How Recycling Categlogs Can Help Reduce Global Warming!

You can reduce waste and pollution, and free some space in your mailbox, with a minimum of effort.

How to stop or limit catalog mailings

To remove your name from most national catalog and other direct mailing lists:

• Sign up with Catalog Choice at catalogchoice.org, or

• Register with the Direct Marketing Association's Mail Preference Service (MPS) for a $1 fee. Fill out the form online at www.dmaconsumers.org/consumerassistance.html. Or send a written request, with your name as it appears on all catalog labels, to:

Mail Preference Service
c/o The DMA
P.O. Box 9008
Farmingdale, NY 11735-9008.

• The MPS remains in effect for five years, or until you place an order or request a catalog. Companies that subscribe to the MPS typically check their mailing lists against it a few times a year, so it may take a few months to see results. For more information, call the DMA at (212) 768-7277, or visit the group's web site.
• To continue receiving mailings from certain companies, notify them directly (through their customer service department). Ask them to put in your account record that your name is not to be shared with other marketers. If you get catalogs you don't want, ask those companies to remove you from their databases. A short telephone call will help curb the proliferation of unwanted catalogs.

Eliminate duplicate and undeliverable mailings

If you receive multiple mailings for the same household, call and ask the company to delete the extra listing. If you move, fill out the Postal Service's National Change of Address form so that mailers don't keep sending catalogs to your old address.

Reduce the frequency of mailings you receive

Many companies will honor consumers' requests to receive catalogs less frequently. The catalog's customer service or order department can tell you what options are available. Some catalogs may even allow you to switch from paper catalogs to e-mail notifications and product promotions, with links to the company's Web site.

Ask catalogers to use recycled paper

Next time you place an order, ask if the catalog is printed on recycled paper. If it's not, tell the company that this is important to you as a customer, and ask them to make the switch. (Our Paper Calculator can help.) Support catalog companies that use recycled paper and have demonstrated a commitment to reduce their overall impact on the environment.

Recycle catalogs

To find out more about recycling programs in your community, call your city government or 1 (800) CLEANUP, or visit www.cleanup.org. If your town does not yet recycle catalogs and other paper products, encourage municipal leaders to start.

As Always, Keep it Green

More Sqwabling Than A Pack Of Hen's!!!

Well it seems now there is a blame game going when it comes to political actions being put into effect in the white house. If you haven’t heard any of this before, here are a few things that will put you up to date on the matter.

The president's science adviser said Wednesday he recommended some changes in global warming testimony by the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention but denied he wanted entire pages cut.

Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., told John Marburger, head of the president's Office of Science and Technology, that the White House had blamed him for deleting all or part of eight pages of the 14-page draft. Boxer heads the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which heard from CDC chief Julie Gerberding on Oct. 24.

"We were one of a number of commentators on the testimony and we did recommended changes," Marburger said when pressed by Boxer at a hearing. "We did not recommend wiping out eight pages of it."

Gerberding's original draft testimony showed that at least six pages, focusing on specific health impacts in detail, had been removed during a review by the White House's budget office.

White House press secretary Dana Perino said afterward that Marburger and his staff had raised concerns the testimony was out of line with a report by the U.N. panel of scientists studying global warming.

"Did you redact those pages," Boxer asked Marburger during a hearing Wednesday on global warming by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. Marburger said he had not.

Boxer, citing Perino's comments, told Marburger that he, nevertheless, was being blamed.

"My office participated in a process that is run by the Office of Management and Budget," Marburger said.

He noted that at the time, "because of a sharp media reaction" to the changes made in Gerberding's testimony, he had issued a statement outlining some changes he had recommended.

"Those were small edits. Those could have been changed with one or two words," Boxer said. "Someone redacted six pages."

At the hearing Wednesday, Marburger acknowledged the seriousness of risks of the global warming. "I believe there is an urgency to begin to solve this problem," he said.

Boxer's committee has scheduled a vote in the first week of December on a bill that, for the first time, would establish limits on heat-trapping greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere. The full Senate is expected to take up the legislation next year; prospects of passing Congress are uncertain.

President Bush has said that global warming needs to be addressed. He opposes mandatory limits on greenhouse gases, saying that voluntary measures and development of new technologies can lead to a reduction in carbon dioxide, a product of burning fossil fuels, and other greenhouse emissions.

Wear It And RECHARGE!

Here is the first outerwear product in the world that can recharge a cell phone, iPod or other device using solar power.

Italian ZEGNA presents the first commercially available jacket with integrated solar solution based on “iSolarX” – a flexible and highly efficient wearable solar technology.

The solar modules are mounted on a neoprene collar; the electricity generated from solar energy is transmitted through conducting textile leads and stored temporarily in a buffer battery or fed directly to a connected device.

The electronic basis of the new “Solar JKT” from Zegna Sport is the iSolarX wearable solar technology platform, developed by Interactive Wear AG in close cooperation with its technology partner SOLARC of Berlin. This enables the easy and convenient integration of solar cells together with their associated leads and miniaturized charging electronics (for e.g. cell phones, mp3 players or other mobile electronic devices with a USB connector) into apparel and accessories of any sort. For iSolarX applications, the main focus is on reliability, ease of use, optimal wearing comfort and high energy efficiency.

The iSolarX solar technology platform is made up of these functional elements: the solar modules, the textile integration kit, and the charging electronics.

The connection technology is implemented using textiles – textile leads and textile connectors are easy to process (sew / bond) and can be secured in items of clothing e.g. with conducting press studs. The customer-specific textile leads connect the solar modules with the charging electronics. In the basic configuration, two small silicon-based, monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar modules (each approx. 9 cm x 5.5 cm) generate a charging power of approximately 1 Watt in direct sunlight. Other form factors as well as flexible or semi-flexible solar modules are optionally available; these do, however, require about twice the surface area for a comparable charging power.

The charging electronics from SOLARC have been developed to convert the varying power output of the solar modules efficiently into a stable power supply with a stable, adjustable output voltage. A maximum input voltage of 10V and a maximum input current of 1A yields an output power of a maximum of 1.5W. Its flat construction (70 mm x 60 mm x 13 mm) and its low weight of less than 100 grams predestines the charging module for integration into textile products. The output voltage can be set to one of two levels (5V for USB devices such as e.g. iPod, 6V for cell phones). Li-ion rechargeable batteries with different capacities, depending on the model, are used for temporary storage of the energy supplied. The state of charge of the battery and the power generation by the solar modules are each signaled by an LED.

Palm Oil And The Effects On Rainforests

First the bad news: As reported by Sky News the demand for palm oil for biodiesel is contributing to the destruction of some of the world's most precious rainforests. I highly recommend the video included with the article. The article focuses on the rainforest in Indonesia where the rainforest could be gone in just 15 years and the orangutan extinct in 10 years, but the threat posed by palm oil is real in every tropical rainforest. And the impacts are not just on wildlife--clearing rainforest for biodiesel makes the resulting fuel dramatically worse than petroleum based diesel from a global warming perspective.

Now the good news: Reuters reports that the Malaysian palm oil industry is blaming environmental groups and their educational efforts around the environmental impacts of palm oil for a 17.5% decline in exports to Europe. More power to our colleagues in Europe. Nothing like a good drop in demand to wake up the market.

This seems like an area where we should be able to influence the market. To paraphrase the closing lines of the Sky News video, the roads to Hell through cleared rainforests are paved with green intentions. So shouldn't we greens be able to warn people off this awful path? They've got a head start on us here in the US, both in terms of using palm oil and recognizing its downside. That's a large part of the reason that we agreed to work with Hawaiian Electric Company--to get an American company to stand up and acknowledge that biofuels can be done right or they can be done wrong and to commit to doing them right.

Ultimately, biodiesel is just speeding up a problem that growing population would create anyway. The Sky News video also points out that China is Indonesia's largest customer. Economics being what they are, we also need international agreements that put a financial and regulatory fence around rainforests and other precious wild places. Only when it is in the financial interest of the people that live in these parts of the world will they be safe.

Fortunately, there's even some good news on that front. This post ran on Biopact back in May and tells how Brazil has cut its rate of deforestation in half and how a policy of "compensated reduction" could be part of the package of international agreements..

But with 10 years to save the orangutan and also to get serious about global warming, we have to step up our efforts now

As Always, Keep it Green

Global Emission Control News

Ever-rising industrial and consumer demand for more power, cheap and abundant coal factories across the world are expected to result in the construction of new coal-fired power plants producing 1,400 GW (Giga-watts) of electricity by 2030. Without the regulations on CO2 emissions, these new plants will increase overall global emissions of CO2 by approximately 7.6 billion metric tons by 2030. These emissions would equal roughly 50% of all fossil fuel emissions over the past 250 years.

The United States solely will account for 145 GW of new power from coal-fired plants are projected to be built by 2030, resulting in CO2 emissions of 790 million metric tons per year. In 2005, the annual emissions of CO2 reported in the United States were 6 billion metric tons.

Policymakers and scientists now recognize that the current growth of greenhouse gas emissions must be reversed and regulated. Scientists also agree that emissions must be reduced substantially in order to help prevent a disastrous climate change. An increase in coal-based power kills off all other efforts to lower emissions and practically ensures that these emissions will continually climb into more deadly levels. This would terminate any chance of stabilizing greenhouse gas levels that would be obtained and prove to be acceptable emission levels in the atmosphere.

On the other hand, in countries experiencing strong economic growth and development, demand for power is dramatic due to the low-cost of coal, and is the primary choice for new power plants. Emissions in these countries are now rising faster than in developed countries like North America and Europe. This means that China will soon be the world’s number one greenhouse gas emitter. Without emission caps for power plants, not only will China fall further behind in controlling CO2 emissions, but so will India. Lack of progress in these countries would ensure failure to control CO2 efforts on a global scale.

Geothermal Energy 101

Geothermal Energy is made up from the heat inside the Earth. Resources of geothermal energy range from hot rocks found in shallow ground to hot water springs. Also, the heat from the inner core of the earth called “magma” can be used as a source for Geothermal Energy

The shallow part of the Earth’s mantle or “crust” (the Earth's surface), maintains a constant temperature of 50° to 60°F (10° and 16°C). Geothermal heat pumps tap into this heat as a resource to energize commercial and residential buildings. A geothermal system consists of a: heat pump, an air delivery system, and a heat exchanger.

During the winter months, the heat pump removes heat from the heat exchanger and pumps it into the indoor air delivery system. In the summer, the process is reversed, and the heat pump moves heat from the indoor air into the heat exchanger. The heat removed from the indoor air during the summer can also be used to provide a free source of hot water.

In the United States, most geothermal reservoirs of hot water are located in the western states, Alaska, and Hawaii. Wells can be drilled into underground reservoirs for the generation of electricity. Some geothermal power plants use the steam from a reservoir to power a turbine or a generator, while others use the hot water to boil a “working fluid” that is then vaporized which turns a turbine or generator. Hot water close to the Earth’s crust (normally 10 ft below the surface), can be used solely for heating buildings, greenhouses, drying crops, heating water, as well as pasteurizing milk.

The use of hot dry rocks for a geothermal resource is found at 3 to 5 miles beneath the Earth's surface. The process of Geothermal Energy is quite simple. One pump will inject cold water down a well; circulate it through dry hot fractured rocks, and then another well will suck in the heated water or steam.

Currently, though, there are no commercial applications for Geothermal Energy. Existing technology also does not yet allow recovery of heat directly from magma, the most powerful resource of geothermal energy. Rather, just the steam from it can be used.

If you are interested in using Geothermal Energy, check around your town and find out if it’s accessible. This type of reusable energy is still new and it is pricey, but VERY efficient.

As Always, Keep it Green

Lets Look At Those Polls!

A nationwide survey suggests an increasing number of U.S. citizens consider global warming an important threat that calls for drastic action.

The survey by Yale University, The Gallup Organization and the ClearVision Institute showed 40% of respondents said a presidential candidate's position on the issue will strongly influence the vote.

"One of the most surprising findings was the growing sense of urgency," said Anthony Leiserowitz, director of the Yale Project on Climate Change and the study's principal investigator. "Nearly half of Americans now believe global warming is either already having dangerous impacts on people around the world or will in the next 10 years -- a 20-percentage-point increase since 2004."

The survey, among other things, found 62 percent of respondents believe life on Earth will continue without major disruptions only if society takes immediate and drastic action to reduce global warming.

The July 23-26 telephone survey involving interviews with 1,011 adults aged 18 years or older is considered representative of U.S. adults nationwide. It has a margin of error of 4 percentage points.

The complete survey results are available at http://environment.yale.edu/news/5305-american-opinions-on-global-warming/.

A British Broadcasting Corp. poll finds 79% of people in 21 nations believe human activity causes global warming.

The BBC's World Service poll indicates nine of 10 say action is needed to address global warming, with 65% choosing the strongest position, saying, "It is necessary to take major steps starting very soon."

The poll included 14 of the 16 major economic powers invited by President Bush to Washington later this week to discuss climate change and energy security.

73% of respondents in all but two nations want developing countries to limit their emissions in return for financial assistance and technology from developed countries.

The survey, which included telephone and face-to-face interviews, was conducted for the BBC by the international polling firm GlobeScan together with the University of Maryland between May 29 and July 26.

Some 22,182 people in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Britain, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, the Philippines, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Turkey and the United States were interviewed. The margin of error per country ranges from plus or minus 2.3 percent to 3.5 percent

A new survey shows nearly seven out of 10 Chinese consumers prefer to buy products and services from environmentally reputable companies.

The survey -- sponsored by the Oslo-based Tandberg Co. and conducted by the Britain-based research firm Ipsos Mori -- found only 42% of U.S. consumers concurred. Other countries that ranked high include Australia, 52%; Sweden, 48%; and Japan, 40%. Spain trailed with only 18 percent of its consumers preferring to purchase from environmentally friendly businesses.

The Tandberg-Ipsos Mori survey queried 16,823 consumers in 15 nations: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China,
France, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden and the United States.

When asked if they were taking personal steps to reduce their carbon footprints, Canadians topped the list with 56%, Australians and Chinese also ranked high at 55 % and 52%, in that order. U.S. residents came in seventh with 41%.

At the other end of the spectrum, only 17% of Italians and 21% of Russians said they were concerned about the
environment and were taking personal measures to be more environmentally responsible.

As Always, Keep it Green

Green House Emission Overview

Greenhouse gases naturally blanket the Earth and keep it about 33º C (Celsius), warmer than it would be without these gases in the atmosphere. This is called the Greenhouse Effect. Over the past century, the Earth has increased in temperature by about .5º C which many scientists now believe is the result of an increased concentration of the main greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorocarbons.

This climate change, over the past century, has become known as “the beginning of Global Warming”. Many of these scientist claim that if these gases are produced at increasing rates, the resulting effects will be: more severe floods, longer droughts, increasing prevalence of insects, rising sea levels, shift in amount and location of precipitation, as well as the ice caps melting. These global warming changes are also said to cause lower health and decrease economic development. Not all scientists agree with this theory of Global Warming. This other theory argues that Global Warming is a natural phenomenon, hence is part of the Earth's natural cycle.

To date, neither theory can, without a doubt, prove which is true. The only thing that can be seen and is agreed upon by both sides is that the Earth has seen an increase of greenhouse gas emissions at extremely high rate and has shown only minuet signs of decreasing these emissions until a few years ago: The Kyoto Protocol of 1997, humans have taken the first step in decreasing these emissions to help ensure our future.

What A Bunch Of Whiners!

There are many people (over 70 groups), who are not very happy with Caterpillar. This is because Caterpillar has recently joined the USCAP (United States Climate Action Partnership). USCAP is made up of companies and environmentalist groups who wish to put a “cap-and-trade system” on carbon emissions. Here are some comments by the opposed groups stating their “up-right and respectable” views:

What miners are saying:

"Caterpillar has joined with some of the most radical environmentalists who have been enemies of mining, including coal, for decades. The stated policy of the U.S. Climate Action Partnership is a 60 to 80 percent reduction in us carbon emissions by 2050. China's emissions of carbon dioxide are already exceeding those of the United States, and China's told the world that they are going to do nothing about it.... Jobs will be exported overseas and people on fixed incomes will see their energy costs skyrocket.

So the policy of Jim Owens will destroy the American economy for no environmental benefit. As a result of this, I sent him a letter a couple of months ago telling him that Murray Energy Corporation will no longer do business with Caterpillar. This will result in the loss of millions of dollars in business to Caterpillar."

- Robert E. Murray, Chairman, President and CEO, Murray Energy Corporation

What seniors are saying:

"Many seniors on fixed incomes are already struggling with the high cost of heating and cooling their homes. I'm afraid that what Caterpillar is promoting would only drive those costs higher, perhaps even out of reach for those who most need affordable energy."

- Jim Martin, President, 60 Plus

What national leaders are saying:

"I am personally disappointed that such an excellent company as Caterpillar has made the fateful decision to turn its back on its shareholders and American consumers. Unfortunately, much of the business community has been deceived into believing that a cap-and-trade regulatory regime will provide certainty. This is a fallacy. Europe's emissions trading system has engendered significant financial uncertainty, rampant political jockeying by industry seeking regulatory advantage over competitors, and corruption. Yet, Europe's emissions continue to rise. A similar regulatory regime in the U.S. would lead us down the same path, creating economic hardship with no environmental benefit."

- Hon. Malcolm Wallop, former U.S. Senator and Chairman of Frontiers of Freedom

What black leaders are saying:

"Cap-and-trade will have a negative economic impact on consumers, especially lower-income households. According to the Congressional Budget Office, `most of the cost of meeting a cap on CO2 emissions would be borne by consumers,' disproportionately harming fixed and lower income households. What kind of CEO would intentionally cause financial hardship to millions of consumers?"

- Deneen Borelli, Fellow, Project 21

What farmers are saying:

"Where Caterpillar used to think first about American agriculture, they have now joined with groups that have been consistently opposed to the growing of America's food, and opposed to the use of Caterpillar machinery.

It is difficult to understand why Caterpillar would work with groups who are unfriendly to agriculture when agriculture has been a source of Caterpillar's success. Joining with the USCAP to establish a cap-and-trade system for carbon emissions works against rural agriculture and desperately needed energy sources. That Caterpillar also gave a grant of $12 million to The Nature Conservancy to assist in their purchase of what was once known as `the largest farm in Illinois,' so that it could be turned into a wetland, is also puzzling. This makes Caterpillar appear to be unfriendly to supporting American agriculture and the farmer's role in supplying food for the world."

- Joyce Morrison, Farmer and Agricultural Environmentalist

What the construction industry is saying:

"Sooner or later, big business screws the people who literally made them. I have traveled as a guest of Caterpillar to Peoria to see the immensity of their equipment. They can literally move mountains. My son, who owns the business now, has run equipment for sales videos for Caterpillar, free of charge! They may be able to move mountains, but all the greens have to do is threaten a whispering campaign against them and they cave.

Greens used to bash heavy equipment in my neighborhood. Bulldozer was a dirty word. But when we had record-breaking floods here, they were melting down my telephone trying to get out of their driveways. They love you when you move heaven and earth the way they want it moved. Caterpillar needs to take a lesson from that! The earthmoving business is a high overhead business as it is. Lots of the smaller companies are on the verge of getting out of it because we've almost reached the point of diminishing returns. When you can't afford to feed the equipment, the equipment has to go. The greens' arch nemesis, big corporations, can do the earthmoving for subdivisions and strip malls and the rest of us can all get with nature and do it with hatchets and horses."

- James Jarrell, Jarrell's Excavating, Inc.

"Regrettably, our culture's push towards political correctness has intimidated all too many men and women of science who know better ¬ or should know better ¬ into standing on the sidelines on various issues because they don't want to suffer the fallout of taking a stand for what is true. Even worse are those who have added their allegiance to causes for which they have no scientific expertise, simply because it is the politically correct thing to do.

This environmental agenda, along with the media's support of it, wouldn't be such a problem except for the economic impacts that will result if we take their so-called science seriously. Intimidating companies into restricting their use of fossil fuels, or even the building of devices that depend upon those fuels, will not only impact those companies financially but will also impact the individuals and families that are dependent upon those products."

- David E. McCarthy, PE, Civil Engineer

What taxpayer groups are saying:

"Carbon caps are really a not-very-hidden tax on the users of energy ¬ all of us. It is wrong to seek to use government as the lever of achieving competitive advantage. It is wrong for companies to sell out their customers in exchange for short term political gain."

- Lew Uhler, Founder and President, National Tax Limitation Committee

What foresters are saying:

"I think Caterpillar is cutting their nose off to spite their face. They are in the business of selling equipment to industries that will be hurt by carbon caps and I think they ought to rethink their position. Caps and these sorts of policies will cause a lot of harm, but not any real environmental benefit. This is more a cultural agenda than an environmental agenda. The environmentalists are using this issue to hurt the U.S. economically to bring about a cultural change, not so much an environmental change. Their actions are not scientifically based."

- Bruce Griffith, President, Griffith Lumber Co., Inc.

"If Caterpillar succumbs to the delusion of cap-and-trade, we'll buy Nissan and let Caterpillar squabble with other companies over unworkable allocations, just like EU manufacturers.

How can Caterpillar support cap-and-trade and threaten to put us out of business with the higher cost of electricity and fuel? And higher wages to offset our employees' outrageous food costs?"

Jane Hogan, Secretary-Treasurer, Ontario Hardwood Co.

They sound so hurt and lost with Caterpillars’ decisions. This just goes to show that not everyone out there is doing something to help SAVE our earth; that is sad. Kudos to Caterpillar, though for doing the right thing and trying to do something to keep our earth green even though they have been destroying it, to an extent. It also goes to show that people will say anything in order to stop something that will take money out of their bonus checks, even though we are talking about our world here. Do these people realize that if the world is uninhabitable they will be out of a job anyway?

Sheesh, good for nothing near-sighted jerks.

GLA - Reducing Carbon Dioxide Emmissions

Unless the GLA (Greater London Authority) takes radical steps, such as the removal of all cars from London, it will not meet its goals for reducing carbon dioxide emissions, according to a new report.

The GLA is committed to reducing London's carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2025, but most climate scientists argue that even more rapid reductions will be needed if we are to avoid dangerous climate change. A team of experts from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the Transport Studies Unit (Oxford University Centre for the Environment) revealed that London is on course to reduce land transport emissions by only 10%-23%.

They do, however, offer a radical vision which could achieve a 72% drop in emissions by 2030 -- a figure that is 83% lower than the current UK average. The solution involves combining a car-free London with high levels of active transport (for example walking and cycling) and realistic but challenging energy-efficient improvements.

James Woodcock, who led a team of researchers at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical medicine, comments: “Only the car-free greater London scenario is close to achieving the emission reductions required by 2030. Even then we need to reduce carbon fuel use on our public transport. Car-free streets could transform the quality of our urban environment, while improving health. Although London has made small improvements, achieving a car-free city would require a dramatic move in favor of walking and cycling”.

Land transport emissions in London have remained stable since the 1990’s and are now responsible for 14% of global warming emissions. Although cycling has been rising in popularity, more than seven out of ten car journeys are less than 8 kilometers.

Calculations show that a car-free London would reduce emissions up to 49%. The car-free London model deducted a 72% reduction in emissions, with active transport making up 53% of all trips. Given the lower starting point, this means 83% lower emissions than the predicted average for the year of 2000.

The authors highlight the many benefits, in terms of public health and safety, which the adoption of the car-free scenario would achieve. Not only would people benefit in terms of improved health from more physical activity, more people would be willing and able to walk or use a bike for greater distances.

What? My House Produces Greenhouse Gases?

Lately people have been focusing their attention on what they can do to their car as far as helping to reduce the emission put out into the air. This is all fine and dandy but their still are other ways and things to be looked at that will help in the fight for a greener earth. The answer just doesn’t lie within car modifications or bio-fuels, but as well as in the place of residence.

Reducing your emissions of ozone harming gases is not just prevalent in your car but also the makeup and what your residence is. Residential energy accounts for 16 percent of all greenhouse gases being emitted into the air. If you are building a house or even thinking about building one, one of the best and most cost effective ways to help reduce green house emissions is to begin thinking and using precautions at the blueprint stage while installing low-tech, pragmatic techniques that will help maximize a new home's efficiency. Installing those systems from the start is far cheaper than retrofitting an existing house.

Oru Bose, a “sustainable-design” architect in Santa Fe, New Mexico helps explain what can be implemented right from the start of building a house to reduce those nasty green house emissions.

“Doing simple things could drastically reduce your energy costs, by 40%. For example, control heat, air and moisture leakage by sealing windows and doors. Insulate the garage, attic and basement with natural, nontoxic materials like reclaimed blue jeans. Protect windows from sunrays with large overhangs and double-pane glass. Emphasize natural cross ventilation. "You don't need to have 24th century solutions to solve 18th century problems," Bose says. “Next, consider renewable energy sources like solar electric systems, compact wind turbines and geothermal heat pumps to help power your home.”

There are also other sites that will help in retrofitting your home or put in other measures when building a new home such as, GreenHomeGuide.com. This site will point you in the right direction when looking for bamboo flooring, cork tiles, and countertops made from recycled wastepaper, among other great ways to keep the energy usage down as well as greenhouse gas emissions low.

As Always, Keep it Green.

Bio Fuel - What Part Of The Corn?

One of the biggest questions out their when it concerns bio-fuel is, “Which is the better part of corn, the husk or the kernel?” So far scientist and researchers have found out that even though ethanol is made from corn (among others such as soybeans, used cooking oil, and switch-grass), corn husks make what is called celluosic-ethanol.

Celluosic-ethanol is agreed upon to produce more energy than the kernel does. So why not start making E10 fuel (10% ethanol : 90% gas) with celluosic-ethanol? Well, for one, it is a lot hard to get the celluosic-ethanol out of the husk than it is to get ethanol out of the kernel. The harder it is to extract a specific item from things, the great the cost is to product a product. Corn husks aren’t the only things that can product celluosic-ethanol. Products such as wood pulp, municipal waste, and left over grain can as well.

Another problem that not only celluosic-ethanol fuels face, but ethanol as well, is the fact that it cannot be transported via a pipeline. Reason being is that the ethanol will corrode iron and that is what the majority of the pipelines world wide are composed of. This all can be fixed later on but it won’t be easy or cheap. On top of that, many processing facilities run on coal for their processors and often have to ship the fuel via trucks.

Don’t let this trouble you since the D.O.E. (Department of Energy) has actually doubled its efforts to research since 2005. If they haven’t given up than our hope is that much greater to find something that will help finally kick our nasty habit; Fossil Fuels.

As Always, Keep it Green

Global Warming Prevention for Businesses

Global Warming Prevention practices can improve a business's bottom line through reduced raw material and energy costs, treatment and disposal expenses, and associated labor costs. Many of these strategies, such as substituting toxic materials with safer alternatives, are simple and inexpensive.

Global Warming Prevention practices reduce or eliminate:

Treatment, disposal, and associated and labor costs
Wildlife and habitat damage
Property devaluation
Remediation costs
Civil and criminal fines
Permit fees
Insurance costs
Process disruption
Down time

Other key benefits when implementing these preventions include:

Enhanced Public Image. Consumers more favorably view businesses that adopt and practice global warming prevention strategies, and the marketing of these practices can increase profits.

Increased Productivity and Efficiency. Global Warming assessments help organizations identify opportunities to decrease raw material usage, eliminate unnecessary operations, increase throughput, reduce off-spec product generation, and improve yields.

Reduced Regulatory Burden. Improving environmental performance and reaching performance goals that go beyond compliance are ways to reduce regulatory burdens.

Decreased Liability. Handling hazardous and toxic materials brings high liability should an accident occur. Organizations that substitute toxic materials with safer alternatives reduce the liability and high costs associated with an unsafe environment.

Improved Environmental and Health Quality. Global Warming Prevention methods can help reduce the air, water, and land pollution that results from waste generation, treatment, and disposal, reduce worker and resident health risks and the environmental risks associated with pollutant emissions, and conserve natural resources and landfill space.

7 Ways To Lower Your Pollution Emmissions

Here are a few ways that anyone can do to help keep their pollution emissions and help eliminate global warming everyday!

Reduce electricity usage around the home

The largest source of greenhouse gases is electric power generation. The average home actually contributes more to global warming than the average car. This is because much of the energy we use in our homes comes from power plants which burn fossil fuel to power our electric products.
Improve vehicle fuel-efficiency

The second largest source of greenhouse gases is transportation. Motor vehicles are responsible for about 1/3 of all CO2 emissions in both the U.S.A. and Canada.

Recycle air conditioner coolant - If your car has an air conditioner, make sure you recycle its coolant whenever you have it serviced. (Ask whoever is doing if they do that and if not, where you can.) You can save thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide each year by doing this.

Drive less - You'll save energy by taking the bus, riding a bike, or walking. Try consolidating trips to the mall or longer routine drives. Encourage car-pooling.

Conserve energy in the home and yard
Yard maintenance contributes significantly to greenhouse emissions. An hour of operation, a power lawn mower emits 12x’s as much hydrocarbon as a typical automobile. A weed-eater emits 21x’s more and a leaf-blower 34x’s more.

Paint your home - a light color if you live in a warm climate, or a dark color in a cold climate. This can contribute saving up to 5000 pounds of carbon dioxide per year. Some paint stores have special paints that you can put under a color which are known as a, undercoat, which help reduce heat-loose and cold air from getting into the house which will save both money and make it easier to choose which color you will like on your house.

Choose clean energy options - If you can choose your electricity supplier, pick a company that generates at least half its power from wind, solar energy and other renewable sources.

By doing these things as often as you can or everyday, will not only help the Earth stay green, but you can take pride in know that what you are doing! Talk about bragging rights!

As Always, Keep it Green.

50 Everyday Things You Can Do To Help Stop Global Warming

Global warming is and always will be an urgent and serious problem, especially if we do nothing to change it. Why wait for the governments to change the outcome when every one of us can adopt a more responsible lifestyle. If we don’t act now, it will be too late for not only us, but our children.

Here is a simple list of 50 things that everyone can do in the fight against Global Warming. Some of the things on this list are little to nothing cost wise while others will have some cost to them. NONE of these will break your bank so don’t be shy to help save the world a little bit everyday!

1. Replace a regular incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb (cfl)

2. Install a programmable thermostat

3. Move your thermostat down 2° in winter and up 2° in summer

4. Clean or replace filters on your furnace and air conditioner

5. Choose energy efficient appliances when making new purchases

6. Do not leave appliances on standby

7. Wrap your water heater in an insulation blanket

8. Move your fridge and freezer

9. Defrost old fridges and freezers regularly

10. Don't let heat escape from your house over a long period

11. Replace your old single-glazed windows with double-glazing

12. Get a home energy audit

13. Cover your pots while cooking

14. Use the washing machine or dishwasher only when they are full

15. Take a shower instead of a bath

16. Use less hot water

17. Use a clothesline instead of a dryer whenever possible

18. Insulate and weatherize your home

19. Be sure you’re recycling at home

20. Recycle your organic waste

21. Buy intelligently

22. Choose products that come with little packaging and buy refills when you can

23. Reuse your shopping bag

24. Reduce waste

25. Plant a tree

26. Switch to green power

27. Buy locally grown and produced foods

28. Buy fresh foods instead of frozen

29. Seek out and support local farmers markets

30. Buy organic foods as much as possible

31. Eat less meat

32. Reduce the number of miles you drive by walking, biking, carpooling or taking mass transit wherever possible.
33. Start a carpool with your coworkers or classmates

34. Don't leave an empty roof rack on your car

35. Keep your car tuned up

36. Drive carefully and do not waste fuel

37. Check your tires weekly to make sure they’re properly inflated

38. When it is time for a new car, choose a more fuel efficient vehicle

39. Try car sharing

40. Try telecommuting from home

41. Fly less

42. Encourage your school or business to reduce emissions

43. Join the virtual march

44. Encourage the switch to renewable energy

45. Protect and conserve forest worldwide

46. Consider the impact of your investments

47. Make your city cool

48. Tell Congress to act

49. Make sure your voice is heard!

50. Teach Others.

Celebrities Endorsing Green Living

It seems that everyone is thinking about global warming and green living. Celebrities are now endorsing campaigns to help save the planet. I'm sure you've seen the adverts on TV telling you to switch to 30 degrees when using your washing machine. This ad features supermodel Helena Christensen. She is not the only celebrity to be doing her bit.

In the newest issue of Now Magazine dated 13th August 2007 Melinda Messanger had this to say "Preserving the planet is something that we all have to think about. I've linked up with the Go Small with Lenor campaign to find out how we can save energy. For instance, concentrated fabric softeners use 70 per cent less packaging." Melinda went on to say that she will be raising money for Global Cool - Globalcool.org which is a brilliant charity raising awareness of how we can all reduce our carbon footprint.

Way to go Melinda.

Who knew an everyday chore like washing clothes could make such a difference? I certainly didn't, I mean I've used concentrated fabric softeners before but never actually gave it much thought. I guess I will from now on - will you?

Until next time,

Stay green.

7 Ways That You Can Help Save Our Planet

Here's a list of 7 everyday things that we can all do to help save our planet.

1. Use Solar Water Heaters if you are living at place where there is enough sunlight.
Using solar water heaters can easily save hundreds of dollars on energy bills. Also, solar water heaters heats better then normal heaters.

2. The Transportation Routine.
Use public transports like Trains and buses. Utilize the carpool concept and similar ideas for your traveling needs. Emissions from today’s vehicles account for a large part of the CO2 being released into the atmosphere. Public transport vehicles like buses take large number of people from one place to another, so by using these public transportation systems, emissions per person will be lower compared to everyone driving their own vehicles. Carpooling is another great way to lower the CO2 per vehicle level overall.

3. Tune Engine and Air filters every 6 months.
Air filters on vehicles get clogged by dust and other particles in the air and from the engine. Cleaning the filters in the engine will allow the vehicle to run more smoothly and efficiently. Keeping your vehicle tuned will not only help in reducing carbon emissions, but it will save on how much gas is being used per mile. That means more money in yoru pocket instead of the pump.

4. Clean up those Furnace and Air conditioner filters!
Just like vehicles, furnaces and A/C units have air filters and they should always be checked and cleaned. Once they get clogged, more energy is wasted. By cleaning and making sure the filters are free of debris, you can not only save energy, but help reduce carbon emissions.

5. Recycled Products
By using recycled products, you can help reduce how fast our resources are being depleted. For example, consider using recycled paper products over non recycled paper. That will help reduce the amount of trees that are being cut down.

6. Plant more trees.
Trees suck up carbon dioxide and produce and oxygen in return. Planning more trees would reduce a percentage of the CO2 levels in our atmosphere. Not to mention more oxygen to go around.

7. Educate more people about Global Warming and Its effects.
Educating as many people as possible will not only put pressure on the governments to provide ways on global warming prevention but the people themselves will do their own measures to prevent global warming.

Remember, the more we can do, the better off we will all be.

Global Warming Competition - Cool The Earth

Global warming has become a very hot topic at the moment. All the members of the G8 have agreed that their aim is to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions by 50% in 2050, and with that said it is now time for everyone worldwide to start taking action.

It was Japan that gave birth to the Kyoto Protocol and they have now devised a new initiative called Cool The Earth. This is a great contest so check it out now.

The Eco Business Creation Association, the organisers of this even are calling on people around the world to submit their ideas on how to decrease CO2 emissions and put a stop to global warming. The ideas that are collected with be used for prototype projects that will be conducted in Japan and these will then help to generate models for reducing our emissions. The results of the projects will be available worldwide and the aim of this is to further encourage innovation and to hopefully tackle the worldwide problem of growing CO2 levels.

The awards ceremony will take place in Japan and grand prize winners from abroad will be given a portion of the travel expenses and accommodation expenses needed to attend this ceremony. Winners that come from Japan will be taken on an eco-tour where they will learn more about global warming and the latest projects underway to help prevent it. There will also be special prize winners and they will receive 50,000 yen which is approximately $420.

If you would like to participate, you must submit your ideas by the 5th September 2007. The final results will be announced on the 18th October and the Awards ceremony will take place between the 13th to the 15th of December at the Eco Products 2007 Exhibition in Tokyo. If you would like more information on this contest just visit the Cool The Earth contest website.

Here's hoping we get the global warming threat under control.

Until next time, keep thinking green.

Amanda

Green News

Alternative Ways That Have Been Around For YEARS

LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas), CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) Conversions have been around for a number of years. They allow the use of a cheaper and cleaner fuel compared to petrol. Few manufacturers, such as GM/Vauxhall, have just recently begun to offer this option on a number of their newer models. The LPG-converted Smart – a fairly green car to begin with, even in its conventional fuel form – is one of the leaders in this particular class and certainly a vehicle to consider.

Compressed Natural Gas is even cleaner than Liquefied Petroleum Gas but with fewer than 50 refilling stations around the country, it is unlikely to be a serious contender at the moment.

Electric cars have also been available for some time, though the current versions are considerably more refined than some of their predecessors. Their short range still dictates that they are restricted urban areas, but with zero direct emissions at street level, they make a significant contribution in the effort to reduce pollution in towns and cities all over the world. Since they also rely on electricity regularly demands them to be plugged into the grid to recharge, hence they cannot be deemed as entirely “green”. Never-the-less, the electric G-Wiz – described as the “greenest car available” – with its 40mph top speed and a range of 40 miles, is worth a good look if it meets your transport needs.

Hybrid Cars

Since the selection of hybrids currently in the United Kingdom is slim, they still the most practical option available

Most often hybrids are 20 per/cent higher than similar conventional vehicles, but they do benefit from low road tax and significantly lower CO2 emissions. If the hybrid idea appeals to you, Honda Civic IMA and the Toyota Prius are certainly note-worthy.

Conventional Methods

Things have moved on a long way in the design of conventional vehicles. With mpg and CO2 figures documented at an all time low for all new models, it is very easy to compare any number of different cars and find the greenest of them all. Diesels are probably a good choice in general, especially since bio-diesel seems likely to be more widely available in the future. Many of the current generation of small diesel-engine cars offer impressive fuel economy and low emissions, such as the Citroen C2 1.4 Diesel, which returns 68.9mpg under optimum conditions and releases only 107g of C02 per km when using conventional diesel.

As Always, Keep it Green

Chrysler is in The Game!

Daimler-Chrysler announced that U.S. consumers will finally get its tiny Smart car in 2008, but a car dealer in Kirkland that got smart a long time ago already has sold 80 of them since February.

Green Car, one of the largest dealers of Smart cars in the United States, imports them from Europe and has them modified to fit U.S. specifications. The company has sold them to customers in six states, said Service Manager Susan Fahnestock.

Fahnestock stated that her company is “out to reinvent the car dealership the way REI changed the sporting-goods store and Whole Foods remade the supermarket.”

She calls the company she founded with partners Don Fahnestock, her husband; and Greg Rock an "eco-friendly" car dealership, or the "anti-dealer."

Green Car has a showroom and a staff of eight, but no one works on commission. Instead of focusing on selling inventory, they work on matching a customer to the right car, based on driving habits.

"The main mission is to educate consumers about how their vehicle choices are affecting the environment, especially with regard to global warming," Fahnestock said.

The company, which grew out of a Volvo repair shop the Fahnestocks had for 10 years in Kirkland, also sells electric cars and converts gas vehicles to run on alternative fuels like biodiesel. In the future, it plans to add an ethanol fuel station and sell cars that run on ethanol.

The company took a do-it-yourself approach to the market: It didn't find enough family-size cars that run on diesel, so it decided to make their own.

As Always, Keep it Green

Is Everyone For the Earth, or Not?

Here is a post that a person who will remain nameless posted on another board for hybrid cars. It has some information that can be found to be against hybrid cars, but they do have a point, looks can be decieveing; or this person really just doesn't care about the earth.

"Hybrids are not what they would seem to be at first glance, hence, everyone should be encouraged to be very serious when analyzing why they want a hybrid car.


If it's to save money on gas. You would have to drive it at large amounts since the cost difference between a hybrid and a similar aspirated car are so extreme, and would take years to get your money back.

If it's to conserve energy, you should know that, for example, the Prius requires almost 70% more energy to produce than the Echo, as do most hybrids versus their aspirated cousins. In the cradle to cradle method of speaking, the true cost is not the perceived cost, environmentally speaking. Besides that, the Prius gets less than 10% better gas mileage than the Echo (it's closest same-brand cousin), for more than $7k more dollars. Same with the civic, although if I had to buy a hybrid, it would be a civic.

If it's to save the earth, then you should know that the duty cycle on those batteries is expected to be about 6 years, at which point you're looking at a replacement which at that time will be > than the value of the car, as well as now having a couple-hundred-pound series of heavy-metal-and-acid-containing environmental disasters to dispose of.

If you want to be green, you want diesel. More Nox, less Sox, but more importantly *carbon neutral* if you run bio. You'll also see >50Mpg from a non-electric car, a 250k minimum lifetime on the motor, and <$.50 a gallon gas if you make it yourself.

Ethanol or the blended alcohols are your next best bet because again, they are carbon neutral.

Big Business has done a great job tricking the american public into believing that hybrids are a great big special deal...they're not. Really, REALLY look into them before you buy one. Caveat emptor and whatnot. And don't even get me started on tax credits... :)"

One important point of this is the person was right, in the matter of always look into what you are buying in-depth. If you do not then you can be scammed on many things and not just in ways to keep the earth green.

As Always, Keep it Green.

Ontario Announces The Liberal Plan

Monday, Ontario announced the Liberal Plan. The provincial wide plan states that the province aims to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases to 6 percent below the 1990 levels. Its goal is to be achieved by the year 2014; just two years after the Kyoto agreement’s deadline. The future goals of the plan are to achieve 15 percent below the levels found in 1990 by the time 2020 arrives. The final stage is to achieve levels 80 percent below by the year 2050.

Premier Dalton McGuinty stated that in order to accomplish the necessary reductions, the coal plants will be closed and the money put into energy audits and technological advances instead.

Though the plan has long term and devoted people to see these goals accomplished, many environmentalists say Ontario’s plan is not good enough and is too late for it to have any beneficial outcome.

The Progressive Conservative act, commissioned by John Tory, proposed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a minimal 10 percent lower then the levels found in 1990 before the year 2020 and 60 percent below the 1990 emissions before or at the year 2050. John also proposed that any new and existing government buildings to become more energy efficient and also suggests other ways to implement the use of alternative fuels and eco-friendly energy.

Later in a speech, Dalton McGuinty announced, "We're doing our part to fight climate change in an ambitious and realistic way by shutting down coal plants, promoting energy conservation and investing in infrastructure that helps Ontarians reduce their greenhouse gas emissions," He followed with, "We're going even further by setting tough new targets for the future that will build on all we have achieved ...”

Even though many have dismissed both plans, anything in the direction of reducing greenhouse gases is a step in the right direction and overall wise step in helping preserve our earth.

As Always, Keep it Green

The Future Outlook on Emissions and Removal of Greenhouse Gases

Estimates of future emissions and removals depend in part on assumptions about changes in underlying human activities. For example, the demand for fossil fuels such as gasoline and coal is expected to increase greatly with the predicted growth of the U.S. and global economies.

The National Research Council concluded, in assessing current trends, that "emissions of some greenhouse gases are increasing, but others are decreasing. In some cases the decreases are a result of policy decisions, while in other cases the reasons for the decrease are not well understood" (NRC, 2001)

Many, but not all, human sources of greenhouse gas emissions are expected to rise in the future. This growth may be reduced by ongoing efforts to increase the use of newer, cleaner technologies and other measures. Additionally, our everyday choices about such things as commuting, housing, electricity use and recycling can influence the amount of greenhouse gases being emitted.

The United States government prepares projections of emissions and removals of all greenhouse gases. The following links provide more detailed information on projections:

• Greenhouse Gas Projections, Chapter 5 of the U.S. Climate Action Report (PDF, 11 pp., 322 KB, About PDF): In Chapter 5 of the Climate Action Report, the U.S. forecasts future emission levels using information developed from models.
• International Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gas Emission Projections
• Methane Projections
• Nitrous Oxide Projections
• Fluorinated Gases

Russia's Plan for 2008

Russia plans to start trading its greenhouse emission quotas in 2008. They will start this once they have met all eligibility requirements needed to start with the Kyoto mechanisms, a senior Russian official said on Friday.

The point of the new Kyoto Protocol mechanism, termed “Joint Implementation”, will allow industrialized countries to buy rights to emit greenhouse gases and use them to help stay within their Kyoto emissions caps by the year 2012.

It works by allowing countries that are busting their caps, like Japan, Spain and Italy, to fund projects which can cut emissions in their countries to be well within their limits, like most former communist states. This will allow the countries to count the costs solely.

“I believe we can obtain a status of a country complying with Kyoto protocol requirements in early 2008,” Deputy Economy Minister Andrei Sharonov told foreign investors and bankers, adding a Kyoto monitoring mission would visit Russia in July.

Sharonov said Russia aimed to sell quotas for 300 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent to European Union countries. He said 29 projects had been submitted for review to the Kyoto Protocol secretariat already.

Sharonov estimated the European Union’s demand at 250-350 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent in 2008-2012 while Russia is likely to have spare quotas for 3 billion metric tons despite strong economic growth.

Projects in Russia which could prove lucrative for investors include burning methane, a potent greenhouse gas, or plugging leaky gas pipelines, also cutting methane emissions.

As Always, Keep it Green

The Young are getting involved on Ellesmere Island

In April 2008, five young adults are planning to join Will Steger on a 1,200 mile dogsled expedition across Ellesmere Island . There they will follow in the footsteps of legendary explorers and visit ice shelves that have collapsed due to global warming and those that are on the brink of collapsing. Crossing fjords, mountain ranges, and sea ice, the Expedition Team will record the impact global warming has had on the northern coast of the third largest and northernmost island in the Canadian Arctic.

The 2008 Ellesmere Island Expedition will inspire to mobilize the next generation of explorers and any eyewitnesses to the effects of global warming. These young adults will travel over northern Ellesmere, an area that has undergone significant warming effects over recent decades. Their goal is to document the effects of climate change on the Island. There is no better time than now: the Ward Ice Shelf experienced a major breakup during the summer of 2002 and the Ayles Ice Shelf calved entirely in August 2005. The Expedition will include the historical perspective of other crossings, including Robert Peary’s in 1906, when the ice shelf was continuous. Using expedition journals and archived photos, the Team will retrace historical routes to examine how the conditions have changed due to global warming. The young adults selected to participate will build their leadership skills and develop a firsthand awareness of what is happening in the Canadian Arctic. They will return to their communities and college campuses where they will work to reduce global warming by sharing their stories from the trail.

World-renowned polar explorer and educator Will Steger is an eyewitness to the on-going catastrophic consequences of global warming. Utilizing the latest in web and communications technologies, students, educators, media and individuals can travel with Steger to the ends of the earth themselves. The expeditions provide an unparalleled platform for educating and motivating people.

As Always, Keep it Green.

A Breakdown of What Your State Can Do For Global Warming

State and local governments play an important role in meeting the national goal of reducing greenhouse gas intensity by 18 percent by 2012. They are participating in national voluntary programs and initiatives, analyzing the costs and benefits of actions and developing and applying innovative programs and strategies that achieve wide-ranging benefits to businesses, the environment and public health. EPA supports states and communities in these activities by encouraging voluntary approaches and providing technical assistance and tools.

Details on actions by states and efforts by local agencies to address climate change, along with links to relevant EPA voluntary programs that can help states and localities meet their goals. It also provides a directory of tools that can help state and local governments inventory their greenhouse gas emissions, analyze greenhouse gas reduction opportunities and quantify the energy, environmental and economic benefits of lowering greenhouse gases. More information on the role of state and local governments can be found below:

State Actions
States are developing and implementing a range of programs and strategies that are cost-effectively reducing greenhouse gases, improving air quality, enhancing economic development and creating jobs. Learn more about the following steps that states are taking:

• State Action Plans: More than 25 U.S. states have completed, or are working on action plans that identify cost-effective options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions or enhancing carbon sequestration. This section of the site includes links to individual state action plans, details on how states develop their action plans and EPA guidance for states.
• State and Regional Climate Actions Table: These tables provide a summary of current state and regional climate initiatives.
• State Action Plans Database: This searchable database contains policy recommendations from the action plans of 21 states. Policies are classified by sector, category and policy.

Local Actions
Local governments across the United States are implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy actions that can have multiple benefits including saving money, creating jobs, promoting sustainable growth and reducing greenhouse gases and air pollution. This section includes suggestions for activities and links to resources that can help local governments reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

The Lexus LS 600h L - A Hybrid or Hoax?

If solar panels on Al Gore’s 20-room mansion and Vanity Fair’s 300-page annual green issue make you feel queasy about the eco-chic spin on our sustained environmental and energy crisis, then the Lexus LS 600h L might make you feel downright nauseous.

The Top 10 list of why the Lexus LS 600h L is the most bizarre and misguided hybrid:

1. A hybrid powertrain on a 5-liter V8 engine.
2. 430 horsepower (equivalent of 6-liter V12).
3. City/highway mileage rating in the low 20s.
4. 70-percent cleaner emissions than the “cleanest” of its V8 competitors.
5. Noise and vibration levels are about half of conventional cars. (“This is the kind of vehicle that travels slightly detached from the road, the local environment, and anyone else that doesn’t have a near 7-digit income,” writes Art Vatsky in AutoBlogGreen.)
6. Since you can’t hear anything outside the cabin, the vehicle uses two-cameras and a radar system to detect approaching objects and humans. A third camera mounted on the steering column monitors if the driver’s head is turned to the side. If a car, object, or pedestrian gets too close, the “advanced pre-collision system” alerts the driver with a chime and a flashing light.
7. Each vehicle is hand-sanded twice during the painting process.
8. Lexus aims to sell 1,200 to 2,000 units in the U.S. (Is this profitable for Lexus?)
9. Starts at $104,000. (At this price, you could buy four Priuses, keep one for yourself, and give three away as cute gifts).
10. The Lexus LS600h L is an amazing showcase of Lexus’s creativity and technological sophistication—all applied to vehicle that is completely out-of-step with our times.

If any of our more affluent readers are thinking about the Lexus LS600 L, by all means, have some fun. But don’t kid yourself that you are doing anything to help the world.

Huston We Have Another Problem

NASA has drastically underestimated the severity of Global Warming. They now have stated that in 10 years, the tipping point will be upon us. Even additional "moderate” greenhouse emissions are likely to push Earth past the "tipping points" and result in critically "dangerous consequences for the planet," according to research conducted by NASA and the Columbia University Earth Institute.

Future forecasts, once the earth has been pushed into a critical state will include "increasingly rapid sea-level rise, increased frequency of droughts and floods, and increased stress on wildlife and plants due to rapidly shifting climate zones," according to the NASA announcement.

In regards to the new research paper, NASA has stated that they are endorsing a science that places considerable more measures on the urgency for the need on reducing emissions. This will help to avoid "disastrous effects" of global warming. The measures will be boosted to counter the underestimate in the earlier reports from the world's scientists coordinated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

The new NASA release emphasizes the danger of "strong amplifying feedbacks" pushing Earth past "dangerous tipping points."

Scientists have been warning for several years that such tipping points are the greatest threat from man-made global warming — and what makes it potentially catastrophic for civilization.

As the tipping points pass, "there is an acceleration, potentially uncontrollable, of emissions of vast natural stores of greenhouse gas," according to Hansen, who reviewed the study for ABC News today.

Hansen explains that dangerous feedback loops are being tracked in various regions of the planet.

Many studies have reported feedback loops already observed in thawing tundra, sea beds and drying forests.

Hansen also points out that dark — and therefore heat-absorbing — forests are now expanding toward the Arctic, replacing lighter-colored areas such as tundra and snow cover.

The study says that "only moderate additional climate forcing (which would mean only moderate additional warming from such emissions) is likely to set in motion the disintegration of the West Antarctic ice sheet" and is dubbed WAIS by polar scientists.

Many scientists say a disintegration of WAIS would mean catastrophically rapid sea-level rise.

As Always, Keep it Green