Sustainable Living

Sustainable living or sustainable life style, for many is just environment friendly living, the true séance & meaning of sustainable living can be understood only if we can understand the denotation of the word sustainable it's self. Anything that can survive and can be rejuvenated after the test of time and every day direct and indirect factors is sustainable. Sustainability of a nation a social set up or simply the way we spend our lives depends upon how independent are we when it come to fulfill our daily needs on personal and national level both. Thus sustainable living is all about being independent when it comes to mobility, food production, health care and so on, sustainable living also depends highly upon sustainable production of mother of all leisure and production Energy.

Sustainable living amazingly is also environment friendly living. Every step taken by us towards sustainable living is also a step towards a cleaner carbon free environment around us. Not every family can have there own coal mine along with there personal coal power station, generating electricity for there home only, but every family can have there own wind turbines and solar panels on there roof tops generating electricity for individual units in a very sustainable manner. There is so much that can be done when it comes to sustainable living from growing some bit of our own food to producing a portion of our energy needs independently at little or zero cost. Many Americans should be able to learn about sustainability from there grandparents who struggled through the great depression of 1930s as sustainable living is 90% about consuming less or at least consuming consciously, only if we would squeeze our tooth paste tubes hard enough to utilize that last bit of cream we trash out most of the time. Sustainable living depends on consuming consciously, what if fuel hits $10 a litter how many of us would walk to the super market and catch subways to work.

Switching to sustainable living and environment friendly life styles should be much easier for North Americans and Europeans, as the consumption is these developed parts of the world is already very high in terms of energy, fuel, food and daily use commodities, while poorer and developing nations of Africa and Asia should be able to speed up their development and real growth simply through adopting sustainable living.

Let's be a bit hypothetical about sustainability, now only if every Iraqi and Afghani family had there own solar power panels instead of central grid based power system, United Sates would have had to literally bomb every single house in these countries to cut the power of these countries along with there communication. Sustainable living is not only green it can also be a nations most powerful yet peace full defense system.

Some of the simplest yet effective things we could do to reduce our carbon foot print, sustainable living are easy to adopt, some effortless changes made around our houses and work places can have a very positive impact towards our local ecology.

Only by replacing one 60 watts incandescent light bulb with one CF bulb in every home of North America we could get rid of the pollution equaling to removing one million gas guzzling cars off the road, but this is half of the advantage think all light bulbs in USA replace with CF bulb's and the natural cut down in power needs.

Staying fit and healthy is the base to sustainable living; walking and cycling to work are the perfect ways to stay fit for our busy urban life style. Not only by doing so we stay fit but also save money, help air pollution and save soil. In one of my article about my personal experience of paddling to work I've mentioned about just how we can save up to 2 tons of carbon emissions per annum one can save and how fit one can stay.

Every time we switch off our AC's, TV's, Micro wave oven's and many other devices we tend to leave them hooked in the power socket, and tiny red light stays. These tiny red light indicate the vampire voltage being consumed by these devices, if all North Americans start controlling these vampire volts they can shutdown about 10 to 15 coal power stations.

We are what we eat, so we are weaklings as we eat week food produced with an aid of fertilizers and pesticides, organic food is now in demand and it production is still low, producing organic food is not only easier but also dirt cheap for farmers and they save on pesticides, and fertilizers and use insects and natural organic wastes to aid there crop. Organic food is a back bone to sustainable living, the concept of sustainability is all about healthy life, every organic vegetable and fruit helps reduce cancer risk, organic red grapes for example are know to reduce cancer risk to almost half as the plant fights against the fruit fungus thus creates an immune to fight cancer.

Many fashion designers are reclaiming fabric, many product and furniture designers are reclaiming materials such as wood and fibers. I would not mind reclaiming an iron or wooden trunk for a coffee table with a lick of paint on our old furniture we can follow the thrifty green path of sustainable life style.

I'm a student of urban sustainability & Permaculture and wish to learn as much as i can about sustainable and Eco-friendly development. http://thegreenbend.blogspot.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Abdul_Hannan

By Abdul Hannan

How Do the Gartner Snakes of the Manitoba Interlake Survive the Cold Canadian Wintertime?

How do Manitoba garter snakes survive the cold Canadian prairie winter? Although snakes evolved in the tropics, some of these slimy often feared creatures of the wild and mythology have over the eons evolved to have adapted to cooler and even downright cold climates. Yet snakes for sure cannot survive if actually frosty frozen. How on earth do these creatures survive the cold Canadian winters? The answer simply is that these snakes seek shelter in the ground below the cold "frost " line and essentially hibernate there doing the long winter months.

The red-sided garter snake that is known to inhabit the "Interlake" regions of the Canadian province of Manitoba ranges further north than any other snake in North America , winters in communal dens, which sometimes can contain up to 8,000 snakes.

These winter dens are called "hibernacula" or simply "winter dens". Some of the largest concentrations of these are in the area west of Lake Winnipeg, in the "Interlake" region of Manitoba west of the major centers of Gimli and Winnipeg Beach. These dens are sinkholes in the local limestone rock produced simply when underground caverns have collapsed. The resulting fissures and crevices in the limestone bedrock give the snakes access to depths below the frost line, a necessity since winter temperatures in the region can often dip to minus forty degrees centigrade which translates into - 40 degrees Fahrenheit as well. Its so cold in these areas that the local have electric "block " in the engine blocks of their cars which they plug into standard ac electrical jacks in order to start their cars in the dead of the - 40 degrees January winter cold temperatures.

What is even better is that when spring arrives, usually in early May that hundreds and hundreds of snakes will pour out of the dens onto the rocks and rockfaces. You would think that you are seeing a sight of more snakes in one place than anywhere else in the world and you are most likely correct.

By early autumn these same garter snakes are now fat and firm with lots of carbohydrates and fat from their summer of feeding. Once they return to their dens they will not feed again for the next six or seven months. They will live off their fat reserves from the summertime feedings. Interestingly these same snakes seem to arrive at the dens earlier than need be - in fact it can be a month of so before they really need to arrive. This is yet another adaptation learnt and time tested from nature. As the fall days get shorter and winter is closer, temperatures are generally on the cooling trend. Snakes being cold blooded become sluggish during the cooler weather. It's a case of getting the work done while the iron is hot.

Soon it will the winter season. These garter snakes will be safely underground in their winter dens. It may be cold outside - very cold - yet these smart garter snakes , who along with nature sit tight hibernating in temperatures that are a couple of degrees above freezing. You might well think that these simple garter snakes are smarter than many of the people you meet in your travels. Its as if they know to plan ahead, to save food and energy and get out of the cold and go "south " for the winter.

Jadran Z.E. Transcona Manipogo - Manitoba's "Nessie" Uglogical Care Reptiles Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jadran_Z._E._Transcona

By Jadran Z. E. Transcona

Model Railroads - How to Choose the Right Power Pack

Many model railroad enthusiasts find that the power packs that come in most model train sets available for purchase in hobby shops are far less than satisfactory. This feeling is very common. Before you decide which power pack you want to buy for your train set, though, it would be in your best interests to do some thinking about just which one will be best for your situation.

It is very important to consider just how big you eventually want to make your model train layout and, based on that, what power pack would be best. Think about the scale you use, as well as how many cars will be propelled by the power pack you use. If you really are interested in making a smart buy when shopping for your model train's power pack, you need to take all of these factors into consideration. You will thus avoid much needless frustration.

Power packs and transformers do the job of converting normal 110 volt AC electric currents to the lower voltages needed by most model trains, which is usually somewhere between 0 and 20 volts. Many power packs are sold with an accompanying transformer.

Not all trains use the same current, and some larger ones do run on AC power. For that reason, it is quite important that you know what your train needs to run well. The product specifications of your model train can tell you what voltage your train uses.

Most power packs work with Ho and N scale model trains since they both use DC power to run. Z scale trains also use DC power, while O scale trains need AC power. There are some exceptions, so it is always best to check in the information from the manufacturer on your particular model train. For example, Marklin trains only work when used with special Marklin brand power packs that use AC power.

Power packs receive their ratings based off of when load it is able to carry. Instead of worrying about how much track you have, take the number of trains and other track accessories you need to run off of your power pack. You need to plan out what things you plan on having on your track so that you can get a power pack that will be able to supply enough power.

Of course, you don't have to use only one power pack. Many people who build model train sets use different power packs with each section of their model, which is an effective solution to the problem of high electric loads.

Figuring out which power pack (or packs) to go with for your model train requires a bit of time and research, but it is well worth it.

Are you using DCC control for your model railway layout? Find out how it's different from analog control (and why it's better) on The Model Railroader website. Visit http://www.themodelrailroader.com for more helpful tips and advice about building a model railroad.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=B._Murphy

By B. Murphy

FAQ - Water Fuel System For Cars

Is the water fuel system a perpetual motion machine?

The system is not a perpetual motion machine. It is a high efficiency electro mechanical system capable of producing hydrogen and oxygen in sufficient quantity to improve the overall fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines.

Is it safe?

Vehicles powered by the Water fuel system are inherently safer than hydrogen powered vehicles which require hydrogen tanks. Instead of hydrogen tanks, the Water fuel system extracts combustible hydrogen as needed from the water, and this steady release of hydrogen is burned continuously, thereby preventing larger accumulations of hydrogen gas.

Why is the Water fuel system is called a conversion system?

It is called a conversion system because it doesn't require removal, modification, or disabling of any of your vehicles' existing systems. Therefore, it allows you to run your vehicle on either 100% gasoline systems or the Water fuel system. In the unlikely event that your Water fuel system fails, you can easily switch back to solely using gasoline power. But, you'll soon be getting your system back into working order. Once you've driven with the Water fuel system you'll never be happy with anything else!

How well does the system perform?

A vehicle powered by the water hybrid system is theoretically capable of traveling from 50 to 300 miles on each gallon of supplemental water, while improving overall fuel efficiency up to 45%. However, as is true for any engine, actual efficiency depends on many factors such as; driving habits, terrain, vehicle weight and shape, and ability to tweak and optimize the system.

Can the Water fuel system be used in other ways?

Yes, the system can provide fuel from water for just about any home appliance requiring natural gas or propane as a source of heat; thereby saving valuable and diminishing natural resources. Space heaters and furnaces are excellent candidates. Stoves and other cooking units such as barbecue grills can also be fueled by the Water fuel system system. Such applications require a separate power supply to convert your homes 120 volt AC power into the 12 volt DC power required by the Water fuel system. You can purchase an inexpensive power supply at any electronics store such as Radio Shack, or have someone familiar with electronics build one for you since the design is very simple. The cost of home electricity used by the Water fuel system is insignificant, probably less than $3 per month in most cases.

Is the system difficult to build?

No, the Water fuel system is relatively easy to assemble and very easy to install, especially compared with other conversion plans on the market. No special tools are required. The usual tool and equipment found in a typical home workshop will do the job. Assembling the HyTronic module to achieve its inherent high level of reliability requires care and attention to details, along with average electronics skills. The only special piece of test equipment you may want to have access to use is an oscilloscope. It is not necessary, but may help you obtain peak efficiency from the HyTronics module. But, you shouldn't have any problem getting help from a local electronics guru if you don't have an oscilloscope. Most folks are so fascinated by unusual electronic systems and devices that they would almost be willing to pay you for the privilege of tweaking your HyTronics module.

Can I buy a ready to install Water fuel system?

Right now, this specific Water fuel system is not being commercially manufactured, but there are various distributors around the country who offer DIY (Do it yourself) parts or fully assembled kits utilizing similar technologies and principles. Planning is in the initial stages for producing Water fuel system conversion kits for most vehicles and eventually manufacturing the entire system,or at least its major components. We're hoping to have some prototype kits tested soon and delivery of ready to install kits should begin sometime before the end of 2008.

"You can save your gas fuel and increase your cars' mileage by making the water fuel cell yourself, Download our Free report on how to do it here

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anuwong_Leelasirinuwong

By Anuwong Leelasirinuwong

How To Troubleshoot Air Conditioning Units?

Air-conditioning has become an essential in all offices, shopping malls, cars, as well as most of the households. As air-conditioning units are machines after all, they will definitely break down some times. Therefore it will be beneficial for you if you know some information on how you can troubleshoot air-conditioning units.

Let us just discuss some of the most frequently asked questions about air-conditioning units:

1. Why is your air-con unit leaking? There are 2 main reasons why your air-con unit is leaking. The drainage pipe could be choked with dirty particles so the water cannot be drained out, causing leaking from the unit. Another reason could be due to poor installation by the contractor whereby there is no proper gradient of the drainage pipe.

2. Why is your air-con unit not cold? The blower and air filters may be dirty and clogged with dust. Or it can also be the thermostat is being set too high and the unit is undersize.

3. Why is your air-con unit producing foul smells? This could be due to the smell of cigarettes, odours or other air pollutants being sucked into your air-con unit.

4. What will happen if you do not service my air-con units? The air-con unit will gradually be unable to produce cold air, and water leakage may occur.

5. How often should I service my air-con units? For households, it is advisable to service your air-con units once every 2 months. For air-con units in offices, it should be serviced every month.

6. Why is it necessary to dismantle the fan coil unit for chemical wash? It is necessary as the dirt at the cooling coil can be washed and cleaned thoroughly.

7. How should I choose the right type of air-con unit for my home or office? There are 3 steps to take note of over here. The first step is to identify the areas that you require air-conditioning. The second step is to determine which type of air-conditioning units that you want, for e.g. brands, power and savings. The last step is to choose a professional contractor help you choose the right types that suit your needs.

8. How to choose the right contractor? Always check the types of guarantees that the contractors offer and make sure that the contractors have registered offices for
accountability.

Weather has become so warm that air-conditioning units are essentials almost for everybody. Hope that these frequently asked questions can help you to gain more insights about how you can troubleshoot your air-con units.

Cheow Yu Yuan is a freelance article writer and specializes in article marketing on the Internet.

This article is written for one of his clients in the aircon industry, you can visit the website from the link below...

Click Here: Aircon Services and Repair - Ericool Aircon

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cheow_Yu_Yuan

By Cheow Yu Yuan

Air Conditioning - Major Uses For Air Conditioning

During the twentieth century air conditioning has been used in many ways to enhance our quality of life. Since the 1950s new houses and commercial buildings have been built very much with the comfort of the occupants in mind. Although the technology to achieve a high degree of comfort in buildings was available many years before this, it was not really financially viable for mass production in domestic properties at the low end of the market. Commercial air conditioning has a longer history, but recent advances have improved the efficiency and reliability of the equipment to a marked degree.

Air conditioning has actually been used in private homes since the times of the Ancient Egyptians, although of course this was strictly for the rich and powerful. It was only once air conditioning became established in commercial use, in textile mills where temperature and humidity control are absolutely essential, that it transferred into homes on any large scale. The years immediately following the Second World War saw the greatest expansion in the inclusion of air conditioning built in to new homes. These developments have had a profound effect on the construction industry and on urban planning, because it has allowed for the building of much taller buildings. This is because the speed of the wind at high altitude makes natural ventilation difficult.

As well as enjoying comfortable living conditions at home, many modern workers carry out their daily job in an environment enhanced for optimum comfort and performance. Scientific tests have now been carried out to ascertain the optimum temperature conditions for different types of work tasks to be carried out in and advanced systems of air conditioning have now been developed to produce these conditions no matter what the weather conditions outside. Of course there are some jobs where the comfort of the workers is secondary to the needs of the process being carried out. Today's air conditioning evolved from the need for temperature and humidity controls in textile mills.

Of course the great change in the transportation habits of people in the Western world has also led to another common use for air conditioning. Both commercial public transport vehicles and private cars are now routinely fitted with systems to filter, regulate and even purify the air. With the modern lifestyle in the Western world meaning that more time is spent in vehicles, the need has increased to make the environment in those vehicles more comfortable. It is not only on hot days that the inside of a vehicle becomes uncomfortable to be in. On a cool but sunny day the temperature can still rise to an uncomfortable level in a fully enclosed vehicle. As well as helping with temperature control, air conditioning can help with reducing pollution levels in an environment where people are very much at risk.

From being an exclusive preserve of the rich and powerful in ancient times, air conditioning has become so common that there can hardly be anyone in the Western world who does not derive some benefit from it. Even if you live in one of the few modern homes not equipped with it, the chances are that you will work in a workplace fitted with some form of temperature and humidity control. Air conditioning is one of the great benefits to have become available to the masses in the twentieth century and with modern research the ozone harming gases are being replaced with more environmentally friendly options. There is no doubt that air conditioning will continue to benefit humanity throughout the coming century.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Air Conditioning Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

By Michael Russell

Portable Car Covers

Portable car covers often become an essential accessory for people who do not want their cars to be affected by the elements when they are out and away from their garage's protection. The car, which has to go through a lot of rough terrains and weather conditions like rain, snow, wind and sleet, needs protection from the surroundings. Or it could be that one's car is expensive, or that it is a vintage car that needs a lot of protection. When at home, one can take care of the automobile, but when away from home, this is not possible, unless, of course, one takes a portable car cover.

The easiest analogy for a portable car cover is to think of it as a sleeping bag for cars. There are two types of portable car covers that are available on the market. One acts exactly like the sleeping bag, covering the car like a layer of skin. While this is a good car cover, it may not be sufficient for all purposes. For example, in conditions of hail or storm with high winds that stir up branches and pebbles, one may see the need for the other type of portable car cover, which makes a small shelter under which the car will stay.

These are various types of these portable car covers available in the market. However the best ones are easy to build and they provide great dry storage for the car in all kinds of outdoor conditions. The material of the cover is strong and durable and it can withstand normal wear and tear of bad weather conditions.

Such covers come with their own steel frames. One unmistakable quality is that these covers are easy to build and portable despite their seeming complexity. Often the durable steel frame is a type of pre-drilled frame assembly and which can be easily assembled with minimal hand tools. Also the design has to be such that water or snow runs off from the roof, preventing any water from getting close to the car.

To sum up, the qualities that one needs to look for while going in for a portable car cover is portability and ease in setting up and dismantling, with no drilling or cutting required.

Car Covers provides detailed information on Buy Car Covers, Car Covers, Car Seat Covers, Cheap Car Covers and more. Car Covers is affiliated with Car Care Tips.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_Riverside

By Josh Riverside