Green Living | Green living tips and advice

Your Questions About Green Living

Nancy asks…

When liberals want to give tax credits to alternative energy companies aren’t they being hypocritical?

I thought all big business was evil in the eyes of liberals, unless of course they stand to profit from it.

The Expert answers:

To them it’s only hypocritical if it doesn’t follow their own agenda. Just wait and see though….. Right now they’re applauding T.Boone Pickens, a multi-billionaire who will make mega profits on wind power since he has a vested interest. How long will it be before they demand 99% of his profits because he’s ‘unfair’?

Betty asks…

good to invest in alternative energy companies?

if so, what are some good ones?

The Expert answers:

The answer has a few facets:

— In the long run I’m sure that alternative energy technologies are sound investment candidates. There is no doubt that the developed world wants to move away from a reliance on petroleum, for both national security and environmental reasons. Furthermore, demand for energy will certainly rise as China and emerging market economies continue their rapid growth.

— But whether these companies and technologies are good investments right now is a more speculative question. Without even doing any specific research, I suspect that I’d find that solar companies have been doing very well recently. Does that mean they might be due for a short-term correction? Perhaps. That adds risk to your idea. And if you’re thinking about solar, you should understand the dynamic going on right now with Chinese solar companies compared to US companies. The Chinese government is providing huge subsidies to their manufacturers, giving those companies a major advantage over US manufacturers and pushing the US companies out of market share. There has been meaningful news coverage on this — do a Google news search on solar, Chinese solar and brush up on the topic.

— You also have the question of which alternativer energy technologies will prevail over the long-run? Solar? Wind? Fuel-cell? Bio?

Lots to think about. Long run ideas? Yes. A need to diversify across companies and technologies? Yes. Must understand the recent performance and leaders? Yes.

You got a lot of homework to do.

Good luck.

Richard asks…

why does the left accuse evil money grubbing companies of keeping alternative energy down?

if alternative energy was really as profitable as the left says wouldn’t those evil companies who only care about profit already be investing in it?
your question- companies expand into other areas all the time.

The Expert answers:

The US government has pumped hundreds of billions into green energy over the last 40 years.

Today, after all that, what do we have to show for it? Alternative energy produces less than 2% of American power as measured by BTUs.

Liberals are the dumbest people alive. Even when we pay them, they fail.

Ken asks…

if obama wins what will be the best alternative feul energy companies to invest in?

even if he doesn’t win what are the best companies to invest in?if possible give me a list from 1-10

The Expert answers:

FSLR (solar), CLNE (natural gas), Vestas (wind), GE (wind), CPST (wind), OPTT (wave), geothermal (no company i have researched) —NOTE: Stocks are at extremely low levels…if you want a speculative play such as this…the prices are currently attractive…but always account for a new bottom of the market by scaling in your investment.

I don’t particularly believe in any specific biofuel company because I do not feel the technology will develop fully. Ethanol will have a similar fate.

If you have heard of T. Boone Pickens, I believe he owns shares of CLNE. But he has realized a loss thus far.

Until their is a fuel cell able to fully power a vehicle/hydrogen cars I do not believe we as Americans will switch from Oil. Especially at the current prices of crude. I do believe it will be much more likely we change our current infrastructure to provide more renewable sources of fuel for electricity rather than cars. Therefore reducing dependence on foreign oil. Only using oil in the future to power cars. See Picken’s Plan.

If you have any good ones let me know.

Just my opinion from following “green” stocks for the past 6 months.

Carol asks…

Are there any companies that specialize in alternative energy design?

I am looking to see if there are any companies that design renewable/alternative energy products for home or commercial use that are aesthetically pleasing. Have any names?

The Expert answers:

Can you be more specific?

There are ways to hide solar panels so they look like a nice high end metal roof.

Is that what you mean?

Your Questions About Green Living

Green Living Q & A 0 Comment

Ken asks…

please help im trying to help my daughter with her biology and make sure she has the right answers?

1. What is the term for an evolutionary change in one species
that results in the evolutionary change of another species?
A. Binary evolution
B. Competitive evolution
C. Coevolution
D. Interactive evolution
2. All the interconnected paths of energy flowing from species
to species in an ecosystem is called a
A. detrital food web. C. food chain.
B. trophic level. D. food web.
3. The number of individuals an environment can sustain for an
indefinite period of time is called its
A. limit of growth. C. carrying capacity.
B. rate of growth. D. ideal birth rate
4. The main reason for land subsidence is
A. the removal of water from aquifers.
B. the destruction of plant life.
C. desertification.
D. land exploitation.
5. Which statement best describes the competitive exclusion principle?
A. Decreased competition between two species leads to increased niche specialization.
B. Character displacement is evidence of competition and resource partitioning.
C. No two species can occupy the same ecological niche at the same time.
D. Adjacent ecological niches lead to the elimination of one of the niches.
6. Which one of the following statements expresses a characteristic of MDCs?
A. The population of MDCs is larger than that of LDCs.
B. MDCs produce most of the world’s hazardous wastes.
C. People in MDCs use less water than those in LDCs.
D. The age structure of MDCs is less stable than that of LDCs.
7. An example of a renewable energy source is
A. coal. C. land.
B. water. D. minerals.
8. A species that takes in only inorganic nutrients is called a/an
A. decomposer. C. heterotrophy.
B. consumer. D. autotroph.
9. What kind of ecological succession occurs when soil has not yet formed?
A. Secondary C. Mutual
B. Primary D. Climatic
10. If, over a period of 10 years, a population has a logistic growth rate, you would
expect to see
A. a death rate much higher than the birth rate.
B. an S-shaped curve followed by a J-shaped curve.
C. accelerating population growth over the entire period.
D. a stable equilibrium phase.
11. Which of these is an indirect value of biodiversity?
A. Prevention of soil erosion
B. Agricultural value
C. Medicinal value
D. Provision of consumable resources
12. What occurs when members of one species try to use necessary resources that
are in limited supply?
A. Predation C. Predator-prey cycles
B. Natural disasters D. Competition
13. When decomposers are unable to break down industrial wastes, they become more
concentrated as they move through the food chain. This process is called biological
A. pollution. C. magnification.
B. synthesis. D. concentration.
14. What is described by the following sentence? The members of a population are small in
size, the young mature early, they get little care from their parents, and they have a
short life span.
A. Equilibrium population
B. Population of mountain gorillas
C. Opportunistic population
D. Species of birds approaching extinction
15. In an ecosystem, a large number of species are dependent on one particular species of
bird. The species of bird is an example of a/an _______ species.
A. keystone C. capstone
B. native D. exotic
16. The science of ecology developed from the study of
A. natural history. C. chemistry.
B. biology. D. human populations.
17. Following deforestation of tropical forests, the remaining soil is nutrient-poor because
A. it’s located over bedrock.
B. it’s mostly sand.
C. there are no remaining nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
D. most nutrients have been absorbed by the vegetation.
18. Which biochemical cycle aids plants through bacterial nodules in soil?
A. Carbon C. Phosphorus
B. Nitrogen D. Oxygen
19. All of the different species living in a particular location are called a/an
A. community. C. biosphere.
B. ecosystem. D. population.
20. The process in which two species interact in ways that benefit both of them is called
A. commensalism. C. mutualism.
B. parasitism. D. predation.

The Expert answers:

Hooray for “A MOM”!
Great answer and I wish I could give you MORE thumbs up!

As to the poster, you should NOT be doing your “daughter’s” homework. If you wish to “check the answers” (yeah, right) then post what you think are the correct answers and we’ll be happy to check them.

Mary asks…

i got these answers wrong could someone please help biology?

1. What is the term for an evolutionary change in one species
that results in the evolutionary change of another species?
A. Binary evolution
B. Competitive evolution
C. Coevolution
D. Interactive evolution
2. All the interconnected paths of energy flowing from species
to species in an ecosystem is called a
A. detrital food web. C. food chain.
B. trophic level. D. food web.
3. The number of individuals an environment can sustain for an
indefinite period of time is called its
A. limit of growth. C. carrying capacity.
B. rate of growth. D. ideal birth rate.
4. The main reason for land subsidence is
A. the removal of water from aquifers.
B. the destruction of plant life.
C. desertification.
D. land exploitation.
5. Which statement best describes the competitive exclusion principle?
A. Decreased competition between two species leads to increased niche specialization.
B. Character displacement is evidence of competition and resource partitioning.
C. No two species can occupy the same ecological niche at the same time.
D. Adjacent ecological niches lead to the elimination of one of the niches.
6. Which one of the following statements expresses a characteristic of MDCs?
A. The population of MDCs is larger than that of LDCs.
B. MDCs produce most of the world’s hazardous wastes.
C. People in MDCs use less water than those in LDCs.
D. The age structure of MDCs is less stable than that of LDCs.
7. An example of a renewable energy source is
A. coal. C. land.
B. water. D. minerals.
8. A species that takes in only inorganic nutrients is called a/an
A. decomposer. C. heterotrophy.
B. consumer. D. autotroph.
9. What kind of ecological succession occurs when soil has not yet formed?
A. Secondary C. Mutual
B. Primary D. Climatic
10. If, over a period of 10 years, a population has a logistic growth rate, you would
expect to see
A. a death rate much higher than the birth rate.
B. an S-shaped curve followed by a J-shaped curve.
C. accelerating population growth over the entire period.
D. a stable equilibrium phase.
11. Which of these is an indirect value of biodiversity?
A. Prevention of soil erosion
B. Agricultural value
C. Medicinal value
D. Provision of consumable resources
12. What occurs when members of one species try to use necessary resources that
are in limited supply?
A. Predation C. Predator-prey cycles
B. Natural disasters D. Competition
14. What is described by the following sentence? The members of a population are small in
size, the young mature early, they get little care from their parents, and they have a
short life span.
A. Equilibrium population
B. Population of mountain gorillas
C. Opportunistic population
D. Species of birds approaching extinction
15. In an ecosystem, a large number of species are dependent on one particular species of
bird. The species of bird is an example of a/an _______ species.
A. keystone C. capstone
B. native D. exotic
19. All of the different species living in a particular location are called a/an
A. community. C. biosphere.
B. ecosystem. D. population

The Expert answers:

If you want, add me on myspace, i’m also a penn foster student.
Www.myspace.com/suppchels

Richard asks…

Biology Help Needed (Continued)?

Thank you for your support.

4. The main reason for land subsidence is

A. the removal of water from aquifers.
B. the destruction of plant life.
C. desertification.
D. land exploitation.

5. Which statement best describes the competitive exclusion principle?

A. Decreased competition between two species leads to increased niche specialization.
B. Character displacement is evidence of competition and resource partitioning.
C. No two species can occupy the same ecological niche at the same time.
D. Adjacent ecological niches lead to the elimination of one of the niches.

6. Which one of the following statements expresses a characteristic of

MDCs?
A. The population of MDCs is larger than that of LDCs.
B. MDCs produce most of the world’s hazardous wastes.
C. People in MDCs use less water than those in LDCs.
D. The age structure of MDCs is less stable than that of LDCs.

7. An example of a renewable energy source is

A. coal.
B. water.
C. land.
D. minerals.

The Expert answers:

4. The main reason for land subsidence is
None of those. It’s removal of oil from oil-bearing strata (just ask the stupid people of New Orleans). Since that’s not available, put:
A. The removal of water from aquifers.

5. Which statement best describes the competitive exclusion principle?
It’s a stinking load of BS. Marine plankton coexist in the same ecological niche at the same time, especially phytoplankton. But your teacher is going to want you to put:
C. No two species can occupy the same ecological niche at the same time.

6. Which one of the following statements expresses a characteristic of MDCs?
What the heck is an MDC?

7. An example of a renewable energy source is
The answer your teacher wants is:
B. Water.
Coal is also a renewable resource, but its renewal rate is very slow. Come back in 400 million years, and some of today’s bogs will have become coal.

Sandy asks…

pick city population size?

I’m writing a story, but I need some help deciding what to do. The story is set in a futuristic walled city, where no one is allowed in or out. The city is self-sustaining; it has greenhouses to crop crops and buildings to raise farm animals. It also creates its own renewable resources/energy. Assume population stays stable over the years; no growth or decrease.

What population size would you pick as ideal for the city? Remember it has to be large enough to have labor(job) specialization and allow for a wide variety of jobs. It also needs to be large enough to support the need for public services such as hospitals, schools, fire, and police. It also has to be large enough to support a diverse genetic population (meaning it has to be large enough to allow people to date/marry and have kids; if the population is too small there won’t be enough choices). However, if the population is too large they’re will be issues of transportation, food/energy production, and waste disposal.

I wanted to see what others thought. What population would you make it? Thanks!

The Expert answers:

200,000

Betty asks…

Help with setting in story?

I’m starting to plan out a new story, but I need some help deciding what to do. The story is set in a futuristic walled city, where no one is allowed in or out. The city is self-sustaining; it has greenhouses to crop crops and buildings to raise farm animals. It also creates its own renewable resources/energy. Assume population stays stable over the years; no growth or decrease.

I don’t want it too be too big, but not too small either. I was thinking anywhere from 100,000 to 500,000, but I wanted other opinions. Thanks!

The Expert answers:

I was thinking about maybe 250,000 people would be a good amount.

Your Questions About Green Living

Green Living Q & A 0 Comment

Jenny asks…

Can anyone help me find Environmental Issue Articles?

And please send the link!

I need it for school.
Thanks

The Expert answers:

Www.sciencedaily.com
www.globalissues.org

FYI they were the first two links when I googled “Environmental issue articles”…its just because I’m currently procrastinating from studying for a test that I’m in such a helping mood

Donna asks…

Can you find any New York environmental issue articles?

The Expert answers:

There aren’t any. Environmental issues are a lie.

Joseph asks…

where i can find good articles on current environmental issues?

I am a student of 9th standard
&i need articles for group discussion going to be held in my school

The Expert answers:

I don’t know how old you are, but I hope you find something useful:
http://www.greenfacts.org/studies/climate_change/index.htm

Frontpage

http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/globalwarming.html
http://www.junkscience.com/Greenhouse
http://www.whoi.edu/institutes/occi/research/research_intro.htm

Lizzie asks…

Need a News Article that features current environmental issues?

i need a news article that features current environmental issues. I am searching for a news article that talks about – Battery Disposal.
Please help
thank you

The Expert answers:

Go to news.google.com and do your own assignment.

William asks…

Can someone help me find an article that talks about environmental issues for asia?!?

For my class i have to find articles that deal with my topic
my topic is environmental issues in asia
but i cant find anything!
so can anyone help me find some!! please!!

the requirements are
that it has to be within this month (november)
and that i has to be about ASIA
the article should be quite long (so I could write a long summary)

please help
thanks!!!

The Expert answers:

Google scholar would be good. Or if your library has access to databases you could go there and ask a librarian for help, OR if your public or school library has a website see if you can access the databases from home. You may have to call and ask for a password.
Google.com would be too broad.

Your Questions About Green Living

Green Living Q & A 0 Comment

Laura asks…

The future environmental issues in US politics??

What do you think? i personally think environmental issues will decide US elections in the future, especially with global warming and the environmental crisis we have today.

I think that the nations that really work to conserve their environments in the future will be the most sucessful and richest.

what do you guys think?

The Expert answers:

I think the lack of enough fresh water for the population in the Southwest is going to be a huge problem. I think hurricane prone states are going to get repeatedly hammered worse than we do now. I think those winter wonderland winters in the upper midwest could very well become quite mild. I also think smog will become a big issue nationwide and not just in our larger cities.

Robert asks…

What you think about recent ban on Coke by some of the US univarsities, citing environmental issues in India?

They say that COKE is creating environmental hazards in countries like India and Cambodia, by drawing excess ground water resulting into lack of water for the use of the communities….

The Expert answers:

Halleluiah!!

Steven asks…

HELP! what are some current or pretty recent SPECIFIC environmental issues that have been going oon in the US?

i need to brainstorm some SPECIFIC environmental issue that have been going on in the US
any ideas???????
(for example: introducing non native pike into davis lake) yes it has to be THAT SPECIFIC 🙁 🙁 🙁 🙁 🙁

The Expert answers:

Georgie and the boys have cut funding to the the Superfund clean up of toxic sites around the country
….eh…they can wait

Mark asks…

Why does Global Warming get positioned as an “environmental” issue?

The issue is caused by industry and personal choices.
The effects may have major implications for the economy, health care, immigration, disaster relief, and the availability of water, food, and energy.
Deciding how to respond involves decisions on personal and societal mores and values.
The solutions must encompass industrial policy, transportation policy, regional planning, energy policy, international relations and collaboration, and so much more.

Since it’s such an all-encompassing scenario, starts with people and ends with effects on people, and since most of the human scope of the effects are not studied or addressed in the course of environmental science, why does it get tucked away as an “environmental” issue? Most of us see the “environment” as being something outside of “us.” Sure, the environment will change along the way, but isn’t the issue far broader and greater, and ultimately more about our choices, and the effects those will have on us?
My guess is that it’s a calculated political move to marginalize support for responses to global warming. Environmentalists embrace it, while everyone else is glad it’s off their plate. Environmentalists can lead the charge tadn the rest of us can wait to see how it turns out. Isn’t that why after 20 years none of the other disciplines is responding (architecture, regional planning, etc)? It’s not their problem.

This is what prompted me to ask the question:

“Disaster preparedness is not an environmental problem.” It is a hallmark of environmental rationality to believe that we environmentalists search for “root causes” not “symptoms.”

The Death of Environmentalism
Global warming politics in a post-environmental world
http://www.grist.org/news/maindish/2005/01/13/doe-reprint/

Maybe we’re all missing the point by arguing about the causes instead of focusing on the responses?

The Expert answers:

And what if you’re wrong? Then you’re just wasting time and resources.

How do you know it isn’t going to be colder 5 years from now?

Lisa asks…

What does the bible speak about environmental issues or Humen rights that I can refer?

The Lord Jesus deals with humenbeings and their lives .What was his openion on humen rights and what were his toughts on enviromental issues as a guide for us in this centuary? I believe humen issues are basically the same no matter from which century they lived. As such God would have the answer to question of humen rights that has become to be the central question all over the world today.

The Expert answers:

We are the stewards of the earth. We have a responsibility to take care of what God has given us.

Gen. 1:26 states, “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.”

Here’s a verse on equality, that all are equal in God’s eyes.

Gal. 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. ”

Mark 12:31, “. . . Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. . . .”

That deals with equality. If you love everyone like youself, you must treat everyone equal, and render equal justice on all people.

Your Questions About Green Living

Green Living Q & A 0 Comment

Sandra asks…

What are alternative energy and renewable energy used for?

What and how are renewable energy used for? Uses such as green cars, lighting and heating. Pleease help me by explaining in detail how and why it works.

The Expert answers:

Energy is simply energy – it is no colour. The green and alternative relate to how they are produced. So usually they will end up either as motive power for a vehicle or in the national grid along with all the non-green electricity made from coal. So what is it used for? The same as any other energy is used for.

Nancy asks…

What is the role of renewable energy in addressing climate change?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy in to climate change? Whatare the contributions of renewable energy to climate change?

The Expert answers:

It is a political term to describe power sources that don’t emit much CO2 but which can’t actually provide the power our civilisation needs (so far no country has managed to get much more than 20% of their power from wind or solar and even then they had to rely on their neighbours’ hydro and nuclear as well as their own coal to prevent the grid from collapsing). Hydro is the main renewable energy source for electricity production right now but is opposed by most of the people who claim we need renewable energy (and unlike their opposition to nuclear power they actually have good reasons to oppose hydro).

They are used mainly to delay the switch to nuclear power (which despite being not renewable should be good for millions of years at higher than current energy use) that would allow us to actually solve the global warming problem and thus contribute to global warming by keeping the fossil fuel industry in business.

Basically the way it does that is that a bunch of windmills get built and start supplying power to the grid but because of natural variability in the wind they don’t provide that power all the time (20% of rated capacity is considered pretty good for wind) nor can we control when they provide their power so to use wind power you need a source of backup power that is reliable and usually that means fossil fuels (nuclear could be used but if you use nuclear for that then you may as well not bother with the windmills because the windmills would not reduce CO2 emissions or save money). Solar is less variable but PV cells cost a lot more and it still needs backup at night and partial backup on cloudy days. The need for backup means that the fossil fuel industry still gets to exist (and continue pumping CO2 into the atmosphere) if the way to address (if very badly) climate change is to use wind and solar.

Hydro and geothermal have the reliability to be used for baseload although they only work in some locations and hydro power probably won’t be used where it can be because of the massive environmental damage building a dam causes.

Wave and Tidal power when you calculate how much energy there is turn out to be way too diffuse to be useful. Biofuels show promise but not much because you need land to grow them on and that land could be better used growing food or even being turned back into forest.

Donald asks…

Who is doing renewable energy education? How are you accomplishing the task? What are you focused on?

I am researching the current energy and renewable energy issues facing the world. The task is very extensive and complicated. Each region has renewable energy opportunities that can be important to environmental issues, economic development, and social needs for all humans. Government agencies, industry, agriculture, educational and research organizations are focused upon massive research efforts. This seems to provide a way to share information, thoughts and ways to help people to improve our lives by conserving energy, find alternative energy resources and realize that fossil fuels are depleting and non-renewable. Can renewable energy be a way to produce additional energy? Networking can provide valuable information to further the advancement of changing habits about energy. I am a farmer with a background in sustainable energy and educational degrees in agriculture. A sustainable energy for industrial and developing countries can improve the quality of life of all human beings.

The Expert answers:

Wow – i’ve already done my college work… Sorry – i don’t feel like doing yours.

Mark asks…

How do I create renewable energy from our personal waste in food garbage and septic?

I want to take my septic gasses and compost gasses and turn them into renewable energy on my property to power up my home. How do I do that?

Are there residential systems designed to do this?

The Expert answers:

We are getting closer to such equipment but you will have to go to Europe for the technology. The States are 5 years behind when it comes to anaerobic digesters and fermenters.

Small farms are using them now but they haven’t worked all the bugs out yet to make it really efficient. Still you can only create so much energy from such little waste.

David asks…

When are republicans going to start supporting renewable energy?

Republicans are the biggest opponents of renewable energy legislation in Washington right now. Why?

http://features.csmonitor.com/environment/2008/07/31/gop-lawmakers-block-renewable–energy-credit-bill/

The Expert answers:

We do support renewable energy. The sources of renewable energy are just not reliable and we do not have enough of any of them right now. What most republicans want is for there to be a comprehensive energy package with nothing off the table. That means drilling, solar, nuclear, wind and whatever other sources can be invented or created. We are not slaves to the environmentalists who want only so-called clean energy. Democrats seem to be in the environmentalists pockets and are not willing to discuss anything except what the environmentalists will accept.

Your Questions About Green Living

Green Living Q & A 0 Comment

Lisa asks…

Do you think that GM crops are the answer to a sustainable food supply?

The Expert answers:

No as currently all the GMO crops are dependent on an unsustainable petrol based farming structure and few to none have lived up to the hype of better yields, more nutritious crops, less crop disease, etc.. Not to mention traits such as drought resistance are still in the planning stages and now we have “super weeds” so that the glysophate/glysophyte resistant crops are becoming useless and now they are designing GMO crops to be resistant to more powerful herbicides such as 2,4-D (and using herbicides is not exactly sustainable)

And since Organic and nonBiotech conventional crops tend to yield better than GMO crops i don’t see how they are sustainable at all.

Oh and take a look at this article on just how devastating RoundUp herbicide is to soil and crops http://www.responsibletechnology.org/blog/664

We already produce 2x more calories per person world wide and pretty much all famine these days is caused by geo-political reasons such as war and corrupt gov’t stealing food from their people.

What we need are more regionalized and localized food systems instead of these big global systems that are huge but amazing delicate and when they fail billions suffer. And since GMO’s are a big part of the global food system and global systems are never ever as sustainable as smaller much more localized system I have to say NO.

Jenny asks…

dissertation help needed ,regarding sustainable food supply chain?

any suggestion what can be a better way to start .
topic is based on the sustainable food supply chain in uk

what best possible way ? that i can choose to frame out dissertation any topic regarding that .
thanks you

The Expert answers:

Today’s food supply chain consists much more of goods in transit than in the past with everything being delivered only just in time. This is extremely worrying given that we are no longer capable of feeding our 60M+ population. Without imports we would be lucky to supply 24M.

A truly sustainable food supply chain depends upon making use of crops and farm animals that can actually live and grow here without importing fertilizers and animal feeds. Milk and meat from grass eating animals, wheat to make bread etc. Then we need a delivery network that doesn’t waste resources transporting food grown in the SW to the Midlands for processing and then back to the SW to be sold to the consumer etc. A sustainable food supply would be very expensive and locally based.

You have a very big subject here.

Sandy asks…

How sustainable is the food we eat and buy?

what is fair trade why is it good?
what is to do what is it to do with pollution?
AND EXTRA INFORMATION please thank you

The Expert answers:

If you knew there would be no way you would eat it.

David asks…

How can the the world be more sustainable as regards to food?

I think this is an interesting question and I think its also a very important one for the future, I’d like to hear your opinions on it. 🙂

Callum

The Expert answers:

The only unsustainable resource used in production of food is fuel for tractors and other machinery.
It can be replaced with biofuel or hydrogen (made using non-fossil electricity)

Lizzie asks…

Potential strategies for a more sustainable global food system?

WHAT ARE SOME OF THEM? IS THERE WEBSITES THAT TALK ABOUT THIS?
can you guys also help me with ideas for an essay on The Impact of Globalization on Hunger in the Developing World

The Expert answers:

Less people

Your Questions About Green Living

Green Living Q & A 0 Comment

Mary asks…

How would you convince the US government to fully support and invest in alternative sources of energy?

I know if the government really put every resource they had into alternative energy, it would become possible to commercialize this industry in as little as 10 years. But 2 decades of war in the Middle East have not encouraged this move, neither have terrorist attacks. Greenland already is moving away from oil as its primary source of energy, why can’t we? We have scientists and MBA’s that are just as brilliant. The only good news I’ve heard is that somewhere in the Midwest, I think it’s Colorado, the state returns some money to homes which use wind-powered energy instead of the traditional forms of energy (oil or electricity). Tax breaks on electric cars are not enough, because I haven’t seen that big of a change in our energy resources yet.

The Expert answers:

It shouldn’t be the government that does this. I am an Economics major, and spent a semester studying Environmental Economics. The solution can, will, and should come from the private sector. There are many companies out there researching alternate sources of energy, and when it becomes more economical to use these new advances in technology, the market will use them. Right now it is too cost prohibitive to use alternate forms of energy, but as other resources become more scarce, the price of them will go up, and we as a society will use alternate forms of energy, all without having to get the government involved.

Donald asks…

Yahoo Science news has not updated its Alternative Energy section since March 12.?

The Expert answers:

Inform it to the Yahoo! Answers team or Yahoo! Customer Care by mailing:
Email Yahoo! At these addresses:
y_answrs_team@yahoo.com (Y!A Team)
cc-advoc@yahoo-inc.com (Y! Customer Support)

You can also fill out these “Online Help” forms, which lets Yahoo know that you’re experiencing that problem as you have mentioned here, and wait for a reply from Yahoo Customer Support:
http://help.yahoo.com/fast/help/us/mail/cgi_feedback

Paul asks…

What do you know about alternative energy sources?

I have read articles about wind, solar, alternative fuels, and hydro power in The Mother Earth News. Who has used these alternative resources?

The Expert answers:

I have burned vegetable oil for about a year in various burners. Narrowed it down to simple easy clean exhaust. And applied it to a few household chores. I think I would sum it like this. If everyone burned veggie oil. Theres not enough. Geothermal should be mainstay temperature regulation. Hot water, cooking and clothes dryer activities are next. You only need so much hot water at one time. Make that much. Cooking make mega meals and freeze some, eat and eat some later. Lots of various savings here. Clothes, air dry if possible or dry selected items.

Steven asks…

Is this new solar dye technology the future of alternative energy?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7501476.stm

What do you think about this? Could we be seeing these solar dyes on all new buildings within 5 years? Would you be willing to put these panels on all the windows in your house? Could this technology make solar energy the most commonly used alternative energy source?

The Expert answers:

Hi Manda…

Yeah, I saw this and my immediate reaction was “great” – a simple product, easy to get going (no huge infrastructure required) and commercial production available within a few years…
The human eye doesn’t need anywhere near the full output of the sun to see so I see no problem in having only 10% filter through the windows.

Not sure if it will make commercial sense at a household level so may not become that common but sticking them on all those glass skyscrapers – fan-bloody-tastic!

Bit disappointed with the other two answers, though – linlyons is usually spot on but I found her response too negative; I think we need to be a little bit more optimistic that we can do something about GW even if it means now and then doing a few things that weren’t so good (as long as they don’t hurt!)

Agua gave a lot of info – not really germane to your question though… Couldn’t be bothered to read all of it as I figured he was selling something so I scrolled to the bottom and… Yep; he’s selling something!
So – does that make me as much of a cynic/pessimist as lyn?

Lisa asks…

Is this a good source of alternative energy?

What do you think of this for a source of environmentally friendly energy?

http://news.yahoo.com/comics/unstrange-phenomena

The Expert answers:

Where can i get the lightning bugs from

Your Questions About Green Living

Green Living Q & A 0 Comment

Sharon asks…

Does anyone know of any cute vegan, fair trade, and eco-friendly dressy shoes for ladies?

Many vegan shoes are made of plastics. I am looking for some that are either made of biodegradable materials or recycled materials. Fair trade and vegan are important too.

The Expert answers:

Try Terra Plana – http://www.terraplana.com/index.php

I’m also a fan of Simple Shoes but they aren’t dressy http://www.simpleshoes.com/index.aspx

Stella McCartney does vegan shoes but they’re very expensive, they are well thought of though.

Good luck!

Mark asks…

Does anybody know any Eco friendly shoe companies?

I am trying to be more environmentally conscious this spring. I need to do a little shopping for shoes (I have had the shoes I’m wearing right now- my typical spring shoes– for three years. It’s time to move on). Does anybody know any stores/web sites that sell eco–friendly shoes? Preferably under $25? Thank you!

The Expert answers:

Vegitarian shoes.

Donald asks…

Does anyone know of any businesses that sell eco friendly or recycled footwear?

I have been looking into ways of helping to protect the environment and i have noticed that there are very few footwear businesses, which can provide either recycled or eco friendly shoes. Do you know of any websites or shop names that i could research? Also is anyone interested in eco friendly shoes? Would you be willing to pay more for this type of product if you knew you were helping to save the environment? All answers are appreciated, i look forward to your answers.
Thank you!

The Expert answers:

This website looks promising.

Http://www.shoes.com/shop.asp?ShopID=TOMS&CMP=KNC-Adwords&partnerid=Adwords&cpc=Adwords&campaign=toms&group=general&hbx_ou=50&hbx_pk=tom+shoe&cpckw=tom+shoe&OVRAW=Eco%20friendly%20shoes&OVKEY=tom%20shoes&OVMTC=advanced&OVADID=6504622011&OVKWID=37027793511

Ken asks…

Does WalMart sell any eco friendly shoes?

The Expert answers:

Yeah I’ve seen commercials recently that are enviromentally friendly and there was some earthbrand on there clothing wise so yeah I think they have shoes.

William asks…

Attractive eco-friendly shoes?

Especially ladies’ boots. Citywear, not hiking stuff.
Shelly, that looks great!! One thing, does the sole have okay traction? It looks slippery. I wouldn’t wear them in snow or anything, but if there’s a little ice on a sidewalk, are they ok?

The Expert answers:

Http://www.planetshoes.com/itemmatrix.asp?groupcode=3416&Item=TOMS-Wrap-Boot&Brand=TOMS-Shoes&gender=women&cc=footwear

they are vegan and they are hot only thing is that they are flat but cool cause super comfy

Your Questions About Green Living

Green Living Q & A 0 Comment

Richard asks…

How can a teenager help out with the environmental issues today?

The Expert answers:

There are tons of things you can do…I am assuming the person asking is a teenager, sorry if I am wrong.

-Educate yourself, there are many great websites with helpful information on climate change, endangered animals, endangered natural spaces, alternative fuels, etc.

Check out the Sierra Club online, PBS.org, EPA, WWF, Defenders of Wildlife, and the list goes on…google it if you want!

-Ask your teacher & principal about starting a recycling program at school. Help maintain the program. See if your teacher will give you a minute in class to explain to your fellow classmates how important recycling can be when done correctly.

-Reduce, reuse, & recycle.

-Ride your bike/walk when it is safe, instead of using a car.

-Plant trees, or shrubs. Offer neighbors your hand in planting some in their yard. Sometimes the National Arbor Society gives trees away, they will mail them to you to plant.

-Pack your lunch in reusable containers/bags.

-Offer a neighborhood recycling service. Offer to pick up recyclables and take them to the proper facility if your neighborhood does not already have this service. Be sure you can do it first, you will need a wheel barrel / car / possibly some tubs to sort them in / and probably gloves.

-Don’t use your a/c, open your windows and turn on you fans.

-Teach everyone you meet what you have learned.

-Pick up litter whenever you can.

-Use rechargeable batteries and the new long lasting light bulbs that use less energy.

-Only buy earth-friendly products.

Wheew…there is plenty more that you can do, but my fingers are tired. Good luck…I am so happy to see younger people that care! 🙂

Sandy asks…

What are some major environmental issues today?

i need to find some environmental issues described thoroughly

The Expert answers:

These are all great ideas, but what about Landfill space??? People tend to overlook that we are running out of space for landfills… Recycling may seem inconvienent and a waste of money…but it really does help is in the long run. We cut back on space used in the landfill, provide jobs, and don’t have to start from scratch when we have provided materials.

Also, another thing that can help landfill space is Composting. Your local gov’t can begin composting with yard trimmings and the waste water treatment plant’s sludge. This makes an excellent organic mix to put on your yards. (Plus all of the yard trimmings would end up in the Landfill…and wont be able to decompose due to oxygen levels.)

Do you really want to keep building new landfills??? I know I would NOT want to live near a landfill…. Methane gas has to be monitored regularly to assure the safety of the landfill and surrounding area. Plus, they are smelly and not attractive.

Ken asks…

In your own order of importance, what are the most serious environmental issues today, and why?

1) Railway transportation of deadly nuclear waste.
2) The seepage of hidden stashes of deadly nuclear waste into our oceans and groundwater.
3) Global climate change.
4) Industrial pollution of our air and water.
5) The rape of our rainforests.
6) Endangered species.

I know that there are a lot more, but I want to ask about these six only. If you have some that you feel are more important, go ahead and offer them. In either case, you will notice that man is pretty much bringing about his own destruction! Thanks for your opinions.

The Expert answers:

The most serious issue is thinking that the above issues do not exist.

The answer is “all of the above’

Joseph asks…

how could industrialism be related to environmental issues going on today?

how could the industrial revolution that happened from the 18th to 19th centuries be related to today‘s environmental issues or maybe even some other problems going around the world that are due to industrialism? thanks

The Expert answers:

The industrial revolution is still going on in china. The poisons from the chemicals that saturated everything don’t go away, they cause things like global warming which the capitalists will deny. It’s more important to make money than live i guess.

Donna asks…

Please tell me what the major environmental issues today.?

There are global warming, population, pollution … what else?

The Expert answers:

1. Depletion of ozone layer.
2.wildlife conservation
3.water crisis
4.land degradation
5.consumerism and international trade which results in more consumption and hence more production of waste.
6.decline in productivity
7.exhausting mineral resources
8.improper waste management
9.sustainable development
10.use of alternative resources
11.disaster management
12.Eco-friendly technology
13.conservation and management of forests
14.tribal culture
15.urbanization
If u want details in any one of these, ask me. I’ll be glad to help you.

Your Questions About Green Living

Green Living Q & A 0 Comment

Linda asks…

Green chip review? Alternative energy stocks?

Has anyone suscribed to the green chip review and found it usefull?

Recently loaded up on some alternative energy and solar stocks (wfr, solf, csun, tsl) since congress has the energy bill vote in a couple weeks

comments?

The Expert answers:

I don’t subscribe to them, but I do get their free e-mails. I like a lot of the articles they write about everything in the alternative energy sector, they’re pretty useful! Although I’ve noticed that they do tend to mention a lot of penny stocks, which I stay away from, but you have a mind of your own and are free to buy or not to buy whatever you want.

Congrats on SOLF!!! I hope you got in a couple of days ago!!

Since those are all solar stocks, you might want to look at other segments in the alt. Energy market too: FTEK, ZOLT, ORA, FPL, CCJ, COMV…..I could go on and on!

Ruth asks…

What are the top performing Alternative Energy Stocks?

The Expert answers:

Alternative Energy is unfortunately a very weak market at this point. Right now, I wouldn’t consider it with the Bush Administration’s stronghold on keeping coal and oil going, however for the sake of giving you a top performing one, here’s one good company I have:

(ADM) Archer-Daniels-Midland Co: Primary ethanol, these guys have been up and down over the last 6 months, however I think they could be a good short-term buy. P/E is low, only 14. Analyst estimates predict 2.66 EPS by June 2008. Now, I haven’t seen their income statement or their cash flow, so maybe there is a reason behind their volitility, but if there isn’t I’d say this stock is highly under valued.

Michael asks…

Alternative Energy Stocks?

When alternative energy stocks are going to take off?

The Expert answers:

Maybe never. Back in the 1970s, everyone thought alternative energy is going to go through the roof. The oil prices fell…

Joseph asks…

alternative energy stocks!?

Does anyone know a good source,lists or website to find alternative energy stocks! For ex. Solar energy, Gas and Others!

The Expert answers:

Here is a pretty nice pair of lists:

http://www.altenergystocks.com/stocks.html
http://www.altenews.com/stocklist.htm

Industry-specific lists:

solar: http://stockerblog.blogspot.com/2006/12/updated-list-solar-energy-stocks.html
wind: http://energy.seekingalpha.com/article/21870
ethanol: http://energy.seekingalpha.com/article/22360
flywheel: http://energy.seekingalpha.com/article/22360

These indices are another source: http://www.ardourglobalindexes.com/indexdata_form.php

Hope this helps!

Susan asks…

Buying stocks of alternative energy sources?

Hi people,

I got interested in companies producing alternative energy sources or equipment for that industry and I have two questions:
1. what do you think about buying stocks of such firms?
2. could you name some companies in this sector?

Alternative energy would be wind, solar, methanol, petrol produced out of plants and similar sources

many thanks for your answers
Micron
Anyway you look at it SYNM seems to be on a free fall – why buy their stocks?? Can’t see a good reason. Plus they rely on natural gas which is by no means alternative…

The Expert answers:

This is a lot of risk in that field of technology. Wind and solar are years away from being economically feasible. The recovery cost on current solar and wind electric systems goes beyond the life of the equipment.
There are two areas, in my opinion, worth looking into: bio-diesel and coal.
A company call Nova Biofuel is going into production of bio-diesel. It’s currently a penny stock, selling at about $1.30, but is worth looking at.
Another company, Fuel Tech, has a new fuel injection system that helps coal fired furnaces reduce emissions and slag build up. It has just gotten a contract to install its system in several coal fired electric plants in China. With China bringing on one new coal fired electric plant on line per week, this could be a boon for the company. It’s current selling at about $26.