Green Living | Green living tips and advice

Is my school doing this to prepare us for college?

I took this from my school’s site:

“Community Service Program

Participation in the Community Service Program is mandatory for all Secondary School students. Students select two community projects per year, ranging from helping to raise awareness of environmental issues, volunteer at orphanages, and centers for the aged, infirmed and disabled.”

Does this count as extra activities that will help our acceptance to college? Or is this a thing every high school does?

Why should I care about environmental issues?

I’m asking this from a devil’s advocate viewpoint. Suppose someone doesn’t care about global warming, or doesn’t believe that it’s happening, and doesn’t see evidence about climate change. Suppose someone believes that the earth’s resources are fit for human’s use (for better for worse) so why should we care if there are long-term environmental repercussions? Or for that matter, since these consequences aren’t estimated to have an impact for decades to come, why should people in the present care? If their children have to deal with it, shouldn’t they deal with it as a consequence of their time? After all– if something bad isn’t going to happen for another 40-50 years, why should young people care about it NOW when most of us might be dead in that time anyway?

Why should people care about saving water, forests, recycling, sustainability, clean air, etc., when many of these things impinge upon people’s freedom to choose? Or interfere with businesses being able to function within an already tight economy? When Bush was president, he did not want to sign the Kyoto agreement because he wanted voluntary participation.

Regardless of your political views, religious views, etc. I’d be interested to hear your opinions, the evidence you present, etc.
I would like SERIOUS answers.

Didnt nature intend us to be buried rather than to be cremated?

Environmental issues
Although cremation was promoted after world war II as environmentally preferable to burial, modern thinking is challenging this. Gas is consumed in the process – and trees (in the form of coffin wood) destroyed. Natural resources are used up, carbon dioxide is produced, adding to the global warming problem and harmful pollutants are released into the atmosphere. Natural decomposition after burial seems less harmful to the environment, especially when a shroud rather than a coffin is used. And if the graves are reused, no land is lost to the living but rather a community amenity is brought back into use.

Why are so many conservatives such diehard free market capitalists?

I agree with conservatives on many issues but it seems like many of them try to oversimplify economic issues. For example, I don’t think many people disagree that we need some form of healthcare reform, but I don’t see why conservatives are so opposed to government-run healthcare when it works well in other countries. Obviously some government regulations and agencies such as the EPA are also necessary in today’s modernized society and we can’t expect the free market to magically protect us from pollution and environmental issues and whatnot.

Cons why do you oppose government regulation of environmental issues?

I can tell that if littering wasn’t a crime everyone would be doing it, so why shouldn’t this be the exception that government gets involved in? I don’t like government telling me what I can do with my personal body, and they shouldn’t get involved in social issues, but I do think the environment does need an advocate who has power, don’t you? Considering the history humans do have at handling species in the long run, most humans even in the last century didn’t give a crap about animals or the earth and look where that got us. So answer me this: Why not let gov enforce policies regarding a better earth?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLoBCCsj_dM

What are the short term benefits of Research and Development pursuing alternative energy sources ?

What are the short term benefits of increased r&d expenditures in energy versus acquiring another energy company?

envirnoment alternative people……what companies are the best for alternative energy or electricity saver???

mine local company rge is givng us a choice now to pick our coverage and i would like to switch to it. also the cheapest too please

Are big oil companies sincere in finding alternative sources, or are their ads merely justifying big profits?

I’m seeing a lot of advertising by these big oil companies, stating how they are working on alternative energy sources. Wondering how much time, money, and work they are really putting into this. Are they being responsible and sincere, or just trying to put a spin on the public with all their advertising for alternative energy sources?

Oil Companies, Energy Suppliers and Mining are Solely Irresponsible for the Suppression of Alternative Energy.?

For at least a Century SO!

They should be Nationalised and stripped of ALL their assets in The New World Order to pay for the Destruction they have done to OUR Planet?
LB ETC…… I don’t partake of Coffee, It’s a Yank thing……. By US I man ALL Sentient Beings
I mean to say by OUR…… blablablab
Faith! You not wrong there!
Hypocrite….. Speaking of Conspirecy Theories….. Whatever happened to Energy Pioneer Nikola Tessla’s amazing work?

USA Government took ALL his working papers and they are now under lock and key.

Did American Oil companies boycott the Solar, Electric, Hydrogen and Hybrid alternative energy fuel vehicles?

Do you think a resource based economy is a good solution to humanities problems?

taken from http://www.thevenusproject.com

All social systems, regardless of political philosophy, religious beliefs, or social customs, ultimately depend upon natural resources, i.e. clean air and water, arable land and the necessary technology and personnel to maintain a high standard of living.

Simply stated, a resource-based economy utilizes existing resources rather than money and provides an equitable method of distributing these resources in the most efficient manner for the entire population. It is a system in which all goods and services are available without the use of money, credits, barter, or any other form of debt or servitude
.

Earth is abundant with plentiful resources; today our practice of rationing resources through monetary methods is irrelevant and counter productive to our survival. Modern society has access to highly advanced technologies and can make available food, clothing, housing, medical care, a relevant educational system, and develop a limitless supply of renewable, non-contaminating energy such as geothermal, solar, wind, tidal, etc. It is now possible to have everyone enjoy a very high standard of living with all of the amenities that a prosperous civilization can provide. This can be accomplished through the intelligent and humane application of science and technology.

To better understand the meaning of a resource-based economy consider this: if all the money in the world were destroyed, as long as topsoil, factories, and other resources were left intact, we could build anything we choose to build and fulfill any human need. It is not money that people need; rather, it is free access to the necessities of life. In a resource-based economy , money would be irrelevant. All that would be required are the resources and the manufacturing and distribution of the products.

When education and resources are made available to all people without a price tag, there would be no limit to the human potential. Although this is difficult to imagine, even the wealthiest person today would be far better off in a resource based society as proposed by The Venus Project. Today the middle classes live better than kings of times past. In a resource based economy everyone would live better than the wealthiest of today.

In such a society, the measure of success would be based on the fulfillment of one’s individual pursuits rather than the acquisition of wealth, property and power.

Human behavior is subject to the same laws as any other natural phenomenon. Our customs, behaviors, and values are byproducts of our culture. No one is born with greed, prejudice, bigotry, patriotism and hatred; these are all learned behavior patterns. If the environment is unaltered, similar behavior will reoccur.

Today, much of the technology needed to bring about a global Resource-Based Economy exists. If we choose to conform to the limitations of our present monetary-based economy, then it is likely that we will continue to live with its inevitable results: war, poverty, hunger, deprivation, crime, ignorance, stress, fear, and inequity. On the other hand, if we embrace the concept of a global resource-based economy , learn more about it, and share our understanding with our friends, this will help humanity evolve out of its present state.

Would the fact Mr. Obama has agreed to make modest changes in his proposed tax cuts (Cont’d)?

Would the fact that Mr. Obama has agreed to make modest changes in his proposed tax cuts be indicative of more rifts between he and the democrats?

If they can’t agree now, and he’s not even been sworn in yet, how in the world can he keep the promises he made to the American people?

WASHINGTON – Pushed by fellow Democrats, President-elect Barack Obama agreed to modest changes in his proposed tax cuts on Friday after inviting lawmakers to “just show me” ideas for fixing an economy shedding jobs at an alarming rate. Democratic congressional officials said that Obama aides came under pressure in closed-door talks to jettison or significantly alter a proposed tax credit for creating jobs.

Further, Democrats sought inclusion of relief for upper middle-class families hit by the alternative minimum tax. The so-called AMT was originally designed to make sure the very wealthy did not escape taxes, but it now hits many more people because of inflation, despite measures by Congress every year to prevent it from reaching tens of millions of middle-income families.

Congressional officials said aides to the president-elect had agreed to increase the $10 billion originally ticketed for energy tax breaks, although the final total remained unclear. Two officials said at least $20 billion would be reserved, but others indicated it could go higher.

Details were not available, but Obama has spoken in the past about increasing tax breaks for production of alternative energy sources such as wind power. The energy tax provisions make up a small part of a massive economic stimulus bill — expected to reach over $800 billion over two years — that congressional leaders hope to pass before mid-February.

With more than 11 million Americans out of work, Obama pressed Congress for urgent action and said the U.S. is undergoing “a devastating economic crisis that will become more difficult to contain with time.” His warning was underscored by a government report showing that unemployment hit a 16-year high of 7.2 percent in December.

But congressional Democrats are making it clear they want to put their own stamp on the revival plan, despite the inevitable delays. Some Obama ideas, like a $3,000 job creation tax credit, might get scrapped.

Many Democrats aren’t thrilled with Obama’s business tax cut plans and are griping that there’s not enough money in the measure for traditional infrastructure projects like road construction and water projects or for tax credits to promote renewable energy.

Beyond the emerging rifts — and the openness with which Democrats are pushing back against some of Obama’s ideas — is the sheer enormity of crafting such a complex, controversial measure in just weeks. Lawmakers’ insistence on making changes could delay the recovery plan beyond a mid-February deadline declared by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090110/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama_economy

Can someone explain the apparent american infatuation with tax breaks?in light of our crumbling infrastructure?

Is there a disconnect somewhere?

depleted military, health care issues, porous border, need of renewable energy, soon to be bankrupt social security etc..
???

Do you think americans are delusional???
and believe in ignoring spending money on things that are really needed unless its just an ouright emergency and even then just pay for it on a credit card???
thanks sewious..for helping make my point…about americans being delusional. “the military and border are the only things that need our collective attention” LMAO…ROFL.
whose collective attention do other things require? Martians???

Is there a single intelligent reason to oppose a carbon cap and trade system?

Most people (with the exception of jim z, apparently) agree that an energy bill is necessary to reduce our dependence on oil, increase domestic energy production, etc. I asked a question whether an energy-only bill can be economically justifiable, given that if there’s no way to pay for the programs contained in such a bill, it will increase the federal deficit. Something which in theory, even conservatives oppose.

The only answerer to propose that an energy-only bill could be economically sound suggested merely encouraging utilities to increase renewable energy production through tax credits. Such a method would either fail to significantly increase renewable energy production, would add to the federal deficit, or both.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AgPJx9k23Y0iTuVxHPqQm43sy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20100625112615AAfVn8W

Meanwhile an energy bill coupled with a carbon cap and trade system would reduce the federal deficit while imposing a very minimal cost on the average American family. So I have to ask, why the heck does anybody oppose such a system, other than for purely ideological reasons? Is there a single intelligent reason to oppose a carbon cap and trade system?

Surely even if you deny man-made global warming you can support a bill which increases domestic energy production, decreases oil consumption, reduces the national deficit, and costs the average American family about $100 per year, can’t you?
DaveH – by definition cap and trade reduces emissions. That’s what the cap is. Besides which, we’re talking economics here. Try again.
$100 per family per year is the average. Lower income families will pay less because they use less energy. In fact studies have shown that the lowest income families may even come out ahead by taking advantage of energy efficiency programs in the legislation.

Can I get or find people to fiance a wind turbine for my home?

I have search long and hard for grants and places that gives loans for renewable energy. There are no grants for individuals and the loans are just to refinance your home to pay for one.
I would like to purchase a 10kw turbine to proved all my electrical needs and even sell some to the electric company. I have called around and most are asking for 70k to 100k for building, preparing, and permits. I live in the middle of no where USA so it cost more to have supplies ship to me.
Even the tax credits would not help. The tax credit only pays 30% of putting it up.I am a disabled veteran so money is tight.So if anyone has any ideas on how to raise the amount needed to purchase one it would be greatly appreciated.
Final thought- If the government really wants us as people to help with energy and a cleaner earth they have to bring down prices for us lower class people so we can afford wind solar or other renewable energy‘s tax credits are good if your rich enough to afford the up front costs to buy them.
I live in Oklahoma we do not have that stuff. I have done a month of research. So I have looked at all government site’s and a lot of of .org site. I have hit a dead end and hoping a well of person would give me a low interest loan or even a grant.
Please no fraud! If you really want to help me please have a real link. I will not answer to responses where you have a email link, then when you send me a reply it asks for all my personal info. I may be in need of help but I am not in need of having my identity ripped off. Thank you.
please help me im begging

When Republicans hear terms like “Living Wage” & “Sustainable workforce” do they laugh hysterically … or cry?

I’m not sure if a Living Wage is considered a Joke. Or if it is a morbidly depressing thought that haunts the Republican soul

how can rural living be made sustainable?

give farming examples if you want

What level of technology is sustainable?

Technology requires resources. Extracting and processing those resources destroys land and pollutes. If technology is to remain indefinitely, it must be at a level that is sustainable otherwise we will be living in a dead and toxic world. Derrick Jensen argues that this level is something equivalent to the stone age as in a hunter/gatherer society and that our way of life in large cities is not sustainable. What do you think?

http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2006/04/12/44702.php

Do we live sustainable life?if not Do you think we will do that the next century?

What changes lay ahead in the next 500 years if it all matter?

What is wrong with wanting to live on a sustainable, clean and healthy planet?

Many people think global climate change is based on “junk” science. Even if the science is wrong, and we follow guidlines to correct global climate change. The result is we end up with sustainable, efficient energy and a cleaner, healthier planet (to name a few benefits). What is wrong with that?
Don’t say money. All these things are free and save money: more walking, using less water, petitioning, voting, using less electric, not littering, educating those around you, reduce, reuse, recycle. By the way, I bought my hybrid used for $7,000. I have had it for three years. I get 56 mpg, and just get oil changes regularily. No, I don’t plug it in.

Where can I find a good “green” gift without the heavy price?

I’m looking for some good eco–friendly gift ideas that don’t break the bank… like a lot do.

Suggestions of Friendly Wording for Baby Shower?

I am having an insert card made to go along with the invite for baby shower. I want it to touch on all the points listed below. How can it be written so it doesn’t come off sounding ‘picky’ or just rude? I don’t want anyone to take it the wrong way. Being ‘green’ isn’t a very common thing around here, so a lot of people just don’t get it, which is why the insert cards were suggested, just to put parents-to-be’s wishes out there since it is important to them. Try to think of how it would come across if you received this in an invitation sent to you:

In an effort to be eco–friendly, Casey has requested:

1. Suggest that gifts be wrapped in recycled paper or even baby blankets.

2. Encourage guests to purchase eco friendly baby gifts. These are items made from organic cotton, wool, or silk, furniture and toys made from sustainable products.

3. An alternative to new gifts can include gently used baby items found at a local consignment store, perhaps from the guest’s own child, or even a yard sale. If the guest of honor really is as environmentally conscious to want an eco friendly baby shower, then she will more than appreciate these gifts.

4. Mommy-to-be is registered at A, B &C

Thank you all for your suggestions!

I need some advice on eco-friendly parenting?

This is our first pregnancy and we are trying to be a “green” household. I’ve found some baby bottle companies that I would love to purchase from (Green to Grow, thinkbaby, and BornFree) but I live in a somewhat rural area so I don’t have access to a lot retailers. I’ve considered ordering online but we are on a tight budget so I don’t want to have to pay extra for shipping in handling. Do you know of any brands that are reasonably priced and are available at stores like Target, Wal-Mart, or Babies R Us? I know some bigger brands like Huggies and Johnsons offer a Naturals line but just how “natural” are they? Since I’m new at this I’m not really sure what to look for other than BPA free bottles. I’m looking for bottles, baby wipes, shampoos, lotions, really any natural baby product. Any suggestions, insight, or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Also, I know there’s a good chance that I will receive many products that are not natural as gifts at my baby shower. I will be extremely grateful for any and all gifts that I receive but is there any way that I can go about requesting only natural products without seeming ungrateful or snobby? I know natural baby products can be a bit costlier and I don’t want to be inconsiderate of guests’ limited budgets. And since we live in a more rural area I’m concerned that some extended family will view my requests as “better than thou” since a lot of them probably didn’t grow up in eco–friendly households. Please help! Thank you!
I am planning on breastfeeding but I will be needing bottles for the milk that I pump. I will be needing to go back to work and when I do my mom will be watching the baby so I’ll need plenty of bottles for pre-pumped breast milk.

Any ideas for an eco-friendly wedding?

Still very much on early planning stages, but it’s something to think about. Got all the basics covered – email invitations, honeymoon in the UK etc, but was wondering if anyone had any ideas that are a bit more quirky/unusual? We’d like to do something different!

Mainly looking for reception/gift ideas etc, and not that high a budget.

Trying to get school to go eco-friendly?

I’ve been doing some research at a local college about solar panels and it’s gotten me thinking about trying to get my high school to go eco–friendly. Since this is my last year, I figure it could be my gift to the school. My high school is public and it doesn’t have a huge budget, so I was thinking of sugesting small things to the super rather than going balls out with solar panels and wind turbines (like someone else I know at my old HS. Anway…)

Switching all computers hibernate after 10 minutes of being unused.
Recycling containers in the cafeteria
Have students in in-school suspension sort through recycling containers as a way to get time off of their punishments or to excuse dress code infraction for that day. (we get in big trouble for not wearing proper uniforms to school)
Install rain water tanks
At the end of the year, students and teachers save (some) paperwork to recycle.
Offer a collection for fully used/unwanted notebooks, folders, papers, empty ink cartridges , cell phones, batteries and other electronic devices.
Use napkins made from recycled paper
Used recycled notebook paper (they give us paper at the beginning of the year)
Recycle oil from cafeteria fryers
Print on both sides of the paper as much as possible.
Use recycled toilet paper and seat covers
Have electric hand dryers installed
Institute a no idle zone in parking lot for parents picking up their children or students goofing around.
Instead of turning in essays and research papers etc., offer the alternative of e-mailing them and replying back by e-mail with grade and corrections
Encourage car pools.
That’s what I have so far. Small changes that could have a big impact and not expensive.
Are there any other ways to go about it? I plan on e-mailing my superintendent a list of small changes about it. If she ignores it, then I’m thinking of starting a petition to show her people at the school really care.

Disposable products are an environmental hazard?

I have to do a speech on comparing reusable products (Bottles, bags etc) to disposable bottles, plastic bags and other things. Here is what I was able to come up with:

Australia is one of the world’s best sources for tap water in the world, however, despite this; we rely on bottled water companies to keep us hydrated. The following are useful facts on this environmental issue:
•Australian’s spend over half a billion dollars on bottled water per year.

•Bottled water and pre bottled beverages, such as Gatorade, are made out of PETE (Polyethylene teraphthalate) plastic, which takes over 700 years to begin to biodegrade, and thousands of years before it is completely gone, and this plastic has been around for little over 70 years, so no bottles have ever degenerated.

•Producing and delivering a litre of bottled water can produce hundreds of times more greenhouse gases than a liter of tap water, and it is thousands of times more expensive.

•Australia recycles only 36% of PETE plastic drink bottles. This number is 15% in the US.

•In a single 24 hour period 30 million disposable bottles are placed in the dump in the US alone. Luckily, this means that just 10% of America’s population consumes a disposable bottle each day. This is not unrealistic, as this would equate to roughly 2 million people in Australia, buying and disposing of fully recyclable bottles.

•Over 50 million liters of oil is used to make bottled water each year.

•The quality of tap water is greater than that of bottled water.

•PETE bottles should not be reused over long periods of time. Dangerous chemicals may leech into the water, affecting you health.

These few short facts prove the hazard that the environment takes from just one unneeded luxury. Only now, are we beginning to understand its futility. Each year, the amount of bottled water consumed increases by 10%. For how long can this go on for? Are we really going to continue to produce such a hazard for our own benefit?

This being analyzed, it seems almost pointless to continue ‘urging’ consumers to recycle their bottles after their short lived lives. It just is not happening. The three strikes and ‘you’re out!’ rule should be more like ‘one million strikes, and you’re out’. However, the cost of recycling these bottles it very high, and so is the oil it requires.

So, now that many countries and states around the world are placing a ban on the production of bottles water, what do you have to store your water in? The answer is to, as I thought was I great slogan I saw; to ‘Smash the Trash’ and to go reusable. That’s right, reusable bottles and healthier, more durable, eco friendly and makes the water taste better than the regular PETE bottles. So do what I decided to do and ‘go green’, you’ll save yourself, and the environment. And after the very long lives of these bottles, they can just be recycled.

Plastic bags are another major issue for the environment. So far this year, over 400 billion plastic bags have been used by consumers around the globe. These numbers are staggering, and the very fact that these bags are not durable and difficult to recycle, they end up in landfills, harming the environment and water life. Although these CAN be recycled, only 0.6 of these are placed in the recycling bin.
One alternative is the infamous eco bags which I am sure many of you know of. These are durable, reusable and biodegradable bags made of recycled HDPE, Polypropylene or PETE. You can find these at Coles or other supermarkets.
These few short rules apply to all disposable products, even cameras. And in the long run, you will save yourself a lot of money from making the right decisions.
To conclude this I will assure you that because of actions chosen by us people, disposable products have become a bio hazard. And something must be done to stop this from contributing to global warming and other issues.
(Talk about energy drinks)

Why Isn’t God Helping America win wars anymore?

Unless you are stupid, it’s pretty obvious Iraq is a failure.

Do you think We got 9/11 and the rest of our current misfortunes, like taking 2nd place to China and India in the world stage because of:

1. Our little habit of killing more civilians than enemies in wars
2. This nations lack of morals (Racism, Crime, Greed, etc.)
3. Our sickening hypocrisy on environmental issues and continued abuse of the planet.

etc.
Spare me the patriot rants because Jesus seems sick of them, too. No wonder he has left us to the dogs lately.

How come the youth of America (30 and under) spend less than 5 minutes a month on the election?

To those in Washington making decisions for a “Better America”:
You want to know why a lot of us 30 and under don’t spend more than 5 minutes a month on the presidential elections? That’s about how much time we get from those elected. When is it going to be our turn? When will we have a voice in our lives? I am really sick of old white men determining the way my life should go. IT IS TIME, for you to give up the complete control of the reigns and share them with the next generation. We are not living in the 40’s or 50’s. What is deemed immoral by those standards does not hold today. How dare any of our “elected officials” determine whether or not a gay couple should have the same rights as a heterosexual couple? Almost every other civilized nation has realized that gay men and women are just as “normal” as the rest of us. How dare they determine who we can and cannot love? Isn’t this a free country? How can they determine agriculture or environmental issues, when they aren’t going to be around to witness the atrocious hardships based on their decisions? It seems to me, many of those in offices have been there for a while and nothing, but nothing, has gone right for some time. You blame us. You blame our hip hop culture. You blame our Rock culture. Hell you even blame video games. Stop putting the blame on others and start embracing it. You are so focused with the way you feel this country should be run, or what you feel is in our best interest without even asking. I am white, 26 years old from KY, but I grew up with many different races and cultures (Unlike my parents, aunts and uncles). I have a more open mind for people’s religion, beliefs and way of life. I think it is unfortunate that when many of you were in school, you were surrounded by the same people you are today sitting in office. Leave your entourage, media cameras and even your close friends behind and go to a soup kitchen. Don’t do it for media, do it to get to know those that have it the hardest. Visit the schools that are in your constituencies; get to know some youth. I know the people with the money greatly influence decisions, but there are so many SO VERY MANY of us that don’t have that money, and we need our voices heard.
Are you sick of kids shooting up schools? We are. WE are very sick of seeing our fellow brothers and sisters taking their aggression out this way. It’s not surprising. It’s frustration. You say blame video games, maybe the only real release for some kids whose single mother has to work 2 jobs and they are forced to entertain themselves. You say blame music, the same outlet that lets a little girl let loose in her shared bedroom without being able to go outside for fear of being shot. Many of you privileged parents say blame them. Blame the parents for not raising their kids. That’s hard to do when you are working 3 jobs just so you can afford to put clothes on your kids’ backs and food in their stomachs. The stress of having to live in this society is felt to the smallest of children. I constantly, as a child, saw my mom cry at the dinner table with bills in front of her. She never could seem to get ahead. 20 years later, my mom is still crying at that table.
I don’t have a solution to all of the problems, but collectively we will come up with it. Each and every generation can work together to preserve those morals we need to preserve, and maybe, just maybe let go of those we need to let go of (I.E. Racism, Poverty…). I call these morals because somewhere stuck in your head, they will always be here. BTW Mr. President, I loved it when you were on the campaign trail and talking about how “children are our future” (As if we never heard that before). So speaking for my cousin, one of those children you took healthcare from, Thank you. I certainly hope she doesn’t have an illness my aunt and uncle will have to pay forever for. BTW, since we are speaking about America and what it needs. $275 million a day on a war is excessive. Do you think maybe, just maybe we can use some of that money for Katrina Relief? Just one day’s spending. Call a cease fire, for one day, and give that $275 million to the Americans that are fighting for the faith they have in this government (i.e. New Orleans).
I think President Bush is planning on going out with a bang. Currently, we seem to be angering many of the larger empires (I.E. China, Turkey, Iran…etc…) and of course he’s ready to take a stance on Environmental Issues. He has one year left and has made a lot of money from Afghanistan and Iraq’s oil. I look at my mom, blindly following what she is told, maybe not educated enough to see what’s happening, but faithful non-the-less. Mr. President, Congressional Leaders, the young blood of America is not that blind. We see you for what you are and what you are doing. We had computers in grade school, not 20 years into our careers. We are connected, with friendships, to many different cultures, different people from all over the world. What you share with us is not necessarily what is happening. We know the truth.
Do us a favor. Bring us to the table. As it stands, it’s going to be these friendships from myspace, youtube and facebook that may ultimately bring peace to the world. Men in mynammar are posting blogs for support. Youth everywhere taking cameras to show what “protection from police” really means. I don’t like the fact that we will have to spend so long to fix what you have taken such a short time to screw up. One FULL generation of living and corruption by remaining in complete power is a form of dictatorship, no matter how you look at it.

Can the left and right possibly come to an agreement on an environmental issue?

I’ll take it for granted that the divide is wide as it pertains to global warming, but can we not maybe all sense some urgency over this “Frack” issue and its effect on our water quality?

Although I vote right on most issues I would hope that democrats could see the benefit of getting agressive on this issue as a way to make in roads into the territory where they have fallen far out of favor. Big points could be won with middle america on this one. I hold no hope that Republicans will act on this.

Some assistance in understanding America’s political system, please?

Alright, I’m very “young” and I’m very naive when it comes to politics. Right now, I’m trying to understand the difference between Republicans and Democrats. I have a good idea of each of their beliefs and ideals, but I can’t say I understand them for sure. I see it this way: Democrats try to keep everyone balanced and well-off, very serious about environmental issues, and are considered “wimpy”. Republicans tend to believe more in moral values and think people should take care of themselves to get where they want to go and not rely on government, and are considered “inconsiderate”. Now my thought is probably crucially innaccurate – remember I’m verrrryyy naive about this! So I need some explanation on the whole thing, and I’d preferably like it if you could give it to me in very basic language so I can better understand. Thank you so much!

What would happen to all the existing gasoline automobiles if renewable energy took over?

I’m not saying I’m against renewable energy. I’m just wondering – what would everybody do with their car that runs on regular gas?

What is a good company to work for in the renewable energy field?

I have an extensive sales background and am very interested in the renewable energy field. Please help.

What do we use renewable and non-renewable energy for?

I can’t find the answer to this question. Every time I try to look it up it says we should use renewable energy but it doesn’t specify what we use non-renewable and renewable sources for?
I know we mainly use it for electricity, but do we use it for anything else???
Thank you so much!!!
Do we only use renewable energy for heating buildings and electricity?? (If not, give some examples of things we create besides heating buildings and electricity with renewable energy.)

What is the average wage of someone who works in renewable energy?

What would someone who works in the renewable energy sector, like windmills etc get paid, what would be the starting off salary and what would the average salary be, what countrys could you travel to with it?, im thinking of getting into it in the future. Thanks, any information would be good.

What are some creative uncommon, creative renewable energy sources?

for my science class exam, I must assemble a portfolio of 4 types of renewable energy technologies, it cannot be solar or wind. I must explain whether the technologies are feasible or not. I must explain the pros & cons of utilizing this type of energy, whether it be environmental, economic, social or political. I can only find wind and solar and we’re not allowed to use those. I know of like cranks and generators but I still need more. So can anyone give me any other good ideas for renewable energy technologies?……….. I have until friday.

Would a policy where everyone is guaranteed a “living wage” be sustainable in the long run?

done w undrgrad.want to strt grad(masters sustainable livnig/agriculture abroad cheap any ideas? no luck yet?

I have just finished my communications degree and want to go for sustainable living or sustainable agriculture Masteres degree ( graduate). I have tried searching online but only come up with Maharishi University in Iowa, nothing else. any one has an idea or knows where to find a cheap college to study this program outside of the United States?

How about a better, more sustainable life without the illegals to clean your house and mow your lawn?

The pro-illegals kept saying that without the work of these illegals, the U.S. would not be able to function.
Any one with a brain could see how untrue it is, but if we look at the way many American citizens live and work today, it’s not too hard to see that the dependency on cheap illegal labor is also the excuses for companies, communities, even the states to not take on the inevitabble transition to a more sustainable way of living. Take a closer look at the spending/consumption patterns of the majority of people, you can see how wasteful and unnecessary people spend their money(likely on things they can live without). What the need for cheap illegal household help(landscape, maids, nannies) really shows, is not how much we need the illegals to clean our houses or mow our lawns, it really shows how far away many are from a normal, wholesome, balanced family life.
whoever voted down Turtle is legal, is, like many of the chest-pounding, lie-spewing, arrogant, illegal Mexicans on this site, a certifieble MORON!!!
Spazz,
one doesn’t have to be “rich, stuckup, white” to not want to do a lawn mowing job for $2 an hour. It has nothing to do with what color or race you are. It simply is because $2 an hour is not a livable wage for any self respecting citizen.

what steps can we make in our lives to help move forward towards living a sustainable life?

how can rural living become sustainable?

New alternative energy idea?

I have this new alternative energy idea. I call it motion energy. Do you know how when some one walks or a car goes by it creates vibrations, or motion energy. My idea is if we can install these panels that look kind of like solar panels on or 2mm under the concrete of roads, highways, and sidewalks we could make a renewable clean energy source. It goes as the following: when someone walks the vibration is captured and concentrated through small little metal wires. The shaking wires come together to make a bit bigger shaking wire ( mind you this is taking place underground ). Then they go to a small building, the size of a telephone booth and moves the generator ( generator is relatively small ) to create electric power. Then this electric power is transmitted to the cities power station were it is then transmitted across the town. With cities like New York, where many people walk and many cars are on the streets the power created could be pretty big. You could create probably up to 30-40 percent of the electricity needed to power cities like New York. This energy source would be great in cities like L.A. too. L.A. has up to 10 very small earthquakes a day. These earthquakes are so small people can not even feel them. These small wires though could and they could basically use earthquakes as a power source. Using durable and strong yet cheap materials this power source when constructed would be relatively inexpensive. It would also create up to 10 million long lasting jobs if the world took this power source and used it. Also subways and trains create vibration. This vibration could attribute in the making of electricity. I believe if we and the industrialized nations of the world use this power source, we could generate up to 8 to 15 percent of the world power, possibly even 20 percent. That is 1/5 of the worlds power coming from motion energy. This is just an idea I think could be very possible and beneficial if we use it. This idea could always be tinkered with to perfect it though. By the way I am only 14, an I think this kind of stuff through to make my and everyone’s future brighter. Any comments or suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Do you think it could work, do you think it is a good idea? Also do you have any ideas on perfecting it?

What kind of degree should I get to become a wind energy researcher?

I want to major in a field that will pretty much guarantee me a research and development job in wind energy. I am not interested in any other forms of alternative energy, so a general renewable energy bachelor’s won’t do. Any help?

What do you think of replacing oil with alternative renewable energy?

I’ve always thought that alternative energy is a smart idea. Energy sources like Wind, Tidal, Hydroelectric, Hydrogen etc. are much cheaper and cleaner than fossil fuels like Oil and Coal. Also, by switching to renewable energy, we would be able to avoid future oil spills and explosions like the gulf oil leak that we are dealing with currently. For people that are still weary of getting rid of oil, alternative energy will provide america with thousands of jobs and a boost to the economy. What is you’re opinion about this subject?
I am a conservative, but I’ve never understood why most of the Republican Party is so bound and determined to stop renewable energy in it’s tracks. It creates jobs (which everyone wants), and it helps our one and only home: Earth. I don’t understand why anyone would be against that.

Does President Obama need to come out with a Eisenhower jobs plan, to bring back this economy?

Im talking about a Jobs plan that focuses on infrastructure. High Speed Railroads, Alternative Energy investment, and repairing our roads, highways, Levy’s/dams and skyscrapers.

I know the Conservative argument is that “Government does not create jobs” but that argument is flawed. Government giving out contracts to private companies for infrastructure has been PROVEN to create jobs and benefit the country in the long term.

Has Obama Stated How We Can Keep Our Jobs As Oil Costs Continue To Rise?

As far as I can tell the high gas prices have already created inflation, and major job lose. If we have to wait for Alternative Energy for 20 years or so whats the plan of action in the meantime that Democrats / Obama have for us?

Majority Dems / Obama are against drilling where we have oil, against coal and against new Nuclear Clean Air Plants, so whats left?

Eco-Friendly Childrens Bed – no harsh chemicals such as pvc pp mfd and others. Is This Bed Safe for children?

I would like to purchase this bed for my child soon… http://www.cymaxstores.com/Common/NoBot/Captains-Bed-with-12-Drawers-and-Stairs.htm
but I have recently read blogs and articles about how some furniture and toys have harmful effects on children and use very dangerous and harmful chemicals to make them… for instance formaldehyde in particle board well here’s 1 website that i read my information from: http://www.lhc.org.uk/members/pubs/factsht/46fact.htm… im just a little confused on this can anyone educated on this matter please help me out ive seen other beds on eco sites that ive considered buying but this one just catches my eye because of the storage possibilities: http://www.cymaxstores.com/Common/NoBot/Captains-Bed-with-12-Drawers-and-Stairs.htm thank you for your time and please no negative responses please
what about metal beds/bunkbeds? ive considered a futon bunk bed but the futon “mattress” looks uncomfortable. and i really like the stairs on the bed. also my child is fairly young i want a bed that my child can grow into… so it can be either a twin or full size.
Thank you “anoldstar” for your comment but i was hopeing someone would tell me if it was safe as far as the wood and laminate…..

Do you know about furniture materials?

i am in the process of designing a bed for a child. i need to have a eco friendly material and i don’t want it to look like wood. i want it to be a gloss white but i don’t necessarily want to paint it. it has to be about 3cm thick and cost is no issue. does anyone know what material i should use? i need a name of the material so that i can further research it.

Starting to go “Green”- what products should I start with- how do I start being “Green”?

I am really really trying to “go green” and be more environmentally friendly. How should I start doing this? I recycle, I walk everywhere possible, I compost, I use cloth chopping bags and cloth diapers, all natural biodegradeable cleaning supplies… what next? How do I take my “being green” to the next level?

ALSO can you tell me your fave green eco friendly products? I want to try to slowly replace everything in our home with eco friendly alternatives. What products should I start with? AND how can I “be green” ON A TIGHT TIGHT budget? (Single mom with 2 kiddos!!)…

ANY tips and suggestions on how to be green on a tight frugal budget would be really appreciated!

PS- I’m looking into eco friendly furniture to replace some of the crappy stuff we have now!

Ways to build a totally green home?

In the future, I’m determined to build a completely environmentally friendly house, and besides these, are there any other ways to build it ‘green’?

Using non-toxic non-VOC paints and finishes
Using sustainable harvested, FSC certified hardwood, or bamboo
Using recycled materials, like recycled plastic bottle carpeting
Using non-VOC glues and adhesives
Buying eco–friendly furniture and decorations, or buying furniture and decorations that will last a long time, so they don’t have to be reproduced
Using energy-efficient lighting
Installing Energy Star rated appliances
Maximizing natural lighting
Using native plants, and drought resistant landscaping (zeroscaping)
Planting native trees
Recycling
Reusing waste in order to create compost
Using a recycled or eco–friendly insulation, such as denim or soy

Any others that I missed?

What do you think of my future developments?

Now I live here in Hurghada in Egypt. I’m just a teenager but when I’m around 20 years old I might take control(General Manager) of my grandfathers hotel(15%). And I will be allowed to change anything with the hotel money so here’s my plans, of making the hotel at least 60% eco–friendly.

1. Change all the furniture to eco–friendly furniture.
2. Install solar panels on roof tops(as many as possible).
3. Rebuild the smaller building(between main building and the beach) change them to prefabricated buildings.
4. Replace the old desalination plant to a new one.(To not buy other water)
5. Forbid the usage of disposable cups and plates and not allow the usage of ice-cubes.
6. Make room electricity systems so that tourists won’t leave things like the air conditioner switched on.
7. Buy more local food, than international food.
8. Replace materials like uniforms, towels curtains, bed sheets……… with organic cotton ones.
Please tell me your opinion I want support cause I am one of the one who want to change the world starting with Hurghada.