Category Archives: Environment

Benefits of Solar Energy

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There is an abundance of information available on the internet about the value of switching to solar power and leaving behind the traditional, fossil-fuel based methods of generating electricity . You need only do a search for solar energy to be presented with literally millions of pages both explaining how solar works and extolling the benefits of switching to solar power for individuals, families, and businesses.

Most people want to know how converting to solar will benefit their bottom line, whether at home or in their office. That answer is also easy to find. While the cost of installing a solar panel system into a home may require an initial outlay of capital, there are ways to offset that cost. The first is to find tax credits like the California solar rebates available to residents who install panels through 2016. Different states and utility companies have different incentives, so it’s important to do research in advance.

Unfortunately, there may not be any rebates available in some areas. That shouldn’t stop residents from investigating their solar options. By installing solar panels in a home, owners can reduce their monthly electricity bills to nearly nothing. In some cases they may generate excess energy that they can then sell back to their utility company. Between savings and selling off energy, it’s possible for a solar panel system to pay for itself long before it gives out.

For those who look beyond the bottom line, there are other advantages to consider. Solar generated electricity creates green jobs in a time when local economies are struggling to survive, and most of those companies are local, so that keeps the money in the community. There’s also the benefit of reducing pollution and dependence upon traditional methods of generating electricity.

Florida Keys Finds Tarballs

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It is hard to tell where the tarballs came from most people suspect that they are coming from the oil spill that happened in the Gulf of Mexico, while others think that it is from something else. If it is from the oil spill it would be the southernmost impact as well as the easternmost impact the spill has had so far. The big fear of course, no matter where these came from is that they are a sign of something bigger and worse is about to come along and that this will destroy the fragile eco system of the Florida Keys. If you would like more information on this, Reuters has a great article on it.

San Francisco Nights

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Well you have made it back to your San Francisco hotel www.hotelsanfrancisco.com after a long day of shopping to kick your shoes off and take in a nap. Then you will want to decide what to do for dinner and your night time activites. There are places to eat all over town with an emphasis on different ethnic foods you can head over to Japan Center for some sushi or Chinatown for some chinese cuisine. There is always some great Italian food in the North Beach area of town which also has Coit Tower to visit and see the skyline of the city lit up. Seafood can be found all over town but there are some great waterfront restaurants down on Fishermans Wharf. After you have had a great meal what do you want to do next? You sure don’t want to fall asleep to soon. You have to take in as much as possible and sleep when you get home.

How about taking in a some sort of live performance. There are always some out of the ordinary shows that you could only see in places like San Francisco, London or New York like Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band. For those of you who don’t live in one of these mega cities you may not know that Yoko Ono is still influencing the art and music world while keeping her world peace campaign going. She is now 76 years old and is releasing her latest project which is a blend of many musical styles. Fans can see her at places like the Fox Theatre in Oakland.

I like to find the comedy clubs in different towns especially in places like San Francisco where the truly talented go. There are some that have dinner available as well which is perfect for that one stop fun destination. Check out Punch Line Comedy Club on Battery Street. In February and March you will be able to catch Chris hardwick, Kevin Camia, Al Madrigal, Tony Rock, Rob Cantrell, and Robert Kelly. So take part in some real stress therapy and laugh.

Backyard Chickens

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As I take my dog for a walk around my rural neighborhood, I’ve noticed that quite a few of the backyards a pass have chickens strutting around. I guess chickens aren’t for the farm anymore. I’ve asked a couple of my friends who live in more dense urban neighborhoods, and they too say they have seen more and more chickens pop up in people’s backyards. Though just a little bit more research, I found out this appears to be a grown trend.

I invited one of my friends, who seems very into being ‘green’, over to share some of her knowledge, if she has any, about this growing trend to raise chickens. As I served her a refreshing drink on my back patio, she proceeded to tell me that this new trend really goes full circle. People are finding out that they can use the natural fertilizer for their gardens. She said that the backyard garden is coming back, so these gardeners find it safer knowing where the fertilizer comes from: chickens eating the bugs and the feed. She noticed my outdoor sink and commented on how that can come in very handy when I start growing my own garden and buy some chickens. I laughed, I never even entertained the thought. But, she told me that I’d enjoy the chickens, that I’ll find them relaxing when I go tend to my garden. She said it’s really a lot of fun and it would be a great project for my children.

Apparently, this whole going ‘green’ phenomena is becoming a common thing. People want to grow their own stuff and get fresh eggs in the morning. They want to experience farm life in a small scale version right in their own backyard. I have noticed, while walking my dog, that there does seem to be small plotted gardens in those backyards where I spotted the chickens. People are definitely changing their lifestyles a bit, they’re having more gardens. I still find it easier to buy my eggs and vegetables at the store, but maybe one day, I’ll go green and catch up to the trend.

Man and Nature, Living Together

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Studies and explorations have shown, that lying just beneath the waters of the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Ibiza, more than ten un-studied archaeological rest, dating back to the Bronze Age. Combine that with the fortress systems of the island, and this is a well-spring of knowledge which will stand to create a better understanding of the cultural and societal development, not only of the island of Ibiza itself, but surrounding Balearic Island chain, as well as mainland Spain and all of the Mediterranean. Evidence of trade and commerce serves insight and evidence to scholars and academics, and leads to a better understanding all around, of who we are and where we came from.

Concentrated living is not just a part of human life, as in small, dense cities such as Manhattan or San Francisco or Chicago, but is a fact of marine life just off the coast in the sea. Noted as the area most densely inhabited, the salt works of off Ibiza’s coast offer up a life far more exciting and intense than anything occurring weekend after weekend on the bars and clubs and 5 star hotels Ibiza is known for. The tallest corral reefs and the widest plains of sea grass exist, provided home and shelter to more than two hundreds species of marine life. And that is just what is below the surface. Species of endemic plants number more than ten, including one of the few natural pine forests in all of Europe. Migratory birds total upwards of 150. The endangered monk seal makes the Mediterranean her home. Add to that the reptiles and invertebrates and the island is teeming with things about life now and life of the past, worth and enticing of study. Exploitation does not necessarily mean degradation, one idea the Salinas Nature Reserve explores, that and the co-existence of the terrestrial and marine life with that of the tourists and party goers. Environmental scientists and specialists work around the clock at the Reserve, studying the past and coming up with ideas for the future. With the goal of creating life-long links and respect between that which is cultural and that which is natural. And such a beautiful region for the study and such a worthy location to protect.

Pale Male’s Legacy

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In 2004, a decision was made that forever affected the red hawk population in Central Park. For just about twenty years, New Yorkers have been watching Pale Male, a red hawk that showed up in 1991 and after being chased out of the park by crows, made his nest on the ledge of a Fifth Avenue Apartment building. In 2004, the spikes along the ledge were removed. The spikes were intended to deter the roosting of pigeons, but they provided a cradle in which the hawk’s nest was anchored to for 15 years. The removal of them, removed the nest. Members of the Audubon Society, including one famous member and building resident, Mary Tyler Moore, protested. The spikes were eventually re-installed but since that time no new hatch lings have hatched.

Previous to the removal of the spikes, Pale Male’s history was documented through those viewing either from the windows of the five star hotels in New York, or those sitting in Central Park every day during spring. And it wasn’t just New Yorkers. For after a while it became an international curiosity as people from all over the world began to schedule vacations and holiday trips to the city for the purpose of bird watching. It never seemed to cease to amaze, that a creature so wild was living in one of the most populated and congested cities in the world. And he seemed to like it there just fine. From his nest that overlooks the Metropolitan Museum, Pale Male has sired over 25 offspring that now live and breed in Central Park and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Singapore’s Dedication to the Environment

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On the island of Singapore there is an interactive energy plant open to the public. The Marina Barrage is located at the Marina bay. This operating power plant offers many activities to the public for enjoyment as well as education and interest. Singapore sits just 10 miles from the rain forest. The only other city in the world that is in a rain forest is Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. So perhaps the ecosystem is more of an immediate concern, so easy to see the effects humans have on the planet as it exists in their backyard. The wildlife reserve in the forest is called the Bukit Timah Reserve. Here in this relatively small space, the number and variety of species of trees and plant-life is larger than the number and variety contained on the entire continent of North America. Hiking paths make it possible for visitors to experience and observe and hopefully, to also feel that immediate need to protect and conserve. The natural wonders of the world are located here, be it the trees and the plants and the flowers, and also the insects and the numerous species of birds and other wildlife.

So it is no surprise that in the middle of the city, the Marina Barrage is quite a popular destination. This ‘plant’ is testament and proof of the lengths that Singapore will go to conserve and preserve. The channel leads to the dam, the dam operates to convert to drinking water for all of Singapore, from previously undrinkable sea water. Located aside the dam are the Sustainable Gallery and the Solar Park. The gallery highlights and demonstrates all the positive effects and accomplishments of the Barrage. Tours and lectures occur daily to illustrate and inform the necessity and the benefit of alternative sources of the energy. 400 solar panel, the largest collection in all of Singapore, serve to light and power the whole operation. This is a power plant, and water purification center that is self sustaining. The Marina Barrage has gained such popularity over the years that now various retail boutiques, restaurants, theaters and best Singapore hotels make up the first story of the complex. Thus showing that economical growth can be attained while still maintaining a healthy respect and knowledge and dedication to the care of the ecosystem, not just for the island of Singapore, but for the rest of the planet as well.

Next Day Blinds Helps Homemaker Go Green

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I was looking for ways to improve my electric bills and I discovered that having specialized blinds can really help. I wanted honeycomb blinds from Next Day Blinds and that is what I got. I got wood blinds for my kitchen and they really keep the sun out.

Another way that I helped myself and the environment out was by insolating the ceiling. This reduced both the heating and cooling bills. I think it must also be helping the environment.

I feel pretty good about the little things that I’ve done.I help my wallet out and the environment. I changed the light bulbs in my house to the new kinds that last longer and use less electricity.

My bill has decreases by a lot and I think that I’m reducing my carbon footprint.