The Green Life…

There are varying degrees of green lifestyle choices you can make. It depends on your level of comfort, concern, and personal preference. More “advanced” green lifestyles differ from those who are just getting started, or who prefer to do just a few basic things. Here are some of the differences.

The Basics

For a beginner or someone who simply prefers to do a few simple things, the basics usually cover it. This includes some or all of the following:

* Eating whole, natural foods grown organically and, if possible, locally
* Recycling household waste such as cardboard, paper, glass, and plastic
* Conserving water in the home by cutting back wherever possible
* Choosing eco-friendly paints when it’s time to redecorate
* Saving energy by turning out lights, installing CFLs, and using daylight whenever possible
* Saving energy by using electric appliances sparingly and in a strategic way (such as baking foods at the same time, using the microwave to reheat foods, etc.)
* Using solar lighting outdoors
* Cleaning the home with natural, eco-friendly cleaners, homemade and/or commercial
* Investing in more eco-friendly toys for children, such as wooden toys
* Cutting back on fuel use by walking, carpooling, or biking
* Using cloth bags for shopping

“Advanced” Green

In addition to the above, a more advanced green lifestyle might include some or all of these lifestyle choices.

* Setting up a recycling program in the office, school, or community
* Organizing and/or participating in a community clean-up day
* Engaging in eco-friendly travel, such as driving a hybrid vehicle
* Installing solar panels, personal wind turbines, or other alternative means of generating electricity for the household
* Composting kitchen scraps in a worm bin or compost pile
* Growing your own food using organic methods
* Wearing only natural fibers and sustainable footwear
* Using only sustainable woods and materials in the home, such as natural linoleum or bamboo flooring, mango-wood furniture, and natural countertops
* Using only recycled materials in the home such as paper and cardboard
* Doing business as an eco-consultant
* Installing a low-flow toilet or composting toilet
* Building an entirely eco-friendly house out of natural materials

As you can see, there are varying degrees of going and being green. You may well begin with the basics and then add more and more of the more advanced options. And remember, you don’t have to be super-advanced to be effective in your greening efforts. The important thing is to take steps in the right direction and do what you are able to do.

Solar Power for Homes and its Benefits…

Modern technology can do a lot of great things. One is the use of solar power for homes. Did you know that you can enjoy many benefits from using solar power? Solar panels can now be created at home by simply following comprehensible do-it-yourself instructions. Building power systems is no longer very expensive these days and it’s also not as hard as you think.

With the increasing demand for solar powered homes, you can now find a wide range of DIY projects in the market. The reasons why many homeowners are now choosing solar power for their homes is because they want to help in the persistent global warming crisis and electric bills cost a lot these days.

The electricity supplied in modern homes usually comes from different power plants. These power plants use fossil fuels and so the electric charges are greatly dependent on the prices of natural gases and crude oil. Fossil fuels are also depleting. There is a high demand for electricity but the resources have decreased greatly. In this kind of situation, the electrical costs will still continue to increase. The solar power for homes is an excellent answer to the problem.

By using fossil fuels, the problem with global warming will become worse. Harmful gases are emitted by the fossil fuels to produce electricity. If you don’t want to contribute to the environmental problems any further, why not use solar power for your home now?

Several years ago, the solar cells were really expensive and inefficient. Back then the solar cells were quite inefficient since they can’t convert 100% of the rays of the sun into electricity. Most solar cells can convert only 10-25%. In the year 2003, a new product was introduced and it was called photovoltaic cell. The new cell can convert 36% of the rays into usable electricity. The cells were also affordable. The modern sunlight technology is now widely available and even ordinary homeowners can take advantage of it.

The solar power kits are available worldwide. You can purchase them in online stores or you can also shop around in local stores. If you’re unsure, it would be best to shop online. There you can find several reputable sellers and manufacturers of solar power kits.

The solar power kits provide step by step instructions on how to assemble the different materials. Hardware stores usually sell the different parts of the solar power system. If create your own solar power system, you will only spend about $200 and it already includes the guide. With such a small investment, you can already benefit from solar power for many years. You’re not only saving money but you’re also helping in saving the planet.

Renewable and clean energy sources are in great demand these days. The homes of the future are now possible in today’s modern world. You can start with small projects and work your way up. For instance, you can first work on the outdoor lighting first and if it proves to be beneficial, you can do another project.

Don’t cut off the existing electrical supply especially if this is your first time to do solar power projects. Just use it as a supplement so that you can lessen your electricity consumption. Start with your DIY solar power project and light your home using the sun’s energy.

Solar Power or the Use of Generators…

Every year, the environmental problems are getting worse. Global warming, pollution, and other concerns are now very evident. Many environmentalists are now taking an active part in the hope of saving the world before it’s too late. One way to effectively address such problems is by using solar power. With many households and establishments using generators to back up their power supply, which do you think is the best choice?

Power failure happens in the most unexpected hours and so having a generator can provide the needed power. The portable generators are widely used and you can even find large generators that provide emergency power. If you want to help in reducing pollution and other environmental problems, why don’t you opt for solar power instead?

The initial cost is a very important consideration but you will also need to look in the benefits that you can gain the future. Installing a viable solar power system can be quite expensive than just purchasing a portable generator. However, once you’ve installed the power system, you can already enjoy free unlimited power supply. Maintenance is minimal and you will not spend huge money on it. You don’t need to buy fuel just to run the system because the energy of the sun fuels the solar power system. In a portable generator, you will need to buy fuel to run it and so you will continue to spend money to enjoy power supply.

Generators can be purchased easily, online or locally, and so it’s quite convenient to obtain them. On the other hand, solar power is not that convenient to install and purchase as well. The market for solar power is rather small but because of the technological advancements, the market will soon grow. Today, the best way to obtain solar power kits is through the internet. Anyone can settle for a little bit of inconvenience especially if huge benefits are involved. Besides, after the installation of the solar power system, you don’t need to monitor it often unlike in generators where you will refill the fuel, change the oil and filter, and two times servicing in a year. The solar power system can last for twenty years even with minimal maintenance.

Both solar power and portable generators are efficient. However, when it comes to cost-efficiency, solar power is ahead. As long as the sun shines, energy can be generated. The system can also store energy so that it can be used at night or during rainy days. In a generator, you will need to re-fuel from time to time. You will need to pay for the fuel every time. Sunlight is free but fuel is not and so the cost efficient option is very obvious.

In terms of dependability, solar power and generators are almost the same. Solar power is best used in places where there is bright sunlight all throughout the year. If the period of bad weather is lengthy, all the stored power can be consumed. Generators can be used whether it’s sunny or rainy but the problem lies with the source of fuel. If you can’t refuel the generator, it will not work.

It’s your choice whether you will use solar power or a portable generator. It all depends on your capacity to pay for the device. You can further evaluate these two by reading this article carefully.

Hollywood Movies that Glorify Education…

On a typical rainy or winter day and you just want to stay at home, you might want to watch several movies. If you have a strong interest in education, there are several feel-good and inspiring Hollywood movies that you should be watching. Here are three of those great and excellent flicks of all times.

The movie ‘Teachers’ was released in 1984. It starred Nick Nolte, Morgan Freeman, Laura Derm, and Richard Mulligan. The film was about a high school graduate who ended up suing her public high school because she was able to graduate even without knowing how to actually read. This movie discusses and describes all the setbacks and disadvantageous condition of the US public education at the time. It obviously aims to address education problems in a satirical manner, through conflicts and over-the-top movie characters.

‘Teachers’ also exposes several public education problems that are still left hanging even up to this day. What is more interesting is that such problems are not unique to the US. Many other countries experience those educational problems today. The teacher in the movie treated the lawsuit not as a blow to the institution but as a timely opportunity to prompt lasting changes not just to the public school but to public education in general.

In 1989, the movie ‘Dead Poets Society’ made waves, not because it starred Robin Williams (who was a hot movie star those days) but because it tackled the importance of education amid rigid society norms and strict parental expectations. It showed that talented and committed educators could always get in the way to inspire and touch lives of even the most notorious students. The movie was also noted for its ability to take viewers into typical life in one of those prep schools circa 1950s. Williams’ performance was one of the most charismatic in this movie.

‘Dead Poets Society’ has always been one of those educational movies that are recommended for tackling issues about curriculums and the real value of education. No wonder, many schools and classes run and hold viewing of the movie at the start of every semester. The movie would surely be worth your time. It is entertaining, touching, and inspiring all at the same time.

On the other hand, in 2006 ‘Chalk’ was released. This movie presents takes on education through tracing of three unique teachers who are at various stages of their teaching careers. The focus was at a teacher who used to be businessman. The two were a teacher who has been teacher of the year for two straight years and another who has been promoted to become an assistant to the principal. Actual teachers could all relate to the three main characters in the movie.

‘Chalk’ is a ‘mockumentary’ film that was produced to show satiric perspectives in education through portrayal of different unlikely events, from pokers to dog shows. It was produced by the same documentary filmmaker who was popular for his ‘Supersize Me’ (Morgan Spurlock). It may not be a full movie, but the documentary proves to be really entertaining and enlightening at the same time.

Education is truly an important subject to discuss. All three films show how life and education are intertwined and are connected. You should try to view some, if not all. These movies would really be worth your precious time.

Solar Power – A Must for Homes…

‘Going green’ is the trend these days since the world is facing a lot of environmental problems specifically global warming. Electricity comes from fossil fuels which are being burned. The emissions contribute a lot to global warming and one way to address this issue is by using solar power for homes. Even the federal and state governments are now encouraging many homeowners to utilize solar power by offering grants and loans. Solar power is a must for homes and it is not just for the rich people.

Are you familiar with DIY solar power kits? The DIY kits are widely available in online stores and perhaps in local stores. All you need to do is shop around and find a suitable system that can work for your home.

Why is the solar power system a must for homes?

As mentioned earlier, the government is also supporting green energy through grants and loans. Aside from that, there are also incentives. For instance, if you spend around $20,000 on system installation, the state government will give you a 30% credit. This means that your next tax bill will decrease by 30% of $20,000 which is $6,000. The credit can also be extended to the following year as long as the amount is covered fully.

Once you install the system, it requires minimum maintenance. Make sure that you also clean and clear it properly. You can consult a professional who knows a great deal about solar power systems and have yours checked annually. Most homeowners do little work on their systems and this is a great advantage.

Sunlight is available for all and since fossil fuels are depleting, it is an excellent option. If you install a system for your home, you will simply need to invest once and after that, you can now benefit as long as the system is working properly. Your electricity bills will surely be reduced and so you will have smaller bills every month. You can use the solar power system for your outdoor lights, garden lights and features, and even for indoor use as long as the inverter is big enough.

Solar panels are one of the most popular solar power systems used today. If blackouts are quite common in your area, it would really help a lot if you install solar power. That way, even if other homes don’t have electricity, your home can still have electricity. Solar panels are reliable as well as the other systems available today. Most manufacturers also provide warranty and so you can expect the solar panels to be durable. You won’t hear any noise since the panels are working quietly while producing the needed energy.

Electrocution cases are rare since the photovoltaic cells have low amperage and are very safe. Power is produced without emissions or fuel combustions.

Most of all, with solar power systems, you can help in saving the environment. You can help in decreasing pollution and the degradation of the environment. The power systems can last for decades with proper maintenance and care. If you’re interested to go green, don’t hesitate to install a solar power system for your home. This is the best time to make a choice – a choice that can have a significant impact to the world. After installation of the system, you can now enjoy a continuous supply of green electricity.

Which Materials Are and Aren’t Biodegradable?…

One of the biggest things to consider in building a green patio is biodegradability. Will the materials you use ultimately be broken down by nature? Or will they sit in a landfill for decades, taking up space?

It’s unfortunate, but most materials used in today’s buildings are not biodegradable. By paying conscious attention to what your deck is made of, you can help reverse this trend.

==> The Number One Biodegradable Material

The number one biodegradable material in building a patio is wood. Wood is completely biodegradable and can be turned by nature back into nutrients that can feed the growth of other plants and animals.

The downside to using wood is that a tree has to be cut down. To compensate for that, make sure you buy from Forest Stewardship Counsel (FSC) certified wood. That’ll help ensure that the wood you’re using is not only biodegradable, but also sustainable.

==> Wood Plastic Composites

Wood plastic composites are unfortunately not biodegradable. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use them, however.

These materials are generally made from at least 40% recycled materials. They crack and warp less than wood and never have to be repainted.

In other words, their environmental footprint can be lower than wood, even if they’re not biodegradable.

==> Most Chemicals

Most chemicals, like detergents for cleaning your deck, paint, sealants and so on are not biodegradable. In fact, most complex chemicals are not biodegradable.

On top of the chemicals not being biodegradable, most of the containers that these chemicals come in also aren’t biodegradable. That means that the metal paint bucket and the plastic spray bottle will both end up in a landfill somewhere.

The solution? Use eco-friendly and green chemicals in the construction and maintenance of your patio. These green companies usually take extra care to make sure their chemicals are biodegradable. Furthermore, the containers that make up green chemicals are also biodegradable.

==> Patio Furniture

There are many different kinds of patio furniture.

Wood patio furniture is naturally biodegradable. If you choose to go the wood route, make sure to use a weather resistant wood like teak or cedar.

Another option is to use recycled plastic. Recycled plastic is not biodegradable, but it does support the recycling industry.

You can also buy furniture made from “plant based” plastics. These are plastics that are 100% biodegradable. They’re sturdy enough to withstand different climates, but are quite a bit pricier than standard plastics.

Finally, you’ve got everything else – metal, regular plastics, PVC and the like. These are by and large all not biodegradable.

These are some of the most common materials you’ll find when you’re building your patio. By choosing biodegradable materials today, you’ll ensure that your environmental footprint is small not only now, but also thirty years from today.

All Inclusive Vacation – Dont Let The Planning Get You Down…

Why is it that going on vacation is so much work? You’re supposed to be relaxing and getting away from it all, but instead you spend weeks making plans. Unfortunately, the stress keeps right on going during your travels and you find that you actually want to get back to the old grind. If any of that sounds familiar, then an all inclusive vacation package is the way to go.

These are vacations where everything is done for you, and all expenses are included. Of course there is quite a range of these types of packages available, but they remove almost all of the stress that goes along with taking vacations.

You should have some idea of what things you want to do so you can select the package that’s best for you. For example, you wouldn’t want a vacation that includes white water rafting, skydiving, and running from charging bulls if your idea of a good time is relaxing on the beach (or vice-versa). So, be sure to check into what the package includes before paying for it.

The term “all inclusive” should mean that everything is included, and it usually is, but only to a point. An all inclusive vacation will typically include travel to and from your destination, lodgings, food, transportation, tips (on site) and admission to a pre-selected set of attractions. However, if you veer from what’s included, then you will have to pay for that yourself. You will also have to pay for any shopping you do.

Other than that, an all inclusive vacation allows you to fully enjoy the vacation itself because you don’t have to worry about how much everything costs, as you will pay a flat amount for everything that’s in the package.

“Okay, that all sounds great, but isn’t it expensive?” Well, it can be, but it doesn’t have to be. Again, there is a wide range of packages available, and they fit any budget no matter how big or small. In fact, the tour provider can often keep the costs down by bundling several things together, and they pass this savings on to you.

As each all inclusive vacation is different, it’s a good idea to look over exactly what’s included. Your idea of what qualifies as “all” may be different than that of the person that put the package together. Most packages will give you everything you need, but knowing ahead of time will prevent any potential misunderstandings after you arrive.

Once you know what’s included and book your vacation it’s a simple matter of packing your bags and heading out the door. You can rest easy knowing that you all inclusive vacation has removed the stress that goes along with other vacations. Imagine being able to actually enjoy your vacation from start to finish and how rejuvenated that will make you feel.

DIY Solar Panels – Overview of the Buying & Construction Process…

Building and installing your own solar panel can help you save a lot of money on electricity, without extravagant upfront costs. Getting a solar panel installed professionally will usually cost you five figures. Doing it yourself, however, can cost just a few hundred.

Here’s an overview of how the buying and construction process works.

==> Buying the Solar Cells

There are a few ways you can buy solar cells. You can buy them as part of a group, in which case you’ll be able to buy from a wholesaler directly. Though this is perhaps the cheapest way to do it, it’s much more difficult to organize.

The easiest way to buy solar cells is to use eBay. EBay has several sellers providing solar cells, which means the competition keeps the price down to inexpensive levels.

==> Constructing the Solar Panel

A solar panel is basically a series of solar cells joined together. The electricity generated from the cells flows together until there’s enough electricity generated for actual use.

To construct the panel, you need a wooden container of some sort to put the cells in. You need wire cutters, strippers and soldering equipment.

All you need to do is wire the cells together to create a panel. You might also want to install a diode to make sure that energy doesn’t flow from the battery back into the panel when sunlight isn’t hitting the panel.

==> Inverters and Batteries

Energy generated from a solar panel comes in the form of direct current (DC) power. However, in order for your home electronics to be able to use the power, you need the energy to be in alternating current (AC).

Also, unless you plan on immediately using the energy generated by your solar panel in your home, you’ll probably want a battery so you can store the energy.

Inverters and batteries can cost quite a bit of money. Again, eBay can come in handy when acquiring low-cost or second-hand supplies.

==> Passing Inspections

The final step to installing your solar panel is passing inspections.

While it’s possible to create a solar panel and run it without passing inspections, you’re leaving a lot on the table.

First of all, you can’t qualify for the many tax incentives that come with owning a solar panel if you don’t pass an inspection.

You also can’t wire your solar panel to the grid without passing inspection. If you get permission to attach your panel to the grid, you can “sell” energy to the grid and actually have your electric meter flow backwards while your panels produce energy that you aren’t using.

That’s a basic overview of the entire buying and construction process. Building your own solar panels takes a lot of dedication, but the process can be immensely fun and save you a lot of money at the end of the day.

White Water Rafting – Preserve Your Experiences…

White water rafting is simply a blast and a great way to get away from the clutter of life. Alas, your rafting experiences can fade with time. The best way to prevent this is to keep a white water rafting journal.

White Water Rafting Journals

Take a minute to give some consideration to your most recent rafting trip. What sticks out in your mind? Where the rapids raging, the water low or somebody hilariously falling out of the boat? Now think about the first time you ever went white water rafting. I bet you can’t remember much about the trip besides a few snippets. The experiences you’ve forgotten are lost to time. If you keep a white water rafting journal, this won’t be the case.

There are famous instances of people keeping journals throughout time. Of course, Anne Frank’s Diary is the best example. In her diary, Anne kept a running commentary of the two years her family spent hiding from the Nazis. While your white water rafting experiences better be more lighthearted, keeping a journal will let you remember them as the years pass.

A good white water rafting journal combines a number of characteristics. First, it should be compact. Second, it should have a case to protect it from getting wet and turned to mulch. Third, the journal should contain blank areas to write your notes. Fourth, the journal should contain cue spaces to remind you to keep notes on specific things.

Cues should include:

1. Who you went white water rafting with

2. Where you went rafting and the time of year
3. Who you met and contact information for them
4. The river and weather conditions

5. How challenging the river was, and

6. Any events that occurred while off the river

At the end of the rafting trip, you should be able to get the following from your journal:

1. Contact information for other rafters you met
2. Details of the trip, whether you would go again and perhaps better times to do so
3. Memories to reflect upon years later
4. Something to pass on to your friends, children and grandchildren

To get the most out of your white water rafting journal, you should write in it just before you start, during breaks such as lunch and when you return. If you go with friends or your family, the journal will turn into a keepsake for the family.

During family events such as the holidays, it makes for great reading. As you grow older [and we all do], the journal will make great fodder for reflection.

White water rafting is a blast that shouldn’t fade with time. Make sure to preserve the experience with your white water rafting journal.

Three Tips for Building an Eco-Friendly Deck…

Building an eco-friendly deck is a huge undertaking. From concept to completion involves many steps, putting together many different components and using building materials that you might not be familiar with.

Here are three tips to help make the process easier.

==> Do All Your Research Up Front

Try to do as much research as you can up front. Research the kinds of materials you want to use, your lighting, your furniture and so on all at once.

If you do it as you go, you’ll find that you’ll continually have to stop to look things up. The finished project also won’t fit together as well.

Instead, figure out exactly what you want to make your patio with before you start. Figure out where you plan to buy everything.

Do you plan on buying them locally from a hardware store that stocks green supplies? Or would you rather order them online?

If you’re buying locally, can you figure out what brands they carry? If so, research those brands to see what kind of reputation they have before making a purchase.

==> Use Certified Wood or Wood Plastic Composites

There are primarily two choices for the eco-friendly deck builder: certified wood and wood plastic composites.

Certified wood is wood where its production has been approved by the Forest Stewardship Counsel (FSC), an internationally recognized organization dedicated to the preservation of forests.

The FSC regulates how much cutting can be done in various parts of the world without deforestation. They ensure that new trees are being planted and that wood cutting is being done in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Wood plastic composites are materials made from both wood and plastic, generally with at least 40% of it being made from recycled materials.

Composites are extremely durable and can resist rain, pests like termites, mold and more. They’re very affordable, come in many different shapes and sizes and in just about every color you can imagine.

==> Find Green Components for Everything

Just about everything that goes into building a deck can tap into the green industry.

For lighting, try going with solar lights. Not only do they save you energy, but they’re also easier to set up. You don’t need to set up any special wiring, just put the solar lights in the sun to gather power.

For furniture, you can purchase green furniture made from FSC wood or from 100% recycled plastics.

Even the chemicals used in the building process can be green. You can use green paint and green sealants to make almost everything on your deck green.

Building a green deck requires a large amount of dedication and research. Most decks on your neighborhood probably aren’t very green and contribute to deforestation and other environmental hazards. By building a green deck, you’ll set an example for others while helping move the green industry forward.