biofuels http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for biofuels Copyright 2008 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 20:42:11 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/biofuels Bugs to Make Biofuel Production More Efficient http://www.artwoo.com/article/bugs-to-make-biofuel-production-more-efficient http://www.artwoo.com/article/bugs-to-make-biofuel-production-more-efficient#comments Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:30:04 +0000 production of ethanolalternatives to fossil fuelsefficiency expertscarbon emissionsindustrial periodenergy typesbiological matter http://www.artwoo.com/article/bugs-to-make-biofuel-production-more-efficient industrial period began, biological organic matter was the cheif source material for fuels. It was only until the relatively more powerful use of fossil fuels became dominant that biofuel found its admirers dwindling; in the age of industry, it has suffered relatively low popularity, though that point stands for most , which is the source material for over 80% of annual energy production across the world.

With the rising interest in climate change affecting governments, individuals and the world's media, though, fossil fuels are seemingly on the decline; whilst more than three quarters of energy production has conistently come from the source for a number of years, this has gone hand in hand with dangerous levels of , of which it is reported that fossil fuels contribute more than 20 billion tonnes anually. With experts suggesting that global natural resources can only induce half of that figure, and global warming increasingly becoming a world concern, investment into alternative energy has risen by over 140% in the two years.

Of these alternative , biofuel is one of the most prominent, and it seems that man-made fuels have come full circle. Though production of the fuel is substantially lower than solar power and even hydroeletricity, it remains one of the most important examples of alternative energy.

And indeed, research into the field has reaped rewards, with new developments granting the industry a potentially greater fuel efficiency.

Experts have now suggested that the use of a bug that thrives on detritus will increase the speed at which the original is broken down and converted into fuel. It will originally be used in the , but it is hoped that the bug can increase efficiency of biofuels across the industry. Indeed it is beleived that the bug can also increase then range of material included in the conversion process; more hardy, it is beleived to be able to break down tougher plant and animal life that current conversion techniques cannot.

It will certainly strengthen the case for a return to biofuel as renewable energy types gain momentum, and it could perhaps do with the positive press after some controversial statistics have begun an increasingly polemical debate on the ethical standards of biofuels; the World Bank reported that the consumption of crops across the world for biofuels has resulted in a rise of 75% in world food prices.

The debate does not simply centre around economics. On their website, Friends of the Earth have questioned the actual environmental impact of biofuel production, claiming that they could actually produce more green house gases than the process reduces; it is generally argued that CO2 emissions from biofuels are offset by the consumption of carbon during the source supply's lifetime, but the orginsation claims that the combined energy cost of planting, production, conversion and transport negates the theory.

On a similar agenda as the World Bank, they take the rising food price to be an indication that biofuel production could directly affect food supply levels for some of the earth's most poverty stricken populations.Chris Woolfrey is the environmental expert for http://www.ecoswitch.com,specialising in research for the energy industry, including biofuels.]]> Ethanol And Biodiesel Information http://www.artwoo.com/article/ethanol-and-biodiesel-information http://www.artwoo.com/article/ethanol-and-biodiesel-information#comments Fri, 01 Jun 2007 13:30:01 +0000 ethanolalcohol drinksbiodieselfossil fuelsfossil fuelnoticeabledinosaurs http://www.artwoo.com/article/ethanol-and-biodiesel-information ethanol and , it will probably be a good idea to learn about them individually, this will then help you get a proper understanding of these two biofuels. You will probably find that ethanol and biodiesel are quite similar in lots of ways, therefore, consideration should be given to both of them when thinking about alternatives to .

So what is ethanol?

Ethanol is a mildly toxic, flammable and colorless mixture of chemicals with a very perfume like smell, it is also the same type of alcohol that you will find in your nice cool beer, however, it is simply referred to as alcohol.

Ethanol has been used by humans as far back as when the were on the planet, and even though it has been used for more negative reasons, such as explosives because of its volatile nature, it has also been though of as positive when made into and other products. Ethanol has also been used as an essence to help illness for many thousands of years, and so this is also recognized as being a positive use.

Another point to consider is, ethanol is the fuel which is at present being considered to replace , this is a very important topic, particularly when we consider that we are in a crazy war with Iraq and this is a country where we get most of our fuel from.

So what is biodiesel?

Biodiesel in being though off as a fuel that could replace diesel over the next few years, it is manufactured from farm crops, like sugar beet, corn, and oilseed rape, although it can also be made from cooking oil waste.

So that older vehicles can run on both ethanol and biodiesel, these biofuels are mixed with gas and diesel. That said some of the new cars being designed today can run on pure biofuel by making some simple modifications.

Although the thought of running your car on ethanol and biodiesel is becoming a more popular idea for many individuals in the US, there are still many people who are not convinced that this is the way to go in the alternative fuel debate.

The connection between ethanol and biodiesel:

There are many important things to question when pondering the relationship of ethanol and biodiesel, one thing for sure though is they seem to be the main two options when looking at creating a cleaner environment. Ethanol is seen as the better option my many people at this time. However, the biodiesel option should be looked at very carefully because it also as many benefits to offer the alternative fuel debate.

Biofuel production is benefiting the US farming community by putting millions of dollars into the industry, therefore this should be taken into account as well. http://ecoholistic.com for information, articles and tips about ethanol and biodiesel. ]]> Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Plans http://www.artwoo.com/article/renewable-energy-and-hydrogen-plans http://www.artwoo.com/article/renewable-energy-and-hydrogen-plans#comments Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:22:29 +0000 nitrogen fixing bacteriarenewable energy sourcehydrogen cellagricultural research serviceselecting agentnitrogen gashydrogen gas http://www.artwoo.com/article/renewable-energy-and-hydrogen-plans
In other words, the hunt for renewable, or at least cleaner, fuels is one front in the battle against climate change.

The (ARS), an agency of the US Department of Agriculture, has found a hitherto unknown method of producing an energy source that does not create carbon gas emissions.

Hydrogen is a that is already being used by some car manufacturers as an alternative to traditional, environmentally damaging fuels. It is also being used by some homes in Japan as an alternative method of heating their water.A contains hydrogen and oxygen, and when the two meet heat and water are formed. The Japanese system works by placing a cell holding this reaction next to a standard water system and letting the heat warm up the water.

This new ARS research, which has taken over twenty years to complete, has looked into the potential use of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in creating . Nitrogen-fixing bacteria are best known for their role in stimulating agricultural growth. Slash-and-burn agricultural practices encourage such bacteria, and once in the soil these little helpers attach to the roots of plants, converting nitrogen into a chemical form that plants use to grow. The ARS research focused on finding a that could distinguish between those bacteria that do produce and those that do not. This process would otherwise require some serious scientific endeavour -- namely genetic medication or genomic sequencing, which nobody wants to do.

Once they had these bacteria the ARS scientists found the gene that caused all the hydrogen produced to be released rather than fixed, and from that they created a fuel that can be turned into a green energy.

This is not the first study to suggest that environmentally friendly renewable hydrogen cells may be created from organic matter. Towards the end of last year a study found that certain bacteria that feed on biodegradable organic waste can be encouraged to produce hydrogen gas by letting them come into contact with electricity. Of course, even though the cars running off this type of fuel would not create any green house gases -- just water -- the actual manufacturing of the fuels, as it requires electricity, would not necessarily be carbon neutral.

Both last years' study, which came out of Penn State University, and this ARS research are similar in that they both suggest that the future of renewable energy might not necessarily come from controversial ethanol biofuels. These biofuels, which were once lauded as our best hope for green, renewable energy, have had trouble in the face of global food shortages, as many people cannot justify producing a fuel on land and from crops that could be used for feeding people.

The hunt for renewable and green energy sources should be seen as one of the most vital scientific endeavours going on right now, and let's hope that the people holding the purse strings in our universities and in our Research and Development departments are spending their money wisely.Matt Gammie is a writer for ecoswitch]]> Cleantech Stocks Beginner's Guide http://www.artwoo.com/article/cleantech-stocks-beginners-guide http://www.artwoo.com/article/cleantech-stocks-beginners-guide#comments Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:01:21 +0000 cabot corpwind turbinesenergy projectionspolitical climateenergy conversionenergy consumptionhot topic http://www.artwoo.com/article/cleantech-stocks-beginners-guide
Cleantech, just what in the heck is it and why, as an investor, do you care? As an investor, you should care about cleantech for two main reasons. First, there's profit in it--and the field is growing. Second, it's earth friendly.

Cleantech is the field term used by most (some also call it greentech) to describe products and services that improve productivity and performance while reducing earth-harming costs in the areas of , waste and pollution.

What started as a small movement has exploded in recent years. According to Thomson Financial, investment in cleantech has avalanched by 500% in the past two years. As climate change becomes more of a , cleantech grows.

Cleantech items you might be familiar with include wind farms, hydro power, solar power and biofuels. There are six main industries within cleantech. Those industries are:

1. Energy (This is the main sector)
2. Agriculture
3. Transportation
4. Water
5. Advanced Materials
6. Energy use / manufacturing

Energy is the big industry in cleantech and the one that gets the most press. A couple companies that you may want to start your investing research on are:

1. Applied Materials
2. .
3. Devices
4. First solar
5. SunPower

While most people gravitate toward researching solar power investment opportunities, don't neglect other power sources. Wind farms (collection of ), for instance, are growing. The USA currently has the largest wind farm site. By 2020, the UK is working to power all its homes via wind farms.

According to a series of clean , solar power will be outpaced by biofuels and wind power--with fuel cells far, far behind. Over the next ten years, growth in just these areas is supposed to pass the 400% mark.

Why the sudden burst though? As oil prices skyrocket and talk of climate change heat up, so has the . Over the past two years, especially recently, politicians (and the world) have embraced the need for change now. This change in attitude has led to political developments that have stimulated investments. The result are growths in technology, which are making cleantech options more feasible and profitable. As this trend increases, the market will expand, which means more opportunity for the cleantech investor. Now is the time to get on board. It's not too late.

There are many companies participating in the cleantech field and many are publically traded. While many are on the NYSE and NASDAQ, you can also find cleantech companies being traded in the pink sheet arena (OTCBB). And there are quite a few companies with sizable per share prices. Of course, if you're into speculating with penny stocks, there are many of those opportunities in the cleantech arena.

If you're interested in learning more about cleantech investing or the field in general, check out some of the URLs I've provided below. Cleantech is an investment you can feel good about. The cleantech field is exploding. The past two years have been instrumental in it's growth and there are no signs of it slowing down anytime soon.Get the scoop on cleantech stocks by visiting CleantechStocks.ORG. It's a great site. Another good site for energy stocks is EnergyCapitalist.com. It deals with oil investing and everything else energy investing related. The stocks trading section at FinancialRebel.com is good too!]]> Sun Sational Energy http://www.artwoo.com/article/sun-sational-energy http://www.artwoo.com/article/sun-sational-energy#comments Mon, 15 May 2006 09:32:05 +0000 solar energy societysolar energy systemamerican solar energyinternational solar energygeothermal energyamerican solar energy societybiofuels http://www.artwoo.com/article/sun-sational-energy Solar Energy Society is a national non-profit group that dedicates itself to promoting and advancing solar energy use to benefits the national as well as global environment. It is the ASES mission to promote widespread use of solar engery for the short term as well as long term.

The Society publishes a bi-monthly magazine that has won a number of awards. Called Solar Today, it covers all facets of solar energy and other renewable energy technological breakthroughs. Continuous topics addressed in the issues include case study building, solar and other energy policies and projects on a community-wide scale.

ASES is the U.S. arm of the Society, and as such dedicates itself to adoption and development of renewable energy including solar energy, wind energy, hydrogen energy, , ocean energy, energy from and overall energy efficiency.

Some specific and ongoing ASES projects include the promotion of regional and national short and long term solar energy sue, the organization of the national conference on solar energy, the annual nationwide solar tour, and the online newsletter, the Sunbeam. ASES also sponsors roundtable discussion on solar energy and related issues in our nation's capital, distributes publications of interest to solar energy advocates, and organizes a network for solar action.

On its Web site ASES publishes answers to frequently asked solar energy questions. Here are some of the more commonly asked questions and their answers.

Can solar energy be used for my home or my business? How do I determine if I will have enough sun for it?

The answer is that there are few places where the solar energy would not be adequate to meet at least some of your needs. A solar energy system designer in your area, or an installer or builder or solar architect can assess your requirements for power, your property, the type of system you would need, the availability of sun and other factors to make the determination if your solar energy system would meet your power needs. Typically, a solar energy system will give off plenty of energy even on a cloudy day. It will just give you less than on a sunny day.

The next question is about whether solar electricity can be used to heat a home or office's water? The answer is that this is impractical, as a solar water heating system is much more cost effective. Similar, if you want to heat a small space you could do this best with equipment that creates solar thermal heat with passive solar designs or collectors that are transpired. http://energy-hq.com Learn everything you need to know about Energy, from conserving it to energy drinks ]]> An Overview Of Solar Energy And Other Renewable Energy Sources http://www.artwoo.com/article/an-overview-of-solar-energy-and-other-renewable-energy-sources http://www.artwoo.com/article/an-overview-of-solar-energy-and-other-renewable-energy-sources#comments Thu, 14 Jun 2007 17:14:53 +0000 renewable energy sourcesfossil fuel energyfossil fuelsgreenhouse gasesfuel gasespower sourcessolar power water http://www.artwoo.com/article/an-overview-of-solar-energy-and-other-renewable-energy-sources fossil fuel energy for reasons other than the factor of non-depletion.

One basic benefit of renewable energy, and the reason environmentalists all over the globe are advocate its use, is that it does give off and other harmful pollutants as do the by-products of burning fossil fuel for energy. Renewable energy such as solar power, water power and wind power, while the widespread discussion of which is new, are anything but new.

In both newly developing and highly developed countries wind, sun and water have long been used as , though not to the extent of providing the primary energy source for large metropolitan communities.

The mass production of such renewable energy is become commonplace in recent years as more and more people come to realize how climate is changing due to the pollution of fossil , due to the exhaustion of the availability of these and the political and social concerns of energy sources such as nuclear power.

Many countries and non-profit environmentally-conscious organizations are encouraging the use of by passing legislation on tax incentives for their use and subsidies to offset the added expense of converting from fossil fuel to renewable energy.

The flow of renewable energy involves phenomena that occur naturally in our world. Tides, sunlight, wind and heat derived by geothermal occurrences all provide renewable energy. Each of these energy sources is unique both in where we can use them and how.

Most technology that converts renewable energy into power sources we can use are powered at least in part by the Sun if not directly at least indirectly. The earths atmospheric system stays in such equilibrium that the heat that it gives off radiates into space to an amount equal to the radiation that comes to earth from the sun.

The result of this energy level within the atmosphere is roughly translated to the climate of the earth. The water of the earth, also referred to its hydrosphere, absorbs a lot of the radiation that comes to us from the sun.

Most of the radiation gets absorbed at the lower latitudes of the earth that exist around the equator. This energy gets dissipated all around the globe, however, in the form of ocean and wind currents.

The motion of the ocean waves might have a role in transference of mechanical energy between the ocean and the earths atmosphere by way of wind stress. Solar energy also provides the means by which precipitations is distributed and then tapped by hydroelectric energy projects as well as plant growth that then creates biofuels. James Copper writes for http://www.propertycareerskills.co.uk who offer energy assessor training courses for people who wish to change career. ]]> The Advantages Of Using Biodiesel Fuel http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-advantages-of-using-biodiesel-fuel http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-advantages-of-using-biodiesel-fuel#comments Sat, 07 Oct 2006 12:27:08 +0000 biodiesel fuelperform betteroil producing countriesdieselcarscooking oilscrude oil http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-advantages-of-using-biodiesel-fuel diesel. Biodiesel is diesel that can power up your car that is made from vegetable oils and other natural sources. It does not come from the regular that usually has to be imported from oil-producing countries.

Biodiesel can be considered a new technology, taking into account all the years consumers have had to settle for traditional diesel. Using biodiesel for your car has many advantages:

1. Biodiesel is not harmful to the environment. Unlike its counterpart, a car using biodiesel produces fewer emissions. If a vehicle uses traditional diesel, the vehicle emits black, stinky smoke. With biodiesel, the smoke becomes very clean indeed.

2. Biodiesel may not require an engine modification. Some can take advantage of biodiesel without the need to undergo engine alterations. Some mix 20% biodiesel with regular diesel. Doing so enables the car to benefit from the good points of biodiesel without the hassle.

3. Biodiesel is cheap. You can even make biodiesel in your backyard. If your engine can work with alone, then you really need not go to the gas station to buy fuel. You can just manufacture some for your own personal use.

4. Biodiesel can make the vehicle . It is noted that biodiesel has a cetane number of over 100. Cetane number is used to measure the quality of the fuel's ignition. If your fuel has a high cetane number, you can be sure that what you get is a very easy cold starting coupled with a low idle noise.

5. Biodiesel can make your car last longer. Because of the clarity and the purity of biodiesel, you can be sure it will not have too many impurities to harm your car. It is actually more lubrication. A car's power output is unaffected by this type of diesel.

6. Biodiesel reduces the environmental effect of a waste product. Because biodiesel is made out of waste products itself, it does not contribute to nature's garbage at all. Biodiesel can be made out of used and lards. So instead of throwing these substances away, the ability to turn them into biodiesel becomes more than welcome.

7. Biodiesel is energy efficient. If the production of biodiesel is compared with the production of the regular type, producing the latter consumes more energy. Biodiesel does not need to be drilled, transported, or refined like petroleum diesel. Producing biodiesel is easier and is less time consuming.

8. Biodiesel is produced locally. A locally produced fuel will be more cost efficient. There is no need to pay tariffs or similar taxes to the countries from which oil and petroleum diesel are sourced. Every country has the ability to produce biodiesel.

Biodiesel is surely a viable fuel alternative. Moreover, it is also a sustainable fuel. Using biodiesel not only helps maintain our environment, it also helps in keeping the people around us healthy.

The production of biodiesel all over the world is now being looked upon favorably. In Europe, many biodiesel stations have been set up already. There is also a move to convert or make cars compatible with biodiesel fuel in the near future.

Biodiesel can surely change the way vehicles are manufactured and used. It is surely the best substitute right now, and everyone should consider ways to take advantage of the benefits of biodiesel. Win Paulson is a contributing editor at http://www.info-biodiesel.com where you will find information and resources on biodiesel. Head to http://www.FlexFuel-Info.com for information on other biofuels and alternative energy. ]]> Bioethanol: The Golden Fuel http://www.artwoo.com/article/bioethanol-the-golden-fuel http://www.artwoo.com/article/bioethanol-the-golden-fuel#comments Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:01:22 +0000 internal combustion engineshigh octane fueldistillation processesfood scarcityflex fuel vehiclesethyl alcoholfarm crops http://www.artwoo.com/article/bioethanol-the-golden-fuel farm crops like corn, then bioethanol stands a good chance of becoming the soup du jour from the alternative fuel menu. Yet there are other complications like food price inflation due to increased resulting from food being diverted energy creation. Of course one must first decide if bioethanol is really worth it in terms of its "green claims."

What is it, and is it clean enough?

Bioethanol, also called , is a non-fossil, with lower emissions than gasoline. Made from renewable agricultural sources, it is a clean fuel for . Hydrous ethanol contains water and can be used as a gasoline substitute, but requires a modified engine. Dehydrated ethanol can be used in proportions of 5% (E5) to 85% (E85). Most cars today can use E5, and (FFVs) use E85. Both can be blended with conventional fuel.

It does take energy to produce it, and there are concerns related to the large amount of land needed for crops. Another concern is whether such biofuels release more carbon dioxide into the air than can be absorbed by growing plants. A better solution might be a process currently being developed in the U.S., whereby trash like waste paper is broken down into sugar and then converted into ethanol. This would by pass many of the ethical, environmental, and financial issues connected to bioethanol production.

How do they make it?

Bioethanol is obtained through a manufacturing process of fermenting biomass, which contains sugar and starch. Sugar cane is used in tropical areas, primarily wheat in Europe, and corn is produced in the U.S. and Brazil. Rectification and turn the biomass into a concentrated form and removes by-products that are no needed in the fuel itself. The negative side of bioethanol as mentioned above is it's use of fertile land for food, which drives the food prices up and locks up usable land to grow more foodstuffs. There has all been great concern amongst certain environmental groups about the waste products left over from manufacturing bioethanol as evidenced in bioethonal pollution finding it's way in to the Gulf of Mexico via the Mississippi River. This of course provides a big argument from within the green fuel camp against bioethanol production and use. Despite it's negative aspects, when the issues have been worked like, which crop to use and where to grow it and of course what to do with the waste, bioethanol stands to be a very powerful clean fuel alternative. One hopes as the oil price continues to stay above 10 dollars that every means necessary is found to make bioethanol as efficient, clean, and financially attractive as possible.

Is your car a FFV?

Many FFV owners may not even know if their car is a FFV. Since most U.S. manufacturers, Japanese and European car manufacturers now produce FFVs, it may be worth checking to see if your car can use bioethanol -- and where you can buy it.Andrew Beckers writes about information that is important to humanity. Learn more about bioethanol.]]> Greasing it to Greece http://www.artwoo.com/article/greasing-it-to-greece http://www.artwoo.com/article/greasing-it-to-greece#comments Tue, 09 Sep 2008 10:08:21 +0000 secondary school teacherwaste vegetable oilfuel podcar journeycocoa butterobiriunconventional method http://www.artwoo.com/article/greasing-it-to-greece waste vegetable oil. The teams collected their second-hand fuel from restaurants and cafes along the route and got along surprisingly well considering the of power! The aim of the 2,500 mile rally was to inspire people to make use of used vegetable oils by fuelling vehicles, preventing them from being discarded into landfill sights and the sea. Unlike ethanol and other controversial biofuels, recycled cooking fat does not effect food production.

Andy Pag, the 34-year-old Londoner who organised the rally is no stranger to carbon neutral travelling; in 2007 he drove from London to Timbuktu in a lorry powered by diesel made from produced by a chocolate factory in the UK. He is very proud of the events innovation, "I think we can safely say that this is the first long-distance in Europe that has relied on restaurants and burger bars as an informal network of filling stations." He was surprised by the interest his journey created, as people began to follow the rally, gathering to watch the fuelling process.

The trip lasted eleven days and the eight teams got through an estimated 350 litres of cooking oil. Some of the vehicles - ranging from a brand new Renault to a pretty ancient former taxi - had already been converted to run on vegetable oil; however the drivers of the unconverted cars had to brew biodiesel using a portable '' processor. This was a 2,500lb (1,134kg) machine which was transported in a transit van, and apparently is "as easy as a washing machine to use," it was manufactured in the UK and costs around £500, including a pump.

"We used what is known as an oily bits centrifuge system, the world's first mobile purification system for cars, to filter the waste en route," said Pag's co-driver, Esther -Darko. "It gets rid of all the crud."

Pag attended an awards ceremony highlighting alternatives to fossil fuels at the British embassy in Athens and spoke of the rally, "It's true we spent a lot of time fat-finding, knocking on the doors of restaurants begging for their waste, but it worked. And the beauty, of course, is that when such supplies are collected straight from a restaurant and used as fuel they have a zero-carbon footprint,"

Whilst the trip was an amazing experience the group was determined to show that there are other ways to get fuel other than using fossil fuels which are not only dwindling but also polluting the environment. "I think we made quite a lot of converts along the way," said Pag. "There's a whole trail out there of restaurant owners who are now looking at their waste products with different eyes. Our hope is that others will start to realise the energy that is in waste, too."Hannah Walker is a writer for www.ecoswitch.com]]> Beat Back High Food Prices! http://www.artwoo.com/article/beat-back-high-food-prices http://www.artwoo.com/article/beat-back-high-food-prices#comments Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:08:16 +0000 fresh fruits and vegetablesscale farmingfruits and vegetablesvictory gardenfood rationingcarbon footprinturban landscape http://www.artwoo.com/article/beat-back-high-food-prices victory garden, or an allotment, as they are called by the British. At that time they were used to help the war effort, in as much as food shortages were quite acute. By 1945, it is estimated, 40 percent of the food grown in this country was turned out on these small family plots. This allowed the big farms to feed the troops and also helped to keep rising food prices in check due to which was in effect at that time.

Anybody who has grocery shopped recently has noticed the price increases in all the food now selling in your supermarket; milk, eggs, produce and fruit are all starting to skyrocket in price. This is a trend that will probably continue due to the demand for biofuels plus greater demands from India and China and other emerging countries for more .

Nowadays large- is rather difficult in our ; however small-scale production works because it is so dynamic and flexible. A small-scale farm such as your backyard will fit it with your abilities and will not require energy and petroleum consuming machinery Your garden can also be organic if you so please. This will insure your family is getting the safest and best produce available if you remember to follow good gardening practices.

Backyard farmers will never eliminate the need for large-scale farms, yet an increasing number of small growers can help consumers stretch their budgets and be more ecologically friendly by reducing the "". By banding together, communities or neighborhoods can create systems of trading or selling their excess produce to neighbors or local restaurants. If your local zoning codes allow it, you might even consider raising a few chickens or rabbits.

The main reason to raise your own produce however, is the quality and the flavor of the vegetables you grow yourself. Nothing could be fresher or safer then what you have just picked from your own garden. Knowing that you have grown your own food as well as receiving some exercise as well as a good dose of sunshine is all positives. Cost considerations may not be high on your list, at least for now, but who knows what the future will bring. There is also great concern regarding the safety of our food as we are painfully aware from the latest headlines.

If you are considering growing your own produce, start small. A 20 x 25 foot plot will provide enough for a family of four. If the garden is too large, it will certainly suffer from a lack of attention when the gardening becomes a chore and not a pleasure. Pick a location that receives 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily and is near a water supply. Fencing is also recommended to keep animal pests away.

There are many places on the web go into great detail on gardening, so if you are a novice or need help with almost any problem, get on line and start researching. I am sure you will find the information you need to join your own green revolution.Dick Murray loves to write about growing fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables and has created an information packed web site web sitededicated to gardening basics and designed for families who care about their food supply..]]> 2008 Is The Year Of Solar Energy According To New Changewave Survey http://www.artwoo.com/article/2008-is-the-year-of-solar-energy-according-to-new-changewave-survey http://www.artwoo.com/article/2008-is-the-year-of-solar-energy-according-to-new-changewave-survey#comments Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:35:00 +0000 biggest technology breakthroughsrenewable energy sourcesenergy segments52 week highsrapid economic growthflsrspwr http://www.artwoo.com/article/2008-is-the-year-of-solar-energy-according-to-new-changewave-survey
"Keep your face to the sunshine..." -- Helen Keller

No matter where you look, alternative energy is the topic du jour. Driven by the economics of record-high crude oil, the spotlight is shifting to non-traditional , particularly solar power.

But while solar stocks were some of the biggest gainers for much of last year, recently the solar power industry has taken big hits =96 with several key leaders such as First Solar () SunPower () and Evergreen Solar (ESLR) down as much as 50% off their .

To find out what's going on with solar energy and the other renewable energy sources, we recently surveyed 182 respondents working directly in the alternative energy industry.

Solar Leads

Solar energy continues to show the most momentum of all alternative , according to industry respondents. Not only has it shown strong gains since our previous survey in February 2007, but it also leads in each of the following areas:

=95 Most =96 Past 12 Months: When asked which alternative energy sector has experienced the fastest growth over the past year, solar energy (49%) topped the list =96 up a whopping 14-pts since our previous survey in February. In comparison, Biomass =96 including biofuels and bio-products =96 came in at 41%.

=95 Most Rapid Economic Growth =96 Next 12-24 Months: Going forward, respondents see solar energy (58%; up 20-pts) as experiencing the most rapid growth in the industry for the next one-to-two years.

=95Most Momentum =96 Next 5 Years: Over the long term, solar energy also retains its strength, as 31% of respondents (up 5-pts) say it will be the top sector for the next half decade.

In sum, solar energy leads all of the other major alternative energy categories in terms of rapid economic growth.

Solar energy is also seen as experiencing the (27%; up 2-pts). But perhaps most importantly, solar cells are expected to be affordable enough to achieve a competitive return on investment within seven years (by 2015).

(Detailed charts, along with additional ChangeWave Solar Industry survey findings, can be downloaded at http://www.changewave.com/energy).

"Demand for solar cells is unquestionably robust, the price of oil is trending higher, and solar tax credits will likely be extended," according to ChangeWave Analyst Josh Levine. The forces are all lining up exceptionally well for the solar industry. It's the right time for investors to be exposed to the sun and invest in solar stocks."

According to solar industry experts, the sector's growth is being propelled forward by global photovoltaics manufacturers like First Solar (FSLR), SunPower Corp. (SPWR) and SunTech Power Holdings (STP) - companies that have developed superior business models and excelled in project management.

Levine adds that the next big challenge for the solar industry is the scaling of production facilities for mass production at the gigawatt level. "The next generation of leaders will be those companies that are best equipped to leverage the latest innovations in materials research through manufacturing know-how," he said.

Clearly, solar energy has the momentum in our latest ChangeWave survey. We'll continue tracking solar energy and other non-traditional energy sources in the alternative energy industry for new opportunities in 2008. The ChangeWave expert research network is composed of 15,000 highly qualified professionals. Members are surveyed weekly on a range of topics, and ChangeWave converts the findings into proprietary reports. For more ChangeWave Solar findings, go to: http://www.changewave.com/energy ]]> The Benefits of Fuel Efficient Cars http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-benefits-of-fuel-efficient-cars http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-benefits-of-fuel-efficient-cars#comments Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:22:21 +0000 highway fuel economycar fuel economyelectronic fuel injectionpowertrain warrantyfuel efficient vehicleskia riomazda vehicles http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-benefits-of-fuel-efficient-cars fuel efficient vehicles are more expensive than their lesser counterparts, so it may take years to see a net profit from the savings on fuel.

Some people are willing to pay the extra money because they are conscious of the environment and want to consume less fuel, as it is beneficial to the planet, and others are negatively affected psychologically by seeing such high numbers at the pump. One who is environmentally and fuel conscious has a multitude of vehicle options to choose from, as there is no shortage of efficient cars in our society.

Kia offers several fuel efficient vehicles that are not lacking in other features. The 2008 is safe, sporty, and comes standard at $11,540. There is plenty of room, a powerful engine, and a reputable . Best of all, the is rated at 35mpg. The base model can be upgraded to LX and SX for only a few thousand dollars more, although upgrades do not effect fuel economy.

Mazda is not known for focusing on fuel economy, although a few of their vehicles are prominent in this respect. The Mazda3 4-Door has 148HP, multi-port , and a heap of sophisticated external features. Manual transmission yields higher fuel efficiency than automatic, with 32 highway miles per gallon compared to 30, respectively. Interesting, the higher priced have much lower efficiency than the cheaper ones. For example, as the Mazda3 is continually upgraded (there are five unique models of it), the economy gets proportionally lower.

Like Mazda, Mitsubishi is more popular for its innovative designs and impressive features than efficiency. Despite this, many of Mitsubishi's newer models take in to account the general population's desire for efficient vehicles. The 2009 Lancer is a perfect case of this. Its aerodynamic design makes it move easier, and it has many features that are more likely to be found on a jet than a car.

In fact, it has many futuristic characteristics that make it a pleasure to own. A keyless entry system enables drivers to open doors and start the ignition without actually needing to insert a key, and advanced navigation and Bluetooth technology complement the other attributes seamlessly. With all this, the Lancer still manages to get 30 highway miles per gallon, and a respectable 22 in city.

The company that is most notably leading the way in fuel efficiency is Chevy. Fuel solutions are one of their top priorities, next to safety, and they are pioneering the way towards a gas-free future. The Concept Chevy Volt, which has not entered the market yet, is one of the most promising electric vehicles ever designed. Chevrolet has dedicated extensive resources to perfecting the vehicle, and it is expected to have a driving range of 640 miles before needing to be recharged.

In addition to electricity, Chevrolet sees biofuels as an ideal alternative to petroleum, specifically E85 ethanol, which is made mostly from corn. Several vehicles even have the ability to run solely on ethanol, and if that fuel is not available, regular gasoline can be used as an alternative.If you are considering a hybrid car try this New Car Dealer. If you are looking for Used Cars Victoria BC look no further.]]> London Reignited - Battersea Power Station Goes Green http://www.artwoo.com/article/london-reignited-battersea-power-station-goes-green http://www.artwoo.com/article/london-reignited-battersea-power-station-goes-green#comments Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:01:39 +0000 real estate opportunitiessolar chimneyacre public parkbattersea power stationproperty developersriverside walkenergy from the sun http://www.artwoo.com/article/london-reignited-battersea-power-station-goes-green Battersea Power Station is due for re-launch. On behalf of systems manufacturer REO Ltd. and , Treasury Holdings Ltd. will redevelop the site so that it runs on clean fuel rather than fossils fuels, as it did when it closed in 1983. It is expected that the old building - famous for its four iconic chimneys - will now be paired alongside a new station with a 300 metre chimney. The two stations will be combined so that the new station, powered by biofuels and waste, will use the old site as an output, releasing left over water vapours from its chimneys. It is estimated that the project will cost around £4 billion, which will cover the costs of developing the new station and renovating the old one.

The rest of the budget will be spent on a new residential, retail and office space, that will come inside the parameters of the site, and stretch across 8 million square metres. Included in this proposal is the use of the original Battersea Power Station as a space for accommodation and retail outlets.

There are also plans for a 6 and a '' beside the Thames.

The two stations will work together, with the 300 metre absorbing daily, and distributing it across the site.

It is expected that the new design will reduce energy use in the area by 67%.

The announcements look promising. But it is not the first time that there have been signs of redevelopment for the old Battersea Power Station site.

Since it's closure in 1983, several companies have bought and sold the area, each with its own plans for the building.

In 1984, a consortium including Alton Towers Ltd. battled for the lease, gaining planning permission for their proposals in 1986. From there they began work on an indoor theme park inside the old power station. Work ceased three years later due to lack of funds.

Once again the power station laid dormant, until Parkview International bought out the site's outstanding debts, gaining the freehold title in 1996 and outright possession in 2003. Their plan was not dissimilar from what is being proposed now: to use the old station as a site for restaurants, accommodation and retail outlets.

In 2005, they declared that the chimneys were unsafe, and irreparable. Again the site was stagnant. It was a year later that the current companies bought the site from Parkview International.

Perhaps, then, the Battersea Power Station site has an ominous history. But - with the government announcing in June that it plans to have half of its renewable energy coming from biomass, plus the plans for on and offshore wind projects, coming this month - the new proposals will have the backing of Westminster.

If the development plans are a success, the new chimney, which equals the size of all the old chimneys placed on top of one another, could well stand shoulder to shoulder with London's most celebrated architectural landmarks.

Last year, progressive rock band Pink Floyd celebrated the 30th anniversary of their album Animals, which featured Battersea Power Station on its front cover. When it comes to the 50th, the band could have the new solar chimney airbrushed on, taking pride of place beside its older sibling.

That would be a good development.Chris Woolfrey is the solar panels expert at EcoSwitch The environmental social network.]]> Renewable Energy Trends http://www.artwoo.com/article/renewable-energy-trends http://www.artwoo.com/article/renewable-energy-trends#comments Mon, 14 Apr 2008 23:20:00 +0000 alternative power sourcesrenewable energy industryrenewable energy laboratoryrenewable energy technologiesnational renewable energy laboratorywhole foods marketnational renewable energy http://www.artwoo.com/article/renewable-energy-trends renewable energy industry was worth getting into, with the promise of profitability, energy efficiency, and social/environmental "good karma" all in one tidy package. The following are some of the latest ways we've seen this collective foray into renewable energies take shape.

The Workforce: Businesses are given tax credits for changing over their sources of electricity to certain renewable energies, steadily increasing the demand for workers in every area of the industry =96 from research and development to manufacturing to distribution to installation, service and support.

More and more states are taking the federal government's lead and implementing their own public incentive programs and benefit funds to encourage greater renewable energy usage, with the same result. According to a report released by the National , in the five years between 2001 and 2006 the voluntary demand for renewable energies increased a thousand-fold. The bottom line is as clear as sunlight - the renewable energy industry creates jobs.

The Corporations: General Electric, , Safeway, Starbucks, General Motors, Kinko's, FedEx =96 these are but some of the world-leading companies that have made and continue to make an active and aggressive switch to renewable energies.

In the case of many companies, this comes in the form of purchasing renewable energy credits to supplant their local utility usage. In other cases, the forays into renewable power run deeper, producing their own biofuels, setting up their own wind farms, and investing in research and development into improved .

The Military: The Pentagon has ordered all branches of the U.S. military to curb energy use by 2% at all bases and facilities through pursuit of , including wind and solar energies.

The President: President Bush's ranch, the Crawford Ranch, is equipped with all the latest and greatest in renewable energy resources and operates entirely off the grid.

The World: The Australian government has a stated objective of increasing the proportion of its total electricity production that comes from renewable energy sources by 78% by the year 2010. The United Kingdom's goals are a bit more modest but praiseworthy nonetheless, shooting for 10% from only 3.6%, also by the year 2010.

The Future: An inventor by the name of Todd Livingstone has a patent currently pending on a technology to harness the power packed into lightning bolt, estimated at 11 gigawatts each. A Canadian engineer believes that his Atmospheric Vortex Engine is the way to tame a funnel cloud (also known as a tornado). The "Manchester Bobber" is a patented new device for harnessing the power of the up and down motion of waves.

Floating wind systems. Harnessing the power of differences in atmospheric pressure between geographically distant cities. Semi-transparent photovoltaic glass used as windows in office buildings. MIT's self-described "Manhattan Project" for new, renewable sources of power. Installing devices in highway off-ramps that harness the power of vehicles braking. Generate biomass energy from trees downed in hurricanes.

And if we look further down the horizon, what else can we see? Maybe the next big thing will be Focus Fusion, a technology for producing new zero-emission power plants the size of gas stations. Maybe it'll be Blackligh Power, a technology that harnesses power from particles called "hydrinos" which are even smaller than atoms of hydrogen. Or maybe it'll be electromagnetic energy. Whatever renewable energy trends we have in store for us next, there is one thing we can all count on: as the demand for these types of renewable power sources continues its steady rise, funding for research and development into new and better ways of harnessing renewable energy will also increase, leading to more efficient and affordable energy alternatives for us all. For easy to understand, in depth information about renewable energy visit our ezGuide 2 http://biogreenlife.com ]]> Where Do the Candidates Stand on the United States Economy? http://www.artwoo.com/article/where-do-the-candidates-stand-on-the-united-states-economy http://www.artwoo.com/article/where-do-the-candidates-stand-on-the-united-states-economy#comments Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:43:22 +0000 john mccain and barack obamarising health carebailout planflexible work arrangementsfederal moratoriumouter continental shelfbarack obama http://www.artwoo.com/article/where-do-the-candidates-stand-on-the-united-states-economy bailout plan for financial firms. It is the struggling United States economy.

As countless Americans struggle to make ends meet as a result of rising gas prices, costs and stagnant wages, the United States economy has once again become the focal point of the 2008 presidential election. But how do plan to fix the ailing United States economy and how will their proposed initiatives affect you and your family?

Obama stated, "I believe that America's free market has been the engine of America's great progress. It's created a prosperity that is the envy of the world. It's led to a standard of living unmatched in history. And it has provided great rewards to the innovators and risk-takers who have made America a beacon for science, and technology, and discovery ... We are all in this together. From CEOs to shareholders, from financiers to factory workers, we all have a stake in each other's success because the more Americans prosper, the more America prospers."

In an effort to help Americans struggling with high fuel and food costs, McCain plans to end America's dependence on foreign oil by ending the on oil exploration and drilling in the . The Arizona senator believes that a summer gas tax holiday from Memorial Day to Labor Day would have saved motorists $6.8 billion in taxes.

For those struggling with high mortgage costs, McCain has proposed the new "HOME Plan," which would allow homeowners to trade their existing mortgage for a more manageable home loan.

"That plan [will require] participating lenders to forgive part of the loan principal and then write a new loan that would be backed by the federal government through the Federal Housing Administration," wrote Tom Raum in the Tucson Citizen.

The Republican nominee favors that would allow Americans to spend more time with their families, especially their children. He plans to accomplish this by modernizing the nation's labor laws allowing for more flexible work hours; promoting telework; which allows for less commuting; and ensuring that employees can choose the retirement plan that best fits their needs, which he thinks will boost the struggling United States economy.

Senator Obama says that the Bush tax cut to the upper-class gives the wealthiest Americans a tax cut nearly 160 times larger than tax cuts received by the middle-class, severely damaging the United States economy. He will enact a $1,000 tax cut to low-income families and eliminate income taxes for senior citizens earning less than $50,000 annually.

According to Obama's official website, he "will invest $150 billion over 10 years to advance the next generation of biofuels and fuel infrastructure, accelerate the commercialization of plug-in hybrids, promote development of commercial scale renewable energy, invest in low emissions coal plants, and begin transition to a new digital electricity grid."

The Democratic nominee plans to crack down on fraudulent lending practices by introducing the STOP FRAUD Act last year that defines mortgage fraud, increases funding to law enforcement agencies and creates criminal penalties for those found guilty of mortgage fraud. He is also proposing Homeowner Obligation Made Explicit (HOME), which provides future homeowners "a simplified, standardized borrower metric (similar to APR) for home mortgages."

Obama also plans to assist working families by expanding the Family and Medical Leave Act to allow workers more time with their family during health emergencies. He wants all 50 states to adopt a paid leave system and will provide $1.5 billion to assist states in implementing this plan. He will also expand high quality afterschool programs to help working families provide a safe environment for their children at all times.

Whether Obama or McCain is the next president, the United States economy will continue to be Issue #1 to many voters. The question is can either candidate do enough to provide a stable financial future for many U.S. families?Todd A. Smith is the publisher of http://www.regalmag.com, an online magazine dedicated to issues affecting African American men. The website tackles such topics as social and political issues, health, relationships, business, sports and entertainment.]]> Environmental Responsibility V. Shareholder Value - The Tale Of Two Masters http://www.artwoo.com/article/environmental-responsibility-v-shareholder-value-the-tale-of-two-masters http://www.artwoo.com/article/environmental-responsibility-v-shareholder-value-the-tale-of-two-masters#comments Wed, 12 Mar 2008 22:15:05 +0000 constance e bagleyalternative fuel sourcesmanagers and the legal environmentlee schipperworldwatch instituteuniversity of california berkeleychristopher flavin http://www.artwoo.com/article/environmental-responsibility-v-shareholder-value-the-tale-of-two-masters
The Wall Street Journal reported Rick Wagoner, General Motor's chairman and chief executive, announced on Sunday, January 13, 2008 that the company was purchasing an equity stake in Coskata. Coskata, a start-up company in Warrenville, Illinois, plans to make ethanol without the use of corn. G.M. would not disclose how much it paid, nor the amount of stake they took in the company. This is the first time that a car company has gone on record to invest in . Was this an act of environmental obligation? "I really don't see the logic of it," is quoted as saying. Flavin is the president of , a Washington environmental group. He believes that G.M. should concentrate on maximizing the fuel economy of their current line. , from the University of California, Berkeley, has given a stamp of approval for the project. "Ethanol made from waste materials could result in substantially less carbon per mile." He goes on to say later in the article, "Why wait for someone else to invest?"

In a similar movement, Wal-Mart recently "helped reduce the package of a popular toy. As a result, they were able to ship the product using 230 fewer containers, saving 356 barrels of oil, and 1300 trees." Constance E. Bagley writes in his book , "Issues of social responsibility arise in the areas of product safety, sweatshops, and underpaid foreign workers, advertising, campaigns, antitrust violations, client conflicts of interest, managed earnings, and Internet companies." Most companies find a large gray area in the social responsibility angle. In the early 1990's, for example, Wal-Mart had made claims that products were made in America. In truth however, 12 year- old children were making the product in a Bangladesh sweat shop. Now, Wal-Mart clearly labels their products of origin, and has gone to the "Save Money, Live Better" slogan. They ease the conscience of the consumer with the promise of living better by spending less money. In recent years they [Wal-Mart] have adopted social and environmental standards. In further efforts to clean-up their social policies, Wal-Mart has also begun to support local companies, such as Nectar of Life Coffee Company, http://www.nectaroflife.com. Nectar of Life Coffee Company is a 100% organic and Fair Trade certified coffee roaster with roots in Spokane, Washington, and Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Wal-Mart's pushed to improve their image this decade, and it is paying off. They have increased the amount of organic products (crops produced without harmful pesticides and herbicides) offered nationwide.

Wal-Mart has also begun to build "green" stores to meet their energy needs. You can view more information on how Wal-Mart is attempting to, "provide cost effective merchandise while reducing their environmental footprint" on their web site. With G.M. now on the environmental cleansing bandwagon, you can expect more companies to find ways to compete to provide alternatives to fossil fuel, energy, and other resources. Countries around the world are shifting their focus to filling the need for alternative fuel.

Published in the New York Times on the same day, was an article by James Kanter, Europe is considering banning the imports of certain biofuel crops that lack sustainability. In countries such as Malaysia, and Indonesia mass deforestation is occurring in an effort to plant palm trees for the palm oil export. Palm oil is currently one of many crops that are being produced for use as alternatives to fossil fuel. Although Europe's current ethanol consumption is only at 1% as of 2005, they are thinking ahead to the impact of using food for fuel. "Farmers growing corn for ethanol could also be affected, because the European rules contain provisions on preserving grasslands, said Mr. Drinkwater." Matt Drinkwater is biofuels analyst at New Energy Finance in London.

With all the efforts of reducing a global impact are we really making any headway? "A flurry of studies has discredited some of the claims made by biofuel producers that the fuels help reduce greenhouse gasses by reducing fossil fuel and growing carbon-dioxide-consuming plants. Growing the crops and turning them into fuel can result in considerable environmental harm." (New York Times, January 15, 2008). So turning food into fuel is not a good idea after all.

The shareholders of General Motors may not have all agreed on the financial choice of Mr. Wagoner, but perhaps his announcement will help boost stocks as perceptions of the company's standards "change." The goal of improving stocks could be as simple as showing their care about the earth. While steering away from biofuel, Mr. Wagoner and G.M. stepped into the unknown world of ethanol made from waste. G.M.'s equity stake purchase will most likely be viewed as a very intelligent maneuver. There is a growing surge toward consumers demanding companies show their financial, and environmental responsibility. They are touted on commercials from companies such as Subaru that have 0% waste plants. McDonalds that purchased $3 Billion in materials made from recycled products. Ford Motor Company has even created a new "guilt-free" luxury vehicle, made from recycled materials, and "chrome-free" leather. It would seem only logical for companies to hedge their pocketbooks where America is buying. Clearly, America wants good to work. Hannah Jennings is a student, wife, mother and Co-Owner of Nectar of Life Coffee Company, http://www.nectaroflife.com. Nectar of Life Coffee Company is a kosher certified coffee roaster specializing in organic Fair Trade coffees. Nectar of Life strives for social and environmental responsibility. ]]>