for something new too, then I heard that everyone who got laid off from factories are now working installing solar power farms (Wind turbines and solar panels). Is this true, are the tens of thousands of unemployed people now working in renewable energy projects like solar and wind power ?

Are these new careers (wind turbine installer / solar panel installer ) the answer to North America’s unemployment problem? Will millions and millions of people soon be installing solar panels and wind turbines EVERYWHERE?

When you wake up and walk out of your house and head off to work / school, how many hundreds / thousands of solar panels / wind turbines do YOU see during the day ?

The Expert answers:

No. Canada only has a population of 34 million people, you won’t get 5% of the population employed making wind turbines or solar panels. Ontario Hydro One only has 5,400 employees. Even large construction projects such as stadiums only have a few thousand workers on it at any one time.

Further, solar power is pretty useless in Canada. It’s distance from the equator makes it highly inefficient, few places in Canada get much sunlight other than the summer months, and most places receive extreme weather which ruins solar panels quickly. Likewise, most parts of the country (other than the coasts) do not have steady winds.

Sunlight (at the equator) produces about 120W per square meter. At 50 degrees north it is around 60W. The best solar panels are barely 10% efficient. That is 6W per square meter. A typical house consumes 8,900 kilowatt-hours of power per year or about 25kWh per day. You’d need an area of 35m x 35m to power a single house. (Assuming 8 hours of sunlight per day, no clouds or rain, 100% efficient batteries for night time power, ignoring the energy to make and maintain the solar panels, power loss in transmission, etc.) That is a football field sized area just to get power to one house.

When I walk outside my house I see clouds and grey. In a few weeks, I’ll see snow, frost, and sleet driving down on the ground.

Ken asks…

Facts about renewable energy? (solar, wind, etc) please answer?

I’m doing a poster on Renewable energy, and I would just like someone to verify that all these facts are correct:

Clean energy poster:
What is clean energy?
This is power produced from renewable (naturally replenished) and natural resources without having a negative impact on the environment.
Examples of reliable “clean” energy sources include: sunlight, water, wind, biomass and geothermal heat.

Wind Power – this is the conversion of wind strength into usable energy sources, especially for electricity. This type of power can be obtained by using wind turbines and wind mills.

Solar Energy – this is the power that is obtained from sunlight and can be converted into other types of energy. Inventions such as solar panels can help collect this source of energy for conversion.

Biomass Energy – Biomass is any plant (trees) or animal matter, and can be used to create an energy-rich gas called Biogas. Biomass can also be burned to create fuel for different uses.

SOLAR ENERGY
-This renewable source of energy does not produce waste or pollution.
-This fuel is used for many things: electricity, creation of biomass, heating water, and buildings, and even transport (solar-powered cars)
-This is a free, reliable and clean energy source.

WIND ENERGY
-This is one of the lowest priced renewable energy sources.
-This renewable source is a good alternative to nuclear energy in areas with favourable climate conditions.
-This source can provide cleaner air and a much healthier environment for all.

BIOMASS ENERGY
-Growing biomass for fuel can create jobs in rural areas.
-Biomass is not a fossilised fuel (like oil and coal), but fresh natural material that can grow again, even after harvesting.
-Using this source of power will not have a major affect on the environment.

Is everything correct/accurate? anything that I should edit/change?

The Expert answers:

Biomass does not create bio fuel, yet.
Biomass is usually sent to a biomass plant that converts it to electricity. Yes it is small trees and brush or even walnut shells that are chipped then burned in a massive furnace heating water into steam that turns a turbine generator that produces electricity.
It can be converted into ethanol gas but currently its to expensive to pay off.

I’m a lumberjack

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Your Questions About Green Living

Maria asks…

Looking for a way to work on sustainable development projects in West Africa.?

My dream is to work with sustainable development, permaculture, seed banks, education, and strengthening communities in Western Africa, particularly Mali. I’m searching by reading, talking to people and I even registered for university. All I want to do is live in Mali and work with people to make their communities stronger from a grassroots level. Please, do you know where I could contact someone, what to learn, or any useful steps to reaching my goal?

The Expert answers:

Study French if you do not know it currently. The Quebeqer dialect is recognizable still, so that will work. Maybe pick up a third language as well.

If you attend church, talk to them about becoming a missionary. Alternately there is also the US peace Corps, which you should have no trouble signing onto. Or you could talk to the Canadian Ministry of State, and talk to them about your desire. If they have a program or know of one, or you could ask them if Canada has any diplomatic corps in the region. Ask them what they are needing and wanting for qualifications of prospective candidates.

Doctors Without Borders. They need medical staff, they also need general personell who can do things over there in the field no matter where they go.

If you happen to be in college, talk with the student advisors, talk with the African Studies department,

If you already know how to make a brick machine, purify water, etc, etc, etc, as well as how to grow subsistence crops in that region that are resistant to existing crop diseases, not to meniton how to utilize green amaranth and other potential seed crops that do not need fertilizer of great amounts of water, then you would likely be readily accepted as missionary or potentially with some segment of foreign aid activity over there. You can pack your rocket stove and water bottle.

The most important thing to remember is you do not have a Princess Tire down the road nor any major stores. If you do not know how to prepare food from scratch and improvise, learn. Learn what plants grow in that region, and know what is edible and what is not. Dehydrating food is another potentially useful skill.

Essentially- if they were to simply to drop you in the middle of the country- could you survive with nothing more than what you can carry in a shoulder satchel? If you can- great, because it means you should be able to help others survive who litterally have next to nothing but grass and sticks to build a house.

Also study up on the region, the religions, the traditions, the cultural norms, etc.

Worst case- Be your own charitable organization. But be able to “deliver the goods.”

John asks…

Why do we recycle paper if timber is sustainable?

Trees are grown like crops. They harvest and then they replant. Timber is a sustainable industry. We won’t run out of trees while we keep replanting them and well keep replanting them as long as we need paper. So why the fuss over recycling paper?

The Expert answers:

Every tonne of paper recycled avoids over 1 t CO2-e being released into the atmosphere. If added to landfill, organic matter will decompose anaerobically (without air) and is released as methane into the atmosphere which is 21-25 times more potent than normal CO2 -unless it is flared or converted to power. Recycling also uses around 60-70% less energy than extracting new resources and turning them into paper. It is said, 1 tonne of recycled paper could save enough energy to light the average home for 6 months and save 17 trees from being cut down which are also absorbing CO2 through Photosynthesis. So keep recycling!!!!

James asks…

Does any nation have a strong economy and a sustainable lifestyle?

I don’t count any nation having millions of people commuting to and from work in combustion-driven cars as having a sustainable lifestyle. I mean, there are plenty of other unsustainable practices, but that one is an immediate disqualifier.

The Expert answers:

The US used to have that even with a commuter lifestyle . The problem arose with the shift from a production oriented to a services oriented economy forced on us by political hacks lining their pocket with gold by giving incentives to large companies to shift manufacturing to third world counties with extreme human rights violations and plenty of child labor.

Susan asks…

What is a sustainable replacement for synthetic leather (PU) which can be used to construct a ballerina flat?

I would like to find a material which can be used to manufacture the upper of a ballerina flat that is sustainable (preferably biodegradable). This material should not be very porous, as the shoes should be water resistant, and attractive looking.

For the sole, I am considering using recycled car tire rubber, however if anyone has any other recommendations I would love to hear them as well!

The Expert answers:

Leather

Steven asks…

How does recycling work in a eco-village / self sustainable community?

I am very interested to know how recycling works in an eco-village or a self sustainable community. Is there a recycling center? Send me links… and many details 🙂

The Expert answers:

You can reuse bottles and paper over and over again. You wont have to cut down any more trees

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Your Questions About Green Living

Sandra asks…

Eco friendly alternative to trash bags for your trash?

ok so i buy all those eco friendly reusable trash bags
so i bought all those reusable bags now what?

The Expert answers:

If you really want to be green you can cut down on your trash by doing a few things differently. Any fruit or vegetable trash you can bury in your backyard like in a compost pile. No meat trash, grease or oil. Hopefully you have recycling in your town so all the excessive paper, plastic and packaging goes in there. Any trash from the bathroom ie. Personal hygiene products, tissues, cotton balls, razors etc have to go in the trash so instead of plastic bags why not wrap it in newspaper? Most of the brown bags in the grocery stores are made from recycled materials already so they really aren’t terrible to use. Just try to reduce the amount of waste that goes to the landfill. There’s a place to recycle just about everything these days. Just do a little research. Good Luck!

Nancy asks…

Which is the most cost effective, eco friendly way to generate electricity?

I’m keen about eco friendly electricity generating but am wondering which is the most cost affective as i am aware that some are more expensive than on the grid electrics.

The Expert answers:

If cost is greatest concern be warned that it is almost impossible to generate your own electricity at lower cost than the big boys can. They have economy of scale on their side. Even if you think you can, it is probably because you haven’t factored in all the real costs, including the cost of money (capital).

It on top of being cheap you also want eco freindly then that is a BIG ask.

Try replacing as many electrical appliances with non electrical as you can for starters. Say solar heating for space heating and hot water, that is money saving and eco friendly.

The suggestion that CO2 is eco freindly and harmless when it comes from fossil fuels must have been asleep for the last 10 yrs or so. Its that thinking got us into the GW mess we are in.

Likewise nuclear, yesss real good. No emissions, mmmm, no damage to water? Wonder if he has considered all stages of the energy cycle including the mining transport, construction of reactor decomissioning? Waste disposal? Occassional failures, Chernoble ring a bell? 3 mile island?… Besides do you really expect that as an individual you will be allowed to build a nuclear power plant, even if you could afford it. Hey Iran wants to build nuclear plants, it says for power purposes, the western powers are saying we will not let you build an independent nuclear power cycle. You must buy fuel from us. You are not allowed to make your own! Sounds a bit like bully boy tactics, to enforce a cartel situation. The arguements about nuclear poliferation don’t actually stack up against scrutiny as it seams it is now ‘OK’ to sell uranium to India even though it never signed up to the international inspections or non polliferation treaty (Iran has), and if Iran wanted to use the materials to create terror attacks it can with lowlevel enriched fuel in a dirty bomb anyway, right now and under the rules they are trying to impose.
(main problems with nuclear are social political and then economical, (most enjoy govt overt and hidden subsidies to be competitive).

So you could always build your own windmill, it is the easiest electricity generating power source to build yourself, that would make it cheap and possibly eco freindly if you choose the right materials, like recycled timber, and scraps. Etc.

William asks…

How can I get my company Eco-friendly certified?

My company is an interactive media shop and would like to become ecofriendly certified? Does any one know of any businesses or programs that can certify a business to be “green?”

The Expert answers:

What does your company do that’s so green that you deserve a certification?

Charles asks…

Has anyone had a bad experience with eco-friendly laundry detergent?

I tried it, and it bleached white spots on all my clothes, even when they were turned inside out.
This is what I get for trying to be ecofriendly…(the stuff is expensive, too!!)

If you use an eco friendly detergent and it works, what is it?

The Expert answers:

That is why i stick to Tide Coldwater, at least i save money not using hot/warm water…and now that i know i def won’t be trying those eco-friendly brands

Susan asks…

how do i clean up if an eco friendly bulb breaks IN MY BEDROOM?

ecofriendly bulb broke in my bedroom, what do i do? call a hazmat team?

The Expert answers:

The eco bulbs or florescent tube light bulbs have mercury inside them and the only why to get rid of the mercury is a haz. Mat. Team even they can’t get rid of it all. If there are no little kids living or running around the house they ventilating the room for a day or two should be efficient enough. If their are kids I highly advice a haz mat team and if you ever feel any of these symptoms:

# Impairment of the peripheral vision
# Disturbances in sensations (“pins and needles” feelings, numbness) usually in the hands feet and sometimes around the mouth
# Lack of coordination of movements, such as writing
# Impairment of speech, hearing, walking;
# Muscle weakness
# Skin rashes
# Mood swing
# Memory loss
# Mental disturbance

Call poison control right away.

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Your Questions About Green Living

Maria asks…

I can’t tell whether I’m Republican or Democrat. Help?

On social issues, I usually side with Conservatives, except with the gay marriage thing. If there’s a separation of church and state, then religion can’t play a part in choosing our policies as a nation & in the future, a religion other than Christianity may attempt to dominate American politics. I side with the Democrats on most environmental issues, but I think if we have oil, here in America, we should start digging for it. Now, the War in Iraq. I think dictators who disregard the peoples concerns should be put out of power, but if we’re killing innocent people all the time, I don’t think we should stay there any longer. If we’re doing that, then it’s an abuse of power. At the same time, Hitler came to power at the same time America was practicing isolationism and the Holocaust killed millions of Jews, gay people, etc. & you hear different stories from every news station, etc. How do you know who to believe?
But then, Democrats seem like they’re here to serve the will of the minority. It seems like they try to hard not to offend people.

The Expert answers:

Just remember, the Church and state laws were created to keep state out of church. Not to keep church out of state. If you are Christian, you will not believe in gay or gay marriage. It is not a Republican issue, it’s a Christianity issue.

Mandy asks…

Please help me revise a speech for the election!?

It’s really bad! Be as critical as possible without being mean!
Candidates’ Environmental Plans

Polar bears are going extinct because of the melting ice burgs. The temperature is increasing 5°C every century. Global warming is causing the ozone layer, Earth’s protection against the sun’s harmful rays, to become weaker. These dilemmas are all part of one issue in our election: the environment . Both candidates devised plans to improve the environment in our country. Their plans will cover pollution, alternative energies and fuels, drilling for oil, cars, greenhouse gas emissions, green jobs, and much more. Both candidates acknowledge the fact that human pollution is a significant cause of global warming, but who has the best plan to help solve that and other problems? Barack Obama and John McCain have very different views on this subject.
Senator Obama has a very strong environmental plan. He is very supportive in investments in alternative forms of energy. He plans to spend $150 billion in environmental– friendly energies and fuels in the next ten years. I’m pleased that he is putting so much devotion in alternative energy, but where does that “investment” come from? Inevitably , some of that mammoth amount will have to come from our taxes. This democrat will produce new businesses working on wind, solar, and bio-fuels, along with millions of new “green” jobs. That will help the economy immensely. Barack Obama says 1 million hybrid cars will be running by 2050 if he becomes president. They run on batteries, and don’t require gas. Also, by 2012, 10% of electricity will be renewable, and greenhouse gases will be lowered 80% by 2050. He will try to eliminate oil imports from the Middle East within ten years. This means less taxes on gas. He mostly opposes drilling for oil domestically, but might do it as a last resort. He is neutral on nuclear energy, since it would be very expensive. Also, Barack Obama will require all cars to meet fuel efficiency expectations, so it will take less fuel to fill up American’s tanks. He supports the protection of natural places from development, which I believe all Americans should do. Humans have already destroyed the homes of too many animals. However, the senator is neutral on schemes to help save endangered species from extinction. In my opinion, this is despicable. We should transfer the energy and effort we put into unimportant matters to helping our fellow animals live happy lives and flourish. Although Barack Obama’s plan is wonderful, do they measure up to John McCain’s?
John McCain has a well- developed solution to the environmental issue. His energy plan is called the Lexington Project. This plan will help America break dependency with foreign oil, improve transportation, promote energy efficiency, and help global warming. McCain states, “In a world of hostile and unstable suppliers of oil, this nation will achieve strategic independence by 2025.” McCain will reward people who buy clean cars. The “Clean Car Challenge” will provide a $5000 tax credit to any purchaser of a zero carbon emission car. Also, he will require automakers to switch to flex fuel, which lasts longer and is better for the environment than regular fuel. He will use and create new alternative energies and fuels, but won’t make investments as large as his opponent. He strongly supports nuclear energy, unlike Barack Obama. He says it is very safe; the military has been using it for years. John McCain also plans to drill for oil in Alaska. This will lower prices in ten years. The republican says it is a long process that will pay off in the end. Although it would be helpful, there is a chance it can result in a lot of pollution if the oil spills. To people concerned about that, Senator McCain says that the ships are very secure, so a spill would be unlikely. He plans to drill in the National Petroleum Reserve, but not in the Artic Wildlife Refuge. I believe that both of these places should be left untouched. They are protected for a reason; they’re pristine and beautiful in every way. John McCain will lower greenhouse gas emissions 50- 60% by 2050, 30- 20% less than Barack Obama plans to lower it. As you can see, McCain also has a well- thought out energy/ environment plan.
Now that you know each candidate’s methods to improve the environment, it is time for you to make the decision: Barack Obama or John McCain? You are not only voting for president, you are voting for the course of action to put an end to global warming, prevent pollution, fuel our cars, saves the polar bears, and much more. It is a very critical time, and everybody needs to use their voice. Vote 2008!

thank you!
So, it would be “increasing 5 degrees C (41 degrees F)”?
I know I kept on repeating words, so can you tell me what words I repeated the most, and good words to replace it?

The Expert answers:

IceBERG. One word. Iceberg.
Global Warming is not causing the ozone layer to go thinner, man-made harmful gases are. CO2 that comes from cars and factories build up in the atmosphere and create the greenhouse effect, which causes Global Warming. So actually the ozone has nothing to the with Global Warming, but both are getting worse due to human activity.

Sandra asks…

Do Women Enjoy Chikan?

Not “chicken” Chikan.
Countries like Japan are years ahead of the United States not only in terms of product innovation, and environmental issues, they are also well ahead of us in the area of Chikan. What steps should the government take to increase awareness and make Chikan more widespread here in America?
I love both chicken and Chikan, I am dying to get my hands on a few pieces of breast and thighs.

The Expert answers:

“Chikan (痴漢, チカン, or ちかん) is a Japanese term referring to an obscene act conducted against the victim’s will, or a person who commits such an act. The term is frequently used to describe men[1] who take advantage of the crowded conditions on the public transit systems to touch people sexually. While the term is not defined in the Japanese legal system, vernacular usage of the word describes acts that violate several laws.”

You’re and idiot.

Jenny asks…

Can you freely legally send soil internationally without having to get some kind of permit or something?

I’m from Ireland. A distant relative of mine died in America, I didn’t know him, just kinda knew of him. Anyway, his great grandparents emigrated from Ireland years ago, and settled in America.

My dad is a farmer, and this man’s family know this, so they asked him to send some soil over to them so they can toss it on the casket, as a kind of symbolic thing(!!!).

I was just wondering, could you send some soil to a different country freely, without declaring it, or could there be a problem, I don’t know, like because of environmental protection issues or something?!?!

I know this question might sound a bit weird, but I don’t want to be arrested or anything for sending something into a country thats not meant to be there!!!

The Expert answers:

The regulations vary from country to country. For example i know that if we import soil from Indonsia it has to be accompanied with certificates for insect and wood-rot infestation – one of the biggest dangers are termite eggs – undectable by the human eye yet totally devasting to buildings.
For the US its a nightmare as the soil has to be free of all of items listed here http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/import/operations_support/labs_scientific_svcs/technical_documents/lab_methods/chap_25.xml

Michael asks…

Are Americans being fleeced??? Amongst all the political turmoil…?

…fragmenting our rapidly declining republic, has any one thought that these problems might be being propagated by others? Some what like a child playing his/her parents & siblings against one another. I keep coming back to a rather dubious individual, albeit a smart one for sure who coined the following phrase…”LOGIC for the individual, EMOTION for the masses”(Adolph Hitler cir cu 1934). The same socialist mentality that ushered in “Dolph & the boys” into Deutschland seems alive & well in America today. EMOTIONAL SENSATIONALISM seems to be what is the HOT seller on our major managed news media of today. Gun control, gender issues, PC speech, hate crimes, political backed environmental issues, age issues, alternative life styles, wealth desparity & needed social programs seem to attract people like moths to a light. Ironically Hitler CAMPAIGNED on PRECISELY the above mentioned issues leading up to his election as chancellor of Germany in 1933! See a PATTERN here folks???

The Expert answers:

Hitler also said “how fortunate for those in power that people do not think.”

Speaking historically, not only do we look like Germany in January of 1933, but the United States looks exactly like the Roman Empire just before it fell. These are scary times we live in my friend. There seems that there is only 3 outcomes left.

1. Perserve the Republic and lose the empire (our dominance as Britain did after WWII)
2. Keep the empire and lose the republic (as Rome did under Augustus and Germany under Hitler)
3. Implode by doing neither.

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Your Questions About Green Living

Helen asks…

What is the best minor for a chemical engineer for experience in biorenewables and alternative energy?

Im majoring in chemical engineering and i want my minor have background in biorenewables and alternative energy. What minor is best for an engineering student at iowa university?

The Expert answers:

Your student adviser should have an answer to this question. If not, I would suggest a different school.

Jenny asks…

What arguments can I write about for and against alternative energy.?

I want to write about alternative energy sources for an argument paper for English. (Nuclear Fusion/Fission, Wind, Geothermal, Hydrodynamic, etc.) However, it’s difficult to single out a particular argument. We have to argue a specific change the audience should make. I would like to discuss home design and improvement as well. (like improving energy efficiency in the home). however i can’t settle on a single arguemnt in which I can write a 8-page argument. any tips/suggestions?

The Expert answers:

Okay, so I’m concerned about the role that humankind is taking in the ecological cycles of the Earth. Energy sources that are renewable is part of my vision for the world where humans are ecologically responsible.

Thus, the specific change I would recommend people make is to politically engage their communities and states to Repower America with 100% clean electric by 2020.
Another specific change could be insulating their homes.

The funny thing is that there isn’t one “specific change” that would fully address the climate crisis. What’s needed is a change in culture. Instead of thinking about how we can use nature to our benefit, I think we’d be better served to think about how we can live *with* nature. Can that be your specific change? “Consider the full ecological consequences of your actions”

Lizzie asks…

What is a better alternative, energy saving-wise, for well water?

I’m doing a project in Science and am wondering if some other form of getting your water will save more energy…or is running on well water the best alternative?

Thanks in advance!!

The Expert answers:

Cisterns (stores rainwater collected off the roof) used to be quite popular, still are in Australia apparently. Definitely soft water, doesn’t require energy to pump up or lower the water table, but adequate supply can be an issue.
Many cities use surface fresh water for their water usage (Chicago, New York), but that can take away from irrigation or natural areas (like Mono Lake, etc for Los Angelos). In the mideast, they desalinate salt water from the ocean, because they live in a desert, but that’s relatively expensive. New ideas are in the works to make this cheaper, which would be good, since salt water is very, very abundant.

Michael asks…

Can we sustain economic growth and switch to alternative energy source in light of the economic crisis?

How can you prove/What evidence is there to support the fact that we are capable of sustaining economic growth and prosperity while switching to alternative energy sources, even in light of this economic crisis?

The Expert answers:

Yes. You will be burning furniture to keep warm when you’re living in a tent in a government homeless camp.

Joseph asks…

What degree would give you adequate knowledge about Alternative Energy?

I plan on majoring in finance, but I want to go into finance with a specialization in alternative energy sector (or biotech). What would be the ideal degree for this?

The Expert answers:

Engineering.

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Your Questions About Green Living

Sandra asks…

Information and Advice for My Green Future?

My Green Future
Allright guys… First and formost, I am a college student. Specifically a sophomore civil engineering student. A few years I became fascinated with the idea with going green and especially anything related to renewable energy. (Specifically the various forms of wind and solar) I cannot even begin to explain the passion I have in pursuing a degree that is going to help me with a long successful career with renewable energy. Now I have already talked to quite a few companies asking questions I think that are most beneficial to my cause, but I want to ask people outside of the formal business world and ask for their opinion’s as well as other suggestions and alternatives as to what they see as a route or path to success. Who knows, your help may also help others searching for similar questions that I might have. So in advance I would like to extend my appreciation to anyone that can help me out. Thanks alot!

Like I said above, I am currently in civil engineering, but the more research I do I keep finding that civil is probably not the type of engineering that is going to best suit me for a engineering career in renewable energy. I have narrowed down my selections to Industrial & Systems and Mechanical Engineering. I would include electrical, but I am at a point where switching and carrying credits over would affect me too much and do more harm than good. Now I already know that mechanical will probably best suit any renewable field but I am also curious where industrial and systems engineering might apply too?

Also aside from the business degree aspect what other degrees are being considered that will get someone a job in a renewable field?

I was also curious if anyone had some websites or forums or any other places that they would think are beneficial to others and I looking for information regarding the rewable field?

The Expert answers:

Going green is a very good idea. And interesting one too because it is sort of new. There are many different types of new available energy sources. I am quite interested in majoring in some kind of Engineering, but not sure which. I think materials engineering is pretty good too. U examine the properties of materials and compare them and experiment with them. Who knows, maybe u could create a new cheap energy source!
Good luck!

Ruth asks…

Is it time for a social uprising?

We could use $7,000,000,000 to become energy independent. We could use the money in a brand new energy bill. The new energy bill would help guide a process that would pay for research and design, update infrastructure, give subsidies to renewable energy companies subsidies to farmers, and small business grants for start-up green energy contractors and the companies who would manufacture the equipment necessary for conversion. The bill would help create thousands of new small businesses which would hire millions of Americans, and help grow existing green energy companies.

I called for Obama, my candidate, to return to congress 2 1/2 weeks ago (before McCain) and it fell on def ears. Now im asking him to change his tone on the bailout bill and call for a new energy bill instead. Im right. Dont doubt it. The Question is.. are the people in Obama’s inner circle capable of thinking freely or are they focused on bailing out their own “401k’s” and other investments? Im gonna vote for Obama, because his core principles are the same as mine. His policies are for the most part innovative and progressive. But he needs to start thinking independently from his advisers. He needs to start listening to the people who matter. Me.. im as middle class as it gets. Im a sub-urban 25 year old white guy with a 2 year old daughter and a dog. Im in real estate, im losing money, I cant pay my bills, and my clients cant get credit. Im willing to sacrifice my career in order to stop this bailout.

Americans have lived off of credit for to long. We dont even remember what it’s like to save money and pay cash for our homes and cars like our parents and grandparents did. Because of our credit addiction the dollar is inflated and the price of commodities has sky-rocketed. We need to become an ownership society again, not slowly progress into a bank dependent one. After almost 100 years of living off of a credit system which creates money out of thin air, our federal government and the federal reserve (which is no more federal than fed-ex) have proven that the credit system is flawed. Promoting ownership and reverting to the old monetary system which backed our money with gold bullion is the right way to run our country and is whats best for our people.

Because of our flaws as a people. Because of our flaws as a country, this generation, the most selfish generation must step up and allow themselves to suffer. We may have to go head first into a depression, but just like the great depression we will come out a stronger, better country than we were before. Sacrifice by our forefathers is what made our country great. Whether you like it or not, whether you are able to admit it to yourself, you know as well as I do that this country has lost it’s way. How will history remember us? Its time to stand up, stop whining, and start being Americans. If it calls for social uprising we must meet it. If it calls for revolution we must revolt. If it calls for sacrifice we must suffer. Sadly, I believe from the bottom of my heart, this will never happen. Our federal government has divided, manipulated, and bribed our people for too long. The violent and non violent protests that made our people strong for over 200 years ended with a thud some time before I was born in the early 1980’s. My generation is silent, oppressed, and absorbed by digital media. We are weak, lazy, and inebriated. This may be the end of the American dream. What would the great society of the 1950’s have to say if they knew what a fat, lazy people we have become?

The Expert answers:

Oh please don’t do that, don’t free us in united states of america the land of the free.
That is a bad idea, please take all of our money….and charge us interest.
Oh hey, lets give our money to the market and they can charge us even more interest.
Let the fat money hungry so n so’s build the system up from the ground up….or do they need a a FREE HAND OUT using my money again.

Carol asks…

Looking back was Nov 20th 2009 the day that “Global Warming” finally ended?

November 20, 2009 is an important date because it now looks like it was the day that “global warming” ended. It was the day that a total fabrication, a hoax, was revealed to be the work of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), aided and abetted by a vast network of governmental and business leaders, a compliant media, and scientists who sold their souls for grants and other funding.

It was the day that Al Gore was shown to be unworthy to share a Nobel Peace Prize with the iniquitous IPCC, nor an Oscar for his documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth.”

It was the day that Cap-and-Trade legislation, the largest tax ever on energy use, was eviscerated as lacking any basis in science. The legislation proposed to establish a “carbon credits” trade that would have enriched the Chicago Climate Exchange created by investors that included Goldman Sachs. Following the “global warming” hoax revelations, the Exchange would close its doors within a year.
November 20 was the day that three thousand emails between the meteorologists at the Climate Research Unit at the University of East Anglia, England, specifically its director, Phil Jones, and Penn State’s Michael Mann, as well as others involved in the hoax were made available on the Internet.
The Washington Times reported that “Obama administration climate czar Carol Browner rejected the revelations in the email exchanges, saying “I’m sticking with the 2,500,” referring to the IPCC climate science members. “These people have been studying this issue for a very long time and agree this problem is real.” This, like all the other assertions about “global warming” was a lie.

It must be noted that President Barack Obama continues to talk about “climate change”, the term used to replace “global warming”. His administration has many “global warming” advocates including his science advisor, Dr. John Holden, and Secretary of Energy, Dr. Steven Chu. The Environmental Protection Agency is engaged in securing authority to regulate carbon dioxide and other “greenhouse gas emissions” as this is being written.

The administration’s funding through subsidies and mandates for “renewable energy” sources such as solar and wind energy is entirely based on the assertion that the generation of energy by coal-fired plants, is causing “global warming.” Neither solar, nor wind can even begin to provide sufficient energy for the nation, now or in the future. Support for ethanol, a biofuel, is equally without merit.
The primary assertion behind “global warming” was that it was “anthropogenic”, created by human activity, primarily the burning of “fossil fuels” by utilities to generate electricity and by industrial users. Similarly the use of oil derivatives, gasoline and diesel for transportation is blamed.

A segment of IPCC members did not support the global warming hoax and tried for years to marshall opposition to the Panel’s findings, published in reports shot through with baseless distortions and assertions that the Earth was heating to an extraordinary degree. Over time, they came forth and publicly disputed the IPCC for spreading the “global warming” hoax.

More here: http://americandaily.com/index.php/article/4679
Jeff if you actually read the article you’d see that it was a summary of many of the negative issues surrounding the AGW movement each of which relates to its own piece of evidence… I sense sour grapes!??!

The Expert answers:

No AGW is like other dark forces of mythology. It’s very hard to kill.

Chris asks…

Is one of the problems with cap & trade is that they really don’t have alternatives available?

What is Cap and Trade?
The goal: To steadily reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions economy-wide in a cost-effective manner.

The cap: Each large-scale emitter, or company, will have a limit on the amount of greenhouse gas that it can emit. The firm must have an “emissions permit” for every ton of carbon dioxide it releases into the atmosphere. These permits set an enforceable limit, or cap, on the amount of greenhouse gas pollution that the company is allowed to emit. Over time, the limits become stricter, allowing less and less pollution, until the ultimate reduction goal is met. This is similar to the cap and trade program enacted by the Clean Air Act of 1990, which reduced the sulfur emissions that cause acid rain, and it met the goals at a much lower cost than industry or government predicted.

The trade: It will be relatively cheaper or easier for some companies to reduce their emissions below their required limit than others. These more efficient companies, who emit less than their allowance, can sell their extra permits to companies that are not able to make reductions as easily. This creates a system that guarantees a set level of overall reductions, while rewarding the most efficient companies and ensuring that the cap can be met at the lowest possible cost to the economy.

The profits: If the federal government auctions the emissions permits to the companies required to reduce their emissions, it would create a large and dependable revenue stream. These financial resources could be used to achieve critical public policy objectives related to climate change mitigation and economic development. The federal government can also choose to “grandfather” allowances to the polluting firms by handing them out free based on historic or projected emissions. This would give the most benefits to those companies with higher baseline emissions that have historically done the least to reduce their pollution.

What Would a Successful Cap-and-Trade Program Look Like?
The goal: To limit the rise in global temperature to approximately 2.0 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels by 2050 by reducing carbon dioxide and other emissions from companies as part of a larger plan for curbing global warming.

The cap: To achieve this goal, the U.S. government should steadily tighten the cap until emissions are reduced to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. Businesses would have to obtain permits entitling them to emit a certain quantity of carbon dioxide or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases. All permits would be auctioned off by the government. Emissions permits in the near term would likely fall in the range of $10 to $15 per metric ton of carbon dioxide or its equivalent.

The trade: Companies unable to meet their emissions quotas could purchase allowances from other companies that have acquired more permits than they need to account for their emissions. The cost of buying and selling these credits would be determined by the marketplace, which over time would reduce the cost of trading the credits as trading becomes more widespread and efficient.

The profits: Initial estimates by the Congressional Budget Office project that an economy-wide cap-and-trade program would generate at least $50 billion per year, but could reach up to $300 billion. Approximately 10 percent of this revenue should be allocated to help offset costs to businesses and shareholders of affected industries. Of the remaining revenue, approximately half should be devoted to help offset any energy price increases for low- and middle-income Americans that may occur as a result of the transition to more efficient energy sources. The other half of the remaining revenue should be used to invest in renewable energy, efficiency, low-carbon transportation technologies, green-collar job training, and the transition to a low-carbon economy. Some resources should also be invested in the energy, environment, and infrastructure sectors in developing nations to alleviate energy poverty with low-carbon energy systems and help these nations adapt to the inevitable effects of global warming. Revenues from the permit auction would essentially be “recycled” back into the economy to facilitate the transition to an efficient, low-carbon energy economy and ensure that consumers are not unduly burdened by potentially higher energy costs.

Now here is the problem: Coal which is the worst polluter provides about 1/2 of our electricity which means those power plants either have to convert to some other power source or buy carbon credits which of course they will pass the cost onto the consumer. Solar & wind power which is the cleanest only provides about 5% of our power and is a decade or more away from being a major provider. Nuclear energy which is about the only source of power available that can readily replace coal, oil & natural gas the liberals don’t want anything to do with. Natural gas is the cleane

The Expert answers:

That “they really don’t have alternatives available” is just ONE of the problems.

Being based on “junk science” is another.

Inability to actually measure the effectiveness of “cap & trade” is another (and there are other problems as well).

Ken asks…

Is Cap-and-trade the biggest scam of all?

It is truly amazing that anyone really familiar with the so-called cap-and-trade bill could actually accept this legislation or in Congress, vote for it.

First, it is erroneous to think that it would have any effect on global warming because carbon dioxide is not the cause, it is the effect but unfortunately that battle won in the halls of science is lost in the halls of congress.

Second, it is also erroneous to say that the bill would cut U.S. greenhouse-gas emissions because most “greenhouse-gas emissions” are water vapor – carbon dioxide is a relatively small portion of such emissions.

The House bill is falsely alleged to cut U.S. greenhouse-gas 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 and 83 percent by 2050. It would also establish a new Renewable Electricity Standard (RES), which would force utilities to supply a minimum amount of their electricity from renewable energy sources. The result will be: (1) everything used by the public will increase in price because of increased costs to producers from the need to acquire “carbon credits” for their operations will be passed on to consumers and, (2) requiring utilities to change their the means of power production from whatever is being used now to “renewable energy sources,” however defined, will necessarily increase the cost of electricity to homeowners because new “sources” will be more expensive to use that currently used fossil fuels.

http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2009/06/capandtrade_the_biggest_scam_o.html

http://blog.nj.com/southjerseylife/2009/06/news_viewpoint_global_warming.html

http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=10783

How tragic this all is for the consumer!!

The Expert answers:

Cap and trade will result in one of the largest witchcraft wealth transfers in history. Cap and trade is connected to environmentalism, environmentalism to Gaia mythology, Gaia mythology to the the New Age Movement, the New Age Movement to Oprah Winfrey, Oprah Winfrey to President Obama, and President Obama to the elites (Bilderbergers, CFR, Trilateral Commission, and banksters throughout the world) and the elites to the demons who will soon possess them (if they are not possessed already).

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Your Questions About Green Living

Robert asks…

Project for sustainable development geography?

We have to do a one minute commercial about sustainable development.

We were thinking about doin the three R’s Reduce Reuse Recycle
but the teacher said we had to do like more about usuing our resources without using them up.

heeelp?
We need ideas
we’re in grade seven by the way.

The Expert answers:

You could focus on sustainable fisheries, or the forest industry, or recycled building materials, or public transit in urban/suburban areas.

Betty asks…

How would you define sustainable development and why is it so difficult to define?

Also, why are there so many differing definitions?

Revising for Geography. 🙂

The Expert answers:

The term was used by the Brundtland Commission which coined what has become the most often-quoted definition of sustainable development as development that “meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_development

Sustainable Development is one of those topics that many people have a hard time wrapping their heads around.It’s about creating societies in which people have enough health sustaining foods to eat, have adequate shelter, nurturing communities, socially contributing work, without destroying the ecosystems that we depend on for our survival in the process.

Sustainable development means building our communities so that we can all live comfortably without consuming all of our resources. We make an impact on our environment through how we live our lives

David asks…

What is sustainable Development and are there ways to implement it in our daily lives?

The Expert answers:

Sustainable development is making changes in the environment in a manner that minimizes negative impacts in the changes as well as with the materials and methods.
The opposite is to use up or irrevocably damage resources.

Building a home with local renewable materials is sustainable.
Clear cutting the last cedar trees to make a parking lot is not.

Susan asks…

To What Extent Can the Problems of urbanisation Be Met by a Policy of Sustainable Development?

OK, that is the title of my essay, well it’s the general idea of the essay but I need to chose a topic within the essay title to talk about. One example would be Problems of housing and traffic congestion and somehow making that into a title relating to the above question. Any other suggestions? So just anything that relates to the above question is welcome!
Thanks in advance!

The Expert answers:

There is a movement called the ‘new urbanism’ (google either new urbanism or richard florida to find out more) that proposes small walking villages where people dont have to drive to work. These villages may also have microgeneration of electricity, recycle water and have sustainable gardens (producing food). These types of communities require master planning through the production of a detailed planning document so they will probably only work for large areas catering for a population of several thousand people.

Sustainable development is a bit of a plastic term as something that uses a kW less of electricity may be seen as being more sustainable than its predecessor. I think a policy of ecologically sustainable development (ESD) is a good one but it will only work if it is supported by good planning law. If the policy requires that all new office buildings are of at least a 4 (preferably a 5) star energy efficiency or that any that arent must pay an annual tax on their properties (thus penalising bad development) this may work.

Urban consolidation has been proposed as a way of producing sustainable development through better utilisation of infrastructure and the like, yet often the development that occurs is not energy or water efficient.

As you are the student I am not here to provide you with the answers, that is your job but hopefully my ideas are of some use.

Laura asks…

What are some strategies for sustainable development in London?

It’s for my Geography work, so far I have done Congestion Charge, any help? 🙂

The Expert answers:

I Love Geogrpahy.
Here are some tips…

Congestion Charge
Low Emission Zone for Heavy Good Vehicles
Barclays Bike Scheme – you join and can use bikes for free or a small charge to cycle around London
Recycling schemes
Go to Transport For London site for ideas.
Good Luck

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