Helping Our Environment
August 31, 2010 by Go Green Tips · Leave a Comment
I am not picking sides but the fact is the last administration played coy by not cutting important environmental projects. They just underfund every federal agency to the point they had just enough of an operational capital to set their quietly. As long as there was no mass layoffs the federal working were happy to keep their jobs and do what they were told. I am not coming down on the great people that work hard helping the environment as this is not about them at ALL! This is about the fact that for 8 years the great agencies that steward our lands were held back from, starting, completing, or maintaining important environmental projects. The same is true for the state, city, etc because you know it seems everyone miss managed themselves.
Although we have a new president he will spend years trying to fit things so it looks like the environment loses out again. The fact is, although we all will stand up and say, “Yes, I am a proud supporter of mother nature” raising funds for conservation projects is close to impossible. No state or federal dollars are out there. Seeking funds from foundations is a game of who you know not based on the need. The last big supporter was Corp. American and they were great supports and I thank them so much. Sadly when so called environmental groups firebomb gas guzzling SUV’s on car lots, and other crazy things Corp American said this is not good for business. I can’t blame them as the Media or Attorneys’ would lay claim the wrong doing was only made possible by said Corps. donated dollars.
In today tough times the environment still needs help but so do most Americans. To seek donates is something that is hard to do as we all feel these hard times. I wish the environment could wait but sadly not. There are many ways one can help the environment and hope you would consider a few. 1. volunteer your time or skills as most projects simply need peoplepower, 2. Make a donation of something you are not using. When it comes to vehicles, boats, land, houses, large donate can be a big tax write off with a lot of advantages. Check with you tax person it is that simple. AEF has a program were landowners who wanted their land to remain open, natural and untouched donated the land a got a big tax write off. The success of some of our most important conservation projects was only possible with the help of donated tracks, tractors. etc. Our project bus that has moved thousands of volunteers around to important projects was made possible by a donation of a bus.
Enclosing, tough times are here but think about volunteering your time or skills. Items you can live without at the same time get a tax break think about donating. Most environmental groups like ours run on volunteer staffs so help were you can and lets work to leave a healthy environment around for the next generation.
Richard Van Dyke
American Evergreen Foundation (AEF)
888 USA-GREEN
USAGREEN.ORG
Readers that are searching the Internet for info about internet marketing, then please go to the website which was mentioned right in this paragraph.
Construction Dust Control Is Critical Not Only To Laborers Health But Local Residents As Well
August 23, 2010 by Go Green Tips · Leave a Comment
There are different types of construction dust that is created on the workplace. The type of construction and location of the site may resolve what is in the atmosphere.
The dryer areas within the country have issues with particle matter floating in the air whose make up is different than wetter areas at which the nuisance dust might be from the saw dust that the construction methods produce. The cleaning up of the free debris is the answer for many dust problems that have been generated on the construction site that’s directly attributable to the construction process. The health hazards of construction site dust may perhaps include cement residue, asbestos, mineral fibers with a man made origin and the most common is wood dust.
The reason for the concern is the effects these have on the people working at the site and the surrounding region. When ordinary sources of dust from vegetation and animals combine with the airborne particles of the construction site, it may well adversely distress the membranes for the occupance.
The US Department of Health and Human Service’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health consider silicosis has a significant problem and reason for health problems which has its origins from construction dust. Construction dust control from the particle matter smaller than 10 micrometers or PM10 must be approached from a different perspective than those that are naturally occurring in our environment
The airborne crystalline silica that originates out of the concrete, masonry and rock on the site will become wedged inside membranes in addition to lungs of the respiratory systems of the people on and close to the site. When there, they grow to be hardened and cause eternal damage and in some cases death.
Construction dust suppression for this problem may be accomplished when the appropriate precautions are taken together with the proper equipment. The blades that are utilized to cut concrete and other masonry items need to be equipped with a water attachment to make the dust to heavy to become airborne. When drilling into rock a similar accessory is required to be used to inundate the dust and stop it from becoming airborne.
Cleanup afterwards is just as crucial. The water that was helpful to inundate the dust particles will disperse over time. Collection and proper disposal is a necessary part of keeping the task site as free as possible of nuisance dust.
Another little thought about source of silica is through the abrasive materials which might be used on the development site. This includes the silica paper as well as sanding discs that are used to prepare and condition the different surfaces round the site. When these materials are used, the worker must be using a dust mask on themselves to avoid breathing of the particle matter.
The US Government classifies nuisance dust that may be created by landscape as a natural event under the air pollution laws. This is a contributor to the construction dust quandary but not the whole reason. With the appropriate precautions of construction dust control can minimize the adverse effects in the people on and near the construction site.
To help you decide exclusively what’s best for your situation there’s a valuable resource with information on this environmental topic at Soil Control International and their informative site.
Fix Heat Loss In House Energy Efficiency For Financial Benefits
August 21, 2010 by Go Green Tips · Leave a Comment
Dealing with heat loss in house energy efficiency becomes more and more important as the cost of energy keeps rising. A lot of heat is lost from a house with no insulation.
With the use of well-placed insulation you can make your home more efficient and cut your energy bills dramatically. Lessen heat loss in house energy efficiency and it really can put money into your pocket. Money you could then spend on taking a well-earned short break.
Even more important than insulation is ventilation because if this is not right it could cost you your life! Each year people die, needlessly, from the silent killer, carbon monoxide poisoning. Mainly gas appliances that have not been properly installed or maintained cause this. Ventilation is also essential if you have solid fuel fires, gas fires or boilers with an open flue. Some simple safety measures are to regularly sweep chimneys and check airbricks or ventilation grills for any blockages. To never cover an appliance or block the convection air vents or outside flues. You should also never use a gas appliance that it is not working properly. It is important to carry out regular maintenance and checking of appliances.
Insulation is the easiest and most cost-effective energy efficiency move that you can make. So if your concerned about the planet or you just want to cut your household bills or get extra cash in your pocket, here are some steps you can take.
Wall Insulation
Wall insulation is the most important as this is the area of most loss at around thirty five percent. In more modern building heat loss in house construction is taken seriously.
Loft Insulation
With loft insulation if you do it yourself be sure to wear the proper protective clothing or get a professional installer to do it for you. Remember to not insulate under water tanks because it’s a good idea to have a bit of heat underneath them to stop them freezing in winter.
Floor Insulation
Floor insulation is basically filling in any gaps between the skirting boards and floorboards with a sealant. You should also check for any draughts coming through the floorboards. If there are, you could insulate under the floorboards or lay hardboard on top of the boards. Be careful to allow ventilation to the boards or they could rot.
Draught Exclusion
Draughts can lose around fifteen percent of heat through gaps around windows and doors. There is a great variety of draught-proofing materials, which are cheap to buy and widely available.
Double-Glazing
Double-glazing especially when it uses the latest energy efficiency will greatly reduce heat loss from the windows. By giving priority to the rooms you heat most you will obviously save the most money. Secondary glazing is also another option and can be fitted inside existing glass. A low-cost and easy-to-fit alternative method is to tape polythene sheet across the inner window frames. This can be bought from most DIY stores.
Lagging
Lagging the hot water tank and pipes in your home is a smart move because your hot water will stay hot longer.
The most important hot water pipes to insulate are the ones between the boiler and the hot water cylinder. However, all hot water pipes lose heat right away and should be insulated too.
For further energy efficiency steps just keep reading.
Turn the thermostat down on the central heating by 1°C because this can cut up to ten percent off your fuel bills.
Do not put the fridge next to a cooker or boiler and don’t leave the door open for longer than necessary. Avoid putting warm food in the fridge. Defrost regularly.
Do not over- fill the kettle for just one drink only heat the amount of water that you actually need.
Don’t bath because an ordinary shower uses only two-fifths of the hot water needed for a bath.
If you have any dripping taps, fix them quickly. In just one day, a dripping hot water tap can waste the energy and water to fill a hot bath.
Fit a nylon brush seal or a spring flap on the letterbox, and put a cover over the keyhole.
Place reflective foil behind radiators and direct the heat back into the room. Radiator shelves can help keep heat at a low level where it is most needed.
Tackling heat loss in house energy efficiency really can put money into your pocket. Another way is to join the Telecom Utility and slash your monthly bills.
